Christmas with Vineland Historical & Antiquarian Society

Vineland Historical & Antiquarian Society, 108 S. Seventh St., Vineland, invites the community to an open house and Christmas celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.

The event will feature museum tours plus free cookies, hot cocoa and Vineland coloring and activity books for the children.

There will also be an opportunity to make Christmas ornaments at noon, an opportunity to decorate the Christmas tree at 1 p.m., and a children’s story and Christmas caroling at 2 p.m.

Admission is free.

For more information, call (856) 691-1111 or visit www.vinelandhistory.org.

Donate to Toys for Tots

The new owners of Ramada Inn are sponsoring a toy drive and breakfast with Santa Clause in conjunction with the Semper Marines Detachment #205 for their Toys for Tots - U.S. Marine Corps. Reserve drive.

All proceeds, cash and gifts, will go to the Semper Marines toy drive.

Ramada Vineland, located at 2216 W. Landis Avenue, will be collecting new unwrapped gifts for our Toys for Tots Drive through December 18.

Drop off boxes are located in the hotel lobby and in the Speedway Cafe. Gifts for teens are also needed.

The Breakfast with Santa will take place at the Ramada on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Fairmount Room, which is located on side of building near Speedway Cafe.

Children are allowed to bring their wish lists and parents are welcome to bring cameras.

Admission is $9.99 for adults. Children under 10, $5 or a new unwrapped gift per child (value of $5 or more).

Reservations are preferred and needed by December 10, but walk-ins welcome. For more information or reservations, call Linda at (856) 696-3800 ext. 309.

Two pit bulls costing city $16,000

Submitted photo

The Cumberland County SPCA is holding two pit bulls it seized from a Vineland home, but it's costing the city thousands to keep these animals that were once deemed dangerous. Excerpts of DJ Staffer Deborah Marko's story is below. Read the whole story

here.

The shelter bill over the past two years for holding several pit bulls impounded from a Vineland home has surpassed $16,500. And the case surrounding their seizure still could be months away from a resolution.

Staff photo/Deborah Marko

City officials on April 23 seized the latest batch of dogs from the Pats Lane residence, deeming them "potentially dangerous" after receiving more than 30 complaints about the dogs running loose and chasing neighbors, according the Cumberland County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

One of those dogs, Sniper Jr., was put down after biting the face of a 10-year boy who visited the house, authorities said.

The fate of the remaining five pit bulls remains in limbo while charges against the dog owner, John Jayne III, and his brother Robert Conner wind their way through the court system.

All the parties involved, seemingly at odds otherwise, agree the dogs can't remain indefinitely at the SPCA shelter in Vineland.

Bev Greco, executive director of the Cumberland County SPCA, calls it inhumane.

Mayor Robert Romano says the city can't afford to foot the mounting bill.

Jayne says he misses his dogs and wants them back home.

Read more

Cumberland Christian hosts Christmas Gift Shop

Cumberland Christian School is holding its annual Christmas Gift Shop on Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 5.

School officials urge to you come on out and enjoy a food court, including a Friday night dinner and Saturday morning pancake breakfast; a bake Shop, featuring homemade baked goods and food items; a Kidz Korner of activities and crafts; and Christmas flowers and greens.

A variety of vendors will be at the event to offer guests a chance to start your holiday shopping early.

The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Thanksgiving 101: Last-minute gravy

File photo/Gannett

Everything's ready, except the gravy.

The DJ Living staff weighs in on how to make a quick gravy.

• Melt 3 tablespoons melted butter; whisk in 3 tablespoons flour.
• Place turkey roasting pan, with drippings, on a burner over medium-high heat; pour 1 cup red or white wine or stock into pan and cook, scraping up browned bits.
• Whisk in blended flour and butter; cook five minutes.
• Whisk in stock to desired volume; simmer until slightly thickened.
• Taste, add salt and pepper.
• Serve in warmed gravy boat or pitcher.

Join this Zumbathon

A “Zumbathon” to benefit the D’Ippolito Elementary School Drama Club will be held Jan. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon in the school gym.

The school is located at 1578 N. Valley Ave.

A “Zumbathon” to benefit the D’Ippolito Elementary School Drama Club will be held Jan. 9, from 9 a.m. to noon in the school gym.

According to its creator, Zumba is “a fusion of Latin and International music that creates a dynamic, exciting, and effective fitness system.”

Cost for the event is $10 per person in advance or $15 at the door.

For more information, contact Val Gallina at D’Ippolito School at vgallina@vineland.org.

Former officer talks on racial profiling

Retired police officer Brian Wheeler recently spoke to Terry Kuhnreich’s Search for Conscience class at VHS South. Mr. Wheeler served on the Bridgeton police force for 29 years and also worked as a manager for security upon retirement. He spoke to the students about racial profiling and the unfortunate tragedy at Fort Hood. Submitted photo.

Retired police officer Brian Wheeler recently spoke to Terry Kuhnreich’s Search for Conscience class at Vineland High School South.

Wheeler served on the Bridgeton police force for 29 years and also worked as a manager for security upon retirement. He spoke to the students about racial profiling and the unfortunate tragedy at Fort Hood.

Wheeler is the father of Joe wheeler, a senior at VHS South.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Staff photo/Charles Olson

Happy Turkey Day! Hopefully you'll enjoy your dishes as much as the Bishop Schad Regional School did at their Tuesday Thanksgiving feast.

Whether you need help with your meal, want to know what to do with the leftovers, or just need a reason to get out of the house for a while, The Daily Journal is here to help.

• Here is a list of holiday hotlines to help whether you need help from the Butterball Turkey Hotline (1-800-BUTTERBALL) or have a question for Crisco (1-877-367-7438) about your pie.
• Check out these recipes if you're sick of even the thought of a turkey sandwich. We have recipes for turkey gumbo, easy shepherd's pie, and sweet potato cheesecake with caramel sauce.
• Prep for Black Friday shopping or go out after the big meal with this holiday hours schedule as your guide. Most stores open in the early morning hours, but Walmart Supercenter will maintain its 24-hour schedule and just start its Black Friday sales at 5 a.m. Friday.
• See the state's oldest high school football rivalry. Kick off for the 138th meeting of Vineland (2-7) vs. Millville (4-5) begins today at 10:30 a.m. at Wheaton Field at Wade Boulevard in Millville.

VHS raises $1,100 for American Diabetes Association

Roughly 65 Vineland High School students braved two hours of early morning chill and mist on today to raise more than $1,100 in an American Diabetes Association School Walk for Diabetes, John Sbrana, school district spokesman, said.

Jessica Harris was the top fund raiser with $100 in donations. Another student, Craig Gerson, was a close second with $93.

The event was held on the school’s new athletic fields and staff members and student volunteers of the School of Medical, Health & Social Sciences Small Learning Community at VHS organized it, according to Tammy Monahan, an administrative assistant at the school.

“Several staff members -- Marie Donato, Angela D’Ottavio, April Stevenson-Kinder, Jacqueline Alvarez, and Bill Shropshire, security guard Joe Acosta, and instructional aide Alfred Butler helped with the event by checking in and supervising the student participants,” Monahan said. “VHS North building maintenance did a super job helping us prepare for this event.”

Monahan offered special thanks to Mary Ann Lincks, science teacher, and Daun Moir, physical education teacher, for initiating the event last year and continuing to support the cause this year.

November is Diabetes awareness month. Diabetes is a disease in which the body is unable to produce or unable to properly use and store glucose (a form of sugar).

Sandra Smith, a representative from the American Diabetes Association, served as a guest speaker to educate students about the growing epidemic and the work of the American Diabetes Association in finding ways to prevent and cure this disease, Sbrana said.

The management of area stores, including Shoprite on Lincoln and Landis Ave, Acme Supermarket on Main Road, donated gift cards that were used to purchase food and drink items for the event's participants, he said.

The management of the CVS store and Burger King on Mail Road donated cases of water for the participants. Loyle Lanes donated bowling passes for the participants.

The American Diabetes Association will also award prizes to the student participants.

Radio station, SOJO 104.5 broadcast live from this event and raffled off Bennigan’s gift certificates to the participants.

“They really helped to make this event a huge success,” Monahan said.

Few photos of the event here.

Soldier pays visit to Rossi School

Sgt. Duda addresses eighth grade students at Rossi School.

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant William Duda, home on a short leave from duty in Kuwait, was a guest speaker this week at Rossi School, where his brother, Keith Santini, is an eighth grade student.

During his presentation, Sgt. Duda shared photographs and video images from the Middle East. 

Duda also visited the classroom of Linda Christopher while his brother was in class, answered questions, and presented some souvenirs.

During October, Christopher's grade 8 class researched military heroes for the Veterans of Foreign Wars' "Patriot's Pen" essay contest.

The essay's topic, interestingly enough, was "when is the right time to honor our military heroes".

"For the Rossi community," said Ms. Christopher, "The time is now."

The Rossi National Junior Honor Society is planning to "adopt" Sgt. Duda's unit and will collect personal items to send overseas.

Laurel Lake family needs help

Staff photo/Cody Glenn

Looking for someone to help this holiday season? Even the small things are appreciated when a family really needs it.

Samantha Carangi's wish list is small.

The 23-year-old prefers to count her family's blessings.

They live in a Laurel Lake mobile home, owned by a landlord who kindly turns a blind eye when the rent isn't on time.

The five children are happy.

And their extended family pitches in to help when times get tough.

Most of the time, Carangi and her family can make do. But this time of year, holiday extras stretch the family's limited budget to the breaking point. That nudged Carangi to the Salvation Army office to apply for a holiday food basket.

The Salvation Army staff asked Samantha if her family needed anything else.

Blankets for the kids would be appreciated, she said.

Anything else?

Here's what they need.

The Carangi family consists of five children -- 4 months, 1, 2, 10 and 12 years old.

They are requesting clothes for the kids, especially the older boys, whose recent growth spurts have them quickly outgrowing shoes and pants.

Another item on the family wish list is a mattress for the baby's crib.

The older boys said they're interested in video games, but their stepmother said she prefers they don't sit in front of the television. Instead, she said, she likes the kids to enjoy outdoor activities, including baseball and basketball.

-- DJ Staff Writer Deborah M. Marko

Local grad heads to big leagues

Darren Ford

When spring training starts up again, Vineland residents will have its star to watch since VHS grad Darren Ford joined the San Fran Giants' roster.

Being a "lot man" at a car dealership isn't necessarily glamorous, but that's not what Darren Ford was looking for in a winter job.

Since early October, Ford has dutifully retrieved tags for newly sold cars, picked up parts for repairs and emptied the occasional ashtray at RK Chevrolet on North Delsea Drive, never letting on that he is a professional baseball player just trying to keep busy in the offseason.

"If you didn't know who he was," said James Smith, a sales manager and Ford's supervisor, "you wouldn't know who he was. He doesn't walk around here talking about baseball."

Ford, 24, had wrapped up his workweek Friday evening when the San Francisco Giants added him to their 40-man roster, increasing the likelihood he will be with the Major League club before the end of next season.

"It's a big step in my life, and it's a chance for me to learn things and work harder at things to get where I want to get to," said Ford, who is expected to start next season in Double A after batting .300 with 35 stolen bases and 50 runs batted in this season at Single A San Jose. "I'll do what I can."

Being named to the 40-man roster is a major step in a pro baseball player's career.

On the 40-man, Ford becomes a prime choice for any open spot with the Giants that may become available, because the team had to purchase Ford's contract to put him on the 40-man.

The more immediate impact: Ford is now protected from the Rule 5 Draft that takes place next month.

He plans to travel to Florida on Nov. 30 to train with his friend Michael Brantley, a former teammate in the Milwaukee Brewers organization, and will report to big league spring training in February.

-- DJ Staffer Ben Watanabe

Vineland wins Academic Bowl

Staff photo/Cody Glenn

In a battle of the brains, Vineland High took all.

Vineland's team won Saturday morning's 11th annual Academic Bowl at the VHS South auditorium, 101-48 bringing its overall record to 6-4-1.

The Vineland team, coached by Vicki Volpe, started pulling away early in the contest and by halftime had mounted a 49-20 lead that was never challenged.

Read more

Fuel House welcomes Fran Smith Jr.

The Fuel House Concert Series was recently extended through April with more bands.

The newest additions include Vance Gilbert on Saturday, Feb. 6, John Flynn on Saturday, March 20, and The Kennedys on Saturday, April 10, according to series organizer Bob Rose.

According to Rose, Gilbert is a highly entertaining performer in that he incorporates songs, stories and jokes in his show. A "very special guest" is planned, but yet-to-be announced for this show, Rose said.

Flynn has performed with Kris Kristofferson and at a WXPN Kid's Korner concert, Rose said.

And Pete and Maura Kennedy have played the Bridgeton Folk Festival.

Next up in the series is Fran Smith Jr., who brings his band to the Fuel House for a special evening of music on Dec. 5.

Read more

Thanksgiving 101: A few tips

Thanksgiving is less than a week away.

Here's some last-minute tips to keep in mind this week:

Heat up your plates

Stack oven-safe plates in the stove at 200 degrees before setting the table. That will keep food hot longer once it hits the plate. You can also warm up your stoneware, which is ideal to serve the rolls on.

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