Joseph F., Jr. \”Frank\” Corson Retired Captain / Current President March 15, 1931 – March 18, 2008

By Bill Bates

NEWS Correspondent

It is a very sad week for the MEPRI Organization and the entire community of Mount Ephraim, as a well respected and dedicated member of the community has passed on.

It is with deep regret to announce the passing of Frank Corson, EMT who was a long time member of M.E.P.R.I. (Mount Ephraim Police Reserves Incorporated) Ambulance, Squad 4 for more then 22 years. Frank ran countless hours of volunteer service on the ambulance for Mount Ephraim as well as surrounding communities where they were called upon often. Frank answered calls with many members from the community and touched everyone with has charming personality and sense of humor. Frank was the most dedicated heart and soul members of MEPRI Ambulance and adored his hobby enough to have it as his custom license plate \”Squad 4\”.

 A younger picture of Frank (second from Left) with his wife Mary in front of him, after one of the town\’s annual July 4th Parades. (click on photo to enlarge)

As you can imagine, Frank\’s talent and continuous dedication did not go unnoticed as he received several awards over the years. Many meals were missed and many nights were spent away from home and from his loving family. Frank shared his passion of running on the squad with his beloved wife Mary as well as his oldest daughter Debbie over the years and they answered many calls together. Frank also was an avid collector of trains as his entire basement reflected that. Frank showed off his second favorite hobby every chance he got to family and friends that stopped by. Frank was always working on something whether it was the house, his trains, or something for the MEPRI organization. Just about every Friday night, you could find Frank at the MEPRI building where they were conducting BINGO to support the self funded volunteer ambulance. Frank always worked the card window..

 A older group shot with the members from MEPRI Ambulance – Squad 4. From Left to Right are John Haggerty, Patty Haggerty, Henry Hartman, Mary Corson, Frank Corson, Cindy Holmes, Kenny Robertson, Marietta Engle, & Mary Anderson. (click on photo to enlarge).

Frank passed on March 18, 2008, after a two week stay at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden. Frank and Mary most recently lived in Deptford for the past 2 years, and were formerly of Mount Ephraim for 47 years. Beloved husband of Mary M. (nee Ventura) for 54 years. Devoted father of Debra Day of Camden EMS (Larry), Patricia Hollen (Jim), Barbara Fedorak (Wayne), Denise Creato (Jeff) and Kirk Corson (Anna). Loving grandfather of Drew, Ryan, Greg, Jim (Jess), Doug, Kelly, Jeffrey, Jessica, Sara and Emily.

Frank was the originator of Mt. Ephraim Girls Softball and served as President for 14 years. He served as President of MEPRI for over the past 10 years and was Captain of the Mount Ephraim Ambulance Squad for 20 years. After 30 years with Abbotts Dairies, Frank started a second career as an EMT with the Camden County Board of Social Services for 13 years after retiring in 2005.

To honor a member of the emergency services community who gave so much of himself to his community for so many years, relatives and friends are invited to attend the viewing from 6 to 9 pm Friday evening and again 9 to 10 am Saturday morning at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Funeral Service 10 am Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Bethel Memorial Park, Pennsauken.

Expressions of sympathy may be e-mailed to Condolences@Gardner FuneralHome.com

Related: Fire

Related: Mt. Ephraim

By Sara Martino

\” I was ready to retire from the Camden City Police Department and wanted to start a business. Robert Duffy, who was my wife Barbara\’s uncle, suggested that we purchase his family candy business. Barbara had been working in the business already since she graduated from High School and we decided to go for it,\” Michael Hall said.

\”I apprenticed with Robert Duffy for only two weeks before he became ill and passed away. By studying the candy making processes and with the help of Barbara and the candy recipes handed down from Barbara\’s great grandfather, Charles Duffy, we have kept the tradition of a family run business serving the public with the finest freshest hand-made candies,\” Michael said.

Charles Duffy and his wife, Elizabeth, lived in the house on Broadway in the \’40\’s and started the business after once working at Whitman\’s Chocolates. The bell that now announces that a customer has arrived also signaled the Duffy\’s that they were needed in the store and they left their living area to answer the call.

Barbara runs the front end, taking orders, completing sales and informing Mike about what is needed. Mike makes the candy along with the help of his assistant candy maker, Greg Bulzak

During the special holidays, eight employees may be working in the shop including the Halls\’ daughter Michelle.

Duffy\’s uses the best butter, cream, sugar, vanilla and chocolates. Only American ingredients and products are used in making the candy and no preservatives are added. Special plaster of Paris molds from the 1940\’s are used to make fruit and cream candies and mints. Other molds are used for making the famous \”Irish Potatoes\” which are now a year round favorite. Candy is cooked in a 1904 copper kettle. Ingredients are weighed on a 1902 scale. Everything comes together with the capable ability of the hands that create the delicious candies.

\”In order to keep our high standard of quality, I would rather make less candy. If the candy is not perfect it is not going out,\” Mike said. Minor renovations or a face lift may occur but the character of the business will remain the same. Even with the increased costs of products and fuel surcharges, Duffy\’s prices are still lower than other candy sellers. \”You have to have a passion for this type of business. One must have knowledge of science, chemistry and business know-how,\” Mike said.

Duffy\’s takes part in the community. Girl Scouts can tour the operation and earn a \”Make It- Eat It\” badge made by their own hands. During birthday parties the participants can make special chocolate pizzas.

At times, Mike has made candy deliveries to shut-ins. Curb-side deliveries and phone ahead orders are part of the service and fax and e-mail orders are taken.

Previous residents of Gloucester City often return to Duffy\’s. One customer orders frozen chocolate bananas. Another customer requests Granny Smith apples covered with caramel, white chocolate and cinnamon sugar several times a year for his mother. \”The customers are like family. It is so rewarding when people enjoy the candies generation after generation,\” Mike said. Gourmet and personalized chocolates can be ordered and shipped anywhere in the states.

\”We are grateful to the city and to the UEZ. Gina Dunphy has been a great help in assisting us with UEZ façade improvement loans, a new roof and new equipment. We wouldn\’t relocate but perhaps have a branch in the waterfront area, if an Irish Village is realized in the city,\” Mike said.

The sale of Duffy\’s Easter candy is a well-known tradition. Customers are coming in to purchase their dark and light chocolate Easter eggs, chicks, bunnies, etc. etc.

A meeting at a Cherry Hill skating rink that brought Mike and Barbara together years ago has led to the continuation of a Gloucester City favorite. Duffy\’s is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 7pm, Saturdays 10am to 6pm and on Sundays 12 to 4pm for two weeks prior to special holidays. Please call 856-456-2955.

Related: Buy Local/UEZ

Thursday, March 20, 2008

313 Monmouth Street

AGENDA

1. Call to Order:  
2. Pledge of Allegiance:

3. Roll Call:

4. Sunshine Law: This meeting is being held in conformance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, otherwise known as the \”Sunshine Law\”. It has been legally noticed in accordance with the law and copies have been given to those requesting the same.

5. Public Comment Period: The Governing Body, in accordance with P.L. 2002, c. 80, have adopted the following guidelines relative to the Public Comment Period (PCP) at Caucus, Worksession, Special and Emergency Meetings of the Mayor and Common Council of Gloucester City: The PCP shall occur at the beginning of each meeting; it shall be no longer than one half-hour in length; every person wishing to speak may do so once during the period for no longer than five minutes. No changes have been made for the PCP of the regular monthly meetings.

6. Minutes of the Previous Meeting(s): February 21, 28, March 3 (pending)

7. Ordinances:

for second reading and public hearing this evening

O05 Bond Ordinance Authorizing the Financing of a Redevelopment Project in and for the City of Gloucester City; County of Camden, New Jersey; Appropriating the Sum of $4,350,000 Therefor; Authorizing the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds or Bond Anticipation Notes of the City of Gloucester City, County of Camden, New Jersey in the Aggregate Principal Amount of Up to $4,350,000; Making Certain Determinations and Covenants; and Authorizing Certain Related Actions in Connection with the Foregoing

8. Resolutions:

R090 Adopting Emergency Temporary Budget Appropriations

R091 Providing for Transfers of 2007 Reserved Budget Appropriations

R092 Authorizing Senior and Veterans Deductions

R093 Returning Over-Payments on Various Tax Records

R094 Correcting Billing Charges on Utility Records

R095 Awarding a Contract for 2008 Supply of Chemicals for the Environmental Utilities Department, Gloucester City, New Jersey

R096 Authorizing Refunds on the Planning and Zoning Board Application Fees

R097 Authorizing Refunds on the Planning and Zoning Board Escrow Accounts

R098 Authorizing the Sale at Public Auction of City Owned Vehicles

R099 Authorizing Change Order to the Contract Between G. Helmer Construction Co., Inc. and the City of Gloucester City for the Replacement of the Koehler Street Combined Sewer Railroad Crossing

R100 Authorizing Subordination of Mortgage Held by the City of Gloucester City to Secure Housing Rehabilitation Loan

R101 Introduction of the 2008 Municipal Budget for the City of Gloucester City

(This budget shall be advertised in summary form in the April 3, 2008 edition of the Gloucester City News and the Public Hearing for the same to be held at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Mayor and Common Council April 24, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in the City Hall, 313 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ

9. Old Business:

a)

10. New Business:

a)

11. Communications:

a) From John and Kathy Buri – fire at 611 Hunter Street

b) From DEP – Welsbach

c) NJSLM Legislative Bulletin

d) From Chief Brian Hagan – placement of Ryan Walters to Gloucester City Fire Dept. as volunteer

e) Welsbach Progress Report

f) From Camden County Board of Freeholders – Breakfast Meeting April 17^th a.m. Camden County Boathouse

12. Round Table:

13. Closed Session: Resolution #R -2008 to enter into closed session for discussion of:

14. Adjournment

By Staff Sgt. Brandon Aird, USA Special to American Forces Press Service NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan, March 19, 2008 – Mechanics from Bravo Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, have their work cut out for them here. Army Spc. Nathan Bolt-Ray, a mechanic in Bravo Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, turns a wrench while fixing a radiator on Forward Operating Base Keating in Afghanistan\’s Nuristan province Feb. 28, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Aird (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The mechanics are stationed at Forward Operating Base Keating, located in a valley between two snow-melt-fed rivers in the Hindu Kush mountain range. Vehicle rollovers, flash floods, road washouts and rock and snow avalanches are just a few of the hazards that make maintaining vehicles a challenge. During the winter, Taliban extremists and coalition forces alike are forced to stay near their homes and bases, or face battling the elements. \”One of the things about the snow, when it fell, it made things very difficult around here,\” said Army Spc. Larry Gonzales, a 33-year-old construction and vehicle repair mechanic. More than four feet of snow fell in the valley this winter. Combat Outpost Warheit, which overlooks FOB Keating, had more than eight feet of snow. The snow made movement extremely difficult. \”Mobilewise, airwise, waterwise — everything was freezing up,\” Gonzales said. \”The fuel even started to gel.\” When the snow receded, soldiers on FOB Keating were able to start on projects the snow had hindered. Gonzales and Army Spc. Nathan Bolt-Ray, a mechanic in Bravo Troop, worked on a Humvee that was damaged during a Feb. 22 firefight. \”We\’re replacing the radiator in the Humvee,\” Bolt-Ray said. \”The radiator took shrapnel from a (rocket propelled grenade).\” But enemy action is only part of what keeps the unit\’s mechanics busy. \”As you can see by the bullet holes in a lot of these vehicles\’ trunks, they\’ve taken quite the beating,\” Bolt-Ray said. \”The roads — I guess you can call them that — also take their turn beating on the vehicles.\” But damage is damage, whether it\’s from bullets, rocks or the elements. All that matters to the mechanics here is keeping the unit\’s vehicles rolling. (Army Staff Sgt. Brandon Aird serves with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)

Related Sites: Combined Joint Task Force 82 NATO International Security Assistance Force

Army Spc. Nathan Bolt-Ray (right) and Spc. Larry Gonzales (left), mechanics in Bravo Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, work on a radiator that was damaged by a rocket propelled grenade on Forward Operating Base Keating in Afghanistan\’s Nuristan province, Feb. 28, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Aird Download screen-resolution Download high-resolution Army Spc. Larry Gonzales, a mechanic in Bravo Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, turns a wrench while working on a radiator damaged by a rocket propelled grenade on Forward Operating Base Keating in Afghanistan\’s Nuristan province, Feb. 28, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Aird Download screen-resolution Download high-resolution

TRENTON – Wild brook trout swimming in some of New Jersey\’s waters are descendants of the native species that first appeared here more than 10,000 years ago, according to the results of a genetic-research study released today by Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson.

\”The remarkable finding of ancestral brook trout in New Jersey\’s streams is a testament to the importance of our strategies to protect water quality in our watersheds,\” Commissioner Jackson said. \”We will use the findings of this valuable research to further guide conservation of New Jersey\’s wild brook trout and the natural ecosystems they depend on for survival.\”

Wild brook trout populations maintain themselves in New Jersey\’s streams through natural reproduction. Hatchery-reared brook trout stocked in high-quality streams can survive, reproduce and interbreed with wild trout. Ancestral or \”heritage\” brook trout, however, are wild fish that have not interbred and retained the original genetics of their native ancestors.

Although New Jersey ceased a century-old practice of stocking hatchery trout in some wild-trout waters in 1990 to protect the wild trout population, state biologists feared that heritage brook trout might have been lost to interbreeding. Further, secondary impacts of development over the years have impaired many of the cold, clear, highly oxygenated waters that wild trout need to survive, taking a toll on brook trout populations.

The DEP\’s Division of Fish and Wildlife embarked on the research study to evaluate the genetic diversity and structure of New Jersey\’s wild brook trout populations. The study included 22 wild-trout streams from four major watersheds, which still support wild trout populations: Delaware, Hudson, Passaic-Hackensack, and Raritan. Nineteen of those streams were thought to have high potential for the presence of heritage brook trout, and three were selected because of their known history of trout stocking.

Blood samples from 218 wild trout were collected from those streams and from 20 trout raised at the state\’s Pequest Trout Hatchery, and DNA analysis was conducted.

The genetic analysis revealed the presence of heritage brook trout populations in 11 streams in two major river basins, the Passaic-Hackensack and the Raritan, and that each of the 22 wild brook trout populations studied have a unique genetic identity. The research revealed that the gene pool of at least one wild brook trout population (Cooley\’s Brook in the Passaic-Hackensack watershed) has been affected presumably by interbreeding with hatchery-reared trout stocked before 1990. The analysis of samples from the remaining 10 streams were inconclusive as to genetic origin of those populations.

New Jersey\’s only native trout species and the state\’s official fish, brook trout colonized after the last glacial ice sheet receded more than 10,000 years ago. Today, wild brook trout inhabit more than 120 small streams cradled in the forested hills and mountains of north Jersey, and one stream in south Jersey.

Partial funding for the brook trout genetics study was made possible through natural-resource damages that the DEP\’s Office of Natural Resource Restoration recovered from parties responsible for contamination and natural resource injuries at the GEMS Landfill in Gloucester County.

To review the research report, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/bkt_genetics.htm

Media Release March 20

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – In a battle of BIG EAST Regular-Season Champions from a year ago, St. John\’s used 12 runs and a strong performance from ace Scott Barnes to defeat Rutgers, 12-5, Thursday afternoon in the series opener at Bainton Field.

The Red Storm scored six runs in the first three innings and Barnes stifled Rutgers with 10 strikeouts and five runs on five hits in seven innings of work.

The Scarlet Knights dropped to 5-10 overall and 0-1 in the BIG EAST, while the Red Storm improved to 14-4 overall and 1-0 in league play.

In the first, Daniel Benedetti followed a leadoff single from Brian Kemp with a double to the gap in left-center field to give St. John\’s a quick 1-0 lead.

After a quiet first inning, Rutgers erased its early deficit in the second when senior Jon Gossard (Harrington Park, N.J.) drew a five-pitch walk to lead off the frame and freshman Jaren Matthews (Teaneck, N.J.) followed with a two-run home run over the right-field fence. The home run is his third in his 10-game Scarlet Knight career.

The Red Storm climbed right back on top, however, with a five-run third inning with the most of the damage coming on a two-run triple from Carlos Del Rosario and a two-run home run from Gil Zayas to make it 6-2.

An inning later, the Scarlet Knights cut into the Red Storm\’s lead with a three-run fourth frame. Matthews continued his hot hitting with a blooper to center for leadoff double and, later in the inning with runners on second and third, Dan Betteridge (Sewell, N.J.) delivered a high fly down the left-field line that reached the wall for a two-run triple. Sophomore Brett Garlick (Livingston, N.J.) then drove Betteridge home on the next play with a grounder deep n the hole near the shortstop for an RBI single.

A Red Storm threat was quelled in the fifth when third baseman Tom Edwards (West Caldwell, N.J.) made a nice stop on a sharp grounder down the line with runners on and got the out at first to prevent a run-producing extra-base hit.

After a scoreless fifth and St. John\’s holding on to a 6-5 lead, the Red Storm built a four-run cushion with three runs in the sixth. Middle reliever Kyle Bradley (Howell, N.J.) put the first two runners on in the frame and a bunt was mishandled at first base, allowing the first run to come across. SJU later plated two more runs in the inning to build a 9-5 advantage.

Tim Morris drove in a 10th run – the fifth-straight game with 10 runs or more for St. John\’s – with an RBI single in the seventh and added an RBI triple in the ninth as St. John\’s cruised to the 12-5 victory.

Rutgers starter Steve Holt (Toms River, N.J.) suffered his first loss of the season after giving up six runs on seven hits with two strikeouts in three innings. Barnes picked up the win to improve to 2-1, while reliever Ryan Cole struck out five in two innings of relief for SJU. Every Red Storm batter had a hit in their 15-hit attack.

Rutgers and St. John\’s will resume their series on Friday with a 3:05 p.m. game at Bainton Field. Sophomore righty Casey Gaynor (Toms River, N.J.) will be on the mound for the Scarlet Knights against senior lefty George Brown for the Red Storm.

  Agnus McGlade Berenato, a 1975 graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School who currently is the Head Coach of the PITT Panthers has led PITT to their second consecutive NCAA Tournament, as a No. 6 seed. Berenato, who played for the late Bert Nolan, played alongside her sisters in the 1970\’s. During her time at Gloucester Catholic Berenato was part of two state championship teams in 1973, and 1974.

(Coach Berenato hugs a member of the team… photo source Pitt U)

Berenato came to PITT five seasons ago after serving as the head coach at Georgia Tech, for thirteen seasons. She has been able to build up a PITT program that was a basement dweller in the Big East. PITT has enjoyed unprecedented success since Berenato arrived in 2003. PITT has had three consecutive 20 win seasons, and is headed to their second consecutive NCAA Tournament. Last year they made their debut in the Tournament as an 8^th seed and defeated James Madison in the first round before falling to Tennessee.

PITT will travel to Albuquerque, N. M., as the No. 6 seed, in the Spokane Regional. PITT (22-10, 10-6 Big East) will play No. 11 seed Wyoming (24-6, 12-4 Mountain West) on Saturday, March 22, at The Pit/Bob King Court, at approximately 2 p.m. on ESPN2.

The winner of that game will face the winner of No. 3 seeded Baylor (24-6, 12-4 Big 12) and No. 14 seed Fresno State (22-10, 14-2 WAC) on Monday, March 24.

This season, Pitt advanced to the semifinals of the Big East Tournament for the first time since 1996, upsetting No. 9 Notre Dame (64-53), in the Quarterfinals. It was the first win over a top-10 opponent in program history.

Berenato\’s sister Mary resides in Gloucester City with her husband John, and son John P. Schmidt, who serves on the Gloucester City Board of Health.

\”I think it is a testament to her dedication to coaching, and the love she shows to her players. I am glad to see her enjoying success at PITT, she has done a remarkable job, and being rewarded with a No. 6 seed is a wonderful opportunity for her and the program,\” said Berenato\’s nephew John P. Schmidt.

Related: Rams Alumni

Related: Pitt U Womens Basketball 

 

Gloucester City High School

Alumni Assoc.

\”Annual Scholarship Social\”

 

\”ELVIS SINGS AGAIN\”

Saturday, April 19, 2008 7 p.m. \’til Midnight

Brooklawn American Legion Hall – Second & Railroad Avenues

● Hot Buffet ● Beer ● Set-Ups ● Door Prizes ● D.J. $25 Donation

Tickets can be purchased at Shapes \’N Forms, Carr\’s Hardware or RolFerry\’s

 

For more information and tickets call –

856-456-5511, 856-456-4580 or 856-627-3617

(All proceeds benefit \”Scholarship Fund\”)