Dec 30 2017

Happy New Year INSIDE THIS WEEK

LRHSD’S Longtime Business Administrator Retires. Page 2

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE www.pinebarrenstribune.com

Vol. 2 – No. 18

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December 30, 2017 – January 5, 2018

Home for the Holidays PHOTO BY RYAN MARCHESE Sean Grannan (center), a Shawnee graduate, was welcomed home on Dec. 17 from a deployment in the Middle East by members of Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey, family and friends.

Southampton Army Medic Returns from Middle East Deployment

By Mark Hatoff

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

SOUTHAMPTON—Pfc. Sean Grannan, a firefighter and EMT from Southampton who joined the U.S. Army in September 2016 as a medic, received the celebration of a lifetime last week as he returned home from his first overseas deployment.

Grannan, 22, a 2013 Shawnee High School (Medford) graduate, was met by a throng of supporters on the front lawn of a home in Southampton belonging to the family of his

fiancée, Amanda Shuster, just after 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 17.

The celebration for the medic returning from the Middle East, organized by Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey, was originally supposed to occur at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 11.

But, Grannan’s plane was delayed, forcing a change of plans.

“There was so much snow coming down at the Chicago airport, we couldn’t get out of there (on Dec. 11),” Grannan said. “I ended up getting home after 9 p.m.”

Grannan’s family members said that they didn’t learn that the Dec. 11 plans for the “Welcome Back Celebration” were canceled until nearly 30 minutes before it was supposed to begin.

But, the second time was a charm.

On Dec. 17, Grannan was sent to the Pic-A-Lilli Inn in Shamong to pick up wings.

He was met by a biker group of veterans who were there to give him an escort back to the Shuster home.

“They came in to get me,” said Grannan

laughingly. “I was a little nervous at first.”

Once Grannan arrived back at the Shuster home, Dave Silver, president of Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey, presided over a 15-minute ceremony honoring Grannan.

The celebration featured veterans, politicians and representatives of his high school alma mater.

“He’s an EMT (with the Hampton Lakes Emergency Squad) and a medic in the Army,” said Silver as he introduced the hero to those

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Saturday, December 30, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

LOCAL NEWS

Lenape Regional’s Longtime Business Administrator and School Board Secretary Retires

PHOTO SUBMITTED Jim Hager, Lenape Regional High School District business administrator and Board of Education secretary, is retiring after 14 years of service to the district.

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

SHAMONG—Jim Hager, Lenape Regional High School District’s business administrator and Board of Education secretary for 14 years, retired last week.

“I characterize Jim as a person who always does the job right,” said Dr. Carol Birnbohm, district superintendent. “Jim is a great communicator and can simplify many complex concepts in a way that the public can understand and embrace.”

Hager’s send-off included a relatively

low-key ceremony during a school board meeting on Dec. 20 and a small, private gathering held the week before. Birnbohm said Hager does not like to be the center of attention.

“Whether the comments are brief or the gathering is small, it is in no way analogous to the size of your impact on the Lenape Regional High School District,” she said. “Jim, for many of us, through the years, you have been a confidential sounding board offering a business lens to many important student and staff initiatives.”

SECRETARY>>PAGE 19

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INDEX Automotive..................................... 23 Business Directory.......................... 10 Community....................................... 9 Fun and Games............................... 16 Health.............................................. 15 Home, Garden & Farming ............. 22

Local News....................................... 2 Marketplace..................................... 17 Opinion............................................. 8 Scanner.............................................. 7 Worship Directory............................. 9

The Pine Barrens Tribune is published weekly by Pine Barrens Media, LLC. The newspaper is distributed free at select locations in Bass River, Evesham, Hammonton, Medford, Medford Lakes, Pemberton, Pemberton Borough, Shamong, Southampton, Tabernacle, Washington, Whiting, Woodland and surrounding areas. This newspaper is protected under the Federal Copyright Act. Reproduction of any part is not permitted by mechanical or electronic means without the expressed written permission of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to revise or reject any advertisement. No liability shall be attached to the Publisher for interruption of publication or limitation of size and/or number of pages due to shortage of material, failure of transportation, flood, fire, severe weather, winter weather, riots, strikes, acts of God, or other causes beyond his or her control. It is our policy to promptly correct errors. If you believe that you see a mistake, please call (609) 801-2392.

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Saturday, December 30, 2017

Pemboro Plans Water and Sewer Rate Hike to Help Fund Water-Tower Improvements

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

PEMBERTON BOROUGH—Residents of Pemberton Borough, along with some residents of Pemberton Township, may be hit with a water and sewer services rate hike at the beginning of the New Year.

A proposed ordinance raising water and sewer service fees and adjusting the criteria for special charges that are assessed when there is excess usage will face a public hearing Jan. 2.

“We are raising the minimum water and sewer bill by $16 a year,” said Mayor Harold Griffin, mayor of Pemberton Borough, during a Dec. 18 Pemberton Borough Council meeting. “The water rates have not been changed for six years.”

Griffin said the borough’s $200,000 water tower improvement project necessitates the increase in rates.

“If you have been attending the council meetings, you know that we have been in the process of spending quite a bit of money on our water tower,” Griffin said. “So, that entered into this decision to raise the rates $16 a year.”

The tower’s bottom legs were painted earlier this year by Eastern Tank Coating of Tabernacle.

The rest of the tower still needs to be painted and sandblasted. A ladder attached to the tower requires repairs. Interior water-tank work also needs to be done.

“We are addressing issues that were found in 2007,” Griffin said.

The proposed ordinance was scheduled to be voted on during the Dec. 18 meeting, but was amended, causing a required delay to allow for notification to affected residents.

As this newspaper previously reported, the measure includes changes to an agreement between the borough and Pemberton Township.

Township residents living near the borough limits, including on Nicholas Street, are tied into the borough’s water and sewer system, thus requiring an agreement between the two municipalities.

The amendments will allow township residents to pay nearly the same amount of money towards water and sewer services as borough residents. The fee increases for both municipalities are now identical.

Township residents with metered water service supplied by the borough, before the amendments, faced a minimum quarterly charge for water, per unit, of $63, based on a quarterly allowance of 10,000 gallons of water—an increase of $15 per quarter.

Now, following the amendments, township residents with metered water service supplied by the borough face a minimum quarterly charge for water, per unit, of $50 based on a quarterly allowance of 10,000 gallons of water—an increase of only $2 per quarter.

The minimum quarterly charge for water, per unit, for township residents with unmetered water service supplied by the borough was supposed to increase to $90; but the proposed increase was reduced to $71.

While the rates are increasing for all who rely on the borough’s water and sewer service, sewer usage is also proposed to be increased by 5,000 gallons per quarter—which could help offset the rate increase for any impacted resident who frequently waters their lawn or garden.

“We are increasing the allowable gallons of sewage from 15,000 to 20,000 to help customers who use an excessive amount of water in the summer for watering their gardens and lawns,” Griffin said.

In other news, seven checks issued by the borough to payees, described as vendors by

Griffin, were canceled.

The checks, totaling $1,865, were issued between April and August of this year.

The checks were not cashed by the payees due to the “payees’ failure to leave appropriate forwarding addresses with Borough Clerk Donna Mull or other unknown circumstances.”

Mull said the money will go into the borough’s miscellaneous revenue or surplus fund.

“We will use it in next year’s budget to buy things,” Griffin said.

Two residents pressed Mull on whether a vendor could get a check reissued to them and, if so, how long a vendor has to put in a claim.

Mull said the borough would “give them their money” if approached. She also said she didn’t know how long the vendor had to come back and claim the money.

“I don’t know,” Mull said. “I am not a lawyer.”

She added that no vendor has ever requested a canceled check to be reissued “when it has been as long as this.”

The largest uncashed check canceled was made payable to Gower Nurseries of Southampton for $1,500.

The other payees who didn’t cash their checks are Jennifer Youngblood, Jeannie Halloway, Tina Denney, Desiree Williams, Donald Green and Christian Bynum.

Sixteen delinquent electric bill payers had their debt forgiven. Pemberton Borough has a municipality run electric company and thus council has the authority to make adjustments to electric bills.

Griffin said the borough determined that the money owed by the 16 individuals, a combined total of $2,819, was uncollectable.

“We send them the bills and they don’t pay,” Griffin said. “We don’t even know where some of them are (anymore). We have no way of collecting the money from them.”

One resident said he believed council was sending the wrong message to its bill payers and asked why council doesn’t hire a collection agency to track down those who owe money.

“That has never been discussed before,” Griffin said. “Offhand, how much do they charge you to collect those balances? They may charge us more (to collect than what is owed).

We don’t have these balances every year.”

A $2,881 payment was made to Kline Construction Co. after a sewer rehabilitation project on W. Hampton St. was completed. This was the fifth and final payment to the company.

Council heard numerous complaints from its residents during public comment.

Resident Abigail Lake said the recent painting of lines differentiating parking spots at the U.S. Post Office in the borough, 73 Elizabeth St., was done poorly.

“The only lines that you can see are for the handicapped,” she said. “The other lines you can’t see. The way people park, there is going to be a problem.”

Griffin said the painting of lines to differentiate the handicapped and nonhandicapped spots were done at the same time.

“Well, they must have used an awfully bad tape for the white lines (non-handicapped) and good tape for the blue lines (handicapped),” she said.

Griffin asked Lake if she wanted to see the white lines repainted.

“Well, you can’t see where to park,” Lake said. “The way people park, it is awful.

They probably didn’t take Driver’s Education.”

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PAGE 5

Ask the Expert!

By Dean Mainardi

Dean Mainardi is a 3rd generation contractor. He has built everything from new homes to restaurants. He and his company “Only The Best Builder LLC” have been on a mission to hire the “Best” people, use the “Best” products, and give the “Best” service anywhere. You can read more about this company and their mission at www.onlythebestbuilder.com. Make sure you check out the “Page of Shame.”

You are thinking about doing a project in your home, or an issue that just will not go away.

Who do you go to for sincere, honest advice?

In recent years, the economic situation that our country is involved in, has brought many people to the “Trades” with little to no experience. We have seen some of the worst workmanship and solutions to problems than ever before. In the end, hard-earned money is spent and bigger problems are created.

That’s why we are here. To help you!

This section is a direct contact to give you the advice and experience you need to help solve any Home Improvement concern or issue you may have.

The best part is it’s for FREE. No strings attached. Just good old-fashioned neighborly advice on the things you need to know. If I don’t have the answer, I will get it or refer you to the proper expert in our network of quality reliable contractors.

For every issue, I will choose the BEST question that I think will help the most people. If we publish your question, you will receive a $50 VISA gift card as a thank you from us for helping make this new section a success.

So, “We are what you have been waiting for.” Get to your computer and send your questions directly to me at AskTheExpert@ onlythebestbuilder.com or call directly @ 609-654-1698.

Question: Hello!

I have a small master bath with a spa tub, toilet and single sink. The spa tub is useless to me at my age, plus the pump for it leaks.

I would like to replace this with a walk-in shower.

I had thought to have the surround tiled, but on a recent trip, I used one that was a manufactured surround non-slip floor,

corner seat, no caulking. I liked it, although it was stark white.

My question...for resale value, must I put in a tile surround? Are there more attractive pre-made surrounds and where do I go to look?

Thank you!

Sandra Howley

Response: Dear Sandra, The spa tub was a very common item builders installed in the 80’s and 90’s. Many people never used them, yet they gave the WOW factor for a master bathroom.

Since you are doing a remodel, getting a 1-piece kit into your home might be very difficult due to the size of doorways and hallways. A great option is a company called Sawnstone. You can look at their

products online @ www.swanstone.com.

They have real high-quality systems that can be installed in your home.

These type of shower systems do not decrease the resale value of your homes.

Think of seeing a nice easy-to-clean unit that doesn’t have all the maintenance issues of ceramic tile and grout. That can even be a selling feature in your listing.

Good Luck.

541 Barbershop........................................3 Medford Eyewear Center.......................21 Modern Day Recycling.........................12 Neubert’s Tire & Auto..........................23 Red Lion Inn..........................................13 Runway Café..........................................14

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Saturday, December 30, 2017

Bass River Officials Commit to Exploring Possible Recall of Williams

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

BASS RIVER—Tommy Williams, Bass River Township’s elected school-board member on the Pinelands Regional Board of Education, may be in serious political trouble after ignoring public inquiries over a Pinelands Regional High School construction debacle and not staying in touch with local officials.

Williams, also chair of the school board’s ad hoc committee overseeing the construction project, is facing mounting pressure to resign from the school board.

Township officials have committed to look into what it would take to hold a recall election to oust Williams from his position, if he doesn’t resign, due to mounting concerns.

Required cleaning of the high school’s metal roof deck, which contained asbestos roofing, was discovered to be incomplete prior to the installation of a new roof on the high school in August.

The discovery came after debris falling in highschool classrooms was investigated on Sept. 8.

Some of the debris found on the uncleaned areas of the roof tested positive for asbestos, although none of the debris that fell in the classrooms tested positive for asbestos.

Work to correct the problem on the high school’s roof began while the building was occupied by students and staff, all while a signed contract and bid specs for the project prohibited roof work while the building was occupied.

The work caused dust and ceiling tiles to fall in classrooms and unfamiliar odors. This coincided with unexplained respiratory issues and rashes experienced by students and faculty.

In October, a Sept. 10 letter from Epic Environmental addressed to Stephen J. Brennan, business administrator of the Pinelands Regional School District, was discovered by parents.

The letter, written due to the discovery that the metal roof deck cleaning was incomplete and the positive asbestos test result, warned that there

was the potential for roofing debris to continue to enter the high school and recommended the district cease all rooftop activities.

Officials in the district and the school board have yet to provide a clear answer as to why Epic’s recommendation, stipulations in the bid specs and stipulations in the contract were ignored.

The high school was eventually closed from Oct. 3 to 6, after numerous individuals questioned the air quality inside the high school at a school board meeting on Oct. 2.

Classes resumed in the high school on Oct. 9 after precautionary air quality and asbestos testing did not detect any harmful compounds in the building’s air. However, some parents alleged that illnesses were still occurring and debris was still falling and pleaded for the building to be shut.

A few days after the high school was reopened, it was closed indefinitely after a screw from the school’s ceiling fell on a student’s head.

It was later learned that when roofers removed a level of the roofing earlier in the summer, the heads of numerous screws throughout the building were cut off, which loosened them.

Promised dates for the reopening of the high school have come and gone. The latest date being given out to the public is Jan. 8.

The reopening of the high school has been delayed by a series of setbacks.

The most notable setback occurred after roofers carelessly removed the asbestoscontaminated debris from the high school’s roof between Oct. 2 and 9.

Photographs of the removal show the debris being dumped into an open-top container truck.

Related dust is seen flying through the air. Some pieces of the debris fell onto the ground.

A nearby playground, used for a child-care program that the district operates, was tested by TTI Environmental for asbestos on Oct. 18 after the photographs surfaced.

Non-friable debris and material was found in

Former Schneider's Savings Center Site May Soon Be Sold

PHOTO BY RYAN MARCHESE Tommy Williams, an elected Pinelands Regional Board of Education member who represents Bass River Township. the soil and mulch on the playground.

Parents demanded additional testing of school grounds given the pictures and playground results.

On Nov. 28, TTI Environmental performed a visual inspection of school property and found two pieces of suspect asbestos-containing roofing materials.

One was discovered on the front side of the high school, close to a “Wildcat Pride” sign.

The other was discovered lying past a driveway, near a tree line, on the north side of the high school’s annex.

TTI collected the suspect materials and laboratory tests released Dec. 1 showed that they had less than one-percent asbestos—below the EPA action level—but it was still enough to alarm parents.

PEMBERTON—The Township of Pemberton is hoping to sell a vacant property that was previously the site of a small business.

An ordinance introduced by Pemberton Township Council on Dec. 20 would authorize the sale of 390 Lakehurst Road, once the home of Schneider’s Savings Center, by way of a quitclaim deed.

A quiteclaim deed transfers to the grantee any interest held in a property from the grantor, who releases claim to the property.

The ordinance was introduced, 4-0, with Councilwoman Letha Jackson absent. A public hearing is set for Jan. 3.

In other news, council made a few personnel appointments related to the Burlington County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund (JIF).

Business Administrator Dennis Gonzalez was named fund commissioner and was designated as a contact for Employment Practices Attorney Consultation Services.

Administrative Assistant Michele Brown was named to serve as both the claims administrator and alternate fund commissioner, while Fiscal Officer Joyce Tinnes was named to serve as fund safety coordinator.

A contract for third-party plumbing sub-code inspection services went to Building Inspection Underwriters, Inc. The company was previously

awarded an emergency 60-day contract when issues arose with the township’s previously contracted group.

A transfer of funds in the amount of $8,000 was made within this year’s budget.

Council rescinded a previously passed resolution that approved the purchase of public officials liability and employment practices liability insurance from Chubb for 2018.

A maintenance bond was released for Rockwell DebtFree Properties on several lots in the township.

An application for a 2019 Municipal Alliance Grant was submitted to the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

Gym equipment from Holiday Village was accepted and will be sent to the Pemberton Township Senior Center.

Outstanding checks in the total amount of $1,717.60 were canceled.

The township renewed its sports accident insurance policy through QBE Insurance Corp.

Through a detached resolution, council recognized Lt. Brian Wechkus for more than 23 years of service to the Pemberton Township Police Department. Wechkus, the department’s Patrol Division commander, was not in attendance.

Multiple trailer-park licenses received

PURCHASES>>PAGE 21

RECALL>>PAGE 20

Lenape Regional Students Explore Computer Science at Special Coding Night

By Vince DeBlasio

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

The discoveries have forced officials to order a thorough cleanup of the playground and exterior of the high school. As of press time, only the cleanup of the playground has been completed.

Just one day before the playground was tested

by TTI Environmental, the New Jersey Office of Public Employees’ Occupational Safety and Health, part of the state’s Department of Labor, threatened the district with a $13,500 in fines.

The threat was initiated after inspectors inspected the high school and found three violations of the Public Employees’ Occupational Safety and Health Act (PEOSHA).

Inspectors found that the high school’s custodial and maintenance employees did not receive asbestos awareness training; the

PHOTO BY JUDY COHEN MINCHES A 3rd grader and mom enjoy LRHSD's first Coding Night event.

By Judy Cohen Minches For the Pine Barrens Tribune

EVESHAM—The Lenape Regional High School District’s (LRHSD) first Coding Night event undoubtedly shaped the lives of many of its students.

The event, which focused on coding, the language of computers, was conducted simultaneously in the four main LRHSD schools—Cherokee, Lenape, Seneca and Shawnee—on Dec. 14. Youth in grades three through eight, from the eight towns that the district comprises, were invited to participate.

Cherokee South Assistant Principal Dave New said the program was inspired by the district’s “One Book” selection, a summer reading initiative that calls for all students and staff in the district to read the same book.

This year’s selection was “Hidden Figures,” written by Margot Lee Shetterly, which highlights women who excelled in the fields of mathematics and science. It was a New York Times bestseller and the basis of a film with the same name which was nominated for three Oscars.

New said the positive outcomes of coding include creativity, confidence and collaboration and that it drives innovation and success in other areas. He also said it strengthens critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Throughout the evening, Renaissance Club high school students assisted the younger kids in the coding exercises. Activities were both online and unplugged. They were designed to engage a variety of age groups and experience levels, from novices to those more advanced.

LENAPE>>PAGE 21

Saturday, December 30, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

PAGE 7

SCANNER Three Dead After Allegedly Stealing Vehicle and Crashing into Utility Pole

Evesham Township Police Deliver Toys

PHOTO SUBMITTED The driver of a 1999 green GMC Yukon, allegedly stolen, crashed the vehicle into a utility pole outside of the Sequoia Alternative Program building on Carranza Road in Tabernacle.

PHOTO SUBMITTED A resident from the Marlton section of Evesham Township, inspired by the Evesham Township Police Department’s “Shop with a Cop” program, dropped off a bag full of new toys at the department’s headquarters. (Not Pictured)

TABERNACLE—An alleged theft of a vehicle from a restaurant parking lot in Shamong Township led to a fiery crash in neighboring Tabernacle Township that killed three people last week.

On Dec. 18, at approximately 12 p.m., the New Jersey State Police were dispatched to the Pic-a-Lilli Inn in the 800 block of Route 206 in Shamong after receiving a report of a stolen vehicle.

The vehicle was described to police as a 1999 green GMC Yukon.

Trooper Gene Hong, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police, said that as State Troopers traveled south on Route 206, responding to the scene, they observed the vehicle being driven north on the highway.

“The responding troopers turned around in an attempt to stop the vehicle,” Hong said.

“As the State Troopers began traveling north on Route 206, they observed the Yukon driving erratically, at a high rate of speed.”

Hong said responding troopers “followed the vehicle” for a short distance before the driver lost control of the SUV and ran off the side of the road.

The vehicle struck a utility pole in 100 block of Carranza Road in Tabernacle, became wrapped around it and burst into flames. The flames fully engulfed the vehicle.

The three occupants of the Yukon; Xzavier Wells, 18, of Burlington City; Nicole Ross, 16, of Shamong; and Tatiana Carter, 16, of Delanco, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Hong said all three bodies were badly burned, making the identification process difficult.

On Dec. 27, Lt. Theodore Schafer, assistant bureau chief of the New Jersey State Police’s Public Information Bureau, confirmed that Wells was the driver of the Yukon.

A family member of Wells told WCAU-TV (NBC 10 in Philadelphia) that Ross was Wells’ girlfriend and Carter was a female friend.

It’s unclear as of press time if all of the dead teens recently attended school or were actively enrolled in classes.

Burlington City High School parents received a letter on Dec. 20 which confirmed that one of the dead teens recently attended classes there.

“It is with deep regret that I inform you of a tragic automobile accident that claimed the life of a student who recently attended Burlington City High School,” said Principal James Flynn.

Flynn, however, did not confirm if the student he was referencing was Wells.

Patricia Doloughty, superintendent of the Burlington City School District, said later that Wells had been a student at Burlington City High School for approximately two months.

However, she could not divulge why Wells was no longer enrolled in the school.

Schafer said that two of the dead teens were reported missing from a state-run group home prior to the crash.

In an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, Amber Turner, Carter’s mother, said Carter wanted to find her younger sister, who is in foster care in New Jersey.

She said Wells had agreed to help and the three teens stole the Yukon.

Details on many other fronts, a week later, remained fluid, with information slowly tricking in.

Schafer, also on Dec. 27, said that state police engaged the stolen vehicle in pursuit.

“Troopers turned around and pursued same (the Yukon),” he said. “However, our troopers could not get near him (Wells) because he was going so fast.”

Schafer said the suspect’s vehicle was traveling at speeds estimated to be over 80 mph.

Several eyewitnesses and locals told members of the news media that they were concerned with a “high-speed chase taking place in a school zone” and asked about the procedure for stopping a vehicle that is driving erratically at a high rate of speed.

“The troop cars did activate their lights and sirens,” Schafer said. “The responding troopers followed the correct procedure,” again noting that the vehicle was “distant” from the troopers

CRASH>>PAGE 21

PHOTO SUBMITTED Officers jumped at the opportunity to deliver the toys to a handful of Evesham kids.

The officers’ actions warmed a lot of hearts at Christmastime.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

PAGE 8

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PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

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.

Saturday, December 30, 2017

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

Happy New Year 2018!

Thank You Ladies for Making One of My Dreams Become Closer to Reality

Take a deep breath and smile: 2018 is on our doorstep. We want to wish all of our loyal readers and advertisers a Happy New Year 2018!

Here’s to new beginnings.

Let’s give a happy adieu to the old, start the new beginnings without fear and cherish the memories we hold.

With every New Year, we urge members

of the community to volunteer, give back, and take a harder look at participating in government.

Volunteering in your town and participating in government ensures a brighter and better tomorrow.

We are hopeful that 2018 is a year full of peace, prosperity, good cheer and happiness.

Social Media Sound Off (Re: Policeman from Woodland Helps Organize Fundraiser for Cancer Research on Behalf of Man Battling Colorectal Cancer) Now that’s an example of taking care of your fellow man! What a wonderful gesture! Thank you Eddie Vincent!

Terry Sheerin (Re: Policeman from Woodland Helps Organize Fundraiser for Cancer Research on Behalf of Man Battling Colorectal Cancer) Great job Eddie!

Maryalice Camiscioni Brown (Re: Policeman from Woodland Helps Organize Fundraiser for Cancer Research on Behalf of Man Battling Colorectal Cancer) Thanks Eddie Vincent! You were always a great kid and I am so proud of you for doing this.

Michael Ruggiano (Re: Letter to the Editor: Congressman MacArthur is an Opportunist) I just do not trust him. I would never vote for him! He is not for the middle class!

Doris Lang (Re: Letter to the Editor: Congressman MacArthur is an Opportunist) MacArthur has sold us out time and time again. He is a first class tool for special interests. Of course, he is for tax cuts for the wealthy, no matter who gets hurt.

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

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE Established 2016

Douglas D. Melegari, Publisher, CEO Pat Carney, Senior Graphic Artist Adam Tait III, Copy Editor Colleen Jordan, Copy Editor, Graphic Artist Vince DeBlasio, Copy Editor P.O. Box 2402, Vincentown, NJ 08088 Locally owned and published.

I am a 71-year-old, self-employed business person who has been an activist my entire life.

I tell everyone that it is a personality defect; but when I see that something broken, I try to fix it.

I have had two dreams in our political environment.

The First: Have primary elections, like our general elections, held on the same day in every state.

For years, I have to written our elected officials and pleaded with them to consider making changes to the scheduling of elections.

This request is so that we all may have the opportunity to vote for the same slate of candidates.

The Second: Initiate a movement to have term limits for U.S. Senators and Congressmen.

Of course, my pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

It is the only issue that the two parties agree to oppose.

We have term limits for the Presidency of the U.S. Why don’t we have them in place for our senators and congressmen?

I am sick and tired of the 20, 30 and 40 year elected officials. Everyone says you can vote them out of office. Good luck!

At least one of my major dreams is closer to becoming a reality.

I am ecstatic to give credit to the women in our country for stepping up to the plate and saying enough is enough. This inappropriate sexual behavior by our male elected officials has got to stop.

I predict in 2018 we will see many of these “lifer” politicians telling us that they have decided not to seek reelection so they can spend more time with their families. Yeah, sure.

Ladies, thank you.

Richard G. Gober Ventnor, New Jersey

Cartoons

Saturday, December 30, 2017

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PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

COMMUNITY

E-Mail Story Ideas and Community Events: news@pinebarrenstribune.com

Events

January 6 Event: Utility, Energy & Construction Training and Careers Location: Mount Laurel Details: Rowan College at Burlington County is offering a free training and education program to help eligible individuals interested in a career in the Utility, Energy and Construction industries. The course includes: an introduction to energy and utility sectors, principles and concepts impacting the energy industry, compliance with safe work environments, electric power generation, natural gas transmission and distribution.

To register for this 60-minute information session, contact Alison Dejoseph at adejoseph@rcbc.edu. Saturday, January 6, 10 a.m., Rowan College at Burlington County, 900 College Circle TEC Center, Room 208, Mount Laurel.

January 7 Event: Legacy Information Day Location: Whiting Details: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Whiting is hosting a Legacy Information Day from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in the Parish Hall. A panel of professionals will discuss matters of family importance, such as wills and estates. For more information, call 732-350-2121.

January 9 Event: Tech Class – Google Drive Location: Jackson Details: The Jackson Branch of the Ocean County Library is hosting a tech class, spotlighting Google Drive. Learn to upload files and folders, organize documents and more. 2 p.m. Located

at 2 Jackson Drive. Participants must have a Gmail account and know their passwords.

January 15

Event: Thyroid Support Group Location: Whiting Details: January is Thyroid Awareness Month. Join the Thyroid Event: Walk in the Woods Support Group at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539 Location: Chatsworth Details: Meet up with Master Naturalist Kathy Gardiner in Whiting at 10 a.m. The purpose of the meeting is to educate, at the Franklin Parker Preserve South Gate (Route 563), near support and to answer questions about thyroids. For more Chatsworth, at 9 a.m. This free hike is on mostly flat ground, information, call Stephanie at 732-350-2904.

5-8 miles. Bring your lunch and drink. Severe weather cancels.

Register by contacting Kathy at 609-296-6574, or 609-405- January 16 Event: Microsoft Word 2 0360. www.njparksandforests.org Location: Jackson January 11 Details: The Jackson Branch of the Ocean County Library is presenting a class on Microsoft Word, 2 p.m. Learn to insert page Event: Genealogy Seminar numbers, headers, footers, tables, text boxes, clip art and more.

Location: Medford Details: Every family has a story! Join Professional Genealogist Must have some experience with Microsoft Word.

Lora Kline and learn how to use the internet to discover your story. This 90-minute seminar will be held on January 11 at 7 January 17 p.m., at the Medford Senior Center, 44 Charles Street. The cost Event: Free Diabetes Self-Management Workshop Series is $10. For reservations, email fhdnj123@gmail.com, or call Location: Pemberton Details: Are you a person with Medicare living with diabetes 609-206-1842. or know someone who is? Take control of your health through a January 12 free and fun six-week workshop series. Learn about preventing complications, healthy eating, exercise, medication management, Event: Microsoft Word Basics dealing with stress and depression, action planning and much Location: Jackson Details: The Jackson Branch of the Ocean County Library more. The workshop series will take place at the Pemberton is presenting a class on Microsoft Word Basics, 10 a.m. Learn Township Recreation Department on 69 Tensaw Dr. in Browns to create and format a document, write text, change font size Mills. Workshops are on Wednesdays, Jan. 17 to Feb. 21, 2018, and color, print, and more. Must have mouse and keyboard from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free literature and resources will be provided. To register, call Jarmaine Williams at (732) 955-8168. skills.

January 10

PEMBERTON TWP. SENIOR CITIZEN COLUMN Many Senior Programs and Activities Will Ring in the New Year

By Ebba Liguori

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—Seniors from Pemberton Township have enjoyed a lot of parties during this holiday season. The parties featured plenty of good meals and even some dancing.

A few seniors do not have family close by, so they spend the holidays alone. These parties become very important to the lonely seniors.

The Pemberton Township Senior Center and Pemberton Township Senior Council provide many opportunities for socialization. If you are

a senior in the area, please make a stop at the center and register. Make new friends and try some new activities to fill your time.

One final party was held on Friday, Dec. 22.

There is a group of seniors who have been singing together for quite some time. This group is often called “The Senior Choir.” The group includes Leigh Kush, Miriam Goller, Juliette Elmore and Olivia Hawthorne, with Freddy Elmore as the director.

Mark Arnz serves as the keyboardist.

One may remember that he also was one of

Come

the winners in the recent talent show when he played the guitar, so Arnz is a man of many talents.

The group sang a selection of Christmas songs and carols. Of course, the seniors joined in whenever they knew the words. It was a fitting way to spend the last day the center before it closed for Christmas.

On Tuesday, Dec. 19, Margaret Graiff brought her Bingo equipment to the senior center for a morning of Bingo. She gave out gift cards to winners and had door prizes.

Worship With Us

Come and try your luck at a future Bingo session, as it is well worth the effort. One does not need to sign up in advance, but seats do fill quickly. Stay tuned to future senior columns for 2018 dates and times.

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; except major holidays; there are exercise classes to participate in. A video designed for seniors is played and about 30 or more seniors participate in a two-mile march.

This activity helps seniors keep physically

PROGRAMS>>PAGE 10

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Saturday, December 30, 2017

PROGRAMS PAGE 9

fit without straining muscles. Following this activity is line dancing, again with about 30 or more participants. There is also an exercise room with equipment for individual exercise.

New pieces of equipment are often added, so check out the exercise room.

A few seniors take short walks around the block when the weather permits.

On Monday and Thursday mornings, Fran Love is holding a craft class. Participants are finishing “bird house” centerpieces for the annual Senior Prom in April.

This is a special project which will provide numerous door prizes for the event. All are invited to join this project and help make the 2018 Senior Prom more special.

Love works on other craft projects during the year and always welcomes newcomers.

Every Wednesday morning there is a Bible Study group which meets in the library. It is non-denominational and all are welcome to participate.

If you need to work on a computer, there are three computers available for the seniors’ use.

Often, small groups meet in the library to play Bingo or some board games. Suggest a subject or game and someone is sure to want to join in.

Don’t forget, non-drivers can use a free bus service. Pemberton Township is working hard to get seniors out and about. Most activities are free and available to all seniors.

The Pemberton Township Senior Center is closed on Monday, Jan.1, New Year’s Day. The usual schedule will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 2, with daily nutritious lunches served at about 11:30 a.m. One must sign up for lunches in advance to help in planning quantities. One may phone 609-893-4400 to sign up (or cancel).

There is an answering machine to take your messages. Walk-ins are served lunch if there are cancellations. Speak to the staff when entering the center, or phone in your request during the night.

Important programs will be offered in the New Year.

The “Learn to Control Your Diabetes” six-week workshop will be presented at the Country Lakes Club House, 69 Tensaw Drive,

beginning on Wednesday, Jan.18, 2018.

The workshop was held some months ago and was very popular with the seniors. All of the presenters were well trained and the information was pertinent. The workshop is open to those on Medicare, even if the covered do not participate in senior programs.

The workshop, which begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m., will run on succeeding Wednesdays through Feb. 21, 2018. Different topics will be covered each week. Booklets and material handouts will be included.

One must sign up to attend and after the first week, no new signups will be permitted. To sign-up, contact Jarmaine Williams at 732-9558168.

An educational seminar on Medicare will be held at the senior center on Friday, Jan. 12, 2018.

It will begin at 10:30 a.m. It is an educational program and no plan-specific benefits of details will be shared.

The speaker will be John A. Billetdoux of BGA Insurance Group. He is a licensed insurance agent. Topics covered will include a person’s

rights and entitlements within Medicare, steps to take as one approaches age 65, and differences in the Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Supplement. If you are approaching Medicare eligibility, this could be a valuable seminar to attend. For pre-registration, contact Billetdoux at 856-324-3108.

Tickets are on sale now for a Jan. 31 trip to The Sands Casino in Bethlehem, Pa. Tickets are $25 for resident seniors and include a $5 lunch voucher and $20 casino card.

There is a food mall and an outlet shopping mall attached to the casino. The casino is not too large and access to restaurants and the mall is convenient. A bus depot is under a cover, so cold or inclement weather should not affect the day’s activities. There is a heated room available to wait for the bus, too.

The Senior Center is located in the Browns Mills section of Pemberton Township, on Brook Street, across from the U.S. Post Office.

It is open from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. daily; except on major holidays.

Happy New Year!

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Saturday, December 30, 2017

Saturday, December 30, 2017

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Saturday, December 30, 2017

Saturday, December 30, 2017

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PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

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.

Cheese Genes, Video Addiction and Missing Toenails, Oh My! As 2018 arrives, I wanted to dissect the weird and possibly true headlines of 2017.

World Health Organization to Officially Recognize Video Gaming Disorder as a Mental-Health Problem.

Gaming is an official disease, and classified as a mental-health disorder. The symptoms include anxiety, withdrawal symptoms and anti-social behavior as well as the obvious, becoming non-productive! This disorder will surely generate a lot of money for companies who can “treat” the condition, which by the way, impacts the same parts of your brain as alcohol, porn, gambling and shopping.

Eating Cheese Every Day May Protect Your Heart.

I’m not sure why, but this headline cracked me up! If there’s a cheese gene, I have it because I love cheese. If you’re a cheese lover, this will give you a new excuse to make Baked Brie with Blackberry Compote. Mmm! Researchers suggest that eating about an ounce and a half of cheese every day could help to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke!

It isn’t going to “protect your heart” in my opinion. It’s loaded with casein and saturated fats, but I’ll still mentally award an A plus to the researchers for making me drool. FYI, if you have MAO genetic SNPs (or take MAO inhibitor drugs), avoid cheese due to the tyramine content, it can provoke a headache or worse!

Do Hair Dyes Increase the Risk of Prostate Cancer?

In the study I read, the answer isn’t a clear yes or no regarding prostate cancer. This type of headline is not a new one. Researchers have been trying to clearly define the risks of certain chemicals in hair dye, and find out which colors

are most toxic. Certain compounds called “aromatic amines” are found in high concentrations in hair dyes and we know they do trigger cancer growth in lab animals, however, it’s not as clear with humans. Though several population-based studies do suggest higher rates of leukemia, non-Hodgkins lymphoma or multiple myeloma in women who use hair dyes, the highest risk is actually seen in hairdressers who experience more bladder and blood-related cancers (like those listed above) but remember, they work with these chemicals all day long so exposure is high.

Low Thyroid Levels Affect A Woman’s Fertility.

Agreed, this very topic was covered in one of my books in 2010, seven years ago! It just made headlines in 2017. Low thyroid can definitely contribute to infertility, miscarriage and premature births. It’s easy to test for and repair.

Weird Health Benefits of Stress.

It’s true that a little stress can temporarily improve your mental sharpness, but chronic stress can deplete your adrenals so I’d say it’s best to minimize your stress levels as much as you can. Stressful situations increase bonding with friends, relatives and your spouse. That’s why if you’re stuck in an airport overnight, you might make new friends after sharing the experience. The reason is short-term stress boosts oxytocin, a bonding hormone. Further, people are forced to rescue you, if not physically, then emotionally. The trouble with this is some people thrive on stress in their life because it victimizes them, provoking others to give them attention and affection. It can even become the glue in an otherwise bad marriage.

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.

“New Year’s Resolutions” Every year millions of people around the world self reflect on their most inner demons.

From those demons they set forth a realistic goal for themselves to begin a brand new year on the right track.

This goal is commonly known as a New Year’s Resolution.

They devote themselves to give 100% effort toward an obtainable goal with intentions on reaching the goal at any cost. More often than not, these New Year’s Resolutions start off strong but quickly dissolve into nothing more than another item on their wish list.

Joining a gym to exercise and get healthy is among the most common New Year’s Resolutions around the world. New Year’s Day comes and goes, and many people never obtain their resolution because they don’t set themselves up for success. Often, they procrastinate and tell themselves “I’ll go join the gym tomorrow”, letting themselves off the hook for that day.

One bit of advice is to find a gym that offers you an opportunity for a FREE 21-Day Gym and Training Trial. Make sure it includes a complimentary personal MF PineBarrens DEC 2017_Layout 1 12/17/2017 training assessment so that you are set up

for success from the first day. A gym that offers a trial longer than a week or two shows that they are confident in their club and it removes all the pressures of commitment and financial obligation, so you can determine if it is right for you.

Find a gym that offers every element of health and fitness including Group Exercise Classes, Small & Large Group Training, an Indoor Heated Pool, Racquetball, a FREE Nursery, Kids Programs, Senior Classes, Spin & Kickboxing Classes to keep you motivated.

Don’t let another year pass you by. Start this year off right and set yourself up for success.

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Saturday, December 30, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

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?”

Who Has Time to Shop Early, Anyway?

Well folks, here it comes, ready or not! It’s the Christmas celebration of 2017.

Can you stinking believe it? It snuck around the corner, dipped its big toe in at first, and then took a plunge before splashing us with all of its splendor.

It’s almost as if it didn’t even care.

There are fine people who begin preparations for the season months in advance.

Then they brag that they were ready for the season last July to normal people who are still sitting amongst their soggy pumpkins and frozen fall décor come December 1st.

I would have told one such woman off, put her in her place and stuck her on my Do Not Call list, if it hadn’t been for one thing - she’s my mother.

The woman is the poster child for efficiency.

She’s the Martha Stewart of holiday planning, and if folks received grades for Christmas preparedness, she’d earn a stinking “A+” every doggoned time.

Along about December 24th, when certain people such as myself have a “to do” list a mile long and are running short of elves, a person could come to resent a woman like that.

I often wish my apple hadn’t fallen so far from my mother’s tree, but it did. Still, I can’t blame me. I spend my days doing what I have to do, washing what I have to wash and paying what needs to be paid. And as near as I can recall, there just wasn’t a day last July when I had an abundance of time left at sunset to embroider tea towels for unexpected holiday guests.

Oh, the shame.

Still, with a spin of words from the great Dr. Suess, Christmas came, it came just the same.

Although I can’t do it with all of the ease and grace of my dear mother, I think I’m getting close to ready. All I need to do is get a list from one of our four sons so he has something under the tree, purchase and wrap items from our local Sports Shoppe and flog myself for not getting

some of this stuff done last week.

I’ll need to shop for the Christmas feast, grab a turkey, a sack of potatoes and purchase (back to Dr. Suess), that rare Who roast beast.

I’ll need to finish the decorating, toss out those rotten pumpkins and look up possible ramifications for sticking a bow on a department store sack and calling it “wrapped.”

Looking back, I don’t know that I’ve ever been so far behind. I have to say, I’m starting to get it now, Mom. Albeit hard to believe, there are no more minutes in December than there are in August, so do yourself a favor and start early.

While other fine folks are resting from the holidays and readying to settle in for a long winters’ nap, I should put on sneakers and show up at the crack of dawn for the after-Christmas sales. After all, the astute shopper realizes that there are only 364 shopping days left.

Then I should take it all home, wrap it up and make it ready. Perhaps this next March, I’ll have some fun by whipping up refined gifts when ideas are fresh and thread runs cheap.

Maybe I’ll even make the most of my free-time waiting in line at the bank by crocheting doilies.

While other folks are setting off fireworks and dining on apple pie, I’ll remember that July can be better spent needle-pointing for the cousin who has everything.

Yep, I’m going to send me a reminder to try to do better for Christmas of 2018. I’ll take a page out of my mother’s, “It’s never too early…” handbook and do some early preparing.

I’ll make lists in the doctor’s office, delegate unnecessary chores to family members, and make a plan to have those presents wrapped before I put out the aforementioned fall pumpkins.

But whatever changes lie before me, whatever provisions are made, one thing is for sure—any and all of our unexpected guests can embroider their own dang tea towels.

© 2017 LORI CLINCH

C R O S S W O R D

Across 1 “I Love Lucy” airer 4 Search, in a way 9 “I Love Lucy” role 14 Caucasian native 15 Havens 16 __ football 17 Detergent in a red container 18 Kind of curl 19 More miffed 20 O 23 Inca __: Peruvian soft drink 24 Taxing people?

25 Meet at the poker table 26 Twitter follower, usually 28 Horseshoe-shaped boat part 32 O 37 Garden pond fish 38 Crook’s invention 39 Meteor tail?

40 Ancient Greek physician 42 Author Deighton 43 O 46 Angles for iron users 48 Course for newcomers: Abbr.

49 “... __ the set of sun”: “Macbeth” 50 Seven-film franchise

P U Z Z L E

52 Smooth over 56 Site of confused activity, and a hint to 20-, 32- and 43-Across 61 Stockpile 62 Sportscast analysis 63 “Rumour __ It”: 2011 Adele hit 64 First sign 65 In need of change?

66 Spacewalk initials 67 Brief copy?

68 Spoke Abyssinian?

69 “L.A. Law” actress

21 Classic 20-Across 22 Genesis name 27 Was supervised by 28 R.E.M.’s “The __ Love” 29 St. with a panhandle 30 “Fargo” director 31 Warmhearted 32 Undisguised 33 Toast topping 34 Word seen under a deer silhouette 35 YouTube clips, for short 36 RR schedule listing Down 41 More capable 1 It’s always dated 44 Hungarian wine region 2 Grand Canyon animal 45 Widely criticized 1985 product 3 Spiral-shelled creature introduction 4 View from the Qilian Mountains 47 Rude sort 5 Coming down 50 Bedroom noise 6 Muppet in a can 51 Warmly lit 7 Strips off 53 Yearned 8 “Outside the Lines” airer 54 Polished 9 Hidden DVD features 55 SAT part that’s judged 10 Garden tool 56 Wielder of Mjölnir 11 Sub 57 Perfect 12 U.S. dept. with a windmill on 58 Grating sound its seal 59 SALT topic 13 Escapade 60 More than annoyed

S U D O K U

ANSWERS ON PAGE 22

Saturday, December 30, 2017

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PAGE 17

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ARMY PAGE 1

who gathered. “You are truly a hero, sir.”

The returning soldier, besides being an EMT, was also a volunteer firefighter for Vincent Fire Co., based in the Vincentown section of Southampton, for three years before his deployment.

Members of both first responder organizations were in attendance at the celebration.

“That is why we are here,” Silver said. “We are just full of gratitude for all you give. You have found your purpose in life to serve, give back, help others, and save lives. It’s such an honor to stand next to you. Thank you for your service.”

Grannan received proclamations from a representative of Congressman Tom MacArthur (NJ-R-3d), Assemblyman Joseph Howarth (NJ-R-8th) and Burlington County Freeholder Linda Hughes.

“On behalf of Senator Dawn Marie Addiego; Assemblywoman Maria Rodriguez-Gregg; and our new Assemblyman-Elect Ryan Peters, who is a Navy Seal; we can’t express our gratitude enough to you,” Howarth said. “This is a heck of a Christmas present to come home to.”

Howarth said it is really important for Grannan to see the support of his community.

“I want to also thank everyone here today, because there are a million things that everybody else could be doing right now,” he said. “Thank you for showing up today.”

Hughes not only thanked Grannan, but also his family.

“Sean, thank you for your service and for everything you do here at home,” she said.

“I also want to say thank you to your family because I know that you sacrifice a lot as well.

I want to thank everyone who’s been impacted by your deployment.”

Hughes said Burlington County residents and the Board of Chosen Freeholders are really proud to have Grannan as a resident.

Among all of the people paying tribute to Grannan, he seemed most surprised and pleased to see a former high-school teacher, Rachel Belville.

Belville is also an adviser for the Yellow Ribbon Club of Shawnee High School.

“Thank you Mrs. Belville,” said Grannan during his address to the crowd. “Without you, I probably would not have gotten in the Army, because I would not have graduated from high school.”

Belville explained some of the work of the 50-student group.

“We come to the ‘welcome homes’ for anybody who is an alumnus of Shawnee,” she said. “We also help (put together) the care packages that are sent from Operation Yellow Ribbon. The last (welcome home) we did was last spring. Anything Dave Silver sends to us, that we can help out with, we do.”

Grannan, with his fiancée by his side, expressed gratitude for all of the supporters who came out to surprise him.

“I’d like to thank everybody for coming out,” he said. “I remember going to these (welcome home ceremonies) as a kid. I was an 8th grade class president and this was one of the things I always wanted to get involved in, because it was always near and dear to my heart.”

Grannan also paid tribute to others who came before him.

“It’s really not about me,” he said. “I’ve got it easy. When you look at some of these Vietnam guys, they had it tougher than I did. I’m just carrying the next flag forward. I give nothing

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

but credit to all of the former veterans, because without them, I never could’ve done this.”

Grannan will be leaving the area on Jan. 2, 2018 to return to duty at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas.

But, for him, it has already been a whirlwind of a trip home.

Not only was his flight delayed because of a snowstorm, but he was at his bachelor party in Atlantic City the night before the surprise celebration.

On Dec. 29, he and his high school sweetheart, Shuster, were scheduled to get married at Bradford Estates in Hainesport.

“The (wedding) planning was all me,” said Shuster, a 22-year-old Seneca graduate who recently received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is planning to move with Grannan to Texas. “I just gave him direction from the phone.”

A year ago, shortly before Grannan’s deployment to the Middle East, it was Shuster’s turn to be surprised.

“They got engaged at the Vincentown firehouse,” said Lori Shuster, Amanda Shuster’s sister-in-law. “It was a surprise for Amanda. She thought that when he got home from his first training, she was throwing a party for him there. But, when she opened up the firehouse’s doors, there he was asking her to marry him.”

Joanne Lyons, Grannan’s mother, said Amanda Shuster is a wonderful person.

“I couldn’t ask for a better daughter-in-law,” Lyons said. “They’re alike in many ways. It was really tough for her with him being away for so long. But, she had more time to plan for the wedding.”

Grannan made a similar impact on the Shuster family. Bill Shuster, Amanda Shuster’s brother, said he and his wife, Lori, have two little boys.

“He (Grannan) is always good with our kids,” Bill Shuster said. “He’ll make a good father. He is a good, hard worker—that’s for sure. My boys love playing with him and they’re glad to have him back.”

Bill Shuster said his one son, Billy, wrote Grannan letters and drew pictures for him while he was away.

It seems that being in the Army and serving others has always been Grannan’s genes. His mother said he would often dress up in Army gear when he was little.

“I’ve always wanted to be in the Army since I was five,” Grannan said. “My Dad was a fireman. My Stepdad is a nurse. Everyone has always been in emergency services (in the family) and that is what drove me to want to give back.”

Even though Lyons is proud of her only child, she said she is also worried about him.

“Syria was a very scary situation,” she said.

“When I was in the hospital recently, I was told not to watch television. But, I didn’t have anything else to keep myself occupied—so I cried many, many times. All his pictures were my shrine in my hospital room.”

Lyons added that she had nothing but praise for Operation Yellow Ribbon.

“We don’t know where they are going to send him (after Ft. Hood), but I’ve been sending him care packages and the Yellow Ribbon Club did a great job of sending him things as well,” she said. “He shared everything he received with the other troops.”

“I brought him many times in past years to Yellow Ribbon events, to see other people, and we never thought there would be a day just for him. I know he’s shocked by today.”

Saturday, December 30, 2017

PHOTO BY RYAN MARCHESE Flag waving Operation Yellow Ribbon volunteers await Grannan’s arrival.

PHOTO BY RYAN MARCHESE Grannan receives congratulations from a veteran of another era.

PHOTO BY RYAN MARCHESE Burlington County Freeholder Linda Hughes welcomes Grannan with a proclamation.

Saturday, December 30, 2017

SECRETARY PAGE 2

Hager began his career in education in 1986 when he was hired by the New Jersey Department of Education. He held a few positions at the department before he was later designated business administrator for Burlington and Gloucester counties.

“He later left the state’s Department of Education and was a school business administrator for two different districts prior to his arrival in the Lenape Regional High School District in 2003,” Birnbohm said. “He was also a trustee and finance committee member of the Burlington County Joint Insurance Fund (JIF).”

Birnbohm said Hager made “doing the job right” a priority. She said in doing so, Hager made the district’s staff and students safe, helped the district’s educators focus their attention on education, and saved the district’s taxpayers greatly.

“Jim wasn’t afraid of changing the way we do business, (especially) if it meant more resources for our students and more time for our supervisors and principals to focus on teachers, instruction and learning,” Birnbohm said.

The district’s superintendent said Hager streamlined certain vendor services and also centralized the purchase of printers, textbooks, copiers and computers.

“For a few years, we even built our own computers,” Birnbohm said. “Then, when it was more cost effective to buy them complete, we switched.”

Birnbohm listed a number of “accomplishments and proud moments” in the district’s history and attributed them to Hager—saying they were “visible and noticeable.”

Some of the things she listed included the passage of an $89-million bond referendum to expand, renovate and improve Lenape, Shawnee and Cherokee North High Schools; receipt of donations for turf fields and driving simulators; renovation of athletic

TOWER PAGE 4

Council did not comment on what action they may take. The property in question is maintained by the federal government.

Lake also said there is virtually no handicapped accessibility at a TD Bank located at 68 Elizabeth St. in the borough.

“There is no place in the parking lot where people, who are handicapped—like people who have a walker or a cane—can park near the front door,” Lake said. “Is there some reason this can’t be done or is it a historical piece of property?”

Griffin said he recently addressed handicapped accessibility concerns at the bank with a new branch manager.

“He is in contact with a department called ‘Operations,’” Griffin said. “He is looking into whether there should be marks in the parking lot for handicapped spots or whether or not anything else should be done to the building to make it handicapped accessible.”

Lake said the bank’s back door is also unsuitable for the handicapped.

“The back door is so heavy—my word—you really have to push to open it up,” she said.

Griffin agreed that it is very difficult for the handicapped to enter the bank through the back door.

“I have expressed to him whether or not there are supposed to be a couple of spots for

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bleachers and implementation of new student and staff schedules.

“When we decided to switch our student schedule to a four-day rotating schedule, which would see all of our students eating lunch at the same time, his only question was, ‘What do we need to make this work?’” Birnbohm said.

The six-year superintendent also touted a number of Hager’s accomplishments that she said were not so visible, including his efforts to establish shared-services with area K-8 school districts.

“Under Jim’s leadership, our region developed joint services for things like banking, trash removal, recycling and transportation, which saved money for us and all eight surrounding school districts,” Birnbohm said.

She said Hager also worked to refinance bonds to create significant gross budgetary savings over several years and had the district join the Energy Market Exchange (EMEX) to save on energy costs.

Birnbohm discussed what she believed were two different meanings of a business administrator doing his or her job “right.” She said the first is to correctly account for the financial health of a district. She said the second is to ethically approach all responsibilities and alleviate a lot of the pressure most superintendents and board members feel with respect to school finance.

“Our facilities are safe because Jim ensured he had the staff in place who shared his philosophy that student and staff safety are paramount,” Birnbohm said. “It is clear that Jim took great pride in not only his ethical approach to being a school business administrator, but his entire department’s ethical approach.”

Somewhat ironically, during public comment, Ebony Kinder, a 12-year resident of Mount Laurel and mother of three children, two of whom attend Lenape High School, expressed concern with the district’s Athletic and Extracurricular Activity Participation Fee. Every district student who participates in

at least one athletic or extracurricular activity requiring a paid coach or advisor is required to pay the district $200 to participate. A $400 cap is in place for families with three or more participating students.

Kinder said she wanted to know when and why the district adopted a “pay-to-play policy,” how athletic or extracurricular activities were funded prior to the adoption of the policy and what the collected fees are used for.

Hager used his “business lens” that Birnbohm touted during the preceding ceremony to provide a detailed response to the parent. It also gave him an opportunity to reflect on his most trying time as the district’s business administrator.

“It was adopted in 2010,” Hager said. “That year was Governor (Chris) Christie’s first year in office. He came in (to office) and dramatically reduced state aid to districts across the state. We were particularly hard hit. He reduced our state aid and took certain reserves to the tune of $7.6 million.”

He said when the reduction in state aid to the district happened; his office reviewed the district’s entire instructional program and evaluated all staff.

“We did everything we could to cut expenses within the district,” Hager said. “We reduced our number of employees by approximately 10 percent. We went with a privatization of our food service.”

He said all of the employees let go were non-instructional individuals.

“Prior to that, we instituted a fee for (student) parking and all extracurricular activities,” Hager said. “Money generated by those (fees) supports those (extracurricular) programs.

“The money goes towards the salaries or stipends of club advisors and coaches. It does not pay for the entire amount. It is simply used as revenue to support that.”

Hager said if the board was to remove the fees, the district would have no choice but to pull back on the number activities offered to

students.

“It is about $800,000 that we collect from the fees,” Hager said. “(Before that), they were fully funded through state aid—we lost $7.6 million—and local tax dollars.”

He said in 2010, when the fee was implemented, the district also increased taxes dramatically to make up for the shortfall.

“In fact, I think taxes in Mount Laurel increased by about 9.8 percent,” Hager said.

“Why do I remember that? Mount Laurel had a particularly high impact that year.”

Board President Linda M. Eckenhoff called Hager’s retention of facts “impressive.”

Birnbohm said the fee is waived for any family in need.

“If you are struggling, please write a letter to the principal (of your children’s’ school),” she said. “We would never deny access to any student who wants to be in a club or a sport because of financial needs.”

Kinder later told this newspaper that she is not in need of any financial assistance, but thinks the fee should just not be assessed. “$400 a year is a considerable amount of money to pay considering that I already purchase shoes and practice gear for my children,” she said.

Hager will be replaced by Constance Stewart, the district’s assistant business administrator.

“We are sad to see him go, but we know that his department and the methodologies he employed will continue operate efficiently under Connie’s leadership,” Birnbohm said.

Before Eckenhoff adjourned the meeting, Board Member David Stow paid tribute to Hager one last time, which received thunderous applause from board members and district officials.

“I want to let him know that his legacy in the Lenape District is going to be the height at which he set the bar,” Stow said. “As an alumnus, the husband of an alumnus and the parent of two alumni, I want to thank him for all he has done for the Lenape District.”

handicapped vehicles (near the front door) for residents who are handicapped,” Griffin said.

Resident Steve Fenster questioned why council was not following the rules of the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). Council went into executive session before the regular public meeting and did not announce the generalities of what they were discussing and the length of time they would be meeting behind closed doors—all requirements of the act.

“I think you need to look at the OPMA for rules on entering executive session,” he said.

“When you go into executive session, the resolution must include as much detail as possible. You need to tell us the subject of the session.”

Griffin said he would take the blame for not announcing the subject of the session.

“Normally, I will do that,” he said. “The only thing we discussed tonight in executive session was the water ordinance. Council didn’t know everything concerning the water ordinance that I knew.”

Fenster seemed satisfied with Griffin’s response.

Lois Sickles, another borough resident, did not mince words as she expressed outrage with the aesthetics of a local business.

“You come from White Dotte (Dairy Bar) into the borough and the first thing you see on your left is Thompson’s Lawn and Garden Center,” she said. “It is a disgrace to come into our town and see this junkyard.”

Griffin said Burlington County is addressing “concerns” with the owner of the business.

“The county is taking most of his parking lot when they widen the road (County Route 530),” he said. “They are addressing that issue of what it looks like in the front. They have had the County Board of Health there.”

Sickles also called for trees to be planted on Hanover Street, a boarded-up red house at the corner of Antis and Hanover Streets to be repaired, and something to be done to a building which served as the borough’s school until it was closed in 2008.

Griffin said the borough’s Planning Board has addressed the red house at 115 Hanover Street. He said the home’s owners plan to restore it to what it looked like in a historical picture displayed in the borough’s meeting room.

The longtime borough mayor said the borough’s elementary school will be demolished maybe as early as next year and replaced with tennis courts.

Griffin said the municipality didn’t receive from Burlington County the amount of grant money it needed to help fund the demolition.

“We are addressing that in next year’s budget to do something with the school,” he said.

Resident Diane Fanucci called again on council to install recycling containers in public places throughout the borough.

As this newspaper previously reported,

Fanucci’s request led to a heated exchange between her, Griffin, and Council President Robin Mosher during a November council meeting.

“I was told by a certain council member that people put trash on the ground, so why do we need recycling containers?” she said. “Through that logic, why do we need trash cans? If you say that people are just going to throw trash on the ground, you might as well not put a trash can out. So, that logic is faulty.”

Fanucci also urged Councilman Tim Quinlan to reconsider after he announced last month that he would not be seeking reelection three years from now.

“I wish he would stay because he is someone who stays on top of everyone and we need more people like him on town council,” she said. “I wish you wouldn’t leave.”

Fanucci’s comments were only met with a “mhmm” from Griffin, but the mayor did wish her a “Merry Christmas” when she concluded her remarks.

The meeting concluded with an announcement that was met with loud clapping and cheers.

“For those of you who don’t know, Mrs. Melissa Tettemer is making a stained-glass window, with the borough’s logo, for the front door (of the municipal building) at no cost to the borough—except for whatever the glass costs,” Griffin said. “Now, that is a volunteer!”

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RECALL PAGE 6

district failed to develop a written hazardcommunication program in the workplace; and the district failed to maintain a written plan describing how it will achieve compliance with a state law that sets indoor air-quality standards.

A few weeks ago, Jeff Epstein, co-founder and editor of Citizens’ Media TV, discovered that an altered version of the Sept. 10 letter from Epic Environmental was distributed during a Nov. 14 construction meeting.

Epic’s Sept. 10 recommendations “that rooftop activities cease immediately” and “that routine air sampling for asbestos and total dust be performed in the areas beneath the asbestos roofing” was replaced with “however, these areas must still be isolated for safety and general air-quality concerns.”

Epstein said Williams and Susan Ernst, school board president, received the altered letter. Ernst later confirmed to this newspaper that she was one of the recipients.

Ernst could not explain why the letter was distributed or existed. She said she temporarily left the meeting to take a phone call as the letter was handed out and wasn’t sure if it was discussed.

“Yes, I can confirm that a letter from Epic Environmental, quite different from the one posted on the webpage, was presented by Chuck Romanoli (principal partner for New Road Construction who is overseeing the roofing project) during this meeting,” Ernst said. “He removed the letter from his folder, at which time I received a personal phone call.

“I excused myself from the meeting and took the phone call. When I re-entered the meeting, the representatives from Pinelands in attendance were looking at the letter, noting the differences. Though a few copies were made, I did not receive a copy. It was sent to me two days later upon my request. If there was discussion between New Road Construction, Garrison Architects (roofing project architects), and Pinelands representatives, I am unaware of it as I was not in the room immediately after the letter was presented.”

Williams did not return an email seeking comment on the altered letter.

When reached by phone for comment on the letter and other items related to the debacle, he said, “I am heading into a construction meeting to try and fix this mess. I don’t have time to talk right now.”

When asked if he would have time to speak to this newspaper later, Williams hung up the phone and he never called back.

During this month’s Bass River Township Board of Commissioners meeting, Deborah Buzby-Cope, mayor of Bass River Township, read from a letter that the township received from a group of concerned Pinelands parents called “Parents on a Mission.”

The group told the township that they have been “stonewalled, lied to and out-right disregarded” by Pinelands Regional officials and board members.

The letter requested that the township help conduct an investigation of district officials for “criminal negligence, mismanagement, dereliction of their sworn duties and possible collusion.”

The letter also requested assistance from other district sending towns, the N.J. Department Environmental Protection, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, N.J. Attorney General’s Office, FBI, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department and New Jersey State Police.

Shortly after reading the letter, Buzby-Cope said she had not spoken to Williams.

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Resident Kevin Foder said that Williams not reaching out to Buzby-Cope, or the township, is a problem.

“I find this is a problem—a big problem,” he said. “He is our representative for us as taxpayers. People are sending their kids to school there. We can’t get hold of him and can’t get any answers from him. Does he just have a title? Is that why he has that slot?”

Foder asked Buzby-Cope to explain the procedure for “getting rid of him on the school board” and “putting someone else in his spot to do the job.”

Buzby-Cope said she would have Township Solicitor JoAnne O’Connor “look into” what needs to be done to recall Williams.

“I will,” O’Connor said.

Foder said Williams is supposed to be answering questions and he is not.

“The mayor says she has called him, tried to talk to him, and he doesn’t answer,” said Foder to the commissioners. “Well, the man is not doing the job he was elected to do. He is supposed to go there, come back and report to you guys. You are supposed to report to us because we can’t make it to their meetings.”

Often, the Bass River Township Board of Commissioners meetings fall on the same night as the Pinelands Regional Board of Education meetings.

Deputy Mayor Nicholas Capriglione, who once served on the Pinelands Regional Board of Education, said there should be open communication from Williams, even if school board and township meetings fall on the same night.

“What I used to do, if I couldn’t be at a meeting here, is I simply gave a report,” he said. “There was a pretty comfortable rapport between the mayor and myself. I didn’t even have to do any kind of formal presentation (sometimes). I would simply let them (the commissioners) know the direction we were headed, what I thought, and let him (the mayor) know what we should do.”

Capriglione said the debacle and especially the resultant split sessions at Pinelands Regional Junior High School, is “unacceptable.”

Since the closure of the high school, Pinelands Regional students in grades 10-12 have gone to class from 7:20 a.m. to 11:34 a.m.

Students in grades 7-9 have gone to class from 11:55 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. “(You have) a young population that is having to deal with this type of stress and change in curriculum,” Capriglione said “As far as I am concerned, it is unacceptable. Questions have not been answered.”

Capriglione said he felt all four sending municipalities that comprise the school district may have an obligation to “move forward” with action if the parent group can present them with “a sound case” of negligence, mismanagement, dereliction of duties and collusion.

Buzby-Cope said she was hoping to help put together a mayor’s meeting with the parent group’s leader, Dane Apgar, and cautioned that the township should “collect all the data and go from there.”

“We will have a meeting,” she said. “We will see how much information is presented to us.”

Capriglione said he often travels on Nugentown Road. Since the split sessions began, high-school students with driving privileges have had to park in the high-school parking lot, across the street from the junior high school, and cross over Nugentown Road to get to classes at the junior high school.

Capriglione said that even though officers from Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department have been controlling traffic, the number of students having to cross Nugentown Road is leading to safety issues.

“I find it dangerous,” he said. “I find it unacceptable. I know there is a crossing guard, but when you have that many students crossing that roadway, you can only hope someone is being alert, stops and pays attention to traffic stopped. I don’t think it should have gone this far.”

Capriglione learned during the meeting that Brennan also serves as the business administrator for the Bass River Township School District through a shared-service agreement.

He found out about the agreement after Commissioner Lou Bourguignon blamed Brennan for Bass River Township Elementary School’s “constant delays” in getting natural gas.

The Bass River Township School District undertook the project to convert from oil to natural gas heaters so that taxpayers save money. Natural gas is typically much less expensive than oil.

“How do we feel going forward with him on our (township) school’s (administration)?”

Bourguignon said. “I have been asking for three years—through this guy—for that stuff.”

Buzby-Cope said the delays were not Brennan’s fault. She said the N.J. Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) was holding up the project.

Capriglione expressed little confidence in Brennan’s ability to continue in either school district.

“Did we not call him when this (the Pinelands debacle) first happened and we asked him about some of the issues and rumors going around?” Capriglione said. “He said ‘there is no validity to it.’ Then three days later they shut the school.”

Buzby-Cope said “yeah,” acknowledging that Capriglione’s recollection of the conversation was true.

“He assured us that everything was a rumor and that it (the illnesses, debris and odors) wasn’t happening,” Capriglione said. “(You) see, that doesn’t set well with me.”

Capriglione questioned why Brennan’s services were needed in the Bass River Township School District. He spoke highly of Bass River Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Detlef Kern.

“Why do we need him (Brennan) and Dr. Kern—when Dr. Kern, when I was at Pinelands, was the administrator of a school with 20 times the population?” Capriglione said. “He could handle it quite comfortably. Why do we need somebody else besides Dr. Kern? He is certified enough.”

Capriglione railed on this point for over five minutes, calling Kern a “bonafide superintendent.”

“I am shocked to discover that we have a duplication of a very expensive position when we have a man who is handling a school not even a tenth of the size of what he used to handle,” Capriglione said. “It is certainly well within his (Kern’s) qualification…why are we paying the extra money?”

Brennan, when reached for comment after the meeting, said a superintendent and business administrator have distinct and complementary roles and responsibilities in a school district.

“A school superintendent oversees and is primarily responsible for the overall operations of the district, ranging from curriculum to personnel to community outreach,” he said.

“Pursuant to N.J.A.C 6A:9B-12.7, a school business administrator title is required for the

Saturday, December 30, 2017

chief financial officer of a district.

“Such positions include assistant superintendent for business, school business administrator and assistant school business administrator. Holders of this title are authorized to perform duties at the district level in the areas of financial budget planning and administration, financial accounting and reporting, insurance/risk administration and purchasing. Due to these technical certification restrictions, Dr. Kern is not authorized to serve as a school business administrator.”

Brennan said he receives an annual stipend of $19,000 to provide business services to the Bass River Township School District.

The business administrator also pushed back on Bourguignon’s claim that he was at fault for the natural gas conversion project delay.

“There is no one ‘at fault’ concerning the gas issue,” he said. “Hutchinson, NJBPU, Bass River Township and the Bass River School District coordinated their efforts to capitalize on a Clean Energy Program offered by the NJBPU. The district holds a contract to convert the school building from heating oil and propane to natural gas. The current estimated project completion date is set for Dec. 31, 2017.”

Brennan said police officers from the Little Egg Harbor and Tuckerton Police Departments are cooperating to the fullest extent possible to address safety issues along Nugentown Road.

“You will find a lit 25 MPH speed-limit sign, a large lit road sign alerting drivers to pedestrians and a daily police presence stopping traffic to allow any students to cross the street,” he said.

Brennan said he shares in the public’s frustration and confusion because “instead of working together to restore confidence and facilitate progress, some members of the community incorrectly decided to assign blame.”

Brennan, according to multiple sources, was escorted out of the Pinelands Regional School District Administration Building on Nov. 7 after being asked to leave his position.

He was later “reinstated” during a Pinelands Regional Board of Education meeting Nov. 15.

Since his reinstatement, Pinelands Regional officials and board members have been arguing with each other behind the scenes, and at times in public, about when they became aware of the Sept. 10 letter from Epic Environmental.

As reported two weeks ago by the newspaper, a source told this newspaper that the infighting led to the resignation of Dr. Maryann Banks, who served as interim superintendent of the Pinelands Regional School District for a year and a half.

Bank’s resignation was accepted by the Pinelands Regional school board on Dec. 4.

She claimed she was resigning for “medical reasons.”

Brennan, who once shied away from interviews with the media over the debacle, has increased his media availability since Banks resigned.

“Those who base their opinion on fact and my record of accomplishment trust my capabilities as an effective business administrator,” he said. “Throughout my career, including my over 10 years at Pinelands Regional, the actions that I took, and will take, are grounded in professionalism and an unwavering commitment to ensure the safety of students and staff as my preeminent goal and responsibility. Any suggestion otherwise is ludicrous.”

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CRASH PAGE 7

due to its high rate of speed.

Police have not yet released body-camera footage, dash-cam footage or surveillance video of the incident.

However, Schafer said police body cameras and dash-cam footage did not capture the crash as it happened because the vehicle was so far ahead of troopers.

Details about who the vehicle was stolen from have not been released by police, although it is customary that police don’t comment on the identity of a victim(s).

Schafer said he doesn’t know yet how the three people inside of the vehicle got to the Pic-a-Lilli Inn. Hong said the circumstances surrounding the stolen vehicle, as well as the crash, remain under investigation.

The crash occurred near the entranceway to the Sequoia Alternative Program building, operated by the Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD), on Carranza Road.

LENAPE PAGE 6

They included Minecraft code tutorials, the creation of Binary Bracelets (unplugged), writing code for Ozobot with Ozoblockly, a C programming language light display and much more.

There was also a robotics exhibition which demonstrated the tie-in of code to the movement of robots.

“Coding is everywhere,” said Cherokee technology teacher Nate Knauss, who is also a Storm Robotics Team Mentor.

“Kids can practice sports, music, writing and other skills, but there is limited exposure to coding,” he said, as he emphasized the importance of computer knowledge in a world with endless opportunities for the tech-savvy mind.

The concept of Coding Night was originated by the “Hour of Code,” a global effort created by the non-profit organization Code.org, which states its goal is “to expand access to computer science and increase participation by women and underrepresented minorities.”

Code.org partners with Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the College Board and others.

Cherokee librarians/media specialists Carlie Cattanea and Lisa Bakanas said they were happy to see so many young girls attend the program.

Cattanea, who taught 13 years of Spanish and has been a media specialist for three years, said computer-oriented programs use to draw more boys than girls, whereas a world language drew more girls than boys.

She said, coding Night saw a 50/50 split.

“Learning a world language like Spanish is quite similar to learning the language of coding:

PURCHASES PAGE 6

renewal, contingent upon payment of established fees. Pine View Terrace, Hilltop Mobile Village, Lakeshore Mobile Village, and Belaire Mobile Park received the license renewals.

Additionally, council approved five purchases of more than $2,000.

Firewall replacements and renewal of a three-year license from Look First Technology were purchased for $7,494. Two computers

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

The building lost electricity on Dec. 18, disrupting the school day and affecting as many as 50 students.

“On Monday, students were relocated from the Sequoia Alternative Program to the LRHSD central transportation center adjacent to Shawnee High School,” said LRHSD Superintendent Dr. Carol Birnbohm. “The students were then transported home on their regular buses.

“Due to ongoing utility repairs on Tuesday, accommodations were made at Seneca High School for the students to receive instruction.

All students returned to Sequoia on Wednesday.”

Birnbohm said district officials extend their thoughts and prayers to the family members and friends of the victims during this difficult time.

“We have made counseling and support services available to any students or staff who may have been impacted,” she said. “Out of respect for the families involved, we are not in a position to comment on this matter, which is currently under investigation by the New Jersey State Police.”

pattern recognition, sequential thinking, logic,” Cattanea said.

She added that coding will become a diverse program as the kids get older and become more involved, thus bringing different perspectives mixed with new information into the equation.

Parent Jessica Williams, whose son Bruce is in the 6th grade at Marlton Middle School, said they were excited to attend the event.

“It is great to see the school trying to keep up with the times,” she said.

She also stated her appreciation that Marlton Middle students not only use Chromebooks in the classroom, but get to keep them when they graduate.

Brian Cush, whose son Andrew is also in the sixth grade at Marlton Middle School, said not only does the school do a good job building computer skills, but it also encourages its students to read books, with about 100 pages per week expected.

Glued to a coding activity on the computer, 11-year-old Puja Patel said that learning how to code makes her think about creating a fantasy/ action game, integrating her interest in writing with the interactive nature of her potential design.

Her dad, Bhavesh “Bobby” Patel, said he is grateful to the district for organizing the coding activity so students can be prepared for future job opportunities.

“I am thrilled that over 450 students participated,” said LRHSD Superintendent Dr. Carol Birnbohm. “The night was a wonderful display of teachers and students working together to experience the basics of computer programming. The Lenape Regional High School District prepares students for an ever-changing world, and we know it is important to provide opportunities, such as coding, for our next generation of innovators.” were purchased from Look First Technology, for $2,683. $5,600 was spent on asbestos removal and disposal, to prepare for a demolition at 172/174 Lemmon Avenue.

The police department bought 55 Beretta HAPX 9mm handguns from Lanigan Associates, Inc., for $15,756. "Notice of tax assessment" post cards were purchased for $5,941 from Micro Systems-NJ LLC. Council will hold its reorganization meeting on Jan. 3 at 6 p.m., followed by the first regular session of the year.

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Saturday, December 30, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

HOME, GARDEN, AND FARMING Farm and Food File

By Alan Guebert

Alan Guebert is an award-winning agriculture columnist who was raised on a 720-acre, 100-cow southern Illinois dairy farm.

Howard’s Priceless Gift of Simple Giving This Christmas column, first published in 1994, remains the most-requested column I’ve ever written. Maybe that’s because its lesson is both timely and timeless or perhaps it’s just a warm tale well told. Whatever the reason, I hope you, too, receive Howard’s Priceless Gift of Simple Giving. Merry Christmas. ~Alan The Christmas tree was a scrub cedar hacked from the edge of the woods that bordered our farm. Big-bulbed lights, strung in barber pole fashion, generated almost as much heat as the nearby woodstove. Yellowed Christmas cards, saved over the years and perched like doves on the untrimmed branches, served as ornaments.

“I believe this is the prettiest tree I’ve ever had,” Howard proclaimed as we stood in its glow. “And its smells good, too.”

The only scent evident to me was a mixture of wood smoke and the remains of a fried pork supper. But I lied and said, “Sure does.”

Howard beckoned me to sit. We had shared this Christmas Day in the dairy barn and it was his request that we share a bit of the night, also.

He knew I was alone because my family, his employer, was visiting relatives in town. I knew he was alone because he was always alone, a bachelor for nearly forty years.

“I’ll get us some Christmas cheer,” he offered as I sank into the sofa. In untied work shoes, he shuffled toward the kitchen. A minute later, he returned with two water glasses filled with rhubarb wine. We raised them to the day.

“It’s been a good Christmas, ain’t it Allie Boy?” he asked as he sat in a ladder-back chair by the stove.

He had called me Allie Boy for as long as I could remember. I had taken to calling him Hoard the Dairyman, after the title of a farm magazine my father subscribed to.

I nodded. It had been a good day. Two wobbly newborn calves greeted us when we arrived at the dairy barn, sixteen hours earlier.

Wet and shivering, we dried them with the past summer’s straw before showing them where to find breakfast at their mamas’ sides. One was a bull, the other a heifer.

“We ought to name ‘em Mary and Joseph,” Howard now said as we rehashed the day, “on account of them being born today.”

Mary and Joseph? Generally, Howard had

only one name for all cows: Succum. None of us knew what it meant or where it came from, but from the time he arrived on the farm in 1965 every cow was always Succum and every calf was always Little Succum. A group of cows or calves were simply Big Succums or Baby Succums.

“Mary and Joseph they will be,” I said approvingly.

Silence hung in the stale air. I reckoned that if you had “bached” it for forty years like Howard, silence wasn’t a void that always needed to be filled. So I worked on my wine and said nothing.

Howard reached for his pipe and the big red can of Velvet that had been my Christmas gift to him that morning.

“You want to roll yourself a smoke, Allie? I got some papers here.”

I shook off the offer.

“Yep,” Howard said as if to himself, “that’s the prettiest tree I’ve ever had. And this is shaping up to be the best Christmas I’ve ever had because you came by.”

I looked at the tree and then at the old man ringed in tobacco smoke staring at it and I felt sad. Not for him. I felt sad for me. I had agreed to come to his house to accommodate him, a favor for an aging hired man.

But he had not wanted a favor. All he had wanted was the chance to share his Christmas good fortune with me. He had some wine, a warm fire, his prettiest Christmas tree ever, and a week’s worth of tobacco. He was happy and he wanted to give me some of that happiness.

As I stared at the silhouette of Howard the Dairyman in the glow of the Christmas lights, I saw a man of great warmth, vast wealth, and pure honesty. He didn’t have a checking account or credit card but he was far richer than the condescending college boy on his sofa.

“Well Howard,” I said, a very quiet minute later, “I better go. We both have to be at the barn early tomorrow.”

He led me to the back door. “Don’t forget,” he said as I headed for the truck, “we’ll call those calves Mary and Joseph.”

More than 40 Christmas nights later, I have not forgotten the two calves named Mary and Joseph, and Howard’s priceless gift of simple giving.

© 2017 AG COMM.

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own views and do not reflect the view of the Pine Barrens Tribune.

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Compiled by Motor Matters.

2018 Lincoln Navigator.

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Saturday, December 30, 2017