Cook on high note after benefit concert

Bassist Rob Smith plays The Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" at Fuel House Coffee Co. Saturday night at a benefit concert for Noah Cook. Staff photo/Cody Glenn

Six musical acts donated their talent Saturday at a benefit concert for a local teen injured in a hit-and-run.

The proceeds will help Noah Cook's family in its mission to buy Cook a new wheelchair and van he needs for the upcoming first day of his senior year at Vineland High School.

The charity show held at Fuel House Coffee Co. on Landis Avenue was billed as "Flying High for Noah Cook" and is one of a series of fundraisers the Cooks have held throughout the city in recent weeks.

Already, they family has raised more than $20,000, DJ Staff Writer Cody Glenn wrote.

Cook has a rare bone disorder, osteogenesis imperfecta, and needs a special motorized wheelchair to get anywhere.

"For him, that's his legs," his mother said.

Read more about Cook, the accident, and the fundraisers to help the family defray the costs of the wheelchair he needs here.

County plans trips for residents with disabilities

Two county offices and a state department are encouraging local residents with disabilities to be active and have fun.

The Cumberland County Recreation Commission, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Office and the Cumberland County Board of Chosen Freeholders, will sponsor the following outings:

-Miniature golf and water ice from Rita’s, 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 12, Landis Links, 73 Landis Ave., Bridgeton.

-Bowling and pizza, noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 3, Loyle Lanes Bowling Center, 3565 S. Delsea Drive, Vineland.

-Annual Christmas party with music, dancing and a visit with Santa Claus, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 12, Gia’s Suburban House, 36 Mulford Drive, Bridgeton.

To register or for more information, call (856) 453-2184.

Harvest Festival scarecrow needs wardrobe change

Looking for a day out of town, but don't feel like traveling far? This contest is your ticket out.

The Deerfield Township Harvest Festival has had the same mascot - a scarecrow named Harvey Fest - since local Sam Buono created it in 1979. But the festival needs help from the community for a new costume.

To enter the contest, create a scarecrow costume that is large enough to fit an adult. The winning costume will be used each year as Harvey Fest comes to life at the festival.

The contest winner will receive two free Friends of the Festival Appreciation two-day packs and two super ride passes for unlimited amusement rides at the festival.
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Utility customers can access accounts online

Did you know city residents can now access their accounts online at the Vineland Municipal Utilities Web site?

Lisa Lucena, the city department's assistant administrative analyst and spokeswoman, announced Thursday the city's electric and water utility customers can now access their account information from the Web page.

On the first time, customers will have to create a PIN. Once that is created, the customer will need to enter his or her account number (which can be found on the utility bill) and the newly created PIN, she said.

The announcement was made at a public meeting held in Council Chambers on Thursday evening. Read more about progress and new announcements at the city's water and electric utilities here.

Then customers will be able to access the following information:

-Account Information

-Payment and billing history

-Consumption

-Service summary

Customers will also have the option of changing their mailing address, e-mail address, and PIN, she said.

Under Arrest: Five charged with kidnapping teens

Police charged five people, two of which were juveniles, this week with kidnapping and other crimes for allegedly abducting a brother and sister and driving them to a location where they were beaten, police said.

"It wasn't a random incident," Vineland police Lt. David Cardana told DJ Staff Writer Tim Zatzariny Jr. "One of the suspects was acquainted with the victims, and it may have been some type of retaliation."

The alleged victims are a brother and sister, ages 14 and 16, Cardana said.

Police said the incident began early Wednesday when the two juveniles were apparently taken against their will from separate locations in the city and driven to a location at Third Street Terrace and Third Street Annex. There, they were assaulted, police said.

Police did not say what, if any, injuries the juveniles suffered, nor did they specify the type of weapon or weapons used.

The adults charged were Chrishell Thomas, 28, of the first block of Myrtle Street; Christopher Rollings, 24, of the 700 block of South West Boulevard; and Monet C. Brown, 29, of the first block of Villa Avenue. Police did not release the names of the juveniles.

Thomas also was charged with making terroristic threats and held in Cumberland County Jail on $250,000 cash bail. Rollings was held in the jail on $300,000 cash bail, and Brown was jailed on $250,000 cash bail.

The two juvenile suspects were held in the Cumberland County Juvenile Detention Center.

Read more about the incident here.

Local health fair designed for women, children

The South Jersey Healthcare Regional Medical Center Department for Women’s and Children’s Services will host a health fair for the South Jersey community on Thursday.

The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Walmart Supercenter, located at 1070 W. Landis Ave.

The county Sheriff’s Department will be performing car seat safety checks. The Vineland Fire Department will discuss fire safety and give out carbon monoxide detectors. The Vineland YMCA will provide information on the STEPS program.

And representatives on site will also have information on breast cancer and self-breast exam instruction; preterm labor/prematurity; basic life supports for adults, children and babies; shaken baby syndrome; sudden infant death syndrome; childhood asthma; obesity; prenatal care; diabetes in pregnancy; immunizations; lead poisoning; smoking, drugs and alcohol in pregnancy; food and pregnancy; nutrition and exercise; breasfeeding; jaundice in newborns; and autism.

South Jersey Healthcare is a nonprofit, integrated health care system, providing access to a continuum of health services.

SJH provides hospital services, numerous community health clinics, home health services, and specialty services, which serve the medical and health care needs of New Jersey residents.

Visit www.sjhealthcare.net to learn more.

Season starts now for Vineland football

Vineland's Troy Henderson tries to break away from Bridgeton's Troy Eubanks during the scrimmage. Staff photo/Craig Matthews

You know fall is within reach when the gridiron gangs return to the field.

During a scrimmage at Bridgeton on Monday, Vineland unveiled a new, up-tempo offense, which includes a "pistol formation" and players wasting very little time in between plays, DJ Staff Writer Tom McGurk wrote in today's paper.

"We've got to take advantage of our speed," Coach Ed Belfi told McGurk. "We have to be better conditioned than our opponents. I think this offense will help us do just that."

Senior defensive lineman Jayson Williams was a surprise Monday. After quitting the team last season for personal reasons, the 6-foot, 250-pound senior wants to become a stalwart fixture at nose guard, McGurk writes.

Monday's game was the first scrimmage of the season, and though it included miscues and sloppy plays, the Vineland coaching staff was pleased by the effort.

Vineland will get an even tougher test when it scrimmages St. Augustine Prep on Saturday at Gittone Stadium. Game time is 7 p.m.

Get a more in-depth look at Vineland's team this year, both in McGurk's story and DJ Staff Photographer Craig Matthews' photos.

Vineland kicks off its regular season at Mainland on Sept. 11.

Chamber’s next luncheon to cover Paid Family Leave Act

The Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next general membership luncheon on Thursday, Sep 17.

The luncheon begins at 11:45 a.m. at the Ramada Inn on West Landis Avenue. Guest speaker Chris Longo, director from the state Division of Temporary Disability Insurance, will talk about the Paid Family Leave Act.

Member price is $20 and nonmembers are $25.

Visit the Chamber's Web site at www.vinelandchamber.org for more information or to register.

Local couple earns EAGLE award

And The Ellison School's first EAGLE award goes to... Daniel and Lisa Falasca.

The two city residents just earned the award for their time, talent, and contributions to the school and community, according to school spokeswoman Mary Jane Kinkade. Daniel and Lisa Falasca will be honored on October 16.

“Not only have Dan and Lisa Falasca given us the honor of educating their two children, but they’ve always gone the extra mile to do whatever they can to help our school and students,” said Caroline Chapman, Head of School, in a news release.

Created as part of The Ellison School’s 50th anniversary celebration, the EAGLE award will be presented annually to an individual or team of people who demonstrate commitment to helping Ellison stay strong and grow, Kinkade said.
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Project GROW underway at Boys and Girls Club

Community garden volunteers from the Boys & Girls Club board, Progresso Quality Foods, 4-H, Master Gardeners and Rich Foods pose near the garden. Submitted photo.

Community members joined youth from the Boys and Girls Club of Vineland and got their hands dirty to kickoff the first phase of Project GROW, the club's community garden on Third Street.

Thanks to the city of Vineland, the club will be able to turn an eyesore of a vacant lot next to the Carl Arthur Recreation Center into a viable gardening space, club officials said.

This project is a way to get both children and adults involved in beautifying the neighborhood community while working with nature.

Cumberland County Improvement Authority and The Home Depot provided funding for the garden, officials said.

Shop with, support high school band

Anyone looking forward to shopping at the Vineland High School Marching Clan’s Giant Yard Sale can still do so this Saturday.

The sale was postponed because of inclement weather.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Vineland High School South, in the parking lot near the auditorium, 2880 E. Chestnut Ave. In case of rain again, the event will be moved indoors this time.

A limited number of vendor spaces are still available at $15 on a first-come-first served basis. Space size equals two parking spaces.

Electricity, tables and trash collection are not provided. All unsold items must be removed from the premises at the end of the sale. Payment for the spaces should be made to the VHS Band-Aides.

Space reservations can be made by calling Band Director William McDevitt at (856) 794-6800, ext. 2539.

Are you a runner?

Did you know Vineland has a running club?

It is the newest and southernmost running club in New Jersey, according to the organization's Web site.

All runners and joggers can become members by registering online. No membership fee is required, but runners are encouraged to include when they are free to run and leave contact information for meet ups.

Youth Council rocks city

David Earl, 17, of Vineland, performing as The David Earl Experience entertains the crowd during the Vineland Mayor's Youth Council Battle of the Bands held Saturday night at Hangar 84 on Sixth Street. Staff photo/Cody Glenn

About a month and a half after the Vineland Mayor's Youth Council was sworn in to office, the members put on a rock concert for city residents.

The council hosted a Battle of the Bands, its first fundraiser, on Saturday at Hangar 84 in conjunction with the city's International Food and Cultural Festival, which was rained out an hour into the celebration.

But the council's concert went on. And even though the council hoped for a bigger turnout - only about 40 people attended - it was able to raise an estimated $400 from ticket sales and various fundraisers like face painting and book sales. The money will go back into the Youth Council treasury for future programs and projects, organizers said.

"We were happy with the turnout we got, but were expecting more," council member Lauren Bergamo, 16, told DJ Staff Writer Cody Glenn. "About 40 people bought tickets, but some said they didn't know it was still going on with the rain. We probably could have used more publicity, but I think we did good overall. Now we know what to do better next time."

Read about the performers and Youth Council and check out Glenn's photos, too.

Democratic headquarters opens for election season

It must be election season.

Cumberland County Democrats officially opened their headquarters here Wednesday night, DJ Staff Writer Joseph P. Smith reports.

About 40 people attended what party Chairman and Freeholder Director Louis Magazzu called “an intimate gathering for our most reliable friends.”

The headquarters is at the former Five Points restaurant at Landis Avenue and Delsea Drive.

Other headquarters open this Friday, a 3rd Friday night, in Millville and on Sept. 3 in Bridgeton.

S. Vineland adds a win in Senior League World Series

Forget the Phillies for a minute. The true Boys of Summer hail from Vineland.

South Vineland celebrates a recent victory. Staff photo/Charles Olson

In its third game of pool play at the Senior League World Series, South Vineland (2-1) scored an 11-4 win over a previously undefeated Houston, Texas (2-1) Wednesday, DJ Staff Writer Patrick Buganski wrote.

South Vineland isn't new to the championship game, having traveled to the Senior League World Series in 2002 and 2003. But both times it failed to advance beyond pool play.

South Vineland was under pressure in the Texas game after a disappointing loss to Wisconsin on Monday.

"They were really determined to win because their backs were up against the wall," manager Carlos Negron said in a telephone interview. "The intensity was really high."

The team told Buganski it likes its chances now with only today's game against Aruba in their way. The game begins at 1 p.m.

Read more about the Texas game and keep watch for updates about today's game here.