Coast Guard Media release

BOSTON – The Coast Guard responded yesterday to a distress call from a fishing crew who reported flooding and an engine room fire onboard their boat in Gloucester Harbor, Mass.

Coast Guard Sector Boston received a radio distress call from the crew of the Kizmat, a 35-foot Gloucester-based lobster boat, at approximately 10:40 a.m., reporting smoke and that their boat was taking on water.

A 47-foot boat crew and 25-foot boat crew, both from Coast Guard Station Gloucester, and the Coast Guard Cutter Grand Isle, a 110-foot patrol boat based in Gloucester, responded to the call and arrived on scene within minutes.

The fire melted the plastic piping on the exhaust system, and allowed about 1000 gallons of water to rush into the boat. It extinguished the fire, but continued to flood the vessel.

The 47-foot boat crew passed a dewatering pump to the Kizmat’s crew.
Two crewmembers from the rescue boat boarded the boat and helped the fishing crew dewater and plug the leak.

The 47-foot boat crew towed the vessel to Harbor Cove in Gloucester and arrived at about 11:30 a.m.

Sector Boston personnel investigated and found no pollution.

\”Having a working radio onboard their vessel really paid off for these fishermen,\” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Gary Fleming, the officer of the day at Station Gloucester. \”The sooner we know that someone is in trouble, the sooner we can respond.\”

ROMERO, JOSEPH LEONARD

On Dec. 25, 2007, age 80, of Gloucester, born in Delair, formerly of Delran/Beverly area most of his life.
Dear father of Joseph (Margaret) Romero of Pennsauken, Diane(Kevin) Graham of Cinnaminson and Karen (John) Romero-Nutley of Cincinnati, OH. Brother of Frank Romero of Moorestown, Henrietta Hannold of Gloucester, John Romero of Manchester, NJ and Mildred Staas of Williamstown. Grandfather of Heather, Eric, Adam, Jason,Justin, Kristin, Megan, Kristofer, Kirsten, Samantha and Nate and great-grandfather of Emily and Allison.

Mr. Romero was a Navy WW II Underwater Demolition Team 15 Veteran, awarded the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon 2 stars, American Theater Ribbon, Philippine Liberation 1 star, Victory Medal and the Bronze Star Medal. He was a member of the UDT Seal Museum, Ft. Pierce FL, and the Carpenters Local Union #1489 of Burlington.

Relatives and friends of the family are kindly invited to attend his Visitation Friday, 1-4 PM & 6:30-8:30 PM at the FUNERAL HOME OF INGLESBY & SONS, 2426 Cove Road. Pennsauken NJ 08109. Funeral Service 8:30 PM. Cremation Private. Local Memorial Service and burial of his cremains at Arlington National Cemetery will be at a later date. Donations to UDT 15 Memorial Fund, C/O Al Stankis, 826 Apt. A, Timberview, Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 preferred. Info @ www.inglesbyfuneral home.com

On Dec. 22, 2007, age 62, a life long resident of Haddonfield.
Beloved husband of the late Marilyn \’Lynn\’ (nee Martin). Mr. Cox is survived by severalcousins including Mary Peck, of Paramus, NJ.
Mr. Cox had been a teacher at the Charles W. Lewis Middle School in Gloucester Twp. for many years. He loved his job and unfortunately was forced into earlyretirement due to health issues. Additionally, he was a long time member of the Haddonfield Republican Club and the Haddonfield United Methodist Church.
Relatives and friends are invited to Mr. Cox\’s Memorial Service, Saturday, January 5th, 1:00 PM, in the Chapel of the Haddonfield United Methodist Church, 29 Warwick Rd., Haddonfield, NJ 08033. Interment private. Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Cox\’s name to the church at the above address.Arrangements by KAIN-MURPHY FUNERAL SERVICES, Haddonfield.

 

ACCEPTING AWARD – Santa & Mrs. Claus proudly accept the D.A.R.E. Sgt. Denny Kerper Memorial Award from the Kerper Family at this year\’s Christmas Parade. Santa & Mrs. Claus have donated their plaque to Jack & Sue Cain of the Spread Eagle Inn who will proudly display the award. From left are Doris Watson, sister to Denny; Tim Keper, Jo Anne Senft, sister to Denny, Kevin Kerper, Parade Chairman Bill Bates, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Taryn Kerper, and John Senft, brother-in-law to Denny. 

Photos by John Lafferty III

 

MT. Ephraim Christmas Parade of Lights

 

By Bill Bates

NEWS Correspondent

 

On Saturday, December 15 the 13th Annual Christmas Parade of Lights was held in Mount Ephraim. There were over 39 emergency vehicles and town floats that participated in this year\’s parade that started in front of the John D. West Senior Housing Center and proceeded up Kings Highway where it turned onto Davis Avenue and then ended on Bell Road in front of the Bell Road Firehouse.

 

The parade that drove large crowds along Kings Highway lasted a little over an hour. Special appearances were made by the Haddonfield School of Dance, Nancy Mulford School of Dance, Mount Ephraim Celebrations Committee Float, and the R. W Kershaw School Band. Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped in front of the Mary Bray School, as they do each year, to light the town Christmas Tree. The lighting of the tree officially marks the start of the holiday season in Mount Ephraim.

 

The parade is hosted each year by the Mount Ephraim Fire Department (MEFD) and is supported by the many businesses and organizations in town. Thank you goes out to the following businesses and organizations that supported this year\’s parade: CABANA Water Ice Company, Spread Eagle Inn, Mount Ephraim Chrysler Dodge, Auto Shine Car Wash, Black Horse Diner, Budget Inn & Suites, Cold Star Inc; Windows \”R\” Us, Milano Funeral Home, Cabinet Works Corporation, Mount Ephraim Exxon, Heims Pure Food\’s Inc. of Gloucester City, Mulford Dance Studio, Bubba Dean\’s Boardwalk Grille, Fanelli Construction Inc; MCA Travel Inc; S. A. Conte Auto Repair Inc; MEPRI E.M.S. & MEPRI Banquet Hall, Mount Ephraim PTO, Mount Ephraim Rotary Club, and Mount Ephraim Democratic Association.

 

EXCITED WINNERS – Members from the Haddonfield School of Dance pose with their new trophy after winning 1st place for Best Appearing Dance Performance at the 13th Annual Parade of Lights in Mount Ephraim.

 

Following the parade, the participants and the community were invited back to the Bell Road Firehouse for an Open House were there was food, beverages, and the presentation of parade awards.

 

Best Appearing Fire Engine: 1st place – Westmont, 2nd place – Bellmawr Park, 3rd place – Pine Hill; Best Appearing Rescue/Utility: Cherry Hill Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1; Best Appearing Ladder: West Berlin Fire Co; Best Appearing EMS: Gloucester Township; Best Appearing Float: \”Cheers On Wheels\” from Norristown, PA; Best Appearing Dance Performance: 1st Place – Haddonfield School of Dance, 2nd Place – Mulford Dance Studio; Special Judges Awards: Brooklawn Mini-Pumper and Magnolia Fire Dept; and the Chief James E. Sylvester & Deputy Chief John D. West Sr. Memorial Award for Best Appearing Overall went to the Pine Hill Fire Dept. Candy House.

 

The D.A.R.E. Sgt. Denny Kerper Memorial Award that is presented to an individual(s) or organization that continually assists the fire department during the annual Christmas Parade was presented to Santa & Mrs. Claus. These two \”special guests\” have been making spacial appearances for the Christmas Parades and the fire departments \”Santa Around Town\” parades for the past thirteen years.

 

D.A.R.E. Sgt. Denny Kerper was a life long resident of the borough of Mount Ephraim and one who was involved in many town activities throughout the years. Denny assisted the MEFD by organizing many of his fellow D.A.R.E. officers in decorating and participating in the annual parade for many years. Denny may have lost his battle to cancer, but his endless efforts and charming spirit will always remain with the members of the fire department for many years to come.

 

RECEIVING AWARD – From left are Parade Co-Chairman Brian Gilmore, a member of the Pine Hill Fire Department receiving the award, and Parade Chairman Bill Bates presenting the Chief Jim Sylvester & Deputy Chief John West Sr. Memorial Award – Best Appearing Overall.

 

Special thanks also goes out to the following members of the MEFD who helped organize and coordinate this year\’s parade; Leslie Gilmore, Donna Schepacarter, Laura Oehlert, Daniel Tokolish, Traci Parks, Katie Viall, Mark & Nikki Campanell, Jim & Thelma Bleattler, Candice Gavin, Ryan Holmes, and Nick D\’Alonzo. Thank you also to the judges who continually assist each and every year and they are Mrs. Kitty Holmes, Mrs. Catherine Cain, Mrs. Robin Zettlemoyer, Mrs. Janet Greenwald and Mrs. JoAnn Gavin.

 

 

Parade Co-Chair & Deputy Chief Brian Gilmore said \”On behalf of the members of the Mount Ephraim Fire Department and the Ladies Auxiliary, I want to thank all those who helped make this year\’s parade a success and hopes that everyone had a happy and safe holiday season.\”

Related: Mount Ephraim News

 

Three factors influenced SJ fishing in 2007

Gloucester County Times – NJ.com – Woodbury,NJ,USA

Thursday, December 27, 2007

By Ralph Knisell

As most readers will be using South Jersey area hunting and fishing facilities, I will keep the Delaware Bay and areas close by as the focal points. …

Dear Bill,

 

I have noticed that the video of the Gloucester City School Board December Meeting has still not been shown on the local cable station Channel 19.

 

Why is it every time a heated issue is brought up and questions are raised that may cause controversy on the Board that somehow it never shows up on Local TV 19?

 

This happened in May or April when myself, Mr. Hagan, and a few others questioned the Board, with no response.

 

What are the leadership and the majority of the board afraid of? What is it that they don\’t want the citizens to see?

 

They all chose to be public servants for the community why do they continue not to perform the duties they were elected to do?

 

Sincere thanks to the board members who care about our school district and community.

 

Sincerely,

John P. Schmidt, Gloucester City

Related:

Board Member Says Reporter Only Told One side of the Story

Yo Bill Have You Heard This One?

More Letters

Funeral services for Jarod B. Harding, 6, of Deptford, will be held on Monday, December 31.

Authorities allege Martina Harding slashed Jarod’s throat in the living room of their Oak Valley home about 7:30 a.m. Saturday. The mother, who is charged with murder, aggravated assault and other offenses, remains hospitalized under guard with a self-inflicted wound.

Born in Woodbury, Jarod was a First Grade Student at the Pine Acres Elementary School. Away from his studies, Jarod enjoyed playing on his computer, his Star Wars toys and building with Lego’s. Jarod will be forever remembered for his heroism and all are invited to visit his family tribute website at www.hardingkids.info

Jarod is survived by his parents Christian and Martina (nee Shwarz)

Loving brother of Christina Harding

Cherished grandson of Barbara and the late Joseph Harding

Also survived by many loving cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

Viewing Monday after 9 AM in the McGUINNESS FUNERAL HOME, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury where a Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 AM.

Interment private.

Funeral Services will be held Sunday for James J. Doyle, age 56, of Gloucester City.

Loving Father of John J. Doyle, Sr. and Jeanine D. Doyle. Beloved grandfather of John J. Doyle, Jr., Erik Doyle and Jessica Lynn Coulter. Dear Brother of Virginia M. Brancato (William H.), Cynthia Forsman (Bruce) and Sonja A. Eggleston (Stephen).

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend his visitation on Sunday from 12 Noon to 1 pm at the McCann-Healey Funeral Home: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City.

Memorial Service 1 pm in the funeral home officiated by Pastor Gary Brennan of Westville United Methodist Church. Cremation is private at the request of the family. There is no evening visitation.

Expressions of sympathy can be e-mailed to the family through our funeral home website www.mccannhealey.com under online obituaries of James Joseph Doyle.

 

Men\’s College Basketball

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.–Despite 21 points and eight rebounds from senior Jason Thompson (Mt. Laurel/Lenape), the Broncs saw their three-game winning streak end at Drexel’s Daskalakis Athletic Center Thursday night (December 27). \”I thought Drexel wanted it more than we did tonight,\” said Rider head coach Tommy Dempsey. \”It was a well played game and Drexel made more plays than we did in the last eight minutes.\”

Rider (8-5) led 58-55 with 6:30 remaining before Drexel (7-5) out-scored Rider 12-2, making four three-point field goals, to take a 67-60 lead with 3:15 left to play. \”We played a pretty good game for the first 30 minutes,\” Dempsey said. \”In the last ten minutes when it was time to go, their kids went and we didn’t. They beat us to loose balls, they beat us on the glass, the team that wanted it more certainly got it tonight.\”

Tramayne Hawthorne and Gerald Colds each made two three-pointers in that late stretch and the pair made all nine of Drexel’s three-pointers, combining for 29 points. \”They stepped up and made a lot of threes in that stretch,\” Dempsey said.

That was the 13^th and final lead change of the game, and Drexel’s first lead since 25-22. \”When they needed to be good they made some plays and when we needed to be good we weren’t so good,\” Dempsey said.

Rider led 51-43 before the host Dragons went on a 10-2 run, six points by Hawthorne, to tie the score at 53-53 with 8:28 remaining. \”You have to give Drexel a lot of credit,\” Dempsey said. \”Their kids really wanted that game. They we resilient when we had a chance to put them away.\”

Rider freshman Mike Ringgold (Philadelphia, PA/Roman Catholic) made seven of nine field goal attempts in his hometown collegiate debut, finishing with 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in 33 minutes of action. \”Mike was great,\” Dempsey said. \”He’s been battling injuries all year. We finally had some time to get him healthy.\”

Trailing 21-16 mid-way through the first half, Rider went on a 21-8 run, six points by Ringgold, to take a 37-29 lead, and the Broncs led 37-30 at half time. \”It felt good to come home and play in front of my family and friends,\” Ringgold said, \”but we lost, so it doesn’t feel too good right now.\”

Drexel out-rebounded Rider 39-28, including 25-13 in the second half. \”We out-rebounded our opponents in nine of our first 12 games and we won eight of them,\” Dempsey said. \”Rebounding is always a key. If we’re on the positive end of the glass we’re usually on the positive end of the scoreboard.\”

The back and forth first half saw 12 lead changes and two ties.

Drexel trailed 14-13 before out-scoring Rider 8-2 to take a 21-16 lead with10 minutes left in the first half.

Thompson entered the game ranked fifth in the nation in rebounding, 12^th in blocked shots and 29^th in scoring. His 1,605 career points is now seventh highest ever at Rider.

The victory broke the 26-26 tie in the series that began in 1956-57. The home team has now won the last six meetings, including Rider’s overtime win in Lawrenceville last year and Drexel’s 12-point win here in Philadelphia in 2005-06.

The Dragons were one of the teams many felt deserved an NCAA bid last year after a 23-8 season with 13 road victories, including wins at Villanova and Syracuse. The loss at Rider was considered a major reason why the Dragons did not get selected. Drexel lost at home to North Carolina State in the first round of the NIT last year. \”Rider reminds me of our team from last year,\” said Drexel head coach Bruiser Flint. \”Rider is better this year than last year. Jason is playing better and has great offensive skills. Ryan is having a great year.\”

The Dragons were coming off a 12-point win over Bucknell on Saturday night. That victory ended a four-game losing streak. The Dragons began the season with wins over Penn, Navy and Florida Gulf Coast and also defeated Robert Morris and Loyola. Loyola is picked to finish second in the MAAC this year.

Rider returns home to resume MAAC play next weekend, hosting Marist January 4 and Canisius January 6. \”We’re excited about getting back to the league play,\” Dempsey said. \”Tonight was very similar to a high-level MAAC game on the road, so we’re very prepared for the MAAC schedule.\”

-RU-