On April 12, 2007, New Jerseys Governor Jon S. Corzine was in a serious traffic accident on the Garden State Parkway just north of Atlantic City on his way to the governor’s mansion for a meeting with Don Imus and the Rutgers University women’s basketball team. The governor suffered severe injuries and will endure months of rehabilitation. “Based on the pictures I’ve seen of the crash, I think he is lucky, said Dr. Steven Ross, head of the Cooper University Hospitals Trauma Unit.

The 60 year old, Governor Corzine was a passenger in the front seat and it appears Corzine was not wearing his seat belt, as required by state law, according to spokesperson Anthony Coley. Corzine suffered extensive injuries after a swerving motorist struck the governors State Police-chauffeured SUV that was traveling at a speed of 91 mph in a 65 mph zone, sent the SUV veering into a guardrail. The Governor’s extensive injuries consisted of 12 broken ribs, a broken sternum and collarbone, the femur bone in his left leg was broken in two places, minor skin lacerations, and a fracture to his lower spinal column. Corzine was on a ventilator to ease the pain of breathing sustained from rib injuries, stated Cooper doctors.

According to the associated press, the Governor lost about half the blood in his body, there was no brain damage or injuries to internal organs, and he is not paralyzed, his doctors said. Later that week, doctors said brain functions were good.

Because of Corzines injuries, State Senate President Richard Cody (D) assumed duties as acting governor until Governor Corzine is able to resume his official duties.

Like all his fellow state workers, Corzine is covered by the state’s medical insurance plan, , but he will not use it to fund his recovery. GovernorCorzine will use his own funds to cover his medical treatment
On April 26, photographs were released to the press, showing the Governor sitting up in a chair in his hospital room surrounded by many stacks of get-well cards. Governor Corzine told the Associated Press photographer, “I’m the most blessed person who ever lived.”
The Governor was released from Cooper University Hospital in Camden on April 30, according to the Governor’s Spokesman Anthony Coley. Corzine will do his physical therapy from the governor’s mansion in Princeton and isn’t expected to walk without a cane or walker for the next few months.As for Corzine returning to his duties, it will be determined on how fast the Governor recovers from his injuries.

Cumberland County College had its 3rd annual Human Rights Awareness Day on Wednesday, April 25th. This day, hosted by the Amnesty Club at CCC, took place from 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m. in the Luciano Center.
The Amnesty Club at CCC is a part of Amnesty International, which is an organization that is dedicated to spreading the awareness of human rights. At the event held on Wednesday afternoon, the Amnesty Club expressed that not everyone is as privileged as we are in the United States. Many people all over the world do not have the rights that we do.

According to the Amnesty website, “AI’s vision is of a world in which every person enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards.” Amnesty members are involved in campaigning and giving protests that will let their voices be heard for those who have been silenced. A common campaign technique is to constantly write letters that politely state your point of view, and this is something the Amnesty Club at CCC does too.
AI states, “It does not support or oppose any government or political system, nor does it support or oppose the views of the victims whose rights it seeks to protect. It is concerned solely with the impartial protection of human rights.”
Professor Mather, one of the professors who is involved in Amnesty Club, wants to give total recognition to all the students who took part in this event. She feels that being a part of the Amnesty Club is one of the most rewarding things to be doing at this college.
Professor Quigley, the advisor of Amnesty Club, said, “We encourage the students to come to the meetings and get involved… we want input.” Quigley said that the Amnesty Club raised $102 for a Solar Cooking Project. This project will help stop Darfurians from going out of their camps to get firewood, which often results in rape. Professor Quigley said, “If enough people became aware of and were involved in stopping the genocide in Darfur, then the genocides could stop.”
There are approximately over 2.2 million members of AI from over 150 countries and territories around the world. According to the website, these members have many different backgrounds and a variety of political and religious beliefs. However, they have been united with one purpose in mind: establishing human rights to everyone who has not experienced these rights for themselves.

Ms. Corson’s class from Lakeside Middle School came to CCC on Wed. April 25th for a field trip.
Instead of studying science, math, social studies, and language arts they got to study journalism in Professor House’s Journalism Class.
They found out that college students are older than middle school students and that college students have finished their secondary education and are now attending higher education classes.
They are in college to get good jobs.
Teachers, journalists, meterologists, and movie critics are some of the careers they hope to work in once they get their degrees.

By Nate Jennings

There is a new trend in local towns all across South Jersey. Driving down Landis Avenue in Vineland New Jersey yields some very extraordinary sites. The brand new landscaping and the smell of sweet flowers, and the latest new thing that has ever hit the asphalt, bicycles, not just any bike, but low riders. These sensational bikes are equipped with custom paint, soft seats, spinning wheels, and a ride like never before. These luxury bikes were not only created for the young, but for adults who are young at heart also.

As the summer months slowly creep up and the gas prices continue to rise this could be a plus for savings accounts. Paul Smith owner of Xlent Low Riders bicycle shop on 8th and Landis Avenue in Vineland created these brand new cruisers, which are the hottest thing since BMX bikes hit the pavement. These special low riders are more than just bikes, there classy, smooth, and are built custom made for all who love bike riding.
“Twenty five years ago I was walking in Wild Wood New Jersey and I was actually trash picking and stumbled across an old unique bike. Years latter an idea came to my mind and took off like a group of seagulls on the boardwalk, which gave me the notion to design these unique bikes.” Smith says that he never thought that these creations would take off so quickly.
These low riders are as pretty as cars, but durable like trucks. “These bikes are so comfortable and they are very beautiful also,” said twins Taneesha and Taneeka Jennings of Vineland.” Smith started designing his low riders in Woodbury New Jersey than moved his operations from city to city introducing these bikes to hundreds of people across south Jersey. Now he and his hard working staff are designing these fantastic bikes here in Vineland. They can customize a special one of kind bike for clients only taking one full week working around the clock to do so.
One bike stood out from all the rest, with a flick of a switch fire protruded out of the tail pipes. “Wow, these bikes are hot like fire,” said Eric Simpson of Chester Pennsylvania. Smith will build bikes with all kinds of styles such as the ever so popular twisted style. These new bikes are the talk of the town and the news is spreading quickly. “ These bikes are off the charts,” said Nate Jennings Jr. a Vineland resident who took a tour through the bike shop.
One thing that stood out about Smith is that he cares more about the youth in Vineland than anything else he has ever created. He gives kids a discounts on bikes if they bring him proof of a good report card, and he also donates bikes to schools and people who sponsors fund raisers. Smith’s goal is to keep the youth out of trouble by taking them to cool bike shows that allows them to travel from Pennsylvania to New York. This gives him an opportunity to show off his incredible designs.
Ashley Rodriguez and Jason Roque who are Vineland residents that enjoy hanging out at the bike shop watching these masterpieces unfold. “I try to stay with the trend also,” said Smith.” He also knows that styles change rapidly. “If they can make a hoodie bling than the seat on my bike can shine too,” said Smith. He designs bikes from scratch for people who are young and old school as well. Smith is a great mentor in this community and will do anything positive to help the youth here in Vineland. His website is www.Xlentlowriders.com, and the number to reach him is (856) 404-7679

A few contestants showed off their talents at the Mr. CCC pageant on Friday, March 23rd. John Grant swept the judges off their chairs and took home the top prize.  Nine men competed for the honor in front of 175 people. The pageant was to raise money for graduation events. “It was an amazing night filled with fun and surprises–an event where we had to work so hard to prepare. We want to thank everyone for their involvement,” said Kellie Slade, CCC Director of Student Life.

 Photos by Desiree Lara

Article by Desiree Lara and Jen Resnick

“This award demonstrates all the hard work of the staff of The Voice. They deserve the award and much more,” said Professor of Journalism at CCC Nate House.

“The hard work of all the reporters that worked on each story really contributed to the paper,” said Voice Staff Reporter Nate Jennings. “It was also challenging.”

CCC student Desiree Lara won second place for Arts and Entertainment writing and Chris De Los Santos won first place for Investigatve/Enterprise writing.

“I’m surprised,” Lara said. “I feel accomplished.”

Students who worked on The Voice will receive the award on March 29th at the Better Newspapers Award Banquet.

The Dukes Track Club accomplished some of their personal bests at the Frank Holden Invitational at Ursinus College on February 3, 2007, their second indoor track and field meet of the year. Those members returning to participate in running or throwing events included shot putters Clentsall Logan, Todd Birdsall, and Elora Malat, and runners Dan Griner, Jason Valentine, Pierre Chainz-Rico, David Stone, Charles Homeyer, and Desiree Lara. Freshman Elbert Johnson participated in his first running event of the season in the 4 x 800 meter relay. Cross country and track and field coach Jim Marketto lead the Dukes pack to the Pennsylvania invitational that spanned for more than six hours and involved more than twenty four-year college teams, including Rutgers, Rowan, Valley Forge, Temple, Howard, Gettysburg, La Salle, and Dickinson.
No event went unnoticed, as the Dukes were able to break the CCC school record with their 4 x 800 meter relay race with an accomplished 9:32.2, thanks to long distance runners Pierre Chainz-Rico, Charles Homeyer, Elbert Johnson, and David Stone. Other personal bests included Todd Birdsall’s 30-7.5 shot put, Elora Malat’s 17-2.25 shot put, Jason Valentine’s 7.39-second 55-meter dash, and Desiree Lara’s 6:14.07 mile run. Although every member of the Dukes track and field club did not accomplish their personal bests, it was clear that every runner and shot putter was focused and eager at his attempts. Coach Marketto was fairly pleased with everyone’s turnout.
“It went as good as I thought. I wasn’t disappointed in anybody. It was a meet where our unsung heroes came through,” said Marketto.
Marketto continues to acquire faith in the club’s athletes, and is hoping that they will continue to improve as the outdoor session of track quickly approaches. These indoor meets (which also included the Kutztown Invitational in early January) are tools to help better the talents of each athlete and prepare them for what’s to come in spring.
“That’s the reason we go to these meets, to slowly improve our times,” said Marketto. “Runners have their own strategies [and] evaluate themselves. The key is not to be predictable. You learn from it, and that’s very critical.”

One of the top concerns that face many Cumberland County College students, is what the job market will be like for their chosen career when they graduate.
Research shows that if you’ve chosen criminal justice, healthcare, or education, then you’re poised for one of the best growth careers. But if you’ve gone into manufacturing or quality assurance, then your options may be more limited.

According to the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development the career fields in Cumberland County with the highest growth potential are correctional officers and jailers, followed closely by childcare workers, teaching assistants, and social services workers. Each of these fields are projected to grow between 15-19% by the year 2012.
“The demand for qualified healthcare workers will continue to increase as the U.S. population ages,” said Rhonda Lipsey, Healthcare Employment Expert at CareerBuilder.com. “More than 300,000 healthcare jobs were created in 2004 and economists are projecting this trend will continue.”
The fields that show the least amount of growth are inspectors/quality control, laborers, material handlers, and typist (data entry).
However, regardless of your choice in career, there are ways to make yourself more marketable and more likely to secure a position upon graduation.
In addition to creating a professional resume and an outstanding portfolio, students may consider learning a second language. “Anyone who is bilingual, who can speak fluent English and Spanish, can be more easily placed into nearly any position,” said John Ross of Manpower Staffing Agency. “Companies have a need for employees who can speak both languages fluently and usually give preference to these individuals.”
And, of course, brush up on your interviewing skills. “Always dress for the position you want five years from now,” advised Professor Edgar of Delaware County Community College. “Not for the position you’re applying for right now. And continue to do so throughout your career.” How you present yourself is crucial. “Mind your manner of speech as well,” continued Edgar. “Nothing is worse than speaking to a person who uses ‘street-slang’ or too many ‘uh’, ‘um’, or other crutch words.”
Do an online search for additional interview “dos and don’ts” and/or visit your local career center.

Photo: Sue Lynn Ramos

At approximately 1:00 pm today firefighters were called to CCC’s parking lot G for a car fire, according to CCC security. When Jerry Gonzalez a CCC campus security officer saw smoke rising from the Dodge Shadow’s hood he immediately called the firefighters.
Volunteer fire fighters from Station 2 in Vineland immediately showed up to drown out the flames from the oil-leaking car. Sheilia a CCC freshman gazed with grief as she watched her newly owned vehicle burn.

By Marie Tedesco