Petway plans week around reading

Students at Petway Elementary have a packed schedule to celebrate Read Across America, a celebration of reading planned each year around Dr. Suess's birthday on March 2.

The school is planned to celebrate every day starting Feb. 17 with a different Seuss theme and accompanying activity, said Debbie Eisinger, Petway's media specialist. This year the school incorporated a couple of community service donations. 

Read more to see Petway's Read Across America schedule: Read more

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V’land Public Schools, offices closed Monday

All Vineland public schools will be closed on Monday because of the weekend snow storm.

The administrative offices at Plum Street and Coney Avenue will also be closed.

All Vineland Public Schools preschools and preschool providers will also be closed on Monday.

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District eyes new asst. superintendent

The superintendent/principal of Downe Township School is Vineland Superintendent Maryann Banks' choice to fill the district's assistant superintendent of administration vacancy.

Dina Elliott, 33, of Millville was selected from a field of 11 contenders, Banks said. The school board is set to vote on the new hire during Wednesday's meeting.

Two board members -- Brian Dewinne and Pat Phillips -- oppose filling the vacancy created when Keith Figgs retired last October in light of the district's uncertain financial future.

Figgs was making $153,367 when he retired. He also was paid $3,500 for his doctorate. The salary Elliott would receive, if hired, is still being negotiated, according to Banks.

-- By Deborah M. Marko, DJ Staff Writer

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Rossi students helping Haiti

Teacher Pam English, American Red Cross Southern Shore Chapter Executive Director Pamela Grites, Students Erika Soto, Michael Owoo and Alena Thibault and teachers Amanda Conley and Jeff Ortman. Submitted photo.

Rossi Middle School students raised $662 with a coin drop to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

The drive was conducted the week of Jan. 25, according to teachers Pam English, Amanda Conley and Jeffrey Ortman.

The money was turned over this week to Pamela Grites, American Red Cross Southern Shore Chapter Executive Director.

Students at Rossi will also participate in a district-wide initiative to raise more money for the Haitian Earthquake Relief fund. This money will be donated to UNICEF, The United Nations Children's Fund.

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Two students head to KYW Newsradio

Forcinito, left, and Steinbronn in the VHS North "radio room." Submitted photo.

Two students in the Vineland High School Communication, Media and Technology Small Learning Community recently received an opportunity to intern with KYW Newsradio in Philadelphia, according to Erika Cowdright, the SLC administrator.

Senior Steven Forcinito and junior Ryan Steinbronn will participate in the KWY Newsradio 2009 NEWSTUDIES program, which will take place over six Saturday mornings beginning this weekend. The program will the VHS students a first-hand look at the inner workings of KYW Newsradio and CBS3 television from anchors, reporters, editors and station managers.

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Bumpy road for high school track

By DEBORAH M. MARKO
Staff Writer

The litigation over the deteriorating Vineland High School track presses on like a marathon, prompting the school board to considering a faster fix.

Board members are reviewing if they can include the track repair costs in the 2010-11 budget to get the recreational facility back in use. No estimate of the cost was available Wednesday.

Ernie Marcacci, a local fitness advocate, pressed the board to take action noting VHS athletes must be bused to other facilities and residents can't use the walking lanes for exercise.

"There used to be 50 to 100 people there every day," Marcacci said.

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New football coach for V’land High?

Submitted photo.

The search for Vineland High School's new football coach appears to be over.

Josh Hedgeman's name was submitted to the Vineland Board of Education Wednesday night for discussion about the open job position. The board will vote on the recommendation at next week's meeting.

Hedgeman, 38, of Deptford, coached Schalick High School for six seasons from 1999-2004, compiling a 37-27 record. In his final two seasons, the Cougars went a combined 23-1 with back-to-back South Jersey Group I championships. He earned Coach of the Year honors from the Touchdown Club of South Jersey for a perfect 12-0 season in 2004.

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CCS to hold open house

Submitted photo.

Cumberland Christian School is hosting an Open House this Thursday to give families an “open” time to talk with teachers, students and current parents, visitors are welcome at any time during the day or night.

Tours will be given throughout the day and night. Admissions and guidance personnel will be available to answer questions. Curriculum materials will be available.

Open House hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday. Families may “drop in” at their convenience.

Visit www.cccrusader.org or call 856-696-1600, extension 29 for more information.

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Today’s headlines

Vineland Public Charter School students get a visit from Cat in the Hat. Staff photo/Cody Glenn

Here's a quick look at today's headlines, via The Daily Journal.

Weddings now on Romano's to-do list

Mayor Robert Romano said after taking office he would not perform marriages or civil unions after hearing from the process can be time-consuming, but changed his mind recently when family friends asked him to officiate their nuptials.

V'land council talks trash again

The council said at Tuesday's meeting it is considering whether it is in the city's best interest to keep how residents pay for trash pickup, combine the trash and municipal taxes or charge a flat rate for all residents.

Good deeds earn students awards

The eight elementary school students named this year's Giraffe Heroes accepted their accolades and applause Tuesday with shy smiles.The annual brunch award ceremony is the highlight of the district's character education program that encourages students to emulate the best qualities of the program's mascot -- a large heart, a willingness to stick a neck out and persistence in pursuing a goal.

Hermits top Clan in overtime

St. Augustine rallied from an 11-point second-half deficit to edge Vineland, 65-62, in overtime of a Cape-Atlantic League American Conference game at Irv Gosman Court.

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St. Mary’s plans dinner, auction

The Parent-Teacher Organization at St. Mary's School is hosting it's second annual Fab Five Dinner and Raffle and Auction on Saturday.

The event begins in the school's gym at 7 p.m.

- Ticket Price $125, includes FAB FIVE RAFFLE ticket and Food for 2.

- Raffle tickets are limited to 400 tickets. If all 400 tickets, the following five fabulous prizes will be awarded, 1st Prize- $12,500; 2nd Prize - $6,250; 3rd Prize - $3,125; 4th Prize - $1,562.50 & 5th Prize $1,562.50.

- If all 400 tickets are not sold, prizes will be based on comparable percent of sales.

- Silent Auction Items include Tickets to Sixers, Flyers NJ Motorsports. Autographed & Memorabilia items from Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, Terry Bradshaw, Charles Barkley, Bobby Clark, Phillies, Yankees, Steelers, Jimmy Buffet, Lance Armstrong, Joe Montana, Peyton Manning, Lou Gehrig and more. Plus, a Flat Screen TV, Blue Ray player, Children’s Furniture, Themed Gift baskets and more.

For Tickets and Information Contact St. Mary's School at (856) 692-8537, ext. 5.

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Crafters needed for VHS fair

The Vineland High School All-Sports Booster Club is seeking crafters and vendors to take part in its Craft and Sports Fair.

The event is scheduled for March 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Vineland High School South Cafeteria/Gym.

Fee for each table is $25. To reserve a table, contact Allie Capriotti (856) 696-4180 or e-mail her at acapriotti@vineland.org.

"This is a good opportunity for sports teams and other organizations to make extra money," Capriotti said.

Proceeds from table rentals and refreshments will help sponsor scholarships for graduating VHS seniors.

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City seeks more energy-efficient projects

Vineland Municipal Utilities Director Joseph Isabella just briefed City Council on the Vineland Municipal Electric Utility's latest plan to seek bids this month for 12 more megawatts of renewable energy projects.

Isabella and the city have sought such projects to make Vineland more energy efficient. The VMEU, with Conectiv Energy and Landis Sewerage Authority, completed a 4-megawatt solar field on the authority's Mill Road property last year.

The LSA also placed a wind turbine on its property, the first in the city for several years.

Isabella is seeking either more solar or wind projects or carbon neutral projects, like a mass burner.

"The project will be evaluated on its overall impact on our ratepayers," he said.

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Prediction of more snow comes true tonight

Did you hear? We're in for six more weeks of winter.

Punxsutawney Phil, right, is held by Ben Hughes after emerging from his burrow on Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., to see his shadow and forecast six more weeks of winter weather. AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

Punxsutawney Phil "saw" his shadow and "tweeted" about it shortly after. The Inner Circle annually announces Phil's forecast at dawn on Gobbler's Knob, about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.

And you can expect his results to be immediate. According to the National Weather Service, the area will get snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches starting after 7 p.m. There's a 40 percent chance of another half-inch of snow before 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Then you can expect rain and snow on Friday. With a temperature of 38 degrees, the chance of precipitation is 30 percent. Snow is more likely on Saturday when the temperature prediction is 35.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Local PBAs plan Super Bowl Breakfast

The Vineland/Buena PBA No.266 will host its annual all-you-can-eat Super Bowl Breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon Sunday, Feb. 7, at the North Italy Hall, East Avenue and Virano Lane.

Along with the breakfast, there will be a 50/50 drawing as well as a silent auction that includes authentic NFL and NHL Jerseys and many autographed NFL items including autographed mini helmets, ball caps, miniature footballs and photos.

Tickets, available at the door, are $8.

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UNDER ARREST: Five men attack man with baseball bat

Staff graphic/Joe Moore

Five men looking for revenge over a vandalized vehicle attacked another man with a baseball bat, police said.

The five suspects were arrested and charged with burglary, aggravated assault, criminal mischief, weapons offenses and conspiracy to commit burglary, police said Tuesday.

On Jan. 12, police responded to a residence in the 400 block of West Walnut Road for a burglary and assault complaint.

The 25-year-old victim told police that several men he did not know forced their way into his apartment and attacked him. One of the men hit the victim several times in the body with a baseball bat, police said.

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