By Bill Bates Mount Ephraim

News Correspondent

The Board of Commissioners (BOC) gratefully acknowledge the sacrifices that they have unselfishly made as well as the sacrifices that their families have made so that their loved ones can protect us.

The families of these service personnel were awarded a Blue star Banner and a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of their loved onesʼ call to duty from the following organizations that support them and their families; American Legion Post 150, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6262, Troop Support 08059 and Support Our Troop Effort.

RECEIVING AWARDS – The second picture should read Casey Blagojevich, sister-in-law of Sergeant First Class Priscilla Blogojevich, accepts her award as her father behind her receives an award for his son John Blagojevich

Another proclamation was read honoring the Mount Ephraim Little League (MELL) that was founded in 1953, an organization that puts fourth countless hours of dedication by the members of MELL that has resulted in producing many outstanding players and teams within the borough.

The 2008 MELL Senior League team reached their highest level ever for the second year in a row by winning the District 14 Senior League All Star Championship and finishing second runners-up in Section Four. They were also the first team to win the Championship in the regular season District 14 Senior League playoffs.

The BOC and the residents congratulate the Hawks for their sheer determination, outstanding effort, athletic ability, sportsmanship and teamwork displayed in winning this championship. The players are Wade Gies, Will Hamilton, Ryan Holmes, Sean Brunett, Tom Gottsch, Tom Dyer, Kyle Scott, Chris Fehr, Ed Metzinger, Joe Furlong, Jim OʼDonnell and Matt Leonard. Manger George Gies, Coach Bruce Scott and Coach Al Gottsch.

In other business, several ordinances were passed relating to the fire department. One authorizing the appointment of an architect for the conversion of the Lambert Avenue Fire Station for Community use as a Community Center. A second authorizing the sale of three properties owned by the MEFD (200 Bell Road, 508 Lambert Avenue and 205 James Street) and a lease from the borough back to the MEFD. A third appointing three new members as firefighters, all of whom already have their State Firefighter Certification, Lorraine Russell, Brian Conte and Brian Cavallaro.

An ordinance was passed authorizing the appointment of an architect for the Bell Road Library Accessibility Project that is made possible by a grant from the Statewide Livable Communities-Library ADA Grant. A resolution authorizing the advertisement for sealed bids for the purchase of a brand new SUV police vehicle to replace one that is no longer dependable.

A resolution awarding a contract for the installation of speed humps on Fourth Avenue. The lowest qualified bidder came in at $7,298.00 for the project.

A resolution appointing Patricia Moriarity as a Deputy Registrar of Vital Statistics for the Borough Hall for a three year term.

Commissioner Andy Gilmore, Director of Public Safety reported the MEFD answered 32 fire calls for the month of September bringing their calendar year to an end. Total calls answered by the MEFD volunteers for the year was 401 and they conducted a total of 30 training drill exercises for the year.

The police department had a busy month responding to 3 burglaries, 18 motor-vehicle accidents and 7 shoplifting\’s to mention a few. The MEPD made 28 adult arrests and 2 juvenile arrests for the month of September. The MEPD served 15 warrants and wrote 202 motor-vehicle summons tickets for the month.

Commissioner Bruce Greenwald, Director of the Department of Public Works (DPW) reported that Construction Official Steven Beach issued 23 permits for the month collecting $4,714.00 in fees.

The DPW reported collecting 62,000 lbs of less trash since last September and has collected 28,000 lbs. more in recyclable materials compared to this past September.

The BOC wanted to thank all of the town organizations, business and residents for attending the First Annual Fall Festival that was held on September 20^th at the Little League Complex. A special thank you goes to the Celebration Committee for orchestrating the event that was another huge success for the committee that is made up of residents who volunteer countless hours to make the borough a better place to live.

The next monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at the Borough Hall Meeting Room commencing at 8 pm.

Game Commission employees processed 1,725 bears at the agency\’s check stations on the opening day of the three-day statewide bear season. The 2008 first-day preliminary harvest compares with 1,005 in 2007; 1,461 in 2006; 2,026 in 2005; 1,573 in 2004; 1,454 in 2003;1,348 2002; 1,812 in 2001; and 1,691 in 2000.

Joe Murphy_and_friends over Gloucester High last Saturday afternoon to capture its second City Series victory since the games began back in 1948. It was the third win of the year for Coach Jim Hopkins boys while for the senior-laden Gloucester High eleven it was their third straight setback.

Mike McNally and Carmen Palmiero received the annual Mustang awards as the outstanding players on their respective teams. McNally sparked the \”Ramblers\” first half attack while Palmiero was a constant star in the loser\’s game.

First Quarter

Gloucester kicked off to Catholic and the ball was returned from the 20 to the 23. Mike Angelastro made four yards and Miller fumbled but recovered for a two-yard gain. George Gibison picked up a first down on the 33. Gloucester was penalized five yards for delay and McNally\’s five-yard pick up gave the Ramblers\” a first on the 43. Gibison fumbled but Carl Schoenborn recovered for a five-yard loss.

Angelastro regained the five and McNally skirted the flank for 12 yards to the Gloucester 42. After Gibison had picked up a yard McNally again went wide for a first down on the 12. Miller fumbled but recovered for no gain. Gibison raced down to the two and Miller tallied on the next play for a 6-0 score. Mai Hagan converted. Gloucester returned the kickoff from its own 30 to the 34. Catholic was penalized for delaying the game and Ebbie Thompson flipped a short pass to Palmiero on the 49 and the lanky end raced 56 yards for a score. Neilio placekicked the tying point.

Catholic took the following kickoff and moved to the Gloucester 18 yard line before the Blue and Gold defense held and took over as the quarter ended.

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

George Rieder had a nifty pass interception ruled out by a clipping penalty midway in the period. Rieder had intercepted the ball on the Gloucester Catholic 48 and returned it down to the enemy 15 before being stopped but Catholic was detected clipping on the Gloucester 37 and penalized back to its own 48. On the next play, Thompson scooped up Gibson\’s fumble and raced down to the \”Ramblers\” eight-yard line. In two line thrusts Hill made three yards and a third down pass, play was incomplete. A fourth down pass was complete in the end zone to Palmiero but the ball was caught out of bounds and ruled incomplete. Catholic took over on its own five but couldn\’t advance and punted to Neilio who returned it from the Catholic 40 to the 26.

Three line plays netted nothing and Neilio\’s high pass down field was deflected into the arms of Palmiero on the 18-yard line and the speedy end dove across the goal for a TD. Neilio\’s important try for point was blocked by Schoenborn. The third quarter had ended just before the touchdown pass.

sorry the story originally reprinted in booklet was incomplete

~Steve Skipton