VOTING BEGINS
By D ouglas D. M elegari Staff Writer
MOUNT HOLLY—Voting for November’s General Election in a presidential election year has commenced locally as Burlington County has begun to mail Vote-by-Mail (VBM) ballots to registered voters in the county who
requested one. And for those not planning to vote by mail, but rather in person, you should be aware of the recent rollout of new voting machines in the county, especially if you did not participate in early voting since 2021 or the Primary Election earlier this year when they were first introduced, as
these machines will now be utilized for the first time on a general election day.
Voting By Mail 2024 Information
More than 50,000 Vote-by-Mail ballots See VOTING/ Page 4
in Investigating Complaint of Ex-Boro Councilman
By D ouglas D. M elegari Staff Writer
MEDFORD LAKES—The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office has found that Medford Lakes Borough Council and its officials did not violate the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) in withholding the details from a pair of executive sessions held on May 24, 2023, and April 25, 2024, with a complaint having been filed by former Borough Councilman Joseph Aromando III, all of which was revealed during a Sept. 12 council session.
Apparently, the Prosecutor’s Office had been investigating since late April the complaint filed by Aromando, with the former councilman charging in it that the borough “routinely” violates OPMA. While the Prosecutor’s Office found no wrongdoing, Matt Lynch, assistant county prosecutor and Special Investigations Unit supervisor, in a July 31 letter written to Borough Solicitor Doug Heinold,
However, Assistant Prosecutor Recommends That Municipality Adopt Future Executive Session Resolutions Similar to Willingboro’s, Viewed as Exhibiting ‘Best Practices’ See COUNCIL/ Page 5
Photo By Douglas D. Melegari
A Burlington County Vote-by-Mail (VBM) drop box.
Evesham Council Seats Hansen’s Acting Replacement, Dr. Krystal Hunter, Approves 2 Veteran Officers to Provide Security at Cherokee High School New Councilwoman Will Also Run for Remainder of Term in November Election; Police Chief Expresses Appreciation for School Safety Being Given ‘Top Priority’
By Bill B onvie Staff Writer
EVESHAM—A new acting Evesham Township Council member was sworn in as a temporary replacement for Democrat Patricia “Pat” Hansen, who gave up her post the month before with nearly two-and a-half years still remaining in her term, and two veteran police officers were appointed to provide security for Cherokee High School at the council’s Sept. 10 meeting.
Krystal Hunter, a member of the local Utilities Authority Commission, took her seat on the council after her appointment was unanimously approved by the rest of its members via a resolution. She will serve in a transitional capacity on the five-member governing body until the beginning of 2025, when whomever Evesham voters choose in next month’s election begins the rest of Hansen’s unexpired term. That individual could either be Hunter, whose name will appear on the ballot as the Democratic candidate, or Republican Keith Roman, a self-described “global account executive for a not-for-profit lifesciences consulting firm, specializing in pharmaceutical and biotech.”
Hunter, the holder of a PhD in
Business Data Science from New Jersey Institute of Technology and an MBA from Rutgers Graduate School of Management, took the occasion to formally introduce herself, noting that she currently works as a biostatistician at a local health system in addition to serving as an associate professor at a local medical school, without offering further details. She also said that she had grown up in neighboring Mount Laurel and graduated from Lenape High School and Spellman College, a historically Black women’s liberal arts institution in Atlanta.
She was also subsequently appointed by unanimous vote of those present as the council representative on the Evesham Township Planning Board.
In welcoming Hunter during her monthly report, Councilwoman Heather Cooper told her, “I have no doubt that you bring valuable experience and a fresh perspective that will enhance the efforts to serve our community.”
While the council is still an allDemocratic entity, the fact that two of its other members, Ginamarie Espinoza and Eddie Freeman, III, were not renominated and will thus not be
See SECURITY/ Page 5
Richard J. Weber, DMD
Dr. Weber has been recognized for excellence in dentistry and has trained nationally and internationally with the most prestigious members of the profession.
LRHSD Superintendent Named One of BurlCo’s Outstanding 2024 Women Trailblazing Judge Among 9 Others Honored by County
for Leadership, Service
For the Pine Barrens Tribune SHAMONG—Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD) Superintendent Dr. Carol Birnbohm is one of 10 women in Burlington County to receive the 2024 Outstanding Women of Burlington County Awards, bestowed by the Burlington County Commissioners and Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council.
The awards, distributed on Sept. 17, recognize the women for their See WOMEN/ Page 9
Photo Provided Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson (right) and Commissioner Allison Eckel (left) hosted the Outstanding Women of Burlington County Awards Reception Sept. 17 at Riverton Country Club.
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were sent to voters beginning on the week of Sept. 15 in advance of the Nov. 5 General Election.
“Voting by mail is a simple and easy way for voters to cast a ballot when it is most convenient for their schedule,” said Burlington County Clerk Joanne Schwartz in a statement. “It is an easy and secure way to exercise this important right.”
Voters can cast those ballots in multiple ways, including by dropping them in the U.S. Mail. No postage is necessary to return a VBM-ballot by mail in Burlington County.
Completed VBM ballots submitted through the U.S. Postal Service will be accepted so long as they are postmarked before 8 p.m. Nov. 5 and are received by the Board of Elections within six days after the election.
Other ways to cast a VBM includes by dropping them in a designated drop box or by bringing them directly to the Burlington County Board of Elections Office.
The Burlington County Elections Board will accept completed VBM ballots at their office at 301 Harper Drive in Moorestown during their regular hours between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays leading up to Election Day.
On Election Day, Nov. 5, the board will accept ballots on location until polls close at 8 p.m.
There is also a secure drop box located immediately outside the building, one of 29 located throughout the county. VBMballots can be deposited in the boxes at all hours, according to county election officials, until 8 p.m. on Election Day Nov. 5.
In the Pinelands communities of Burlington County, these are where designated drop boxes can be found:
• Evesham Township Municipal Building, 984 Tuckerton Road
• Medford Township Municipal Building, 49 Union Street
• Pemberton Community Library, 16 Broadway (Browns Mills/Pemberton Township)
• Shamong Township Municipal Building, 105 Willow Grove Road
• Southampton Township Municipal Building, 5 Retreat Road
• Tabernacle Township Municipal Building, 163 Carranza Road
The Burlington County Clerk also has staff at 301 Harper Drive and will accept
and process VBM applications there and at their Main office at 50 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly.
Registered voters interested in voting with a VBM ballot can still request one from the Clerk’s Office now until 3 p.m. on Nov. 4.
A request form can be found online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/996/Voteby-Mail-Information.
Assistance with New Voting Machines
Burlington County election officials are reminding voters that they can get a close look at the county’s new voting machines each Saturday at the County Corner Store site in the Moorestown Mall.
Voters can inspect the new voting equipment at the store and familiarize themselves with the machines before they will be deployed at all Burlington County voting locations during the early voting period and on the Nov. 5 Election Day.
Superintendent of Elections staff at the County Corner Store will also provide voters with tutorials on how to use the new equipment.
“Voting is a fundamental right, and we are proud to partner with the Burlington County Clerk to make sure voters have all the information they need to exercise that right however they choose to,” said Superintendent of Elections Dawn Marie Addiego in a statement. “Whether you are a citizen registering for the first time, have a question about vote-by-mail or are interested in a tutorial on the new machines and how they work, our staff will be at the County Corner Store to assist and answer your questions.”
The new voting machines consist of electronic ballot marking devices and tabulators and are the same as ones acquired by Burlington County and used during early voting since 2021, county election officials said.
This year’s June primary was the first time the equipment was deployed at all polling locations, county election officials said, and the upcoming Nov. 5 election will be the first time they will be used on an election day during a general election.
“The new machines are highly secure, easy to use and produce a voter verifiable paper record of every ballot, so there is an additional level of security that was absent from our old fleet,” Addiego maintained.
“Thousands of Burlington County voters successfully used this new technology during past early voting periods or during this year’s Primary Election. But for voters who haven’t used them yet, we want to give
4 Family Activities to Get You Primed for Halloween
There’s no shortage of fun and spooky things to do with your kids in the weeks and days leading up to Halloween. Here are four fun activities the whole family will enjoy.
1. Decorate pumpkins. Carving jack-o’-lanterns is an annual tradition in many families. If your kids aren’t old enough to wield a knife, decorate your pumpkins with paint, stickers and other craft supplies you have on hand.
2. Host a Halloween party. Invite some friends to a haunted Halloween bash. You can bob for apples, play games and have a costume contest. Don’t forget to provide an assortment of spinechilling snacks and drinks.
3. Have a movie marathon. Pop some corn and settle in for a fright night in front of the small screen. Choose kidfriendly Halloween movies for the younger ones and save the gory horror flicks for after the kids have gone to bed.
4. Bake spooky treats. Make some cookies or cupcakes and let your kids decorate them. Use orange and black icing to top the fresh goodies and incorporate assorted scary touches such as gummy worms and black licorice.
These fun family activities are the perfect way to build up to trick-ortreating on Halloween night.
GRIST MILL ANTIQUES
See VOTING/ Page 7
6415 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey
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did suggest that in moving forward, the borough, when convening an executive session, utilize a closed-session resolution adopted by Willingboro, with Lynch maintaining the Willingboro format is an “example of best practices.”
But Heinold during the Sept. 12 Medford Lakes Borough Council session went into a lengthy rebuttal about how the borough already goes above and beyond what the law requires in most cases, all while it is only required to do what is “minimally” necessary under the state code. Additionally, Heinold indicated that the borough may never disclose what was discussed by the council with its attorney behind closed doors on May 24, 2023, and April 25, 2024, because it entails attorney-client advice that is “privileged.”
According to Lynch’s letter, OPMA “requires a public body to adopt a resolution stating the general nature of the subject to be discussed, as well as the time when the circumstances under which discussion conducted in closed session of the public body can be disclosed to the public.”
It is the later provision, according to Lynch, that “forms the basis of Aromando’s complaint.”
Lynch found that council, for the pair of meetings of concern, had adopted resolutions to go into a closed session to discuss ‘“pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiations falling within the attorney-client privilege.”’ Additionally, for the April session in question, the investigator found council also had listed in the resolution for it that it would be discussing matters involving the ‘“purchase, lease or acquisition of real property.”’
But the resolutions did not identify a specific date or time that the minutes from the closed-door discussions would be released to the public, and instead contained the broad statement that they would be released “at a time when the Borough Attorney advises the borough council that the disclosure of the discussion will not detrimentally affect any right, interest or duty of the borough or any other entity with respect to said discussion.”
Lynch, after studying case law that cites OPMA, found that while there was a determination, minutes of “private” governing body meetings must be made ‘“promptly available to the public,” the term ‘“promptly available’” is “not defined in the OPMA.”
“Overall, it is a fact-specific inquiry, with reasonableness as a touchstone,”
wrote Lynch in taking pieces from various case law and compiling it into a factfinding. “However, in certain situations, if a communication is covered by the attorney-client privilege, the public body legitimately may meet with its attorney in closed sessions. The minutes, part or all of which may constitute work-product then may be appropriately suppressed or redacted. Though certainly closer to the exception than the rule, our Supreme Court, in reviewing the Legislative history of the OPMA, noted that ‘the Legislature was aware that certain sensitive material must be carefully reviewed, and anticipated that some of the information under review may never reach the public’s eyes.’ In the end, reasonableness must remain the touchstone when assessing the promptness of a public entity’s actions in this area.”
Lynch noted that in reviewing the audio from the two meetings that were the subject of Aromando's complaint, Heinold is heard telling the former borough councilman, in response to his concerns put on the record at that time, the closed-session minutes, if requests for access were made, would be subject to a “‘case-by-case determination ... as to whether to release the minutes.’”
Lynch said he studied the executive session resolutions of Bordentown, Evesham, Moorestown, Westampton and Willingboro in reviewing Aromando’s complaint. With the exception of Willingboro, the language with regard to release of minutes is similar to that of Medford Lakes, or that they will be withheld until confidentiality is no longer required.
Willingboro’s closed-session resolution format, however, stands alone, Lynch noted, in that it provides “an anticipated date of release of executive session minutes,” and in quoting from the resolution, it states minutes will be released, ‘“when the items which are the subject of the closed-session discussion are resolved, and the reason for confidentiality no longer exists, which, at present, is anticipated to be approximately 30 days or (at the time of) the next scheduled council meeting. ... In the event that reasons for confidentiality exist beyond such time, the public will be advised appropriately.’”
“To be clear, there is no requirement in the OPMA or case law interpreting it, that the resolution include a specific date of anticipated release,” Lynch maintained. “Instead, the focus is on whether a protocol is in place to fulfill the dictates of the OPMA, including to protect confidential or privileged material consistent with the OPMA. ... For all the foregoing reasons, I conclude that the council did not violate the provisions of the OPMA, as alleged by Mr.
See COUNCIL/ Page 6
Shooting Reported in Pemboro, But Little Information Released
PEMBERTON BOROUGH—A shooting occurred on Sept. 24 in Pemberton Borough, but as of press time, law enforcement officials are being tight-lipped about the details.
This newspaper first learned of the shooting from a resident who contacted this newspaper in search of information about it.
The resident reported having observed a state police vehicle parked on Budd Avenue for more than four hours during the overnight period following the incident. A photograph was taken of the vehicle and posted on social media.
Chief Ed Hunter, of the Pemberton Borough Police Department, when reached for comment, referred this newspaper to the
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running for re-election as a result, along with Hunter’s tentative status, has raised the possibility that could change, with Republicans even possibly regaining the control that they lost several years ago. In place of Espinoza and Freeman will be Evesham Board of Education member Joe Fisicaro, Jr., and former Fire Commissioner Christian Smith, with former Councilman Robert DiEnna and Thomas DeMarsey challenging them on the GOP side.
The appointment of the two new school security officers, Jonathan Greenberg and Jammie Saul-Clements, both Class III Special Law Enforcement Officers (SLEOs) who will be responsible for patrolling the north and south wings of Cherokee High, completed the 11-member complement of officers that Evesham Police Chief Walt Miller said were needed for the protection of local schools, and bring considerable experience in various aspects of policing to positions that he noted have become increasingly crucial to the community’s feeling of safety.
Greenberg, a Southampton resident and certified school resource officer with additional certifications in Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) and as an Emergency Medical Technician, retired three years ago with the rank of captain from the Florence Township Police Department after having spent a total of 27-and -a-half years serving there and with the Lakehurst Police Department. His distinctions, according to Miller, include having served about 18 months as acting police chief in Florence, having once been named officer of the year, and having received an FBI citation for bank robbery investigations.
state police, contending the state agency was handling the investigation.
Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron, a spokesman for the state police, told this newspaper that State Troopers and Pemberton Borough Police officers responded to a shooting incident at a residence on Budd Avenue at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 24.
“No injuries were reported,” Lebron added. “The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information is available at this time.”
Lebron, as of press time, did not answer further inquiries about the incident seeking basic details, including about whether anything was struck by a bullet(s) or how many shell casings were found at the scene.
Saul-Clements is a 25-year veteran of law enforcement and graduate of Rowan University who has spent most of her career with the Evesham Police Department, where she worked on narcotics cases, as a detective and as a school resource officer. In the latter capacity, Miller said, she had a critical role in establishing the “Not Even Once” Program, which educates both students and parents about the dangers of opioid addiction.
“Having Jammie back will allow us to continue that program at the high school,” Miller maintained.
Later during his monthly report, the chief emphasized that he is “very grateful that we have such a robust program that establishes and enhances the level of security for our most precious resources, our children,” especially given the ever-growing list of anxiety-generating incidents in schools around the country, and expressed his appreciation for the council and local schools having made safety a “top priority.”
The key goal, as Miller described it, “is to ensure a safe learning environment for our children,” one that reduces the fear some parents now have about sending them to school. To this end, he contended, “we have worked with the schools to ensure physical security through design elements, technology, drills, and planning as well as through ensuring compliance with established laws, regulations and best practices.”
For example, he noted, during the summer “we held an annual school safety summit with the leadership of the police, fire departments and all the schools in Evesham Township,” which “allowed us to exchange information and to engage in planning for a safe school year.”
The primary function of school security
See SECURITY/ Page 6
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Aromando. However, as indicated above, I do believe that the council should consider using the Willingboro Township resolution as a model in the future, in particular when the purpose of the executive session is for situations other than the attorney-client privilege. Providing an anticipated date of release, when possible, is consistent with the purpose of the OPMA, that being transparency in public affairs.
“In addition, even for matters implicating the attorney-client privilege, the council should consider other methods of maintaining confidentiality ... such as redacting the specific information that would undermine the exception. Overall, the words ‘promptly available’ dictates that the council ‘adopt a protocol that makes availability of its meeting minutes a priority ... the expeditious release of meeting minutes is a vital part of the OPMA’s promise to bring public affairs from obscurity to the light of day.”
Aromando, during the Sept. 12 council session, in reacting to Lynch’s determination, declared, “The Open Public Meetings Act ensures the public’s right to attend meetings of public bodies, at which public business is discussed or acted upon and to have adequate advance notice of these meetings.”
“The right to be present at a public meeting includes the right ‘to witness, in full detail, all phases of the deliberation, policy formulation, and decision making of a public body,’” he continued in reading from OPMA. “In enacting the 1975 law, the Legislature declared that the ‘right of the public to attend meetings of public bodies is vital to the democratic process and that secrecy in public affairs undermines the faith of the public in government and the public’s effectiveness in fulfilling its role in a democratic society.’”
After reading from the act, Aromando asserted of Medford Lakes Council’s intent to simply stay within the “confines of the law” and “to do the minimum” that it “is really wrong.”
If “generally speaking verbiage is acceptable,” Aromando declared, it renders the OPMA as “totally useless.”
“The obligation of the municipality is to follow the law, which we do,” Heinold retorted. “The municipality also does a number of things to put information out, which is above and beyond what the law requires.”
Heinold added that the “law requires a minimum” and it is his job, as well as that of Borough Administrator Dr. Robert Burton and Borough Clerk Mark McIntosh to “make sure we are continuing to operate
within the law.”
“That is what we do,” Heinold contended. “There is a never-ending mountain you can climb with public information. Theoretically we can knock on everyone’s door and say, ‘We’re having a meeting tonight, can you come out?’ You could go to extremes to say you can do something more.”
As for the Prosecutor’s Office pointing to the Willingboro language as an example of a ‘“best practice,”’ Heinold said, “They are not wrong.”
“There is always something more we can do,” the Medford Lakes solicitor maintained. “You could perhaps implement that. But the law doesn’t require that. If we don’t do it, and there is another complaint, there won’t be a finding of another violation because the law is what the law is.”
Officials, including Heinold, did not say whether they would be willing to follow the recommendation of the Prosecutor’s Office, but the borough solicitor did claim, “attorney-client matters with privilege always remain private.”
“I don’t have the right to waive that,” Heinold contended. “The administration doesn’t have the right to waive that.”
Some attorney-client privilege discussions contain legal advice that “sometimes impacts liability,” which if disclosed, would result in consequences that are “difficult to resolve budgetarily,” according to Heinold.
“I don’t want information to be necessarily out there to be advantageous to a litigant of the municipality,” Heinold continued. “I don’t mean to be too obscure about this, but the nature of attorney-client privilege is to be able to talk to you, frankly, and give you the pros and cons and then let the council make a decision. Those privileged materials remain privileged. That is not the same as, ‘We will release that when it becomes available.’ The privilege lives on. Courts have recognized that.”
The Medford Lakes solicitor vowed that the “nature of what happened in both those executive session matters” that were the subject of Aromando’s complaint “remain privileged.”
He pointed out that most other towns meet far more regularly behind closed doors, but Medford Lakes, in the span of a year and a half, have met only twice in executive sessions.
“If you look at other municipalities, you’ll find much higher percentages,” Heinold said. “I am not saying it is right or wrong. It is what the law allows. But I am pointing out we do it very sparsely. So, again, the county concluded we abided by the process. … The Prosecutor’s Office founded in our favor, as they should have, as that is what the law is.
I am very comfortable with what Medford Lakes does in reaching out to our residents. We are doing what the law requires us to do, and more, in many instances.”
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officers “is to be in a position to respond quickly to any situation that develops in the school,” Miller pointed out. “We know that the demands the public has and are working at a very high level to meet them,” he contended, especially given how “we’re reminded constantly of events in the nation that reinforced the need for this.”
“I know in our school safety summit we talked about, that throughout the school year, there will be school shootings — we just want to make sure they are not here,” the chief declared.
Nor have the department’s concerns about security just been limited to the school buildings themselves, according to Miller, who also noted that “we’ve directed our staff to ensure safe routes to school for those who walk or take the bus to ensure that they get to and from school safely.”
In addition to such efforts, he said, prior to the opening of school the police had worked with local nonprofits and the council to make sure all students have access to school supplies through a fundraising campaign that provided 225 fully stocked backpacks for those from needy families.
In other business, Community Development Director Kevin Rijs reported that in keeping with a community energy plan adopted earlier
this year, he had been working with the township planner in consultation with the construction office and fire department on an update to the municipal code “to specifically address some standards for electric vehicle charging stations that will be coordinated with the planning board and the environmental commission” before the end of the year.
An ordinance amending fees for the towing and storage of vehicles was adopted by three of the council members present (Freeman was absent), with Hunter abstaining. It would set fees at $175 for any towing service requested for automobiles, motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds and trucks under 2.5 tons, $250 for trucks weighing 2.5 tons to five tons, $350 for trucks over five tons, as well as buses, tractor trailers and heavy equipment, and $450 for any vehicle over 33,000 pounds.
The council also unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance that would increase normal tee-time fees for use of the municipallyowned Indian Spring Golf Club by $5. Director Andrew Pierson reported that the course “is operating very strongly right now,” largely due to the efforts of its maintenance staff, and “if we didn’t feel like we have the demand, we would not ask for a modest increase.” Pierson added that although the course will have quite a few projects coming up, both at the clubhouse and the driving range, “we plan on staying fully operational” while they are in progress.
2 Bellmawr Men Charged with Vehicle Burglaries in May at Medford Township DPW Yard, Allegedly Stealing Tools
MEDFORD—Two Bellmawr men have been charged in vehicle burglaries that occurred at the Medford Township Department of Public Works yard back in May, the Medford Township Police Department reported.
According to police, the burglaries, reported to police on May 31, were determined to have occurred sometime between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. the previous day. The suspects cut through a fence to gain access to the yard and then removed various tools from the vehicles parked there.
Through “various investigative measures,” two subjects were identified, with police charging both Shaun Kennedy,
35, and Robert Kennedy, 39, in connection with the vehicle burglaries.
Shaun Kennedy was charged with conspiracy to commit theft, burglary and criminal mischief. He was served with his criminal complaints while currently in a detention center for an unrelated offense, police maintained.
Robert Kennedy was charged with violation of a court order, conspiracy to commit theft, burglary and criminal mischief, as well as given several motor vehicle offenses. He was processed at the Medford Township Police Department and released pending a court appearance.
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them opportunities to become familiar with the new machines before Election Day.”
In addition to providing the in-person lessons on the machines on Saturdays, the county has also released a computer animation video that provides a step-bystep description of how to vote with the new machines.
The 3-minute video is available for viewing on the Burlington County Election Services Page located at: https://www.co.burlington. nj.us/593/Election-Voter-Services .
Early In-Person Voting Details
No matter where you live in Burlington County, you can vote your specific 2024 General Election ballot at any of Burlington County’s early voting sites from Oct. 26 until Nov. 3.
Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. No appointment is necessary.
If you are registered to vote by mail in the 2024 General Election, you may cast your ballot during early, in-person voting or on Election Day via a provisional ballot, which will be provided to you at your early voting site or polling place.
As of Sept. 20, the state Division of Elections has listed the following places locally as early voting locations:
• Gibson House - Basement, 535 Main Street, Evesham (Marlton), NJ 08053
OCT.
OCT. 7
• Medford Township Municipal Building, 49 Union Street, Medford, NJ 08055
• Pemberton Community Library, 16 Broadway, Browns Mills, NJ 08015
• Tabernacle Rescue Squad, 134 New Road, Tabernacle, NJ 08088
• Rowan College at Burlington County
– Student Success Center in Executive Conference Room 138, 1500 College Circle, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
Voter Registration Deadline 2024
All voters must register by Oct. 15 to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 5 General Election.
Burlington County residents can register to vote online at https://nj.gov/ state/elections/voter-registration.shtml .
One can also do so in person at the new Superintendent of Elections Office at 301 Harper Drive between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the County Corner Store location in the Moorestown Mall.
An eligible Burington County voter must be a U.S. citizen who is at least 17 years old (though you may not vote until you have reached the age of 18), in addition to having been a resident of Burlington County for at least 30 days before an upcoming election.
Paper voter registration forms are also available online and can be mailed to the Superintendent of Elections Office.
Voters can check their registration status online at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/ registration-check .
Events and special promotions happening locally next month!
To promote your event on this page contact Jayne Cabrilla at 609-801-2392 or email news@pinebarrenstribune.com
Potter’s Field: A Pauper’s Grave
Location: Vincentown (Southampton Twp.)
Details: The Southampton Historical Society is presenting “Potter’s Field: A Pauper’s Grave”, on Monday, Oct. 7, at Old Town Hall, 25 Plum St., Vincentown, at 7:30 p.m. Potter’s Field is a place for the burial of unknown, unclaimed or indigent people. Early Potter’s Fields were not separate cemeteries, but were burial areas incorporated into a portion of an existing church graveyard or community burial ground. Come out for this special presentation by Michael Tamm, from the Burlington County Historic Trust. Tamm will discuss the origins and history of Potter’s Fields and specifically, one in Pemberton Township dating back to 1791, which is one of the oldest in the country. It was established under a charter obligating the county to assist in burying the impoverished and indigent. For more information, contact Kathy Rosmando at 609-859-0524.
Photo Provided
Burlington County Superintendent of Elections staff explain how to cast ballots with the new voting machines during the Burlington County Senior Expo earlier this year.
Student Lounge
Shawnee High School Pupil Named National Merit Semifinalist, Others from Cherokee and Shawnee High Schools Recognized as ‘Commended Students’ in National Merit Scholarship Program
MEDFORD—Shawnee High School
Senior Noah Stapleton has been named a National Merit Semifinalist in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, officials with the Medford Township-based high school announced on Sept. 27.
Stapleton will join the nationwide pool of approximately 16,000 “academically talented high school seniors” to compete for the finalist places and National Merit Scholarships.
Semifinalists, officials explained, placed in the top one percent of the more than 1.6 million students who took the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT®).
The recently announced semifinalists are the highest scoring students in each state.
Each Semifinalist, to be considered for a Merit Scholarship, must fulfill several requirements in order to advance to the finalist level of competition, including submitting a record of their academic performance, community service, and honors and awards.
The National Merit Scholarships will be awarded in the spring of 2025.
Additionally, Shawnee Seniors Ali Batmaz, James DiBlasi, Jake Steelman and Elisabeth Vigorita have been named as Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.
At Cherokee High School in Marlton, also part of the Lenape Regional High School District, 11 students have been recognized as Commended Students, according to school officials, including Ryan Bachman, Adam Fik, Stacey Gruber, Rayeen Islam, Sean Kaup, Anisha Kuppili, Aidan Lynn, Thomas Marshall, Lennon Pak, Puja Patel, and Akriti Thavanai.
According to school officials, the “scholastically talented” pupils will be receiving a Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®).
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise, and although the four pupils will not continue in the 2025 competition for
National Merit Scholarship awards, they are placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2025 competition by taking the 2023 PSAT/NMSQT®.
“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC as relayed to this newspaper. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”
Photo By Christian Hochenberger
Shawnee High School National Merit Semifinalist Senior Noah Stapleton.
Photo By Christian Hochenberger
Pictured from left to right are Commended Shawnee High School Students Ali Batmaz, Jake Steelman, James DiBlasi and Elisabeth Vigorita.
Photo Provided
The students recognized as Commended Students at Cherokee High School include, sitting from left to right, Akriti Thavanai, Rayeen Islam, Puja Patel, Stacey Gruber, and Aidan Lynn (top row) along with Thomas Marshall, Lennon Pak, Sean Kaup, Ryan Bachman and Adam Fik (bottom row). Not pictured is Anisha Kuppili.
WOMEN
(Continued from Page 3)
leadership, achievements and service to their communities.
For more than two decades, according to officials, the commissioners and Women’s Advisory Council have honored county women for their contributions to elevating women and improving local communities.
Birnbohm was honored in the Education category for her many accomplishments that include being recognized as National
Superintendents to Watch for 2017 by National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), the New Jersey Region III Superintendent of the Year in 2018 and Burlington County Principals and Supervisors Association (BCPSA) Visionary Leader in 2019.
“As a member of the LRHSD Board of Education, it was my honor to nominate Dr. Birnbohm for her dedication to the LRHSD, her unwavering commitment to educational equity and her ongoing efforts in reforming school funding in New Jersey,” said David Stow, representing
Medford Township on the regional school board, in a statement. “Her proactive approach has been crucial in allowing the LRHSD to maintain its high standards of educational excellence and even recover a significant portion of the state aid that was unexpectedly reduced this school year. Her leadership is influencing how legislators view and allocate funding for our schools with the goal of ensuring that every student in every school district has the chance to thrive.”
According to a press release from the LRHSD, under Dr. Birnbohm’s 12 years
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of leadership, the LRHSD has remained among the state’s highest academic achievers with Birnbohm having “also made many significant contributions to the community,” including being a “strong supporter and key contributor” to Burlington County’s Stigma-Free County campaign, which aims to eliminate the “stigma surrounding mental health and substance-use disorders.”
“I feel it is important for a leader to surround themselves with people who think differently, are smarter, or have more
See WOMEN/ Page 13
Photo Provided
Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson and Commissioner Allison Eckel (center) celebrated this year’s Outstanding Women Award recipients with members of the Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council.
Space Heater Safety 101
Fire Prevention Week (FPW) is from October 6 to 12, and this year’s theme is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™.” It’s a great time to refresh your knowledge of fire safety, particularly if you use a portable heater for extra warmth. Follow these 10 tips to ensure you use your space heaters safely:
1. Place the heater on a solid, level and non-flammable surface. Never place a space heater on a carpet, table or other piece of furniture.
2. Keep the space heater at least one yard away from combustible materials, such as bedding and curtains.
3. Ensure the space heater isn’t in a high-traffic area or doorway, where it could pose a tripping hazard.
4. Inspect the space heater for damaged cords or plugs before every use. If you notice fraying or
ANSWER:
damage, don’t use the heater.
5. Don’t use a space heater in a workshop or garage near flammable paints, gas cans or matches.
6. Regularly clean the space heater to remove dust and debris buildup, which can pose a fire hazard if ignited by the heat.
7. Never leave a space heater unattended, and always turn the heater off when you leave the room or go to bed.
8. Plug the space heater directly into a wall outlet—don’t use an extension cord or power strip. Moreover, don’t plug other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
9. Always read and follow the space heater’s manufacturer manual to
ensure you don’t overlook any critical safety instructions specific to your heater model.
10. Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors near where you use the space heater and test them at least once a month to ensure they work. These detectors can provide early warning in case of a fire or
carbon monoxide leak related to the space heater.
Visit your local hardware store to find a space heater with an automatic shut-off feature that activates if the unit tips over or overheats. This additional safety measure can help prevent accidents and reduce the risk of fire or burns.
Do Fire Blankets Really Work?
Fire blankets are crucial tools in fire safety kits, and it’s essential to understand how to use them for effective fire prevention and management. Here’s an overview of what you need to know.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
Fire blankets work on a simple yet effective principle. Made from flameresistant materials, they work by depriving the fire of oxygen and extinguishing it. It’s important to remember that fire blankets are designed for small fires only. Attempting to tackle larger fires with a blanket can be dangerous and ineffective.
Fire blankets are particularly useful for kitchen fires, where grease and oil can fuel flames rapidly. They can also be used smothering small fires involving electrical
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equipment or appliances.
USING A FIRE BLANKET IS EASY
When confronted with a small fire, remember the acronym PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep. First, pull the fire blanket out of its packaging. Then, aim it at the base of the flames, covering them completely. Next, gently squeeze the blanket to release any trapped air, ensuring optimal smothering. Finally, sweep the blanket across the flames to extinguish them entirely.
Finally, remember to regularly inspect your fire blanket for signs of damage or wear and replace it as needed to ensure its reliability in an emergency. Ensure a fire blanket is readily accessible to protect your home and loved ones.
AG DAY AT BUDD FARMS
Local citizens, farmers, elected officials and various candidates running for office gathered at Budd Farms in Pemberton Township on Sept. 28 for AG Day to “help us save our farms for future American farmers” and to protest recent warehouse development locally.
By
Photos
Douglas D. Melegari
The Burlington County Commissioners and Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council hosted the annual Outstanding Women of Burlington County Awards Reception Sept. 18, and among the 10 award recipients was retired Superior Court Judge Marie White Bell (center-left). She was presented her award by Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson (far-left), Commissioner Allison Eckel (far-right) and Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia Bradshaw (center-right).
WOMEN
(Continued from Page 9)
experience,” said Birnbohm in a statement. “You won’t always have the best ideas, so create a culture where everyone feels free to voice their opinions. This way, you’re leading by letting others take the lead and fostering an environment where everyone wants to excel.”
Other “exceptional women” honored this year, according to a second press release from Burlington County, include “legendary trailblazer” Judge Marie White Bell.
Bell, according to the county, became the first Black municipal court judge in both Burlington and Camden counties and the first Black woman to serve as a Superior Court Judge in Burlington County. She served 19 years on the Superior Court bench and was also the first Black woman on Willingboro Township Council and also the first Black woman to serve as the town’s mayor.
“The Women’s Advisory Council was formed to highlight inspiring leaders like Judge Bell and other outstanding women in our county,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson, a liaison to the Women’s Advisory Council. “By doing so, we hope to raise public awareness and empower more women to take on leadership roles in all fields. The fact is this: When women succeed, all of society succeeds. We must continue to do everything in our power to inspire, empower and elevate opportunities for all women.”
Bell was honored in the category of Law. She is also a founding member of the Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council.
“When we talk about women pioneers and barrier breakers, Judge Bell stands out even among many of our other legends,” said Commissioner Allison Eckel, also a liaison to the Women’s Advisory Council.
“She shattered barriers, overcame obstacles and cleared the way for others
to follow in her footsteps. All of us here, in our own way, stand on her shoulders.”
The other recipients of this year’s awards are:
Mariel Giletto, a top attorney with the law firm Flaster Greenberg and the chair of the Rancocas Woods Business Association in Mount Laurel, who received the award for Business Leadership;
Pastor Darlene Trappier, founder and executive director of Beacon of Hope, a Mount Holly-based nonprofit that provides food assistance, clothing and sheltering for people without homes, who received the award for Community Service;
Malikah Morris, Deputy Director of the Burlington County Department of Human Services and the chair of the Burlington County Minority and Equality Rights Task Force, who received the award for contributions to diversity and inclusion;
Officer Christina Bieri, School Resource Officer with the Burlington Township Police Department, who received the award for contributions by a first responder or member of law enforcement;
Dionne Bolden, acting director of Recreation and Parks for Willingboro Township, who received the award for Government Service;
Connie Garrano, nurse at the Burlington County Special Services School in Westampton, who received the award for Health Care;
Lisa Fox-Pfeiffer, executive director of the Burlington County Historical Society, who received the award for Humanities; and Retired Army SFC Constance Cotton, an outspoken advocate for South Jersey veterans, received the award for Military and Veterans’ Service.
The Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council, according to county officials, works to identify and address issues that affect women in Burlington County, raise public awareness of the special needs and roles of women and enhance the quality of life for all women.
For more information, visit http:// co.burlington.nj.us/263/WomensAdvisory-Council .
Photo Provided
Suspect Sought in Burglary of 2 Downtown Medford Businesses
MEDFORD—Two businesses located in downtown Medford were the subject of overnight burglaries on Sept. 11, and a suspect identified in the incidents is being sought, according to the Medford Township Police Department.
Police contended that two businesses located at 57 N. Main Street were entered into by the alleged perpetrator, who then took $970 from them.
There were indications that the
purported “lone actor” allegedly attempted to also gain access to a third business at the same complex.
“By utilizing video surveillance footage and evidence collected at the scene, the suspected actor was identified as Isaiah Lawrence, age 24, with a last known address in Berlin, NJ,” police revealed.
As of press time, according to police, Lawrence is currently a wanted person.
Child Riding Electric Bicycle in Medford Struck
MEDFORD—An 8-year-old child was struck Sept. 22 while riding an electric bike in the area of area of Wakefield Drive and Taisley Court in Medford Township.
According to the Medford Township Police Department, on-scene investigation determined that Anthony Mondelli, 33, of Wakefield Drive, was traveling east on the street while operating a 2016 Honda Civic and that when Mondelli approached the intersection of Wakefield Drive and Taisley Court, that is where his vehicle struck the
by Car
electric bicycle being driven by a juvenile 8 years of age.
The impact of the crash, according to police, caused the juvenile to be ejected from his bicycle. The child’s injuries, police added, consisted of fractures to the leg area.
The youngster was subsequently transported to Cooper Hospital for medical treatment.
Police said the crash remains under investigation by the Medford Township Police Department Traffic Unit.
Two Injured in Medford Crash in Area of Routes 70 and 541
MEDFORD—A purported collision in Medford Township on Sept. 24, in the area of Route 70 and County Route 541 (also known as Medford-Mount Holly Road), has left two men injured. It happened around 8:24 a.m., according to the Medford Township Police Department.
An on-scene investigation, police said, revealed that Nicholas C. Gonzalez, 31, of Voorhees, was operating a 2025 Black Honda Civic east on Route 70 and attempting to make a left turn onto County Route 541 when his vehicle collided with a 2014 Black Land Rover that was traveling west on Route
70 through the intersection being operated by Jonathan W. Alessandri, 41, of Medford. Gonzalez suffered an abdominal injury and a broken nose, according to police, and he was transported to Cooper University Hospital for treatment.
Alessandri suffered abrasions to both his arms, as well as lacerations to his right leg and was transported to Virtua Voorhees Hospital.
The crash remains under investigation by the Medford Township Police Department Traffic Unit, police said.
MEDFORD—A contractor whose company was retained by five Medford Township homeowners to conduct storm damage repairs following a storm in the spring of 2023 has been arrested in Las Vegas and charged with fraud and theft after the firm allegedly never started the work despite having been paid.
It was in April of 2024, according to the Medford Township Police Department in a press release, that an investigation was launched by the agency “regarding potential contractor fraud related to storm damage repairs.”
Police explained that in the spring of 2023, the area was impacted by severe weather resulting in damage to many properties in town, and in response, many contractors responded to the area to assist residents with navigating the process of repairing damage sustained to their homes.
Homeowners, Insurance Companies
“several complaints” regarding Home Repair, LLC, alleging that the company was allegedly “paid, either by the homeowner or an insurance company, for work which was never started.”
According to police, the investigation determined the company was paid $140,307.03 to repair storm damage to five homes in Medford, and the owner, James Silva, 50, allegedly retained the full amount and “did not complete any work at the homes.”
On Aug. 14, police revealed, a warrant was issued for Silva’s arrest charging him with theft by failure to make the required disposition of the $140,307.03 and deceptive business practice.
But police contended they received
Silva was arrested Sept. 19 by the Las Vegas Metro Police Department on the outstanding warrant. He was also charged in Las Vegas as a fugitive from justice. As of press time, he was expected to be extradited to New Jersey. Medford Contractor Charged with
Medford Man Charged Following Numerous Vehicle Burglaries
MEDFORD—A Medford Township man has been arrested and charged in connection with what police describe as “numerous complaints of burglaries to motor vehicles” in the Mimosa Lakes and Centennial sections of the township, in addition to complaints of such activity occurring in the area of Hinchman Road.
Medford Township Police say they executed a search warrant on Sept. 25 at the home of Jonathan Ditta, 40, of Cedar Falls Drive, and the search allegedly
“revealed evidence linking Ditta to many of the burglaries.” He was subsequently arrested and charged with burglary, five counts of criminal attempt burglary, theft and witness intimidation.
In regard to that latter charge, police say they received information that Ditta allegedly attempted to intimidate a witness regarding the investigation.
Ditta was committed to Burlington County Jail pending a future court appearance, police said.
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READER ADVISORY
* Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds with an asterisk. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in U.S. dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.
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