Pine Barrens Tribune Dec. 31 issue

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

Vol. 1 - No. 18

Southeastern Burlington County’s News Leader

December 31, 2016 – January 6, 2017

NJ DEP Interested in Purchasing Green Bank School

Accidents in the Penn State Forest Prompt Concern

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

Green Bank School.

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

WASHINGTON–The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) is interested in purchasing the Green Bank School. The information concerning a possible buyer was revealed at a Dec. 13 Washington Township Committee meeting.

“I understand that they (Washington Township School District officials) have been meeting with the NJ DEP,” said Washington Committeeman Barry F. Cavileer. “Also, that they are bringing in an appraiser to appraise the building as is the NJ DEP.” Cavileer said that the district is trying to sell the building to the NJ DEP. A source with direct knowledge of the negotiations told the Pine Barrens Tribune that the parties have not entered into a legal agreement. However, the source confirmed that the NJ DEP has looked at the building and said it was the “worst kept secret” in town.

Karen Gfroehrer, business administrator and board secretary for the Washington Township School District, said that the town’s board of education recently approved an appraisal to obtain a property value for the Green Bank School. However, she could not elaborate further on the matter.

“Legally, I can’t confirm sale information,” Gfroehrer said.

WASHINGTON– Three separate accidents involving motorcycles in the Penn State Forest, all of which coincided with a November weekend motorcycle tour through the Pinelands, have caught the attention of the Washington Township Committee. One accident killed a rider.

The committee was notified in advance by Pinelands Adventure Camp that an Adventure Ride/Eco Tour involving motorcycles was scheduled to run through parts of the township on Nov. 11, 12 and 13.

“We send a map of the tour route five months ahead of time to the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection, Washington, Woodland, Tabernacle, and Mullica,” said Jack O’Connor, director of the Pinelands Adventure Camp.

The township requires that any organizer of a motorcycle race, rally, tour, or similar function on any street, park or other public place which falls under township jurisdiction obtain a parade permit from the committee. The PHOTO BY TOM WALKER committee unanimously granted a permit to the organization on Oct. 4.

According to the organization’s website, the Lawrence Hajna, a spokesperson for the NJ enrollment in the town’s public school event was dubbed as a three-day, 500-mile GPS DEP, was unable to confirm the agency’s interest system. guided journey through New Jersey’s in the property.

The township also cannot tax state-owned Pinelands National Reserve. The tour began at “I can only confirm once a property is property. This has had a negative impact on the the Hammonton Econolodge and looped around purchased,” Hajna said. “I cannot confirm if we municipality’s tax levy as a substantial number through several state forests in Burlington and are interested in a property.” of parcels in the town are owned by the state.

Atlantic counties.

The Washington Township Board of Education Gfroehrer said it was no longer feasible to “We had an accident each day,” said voted on April 18 to make the school district a keep the Green Bank School open under these Washington Committeeman Barry Cavileer send-receive non-operating school district circumstances. during the township’s December regular meeting. beginning with the 2016-2017 school year. All The Washington Township Board of On Nov. 11 at 12:14 p.m., a 42-year-old man students now attend classes in the Mullica School Education recognized that the district was from Gwynn Oak, Md., lost control of his District in Atlantic County. facing a “financial cliff” unless they became motorcycle in the southbound lane of Sooy Road The Green Bank School, built in 2006, was a non-operating district to reduce the local tax in Washington when it entered a large mud shuttered as a result of the board extending the levy. puddle. The motorcycle fell on its side and slid current send-receive relationship with the Prior to the changes, the cost per pupil for with the rider about 15 feet before stopping. The Mullica School District. The Washington pre-K through 4th grade was $22,374 and rider was airlifted to a hospital as a precaution.

Township School District was already sending the cost per pupil for grades 1 through 4 was On Nov. 12 at 12:48 p.m., a 43-year-old man students to the Mullica Township School District $20,014. With the regionalization now from Cambridge, N.Y. was riding a motorcycle for grades 9 through 12. implemented, it is anticipated that the cost per in the northbound lane of Sooy Road in The board cited declining enrollment for pupil will average around $15,669 for pre-K Washington when he lost control of it in soft shutting down the school. During the 2009-10 through 4th grade and $10,630 for grades 1 mud. The motorcycle fell on its side and slid for school year, 69 students were enrolled in the through 4. approximately 15 feet. The rider was airlifted to school. During the 2015-16 school year, 37 The Green Bank School is 25,321 square feet. the nearest trauma center. students were enrolled.

The building has the capacity for 250 students. It On Nov. 13 at 11:48 a.m., a motorcycle was Gfroehrer attributed the decline in enrollment includes a main office, superintendent’s office, traveling east on a dirt trail in the area of Spring to a NJ DEP Green Acres program. The NJ DEP business administrator’s office, nurse’s office Hill Road in Woodland, near the is using the program’s funds to purchase land with a bathroom, and a guidance office. There Washington township line. The driver lost throughout the township in order to preserve it. are also 10 instructional rooms, one pre-school/ control and was ejected. The driver, Aaron The state’s acquisition of the land has resulted kindergarten room with a bathroom, one large Price, 27, of Moorestown, was killed. in fewer residences available for use by families GREEN>>PAGE 8 ACCIDENTS>>PAGE 14 and their children. This has led to decreased

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LOCAL NEWS

Lance Run Road Dispute Deemed a Private Matter, At Least For Now

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

WASHINGTON– Emotions ran high during the public comment portion of a Washington Township Committee meeting on Dec. 13 after a substitute solicitor announced that the committee determined that a continuing dispute over Lance Run Road was a private matter between two families.

As the Pine Barrens Tribune previously reported, at issue are two clearances.

The first, designated as Lance Run Road and maintained by the township, runs in a south to north orientation. It starts at County Route 542 and eventually transitions into Green Bank-Bulltown Road.

The second, which begins right at the transition point, runs west-to-east from Green Bank-Bulltown Road/Lance Run Road to County Route 563. For unknown reasons, the second clearance has been closed and is now filling in with vegetation. The second clearance is unnamed by the township and officials do not know when it was closed or who authorized its closure. Therefore, residents who reside on the first can conveniently access the rest of the township only by driving to County Route 542.

Last month, resident Frank Capella said that he attended a Washington Zoning Board meeting a few months ago after he noticed millings appear on the surface of Lance Run Road. Capella owns property that involves the road. He listened to the board’s conversation and became concerned that the township was getting ready to pave it. Capella then began attending township committee meetings.

At the September and October meetings of the township committee, Capella argued that the clearance running from County Route 542 to Green Bank-Bulltown Road is a driveway and part of his private property. He questioned the township road designation. He also said that the unnamed clearance was the real Lance Run Road.

Word of Capella’s statements prompted the Heffley family to attend the November committee meeting out of concern that Capella might restrict access to County Route 542.

Tensions flared for over a half hour at the November meeting as the two families provided passionate testimony and occasionally exchanged words with each other. The fiery meeting ended with the township entering into a closed session after the Capella family threatened to file a suit against the township. The complexity of the issue also caused confusion.

Marie Heffley, a title examiner licensed by the State of New Jersey, asked the committee at its latest meeting if they were going to

recognize Lance Run Road as an established road.

“We got additional information that it was an established road,” said Mayor Dudley Lewis.

“The other party is not here tonight. He has not submitted any further information.”

Marie Heffley said it didn’t matter whether the other party was in attendance.

“I would just like the committee to tell me that the road is real and it is not just a thruway through the dirt and make that part of the minutes,” she said.

Stephen Raymond, filling in for Solicitor Tom Coleman, provided his understanding of what was discussed.

“It is my understanding that the committee did meet in closed session because of the threat of a pending lawsuit and they have decided not to take an active role as far as making any type of determination,” he said. “They are going to leave it to the private parties at this point.”

His comments riled the Heffley family.

“Well, it is your road,” said Edward Heffley, who lives on Lance Run Road. “It is a township road.”

Marie Heffley agreed with her father-in-law.

“It is not a private matter though because it is not a private thruway,” Marie Heffley said. “It is not a private road. It was not ‘Just let me come off of Route 542 and drive this way.’ This is an established easement. It was then given a road sign for 9-1-1 and my father-in-law has been driving up and down that road for 63 years.”

Raymond said that committee wasn’t going to get involved now.

“I understand what your position is,” he said.

“But at the last meeting and again I wasn’t present, the decision was made at this point in time to stay out of the matter between parties.”

Marie Heffley decried that the decision and said she didn’t believe it was fair that the two families had to resolve it among themselves.

“I really don’t think it is fair that you are allowing this to become a family feud between this gentleman and this guy because that is an established road,” she said. “So let’s declare what it is. It is on maps. It is on a 1936 map.”

Raymond would not budge.

“I don’t know what the committee’s feelings are in the future,” he said. “But I know as of tonight, as we sit here tonight, that is their position and we can’t do anything about it at this point.”

That response prompted another threat of a lawsuit against the township over the matter.

“It is not fair for this committee, who has it on their tax maps, who understands a prescriptive easement, who are aware that that has been traveled on and off of Route 542 for the

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Medford BOE Gets Presentation by “Superintendent for a Day”

By Jayne Cabrilla

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MEDFORD–The Medford Board of Education was treated to a very special presentation by Elizabeth Adler, a 5th grade student, on her experience as “Superintendent for a Day.” Superintendent Joseph Del Rossi explained that each year the Medford Education Foundation hosts a pool party/fundraiser at the Flying W Airport pool. The Medford Education Foundation (MEF) awards teacher grants for technology and other educational supplements not covered in the district’s budget. During the July event, Kristine Adler, Vice President of the MEF, approached Del Rossi with an idea for another crucial fund raising project – an auction with the highest bidder selecting their choice of a student to be “Superintendent for a Day.” Del Rossi thought it was a novel idea and reckoned it would possibly net $200.

Actually, the event brought in $800. Two students tied for the win. The first “Superintendent for a Day” was held Dec. 6.

The other event will be held during the spring term.

Elizabeth Adler, an Allen School student, told her grandmother, Joan Kelly, of Medford, that she wanted to be “Superintendent for a Day” for her birthday present. Kelly ended up bidding $250, which won her

granddaughter the coveted prize.

Del Rossi and Adler spent the day touring the district’s school, speaking with teachers, staff and observing classroom lessons. They had a lunch break at the Pop Shop and then went back to work.

Elizabeth Adler said of her experience, “I learned that there is more to a school than just teachers and principals; and there is more that goes into a snow day than just a day off for students.”

In other news, Board member Michael Etter, acknowledged with gratitude the donation of $1,000 by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Friedberg to the Taunton Forge School for the purchase of an additional swing set for the K-2 playground. Also acknowledged was the donation of $2,000 to the Allen School Music Program by Mr. and Mrs. Lazovitz in the memory of their son, Ryan.

Chris Clarke, Principal of Allen School, introduced the Lazovitz family and explained that this donation, from the Ryan Lazovitz Memorial Fund, was meant to denote the healing power of music. The funds will go towards instrumental guitar programs and lighting for 4th-and 5th-grade concerts. Ryan Lazovitz passed away suddenly, Dec. 27, 2015.

All other agenda item were routine and passed without comment.

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LRHSD Board Member Retires After 18 Years of Service

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

SHAMONG–A longtime member of the Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD) Board of Education has retired after representing Evesham for eighteen years.

Joseph Borucki entered the district’s meeting room for the last time as a board member on Wed., Dec. 21 proudly wearing one of Cherokee High School’s school colors.

Cherokee High School provides education to Evesham’s students who attend grades 9-12.

But he wasn’t the only one decked out in orange. Administrators, colleagues, family, and friends wore a mixture of fancy orange attire including scarfs, dresses, ties and athletic shirts in his honor.

LRHSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol “Lynn” Birnbohm said that the district was saddened to see Borucki retire and that his legacy to their students will remain.

“We are here to honor Mr. Joseph Borucki’s 18 years of service to the Lenape Regional High School District,” Birnbohm said. “Joe was elected as Evesham’s representative to the board of education in 1998. Before that he served on the Evesham Township School District’s Board of Education.”

Many spoke highly of his service to the community throughout the night.

Donna Charlesworth, principal of Cherokee High School said that he is a master of finding solutions with compromise. She said that he was a wordsmith, poet, comic and a friend.

“Joe is a Chief through and through,” said Charlesworth as she reference the school’s mascot. “A fierce and tireless advocate, Joe has always put the needs of students first. He is an individual who demonstrates humility with success and also with loss.”

She also recalled how Borucki stood behind and sometimes in front of the Cherokee High School administration.

“Thank-you for providing Cherokee and Evesham Township with unwavering support; one town and one tribe,” Charlesworth said.

“For being an integral part of our tradition and excellence, Joe Borucki, always a Chief.”

Charlesworth presented Borucki with a book that has a special fold so that it reads “Cherokee” when looking at it. The book art decoration was accompanied by a pen and pencil set with “Leader of Success” engravings.

Birnbohm read a poem she wrote and called Borucki’s life a “call to action”. She also said that his impact on the district staff will “echo on.”

“We feel a commitment to carry on what he has inspired,” Birnbohm said.

Linda Eckenhoff, president of the LRHSD school board, presented Borucki with a plaque and commended his service.

After several handshakes and smiles, Birnbohm appeared to use the opportunity to also indirectly address the recent criticism of the district and school board.

The district has been criticized for not allowing homeschooler participation in extracurricular activities, limiting media access, and not being transparent. The board was criticized last month in particular after

officials shouted at a respectful constituent and prevented questions from being asked during the public comment portion of a board meeting.

“Our teachers and staff and administrators often talk about how our schools are a family and how we promote a family atmosphere in them,” Birnbohm said. “I can tell all of you here that our board operates in much of the same fashion; respect for one another, open to different opinions, and in the end supportive of doing what is in the best interest of our students in the Lenape Regional High School District.”

Birnbohm added that Borucki, as a longstanding board member, helped foster a professional and supportive atmosphere on the board.

“You and your family should be proud,” Birnbohm said. “You served the people of Evesham very well and because of board members like you, teamwork will always be part of the Lenape Regional High School District family.”

Borucki was touched by the different speeches and presentations in his honor. He expressed his emotions through rhyme modeled after Dr. Seuss. He praised the district’s past superintendents, Dr. Daniel Hicks and Emily Capella, along with the current superintendent. He also mentioned the efforts the board undertook to build Seneca High School.

“So many people to thank, so many good wishes to make,” Borucki said in part. “I started here when there were three high schools in the district and a superintendent named Dan Hicks who often got things done with a carrot, but sometimes by using big sticks. We have covered many issues over these lengthy times, starting with the major drama of building a high school in the Pines.”

His comments throughout the night were well received in the room and met with a thunderous applause and two standing ovations.

As the night concluded, he expressed his pride of being a Cherokee High School graduate who got elected to the institution’s school board.

“I love this district,” Borucki said. “But that school is part of me. That is why I am here because I went there.

“I can’t tell everybody here how proud I am to have been part of this district, how proud I have been to be colleagues with all of you because frankly you make this place great. We come up with policies and we say ‘yes’ and ‘no’, but you guys are foot soldiers and you make it happen on a daily basis and touch kids and change lives. You make things good.”

Borucki will be replaced by Bonnie Olt who won unopposed in November’s general election. Olt received 14,441 votes. During public comment, Olt said that she had big shoes to fill.

“I promise you that I will continue your legacy,” Olt said. “I know it is important to you. I know that you always take every decision to heart.”

Olt added that she looks forward to working with the board.

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PAGE 5

Southampton Tables Hampton Lakes EMS Memorandum of Agreement As Pseudo Contract Nears Expiration

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

ambulance coverage due to lack of insurance, costs for the insurance moving forward, and SOUTHAMPTON– A resolution authorizing payment for the insurance.

Questions were raised about insurance a memorandum of agreement between Southampton Township and the Hampton Lakes coverage as a whole for the Hampton Lakes Emergency Squad (EMS) was tabled by the EMS. Officials were unsure of who was Southampton Township Committee on Dec. 20. providing insurance coverage outside of The action taken by the committee was the latest workers’ compensation coverage for the squad.

The committee had to take a 10 minute recess in a series of bizarre circumstances surrounding to seek professional clarification directly from the town’s relationship with the squad.

The township passed an ordinance the insurance company. Upon their return, it was contracting for EMS Services with the revealed that the workers’ compensation Hampton Lakes EMS and assigning insurance was the only insurance not being township-owned ambulance vehicles to the provided for the paid EMT staff.

The insurance company assessed the squad as part of that agreement on Jan. 24, 2014.

The ordinance authorized the township to enter township $27,108 for one year of workers’ insurance coverage. The into a three-year agreement with the Hampton compensation Lakes EMS which took effect on Feb. 1, 2014. committee made an addendum to the five-year On March 25, 2015, the township posted a bid proposal to cover the costs, but interestingly legal notice which advertised that the township did not alter the Jan 24, 2014 contract.

Since the emergency meeting, there have was accepting bids on April 16, 2015 for meetings with Emergency Medical Services. Hampton Lakes been multiple special EMS, Lourdes EMS, and Westampton EMS representatives of the Hampton Lakes EMS to responded to the Request for Proposal (RFP) discuss the continued confusion and to negotiate and placed bids with the township. Hampton a new contract to settle the matter.

Kit Applegate, an attorney who represents the Lakes EMS competed against themselves.

On May 5, 2015, representatives from the Hampton Lakes Emergency Squad, was asked Hampton Lakes EMS, Lourdes EMS, and at a special meeting in November whether there Westampton EMS presented their proposals to was a contract in place for the remainder of the township committee. The committee 2016. Applegate said that the squad was entered into an executive session at 9:08 p.m. operating under the contract that was and returned to the regularly scheduled meeting originally signed on Jan. 24, 2014 for the remainder of 2016. at 10:15 p.m.

“Yes, I believe we do have a contract,” After returning to public session, the committee passed a resolution authorizing a Applegate said. “What are the precise terms of contract agreement with Hampton Lakes EMS that contract? I don’t know. Before the bid, we for emergency services for Southampton had a contract with the township and that contract expires come Dec. 31, 2016. I’ve Township.

However, the township did not sign a written always assumed we’ve been operating under contract to correspond with the resolution. The that contract because nobody told me that it was squad’s bid on the township’s RFP is the only voided or terminated. My understanding is that known document that exists. The Pine Barrens we were operating under that contract until we Tribune obtained a copy of the RFP negotiate the terms of a new contract.

“I had talked to Ms. Hoffman (township which had been responded to by the Hampton Lakes EMS. The document says that a roughly administrator and clerk) and she indicated that five-year contract period is to begin on July 1, the bid is the new contract which my response was if that is the case I need some direction from 2015 and end on June 30, 2020.

Also, the previous agreement was passed by the township as to what route we are going to ordinance and the new one was passed by take. Are they going to provide financial support resolution. A resolution generally states a or are they going to say no, no financial support, position or policy of a town. An ordinance is go ahead and bill patients because it is one or more formal and authoritative than a resolution. the other, which in turn, caused this evening’s This has all led to a great deal of confusion meeting?”

Applegate said that he was treating the bid amongst the two parties.

An emergency meeting of the committee was only as the model for the new contract, effective held on March 22 after the township Jan. 1st.

However, Applegate discussed the bid which administrator learned that the Hampton Lakes EMS personnel were not covered by workers’ the township awarded to the squad. He compensation insurance and that ambulance explained at length how the bid says that there services to the township were suspended. An was not going to be any support from the emergency meeting can be held without notice township to the squad while also indicating that if there is a clear and present danger to the the organization would not be able to bill patients. Applegate said that it can’t be both public.

The committee discussed the suspension of ways under the federal Anti-Kickback Statute.

Throughout the course of the November meeting, the committee worked with Applegate to identify areas where the township was already providing support to the Hampton Lakes EMS. Committeeman Michael Mikulski asked Applegate to list the in-kind support the township currently provides.

Applegate said that the township paid for the organization’s workers’ compensation for one year and that fuel is also being provided.

He also said that the squad is covered under the township’s Joint Insurance Fund for automobile liability, professional liability, and workers’ compensation for volunteers.

Applegate was unable to provide a figure for the support without performing some research.

However, he said that under the initial contract, the township was supposed to forward a $15,000 financial contribution which hasn’t happened yet.

Mikulski said that he believed that township wasn’t afoul of the Anti-Kickback Statute based on the in-kind support that was listed by Applegate.

Both parties discussed going forward at the end of the special meeting. Mayor James F. Young, Sr. assigned Mikulski and Committeeman William Rafferty to sit down with representatives from the Hampton Lakes Emergency Squad to work out the details of a new contract before the Dec. 31, 2016 expiration date.

A source with direct knowledge of the negotiations told the Pine Barrens Tribune that Township Administrator Kathleen D. Hoffman, Mikulski, and Rafferty held a meeting with Applegate a few weeks ago. The source said that all four individuals realized that it was unlikely to conclude the negotiations and draft a new contract by the Dec. 31 deadline.

The source said that Mikulski and Rafferty were to report back to the committee. Hoffman was asked to draft a memorandum of agreement for passage at the Dec. 20 committee meeting. The agreement would have solidified that Hampton Lakes EMS could continue to provide ambulance services under the same terms of the Jan. 24, 2014 contract while negotiations continue into 2017.

However, the interim deal that was brokered behind the scenes quickly fell apart during the township’s latest committee meeting with no meeting scheduled until Jan. 2, 2017.

Mikulski said he was awaiting information from Applegate. He also confirmed that a meeting did take place with Applegate and township officials a few weeks ago.

“My understanding was he was going to present us with some information as to what he believed was maybe some tinkering that had to be done,” Mikulski said.

Hoffman said that she did not receive anything. She was challenged by her counterparts.

“I don’t think that resolution addresses that,” Rafferty said.

Mikulski recommended that the measure be tabled.

“I would say that we may need to table this one until we hear from Kit Applegate based on our discussion,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Ronald Heston warned that there would be consequences if the committee failed to pass the memorandum of agreement.

“If we cancel this, that cancels their insurance because we don’t have an agreement into the new year,” Heston said.

Township Solicitor George M. Morris, Committeewoman Elizabeth Rossell, and Mikulski said that the agreement runs through Jan. 31.

“If nothing else, this will light a fire to get the information that we need,” Rafferty said.

The Pine Barrens Tribune obtained a signed copy of the Jan. 24, 2014 contract. The expiration date of the contract is Dec. 31, 2016 which validated Heston’s concerns. Under the terms of the contract, the township can extend the agreement for two additional one-year renewal terms. However, the committee did not take that action during the last scheduled meeting of the year.

The committee voted 4-1 to table the resolution. Young made a motion to table it and Rafferty seconded the motion. Heston cast the dissenting vote.

Reached by phone a week after the meeting, Applegate said that he was unaware that the committee had tabled the resolution authorizing a memorandum of agreement. He said that he had no idea where the date of Jan. 31 came from.

He said that he turned in monthly reports on the squad’s progress and was waiting on Hoffman to invite him back to a committee meeting. He said that he did not know that the committee requested additional documentation from him. He added that he was going to contact Hoffman when the township offices re-open.

“Nobody invited me,” Applegate said. “I am waiting on them to get back to me.”

Hoffman did not return messages seeking comment on the Dec. 31 expiration date contained in the signed Jan. 24, 2014 contract obtained by the Pine Barrens Tribune.

As of press time, the committee did not schedule an emergency meeting to take action which would formally guarantee that the township would have ambulance services after Dec. 31, 2016.

Applegate said that Hampton Lakes EMS would continue to provide services beyond the contract expiration date if both parties continued to work together.

“We are working in good faith with the township and there is no intention to cease services come Jan. 1,” Applegate said.

Two Towns Authorize Verizon Upgrades, One Tables Decision

By Douglas D. Melegari and Jayne Cabrilla SOUTHAMPTON–Southampton residents longing for a day with improved cell phone coverage and an end to dropped calls will have to wait at least a little while longer for some relief. However, Medford and Washington residents will see signal strength improvements during the new year.

The Southampton Township Committee tabled a resolution which would adopt a proposal by Verizon Wireless to upgrade and

enhance its wireless network in the township for 2017.

Southampton Township Administrator Kathleen D. Hoffman would only say that Township Solicitor George M. Morris needed to review further information on the matter.

“Resolution 2016-106 is tabled until George can review further information,” Hoffman said.

The mobile carrier has requested approval from several townships to install mini-cellular antennas, known as mini-nodes, on existing utility poles. In some cases new poles may be

erected where none now exist. The technology would fill in coverage gaps and accommodate spikes in cellular traffic.

“Our goal is to always put technology on existing structures,” said Howard Waterman, a spokesperson with Verizon.

Each mini-node provides about 1,000 feet of enhanced coverage and/or capacity. In comparison, a cell tower provides miles of capacity.

The mini-nodes would be placed in identified areas that would benefit the most customers.

Downtown areas, developments and sections of

street with a concentration of homes would be especially targeted for the devices.

Waterman said that legwork had already been done prior to the company approaching the towns. The company used remote radio frequency monitoring tools such as backpacks to test the network and identified locations where the node devices could be beneficial.

“We have already realized the need to increase coverage and/or capacity,” Waterman

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Salvage and Recycling Yard License Temporarily Extended

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

WASHINGTON–An ordinance was passed on second reading and a license renewal for a salvage and recycling yard was granted by the Washington Township Committee on Dec. 13.

The committee extended Lower Bank Salvage and Recycling, LLC’s operating license for 30 days. The committee would like the new ownership of the business to explain their future plans for the salvage and recycling yard before further extending their license.

Ordinance 2016-07-A passed unanimously.

The ordinance clarifies the party responsible for the granting of exceptions pertaining to prohibited gasoline and petroleum product uses and fire hazard management standards. Officials said there was some confusion with who was responsible for granting exceptions since there are multiple fire chiefs in the township.

“This is to clear up some ambiguity in the code as to who was supposed to pass on petroleum product tanks, oil tanks, and gasoline tanks in future installations,” said Washington Mayor Dudley Lewis. “It was just unclear who was responsible for that.”

The new law allows for exceptions to be granted by the municipal fire chief of the local

fire department or an alternate fire official designated by the township committee.

The committee also reluctantly passed a resolution cancelling taxation on Block 42, Lot 15.

The State of New Jersey came in and said they were a tax-exempt entity,” said Township Clerk Kathleen D. Hoffman. “So, we are canceling $6,569.94.”

This was the latest acquisition of land in the township through the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres program. The program continues to negatively impact the tax levy and school system enrollment in Washington.

“We get the short end of the stick again,” Lewis said.

Washington Committeemen Daniel James and Barry Cavileer voted for the measure.

Lewis voted against it to make it “not unanimous”.

The Burlington County Joint Insurance Fund has required Washington to update their employee manual. However, the committee decided to table a resolution adopting the new version until next month.

“I would like to table this to another month because I only got about halfway through it,” James said. “I did about three pages and it puts

me right to sleep.”

The roughly 10-member audience laughed.

In other news, Cavileer recommended that committee reopen a public playground at the Green Bank School.

The playground was closed by the committee earlier this year due to uncertainty as to whether the Washington Township School District continued to carry an insurance policy on it when the school was shuttered.

The district has confirmed that they have continued the insurance policy on the playground. In addition, Cavileer has learned that the playground is covered under the municipality’s insurance as well. The township’s insurance company completed an inspection of the playground in November. It passed inspection.

Hoffman was skeptical that both the school and municipal policies would cover the same playground. She requested that the committee hold off on re-opening it until township professionals could conduct a review of the parcel’s survey.

“I hate the idea of having that playground there and the kids can’t play in it,” Cavileer said.

The committee choose not to act on the playground.

Cavileer is also concerned with a leaning pole on Godfrey Bridge Road. He has raised the issue since March 1. Verizon has not taken any action to resolve the issue despite multiple complaints filed by the township.

The committee is also continuing to work with Comcast and Verizon FiOS to bring high-speed internet service to the Jenkins section of the township.

35 residences would need to sign paperwork, pay $100, and enter a two-year agreement for one of the service providers to bring internet service into Jenkins.

The committee expressed concern that there may not be that many residences in Jenkins.

Cavileer asked the township clerk to seek clarification on how large the radius needed to be for the 35 residences criteria. He said that there is a possibility the criteria can be reached if the Hog Wallow and Pineworth sections are eligible along with Jenkins.

Hoffman said that NJ’s Board of Public Utilities’ only requires of an internet service provider that it bring in service if it is an area currently without at least one service provider. She said that she would have to investigate whether Hog Wallow and Pineworth have a service provider.

Ockanickon Names New Director for Lake Stockwell Day Camp For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MEDFORD-Mark Dibble, CEO of YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc., announced last week that Lynn Passarella has been named the new director of Lake Stockwell Day Camp.

Passarella, who has been the program’s assistant director since 2011, will now oversee the operation of the coed summer camp program that typically accommodates about 500 kids between the ages of 3 and 15, on a daily basis.

Passarella has worked at the camp since 2010, serving in various roles including Village Chief (head counselor), Assistant School-Age Childcare Director and Camp Store Director.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Management from Lock Haven (Pa.) University as well as a YMCA Team Leader Certification.

“Lynn Passarella is uniquely qualified to take the helm of Lake Stockwell Day Camp,” Dibble said. “She has the program experience, the leadership experience, and her commitment to and enthusiasm for Stockwell is second to none. We’re very lucky to have her and I’m excited to see all that she accomplishes over her tenure as director.”

Lake Stockwell Day Camp has been a part of Camp Ockanickon, located on Stokes Road in Medford, since 1990, offering swimming, boating, sports, creative arts, nature education and challenge-course activities on the 800-acre wooded property. Young teen campers (ages 12-15) at Stockwell participate in the Explorers Program, where in addition to the typical camp activities, they learn teamwork, communication skills and leadership and participate in weekly field trips. Older campers (ages 14 and 15) can participate in the Leader-in-Training (LIT) and

Counselor-in-Training (CIT) programs, which offer the opportunity to develop leadership abilities and life skills.

Stockwell also runs a Preschool Camp; both a morning session and a full-day program for ages 3 and 4.

Passarella, a Medford resident, said she is excited about the new opportunity at the camp.

“Honestly, I feel like this is a dream come true,” she said. “I am excited to continue to grow the day-camp program.”

Passarella takes over the position from Mary Ann Birchler, who until recently held a dual role as Stockwell Director and School-Age Childcare Director for YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc. Birchler will now focus full-time on the camp-run School’s Out Program, which provides before-and after-school childcare in several area schools.

Dibble said that the new structure will allow

Birchler to concentrate her talents on School-Age Childcare.

“With MaryAnn Birchler’s shift to focus full-time on School’s Out, the program is poised to significantly increase its impact on the children and families of our community,” he said. “I’m excited to watch her grow on the successes she’s already had with the program over the past six years.”

“I love working with the School’s Out kids and families and I look forward to being able to do even more,” Birchler said. “We’re already in the process of planning some fun evening family events in 2017, so stay tuned.”

In addition to Lake Stockwell Day Camp, YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc. also runs two overnight summer camps: Ockanickon for boys and Matollionequay for girls. For information on any of the camp programs, call 609-654-8225 or email info@ycamp.org.

Pemberton Borough Names OEM Coordinator; Police Issue November Crime Statistics

By Adam Tait III

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON BORO – A long-awaited appointment of an Emergency Management Coordinator took place at last Monday’s borough Council meeting. He is Chad Bozoski, who is also the chief of the Good Will Fire Co. Bozoski will be a bargain for the town as he will not get any additional salary in his new post.

The meeting, unlike many routine end-of-

By Adam Tait III

the-year sessions in nearby towns, had several important actions taken.

The police issued a crime statistics report for November and announced a $5,000 state grant to combat drunk driving, always a major peril at this time of year.

Additionally, long-time Councilman Stacy Stockton announced his resignation after a quarter-century of service. (See separate story on page 8.)

After several routine reports, council adapted a long-awaited redevelopment plan.

Details were not presented.

In addition to the Bozoski appointment and the drunk-driving grant, the only other consent agenda item was one canceling nine outstanding checks, a yearly task each December. Clerk Kathy Smick said the checks, totaled about $800, with the largest being $97.

The police report was fascinating. There were a total of 19 arrests, but none for major crimes such as burglary, assault or DUI. There were two for domestic violence.

Motor vehicle thefts, a recent bane,

continued. There were two, and, unbelievably, both had the keys left inside. This continues a trend that is hard to understand.

Police continue to warn against that practice.

The officers also thanked all those who contributed to their toy drive. They are looking for volunteers for their Domestic Violence Response Team.

A reorganization meeting is slated for Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m.

The meeting, which lasted an hour, drew 12 residents.

Pemberton Twp. Council Hears from Superintendent and Honors Retiring Lieutenant

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—Council conducted a busy meeting last week, with two presentations before moving into its usual passage of resolutions and new business.

First up was the appearance of Pemberton’s new schools chief, Tony Trongone. Trongone

gave Council and the 20 members of the public a detailed picture of the new school construction to replace the aging Denbo and Crichton schools. Trongone also brought up the proposed sweeping educational funding changes proposed by Governor Christie. The major change would give exactly equal school funding per capita throughout the state.

Poorer districts such as Pemberton would face huge changes.

Trongone estimates the cuts would take $52 million from Pemberton, a figure he calls disastrous. The local system benefitted from being an Abbott district for years until that program ended a few years ago. Referring to the recent PARCC testing, Trongone cited recent

improvements here but readily admitted “there was a long way to go.”

The second unusual event was the honoring of Pemberton Police Lieutenant James Wehman, who is stepping down after 22 years.

Wehman’s family was there to see him honored.

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LRHSD BOE Expands Dual-Credit Program and Approves Numerous Expenditures

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

SHAMONG– The Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD) Board of Education has approved a new agreement with Rowan University which allows more district students to earn college credit.

“This is a program that allows our high-school students to earn college credit while sitting in some of our approved high-school courses,” said Dr. Carol “Lynn” Birnbohm, superintendent of the Lenape Regional High School District. “We have this partnership with Rowan University and Rowan College of Burlington County.”

The district partnered in 2015 with Rowan University through a College Accelerated Program (CAP) which offers students taking Latin II and Latin III Honors an opportunity to earn both high school and college credit. 106 district students are enrolled in the program this year. Enrolled Latin students will be earning a combined 318 college credits during the 20162017 school year through the program.

The unanimously approved measure on Dec. 21 will offer students taking Russian Honors courses an opportunity to earn both high school and college credit through Rowan.

The LRHSD launched a similar program several years ago, in partnership with Rowan College at Burlington County. The program

UPGRADES FROM PAGE 5

said. “This is a very targeted way to enhance the network from a coverage and capacity perspective.”

The company has specifically targeted rural communities in the state for this technology since the existing wireless coverage is spotty.

There are only a handful of cell phone towers in the Pinelands. The company had previously focused on strengthening their network and adding cell towers in the more populated areas and along major highways such as the N.J. Turnpike. In more recent years, the company has been increasing the number of facilities in rural locations.

However, the permitting process to install cell towers in the Pinelands is vigorous, expensive and time consuming. The Pinelands Commission’s Comprehensive Management Plan requires that facilities proposed in the more ecologically-important management areas of the Pinelands be the least number necessary to provide adequate service.

Since most of the mini-nodes would be installed on existing utility poles throughout the Pinelands, the technology would not be subject

By Adam Tait III

through the county’s community college offers students an opportunity to earn both high school and college credit in many subjects. 1,178 district students are enrolled in the program this year. Enrolled students will be earning a combined 8,617 college credits during the 20162017 school year through the program.

Birnbohm said that it is difficult for parents and guardians to write a $150 check for the CAP courses. She sympathized with them as a mom whose kids are going to college soon. However, she said savings are realized at the end of the day if one were to review how much the courses would cost if taken at Rowan University or at Rowan College of Burlington County.

“For the cost of 9,000 credits that the kids are earning this year and deducting $150 per course, we are saving our community members $1.1 million,” Birnbohm said.

In other district news, the board approved check payments totaling $5,897,903.58. The board also approved November payroll payments totaling $9,254,302.26.

The district made several hires.

The board hired a full-time teacher, three interim teachers, and a special-education teacher at an annual salary of $55,869.

Three paraprofessionals were hired and provided with an annual salary of $28,100.

A custodian was hired at an annual salary of $37,500.

Two bus drivers were hired at a rate of $18 an hour. A mechanic for the transportation department was also hired at an annual salary of $62,000.

There were a minimal number of retirements.

Two teachers were transferred and one was promoted to the position of an assistant athletic director.

A resolution was unanimously approved to award a bid to Kaser Mechanical for HVAC upgrades at Lenape High School totaling $541,192.

A resolution was also unanimously approved to award two transportation bids.

Hillman’s Bus Service, Inc. will provide transportation services for a Shawnee High School bus route with a per diem route cost of $180 and a per diem aide cost of $50.

Delaware City Bus Company, Inc. will provide transportation services for a Cherokee High School bus route with a per diem route cost of $196.95 and a per diem aide cost of $40.

The board approved a request to present and approve the 2016 audit submission to the New Jersey Department of Education. James Hager, board secretary and business administrator for the LRHSD, explained the district’s 11-year history with respect to the audit submission process.

“Out of the last 11, we have only had one year with one recommendation,” Hager said. “That

recommendation was because we bought something early for a program. In fact, we only bought it 10 hours early because we got a 50% discount on the product. But we did it. They caught us.”

Joseph Borucki, a board member who represents Evesham, questioned why the state government would penalize the board for trying to reduce their costs. Hager said that the district must follow the audit guidelines by the State of New Jersey.

Two new clubs also won the board’s approval.

A Gamers Club will be started soon at Seneca High School. A Fight Against Chiari Club will begin soon at Shawnee High School.

Also of note, Cherokee High School’s Concert Choir will perform at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York City on Jan. 21.

“That is quite an honor,” said Linda Eckenhoff, president of the LRHSD school board.

Cherokee High School’s Marching Band was also recognized by the board for winning the 2016 USBANDS Group 4A State Championship. The band also took home the Best Over-All Effect Award.

Numerous other requests were approved by the board regarding student activities and education items. The next board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 4 at 7:30 p.m.

to the Pinelands Commission’s Comprehensive Management Plan provisions, unless new pole installation is required.

“It circumvents the Pinelands prohibition on towers because they are on existing poles,” said Washington Mayor Dudley Lewis.

Medford and Washington adopted Verizon’s proposal at their December governing body meetings.

“What this will do is effectively increase the coverage in the town with wireless service,” Lewis said. “What they are doing is they have found a way to make miniature cell phone towers that they plant on existing electric and phone poles. By putting in lots of them, they can cover the township where a large cell phone tower is not required.”

Medford officials first heard the subject at their Dec. 6 council meeting, when William Flanagan, a Leasing/Right-of-Way Project Manager with Tilson Technology, Inc., gave a presentation of the proposed cellular enhancement project.

Tilson Technology is the contractor that Verizon is using to implement this project.

At that time, the Medford Council requested radio frequency output information from Flanagan and tasked Township Manager Kathy Burger to request setback requirements from the

township’s construction office. The proposed resolution was tabled until the information became available.

At a Medford Council meeting on Dec. 20, the resolution to grant right-of-way access for the Verizon cell enhancing nodes was discussed again. It was determined that radio frequency output was minimal, around 110 volts.

In addition, Rich Falasco, an official from the Medford Township’s Construction, Building and Plumbing Department, determined that there were no setback issues associated with this project. Falasco noted that before any work begins, it will be required for the company to obtain a construction permit for each installation segment of the project.

Washington required the company to report the location of each device to the construction official within a week of their installation and submit a $750 escrow fee.

“That allows us to keep a record as to where these are,” Lewis said. “Even if Verizon were to go out of business, we would know their locations. If anyone took over their service, we would have that information already.”

While Washington’s committee authorized Verizon to improve their cellular service throughout the municipality, members expressed

concern that the installation of the technology would allow for Verizon to abandon landline service altogether.

“It sounds like they’re doing this so they can circumvent the wires,” said Washington Committeeman Daniel James.

Southampton is not the only municipality in the state to delay action on mini-nodes.

The Borough of Lavallette fears mobile carriers would follow in Verizon’s footsteps and create aesthetics issues. Hanover is seeking further information on microwave safety since a mini-node is slated to be installed near a school.

Waterman said the devices are innocuous. He added that other carriers may not necessarily need to add their own devices due to roaming agreements.

“If you are not looking for it, you wouldn’t see it,” he said. “They are sitting there right in plain sight.”

Verizon has been deploying these devices across the country. The devices were installed on existing street lamps and utility poles in San Francisco in preparation for Super Bowl 50. The devices enhanced the capacity in and around Levi’s Stadium so that fans could use their devices for live streaming and sharing pictures.

Shamong School Board Approves March Vote on Bond Issue

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

SHAMONG—In an otherwise routine meeting, the Shamong School Board authorized a March vote on a $5.4 million bond issue for repairs to both schools. In comparison with some other schools’ massive bond votes, Shamong’s is relatively modest, seeking only $5.4 million.

The repairs include climate controls in classrooms, a gym and cafetorium at the middle school, technology upgrades for safety and security and new generators and other projects at both schools.

The timing couldn’t be better for local taxpayers. A larger debt, stemming from improvements made in 2003, will be retired in 2018.

This means that the average Shamong home, assessed at $308,000, will have an initial increase of just under $51 annually, before being cut almost in half after the 2018 debt retirement.

This would cut annual taxes from $466 by $225.

Further, according to Shamong’s new Business Administrator Laura Archer, the district is weighing minor budget cuts to cover the new costs for 2018.

As usual, the state will pick up 40 percent of the total cost.

The bond-issue vote is slated for next Mar. 14.

A fact sheet given to those attending last week’s board meeting listed other improvements: a telephone mass notification system, a must for any emergency; replacing electrical

rooftop mains and parking lot, walk and curb installations.

The fact sheet contained photos of damage at both schools, including parking lots and walks as well as well-pit upgrades.

Early on, the board heard a report from its auditor Kevin Frenia, which listed no problems.

The superintendent, both principals, curriculum director and pupil services director gave reports, all of which were routine.

Two staff retirements were noted. John Porter, maintenance worker at IMMS for 34 years left Dec. 1, while Kathleen Foster, technology coordinator for eight years, plans to leave May 1.

A host of personnel assignments were announced. Anastasia Hanneken, media specialist

at IMMS, will start Dec. 19 and Chuck Horner, maintenance, IMMS, begins Jan. 3. Two parents, Tammy Schwartz and Theresa Waropay are serving as choir volunteers this school year.

Teacher Dan Giordano was named Professional Development Presenter, in the area of Effective Co-teaching Models while Karen Davies, Alexis Holt and Tara Reed will serve as study group adviser models.

Megan Szelc and Karen Zbikowski will be After School Basketball Supervisors for home games, while Ryan McCorristin will serve as Homebound Instructor, on an as-needed basis.

IMS fifth-graders will get an interesting trip in April, to Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute.

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PAGE 8

A Yellow Ribbon Welcome for Corporal Thomas Krzeminski

PHOTO BY JAYNE CABRILLA Corporal Thomas Krzeminski and his wife, Katherine, and their daughters, Lillian and Aubrey.

Yellow ribbons were attached to a tree in his honor.

By Jayne Cabrilla

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MEDFORD–The temperature may have dropped below freezing. However, the folks who turned out on Tuesday, Dec. 20 warmly welcomed Corporal Thomas Krzeminski, who recently returned home from his deployment in Iraq.

Krzeminski, a sheriff’s deputy in Montgomery, Ala., is visiting local resident Pat Horner, along with his wife Katherine and their two daughters, Lillian and Aubrey. Horner initially met Krzeminski as a pen-pal on anysoldier.com.

“I have become like his surrogate mother,” she said.

Horner, who is certified to function as a minister, helped the Krzeminski’s write their wedding vows and traveled to Montgomery to perform their marriage ceremony.

When Horner learned that the Krzeminski family would be with her for the holidays, she contacted Dave Silver of Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey and explained that Krzeminski had never received a Hero’s welcome he deserved it. Silver learned that Krzeminski had joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2000. He had been stationed in Japan for three years and lately had spent 13 months in Iraq.

Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey quickly organized the surprise welcome back celebration, held in the parking lot of P.J. Whelihan’s in Medford Lakes.

Southampton Board of Health Searches For Guest Speaker To Discuss Opioid Epidemic

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

SOUTHAMPTON – The Southampton Township Board of Health met for four minutes on Dec. 20 and scheduled two events.

A rabies clinic will be held on Saturday, Jan. 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Vincentown Fire Company building on Race Street.

Dog licenses are also up for annual renewal.

“Dog tags are due at the first of the year or sooner,” said Chairman Ronald Heston.

Heston and Board member Elizabeth Rossell discussed the possibility of bringing in a guest speaker to discuss the opioid epidemic taking

place throughout the country, including New Jersey.

“I am sure we have some issues in Southampton,” Heston said.

The board tentatively decided to schedule a meeting for March 21 at 7:30 p.m. to hear from a guest speaker. Rossell was tasked with finding a speaker for the meeting.

Board member Bill Raftery was absent from the meeting which began at 7:45 p.m. and adjourned at 7:49 p.m.

The board will meet again to reorganize on Jan. 2 at 7:45 p.m.

instruction room, library, computer room, teacher’s room, full kitchen, and a full-sized gym/multi-purpose room.

Gfroehrer originally advertised the building for lease on the Washington Township School District’s website.

The Washington Township Board of Education maintains local control and is in place to monitor the financial impact, including enrollment projection. A Washington resident also serves as a non-voting member on the Mullica Township Board of Education.

Gfroehrer said that the Mullica Township School District absorbed the Green Bank School staff.

GREEN FROM PAGE 1

The Medford Lakes Fire Company dispatched two fire trucks – lights whirling and blinking; one of the trucks displayed a huge American flag from its extended ladder. Smaller American flags and yellow ribbons lined Stokes Road. Krzeminski, who thought his family was just going out for dinner, was indeed surprised when a motorcade of Medford Lakes Police officers, EMT personnel, members of the Warrior Watch motorcycle brigade and other vehicles showed up to escort his family to the event.

To the crowd of nearly 100 intrepid residents, Silver welcomed the Krzeminski’s, and said that even though Krzeminski was not from this area, this is how South Jersey treats veterans. The rambunctious

PHOTO BY JAYNE CABRILLA

crowd applauded and shouted “Welcome back, hero!”

Tim Estacio, a student at Shawnee High School, sang an amazing a cappella “Star Spangled Banner.” In addition to belonging to the Shawnee Singers, Estacio is a member of the Shawnee Yellow Ribbon Club, and an Eagle Scout with Troop #48.

Many speakers gave tokens of appreciation to Krzeminski and thanked him for his commitment, his service, and his sacrifice for our nation. Bob Smyth, a field representative from Congressman Tom MacArthur’s (NJ-3) office, presented Krzeminski with a certificate in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community.

Stockton Steps Down After Quarter Century on Borough Council

By Adam Tait III

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON BORO—Citing worsening health problems, veteran Stacy Stockton stepped down from Borough Council last Monday night after 25 years. Stockton started in 1992, succeeding his father.

He’ll continue in his major job, leading the construction firm that bears his name and specializes in historic reconstruction. Stockton, 64, said in a telephone interview that his health won’t allow him to give the kind of attention the Council post requires. He cited cancer, eye problems and bone spurs.

The personable Stockton has counted himself

BONDS FROM PAGE 7

a faithful ally of long-time former Republican Congressman James Saxton, whom he considers one of the best congressmen in the nation.

Following the meeting last week, Pemberton Borough Mayor Harold Griffin presented Stockton with a plaque citing his long service to the community.

There was also a reception honoring him following the meeting to which the public was invited. It was well attended.

Stockton will be succeeded in January by Robert Brock. Brock received 380 votes in November’s general election and won unopposed. Council will remain under Republican control when he takes office.

The meeting drew only two members of Other dates of interest are Dec. 26 to Jan. 2, the public, with one making an early departure.

Christmas/Winter break; Jan. 16, Martin Luther Following an executive session, in which King Day (school closed) and Jan. 19, Impact no action was taken, the meeting adjourned at meeting at the IMMS media center at 9:15 a.m. 8:40 p.m.

Saturday, December 31, 2016

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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.

Letter to the Editor A Snapshot of An America Wishing to Be Heard I like President Obama as a person and I don’t think Hillary Clinton is the Devil.

But, I have to admit to a certain amount of pleasure at the angst some of the media elite, celebrities and other smarty pants people are experiencing after the Presidential election last month.

I know it must be a flaw in my character to enjoy the hang dog looks of some of the CNN and MSNBC anchors and pundits, the sheer astonishment of the editorial boards of the some of the country’s leading newspapers such as the New York Times and Washington Post, and the audacity that many Americans expressed by ignoring the melodious wisdom of sage songsters Katy Perry, Bruce Springsteen, and Jay-Zee. Although we all appreciated the free music.

I feel the pain of those who are disappointed in the outcome of the election. I don’t think that burning flags or overturning cars is the answer. Honestly I can’t help but smile at reports that some now need bereavement counseling or that college students are too distraught to attend classes.

For what it is worth, my advice is for all of us to pause from taking selfies for awhile and realize this election revealed a snapshot of America where some of our fellow citizens are hurting. They felt unheard and are looking for a leader who will find solutions.

Let’s hope and pray it is the President-elect who will be that leader, but if not, we have a chance to make a change in four years.

Michael Corey Browns Mills, N.J.

Political Cartoons

PAGE 9

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 Tribue 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 Happy New Year 2017 We want to wish all of our loyal readers a Happy New Year 2017! May every day of the New Year bring good cheer and happiness for you and your family.

We are hopeful that 2017 is a year full of peace and prosperity throughout the Pine Barrens and beyond.

Regardless of what happens in this New Year, we are confident that our community will find a way to shine while helping each other and their community while all seems

gloomy.

Are you searching for a New Year’s Resolution?

Now is a great time to volunteer in your community and give back. It’s also a perfect time to get involved with your local government and begin attending municipal and board of education meetings.

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

Social Media Sound Off (Re: Editorial-Use Caution When Near School Buses) People need to pay extra attention near school buses. Take your time.

Lynn, Shamong, New Jersey (Re: Tabernacle Says Yes To Backyard Chickens) It should have never been disputed. This is America. It’s the city folks moving to the country creating issues that don’t exist. Go back to the city.

Jerry, Tabernacle, New Jersey (Re: Bass River Officials Receive Earful After Roberts Pond is Emptied) Aside from the obvious being an issue, there needs to be concern for the huge beaver problems in the Pinelands. They are out of control.

Albert, Folsom, New Jersey

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

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

Email us : letters@pinebarrenstribune.com

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE Established 2016 Douglas D. Melegari, Publisher, CEO George L. Blount, Jr., MBA, Director of Operations Pat Carney, Senior Graphic Artist Bob Bradley, Sales Representative Casey Forte, Sales Representative Adam Tait III, Copy Editor, Reporter Robert Urban, Copy Editor Colleen Jordan, Copy Editor, Graphic Artist Jayne Cabrilla, Reporter Scott Kern, Reporter Judy Cohen Minches, Reporter Monica Hollenbeck, Reporter P.O. Box 2402, Vincentown, NJ 08088 Locally owned and published.

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SPOTLIGHT Pinelands Student Commits to the University of South Carolina for Equestrian

Nikita Cope trains with her horse, Dexter.

By Scott Kern

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

BASS RIVER–On Nov. 9, Pinelands Regional High School student Nikita Cope, signed a National Letter of Intent to compete for the University of South Carolina’s Equestrian Division 1 college team in August 2017.

Cope smiles broadly when she describes her first interaction with a horse. “My mom brought me home from the hospital and before I went into the house as a baby, she sat me on my first pony, Sadie,” Cope said. “It kind of grew from there. My mom was into horses a lot.”

Her proud mother, Debbie Buzby-Cope, smiled proudly as she remembered that exact moment.

Additional ponies and horses quickly followed. Winston (show name: “Broke the Bank”) was Nikita’s first show horse that she rode while she competed in the American Paint Horse Association (APHA).

She currently trains with Dexter (show name: “Branded Stylish”) in Advance, N.C. under the careful eye of her coach, Jake Hartman. However, it is Hartman’s wife, Ali Ceresani, also a former New Jersey and Pinelands High School equestrian competitor, turned mentor, that Cope looks up to.

“Ali got a scholarship to go to South Carolina for Equestrian,” Cope said. “She really paved the way for me. She is like an older sister to me. She is just a great person.”

Nikita’s years of training and countless hours of sacrifice have paid off. She has enjoyed recent victories in the North Carolina Quarterhorse Youth “All Around” for riders ages 14 – 18, as well as the New Jersey Novice Youth “All Around” Region 5 Championship in the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). Victories are based on the accumulation of points awarded for multiple shows throughout the year. Competitions are held in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Ohio.

Cope competes in the horsemanship event.

When she not showing horses, Cope is a typical, active high school student who enjoys

Seneca High School Students Reflect on Volunteer Experience in Central Florida

PHOTO SUBMITTED the beach. The North Beach section of Long Beach Island is her favorite spot. She also travels with her mom and took recent trips to Rhode Island and Orlando, Florida. On one of the trips, she cheered on the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team.

Since September, Cope has been working part-time at the New York Life Insurance Company. Her office duties include answering phones, filing and handling client correspondence and anniversary letters. Cope looks up to her manager, “Miss Barbara.”

“She is super nice,” Cope said. “She really cares about everyone at the office. She is a really good role model, especially for a woman in business.”

This experience will serve her well as she enters the University of South Carolina with a Business Undecided field of study.

“You need business for everything,” Cope said. “I am considering Marketing or perhaps International Business. I think these would be good majors for me.”

Cope will conclude her career at Pinelands Regional High School as a four-year Varsity letter student-athlete. As such, she must log all her completed hours riding, training and competing with the United States Equestrian Federation organization, which serves as the governing body for this sport.

Nikita has many folks to thank for her success both on and off the field of competition, including her Pinelands Administrative staff; Athletic Director Will Sundermann, Principal Shaun Banin; former Principal Thomas Normile, and Guidance Counselor Marla Heinemann. Her eyes light up when she acknowledges the years of sacrifice her mom and dad have made for her to live out her dream.

Being in her company, it’s easy to see why everyone is pulling for this all-American girl to continue to ride high in the saddle. The future remains bright for this young woman as she sets her sights next on the University of South Carolina.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Pictured, (Front Row): Rachel Tocci, Olivia Spector (Middle Row): Erin Kerstetter, Leann Schintz, Kasey Mitchell, Emily Briscoe, Abby Regn, Julianna Rankel (Third Row): Erica Lovett, Carley Samuel, Jenn Walker, Darci Dimmig, Abby Lennox, Camryn Samuel, Kayla Hay, Devon Walker, Rachel Green (Back Row): Drew Gallagher, Eric Pierre, Cole Zinc and Ethan Pfieffer.

By Judy Cohen Minches For the Pine Barrens Tribune

TABERNACLE– Twenty-three juniors and seniors from Seneca High School have shared the very special experience of volunteering at the one-and-only Give the Kids the World Village (the “Village”) in Kissimmee, Fla. From Dec. 4 through 7, Seneca students and their chaperones—three members of the Seneca staff: Matt Abate, business education teacher and the organizer of the Village trip; Jay Donoghue, social studies teacher, and Lee Timpano, special education teacher—embarked on a journey that will undoubtedly touch them all for years to come.

The Village is a 79-acre resort in Central Florida where kids ages three- to 18-years-old with life- threatening illnesses, along with their families, are treated to week-long, cost-free vacations.

All the expenses are covered, from accommodations in one of the Village’s villas to meals, activities and entertainment at the Village as well as at many other local venues and theme parks, such as Disney World, Sea World and Universal.

The goal is to create “a vacation of a lifetime” for each of the kids and their families and “to inspire a renewed sense of hope and happiness that lasts long after they return home,” a Village spokesperson said.

Seneca English Teacher Sean Cassel spoke with the students who just returned from this year’s trip and learned that they spent time with the children and their families while serving meals, washing dishes, bussing tables, hosting a Halloween-themed party and running rides and activities at the Village.

Their takeaway from the experience covered a gamut of emotions. Some said they gained an

awareness from spending time with the families that a child’s illness doesn’t just affect the person who is sick but the entire family.

Several teens said they felt inspired and gained new perspective on their own lives. Others said they felt humbled.

One senior at Seneca said that “the strength and willpower that these families carry with them is like nothing I’ve ever seen. The trip truly depicts what life should be about: enjoying every moment with the people you love and not to stress about things that won’t matter next week.”

Cassel said he thinks the kids will “take the experience with them forever, unlike the trip itself, which comes and goes.” He also finds it “pretty commendable” that the students covered the cost of participating on their own, essentially paying for the opportunity to volunteer.

According to the Village spokesperson, there are 27,000 children annually who are diagnosed in the U.S. with life-threatening illnesses. Half of those who are granted a wish choose a Florida destination.

The Village has welcomed more than 146,000 families from all 50 states and 75 countries worldwide since the idea was conceived in 1986 by hotelier Henri Landwirth, who saw the need to make wishes come true for the kids and their families who were in deep despair over a devastating diagnosis.

It is the generosity of individual contributions, corporate donations, special event fund-raisers and in-kind donations which has made it all possible; however, the organization is still left with a hefty bill, in excess of $12 million annually.

For more information and/or to make a donation, please visit www.gktw.org.

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COMMUNITY Events

January 1 Location: Medford Event: Medford United Methodist Church New Year’s Day Worship Service Details: Medford United Methodist Church will be holding one service at 10 a.m. on New Year’s Day. All are welcome.

Come start the New Year off right! 2 Hartford Road, Medford.

PAGE 11

Annual Members’ Winter Exhibit, from January 8th through February 24th, 2017. The show takes place annually at the Pemberton Library Branch of the Burlington County Library System. Participating members may enter up to three pieces of any subject matter, media and/or a variety of styles. Visitors may see this show any time the library is open. All artwork is for sale.

Pemberton Library is located at 16 Broadway, Browns Mills.

609-893-8262.

Monday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539, Whiting. The meetings help to educate, support and answer questions about thyroids. For more information, call Stefanie, the group facilitator, 732-350-2904.

January 28 Location: Little Egg Harbor Event: Sunshine Foundation Fishing Flea Market Details: The Southern Ocean County Chapter of the Sunshine Foundation will hold its 2d Annual Fishing Flea Market on Jan. 28, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Little Egg Harbor Community Center, 319 W. Calabreeze Drive, Little Egg Harbor.

The Sunshine Foundation helps fulfill the dreams and wishes of terminally ill, chronically ill and abused children. For additional information, call Tom Siciliano 732-267-6451, or Frank Muinos 908-380-8491.

January 3

January 10

Location: Whitesbog Village, Browns Mills Event: Quandrantids Meteor Shower Peak Viewing Party Details: Join us for a walk out to the bogs to look at the meteor shower at its peak! Whitesbog’s dark skies make them ideal for night viewing. Advance reservations requested by calling 609-893-4646. 120 W. Whitesbog Road, Browns Mills.

Location: Whitesbog Village, Browns Mills Event: Shinrin Yoku Wellness Walk Details: Step lightly on this guided nature walk. This is a free event beginning at 10 a.m., in front of the Whitesbog Village General Store, 120 W. Whitesbog Road, Browns Mills. Advance reservations requested by calling 609-893-4646.

January 8

January 13

March 14

Location: Medford Event: Medford VFW Steak Night Details: Where’s the beef? Come join us at the Medford VFW for Steak Night on Sunday! We open the doors at 3 p.m. and serve until 6 p.m. It includes a delicious steak, potato, green beans, salad, roll and coffee or tea, all prepared by our chef Denny. Only $12 per person! Take-out available. 317 Church Road, Medford. (Just east of Kirby’s Mill). Phone 609-654-9823.

Location: Whitesbog Village, Browns Mills Event: Family Hike Details: Meet at the Whitesbog Village General Store at 10 a.m. to explore the sights and sounds of our trails with an experienced leader. Reservations are encouraged by calling 609-893-4646. There is a $5/family donation request.

Location: Whiting Event: Philadelphia Flower Show Details: The Crestwood Village Garden Club will be going to the Philadelphia Flower Show, March 14. The theme this year is “Holland: Flowering the World.” The cost is $61 per person.

Contact Stephanie for more information, 732-350-2904.

Location: Browns Mills Event: Burlington County Art Guild Winter Art Exhibit Details: The Burlington County Art Guild, Inc. presents their

January 16 Location: Whiting Event: Thyroid Support Group Details: January is Thyroid Awareness Month. The next meeting of the Thyroid Support Group will be held on

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Christmas Week at the Senior Center and Reflecting on 2016

By Ebba Liguori

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON–The final week before Christmas saw many celebrations at the senior center. Many took the time to bake some delicious cookies and then brought them into the center to share. Some were traditional cookies, but others used fresh, new recipes. One thing was certain, everyone ate more than they should have!

Fred Liguori celebrated his birthday and Carol Smith made some delicious cupcakes with frosting and decorations to share with his friends. Carol has not resided in Browns Mills for too long, but she has already made herself popular with her special cooking. One day she arrived with fresh homemade pizzelles, a traditional Italian style waffle cookie. Another day she had fresh dark chocolate fudge. While attending the recent Christmas party, she took over as photographer, taking more than 70 photos during the afternoon. We all welcome her to our community.

Mary Ann Haskins, a regular Bible study participant, received her annual bigger-than-jumbo size box of chocolates. Every Christmas a relative gifts her with a super-sized box and she in turn brings it in to share with other seniors.

There were plenty of chocolates to share with

all, and even a few were left over.

Linda Daley could not avoid using the many special coupons she had, so she brought in several boxes of chocolates to share. This is the season when seniors eat entirely too much sweet stuff and suffer as each reads the scale. A lot of seniors will be counting calories when January arrives. But we all have so much fun!

The staff looked forward to the four-day holiday and a chance to spend more time with their own families. One staff member has been out of work since Dec. 5 due to knee replacement surgery. The seniors have missed her and the other day-care workers.

As the year 2016 comes to a close, the staff has much to be proud of. They have served up to 100 lunches per day, arranged numerous programs with guest speakers, and organized many events. It has been a busy year. The staff arrives before 7:30 a.m. daily and begins brewing two large pots of coffee, both regular and decaf. They prepare hot water for tea and set out all the extras needed for seniors to enjoy their morning beverage. There is also bread for toast, spread, and peanut butter and jelly to round out the Continental breakfast.

Often there are assortments of delicious pastries to share. Of course, they are prepared to assist the seniors with this morning breakfast. It is a busy place for everyone.

Ralph West is another busy person.

He volunteers to visit several surplus outlets to get breads and pastries to share with the seniors.

There is always a rush to see what West has each day. He has arrived at a unique plan to be certain that distribution of these many treats is fair. West gives out chance tickets to all the seniors, then numbers are drawn from a large jar.

As one’s number is called, there is the opportunity to go up front and select one bakery item from the table. This becomes a “party” as seniors cheer for each other as they claim their prize. What will it be today? Perhaps a pie, or crème cake, or maybe some sweet rolls. Usually there are enough items so everyone can claim a prize. All have a chance to bring home some dessert.

West and his buddy, Alex Baptiste, visit the “Farmers against Hunger” site weekly and collect fresh vegetables and produce to share with the seniors. One never knows what surplus will be available, but this time of the year there are often squash, potatoes and other fall produce.

These generous men take the time and effort to supply the seniors with whatever is available

and the seniors appreciate their many efforts. No matter what the weather, West and Baptiste are out there gathering the bounty for our residents.

The day after Christmas, Monday was a holiday, but the center was active on Tuesday through Friday. The Senior Council held a trip to the Wilmington Western Railroad in Delaware, including a stop at the Old Country Buffet for lunch. Margaret Graiff brought Bingo to the center on Tuesday morning and hosted Bingo at Aspen Hills on Thursday. Of course on Friday the seniors were back at morning exercise and line dancing. There was a concerted effort to work off many of those calories that found their way onto the hips.

Soon 2016 is only a memory, but 2017 has arrived with many new opportunities for activities at the senior center. Consider stopping in and signing up to be part of the group and the many interesting activities available. The January Senior Gazette will be available after Jan. 1. Stop in and pick up your copy and check out the many offerings. The menu is included, so plan to join the group for lunch. Hope to see many of you in the New Year.

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BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY Jersey Central Power & Light Rate Settlement Will Help Continue Reliability Enhancements For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MORRISTOWN-- Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has announced that the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has approved a settlement in the company’s baserate case that will help support and build on the significant service reliability enhancements made by the utility in recent years to benefit its more than 1,000,000 customers in the state.

Parties to the settlement include: the BPU staff; New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel; Gerdau Steel; U. S. Department of Defense; and

New Jersey Large Energy Users Coalition.

The settlement results in a 3.6 percent overall rate increase – or $3.98 a month – for a residential customer using 768 kilowatt hours of electricity, which is the average monthly usage for all JCP&L residential customers. Even with the increase, JCP&L continues to offer the lowest residential electric rates among New Jersey’s four regulated electric distribution companies.

Overall, the increase will total $80 million and be used to continue tree trimming, inspections of lines, poles and substations, and maintenance

JCP&L Nearing Completion of 2016 Circuit Upgrade Program For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MORRISTOWN–Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has completed upgrades on more than 80 major circuits this year to enhance customer reliability. Overall, the modernization work will help reduce the number and duration of service interruptions for more than 113,000 customers in central and northern New Jersey.

Among the projects completed was an upgrade of equipment in the area known as the Great Swamp in Chatham Borough. The work required installing planking to allow workers to safely access the poles and wires while protecting the natural vegetation. After gaining access, crews installed modern polymer insulators, replaced wooden cross arms with fiberglass arms, along with inspecting other equipment.

The circuit enhancement work is part of JCP&L’s plan to invest $387 million on

infrastructure projects in 2017.

“Circuit upgrades serve an important role in enhancing service to customers,” said Tony Hurley, vice president of Operations for JCP&L. “As we prepare for the upcoming winter season, the work that has been completed will help prevent or reduce the duration of service interruptions to customers.”

The upgrade work included installing more resilient fuses, animal guards and lightning protection devices; enhanced tree trimming efforts; replacing wooden cross arms at the top of utility poles; and installing fault indicators that help pinpoint problem areas, helping to speed the restoration process if an outage occurs.

In addition, automated equipment was added to the distribution system that allows JCP&L to automatically detect the location of faults and quickly restore the vast majority of customers served by the line, while other repairs are made.

Division of Taxation Reminds Consumers & Business Owners That Sales Tax Rate Will Change For the Pine Barrens Tribune

TRENTON – The New Jersey Division of Taxation is reminding business owners that the State Sales and Use Tax rate will be reduced to 6.875% on Jan. 1, 2017.

The previous rate of 7% has remained unchanged since 2006. Business owners should prepare to change their point-of-sale systems to reflect the lower rate for the New Year.

Rates for State Sales Tax in Urban Enterprise Zones also will change on Jan. 1, 2017. The rate

in a designated UEZ will be 50 percent of the Sales Tax rate, or 3.4375%. The previous UEZ rate was 3.5%.

Citizens can calculate the tax due using a Sales Tax Collection Schedule (ST-75) or by multiplying taxable receipts by the applicable rate. Taxes are calculated to the third decimal point. Citizens should round up for one-half cent ($0.005) or higher and round down for less than half a cent.

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for newly installed equipment that enhances and modernizes the electric system.

The settlement will help the company recover costs of investments in service-related enhancement projects that have been completed since mid-2012. These investments helped JCP&L achieve its best service reliability record in more than a decade last year, including a 33 percent reduction in system outage duration and a 19 percent improvement in customer restoration times. In addition, the utility’s tree trimming and vegetation management programs have reduced tree-

related outages more than 38 percent.

“It’s our job to provide dependable electricity to our customers for their homes, businesses and communities, and the rate settlement will help us deliver on this commitment,” said Jim Fakult, president of JCP&L. “The additional revenue will provide us the resources and technology necessary to enhance our infrastructure to help continue safe and reliable electric service for our customers.”

JCP&L’s new rates will be effective January 1, 2017.

PSE&G Customers to Pay Even Less to Heat Their Homes This Winter For the Pine Barrens Tribune

NEWARK–Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest utility, announced last week that it will provide bill credits this winter that will lower monthly bills by about 9 percent during January and February for a typical residential gas heating customer. Those customers will see a total bill credit of approximately $25 this winter.

The bill credits are in addition to a 3 percent annual bill decrease that took effect Oct. 1 that is saving the typical customer $26.40 a year. Since January 2009, annual bills for PSE&G’s typical residential gas heating customers are 52 percent

-- or $879 -- lower due to supply rate reductions.

“The cost of natural gas continues to be low,” said Jorge Cardenas, PSE&G vice president of asset management and centralized services. “In addition, our transportation capabilities and the way we manage our contracts have enabled us to pass these savings along to our customers as the temperature drops.”

PSE&G makes no profit on the sale of natural gas, and passes along what it pays to customers.

Last winter, PSE&G gave back $152 million to customers in the form of bill credits. The utility will be returning about $36 million to customers with the credit announced last week.

Saturday, December 31, 2016

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PAGE 13

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Saturday, December 31 2016

ACCIDENTS FROM PAGE 1

“The third one was a fatality,” Barry Cavileer said. “Now I understand the third one was not a part of their group. They were just scouting it out for another ride.”

Before a permit is granted, the committee must find that the event meets seven different standards. These findings are primarily determined from the information provided on the application, although sometimes the town will review other sources of information.

As part of these standards, events in the township must not require the diversion of so great a number of ambulances or police officers to prevent normal services to the township.

“We go out of our way to make this event safe,” O’Connor said. “We have been doing this for over 10 years and never had a serious accident. We have our own doctors and medics on the route. We have a trauma surgeon on staff.”

The standards were created after a deadly motorcycle accident in Woodland several years ago which involved a response by the Green Bank Volunteer Ambulance Company, a company that is dedicated to providing ambulance services in Washington.

The committee concluded there was a lack of coverage in the more heavily populated portions of the township when crews respond to, or are stationed at a special event in the northeastern part of the municipality. The northeastern part of the municipality is nearly 13 miles away from the town’s main population center.

Town officials determined that the Woodland Volunteer Fire and EMS Company is closer to the northeastern part of the township and would be in a better position to provide medical coverage for special events in the Penn State Forest.

“After that it was realized, if they are all up there, whether it is in Woodland or Washington, or wherever, they are a long way away from Green Bank and Lower Bank,” said Horrace Somes, deputy emergency management coordinator for Washington. “That is not to say that we don’t want to help, but when we are way up there, we are not down here.”

The Pinelands Adventure Camp listed on their permit application that the prevailing EMS that was assigned to the Adventure Ride/Eco Tour was Woodland EMS. However, representatives from both townships said that Burlington County Central Communications did not follow the arrangements that were made for the weekend. This concerned committee members.

“There again, it was our squad and our fire companies that got called out although New Gretna did get called out as well as Washington Township companies,” Barry Cavileer said. “Woodland Township supposedly was covering and we never saw them.

“I think that we should attempt to do something about that for next year. One of the things I think we should do is get in touch with the person who was in charge of that event and ask them to come in, so that we can express to that person our concerns about our units all being up there. And if we have a heart attack here in town, we would have to wait for mutual aid or for our own units coming in from 13 miles away.”

Mayor Dudley Lewis asked Barbara Cavileer, chief of the Green Bank Volunteer Ambulance Company, if she had received any feedback from Burlington County’s Central Communications as to why the dispatch went the way it did.

“No, I have not,” she said. “I understand that Woodland was sitting in Brendan Byrne State Park, which is not even in our township. It is

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM way up there. After the first incident, I was going to drive to Chatsworth and talk to them.

The park police said ‘Don’t bother, they are all the way in Brendan Byrne.’ So, I didn’t bother going up that far.”

She also said that it would probably behoove the town to make sure Central is aware that there is designated coverage so that when incidents come in, they can talk directly to whoever is been assigned.

Township Clerk Kathleen D. Hoffman, who certified to the committee in October that Pinelands Adventure Camp had their paperwork in order and was in compliance with the parade ordinance, said that she wasn’t sure whether Woodland actually had enough rigs to cover the event.

“Does Woodland have two ambulances?” she said. “I don’t know. If they don’t, how can they guarantee that they are going to cover this event, because if they get a call, no matter where it is, they are going to that and if they are not available to respond to this event, I don’t know. I don’t know Woodland.”

Barbara Somes, emergency management coordinator for Washington, read aloud to the committee a text message from Woodland Volunteer Fire and EMS Chief Shawn Viscardi.

In that message, Viscardi said that Woodland operates two units. One is used for coverage of events. The chief added that central is notified when they are covering events and which rigs are assigned to those events.

“Central for the cardiac was told by myself personally that we had a rig closer and we asked if they wanted us to respond to this and central replied that Chief 421 (New Gretna Volunteer Fire Company Chief Thomas Wetmore) is forty minutes into this,” the text message read in part.

Barbara Somes said there was a discrepancy in communication.

“They (Woodland EMS) did notify Central that they were covering the event and actually asked to respond to it and were stood down,” she said.

A supervisor with Burlington County Central Communications, who identified herself only as Operator 118, offered very limited details about the agency’s role in event dispatch during a very brief telephone interview.

“We don’t have anything to do with who stands by,” Operator 118 said.

The supervisor then transferred the telephone call to Captain Kevin Briggs, Burlington County’s 9-1-1 coordinator.

Briggs declined to comment and relayed all media inquiries to the county’s public information office. The public information office did not return messages seeking comment for this story.

Washington Committeeman Daniel James said that the township should work on a procedure that involves assigning differing emergency dispatch tones for special events. James said that Burlington County Central Communications is likely unaware of the information placed on a township parade permit and on the permit application.

“We know it is a special event, but Central doesn’t,” he said. “All they know is that they have an accident in Washington Township. That is why we go to them and not the prevailing EMS that is assigned that particular event.”

While the committee hopes to iron out the dispatch issues with the county in the near future, they also want to bring in O’Connor to discuss the two causalities and fatality.

“I think we need to talk to the guy that is in charge over there just to let him know we are not happy about two causalities and one fatality that weekend, on successive days, and ask what are you going to do next year to make it a safer event,” Barry Cavileer said.

O’Connor said during an interview that he

was willing to come before the township committee and work with local officials to come up with a solution.

“I would be glad to,” O’Connor said. “It just seems like the system doesn’t work. I am willing to help.”

O’Connor said that he also expressed concerns with the response to the New Jersey State Park Police and David Robbins, superintendent of Wharton State Forest. He said that communication problems have impacted

LANCE FROM PAGE 2

past 63 years that I know of, that my father-inlaw has been driving on it, and to not declare it a road,” Marie Heffley said. “We are not asking you to fight this gentleman. We are asking you to declare it a road. I want you to tell me that it is a prescriptive easement by ordinance, that you’ve read it, you understand it, and yes, it is a prescriptive easement and make this go away because if you are afraid of a lawsuit, you might get one on this side.”

Raymond said that there are other things to consider if the committee should decide to take up a position on the matter.

“There are also facts,” he said. “There are also other circumstances. I don’t know that the committee is in a position to do anything tonight.” Marie Heffley said that she could not understand why the committee is so fearful of making a decision. She requested that the committee revisit their decision and said that the family will return before the committee. She also offered her professional opinion on the matter as a state title examiner.

“In the title business, there is no gray area,” she said. “There is black and there is white.

There is right and there is wrong. Whatever we have to do, we will establish this as a road just like you pay for the sign with our taxpayer dollars that called it Lance Run Road.”

Two of the three committee members broke their silence and appeared to distance themselves somewhat from the substitute solicitor’s remarks after nearly fifteen minutes of passionate back-and-forth between Raymond and the Heffley family.

“I am only speaking for myself and not for the township committee,” said Committeeman Barry Cavileer. “I found Mr. and Mrs. Capella’s argument last month to be very unconvincing.

“Obviously, it has been considered a road. We would have not been plowing it, we would have not been improving it, we would not have been trimming along it, and we would not have been doing the trash collection or recycling collection if it was not a township road.”

Cavileer said that the Capellas have not submitted promised paperwork which supports their arguments. He also said that he still does not know what the Capellas want the committee to do. He said that he wanted the committee to wait until the Capellas return from

COUNCIL FROM PAGE 6

The lieutenant was highly praised by Police Chief David Jantas.

In ordinary business, council approved four consent agenda resolutions. The first awarded a $23,203 contract for a compact excavator to Garden State Bobcat.

A second named current employee Alison Shinkunas to fill a vacancy for tax collector.

Another authorized Chief Financial Officer Robert Benick to deposit lien money of $2,100 to the miscellaneous revenue not anticipated account.

The last approved renewal of a plenary retail consumption license for Merko Inc. for 2016-17.

PAGE 14

other special events in the state forests and he would like to have the problems addressed for the good of all the events that take place.

He added that he showed park police officers how to download a GPS map of the tour route on their cellular phones. O’Connor said that he was surprised that the park police weren’t already using GPS mapping tools for the tour.

“I take this really seriously,” O’Connor said.

“I want to get in front of this ASAP.” California before taking any further steps.

“I think we owe it to him to at least listen to him one more time to see if he has come up with any further argument on it,” Cavileer said.

Kathleen Heffley said that her family isn’t the type that would come to the conclusion that they would have to sue anybody living in their town.

“You can give him the benefit of the doubt when he comes back,” she said. “But I still believe that the Heffley family should be shown some respect here.”

Committeeman Daniel James said that the township committee is going to sit down with legal counsel. He added that right now the committee is not siding with anyone.

“We have to get all the facts together,” James said. “Then we will sit down with legal counsel and do it the right way.”

He assured the Heffley family that the township will not allow Lance Run Road to be closed.

“We are not going to let him close the road,” he said. “It is not even in the running. The access will be there. But we have to do it the way it has to be done so that it is a dead issue in the end.”

Edward Heffley asked the township to pave Lance Run Road. The mayor viewed that as a separate matter. Earlier in the meeting, the committee said that it would be cost prohibitive to make major improvements to Lance Run Road.

“That is another issue,” Lewis said.

Edward Heffley said that the township needs to pave the road.

“Let me tell you something,” he said. “I lived in this township for 60 some years. When Billy Bell was on the township committee, he got South Bend Road blacktopped. Mike Brown got the road blacktopped in Lower Bank. Now if I have to get on the township at 84 years old to get that blacktopped, maybe I’ll have to do it.”

Lewis said that this is the first time anybody has requested this committee for Lance Run Road to be paved.

“Well if it is blacktopped, Capella can’t run up the middle of the road with a disc because then we can lock him up,” Edward Heffley said.

“But right now he runs up the road with a disc. I pack it down as soon as he runs up the road. He is not going to close this off like he did the avenue (Capella closed off a small avenue several years ago, due to litter). Never.”

The excavator vote was 3-1, with outgoing Republican Councilman Jack Tompkins voting no. The other three were unanimous, 4-0.

Councilwoman Norma Trueblood missed a second consecutive meeting.

There were two other purchases over $2,000 this month. The first was $2,658 for a 7-foot by 14-foot trailer from Hecht Trailer of Mt. Holly.

The other was $5,600 for asbestos removal from a house at 19 S. Lakeshore Drive, paid to Pernaco, Inc. of West Berlin.

A highlight of Mayor David Patriarca’s remarks was the planned official dedication of Bayberry Park, this Friday, Dec. 30. This is the park built completely by the Department of Public Works, allowing the entire state grant to be used for equipment. What a good use of local resources and talent.

The meeting adjourned just before 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 31, 2016

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PAGE 15

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?”

He’s Off The Secret Santa Hook Oh, how quickly the holidays have crept upon us.

I suppose I should have realized they were fast approaching the instant I received the first Christmas catalog.

Of course it was mid-July at the time, so I tossed the catalog in my “things to read” pile and headed out to do yard work, in hopes of mulching my worries away.

Barbecue grills being replaced by Christmas trees on the displays were no cause of concern for me. The elves who were pushing pencils during the back-to school specials didn’t bother me much and I felt no sign of duress when I saw T-shirts stating, “I made Santa’s naughty list” on the racks at the department store.

I held steady as our young Charlie changed my ring tone to “Joy to the World’’ and even after he began texting me a wish list like it was his job.

Yet, I’ve learned as I age that time speeds up.

One minute you’re working in the yard, basking in the sun and complaining about the heat.

The next minute you’re pushing an overloaded cart (reminiscent of the Grinch’s Christmas bag loaded up with presents from Whoville) through the supercenter, vowing to yourself and everyone else that THIS will be your last trip to the store until after Christmas.

Then you get home and realize that you forgot eggs, cranberries and an appetizer for a gathering on the 26th.

Since I love to have everything perfect for my loved ones this time of year, I scurry about in a bit of a panic, grabbing this and forgetting that. I worry that there is someone on my list that I overlooked or worse yet, that one of our four sons will have way more presents than the others, clearly indicating that he’s (and I quote) “loved the most.”

Here’s a stressful moment for you. How about the dear friend who presents you with a gift, out of the blue, when all you can possibly muster up in return is a stick of gum?

There’s no “Ho ho ho-ing” your way out of that one.

As I endure these moments, my beloved spouse takes the season in stride. Pat helps when he can, chips in here and toils over there.

But by and large, he remains unscathed the entire Christmas season.

That is, until just yesterday, when I made this little announcement, “Pat, you drew my name for the family Secret Santa present exchange.” I’m quite certain that when news, such as this, falls upon the ears of men who are natural gift-givers, they barely break a sweat.

They simply make a stop, grab a gift and go about their season and are none the worse for the wear.

Knowing that my Pat is not one of these men, I normally do shopping for him. I purchase the gifts, forge his name on the gift exchange tag and we call it a holiday.

“How do you know that I have your name?” my Pat asked with wide eyes.

“Because I was in charge of the exchange and the last two choices were yours and mine and I either had me or I had to give me to you.”

“You take you and I’ll take someone else.”

“Not gonna happen because I already bought my person’s gift.”

“Well, double down on the person’s gift and get another one for you.”

“I would, except that a Kansas City Chiefs stocking cap would clash with most of my outfits.”

Now, don’t get me wrong, my Pat is a generous man where I’m concerned. But he knows to NOT buy me clothes, realizes that I have enough jewelry and since we have our own antique shop, I have the market cornered on my favorite hobby.

Since I sternly stand by my mother’s rule: “If it plugs in, it’s no gift to me,” Pat can’t buy me a toaster, vacuum or (as much as he’d enjoy the benefits of one) a new waffle maker.

“How about a new broom?” he chuckled as he recalled the fit he had when I bought one a while back. “Oh, I know!” he quickly added, “a Christmas tree! You loved the one that we got you a couple of weeks ago, can that count as your present?”

“Okay,” I said as I lovingly let him off of the hook. “How about a new phone case for my smart phone?”

“Great!” Pat replied with obvious relief.

“Can you pick it out and purchase it for us?”

I’m a caring person, so I will do it. But in exchange, Pat is going to take care of that appetizer for the family gathering on the 26th.

© 2016 LORI CLINCH

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ACROSS

1 Software versions that probably have bugs 6 Deer sir?

10 Long-running TV forensic series 13 Reason for some food recalls 14 Tractor brand 15 Gavel sound 16 King of ragtime 18 California’s Santa __ Mountains 19 2,000 pounds 20 Lee in the frozen foods section 21 Gives off 23 Presley film set in Sin City 26 Noisy insect 29 Seuss’ “Horton __ a Who!” 30 In any way 31 Artist Francisco 33 Right-angled pipes 36 Penalty flag thrower 37 Sincere 40 Promise to repay, for short 41 The “E” in FEMA: Abbr.

43 Fez and fedora 44 Speaks scratchily 46 “Sour grapes” storyteller 48 Multi-room accommodations 49 One chasing outlaws for money

53 Domed home 54 Zip, as a Ziploc 55 Static jolt 58 Bikini top 59 Counter wipers, or what the starts of 16-, 23- and 49-Across are 63 Lanai wreath 64 Preface, briefly 65 Yeas and nays 66 Mass. clock setting 67 Mix, as a salad 68 Make into a statute

DOWN 1 Unsurpassed, or surpass 2 Danish shoe company 3 Animated character 4 Mountain hgt.

5 Isn’t used, as machinery 6 Leaf under a petal 7 Phone book no.

8 Tycoon Onassis 9 Swiss convention city 10 Site for online bargain hunters 11 Legendary sleigh rider 12 “Not interested” 14 Animated kid explorer 17 Morning cup 22 For a __ pittance

23 Actor Kilmer 24 “Now I remember” 25 Caspian and Black 26 Handle with __ 27 Gossip column couple 28 17-Down with hot milk 31 Boardroom diagram 32 Toronto’s prov.

34 More than trot 35 Figure (out), slangily 38 Shout between ships 39 Soul mate 42 Nevada city 45 Word before base or ball 47 “Cut that out!”

48 Fantasy baseball datum 49 Holy Scriptures 50 Fairy tale baddies 51 Password creators 52 Fictional sleuth Wolfe 55 Second of four rhyming Greek letters 56 Actor Baldwin 57 Hissed “Hey!” 60 “Is that __?”: “Are you declining?”

61 Pair in a qt.

62 Took first place

S U D O K U

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CLASSIFIEDS Submit a Classified! E-mail sales@pinebarrenstribune.com to receive a form and pricing.

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Help Wanted Pine Barrens Tribune, LLC– Searching for a sales representative. The right candidate will be highly organized, collaborative, and creative closer who thrives in a deadline driven sales environment and demonstrates a passion for both print and digital advertising sales. The job includes prospecting leads, making calls, daily territory travel, setting up appointments, and the use of technology. Previous newspaper and/or sales experience is a plus, but not necessary. Strong face-to-face written, and verbal communication skills with an eye for detail are a must. Candidates must possess a valid drivers license and a reliable vehicle. Please include your resume, cover letter, and professional references and send to letters@pinebarrenstribune. com. Competitive salary plus commission with opportunity for advancement.

Pine Barrens Media, LLC– Searching for a freelance journalist/reporter with strong reporting skills and great storytelling abilities to join the Pine Barrens Tribune news team! The ideal candidate will have excellent news judgment and be able to develop sources to allow them to break

major stories both in-print and online. We are seeking a motivated, energetic, creative and aggressive reporter who can think and perform outside the box. The candidate should be able to develop story ideas and gather information for the newspaper and website, have sound writing skills, a great work ethic, strong interpersonal skills, and a can-do attitude. The best person for this job will have excellent writing skills and thrive on breaking stories. Video editing, photographic editing, and graphic artwork experience is a huge plus, but not required. A college degree in Journalism / Mass Communications or related field of study is required. The average work schedule will include evenings and weekends. Please include your resume, cover letter, three writing samples, and professional references and send to letters@pinebarrenstribune.com Pine Barrens Media, LLC–Accepting applications for a newspaper delivery driver to work in the Burlington County area. This is a great part-time income opportunity for a motivated individual. A personal vehicle is necessary and a large van, cargo van, SUV, or

extended cab pickup truck is preferred.

Working hours may vary depending upon delivery arrival time. The ideal candidate should be available Thursday through Saturday. Responsibilities include lifting up to 25 pounds and delivering newspapers to racks and local businesses. Excellent reading, comprehension, organizational, and written and verbal skills are required.

A valid drivers license, insurance card, and reliable transportation is a must! Please call 609-801-2392 and ask for George. The pay rate is competitive for new hires.

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HEALTH

Dear Pharmacist

By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph.

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

New Medications to Help with Dry Eyes, Seizures and Hallucinations Dear Readers, What an incredible year for pharmaceuticals.

In 2016, many new and useful medications got FDA approved. My articles are syndicated worldwide, but I’m only listing English drug names so please ask your local pharmacist to translate the medication name for your country.

Happy New Year everyone!

Love, Suzy Anthim (Obiltoxaximab), Rx, Injection The Anthrax drug! While no one intentionally inhales Anthrax, the reality is that bioterrorism exists and could very well occur. So the FDA approved this injectable drug to help people who have been exposed from infected animals, contaminated animal products or from an intentional release of anthrax spores from a terrorist attack. Once infected, irreversible damage and death usually occur, and Anthim is used to neutralize the toxin produced by Bacillus Anracis (a.k.a. Anthrax).

Xiidra (Lifitegrast), Rx, eye drops I believe in using DHA and other healthy fatty acids and natural “tear” drops to relieve dry eyes, but if you want a medication, Xiidra is now available. It blocks a protein and essentially makes you tear up more. The most common side effects are eye irritation or blurred vision and weirdly, an unusual taste sensation (termed dysgeusia) even though the drops are going into your eyes.

Adlyxin (lixisenatide), Rx, Injection This is a once-daily shot for adults with Type 2 diabetes used along with diet and exercise. It’s in the same category as another GLP-1 agonists like Victoza, Byetta and others. These drugs slow the speed at which food is digested and leaves the stomach, so you might say they

are inducing a temporary gastroparesis which can lead to digestive problems. Consider my book on diabetes for natural options, Diabetes Without Drugs, Rodale 2010.

Nuplazid (Pimavanserin), Rx, oral tablets No one with Parkinson’s ever expects their mind to be affected, but the brain is definitely impacted and may cause hallucinations, delusions, emotional problems, altered mental status and cognitive difficulties. Nuplazid is a drug that helps treat hallucinations and delusions specifically associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Syndros (dronabinol), Rx, oral This is a liquid formulation of the pharmaceutical (not naturally derived) cannabinoid compound called “dronabinol.”

This does not grow on Earth but it is the drug version of THC, which is one of the components of pot (marijuana). Everyone knows that pot gives you the munchies, and it’s no different with this drug version called dronabinol. It can help with people who have experienced weight loss due to AIDS/HIV or chemotherapy during cancer treatment.

Briviact (Brivaracetam), Rx, oral tablets This drug is taken by mouth (not injection) and it’s used to treat partial onset seizures in adolescents and adults. It doesn’t cure epilepsy, however the drug has been shown to reduce frequency, which can be very helpful while the cause of seizures is being discovered. Side effects vary, but mostly fatigue, nausea and dizziness. Seizures occur in about 5 million people in the United States, and often cause muscle spasms, strange internal sensations, abnormal thinking and even loss of consciousness.

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

For more information, please visit www.SuzyCohen.com. © 2016 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

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Diet, Exercise Can Help Toddler Constipation

By Sue Hubbard, M.D.

I get so many questions about toddlers and constipation. Constipation relates to stool frequency and consistency, and it is important to understand that everyone has different bowel habits. Not all children will have a stool every day.

While some children will have several stools a day, another may have a stool every two to three days. Both of these scenarios may be normal and not an indicator of problem. At the same time, stool consistency is important.

If your child has hard, dry, pebble like stools (rocks rather than softer snakes or blobs), this may be an indicator of constipation. Everyone will occasionally have a hard stool, but this should not occur consistently.

Lastly, it should not be painful to pass the stool. While toddlers may grunt or push, or even start to “hide” to poop, it should not cause real pain.

With all of that being said, it is not uncommon for toddlers to become constipated, as they often are also becoming picky eaters.

Due to this “phase,” some young children will drink too much milk in place of eating meals; and this may lead to constipation. Your toddler should be drinking somewhere between 12 to 18 ounces of milk per day. Many children also load up on other dairy products like cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese, which, while healthy, may also lead to too much dairy intake and contribute to constipation.

Water intake is also important to help prevent constipation. If your child is drinking too much milk, substitute some water as well.

It is a balancing act to make sure your child is getting both milk and water. If necessary, I will also put the smallest amount of apple or prune juice in the water. By the age of 1, your child

should no longer have a bottle as their main source of nutrition.

Fiber is also important, so offer plenty of whole grains and limit the “white foods” that toddlers love (yes, the bread, cereal, pasta). If you always buy whole wheat pasta and whole grain breads, your children will never know the difference. Stay away from processed white foods whenever possible. It is also easy to throw flax seed or bran into muffins or smoothies (disguising fiber). I also sometimes use Metamucil cookies (they are pre-made), and may even resort to dot of icing smeared on it, and offer it as a cookie for snack, along with a big glass of water.

Fruits and veggies are a must, even if you think your child won’t eat them! Your toddler needs two servings of fruits and veggies every day; and be sure to rotate what you offer them.

You will be surprised at how one day they may refuse something and the next they will eat it.

Don’t give up on fruits and veggies. It may literally take years for your child to eat peas, but if they aren’t offered a food repetitively they will probably never it eat. I know a lot may get thrown to the floor, but just clean it up and persevere. Not only will this help their stools but their long-term healthy eating habits as well.

Movement is also important to help keep the bowels healthy and “moving.” Making sure that your toddler is moving seems crazy, as they are on the go all of the time. But with an older child, make sure they are getting plenty of time for play and exercise outside or in and not just sitting in front of a screen.

Lastly, for short-term issues with constipation it is also OK to try using milk of magnesia (MOM) or even MiraLAX, but ask your doctor about dosing in toddlers.

SEEKING TALENTED MEN AND WOMEN WITH OUTSTANDING :

Communication skills People skills Organization Dependability Sales Advertising candidates should be energetic and possess a positive, goal-driven mindset. Prior sales experience is a plus, however we will train the right individual.

Opportunity for advancement. Competitive salary. Interested applicants should submit their resume to: gblountjr@pinebarrenstribune.com Equal Employment Opportunity

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HOME, GARDEN, AND FARMING Farm and Food File

By Alan Guebert

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

Industrial Services Co. “Service

rst With Pride”

TM

25 Year Family Business

‘Mooey Christmas’

As this thinly-priced farm year and deeply The more likely reason, however, is that the bitter election year glides toward its inevitable editors see their newspapers as public gathering end, readers continue to pack my email inbox places where people discuss the news, share with sugar-coated compliments and napalm- ideas, and encounter different opinions to ensure encased invective. that important issues—like trade, Farm Bills, Sometimes this polar divide is showcased by environmental standards, renewable fuels and comments on the same column and, climate change—are debated openly and from sometimes, these warmly complimentary/ all sides. on-fire angry emails even arrive the same day.

That’s the idea behind newspapers’ “Op/Ed” This past summer, however, one pair of pages, an American invention, incidentally. opposites arrived within an hour of each other. Contrary to what most suspect, the “Op” isn’t Sunday, July 31 at 8:22 a.m. : “God bless shorthand for “opinion;” it’s shorthand for you,” wrote Candice S. for “your article in the “opposite,” as in the page opposite of the South Bend Tribune… (it) was right on.” editorial (“Ed”) page.

Sunday, July 31 at 9:38 a.m.: “WOW, nice The position is both literal and figurative. work at politicizing your garbage article on July Literal in that it is located in the same place, 29. You did a hack job…” opposite of the editorial page, every day, and Another reader, Kevin B., pointed his figurative in that it usually holds stories and electronic blowtorch my way Nov. 23 columns that are the opposite of those found on after a post-election column questioned the newspaper’s editorial page.

President-elect Trump’s commitment to global Even at that, maybe newspapers “print a trade, low inflation and low interest rates. guy” like me because I work relatively cheap, “Wow,” he began, “your message is quite never miss a deadline, and know the proper sickening. First off, it is hypocritical… King use of a semicolon. Commas, I admit, remain Obama’s policies have been nothing more than mysterious. a wealth redistribution plan.”

Not all the mail since July arrived on fire.

Mike S. sent the same sentiment in Most, in fact, was complimentary and some was mid-July after a post-Republican Convention even sweet. More than one came from Europe; column reminded readers Mike Pence, now the another from a long-ago acquaintance who is vice president-elect, voted both for and against now in a post-retirement (Are we that old?) the Renewable Fuel Standard while in Con- second career as a Lutheran minister. gress.

One card, though, stood out among the rest. “(Y)our Sunday column… was reasonable It’s old and yellowed and arrived in an old [until] you decided to question the conserva- and yellowed envelope that carried no return tism of farmers & ranchers,” Mike’s email read. address. It only was postmarked “Grand Rapids, “My hope is, following the DNC (Democratic WI.” National Convention), you will write a column The card’s front shows five Holstein cows pointing out the hundreds of contradictions huddled in a snow-sprinkled pasture and a from Hilary (sic) Clinton & Tim Kaine. That rising, full moon behind them. Inside the card would be a balanced approach.” reads: “Mooey Christmas.”

Mike’s comments are similar to many More poignantly, however, the sender—in received by me and newspapers that publish a shaky but clear hand—wrote above that the Farm and Food File. Several asked in some message, “Allie Boy,” and signed under it, form, as one Ohio reader asked, “Why do you “Howard.” people even print a guy like Guebert?”

A year’s worth of low prices and even lower There are many possible answers to that politics fades to complete insignificance when simple, loaded question. One is that, maybe, the someone somewhere offers such a kind and editors like what I write. Another could be that loving gift as that. Thank you. maybe they like how I write it. © 2016 AG COMM.

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AUTOMOTIVE New Vehicle Buying Guide Compiled by Motor Matters

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

2017 GMC Terrian For 2017, GMC’s new Terrain Nightfall Edition offers an edgy appearance with 18-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels and gloss black spokes, a charcoal grill with a gloss black surround and accents, gloss black front and rear fascia accents, gloss black rear license plate surround trim, gloss black outside mirrors and black luggage rails.

The 2017 GMC Terrain Nightfall Edition is offered on SLE-2 and SLT models with four exterior color options: Summit White, Onyx Black, Graphite Gray Metallic and Crimsoned Metallic.

The GMC Terrain is a capable crossover with room for five, premium features and technologies that allow passengers to stay connected wherever the road or trail takes them.

Terrain’s Ecotec 2.4L engine and available 3.6L V-6 feature fuel-saving direct injection and continuously variable valve timing. The 2.4L delivers 182 horsepower. An efficient six-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models and an “Eco” transmission mode on 2.4L-equipped models alters shift

points to improve fuel economy.

The 3.6L V-6 delivers 301 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque. The V-6 engine also enables a trailering capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.

GMC IntelliLink with a 7-inch diagonal color touchscreen is standard on the Terrain Nightfall Edition’s SLE-2 and SLT trims, along with available 4G LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi hotspot.

The standard, GM MultiFlex rear seat can be moved fore or aft nearly 8 inches for increased passenger comfort or more cargo room, including a maximum 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. A programmable power liftgate with a memory-stop function is available.

Safety features include six airbags and a rear-vision camera. Available active safety features include Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Rear Park Assist.

Base model estimated mpg: 21/31 Estimated starting price: $24,070

Compiled by Motor Matters

2017 GMC Terrain.

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