Clayton Free Press - September 2018

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Volume 1 - Number 8

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September 2018

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BOROUGH BACKS POT PLANT IN CLAYTON CENCO BOULEVARD TARGET FOR SITE

CLAYTON, NJ – Just months after proudly announcing the bust of a “major” illegal pot grower in downtown Clayton, the Borough Mayor issued a Letter of Support for Green Thumb Industries, Inc. ("GTI") - a Canadian-based cannabis merchant - encouraging the State to permit them to set up shop on Cenco Boulevard, if and when marijuana legalization passes the Legislature.

GTI is maneuvering for preemptive approval of their major large-scale marijuana growing, processing and distribution operation planned for a location less than 1,000 feet from two recently developed over-55 housing subdivisions, and about 3,000 feet from Clayton's soccer fields and the Clayton Public Middle and “High” Schools, and their newly built $7 million Arts facility.

GTI was founded by trust-fund “children” Ben Kovler and Pete Kadens – both with extensive ties to the investment banking world and Goldman Sachs – the firm from which New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy retired after a 23-year career. GTI is also locally represented by New Jersey political powerhouse attorney Harvey Johnson, Esq. of Duane Morris. Johnson has been a major contributor to several area political campaigns, according to state records.

(See "Who's Who" on Page 4) See Pot Plant coming to Clayton, page 3

WHAT’S THE WORST THAT CAN HAPPEN?

What are the consequences of allowing an illegal marijuana growing, processing and distribution operation to set up business in your town? According to various sources quoted below, the consequences can be significant.

Impact on Home Values: A problem with odor, crime and stigma

While several sources indicate that in the short-run, vacant, abandoned, and rental properties are quickly absorbed when a marijuana grower comes to town – they are generally acquired by people you might not want as neighbors, according to leading national real estate experts. One study by the University of Mississippi found recreational marijuana laws “obviously attract more migrants — whether it be marijuana users, entrepreneurs or job-seekers — to relocate, which drives up housing demand” – especially rental properties.

On the flip side, Colorado neighborhoods harboring growers lose value. The pungent odor the plant emits turns off home seekers, according to Realtor.com.

According to New Jersey attorney David Evans, “foul odors, noise, stigma, and reduced property values are common problems caused by marijuana facilities”. Evans should know, because he is a leading expert on the impacts of See Worst that can Happen?, Page 3

WHY PICK CLAYTON?

In its Letter of Support for GTI’s establishment of a marijuana growing, processing and distribution facility in Clayton, one Borough official noted that GTI “is one of the most successful and philanthropic companies in the medical cannabis space”, and that they “have committed to hire local people for employment and to support local community charities now and in the future”.

The Letter also stated that GTI made “a commitment to hiring minority and veteran employees”, and “project investing approximately $10 million in the local operation”.

The letter continues “we strongly support GTI exclusively and encourage the Department of Health, once all application criteria have been met, to provide GTI with the appropriate permits so that this industry can grow within the Borough of Clayton for the benefit of all our residents”.

That letter can be found on page 2.

When interviewed in CannaInsider, GTI Director and Chief Executive Officer Pete Kadens, was a little more realistic about what GTI is all about and how - and why they pick their targets.

Kadens stated that “from a cultivation perspective, we have a couple key factors that we look at that help us determine where we’re going to operate. And those key factors are things like we want relatively high minority density in the markets where we have a cultivation facility.

We want relatively high unemployment. In other words, we look for areas that have been economically depressed”.

He continued “those are markets where the mayors and the city council members, they want us there. We are not a burden to them. They don’t see us as a nuisance. We’re not in 'my backyard' type of business. Our 50 jobs or 75 jobs are critical to the development of their urban corridor and to revitalizing their city. And so when you have a community who stands up for you in the face of drama or in the face of people not liking what you do that’s where we like to go. We want to be supported by the community and we want to be in communities where we can make a big difference, and frankly in communities where we can drive shareholder return.”

See Why Clayton, page 2

The "target zone" - Marijuana growing, processing and distribution facility location on Cenco Boulevard, near the Estates of Aberdeen, Villages at Aberdeen and Reserve at Academy Walk.

Map courtesy of Google

Hear us LIVE on WVLT Don't like marijuana as a cash crop in your community?

Don't move yet - See 'What You Can Do" on Page 5

Saturday, September 22 1:00 - 2:00 PM Hear live interviews with area news makers

Named Paper of Record for the Borough of Clayton and the Clayton Public School District

Clayton Free Press // September 2018

Page 2

Why Clayton, Continued from page 1 What that means is, the GTI founders perceive Clayton’s economy as tragic, its residents as mostly minority, mostly controlled by their elected officials, and silenced by the governing body which will stand up for GTI "in the face of drama or in the face of people not liking what you do". In return, GTI “can drive shareholder return” – or, make a lot of dough making and selling a lot of pot in our community.

“Social Justice” - Insights from Northern New Jersey

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy insists that raising tax revenue is just an unintended consequence that will result from legalizing marijuana in the state - one of his key Legislative priorities during his first year in office. The reason Murphy cites for "pushing" legalization is his "desire to correct a long-festering "social justice" problem – African Americans have been disproportionately jailed or arrested on marijuana-related charges, even though use of the drug is roughly the same as whites. Instead of granting "pardons" - something easily available for his use - the "freeing factor" will be pot legalization, he claims.

New Jersey State Senator Ronald Rice of Newark has become a key dissenting voice in Trenton, working hard to bring his brand of reality to the slogans being chanted by other propot Legislators. As Chair of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus, Rice circulated a letter in Trenton on July 22nd (a copy is available on our website) to his fellow Legislators, as well as to the Governor, his staff and Cabinet. In his letter, Senator Rice pointed out the following: “Under the auspices of social justice - the ‘End Game’ to the Legalization of ‘Recreational Marijuana’ is the poor get poorer and the rich get richer. More tax dollars for government regardless of the harm done to real people and communities,” Rice stated. He continued that “those who are pushing hard and spending a lot of money to get a recreational marijuana bill passed in New Jersey are doing so under the auspices of social justice for black and brown people in particular. This is clearly a distortion of the real intent of the push for legalization of recreational marijuana. The real intent is to make money at the expense of New Jersey taxpayers, voters, and predominantly black and brown people, urban municipalities and urban bordered communities.”

Rice continued, “the public that you and I represent do not know the difference between legalizing recreational marijuana and the legalization of medical marijuana. When asked, urban dwellers do not know that retail commercial stores will be placed in their communities and neighborhoods on the same commercial corridors that presently house liquor stores, bodegas, we buy gold and antiques stores, walk-in Chinese fast food and Crown chicken fast food stores with bullet proof caged windows serving the patrons, etc. These are the locations near our public schools, churches and where the homeless population, drug dealers, and gang members live and operate presently”.

In an interview with the Clayton Free Press, Senator Rice restated that “what Legislators know and what our residents do not know about the ‘Legalization of Marijuana’ in other states is that: • We know states like Colorado that legalized recreational marijuana, black people are still arrested three times more for marijuana violations than whites; • When states legalize "Recreational Marijuana" we know that the number of people on drugs who never used drugs before increases; • We know the number of college students using drugs increases; • We know that the number of young people being treated in hospitals emergency rooms with marijuana related illnesses have increased substantially; • We know that interstate and intercity drug trafficking has increased substantially in Nevada; • We know that the use of other drugs is going up in Nevada; • We know that marijuana homicides are increasing; • We know that auto accidents have risen significantly in states that legalized recreational marijuana; • We know that businesses cannot hire local workers because of drugs in the person's system; • We know that businesses are concerned about liability issues and the impact on such things such as workers compensation; • We know that there will be many law suits forthcoming by and against family members, businesses, labor unions, insurance companies and local governments; • We know that organized labor unions are concerned about work place safety, protection of workers' rights who legally uses marijuana on and off the job. They are worried about increased legal cost to defend their members; • We know that the black market is growing; • We know that the Mexican Cartels have moved into Colorado and Nevada to set up legal growing businesses in order to sell to the black market. We also know Cuban and Russian cartels are operating in states that passed recreational legalization laws as well, and: • We know that the federal laws are still being enforced.

Worst that can Happen?, Continued from page 1 grow facilities on people and property. He serves as Director of the organization Cannabis Industry Victims Educating Litigators (CIVEL, LLC). According to Evans, in the case of Safe Streets Alliance v. Hickenlooper, the Safe Streets plaintiffs owned property in Colorado that was adjacent to a marijuana cultivation facility that emitted a pungent “boiling skunk-like” odor. They filed a civil RICO suit in federal court in 2015 stating that the facility’s smell interfered with their use and enjoyment of their property and diminished their property values. That suit – and a growing number of others filed by home and business owners in the states where marijuana is “legalized” – wind their way through the Justice system – many, resulting in big wins for the public.

Even when it’s legal by state law, there’s often a stigma – and a smell - associated with weed communities. According to Kevin Lisota, a real-estate broker in Seattle, the plant smell “just permeated everything in the house and it sat on the market for a very long time”, he said. Even having a dispensary nearby can be a negative, Lisota said. “I don’t think it improves your home value to be located near recreational or medical dispensaries, in the same way you wouldn’t want to be close to a liquor store - You don’t need people coming three doors down to get their weed,” he said.

As California worked to expand their legal marijuana venues, the Sacramento Bee newspaper reported that the value of homes near legal cannabis-growing operations suffered, and that home sellers would be required to disclose to wouldbe buyers the presence of cannabis cultivation sites in their neighborhoods.

Reporting on the effects of pot legalization on Colorado home prices, Realtor.com said, “homes within a half-mile of a marijuana business often have lower property value than homes in the same county that are farther out” and that “neighborhoods with grow houses are the least desirable, with an 8.4 percent price discount.”

A leading reason for the decline in home values is the smell coming off of the marijuana growing and processing operation site. According to several sources, including the Spokesman-Review. One neighbor of a major grow facility Roger Bertsch – “can’t stand the smell that wafts from his neighbor’s property”, it was reported. “Sometimes it’s barely detectable in the afternoon breeze. But sometimes, he said, the skunky aroma is so penetrating he can’t keep the windows open, let alone enjoy a meal on his patio”. Because of the smell of his neighbor’s marijuana farm, the Spokane County Assessor’s Office recently took 10 percent off the value of his property. “Ever since they started growing cannabis, we’ve been getting a pretty intense skunk smell,” said Bertsch, who has lived in a house on West Washington Road with his wife for nearly a decade. Neither he or his wife oppose marijuana on moral grounds – “it just stinks”, he said.

Impact on the local environment

According to Evans, marijuana cultivation in California, Colorado, Oregon, Massachusetts, Washington and other states has caused significant environmental damage, including discharges of pollutants to surface water and groundwater, erosion and sedimentation, and illegal diversions of surface water. In addition, he noted that marijuana is a very heavy water user “so in a town with ongoing water restrictions like Clayton, who gets the water when restrictions are in effect – the people or the cannabis”?

According to Smart Approached to Marijuana (“SAM) - a non-profit organization based in Alexandria, Virginia, in 2012, “marijuana growing consumed 1% of the nation’s electricity, and since that time marijuana cultivation has expanded significantly”. “That is six times the amount of power the entire U.S. pharmaceutical industry uses and it can be expected to rise if cultivation and consumption continues to escalate due to legalization”, the organization noted.

In addition, they stated that “the energy to produce a single joint emits 3 pounds of carbon dioxide, which is comparable to leaving a TV on for over 15 hours”. This enormous energy use derives from both the quantity of marijuana grown and the large amount of energy it demands. Marijuana is almost four times more energy intensive than oil or coal”, according to SAM. The pointed out that it uses so much power that indoor marijuana production in Colorado “is responsible for 2% of the state’s electrical load and 45% of all new electricity demand coming online. In fact, Mother Jones magazine indicated that the marijuana market “has placed a huge burden on the grid that distributes electricity throughout the state”. SAM suggested that Clayton brace itself for a major shock when production begins in the Borough. Shirley Morgan agreed, noting that “indoor commercial marijuana growers and processors operate 24 hours a day – that means with the continuous high-powered lighting required to grow the crop, and the continuous blowing of exhaust fans from the facility – neighbors can expect lights, noise and noxious odors to be released from the operation around the clock”.

Impact on Crime: “All that cash, all that dope, and all that opportunity” “Marijuana businesses are keeping too much cash on hand because of federal banking restrictions, creating targets for burglaries and robberies”, according to the Police Foundation and the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police. In a report released by that organization, they stated that “although U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network have issued guidelines allowing banks to work with marijuana businesses that comply with state legalization laws, most reputable banks continue to be reluctant to do business with growers”.

Since marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, banks fear they could be prosecuted under money laundering laws for accepting funds from illegal businesses. As a result, most marijuana businesses remain cashheavy.

In addition to robberies, vehicle hijackings, facility break-ins and burglaries, and inside “re-direction” (theft) of marijuana crops by workers is commonplace and growing, according to Tom Gorman, director of the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, part of the National Drug Control Policy office that helps coordinate local drug task forces and other large-scale narcotics efforts in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Utah. “When you have a $10 per hour worker handling a cash crop like marijuana, a single plant can yield up to one pound of pot, worth between $1,000 and $3,000 in street value”, he said. “Since there is no true regulation or supervision – no one really knows what’s grown – what is processed for ‘medical’ or non-medical purposes - and how much simply leaves the facility to be resold on your neighborhood streets”, Gorman said. The Police Foundation and the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police’s report backs up that assertion.

According to “SAM”, the crime rate in Colorado has increased 11 times faster than the rest of the nation since legalization, with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation reporting an 8.3% increase in property crimes and an 18.6% increase in violent crimes. In addition, according to a Denver Post report, since 2012, the year when Colorado voters passed recreational marijuana legalization, “the number of crimes in Denver grew by about 44 percent, according to annual figures the city reported to the National Incident Based Reporting System. That number includes multiple charges against individual suspects, such as possession of a lethal weapon while driving under the influence without a license. Relying on the number of single person arrests, the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report shows a 3.5 percent increase over the same span.

“Whether you have a 3.5% increase – or a 44% increase because of multiple charges against the same criminals – you have a significantly measurable change in crime brought in with the marijuana”, Gorman said.

HELPING HAND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH OPENS CLAYTON OUTREACH AND ADDICTION CENTER On Tuesday, August 21st, after many months of construction and preparation, Helping Hand Behavioral Health formally opened their newest Clayton Borough facility, located at 1080 North Delsea Drive, in Clayton, NJ. On hand for the opening were Gloucester County Freeholder Heather Simmons, Clayton Councilwoman Darlene Vondran, Borough Mayor Tom Bianco and Helping Hand officials Aaron Kreisworth, Eugene Buchinger and DiAnne Kelly, who serves as Regional Director of Outreach Services at Helping Hand Behavioral Health.

Helping Hand Behavioral Health is dedicated to providing quality integrated, community-based outpatient care to individuals with mental health and addiction issues, as well as co-occurring disorders.

Clayton Free Press // September 2018

Page 3

Pot coming to Clayton, Continued from page 1

Medical v Recreational Marijuana

“The argument isn’t about whether or not medical marijuana is a good thing, the question is, do YOU want to live next to a marijuana growing, processing and distribution operation, with the many proven negative impacts it will have on your home value, your childrens' health and safety, and the environment,” said David Evans, Esq., an attorney who has been willing to confer with Clayton homeowners as they evaluate litigation alternatives, including the possibility of a federal lawsuit based on the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations law (RICO) and other causes of action against Clayton’s elected officials and the owners and shareholders of GTI and anyone who does business with them. Such lawsuits have been filed in Colorado, California, Massachusetts and Oregon.

Dope and Money

“This isn’t about ‘medical’ marijuana or helping sick people – it’s about dope and money”, said Shirley Morgan, Director of Citizens for Public Safety, Quality of Life and Property Values in Oregon. “Even a leader from the New Jersey Legislature admitted as much when he stated to Politico on August 20th that “the Legislature won’t expand access to medical marijuana without legalizing cannabis statewide” - effectively holding sick people hostage to the demands of the investment banking community.

According to Tom Gorman, director of the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program, part of the National Drug Control Policy, “in the final analysis – this GTI operation is a criminal enterprise and is in violation with the federal Controlled Substance Act of 1970, which classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance and states that it is illegal to sell, use or transport marijuana across state lines”. “The monies made by such operations are illegal – period -

"The (New Jersey) Legislature won’t expand access to medical marijuana without legalizing cannabis statewide”

Statement to Politico on August 20, 2018 by a leading member of NJ State Legislature

which means that the taxes paid to the municipalities, the compensation paid to workers at the factories, the rent paid to land owners or mortgage payments made to lenders, even the money paid to pizza shops providing food to the operation are subject to seizure by the Federal Government”, Gorman stated.

How much marijuana is enough?

Compassionate Care Foundation operates a dispensary and cultivation site in Egg Harbor Township, with plans to open additional dispensaries in South Jersey, along with a major 135,000-square-foot growing and processing facility at a former greenhouse in Sewell, NJ – about nine miles from downtown Clayton. Curaleaf, located less than 13 miles from Clayton, announced in June that they have entered the planning stages of constructing a 100,000 square-foot marijuana growing facility in Bellmawr which is similar - but smaller than that planned in Clayton by GTI. Collectively, these two facilities should have sufficient capacity to produce sufficient crop to meet all the medical marijuana needs of the South Jersey community for years to come. So why then is another major marijuana growing, processing and distribution operator needed in Clayton?

“Money – pure and simple” said Gorman. The public promise of jobs, tax revenues and community improvements is the icing on the cake – but with so many companies promising everyone something – the profits shrink and the jobs, tax revenues and improvements go away”, he said. “And performance bonds – forget about them”, he said. “No bonding company will stand behind an illegal operation, so the people holding the bag will be the taxpayers of the municipality”, he said.

Should a marijuana dispensary be permitted in Clayton?

In April of this year, we asked you to tell us if the Borough should permit the establishment of a Marijuana Dispensary, and you responded. In an unscientific survey response, your opinion was as follows:

In October, we will conduct another informal poll to assess your opinion about the establishment of a full scale marijuana growing, processing and distribution operation in Clayton.

We'll keep you informed. We promise.

Publishers and Editors, Clayton Free Press

Clayton Free Press // September 2018

Page 4

WHO ARE THE PLAYERS IN CLAYTON'S 2018 "MARIJUANA TRADE" Jason Bacon - If you recall, in our June 2018 CFP issue, we “high”lighted the arrest of Jason

Jason Bacon, accused of growing marijuana at vacant home and greenhouse in Clayton

Bacon, a 35-year-old Ocean County man, who was accused of running a “large-scale” marijuana "grow" in a home and greenhouse on property he owned at 1111 North Delsea Drive in Clayton. The home and a greenhouse Bacon owned was raided on April 26th, netting about 40 marijuana plants and multiple plastic bins “each containing several pounds of marijuana, according to a released forfeiture complaint. More suspected marijuana, a loaded gun and $818 were confiscated during a separate raid at Bacon’s home on Laurel Brook Drive in Brick, Ocean County.

One of Mr. Bacon’s key mistakes was apparently not being wealthy enough to mask his “grow” operations behind the shield of a Canadian publicly traded company, funded by highly educated trust-fund kids, represented by a well-connected legal team.

Governor Phil Murphy - Murphy had a 23-year career at Goldman Sachs, where he held several high-level positions and accumulated considerable wealth before retiring in 2006. Murphy was elected Governor in November 2017 on a platform that included – among other things – complete legalization of marijuana in New Jersey. Among the reasons Murphy noted for the rush to legalize marijuana was the call to "Social Justice" - a means of leveling the playing field by making up for past drug enforcement actions that targeted black and brown citizens for low level marijuana possession. So, instead of pardoning past pot convictions, it makes more sense to the Trenton Investment Bankers to cash in on getting everyone high - but then, you still have those folks sitting in jails. Maybe, they can work in a GTI Marijuana Dispensary when they finally get out of prison.

Ben Kovler, Founder and Chairman at Green Thumb Industries - Ben and his Investment Banking associate Ron Levin formed Invest For Kids in 2009. When Ben and Ron formed Invest For Kids - a youth support organization that brings the Chicago investment community together annually to help kids. Ben's associate Ron is a Managing Director in the Private Wealth Management group at Goldman Sachs.

Hey - Didn't Murphy just retire from there?

As an aside, Kovler’s wealth comes from his ancestor’s investment in Jim Beam. In an interview, Kovler said that he “sees similarities between the liquor industry of the 1930s, when his great-grandfather Harry Blum helped build Jim Beam into one of the most recognizable bourbon brands, and today’s market for cannabis. With the end of what he calls “Prohibition 2.0,” Kovler took GTI public in Canada after engineering a “reverse merger” with an already-listed Canadian company - Bayswater Uranium Corporation.

GTI Founders Ben Kovler (on the left) and Pete Kadens, pictured among their cash crop friends in a recent photo that appeared in Crain's Chicago Business in an interview where they complained that drugs were hard work. First rule is to remember to call it "Medical" marijuana boys, and don't brag about the "high" levels of THC in your product. The photo was taken by Todd Winters

In their listing document, GTI admits that it “derives a substantial portion of its revenues from the cannabis industry in certain states of the United States, which industry is illegal under United States federal law.”

Pete Kadens - Director and Chief Executive Officer at Green Thumb Industries.

He is one of the founding members of the National Association of Cannabis Businesses (NACB), and in 2018, Marijuana Business Magazine called him “One of 20 People to Watch in the Cannabis Industry in 2018.” Pete has delivered talks all over the US around issues related to reforming the war on drugs. In a 2016 interview with the Wall Street Journal, Kadens bragged about quitting “his investment banking job to start his own firm”, which he apparently did, after spending four years at the investment bank of UBS. Harvey Johnson, Esq. – Attorney for GTI New Jersey LLC Johnson practices real estate law and litigation with Duane Morris and represents major developers, assisting them in obtaining the necessary government approvals for large projects. He previously served as general counsel to the South Jersey Port Corporation, and assists public and private clients in obtaining various approvals and permits from the Pinelands Commission and from N.J. Department of Environmental Protection. He previously represented Deptford Township and the Camden City Board of Education. Johnson served for 12 years as the Municipal Judge of Lawnside, New Jersey, and is a major contributor to a number of Gloucester County political candidates.

Selected Police Activity Statistics - Borough of Clayton - 2017 vs 2018 Selected Police Activity Statistics - Borough of Clayton - 2018 v 2017 July 2018 v 2017 & 12 months to date

Jul-17

Jul-18

2016 Aug 2017 July

Change

2017 Aug 2018 July

% Change

Change

Homicide

0

0

0

1

1

0

0.0%

Robbery

0

0

0

4

7

3

75.0%

Aggrivated Assault

0

0

0

0

7

7

700.0%

Simple Assault

1

6

5

30

89

59

196.7%

Burglary

4

1

-3

45

64

19

42.2%

Larceny/Theft

6

6

0

110

184

74

67.3%

Motor Veshicle Theft

0

1

1

3

10

7

233.3%

Sex Offenses

0

2

2

0

9

9

700.0%

Motor Vehicle Accidents

9

14

5

138

166

28

20.3%

10

1

-9

52

44

-8

-15.4%

Domestic

6

10

4

66

71

5

7.6%

Tow Impound

3

7

4

63

97

34

54.0%

Handicap Placards Issues

0

0

0

14

11

-3

-21.4%

Firearms Approved

4

5

1

116

86

-30

-25.9%

(459)

-2.6%

13

3.2%

$ (6,000)

-6.7%

CDS Arrests *

Total Calls

1,375

Total Arrests Total Stolen Traffic Stops Tickets Issued Complaints Signed

1,290

32 $

974

(85)

30 $

-

-2 $

(974) $

214

255

41

98

82

(16)

15

* CDS - Control l ed Da ngerous Subs ta nce

0

-15

17,368

16,909

406 89,639

419 $

83,639

2,191

2,879

688

31.4%

918

1,602

684

74.5%

150

239

89

59.3%

AIMING TO HELP The Ubiquitous .22

STAN BENNETT The .22 caliber rimfire cartridge was introduced sometime in 1831 as the .22BB cap. Rimfire refers to the placement of the primer powder in the rim of the cartridge, as opposed to center fire, which has a priming device in the center of the cartridge base.

The .22 designation refers to the bullet diameter of .223in., slightly less than a quarter of an inch.

The .228B cap was used mainly for indoor target shooting. At that time, when friends got together for an evening of socializing, a popular activity was informal, indoor target practice, with targets set up in the living room fireplace or somewhere similar.

The activity was enjoyed by both men and women.

Several different iterations appeared through the 1800s, all using black powder. Around 1903, smokeless powder was introduced, being much more powerful, as well as cleaner burning, and without the black smoke. It was a perfect mate for the .22 long rifle cartridge, and the rest is history.

The .22 is probably the most popular caliber in the history of firearms. It's available in rifles and handguns of almost every variety. It's used for everything from plinking (informal target shooting), to long range international matches. It's used in the Olympic pentathlon, and by fur trappers, to dispatch trapped animals. It's also used in many military weapons, such as the M16, and the ARIS, as well as numerous other military, hunting, target, and self-defense guns. Many times, these weapons use a larger cartridge, containing more gun powder, and capable of propelling the relatively small bullet at great speed and with a flat trajectory, so it flies straight and level longer.

Most of us who shoot guns would probably say that we started with a .22 rifle. They are quiet, so the new shooter isn't feeling like his ears are being assaulted, and there's virtually no recoil, so those who aren't used to shooting don't tend to flinch. The relative lack of noise and recoil allow the shooter to learn proper techniques for accuracy, eliminating two factors that many fear. Of course, the lowly .22 is still a deadly weapon, demanding the same respect and safety procedures as any other firearm. That little bullet normally travels anywhere from 900to 1200 fps, or feet per second, with an advertised range of 1 to 1.5 miles.

For fun, inexpensive shooting, the .22 is supreme.

There are rifles and handguns available to fit any budget, from slightly over $100, to several thousand.

22s are great fun for novice and experienced shooters, and available from almost any dealer.

As always, I'm here to advise, and provide several choices.

Be safe, have fun, and God bless!

If you have another opinion, write me, care of the Clayton Free Press, P.O. Box 201, Clayton, NJ 08312 -----------------------------------------

Stan Bennett was born in South Jersey, and has been a Clayton resident since 1975. He is married with three children and two grandchildren. Working as a truck driver and now, since retiring, as owner and sales manager of Bennett Firearms, he is a state and federally licensed firearms dealer.

Stan is committed to offering fair prices on new and used gun purchases, and providing advice and assistance on the safe use of firearms for sport and personal protection.

You can contact him at 856 513 5330, or by email, at sbennettfirearms@gmail.com. His website is located at: https://BennettFireArmsandAmmo.com/ sbennettfirearms@gmail.com

Clayton Free Press // September 2018

Page 5

WHAT YOU CAN DO

If you oppose development of a marijuana growing, manufacturing and distribution operation in your Borough, you don’t have to move. You have a few options:

First, tell the Mayor and members of Borough Council how you feel about this issue.

They can pass an ordinance now to stop it, if they want to do so. You can call or email them directly at numbers and addresses listed on our website (http:// njfreepress.com/), or at the Borough website (http://claytonnj.com/public/ town-government/meet-the-mayor/): Among other municipalities in New Jersey that have passed ordinances against allowing illegal marijuana businesses to set up shop in their towns, Howell Township – a municipality in Monmouth County with a population of over 51,075 - passed an ordinance as far back as 2011. Ordinance O-11-48 prohibited the Township from approving application for businesses and operations that are in violation of Federal Law. Since marijuana is illegal under federal law – that includes marijuana growing, processing and distribution operations like that proposed by GTI. According to Brian J. Geoghegan, Township Manager of the Township of Howell, “the Governing Body is reviewing the Ordinance in light of the decision for the State to add six more licenses for medical marijuana, which is already legalized in the state”.

Today, the Ordinance remains fully in force.

A copy of that legislation is available on our website, at http://njfreepress.com/special-features/ According to NJ.Com, a number of other New Jersey municipalities have approved a measure that would ban or discourage marijuana businesses from locating within their borders. Those include: • Berkeley - Ocean County - Population: 41,554 - Date passed: Jan. 22 • Bridgewater - Somerset County - Population: 44,999 Date passed: April 16 (Bridgewater's council did not ban marijuana businesses, but passed a resolution in opposition of marijuana legalization in New Jersey) • Carlstadt - Bergen County - Population: 6,249 - Date passed: May 3 • Chatham Township - Morris County - Population: 10,528 - Date passed: April 12 • Cranbury - Middlesex County - Population: 3,803 - Date passed: March 12 • Garfield - Bergen County - Population: 31,456 - Date passed: Feb. 27 • Hasbrouck Heights - Bergen County - Population: 12,124 - Date passed: Feb. 13 • Hawthorne - Passaic County - Population: 18,950 - Date passed: March 23 • Hazlet - Monmouth County - Population: 20,108 - Date passed: Feb. 20 • North Caldwell - Essex County - Population: 6,519 - Date passed: Feb. 27 • Oceanport - Monmouth County - Population: 5,763 - Date passed: April 19 • Old Bridge - Middlesex County - Population: 66,573 - Date passed: April 23 • Parsippany-Troy Hills - Morris County - Population: 53,515 - Date passed: March 20. Parsippany's resolution doesn't outright ban marijuana businesses from the borough, but strongly opposes marijuana legalization • Point Pleasant Beach - Ocean County - Population: 4,594 - Date passed: Dec. 19, 2017 • Spotswood - Middlesex County - Population: 8,418 - Date passed: Feb. 21. Like Parsippany, Spotswood's resolution doesn't outright ban marijuana businesses from the borough, but strongly opposes marijuana legalization • Surf City - Ocean County - Population: 1,178 - Date passed: March 14 • Wall - Monmouth County - Population: 26,000 - Date passed: Feb. 28

Next, attend all Borough Council and Planning/Zoning Board meetings - and ask your friends, neighbors and family members to do so too:

The Borough’s Planning Zoning Board, and Clayton’s Board of Supervisors meet publicly on the dates and times published in this newspaper, in other papers of “record”, on the Borough’s Public Website (http://claytonnj.com/) and on our Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ClaytonNJFreePress/). If you show up, they will listen.

And, you can bring suit to protect your health, safety and property interests:

As a homeowner or resident of the Borough, you can join with other Clayton families who are in the process of retaining counsel to start litigation against the Borough’s elected officials, as well as a class action RICO lawsuit against the owners and shareholders of GTI. Email us for more information at Editor@ NJFreePress.

It's Political - Clayton’s Second Congressional District Candidates

From my Perspective

From my Perspective

New Jersey State Senator and Democratic Candidate for Second Congressional District - Dr. Jeff Van Drew Social Security and Medicare are cornerstones of America, and our seniors in South Jersey and across the country depend on the benefits they’ve earned.

Social Security and Medicare are two of the most successful public programs ever created, and have shielded generations of older Americans from poverty. Far too many politicians in Washington, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, are focused on reducing our seniors’ hard-earned benefits. We have many pressing issues facing our country, from supporting our veterans to immigration to national security, and those are the issues I would focus on in Congress- not undermining our commitments to seniors.

As Congressman, I will fight any scheme to privatize social security or reduce Medicare, and I will oppose raising the retirement age or reducing cost of living adjustments. However, I know that we must do more than simply pay the benefits today- we need long term solutions to keep the system solvent. We need to enable Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug costs.

As a Dentist, I have a deep understanding of the American healthcare system, and I understand the need to make it more accessible and more affordable. Instead of addressing the underlying causes of the high cost of healthcare, Washington has failed our families by increasing our healthcare costs, and making healthcare less accessible to the Americans who need it most. Our healthcare system is broken, and we need to reform the Affordable Care Act so that it protects families and small businesses, and lowers the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs. In Congress, I will fight for affordable and accessible healthcare, and a healthcare system that works for all of us in South Jersey.

Jeff Van Drew is a candidate for the United States House of Representatives in the Second Congressional District of New Jersey. Van Drew, a State Senator, is a small business owner in Atlantic County, where he has practiced dentistry for more than 35 years. He lives in Cape May County, where he is a life member of the Ocean View Fire Company.

DO YOU HAVE VIDEO SURVEILLANCE OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME? A murder suspect was caught with the help of more than 20 video sources, some of which belonged to private citizens - just like you. Please help deter crime by notifying the Clayton Police Department about this valuable resource.

Call: 856-881-2300

Attorney and Republican Candidate for Second Congressional District, Seth Grossman For most of us, Labor Day was part of a three day weekend that ended summer vacations. For many, it was a day of barbecues, baseball, beaches and boats. For others, it was shopping, packing, and getting kids ready for school.

Labor Day is exactly what most mainstream American labor unions like the AFL had in mind when they created this new American holiday on the first Monday in September in the 1880’s. They wanted American workers to have another day off between July 4 and Thanksgiving to celebrate and enjoy their new prosperity and leisure.

However, a minority of more radical Chicago based unions wanted a much different holiday on May 1 instead. They wanted unions to remember the deadly “Haymarket” riots of May 1886 with marches, protests, and demands for political action.

That was part of much bigger disputes within the labor movement between 1880 and 1930 that ended up making America the wealthiest nation in the world.

The Chicago radicals later became known as Socialists. They saw themselves as part of a worldwide revolution of organized workers. As with most unions in Europe, their goal was to run the government and all major industries. European socialists succeeded in Russia in 1918 (Lenin’s Communists), Italy in 1922 (Mussolini’s Fascists), and Germany in 1933 (Hitler’s “National Socialists”).

Mainstream American labor unions, like the AFL, took an opposite approach. They did not want to run the industries they worked for. They wanted private owners to grow, expand, and make large profits that would be shared with workers in the form of higher wages and more time off.

Their main political goal was to put limits on the number of new immigrants to America.

Unions blamed too many immigrants for keeping wages down. In 1920, unions won that battle. From 1920 to 1965, new laws limited legal immigration to roughly 300,00 per year, and those laws were enforced. Fewer immigrants caused American industries to use new inventions to boost production. This gave American workers better skills and the biggest increase in income and living standards in history.

Ironically, many radical Democrats are today demanding the same things--including a May 1 Labor Holiday--that mainstream American unions rejected for more than a hundred years.

Seth Grossman is a Somers Point Attorney, former Adjunct Professor, and current Republican candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in the 2d Congressional District.

Seth Grossman, GrossmanforCongress.com

Clayton Free Press // September 2018

Page 6

Buying v. Renting What you need to know Hi Everyone!

Welcome to our monthly feature - "A Taste of Clayton", highlighting some of the best original recipes to be found in the homes of Clayton's families.

This months featured recipe was submitted by Caitlin Amer. Ms Amer is active in our community as a member of the Clayton Special Events Committee. She is also a foster youth advocate as a volunteer with C.A.SA.. Caitlin is pursuing her BS in Psychology and works for Americorp as a youth mentor. Her recipe is a family favorite, which she says is simple to prepare and delicious.

Caitlin Amer’s Skinny Margherita Chicken 3 med ripe tomatoes 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast 8oz low fat mozzarella cheese Bunch of fresh basil Salt and pepper Cooking spray Directions: Preheat oven to 350, spray cookie sheet with vegetable spray. Salt and pepper chicken and place on cookie sheet, bake 15 minutes, flip chicken and bake another 15 minutes. While chicken is baking slice tomatoes and clean fresh basil. When chicken is cooked place a slice of tomato, a couple of basil leaves and mozzarella cheese on each breast. Put back in oven and bake until cheese is bubbly. Serve with whole wheat pasta.

If you have an original family recipe you would like to share with your neighbors, please email me at rosememilymathews@gmail.com and maybe we’ll print it!

Please provide your name, address, email, telephone number, and information about you, your recipe and how you came about it!

Recipe information becomes the property of the New Jersey Free Press LLC

This month, we are going to discuss the benefits of purchasing a home instead of renting.

While everyone’s situation is different, I hope this gives you a basis for making this decision.

Assuming you have stable income, a credit score over 600, not too much debt and some savings, buying a home is something you can consider. Here are the questions you should ask yourself: 1. How long do I plan to live here? When you consider the closing costs involved, staying in a house less than three years is probably not a good idea. If you think you will be there three to five years, you should be okay.

2. Can I make some improvements to the home that will increase its value over time? Housing prices do not always increase, but if you can do small projects a little at a time, you can add value over the years.

3. If I decided to move, would this be a good investment property? If you can rent it out for more than it costs you, it’s often a good decision.

In our area, you can usually purchase a home for less than renting a similar one. The mortgage payment includes principal, interest, real estate taxes and homeowners’ insurance. If you itemize your federal tax deductions, some of your taxes and interest can be deducted. If you consider the mortgage payment and the deductions, purchasing can be very attractive.

Another benefit is the freedoms you have when you own. You can have the pets you choose, decorate the way you want and use the property how you see fit. You also do not have to worry about the rent increasing or the lease not being renewed at the end of the term.

• • • • •

If you are renting and are considering buying a home, here are some tips: Pay your rent on time for 12 consecutive months Keep your credit score above 600 Have 3 open trade lines (credit cards, car loan, student loan, etc.)

Have a stable employment history Try to save as much money as you can! Typically, you need 3.5% of the purchase price for a down payment. Then you have closing costs.

There are programs available to help offset these amounts.

If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them!

Suzanne SuzanneCunningham.C21.com Suzanne Cunningham, Sales Associate, Realtor, GRI, ABR License #0570298 Century 21 Rauh and Johns - 508 Hurffville Cross Keys Rd. Sewell, NJ 08080 (856) 582-0366 x115 - (856) 304-7324 Cell

An independent newspaper serving the Borough of Clayton and South Jersey ___________________________

HOW TO REACH US (856) 243 2499 - Fax: (877) 278 0366 Clayton Free Press - P.O. Box 201, Clayton, NJ 08312 Website: http://njfreepress.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaytonNJFreePress Email: Editor@NJFreePress.Com ___________________________

OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY GUEST COLUMNISTS The views expressed by columnists in this publication are solely their opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Clayton Free Press, New Jersey Free Press, LLC, their respective owners, employees, or advertisers. ___________________________ CIRCULATION Published monthly by New Jersey Free Press LLC. Distribution is by direct mail to all verified addresses in the Borough of Clayton (08312), with physical distribution through more than 90 independent locations from Woodbury to Millville, New Jersey. ___________________________

CLASSIFIED ADS The Clayton Free Press offers FREE classified ads to tax-exempt organizations located in or serving the residents of Clayton - with proof of their tax-exemption. Consumer and business Classified ads are offered at competitive rates.. Ads can be placed by phone, mail, email or fax, and all information will be verified (to the best of our ability) ___________________________ GENERAL AND BREAKING NEWS We share content with a number of local and regional news sources and validate news before reporting. Items focused on people, places or things that impact Borough residents, as well as information about Municipal and School District meetings, should be sent to our news desk at News.Desk@NJFreePress.Com. Current or critical news will be posted immediately (after verification) to our website and Facebook. News will also be included in our monthly publication if it is reported prior to press time. ___________________________ DEADLINE Advertising - 18th of each Month Events - 20th of each month for the next month's issue. ___________________________

On occasion, it may be necessary or appropriate for the newspaper, at its discretion, to change or reject advertising copy, with or without the advertiser’s approval. The Clayton Free Press and New Jersey Free Press LLC reserves the right to refuse advertising for any or no reason.

Your Ad Here Starting at $10 856 243 2499

Clayton Free Press // September 2018

Scouts visit Clayton PD and Council

As Freeholder Liaison to Gloucester County Animal Shelter I’m always getting feedback from the public. We have many animal lovers in our county who really want to make sure our shelter is the best it can be.

One of the most common suggestions I hear from residents is that it would be more convenient if we were open for adoptions on weekends. Being both an animal shelter and an animal control agency makes GCAS a 24/7 operation, which makes it a challenge to change our schedule.

Despite all this, our most important goal is to find homes for our animals. It was really important to me to listen to this feedback and make any necessary changes to promote adoptions. I am proud to say that we found the best way to change around our schedule so we now have adoption hours every Saturday from 12 to 4.

Stop on over this weekend and check out our adoptable animals. You can even get pre-approved to adopt and cut down on any wait time by filling out our adoption form online. Like most shelters, we tend to have the most animals during summer so there are plenty to choose from. There is guaranteed to be one that is a good fit for your home!

The temperatures were high, but that did not stop several of the Scouts from the Clayton Cub Scouts Pack 292 from visiting with the Clayton Police Department for a tour of the facilities, then, a visit to Borough Council. Leading the Pack was Cub Master Marc Mignano, who has been active for 10 years, serving with his son.

Nathaniel. Visiting were Nathaniel Mignano age 9, 5th grade, Ryan Kershaw, age 10, 5th grade, Raylen Weaver, age 10, 5th grade, and Jack Walsh, age 10 5th grade. All attend Saint Michael the Archangel Regional School.

Cub Master Marc was born and raised in Blackwood, but resides ow with his family in Franklinville. He noted that he enjoys working with his son and the Cubs because it teaches the boys how to be honest, kind, productive and engaged members of their community.

His volunteer work has allowed him to become more involved with his community, where he has had the chance to meet and volunteer with "incredibly kind, talented and generous people".

If you are interested in learning more about Scouting, ask your parents to please send us their names, address, telephone number, email address and information about who might be interested in joining, and we'll pass it along to Marc. Sent it to: Editor@NJFreePress.Com.

Dan Christy, Gloucester County Freeholder

PET OF THE MONTH Meet AVA The Clayton Free Press, in association with Gloucester County Freeholder Daniel Christy and the Gloucester County Animal Shelter are proud to sponsor this month's special pet available for immediate adoption.

Our September Pet of the Month is Ava - She is a seven year old Pit Bull Terrier thats as lovable and cute as they come. Ava has had a rough life so far. You would never know it when you meet her. She is so affectionate and happy! Ava gets along great with dogs and cats and she loves children. She is spayed, up to date on her vaccinations, microchipped and ready to find a new family that will love her and spoil her. Please stop by to meet her!

Please call the Gloucester County Animal Ava is waiting for you to take her home Shelter at (856) 881to join your family! Please call the 2828 x 1.

Shelter today!

Please support our town's First Responders at the Clayton Fire Company by attending events held by the Clayton Fire Ladies Auxiliary.

Clayton Free Press - Taking Care of Business!

Hear us LIVE on WVLT

Saturday, September 22 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Hear live interviews and call-in to discuss hot topics, like marijuana

legalization, Congressional Election topics and other matters that matter most to you.

Brought to you by New Jersey Free Press LLC

Page 7

Clayton Free Press // September 2018

Page 8

OTHER SOUTH JERSEY EVENTS OF COMMUNITY INTEREST

Got family and friends who moved from Clayton but would like to keep informed?

Nearly 4,300 "Unique ISP Addresses" (different people at different computers) signed on to our website to read our August issue of the Clayton Free Press.

Your family and friends can too!

Go to: http://njfreepress.com/

WINDOW DOWN - LIGHTS ON Did you know that it is the law in the state of New Jersey that if you are stopped by a Police Officer at nighttime while driving, you are required to roll down the driver's side window and turn on the interior light for the protection of the driver and Officer?

Clayton Free Press Taking Care of Business!

http://tattootimmys.com/ - 856-302-1311

Clayton Free Press // September 2018

Remembering the Summer, 2018

Page 9

CLAYTON CLASSIFIEDS Want Ads

CAPITALIZE ON YOUR CONTACTS

New Jersey Free Press LLC is looking for print, digital and radio advertising sales professionals in South Jersey who want an exciting opportunity to earn uncapped commissions, build on existing – or build new - business relationships while creating a “book of business” that stays with you and pays as long as the relationships remain active.

If you already have business contacts and leads from another profession, this is an ideal way to capitalize on those relationships.

This is an ideal position for professionals with real estate, insurance, book keeping, legal services, home improvement, interior design, medical products and services, automobile and related contacts and sales experience. Also ideal for other advertising sales executives looking to earn more.

Put your contacts and relationships to work for you today.

Requirements • Loyalty, honesty and integrity are key – without them, don’t apply • At least 1 year of verifiable sales experience • Successful track record of achievements in any field • Proficient at cold calling, qualifying, handling objections and closing the sale • Highly-motivated, enthusiastic and proactive • Well-organized and computer proficient • Strong written and verbal communications skills • Skilled at building and keeping business relationships

This is a commission-only position, but once you establish a sale, it is yours for life. Other coaching and sales management opportunities as we grow.

Resume and earnings history/requirements must be sent for consideration. No third parties. Only qualified applicants will be notified. EOE. Veterans preferred. Apply: New Jersey Free Press LLC, P.O. Box 201, Clayton, NJ 08312

Clayton Free Press // September 2018

Page 10

OBITUARIES AND MEMORIALS

JAMES B. GATES - APRIL 08, 1944 - AUGUST 18, 2018

James Barry-Bogard Gates passed away on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at the age of 74. Loving Husband of 52 years to Diane S. Gates (nee Cole). Father of Velvet Allen (Fred), Corrina Schemeley (Michelle), Tammy Gates (Rick), Jean (John) DeGrosa, and Tina (Darren) McCafferty. Grandfather of Amanda (Paul) Dzindzio, Kate (Nick) Hofbauer, James (Ashley) Schemeley, Cody Watson, Jarred McCafferty, and Jacob McCafferty. Great-grandfather of Orion Schemeley, Novalee Schemeley, Benjamin Dzindzio, and Nathan Dzindzio. Brother of Rich (Pat) Gates, Annette Brady, Linda Gates, and five others who predeceased him. Brother-in-law of Bill (Penny) Cole. Uncle to Martha (Eddy) Begley and MacKenzie Cole. Great-Uncle to Karly Begley, Cole Begley, and Landon. Son of the late Charlie and Ottie (nee Grooms) Gates.

Born in Bridgeton and raised in Monroeville, James was a resident of Clayton for nine years and most recently of Pittsgrove for the past 28 years. He worked as a slitter operator for Aleris Rolled Products, Inc. in Clayton for 41 years until his retirement in 2014. Known as Uncle Jay to his many nieces and nephews, James loved playing the guitar with his band “Jay + The Inventors”.

He also loved metal detecting for “treasures” and especially spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by many.

James was interred on August 22nd at Overlook Cemetery, Bridgeton.

JACK LEE FISHER - JANUARY 18, 1931 - AUGUST 11, 2018

Jack Lee Fisher (formerly of Clayton, NJ) passed on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at the age of 87 years. Beloved husband of Bessie Fisher (nee McBride). Loving father of Catherine A. Kambic (the late Mark ) of Wallingford, PA and the late Debra Irene Burger and Jack Lee Fisher, Jr. Dear brother of the late Andrew and William Fisher. Loving grandfather of Christopher and Caitlin Kambic. Dear father-in-law of Betty McBride. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

Jack was retired from the US Navy after serving 20 years, traveling extensively throughout his career. He enjoyed fishing, traveling and taking care of his yard.

Jack was interred on August 16th at Cedar Green Cemetery in Clayton.

SHERRI LEE CONTI - APRIL 08, 1967 - AUGUST 10, 2018

Sherri Lee Conti (nee Garofolo) on Friday, August 10, 2018. Age 51. Mother of Anthony (Kristin) Flores, Nicholas (Chelsea) Fabrizio, Jessica Conti, and C.J. Conti. Grandmother of A.J. Flores, Giovanni Garofolo, and one on the way. Sister of Ronald (Maria) Garofolo, Jr. Aunt to Sienna and Savannah Garofolo. Daughter of Ronald and Barbara (nee Denofa) Garofolo.

Help for Those Who Mourn

Samaritan’s grief support groups mean you don’t have to go it alone.

There’s no sugar-coating it: Endings hurt, and grief after a loss can seem overwhelming. Grief is the perfectly natural emotional and physical response we have when someone we know dies. It’s a universal and necessary journey that helps us accept loss and begin to heal.

“But the effects of grief are also far more extensive than people realize,” says Kimberly Rumaker, MSW, LCSW, Manager of Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice’s Center for Grief Support. “It’s an intensely personal experience that each of us feels, and deals with, in our own way.”

Grieving people may experience feelings of shock, loneliness, anger, guilt, confusion, and fear. They may feel fatigued or experience headaches and stomach problems. They may have a hard time eating, sleeping, and focusing. “The physical, emotional, and spiritual impacts of grief actually make some people think they’re going crazy,” says Rumaker.

Jill S., a 35-year-old Kindergarten teacher, felt her world was falling apart after her mom died. A concerned co-worker suggested that she sign up for a grief support group to help her through this trying time.

Local Grief Support No one wants to need a support group but joining one may validate what you’re feeling, offer emotional respite from the loneliness and isolation of loss, provide practical ideas for coping – and most importantly, help light the way toward hope for the future.

Samaritan offers a range of grief support groups led by compassionate trained professionals. Each group focuses on a different type of loss – e.g. a spouse, child, parent, other relative, friend, pet or those affected by suicide.

So if you or someone you love is having trouble coping, help them take the first step toward life after loss. While you’ll always miss your loved one, grief support can help you navigate this difficult transition, and find meaningful purpose to go on.

For a list of Samaritan support groups – including sessions beginning in September and October -please visit the Resources section of the not-for-profit organization’s web site at Samaritannj.org

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the Morrell Park section where she lived for many years, Sherri has been a resident of Clayton since 2004. She was a 1986 graduate of George Washington High School in Philadelphia and worked for many years as a school aid at the Simmons Elementary School in Clayton.

Sherri was a talented country singer who, during her teen years, traveled around the country opening for a few well-known artists. She also sang for Bandstand USA for many years. Country music was a big part of her life. Sherri was very involved in Clayton activities including the Clayton Clipper Midget Football and Cheerleading, the Clayton Special Events Committee, Soccer Association, Booster Club, Drama Club, and helped with the Autumn Run. Sherri loved nature, was big into the outdoors, and enjoyed camping. Summers at the beach in Margate or Ocean City were a favorite along with family barbeques.

About Insurance

Naming a Beneficiary - It's Important!

Tips from Troy McAuliffe, Your State Farm Insurance Agent It's simple: Fill in the blank on the account application and you've named a beneficiary.

But don't write off the task as unimportant. Naming the right person to receive the proceeds of an account is an important decision that could have long-ranging effects on your loved ones.

Why it's important Certain accounts ask you to name a beneficiary, such as life insurance policies, pension plans, and retirement accounts. Upon your death, proceeds from these accounts will typically go directly to the beneficiaries and bypass probate, which helps your beneficiaries avoid some red tape.

What to consider • Age: Most insurance companies, pension managers, and retirement accounts will not pay benefits to someone under age 18. A better option is to create a trust for the minor and name a trustee to manage the account until the child reaches the age you specify in the trust.

• Ability to manage money: If your beneficiary is not able to manage money, name a trustee to invest and disburse funds on his or her behalf.

• Contingency: Name a secondary beneficiary so that if your first beneficiary dies before you, the account proceeds pass directly to the secondary beneficiary without probate.

• Options: Your beneficiary can be a spouse, child, or other individual(s); a trust; a charity or organization. If you don't specify a beneficiary, your assets will go into your estate and be distributed according to your will.

Don't 'set it and forget it' Regardless of what you've specified in your will, assets that have beneficiary designations will pass as provided in those designations, and not how they're set out in your will. It's rarely recommended to name your estate as a beneficiary, since doing so means those assets will pass via probate.

Because so many things change throughout life, review your beneficiary designations every few years—and always after a life event such as a marriage, the birth of a child, adoption, divorce, remarriage, or death—to make sure they're current. Otherwise, you risk leaving the proceeds to an ex-spouse or someone who has died before you.

Get specific information about beneficiaries from a legal or tax advisor and your State Farm agent.

Troy McAuliffe, Agent | 315 N. Delsea Drive, Glassboro, NJ Bus 856.881.6330 Fax 856.881.0061 www.troymcauliffe.com - Licensed: NJ & PA

Obituary and Memorial Guidelines

We strive to recognize and honor Clayton residents who passed away during the month preceding publication. We publish this information when provided by local families and area funeral homes at no cost to the survivors. Information about the passing of Clayton’s active and veteran military persons will be reported as a service to them, their families and our nation – always, at no cost.

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Please Love our Advertisers! ...They make the Clayton Free Press possible... and THANK YOU for your support!

Clayton Free Press // September 2018

Page 11

SEPTEMBER MONDAY

SUNDAY

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

FRIDAY

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

1

CBC - Clayton Baptist Church is located at 110 S Delsea Dr, Clayton

CLAYTON SENIOR CENTER OPEN NOON - 4:00 PM

* Sundays: Adult Sunday School at 9 AM - Sunday Service at 10 AM - Orange Children's Ministry at 10:00 AM

CBC - BIKER'S BIBLE STUDY 7:00 PM

3

2

LABOR DAY - FEDERAL HOLIDAY

4

CLAYTON SENIOR CENTER OPEN 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

10

CLAYTON SENIOR CENTER OPEN 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

12

11 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/ SPECIAL EVENTS 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

CBC Sunday Services *

17 PLANNING / ZONING BOARD 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

CBC Sunday Services *

23

(MEET @ BOROUGH HALL)

24 CBC Sunday Services *

18

CLAYTON SENIOR CENTER OPEN 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM CRIME WATCH CPR TRAINING 7:00 PM

CLAYTON SCHOOL BOARD MEETING 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

16

6

CBC WIDOW'S LUNCH NOON

CBC - YOUTH GROUP & PRAYER MEETINGS 7:00 PM

CBC Sunday Services *

9

5

19 CLAYTON SENIOR CENTER OPEN 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

CLAYTON SCHOOL BOARD MEETING 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

CBC - YOUTH GROUP & PRAYER MEETINGS 7:00 PM

(MEET @ BOROUGH HALL)

25 CLAYTON SENIOR CENTER OPEN 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

26

14

13 REGULAR BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

15

CLAYTON SENIOR CENTER OPEN NOON - 4:00 PM CBC - BIKER'S BIBLE STUDY 7:00 PM

21

20 CBC - MOM SQUAD 6:30 PM CLAYTON HISTORIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE 7:00 PM (MEET @ MUSEUM)

27 COUNCIL "WORK SESSION" 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

30

Tell Us About Your Event

8

CBC - BIKER'S BIBLE STUDY 7:00 PM

Borough Hall

VETERANS COMMITTEE 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

7

CLAYTON HISTORIC MUSEUM 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

22

CLAYTON SENIOR CENTER OPEN NOON - 4:00 PM CBC - BIKER'S BIBLE STUDY 7:00 PM

28

29

Highlighted dates are Borough Council Formal Meetings when they are likely to discuss the proposed marijuana facility. Interested residents should attend these meetings.

AROUND TOWN CALENDAR

To provide information about upcoming municipal, school, religious, sporting, entertainment and other neighborhood event, please forward your information to us by email through your organization’s email, providing your name and title, contact telephone number, the name of your organization, and the information to be included in the calendar listing. This information should be sent to: Editor@NJFreePress.Com, or by mail to: Clayton Free Press, P.O. Box 201, Clayton, NJ 08312 After verification, your information will be included on our Facebook and website at http://njfreepress.com/around-town/.

To be included in our monthly newspaper calendar, information must be received by the 20th of every month for the next month's issue.

Clayton Free Press // September 2018

Page 12

They need you...

Because only you understand.

VET-TO-VET VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Help your fellow veterans on Samaritan’s hospice program feel appreciated by: • Sharing service stories and experiences • Pinning and medal presentations • Recording stories to preserve in Library of Congress • Helping secure lost medals We will train! Call 856-552-3235 to attend our next volunteer information session.

Call us 24/7 (800) 229-8183 SamaritanNJ.org

Announcing

Doughty's Fall Furniture & Home Décor Sweepstakes

Doughty's Furniture and the Clayton Free Press invite you to enter their Fall Furniture & Home Décor Sweepstakes to win one of three great prizes:

$100.00 DOUGHTY'S FURNITURE GIFT CERTIFICATE $50.00 VISA GIFT CARD $25.00 GIFT CARD

How to enter and win:

• Stop by Doughty's Furniture to drop off your contest entry form • ONLY original forms (no duplicates) clipped from the Clayton Free Press newspaper are accepted • No purchase necessary • Only one ballot per person - Duplicated /copied ballots will NOT be accepted • Entry forms must be dropped off at Doughty's Furniture by Friday, October 26th at 5:00 PM • Winners will be announced in the November issue of the Clayton Free Press, and on Facebook • Drawing take place on Friday, October 26th at 5:00 PM at: Doughty's Furniture - 333 N Delsea Drive in Clayton , NJ Phone: 856-881-4800