January 10, 2003

By Amy J. Martin

The Pitman Welfare Department�s Annual Christmas Party, sponsored in conjunction with the Salvation Army, was aided this year by the Philadelphia Eagles� Alumni Association and the Pitman Police Department, when the four groups combined forces to hold a Christmas Party for those in need on December 22 in the Pitman High School Cafeteria.

Hundreds of area residents contributed presents for the event, so many presents in fact, that after their generous distribution to local children, the remainder were donated to other organizations for disbursement to additional families in need this past holiday season.

More than 400 gifts were donated, mostly from anonymous sources, said Pitman Police Captain Robert Zimmerman. "It�s really unbelievable the support we received from the community," said Zimmerman, who spearheaded the Pitman Police Department�s effort with the help of Sergeant Dan McAteer.

Former Eagles, as well as some current Eagles (just off the plane from Dallas), were on hand to sign autographs and meet with party attendees. "The Eagles seldom get a chance to come to South Jersey, so this is nice," said Harold Carmichael, President of the Eagles� Alumni Association.

Eagles wide receiver James Thrash, looking somewhat tired from the Eagles� game the previous evening, proved a particular hit with those in attendance, signing autographs and conversing with the crowd. "I enjoy giving back to the community," he said of his Sunday sacrifice.

Other Eagles on hand for the event included Vince Papale, an Eagles wide receiver during 1976-79, Will Lynne, James Betterson, Dick Lucas, Gene Ceppetelli, Lee Bougess and Mike Evans.

Pitman Welfare Director Kim Jaworski, Mrs. Hagerty (aka Mrs. Santa Claus) and Scrooge (aka Councilman Walt Madison) also paid a visit. In fact, Scrooge, under cafeteria arrest, was brought in handcuffed by several police officers.

Giving kids a needed break!

By Patti Kelley

The annual Christmas party for Kids Who Need a Break was held on Saturday, December 21, 2002, in the Social Hall of the Pitman United Methodist Church. All the participants (children ages four through 10) in attendance were treated to lunch, including cookies and ice cream for dessert.

Entertainment was provided by Freda the Clown, and of course Santa delivered a huge bag of toys to each child. Every family attending the party took home a fruit basket.

The Party Committee, who prefers to remain anonymous, would like to thank Willie Golway and friends for their help, and the community for their very generous support as well as several high school students who volunteered their energy and talents. The committee would also like to recognize Freda the Clown who was celebrating her 28th year assisting at the party.

The party, founded by the late Fritz Davenport, a former Pitman postmaster who passed away in 1996, is funded by anonymous contributors, and has been held for more than 50 years. The committee thanks all those who contribute to the collection jars placed in various locations throughout downtown Pitman.

Pitman Borough Council reorganizes for 2003

Following a brief invocation by former Pitman Councilman Will Downham, , Pitman Borough Council reorganized for the new year on January 6.

Annual reports for 2002 were presented by Councilpersons Walt Madison, Alice Polocz, Robin Mollenhauer, Michael Brewer, Willard Downham and Council President Chris Wilson. A plaque and gift were presented to outgoing Councilwoman Alice Polocz by Mayor Bruce Ware in recognition of her decade of service on the governing body. Oaths of office were taken by incumbent Robin Mollenhauer and newly elected Councilman Mike Batten . Appointments for the new year are listed below.

This information was provided to us just prior to press time. Look for additional coverage in the next issue of Pitman Today.

Standing Committees for 2003

Public Property, Grove, and Grants Coordinator - Director Madison/ Councilman Downham

Planning, Zoning, and Construction Office - Director Batten/ Councilman Brewer

Public Works - Director Mollenhauer/ Council President Madison

Finance, Audit, Personnel - Director Brewer/ Councilman Wilson

Environmental, Recreation, and Welfare - Director Downham/ Councilman Batten

Public Safety, Office of Emergency Management & Fire - Director Wilson/ Councilman Mollenhaue

Special Councilmanic Appointments 2003

Alcyon Lake Park Commission - Willard Downham/Michael Batten

Board of Health - Willard Downham/Robin Mollenhauer

Economic Develop. Representative - Michael Brewer/ Walt Madison

Historic Commission - Michael Batten

Insurance - Michael Brewer

Library Board Representative - Willard Downham

Memorabilia Committee - Michael Batten/Walt Madison

Municipal Alliance Committee - Michael Brewer/Chris Wilson

Pitman Business Association - Walt Madison

Public Assistance - Willard Downham/Robin Mollenhauer

Public Events - Walt Madison/Michael Brewer

School Board Representative - Robin Mollenhauer/ Willard Downha

2003 PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS______________________Term Years

Borough Auditor Jones & Clark 1

Borough Solicitor John Matheussen, Esq. 1

Labor Attorney Stephen Suflas, Esq. 1

Bond Counsel Dilworth, Paxson LLP 1

Borough Engineer Remington & Vernick 1

Tax Map Maintenance Officer John H. Datz 1

Municipal Judge J.R. Powell 3

Prosecutor Robert Becker, Esq. 1

Municipal Defender Rex Roldan, Esq. 1

Municipal Improvement Search Officer Jay Todd 1

Tax Search Officer Beth Walls 1

Registrar of Vital Statistics Susan Weaver 3

Superintendent of Public Works Clarence Brown 1

Asst. Supt. of Public Works Andrew Eisenhart 1

Recreation Director Roy Harmon 1

Personnel Director Jay Todd 1

Zoning Officer Edward Campbell 1

Librarian Linda Anderson 1

Court Administrator AnneMarie Camilli 1

Deputy Court Administrator Donna McIlvaine 1

Fire Safety Inspector Craig Camarote 1

Fire Safety Inspector Cathy Henry 1

Housing Officer Edward Campbell 1

Code Enforcement Officer Edward Campbell 1

911 Coordinator Charles Hausmann 1

Safety Coordinator Herb Godfrey 1

Insurance Fund Commisioner Mark Dudichum 1

Risk Management Consultant Len Eckman 1

Affirmative Action Officer Jay Todd 1

Welfare Director Kim Jaworski 1

Environmental Commission Frank Kane 3

Environmental Commission Jess Everett 3

Historic Preservation Commission Eric Sprengle 4

Historic Preservation Commission (2nd alt) Susan Cancglin 4

Planning Board William Kephart 4

Planning Board Ronald Fijalkowski 1

Planning Board (2nd alt) Clark Pierpont 2

Zoning Board Roger Baker 4

Zoning Board Daniel Fisher 4

Zoning Board (1st alt) Brian DeGori 2

Zoning Board (2nd alt) David Owens 2

Board of Health Robert Ash 4

Memorabilia Committee Dawn Ritzler 3

McCowan Library Board of Trustees Eileen Roberts 5

McCowan Library Board of Trustees Bruce Bergeron 5

McCowan Library Board of Trustees Will Downham 1

McCowan Library Building Committee Mayor Bruce Ware 1

McCowan Library Building Committee Will Downham 1

McCowan Library Building Committee Linda Anderson 1

McCowan Library Building Committee Dave Mellish 1

McCowan Library Building Committee Marsha Hahn 1

McCowan Library Building Committee Jane McCausland 1

McCowan Library Building Committee Judy Lohmann 1

McCowan Library Building Committee Pete Kandle 1

Board of Fire Engineers

Fire Chief Tony Gresko 1

Fire Marshall Kevin Austin 1

Fire Company No. 1

Chief Clark Pierpont 2

1st Assistant Chief Greg Senior 2

2nd Assistant Chief Jeff Alber 2

Pitman Fire Patrol

Chief Charles Hausman 1

1st Assistant Chief Wayne Ashton 1

2nd Assistant Chief Arron Parker 1

Highland Chemical Engine Co.

Chief Bruce Scott 1

1st Assistant Chief Carl Ennis 1

2nd Assistant Chief Rich DiPalma 1

By Tom Wilk

The new year will bring a new restaurant to downtown Pitman. Heroes, located at 34 S. Broadway, the former site of the Broadway Cafe, will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

"We�re hoping to open by the end of January or the first of February," said Heroes owner Jack Lescure, a Pitman native and borough resident. He and his wife, Sandy, purchased the restaurant in the fall of 2001.

"I was coming down the street and I saw the �For Sale� sign and told my wife," he recalled. "I felt it was a shame for it to be sitting there and I always wanted to run my own business," added Lescure, who works as an insurance adjuster.

Lescure, who worked in a restaurant as a teenager, has been renovating Heroes over the past year. New carpeting has been installed and the old booths of the Broadway Cafe removed, making the restaurant seem larger. He has replaced the booths with seven tables. "We have 16 seats at the counter and will be able to seat between 40 and 50 people at a time," Lescure said.

Three television sets have been installed along the counter to allow customers to watch the morning news or other programs. Initially, Lescure hoped to open for business earlier than this year but found aspects of the renovation took longer than expected.

"We took down the paneling and found 20 layers of wallpaper underneath," he recalled. Lescure also had to make renovations in the kitchen and cleanup area to meet municipal regulations. "A guy�s coming in to finish up the duct work," he added on a recent Saturday morning.

Heroes is paying tribute to firefighters and law enforcement personnel with displays of memorabilia on the walls. Lescure already has put up a firefighter�s jacket and helmet plus a fire alarm. "I have one son who is a fireman and one who is a Fire Explorer," he said.

The restaurant�s walls also include athletic memorabilia, ranging from a 1993 Philadelphia Phillies pennant to photographs from the now-defunct Alcyon Speedway in Pitman to Pitman athletic jerseys and newspaper articles.

After the long hours spent in renovating Heroes, Lescure is eager to open for business. He hopes to attract patrons from the Broadway Theatre across the street from his restaurant. "We�ll start with breakfast and lunch and try different hours for dinner to see what works," he said.

Ambacher makes All Eastern Orchestra

By Todd Brattstrom

Kate Ambacher, a Pitman High School senior, received a phone call late one night in early December from her flute teacher, Ms. Rona Aysque, informing her she would no longer be an alternate for the All Eastern Orchestra, but was instead going to be a performer.

Pleasantly surprised, the talented flutist had been placed high enough to be an alternate for the rehearsals and concert in Rhode Island during the month of March. This was no small feat considering dozens of students from 13 states auditioned for 18 seats in the flute section of the prestigious, select orchestra. The concert will be held on March 9 in Rhode Island.

"I was disappointed I had only made alternate, but when I got the call from my teacher it really got me psyched," Kate recalls of her notification.

Ambacher, daughter of Rick and Marjorie Ambacher, is a member of the Pitman High School Chapter of the National Honor Society, National Art Honors Society, and Tri-M (Modern Music Masters).

While in seventh grade, she was first selected to play in the South Jersey Orchestra and has been playing with other music students who share such strong musical talent and enthusiasm for the past six years. In 2002 she was chosen to participate in the New Jersey All State Orchestra. She says this has been her happiest moment in her musical career thus far.

Ambacher has also had much success playing on the Girl�s Varsity Tennis team. In her sophomore and junior years she played doubles, and this year debuted as first singles.

After high school Ambacher plans to attend either The College of New Jersey, Montclair State University, or Rutgers University New Brunswick. When she completes her college education she would like to play in a professional orchestra and perhaps teach private lessons.

Field trip provides insight into social reform

By Patti Kelley

Three bus loads of U.S. History I classes departed Pitman High School on December 12, 2002, for a field trip to Philadelphia, Pa., where they toured the Eastern State Penitentiary and Girard College in the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia. The purpose behind visiting these two locations was to learn about social reform. Both institutions were opened in the mid 1800�s and were considered "symbols of progressive modern principles."

At the time that Eastern Penitentiary was built, it was founded on a novel concept put forth by the Quakers. Students learned that the prison was built to isolate each prisoner individually, which would hopefully lead to contemplation and optimistically, to a life without crime. The significance of the building, and its design, was not wasted on students. It was a freezing, damp, dreary day for a visit to a prison. The tourists were required to wear hard hats, which helped keep water that was dripping from the walls and ceiling off their heads.

The purpose of visiting Girard College was also social reform, but of a different type. The school was established as a boarding institution for orphaned white males in 1848 with the admission of its first 100 students. Today, it is a college preparatory school for grades 1 through 12 and almost every senior continues their education after graduation. At its largest, there were 1700 boys in the 1930�s, but the school became the subject of a civil rights issue in the 1960�s. The Supreme Court ordered the school to integrate by 1968, and in 1984, the first girls were admitted. Today, the school is equally divided between girls and boys, and 80% of the student population is black. Those admitted to the school today are orphans, having lost one or both parents, and must be in financial need.

There was a sharp contrast between Pitman students and the Girard students, which became obvious as the tour progressed. Pitman students were dressed in typical teenage attire. Girard students were easily identified by their burgundy or navy blazers, gray pants, and lack of headphones. The Pitman students were broken into small groups with two Girard students as guides. This gave everyone an opportunity for questions and answers. It also gave students a chance to hear their stories.

Curtis, a Girard senior, has two older brothers who have graduated from the school. He wasn�t going to go, but a slight bullet grazing in a "drive by playground shooting" changed his mind. He hopes to attend the University of Pittsburgh next year to major in mechanical engineering.

Denise, a sophomore, has been at Girard for 11 years, and is hoping to become a psychiatrist. She admitted to being homesick "until about third grade." All of the students questioned conceded that they were homesick when they first started at the school.

Pitman students were impressed by the small classes, game rooms, and facilities, some even inquiring about applying and attending Girard. With only 27 seniors set to graduate from Girard this year, it is a much smaller school than PHS.

Obituaries

Raymond L. Atkinson, 63, of Glassboro, passed away December 15, 2002, in Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, Camden.

Born and raised in Glassboro, he resided there all his life. Mr. Atkinson was a 1957 Glassboro High School graduate. He served with the Navy Reserves from 1957 until 1963. He was employed by Metrologic, Blackwood as an electronics technician for the past six years. Mr. Atkinson served with the Glassboro Fire Department Co. #1 for 35 years, serving as its treasurer and working on several committees. He enjoyed fishing -- especially surf fishing, golfing and relaxing in Ocean City.

Mr. Atkinson is survived by his wife, Janet (Davis); three daughters, Cheryl Marker (Rory) of New Albany, Indiana, Cindy Sykes (Robert) of Pitman, and Channon Armstrong (Troy) of Glassboro; one brother, Richard of Ocoee, Fla.; two sisters, Edna Klein of Glassboro and Patricia Figarola of Orlando, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Michael Chesseman Jr., Meghan Cheeseman, Sarah Marker, Lucas Marker, Robert Sykes Jr., Gillian Armstrong and Daniel Armstrong.

Services were held in the Mathis Funeral Home, Glassboro.

Contributions may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 3 Forest Street, New Canaan, Ct. 06840; or to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016.

Ronald Lee Blakeslee, 64, of Pitman, passed away suddenly on December 24.

Mr. Blakeslee was a lifelong Pitman resident. He had been employed as a stock manager for the former SuperFresh supermarket in Doubletree, Glassboro. He enjoyed collecting stamps and fishing. He also held a General Amateur Radio License since 1964, with his radio call being WA3EOB

Mr. Blakeslee is survived by two sons, Ronald Lee Blakeslee, Jr. and Jeffrey Wayne Blakeslee; three grandchildren; two brothers, Gerald A. Blakeslee, Sr. of Milton, Del. and Robert J. Blakeslee of Pitman; and four sisters, Janet S. Gagne and Linda A. Burns, both of Woodbury, Sandra J. Powers of Milton, Del. and Susan A. Goetz of San Diego, Calif.; also many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Services were held in the Haines Funeral Home, Pitman. Burial was in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hurffville.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Blakeslee�s name may be made to Pitman Fire Patrol, P.O. Box 37, Pitman, NJ 08071.

James J. Buckley, 73, of Wenonah, passed away December 20, 2002, at home.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa., Mr. Buckley had been a Wenonah resident since 1948. He retired in 1986 from Struthers-Dunn, Inc., Pitman, after 38 years. He started in the maintenance and machine shops, until 1972 when he became a lab technician. In 1976 he became the company�s purchasing agent until his retirement.

An avid traveler, Mr. Buckley also enjoyed time with his grandchildren at the shore. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Germany from 1950-53.

Mr. Buckley was married to his wife of 43 years, Jean A. (Lemmer); one daughter Valerie Murray (Richard) of Norma; four grandchildren, James Green, Holly Spigelmyer and Rebecca and Kaitlin Murray; five great-grandchildren; one nephew and three nieces.

Services were held in the Kelley Funeral Home, Pitman. Burial was in Manahath Cemetery, Glassboro.

Contributions may be made to the Wenonah Ambulance Association, 14 S. West Avenue, Wenonah, NJ 08090; or to the American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 or to the American Heart Association.

Jean A. Buckley, 72, passed away December 29, 2002 at her Wenonah home where she had resided since 1948. She was retired from Owens Illinois, Glassboro, and was also a homemaker. She was a member of the Salem and Wenonah historical societies and was an avid animal lover.

Wife of the late James J., Mrs. Buckley is survived by one daughter, Valerie Murray (Richard) of Norma; one brother, Carl Lemmer, Jr. of Pitman; four grandchildren, James Green, Holly Spigelmyer, and Rebecca and Kaitlin Murray; and five great-grandchildren.

Services were held in the Kelley Funeral Home, Pitman. Burial was in Manahath Cemetery, Glassboro.

Contributions may be made to the Wenonah Ambulance Association, 14 South West Avenue, Wenonah, NJ 08090.

Eugene E. deMers, of Mantua, passed away December 21, 2002 at home.

Born in Camden, he resided in Mantua Township for 44 years. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, where he played basketball, football and ran track. A Navy veteran, he served in World War II. Locally, he worked as a boilermaker at the Gloucester County justice complex. He was a former coach for the Mantua Athletic Association an, a former member of the Democrat Committee, and a member of the John 3:16 Assembly of God, Deptford.

Husband of the late Inez, he survived by his children, Donna Milner of Pitman, Debbie Licciardelli of Mullica Hill, Denice Kramer of Mantua, Michael of Mantua, Scott of West Deptford, Glenn of Mantua; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by one son, the late Gene deMers, Sr.

Services were held in the Smith Funeral Home, Mantua. Burial was in Wenonah Cemetery, Wenonah.

Contributions may be made to John 3:16 Assembly of God, c/o 1536 North Glassboro Road, Wenonah, NJ 08090.

Elizabeth "Betty" S. Dike (Smith), 80, of Pitman, passed away December 25, 2002 in Cardinal Village, Washington Township.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Mrs. Dike moved to Pitman in 1962. She was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Pitman, where she served as the church organist for 30 years. She was also a member of the Alter Guild, Trinity Gold, and American Guild of Organists.

Mrs. Dike is survived by three children and their spouses, David and Virginia Dike of Warrenton, Va., Isabel and Eric Gray of Lee, New Hampshire, and Grace and Bud Yahnke of Pitman; two sisters, Lois Johnston of Wallingford, Pa. and Peggy Ann Friday of New Holland, Pa.; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul A.

Services were held in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Pitman. Burial was in Manahath Cemetery, Glassboro. Arrangements were under the direction of the Kelley Funeral Home, Pitman.

Contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of the Church of the Good Shepherd, 315 Highland Terrace, Pitman, NJ 08071.

Cheryl L. Gallagher (Hannum), 54, passed away December 21, 2002, in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Camden.

A Pitman resident for most of her life, Mrs. Gallagher was a homemaker. She was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Pitman, where she was an Eucharist Minister, a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, The St. Vincent DePaul Society and the Legion of Mary.

Mrs. Gallagher is survived by her husband, James J.; two children, Esther (Robert) Doody of Sewell and James Jr. of Pitman; her father, Louis G. Hannum, Sr.; and three brothers, Michael Hannum of Mullica Hill, and Louis, Jr. and Mark P. Hannum, both of Montana. She was predeceased by her mother, Helen M. Hannum.

A funeral mass was held in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Pitman. Burial was in Holy Name of Jesus Cemetery, Mullica Hill. Arrangements were under the direction of the Kelley Funeral Home, Pitman.

Contributions may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, 161 Pitman Avenue, Pitman, NJ 08071.

C. Myrtle Kuhn (Irwin), 92, of Cross Keys, Washington Township, passed away January 3 at home.

A lifelong Cross Keys resident, Mrs. Kuhn was a homemaker and helped with the family farm. She was a member of the Rebekah�s and served as President of the Assembly of N.J. in 1982. She was a member of the Cross Keys United Methodist Church. Mrs. Kuhn was also an avid traveler and camper.

Wife of the late Edward F., Sr., Mrs. Kuhn is survived by one son, Edward F., Jr. and his wife Terry of Pitman; one sister, Mary Roun of Washington Township; and four grandchildren, John G. III, Edward F., III, Thomas B. and Timothy G. She was predeceased by one son, John.

Services were held in the Kelley Funeral Home, Pitman. Burial was in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hurffville.

Contributions may be made to the Cross Keys United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 1644 N. Main Street, Williamstown, NJ 08094.

Louis M. Lawrence, 74, of Pitman, passed away December 18, 2002 at home.

Born in Paulsboro, he formerly lived in West Deptford. He moved to Pitman in 1980. Mr. Lawrence retired in 1989 from the maintenance department of West Deptford Township.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dolores E. (Baals); three children, Edward of Texas, Edna McLaughlin of Clayton and Helen Bryant of Elmer; two sisters, Betty Titor of Connecticut and Barbara Curtis of Bridgeport; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Services were held in the Kelley Funeral Home, Pitman. Cremation was private.

Marilyn L. Matyasik (Klein), 59, passed away December 25 in Hahneman Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.

Born in New York, she lived in Pitman for the past 33 years. Mrs. Matyasik was a homemaker.

She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Ronald W.; two children, Kevin and Karen, both of Pitman; and three sisters, Patricia Jenkins of Washington Township, Kathy Lewis of Monroeville and Jane Kraus of Washington Township.

A funeral mass was held in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Pitman. Burial was in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hurffville. Arrangements were under the direction of the Kelley Funeral Home, Pitman.

Ethel Sheldon McBride, 88, of Pitman, passed away December 14, 2002 in Pitman Manor, Pitman.

Born in Berlin Heights, Ohio, Mrs. McBride was a 1932 graduate of Lorain High School, Lorain, Ohio. She moved to Wenonah in 1950. In 1970, she and her husband retired to Bradenton, Florida. Mrs. McBride returned to the Pitman area two years ago.

A former member of the Wenonah Methodist Church, Wenonah, she and her husband were charter members of the Faith United Methodist Church, Bradenton, Fla. Mrs. McBride was a longtime member of the Pitman Order of the Eastern Star #57, where she sang in the choir.

Prior to retirement, she had worked as a receptionist for Dr. George R. McBath of Woodbury. Mrs. McBride enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family.

Mrs. McBride was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Allen Carl McBride, who passed away in 1999. She is survived by her children, Allen C. and Sandra McBride of Mickleton and Judith L. and Ronald Kuriander of Sarasota, Fla.; her grandchildren, Beth M. and Thomas D. Foley II of Paulsboro, Alane McBride Champion of Mantua and her fiance David Horner, Ted and Colleen Storms of Clermont, Fla., Allen Storms of Sarasota, Fla., Karen Storms and Simon Hewitt of Hertfordshire, England; and great-grandchildren Laura Beth Foley of Paulsboro and Robert Allen Storms of Clermont, Fla.

Services were held in the McBride-Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro. Burial was in Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro.

Contributions may be made to the Fellowship Fund of Pitman Manor, 535 North Oak Avenue, Pitman, NJ 08071.

Dr. Richard Mitchell, 73, passed away December 27, 2002, in his Pitman home.

Born in 1929 in Brooklyn, NY, Dr. Mitchell attended the University of the South and Syracuse University, where he obtained a Ph.D. in American Literature of the South. An English professor, Dr. Mitchell taught classical and Western literature at Rowan University (formerly Glassboro State College)) from 1963 until the fall of 2002. He wrote and published The Underground Grammarian newsletter for many years. He was also the author of four books on the subject of language and education, including "Less Than Words Can Say", "The Gaves of Academe", "The Tower of Babel" and "The Gift of Fire".

Dr. Mitchell is survived by his wife, Francis (McNeily); four daughters, Amanda Merritt (Tom) of Hurley, NY, Felicity Myers (Hugh) of Boise, ID, Sonia Armstrong (Burke) of Voorhees, and Daphne Keller (Philip) of Red Bank; and five grandchildren, Laura, Walker, Daniel, Reuben and Jane.

As per Dr. Mitchell�s request, services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the Haines Funeral Home, Pitman.

Anne Elizabeth Paternoster (Ferris), 72, of Haddonfield, passed away December 17, 2002 in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Camden.

A 39 year resident of Haddonfield, Mrs. Paternoster grew up in Kingston, Pa. and attended St. Ann�s Academy and College, Misericordia, where she graduated with honors in 1952. In 1954 she moved to South Jersey and began teaching at Pitman High School. While teaching in Pitman she met George Paternoster, a history teacher, and they were married in 1958. Mr. Paternoster was a teacher and high school administrator. He was named principal of Cinnaminson High School in 1968 and served there until his death in 1974.

Mrs. Paternoster dedicated her life to her family, friends, her students and fellow teachers. Her passion was teaching Latin and mythology. She was chiefly responsible for the Latin department at Lenape High School. For many years she accompanied her students to Italy and Greece, and was named "Teacher of the Year" by the Lenape School District in 1999. She retired from Lenape in 1999, but continued to teach English as a Second Language for foreign speaking professionals at Rowan University, Camden campus.

Mrs. Paternoster was also a dedicated sports fan. She rarely missed watching her beloved Notre Dame and Dallas Cowboy football games. She also enjoyed spending summers at North Lake, Sweet Valley, Pa.

She is survived by one daughter, Mary Alice Seybert (Joseph) of Collingswood; two sons, Neil G. (Donna) and J.D. (Carmen), both of Philadelphia, Pa.; six grandchildren, Katie, Christopher and Annie Seybert and Ava Leo, John Paul and Ava Paternoster; and one brother, Jim Ferris of Kingston, Pa.

A funeral mass was held in Christ the King Church, Haddonfield. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Cherry Hill.

Memorial donations in Mrs. Paternoster�s name may be made to Lourdes Health Foundation, 1600 Haddon Avenue, Camden, NJ 08103.

Lawrence J. Thompson, 59, passed away December 5, 2002, in his Pitman home.

Formerly of Grenloch, Mr. Thompson was a 1962 Williamstown High School graduate.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis J.; three sons, Lawrence J. Jr., and Kenneth H., both of Pitman, and Jeffrey C., currently serving with the United States Army in Germany; six grandchildren; four sisters, Jennie Messic of Sewell, Irene Foster of Pitman, Charlotte Andaloro of Woodbury and his twin sister, Loretta Keel, of Blackwood.

Services were held in the Kelley Funeral Home, Pitman. Burial was in Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro.

Contributions may be made to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Dr., Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053-9841.

Rudolph J. Valentino, 68, of Sewell, passed way December 11, 2002 in Underwood-Memorial Hospital, Woodbury.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa., he moved to Sewell in 1987. He retired from the Philadelphia Gas Works in 1994 after 42 years of service as a chemist. He enjoyed playing the piano.

Mr. Valentino is survived by his wife, Charlotte (Maier); four children, Paul of Bellmawr, Charlotte Szczepanski of Pennsauken, Mark of Philadelphia and John of Monroeville; one brother, John of Springfield, Pa.; and 12 grandchildren.

A memorial mass was held in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Pitman. Arrangements were under the direction of the Kelley Funeral Home, Pitman.

Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.

PHS chapter of the National Honor Society inducts 22

The Pitman High School Chapter of the National Honor Society inducted 22 new members on Monday, December 9, 2002 at 7 pm in the high school auditorium.

New inductees included Traci Arnold, Kaitlyn Bazzel, Stephanie Berg, Michelle Chiappini, Heather Cunningham, Andrew DeGeorge, Mark Deltufo, Heidi Dybeck, Brittney Gangemi, Heather Gerson, Isaac Kline, Sydney Madole, Brooke McMaster, Patrick Mulhall, Amy Nazer, Katelyn Ondrejack, Amy Palilonis, Melissa Settar, Nicole Smith, Stephanie Snyder, Colleen Van Kirk and Sarah Whittinghill.

Students must meet high standards of scholarship, leadership, service, and character to be eligible for membership.

Members were evaluated by the Pitman High School faculty and selected for membership by the Faculty Council.

Hope and Joy unite as one

By Karen Finn

Timing is everything. After a conversation with Joy Community Fellowship Church�s teaching elders, Jim Myers and John Quay, there�s no doubt that their timing has been divinely directed. Both congregations, Hope and Joy, have joined together as one religious entity, a transition that took place only after serious, prayerful consideration. The recent action has resulted in a miraculous display of unity and support, spiritually strengthening its core of believers.

Since mid-September, church attendants at the 309 Florence Avenue establishment have witnessed not only an answer to prayer, but may have collectively contributed to its very visible outcome.

"John and I were in prayer for a year over it, although we had discussed it for some time before that," says Myers. "We had our strengths, yet, each congregation also had its needs," he adds, describing how the two churches complemented one another. "Once we saw what those needs were, we could seriously look into doing something about it."

In existence since September 1999, Hope Community Church personnel once utilized the gymnasium at Lambs Road Cathedral in Sewell for Sunday worship services. As attendance and membership grew, it became increasingly difficult to make arrangements for fellowship and youth-sponsored activities without a centralized location. Hope�s needs were to find a facility to host its youth activities and to acquire permanent quarters for worship, Myers recalls.

Through it all, Myers says he saw God working in the midst of it. A mutual acquaintance from Joy put Myers in touch with The Firehouse, Joy�s student community center and meeting place for junior and senior high students. An invitation to combine youth ministries was extended and accepted. Hope�s use of The Firehouse alleviated the need for a separate youth center. Additionally, those already skilled in leadership roles joined Joy�s staff of ministry volunteers, enhancing and expanding its potential.

"We began the youth ministries co-jointly with Hope," recollects Dan Bowers, Director of Student Ministries at Joy, noting that many of the volunteer leaders from both churches have worked together since October 2000. Bowers believes that the joint effort displayed in running The Firehouse program can be a prototype for the Joy and Hope merge. "I think that we�re going to be stronger," says Bowers.

Simultaneously, Quay and Myers sensed that the Lord was directing them to combine even more. "We saw synergy. There wasn�t pride involved and it wasn�t about ego," explains Quay. "It was our desire for Christ to be glorified. In so many ways we can�t take credit for what has happened."

Myers agrees. "It took a great deal of discernment. I prayed regularly for wisdom," he says.

As the two teaching elders prayed together about the decision, they got to know each other better and recognized that they were kindred spirits, in total agreement with the proposal. "We realized we could accomplish much more for the Lord, if we combined the two bodies," says Quay, who describes the "fit" as like a "hand and a glove".

Eventually, both men shared the burden to pray about the decision with the elders from their churches, and then passed it onto their members.

"By the time it came down to vote, people had information, had asked questions and had been praying about the decision as well," says Quay. "The feedback was good. People were seeing it (the uniting) in a bigger light -- they were seeing our strengths and weaknesses fitting together." More than 95% of the people from both congregations approved of the merge.

When asked about the future plans for their church, the elders responded optimistically, hopeful that Joy, a member of the Evangelical Free Church of America will minister effectively to those "in and out of the body," as Myers phrases it. "I pray that we would reach the lost, those who don�t know Christ," says Myers. "All of our goals should be based upon: are we reaching people in the community effectively, and are people growing deeper in their relationship with God?"

"I�ll be able to take more time to counsel and minister to others, and be more available to train up others and involve them in the ministry," answers Quay. "We want the congregation to think collectively," he summarizes. "Wouldn�t it please God more if we come together and bless Him by working together?"

Did someone mention timing? Perhaps Myers� observation reflects a truer explanation for Joy�s successful endeavor: "God is putting the people together."

SPORTING VIEW

By P.J. Morrison

With every winter sports team starting down their schedules, Pitman High School sporting action has gotten off to a relatively mediocre start. Despite slow starts in the face of tough opening schedules by the basketball teams, both the swimming and wrestling teams picked up the slack with exceptional starts. Keep a close eye on all teams throughout the season, as none have yet to reach their full potential.

Swimming

With the pool closed to meets during the holidays, the Pitman Swim Team only had one meet on its schedule. This meet was against a weaker Gloucester team, and the Panthers handled them with relative ease. The Panthers touched the wall first in every single event enroute to a 133-50 blowout. The win gives the team a 3-1 record on the year.

Wrestling

The Panther Wrestling team opened the season in impressive fashion with a 51-27 victory over Deptford. The Panthers pounced out to an early lead as Keros Cooper opened the match with a pin followed by a fall by Eric Larson, but the match was tied 18-18 going back around to the lower weights. That set the stage for Derek Brown, whose major decision at 103 gave the Panthers the lead for good. Matt Thomas followed up with a 40 second pin at 112. ThePanthers closed out the match with falls by Chris Thomas and Jarred Mercado and a technical fall by Christian Dickson to give them the win in their opening match.

Boys� Basketball

The Boys� Basketball team started off slow in their season opener against Clearview. Falling behind early, the Panthers could not dig themselves out, as they let this one fall, 61-34. The game�s highlight came from senior Kyle Cary who came off the bench in the fourth quarter to net a game high 12 points in the loss.

Next on the Panthers� schedule was Palmyra in the annual Tournament of Peace. After holding Palmyra scoreless in the first quarter, the Panthers found themselves up by five at the half. After an evenly played third quarter, the difference came in the fourth, where Palmyra outscored the Panthers by 14 to capture a 50-41 victory.

Despite four remarkable three-pointers by freshman Kevin Todd, who lead the team in scoring with 12, the Panthers could not find victory.

Girls� Basketball

Like the boys, the Girls� Basketball team jumped out to a slow start in its season opener against Clearview. The Panthers fell behind early and could not regroup, letting this one slide, 41-15.

The team�s next contest came when they competed in the Rotary Tournament at West Deptford. The Panthers met host West Deptford in the semifinals where Kellie Crispin�s 16 points could not lead to a Panther victory, the team losing this one, 63-30, to the eventual tournament winner.

In the consolation game, the Panthers found themselves up against Kingsway, who had lost a close contest to Gateway in their semifinal game. Again, Pitman fell behind in the first half. Facing a deficit that proved insurmountable, Kellie Crispin again led the team in scoring with 18 points in the 66-31 loss.

To download the draft of Pitman's Master Plan, click here. (Microsoft Word format - 353 KB)

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