The body of Ivan S. Strayer II was found early Tuesday in a room at the Wingate Inn in Vineland. Authorities said he had been shot multiple times.

VINELAND --  Police have charged a suspect in connection with the death of a man whose body was found at a local hotel, authorities said.

Larry John Pulcine Jr. has been charged in a Vineland murder. (Vineland Police) 

Vineland officers went to the Wingate Inn at 2196 W. Landis Ave. at 5:15 a.m. Tuesday to investigate the report of a possibly unconscious person.

In a room there they found the body of Ivan S. Strayer II, 33, of Altona, Pennsylvania. He had been shot multiple times, authorities said.

Vineland police and the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office jointly investigated the case and identified Larry John Pulcine Jr., 34, of Duncansville, Pennsylvania, as a suspect.

Pulcine's arrest -- on charges of murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose -- was announced by authorities on Wednesday.

His bail was set at $750,000 full cash.

Man found dead in Bridgeton backyard

According to Vineland police, Strayer and Pulcine knew each other through their employment with a company that was doing work in the area, but they did not elaborate on what type of work or name the firm.

This marked the third homicide in Cumberland County in a week. Last week a man was found shot to death in a yard. On Friday night a man was shot while sitting in his car.

Det.  Michael Fransko of the Vineland Police Department is the leading the investigation, authorities said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Vineland Police Detective Bureau at 856-691-4111 Ext. 4181, Vineland Crime Stoppers at 856-691-0345 or text a tip to 847411 (VPDTIP).

Pulcine is due to be arraigned Friday morning in state Superior Court in Bridgeton.

Children can get some treats and show off their costumes to the animals

BRIDGETON -- South Jersey Eye Associates will again sponsor the City of Bridgeton's annual Boo at the Zoo, on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Cohanzick Zoo in the Bridgeton City Park.

Admission is $1 per person. Children 12 and under can get some treats, show off their costume to their favorite animal and make a free craft for their parents and grandparents to admire.

Other fun activities will be available at a nominal fee. All items are while supplies last, so don't wait too late to get in on the fun.

The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 23.

Contact Bridgeton Recreation Department at 856-453-1675 for more information.

This item submitted by Bridgeton Recreation.    

Haunted hayrides this Friday and Saturday

Get set for some spooky fun on the Cumberland County Fairgrounds, as Cumberland County 4-H presents a haunted hayride, Friday, Oct, 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds, Carmel Road in Millville. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth. The hayride fundraiser benefits Cumberland County 4-H Horse Clubs. 

Fall fun continues Oct. 20 as the 4-H Pumpkin Scarecrow Contest comes home to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Center, 291 Morton Ave. in Rosenhayn. The 4-H Pumpkin Scarecrow Contest is a Cumberland County 4-H tradition. The contest is traditionally sponsored by the West Cumberland Ruritan Club and engages young people in some creative fall fun. 

In bringing the event to the Cooperative Extension Center, 4-H Program Assistant Cheryl McCormick has added new opportunities for young people to join the Cumberland County 4-H family. This year, the 4-H Pumpkin Scarecrow contest will include both registered 4-H members as well as an open division for all youth in kindergarten through one year out of high school. On Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon, 4-H staff and volunteers will offer games, crafts, and pony rides designed to appeal to kids in kindergarten through third grade. The day will conclude with awards for Pumpkin Scarecrow Contest winners, at noon. There is no fee for participation in the Pumpkin Scarecrow Contest. However youth not yet enrolled in 4-H are asked to contact the 4-H office to register for the open division. Please call Cumberland County 4-H at 856-451-2800, ext. 3. 

Club members and area youth are invited to bring their decorated pumpkins and scarecrows to the 4-H office on Thursday, Oct. 20. Displays will be exhibited throughout the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Center. The exhibits will remain on display through Saturday, Oct. 22 when the 4-H Fall Family Fest concludes and awards are announced. Additional information on the program is available at 4honline.com. 

"October is a terrific time to join 4-H" offers County 4-H Agent Julie Karavan. "Our 4-H staff and 4-H leaders have a full calendar of fun scheduled for the new 4-H year." Members of the community are also encouraged to support 4-H youth development by supporting the 4-H Paper Clover Campaign at Tractor Supply Stores in Vineland and Bridgeton. The 4-H Paper Clover campaign runs Oct. 5-16. 

For more information about Cumberland County 4-H, contact the 4-H office at 856-451-2800, ext. 3. Sign up to receive the online 4-H newsletter on the Cumberland4H Facebook page, or by contacting the 4-H office at karavan@njaes.rutgers.edu. 

This item submitted by Julie Karavan, Cumberland County 4-H.

The competition will take place Nov. 5 at Vineland High School

VINELAND -- The Vineland High School Marching Clan, Band-Aides of Vineland, and Cavalcade of Bands present the 2016 Vineland High School Marching Show on Saturday, Nov. 5, at Gittone Stadium in Vineland.

Tickets available at the gate are $10 Adults, $5 Seniors ad students (with ID). Gates open at 5 p.m.; the competition starts at 6:00 p.m. This event is sanctioned by the Cavalcade of Bands Association and will feature marching bands from South Jersey in competition and exhibition. Currently there are 13 schools scheduled for competition: Atlantic City High School, Bridgeton High School, Buena Regional High School, Cinnaminson High School, Clayton High School, Delsea Regional High School, Glassboro High School, Millville High School, Mount Pleasant High School, Penns Grove High School, Riverside Township High School, and Winslow Township High School.

The Vineland High School Marching Clan will perform their 2016 Field Show Picture This in exhibition.

Concessions and baked goods will be available for purchase that night. All proceeds benefit the Marching Clan to help keep them marching. 

In conjunction with this competition, the members of the Marching Clan will be preparing an ad book to distribute to the audience. This book will include information about competing bands and advertisements from area businesses. We are asking businesses and professionals in the community to promote their business and services through this ad book. Businesses may also sponsor a trophy to be presented that evening and at the same time support the Marching Clan in its effort to raise funds for its April 2017 performance trip to Boston. This trip will include several competitive performances by the band.

To place an ad in the book or to sponsor a trophy contact any member of the Marching Clan or Director William McDevitt at 856-794-6800, Ext. 2539. The Vineland High School Marching Clan will perform this fall in a full schedule of parades, football games and competitions. Additional information is available by visiting www.vhsmarchingband.org.

This item submitted b Verne Joyce, Vineland High School Marching Clan Publicity.

He complained of pain and was transported to a hospital Wednesday afternoon.

MILLVILLE -- A New Jersey State Police trooper was injured when his car ran off the road and struck a tree on Wednesday afternoon, police said.

The trooper, based at the Bridgeton Station, was driving on West Main Street (State Highway 49) near Morias Avenue shortly before 4 p.m. when he crashed, according to NJSP Sgt. First Class Gregory Williams.

The trooper was conscious and alert when emergency responders arrived, Williams said.

He complained of pain and was transported to Inspira Medical Center Vineland. Details on his condition were not available Wednesday evening.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

Scary is in the eye of the beholder, peeking through fingers or not.

The year was 1976.

Four rough, tough teenage boys decide to take in the new Brian DePalma movie, "Carrie" at the Cumberland Mall in Vineland.

These macho men reveled in showing their ruffian nature; they'd been tossed out of "Earthquake" for laughing too loud. And, the same held true for this film; they hooted and howled at the "horror" on the screen.

But when the film was ending, and a young lady walked to a gravesite with flowers ... and a hand suddenly thrust out of the grave to grab her ...

Admit it - YOU jumped too.Courtesy of complex.com 

... four "tough" teenage boys screamed; they were scared out of their wits. I was one of them.

It seems that most of us like to be scared; the popularity of horror movies since the silent era bears this out.

And, some of us enjoy scary still photos, too. The internet is full of photos of ghosts, entities and oddities that we love to look at and share.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

Here's a gallery of vintage photos from New Jersey that, for a variety of reasons, can send a shiver down our spines. Be sure to have captions enabled to read all about these classic photos.

Can't get enough? Click here for last year's gallery.

Still want more? Click here for one from the year before that.

Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find The Star-Ledger on Facebook.

Here's a roundup of recent home sales in Cumberland, Salem and Gloucester counties.

South Jersey Times 

ALLOWAY TWP.

-- 287 Commissioners Pike, Ross G. and Alicia J. Fogg for $164,000.

CLAYTON

-- 49 W. DeHart Ave., Hovbros Clayton Urban Renewal LLC to Joseph P. Bochanski for $233,040.

-- 56 W. DeHart Ave., Hovbros Clayton Urban Renewal LLC to Louis A. Colavecchi for $242,695.

COMMERCIAL TWP.

-- 7144 Ackley Road, WF Master REO 2015-01 LLC to Leon Tasker Robbins for $126,000.

-- 6406 Battle Lane, Angelica and Joseph Maahs Jr. to Robert T. Gant for $160,000.

DEERFIELD TWP.

-- 595 Sherman Ave., Judy and Rudolph Danna Jr. to 595 Sherman Avenue LLC for $325,000.

-- 656 Vineland Ave., Louise Sheila Shults, executor, to Kristen Brown and Ronald E. Shinn Jr. for $70,000.

ELMER

-- 8 Mill St., Michael J. and Margo D. Crawford to Jason Witts for $140,000.

FRANKLIN TWP.

-- 48 Lauren Way, Kenneth and Denise Strong to Colin L. Judge and Jaclyn Roth for $282,000.

HOPEWELL TWP.

-- 15 Pau Len Dr., Robert W. O'Connell to Christopher A. and Jennie R. Smith Jr. for $147,400.

LOWER ALLOWAYS CREEK TWP.

-- 56 Hell Neck Road, Christopher and Collette White to Harold and Eileen Arena for $269,900.

MANNINGTON TWP.

-- 84 Cheney Road, RioProp Holdings LLC to Nicholas Bilodeau for $30,000.

MANTUA TWP.

-- 640 Boise St., Louise Vena by attorney to Charmaine Whitten for $125,000.

MAURICE RIVER TWP.

-- Newport Mill Road, Margaret A. Richey to Bobbie M. Goodman for $123,000.

Pittsgrove property sells for $438K

MILLVILLE

-- 36 Ettie Dr., Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation by attorney to Dennis and Michelle Bruno for $194,900.

-- 718 Shewchenko Ave., Fay Ann Hughes Romanik and Peter Bruce Romanik to Ashley E. and Mahlon J. Grant for $270,000.

-- 757 Shewchenko Ave., Kathryn A. and Mark A. King to Gregory DeBellis for $240,000.

-- 37 Porreca Dr., Jasara Ruiz to Allen and Wilma Jackson for $151,000.

NATIONAL PARK

-- 115 Hessian Ave., Jeanne L. Long to George J. Hayes III for $89,000.

NEWFIELD

-- 754 Forsythia Dr., Barry G. and Lynn A. Palmer to Bradley C. and Danielle Weir for $257,000.

PENNS GROVE

-- 241 I St., Jeffrey A. Harris to Joseph Delp and Patricia Johnston for $77,500.

PENNSVILLE TWP.

-- 78 Morningside Dr., Lawrence M. Craven, executor, to Joseph S. Monaghan for $115,000.

PITMAN

-- 36 S. Broadway, GHBB LLC to Alaura Property Management LLC for $156,000.

-- 302 Wildwood Ave., Florence E. Duncan, by attorney, to James and Stephanie Donaldson for $177,000.

PITTSGROVE TWP.

-- 772 Buck Road, Drew Sullivan to Donald L. and Mariann T. Edelmayer Jr. for $275,000.

SALEM

-- 74 Elm St., William T. Harris to Megan L. Williams for $44,000.

-- 238 1/2 Sinnickson St., Iron Investment Properties LLC to Brittany Bender for $32,000.

UPPER DEERFIELD TWP.

-- 2 Pindale Dr., Kathryn Rose Cantarella, executor, to Pedro Ruiz-Matias for $171,250.

UPPER PITTSGROVE TWP.

-- 37 Groff Road, Actual Investments LLC to Dereck and Richelle Thornton for $322,000.

-- 437 Daretown Road, Patricia A. Parks to Fournet Holdings LLC for $130,000.

-- 327 Daretown Road, Joy Fisher and Suellen Moore, co-executors, to Albert J. Castellini for $100,000.

VINELAND

-- 1016 Whitaker Ave., Sandra Mullica to Sandra Cheeks for $129,000.

-- 894 Michael Ave., Robin A. and William R. Gerber to Edgardo Quintana for $156,900.

-- 60 W. Laurel St., Margarita Betancourt to Melissa L. Brown for $143,500.

-- 2899 Oslo Court, Fannie Mae to CDDB Properties LLC for $42,525.

-- 720 Duchess Court, Daniel E. Graham, executor, to Dana M. Long and Americo J. Stellato for $199,000.

-- 3868 Mays Landing Road, Deanne and Gerald Covella to MTVD LLC for $74,500.

-- 1025 Linda Lane, Gladys and Pedro Ramirez to Issachar F. Mendoza for $192,000.

-- 1017 Hamilton Dr., Luis A. and Carmen N. Negron to German Rodriguez for $115,000.

-- 2102 E. Oak Road, Desiree Barbagli-Togno to Elvyn and Rosa Cortez for $160,000.

-- 2139 E. Chestnut Ave., Names Manna to Stephanie M. Chiofalo for $108,000.

-- 1144 Maple Ave., Douglas W. and Virginia Vineyard to Blanca Santiago for $140,000.

WASHINGTON TWP.

-- 742 Rutland Court, Michelle A. Camardo to Thomas DeVore for $157,000.

-- 5 Wisteria Ave., Rocky M. and Denise M. Hare to Steven E. Laux for $213,000.

-- 17 Atwood Dr., Bart and Katie Giese to Ali Eslami for $155,000.

-- 48 Aldridge Way, Deborah Roney to Jeffrey and Hillary Jo Driscoll for $360,000.

-- 6 White Hall Court, David DeVaull to Vincent and Jessica McCalla for $228,500.

-- 156 Stagecoach Road, Sarojini Parmanand to Jennifer S. and Christopher Parmanand for $220,000.

WENONAH

-- 623 Georgetown Road, Angelo and Bernadette Foleno to David J. and Lilana S. Rosati for $178,000.

WEST DEPTFORD TWP.

-- 104 Red Bank Court, Timothy and Ashley Mason to Peter and Patricia Papahanges for $264,900.

-- 162 Evan Court, Primo Homes LLC to Dawn Given for $125,000.

WOODSTOWN

-- 257 Howard Ave., Christopher A. and Elizabeth Jane Blevins to Cartus Financial Corporation for $182,000.

-- 257 Howard Ave., Cartus Financial Corportation to DeShontal D. Elie for $182,000.

WOOLWICH TWP.

-- 238 Garwin Road, Lee and Marguerite Clair to John Daugherty and Danielle Showers for $208,000.

-- 80 Spring Hill Dr., Robert H. Young and Kimberly Landicini-Young to Mark P. Lamini Jr. and Michelle J. Hayes for $365,000.

-- 113 Windsor Dr., Sylvia D. Harris to Jeremiah J. and Tess R. Hawkins for $314,000.

South Jersey Times may be reached at sjnews@njadvancemedia.com. Follow us on Twitter @theSJTimes. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

Six will be recognized for what he has done for all veterans

Bob Shryock | For NJ.com 

It's Jim Six Day Saturday in Woodbury Heights.

Six, former columnist, reporter and feature writer for the South Jersey Times, is being honored as "son, brother, friend, neighbor and honorary citizen of the borough of Woodbury Heights" at an 11 a.m. ceremony by order of mayor and council.

The program will take place at Memorial Park on Elm Ave. across from borough hall and will be attended by dignitaries, politicos, and many of Jim's friends and colleagues. The public is invited.

An in-ground monument will be the focal point of festivities. The idea for Jim Six Day was formulated by councilman Jake Jacob, a close friend of Six's who said Jim is considered an "adopted" Woodbury Heights son.

"We're recognizing what Jim has done for all veterans," says Jacob, who helped coordinate the program. "He's been a devoted friend."

-- -- -- 

The Glassboro High School Hall of Distinguished Alumni is seeking nominees for election  to the hall for installation in 2017, according to event chairman Walter "Rusty" Marshall Jr.

Nominations are open until Nov. 4, and forms can be downloaded from the Glassboro School District home page.

Candidates must be graduates of GHS and distinguished himself or herself in a chosen field, community activities, humanitarian affairs, or other activities deemed to merit recognition by the committee.

Bob Shryock may be reached at bshryock@njadvancemedia.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The top players and teams so far in 2016.

A gala event will be held Oct. 20 at Landis Theater

VINELAND -- Main Street Vineland will be formally launching the rebranding of downtown Vineland for the future at a gala launching party on Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Landis Theater, 830 E. Landis Ave.

This free event, which will begin at 5:30 p.m., will be a high-energy, high-impact event which will result in a new logo and new image for Landis Avenue and the downtown. The major sponsor for the event is Premier Orthopaedic Associates, with Capital Bank of New Jersey as the reception and networking sponsor.

Soon after the formal launch, the new logo and brand will appear on new banners, signs on both ends of the downtown, on a new sculpture to be designed, new letterhead, business cards, a newly-designed website, and other items.

"The branding party is to reflect the journey from the downtown Vineland of long ago to that of the present and future," said Main Street Vineland Executive Director Russell Swanson. "We will be taking people on that journey during the presentation at the Landis Theater. It will retrace our downtown's heritage and point the way to the great future in store for the next generation."

The event will begin with a social hour including hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar in the theater lobby, and an opportunity to network. Catering will be by Mauro's on the Ave -- downtown Vineland's newest restaurant -- located next to the theater.

The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will feature a multimedia film and theatrical depiction of the journey -- past, present, and future -- to the new brand. The new logo will be unveiled at that time.

Swag bags featuring the new logo, will be given to all in attendance and will contain specials from downtown merchants, as well as other items featuring the new logo.

The rebranding initiative began in July of 2015, as Main Street Vineland became the first of two Main Street districts in the state to be awarded a Branding & Digital Design Grant by Main Street New Jersey. The grant covered $30,000 in services with branding and design work done in consultation with Glerin Business Resources Inc., of Halifax, Virginia, -- a consultant contracted through the Main Street New Jersey program of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). 

For more information for this and all Main Street Vineland events, call the Main Street Vineland office at 856-794-8653, visit the organization's website at www.mainstreetvineland.org, or visit it on Facebook.

This item submitted by Samuel Levy for Main Street Vineland.

Who has impressed at midway point of the soccer season?

Arvene Kilby asks people to keep pressure on politicians by voting.

To the Editor:

With only a few weeks before Election Day, many people are still indecisive or have no desire to vote for a new president. This election is not just about the presidency, it is about electing candidates who should represent you in your county and on Capitol Hill.

What always intrigues me are the reasons why some folks are opposed to voting. Any excuse is nothing more than surrendering your opinion and personal voice to the opposition. 

Think about this: When voting and elections cease to be important, what will be be the direction of your community or our nation? If these are not going progressively forward, voting is how you voice your displeasure and disgust. 

Most smoke screens are actually transparent if we open our eyes and look deeply into what our government officials allow to change. Elected officials in charge of regulations and laws refuse to acknowledge that their poor and selfish decisions create local, state, and nationwide calamities when their lawless antics overstep their limits, keeping government in control of our lives.

We must stand firmly on our feet for a productive life and country, and that means we must tell elected officials what we want through the election process.  

If we lose focus that we, the people, are the ones who elect leaders, or lose our determination to keep politicians in fear that our votes matter, we will suffer the biggest loss in our lives. We would willingly relinquish our dreams and aspirations for ourselves and future generations.

Arvene Kilby

Bridgeton

Expand 'Shop Local' to N.J.building trades

To the Editor:

"Shop Local" has become the mantra of many towns across South Jersey and the country for a reason: Supporting local commerce keeps money and talent in the communities where we live and work. 

The same philosophy should apply to the noble work of the building trades: constructing homes, businesses, government offices, bridges, roads, etc.  However, many local governments fall flat by bringing in out-of-town contractors to do work that could be done as efficiently and cost effectively by workers and firms within their borders, or at least within South Jersey. 

Responsible codes or policies should be put in place in every town to require use of local labor and contractors that meet requirements for safety management, quality assurance, and pay standards -- whenever this is available and competitive. Many towns and counties already have responsible-contractor policies, which can be expanded to favor in-town contractors with competitive terms and prices. Governments are getting the best value in contracts when they choose in-town vendors, or ethical, responsible ones who provide high wages, and proper training and safety.

The long term-benefits of using local, quality labor demonstrate a level of fiduciary responsibility that goes far deeper than just picking the bidder that has the lowest price by a dollar.

Shop local, build local - that's what grows communities best. 

Luke Gordon

Business Agent

Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 19

Evesham Township

Selfish politicians prompt unrest, revolution

To the Editor:

I believe elected and non-elected officials are just sitting in their offices and only thinking of how to bring more in revenue for their salary and fringe-benefit increases. 

They do not think of how the public is going to pay for these things. Some people have large families, and they have to provide them with at least the basic needs of life, regardless of inflation.  

It seems we are living in a selfish world and it's getting worse. I believe it goes in cycles. As per history, things get worse before they get better.  

There is a limit to everything. When that limit is passed, we can expect unforeseen problems. For better or worse, it appears that we are heading toward a revolution of the kind that occurs when we exceed limits.

Aju Puri

Winslow Township

Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com

Crimson and gold — fall leaves, shrubs, trees and berries

Color in nature is often what alerts us to the change of the seasons. In many of my articles I use the word kaleidoscope because the colors of plants slowly change as the days go on. The past month we have seen the gentle lavenders and purples of the fall asters, Joe Pye weeds, ageratums, and the plumes on grasses gradually getting duskier. Golden rod is fading now and the white asters in all the fields are finishing up. These plants were ample pollen producers making the late surge of butterflies and other pollinators very large this year. Roses are still blooming loving the long rains we just had and the cooler evenings. Many have colorful rose hips loved by the cardinals, mocking birds and cat birds. I like to use them too in my wreaths and floral pieces.

The vivid red-golds, rusts, and oranges of leaves on bright October days are just beginning and often go well into November depending on the winds. There is nothing more dramatic than the vivid sky and clouds of November as the back drop of fall leaves. 

Some leaves and berries will  soon be shouting with color. Sassafras, Franklinia, Maples, Gums and some Dwarf Red maples bear outrageously beautiful color.  While some others like oaks may only be tinged with deep, rich hues, all say autumn. 

Shrubs are all different with some being shades of yellow and others deep red. They will still be hanging on to leaves of a mixed fall pallet until at least mid November.

Berries abound! Many like my favorite winterberry holly will stand out more after the frost drops their leaves. Viburnums have glistening berries in many shades of reds, blues, pinks and gold. Evergreen hollies are a contrast of green. I love red clusters of Nandina berries as well dogwood berries, crab apple and persimmon fruits which are all showy until the birds clean them off. 

I have always loved colorful fall leaves and fondly remember pressing them in phone books both for school and as a 4-H member (I still do this). Take your kids or any kids you know out with an old phone book to press some leaves. Use them for wall hangings, posters, place cards at Thanksgiving and much much more. They will last for years.

The vivid red-golds, rusts, and oranges of leaves on bright October days are just beginning and often go well into November depending on the winds.Lorraine Kiefer 

Some folks wonder why they color. There are very complicated explanations, but teachers usually tell children a good and simple explanation (besides Jack Frost and his paint brush which is the one I like best). 

Leaves are the food factories for plants. Plants absorb moisture from the ground and carbon dioxide from the air but sunlight is needed to turn water and carbon dioxide into glucose. Glucose is a kind of sugar that plants use to grow. This process of turning water and carbon dioxide into sugar is called photosynthesis.  Photo means light, so we say that it is "putting together with light." There is also a chemical called chlorophyll in the plant that is needed for photosynthesis to happen. Chlorophyll is what makes plants green. 

In fall the length of daylight hour's decrease and as the season moves on often there is not enough light for photosynthesis. Plants then become dormant and use food they stored during the summer. When this shut down takes place green chlorophyll disappears from the leaves. Yellow and orange colors have been in the leaves all along but they are covered up by the green chlorophyll. Some trees, like maples, have glucose trapped in the leaves and sunlight and the cool nights of autumn turn this glucose into a red color. It is the combination of these and other changes that create the bright colors we enjoy in the fall. Notice the star gum trees that grow along Route 55. The are often one of the last to change, but their deep rich colors are a feast for the eyes. 

Shrubs planted in groups or in borders under trees give the homeowner their own autumn show. A great shrub for brilliant late color in the part shade garden is the Itea. Most woodland environments are suitable, but mulch is important to keep the soil evenly moist. With a moist, humus rich soil, this plant will even thrive in full sun, although it prefers part shade. It has fragrant white blooms in spring that attract butterflies and deep scarlet color in fall. Native blue berries can also be mixed in the woodland garden for the same type of fall and winter color. 

Another shrub that is a rich, rosy red in the fall is the aronia or chokeberry. This easy to grow shrub will tolerate almost any well-drained soil and full to part sun. The pretty berries are a plus for the eye as well as the birds. Another with blooms in spring and color in fall is the fothergilla. I like this native because of its puffy white blooms in early spring. Another fragrant spring bloomer with bright yellow fall color is the calycanthus. 

Viburnums and winterberry hollies are rather nondescript in summer, but really shine once the frost hits their leaves. Their berries are so beautiful that I cannot resist cutting them for arrangements and wreaths. We have already picked some to use in our floral arrangements.

There are some perennials that are still providing color. The black eyed Susans that were cut back are in full bloom now. Turtle head is in bloom and so are mums. Amsonia a blue spring bloomer will soon color up to mounds of gold and rust foliage -- real show stopper in your garden. Helleborus is evergreen and blooms in winter so it is a must in any woodland garden.

Witch hazels Hamamelis Virginiana and Vernal are sporting both colorful leaves and in some cases even buds promising to bloom within the next few months.  These easy to grow plants do so well in our area and provide fragrant bloom in winter when no other shrubs do. 

Remember also that evergreens set off fall color and make the landscape look alive in winter. Evergreens also provide safe roosting for birds in winter. Plants some now. Fall is the best time to plant evergreens too.

Go exploring to botanical gardens, arboretums or just some local woods to see a fall feast of colorful leaves and berries. Take some time to enjoy fall sunshine and color. Explore the kaleidoscope of color for your garden. Look for bare spots now and plant some colorful interest. 

Remember fall is for planting! With just a little planning you can have color and interest from not only blooms, but evergreens, leaves, berries, bark and seeds at all times of the year. I will be happy to work with anyone who wants to add fall and winter interest and color to their gardens. Email me photos and set up a time to come in. 

Email garden questions to Lorrainekiefer@gmail.com. Look for seasonal classes at www.tripleoaks.com or call 856-694-4272.

Lorraine Kiefer is the owner and operator of Triple Oaks Nursery in Franklinville. She can also be reached by e-mail at Lorraine@tripleoaks    

9 of the district's finest students were honored

BRIDGETON -- Superintendent of Bridgeton Public Schools Thomasina Jones honored nine of the district's finest students at the monthly Board of Education meeting on Oct. 11. The Superintendent's "Bulldog of the Month" is an award bestowed upon students from each of the six K-8 schools, as well as Bridgeton High School, based on specific criteria such as:

• Volunteering at school functions
• Volunteering at community functions
• Good grades (or improvement in grades)
• Demonstrated helpfulness and caring attitude towards others

• Displays good character which includes compassion, honesty, perseverance, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness
• Demonstrated pride for the Bridgeton School District
• High level of classroom participation
•  Consistent display of school uniform
•  Perfect attendance (or improvement in attendance)
•  Mentoring of other students

Students honored at the October Board meeting are the September Bulldogs of the Month: Broad Street School - Allen Perez, grade 6 and Jeyrilees Vazquez, grade 1; Buckshutem Road School - Jennifer Hernandez, grade 8; Cherry Street School - Ajalon Thompson, grade 2; Indian Avenue School - Angel Reyes, grade kindergarten; Quarter Mile Lane School - Irvin Laracuente, grade 7; West Avenue School - Marley Cruz, grade 8; and Bridgeton High School - Henri Jones, grade 9 and Erdrin Torres, grade 10.

Members of the Board are president, Angelia Edwards, vice president, Kenny SmithBey Jr., Edward Bethea, Brenda Dellaquilla, David Gonzalez, Albert Morgan, Erica Mosley, Ricardo Perez and Mary Peterson.

This item submitted by Elizabeth Garcia for Bridgeton School District.

Jennifer Cruz-Chavez was found dead in a wooded area along Buckshutem Road in Fairfield Township, Cumberland County, authorities said.

BRIDGETON -- A local man has been found guilty of taking part in the murder of a 29-year-old woman whose body was dumped in a wooded area, authorities said.

Omar Galvez has been convicted of murder, authorities say. (Cumberland County Jail) 

Omar Galvez, 36, of Bridgeton was convicted of murder by a jury in Superior Court in Bridgeton on Thursday, according to Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer-Webb McRae.

Jennifer Cruz-Chavez was found dead on Aug. 24, 2014, in a wooded area along Buckshutem Road in Fairfield Township, Cumberland County.

Authorities said Cruz-Chavez, of Upper Deerfield, had been beaten with a hammer and kicked.

Galvez was not the only one involved in Cruz-Chavez's murder, according to authorities.

A second man, Jose Martinez, 29, formerly of Bridgeton, admitted his involvement in the crime on June 13. He pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter, according to Webb-McRae.

Martinez is scheduled to be sentenced to 20 years in state prison on Nov. 9, if his plea is accepted by the court.

Jennifer Cruz-Chavez was found beaten to death in Cumberland County in 2014. (File Photo) 

Galvez chose to go to trial instead of make a plea deal.

When he's sentenced on Dec. 9, he will be facing a minimum of 30 years in state prison and up to a maximum of life imprisonment.

According to previous reports, Cruz-Chavez was last seen leaving a party in Bridgeton and getting into a van with the two suspects.

New Jersey State Police from the Bridgeton Station conducted the investigation into Cruz-Chavez' death.

Cumberland County Assistant Prosecutor Saverio Carroccia prosecuted the case for the state. Attorney Lindsey Seidel represented Galvez.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The accident took place at the intersection of Route 49 and Morias Avenue in Millville.

MILLVILLE -- A state trooper suffered serious injuries in a motor vehicle crash this week, authorities said Thursday.

The accident took place Wednesday at 3:53 p.m., according to New Jersey State Police Sgt. Jeff Flynn.

The unidentified trooper was traveling eastbound on Route 49 in a marked state police car when he acted to avoid a collision with a Saturn at the intersection with Morias Avenue.

The trooper's vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole and a tree, Flynn said.

The trooper was initially taken to Inspira Medical Center Vineland and then airlifted from there to Cooper University Hospital, Camden. He suffered serious injuries, authorities said.

Information on the trooper's condition Thursday afternoon was not available, Flynn said.

The trooper is assigned to the Bridgeton Station.

The crash remains under investigation.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The Fighting Clan are trying to go to 5-0.

The Fighting Clan are trying to go to 5-0.

Big firms that relocated to Camden are in open revolt against Gov. Chris Christie's move.

First, it was moderate-income South Jersey commuters who work in Pennsylvania who kicked up a lot of dust. Then it was McMansion owners in Middletown Township, Pa., who work for nice wages near Princeton, who roared in anger.

It's all been to no avail. One wonders what it might take to get Gov. Chris Christie to reverse or scale back his unilateral decision to end a reciprocal state income-tax agreement between Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

How about if top-tier companies that were lured to Camden City to make it great again cried "unfair"?

Now, they have.

Canceling the agreement is expected to add $180 million to New Jersey's balance sheet. For reasons we've explained numerous times, the money will come from the pockets of cross-commuting workers in both states, who'll pay hundreds or thousands of dollars more in income taxes.

Perhaps this third element of dissatisfaction -- which has the likes of Subaru and Campbell Soup threatening to halt further Camden expansion -- can get the attention of the Republican New Jersey governor and the mostly-Democrat  lawmakers representing South Jersey's commuter counties.

Ironically, blue-chip Camden employers have a weaker case to retain the bi-state agreement than does a $45,000 clerical worker from Pennsauken who works in Philadelphia. Big tax incentives worth hundreds of millions of dollars snagged these companies for Camden, with many relocating from Philadelphia or the Jersey suburbs.

These firms say that their Philly-based employees will face thousands of dollars in extra taxes. The companies believe they'll have to raise salaries to compensate them, as well as cease recruiting from the larger chunk of the labor market that is in Pennsylvania. These aren't good outcomes, but it sounds like whining, since these companies received tax credits that will save them tens of millions of dollars each.

The new 23-cent state gasoline-tax boost will add more to commuting costs, especially in places such as Deptford and Gloucester townships, which lack good mass-transit options to get to work in Philadelphia. 

Say you're one of those folks who sits in Route 42/76 gridlock every morning, and you've just learned you'll be hit in November with a big gasoline tax hike followed by a big state income tax hike in January. You should be pretty angry with Christie, state Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester), and other area lawmakers who voted for the gas tax and did next to nothing to save the reciprocal agreement.

If these decisions impact voters' wallets enough, Sweeney will have trouble getting re-elected to his Senate seat next year, let alone as governor. The same actions could explain why lawmakers in even farther reaches of South Jersey, led by Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-Cape May, voted against the gas tax increase -- although it's the only realistic way to fund the Route 55 completion project they love so much.

So, how about it, official Trenton? Take another look at that saving that reciprocal agreement. If you won't do it for your hard-working constituents, do it for the big corporations that can write bigger donation checks.

There are stage and concert events, outdoor activities and an equine exhibit.

"The Princess and the Pea" comes to life Oct. 15 on the South Orange Performing Arts Center stage. The musical, which tells the story of a princess who must vie for a prince, kicks off the center's Kids 'n Family Performances series. The approximately 60-minute show, recommended for ages 4 to 10, will be presented at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18. Located at 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange. Call (973) 313-2787 or visit SOPACnow.org.

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The Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey weekend is set for Oct. 15 and 16. Step into the state's lighthouses and learn about their history and contributions to nautical safety. Funds raised from the event will be used to preserve the landmarks. Visit lighthousechallengenj.org.

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Chatsworth celebrates its agricultural heritage with its 33rd annual Chatsworth Cranberry Festival on Oct. 15 and 16, featuring a variety of cranberry dishes, plus live music and displays of arts and crafts. Visit cranfest.org. 

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On Oct. 16, the New Jersey Equine Artists' Association opens "NJEAA Art of the Horse," its seventh biennial national juried show and sale, with an artists' reception from 2 to 4 p.m. at Farmstead Arts Center in Basking Ridge. The reception is open to the public. The free exhibit, which runs through Nov. 20, features works depicting horses in various settings. Visit farmsteadartscenter.org. 

MORE FROM INSIDE JERSEY MAGAZINE

Angie's Barber Shop plans to shut down at the end of February 2017

One of Gloucester County's iconic and most popular barbers, Angie (Angelo) Schallus, is in an unfortunate  countdown mode.

Bob Shryock | For NJ.com 

Proprietor of Angie's Barber Shop at 1107 N. Broad St. in Woodbury, 88-year-old Angie has sold his building and plans to shut down his business at the end of February 2017 because of a declining customer base. And that's through no fault of his own.

Simply put, too many of Angie's customers are passing away. In the last few years, he estimates about 70 of his regulars have died.

"I still enjoy the work and my customers, who are like family," Angie says. "But if you can't make it, you can't make it. The people are the same, but the business has changed."

"He's surely an icon along Broad Street," says long-time customer Tom Bradly. "It's sad to see him go, but he has outlived most of his customer base. I was there today getting a haircut and we talked about where we're going to go to get trimmed. It was sad to see the faces and the conversation about him closing. Many a 'somebody' from Woodbury's elite sat upon his chairs."

The somebodies include Gloucester County stalwarts like Ralph Cornell, Jim McGuinness, Jack Sheppard Sr. and four-term congressman John E. Hunt, all deceased.

Angie has about 100 steady customers today, which though not too shabby represents a decline from a high water mark of approximately 300.

Angie takes walk-ins on Mondays and works by appointments-only Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. He is off Fridays through Sundays.

Taking the cue of many barbers who seem to relish working forever, Angie operates as a solo and has been on North Broad for a staggering 67 years since purchasing the building.

He has worked 66 of those 67 years by himself since starting with Ray Banks in his three-man shop in Riverton. "Ray taught me flat-tops, things like that."  Angie is the only one in his family who has been a barber.

Born in West Berlin and raised in East Camden, Angie currently is a resident of Woodbury Heights. He served his country in World War II (1945-1948) with the U.S. Army Air Force, then attended Tri-Cities barbering school on the GI bill at 9th Street in Philadelphia in 1949, forerunner to entering the business full-time.

He joined legendary Gloucester County barber Lou Schiavo as one of Lou's quartet of barbers after his stint with Banks. Angie worked for Schiavo for 26 years before purchasing the North Broad Street shop, became owner/operator in 1974, and changed the name to Angie's.

Angie counts many regulars with longevity in his shop, including Jack Sheppard Sr.,  who logged more than 70 years. He had more than 20 customers who'd been with him 50 or more years, and gave haircuts to three generations of many families.

"I've always loved the business," says Angie, noting that he's a good listener ("you have to be") who also discovered a knack for solving the world's problems.

"I'm an old-school barber," Angie says. "I still basically do haircuts but no hairstyling. There's not many of us around any more. Every year there's fewer and fewer."

Angie has no thoughts about working for someone else. He quit bowling some years ago, but plans to continue his golf hobby. He shoots in the 90s and strives to shoot his age. And he has logged four holes-in-one, or four more than most golfers.

Angie and his wife Betty Jo will celebrate their 67th wedding anniversary in December. There will be plenty of time to spend with their two children, Menina and Weston, seven grandkids, and 12 great grandchildren.

"It's been a good business for a long time, 67 years," Angie says. "I'm a guy who really likes people. I'm just happy being healthy enough to do what I have for as long as I have, and having the great customers I have.

"I'm going to miss it. But it's just time."

Bob Shryock may be reached at bshryock@njadvancemedia.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook.