Pine Barrens Tribune April 1 2017

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Bass River Medford Medford Lakes Pemberton Pemberton Borough Shamong Southampton Tabernacle Washington Woodland

Vol. 1 - No. 31

Southeastern Burlington County’s News Leader

Southampton Agrees to Enter into EMS Services Contract

April 1-7, 2017

Stakeholders Come Together to Battle Substance Abuse

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

SOUTHAMPTON—The Southampton Township Committee has given the green light for the municipality to enter into a new contract with the Hampton Lakes Emergency Medical Squad (EMS) for ambulance services.

A contract between Southampton Township and the Hampton Lakes EMS expired on Dec. 31.

The committee voted 5-0 to enter into the new contract during their March 20 meeting. The Pine Barrens Tribune obtained a copy of the agreement authorized by the committee through an Open Public Records Act request.

The township has forwarded the contract to the squad for execution.

“The contract is still being circulated for signatures,” said Township Solicitor George M. Morris. “So, it is not fully executed yet, but should be within the next two weeks.”

According to the terms of the contract approved by the committee, Hampton Lakes EMS will be authorized to continue to provide basic life-support emergency medical services to the residents, workers and visitors of the township 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The organization will be responsible for supplying all personnel, equipment, vehicles and supplies necessary to provide the services PHOTO BY TOM WALKER without regard to a patient’s ability to pay.

The squad has been asked to dedicate a Pictured from left to right: Chuck McSweeney, a paramedic and representative for the Hampton Lakes Emergency Medical Squad; Kyle Melander, minimum of one transport ambulance for use a constituent services representative for Congressman Tom MacArthur (R-NJ3); Stephanie Richardson, director of the Legacy Treatment Services in performance of the services. All ambulances program at Pemberton Township High School; Trooper Lance Lamberth, a school resource officer for Seneca High School and the Shamong, will be required to be staffed with at least two Southampton, and Tabernacle School Districts; Joe Conlin of Prevention Plus of Burlington County; Brenda Formanek of the Legacy Treatment Services program at Pemberton Township High School; and Southampton Committeewoman Elizabeth Rossell, who helped organize the event. certified EMTs. “The ambulance shall be housed and remain in the township when on duty except when it is By Douglas D. Melegari said. “In 2016, Hampton Lakes EMS organization and we are not a government used for a mutual aid call or during transports Staff Writer administered Narcan 11 times in Southampton. facility. We have to pay for Narcan.” to medical facilities,” the contract reads in part.

Joe Conlin of Prevention Plus of Burlington That does not include the times that state The squad will be obligated to comply with SOUTHAMPTON—Elected officials along troopers arrived first and administered their County, who also serves as the coordinator for the dispatch timelines for response established with numerous representatives from public Narcan.” the Burlington County Coalition for Healthy by the Burlington County Fire Chiefs Radio entities and volunteer organizations converged Narcan is a nasal spray that is indicated for Communities, said that his organization helped Policy Manual. The squad will also be required on Southampton Township School #3 on March the emergency treatment of known or suspected push for the opioid reversal drug to be carried by to maintain a log of its response times which 21 to discuss the substance-abuse epidemic that opioid overdose, as manifested by respiratory law enforcement. notes the time of dispatch and on-scene arrival has been impacting the state, including and/or central nervous-system depression. It is “Our coalition helped push for Burlington time for all calls.

Southampton Township. the first and only FDA-approved treatment for a County to have that,” he said. “Our county In the event of an incident involving five or prosecutor, Robert Bernardi, worked out an The event was sponsored by the Southampton known or suspected opioid overdose. more patients, the squad has been asked to Township Committee and Southampton Since January, Narcan has been deployed 83 arrangement with Virtua and the other provide an on-scene duty officer within a Township School District. hospitals to pay for the Narcan so that times in Burlington County. reasonable response time.

“Hopefully knowledge gained from these The cost of deploying the drug has been municipalities won’t have to bear the expense.

The squad will be required to provide and staff presentations tonight will avoid another death adding up for Southampton’s basic life-support It is a good thing he did because I don’t think an ambulance for special events in the township; from an overdose,” said Committeewoman provider. anyone anticipated how often they would be including the Southampton Township Summer Elizabeth Rossell, who helped organize the McSweeney said one vial of the drug costs using it.”

Concert Series, Boy Scout Car Show, event.

Conlin attributed the opioid and heroin his organization $64. He added that an overdose Memorial Day Parade, 4th of July Fireworks, Chuck McSweeney, a paramedic and patient usually requires one to two vials of the epidemic to physicians who overprescribe and the Southampton Township Christmas representative for the Hampton Lakes drug to treat the emergency.

Percocet pain killers for medical procedures.

Tree Lighting.

“That is what has fueled this opioid and Emergency Medical Squad (EMS), said that “There are programs through the government “Hampton Lakes EMS, its volunteers, Southampton last year had 1,938 calls for for state and city police departments where it heroin epidemic,” he said. employees, agents and representatives are, for medical emergencies.

Conlin also said that alcohol, tobacco, and is provided free,” McSweeney said. “Hampton CONTRACT>>PAGE 16 “Out of that figure, we had 19 overdoses,” he Lakes EMS is considered a non-profit STAKEHOLDERS>>PAGE 16

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LOCAL NEWS

$5.4 Million Shamong School District Bond Issue Narrowly Defeated

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

SHAMONG—Voters in Shamong appear to have narrowly defeated the Shamong Township School District $5.4 million bond referendum in a special election held on Tuesday, March 28.

The bond would have funded a long list of improvements to the buildings and grounds at both district schools; Indian Mills Elementary School and Indian Mills Memorial Middle School.

314 voters said “no” and 309 voters said “yes”, according to unofficial results released by the school district. This reflects a difference

of only five votes.

Nine absentee ballots were included in the vote total provided by the district.

“The referendum was defeated,” said Christine Vespe, Ed.D., superintendent of schools for the Shamong Township School District.

School officials have not yet said whether they would like to pursue an election recount.

The superintendent said she would release a more detailed statement after the Burlington County Clerk’s Office certifies the results.

623 voters turned out for the election. There are 4,862 registered voters in the township.

Shamong Twp. Special School Election Proposition I

X

YES NO

309 49.6% 314 50.4%

Pemberton Borough Workers to Receive Raises, Water Tower Legs to Be Repainted

By Adam Tait III

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON BOROUGH—The March 20 Pemberton Borough Council meeting tackled a number of issues ranging from workers’ salaries to a moratorium of five years on street openings.

An ordinance was approved without debate to grant raises of two percent across-the-board for all workers, except police. Police officers received a raise in different steps as directed in their contract earlier this year.

The street opening moratorium of five years is a reflection of the borough’s recent work to resurface and repair several streets.

The municipality passed the measure to prevent the opening of newly resurfaced streets for utilities, such as gas lines, which can lead to accelerated deterioration.

In other business, the borough’s updated field house was named after current Mayor Harold Griffin, a driving force in its recent major improvements. The building was originally the gym for the old borough school. The measure naming the field house was one of seven consent agenda resolutions, all approved by unanimous votes.

Another adopted a set of rules and fees for renting borough facilities. Two others applied

for a state tonnage recycling grant, an unspecified amount, and approved a refund of a small tax overpayment.

Two other resolutions approved revising a grant management plan for West Hampton Street and confirmed a $206,000 contract for a Small Cities project.

The final resolution awarded a $38,000 contract for the painting of a portion of the borough’s water tower to Eastern Tank Coating, of Tabernacle.

“We are doing just the bottom legs,” said Borough Clerk Donna Mull. “We are not painting the bowl or tank.”

In another meeting highlight, the 2017 budget was introduced, but there was no discussion or other action taken. The total of the proposed budget is $1,376,000. If passed in its present form, there will be a tax increase of 2.2 cents per $100 of assessed value.

For the average borough home, assessed at $186,000, the annual increase will be about $40, or $10 a quarter.

The council also introduced and conducted a first reading on a $600,000 bond ordinance for a new fire truck for the Good Will Fire Company. Final passage is expected at the next meeting on April 17.

This meeting drew 12 residents, far more than usual.

INDEX Automotive......................................19 Business Directory.............................9 Classifieds........................................15 Community........................................8 Fun and Games................................14 Health ..............................................13

Home, Garden & Farming ............. 18 Local News....................................... 2 Opinion ............................................ 6 Scanner ............................................. 7 Spotlight...........................................12

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Comcast License Renewal Presentation Outlines Improvements in Customer Service

By Jayne Cabrilla

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MEDFORD—The first item of business at the Medford Township Council meeting on March 21 was a special presentation and public hearing regarding the renewal of a Comcast Cable licensing contract. However, no decision was made regarding the license renewal at the meeting.

Fred DeAndrea, director of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Comcast Cable, acknowledged that Comcast needed improvement in their customer-service department.

He said Comcast has recently taken steps towards customer service improvement by opening a new U.S.-based call center. He also said the company has also consolidated the area’s regional dispatch center and upgraded the facility to include state-of-the-art equipment.

DeAndrea said cable service has improved considerably since digital technology was implemented and having in-house engineers ensures innovations for the future.

In other news, the council approved the addition of Ryan J. Willitts, to serve as a Volunteer Firefighter at Fire Station 251.

Council also approved Zachary M. Rieger, who had previously been a Junior Volunteer Firefighter, to serve as a Volunteer Firefighter at Station 251.

The second reading and public hearing of an ordinance allowing a cap bank to be established for use in case of emergencies or natural

disasters was discussed. The cap would exceed the township’s budget appropriation by two percent.

Mayor Charles “Chuck” Watson said that the cap bank would not result in a tax increase and the money will not be used except in an emergency. He said having the extra money available, if needed, is good planning.

Council passed the ordinance 4-1, with Councilman Chris Buoni dissenting.

A first reading of an ordinance establishing the salaries and wages for officers and township employees was introduced. The ordinance will add three new positions to the schedule: deputy tax assessor, tax assessor field representative, and open-space coordinator.

The second reading and public hearing for this measure will be held on April 4.

Several resolutions were passed.

The first authorized a contract for a Fairview Standpipe Rehabilitation Project.

The second approved the final release of a maintenance guarantee for Heritage at Medford—Jennings Road Bridge and related improvements.

The third and fourth resolutions approved collective negotiations between the township and the Medford Police Officers Association.

Another resolution awarded a contract for a water-main replacement project.

The final resolution authorized the cancellation of certain grant fund receivable and reserve balances.

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Southampton Committee Introduces $6 Million Budget Calling For a Tax Increase Despite Surplus

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

SOUTHAMPTON—A debate over whether to use surplus monies to offset a tax increase raged on at a Southampton Township Committee meeting on March 20.

“We entered this budget season with a $1.1 million surplus, as had been reported, due to the thriftiness of the administration and the township committee,” said Committeeman Ronald Heston.

The surplus revelation was made during recent budget work sessions held by the committee. Nancy Gower, chief financial officer and treasurer for the township, said that the township has a $1.2 million surplus.

The revelation is in stark contrast to the comments and actions taken by township officials and committee members over the past two years.

“You probably read in the paper that we were fortunate this past year,” Heston said. “We had a reserve or a surplus for the first time in quite a few years. That has increased our credit rating which if we were to go out for a bond issue; it should decrease our interest rate.”

The committee agreed to seek a 10-year, $3-million bond to fund municipal road improvements during a budget work session held on March 10. State regulations require the township to budget for a 5% down payment on any anticipated bonds.

The announcement of a surplus sparked debate, at a March 10 meeting, among committee members over the way in which the down payment for the bond should be funded.

The debate started back up again at the latest meeting after Heston provided details on the budget prepared for introduction by Gower.

“You never want to deplete your surplus,” Heston said. “You always want to have

something for that unknown that is going to smack you on the back of the head sometime during the year.”

The $6,603,556 budget Gower prepared calls for taking the surplus down to $650,000; $100,000 lower than the committee discussed at the previous meeting; and funding the down payment for the road bond through taxes. The budget she prepared called for a 1.5 cent tax increase in the local purpose tax to fund the $150,000 down payment.

“Our accounting firm that audits our books and guides us has recommended that we maintain a $750,000 surplus on this budget,” Heston said. “But the committee has opted to take that down to $650,000 as a surplus for the year and see how that works out for us.”

Committeewoman Elizabeth Rossell and Deputy Mayor Bill Raftery appeared to be caught off guard by the proposal to decrease the surplus monies further. Both inquired about the drop.

“May I ask why we dropped from $750,000 to $650,000?” Rossell said.

Gower said that she planned for an additional $100,000 decrease in the surplus due to Hampton Lakes Emergency Squad liability insurance costs and engineering costs for several projects; including the Good Farm, new Department of Public Works building, and road program.

“It is going to increase our engineering costs,” she said. “I’d rather not borrow that money.

When you borrow $3 million, you can set aside money for engineering, but to spread that out over 10 years doesn’t seem (practical).”

Raftery asked for Heston to elaborate on what the committee would need to do to the surplus to avoid an increase in the local-purpose tax.

Heston said bringing the surplus down to

around $500,000 would result in no increase in the local purpose tax.

“That is not what is being recommended by the professionals,” Heston said.

Raftery said he understands the recommendation by the professionals.

“I just think that we have an opportunity (to not raise taxes) that at least we haven’t had since I have been on this committee,” he said. “In the past, we have had to increase the amount of money or taxes the individual pays to maintain services.

“We have an opportunity here to have no tax increase and I think that we ought to take advantage of that. I understand it is great to have a big, fat surplus and all the things that go hand-in-hand with that. I just think it is important that we don’t increase taxes if we don’t have to.”

Mayor James F. Young Sr. expressed his opposition to decreasing the surplus any further.

“I go back to a time a few years ago when all of a sudden the trees were infested by gypsy moths and we had to come up with $350,000 to pay for that,” he said. “That put the township in the hole.”

Raftery said he was in favor of the committee maintaining a surplus, albeit not the one proposed.

“I would like to see a flat budget,” he said.

“Flat in terms of tax increases.”

Heston said he was going to speak up, even though it will probably cost him reelection in two years.

“I think that is fiscal irresponsibility because you have professional planners who handle several municipalities and school boards and their recommendation is a (surplus of) $750,000,” he said. “We are not even following

their recommendations. We are dropping it another $100,000.”

Heston also said that he would also love for the budget to have no tax increase, but that reducing the surplus to $500,000 is not in the best financial interest of the township.

“As I have said before, if you’ve looked at other municipalities that have done a zero tax increase, it has come back to bite them down the road,” he said.

Heston added that the committee also has to plan for the eventual purchase of new trucks for the Department of Public Works, including possibly a trash-truck purchase which has been put off for two years.

“So if we go with zero increase this year, we could wind up with a 3 or 4 cent increase down the road,” he said. “I don’t think that is fair to the residents who are trying to budget their monies.”

Committeeman Michael Mikulski, who arrived to the meeting as the disagreement was taking place, was low-key. He only asked for the latest budget figures to be repeated.

Mikulski got into a tense exchange with Heston and Young during the March 10 meeting after saying that he was in favor of using more of the surplus monies to avoid an increase in the local-purpose tax.

The committee voted 4-1 to introduce the budget with Raftery opposed. A public hearing on the budget proposal has been scheduled for April 18 at 8 p.m.

“It is always a very difficult time as you are looking at the budget as to what the need is, what the budget cap is, how much can you increase taxes, if at all, and what impact that has on the residents,” Heston said. “A budget is a guesstimate of what is going to happen to us for the coming year.”

Pemberton BOE Authorizes the Purchase of New Temporary Classrooms for Busansky Elementary School

By Adam Tait III

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—In a busy meeting lasting just over an hour and a half, the Pemberton Board of Education tackled a wide array of issues last Thursday, March 23.

An early highlight of the meeting was a presentation of an anti-bullying song written and sung by 14 second-graders from the Harker-Wylie-Haines school. With an attention-getting chant of “No Bullying,” accompanied by cautionary finger-wagging, the pupils left no doubt that bullying is “uncool.”

Turning to more customary items, school curricula dominated much of the early discussion. Four new Helen Fort Middle School courses won approval: Introduction to Coding, Art and the iPad, Woodshop Enrichment and Enrichment Spanish.

Other middle-school upgrades will include academic Math and English, including honors and enrichment and English as a second language.

Another five courses will be added at the high school: Introduction to Guitar, Advanced Placement Music Theory, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Tomorrow’s Teacher and Desktop Publishing. The high school will also add courses in English, Economics and Psychology.

Other new middle- or high-school classes to be added include Art and the iPad, Chorus, Enrichment Spanish, Enrichment Woodshop and a Medical Arts Senior research project.

Several iPad updates are being added: $41,799 for an iPad recharging cart and

$7,719 for 10 iPads, a charging station and other upgrades, using Title III funds.

In a continuing sign of changing times, it was announced that aging textbooks that cannot be sold or donated, will be disposed of by late June.

A summer reading and math camp for students in grades Kindergarten through 4 will be held at the Pemberton Early Childhood Education Center through most of July, while a 21st Century summer program for 4thand 5th-graders will be held at the high school, also in July.

Two new clubs were approved: Debate and MenTour Leadership Alliance, both at the high school.

Three other special events have come up or are about to: two at Crichton. The first is a family science night, where parents and children made slime or kinetic sand. That was on Thursday, while Storytime and Sundaes is slated for May 24.

The third event is a laser tag fundraiser at the high school, with no date set yet.

Several faculty members were assigned to attend various professional development courses during the rest of the school year.

Among the most intriguing are one on N.J. Wage and Hour Laws, N.J. Health Care Talent Network, and the Most Effective Strategies for Accelerating the Success of Your Struggling Readers.

Student teachers from area colleges frequently train in the Pemberton school system, but there is an unusual assignment coming up in the next month, when a student from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, will spend the month at Helen Fort Middle School learning

Rehabilitation Counseling.

It turns out the student is a local woman, Lauren Powell, a Pemberton High grad.

Eight students are being transferred. Two, with disabilities, will attend Garfield Park Academy in Willingboro. Total cost will be about $49,500, while six others will be moved to various campuses of the Burlington County Alternative School. Two of the campuses charge $19,600 yearly, while the third charges $125 daily for the first 90 days, and $150 daily thereafter.

Seven teachers won approval as tutors, while four were approved as Elementary Honor Society Advisers. Ten others were named as timers for the upcoming track and field season.

Lisa Wallace, a classroom aide at Crichton, is retiring after 18 years of service.

Nineteen substitutes were approved in various capacities, including teacher, nurse, bus driver, custodian and aide. Three full-time workers were hired; one each as engineer, classroom aide and a bus aide.

Ten regulations and 12 policies were

introduced for first reading. Among the regulations that may change are those covering rehabilitation, emergency procedures for athletic competition and special education.

Policies that may change include special education, gifted and talented students and education of homeless children.

Several contracts and resolutions were given the green light.

One approved the district to go out to bid for the purchase of two temporary classroom units for the Busansky School in an amount not to exceed a total of $370,580, which includes utilities and site work. Each unit contains two classrooms.

Two others authorized the architectural firm of Regan Young England Butera, P.C. to submit information to the state Department of Education and provide professional services regarding the temporary classrooms at Busansky.

There was a 20-minute executive session at the end of the meeting, but no results were announced.

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OPINION

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 of less.

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

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Guest Commentary submitted to the Pine Barrens Tribune can be submitted by an appointed or elected official, political candidate, organization leader, or community leader. Guest commentary submitted to the Pine Barrens Tribune must include the name, photo, address, affiliation, title, and phone number of the writer. Commentary may be edited for length, clarity and taste. Because of space limitations, commentary should be about 450 words or less.

Editorial

Letter to the Editor

Every Vote Matters

Homeschooler Appeals to Superintendent to Let Him Play Seneca Football

The results from the Shamong Township Special School Election held on March 28 serve as proof that every vote matters.

If the tallies hold, only five votes decided the election.

Think about that for a minute.

Five votes ultimately decided whether the

school district should raise more than $5 million in funds through the sale of bonds.

So often, we hear that people stay home because they think their votes don’t count.

We hope this very close call encourages registered voters and diminishes any reluctance to go to the polls in the future.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? E-mail us: letters@pinebarrenstribune.com

Social Media Sound Off (Homeschooler Family Decides Not to Sue Lenape Regional Due to Fear of Retaliation) Don’t fear retaliation for something that is right.

Daniel Mikle (LRHSD BOE Planning to Raise Taxes in 7 of 8 Towns) Growing up in New York, each town paid for their high school. This regional thing still baffles me. Why am I paying taxes on three schools my kids don’t attend? How are the rates so different?

How are they calculated?

Kristi VanLuvanee Vibbert (LRHSD BOE Planning to Raise Taxes in 7 of 8 Towns) As a homeschooling family, we’re not very thrilled about the fact that we already pay $2,062 to the LRHSD every year, even though the district doesn’t have to spend a dime on our two boys.

Plus, they won’t even allow them to play a sport or play in the band. That combined with a tax increase is a bitter pill to swallow.

Marni Cunard

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

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After reading guest commentary from Dr. Birnbohm, superintendent of schools for the Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD), it has been made clear to me that we are looking at the homeschooling issue from different points of view.

I would like to respond to some of Dr. Birnbohm’s points with my concerns.

Dr. Birnbohm stated that she is in control of approximately 6,800 students and 1,100 employees. I believe her implication is that she cannot possibly handle any more students.

She wouldn’t have to do any work to oversee my education because my parents already do that. Also, when Alabama recently opened all school activities to all homeschoolers, only 100 homeschoolers participated across the entire state. There would probably only be a few homeschoolers that would be interested in playing public school sports in our district.

Her next point proposes that LRHSD Policy #2630 is not discriminatory. If you insert “African Americans” or “Native Americans” instead of “Homeschoolers” into the language of the policy, everyone would agree that the policy is discriminatory. So, why is it okay to prohibit homeschooler participation?

You do not level the playing field by locking someone out. The superintendent stated that, “Time and again, the words ‘discrimination’ and ‘discriminatory’ are thrown around without any explanation or description.”

The policy is discriminatory because you won’t let me even apply for eligibility, just because I’m homeschooled. Even though I’m receiving an equivalent education, you won’t even look at my grades to see if I’m eligible.

It was also stated that, “The administration attempted to work with the Cunard’s, and offered them several alternatives that would have allowed A.C. to participate in the Seneca High School football program. The Cunard’s turned these alternatives down.”

These “several alternatives” were actually two alternatives and they were as follows: Enroll in the school or enroll in the school with “Option Two” (a work/study program), which is

unavailable for students until their Junior year.

Obviously, these are not legitimate alternatives for me because then I wouldn’t be homeschooled.

Dr. Birnbohm also claimed that, “The majority of school districts across the State of New Jersey… do not have a policy allowing homeschooled students to participate in curricular and extracurricular activities.”

Perhaps the majority of these school districts do not have policies pertaining to homeschoolers because this issue hasn’t been brought up. There may not be any homeschoolers interested in public school sports or activities in these schools.

The superintendent also argued that, “The board’s policies help ensure that the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities and athletics is consistent, fair and open to enrolled students who meet the LRHSD’s eligibility requirements and preconditions.”

To my knowledge, the academic requirements are taking a certain number of classes and passing all of those classes. Are passing grades, meaning D’s, too rigorous for me to qualify? And really, is attendance something I need to worry about as a HOMEschooler?

In the end, I feel like I am being discriminated against because I’m a Christian.

The main reason why I want to be homeschooled is because I am a man of faith and I want to be able to practice that faith in my schooling. I feel like I’m being punished because you’re asking me to choose between two things that are very important to me: my faith and my football. That is not right.

I am a student just like my friends who go to your schools and this is America. I feel that I should be given the chance to show my eligibility and be allowed to play football, play in the band, or any other after-school activity.

My parents pay taxes just like everyone else.

Dr. Birnbohm, please reconsider and change your policy to let me play.

P.S. I wrote this for English class.

Adam Cunard Tabernacle, New Jersey

Political Cartoon

Saturday, April 1, 2017

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PAGE 7

SCANNER Acetylene Tanks Rupture During Garage Fire

PHOTO BY TOM WALKER Firefighters battle a garage fire in the unit block of Pepper Road in Pemberton.

PEMBERTON—At 4:23 a.m. on March 22, the Pemberton Township Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched for a report of a garage on fire at 24 Pepper Road in the Browns Mills section of the township.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed a garage engulfed in flames.

The garage’s owner informed first responders that acetylene tanks were inside the garage. The owner said that he used the acetylene tanks for welding.

As additional firefighters descended to the scene, the acetylene tanks ruptured and

Tabernacle Fire Training

PHOTO SUBMITTED A recent Tabernacle Fire Co. #1 training brought a diverse group of individuals together.

accelerated the fire throughout the garage.

Several propane tanks were also in the garage. However, these tanks did not rupture.

Eleven agencies from neighboring communities provided mutual aid.

One firefighter was transported to the hospital. He was treated and released.

The fire was brought under control at 4:59 a.m. “The building was totally lost,” said Pemberton Township Fire Chief Craig Augustoni.

The fire has been listed as accidental by the Burlington County Fire Marshal.

Propane Grill Fire Spreads to Three Dwellings

PHOTO SUBMITTED Individuals from many different backgrounds, lifestyles, career paths, educational history and levels, and ages spent a Thursday night training to help and serve the local residents.

A townhouse was destroyed after a propane gas grill caught on fire.

MEDFORD—On March 25 at about 4:20 p.m., Medford Fire and EMS were dispatched to a report of a propane gas grill on fire with extension to a deck in the rear of 27 Wentwood Court, located in the Taunton Trace subdivision in Medford Township.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy fire emanating from the rear of the dwelling.

“A second alarm was immediately requested and the fire was extinguished with no reported injuries,” said Lt. Robert Dovi, Medford

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Township’s Emergency Management coordinator. “Three families were displaced and the fire is currently under investigation by the Medford Township Fire Marshal’s office.”

One townhouse was destroyed, a second townhouse had heavy fire and smoke damage and a third had smoke and water damage.

Medford Fire and EMS received mutual aid from numerous departments.

The fire was extinguished and placed under control at 5:23 p.m.

PHOTO SUBMITTTED Training participants included Seneca alumni, Shawnee alumni, Seneca students, a Seneca teacher, a homeschooled student, a homeschooling father, Navy personnel, Air Force personnel, retired New Jersey State Troopers, police officers, and residents of Tabernacle and Southampton.

PAGE 8

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Saturday, April 1, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

COMMUNITY Events

April 6

Through April 20

April 26

Location: Medford Event: Woman’s Club of Medford Meeting Details: The Woman’s Club of Medford will meet Thursday, April 6, at 7 p.m. at the Medford Memorial Community Center, 21 S. Main Street, Medford. Members will be nominating a new slate of officers and discussing ongoing projects. Membership is open to women over the age of 18 from Medford and the surrounding area. medfordwomansclub.com

Location: Westampton Event: Senior Citizen’s Police Academy Details: Burlington County Undersheriff Bryan Norcross, announced that the Sheriff’s Department will be conducting its Senior Citizen’s Police Academy on seven consecutive Thursdays beginning March 9 and running through April 20.

The program, which focuses on safety issues important to seniors, is free. Some of the topics that will be covered: K-9 Demonstration, Traffic Safety, Personal Protection, Home Security, Photo ID cards, Fire Prevention and much more.

Those interested in attending should call the Sheriff’s Community Services Unit, 609-265-3788. The classes will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Emergency Services Training Center, 53 Academy Drive, Westampton. All participants will be provided with a Senior ID Card. Graduation will be held on the last day of the academy. Refreshments will be provided.

Location: Medford Event: Understanding OCD in Children and Teens Details: The Center for Counseling and Education of Medford will present a free Parent Workshop from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The workshop will help you identify symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), develop effective parenting strategies, and understand state-of-the-art treatments. Register at info@cfcenj.com or 609-714-8400.

April 7 Location: Medford Event: Art Reception & Award Presentation Details: “From Brush to Canvas” art reception and presentation of awards will be held April 7, from 6-8 p.m., at the Medford Arts Center (MAC), 18 N. Main Street, Medford. The art will be exhibited until April 29.

April 17 Location: Whiting Event: Thyroid Support Group Details: The next meeting of the Thyroid Support Group will be held on Monday, April 17, at 10 a.m. Monthly meetings are held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 530, Whiting. The purpose of the meetings is to educate, support and answer questions about thyroids. Contact facilitator Stephanie, for more information, 732-350-2904.

April 22 Location: Elwood Event: Old Time Gift Auction Details: The Mullica in the Pines Historical Society will hold an old-time gift auction, Saturday, April 22, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m., at the Elwood School, 500 Elwood Road, Elwood. Gifts for all ages, including Phillies tickets and whale-watching tickets! 609-561-4034.

Pemberton Seniors Celebrate with the Interact Club

By Ebba Liguori

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—Spring finally arrived and great weather allowed the seniors to attend the St. Patrick’s Day party provided by the Pemberton Township High School Interact Club.

The students arrived at 3 p.m. and began setting up the dining room. Every table had cloth coverings of white with a dark green accent at the center. There were Shamrock plants and numerous glass tea light holders.

On a front table were all sorts of craft supplies and paints. These were the parts to the craft project for the evening. Each senior was able to decorate with paint, sprinkles, sequins and other art objects until a truly unique tea light was ready to take home. Some of the designs were very creative and all were very attractive.

What a great remembrance of a fun evening together.

One of the students danced an authentic “Irish Jig” to the delight of the audience. Her energy was limitless as she jigged away to the music. Of course, there were a few Bingo games to delight the seniors, with lots of fun prizes. Very soon the tables were called in order to the buffet. There was plenty of delicious food provided by Colonial Village Caterers from Pemberton Borough. They regularly provide the daily lunches for the nutrition program, but this evening included many really special treats.

Entrées included sliced ham and pineapple, tender roast beef and gravy, chicken cutlets and Italian meatballs with sauce. There were boiled potatoes and string beans on the side, as well as a macaroni salad, coleslaw, pickles, olives, and fresh rolls with butter. The foods were all well prepared and everyone had as much as one could want. Then came the time to bring home some “doggie boxes” for those unable to attend, or for a special treat the next day. A few seniors really appreciate the extra meal because they do

not have adequate facilities to prepare homecooked meals.

The final activity was a “Scavenger Hunt” with tables competing for the most items. What fun! You cannot imagine all the different items the students managed to request, but there were always several seniors jumping up to show the desired item. John Jerro actually became the number one winner in this game.

Congratulations, John! There was a “St. Patrick’s” Quiz earlier in the evening and near the end, Teane Taylor was announced as the first-prize winner with the most correct answers. There was a jar of “Skittles” candy to guess the numbers and the winner of the correct number of candies in the jar was Rosa Jackson with a guess of 1,200, closest to actual number of 1,234. Winner of the Door Prize Basket was Dawnette McKenzie.

The following day, Freddie Elmore had his 70th birthday and his wife, Juliette surprised him with a party at the senior center. What a party it was! Dominic Muscella, DJ, set up his equipment at about 10 a.m. and soon was playing all the favorites, including line dances of all types. He played a little Caribbean and some Latin and soon most seniors were out on the floor having a great time. There was also a large bowl of punch for all the warm and thirsty dancers. Juliette brought in a full-size sheet cake, fully decorated for the birthday boy, which was shared with all. Following lunch, there were dishes of ice cream for everyone. It was a great celebration and everyone enjoyed the party.

On Thursday at 1 p.m., following lunch, more than 20 seniors drove to the Helen Fort Middle School for the dress rehearsal of “Hairspray – Jr,” a musical based on teen life in Baltimore in the early 1960s. The students are very talented and gave great performances. The high school will be fortunate to have these students moving up in the next years to fill the roles in

SENIORS>>PAGE 9

April 29 Location: Westampton Event: Paw Prints 5K Run/Walk Details: The Friends of the Burlington County Animal Shelter (BCAS) is pleased to announce their first Paw Prints 5K Run – 1 Mile Fun Walk, in conjunction with our biggest event of the year – Raining Cats & Dogs, Saturday, April 29. The Run begins at 9:30 a.m. and the Fun Walk begins at 9:45 a.m. The first 150 to register will get a t-shirt and swag bag. www.friendsofbcas. org/5k_2017. All are welcomed to the post-race festival, our 5th annual Barb Feldstein Memorial Raining Cats & Dogs Fest!

The BCAS complex is located at 20 Pioneer Blvd, Westampton.

Events should be submitted at least four weeks in advance.

PINE KNOTS COLUMN Triangle Beautification Winners Chosen and Pemberton Superintendent of Schools Updates Community

By Ebba Liguori

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—Pemberton’s BMIA meeting on March 26 opened with Elisabeth White McCartney, BMIA president, introducing Pemberton Township High School Horticultural faculty member, Dawn Viveiros.

Her horticultural class has been working on designs for the beautification of “Triangle” park off of Clubhouse Road and West Lakeshore Drive. The Horticultural curricula is divided into three units; Landscaping Design, Agriculture and Environmental Science.

Students can sample and learn about future educational and employment in these fields through the programs. This project offered a real “hands on” opportunity to use classroom learning to improve the local community.

The Pemberton Rotary Club is applying for a grant and will assist the BMIA with the completion of the Triangle project. The four student finalists’ designs selected were reviewed by the board members and the winners selected.

Kayla Lewis was the first-place winner of the contest and received a monetary award.

Ricardo Torres’ design placed second.

Maurice Burdett’s design placed third. Fourth place honors were given to Courtney Fagans.

Each winner stepped forward to receive a certificate and plaque.

During the next few months, work will begin on the beautification project. Soon the entire community will be able to view the new landscape project. Participating students will gain some real-time experience towards their chosen profession.

School Superintendent Tony Trongone was able to congratulate the students before he

began the “State of Pemberton Schools” report.

Pat Austin, business administrator for the Pemberton School District, began with a breakdown of budgeting for the next year. She and Trongone attend meetings regularly to assure Pemberton is receiving as much financial assistance as allowable under the current laws.

Pemberton is in a unique situation, more than 90% of the land is either owned and operated as County facilities or is protected Pinelands Region.

Most commercial development is prohibited and thus the financial burdens fall almost completely on homeowners. Added to this, a large percentage of the students are from lower income families. Pemberton also attracts many special needs students whose educational costs are higher.

Trongone shared an excellent power point presentation enumerating the many improvements in the educational system. Several awards have been presented recently including one for excellence in AP (college level) programs offered within the high school. Three schools have been named “State Schools of Character”, four have received Honorable Mention and one school received an Emerging School of Character award. These are major state awards and illustrate the strides our schools are making. Technology and individual iPads are being implemented beginning with the third grade through graduation. Technology is facilitating a constantly updated curricula. Students are receiving a comprehensive and modern education. Programs are in place to prevent “Bullying” and provide a safe learning environment for all students. This is all positive news.

While no guarantees on state funding can

WINNERS>>PAGE 9

Saturday, April 1, 2017

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WINNERS

PAGE 9

SENIORS

PAGE 8

State Historical Museum in Des Moines and finally the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Ind. This trip of a lifetime includes so many memorable sights in the mid-west. A promotional video can be viewed at www.

GroupTrips.com/sightseeingtravelers. If this trip interests you, phone Frank Journeigan at 609-500-8050 to receive a complete brochure, or stop in at the Senior Center for more information. You do not need to be a resident of Pemberton to take advantage of this opportunity. A down payment of $75 is due at sign up, the balance is due April 9. The cost is only $979 for double occupancy and includes driver’s and guide’s gratuities. Reservations are going quickly.

Pemberton Township maintains an active senior program open to all seniors. If you read this column regularly, you will note that seldom does a day go by without some interesting activity. There is always a nourishing lunch provided daily. There is no charge to join. Enjoy the many benefits and meet new friends. The center is open from before 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. daily.

PAGE 8

be made, our financial and educational picture looks bright. We will soon have a new school to replace the Crichton and Denbo complex.

All other buildings have been receiving updates and improvements, so the physical plant is in good shape. Overall, the students are the prime focus of the administration and the outlook is positive.

The April meeting date has been changed to Sunday, April 9, at 1 p.m. The South Jersey Youth Orchestra and Friends, under the direction of Amy Weckesser, will present a musical interlude.

The orchestra consists of young student musicians paired with experienced professional and retired musicians. This “concert” is open to the community and residents are encouraged

to bring family and friends to enjoy this special afternoon. Refreshments will be served following the performance.

The Browns Mills Improvement Association, known as the BMIA, is the oldest local civic organization in Pemberton Township.

Meetings are held on the fourth Sunday monthly, September through June, at 2 p.m. at the BMIA Building on Arbutus Street, near the Mirror Lake Beach and are open to the public.

Pot Luck dinners are held three times a year for members and their guests. The building is handicapped accessible and there is ample parking. Annual dues are only $15 per family.

Checks may be sent to: BMIA, PO Box 395, Browns Mills, NJ 08015.

their annual musicals. I wonder what they will choose for 2018. The performing arts programs in the Pemberton schools are top notch. They give students a chance to build self-confidence and gain experience. The faculty is dedicated to the students and volunteer so much extra time to provide these opportunities. The seniors are so grateful to be invited to these dress rehearsals. Many seniors cannot drive after dark, so a 1 p.m. performance is perfect.

Time is running out for anyone wishing to attend the Senior Prom on Wednesday, April 5, from 3 to 7 p.m. Tickets are only $10 each and include a delicious meal and lots of fun. The students serve as wait staff and take good care of all the seniors. It will be a fun party and you will be home before it is dark. Stop in at the senior center for your tickets.

If you have been following the upcoming trip to Mount Rushmore, and the Black Hills, there are still more highlights to mention. The tour will visit the famous Corn Palace, the Iowa

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SPOTLIGHT Mr. Z’s Bakery Prepares Students for Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts Careers

Chatsworth Elementary Students Participate in a Celebration of Reading

PHOTO SUBMITTED Commercial baking teacher Rudolph Zotter instructs students on the proper technique to cut dough before rolling. (Students are left to right: Sandra Woods, Brooke Elmendorf and Daisha Winters.)

Children dress as tourists and travel around the world.

By Judy Cohen Minches

By Judy Cohen Minches

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

fun as she waited for her turn to practice the PEMBERTON—How sweet it is to be one proper technique for rolling cannoli shell dough. of Rudolph Zotter’s students in his commercial “We learn a lot of new things here; we bake baking program. things that are different and that I wouldn’t do at For 18 years, he has conducted classes home,” she said. in the school bakery at Pemberton Township Once the dough was shaped, Winters, along High School (PTHS), where he encourages his with co-workers Sandra Woods and Brooke protégés to work hard and aim high.

Elmendorf placed metal rods in the centers of “Anything you put your mind to, you can the pastry shell to make space for the filling. do!” he told them.

They then placed the cannoli shells on the metal He has shown them too. trays and lowered them into a large vat of hot They collectively created an upside-down oil. multi-tiered cake weighing 76 lbs., “just to “Just about 15 seconds,” Zotter instructed prove that nothing is impossible.” them.

Under his watchful eye, Zotter has taught Unsure at first with how the process was his students how to make dozens of sweets; going to play out, the bakers caught on with his sharing many of his secret recipes including coaching: keep checking every few seconds by cannolis, chocolate-chip cookies, macaroons, lifting the cannoli shells out of the oil until they chocolate and strawberry croissants, cherry and are golden brown, have them sit for a short time, pineapple strudel, brownies, candies, pies and take out the rods (demonstrating how to remove even wedding cakes. them safely without burning their hands) and let Students will soon focus on a one-of-a-kind them cool to prepare for the filling. wedding cake large enough to serve more than A few feet away was Kyle Bongiovanni, a 100 guests, as requested by a local resident veteran of the baking program, who for a May celebration. Zotter estimated that meticulously created dozens of creampuffs the cost for the wedding cake will be about half with Alex Shaker, Shanece Barber and Essence of what a retail bakery normally charges.

Brown.

This is just one of many orders that bakery Anthony Basciaini, who plans to go into students fill. culinary studies at BCIT next year, and Bryce Patrons routinely order cakes and pies for Dawson are the resident experts when it comes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the ever popular to rolling large quantities of dough. The perk of Babka will take center stage for Easter, with all tasting their creations is a delicious one. Their proceeds going to the school. favorite of all the baked goods? The two agree: More information can be found on the brownies are fantastic. the school’s website, under the “Bakery A week after the Deborah Heart Challenge, Department” tab.

Zotter’s classes—15 students per class, 4 classes Last month, Zotter channeled his students’ per day, 5 days each week—made 10,000 baking efforts toward the production of a chocolate-chip cookies for district-wide lunches. scrumptious spread — featuring cannolis, “This is something to see,” he said. creampuffs and other pastries and mouth-watering His department also makes a whopping 4,000 Belgian chocolate covered strawberries—for the loaves of bread on an average day, which serves Deborah Heart Challenge and Art Competition, the entire district of nine schools. Sometimes held at the high school. All told, there were an in the kitchen they will utilize the bread to estimated 2,000 treats made for the occasion. make the very popular French Bread pizza and Student Daisha Winters said class is always CULINARY>>PAGE 17

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

WOODLAND—A trip abroad was offered to every family at the K-8, Chatsworth Elementary School on Friday, March 24.

Special Education teacher and special events coordinator Jessica Anderson greeted more than 30 parents who came to the school for the Read Around the World tour.

To prepare for their journey, she presented them with a passport and first-class boarding pass on the “Chatsworth Airline.”

Parents were free to roam from country to country, all within the confines of the cozy Chatsworth Elementary School, where each classroom represented one country and gave out one passport stamp.

Read Around the World was the wrap-up program of Read Across America, the annual celebration of reading that was at first created to highlight Dr. Seuss, whose birthday fell on March 2. This year’s theme as designated by the National Education Association was “A Nation of Diverse Readers.”

Anderson ran with the idea of diversity by incorporating the unique characteristics, culture and history of Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan and Mexico. Alaska and Hawaii were added to the travel itinerary by art and basic skills teacher Erin Eddy.

The project called on the students to research, select an aspect of special interest and present their findings on the door of each classroom.

Categories that were touched upon included the capitals, languages, sports, symbols, slang and fun facts.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Student Markus Schoemer, who toured the countries with his mom, said he had a lot of fun drawing the City Hall in Florence, Italy. The parents of two students — first-grader Carlos Bosch Jr. and seventh-grader Wyette Schubert-Brown — said their kids spoke about the project at home.

Bosch was excited to talk about the dragon he was helping to design for China, and Schubert-Brown focused on Japan’s pheasants.

A parent pointed to the map on Italy’s door and stated that “Grandma was from here,” adding another dimension of meaning to the project.

For Read Across America Week on March 13 to March 17, students enjoyed the variety of a daily theme.

On Monday, students wore a shirt from a college or university for the Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You Will Go” book; on Tuesday, they wore their favorite pajamas or other hang-around clothes for a day to “Get Comfy and Read;” on Wednesday, students dressed as tourists to “Travel Around the World with Us”—followed by an American Pride Laser Show assembly—and, on Friday, everyone wore green for St. Patrick’s Day. Anderson said she added the Read Around the World activity to the March line-up to further incorporate diversity into the program by encouraging the kids to learn about different people and countries and step “out of our Chatsworth bubble.”

“I love coming to work each day,” said Anderson, who appreciates the quaintness of the school with just one class per grade and an enrollment of 147 students in total. “I get to know everyone.”

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HEALTH

Dear Pharmacist

By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph.

Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com.

The Best Strategies to Control Seasonal Allergies I know so many of you suffer from seasonal allergies this time of year. In my teens and twenties, I was super allergic to cats, dust and pollen but by the time I hit 31, I was virtually perfect. Still, even today at 52 years old, I can wipe down the car and porch furniture from pollen, and play with cats. Sam says I’m still virtually perfect, lol! Anyway, in my youth, my immune system was weak, I took all kinds of antihistamines to no avail, but I changed my life by giving my diet a complete makeover and changing the bed linens. I’ll help you right now, too.

Doctors often prescribe antihistamines to block your body’s histamine reaction, which causes the breathing problems and runny nose.

They also prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation but unfortunately those further suppress immune function.

Some medications cause drowsiness and dry mouth while others cause ridiculous insomnia, stomach pain, aggression and psychosis.

Children get attention deficit problems and nightmares. As much as I approve of quick-fix allergy pills for instant relief, they’re not ideal to take for the rest of your life. Do you want to cover it up or fix it once and for all?

The best alternative to medication is to revamp the way you eat. You have major control of your immune system health and the fury of its reactivity to antigens like pollen. Your immune cells reside in your gut and so you can control how touchy those cells are by feeding them better. When I say this out loud to people,

I often hear “Ah whatever, I’ll eat what I want to, and just take this pill, it’s a lot easier.” True, but over time, your immune function weakens, leaving you open to more and more allergies and major health problems.

If you truly want to get better, do what I did.

Eat clean, organic fruits and veggies. Juice them, eat them and cook with them. They’re high in fiber and keep your digestion moving.

Pineapple is particularly good due to the high content of bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme.

Sprinkle ‘warm’ spices on your food like ginger, garlic, cayenne and cinnamon because these thin mucous. Local honey might be helpful to sensitize you to local pollens. Green superfood powder drink mixes are potent detoxifiers of the intestinal tract.

You’ll have to cut out or dramatically reduce intake of dairy products which have been tightly associated with allergies/asthma and consume less wheat and soy-based products. Those last two categories are heavily refined and may be genetically modified (GMO).

There is a longer version of this article at my website with more food tips, but right now I’ll share lifestyle strategies that could easily change your life. Buy new pillows and blankets and switch to something hypoallergenic, for example, exchange down for organic cotton.

Wrap the mattress with a bed-bug cover. Take a shower before bed and if that’s not possible, at least run a wet brush through your hair (it gets the pollen out). And finally, when the season is upon you, keep your windows closed.

This information is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose your condition.

For more information, please visit www.SuzyCohen.com. © 2017 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

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Why Avocados Should Be On Your Grocery List

By Sue Hubbard, M.D.

Wherever you are on your healthy lifestyle journey, you are not alone. I tell my patients that the key to being healthy is being disciplined in eating the right foods, staying active and getting enough sleep; and that’s for both you and your kids.

Committing to your overall health and wellness should start early on. When you’re pregnant, it doesn’t always mean you’re eating for two. A growing baby needs nourishment from the mother’s diet throughout the day, but experts say nutrition during pregnancy should be about adding extra nutrients and not extra meals. Moms-to-be need to be eating foods that are good for them and their babies. They just need to choose the right ones.

Avocados are a power food loaded with critical vitamins and minerals pregnant moms need to pass along to their unborn babies. For example, nutrients like folate help prevent birth defects of your baby’s brain and spinal cord.

It’s so important for pregnant moms to consume a host of vitamins and minerals, and avocados are a great resource. Avocados contain powerful antioxidants like lutein, an ingredient found in breast milk known to protect important cells in a baby’s eye. You might say avocados are a very similar to a prenatal vitamin. And avocados may even help reduce morning sickness!

The health benefits of avocados don’t stop

once your baby is born. If you’re breastfeeding, avocados are high in monounsaturated fats, which are good fats and are important for a baby’s weight gain, growth and brain development.

Avocados are the perfect first food for your baby. Between 4 and 6 months you can introduce avocados into your child’s diet. They work perfectly because they are easily mashed and slightly sweet. This is a good time to introduce new food textures as well.

What’s the foolproof way to know that your family’s favorite fruit is ripe? Push lightly near the neck and feel for a gentle yield. If you’re still not sure it’s ready to eat? Pop the stem button. If the stem button pops off easily, then the fruit is ready to eat.

We always put children first, so, moms and dads, don’t forget about you. Avocados are a fit food fruit. Studies show avocados may reduce total cholesterol levels, while they lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.

Avocados are also loaded with dietary fiber, which may help you lose weight and reduce blood-sugar spikes.

The next time you’re grocery shopping, make sure you add a few avocados to your cart.

They’re nutritious, they’re heart healthy and they taste delicious. They’re good for you and everyone in your family! What more could you ask for in a fruit?

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Saturday, April 1, 2017

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FUN AND GAMES Are We There Yet?

By Lori Clinch

Lori Clinch was born and raised in North Platte, Nebraska, a hotbed of material for writers whose passion it is to make people laugh. Lori Clinch is the mother of four sons and the author of the book “Are We There Yet?”

Sometimes, They Need a Good Honk Apparently, and this is something that I did NOT know until I met and married my husband, honking the car horn is rude.

Not all honking, obviously. Should someone pull into your lane, out of his or her apparent blind spot, it is necessary. Sometimes you need to let folks know that they are about to back into you and honking is certainly warranted when a distracted person steps out in front of you.

What is NOT acceptable (I was embarking upon wedded bliss when I learned this) is honking in front of someone’s house to let them know that you have arrived.

Apparently a person, out of respect, is to park the car and ring the doorbell to announce their presence.

This, I can understand if we’re talking about a full-blown blare on the horn. But who doesn’t love a cute little toot toot now and then to announce one’s presence?

It’s a good thing we had sons instead of daughters because if a young man came-acalling and simply sat in the driveway and honked? Well-ell, I can tell you he would not be taking any daughter of my husband anywhere anytime soon.

All this being said, I’m still a honker. I’m not a rude honker, mind you. I don’t drive around town laying on the horn. I don’t honk at folks who text in the drive-thru, long after receiving their order, and I rarely honk at people who snooze through a green light.

When I do honk, and judge me if you must, is when I’m sitting in the car in my Sunday best in preparation of heading off to church to serve the Lord.

Show me someone who thinks this is wrong, and I’ll show you a woman who never had to wait in the car a full five minutes past the latest possible departure time to make it to mass before the opening hymn.

I’ve also been known to honk when the car is packed for a family vacation. Coffee mugs filled, bags packed and a full 20-minutes have passed since the scheduled departure and a family member still lurks in the basement in his

skivvies, looking for his sneakers and wondering what, if anything, he should pack.

That right there, folks, is warranted honking at its best.

Generally, my mild-mannered husband is at the wheel of our lovely sedan and thereby sits in the best possible position of prohibiting any ill-mannered honking. Knowing full good and well that he is a better person than me, and trying to live up to his standards, I often sit in my passenger seat and stew.

As the minutes tick slowly by on these family outings, I try to preoccupy myself with studying my cuticles, checking my lipstick and balancing the checkbook.

Yet, sometimes I can’t help it. I know that we’re going to be running late and it’s simply because an offspring of ours is still in the basement bathroom checking his hair.

Now that we’re empty nesters, my honking moments have become nothing more than a faded memory. Until last weekend, that is, when two of our sons stayed the night in preparation of an early morning departure for a weekend in the mountains with their buddies.

One of them was up early, had his bags packed, his coffee mug filled and a handle on the day.

The other one, Lord love him, was standing in the basement in his skivvies and wondering where his toothbrush was.

Not being involved with this departure or worrying about folks judging me for a late arrival, I simply sat back in my bathrobe and watched the drama unfold.

Vernon yelled at his younger brother a couple of times, paced the floor in frustration, and then went back to call for his brother again.

Finally he was at his wits end and facing the only thing that he could do. You can imagine his father’s horror when he announced it, but for me it was a beautiful family moment.

“Well folks, the time has come,” Vernon matter-of-factly proclaimed. “I’m going to go out and sit in the car and honk.”

© 2017 LORI CLINCH

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C R O S S W O R D

Across 1 “Dragnet” star Jack 5 Campus military prog.

9 Die-hard 13 Gillette razor 14 Bridal path flower piece 15 Hindu princess 16 Apply crudely, as paint 17 Samuel on the Supreme Court 18 To be, to Tiberius 19 “Fiddler on the Roof” song 22 “What a relief!”

24 Continental trade gp.

25 Ritzy residence 26 Corned beef-and-Swiss sandwich 28 Quantities: Abbr.

30 ‘60s hallucinogen 31 Like businesses specializing in international trade 34 Second in command: Abbr.

35 Golfer’s concern 36 Convenience 40 Beatles hit that begins, “You say yes, I say no” 45 Sci-fi saucer 48 Bears or Cubs 49 At the back of the pack 50 Poe’s “The Murders in the Rue __”

P U Z Z L E

52 ATM access code 53 __ Moines 54 Like some government partnerships 58 Hipbone parts 59 “__-ho!”

60 European capital west of Helsinki 63 No longer working: Abbr.

64 Forgetting to carry the one, say 65 In the sack 66 Scots Gaelic 67 Sheep fat 68 Unit of force Down 1 Fistful of bills 2 Approx. landing hour 3 Quick reviews, as before a test 4 Hindu title of respect 5 Archaeologist’s find 6 Big name in elevators 7 London gallery 8 In the vicinity of 9 “__ you clever!”

10 Feudal servant 11 Enlarged map segments 12 Cut down on calories 14 PepsiCo, to Quaker Oats, e.g.

20 __-do-well

21 SALT I participant 22 Opera solo 23 Garment edges 27 This and that 28 Geometric given 29 Video file format 32 Jazzy Fitzgerald 33 Kennedy and Turner 37 Obeys, as rules 38 “Auld Lang __” 39 Brain scans, briefly 41 Small needle case 42 Freeloaders 43 Twist who asked for some more 44 Chaplin of “Game of Thrones” 45 Judge at home 46 More unpleasant 47 Planetary paths 51 Air freshener brand 52 Turn on one foot 55 Ecuador neighbor 56 In very short supply 57 Creek croaker 61 “Dancing With the Stars” judge Goodman 62 Keats’ “To Autumn,” e.g.

S U D O K U

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Auto Parts and Svcs.

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Apply in person. Ask for Cynthia. NO PHONE CALLS. Red Lion Diner at the Red Lion Circle, Southampton.

making calls, daily territory travel, setting up appointments, and the use of technology.

Previous newspaper and/or sales experience is a plus, but not necessary.

Strong face-to-face written, and verbal communication skills with an eye for detail are a must. Candidates must possess a valid drivers license and a reliable vehicle. Please include your resume, cover letter, and professional references and send to resumes@pinebarrenstribune.com.

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HOSTESS/CASHIER. Job requires ability to stand/walk up to eight hours and good communication skills. Apply in person.

Ask for Cynthia. NO PHONE CALLS. Red Lion Diner at Red Lion Circle, Pine Barrens Media, LLC– Searching for Southampton. a freelance journalist/reporter with strong reporting skills and great storytelling EXPERIENCED SHORT ORDER abilities to join the Pine Barrens Tribune COOK. Apply in person. Ask for Jimmy. news team! The ideal candidate will have NO PHONE CALLS. Red Lion Diner at excellent news judgment and be able to the Red Lion Circle, Southampton. develop sources to allow them to break major stories both in print and online. We Property Inspectors for Insurance Claims. are seeking a motivated, energetic, creative No experience needed, free training, and aggressive reporter who can think and requires car, camera, flexible hours. P/T. perform outside the box. The candidate should be able to develop story ideas and Call for info. 609-294-8323. gather information for the newspaper and Pine Barrens Media, LLC–Searching website, have sound writing skills, a great for a sales representative. The right work ethic, strong interpersonal skills, and candidate will be highly organized, a can-do attitude. The best person for this collaborative, and creative closer job will have excellent writing skills who thrives in a deadline-driven sales and thrive on breaking stories. Video environment and demonstrates a passion for editing, photographic editing and graphic both print and digital advertising sales. The artwork experience is a huge plus, but not job includes prospecting leads, required. A college degree in Journalism/

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Working hours may vary depending upon delivery arrival time. The ideal candidate should be available on Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Responsibilities include lifting up to 25 pounds and delivering newspapers to racks and local businesses. Excellent reading, comprehension, organizational, and written and verbal skills are required.

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Home Improvement

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Donate new wash cloths, new socks, new or used yoga mats, beach mats, playing cards, dominoes, clean baseball caps, strawhats, handkerchiefs, beach towels, clothespins, 5 gal. plastic buckets, and more. www.migrantworkeroutreach.org.

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Saturday, April 1, 2017

STAKEHOLDERS PAGE 1

vaping are contributing factors that turn teenagers on to stronger drugs such as cocaine and heroin when they reach the ages of 18 to 25.

“99% of heroin users have used one of those gateway drugs at some point in their lives,” he said. “What we are trying to do is educate those 10-14-year-olds that they shouldn’t be using alcohol.”

Conlin added that more teenagers will die this year from alcohol then all other illegal drugs combined.

“That is a pretty sobering statistic,” he said.

“Alcohol is the number one drug of choice because kids tell us it is the easiest to get.”

Kyle Melander, a constituent services representative for Congressman Tom MacArthur (R-NJ3), said the congressman has released a resource guide for families impacted by heroin and opioids in South Jersey.

“The heroin epidemic here in South Jersey is damaging our communities and changing families forever,” he said. “We have to fight this epidemic together. The first step in the process is making sure individuals seeking treatment have the resources available to do so.

A focus on treatment and recovery is incredibly important as we tackle the challenge together.

We are all united and need to take strong, effective action on this crisis.”

Stephanie Richardson, director of the Legacy Treatment Services program at Pemberton Township High School, listed a number of available adolescent, ambulatory, addiction and emergency services available to families affected by the crisis.

“The biggest thing that we see with our students is a lack of resources for when they feel stressed,” she said. “It’s a big risk factor for substance abuse.”

Trooper Lance Lamberth, a school resource officer for Seneca High School and the Shamong, Southampton and Tabernacle School Districts, who has two children of his own, urged parents to be proactive when it comes to parenting.

“As parents, we need to be aware of what is going on with our kids,” he said. “We need to ask questions. We need to see what type of friends our kids are hanging around with and what type of company they are choosing to hang around with. When kids are involved with binge drinking and things of that nature, most of the time it is due to outside influences.”

He added that the local high schools have a Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC) who provides treatment, support and referrals to those with addictions. Individuals who approach the SAC can remain anonymous.

“We are there to help,” he said.

Lamberth provided the audience with a list of 26 locations in the county where individuals using prescribed medications can discard their old medication.

“These locations are where these medications go,” he said. “They are secure, safe locations you can go to when you are no longer using your Percocet.”

Lamberth addressed those who may have prescribed medication in their possession.

“What is happening is people are throwing them (the medications) away and flushing them down the toilet,” he said. “If you throw them away—guess what—that is on you. If someone goes through your garbage and starts using your pills that they weren’t prescribed and they come into police contact, we will then look at those pills and find out who do they belong to.”

Lamberth said that everyone in the community will need to work together in order to make sure that the community is kept safe

and drugs are kept out of the school systems.

“My job just doesn’t consist of making sure the schools are safe,” he said. “My job just doesn’t consist of pulling over cars. My job consists of making sure this community is safe and free of drugs. With your help, we can make that happen. It is going to take all of us. Not just police, administrators and EMTs.” Several of the stakeholders were disappointed with the event’s attendance figure.

Fewer than 15 members of the public attended the seminar. Most of the audience consisted of stakeholders. There were also 17 Vincent Fire Company members in attendance.

Dr. Carol “Lynn” Birnbohm, superintendent of schools for the Lenape Regional High School District, urged the audience to not let the low-turnout deter them from empowering others to defy the issue of illegal drug and alcohol use.

“I heard a lot of comments coming in that people were discouraged about the small size of this crowd,” she said. “I am a teacher, so I am going to assign homework. If everybody here talks to five people about this issue, then it is not a small group anymore.”

Birnbohm called on teenagers to resist peer pressure of having drugs and alcohol.

“Defy the issue of saying I am going to party on the weekends,” she said.

Birnbohm encouraged parents to enroll their children in extracurricular activities.

“There are a lot of students in our schools who are drug and alcohol free,” she said.

“Encourage your kids to be around those kids and to be active. It is really hard to feel bad about yourself when you are lifting somebody else up.”

During a question and answer session, a local family with four kids reached out for help.

The family said that they have a 10-year-old daughter who has some anxiety and depression

issues. They said their daughter was apprehensive about going to their school’s guidance counselor to seek assistance and they were searching for an alternative resource.

They also said that their children were interested in participating in community athletics.

“There are plenty of programs they wanted to be in, but financially we can’t afford it,” the unidentified mother said. “We don’t qualify for much assistance. We are borderline just paying the bills. What do we do?”

Southampton Township School District Superintendent Michael Harris offered to provide assistance to the family.

The event concluded with Assemblyman Joseph Howarth, R-8th of Evesham, addressing misconceptions that people might have about Narcan.

“If you call 911 and someone shows up and administers Narcan, the individual who they (the first responders) gave it to can get up, stand up and walk away,” he said. “A number of years back, the legislature put in the program that if you call 911, there are no repercussions for the person that called or the person who took the drug. You might think that is wrong.

But they wanted to save somebody’s life.”

Howarth also discussed pending legislation related to substance abuse.

“The issue has been one that I have been very passionate about at the state level,” he said.

“I’ve tried to introduce legislation on stopping this.”

After the seminar concluded, several audience members praised the event.

“It was great,” said Russell Hann, a member of the Southampton Township Board of Education. “Everybody did a great job. It shows that there is a problem and they’re interested in their community. Many people don’t want to realize there is a problem.”

four ambulances owned by the township are to be sold to the squad for $1. Two ambulances have already been sold to the squad.

“If necessary, Hampton Lakes EMS and the township may enter into a lease agreement for the ambulances so that the township may maintain insurance coverage for the ambulances,” the agreement reads in part.

A Dodge Durango, boat and boat trailer will be leased to the township.

The township has agreed to lease a facility owned by the squad at 4 Holly Blvd. in Southampton for $1.

The billing process was one of the bigger sticking points during the contract negotiations.

The committee has authorized the squad to bill and seek payment from patients, insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and any other financially responsible party on a fee-for-service basis for the services provided.

The squad will be required to comply with all state and federal laws and regulations related to seeking payments, including the Medicare Anti-Kickback Statute.

The squad has been asked to use its best efforts to collect from third-party payers before collection activity covered by the Fair Debt Collection Practice Act or comparable state law is commenced against a patient.

The squad will be responsible for all billing costs, efforts, expenses and liabilities. However, they will be prohibited from referring any pastdue patient bill of any patient, who is a township

resident, to a collection agency. The squad also cannot initiate or pursue any collection activities, other than normal billing, against such patients.

It’s unclear as of press time how the squad will be reimbursed for their services if there is a past-due balance and the patient refuses to pay it.

“Hampton Lakes EMS will make their best efforts to collect the appropriate fees for their services,” Morris said. “The majority of the fees are paid through insurance payments.”

Several deals appear to have been brokered with regards to insurance coverage. The township will pay for and maintain property and liability insurance on the facility at 4 Holly Blvd. The squad will be responsible for all the maintenance and repairs to the facility.

The squad has agreed to maintain commercial general liability insurance and professional liability insurance covering the organization and each of its clinical employees in an amount no less than $2,000,000 per occurrence.

Automobile liability insurance will be covered by the Burlington County Joint Insurance Fund (JIF) through a lease agreement with the township.

The township has assumed responsibility for paying the cost of workers’ compensation insurance for all volunteers affiliated with the squad for the entire duration of the contract.

The township has also agreed to pay the cost of workers’ compensation insurance for

all the employees of the squad for this year.

A decision will be made at a later date for subsequent years. In the event that the township does not agree to pay the premiums beyond 2017, the township will instead pay the squad a sum equal to the amount that the squad is not permitted to collect through billing, up to $15,000.

Hampton Lakes EMS shall list Southampton Township; including all elected officials, appointed officials, volunteers, boards, and commissions on their liability policies.

The contract also contains a number of checks and balances to ensure compliance with the law and agreement.

The squad will be required to provide the township with a monthly report in electronic format.

The report must contain items such as the total number of calls received, the response time for each call, the number of response times over eight minutes, the number of calls for which an ambulance was not available to respond to, the number of incidents when a mutual aid ambulance was called into the township, the number of calls where the patient was not transported, the number of patient emergency transports, the number of stand-by assignments, the number of calls where the associated dollar amounts were considered uncollectible, and the total amount billed.

The squad also will be required to provide

CONTRACT PAGE 1

all purposes arising out of this agreement, independent contractors and not employees of the township,” the agreement reads in part.

“It is expressly understood and agreed that Hampton Lakes EMS and its volunteers, employees, agents and representatives shall in no event, as a result of this agreement, be entitled to any remunerative or compensatory benefit to which township employees are entitled, including but not limited to overtime, retirement benefits and injury or other leave benefits. Hampton Lakes EMS volunteers, however, are entitled to Length of Service Award (LOSAP) benefits.”

Each squad member authorized to drive an ambulance will be required to provide a legible copy of their driver’s license to the squad which will then have to provide a copy to the township.

The squad will need to ensure that their ambulances are in proper working order and fully equipped before each call. The organization will be responsible for keeping the ambulances clean and stocked with appropriate supplies.

The township has agreed to make available to Hampton Lakes EMS, at no cost, minor vehicle maintenance services that can be performed by the Department of Public Works. This includes oil changes and tire rotations.

The township has also agreed to provide fuel for all Hampton Lakes EMS vehicles.

Within 30 days of the executed agreement,

CONTRACT>>PAGE 17

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PAGE 17

CULINARY PAGE 12

hamburger and hot dog rolls, too.

Zotter, a ServSafe Certified Instructor and ServSafe Proctor for foodservice workers in and out of the district, said he sees his students as professionals in the workplace and wants them to be ready for more responsibility when they leave high school, whether they take a position in the industry or go to college.

“I want to train them right, and I want them to act like responsible adults so they are prepared for that next step,” Zotter said.

His 43 years in the business have given him a lot of wisdom to share, including the importance of creating a mass-produced quality product and a quality-fresh product from scratch as well as a plethora of management skills such as running a bake shop, purchasing and controlling costs, buying products in large quantities, problem solving, communication skills and much more.

Additionally, he hopes to instill in his students the know-how and confidence to consider being an owner of a business, too, guiding them to “always reach for your goals,” whatever they entail, Zotter said.

He is proud when local businesses like Sam’s Club, ShopRite and others call him to fill a new or open position and are looking for a mature, capable and hard-working teen.

A part-time instructor at Rowan College at

Burlington County as well, Zotter explained that students can earn college credits while still in high school through the “articulation agreement” that PTHS has with several colleges: Rowan College at Burlington County, the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, the JNA Institute of Culinary Arts, and The Art Institute of Philadelphia.

“I love what I do and have loved it since I was a little kid,” said Zotter, the former owner of Famous Bakery in the Pennsauken Mart—where he made all baked goods from scratch and developed new recipes including sugar-free products for diabetics—for about eight years, until 2002.

Zotter smiled when he spoke about the joy he feels when former students who have grown in the culinary arts or baking and pastry arts field. He pointed to a postcard he keeps above his desk with a picture of the Hotel Biltmore.

“Look where I work!!!” was written on the flip side.

“School is like playtime for me,” Zotter said. “I love working with the kids, working with my hands, and making a product. I enjoy every day that I wake up and see a smile on each one of my student’s faces when they learn something new and say, ‘I can do that?’ There is such a wonderful world of opportunity out there for each one of them.”

PHOTO SUBMITTED PTHS students Kyle Bongiovanni and Shanece Barber fill crème puffs during their commercial baking class.

CONTRACT PAGE 16

the township with a detailed breakdown of the total amount of money received from the patient and third party payers.

The township will have the right to conduct periodic program audits, vehicle inspections, patient care equipment inspections and fiscal audits as often as it deems necessary. However, the township must provide 10 days written notice to the squad that it is planning to conduct an audit or inspection.

The squad will have to maintain a process to receive complaints about its services.

The organization will have to reply to all complaints within 7 days of receipt and provide a written report to the township of each complaint it receives within 14 days of receipt.

If the squad believes the complaint is due to the actions of the township, its designee or another first responder, the complaint is required

to be referred to the township within seven days of receipt.

Officials on both sides appeared eager to move forward from a series of miscommunications and missteps which generated confusion and created a lengthy delay in formulating a contract.

“We aired out a lot of issues,” said Kit Applegate, an attorney who represents the Hampton Lakes EMS. “We had a good back and forth. It was actually a pleasant experience.

I tip my hat to the committee members.”

Once signed by all parties, the new contract is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2020.

However, the township may immediately terminate the agreement and arrange for services from another provider if officials become aware of material significant deficiencies that pose an imminent health and safety risk to the residents of the township.

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Saturday, April 1, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

HOME, GARDEN, AND FARMING Farm and Food File

By Alan Guebert

Alan Guebert is an award-winning ag journalist and expert who was raised on a 720-acre, 100-cow southern Illinois dairy farm.

March Madness If only Julius Caesar had listened to the soothsayer who, in plain Latin, warned him, “Beware of the Ides of March.” Instead, the powerful, arrogant Roman tweeted, er, complained, “He is a Dreamer, let us leave him.”

And leave he did—forever—on the Ides of March, March 15, 44 B.C. Someone should have given American farmers, ranchers, and rural residents a similar warning last month when House Republicans and the White House said they had an Obamacare repeal-and-replace plan.

When the plan was unveiled, though, its author, House Speaker Paul Ryan, dodged brickbats from fellow Republicans, derision from Democrats and, on March 13, a loud “Yikes!” from much of the country when a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) review showed that 24 million Americans would lose their health care coverage under it.

It’s even worse for old aggies, reports the Boston Globe, because a disproportionate number of those 24 million are older and rural—exactly the people “whose votes helped catapult Donald Trump into the White House.”

Ryan, however, scoffed at the CBO numbers and went into full-wonk mode to defend the pure magic of his plan. The marketplace, he promised, would jump in with new, competitively priced insurance policies to cover the dropped millions.

To many Republicans, the Ryan plan isn’t so much about repealing and replacing Obamacare; it’s more about cutting “unnecessary” government spending. The Speaker’s plan does that in spades: it cuts nearly $1 trillion from government sponsored health-care costs in the coming decade.

The majority of that savings, however, is not flowing back to you or me. Indeed, $594 billion goes for new tax cuts, the largest of which, $145 billion, will go to the wealthiest 0.1 percent of Americans who earn $250,000 or more per year.

At the rural level, an Obamacare repeal will be measured more by life and death than dollars and cents, say two university researchers writing for the Scholars Strategy Network.

In fact, explains the University of California’s Claire Snell-Rood and Cathleen E. Willging of the Behavioral Health Research Center of the Southwest, “Because healthcare facilities and workforces are often at the heart of local rural economies, repeal could set off economic death spirals. If Obamacare’s mandate for people to buy insurance is eliminated along with subsidies that make plans affordable, insurance premiums will soar and coverage will shrink, leading insurance companies to abandon many rural counties altogether.”

And, they add, “In practice, Obamacare repeal at the federal level will simply shift massive extra costs to state and local governments and to local-care facilities, especially in rural areas.”

It’s a cost few state and local governments can bear and it’s one element of RyanCare that no one ever mentions: eliminating health insurance coverage to 24 million Americans does not mean these people won’t need medical care. They will, of course; so who pays for it?

You and me—just as we did before Obamacare.

It won’t be cheap. In 2015, Florida estimated that its insured citizens paid an additional $2,000 per hospital stay, or $1.4 billion in total, to cover the cost of health care for the state’s uninsured.

Nationwide, the Kaiser Family Foundation pegged that same cost in 2013 at $85 billion.

It would be nearer to $100 billion in 2018, or almost equal to any government savings under RyanCare.

That’s exactly why, as President Donald Trump remarked recently, health care reform is “so complicated.” Barack Obama learned that lesson in 2010. Still, the goal now is the same as then: provide the best health care with the most choice to the largest number of Americans at the fairest price.

Throwing 24 million Americans under the bus neither meets that need nor delivers on Donald Trump’s campaign promise of “insurance for everybody.” By that standard alone, RyanCare already is a loser no matter its fate in Congress.

And you don’t need a soothsayer to tell you that.

© 2017 AG COMM.

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AUTOMOTIVE New Vehicle Buying Guide Compiled by Motor Matters

E-mail Questions To: info@motormatters.com Mail Questions To: PO Box 3305, Wilmington, DE 19804

Honda Pilot Has Fresh Updates for 2017 Honda continues to strengthen its position in the three-row SUV segment with fresh updates to the award-winning Honda Pilot for the 2017 model year.

The 2017 Pilot is now available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a new fingerprint resistant touchscreen and an expanded interior color palette.

For 2017, Pilot EX and above trims will see application of a new coating to reduce the appearance of fingerprints on the screen while retaining high glare resistance. Customer choice is also further enhanced for 2017 with extended availability of a black interior, now available on all trims optioned with the White Diamond Pearl exterior paint.

The Pilot builds on its reputation for interior space, versatility and utility with comfortable seating for up to eight passengers and a cargo area that can hold an 82-quart cooler without compromising third-row seating capability.

Third-row entry and exit is easy and intuitive courtesy of the available one-touch second-row seat on EX-L and above models, and large

third-row entryway.

The 2017 Pilot delivers refined, powerful and fuel-efficient performance courtesy of its 3.5- liter V-6 engine with cylinder deactivation technology producing peak output of 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is matched to a choice of two advanced transmissions -- a 6-speed automatic transmission or, on upper trims, a 9-speed automatic transmission -both delivering refined, responsive and fuel-efficient performance.

The Pilot’s available Intelligent VTM4 is the most sophisticated and technologically advanced all-wheel-drive system offered in a mainstream, three-row SUV. All 2017 Honda Pilots feature a button-operated Intelligent Terrain Management System that offers different operating modes, for the AWD: Normal, Snow, Mud and Sand; and for the FWD: Normal and Snow.

Base model estimated mpg: 19/27 Estimated starting price: $30,595 Compiled by Motor Matters.

2017 Honda Pilot.

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Serving Burlington, Camden, Gloucester & Mercer Counties

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PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Saturday, April 1, 2017