Commercial Success
AVALON – A 30-second TV spot selling the borough as, what else but – “Avalon, Cooler by a Mile” – has been awarded a Telly Award for outstanding achievement for original music. Produced by Dave Coskey Associates, it is part of the effort of the Avalon Marketing Cooperative, a group of borough businesses, to promote tourism in Avalon. The original score for the commercial was composed by Frank Gorgo, of Newfield and is used in both radio and TV advertising. Atlantic Coast Productions, of Northfield, created the spot and Danny Eyer, of Richland, added vocal talent to it. Since 1979, the Telly Awards are given to honor local, regional and cable TV commercials and programs and video and film productions.
Add College Faculty
MAYS LANDING – The board of trustees of Atlantic Cape Community College added five new faculty members July 25 and two of them hail from Cape May County. Barbara Heard, of Cape May, will start as assistant professor of biology and Gwen McIntyre, of Ocean City, joins the faculty as assistant professor of English as a Second Language. Other new hires are: Christine English-Martin, of Mays Landing, as assistant professor in paralegal studies; Leila Mojibian, of Barrington, as assistant professor of English; and Stephanie Natale, of Hammonton, as assistant professor of developmental English. All will start at the base salary of $43,065.
Drowned Boy ID’d
WILDWOOD – Four-year-old Ahmad Abdullah’s cause of death July 22 has been ruled as
asphyxia due to drowning, according to the state Medical Examiner. Visiting from Philadelphia, he was found in the pool at Diplomat Condominiums on East Wildwood Avenue about 7:45 p.m. and was unconscious and not breathing when policed arrived. He was pronounced dead at Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital at about 8:19 p.m. An autopsy was not performed reportedly because of his family’s request and because the police did not consider the death suspicious.
Past Acts Bring Charges
COURT HOUSE – Allegations that Thomas Harris, 50, of Ocean City, had engaged in unlawful sexual contact with a boy who was between 13 and 16 when he was living under the care of Harris, led to two indictments July 25. Harris has been charged with aggravated sexual assault in the first-degree and endangering the welfare of a child, a second-degree crime, sexual assault and child abuse. He could face up to 20 years if convicted of the first charge. The victim, who is now reported to be 28, does not live in the area. Harris is charged in one indictment for acts allegedly committed against the victim in 2001 and in the second for acts allegedly committed in 1991. He was charged in Atlantic County because he was under investigation there and that investigation reportedly led to the Ocean City case. He is being held in Atlantic County jail on $300,000 bail for similar charges.
Progress in MUA Talks
SWAINTON – Negotiators for the county MUA and Teamsters Local 331 representing some 100 employes were slated to meet yesterday, too late for our deadline, in continuing contract negotiations. MUA Executive Director Charles Norkis told the Herald “some good progress” was made in talks July 27. Employes, who turned down a four-year contract with 4 percent annual raises in March, 2005, have been without a contract since Dec. 31, 2004 or a raise since Jan. 1, 2004.
Say Cheese
CREST HAVEN – The county is slated to present seven “ceremonial checks” today and eight tomorrow in a “great photo opportunity” under its Municipal Joint Venture Program, distributing $3.8 million from a $20-million surplus. The county offered to provide transportation to news media that would make the entire 11 and one-half hour tour spread over two days to the sites of the projects. “Here’s an opportunity to see where the money is being spent,” said Communications Director Lenora Boninfante.
Budget Still Delayed
WILDWOOD – Residents asked commissioners on July 26 why the budget is taking so long. An emergency meeting, held June 30, authorized the tax collector to issue estimated third quarter tax bills. The city had planned to introduce the budget two weeks after that meeting. Under the estimated tax bill, the anticipated tax rate of $1.52 equates to $15.20 or every $100,000 of assessed value. That’s compared to a rate of $1.42 in 2005. Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr., said that the city was still waiting on payments from the state before introducing a budget, but the city tax rate was up about 2.6 cents under the current draft.
Change Times
WEST WILDWOOD – The regular city commission meeting for here has been changed to Aug. 4 at 4 p.m. in borough hall.
Back Fresh Air Home
NORTH WILDWOOD -Even though the Children’s Fresh Air Home was closed by directors in February due to the building’s condition, its supporters are taking steps to get it ready for the summer of 2007. A fundraiser to benefit the home will be held Sept. 15 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Shannon’s Country House in Atco. For tickets, contact Erica Burgoon (856) 816-7098 or Doug Marshall (856) 216-0769.
Q & A with DEP
WILDWOOD – Mayor Error! Contact not defined., Mayor Carl Groon of Wildwood Crest, and Mayor Bill Henfey of North Wildwood met with Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) officials recently to answer questions about the island’s development plans. The meeting came after a CAFRA application denial was issued to Pitcairn Properties, developer of the Nouveau Wave, the city’s first approved high-rise hotel. Although no formal resolution came out of the meeting, Troiano said he was pleased with the first of what will be several sessions with state officials. “We want to do this right the first time,” said the mayor.
Clean and Chilly
CREST HAVEN – County Health Department tests of 67 ocean and bay recreational sites July 24-25 found one location that exceeded the state set limit for enterococcus bacteria of 104 per 100-millileter sample. A reading of 120 was recorded at Stone Harbor Yacht Club. Of 51 environmental locations where recreation activities are not recommended, one exceeded state limits. A reading of 230 was found in Sea Isle City at the lagoon at 42nd and 43rd streets. For updated reports, call the hotline, 465-2422.
Mayor’s Case Moved
COURT HOUSE – Lower Township Mayor Walter Craig’s driving while intoxicated case has been moved to Atlantic City Municipal Court. It had been scheduled to be heard in Middle Township July 28. First scheduled for Middle Township Municipal Court, the case was moved to Upper Township and then back to Middle Township. A conflict with judges that work with the Atlantic County Joint Insurance Fund has caused the case to be moved once again. Lower Township is a member of the joint insurance fund. Craig was arrested in Del Haven on May 18. The new court date is August 17 at 1:30 p.m. in Atlantic City.
Homeless Ponderlodge
TRENTON – State Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson has informed Lower Township Mayor Walter Craig that Ponderlodge is not for sale and DEP would not allow any homes to be built on the site of the defunct golf course. Craig said he found a developer interested in building 42 homes and maintaining a golf course. Earlier this year, the township prevented developer K Hovnanian from obtaining the land to build 400 homes. Jackson said the state had no interest in selling Ponderlodge, which it acquired, from bankruptcy court. She said DEP bought the property for open space preservation.
Grand Big Bang?
DIAMOND BEACH – The Grand Hotel here may be demolished by dynamite instead of bulldozers and a wrecking ball, according to developer Eustace Mita. He said the hotel will come down after Labor Day possibly by a controlled explosion that will cause the hotel to fall in on itself. A $500 million condo resort will take the place of the derelict hotel.
More Officers
VILLAS – Following the July 24 arrest of Oscar Randall, a high-ranking member of the Bloods street gang at 37 East Pacific Avenue, Lower Township Police Chief Edward Donohue is calling for the hiring of more officers. He acknowledged a drug problem and gang members moving into the township. He has submitted a proposal to township council to increase the number of officers from 45 to 50 by the year 2010. Randall was arrested in an early morning raid by members of Lower Township police, a State Police SWAT team and county Narcotics Task Force. He was a member of the Blood’s Nine Trey gang.
Term for Endangering
COURT HOUSE – Lawrence Gerhard, 27, of North Cape May, was sentenced to three years in prison July 28 for endangering the welfare of a 13-year old girl. Superior Court Judge Raymond Batten said Gerhard had sex with the girl and provided her with drugs and alcohol. Gerhard had a record of 17 arrests in eight years.
Bike-Car Accident
WEST CAPE MAY – A 10-year old boy riding a bicycle was struck by an SUV here July 28 at 1:47 p.m. at the intersection of West and Stevens street. He was airlifted to Cooper Medical Center Trauma Unit and listed in stable condition. The SUV was driven by Sandra Maclaren, 43, of Newtown Square, Pa. According to police, Maclaren had been driving eastbound on Stevens Street while the bicyclist was traveling northbound on West Street and entered onto Stevens Street in front of Maclaren’s vehicle. The victim was not wearing a bike helmet.
Fatal Accident
COURT HOUSE – Middle Township police responded to a single overturned car crash July 29 at 12:19 a.m. on Court House-South Dennis Road at milepost 5.4. When Cpl. James Dougherty investigated he found the driver, Joseph R. Turner dead, and his passenger, Darryl Youmans injured. Turner was pronounced dead at the scene Middle Township Rescue and Court House firefighters were summoned to the scene. The vehicle traveled down a berm, hit a tree stump and flew 66 feet over trees State Police report Turner’s home in Woodbine was burglarized. He was reportedly driving Youmans to Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital for treatment following a fight.
Trip and Fall
OCEAN CITY – Through the Atlantic County Joint Insurance Fund, the city has settled two trip-and-fall cases totaling $179,000. Anna Marie Wissner Good, of Bryn Mawr, Pa. sued after she tripped on plywood on beach path. She received an $89,000 settlement. Barbara Eichwald, of Ventnor sued Ocean City after falling in a municipal parking lot. Her settlement totaled $90,000. The cases settled June 16.
Stolen Property Charge
COURT HOUSE – Stephen J. Ireland, 50, of Burleigh was charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy. Items reported stolen from Upper and Middle townships were found in his residence, according to police. Hw was lodged in county jail under $100,000 bail. The investigation is continuing.
Roof Collapse
GREEN CREEK- Middle Township police identified William Aber Jr. as the victim in a July 25, 9 p.m. collapse of a garage under construction at 4 Shady Lane. Aber reportedly fell 15 feet during the event and sustained a broken ankle.
Trailer Overturns
COURT HOUSE – Middle Township police responded to a report of an overturned vehicle on Court House-South Dennis Road near the Middle-Dennis township border July 25. On arrival, they found that construction equipment owned by Mitchell Nichols, Inc. of Rio Grande, a truck towing a large trailer with an excavator on it, apparently suffered a mechanical failure, which caused the trailer to become dislodged from the towing truck. Both trailer and excavator overturned on the roadway and blocked both lanes of travel. No injuries were reported, and no other vehicles were involved. Traffic was detoured at Goshen-Swainton Road and Route 47 as the equipment was righted and removed.
One Tent Down
CAPE MAY – Congress Hall has removed a 24-foot by 16-foot “base station” tent from the beach it leases from the city. The tent housed umbrellas and chaise lounges for rent and offered food and beverage service. Six cabana tents will remain on the beach, according to City Manager Luciano V. Corea Jr. He said the city told Congress Hall to remove the white tent, which was too large for the beach, while the issue with the cabanas in being resolved. The city’s Construction Official issued a notice June 2 to remove all the tents because Congress Hall had not applied for a permit. The notice said the tents were a violation of both the Uniform Commercial Code and a city ordinance. The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) ordered Congress Hall to remove seven tents and a picket fence immediately or apply for a CAFRA permit, required for any structures on beaches whether temporary or permanent. A city ordinance prohibits tents on the beach higher than seven feet. A Congress Hall spokesperson said the cabanas were eight feet tall. A DEP spokesperson said the cabanas measured 12 feet by 12 feet.
Whale of a Rescue
SEA ISLE CITY – Two beached pilot whales came ashore here July 26 at about 4:45 p.m. The baby whale was pushed back into deeper waters with the assistance of about 20 beachgoers. The other whale, about 20 to 25 feet long and weighing several tons, was pushed back into deeper waters with the help of about 60 city police officers, beach patrol members, Marine Mammal Stranding Center members, and the Coast Guard. The whale was back at sea by 7 p.m.
City Auction
SEA ISLE CITY – Mayor Leonard Desiderio will be auctioneer for the city’s annual auction to be held Aug. 8 at noon. The event will take place on the west lot of the Public Safety Building, 223 Kennedy Boulevard. Registration and viewing will start around 10 a.m. A driver’s license is necessary. Bikes and office equipment will be sold as well as other items.
Four Years Probation
COURT HOUSE – Stanley J. Stefankiewicz, 49, was sentenced to four years probation July 28 for drug possession. Stefankiewicz, bar operator at the Popular Café, was arrested, along with three others, outside of the Popular Café Nov. 22, after a two-year investigation. Stefankiewicz allegedly sold three grams of cocaine to undercover police. The transaction led to a search warrant for the Popular Café. Police reportedly found bags of cocaine, cash, and drug paraphernalia during the search. Since, Stefankiewicz had finished detoxification sessions, one condition of his probation. He paid $100,000 to the county Prosecutor’s Office under a civil forfeiture agreement, the largest forfeiture in the county’s history.
Inmate Files Suit
COURTH HOUSE – Former inmate Kyle Krider, 24, of Wallingford, Pa. filed a civil rights complaint, in U.S. District Court, against the county jail this month. Krider claimed that he was forced to sleep on a mat on the floor of a prison cell that he shared with another inmate. According to Krider, the other inmate stepped on him and urinated on him, all the while getting to sleep on a cot. He’s seeking $1,500 per day for his “pain and suffering.” Krider was arrested June 1 and charged with theft. He served 54 days in jail. According to county Sheriff John Callinan, the prison has an overcrowding problem. Meant to house 182 inmates, the population has grown to 280 at times and currently holds 249 prisoners.
Knife Threat
COURT HOUSE – Aneudy Cruz-Vega, 25, of Wildwood, was indicted on charges of first-degree armed robbery and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon July 25. According to Wildwood Det. Lt. Kevin McLaughlin, a 37-year old male victim was reportedly confronted by Cruz-Vega outside of his apartment building on East Roberts Avenue around 3:43 a.m. The victim was threatened with a knife, asked for money, and cut trying to defend himself, according to McLaughlin. The victim was treated at Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital.
Missing a Fender?
ERMA -Police are looking for a motorist who drove off the road and onto a yard at 546 Seashore Road in the early morning hours of July 20. The homeowner discovered the damage, to a sign and mailbox, later that morning. Police believe that the vehicle is a late-model red car that might have damage to the front-end passenger side and the headlight area. Evidence included the right inner fender skirt of the vehicle, which was left at the scene. Anyone with information can contact Patrolman Kenneth McGurk at 886-1619.
Animal Cruelty Charge
COURT HOUSE – Wayne Campo, 51 of Villas was charged with animal cruelty and baiting July 25. According to Assistant Prosecutor Christine Smith, Campo allegedly tried to start a fight between a rottweiler and a pitbull at his Bayshore Road home. Campo reportedly wound up in the middle of the fight and sustained injuries. He was issued a summons. The dogs were taken by animal control officers.
