Calling Family Strengthening Network; Is Dr. Hardee in your future?; Thinking back to other loose lips; JT Burks, full of ideas for Millville youth, coming on 92.1 FM Saturday at noon; Commissioner Cooper welcome, too; CCSPCA’s Maria Stoerrle coming on at 1 p.m. for those who don’t know jack; For Michael DeLeon, assassins everywhere; Guess who’s anti-technical school?

The column that says we’re going to put Family Strengthening Network to the test after hearing the plight of a waitress at Texas Roadhouse even though it definitely has involved and will involve Family Court again, because Family Strengthening Network will walk with you every step of the way in finding the places you need to go to solve your problem.

—

By Jack Hummel

Radio: 92.1 FM WVLT Saturdays noon to 2 p.m.

Email: jhummel9794@gmail.com

Phone: 856-237-6645

U.S. Army: RA13815980

Google all columns at jackhummelblog

Good evening!

—

How many of you have taken advantage of Dr. Terrence Hardee, the Cumberland County College connection at 10 Buck St., in Millville.

His sole purpose of being there  is to help you further your education.

His official title is director of Workforce, Community and Technical Education.

His email is thardee@ccnj.edu.

His phone number is 856-378-7883.

Don’t let the titles fool you. He’s a really nice guy.

We had him on 92.1 FM and he’s coming back.

Education is the key to get this county out of poverty, out of crime, out of 1 in every 5 living below the poverty level, and if you disagree, tell us when that assembly line is coming here instead of going to Mexico or overseas.

Education, not low-income housing.

Knowledge is power!

—

D. Bailey Miles believes canning can be the future. We’ll get the founder of Taking Back Millville to explain that further.

—

More on what you tell the outside press when they stick a microphone in your face …

Those Millville citizens crying how unsafe Millville is after the police acted the way everybody has asked them to act recently brings to mind another situation.

The day the man came running down Broad Street across from KFC with an Uzi — an UZI — in his hands and he tried a hijack a car with a mother and baby inside, and police responded with gunfire and subdued him, and then his sister went off on police.

No, the Philly television stations didn’t go interview the mother in the car who jumped in the back seat and covered up her child. No, they captured the rants of the sister of the Uzi carrier and what a good person he was.

As it turned out, someone stole the man’s drugs from his house and he was out to get them back the best way he knew how. By the way, the one who stole his drugs later went to jail.

The Philly TV stations never went back and corrected the story. And they won’t go back to Millville and do a story on Millville PAL. Taking Back Millville, Millville Soccer Association or Millville Midget Football winning a Canton, Ohio, Bowl championship or Code Blue or SHINE.

Only the 3 percent makes the news.

So keep your mouth shut or wait and express your fears at city commission, or help out the above organizations.

—

We’ll be serious again Saturday at noon and again at 1 p.m. on 92.1 FM with Millville’s JT Burks on at noon talking about all the new ideas he has for the youth of his city and all the people willing to buy in.

“Would be cool if we could convert the old Dick’s location into an indoor rec center. Just a thought because it’s def needed.”

— JT Burks

—

“I am already working on ideas in that area!”

— City commissioner Bruce L. Cooper

—

Then Maria Stoerrle, animal activist who saves both the young and old, comes on at 1 p.m. to talk about the elderly dog population up for adoption and what she is doing to further it.

She’s bringing Jack, but not for SPCA haters, because they don’t know jack.

—

The Cumberland County SPCA is still open after threatening to close in December because they now have to honor all Open Public Records Act requests, and that takes a lot of personnel.

Those who accuse the shelter of being a “killing pen” are welcome to start their own “no-kill” shelter, but, like the CCSPCA, they must be willing to take in ALL animals, regardless of breed and aggressiveness and also those involved in court cases that may not be judicated for months.

You will take in the old, the feeble, the ugly, the fat and the undernourished. You don’t get to decide. Then we’ll see how loud your mouth is braying at the moon.

We will get Maria to detail how hard she works at getting animals adopted, so tune in and learn something, then call in and rant all you want. We can all learn.

—

The Seabrook section of Upper Deerfield makes the news again.

Not good — again.

—

“I got messaged by a left-wing lunatic who was appalled by something I said.

“She said I was ‘controversial’ and unfriended me! How shocking!

“Why did it take so long for her to be appalled? I thought I crossed that line years ago!”

— Michael DeLeon,

Steered Straight

Michael DeLeon controversial?

—

The Cumberland County Board of Vocational Education, which oversees The John F. Scarpa Cumberland County Technical Education Center in Millville, on Tuesday filed a seven-count lawsuit in state court here against Cumberland Regional High School District Board of Education.

The 13-page complaint demands quick Superior Court intervention to stop an alleged campaign of “threat, intimidation and coercion” against families whose children normally would attend Cumberland Regional High School but who instead want to enroll at the Technical Education Center for the 2018-19 academic year.

— Daily Journal

—

If you have to do an interview with Philly TV when a shooting occurs, talk about the good things like Verna Herman of Verna’s Flight Line, Shaun Connors of SHINE, Rick Kott of Millville PAL, Rob Ennis of Millville Midget Football, D. Bailey Bailey of Taking Back Millville, Mike Trout, Tony Surace, Rob Shannon, etc.

Verna’s Flight Line, now serving dinner.

—

YOU CAN BOOK IT: Why do people on a way-too-short vacation waste time sending photos on their cellphones?

 

Call ahead for food; CBK and the NYT; Peggy Gentile-Van Meter on her teaching career; Millville Soccer needs 6,000 kids; Want a pot-bellied pig?; When the city-trampling interviews?; Pennsville ready to mobilize against heroin; Lynwood Mosley disappointed

The column that says if you have children that act up waiting for food to be served to your table in a restaurant, and you know what you all want to order, call ahead at, say, DiLisi’s, and the pizza will be on the table by the time you walk in the door and get seated, because we saw it happen tonight as we wondered how they got served before us and the little 3-year-old was face deep in pizza sauce.

—

By Jack Hummel

Radio: 92.1 FM WVLT Saturdays noon to 2 p.m.

Email: jhummel9794@gmail.com

Phone: 856-237-6645

U.S. Army: RA13815980

Google all columns at jackhummelblog

Good evening!

—

We all agree the Eagles have the better football team, but are we prepared for what the mad scientist will decide to do in the second half, something even he won’t know until halftime.

Please don’t say woulda, coulda, shoulda ever about this football team because you NEVER saw them getting this far before the season started.

—

Look who came back because of the education rant …

“Hi, Jack!

“Hope you are well. All this college, college, college talk.

“Wondering what your thoughts are on a recent NYT article,1/25/18 that postulates that your genes and those of your parents may be responsible for how long you stay in school.

“Very interesting. Breeding might matter more than we think, not that it is all predetermined, but an interesting article nonetheless. Take care!”

— CBK,

known only by her initials

—

Wouldn’t wrap fish in the NYT. It would be cruelty to animals.

Another study shows that by the time you’re 4 years old, it has been predetermined if you’re going to be well-prepared for higher learning.

Does that have more to do with expectations and thus preparation than breeding?

If your name is Vanderbilt, isn’t there a certain level of success you must reach as you are exposed to the finer things in life?

Why can’t we all attain that, even if our father was removed from school in the 4th grade by his father to work on the farm, especially if he sends us to St. Augustine and we hang out at the racquet club rather than on the street corner, and work summers at the duPont Country Club?

That’s not breeding. That’s exposure.

We cannot get to children too early, especially if they are at-risk at birth! Never sell a child short because of his surroundings. Work on changing those surroundings.

—

More on education today from our winter haven …

“I do need to say that I was trusted by parents and a school administration and board of education that allowed me to teach the way I knew would reach my students.

“I cannot recall being told not to teach real history. Sure, I hated writing lesson plans, after all the years I taught. I knew what I was going to do. (Just a side note: I was still planning and prepping even in my last year of teaching).

“Changing techniques and presentation is always important. I was not a ‘teach out of a textbook teacher.’

“I didn’t require students to bring a textbook to class. The textbook was for homework. I did require students to have a history-related book to read. I have said this before — allow teachers to teach and wonderful results will happen.”

— Peggy Gentile Van Meter

—

What were your results, Peggy? Can you give us any statistics on how well your students connected with you and the subject?

Did you always feel you were lifting up the community while preparing kids for life, and how receptive were they?

And during all those years, you never once said to yourself, there is a better way to get this across, such as Washington crossing Silver Lake by boat in a skit put on by your classes for the whole school, with Jim Breech dressed as a Hessian?

Is there anybody out there that believes get rid of the desks and have students do hands-on projects all around the room, even if it’s building a Trojan Horse.

—

You only have less than 3 days left to register online for the Millville Soccer Association Spring 2018 Season!

Go to www.millvillesoccer.com to register now!

—

They can handle up to 6,000 kids, even if it means playing 24/7, and during free periods in school.

—

Really worried about Kristi Birtch, the Big Piece at Broad Street School in Millville and whose classes tend to the World War II monument out front.

Too sick for too long in this wonderful world of medicine.

—

Bruce ACO Barry needs somebody to take on two pot-bellied pigs, one big and one medium.

We’re trying to convince the better half, but, so far, no luck. We believe they would be a good playmate for a Chessie, and we already know they like custard stands.

Barry is one of the really level heads when it comes to animals.

—

Very, very upset with the neighborhood interviews the Press did when police shot and killed that man in Millville.

Derogatory remarks that were unfounded. People want police protection and then go off the deep end when it works.

You did your city a disservice, ladies!

—

Someone in Pennsville gets it …

“I can’t stand it anymore. I can’t. I just can’t. I’m going to find a place where we can meet … to talk … to offer comfort … to just sit and be with you. To pray.

“I’m so, so sorry to everyone who is affected by addictions, especially heroin. This is our modern-day plague. A pandemic.

“We can’t sit back and do nothing anymore. We just can’t. We need to do SOMETHING. Even those of us who by the grace of God are dodging the bullet. I hope you are with us. I’ll post when & where on Thursday.

“My efforts will be toward comforting parents and family members. Not trying to fix the addiction problem. I can’t do that. I CAN offers condolences and support. I’m good at that.”

— Chris Scruggs Hooks

—

Call Michael DeLeon, founder of Steered Straight, at 609-774-6501 if you’re really serious to listening one who has been there and understands, and will talk to any group.

—

“I read somewhere — about two years ago now — that if you put all of NJ’s heroin users in one place it would be the state’s largest city. That’s both sad and scary.”

— John Skilton

—

Anybody watch Reels last night to see how drug kingpin Frank Lucas turned on all of Harlem in the 1970-80s?

Started importing from Asia.

Made $50 million in a few years.

—

Splash of water in the face …

“Well, I guess the only way to get people to support positive motivational things in the community is to give away something free! This is ridiculous.

“People won’t even support a hometown Hero who made it! And still working to make it! Bet if he was giving away something, it would be crowded at the door!

“(Yet) everybody want something positive for the kids!”

— Lynwood Mosley,

Bridgeton Midget Football coach

—

It doesn’t mean you give up, Lynwood! The scourge you are fighting isn’t giving up, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be overcome.

Hook up with John Fuqua and Jerry Young in Bridgeton and JT Burks in Millville.

—

“Recovery is a drug and when you’re dependent on it, when you respect and embrace it, and when you give it away to others, life becomes what it was always meant to be … priceless!”

— Michael DeLeon,

Steered Straight

—

YOU CAN BOOK IT: It’s time to save the people before saving the buildings.

How do you overcome a genius?; Are you playing a board?; Mike Bucci on Bridgeton; Peggy Gentile-Van Meter on her years as a teacher; JT Burks in Millville turning our head by going INTO projects

The column that says you can wear your lucky Eagles underwear or sit in the same seat as the last two weeks or whatever, but know that luck will have nothing to do with the results of the Super Bowl, because, as Howie Long says, the Patriots will know everything about the Eagles going back six years — everything — and by halftime, they will know the weaknesses they can exploit and their own strengths that will work, and it will take the Eagles knowing how to handle both situations that will determine the outcome, because the Eagles have the better football team most people will agree, but nobody out-prepares the Patriots.

—

By Jack Hummel

Radio: 92.1 FM WVLT Saturdays noon to 2 p.m.

Email: jhummel9794@gmail.com

Phone: 8456-237-6645

U.S. Army: RA13815980

Google all columns at mjackhummelblog

Good evening!

—

Waiter at our favorite eatery already has $200 in bets on the Eagles, and he’s not even talking points.

“We’ll talk,” he said

Have you bought your squares on the 100-square board where you don’t know what numbers you have for the final score until they’re pulled out of a hat?

You can play a $5 board or a $100 board, or anything in between, but it’s illegal to run the board for a profit, but they’re doing it anyway. The pressroom ran one at the News every year and we must say we were luckier than most.

For some reason, we kept winning the first quarter, which upset Matt Wheaton and Marcella Miller. But they were only $5 squares and we always bought four of them.

But you don’t need betting to stay interested this year, but it is what carries pro football.

—

More on Bridgeton …

” I think Ritter’s and Hunt’s closing also contributed.

“But I also feel the people in charge need to enforce the laws and codes for the city of Bridgeton and these rules must be followed by everyone. The city must lead by example.

“If someone’s property looks bad, you cannot tell them to clean up their property if the city has run down property and doesn’t care. One step at a time. Each official should be held accountable for their department.

“The denomination of residents has changed over the last 40 years, but that’s part of a changing society, and should not be an excuse for a rundown city or it’s lack of following building housing or law enforcement codes or ordinances.

“Just my opinion.”

— Mike Bucci

—

On educating today’s restless kids …

“I wouldn’t trade a day, Jack. I know there are many adults out there (former students) that do the right thing, and maybe I was hard on a few of them because I cared.

“Still do. Many make me happy when I see or hear what they have done with their lives and what they are doing to help others.”

— Peggy Gentile-Fan Meter,

on the frontlines at Cumberland Regional for over three decades

—

Admit it, Peggy, you were at the mercy of state people who had no clue what they were doing, and apparently never will.

Paperwork due this week, teachers. All that paperwork that is required, not that it will improve the 78 percent graduation rate. But that’s OK. Getting them all into college will be thanks enough.

ALL of them.

And when that happens, the good-paying jobs will open up here because knowledge is power, and the entire county will lift itself up by the bootstraps.

And we will have more than clean air and open space — and let us never forget “state’s largest historic district” — to attract, not industry, but high-tech jobs NOT involved with poverty.

Have you ever stopped to count the good-paying jobs in this county connected to the 1 in 5 living in poverty in the county, including crime?

—

Teach everybody how to fish through education, and buy the rest fishing rods!

But only the already professionals think that way — the doctors, the lawyers, the executives, the business owners. It is expected of their children. We need everyone to want the power.

—

Let’s all visit Peggy Gentile-Van Meter at her Florida estate and brush up on history as soon as Gov. Christie leaves.

We’re down for 8 weeks of physical training in her pool.

—

One man in Millville is turning our head …

“Who has one of those big grills? We should do a ‘Spread Love Tour,’ go to all the housing complexes in Millville in the summer and feed as many kids as possible and just interact with everybody.

“Hit each spot before the summer is out. Def will need donors and plenty of support.

“We could even pick names out of a hat. Which ever kid name get picked gets a free pass to the sport of their choice.

“Love is key.”

— JT Burks

—

JT is on our show Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. on 92.1 FM.

He is the one man who has made it a point to go into the projects in Millville to connect with kids.

And we will say this right now: If the new program being introduced by the county prosecutor’s office does not go into the dangerous sections — the bad streets and bad neighborhoods in Bridgeton — it will not get the results intended.

It must change young minds! And it must include continual reinforcement! It was be an “all-in” venture and include blood and sweat, and not just 9-to-5 input.

We’ll argue this with anyone.

But, in the meantime, Mike Abbott, who now occupies the 11 a.m. to noon Saturday spot on 92.1 FM on the first Saturday of every month, will have the prosecutor’s program on radio on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 11 a.m. to noon, not to grade it or comment on it, but to explain how it is going to work.

It might behoove everyone who cares to listen in, if your head is not filled with sugar plums and Eagles. Everyone must understand what is being done by everyone not living in the affected areas.

And what JT Burks is thinking and planning in Millville without a grant.

For it is only the neighborhoods themselves that can fix their own shortcomings. If yu have found it any other way, school us.

If you have found force as the only way, school us. If you have found more cops the only way, show us.

And if you even dwell on a story about violent crime going down in New Jersey and somebody was shot on your street last year, you’re clueless. Statistics are for those who offer no solutions.

—

JT is your entryway, D. Bailey Bailey!

Cleaning up the park every week is not cleaning up a neighborhood.

If you’re going to do Peace In The City, hold it at Delsea Gardens. Hold it on the corner of 4th and Oak streets.

You know Shaun Connors, of SHINE, is in. She’s been in since her program started.

The fix is not going to happen at city commission or on Facebook, or by activists entering another activist’s yard and screaming and cursing at her.

You want to argue, argue where a youngster’s future is at stake — not yours.

—

YOU CAN BOOK IT: Sorry to be so serious in an area with a drug pandemic, chronic poverty and lack of education going on.

 

The column that says a mother should never have to sit in a parking lot to make sure her daughter’s car is not vandalized while the daughter is at work, but that can happen these days because of things that go on in school, and it’s nothing new because we know of teachers whom were trying to get education across to kids getting their cars “keyed” in the school parking lot, but, yet, 30 years later at a chance meeting in a Walmart, they thanked the teacher for being hard of them, and that’s why youth is wasted on the young, so why did you try so hard all those years Peggy Gentile-Van Meter, Jimmy Breech, David Price, Kay Ballinger, Ed Andrews and Tony Surace?

—

By Jack Hummel

Radio: 92.1 FM WVLT Saturdays noon to 2 p.m.

Email: jhummel9794@gmail.com

Phone: 856-237-6645

U.S. Army: Ra13815980

Google all columns at jackhummelblog

Good evening!

—

Too many cases of people returning to Bridgeton after moving away and being “shocked” at what they see now, and how it didn’t use to be that way, but they accept none of the blame, nor do the others who can’t believe the city has gone down that far, so that tells us right there whose fault it was, and it wasn’t the politicians some want to blame and it wasn’t the prison being built here, and it wasn’t all the illegals coming into town, but we’d like to blame all these things in order to exonerate ourselves.

There were two events out of our hands that contributed to a downfall:

~ Owens-Illinois closing.

~ Passing a law that said truck farms had to provide ample housing for migrant workers.

The closing of Owens ripped the heart out of the middle class in a one-horse town.

Farmers came into Bridgeton and rented apartments in blocks for their workers when it became too costly to upgrade housing on their farms. Have you seen some of the shells of the housing that was provided earlier? Horrible!

So we had Owens-Illinois workers leaving and migrant workers moving in, and the buying power was no longer there, so stores closed up in droves.

And, just as important, the working class was not prepared for the technological age sweeping the country.

And we still aren’t.

But we’re getting there one college graduate at a time.

—

“1st Presbyterian Sunday School kids had a bake sale after church Jan. 21 and sold out of their baked goods. They are donating the proceeds to Code Blue to help the hungry.

“Good Work!”

— Mary E. Bergmann

—

Traveling woes in Delaware …

“Many of you, like I, don’t rely on public transportation and may not be aware of the hardships DART and the state of Delaware are subjecting some of our most vulnerable residents to with its recent changes. I urge you to attend this meeting. Let’s not make this a ‘who can scream louder’ contest. Let’s ORGANIZE and prepare not only to show up peacefully in numbers, but to present an agenda with specific asks that make sense for our community.

“Our agenda could be presented in the form of a written petition signed by hundreds. Witnesses should be prepared with FOCUSED, written, approx. 1 minute remarks that specifically align with our agreed upon agenda items.

“How, specifically, do we want to see Dart better serve our community? We captured a lot of feedback at the We The People forum. But what are YOUR thoughts? Who is willing to create an online petition that we can all begin to circulate? Who can create the Facebook event that we can use to invite hundreds?

“Remember the Montgomery bus boycott? It took #thepeopleorganized together for specific change, even if it meant sacrifice and pooling personal resources. This won’t be easy, but TOGETHER and ORGANIZED, we can make a change.”

— Chandra Pitts,

One Village Alliance

Raising Kings

—

Maybe someday we can do the same for NJ Transit changes.

—

Does John DeAngelis at Inspira read this stuff …?

“Victimstance isn’t unique to the addict and the addict’s enabler either. It’s the new M.O. for this new American generation of poor souls who blame the world around them for their circumstances.

“My Mom ridiculed me.

“My Dad beat me.

“The Priest molested me.

“I grew up poor.

“The Dr. Gave me oxys.

“My teachers didn’t like me.

“My coach never played me.

“That was my story, too! It’s everyone’s fault but mine. I’m a HUGE advocate for the understanding of childhood trauma, but I’ll be DAMNED if I tell a kid their past defines their future.

“Wake up, America! ONE MILLION will die from addiction this year. Nicotine, alcohol, prescription meds, illicit drugs … ONE MILLION!

“And you think we can afford to be victims? We can’t! Recovery takes Responsibility.

“Please stop telling addicts we can’t help it, relapse is part of recovery, you can’t do it without meds, keep trying, it’s because of stigma, it’s that nasty word ‘junkie’ or that mean word ‘addict.’

“It’s because we use the words ‘dirty’ or ‘clean’ that you relapsed. What? When will America wake the hell up?

“If you don’t like me, I have 1,567 more friend requests to replace YOU! You’re the problem!”

— MIchael DeLeon,

Steered Straight

in high dudgeon

—

“Choice is key in ones battles. Using excuses is the addicts way to keep on using. It’s the addiction inside that doesn’t want to let go. But when you take full control of you’re recovery and all choices revolve around your recovery, you cannot fail.

“We, as people, are so much more powerful than we give ourselves credit for. Believe in yourself. Know you are worth it. Leave the excuses with the politicians. Take action in your personal battle that you’re not fighting alone.

“It does get greater later, I promise.”

— Rebecca Thompson

—

 

Michael comes back  …,

“I’ve been getting ATTACKED for saying it, and I’ve tried to remain sensitive to other people’s twisted opinions. We tell kids NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE, but tell addicts they can’t be free from addiction because they suffer from an incurable brain disease. “NO MORE! Addiction is winning. Relapse is winning because they have an army of fake-ass Advocates screaming about more drugs and safe injection sites and clean needles and bleeping STIGMA! ENOUGH!

“Bleep ’em if they don’t like it. These kids refuse to get help, use their ‘disease’ as their excuse, use their meds without addressing ANY underlying issues and the dead continue to skyrocket. ENOUGH!

“It’s time we take 100% responsibility for our lives and show addicts that IMPOSSIBLE is really I’M P

Names upon request.OSSIBLE … and so is Full Life-changing Recovery!”

— Michael DeLeon

—

Sudden thought:

When did the it’s OK to use the word then when you really mean than craze sweep the country?

Just askin’.

—

Smartest waitresses in the world work in Cumberland County.

Just ahead of Salem County.

They’re all going on to college, something maybe a blue-collar community might not appreciate.

Names upon request.

—

“‘Gangsta rap’ thrived because the black community was angry and wanted to rebel. That era of rap said what everyone was feeling. It wasn’t some plot to pack prisons. Stop believing everything you read and giving credence to nonsense.

“Now we do need to fix the messages and images we put out there. But to take away what made it relevant, is simply overlook the issue.”

— JT Burks

—

JT is coming on 92.1 FM Saturday from noon to 1 p.m., followed by Maria Stoerrle, of Cumberland County SPCA fame.

It will be a relevent show. How relevent is up to you.

Michael DeLeon will scream for two hours on Feb. 10, from noon to 2 p.m. because he’s going to be in Vineland that  weekend.

Even if we have to pick him up.

—

YOU CAN BOOK IT: We want the results of programs introduced to make Cumberland County college-ready, then employment-ready as ballyhooed as their introduction so we know what has worked so far and what hasn’t, not that it would take that long to call the success list.

 

 

 

 

Classes back at CCC — 3 hours long — it’s called being independent forever; 79% of experts were wrong two weeks in a row about Eagles ∏— way overrated; Carolscatz thinking big again; Don’t forget Ric Kuhns; Only animal lovers will accomplish anything; Maria Stoerrle on 92.1 FM with us at 1 p.m. Saturday; Photo shoot for Mikiah Kreps; Michael DeLeon rants on substance abuse — gets two feedbacks; ‘Detour, there’s a muddy road ahead …’

The column that says classes at Cumberland County College resumed today and our DiLisi’s waitress had a three-hour class, in class, but on her computer, and the class will be repeated Wednesday — six hours in one week — for 3 credits ending in May — a packet a day that she finished early today, and then went to work to earn money toward her nursing degree so that she will forever be independent and able to get out of bad situations, if necessary, the greatest insurance in the world, and that is all we’re asking for in this county where 1 in 5 live below the poverty level — to get educated and never again have to worry about what somebody can give you, and we are going to hammer on that until it happens at a 95 percent high school graduation rate and a 50 percent CCC graduation rate.

—

By Jack Hummel

Radio: 92.1 FM WVLT Saturdays noon to 2 p.m.

Email: jhummel9794@gmail.com

Phone: 856-237-6645

U.S. Army: RA13815980

Google all columns at jackhummelblog

Good evening!

—

On so-called experts …

Did you know that 79 percent of ALL the sports experts picked the Falcons to beat the Eagles. That’s all of them lumped together who get paid to be experts.

Did you know that 79 percent of the experts picked the Vikings to beat the Eagles?

Forget the Las Vegas odds. They are set strictly for Las Vegas to make money and depend on how the betting is going, not who they think will win the game.

So what makes the so-called experts smarter than yoy?

Nothing.

Now, transfer that to Washington and tell us what makes you think a millionaire with nothing left to accomplish except power can get elected and run this country any better than anybody else?

Regardless of party and affiliation. Aren’t we expecting a little too much from mere mortals with connections that have nothing to do with making right decisions? Oh, they’ll find out how the country has been run from their colleagues and make sure they do NOTHING to jeopardize their standing with voters.

Wouldn’t you trust Debbi Boykin-Greenberg or Sam Feinstein or Gladys Lugardo-Hemple or Steve Tatz or Peggy Gentle-Van Meter or Dorothy Abbott or Jerry Young or Courtenay Reece as  much as any senator you can name? And, yet, none of them will ever run this country because they’re not connected.

And they could pick the Super Bowl winner, too.

—

Can that South Jersey Times sports reporter show his face again after vehemently suggesting the Eagles go to their third-string quarterback because Nick Foles wasn’t as good to lead this team?

More “experts.”

—

On the feral cat trail …

“As most of you know, I am involved with Alley Cat Allies and I am in the feral network.

“I am thinking of putting together a series of workshops locally thru Alley cats for community cats, kitten season, TNVR, first aid, etc.

“Is anyone interested in attending?”

— Carol Hickman,

carolscatz

—

Ric Kuhns, of Animal Friends Foundation, wants to unite all groups for one common cause in Cumberland County — the elimination of feral cats in the most humane way, TNVR.

—

The ONLY people who will accomplish this are animal lovers, and not government.

—

This is the game face the Eagles have for the Patriots, says photographer/dentist/city councilman Sam Feinstein, who needs an additional hat rack in his office.

—

No doubt Sam will be at the Super Bowl on the sidelines shooting winning touchdown. This is his year, with heaven looking down.

—

Maria Stoerrle a definite for 921. FM Saturday at 1 p.m. to talk about her efforts to find homes for unwanted, unloved and uncared for dogs.

JT Burks heats up the platform at noon with good news on youth in Millville. And realism. He’s is one of very, very few who go INTO the projects to sign up at-risk kids for programs that give them hope, responsibility and make them feel important.

Not a complicated formula, but so little used.

—

It’s Mikiah Kreps’ year, also, as a member of the U.S. Boxing Team. Here she is at the photo shoot that goes with the territory and maybe an Olympic spot. And to think, Bridgeton’s Basimah “Boom Boom” Baker helped the Niagara Falls boxer along the way with that fight at Fairfield School.

We were there, and paid $60 to get in.

Maybe Mikiah will take us with her like Mike Trout didn’t.

It’s all good because we got to interview Satchel Paige alone — just the two of us and he in a three-piece suit — in the All Sports Museum of Southern New Jersey, and he was a bitter man!

—

Daily dose of Michael DeLeon …

Relapse? I can’t take this anymore!

“Don’t you know that relapsing might mean death? It’s not about stigma, or shame or even society’s view of addiction.

“Spare me the chronic, brain-based, disease excuse. I get it. I LIVED IT! It’s as easy to pick up a damn phone as it is to pick up a drug.

“If you’re NOT dealing with your underlying issues, if you’re NOT ‘Working’ a program of recovery, if you’re NOT taking a balanced and dedicated approach to life, or you’re trying to be an advocate of recovery WITHOUT a foundation of Recovery, it’s a PROBLEM!

“With Recovery Comes Responsibility! #Recovery.”

— Michael DeLeon,

screaming as loud as he legally can without taking his clothes off and climbing to the top of the courthouse cupola and getting everyone’s attention.

—

—

“With human beings comes imperfection. Get a backslider group started.

“Recovery is about the hardest thing I know and, quite frankly, what about the ones who backslide? A lot of them end up dead because the get bashed for being a human being.”

— Julia Sole

—

“I have never relapsed, but I don’t believe we have the right to call folks out. I’d rather deal with a chronic relapser who’s trying than can artists who are recovered.

I get what you are saying, though, from a standing of life or death. Relapse can and will kill you.”

— Karrina King

—

Meanwhile, high school drug dealers abound, waiting to graduate to bigger things — like prison or death.

They are so smug, so cool, so flashy and so unaware of what is ahead.

Like Patti Page said:

Detour, there’s a muddy road ahead, detour
Paid no mind to what it said
Detour, oh these bitter things I find,
Should have read
That detour sign

Headed down life’s crooked road, lots of things I never knowed
Because of me not knowin’, I now pine
Trouble got in the trail, spent the next 5 years in jail
Should have read (should have read) that detour sign

Detour, there’s a muddy road ahead, detour
Paid no mind to what it said
Detour, oh these bitter things I find,
Should have read
That detour sign

When I got right to the place where it said “About Face”
I thought that all my worries were behind
But the farther I go, more sorrow I know
Should have read (should have read)
That detour sign

Detour, there’s a muddy road ahead, detour
Paid no mind to what it said
Detour, oh these bitter things I find,
Should have read
That detour sign

When I got stuck in the mud all my hopes dropped with a thud
I guess that my heart strings are made of twine
Have no willpower to get from the hole that I’m in yet
Should have read (should have read) that detour sign

Detour, there’s a muddy road ahead, detour
Paid no mind to what it said
Detour, oh these bitter things I find,
Should have read
That detour sign

Should have read that detour sign
Should have read that detour sign (that detour sign)

— Patti Page

—

What’s happening at Campani’s Legacy Lanes …

WEEKLY RESULTS OF 01-15-2017
MONDAY MENS NIGHT
ALFRED PIERCE	279-206-247	732
CHRIS HUNTLEY	241-226-245	712
TOM HUCK	257-253-190	700
FRED KENDALL	216-230-219	665
JAMES MESSECK	223-221-215	659
JIM SANTORA	179-216-245	640
DAVE ZIEGER SR	190-237-210	637
ORVILLE JOHNSON	236-205-192	633
HARRY WEEKS	236-170-224	630
RICH GRIFFITH	176-213-235	624
STEPHANIE ARCHETTO	206-239-179	624
JOE DIPRIMO JR	192-235-193	620
TED DENOFIO	240-193-182	615
BOB DUBOIS	200-189-217	606
ANDREW DUBOIS	190-221-191	602
DAVE ZIEGER JR	156-221-223	600
TUESDAY MIXED SOCIAL
BRIAN SHIFLET	162-247-229	638
FRED KENDALL	190-206-226	622
ALFRED PIERCE	217-162-227	606
DIANA SORELLE	208-204-187	599
BRIDGETON CHURCH LEAGUE
ERIC JOHNSON	278-207-191	676
LEON FITHIAN	188-212-214	614
PETE SAMMS	192-212-207	611
PAUL LAWRENCE	182-188-235	605
KEN PERRY	197-203-202	602
BOBBIE HOUGH	209-196-194	599
BOB RIGGINS	181-209-191	581
RON WILSON	174-155-233	562
JOE GUINTA	168-202-165	535
CLARENCE NEWTON	151-158-*226	535
RICKY DIXON	181-173-170	524
JIM BOSWELL	192-154-169	515
LARRY DAVIS	163-178-161	502
COFFEE AND DONUT
DONNA MORRIS	157-221-168	546
GOLDEN AGE
SUGIE HENRY SR	166-189-222	577
RANDY DICKERSON	152-202-179	533
ROE GRESMER	169-200-150	519
DAVE HITCHNER	136-170-209	515
J AND J MEMORIAL
GARY BERES	195-276-245	716
DAVE ZIEGER	284-237-191	712
JAMES MESSECK	256-219-222	697
MOE THOMPSON	212-237-243	692
BRAD DULOWE	263-217-212	692
MARK KAZAOKA	247-243-201	691
DAVE WILLIAMSON	234-216-237	687
MARK COUCH JR	236-193-254	683
TYLER SHUMATE	221-207-247	675
MIKE PETIT	217-225-231	673
ERIC HOLLENWEGER	215-201-255	671
PAUL LAWRENCE	269-234-167	670
NICK DURHAM	204-221-245	670
CHRIS HUNTLEY	203-221-256	670
RAY MOONEY IV	209-211-245	665
BRYSON COTTMAN	231-231-203	665
DIANA SORELLE	212-245-204	661
SEAN TAYLOR	204-216-239	659
WAYNE GONZALES	208-233-217	658
BILL ZIEFLE	221-226-209	656
FRED PIERCE	255-193-206	654
DAN BENNETT	186-256-207	649
KARL HERMAN	233-197-215	645
JOHN MUFFLEY	213-256-175	644
MIKE DEFALCO	186-213-235	644
BOB GALLAGHER	243-217-179	639
BRIAN SHIFLET	217-205-206	628
DAVE HEMPLE	196-237-191	624
HARRY WEEKS	206-207-210	623
FISH SAMMONS	211-217-191	619
PAUL DODD	238-170-200	608
DEAN GAINES	160-214-228	602
CHRIS CAREY	236-168-198	602
SUGIE HENRY SR	185-205-211	601
ALFRED PIERCE	216-202-183	601
ROD ANDINO	169-203-229	601
FRIDAY NIGHT MIXED SOCIAL
TRAVIS CLARKE	245-279-215	739
TYLER SHUMATE	221-235-280	736
BRIAN SHIFLET	227-243-244	714
HEATHER RIPA	254-248-204	706
ALFRED PIERCE	225-232-247	704
TINY LITTLE	193+247+248	688
ROB MAGDIN	221-253-196	670
SHANE HARRIS	222-242-204	668
BILLY ROBB	235-229-191	655
ORVILLE JOHNSON	277-204-173	654
FRED KENDALL	227-212-204	643
PETE EVANS	220-198-215	633
MARK COUCH JR	201-211-220	632
EMILY NAKOVICH	236-183-212	631
ABE JONES	204-194-224	622
REBECCA RAUNER	209-176-234	619
CHRIS RAUNER	191-213-213	617
CORINNE ERRICKSON	217-185-211	613
JEREMY RODRIGUEZ	194-183-233	610
FRIDAY NIGHT CHURCH
ERIC JOHNSON	182-222-268	672
WAYNE BUMP	213-192-235	640
JERRY GROOVER	203-221-209	633
TANNER GRISCOM	253-213-166	632
CARLITOS FIGUEROA	176-204-218	598
TOTIANA MIRANDA	190-190-216	596
JOE COX	178-192-211	581
DAVE HITCHNER	183-202-191	576
LEANNE MILLER	170-203-183	556

YOU CAN BOOK IT: What are the chances of the Pittsgrove Eagles bus and Dom Valella surfacing again for another Super Bowl trip?

Sydney doing her job among the hysteria!; Pizza Plaza 40th Reunion?; Who couldn’t hear the show?; Cedarville accident waiting to happen; Let the cruelty agents carry; Michael DeLeon at wit’s end; JT Burks coming on, Maria Stoerrle pending; One year ago in this space

The column that says thank goodness for people like waitress Sydney at DiLisi’s, who only could not figure out why everybody among the kitchen staff wanted the Patriots to lose, but didn’t know what “first down” meant, and was dutifully attending to all her customers while her boss had been at Lincoln Financial Field since 1 p.m. Sunday while mentioning her othe place of employment — Hope Chest — has 6,000 followers on Facebook and also that her parents think a Pizza Plaza 40th Reunion is a great idea, but, right now, Eagle Mania must be served, and we wonder if anybody just goes to tailgating all day, and then goes home.

—

By Jack Hummel

Radio: 92.1 FM WVLT Saturdays noon to 2 p.m.

Email: jhummel9794@gmail.com

Phone: 856-237-6645

U.S. Army: RA13815980

Google all columns at jackhummelblog

Good evening!

—

Anybody else besides Gary E. Meyer couldn’t hear Saturday’s show on 92.1 FM with Bruce ACO Barry?

“Trying to listen live from your website as I am out of the area and the link http://www.wvlt.com/listenlive.htmlshows nothing to even clock on to listen as I have done previously.

“Kindest Regards.”

Gary

—

It’s the Russians again, Gary!

They’re been pouring money into other radio accounts. Full Senate investigation coming.

We can tell you this, Gary Bruce ACO Barry didn’t leave anything on the field Saturday as he spelled out what is going to happen in the county with the SPCA and what could and could not happen.

The man is an animal titan!

—

For safety’s sake …

“The stop sign at Newport Rd & Cedarville Rd is a STOP SIGN!

“The people who are using it as a yield, even when a emergency vehicle is upon them, are risking their lives as well as ours and the people we are responding to help!

“Is it really worth the 5 seconds you are saving?”

— Brian Scarlato

—

If the Cumberland County SPCA cruelty investigators are trained to carry firearms — but don’t — how long will it be in this crazy world before some homeowner is tired of everything he’s dealing with and acts out simply because a cruelty agent is approaching his house?

And the whole county goes into mourning and people cry for change, but a good life is lost forever?

Arm them! As a deterrent! Is there any difference between serving a warrant and answering an animal cruelty call? And we’ve learned what can emerge during a warrant serving.

—

On the substance abuse front …

“One of the most difficult weeks in the last 10 years! So hard, so sad. I know 7 people who died this week to addiction.

“I worked with 3 people to find treatment who all refuse to go. I have families asking me how to help their kids who refuse to face reality.

“I saw someone relapse after 9 years of Recovery. I see so much infighting and backbiting within the Recovery Advocacy movement and SOOOO Many zealots pointing people to the pharma-path of freedom while they replace therapy and counseling with a pill and a swig.

“I’m watching our Government completely fail families in America with rhetoric and pittance funding and the media lie to people about what’s happening.

“I don’t WANT a break, but I guess I NEED a break. I’m going to take the next week to convince 5,000 People of Faith to start Living their faith when it comes to the nation’s Addiction Pandemic. I believe it’s our Only Chance! I really do! #HigherPower#GodHelpUs #Pharmageddon #Recovery #RecoveryArmy#KLoveCruise2K18 #GodistheAnswer.”

— Michael DeLeon,

Steered Straight

—

Michael, Inspira opening 20 detox beds this month! For heaven’s sake, talk to John DeAngelis!

—

Cedarville suddenly hungry for Girl Scout cookies!

—

Oh to own a log cabin in the woods!

—

Philadelphia media going crazy over the $$ to be made between now and the Super Bowl. Advertisers will go crazy! Anybody want to go on WVLT Saturday between noon and 2 p.m.?

—

JT Burks, the Millville man interested in everything for youth, will be on Saturday at noon, hopefully followed by Maria Stoerrle, of Second Chance for Animals, talking about her program for seniors.

—

Sudden thought: Did anybody schedule a year in advance a fundraiser for tonight?

The results would be worse than those in a blizzard.

It’s an Eagles blizzard!

—

A little history

One year ago today in this space

Never buy lunch for a group until they explain to you how to fund Main Street, because they won’t talk with their mouths full, and they’re always full.

As we said before, if the purpose of Main Street is to improve the economic condition of the downtown, how can you attract visitors without an advertising budget?

The city doesn’t have money to give to the library, let alone Main Street. The state doesn’t have any money.

If there were a federal grant, we would have had it by now.

So do we do it from within? Do we do it with community money when few people seem to care, except where one-day events are involved?

Being the biggest historic district — 2,200 properties — in the state gets us what?

Having a 1,100-acre city park with a zoo and a lake that needs to deepened to prevent recurring bacteria has gained us a wonderful splash park, and guardrails blocking trails preventing motorists from trashing the woods.

The zoo is a gem, and only getting better, thanks to the Cohanzick Zoological Society.

Veterans Park is a serene, monument-filled setting fully appreciated only during patriotic holidays.

The Donald Rainear Amphitheater begs for folk music to entertain the visitors from the self-contained, self-regulated, self-policed Recreational Vehicle Campground suggested for north of the lake.

—

YOU CAN BOOK IT: It’s been a good weekend!

 

Growing up Bridgeton got better today with John Fuqua’s testimonial; Where the SPCA stands by Bruce ACO Barry; Don’t give up cruelty, Bev! Extend Jenn Henderson’s live broadcast Wednesday at 10 a.m.; JIM QUINN show starting on 92.1 FM Feb. 1 at 8 p.m.; Michael DeLeon sick, sick, sick in Camden; Diana Sandoval of JROTC fame on 92.1 FM Feb. 3 to update her great, great story

The column that says there are some of our shows on 92.1 FM that magically work out even though somebody scheduled wakes up sick Saturday morning, and that’s what happened today when Debbie Savigliano, of Bianca’s Kids, canceled at 9:06 a.m., but John Fuqua, whose association with Steered Straight, Strengthening Families, the Bridgeton Board of Education and the very successful Youth Coalition has opened up a whole new world for him, and once got a $1,000 donation from Bianca’s Kids, was absolutely riveting as he detailed the good things going on for kids in Bridgeton, and then Bruce ACO Barry spent the second hour talking about the new direction the Cumberland County SPCA is taking after Gov. Christie disbanded the state organization by the same name’s hold over all the SPCAs, and giving the power to the prosecutor’s office.

—

By Jack Hummel

Radio: 92.1 FM WVLT Saturdays noon to 2 p.m.

Email: jhummel9794@gmail.com

Phone: 856-237-6645

U.S. Army: RA13815980

Google all columns at jackhummelblog

Good evening!

—

Who knew long-time Bridgeton advocate Carol Green stepped up and became a foster parent to three boys — the ultimate response to moving Bridgeton ahead in our eyes?

Fuqua detailed how Ashley Todd “is in it to win it” as a member of the board of education that has opened up the city schools’ gyms to be a part of the youth program, and who is a cheerleader mom in Midget Football, and entered the battle at the grassroots level, along with Lovely Durham.

There’s Erica Williams.

There’s police officer Josh Thompson.

There’s the WOW! factor in Dwayne Parker Jr., who took 31 kids outside the ALMS Center and showed them his new Dodge RAM with all the bells and whistles that he attained because he stuck with it.

There’s Dominique Williams, raised in the Burlington Manor project, went on to play in the NFL with the Jets, Vikings and Cardinals, and then the Canadian Football League, and this Thursday, at 6 p.m., at the ALMS Center, he’ll give a speech called “Successfully Broken” for anyone who wants to attend with especially their children.

—

In being part of Steered Straight, Fuqua has found he needs to talk to kids younger than  in high school, and even as far down as 6th grade, because he said they’re already thinking about making wrong decisions at that age.

“Go do some work,” they’re told as they’re being handed a gun.

“They don’t realize they’re going to be sitting in the county jail for the next three or four years,” says Fuqua. “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future. Common sense isn’t that common.”

Fuqua says for the first time everybody is working together and that’s making the difference.

They’re attacking gangs on two fronts:

~ Using the Juvenile Justice’s Phoenix Curriculum in schools.

~ Steered Straight after-school programs along with AmeriCorps at the HopeLoft in the old Ashley-McCormick building, 40-44 E. Commerce St., in Bridgeton.

—

Fuqua is going to provide us with the names and phone numbers of the what he feels are the 10 most important cogs in this wheel to help the youth of Bridgeton.

—

Is Cumberland County SPCA Director Bev Greco going to opt to pull the shelter at 1244 N. Delsea Drive out of the cruelty investigation business.

Prior to Christie’s move to rupture the state SPCA, it held the deed to all of Cumberland’s facilities in case we pulled out of the SPCA, including the $3 million facilities.

That no longer can happen.

But we don’t want Greco to do that because she has extended her stay already to ride through this mess before retiring, and we believe that decision to involve the new director, and we pray the board of directors isn’t thinking that way just to get people off their backs, at the expense of the animals.

We don’t even know if the new system under the prosecutor is going to be done on the cheap with the “Task Force” mentioned in the directive maybe involving only volunteers, or a director and the rest volunteers.

But we can tell you this: Nobody is better suited for a paying position in Salem County than Bruce Barry, and since he is animal control officer in Upper Deerfield, money could be saved by making him the director in both counties.

It will be interesting.

If you want to reach Barry, call 856-769-8468.

—

In the middle of it all today, Jennifer Henderson called to explain when she is live on the CASA website Wednesday at 10 a.m., listeners will submit questions to her about all the programs she’s involved in — and she figures it will take only 5 minutes.

No, no, Strengthening Families breath. Let’s extend her to at least15 minutes!

Go to Casa of Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem.

—

Big news …

“Talking about coming full circle, Feb. 1, I will be going back to 92.1 FM WVLT.

“I will be hosting my own talk show from 8 to 9 p.m. I was at 92.1 FM 40 years ago when it was WKQV.

“I’m really excited to be able to be back doing a talk show on the radio. It even gets better. Not only will I be on the radio, I will also be on Facebook live.

“Please mark it on your calendars — Feb. 1, at 8 p.m., I will be returning to 92.1 FM WVLT.”

— Jim Quinn

—

Wow!

Don’t know how this shakes out with SNJ Today.

But we know he will be taking calls, something that used to be done on WSNJ.

Quinn asked who wanted to eat dinner with him and the response was so great, he had to rent out the New Jersey Motorsports dining room.

Guaranteed, he won’t get a word in edgewise on his first show because of all the phone calls.

Steve Tatz said today things would be upgraded at the station, and that Quinn would be on his Monday show. Did we spill the beans, Steve?

—

Sam Feinstein posts 60 photos of the Herb Henry Basketball League in Bridgeton on Facebook, and he’s only been a city councilman for a week!

—

From the substance abuse front lines …

“Back in the saddest place I know of. The most beautiful people you’ll ever meet in the most hopeless place on Earth. Sick to my stomach. Spent 11 months here filming ‘Kids Are Dying’ and it’s worse now than it was then. WORSE! #AddictionPandemic.”

— Michael DeLeon,

Steered Straight

—

And all they want to talk about is crime going down in Camden.

—

We have landed another coup in 92.1 FM.

On Feb. 3, at 1 p.m., Diana Sandoval, of SSgt. George Linen’s JROTC program at BHS, is coming on to update what has happened to her since graduation.

Here is a product of the Milltown section of Bridgeton who grew up with a friend, and they both had to make decisions in the gang-ridden section.

The friend chose the gang life and you can hear the life Diana chose on Feb. 3, right after Debbie Savigliano makes another appearance at noon

—

YOU CAN BOOK IT: It’s only going to get better.

The radio show to shake up those who need shaking; Millville Royalty?; SSgt. George Linen the education beacon; JROTC grad Diana Sandoval is reaching out to us as a college graduate with a new program; Alley Cat Allies, can they help us?; Jennifer Henderson on live; Saladworks the way to go?; Getting deadly serious about education, the 800-pound elephant in Cumberland County

The column that says if you want to separate fact from fiction, movers and shakers from losers and fakers, tune in to 92.1 FM WVLT Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. and hear what is going on in your community to build youngsters into good, contributing citizens who will give more often than they will want, and you can even add your two cents live on the air by calling 856-696-0092, even to disagree and put forth your solutions to everything from the drug pandemic to how to put education on the fast track.

By Jack Hummel

Radio: 92.1 FM WVLT Saturdays noon to 2 p.m.

Email: jhummel9794@gmail.com

Phone: 856-237-6645

U.S. Army: Ra13815980

Google all columns at jackhummelblog

Good  morning!

—

Is it true the name of JT Burks’ youth basketball team is Millville Royalty?

—

We’ve been hawking all the reasons why you should have your student at Bridgeton High School join the JROTC program there taught by SSgt. George Linen because the man will transform your youngster into a grownup in the four years or less he rubs off on them.

Again and again, we’ve heard the success stories.

THE OLD GEORGE LINEN.

A little history

It started with the presenting of the colors.It ended with loud applause.

In between, the Bridgeton High School Air Force Jr. ROTC program made a lot of parents, teachers, administration and themselves proud at Gia’s Suburban House Friday night.

It was their 11th annual military ball.

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world,’’ said Board of Education President Angelia Edwards, who has been the program’s biggest supporter.

The night was a display of precision, respect, confidence and leadership you wouldn’t expect of high school students.

Unless you know Air Force Tech Sgt. (ret) George Linen Sr. and his ability to draw success out of his troops.

Call her Mama Linen.

That’s what they all call her.

She is a dynamic woman who married a dynamic man.

Friday night, she told the story from the inside.

“The come in shy, develop leadership skills and leave here as great scholars,’’ she said.

She didn’t have to get involved while working in the guidance office at the high school.

“It’s a passion,’’ she said. “I can’t count the times I have cried.’’

She started a parents support group.

Bridgeton Jr. ROTC Commanders Shannakay Thompson, left, and Diana Sandoval.

“They’re my children and I treat them like my children,’’ she said.

So many good stories to tell.

“One of our kids was in trouble in school and his first speech told us about his life,’’ she recalled. “It turned him a round and he’s now serving in Afghanistan.

“He always calls us and says, ‘Mom, dad, if not for you, I don’t know where I’d; be.’

“When they smile, I smile.’’

Last year, the program ran short of funds to go to the nationals despite a myriad of fundraisers.

When Board of Education President Angelia Edwards heard that, she vowed it would never happen again.

“Yes, now we have a place to practice (when it’s cold),’’ said Mama Linen, “and money is not a problem anymore.

“They’re working on getting everybody into the program who wants to get in.

“The kids want it.’’

She said her husband speaks to a lot of groups and churches.

“Me, I want to work behind the scenes,’’ she said. “Bless it forward.’’

She formed a parents support group.

“We’ve had cooperation from a lot of parents,’’ she said. “Yes, they’re there. I’m seen them’’

Her husband calls her a dynamic woman.

Clive and Juanita Thompson, of Cedarville, are on the parents committee.

They’ve bought in big time watching their daughter, Vice Commander Shannakay, mature into a leader.

“Yes, she’s sharp,’’ said Clive. “Yes, I knew she would do this well. She learned from her sister, Angel, who graduated in 2010.’’

She’s going to be a doctor.

“She was a shy girl and now her face lights up when she talks about Sgt. Linen,’’ said her mother.

She’s going to be an anesthesiologist.

Shannakay said all the things he likes about the program, then realizing it’s coming to an end, broke down.

The next day, there would be a new commander.

“Bridgeton High School is a very good school,’’ said Clive. “It has very good teachers and a very good superintendent and a very good principal.

“You have to show the students the way.

“You have to trust in the teachers.’’

“Never put kids down.’’

Mayor Albert Kelly showed his support.

“This is great,’’ he said. “I appreciate the students who took up the challenge of ROTC. I was in ROTC in college, so I know what it takes. It shows here in the city of Bridgeton that we have students willing to do this.’’

Edwards called it “a beautiful program. I’m always here to support the sergeant (Linen) and the children in any way I can.’’

The POW/MIA ceremony built around an empty chair and a small table reminded all “to remember.

“It is set for one and occupies a place of dignity and honor …

“The chair is empty. They are not here.’’

Commander Diana Sandoval broke down announcing that during the trip to Washington, D.C., a flag was flown over the Air Force Memorial on May 18 in honor of Sgt. Linen’s “dedication.’’

Added Sandoval, “We could never give back all that they have given to us.’’

Eight members of the ROTC program going into the military were honored along with their mothers.

 

—

Would you have been Interested?

—

On the feral cat front, listening in to Alley Cat Allies conversation …

“Phyllis Harris, if you can get me an estimate to spay the female that you believe is pregnant again, I can likely assist with the cost of her surgery, and get a few friends to chip in also.

“I applaud your efforts, and we’ve all been there a time or two, when costs are overwhelming. You are trying your best to do what is right, and that counts an awful lot in my book.

“And the critter’s also. Alley Cat Allies has an awesome suggestion also for assistance that even I was not aware of. Due to health issues, I can’t be as active in TNR as I once was, but I commend all that are helping to do the right thing for these awesome felines!

“Thanks for doin’ whatcha do… ”

— Lisa Wustholz

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There has to be a possible connection here.

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CASA is not just an adobe in South America …

Let’s all listen to Jennifer Henderson going live Wednesday to answer all your questions about advancing the lives of youth AND families in our community, all with a powerful backing.

We call her Jen THE Hen, so let her take you under her wing. She used to be shy.

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Pizza Plaza Reunion Week!

What do you think, pizza veterans? It could spill outside into the Upper Deerfield Shopping Center parking lot in early May!

Sal & Nancy turn back the clock … and the prices … 40 years!

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Saladworks in the Cumberland Mall has been recommended to us because we eat so many salads in addition to carrot cake, pizzas and glazed Dunkin’ donuts.They said you’re allowed to pick six things for you salad.

On Wednesdays, all salads are $6.99, but, then, on Mondays and Thursdays, two senior citizens can eat for the price of one at IHOP.

Read this post from 2011 …

“I’m quite biased to this Salad Works in the mall because they do a great job with handling the NFI Salad Works Club that we have in Vineland.  We have 60+ members at this point I believe, and at times have ordered up to 40 salads for delivery to our work building.”

Can you imagine a business fixated on health with out selling diet supplements or workout equipment?

Why doesn’t Carll’s Corner have a Saladworks?

Why doesn’t DiLisi’s have a salad bar?

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Are we ready to move forward with education in Cumberland County? Are we ready to open up this solution to poverty? Do you always want the good-paying jobs to come from working on an assembly line?

NO!

Get that idea out of your head forever. We deserve better. We deserved jobs that require thinking, like Richard Hoch’s show from 6 to 8 a.m. every Saturday on 92.1 FM.

Knowledge is power! You deserve power!

No dummies! That should be our motto, no matter what it takes!

How many of our youngsters are already behind by the time they reach preschool — and WHY? Why do experts say it’s already to late by the age of 4? Where do we need to put our resources?

You want The Prez at Cumberland County College to work miracles?

You want superintendents making $165,000 a year to throw up their hands and say, “It’s not working!” We don’t need their input to see it’s not working!

Will it take as many social workers as it does teacher to student ratio (13-to-1) to make school work? Not guidance counselors who everybody we ask what did the guidance counselor tell you and they all say “Nothing.”

We’re talking social workers who know the dynamics of EVERY family involved with EVERY student in their charge, and doing something to change the ones not conducive to learning.

Is this where the state needs to put the extra money for efficient learning in poor communities — the poorest county in the state? Do we have to teach life before we teach learning?

Who establishes the strong base? The family? And if the family is not doing it, do we tiptoe around that and rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic?

If it’s never too late, what is the easiest road to it’s never too late. If we were on the radio right now, we would be screaming.

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 YOU CAN BOOK IT: Not everybody can teach and  not everybody can learn, say the excuse makers.

Eagles stress at highest level; Looking for Jim Bergmann; Three most famous words in Bridgeton sports history; Michael DeLeon talking in exclamation points; Bruce ACO Barry on 92.1 FM Saturday at 1 p.m.

The column that the fact that the Eagles could make it to the Super Bowl has caused more stress in the Delaware Valley than has been felt on a season-long basis since the beginning of the NFL, and if we do win on Sunday, what does that say about the stress of the next two weeks as the television and radio media try to fill air time repeating everything that has been said the last two weeks, as Eagles and Cowboys fan get even closer to an all-out war.

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By Jack Hummel

Radio: 92.1 WVLT Saturdays noon to 2 p.m.

Email: jhummel9794@gmail.com

Phone: 856-237-6645

U.S. Army: RA13815980

Google all columns at jackhummelblog

Good evening!

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Historian Jim Bergmann goes international …

“Hi, Jack

“I am trying to contact Jim Bergmann who you often write about.

“I am from the UK and trying to track down the background to a relative who may have died at the Cumberland Nail and Iron works in 1838

“All the info we have is:

“From the Baltimore Sun newspaper, Jul 6 1838:

“DROWNED — Thomas Prosser, employed at the nail factory, Bridgton, (N.J.) was drowned on the 25th inst, in the mill race, near Bridgton, leaving a wife and two children to mourn his loss.

“I am trying to find out if this is the Thomas Prosser from my family and wondered if Jim Bergmann might have some additional information.

“I would be grateful if you could pass this email to him

“Many thanks.”

Anita Prosser

anita@stiff.org.uk

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If anybody can find the answer, it’s Jim Bergmann.

You can stand in Bridgeton City Park and Bergmann can tell you what room you’re in at the Cumberland Nail & Iron Works.

He knows the names of the men who dug the Raceway to supply the power.

The man is a walking encyclopedia.

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Most famous three words in Bridgeton sports history:

“Way to go!”

— Edgar Joyce

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JT Burks nails it …

“Racism has consequences just like any other character flaw. Until that’s realized, this world will continue to be a crazy place. We all a minority at some point or another.”

— JT Burks,

Taking Back Millville

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JT is coming on 92.1 FM on Saturday, Jan. 30, at noon to talk about everything from Millville Midget Football’s championship wins in Canton, Ohio, to Millville PAL basketball to the first Thunderbolt junior to score 1,000 career points.

He may even bring Al Ripa with him.

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Remember, Jennifer Henderson of CASA and Strengthening Families is going to be on Facebook live Wednesday at 10 a.m. to answer any questions you might have, solve any problems you can’t, and she’s way better than California Psychics for getting you “unstuck.”

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Carolscatz is now booking appointments for feral and free-range cats for spay/neuter clinic for Friday, Feb. 

Must be in a trap. Cost is $50 for spay or neuter, rabies vaccination, distemper, vaccination, ear tip and transport to and from the clinic.

Eight slots available  Payment due up front in cash. Two slots available for Friday, Jan. 26.

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Screaming on the substance abuse front …

“11 girls 1 hour. Kids need help! It’s worse than EVER! Almost everyone said they’d go for help, but WHERE?

“Governor Christie lied to New Jersey, spent $42 million on his commercials and billboards telling people there was help readily available. THERE’S NOT! ITS A NATIONAL STATE OF EMERGENCY

“I hopefully can get one girl into detox, but beds are NOT available ON DEMAND! It’s a nightmare!! — in Camden, New Jersey.”

— Michael DeLeon,

Steered Straight

MICHAEL DELEON

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“OMG, I didn’t realize Chris Christie spent that much on the advertising campaign! That money should have went to creating more detox/rehab beds!

“Most addicts, especially the ones on the streets, don’t even see those commercials. What a waste of money. Our state needs to do better.”

— Michelle Marie

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“Politicians are too far removed. They tell us what they think will get them votes. In not saying they aren’t compassionate. But they need to get a call at 9pm from an addicts family member saying the addict wants help right now. Try getting someone help at that hour.”

— Brian Davis

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“OHIO is experiencing the worst of this addiction epidemic, and KIDS are affected the most. Yet, more than 40 middle and high school Administrators in Columbus and Franklin County have said NO to one of the best, most impactful, Year-Long, Evidence-based prevention programs in the Country.

“Some of the excuses: No time, can’t take our kids away from academics, we don’t have a problem, we don’t do assemblies, we’ll call you back, our kids don’t do drugs. What’s Wrong with This Picture?”

— Michael DeLeon

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Communication is a wonderful thing, if it hits the target. And the target is in the schools and neighborhoods.

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Hey, in the meantime, let’s legalize marijuana, because kids are smoking weed anyway!

Let’s lower the drinking age to 14 because kids are doing it anyway, and it will calm their nerves, take away their stress.

It’s all about stress.

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Hey, violent crime is down 7%!

What does that overall statistic mean? Nothing. What does Camden have to do with Bridgeton? What does Newark have to do with Bridgeton?

Deal with the stats in your own community, if that’s your thing. Stats are to look at if you don’t know what else to do.

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And don’t get us started on polls!

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And finally …

“Friends, I will be a guest on Jack Hummel‘s “Jacks Or Better” show on Cruisin’ 92.1 from 1 to 2 p.m. I look to discuss a couple of NJ’s newest bills which have been signed into law; Tethering restriction and proper outdoor shelter law and the revision of animal cruelty law enforcement in NJ. If you get a chance, please listen in and call in!”

— Bruce ACO Barry

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YOU CAN BOOK IT: It’s called the real world on radio every Saturday.

CASA Jennifer going live!; Next CASA training begins Jan. 30; Get DiLisi promotion idea, if we say so ourselves; Pepi Dragotta’s Heroes Foundation; JT Burks basketball update; ‘Weed Between The Lines’ with Michael DeLeon; Ed Andrews: Why get high?; Not enough love; With Andrew Bodine, who needs Marie Osmond?; Campani’s Legacy Lanes

The column that says Jennifer Henderson of Court Appointed Special Advocates is going live on Facebook Wednesday at 10 a.m., so Google the CASA Facebook page and find out how to connect so she can answer all your questions about being an advocate — a voice in Family Court for abused, abandoned children who have no voice, and the next training cycle starts Jan. 30, at 6 p.m., at Kountry Kitchen, on Route 40, in Elmer, and includes a meal and a chance to meet Jonathan Cummings, the man who started Revive South Jersey and wound up getting an apartment to use as a classroom/mentoring place at Bridgeton Villas, but don’t bother him during Little League season because he has a son at every level.

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By Jack Hummel

Radio: 92.1 FM WVLT Saturdays noon to 2 p.m.

Email: jhummel9794@gmail.com

Pone: 856-237-6645

U.S. Army: RA13815980

Good evening!

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Great idea for a DiLisi’s Ristorante promotion moving forward with Tony Passarello pushing the new menu.

For one week, go  down memory lane when it was called Pizza Plaza with the same great food as today and slash the entree prices to yesteryear for senior citizens who remember those days so they can enjoy it again.

New menu, new waitresses in uniform, but the same ol’ you make a great trilogy.

And put it on Bridgeton Memory Lane.

And wait until you meet Sydney, who found Hawaii poor looking and not what she expected, and Sabrina, who will sit down and eat with you if your salad comes out without the light ranch dressing you ordered, because she will reorder and eat the other one.

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Pepi Dragotta’s Heroes Foundation rides again …

Here is how it all began.

“Pepi Dragotta … went into cardiac arrest on the soccer field while playing a parents vs. the kids game with his 8-year-old son, Hunter.

“Pepi is only 39 years old and is an amazing husband and father to his three beautiful children.

“Fortunately, lots of other parents were there so once they realized he had collapsed, they checked for pulse and started CPR immediately. EMS arrived and had to use the defibrillator on him while waiting for the ambulance.

“Soon after, the helicopter came and he was airlifted to Cooper Medical Center.

“He is facing quadruple bypass surgery.

“The goal is $5,000 with $2,275 raised in 22 hours.”

— Jennifer Cline Federico

It turned out to be six bypasses by Dr. Highbloom at Cooper, the same surgeon who did us.

The donations flooded in, so Pepi started his foundation.

If you want to contribute to the Pepi Dragotta Foundation to make sure there are enough defibrillators everywhere to treat heart attacks, send your check to Pepi Dragotta, P.O. Box 225, Rosenhayn, NJ 08352.

But the former Bridgeton Midget Football coach and Pittsgrove Midget Football coach would rather see you in person on Feb. 24 at Centerton Country Club.

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Are we talking Millville PAL basketball here?

“Great 1st win, team, 22-2.

“Jerrell Burks player of the game 18 pts, 1ast, 2rebs, 6stls, 1blk.”

— JT Burks

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Hope it wasn’t against Bridgeton!

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“I AM SO SICK OF ADDICTION! I HATE IT, HATE IT, HATE IT!

“I just don’t know how much more loss we can take?”

— Michael DeLeon,

Steered Straight

“Weed Between The Lines” on his website.

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Michael is going to talk to the CASA advocates at Kountry Kitchen in April, and we promised Jennifer Henderson we’ll be there.

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“I ASK: Why does a person want to get high, and, if they do, they could cause problems.”

— Ed Andrews,

former Millville High coach

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They’re not loved, Ed. Simple as that. When you want to matter, you’ll listen to anyone who appears to care.

Broken homes, dysfunctional families, cycles repeating.

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Who needs Mayo Clinic or Marie Osmond …

“People crack me up with all theses fancy diets and exercise programs. I know I shouldn’t be on the cover of a fitness magazine but I do know FITNESS IS NOT THAT COMPLICATED! Move more and eat less is all you really needed to do….IT IS REALLY THAT SIMPLE. Just takes a little will power. Gradual change is the way you go. It’s the only way you will stay with it. Example…nothing fancy, just moved more and ate less.”

— Andrew Bodine

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What’s happening at Campani’s Legacy Lanes …

WEEKLY RESULTS OF 01-15-2017
MONDAY MENS NIGHT
ALFRED PIERCE	279-206-247
CHRIS HUNTLEY	241-226-245
TOM HUCK	257-253-190
FRED KENDALL	216-230-219
JAMES MESSECK	223-221-215
JIM SANTORA	179-216-245
DAVE ZIEGER SR	190-237-210
ORVILLE JOHNSON	236-205-192
HARRY WEEKS	236-170-224
RICH GRIFFITH	176-213-235
STEPHANIE ARCHETTO	206-239-179
JOE DIPRIMO JR	192-235-193
TED DENOFIO	240-193-182
BOB DUBOIS	200-189-217
ANDREW DUBOIS	190-221-191
DAVE ZIEGER JR	156-221-223
TUESDAY MIXED SOCIAL
BRIAN SHIFLET	162-247-229
FRED KENDALL	190-206-226
ALFRED PIERCE	217-162-227
DIANA SORELLE	208-204-187
BRIDGETON CHURCH LEAGUE
ERIC JOHNSON	278-207-191
LEON FITHIAN	188-212-214
PETE SAMMS	192-212-207
PAUL LAWRENCE	182-188-235
KEN PERRY	197-203-202
BOBBIE HOUGH	209-196-194
BOB RIGGINS	181-209-191
RON WILSON	174-155-233
JOE GUINTA	168-202-165
CLARENCE NEWTON	151-158-*226
RICKY DIXON	181-173-170
JIM BOSWELL	192-154-169
LARRY DAVIS	163-178-161
COFFEE AND DONUT
DONNA MORRIS	157-221-168
GOLDEN AGE
SUGIE HENRY SR	166-189-222
RANDY DICKERSON	152-202-179
ROE GRESMER	169-200-150
DAVE HITCHNER	136-170-209

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YOU CAN BOOK IT: From Bodine to bowling in getting fit.