Issuu

• KITCHENS • BATHS • ADDITIONS • ROOFS AND MORE!

Calll Us for All Your Deesign-Build Needs. We are a full-service remodeler with a One-Stop Shop Showroom specializing in Kitchens, Bathrooms and Additions.

OUR NEW LOCATION NOW OPEN! 1637 RT. 206, SOUTHAMPTON Call or Go Online

609-268-5923

www.amianoandson.com www.pinebarrenstribune.com

Vol. 4 – No. 4 ♦

Facebook.com/PineBarrensTribune

@PineBarrensNews

The News Leader of the Pines

♦

To Advertise Call: 609-801-2392

September 21, 2019 – September 27, 2019

DISSOLUTION DEBATE

Expletives Uttered at Council Meeting to Describe Crowd Create Firestorm By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

Photo Submitted

An aerial view of the Pemberton Township Municipal Utilities Authority’s wastewater treatment plant.

Municipality Receives Local Finance Board Approval to Dissolve Pemberton Municipal Utilities Authority; Proposed Consolidation Causes Confusion and Outcry By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

PEMBERTON—The Local Finance Board of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) has approved a Pemberton Township Council application to dissolve the Pemberton Township Municipal Utilities Authority

(PTMUA) and have the Township of Pemberton Department of Public Works takeover its sanitary services. The local finance board gave the goahead for the dissolution of the PTMUA, which operates a 2.5 million gallonsper-day activated-sludge wastewatertreatment plant, on Sept. 11. The application will now come back to

township council for a final determination since the legislative body is the one that created the PTMUA over 50 years ago. Council, as part of a mandatory process before the Local Finance Board could hear the matter, introduced an ordinance on Feb. 6, which would See DISSOLUTION/ Page 26

PEMBERTON—Two expletives that were apparently said to describe rambunctious Pemberton Township residents who attended a Sept. 4 Pemberton Township Council meeting with concerns and opposition to the proposed dissolution of t he Pember ton Township Municipal Utilities Authority ( P T M UA) h a s created a firestorm in the municipality, Bayer with demands that the person who uttered the words resign from public office. Six days after the township council president was publicly accused of uttering the curse words, the township solicitor contended he said them and issued a public apology. However, some residents still contend it was a woman’s voice heard on tape uttering the foul language and are not buying that the solicitor said the expletives. The expletives were picked up by the municipality’s sound and recording system, and are audible at the 1:24:40 mark on the Sept. 4 township council meeting audio later posted to the township’s website. Moments before the curse words were spoken, resident Diane Massa took to the microphone. She contended that earlier in the meeting an official stated that a township council dissolution application to the Local Finance Board of the New Jersey Department See EXPLETIVES/ Page 22

INDEX Community........................ 10 Job Board.......................... 21 Opinion................................ 9 Dental Column................... 13 Health................................ 13 Here's My Card.................. 18

Leo the Lion Challenge..... 13 Senior Column................... 10 Local News.......................... 3 The Great Hunt.................. 14

Hobbyist............................ 17 Marketplace....................... 20 Worship Guide................... 11

****ECRWSS**** LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER

Vincentown, NJ Permit 190

PAID Presorted Standard US Postage

Page 2

♦

Pine Barrens Tribune

All Seasonal Value Menu Items, Monday through Friday, Include Glass of Complementary Wine and Dessert!

Hungry Leo 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 Special! Two pancakes or French toast, two fresh eggs, two bacon strips and two sausage links. No potatoes, no toast. Also includes jjuice and coffee or hot tea. Saturday and Sunday, Availab le for

h Monday throug le for Friday, Availab

$ 95

$ 99

3 Jumbo Crab Cakes Special! p Jumbo lump crab cakes, broiled to perfection.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Early Bird Breakfast Specials! SERVED MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY BEFORE 11 A.M. (excluding holidays).

15 95

All early bird specials include choice of 8 oz. fruit juice and coffee or hot tea.

10% OFF MEAL

Monday through Friday.

Coupon cannot be combined with any other offers. Excludes holidays. Expires Oct. 30, 2019.

www.redlionnj.com • 609-859-2301 • Call for Take-Out 1753 Route 206, Southampton, New Jersey 08088

PINE BARRENS

POLITICAL HATS IN THE RING

GENERAL ELECTION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 NJ 8th Legislative District General Assembly

JEAN STANFIELD (Republican)

Political advertising paid for by the Burlington County Republican Committee Treasurer C Lambiase, 219 High St., Mount Holly, NJ 08060.

RYAN PETERS* (Republican)

Political advertising paid for by the Burlington County Republican Committee Treasurer C Lambiase, 219 High St., Mount Holly, NJ 08060.

Burlington County Sheriff

MICHAEL DITZEL (Republican)

Political advertising paid for by by the Burlington County Republican Committee Treasurer C Lambiase, 219 High St., Mount Holly, NJ 08060

Burlington County Freeholder Board

LATHAM TIVER* New Patient Special

$99

For a dental cleaning, exam and X-rays (over $300 value)!

We need to schedule your new patient visit by October 31, 2019.

State-of-the-art praactice with the latest technology and am menities to make your dental experience unlike any you have had in the past!

Weekend, eveniing and emergency appointments available.

609-388-1101

Quality. Caring. Convenient.

Richard J. Weber, DMD

Dr. Weber has been recognized for excellence in dentistry and has trainedd nationally and internationally with the most prestigiouss members of the profession.

www.LoveYourSmileDental.com • info@LoveYourSmileDental.com 1529 Rt. 206, Unit D (next to Dunkin’ Donuts), Tabernacle, NJ 08088

(Republican)

Political advertising paid for by by the Burlington County Republican Committee Treasurer C Lambiase, 219 High St., Mount Holly, NJ 08060

LEE SCHNEIDER (Republican)

Political advertising paid for by by the Burlington County Republican Committee Treasurer C Lambiase, 219 High St., Mount Holly, NJ 08060 ] Indicates Running Together on Same Ticket. * Indicates Incumbent

Candidates!

Enter the ring today by calling Janine at 609-801-2392, or emailing sales@pinebarrenstribune.com !

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Pine Barrens Tribune

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

LOCAL NEWS

Grand Opening of Design Showroom Helps Remodel Dreams Become Reality

P.O. Box 2402 Vincentown, New Jersey 08088 Phone: 609-801-2392 Fax: 609-801-2395

By Jayne Cabrilla

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

SOU T H A M P T ON — Awa r d -w i n n i ng Amiano and Son Design—Build held its longawaited Design—Build Showroom Grand Opening on Sept. 13. On hand for the ribbon cutting was Southampton Township Mayor James F. Young Sr. and Builders League of South Jersey Executive Vice President Richard Van Osten. “The Design—Build Showroom is a place to see customers’ remodel dreams become reality,” said Wendy Amiano, vice president of Amiano and Son. “No worries, no stress and no confusion.” The festivities included speakers representing all partners of a likely remodeling project, from financing to design, construction and selecting colors for a new space when the project is completed. Lou Amiano Sr. started the remodeling construction company in Scotch Pines in 1968. He moved his family to South Jersey in 1974 and continued remodeling homes and building a reputation for perfection and reliability. His son, Lou Amiano Jr., graduated from Shawnee High School in Medford Township and received a degree in Criminal Justice from Rowan University. Although Lou Amiano Jr. had initially wanted to pursue a career with the See SHOWROOM/ Page 8

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.pinebarrenstribune.com ADMINISTRATION Publisher.dmelegari@pinebarrenstribune.com NEWS News Tips....... news@pinebarrenstribune.com Editors........... letters@pinebarrenstribune.com ADVERTISING Place An Ad.... sales@pinebarrenstribune.com

Photo By Jayne Cabrilla

Pictured from left to right are Builders League of South Jersey Executive Vice President Richard Van Osten; Wendy Amiano, vice president of Amiano and Son; Lou Amiano Jr., coowner of Amiano and Son; Southampton Mayor James F. Young Sr.; and Joseph Clymer, a design specialist for Amiano and Son.

PPine Grove Tenants

Pine Grove Plaza Shopping Center

♦ Page 3

ALBA PIZZA

CIRCULATION The Pine Barrens Tribune is published every Saturday. This newspaper is protected under the Federal Copyright Act. Reproduction of any part is not permitted by mechanical or electronic means without the expressed written permission of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to revise or reject any advertisement. No liability shall be attached to the Publisher for interruption of publication or limitation of size and/or number of pages due to shortage of material, failure of transportation, flood, fire, severe weather, winter weather, riots, strikes, acts of God, or other causes beyond his or her control. It is our policy to promptly correct errors. If you believe that you see a mistake, please call (609) 801-2392. © 2019 Pine Barrens Tribune

Distribution Area

PINE GROVE DRY CLEANERS

TOP NAIL SALON

18 BROADWAY, BROWNS MILLS, NEW JERSEY 08015 5 RETAIL SPACE AVAILABLE! FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL:

856-218-8677 7

R YES! I want

Subscription Order Form 2019 a subscription for myself

In New Jersey o One Year $52 o Six Months $26

a gift subscription

Out of State o One Year $104 o Six Months $52 (Please Print)

Name: ___________________________________________ Phone: _____________________ Mailing Address: _______________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________ State: _____________ ZIP: ____________ Make Checks Payable To: Pine Barrens Tribune • P.O. Box 2402 • Vincentown, New Jersey 08088

COUPONS WORTH CLIPPING 541 Barbershop.................................7 American Services .........................18 Amish Country Sheds ......................4 Browns Mills Dental Center.............10 Captain’s Tree Service....................17 Love Your Smile Dental Center.........2 Red Lion Diner...................................2 Scoot’s Liquor Store........................10 The Cigar Hub...................................7

Mail subscriptions are not available to LeisureTowne.

Twice as Nice Carpentry...................8

Page 4

♦

Pine Barrens Tribune

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Hours: Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Pinelands Regional High Hosts Its First True Home Football Game in Two Years

Traditional Lancaster County Food & Crafts

FRESH FOODS F S

• Simply Tasteful Cafe • Stoltzf zfus f Bakery •P Pequea Valley Meats • Pretzel Plaace • Dutch Country Salads • Paradise Valley Poultry Come in and experience a little slice of Lancaster County, Pa. right here in Medford, NJ. Among our stands, you’ll find everything from wooden furniture hand crafted by Amish artisans, to delicious handrolled soft pretzels, made fresh before your very eyes. We also feature fresh homemade salads, jams and jellies, mouthwatering baked goods, farm-fresh eggs, bulk candies, a fresh deli and meats, hand-dipped ice cream, homemade mustards, pretzels and chips, the best barbecue chicken and ribs, Simply Tasteful Cafe, good food and friendly service. So, come in and treat yourself to a “goodie,” bring the kids and let ‘em play on the wooden swing sets and take a break from the ordinary. See you at the Market!

109 Route 70, Medford, NJ 08055 609-953-7633

Photo By Janine Seeley

Pinelands Regional Senior High School Varsity Football players run through a banner Sept. 18 welcoming Pinelands Wildcats home.

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

LITTLE EGG HARBOR—The excitement was palpable under the lights here last Friday night. T here a re a n nua l home ga mes a nd homecoming games—but a Sept. 13 matchup between Pinelands Regional Senior High School Varsity Football and Asbury Park Varsity Football was a far more momentous occasion for the communities of Bass River, Eagleswood, Tuckerton and Little Egg Harbor townships last week because it was Pinelands Regional’s first, true home game in over two years. “This is amazing,” said Dr. Melissa McCooley,

superintendent of the Pinelands Regional School District. “The whole town is pumped up.” A $53 million construction project, which included improvements to Pinelands Regional School District’s athletic fields, took the senior high school’s football field offline during the past two years, essentially robbing the team of home field advantage and making it difficult for fans to become fully engaged in the game. “It has been over two years since we have been on this field,” McCooley said. The local fans and team clearly wanted to make up for the lost opportunities. “Everyone here is very excited since it is the See FOOTBALL/ Page 6

100 OFF ANY GAZEBO

OR SHEDS 8’x12’ or LARGER

with this coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer expires 12/31/19. PBT Photo By Janine Seeley

Members of the Toms River U.S. Army Recruiting Center, which includes Pinelands Regional alumnus, led the National Anthem and kickoff of Pinelands Regional Football’s season opener.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Pine Barrens Tribune

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

♦ Page 5

Welcom e • Born A , Hayley Ryan! pril 14, 2 • 9 lbs. 2 019 2 Proud Pa inches rents Lydia & Mike Ry an

Only $25 Includes Photo! In Print & Online

Submit your message online at pinebarrenstribune.com/announcements

Deadline 4 p.m. Tuesday

609.801.2392 www.pinebarrenstribune.com

Photos submitted by mail will not be returned. To email your photo, contact news@pinebarrenstribune.com

Your Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________ State: ______________________________________________ Zip: __________________ Phone: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Credit Card # _________________________________________________________ Check or Money Order # ______________________ Exp. Date: ______________________________________________________________________ CVC:______________________________ Purchase Total: $ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Attach Copy. Limit 300 words.

To submit your announcement by mail, complete this form and send with picture and payment information, check or money order to Pine Barrens Tribune Announcements P.O. Box 2402 Vincentown, N.J. 08088

Page 6

♦

Pine Barrens Tribune

FOOTBALL (Continued from Page 4)

first home game in over two years,” said Emily English, student body president of Pinelands Regional Senior High School. “It is a very exciting occasion because it is kind of like the rebirth of our school.” English, ringing a cow bell decorated with Pinelands Wildcat (school mascot) stickers to pump up the crowd that gathered to celebrate the momentous occasion and cheer on the local team, also helped to organize a student section in the bleachers of the home section of the Harry J. Morrissey Stadium. “It is a new thing—the first student section ever coordinated,” English said. “This bell is very loud and I plan to ring it every, single time.” Pinelands Regional Athletic Director Will Sundermann told this newspaper that the district was also beginning another new tradition for home football games—the student section will now always be closest to the concession stand. Also new is the football field’s scoreboard, football field’s sod, a five-lane running track surface surrounding the football field and a black fence around the perimeter of the football field. “I am super excited and love being back at home field,” Sundermann said. “I missed being here last year. Our varsity team technically had two ‘home’ games offsite over the past two years, and it was an awesome atmosphere, but not the same as here.” Officials held a dedication ceremony for the new digs, and at 6:41 p.m., the new scoreboard

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM was ceremoniously lit. Barbara Bobbin Wilkinson and Brion P. Kavanagh, of New York Life, Streamline Auto Body, Lighthouse Community Center and Church, NJschooljobs.com, Urgent Care Now, Little Egg Harbor Police Benevolent Association and Coastal Signs and Designs were recognized for their contributions toward the scoreboard. “I haven’t seen a crowd like this in a long time,” said resident John Bergmann, whose grandson is Pinelands Regional football player #28, sophomore Nunes Bukula. “This is second generation for us and it is nice to see the community out here. I remember when they only had temporary lights, versus stadium lights, and one- or two-night games a year because of the temporary lights.” The Pinelands Regional football team ran onto the new field at 6:57 p.m., waving a large, green wildcat flag and running through a banner welcoming Pinelands Wildcats home. Members of the Toms River U.S. Army Recruiting Center, which includes Pinelands Regional alumnus, led the National Anthem and kickoff. Despite Asbury Park defeating Pinelands Regional, 22 to 6, the school community spirit could not be dampened as they were “Pinelands Proud” that they could come home. “I am so happy for the kids,” said Troy Henderson, principal of Pinelands Regional Senior High School. “They had been displaced for so long and they finally got a moment to walk on the field and put their best game forward on the field. I worked in a few districts and have never seen one where the entire community comes out and supports its athletes.”

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Photo By Janine Seeley

A view of the new Pinelands Regional Senior High School student section cheering on Pinelands Wildcats football players during a Sept. 18 home game.

Photo By Janine Seeley

Members of New York Life, Streamline Auto Body, Lighthouse Community Center and Church, NJschooljobs.com, Urgent Care Now, Little Egg Harbor Police Benevolent Association and Coastal Signs and Designs are recognized for their contributions toward a new scoreboard at Harry J. Morrissey Stadium, home of the Pinelands Wildcats.

Photo By Janine Seeley

Pinelands Wildcats play their first football game in two years at Harry J. Morrissey Stadium against the backdrop of a full moon.

Photo By Janine Seeley

Pinelands Regional Senior High School Varsity Football players observe the National Anthem.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

541 BARBERSHOP 609-451-0040

Two Years in a Row Rated #1 Barbershop!

703 Stokes Rd., Medford, NJ 08055

We Welcome EVERYONE !

COMMUNITY FLEA MARKET!

• Grilled Hot Dogs • Meatball Sandwiches • Drinks • Soft Pretzels • Homemade Baked Goods • Mums!!

Monday�� 9 a�m� - 3 p�m� Tuesday �� 9 a�m� - 5 p�m� Wednesday �� 9 a�m� - 5 p�m� Thursday �� 9 a�m� - 7 p�m� Friday �� 9 a�m� - 5 p�m� Saturday �� 9 a�m� - 3 p�m�

ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY DISCOUNT WWW.541BARBERSHOP.COM

A HAIRCUT

Sept 21, 2019

Medford United Methodist Church Parking Lot., 2 Hartford Road, Medford, NJ 9:00a.m. - 2:00p.m. • Rain or Shine • Vendor spots still available!

SHOP HOURS

Men’s Drycut �� $18 Cut, Shampoo & Style �� $27 Men’s Hair Color �� $35 Razor Cut �� $38 Experience a professional, Buzz�� $15 friendly atmosphere at 541 Barbershop. Your hair concerns are ours and we will Kid’s Cut (Up to 13 Yrs� Old) �� $16 custom-tailor your style to fit your needs. Father & Son Special (Men’s Drycut w/Kid’s Cut) �� $32 Stop in and see why we’re rated #1 Call 609-451-0040. Senior’s Cut (Monday & Tuesday) �� $15

$2 OFF

BIG

♦ Page 7

$15 UNTIL SEPT. 16TH...THEN $20!

Join 541’s Gold Club!

SHOP MENU

Pine Barrens Tribune

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

541 BARBERSHOP

609-451-0040 | 703 Stokes Road, Medford, NJ 08055

Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. One coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 12/31/19

COME ON OUT • BROWSE AROUND SHOP FOR TREASURES • STUFF YOUR FACE • ENJOY!!! 390 Lakehurst Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015

The Cigar Hub in Browns Mills is completely renovated and we have fine cigars in our large walk-in humidor. Domestic cigars, pipes, pipe tobacco, and roll your own tobacco are also available. We have 26 years of experience and are excited to be joining a new community.

Come check us out...you won’t be disappointed! pp Like Us on

609-283-0036

10%

OFF

Any purchase of $20 or more. Expires 9/30/19

Want to save money while on Medicare? (YES, it really is possible!)

Depending on your income, you may be able to:

• Eliminate your Part D premiums • Receive subsidized prescription copays • Eliminate Medicare Part B premiums • Get home energy assistance up to $225 annually For more information:

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Burlington County (856) 222-9311, ext. 1051 / 1488 | mippa@rcbc.edu | rcbc.edu/rsvp/medicare Accommodations are available for deaf and hard of hearing.

This project was supported, in part by grants from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL or CMS policy.

Page 8

♦

Pine Barrens Tribune

Saturday, September 21, 2019

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

SHOWROOM (Continued from Page 3)

GUARANTEED. SAVE 75%

The Family Gourmet Banquett 4 (5 oz.) Filet Mignons 4 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (1 lb. pkg.) 4 (3 oz.) Kielbasa Sausages 4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers 4 (2.8 oz.) Potatoes au Gratin 4 (4 oz.) Caramel Apple Tartlets Signature Seasoning Packet 58390PTP $ $237.90* separately COMBO PRICE

GET 29 ITEMS

+ 4 FREE BURGERS

New Jersey State Police, he decided instead to join the family business with his father. Amiano Construction became Amiano and Son Design—Build in 1997. In the early days, clients would need to be shuffled between cabinet makers, countertop installers, plumbing fixture stores, lighting businesses and given referrals to find financing. However, Lou Amiano Jr. had a vision of a onestop design and build shop, bringing together all the best quality resources one might need for a building project. “Our full service, one-stop shop lets customers work with one designer, from start to finish,” he said. “This concept helps control and keep tight reins on the customer’s budget. Today, everyone has busy lives. The Amiano and Son Design—Build Showroom experience cuts down on client time spent going from place-to-place.” Amiano and Son is proud of the countless

awards it has received. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry named the business as Northeast Contractor of the Year in 2014. A year later, Amiano and Son was featured in Remodeling Magazine, a trade journal. The construction company was named 2017 Regional Winner for its contest submission of a Residential Addition of over $250,000. Design Specialist Joe Clymer, a nephew to Lou Amiano Sr., was selected by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) for its prestigious 30 Under Thirty 2018 awards. During that same year, Amiano and Son submitted plans to the Nation Gypsum and PURPLE-TO-PERFECT Home Remodel Contest to give a deserving U.S. Marine from New Jersey, who had served two tours of duty in Iraq, a space of his own to help relieve Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The space also provided the marine with an area to enjoy his hobby of weightlifting and maintaining personal fitness. The talented Amiano and Son team worked with HGTV and DIY Network to convert a two-car-garage into an awesome home gym for the marine.

Ta your news Take to the next level!

5999

ORDER NOW! 1.855.236.3991 ask for 58390PTP www.OmahaSteaks.com/family96

*Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Limit 2 Family Gourmet Banquet packages. Your 4 free burgers will be sent to each shipping address that includes (58390). Standard S&H will be added per address. Flat rate shipping and reward cards and codes cannot be used with this offer. Not valid with other offers. All purchases acknowledge acceptance of Omaha Steaks, Inc. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Visit omahasteaks.com/terms-of-useOSI and omahasteaks.com/info/ privacy-policy or call 1-800-228-9872 for a copy. Photos are exemplary of product advertised. Expires 10/31/19. ©2019 OCG | Omaha Steaks, Inc. 19M0566

@PineBarrensNews www.pinebarrenstribune.com

We Build Your Dreams! SERVICES • Wood, Laminate, Vinyl • All Phases of Carpentry and Tile Floor Installation • Kitchen and Bath Installations • Power Washing

pent

Twi C

s Ni a e c

• Minor Painting • Handyman Services • Restoration Work

Call or Text John, Morning, Noon and Night

609-321-2024

431 Carranza Road, Tabernacle, NJ 08088 Serving Burlington, Atlantic and Ocean Counties Fully Insured EIN# 82-1981674

10% % OFF

Discount Expires 12-31-19

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Pine Barrens Tribune

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

OPINION

♦ Page 9

How to Send Items to the Editor: letters@pinebarrenstribune.com, please type “Letter” in the subject line.

TO THE EDITOR LETTER GUEST COMMENTARY

Effects of Offshore Wind Energy Industry on Fishing Industry Must Be Examined

The House Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an oversight hearing titled, “Examining the Benefits and Potential Challenges for New Jersey’s Growing Offshore Wind Industry” this week. The hearing in Wildwood was powerful and productive. Offshore wind is a growing industry that I support, but South Jersey’s economy is dependent on fishing, and we must examine the effects that offshore wind would have on this industry. That is why I fought so hard to bring this hearing to the district. The turn-out was nothing short of incredible. The hearing was standing room only, and most of the audience were local fishermen and those in the fishing industry. I wa nt to t ha n k Cha i r ma n A la n

SOCIAL MEDIA

SOUND OFF Please comment on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Twitter: @PineBarrensNews with the hashtag #SoundOff or Facebook: www.facebook.com/pinebarrenstribune.

(Re: Salvage Yard Draws New Scrutiny After July Blaze Destroys Two Buildings and Bus Reportedly Blocks Entrance) Get over it! Any of these concerns can occur after any fire, let’s again allow paranoia to dictate government action. If you don’t like it, none of you should have bought a house so close to a scrap yard, or if you were there before it existed, move! As noted, they have been there since 1947, or for 70 years. ~Paul Bryan

Van Drew NEW JERSEY CONGRESSMAN

Lowenthal and the House Committee on Natural Resources for bringing this important hearing to South Jersey. Congressman Jeff Van Drew represents New Jersey’s Second Congressional District, which includes Washington and Bass River townships in Burlington County, far Southern Ocean County and Atlantic County.

Weed Killer Sprayed Along State Highway 9 Put Environmentally Sensitive Areas at Risk

Does anyone know why some entity was allowed to spray weed killer all along Route 9, from New Gretna to Stafford Township? Creeks, reservoirs and bogs were within the areas that were sprayed. Are these not environmentally sensitive and protected areas? All that spray went into waterways. Who allowed this to happen? W hat is t he U.S. Env i ron ment a l Protection Agency’s stand on this? Isn’t this area considered wetlands and part of the Pine Barrens? Why couldn’t they just mow or weedwhack, instead of just killing the grass,

How to Send Items to the Editor: letters@pinebarrenstribune.com, put “Letter” in the subject line. Letters submitted to the Pine Barrens Tribune must include the name, address and phone number of the writer. Letters may be edited for length, clarity and taste. Because of space limitations, letters should be 150 words or less. Due to the volume of letters received, we cannot guarantee every one will be printed.

Re: Tabernacle Reaches $13,500 Settlement with Resident Over Unavailable Executive Session Meeting Minutes) Is transparency really that hard? It is owed to the taxpayers of the town. Put up the minutes of the executive meetings that can be shared. Otherwise, it looks like the township is trying to hide things. I am not accusing them of that, it is just a matter of perception. ~Melissa Schoepske Molloie (Re: Salvage Yard Draws New Scrutiny After July Blaze Destroys Two Buildings and Bus Reportedly Blocks Entrance) That place was a fire hazard when I worked there two decades ago, when it was Allied Auto, before it became a recycling facility. ~Michelle Marie

Congressman Kim’s

EEKLY RECAP

Week of Sept. 8 to Sept. 14

Get on the Community Calendar for October To feature your October event on our community calendar, contact Jayne Cabrilla at 609-801-2392 or email jcabrilla@pinebarrenstribune.com. Event listings are only $10 each.

OCTOBER 2019

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

and who knows what else? Everything that was green, as it should be, is now appearing burnt-brown. In some places, it (the resulting impact) is horrendous. Look at the sidewalks in some parts of Tuckerton, heading north! If the “four corners” in New Gretna didn’t look bad enough, now (the weeds and grass) are burnt to a crisp! Nice job. What ever happened to the “Garden State?” Governor Phil Murphy, did you know about this? Was this done where you are? Shame on all of you! Jill N. Courtney New Gretna, New Jersey

Congress reconvened this week after the August Congressional District Work Period. Introduced Protect our Military Children Act: H.R. 4295 would require the U.S. Department of Defense to offer free blood-testing services for children that have lived on military bases that have demonstrated issues with perfluoroalkyl or

polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS. Visited the Pentagon to Honor Those Lost in 9/11 Terror Attacks: Kim paid his respects to the memories of those lost by attending a memorial service on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. This was the first 9/11 anniversary since Kim voted to pass a permanent bill to protect victims still dealing with medical issues from the attack. Discussed the Future of Joint Base McGuireDix-Lakehurst: The congressman met with Lt. General Charles Luckey, the commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve Command, to discuss ways that Congress can help empower Reservists and protect Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Voted to Protect Coastal Communities from Offshore Drilling: Kim voted to pass H.R. 1941, the Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, which would block new offshore drilling projects along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and protect shore communities. He also voted in favor of bills that would block offshore drilling projects off the Gulf Coast of Florida and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Discussed the Future of U.S.-Afghanistan Relations: Kim met with the Afghan Ambassador to the U.S., H.E. Roya Rahmani, to discuss the importance reengaging with the Afghan government and supporting our military personnel still serving in Afghanistan. The above feature is prepared by Third Congressional District Rep. Andy Kim’s Communications Director, Anthony DeAngelo, to give readers a summary of the congressman’s activities and voting record of the past week.

For a $5 upgrade, events will be bolded and placed within a shaded box with an icon of your choice to ensure maximum visibility.

Deadline: September 24 • 4 p.m. Print Date: September 28

Established 2016 Douglas D. Melegari Publisher, CEO Jayne Cabrilla - Copy Editor

Page 10

♦

Pine Barrens Tribune

Saturday, September 21, 2019

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

COMMUNITY

Dark Horse Varietals 750ml $7.99 or 2 bottles for $7.09 each. With this Coupon only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. LIMITED TIME OFFER Expires 9/30/19.

PEMBERTON TWP. SENIOR CITIZEN COLUMN

Twisted Tea

Pemberton Senior Center Facilitates Socialization, Healthier Living for Elderly

$13.99

By Ebba Liguori

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—Seniors living in Pemberton Township are indeed among the lucky ones! Some time ago, the municipality established the Pemberton Township Senior Center, which has enough space to feed about 100 seniors daily. Each day, through the Burlington County Nutrition Program, nourishing lunches are served to many township seniors. These meals are provided by Colonial Village Caterers located in nearby Pemberton Borough. Reservations should be made by Tuesday of the preceding week to assure a daily lunch. One can sign up for lunches after the reservation deadline, but are placed on a wait list. Senior residents pay only $2 per meal, while non-residents are assessed $3 for each meal. The meals are nutritionally balanced and planned by the county’s dietitian. Exercise equipment is available for use and group exercise is held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday beginning at 9:30 a.m. Line dancing follows the exercises. All are welcome to join this group at any time. Resident Carol Smith has begun holding a craft class series on some Friday mornings at 10 a.m. Items created can be taken home at the end of each class. There is a $2 registration fee for each class due at sign up. A class held on Sept. 13 created beadedmagnetic-clasp bracelets. During an August class, each participant completed a “one-of-a-kind” cap. Several designed sports themed hats, while others were totally feminine. Smith purchases and sets up the materials in the center’s library and has a large supply of many different items to select from to design. The next class, on Sept. 27, will focus on creating autumn décor items. Due to space limitations, each class is open to the first 10 seniors who sign up. A wait list will be maintained. On the third Wednesday of each month, representatives from the Pemberton Community Library visit the center at 10:30 a.m. with information on the many monthly sponsored library programs. The local branch has a large number of activities open to the public and this outreach

encourages seniors to participate. The Grief Support group, for those who are mourning loss of a loved one, meets at the senior center on the second Thursday of each month. Pharmacists from Wegmans will be at the center at 9 a.m. on Sept. 23 to provide flu immunizations. Bring your Medicare card and insurance information. Wegmans will bill your insurance company for the shot. LIFE St. Francis will present on Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. an information session at the senior center on their program of care for independent elders, which assists with essentials such as medical and nursing care, and help with home and personal care. On Sept. 27 at 10 a.m., Starting Point will present “Opioids and The Older Adult: Education Is Prevention.” The non-profit organization provides education, referrals and Twelve-Step meetings. Learn more about the current opioid epidemic in our society. There is no charge to register for programs offered at the center. Coffee, tea, and snacks are available each morning at no charge. The township’s Senior Gazette lists the monthly luncheon menu selections. Enjoy the facilities provided by Pemberton Township to facilitate socialization and become a healthier senior.

Founders All Day IPA

Pabst Blue Ribbon

Goose Island IPA

With this Coupon only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 10/10/19.

$14.99

With this Coupon only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 10/10/19.

15pk Cans $15.99

30pk Cans $18.99

15pk Cans $14.99

Seagram’s VO

Captain Morgan

Tito’s Vodka

Smirnoff Vodka

Jack Daniel’s

12pk Cans

Corona Extra and Corona Light 12pk Cans

1.75L

With this Coupon only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 10/10/19.

1.75L

With this Coupon only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 10/10/19.

750ml

1.75L

750ml

$19.99

$25.99

$30.99

$11.99

$25.99

With this Coupon only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 10/10/19.

Josh Cellars Chardonnay

Whispering Angel Rose

Rolling Rock

Vintage Oak Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot, Moscato

Argenses Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Blend Selection

750ml

$12.99

$18.99

With this Coupon only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 10/10/19.

Josh Cellars Cabernet

Papi Sangria

Barefoot Varietals

Yellow Tail

Woodbridge

750ml

With this Coupon only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 10/10/19.

30pk Cans $21.99

1.5L

$13.99

Varietals

1.5L

$7.99 With this Coupon only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 10/10/19.

$8.99

1.5L

$11.99 With this Coupon only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 10/10/19.

Shamong • 1004 Route 206 (8 Miles South of Red Lion Circle) • 609-268-0425 Family Owned Business Since 2009 • Open 7 Days A Week

Welcome

Varietals

1.5L

$11.99 With this Coupon only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 10/10/19.

$9.99

$11.99 With this Coupon only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 10/10/19.

We Support and Thank All the Men and Women in Our Military

1805 Route 206 Red Lion Plaza Southampton, NJ 08088

Austin Jeffrey Worrell !

609-859-5633 “Celebrating 15 Years of Service to Southampton”

• Born August 27, 2019 • 9 lbs. 1 oz. , 21 inches

Proud Parents Becca and Randy Worrell

Fast, Friendly and Personal Service Most Insurance Accepted Medicare Billing for all Diabetic Testing Supplies + Shoes Compounding Service Available Free Local Delivery Monday and Thursday

www.hometownpharmacynj.com

Hours Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Owned and Operated by TIMOTHY Q. MURPHY RPh

Keep Your Smile Healthy and Bright Through The Ages General Dentistry • Teeth Whitening • Braces • Mouth Guards Composite Fillings • Root Canals • Porcelain Veneers Dental Implants • Dentures and Partials

Browns Mills Dental Center 77 Juliustown Rd. • Browns Mills, NJ 08015 (609) 893-5200 • www.brownsmillsdentalcenter.com Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit Us on Social Media

New Patient Special

$79 for Adults $69 for Kids

Comprehensive Exam, Cleaning, Free Ortho Consult, Free Implant Consult, and Special Offer on Teeth Whitening Must Present Coupon at Time of Purchase. Expires 12/31/2019

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Pine Barrens Tribune

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

WEWELCOMEYOU!

♦ Page 11

Vincentown United Methodist Church

Join our Catholic faith community on the weekend - Mass Times: 5 p.m. Saturday 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday

holyeucharist.org

Rev. David L. Ledford III

Experience our vibrant liturgies, exceptional messages, inspiring music and dynamic children’s programs.

10 a.m. Worship Service

609-859-2161 97 Main St., Vincentown, NJ 08088

609-268-8383

“Like”Us on Facebook

First Baptist Church COME VISIT! We would love to meet you! Rev. John Vars, Pastor 39 Main Street Vincentown, NJ 08088 Sunday School..................................9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship Service .......................11 a.m. Cross Roads Youth Group - Sundays .......5 p.m. Bible Study - Wednesdays .................6:30 p.m. Prayer Fellowship - Wednesdays ........7:15 p.m. Adult Choir Practice - Wednesdays ....7:30 p.m.

www.fbcvnj.org • 609-859-8967

Live Dangerously

Food Pantry for Families: 1st Saturday of Every Month 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

“In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” Luke 14:33 NIV

h e a d vice to live d a ngg erouu s l y is n o t meant to suggest that we should stop wearing seatbelts o r takk i n g our prescc r i b ed m edicc i n e , b u t rather that we should takee some risks which might transform our lives for the better. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” is as true in the stock market as it is in our everyday lives, and especially in our spiritual lives. The patriarchs and prophets of the Bible never lived lives of comfort and security. They weree sojourners in strange lands, warriors for the Lord, andd men and women who took great risks precisely because of their devotion and obedience to God. Consider Jesus’s instructions to the twelve disciples when he sent them out to

I Am That I Am Ministries, Inc. All Are Welcome!

Regular Worship Se ervice at 11:30 a.m.

Medfordd United Methodist Church h

p r o cll a i m the Kingdd om off G od: “T Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.” (Luke 9:3 NIV) Deefifin nitelly nott advice for a safe and nned trip, but it is exactlly what on ne well-plan would expect if one has totally surrendered him- or herself to God. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus frequently sounds like he is trying to dissuade people from following him, sayying, for example, “You must take up your cross andd bear it.”” What Jesus appears to be saying here, and in countless other places, is that devotion to God comes at a cost, and offten a veryy higgh cost. Life was never meant to be easy, and even less so for those who choose to devote themselves to God. – Christopher Simon

Return To Our Regular Sunday Schedule (Beginning September 8th)

Trinity Episcopal Church 18 Mill St. Vincentown, NJ 08088 Worship: Sundays 10 a.m. 609-859-2299

TABERNACLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

166 Carranza Road, Tabernacle, NJ 08088 Phone: 609-268-0200 Email: PastorKeeUMC@gmail.com Rev. Kee Young Yang • www.tabernacleUMC.com

Pastors Florence and er Russell Webbe 50 Burrs Mill Roadd, Southampton, NJ 080088 609 - 847- 4848

www.iam mthatiamministriesinc.com

Worshipp Schedule Communion Service - 8:15 am Contemporary Worship - 9:30 am Traditional Worship - 11:00 am 2 Hartford Road • Medford, NJ • 609/654-8111 medfordumc.org • Like us on Facebook/@MedfordUMC ~OUR FACILITIES ARE ACCESSIBLE~

Grow Your Congregation g g Our Worship Guide is geared toward celebrating faith and helping rea aders connect with religious resources in our community. Make sure these readers know how you can help with a presence in this weekly section read by more than 50,000 people in the Pine Barrens area.

Contact us today to secure your spot in our Worship Guide. 609-801-2392 • sales@pinebarrenstribune.com Advertising Deadline: Tuesdays 4 p.m. Publication Date: Saturdays

Worship Guide

Worship Service: Sundays 9 a.m. Sunday School: Sundays 10 a.m.

Page 12

♦

Pine Barrens Tribune

Saturday, September 21, 2019

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Voice Clarifying TV Headset

Put on your TV•Ears® and hear TV with unmatched clarity A powerful hearing aid for television since 1998

Over 2 million

satisﬁed customers

TV•Ears Original™ $129.95 NEW SPECIAL OFFER

NOW $5995 +s&h

Use promo code MB59 30-day risk free trial

Call 1-855-609-1893 M-F 6 am — 6 pm PST

2701 via Orange Way, Suite 1 Spring Valley, CA 91978

Schedule Your Fall Foot Care Today

SPECIALIZING IN:

Our Browns Mills office, which is conveniently located on the Deborah Heart & Lung campus, along with our Whiting office location, are proud to be servicing our neighbors in the Vincentown, Pemberton, Manchester, Southampton and Tabernacle areas.

• Foot and ankle surgery

Ocean County Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates, P.C. is your trusted provider of podiatry services in Burlington and Ocean counties that offers a wide range of procedures performed by various experienced doctors. From ankle sprains to long-term health issues, we have the treatments and solutions needed to provide you with the relief you deserve.

BROWN MILLS

WHITING

6 Earlin Avenue, Suite 240 Brown Mills, NJ 08015 (609) 836-6608

61 Lacey Road Whiting, NJ 08579 (732) 350-2424

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

• General foot and ankle care • Traumatic and sportsrelated injuries

• Heel pain/plantar fasciitis • Warts and ingrown nails • Diabetic foot care • Pediatric foot conditions • Diabetic Shoe Program and Custom Bracing • Wound Care

OCFASA.com

Saturday, September 21, 2019

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

The Mouth:

Gateway to Your Health A Dental Confessional You don’t need teeth! That is right, you don’t need teeth. This statement, however, is both true and completely Dr. Richard Weber misleading. Many people can’t picture life missing even one tooth, yet millions of Americans are missing all their teeth and they are still alive. Are teeth important? 1,000 percent. (As a dentist, I would argue they are among the most important things we possess, but they are not vital to being alive.) As the ‘Gateway to Your Health’ column is about the importance of oral health and how it relates to our overall health, I should clarify. Today, the average human lives

20 years longer than we did 100 years ago. This is a hard statistic to comprehend, and yet, we take this for granted. The same goes for our teeth. 100 years ago, it was exceedingly rare to see a 100-year-old person, let alone a 100-year-old person with their natural teeth still present! Today, everything is different. We live longer, keep our teeth longer and enjoy a healthy physical and mental state for longer. Can you live without your teeth? Yes! Your digestive system may not function as smoothly without properly chewed food. The structure of your face will change dramatically. The foods you have taken for granted your whole life may not be enjoyable any longer. You will likely hide your smile. Additionally, your life expectancy will decrease, but life will go on. So, while teeth are not needed to remain alive, remember to appreciate the simple joys teeth bring us every day! info@LoveYourSmileDental.com

www.LoveYourSmileDental.com

Dr. Richard Weber with and without teeth. Photo By Love Your Smile Dental Center

Leo the Lion Snapshot Challenge Winner

Pine Barrens Tribune

HEALTH

♦ Page 13

Popular Heartburn Medicine May Be Laced with NDMA The news that a popular heartburn medication may be laced with nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA, a probable human carcinogen, broke on Sept.13 with a statement from Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. This is a day that will go down in history. “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has learned that some ranitidine medicines, including some products commonly known as the brand-name drug Zantac, contain a nitrosamine impurity called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) at low levels,” the statement read in part. “NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer) based on results from laboratory tests. NDMA is a known environmental contaminant and found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products and vegetables.” Part of how NDMA hurts the body is by rendering two, inactive and powerful antioxidant ‘cleansing’ enzymes in the liver. The first one being catalase, and the second one being glutathione. These two enzymes are used to neutralize poisons in the body. NDMA is hepatotoxic! A person can actually get NDMA when eating bacon, hot dogs, cold-cuts and cured meats. It is also in cheese, beer and chewing tobacco. But in our stomach medicine? The FDA is not issuing a drug recall at this time and is advising that everyone should remain on their medication. In other words, they don’t want you to panic and stop taking it during their evaluation. Traces of this carcinogen were found by a Connecticut lab in both the brand name drug, and a few generic samples that were tested. They did not test every single brand that you see on the shelves. They did not yet publicly name the brands that are tainted. But there was enough NDMA found for the FDA to start warning consumers. When most people think of a generic drug,

Suzy Cohen AMERICA’S PHARMACIST

they think that there is just one generic maker of that drug. But that is not true at all. There are dozens of manufacturers of the generic version called ranitidine. Not all of the generic makers have this NDMA problem. So again, finding NDMA in a handful of samples does not mean that every single generic version of ranitidine is contaminated. As for other H2 receptor antagonists in the same category as ranitidine—Cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid) and nizatidine (Axid)—there is nothing to be worried about yet. By the way, this isn’t the first medication found to contain NDMA. In June 2019, the FDA issued a recall for a blood pressure drug called losartan “over small amounts of carcinogen.” PPI drugs such as Prilosec (omeprazole), Nex iu m (esomepra zole) a nd P revacid (lansoprazole) have not been evaluated, or found to be contaminated with NDMA. But if you take these drugs, just support yourself with a good magnesium supplement because they are strong drug muggers. According to the Toxicology Data Network, some symptoms that might occur if you’re poisoned with NDMA include nausea and vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, liver damage, enlarged liver, fatigue, headache and kidney problems. If you are not dependent on your heartburn medicine, consider some natural alternatives that could suppress acid and/or coat and soothe your stomach.

Photo By Ken Bozarth

AT RED LION DINER IN SOUTHAMPTON TAKE A PHOTO IN FRONT OF LEO AND SEND IT TO LEO@PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM. PLEASE INCLUDE THE FULL NAME OF THE PHOTO’S AUTHOR WITH YOUR SUBMISSION. IF YOUR PHOTO IS PRINTED, YOU'LL BE ENTERED TO WIN A COMPLIMENTARY DINNER FOR TWO! Pine Barrens Tribune is not responsible for any content or copyright infringements in the above photo. All images are submitted by readers of the Pine Barrens Tribune; any copyright infringements are the sole responsibility of the provider of the above image.

LOWER BACK PAIN? NECK PAIN? Why choose us? Pain Consultants is an independently owned practice CHRONIC PAIN POST SPINAL SURGERY? Advanced with more than 60 years combined experience. Awarded Top Doc We target the source of your pain to get you the proper treatment, so you can get back to work, play and doing what you love.

Advanced Pain Consultants Dr. Kenneth Rogers • Dr. Stephen Boyajian 326 Route 73 N., Voorhees, NJ 08043

856-489-9822 • advancedpaintherapysj.com

honors in both Philadelphia and South Jersey, Drs. Rogers and Boyajian provide a precision diagnosis and treatment plan with non-medication management.

MOST INSURANCE PLANS WELCOME! START GETTING ANSWERS TODAY. Call now or visit our website to schedule your appointment today!

Page 14

♦

Pine Barrens Tribune

Saturday, September 21, 2019

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Gearing Up for Hunting Season

ig game and migratory bird hunting is a billion-dollar industry that attracts millions of enthusiasts across North America. According to Statistics Brain, 12.5 million people over the age of 16 hunt annually, and 220 million days are spent hunting each year. Hunters provide a necessary service besides keeping game animal numbers within reason. They are the eyes and ears on the ground, and help inform wildlife ma nagement de cisions. Hu nt i ng a lso generates benefits from hunter-supported organizations like conservation groups, habitat enhancement services and restoration outfits. Hunters require certain gear to ensure safe and productive trips. Here are some musthave items for any hunter’s packing list.

HUNTING KNIFE

No hunting expedition is complete without a quality knife, which is an invaluable tool. Knives come in different sizes. Many hunters carry a fixed blade knife to field dress a kill and for self-defense against larger animals. Every day carry knives, or EDCs, also are another sound investment. EDCs may be paired with other gadgets to form a handy multitool, which is vital in many different applications.

TRAIL MARKERS/LIGHT STRIPS

Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts can mark their way to a hunting spot or tree stand and see the path in the dark thanks to illuminated light strips. This helps avoid getting lost at dusk and dawn.

HUNTING APPAREL

Hunting apparel includes coats, pants,

waders, boots, hats, gloves, and much more. Depending on the ga me to be hu nt e d , at t i r e w i l l b e pat t er ne d i n camouflage to blend into surroundings or blaze orange to set hunters apart and make them more visible to fellow outdoorsmen. Deer cannot distinguish color, so bright orange is commonly worn during deer season. Sales associates from popular outdoor equipment retailers can advise about appropriate attire. Considerations to habitat and weather should be made.

STORAGE PACK

Hunters require a lightweight, accessible pack that provides easy-to-reach storage. A variety of options are available, and there are even models that have a tree stand work shelf, rifle and bow mount, as well as a removable small items organizer.

SWIVELING BI- OR TRIPOD

A small tripod can help hunters stay on moving game and remain steady for the shot. Pivoting or swiveling action keeps movement smooth and on target.

BINOCULARS

Every hunter can benefit from a good set of binoculars. High-quality binoculars will feature glare- and fog-resistant lenses.

TREE STAND

A tree stand platform gives hunters the advantage of an elevated position, which offers better vantage points and keeps them out of the scent line of prey. Tree stands should be coupled with safety harnesses. Investing in quality hunting equipment can make for a higher success rate and greater comfort while engaging in this popular hobby.

Full Service Deer Processing Since 1934

• Choose From Over One Dozen Sausage Flavors • Custom Cuts Available • One Week Turnaround

BOB’S LITTLE SPORT SHOP

24/7 DROP OFF!

INDOOR PISTOL AND ARCHERY RANGE HAND GUNS • SHOTGUNS • RIFLES • ARCHERY

STATE & FEDERAL LICENSED HOURS: MON. THRU FRI. 10 A.M. - 9 P.M. CLOSED FOR DINNER 5 P.M. TO 6:30 P.M. SAT. 10 A.M. - 5 P.M.

38 W. Taunton Rd. Berlin, NJ 08009

856.767.0110

bringhurstmeats.com

316 N. DELSEA DRIVE GLASSBORO, NJ 08028 PHONE: 856-881-7575 FAX: 856-881-8477 www.bobslittlesportshop.com

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Pine Barrens Tribune

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

♦ Page 15

1535 ROUTE 539, LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ 08087

609-296-4080

WWW.SHOOTERSNJ.COM

Open At 8 a.m. Each Day of Sale

20% OFF

10% OFF

STOREWIDE SALE *EXCLUDES FIREARMS, RAVIN CROSSBOWS & SALE ITEMS

ALL FIREARMS NOT LISTED

• Clothing • Footwear • Hunting Supplies • Gun Accessories • Optics FNH NH USA

WINCHESTER 9MM 115GR 50RDS SG9W

FNX-9

REG. $5 599.99

4999.99

FNS-40

REG. $549.99

5.56 BLA LA ACK 16” BRL #98521

#66838

HOT BUY!

299

REG. $2699.99

2199 99.99

#66940

REG. $899.9 99

699.99

599

.99

9MM 4.9” BLK 10RND

9MM 3.39” SILVER SLIDE #PX435SL201

REG. $475.00

REG. $499 $499.99 99

399.99

PPQ M2 Q4 TACTICAL

22LR 3.5” BLK 10RND

#2825929 25929

REG. $39 99.99

899.99

590A1 PERSUADER

12GA/ A/20”BRL / 9RD SYNTHETIC STOCK

349.99

HOT BUY!

5.56 BLK 16” BRL MBUS SIGHT #10202

590 S SHOCKWAVE OC PUMP FDE

399.99 M&P 15 SPORT II

9MM BLA LACK A

#3 3600

REG. $1149..99

REG. $549.99

14.99

43X

.357SIG 4.49” BLK 10RD NIGHT SIGHT S

#E29R-40-LEGIO ON

#PN31507 703

92FS

SR22

40S&W 3.9” LEGION GRY 10RND

31 GEN N3

#JS92F340

P229 LEGION

13.99

WINCHESTER 45ACP 230GR 50RDS SG45W

9999.999

12GA A 28” MA AX 5

HOT BUY!

14.99

12.99

#36365-01

REG. $699.99

#10 0814

WINCHESTER 38 130GR WINCHESTER 40S&W 50RDS SG38W 165GR 50RDS SG40W

16” RE $1399.99 9 300 BLA LACKOUT A T REG. 10RND

MON NTEFELTRO

HOT BUY!

FN15 TACT CARBINE II

BLA LACK A 40S&W

.99

$ .49

SCAR 16S

9MM 4” BRL L 10RND STAINLESS SLIDE

WINCHESTER 380ACP WI 95 5GR 50RDS SG380W

12G 14”

#50653

#51660

REG. $449.99

349 .99

299.99 All Archerryy Accessoriees

20% Offff

REG. $ $699.99

5999.99

All Compound Bows

20% Off

REG. $699.99

499.99

Prices too low to advertise

Page 16

♦

Pine Barrens Tribune

Saturday, September 21, 2019

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

The Scope of HUNTING, FISHING & WILDLIFE WATCHING in America A look at the contributions made by our nation’s wildlife recreationists.

101.6 MILLION The number of Americans who participate in hunting, fishing and wildlife activities

$84.6 BILLION

Total expenditures by recreationists on wildlife watching

Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2016

$46.1 BILLION

$26.2 BILLION

Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2016

Total expenditures by anglers in the U.S.

Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2016

150,000,000 ACRES

Black Bass

The most popular game fish caught in America

The size of America’s National Wildlife Refuge System

Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2016

Whitetail Deer

53,000,000 PEOPLE

The most hunted animal in America

The number of people who visit America’s wildlife refuges every year

Source: americanhunter.org

$8 MILLION A DAY 680,000

Contributions of sportsmen and women to support wildlife and wildlife agencies Source: nhfday.org

The number of U.S. jobs supported by hunters and anglers

COUNTRY Generations KITCHEN Serving IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! of Outdoor EnthusiastsIams 10% OFF

131 VINCENTOWN RD., PEMBERTON, NJ 08068

35,000 LOCAL JOBS

Limitedd Time Off ffer.. Whille Curreent Supplies Laastt.

OPEN ALL YEAR • ALL CARDS ACCEPTED FARMERS WIC

NOW AVAILABLE!

Vista Peddigree Outdoors

1234 Washington Street

In-store rod and reel repair and gunsmithing services Hunting and fishing licenses available here

NOW AVAILABLE!

in consumer spending

PET DEPARTMENT

Renee’s Hom memadee Apple Cider Doonutts

$2.4 BILLION

Source: U.S. Department of the Interior

Source: nhfday.org

BUDDS K–n–P FARMERS MARKET & COUNTRY KITCHEN

We’re proud to be committed to our Kcustomers auffm man’s Sand ignature conservation. Apple Cider andd

Total expenditures by hunters in the U.S.

10% OFF

ESomersville verydayHeights 000-000-0000 Low www.namewebsite.com Priice Introductory $23.999 Off ffeer

Open 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tue.-Sun. • 609-894-4817

Saturday, September 21, 2019

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

THE HOBBYIST

Pine Barrens Tribune

♦ Page 17

Book Signing Tales: The Name Game I am terrible with names. It is sad to say, but it is true. Back in the day, I could hide it a bit. I greeted friends and family, and sometimes my own cousins, with things like, “Hey girl!” and “Buddy! It’s been a long time!” With our four sons, I actually got by with “Kiddo,” a time or two before they called me out on it. Book signings were absolutely the worst because when one wants a book personalized that you are autographing, you can’t simply substitute “Melvin” with “Dude.” I thought I was clever a time or two and would casually say to my would-be purchaser, “I want to get this right, so please tell me how you spell your name?” That worked great until a lovely young gal, with whom I had recently enjoyed a casual gathering with, replied, “Lori, it is Deb. D-E-B. You forgot my name, didn’t you?” There is literally no way to “oh-well” your way out of that one! While my friend Midge’s memory is way better than mine, she too struggles with names. Together, we walk through public places, side-byside, as acquaintances, friends and family alike approach us and call out, “Midge, Lori! How are you?” and “How are your families?” and “Midge, how is that darling grandbaby, Emily?” Simultaneously, those minds of ours search and result with nothing but a proverbial game show buzzer indicating we can no longer participate. But hey! Thanks for playing. Just the other day, after a long week, Midge and I decided to go out for a nice lunch. As we approached our booth, I noticed a couple, who are acquaintances of ours, sitting near us along with another man. I greeted them, asked how their summer had been and then slid into our booth across from Midge. “Bill and Pam Johnson, they are with someone we don’t know,” I said to Midge as if I was a sleuth on the case. “What’s that mean?” Midge whispered back. “Bill and Pam are seated behind us and will probably greet us on the way out, so I wanted to be sure you had their names right,” I replied. “Thank you,” Midge replied It was good to know she appreciated how

Lori Clinch COLUMNIST

good my memory can be. Upon “Bill” and “Pam’s” departure, they did indeed approach our table and my dear Midge said to their unknown friend, “Hey Bill, how are you doing?” At which time me and my “stellar memory” whispered from behind my napkin, “The other guy is Bill.” That Midge, she is nothing if not trusting, so she turned her attention to the other gentleman and said, “Hey Bill!” and then actually did a follow through with the wife and said, “Pam! How’s business? How are the kids? We should totally get together and catch up sometime!” This was followed by one of those long, awkward pauses—one where time seems to stand still, the ceiling fans slow down and napkins take upwards of 15-seconds to fall to the floor. Finally, “Pam” said, “My name is Brenda, and this is my husband, Roy, and our friend is Calvin.” Let me tell you folks, there are a lot of ways to correct a situation such as this, but sadly Midge and I could come up with none of them. Instead of going with shame, I went into selfpreservation mode and exclaimed, “Well gosh, it is so wonderful to see you Brenda and Roy… and Calvin it is nice to meet you! I am Lori and this is my good friend old-what’s-her face,” and at that, they politely smiled and walked away. A few days have passed since the incident and I am concerned that Midge may still be a bit miffed at my throwing her under the bus like I did. I am going to let some time pass and hope she will forget it ever happened. Lori Clinch was born and raised in North Platte, Nebraska, a hotbed of material for writers whose passion it is to make people laugh. She is the mother of four sons and the author of the book “Are We There Yet?”

CAPTAIN’S TREE SERVICE Fully Insured-Free Estimates 24/7-Tree Experts • LOT CLEARING • STUMP REMOVAL • COMPETITIVE RATES • COMPLETE TREE CARE • PROFESSIONAL PRUNING • BUCKET & CRANE SERVICE

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE YEARROUND SERVICE

100 Off

250 Off

100 Off

Any Job of $1,000 or more

Any Job of $2,000 or more

BONUS • If you sign at time of estimate

Cannot be combined with other offers. Must present coupon at time of estimate. Coupon valid through 12/31/19

*Job must be more than $1,200

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS • PHONE: 856-796-3536 EMAIL: CAPTAINSTREESERVICELLC@GMAIL.COM • WWW.CAPTAINSTREESERVICELLC.COM

CLUES ACROSS

1. Study of sight 7. Becomes less intense 13. Juicy, soft fruit 14. A great ape 16. All-time NY Giants great 17. Big Apple native 19. Home of the Flyers (abbr.) 20. People stand in them 22. Automotive legend Iacocca 23. Influential linguist 25. __ and Andy, TV show 26. Wives (law) 28. Discriminating 29. Star Wars hero Solo 30. Married woman 31. A digital tape recording of sound 33. Chinese dialect 34. Angolan monetary unit 36. A type of sheen 38. “Ash Wednesday” poet 40. Nobel Prize-winning chemist 41. Spoke angrily 43. Separated with a tool 44. Relative biological effectiveness (abbr.) 45. Actors’ group

47. A type of ship (abbr.) 48. Bar bill 51. Romanian city 53. Greek sorceress 55. Small water bird 56. Tropical Asian plants 58. “Unforgettable” singer 59. Belonging to a bottom layer 60. Potato state 61. A toy that spins 64. “A-Team” character 65. Ornamental molding 67. Covers again 69. Poets write them 70. Appear CLUES DOWN 1. Popular mid-size Kia 2. Image management (abbr.) 3. Prongs 4. Cools 5. It produces milk 6. Trends 7. Concurred 8. Chinese cabbage __ choy 9. Greek war god 10. Straits along the Red Sea 11. Railway 12. Washing with water

13. Supreme being 15. Ductless gland 18. Parts producer (abbr.) 21. Not arranged in a straight line 24. Red sweet peppers 26. Famed protest yacht 27. Drain 30. Distributes 32. Small, savory dishes 35. Web of Things (abbr.) 37. Defunct aerospace company 38. Lacking consistency 39. Type of retriever 42. Barrier 43. Senior officer 46. Categories 47. Call it a career 49. Suitable for growing crops 50. High jumping legend Iolanda 52. Hairy 54. Dish made with lentils 55. TNT broadcaster Craig 57. Used to align parts 59. Cold, dry Swiss wind 62. Water in the solid state 63. A great play 66. Atomic #45 (abbr.) 68. Big shot lawyer (abbr.)

CROSSWORD & SUDOKU ANSWERS ON PAGE 22

Here’s How It Works:

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Page 18

♦

Pine Barrens Tribune

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

INE AT /7 ONL 4 2 E L B COM AVAILA VICES. R E S S ARREN PINEB

Local

Saturday, September 21, 2019

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

This Weeks Featured Business:

QUALITY TREE CARE FOR A FRACTION OF THE COST Let our highly trained crew be your go-to source for skilled tree removal and stump grinding services. With Cliff Smith Tree Service on the job, there is no need to worry about a problem tree or stump. Call us at 609-859-2994. We serve Burlington and Camden counties and the surrounding areas. Emergency service is available! Maintain your foliage properly with routine tree trimming services from Cliff Smith Tree Service. Let our

professionals put their more than 25 years of experience to work for you. Since 1986, individuals throughout the area have turned to our family-owned tree care company based in Vincentown for fast, reliable service. Specializing in trimming and topping, Cliff Smith Tree Service has all your tree care needs covered. Contact our tree care specialists to request an estimate for our service to keep your trees maintained properly.

AUTOMOTIVE

ADVERTISING

N.J. Lic. #NJTC768133

AUTOMOTIVE

PLACE ADS 24/7 AT HTTPS://PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM/SERVICEDIRECTORY

Full Line Auto Repair Towing Service

https:// required when typing URL

SERVICE DIRECTORY STARTING AS LOW AS

PER WEEK

239 Pemb.-Browns Mills Rd. • Browns Mills, NJ 08015

609-893-9353

TO ADVERTISE CALL OR EMAIL JANINE AT 609-801-2392 • JSEELEY@PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Hours : Tue. Thru Sat. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

ELECTRICAL

AUTOMOTIVE

ELECTRICAL/SOLAR

SINCE 1989

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

Whole House Generators Backhoe & Bucket Truck Service A+ BBB Rating • FREE Estimates

RUSS HUBSCHMAN OWNER • LIC# 9924

HANDYMAN SERVICES

AMERICAN SERVICES Reasonable Rates - Quality Service - Free Estimates

Call or Text

Tom 856-429-4882

Established in 1985

• Window Cleaning

• Asphalt Seal Coating

• House Pressure Washing

• Roof Cleaning

• Deck Cleaning & Sealing

• Gutter Cleaning

• Concrete & Pool Deck Cleaning

• Shur Flo Gutter Guards Installed

HANDYMAN SERVICES AVAILABLE. WHAT’S ON YOUR LIST?

25 OFF

House Pressure Washing Expires 12-31-19.

609-894-9014 www.bearelectricco.com

MORTGAGES Nadine Feldman

PEST CONTROL NMLSID # 588941

Mortgage Loan Originator

Cell: (609) 226-3491 Office: (609) 646-5555 Fax: (856) 441-1537

nfeldman@greentreemortgage.com nadinefeldman.greentreemortgage.com 3153 Fire Road, Suite 1B Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

“Fulfilling the dream of home ownership for over 18 years! ”

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Pine Barrens Tribune

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

REAL ESTATE

ALLOWAY ASS

O C I AT E S

♦ Page 19

TREE SERVICES Removals Shrub Trimming

REALTORS For Reliable Advice on All Your Real Estate Needs, CALL AN ALLOWAY ASSOCIATE TODAY! Serving Burlington & Surrounding Counties

Pruning Stump Grinding

Land Clearing Firewood

Serving Burlington, Camden & Ocean Counties

EXPERIENCED•EFFICIENT•HONORABLE

609-859-1515 www.AllowayRealtors.com

2 Retreat Rd. at Rt. 206, P.O. Box 2503, Vincentown, NJ 08088

TREE SERVICES

Robert H. Griscom Fully Insured

WELL DRILLING

(609) 654-6602 NJ Lic. 13VH06395500

WELL SERVICES

JW JENKINS & SONS WELL DRILLING 15 Brown Rd., Browns Mills, New Jersey 08015

N.J. Lic. #NJTC768133

jwjenkinsandsons.com

Local

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

STARTING AS LOW AS

AVAILABLE 24/7 ONLINE AT PINEBARRENSSERVICES.COM

Jenkinswell@comcast.net

PER WEEK

To Advertise call or email

JANINE AT 609-801-2392 JSEELEY@PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

PLACE ADS 24/7 AT HTTPS://PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM/SERVICEDIRECTORY https:// required when typing URL

Page 20

♦

Pine Barrens Tribune

Saturday, September 21, 2019

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

PLACE ADS 24/7 AT HTTP://PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM/CLASSIFIEDS

MARKETPLACE

TO ADVERTISE CALL OR EMAIL

$ AD RATES AS LOW AS

95 PER WEEK

609-801-2392 • SALES@PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM DEADLINE: TUESDAYS AT 4 P.M.

9 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

AUTOMOBILES/TRUCKS

EVENTS

HAULING

LOT FOR SALE

2005 Lexus ES330, $3,500. 2007 Toyota Avalon XL, $6,200. Please call 609-949-1077.

Open House Presentations at Medford Volunteer Center at Flying W Airport & Resort. Register on EventBrite.com - Medford Volunteer Center, or by calling 609-969-2480. Sept. 25 11 a.m.-12 noon Volunteering with Christian Caring Center; Sept. 29, 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Volunteering with Migrant Worker Outreach.

ANYTHING, WE HAUL IT. ATTIC, BASEMENT, AND YARD WORK. POOL REMOVAL AND DEMOLITION. ODD JOBS, ETC. CALL 609694-9356.

Single building lot—23 acres in Franklin Township, Gloucester County. Mostly oak trees, zoned Pinelands, Rural, and Residential. Well and septic approval, Application #87-1303.04. $110,000 or best offer. Financing a possibility. Call 609-2540111.

Cash Paid for Your Car. Looking to buy better than junk cars. Call 1-866-261-5277. We come to you. For Sale: 1969 Harley Davidson 125 and 1997 Honda Shadow 1100 (All-American). Both bikes have low mileage. Asking for B/O, over $2,500 each. Call 609-410-5334.

AWNINGS AT L A N T I C AW N I N G S professional installations. Residential/commercial. Retractable awnings, window awnings, retractable and stationary canopies, recovers, repairs, take downs, re-hangs and washing. Fully insured. FREE ESTIMATES. 609-618-2420. LIC#131VH06758700, atlanticawningcompany.com.

CRAFT SHOW Rancocas Woods Craft Show, Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Many outside crafters, live music and food trucks. Enjoy the walking path of craft shoppes and antique stores. Unfinished pine furniture at amazing prices! 118 Creek Rd., Mount Laurel, NJ, 08054. Facebook-Messenger: Rancocas Woods Craft and Antique Shows. “You know Reality Shopping is much more fun than shopping on a computer.”

FARM EQUIPMENT HD4 Allis Chalmers. Very good condition. One owner. Rebuilt undercarriage, new sprockets and tracks. Comes with clam shell bucket. F.L.B. Farms, 3202 Nesco Road, Hammonton, New Jersey, 08037. 609-377-9727.

CLASSIFIEDS WORK! CALL TODAY! 609-801-2392

Household appliances. Televisions, furniture, etc. for disposal or transport. Garage, yard and gutter cleanups and gutter cleaning. Free estimates. Call Bob at 609-880-3789.

HEALTH AND FITNESS An Unobstructed Path, located in Chatsworth, NJ, offering Intuitive Readings • Enhanced Reiki • Trauma Resolution and Management. Individual, Personal and Confidential Guidance. Over 20 years of dedication to trauma resolution. Enjoy our relaxing art gallery and sculpture garden! Questions or for appointments, email us at PK@ anunobstructedpath.net . Visit us at www. anunobstructedpath.net .

sales@pinebarrenstribune.com

609.801.2392

Lawn cutting, shrub pruning, yard and gutter cleanup. Hauling for televisions or household appliances. Free estimatesreasonable rates. Call Bob at 609-880-3789

LOST & FOUND Adopted from Popcorn Park: looking for three dogs, Miniature Pinschers named Taz, Rusty and Henry. Please call 732-796-3572 or 908670-1173. Reward for return.

Is your business read dy to Join us todday onn

POWER WASHING Power wash for less than it costs to rent a power washer! No more green and black fungi growing on everything! Professional house soft wash and sanitize. Single-story, $160. Twostory, $280. Call 609-784-3111.

REAL ESTATE

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PROPER COVERAGE. DON’T ASSUME. GET PROFESSIONAL SERVICE, DEAL WITH AN INDEPENDENT AGENT. O’NEAL INSURANCE AGENCY, 1614 ROUTE 206, TABERNACLE, NEW JERSEY, 08088. PHONE NUMBER: 1-609-268-2158.

FURNITURE REPAIR Adam’s Furniture Restoration, LLC. Fully insured. Furniture repair, kitchen cabinet refinishing, touch-ups, and in-home services. 856-979-6210. w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / adamsfurnres .

Wanted: Female Beagle puppy or very young dog for pet. 609-268-0484.

INSURANCE

LAWN CUTTING Three Pt. Hitch Corn Sheller. Very good condition. One owner. F.L.B. Farms, 3202 Nesco Road, Hammonton, New Jersey, 08037. 609-377-9727.

PETS AND ANIMALS

House for Rent: Three-bedroom rancher, with a basement, located on Red Lion Road in Southampton. $2,000 per month. Call 609-519-0480. The Historic Woodshed Beef n’ Beer, Route 72, in Chatsworth, New Jersey, 08019: Liquor License (On Premise and TakeOut), Used Car License (Since 1992), Two Apartments (Always Rented $800-$1,200), 5.5 Acres, 500 Feet Highway Frontage, New Dining Room and Outside Tiki Bar. $395,000. Call 609709-5005 or 609-203-5273.

Grow?

www.pinebarrensservices.com

Scan this code on your phone!

Saturday, September 21, 2019

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

TO ADVERTISE CALL OR EMAIL

Pine Barrens Tribune

.JOBS

JANINE • 609-801-2392 • JSEELEY@PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Dressing for Success

When attending an interview, it is important to choose attire that shows you are serious about landing the job. In addition to picking the right clothing, you should also take special care to ensure they are tidy in appearance. Consider visiting the dry cleaners for commercial grade services. If you have several interviews in your future, it is a good idea to return to the cleaner afterwards, so your clothes are ready for the next meeting. Tech Jobs When interviewing for an entry-level position in a startup or technical position, a suit may be overdoing it. While you should still aim to look professional and approachable, experts recommend donning a collared shirt and khakis or slacks for men. Women can make an impact with a sweater or blouse and slacks. Of course, for higher-level jobs, suits are a must. Government Position If you are a prospect for a job within a

government agency, it is important to dress in a responsible and mature fashion. Avoid being too flashy. A dark suit with a plain tie will make a statement that you are there to impress. Experts also recommend being conservative with jewelry, makeup and hairstyles. Sales Professionals For high-end sales jobs, a neat appearance makes an impact. The sales manager will want to see you in your best outfit to gauge how you will come across to clients. Do your research to judge the typical dress code in the office and decide to be bold with fashion or play it safe with solid colors. Consider the type of clientele that the product you’re selling will be focused on. Finance Financial positions require an employee who comes off neat, strict and honest. When you are meeting with a hiring manager, make sure your clothing has been pressed and your overall appearance is tidy.

Help Wanted

“Indoor comfort you know and trustt.”

♦ Page 21

Oil Heater Tune-up Technician Flex Time Available • Part-Time or Full-Tiime • Opportunity for an experienced technician to tune/cclean oil heaters who wants to work with h an estab blished d company where Customer Serviice is #1 and employees are valued. • $19 - $22 per hour with benefits, nego otiable based d on experiience and hours wantiing to worrk. • Con nsiste ent workk, uniiforms, to ool alllow wancce • Ove ertim me avaaillable e if de esiired d. Applly at htttpss://h harrriettse es.co om or caall 609 9-6 654-573 39 Ext:: 228 8 Mention th his ad d. Than nk you!

9 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

Got A NEWS SCOOP? Send it our way! news@pinebarrenstribune.com

Page 22

♦

Pine Barrens Tribune

EXPLETIVES (Continued from Page 1)

of Community Affairs stipulates that the local service rate will remain unchanged, and because it is in there, it is guaranteed; but then it was later said that the application is a non-binding one after a charge was made that it would obligate the township to undertake suggested improvements to the sanitary system listed in a Remington & Vernick financial analysis of the PTMUA. “So, which is it?” she asked. Township Solicitor Andrew “Andy” Bayer contended that it was never said by him, or council, that the application a non-binding one. “In the application, since my office prepared it, I can tell you there was not a legal commitment of any kind for the township to make capital improvements, or incur capital indebtedness, in the future, because this township council could not do it through that mechanism,” Bayer said. “A.: it would be illegal, and B: as I said before, there would have to be ongoing budgeting processes for the township to incur debt. So, the application doesn’t commit the township to doing capital improvements, the application points out these were recommendations of upgrades the engineer thought was necessary.” Massa, after hearing the solicitor’s response, again asked if there was a contradiction. “So, if the application does not address the capital improvements, and it does not address expenses, why would it address keeping the rates the same?” she asked. Bayer replied that he actually didn’t understand what Massa had just said to him. Some residents in the meeting room began shouting at the solicitor, including one man who asked him, “Why don’t you pay attention?” “I am actually paying attention!” said Bayer in response to the man.

Order in council’s chambers was then momentarily lost, with many in the room mumbling to each other and beginning side conversations. Some appeared to be heckling the officials in council’s chambers. Council President Norma Trueblood, in effort to try to maintain meeting decorum, asked everyone to be “mindful and respectful.” “Fu***** ass*****,” someone clearly whispered within close-range to one of the recording microphones in the room, immediately following Trueblood’s request. “Oh my God!” Another person, also within close-range to the recording microphone, uttered “Oh boy!” immediately following the use of the expletives out of frustration due to the riled-up crowd. The latter comment also appeared to be under a person’s breath. Resident Terry Maldonado primarily brought the use of the expletives, and the township recording that contained it, to the public eye on Sept. 12, messaging the media about what she heard and writing postings in more than a half-dozen local Facebook groups serving the Pemberton Township area. “Township Council President Norma Trueblood called the residents of Pemberton Township fu***** ass*****!” Maldonado contended in the postings. “Sorry, not sorry, did you forget your mic was on? Listen to the audio at the 1 hour and 24-minute mark. I will be at the September 18th meeting and I will be asking for your resignation!” The Pine Barrens Tribune could not determine that it was in fact Trueblood who uttered the expletives, as Maldonado alleged. Accord ing to st atistics ret a ined by audiomack.com, the site the township uses to post its meeting audio, prior meeting recordings have attracted anywhere between five and 57 listeners. The Sept. 4 recording has attracted over 1,400 listeners so far.

Photo By Douglas D. Melegari

Council President Norma Trueblood (top-right) exchanges words on Sept. 18 with resident Terry Maldonado (left-bottom). Councilwoman Elisabeth McCartney (top left) and Township Clerk Amy Cosnoski (center) look on. More than a thousand of those listeners flocked to the recording website within hours of Maldonado’s Facebook postings. Hundreds in the local Facebook groups, underneath Maldonado’s posts, expressed outrage by what they heard and demanded Trueblood’s immediate resignation, most of whom probably assumed the words were spoken by the council president based on the content of the Facebook postings. The buzz surrounding the revelation and accusations was especially ubiquitous because Trueblood is a well-known associate pastor of International Revival Tabernacle, located in the Country Lakes section of Pemberton. Trueblood

CLASSIFIED AD FORM Name: __________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________ Billing Address: _____________________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________ State: ____________ ZIP: ___________________

o o o o o o o o o o

CHOOSE A CATEGORY

A/C & Heating Announcements Antiques Appliances Auto Parts and Services Automobiles/Trucks Boats and Canoes Business Opportunities Caregiver Carpentry

o o o o o o o o o o

Catering Cleaning Concrete Masonry Electric Services Electronics Farm Equipment For Rent Furniture Garage/Yard Sale General Contracting

o o o o o o o o o o

(PLEASE CHECK ONE BOX.)

General Merchandising Help Wanted Home Improvement Landscaping Lawyers Lost and Found Miscellaneous Mobile Homes Motorcycles/ATVs Pets and Animals

o o o o o o o o o o

Real Estate Recreation Equipment Roofing/Siding RVs/Campers Seasonal Equipment Sporting Goods Tree Service Waterproofing Will Do Citizen Window Treatments

Number of weeks for ad to run: o 1 Week o 2 Weeks o 3 Weeks o 4 Weeks o

Please attach ad copy EXACTLY as you want it to appear with this form.

Grow?

www.pinebarrensservices.com i b i

Scan this code on your phone!

has a reputation for living the Christian faith in an exemplary manner and maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor while engaging with residents. Trueblood, when reached for comment the day after the accusation surfaced, told this newspaper that she did not recall any expletives being said during the council meeting and didn’t find out about them until shortly after Maldonado accused her online of uttering them. She told this newspaper that she and her husband, Dr. Ernest E. Trueblood Jr., were returning from a pastor conference in Tennessee when she started receiving numerous phone See EXPLETIVES/ Page 24

To place ad by phone call: 609-801-2392 or email sales@pinwebarrenstribune.com

RATES:

Up to 20 words $11.75 per week Up to 40 words $12.75 per week Up to 60 words $14.75 per week Call us to find out about how to make your ad stand out! (609) 801-2392

Help Wanted Rates: Up to 20 words $19.95 per week Up to 40 words $29.95 per week Up to 60 words $49.95 per week All help wanted ads get posted on pinebarrenstribune. jobs

$5 Buy Ups: per week

o Image o Thick Border o Dashed Border o Dotted Border o Breakout Line o Clip Art Image o Color Fill of Box o Merchandise Photo o Small Company Logo

$10 Buy Ups: per week

o o

BURST

o o

♦ CALL TODAY ♦

NEW TODAY!

Bold Text : $2.50 per week Extra words > 60: 25¢ per word, per week

Payment Method: o Call 609-801-2392 to place ad by phone o Make Checks Payable To: Pine Barrens Tribune • P.O. Box 2402 Vincentown, New Jersey 08088 o By Credit Card: Name on card:________________________ Account #____________________________ Exp. Date__________CVC Code: ________

o Visa o MasterCard o Discover o American Express

Puzzle Solutions from Page 17

SUDOKU

Is your business ready to

CROSSWORD

(PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY)

Jooin us today on

Saturday, September 21, 2019

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Saturday, September 21, 2019

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Pine Barrens Tribune

â™¦ Page 23

Page 24

♦

Pine Barrens Tribune

EXPLETIVES

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

comment about it is just unimaginable to me.” The council president confirmed that Councilwoman Elisabeth McCartney and (Continued from Page 22) Township Clerk Amy Cosnoski were the only two other women sitting at the council dais calls about the accusation. during the Sept. 4 meeting. Councilwoman “I started getting phone calls from all Gaye Burton was absent from the meeting. sorts of people who I haven’t talked to in a “These women would never use that kind while, while we were coming through the of language; I just know it,” Norma Trueblood mountains,” Norma Trueblood said. “These said. “I don’t know for sure if they did say people were saying, ‘Oh my God. I wanted to something, and I doubt it, but if one of them let you know your name is on Facebook and did, it wasn’t meant for the public.” what they are saying about you is horrible.’ I Cosnoski told this newspaper on Sept. 16 said to myself, ‘What the heck is going on?’” that no investigation had been launched into Norma Trueblood said that she and her who said the expletives. husband eventually pulled over at a rest stop “I did not hear it at time it was said,” she said. to obtain more information about the source “I have since listened to the recording. It was not of the information after she became inundated President Trueblood who made that statement. with calls over Maldonado’s accusation. I am not going to speak further on the incident, “My daughter called me and said, ‘Mommy, at this time, without having the person who people are calling me at work.’,” Norma made the statement, and Trueblood, present. Trueblood said. “It was nonstop. Even my All I will say is it was not President Trueblood sister heard about it.” as everybody was alleging.” The council president told this newspaper McCartney did not return a message seeking that she was “appalled” by Maldonado’s comment on this story. accusation and what she did went “beyond, However, during an unprecedented fourbeyond.” hour long Sept. 18 council meeting, following “That is slander,” Norma Trueblood said. council roll call, Bayer contended he uttered “I cannot even imagine using that language. the expletives and issued a public apology to I came from Brooklyn, New York, but that the residents of Pemberton. doesn’t mean that is how I was raised. Whether “Residents were speaking out of order; there I am confronted in the street, or at a meeting was cackling from the audience; and there by one of our residents, I would never talk to was heckling directed at council and myself, them like that.” while discussing an issue with a resident at She added that she wanted both a verbal and the podium,” Bayer said. “In response to written apology from Maldonado, along with this activity, I became personally upset and a retraction posted on Facebook. frustrated, and I uttered an expletive I regret, “Ma ny of my fa m i ly memb ers lef t which was picked up by the microphone. It Pemberton, but I stayed because I love this was directed at the individuals disrupting the township, and love the people here,” Norma meeting, but not the individuals personally, and Trueblood said. “I have a church located in it certainly was not directed at any residents Country Lakes that has been established for of the community, generally. 25 years. I would not be here if I didn’t love “I want to apologize to the council and this town and its people. In New Jersey, it is public for this unfortunate outburst, and for hard to find a place where you are comfortable, those of you who know me, it is out of my but I am comfortable here. character to react that way.” “Yes, people complain there are crackheads Bayer added that he has “provided legal here, but you tell me what town doesn’t have advice” to the township council for the past 13 that! Every town has that! That doesn’t mean years and that he has “enjoyed” the “ongoing I am going to get up and leave. I believe in discussion” with the public and council about this town and the residents. I love the idea the important issues in the township. that I live in a diverse town. The diversity here Norma Trueblood, following Bayer’s public is beautiful. I moved here from New York in apology, with Maldonado in the room, called 1986, and this is the place I wanted to be with the Facebook postings “disturbing.” The my children. I see a vision for the town.” council president, who repeated many of the When Norma Trueblood agreed to be remarks she made to this newspaper, also interviewed for this story, she said she had contended she had always been respectful not yet listened to the Sept. 4 township council and cordial with Maldonado. meeting audio because she was too upset over “Pemberton Township is our home,” said what happened. Norma Trueblood, pointing out that she retired “I am still trying to take this in, and I am from the one-time Pemberton campus of still trying to calm myself down in a way,” she Burlington County College after 29 years. “I take tremendous pride in serving this township said. “I can’t believe this happened. How that as a council member. To my family, friends and person there can put something so slanderous church family: I apologize to subjecting you on my name and get over 200 people to to this unfortunate “I know myself. I know the kind of vocabulary ordeal.” Norma Trueblood I use. I know my language. I know what kind added that while the postings of person of integrity I am. I am a 64-year- Facebook had since been old woman who was raised with dignity and taken down (one still posted as respect. Those words you will never hear out remained of press time), they of my mouth, directed toward any resident caused a “substantial hardship” or my family, who knows me. I am the oldest amount for her. of five children, the first college graduate “Therefore, I am a public from my generation. I stand to say I fought requesting apology, a written for these rights. I fought for what had to a p o l o g y a n d a on social be done. As a Puerto Rican, coming from a retraction media by an elected Puerto Rican family descendent, I wanted (s c h o o l ) b o a r d ) who created to make a difference in this town and that is official such a n a dve r s e why I stayed in this town. That is why I have reaction, Mrs. Terry Norma fought for this town. That is why I fight for the Maldonado,” Trueblood said. residents.” Maldonado, ten minutes later, ~Council President Norma Trueblood responded during a

public comment session. She said “it seemed like” she owed Norma Trueblood an apology. “You will get that,” she said. “One condition: I want that man (Bayer) off that council (township solicitor) seat. He has to be removed. He violated ethics. He discredited us residents by calling us such names. I think he needs to be removed.” Maldonado then asked each council member if they condone Bayer’s behavior. Each member of the legislative body replied “no.” “No, but I am still trying to understand why an apology has conditions,” McCartney said. Maldonado replied that she will give Norma Trueblood an apology, but “she sits next to that man (Bayer),” and that apparently the “two conversations met with each other.” “He sits next to me, but I never heard him say that,” Norma Trueblood contended. “It wasn’t until all this came out that I heard about it.” Norma Trueblood added that if she would have heard it, she would have leaned over to Bayer and said something. “No, I don’t condone that type of language, especially,” Norma Trueblood said. “But the same way I am accepting your apology, I believe residents can accept his apology.” Maldonado contended that she did not accept Bayer’s apology. “I will pursue it further,” she said. “I feel Mr. Bayer needs to step down and I am sure there are other attorneys in his law office that can take his place. Our money pays for him to sit here, but we are the same people he is calling names.” Norma Trueblood contended Bayer did not call the people of Pemberton Township names, pointing to his remarks that the expletives he contended he used referred to the people who were out of order at the Sept. 4 meeting. “I heard the audio, it was a whisper, and he was not directing it to anyone in general,” the council president said. Norma Trueblood then contended that she was “hung before a jury” and a “witch hunt was conducted,” pointing out that even former county college colleagues reached out to her saying they were appalled by what they heard. “What you should have done that day, if you felt it came from Mrs. Norma, your council president, is go into Amy’s office (township clerk) and ask if you could hear something before you took it from somebody else,” Norma Trueblood said. “I was crucified for it. To me, it was a total witch hunt!” Burton contended that the council president was deserving of “a full apology” from Maldonado and asked the resident how it was fair for her to put a condition on one. Councilman Donovan Gardner asked Maldonado if, as a school board member, she makes rash decisions without fact checking first. “I don’t sit there and call my residents or parents any names,” Maldonado said. “I have a policy: I do my homework.” After a comment was made that apparently Maldonado didn’t do her homework in this situation, Maldonado contended that she thought she heard a female voice on the audio using the expletives. Resident Cra ig Mayle suppor t e d Maldonado’s claim, contending he still believed it was a female who uttered the expletives. He then claimed he was the one who brought the curse words on the township meeting audio to light. “I think it was a woman,” Mayle said. “Most other people think it was a woman. Your (Norma Trueblood’s) family and friends don’t think it was a woman. If that is the case, and he (Bayer) wants to take credit for it, so be it.” Cosnoski replied that as the township clerk for five years, and deputy township clerk for 18 years before that, she knew right away it was the solicitor who uttered the expletives after listening to the recording creating much buzz. She added that she had just offered her “trained, professional opinion.” “I know myself,” Norma Trueblood said. “I know the kind of vocabulary I use. I know

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Photo By Douglas D. Melegari

Township Solicitor Andy Bayer puts his hands over his face after facing calls to resign on Sept. 18. my language. I know what kind of person of integrity I am. I am a 64-year-old woman who was raised with dignity and respect. Those words you will never hear out of my mouth, directed toward any resident or my family, who knows me. I am the oldest of five children, the first college graduate from my generation. I stand to say I fought for these rights. I fought for what had to be done. As a Puerto Rican, coming from a Puerto Rican family descendent, I wanted to make a difference in this town and that is why I stayed in this town. That is why I have fought for this town. That is why I fight for the residents.” Norma Trueblood added that it was not about political parties, it is about what is fair. Pemberton Township’s elected officials are Democrats. Maldonado challenged Mayor David Patriarca last year during a mayoral race and was defeated. “I don’t accept the solicitor’s apology as a resident,” said resident Alisha Benson. “I don’t care what is going on between any of you…now it seems like we are playing highschool bullying politics. I don’t accept his apology because it is not OK that it was said. It is not OK that it came from you people, who we elected, that this is what is out on the internet. You want to talk about the internet? Now his (Bayer’s) comment is on the internet, on some FM channel dial, so everyone can hear what our council thinks about its residents in Pemberton Township. Isn’t that just great!” Jack Tompk i ns, a for mer tow nsh ip Republican councilman, also voiced his opinion on the matter, contending that he could not arrive at the conclusion that it was Norma Trueblood who cursed. He noted that he called Norma Trueblood prior to the meeting and had an enjoyable conversation with her catching up on family. “I don’t know who made that comment,” he said. “I can’t point the finger at anybody.” Tompkins, however, said that the township solicitor is just supposed to provide legal advice and it is not his role to interact with the public as an elected official. “There have been many times where the public is commenting with council and the solicitor will interrupt and take over the meeting as if he is a council member,” Tompkins said. Trueblood, in the interview before the Sept. 18 council meeting, told this newspaper that the Sept. 4 meeting was unlike one she had ever seen since being elected to the legislative body in 2012. She said the meeting drew the largest crowd to ever attend a council meeting in her tenure, the size of which extended out into the main hallway of the municipal building, and everyone in the audience frequently talked aloud during the proceedings. As t he me et i ng aud io revea ls, t he proceedings seemingly started off on the wrong note when Bayer sarcastically labeled the crowd that had gathered just after council See EXPLETIVES/ Page 25

Saturday, September 21, 2019

EXPLETIVES (Continued from Page 24)

roll call was taken. “I feel like this is a PTMUA crowd,” he said. “I don’t know why I feel like that.” Shortly thereafter, as some officials began speaking, audience members began shouting that they could not hear and for council to turn its microphones on. Norma Trueblood’s announcement that she was limiting public comments to five minutes was met with condemnation. The first resident to speak requested that his mostly-unused five minutes be deferred to another speaker. Bayer contended that the process “doesn’t work like that,” which drew further disapproval from those who had gathered. Michael Tamm, the speaker who the residents wanted to defer time to, contended that he remembered when the township was

“Residents were speaking out of order; there was cackling from the audience; and there was heckling directed at council and myself, while discussing an issue with a resident at the podium. In response to this activity, I became personally upset and frustrated, and I uttered an expletive I regret, which was picked up by the microphone.” ~ Township Solicitor Andrew Bayer

Pine Barrens Tribune

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM a “cesspool” in the 1960s because it had no sanitary systems. His speech was interrupted at one point by a cellphone ringing. “You could smell it,” he said. Maldonado, upon expiration of Tamm’s time, then took to the microphone and demanded to be provided with a written policy stipulating that members of the public could not defer their speaking time. “Send me a copy of the rules and regulations that you cannot defer your time!” she said. Bayer replied that she can make an Open Public Records Act request. Maldonado also referred to the crowd and its size in the municipal building, asking council, “Who voted you in office?” and “Does this look like your residents want this?” Bayer i nt er r upt e d Ma ldona do, a nd contended that she could not “cross-examine council.” “Excuse me, my question is to council!” Maldonado replied. The decorum of the meeting went downhill from there. At one point, Mike Kemp, the husband of PTMUA Chairwoman Corrine Kemp, concerned with the township’s future plans for the PTMUA’s $3.6 million reserve, shouted that the council wants to “squander more surplus” and has “no right” to take that money. He also called on council give back $82,000 he contended it already took from the PTMUA. “I am an honest person,” the man said. “I can’t lie, I can’t tolerate when people lie. That is why my skin is not thick enough to be in this room.” Mayor David Patriarca replied that he took offense at being called a liar in public. Massa also spoke during the council meeting about 40 minutes prior to the contradiction exchange she had with Bayer. When she had returned to the microphone a second time, someone close to the dais referred to her as “like a repeat customer,” which was also picked by the municipality’s sound and

recording system, audible at the 1:22:32 mark on the Sept. 4 township council meeting audio. Someone also close to the dais was also apparently not happy with McCartney publicly admitting that she couldn’t recall a PTMUA conversation she had with the township administration relating to a question asked by a resident. That official can be heard on the audio, in a patronizing fashion, whispering to another person, “Why did she say that?” E a rl ier i n t he me et i ng, Bayer ha d reprimanded McCartney for asking if she could respond to a resident’s statement. “You don’t need to ask a resident’s permission to respond,” he said in a ridiculing fashion. McCartney, at the Sept. 18 council meeting, said that she believed everyone on the council dais, including Bayer, abides by the state’s ethics rules. “He apologized to the public,” she said.

♦ Page 25

“It (the cursing) was a mistake. There is not a living, breathing person on the face of this Earth who has not made a mistake. He apologized without a condition, so I thank you for that, Andy.” Bayer, after the Sept. 18 meeting, replied “no” when this newspaper asked if he intended to submit a letter of resignation and then walked away. Many residents in council’s chambers, throughout the night, persisted that they believed it was a female’s voice heard on the Sept. 4 audio using the expletives. “It hurts,” said Norma Trueblood, who was seen breaking down in tears after adjournment when another member of the local school board went up to the council president and assured her that she had full confidence it wasn’t her who cursed, and that she shared her pain in dealing with the scrutiny that comes with the job serving as a public official.

Riephoff Sawmill 609-259-7265

www.riephoffsawmill.com

We are a family-owned business for over 50 years supplying top-quality lumber products. • Oak Fence Boards & Posts • Custom Cut Hardwood Lumber • Tree Stakes - Trailer Decking • Crane Mats

WE BUY STANDING TIMBER 763 Route 524, Allentown, NJ 08501

Family owned and operated since 1985

S Best for Hardwood Flooring SJ’s • Low L w pricing on top brands br •D DIY project support • CContractors welcome • Free local deliveryy (low minimums apply)

Only $25 Includes Photo! In Print & Online

Submit your message online at www.pinebarrenstribune.com/ announcements Deadline 4 p.m. Tuesday

MEDFORD • 609-953-7766 370 Miller Road (behind the Dutch Wagon Market)

Announcements 609.801.2392 www.pinebarrenstribune.com

SICKLERVILLE • 856-262-0606 547A Cross Keys Road (across from Winslow Plaza)

DanHiggins.com

NJ License #13VH00085500 Dan Higgins Wood Flooring is a DBA of Quality Installation Associates, Inc.

Page 26

♦

Pine Barrens Tribune

DISSOLUTION (Continued from Page 1)

authorize the dissolution of the PTMUA and transfer its operations to public works. A second reading and public hearing on the proposed ordinance could not move forward until council received the application approval from the Local Finance Board. Council, at its Sept. 18 meeting, scheduled a second reading and public hearing on the proposed ordinance for Oct. 2. If the ordinance is approved, the municipal administrative code would then have to be changed to incorporate the sanitary system services within the township’s organizational chart. However, ever since engineers John M. Pyne and Stephanie Cuthbert, of Remington & Vernick, presented in December 2018 their findings from a financial analysis of the PTMUA they performed at the request of council, the legislative body has heard from dozens of both residents and PTMUA officials who are either concerned with or opposed to any municipal takeover of the authority. After the February introduction of the proposed ordinance, public outcry over the possible dissolution has grown, with public comments extending usually 45-minute or less council meetings to beyond two hours. The PTMUA has also sent out three flyers to residents, urging them to help put a stop to the dissolution by voicing concerns at council meetings. The authority also held a community forum on Aug. 28 at Pemberton Township High School. In response to one of the mailings, Pemberton Township’s now-former business administrator Dennis Gonzalez, just before his retirement, wrote a two-page letter to council, PTMUA members, and other officials with six points of rebuttal, claiming that the mailing contained a number of falsehoods. Gonzalez, in December of last year, recommended that if council wants to proceed with the dissolution, the township should assume responsibility for the 49-year old wastewater-treatment plant, and the rest of the PTMUA operations, in January 2020, so that the transition falls in line with the beginning of a budgetary year. His recommendation came as Cuthbert, while stopping short of recommending a municipal takeover, repeatedly said during the findings presentation that the PTMUA has made minimal improvements to its infrastructure within the past five years, developed a capital-improvement plan that is not robust enough, was destined to experience a financial shortfall within ten years and had unnecessary overhead with unexplained staffing discrepancies. John Gillespie, an attorney who represents the PTMUA, during an Aug. 7 council meeting, cautioned that any Local Finance Board approval of the application does not necessarily mean that it has ruled on the merits of the matter. Gillespie contended that the PTMUA received reports that some members of council believed that the state process ultimately decided the matter for the legislative body. “Make no mistake, we are not aware of any application, submitted by anybody, to dissolve a MUA, that has ever been denied by the Local Finance Board,” he said. “So, if your game plan, before you adopt the ordinance, is to say, ‘The state told us to.’, respectfully, that would be as misleading and incorrect as your engineer reports have been.” Gillespie contended that the Local Finance Board “has a very limited focus” when reviewing such applications, and that the entity approves them if just two requirements are met. “The MUA has no debt or no bond obliges, and no other creditors,” said Gillespie to council. “Statutory language says the board shall approve the dissolution under those

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM circumstances. So again, this is not a decision ultimately rendered by the Local Finance Board. Instead, the decision rests solely with you, as the legislative body of this community. The Local Finance Board, for example, doesn’t determine whether or not this is a good thing or a bad thing for the over 6,000 ratepayers in this community.” Township Solicitor Andrew “Andy” Bayer replied that there was a “misrepresentation of the process” and that what he had said, before and after the introduction of the proposed ordinance, is that the law requires council to go before the Local Finance Board, prior to any adoption process. “After the Local Finance Board rules, we always said it would come back to council for a determination,” Bayer said. “The implication was, somehow we were saying: ‘If the state rules, or approves the application, that was going to takeaway this council’s discretion to vote on the ordinance.’ That was never represented in public or otherwise.” Differing opinions of the PTMUA’s debt status has been a major point of contention over the past few months. Gonzalez, in his rebuttal letter, contended that “the truth” is that 40 years ago, the PTMUA was “effectively bankrupt” and that the township’s current $26 million debt includes the monies borrowed by the township to “bailout” the authority in 1980. He added that the PTMUA is “indebted” to the township for annual payments of $575,640 and it fails to acknowledge the bailout by the township included the sale of all PTMUA real estate and personal assets (except for vehicles and sewer receipts) to the township with the municipality leasing said assets back to the authority for the management of the utility. “The PTMUA was in financial distress, and the township purchased the system and gave the PTMUA $10 million, and it paid off debt that it had,” said Bayer during an Aug. 21 council meeting. “In exchange, the system was transferred to the township. The township took ownership, and then pursuant to this arrangement, we then leased back the system, including the plant, to the MUA for 40 years, from 1980-2020. “Pursuant to that lease that the State of New Jersey approved, which was the financing for the purchase, the MUA pays the township $575,640 a year, and the township puts that money into a sewer utility fund, again by order of the state. Then the township takes that money now and pays off the debt.” The debt, council contends, is about to be paid off entirely in July 2020, making it an opportune time for the township to take over the authority. “That loan and debt is due to expire next year,” Bayer said. “40 years from 1980, it is hard to believe has nearly passed, but the MUA is still standing with this debt.” The expiration of debt coincides with the end of the lease agreement between the PTMUA and township early next year, according to Mayor David Patriarca. Gillespie, during the Aug. 7 council meeting, proposed that the township extend the lease agreement with the PTMUA, and that in exchange for doing so, the authority would increase its payment to the township from $575,640 per year to $700,000 per year. However, he also dismissed the debt arrangements from 40 years ago, by asking who cares about what happened back then and calling it a “desperate attempt” to distract from the “reality of today.” He contended the PTMUA has been efficiently and effectively serving the community since that time. “The PTMUA pays you $575,640 per year now to cover the loan, which ends early next year,” he said. “Currently that $575,640 we give you has to be dedicated by you for specific uses. If we leased the system back for another few years, there are no longer requirements on how you would spend that $700,000. You get a better opportunity, and so do we, and more time, to evaluate our respective thoughts about the operation of the PTMUA, and to allow the

public to determine whether dissolution is in the best interests of everyone.” Patriarca, during the Aug. 21 council meeting, called the extension offer “ludicrous,” claiming that it runs counter to the township’s future intention putting the $575,640 to use in investing the sanitary system’s infrastructure. “Why would we put that money from the sewer authority into the general budget, when we can dissolve the sewer authority and take that money and put it directly into the sewer system?” Patriarca asked. “That is what our intent has been all along. The infrastructure of the system—all the piping, pump stations, and everything— needs to be upgraded. We can do that now with the funds that will become available through the savings.” Another point of contention is what will happen to the PTMUA’s reserve, which Gillespie, on Aug. 7, contended is around $3.6 million. Gillespie said that a Remington & Vernick is recommending that the township spend a total of $3.5 million per year in improving the sanitary system, with $2 million annually for conveyance system improvements and $1.5 million annually for treatment plant improvements. Cuthbert, during her public presentation about the financial analysis, as previously described by this newspaper, said that the PTMUA’s capital-improvement plan calls for numerous projects totaling $10 million to be undertaken over a ten-year period. Among those projects are pump station improvements, digestor improvements and system cleaning. Also included, she said, is “one major project,” that would make significant improvements to the Lakehurst Road area sanitary system, over four phases, beginning in 2025. She explained that a $10 million, ten-year plan should result in an average of $1 million in annual improvements, and that the planned improvements didn’t seem to be on track given the current annual average of $280,000 per year. “Your consultant would have you spend that (the $3.6 million in reserve) in the first year you would take over,” Gillespie said. “So how are you going to finance that $3.5 million that he or she says should be spent every year thereafter?” Gillespie contended that the only way for the township to raise the money needed for infrastructure improvements is for the municipality to borrow it through bonds and raise an “already $26 million non-sewer debt higher”(disagreeing with Gonzalez’s assertion that the township debt was partially the result of a PTMUA bailout), raise rates or raise taxes. He contended that infrastructure repairs normally funded by ratepayers could possibly now involve taxpayers should public works take over the sanitary system. “The taxpayers are going to have to make up the difference with what you cannot afford through those bonds, including taxpayers who don’t get the benefits of the sewer,” Gillespie said. Gillespie noted that the PTMUA has not had to raise rates in seven years. “You also have to wonder, by the way, about an engineering firm that recommends you spend $3.5 million a year on infrastructure when the PTMUA has successfully run the operation without ever spending that kind of money,” he said. “You’ll have to borrow and incur debt to achieve it. By the way, the more of that $3.5 million per year you spend, on infrastructure, the more engineering firms make with bid specs, reviewing the bids that come in, monitoring construction and performing inspections. It is pretty simple.” Bayer, during a Sept. 4 council meeting, contended that if council approves the dissolution of the PTMUA, and hence puts in motion the application submitted to the Local Finance Board, council is not making a legal commitment of any kind for the township to make capital improvements or incur capital indebtedness. He said council would have to budget for such improvements through its annual budgeting process.

Saturday, September 21, 2019 “So, the application doesn’t commit to doing capital improvements, the application points out these were recommendations of upgrades the engineer thought was necessary,” he said. Gillespie, during township council’s Aug. 7 meeting, also pointed to a paragraph in Gonzalez’s rebuttal, alleging that the PTMUA has been charging residents “just to keep their funds in the bank” instead of making annual investments in the system’s infrastructure. The rebuttal also contended that the PTMUA had presented a capital improvement plan only after council moved to dissolve the PTMUA. “The PTMUA has always had a capital improvement plan by the way,” said Gillespie to council. “You should know, having read the materials, that the PTMUA is required to maintain $1.1 million of that $3.6 million reserve under the original lease agreement between the township and the PTMUA. So, to suggest we should have spent it somehow is pure fiction. We also keep $710,000 and some change on hand for repairs, maintenance and replacement, and we keep $1,780,000 as unrestricted funds because that allows us to meet any emergencies that might arise with over 200 miles of infrastructure. I remind you, again, we are not sitting on anything.” As previously reported by this newspaper, Cuthbert, said that an objective of the financial analysis prompted the engineers to take a look at any debt of the PTMUA, and also evaluate the authority’s potential reserve. Cuthbert explained that the PTMUA does not have any debt under its name. She said revenue bonds for PTMUA projects have been issued by the township and the PTMUA pays the municipal government back on an annual basis. The debt currently being paid by the PTMUA to the township, she said, is due to be paid down in 2020, she noted. “Since the MUA does not hold any of the bonds, they do not have to keep a reserve,” she said. “So, a lot of times when municipalities are looking to dissolve an MUA, one of the arguments is the municipal governing body wants to take the reserve the MUA is holding. That is not the case here. There is no reserve for the township to obtain if it is dissolved.” Cuthbert’s previous statement that “there is no reserve for the township to obtain” if the PTMUA is dissolved, along with an August 2018 report that Remington & Vernick submitted to council purportedly containing the same remarks, is fueling controversy and prompting concern about the accuracy of the engineering firm’s financial analysis. “Those statements were false when they were made and they are false today,” Gillespie said. “At least now, however, the township has acknowledged that they are false.” As part of Pemberton Township Council’s takeover consideration process, the township legislative body on March 22, 2018 requested that Remington & Vernick perform the financial analysis of the MUA for $10,200. During an Aug. 21 exchange between Bayer and resident James Boland, the township solicitor said that there was an “error” in the financial analysis, but it had since been corrected. “OK, there was an error, but I don’t think that means it wasn’t worthwhile endeavor to examine it (the sanitary system) from an engineering standpoint, which they were charged to do,” Bayer said. He contended that Boland’s questioning of the error was “kind of misleading” because the “point of the report was not about the money.” “T he point of their repor t, from a n engineering perspective, which we seem to lose sight of, is there has been a lack of capital investment in the system, historically, over the years,” Bayer said. “That was the premise, and after they were allowed access to the facility and toured it, they issued a second report in July and they reached the same conclusions they reached when they did it on paper.” See DISSOLUTION/ Page 27

Saturday, September 21, 2019

DISSOLUTION (Continued from Page 26)

Also creating concern is the belief by many ratepayers that they “paid into the sanitary authority’s system” and township council, through any dissolution, will take the PTMUA reserve and absorb it into their general fund for potentially other purposes. “Since I moved here 32 years ago, I have used the PTMUA,” said Donna Lefebvre, the entity’s assistant secretary, during council’s Aug. 7 meeting. “That has been my sewer service all this time. I have been paying my money every year to the PTMUA, and to know there is money sitting there that we, the PTMUA users have paid, and then not to know what will happen with that surplus, which is our money because we have been paying into it all these years, is kind of an insult to us. That is my money sitting in that surplus, as a sewer user, but I don’t think it would be right to take that money and not use it for the system.” Councilwoman Gaye Burton replied that the legislative body never stated it would be using the reserve. “That is an absolutely false assertion,” Bayer contended. “In the application that was filed with the Local Finance Board, the township indicated that any PTMUA funds that come to the township will be placed in a sewer utility account and used only for sewer purposes. It will not go in the general fund. I feel like there has been a lot of misleading information used for small, political purposes on this.” Councilman Jason Allen, who is also the vice president of the PTMUA’s governing board and PTMUA liaison to council, has recused himself from the matter. However, Allen, before going silent in January, asked several questions of the Rem ington & Vernick engineers that appeared to expose shortcomings of the financial analysis.

GUTTER

Pine Barrens Tribune

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

He observed that the financial analysis was developed, in part, by the engineers using PTMUA financial audits from 2015 to 2017. He said that the PTMUA’s financial audits, from what he remembered, “always came back fine,” before questioning how a deficit could be projected in light of clean audits. Allen also questioned a statement on page eight of the analysis that said, “there may be a cost savings if the township consolidates the PTMUA’s professional services.” During the last few meetings, Bayer and Patriarca sided with the Remington & Vernick engineers that there would be a cost savings if the township consolidates the PTMUA’s professional services, urging the public to read the application council submitted to the Local Finance Board. “To start, the PTMUA pays the township $575,640 a year, which is a debt that dates back to 1980,” Bayer said. “That will be paid off in July 2020. So, the initial savings will be $575,640 a year, which the ratepayers are paying to the township pursuant to a state approved financing going back to 1980. “Secondly, the township already has insurance through the Joint Insurance Fund, and the PTMUA does not, and between insurance costs, legal fees and professional engineering falling under the township’s established vendors, there would be a $300,000 cost savings through that. Billing would also be done through the township, as opposed to paying a PTMUA person to do the billing. So, there would be some overlap of jobs that would be saved. So, the application estimates a savings on the operation side of about $600,000. That is excluding the $575,640 that is the debt payment. So, you are looking at a million dollars that could be used by the ratepayers and taxpayers to either lower rates or make capital investments in the system.” With Allen recusing himself from the matter, only two votes of dissention on the

five-member council would be needed to kill the dissolution of the PTMUA. Councilwoman Elisabeth McCartney, during a Sept. 4 township council meeting, said that she is “just confused” about the whole situation due to the conflicting reports and noted that she does not know anything about sewage. “I don’t have a game plan,” she said. “I can assure you that I read the report more than once. Our role here is to do what is in the best interest of the residents. That is what we are supposed to be doing.” Council President Norma Trueblood, also during township council’s Sept. 4 meeting, was somewhat non-committal on the matter, but asked what is wrong with looking ahead, explaining that the subject of a possible PTMUA dissolution came about after a State of New Jersey Best Practices Questionnaire asked the municipality if it had considered consol idating its sewage aut hor it y to potentially save residents money. She said state aid is determined, in part, by how many “yes” responses the municipality provides to the state. “No decisions are made yet,” she said. “We are still in the process. We are listening. We wouldn’t be here if it was for the residents. We are also elected officials, and we have to do what we do for the government. We have to listen to everyone.” She added, however, that the “only thing she sees” is “keeping something under the same township, main municipality.” Bayer has said, on the record, that township council is not saying that the PTMUA is broken. “It may not be,” he said during council’s Aug. 21 council meeting. Many detractors of the possible dissolution of the PTMUA have seized this comment, urging township council to, “Don’t fix what isn’t broken.” One resident, Marie Reynolds, called the

♦ Page 27

PTMUA one of the “few cherries we have on our tree,” a reference to the township’s struggles to redevelop once vibrant properties now blighted, the $26 million municipal debt, highest in the county status for drug overdoses and incidences of violent crime. “Both sides have valid concerns,” said resident Dan Hullings, also an Alternate #2 on the PTMUA board. “If everybody could just get together, and talk it through so that both sides are comfortable with what we are about to do, that would be preferred. Once you do it, it is done. What we have is working. It might work better under the township. But we know what we have currently. I have a great fear that both sides don’t understand what you are about to do. Slow down. Give everyone more time, give yourselves more time.” Gillespie, who contended that council did not reach out to the PTMUA with concerns before introducing the proposed ordinance, has called on township council to continue dialogue with the PTMUA. “We would welcome the opportunity to have further discussions with council regarding this whole (matter),” said Gillespie to council. “…If you think there are shortfalls in how the PTMUA operates, then let’s talk about them. If you can help improve them (through suggestions), then why not let the PTMUA try (to implement them). Why not consider extending the lease for a few more years, while these discussions continue and you have more time to evaluate whether indeed there is a legitimate and beneficial purpose in dissolving the PTMUA and taking over its operations?” Bayer has said the township will offer all operations staff of the PTMUA a job in public works to run the sanitary system, should it take it over, and that “the plan is” that the PTMUA’s licensed operator would be keeping his job because a township-run sanitary authority would need a licensed operator. Many residents reminded the township council of the vast undertaking the sewage system requires.

ter

Never Clean Your Gutters Again!

Helm

Eiminate Clogged Gutters for Good!

et Ro

It’s Almos t Fall Y’all !

ofin

18% OFF

FOR OVER

YEARS

FOR GUTTER PROTECTION

Handles

22RAIN “ of

/ hr

0% Interest Until 2021† Call for a FREE Quote 503-850-0725

For Military/Veterans and Teachers

+5% OFF

3 Eliminate clogged and overflowing gutters 3 LIFETIME No Clog WARRANTY, transferable 3 Installed by trained & certified technicians 3 Approved by all major roofing manufacturers

*Min. purchase of 50 linear feet required, offer expires 9/30/19. Offer applies to Gutter Helmet only and must be presented at time of estimate, cannot be combined with any other offers and subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited by law. †Subject to credit approval. Interest accrues during promotional period but all interest is waived if paid in full within 18 months. Lednor is neither a broker nor a lender. Financing is provided by 3rd party lenders, under terms & conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lenders, satisfactory completion of finance documents is required. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only. NJ HIC Reg. #13VH04341800 PA #010099 © 2019 Lednor Corporation.

Page 28

♦

Pine Barrens Tribune

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Jessica Scharrer, Substation Electrician

Jessica is making the future of energy brighter. Jessica excels in protecting her customers’ way of life while blazing a path for more women who wish to follow in her impressive footsteps. firstenergycorp.com