Pine Barrens Tribune Feb 18 2017

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

Vol. 1 - No. 25

Southeastern Burlington County’s News Leader

Proposed Ordinance Regulating Tethering of Dogs Tabled

February 18-24, 2017

Tempers Flare After Officials Contemplate In-House Repairs to Roberts Pond

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

PHOTO SUBMITTED Under the proposed ordinance which was tabled, if temperatures are below 32 degrees or above 95 degrees, all outdoor dogs and indoor and outdoor cats, except for feral cats, would have to be brought indoors whether tethered or kenneled. Exceptions would be granted if the kennel is heated or air conditioned.

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

BASS RIVER—For the past four-years, the Bass River Board of Commissioners has entertained an ordinance regulating the tethering of dogs. It would be an amendment to the township’s existing animal ordinance.

The measure keeps getting placed on the board’s meeting agenda due to requests, although officials would not elaborate on who is making them.

But the commissioners have tabled the measure yet again, citing serious logistics concerns.

“There are some issues in here that I think still need to be addressed,” said Bass River Mayor Deborah Buzby-Cope.

Under the proposed ordinance, it would be unlawful to chain or tether unneutered or unspayed dogs in any manner or at any time in the

township.

Neutered or spayed dogs would be permitted to be tethered if the tether is at least 15 feet long and has operable swivels on both ends, weighs no more than an eighth of the dog’s weight, and is attached to a properly fitting collar or harness.

Residents would not be allowed to use chokechain collars, slip collars, and prong collars to tether a dog.

Any tethering would have to allow a dog to access proper shelter, sufficient food and water.

Tethers would not be permitted in areas where it can become entangled around an object, including a tree, pole, fence or stake.

The tether would also be required to terminate within five feet of a fence, pool, wall, vehicle, tree or obstruction upon which any animal may harm itself.

“The tether cannot inhibit the movement of an-

imals, limbs, or cause injury or harm, entanglement or strangulation,” Buzby-Cope said.

The tether would be required to restrain the dog within the bounds of the owner’s or caregiver’s property.

Dogs would not be able to be tethered for more than nine consecutive hours, any 24-hour period of time or between sunset and sunrise.

If temperatures are below 32 degrees or above 95 degrees, all outdoor dogs and indoor and outdoor cats, except for feral cats, would have to be brought indoors whether tethered or kenneled.

Exceptions would be granted if the kennel is heated or air conditioned.

Also, if there is a major storm, all outdoor dogs and indoor and outdoor cats, except for feral cats, would have to be brought indoors whether tethered or kenneled.

TETHERING>>PAGE 20

BASS RIVER—Permanent repairs to Roberts Pond are on hold while the Bass River Township Board of Commissioners and township officials decide whether to use their Department of Public Works staff or outside contractors to make the repairs. The revelation that officials are considering using in-house maintenance crews to perform the repairs roused tempers at a Feb. 6 board meeting.

Officials announced their plan to make repairs to a berm associated with the pond on Jan. 7.

A portion of the berm was removed by the Burlington County municipality in November in a misguided attempt to alleviate leach field problems that have plagued the Offshore Manor development.

The township intended to only lower the water level of the pond. However, the removal of dirt inadvertently drained the pond.

It was also later discovered that the township did not own the pond. The pond is owned by the State of NJ and is in Little Egg Harbor, Ocean County.

Little Egg Harbor residents who live along the pond have said that scores of fish and wildlife were killed because of the loss of water.

There have also been complaints of a foul odor emanating from the ground at temperatures above 50 degrees.

The repair plan calls for the rebuilding of a damaged section of the berm. Stone will be placed on top of the berm. The organics in the vicinity of the damaged berm, including sticks and debris, will be removed.

Natural erosion was noted on the remaining section of the berm that didn’t experience manmade damage. Riprap will be installed to create an overflow area in case of heavy rain.

This is expected to reduce or eliminate further erosion.

Initially, a sandbag cofferdam will be built so officials can drain the remaining water out of the area. This will allow for repairs to be made safely and the debris to be cleaned up.

“We received some feedback from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regarding the restoration plan,” said Township Engineer Dan Guzzi. “I have verbal approval. There is supposed to be written

POND>>PAGE 19

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LOCAL NEWS

Precautions Put in Place After Testing Reveals High Levels of Lead in Pemberton Schools’ Water

By Adam Tait III

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—A letter to parents from the Pemberton Township School District has disclosed elevated levels of lead in water samples taken from drinking fountains, ice machines and sinks at five district schools.

No injuries have been reported and school officials moved quickly to take remedial steps to prevent illness.

The high levels of lead were detected during routine testing. Testing continues at Crichton School and the Pemberton Early Childhood Education Center. All testing is expected to be completed by late March.

The annual testing became a requirement last summer under new state Board of Education rules. Any test result which is greater than or equal to 15.0 parts per billion (ppb) requires action.

Lead testing at Pemberton Township High School uncovered four water sources with abnormal levels of lead. A steam sink, fountain in the B-side kitchen, drafting classroom sink, and fountain in the A-side auditorium lobby were all affected.

The steam-sink faucet has been replaced and is being retested. The kitchen fountain has been permanently disabled due to non-use. Signage has been posted on the drafting room sink which indicates that it is not for drinking purposes. The auditorium fountain is out of service and is slated for repairs.

Nine water outlets with abnormal lead levels were identified at the district’s elementary and middle schools.

Six of the nine outlets are in the Helen Fort/ Newcomb Middle School, with four in the Helen Fort building and two in the Newcomb building.

At Helen Fort, in science room 55, a sink reading was 22.2 ppb. A Helen Fort artroom sink scored 18.4 ppb. Also at Fort Helen, a drinking fountain outside room 322 was rated at 16.0 ppb.

Sinks in science room 48 and in an art room at Helen Fort, also registered 15.4 ppb and 15.2 ppb, respectively.

Four of the sinks that tested abnormally high at Helen Fort are not typically used for drinking-water purposes.

There was also a single water source identified with abnormal levels of lead at both the Busansky and Ft. Dix schools. In addition, there was a single water source identified with abnormal levels of lead at the now-closed Isaiah Haines building.

At Busansky, a media-center workroom sink reading was 21.3 ppb. The nurse’s office sink at the closed Issaiah Haines building read 19.8 ppb.

Two water outlets tested significantly higher than the action level threshold established by the state.

Both are kitchen ice machines, one at Newcomb, the other at Ft. Dix. By far, the worst was at Newcomb, registering at 490 ppb. The Ft. Dix level was 77 ppb.

Remedial steps already taken at the district’s affected elementary and middle schools included the removal of five of the nine affected water outlets from service. The water lines were cut off. “Unsafe to drink” signs were posted at the other four affected water outlets.

Six of the affected water outlets are scheduled for immediate replacement and retesting. The ice machines at Ft. Dix and Newcomb are listed for immediate plumbing repairs and retesting.

The room 322 fountain at Newcomb has been permanently disabled.

Bass River Commissioners Place Requirements and Restrictions on Temporary Signage

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

BASS RIVER—The Bass River Board of Commissioners has amended Bass River Township’s existing sign ordinance.

The amendments were passed unanimously during the board’s regular meeting on Feb. 6.

“We put some requirements and restrictions on posting of signs,” said Township Solicitor JoAnne O’Connor. “We have indicated that they cannot block line of vision for traffic in anyway and we also put a time limit on them.”

Advertising signs and business signs must be removed 15 days after termination or completion of a project. This includes subcontractor, contractor, rental unit, for sale, real-estate and financing signs.

Election signs must be removed five days

after an election is held.

Temporary signs related to church, honor society and scout group functions must be removed five days after the gathering is held.

Temporary signs for buildings under construction are only permitted to be posted from the time a building permit is issued to the time a certificate of occupancy is issued.

Officials have grown weary of finding temporary signs posted throughout the township well after an event or sale is over. The board said they were receiving complaints about the signs.

Prior to the passage of the amendments, several township residents expressed concern with the township’s ability to enforce the new provision during a public hearing on the ordinance amendements.

INDEX Automotive......................................23 Business Directory...........................15 Classifieds........................................18 Community......................................10 Fun and Games................................17

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Health ..............................................16 Home, Garden & Farming ............. 22 Local News....................................... 2 Opinion ............................................ 7 Scanner ............................................. 8

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

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Bass River Leases Portion of Maintenance Garage Property to Veterans Museum

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

BASS RIVER—The Bass River Board of Commissioners on Feb. 6 authorized the township to lease a portion of the Bass River Township maintenance garage property located at 5576 Route 9 to the Veterans United Military Memorial Museum, Inc. (VUMMM) for $1, by a vote of 3-0.

The township, in partnership with the VUMMM, would like to provide activities in the community to promote learning and participation in the history of the United States military forces through the collection and display of war memorabilia.

“Jim Comis (president of the VUMMM) is going to supply veteran memorabilia from all wars,” said Township Solicitor JoAnne O’Connor. “One of the trailers down there is not being used. So, he is going to have a museum set up there for the public to come in.”

The township has negotiated a one-year lease

with the nonprofit organization.

“It is a trial run,” O’Connor said. “We will see how it goes.”

The township is not permitting the VUMMM to open the museum to school functions due to traffic safety concerns at the site.

“If a school child wants to come with their parents, that is fine,” O’Connor said. “But we can’t have field trips to the museum from the schools.”

The nonprofit organization will carry insurance on the museum.

At last month’s board meeting, Comis said that he hopes the site will serve as a permanent home for the collection of artifacts and that he hopes to install a handicap ramp.

Bass River Deputy Mayor Nicholas Capriglione also praised Comis’s efforts.

“I think it is outstanding,” he said. “I appreciate the time and effort Mr. Comis and his wife have put in there to recognize veterans. Thank you.”

Medford Council Praises Police Chief, Prohibits Motorists From Making a Left Turn Out Of McDonald’s Parking Lot

By Jayne Cabrilla

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MEDFORD—The first item of business on the Medford Council’s meeting agenda on Feb. 7 was a letter from the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC).

Mayor Chuck Watson read the letter which had been written in response to the NJDOC’s annual inspection of Medford Police Department’s detention center.

The letter read in part, “…the hard work of the Medford Police Department’s staff and employees is evident and deserves special recognition.”

Council members voiced their agreement with the letter and further complimented Police Chief Richard Meder for his outstanding dedication and hard work.

The council also proudly announced that Meder had recently been sworn in as President of the Burlington County Police Chiefs’ Association.

Meder, who has been with the Medford Police Department since 1996, has served as chief since May 2011.

Township Manager Kathy Burger reported that the council was given a packet which contained reports and information for the 2017 municipal budget.

Burger announced that there would be no overall increase in the budget. Details of the budget will be discussed by the council at a workshop meeting scheduled on Feb. 21 at 6 p.m., prior to the council’s regular meeting. The council will have an additional budget workshop on Saturday, March 4, at 8:30 a.m.

The council also discussed a request by Nale House Brewing Co. to expand their licensed premises. This includes adding a few outdoor tables and seating in the front of the business.

The council voiced their intent to approve the request.

However, before formally taking action, the township’s attorney will look into the Public

Consumption Ordinance and suggest wording that is not ambiguous. The current ordinance states that public consumption is allowed on private property. However, the ordinance does not include precise wording for areas such as rightsof-way. A decision on the request is expected at the next council meeting.

Another item discussed was the request by Mobilitie to erect a 72-foot pole at the corner of Union Street and Main Street. The request suggests that the pole might be used as a cell tower.

The council indicated that Mobilitie would be invited to give a presentation on the exact nature and use of the pole.

Also, Ordinance 2017-1, which amends the chapter “Vehicles and Traffic,” was passed. The measure prohibits motorists from making left turns out of a McDonald’s restaurant parking lot onto Stokes Road.

Nine consent agenda resolutions were passed.

The first resolution authorized a refund of a 2016 tax overpayment. The second resolution appointed a qualified Purchasing Agent. The third congratulated the Burlington County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund on 25 Years of successful operations. The fourth resolution authorized the township to apply for and accept a sub-grant award from 2016. The fifth allowed the township to accept a sub-grant award for police officer body cameras. The sixth resolution authorized the transfer of certain municipal property to the Burlington County Emergency Services Training Center. The seventh resolution authorized the transfer of a Plenary Retail Consumption License from MVE Restaurants, LLC to ELLESS Square, LLC. The eighth resolution authorized Medford to accept funding under the 2018 Municipal Alliance Program. Finally, council authorized the township to apply for funding under the state’s Green Acres Program.

The next regular Council meeting will be Feb. 21 at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Boy Scouts, Emergency Management Deputy Recognized by Shamong Committee

By Adam Tait III

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

SHAMONG—A local Boy Scout troop that volunteered for a full day to pick up discarded Christmas trees was honored at the Shamong Township Committee meeting on Feb. 7. Also recognized was a long-time township employee, Wallace Pickard Jr., deputy coordinator of the township’s Office of Emergency Management.

Both were awarded township proclamations for their service.

Indian Mills Boy Scout Troop 47 performed their annual Christmas tree collection, gathering almost 200 trees. 16 Scouts and 11 adults worked 166.5 hours to gather the discards, which were composted to produce fertilizer used by nurseries and landscapers. Area businessman Harold Abrams provided a truck and loading dock, while Atlantic Leasing provided a trailer to transport the trees.

Also cited were Upper Crust Pizza for providing lunch, several residents, Township Administrator Susan Onorato, Scoutmaster Mark Uscinowicz and Assistant Scoutmaster Rick Worrell.

Pickard, a long-time resident, served as deputy for almost 11 years. One of his major accomplishments was submitting successful applications for FEMA grants for the township. A longtime military veteran, Pickard served as wing commander of a U.S. Air Force refueling unit at McGuire Air Force Base.

In other news, although it was a very preliminary move, there was some action on plans for a community cemetery, a goal in Shamong for many years. The establishment of the Pinelands Commission had placed a further barrier on plans, since that group will now be involved in approving a cemetery. It was announced the commission may review preliminary plans at an upcoming meeting.

The 2017 budget was discussed, briefly, but no action was taken.

Appointments for the 2017 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) were made. A list of 114 volunteers, all but a handful with the Pinelands CERT, was distributed. As volunteers, they’re not paid, but can acquire “points” over time that can be redeemed for payments. Onorato described it as a “sort of 401K plan.”

Among three resolutions passed, all by unanimous 4-0 votes, was one which granted a 30day operating license for Fawn Lake Village.

The trailer park has been plagued by a series of septic tank problems.

Another approved the refunds of some court fines from 2016.

The third congratulated the Burlington County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund on 25 years of successful operations.

Two ordinances were passed unanimously on second reading.

The first involved unspent 2016 surplus funds, established a cap bank and approved exceeding yearly municipal budget appropriation limits.

It’s not as complicated as it sounds, but simply gives the committee more budget flexibility.

The second established salary ranges for the township committee and specific employees.

Two ordinances were unanimously introduced. A public hearing will follow at a later date.

The first adds a new chapter to the township’s code book which will govern property maintenance.

The second would grant an easement on Red Onion Road to permit a property owner to make fence improvements.

The meeting moved into executive session after 40 minutes. Onorato said later that no action was taken. Attendance of about 18 dwindled to seven after the Scouting ceremony ended. The committee will meet next on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the usual time of 7:30 p.m.

Ockanickon Names New Boys Camp Director For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MEDFORD—YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc. recently hired Matt Foran to be the new boys Overnight Camp director at the 111-year-old Medford organization.

Before arriving at Ockanickon in early February, Foran had been the program director at Camp Ohiyesa, part of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. He brings with him six years of experience as a camp director in both overnight and day-camp programs, and he’s a licensed lifeguard instructor.

Foran, who holds a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Michigan State, also taught Language Arts and Creative Writing at Deer Trail Academy in Oxford, Mich.

During an interview at his Ockanickon office, where the walls are adorned with sepia-toned photographs of former campers, camp directors and trustees, Foran talked about his earnest desire to continue the proud traditions of Camp Ockanickon.

“I’m coming here with a real sense that I want

to uphold the standards of Ockanickon, to honor what the camp has come to mean to this community,” he said.

As someone with a background in education, Foran believes that the summer-camp experience can do wonders for children.

“A lot of what we know about youth development, education, and bringing out good qualities in kids, can best happen at camp,” he said.

“Take curiosity, for example. We have 800 acres of places to explore. They can try something they haven’t tried before, with mentors and role models to help along the way. Camp is great for skill-building. Whatever their skill level at something, they can get better. They just have to try, listen and then work at it.”

Too often, Foran said, kids develop a fixed mind set.

“A camp experience helps kids develop a growth mind set,” he said. “It’s pleasurable for the brain to accomplish something that seems just out of reach; kids feel the payoff for their hard work. That’s why summer camp has been around for a long time and is valued.”

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Senate Passes 9th District Bill Requiring South Jersey Representation on Turnpike Authority For the Pine Barrens Tribune

GALLOWAY—The New Jersey Senate has passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by the 9th District legislative delegation requiring at least one member of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to be from South Jersey.

The measure, S-1674, sponsored by 9th District Senator Christopher J. Connors, would require at least one member of the commission to be a resident of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Gloucester, Ocean, or Salem counties.

9th District Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and 9th District Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove are prime sponsors of the identical companion measure, A-3817, which is awaiting action by the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.

The 9th District delegation issued the following statement subsequent to the Senate’s approval of S-1674: “Requiring South Jersey representation on the Turnpike Authority would provide the strong voice that our area of the state has been missing for too long. Having a representative from the southern end of the state is only sensible and fair when considering that such a large segment

$19 Million in Funding Approved for Clean Drinking Water Projects in 9th District For the Pine Barrens Tribune

GALLOWAY—9th District Senator Christopher J. Connors, 9th District Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and 9th District Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove announced that following last year’s approval of $39 million for clean water and drinking water projects, another $19 million has just been approved to finance additional projects in the 9th Legislative District.

This action stems from the enactment of two legislative measures recently signed by the Governor that pertain to the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust.

The 9th District delegation issued the following statement following the approval of additional financing for drinking water projects in the state: “There are few other issues more important to our constituents than clean drinking water, which is why we are pleased that this financing has been secured for the 9th Legislative District.

It’s important to note that this $19 million in financing is in addition to the more than $39 million dollars in financing for clean water and drinking water projects that was approved for our district just last year. The fact that a significant portion of this financing has been dedicated for projects in the 9th District is appropriate as our area constitutes a large segment of the state’s overall open space preservation efforts.”

This latest approved financing will assist in the purchasing of critical equipment such as manufactured treatment devices and a camera pipe line inspection truck system for use by Ocean County.

Financing will also be available for specified projects in several 9th District constituent municipalities.

The Burlington County municipalities of Bass River, Tabernacle and Washington are included in the 9th District.

Juvenile Charged After Pemberton High School Officials Discover Starter Pistol

By Adam Tait III

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—A juvenile under 18 was arrested early Monday afternoon on four charges after he was found to have a starter pistol and live ammunition in his possession. The incident took place in Pemberton High School.

According to Pemberton Township Police Lt. Brian Wechkus, the teenager, whose name is being withheld due to his age, faces four charges: possession of an imitation firearm on school property, possession of live ammunition without a valid firearms identity card, unlawful possession of an imitation firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The first two charges are the most serious,

MacArthur Honors Women’s Suffrage with Alice Paul Congressional Gold Medal Act For the Pine Barrens Tribune

of the Garden State Parkway runs through our area of the state. Local residents are tired of the backroom political gamesmanship that favor one area of the state over another. This particular issue draws the ire of many of our constituents after having been targeted by the Corzine toll hikes years back. The powers that be saw fit to impose toll hikes on these commuters but, in typical Trenton fashion, have shown no interest in providing these toll payers with any representation on the Turnpike Authority. Consistent with our efforts in fighting for representation on the Turnpike Authority, we are also sponsoring legislation to require that at least two regular meetings of the Turnpike Authority be held in the Ocean-Atlantic-Cape May area. Local residents would have the opportunity to engage in the decision-making process involving infrastructure projects in their area as the legislation requires meetings to be rotated among those counties.”

Also under S-1674, at least one member must be a resident of Mercer, Middlesex or Monmouth counties and at least one member must be a resident of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union and Passaic counties.

fourth-degree felonies. The other two are considered disorderly conduct.

Although a starter pistol cannot fire real bullets, authorities take a serious view of such possession, especially when live ammunition is involved.

School officials discovered the pistol, quickly turned the youth over to the Pemberton Police and notified all staff in a move to avoid rumors or misinformation.

No date has been set for a hearing or trial at this point. Looking into the future, after the perpetrator faces any legal action, he would have to go through a readmission hearing before he was permitted back in school.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Tom MacArthur (R-NJ-3) has announced that he has introduced the Alice Paul Congressional Gold Medal Act, to posthumously award a Congressional gold medal to Alice Paul, in recognition of her role in the women’s suffrage movement and in advancing equal rights for women.

Alice Paul was born on Jan., 11, 1885, in Mount Laurel, N.J., and died on July 9, 1977.

Alice Paul dedicated her life to securing suffrage and equal rights for all women and, as founder of the National Woman’s Party, she was instrumental in the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

“Few residents of South Jersey have had a greater impact on American history than Alice Paul,” said Congressman Tom MacArthur. “Alice Paul’s tireless dedication and courage paved the way for future generations guaranteeing all American women the right to vote. Alice Paul is an example to all Americans of what one individual can do to make a difference for millions of people. I am proud to recognize her tireless efforts to give a voice to women in our democracy and abroad.”

“Alice Paul was a courageous suffragist who dedicated her life to advancing women’s rights in nearly every aspect of American society,”

said Representative Kathleen Rice (D-NY-4).

“I’m proud to join Representative MacArthur in cosponsoring this bipartisan bill honoring a hero from our region who championed efforts to secure women’s right to vote and legal protections against gender-based discrimination.”

“On behalf of the National Woman’s Party at the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument, I’m very proud that this legislation has been introduced to honor a true American hero,” said Page Harrington the organization’s Executive Director. “Too often women’s history is forgotten, and the women who contributed to further perfecting our democracy are left out of the history books. I believe this Congressional Medal will help us to elevate the status of Alice Paul, the National Woman’s Party, and the tireless work of so many women who contributed to women’s suffrage and equal rights progress, returning her memory and that of others back into the public conversation.”

Lucienne Beard, Executive Director of the Alice Paul Institute which is based at Paul’s birthplace in New Jersey, remarked, “The Alice Paul Congressional Gold Medal Act, is a fitting tribute to Alice Paul’s lifelong work for legal equality for all Americans. She is truly a champion of the rights expressed in our Constitution.”

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Saturday, February 18, 2017

Woman’s Club of Medford Hosts 19th Annual Spelling Bee

By Jayne Cabrilla

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MEDFORD—37 fifth-graders participated in this year’s Woman’s Club of Medford Spelling Bee. The students were from five Medford educational institutions: Allen School, Kirby’s Mill School, Cranberry Pines School, St. Mary’s of the Lakes School, and Taunton Forge School.

There were no students from Chairville School this year.

Each student received a Certificate of Participation with their names written in calligraphy.

Each year, the winner’s name and school is added to a handsome wooden plaque. The plaque is displayed at the winning school until the following year.

“We have not had less than 40 participants in recent memory,” said Elaine Maugham, spelling bee chairwoman. “We hope to return to having closer to 50 students in the future.”

In past years, there have been a total of eight winners from Allen School, five from Cranberry Pines School, two from Taunton Forge School,

one from Kirby’s Mill School, one from Chairville School, and one from St. Mary’s of the Lakes School.

The first-place winner, Sean Stoughton, from Cranberry Pines School, was awarded a $75 gift certificate from Barnes & Noble bookstore.

Stoughton said that he is a good speller because he enjoys reading mostly fantasy books such as the Harry Potter series.

Second place winner, Brian Bowman, was awarded a $50 gift certificate from Barnes & Noble bookstore. Bowman is a student at Kirby’s Mill School.

The third-place winner was Kayla Kalinowski, a student at St. Mary’s of the Lakes School.

Kalinowski was awarded a $25 gift certificate.

These winners will go on to participate in the New Jersey State Federation of Woman’s PHOTO SUBMITTED Clubs Garden District Spelling Bee on Feb. 12.

The winners from the district competition will Spelling bee winners, pictured from left to right; Kayla Kalinowski, Brian Bowman, and Sean Stoughton. qualify for the state spelling bee.

Forest Fire Service Prescribed Burning Program Underway

By Frank Miele

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

BASS RIVER—The New Jersey State Forest Fire Service advises residents that its seasonal prescribed burning program which reduces wildfire risks by burning away the buildup of undergrowth on forest floors; including fallen trees, fallen branches, leaves, pine needles and other debris on forest floors is underway.

Residents are advised that they may see large plumes of smoke in areas where these controlled burns are being conducted.

Prescribed burns will take place through the end of March, conditions permitting. These burns are generally conducted during the winter, especially toward the late winter months, to minimize the amount of smoke produced.

This time of the year also is when weather conditions tend to be safer for controlled fires.

“Prescribed burning is an important tool in keeping our forests and other wildlands safe and healthy,” said Bill Edwards, chief of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. “These burns are conducted only under exacting conditions by highly trained personnel. By burning them away now, we can reduce the risk of these materials serving as tinder for wildfires later in the year.

This practice also improves the overall ecological health of our forests and grasslands.”

The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry will provide as much notice as possible

Seneca Bowlers Make History

of prescribed burns through its Facebook page.

The public may also contact the State Forest Fire Service at 609-292-2977 about the prescribed burning program and where burns are expected to be conducted.

When in doubt about the source of smoke or fire, residents are urged to call 9-1-1 or 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337).

The peak wildfire season in New Jersey typically begins in middle to late March and runs through late spring, when the weather tends to be dry, windy and warmer. This also is the time of year when forest canopies and undergrowth have yet to leaf out, making forest debris more susceptible to the drying effects of wind and sunshine.

Due to the types of trees and shrubs it supports, the sprawling Pinelands region of southern New Jersey is particularly susceptible to wildfires and is typically the focus of much of the prescribed burning activity conducted by the Forest Fire Service.

During prescribed burns, Forest Fire Service personnel use hand-held torches to set smaller fires to burn away fallen leaves, pine needles, fallen branches and other debris on the forest floor. The personnel take into account wind, moisture and other conditions. These prescribed fires do not reach the forest canopy or cause

TABERNACLE—The Seneca High School Boys Bowling Team, Olympic Conference – National Division Champions, moved forward to win the first Group 2 Sectional Championship in the school’s bowling program which launched in 2003.

Jacob Boris, recognized as one of the top bowlers in the state with a 215 average, led the Golden Eagles with a 661 series. The team will advance to compete in the NJSIAA Group 2 State Championship which will be held Friday, Feb. 17 at Bowlero Carolier Lanes, North Brunswick. The competition is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.

The team members include a junior, Zach Malcolm, 193 average; two sophomores, Eddie Cashwell, 200 average, and Mitch Tippin, 181 average; and senior co-captains Jacob Boris, 215 average and Spencer Eckstein, 202 average.

Sean Cassel who took over as head coach in 2010 is particularly proud of this team.

“I am proud of how this year’s team took our program to the next level,” Cassel said. “We should capitalize on this success as a program for years to come. We have some younger talented bowlers, Jacob Walters - freshman, Cole Ludwikowski - sophomore, Austin Dawkins – sophomore, and Patrick Smith - junior, (who) should all contribute to future successes.”

BOWLERS>>PAGE 21 Shawnee High School Blood Drive

FIRE>>PAGE 21

Little Red Hats Warm Hearts in a Big Way at Virtua For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MOUNT HOLLY—Virtua is extremely excited to be a part of the American Heart Association’s Little Hats, Big Hearts program this year. The American Heart Association is raising awareness about family heart health and congenital heart defects (CHD), the most common type of birth defect in the country, with support from The Children’s Heart Foundation. This effort aims to empower new moms to take charge of their own wellbeing while starting a healthy lifestyle for the entire family.

As part of the Little Hats, Big Hearts program, babies born at Virtua received a handmade, knitted or crocheted, red hat, as well as a kit full of heart-healthy information for mom and baby.

Each mom received a health packet which included tips on raising healthy children, work outs to do at home, an American Heart Association recipe and information on congenital heart

defects.

Virtua was proud to distribute nearly 100 kits during Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, starting on Feb. 7. Congenital heart defects are structural problems with the heart present at birth. They result when a mishap occurs during heart development soon after conception and often before the mother is aware that she is pregnant. Defects range in severity from simple problems, such as “holes” between chambers of the heart, to very severe malformations, such as the complete absence of one or more chambers or valves.

According to the American Heart Association, it’s possible to fix most congenital heart defects and there are an estimated 2 million CHD survivors in the United States.

Virtua and the American Heart Association

HEARTS>>PAGE 21

Shawnee High School teacher Randy Latini and student Alana Miller.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MEDFORD—On Friday, Feb. 10, Shawnee 234 students gave blood and the school was High School’s Student Council sponsored their able to collect 211 pints. Each pint helps save annual February Blood Drive. three lives.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

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.

PAGE 7

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

Editorial

Letter to the Editor

Town Stronger for Admitting Mistake and Answering Questions

Police Officers Deserve Respect

Bass River Township is trying to bounce back from the Roberts Pond fiasco.

A portion of the pond’s berm was removed by the municipality in November in a misguided attempt to alleviate leach field problems that have plagued the Offshore Manor development.

The township intended to only lower the water level of the pond. However, the removal of dirt inadvertently drained the pond.

It was also later discovered that the township did not own the pond. The pond is owned by the State of NJ and is in Little Egg Harbor, Ocean County.

Little Egg Harbor residents who live along the pond have said that scores of fish and wildlife were killed because of the loss of water. There have also been complaints of a foul odor emanating from the ground at certain temperatures.

While much can be said about the carelessness involved with what transpired, we find ourselves today praising township officials in their handling of the recovery to date.

We agree with Bass River Deputy Mayor Nicholas Capriglione when he said finger-pointing is counterproductive.

Township officials and the Bass River

Board of Commissioners have owned and reflected on their mistake. Officials have apologized to those affected and addressed the root cause. They’ve been transparent about what unfolded, who was responsible, and have held several question and answer sessions about the situation. They’ve also hired a new engineering firm and have begun the consulting process.

Across Burlington County, there has been a troubling number of governing bodies and school boards who have recently adopted policies or stances meant to censor public participation in a meeting and sanitize the truth.

Bass River Township has done just the opposite and they’re stronger for it. They’ve allowed people to speak their mind, allowed people to take the floor for as long as they’ve needed to vent their frustrations, and invited citizens to partake in finding a solution amenable to all.

This is how government is supposed to work.

Now comes the most difficult part: making the repairs to Roberts Pond.

We believe the pond should be restored and we’re glad officials have committed to restoring it.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

E-mail us: letters@pinebarrenstribune.com

Political Cartoon

I came across a “What is a Cop?” reflection as I was sorting through a stack of papers. I think the time is appropriate to ask your readers to find the reflection online and give it a good read.

Please make copies of this reflection and pass it around to your friends and neighbors, etc.

I have two sons who are now retired from law enforcement. I also have a grandson who is currently serving a police officer.

I am very upset with what our law enforcement officers are being exposed to while not only putting their lives on the line, but at the same time protecting people whom they have sworn to serve and protect.

It upsets me and millions of Americans that it appears government officials, elected and appointed, are powerless to combat the current wave of unknown anger directed against our cops.

When our cops leave their loved ones to go on patrol, they do not know whether they will return at the end of their shift.

When you encounter a police officer, please say “Thank you for your service and protecting me and my family.”

Paul J. Tuliano, Sr. Browns Mills, N.J.

Social Media Sound Off (State Police Launch Investigation into Suspicious Incident in Tabernacle, Search for Suspect) What is wrong with people? Now people have to watch leaving their own homes. That is a shame.

Diane Hutchins (LRHSD BOE To Prohibit Operation of Drones on District Property With Few Exceptions) They don’t, however, control the airspace above the property.

Jack McGinnis (Complaint Over Chatsworth Elementary School Computers Dominates Otherwise Routine Meeting) Maybe it’s time to consider regionalization. We aren’t doing these kids any favors trying to use duct tape and gum to educate them. They will move into the Seneca High School and be at a deficit if these issues are not corrected. Ocean Spray got a nice tax cut last year and there are vacant properties that aren’t drawing any tax dollars. It might be a good idea to attend the township and school-board meetings and witness exactly what is going on. The community is small and the input of the residents on both levels ( i.e. school and township) is crucial for our children.

Otherwise, these kids will be behind the “eight ball” through no fault of their own.

Terry Sheerin

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

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Saturday, February 18, 2017

SCANNER Tabernacle Man Arrested For 2016 Lumberton Murder

157th New Jersey State Police Recruit Class Week #5

PHOTO SUBMITTED Recruits in mass formation prior to calisthenics for instructions during morning drills.

PHOTO SUBMITTED William M. Gennett, 53, of the first block of Red Oak Drive in Tabernacle, was charged with Murder (First degree) and Stalking (Fourth degree).

MOUNT HOLLY­—Burlington County Prosecutor Robert D. Bernardi and Lumberton Township Police Chief Anthony DiLoreto announced on Feb. 9 that a 53-year-old Tabernacle man was arrested for killing a Lumberton resident inside her home in July 2016.

William M. Gennett, of the first block of Red Oak Drive in Tabernacle, was charged with Murder (first degree) and Stalking (fourth degree). He is accused of using his hands to strangle Shannon O’Rourke, 45, inside her home on Nassau Road on July 5, 2016.

Gennett was arrested Feb. 8 at his home in Tabernacle. While being transported to the Burlington County Jail, he suffered a medical emergency and was taken to a medical facility, where

he is under 24-hour guard.

The investigation revealed that O’Rourke and Gennett were friends, but that Gennett was using a cell phone app that allowed him to track her whereabouts without her knowledge.

Gennett resided in Mount Holly at the time of O’Rourke’s murder. The motive for the killing is still being investigated.

An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood determined the cause of death to be manual strangulation.

The case was investigated by detectives from the Lumberton Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Scene Unit, High-Tech Crimes Unit and Major Crimes Unit.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Stretching as close to the ground as possible, recruits adopt a defensive position in possible advance toward weapon’s firing.

Aggressor Allegedly Chases Man With Crowbar During Dispute

PEMBERTON—On Jan. 22, Pemberton Township Police responded to the 400 block of Rhode Island Road for the report of a dispute.

The aggressor allegedly chased the caller’s boyfriend with a crowbar while he was on location for a custody exchange.

The parties were separated before patrols

arrived.

When Ptl. S. Bostick arrived, he spoke with both parties to determine what transpired.

When the investigation was complete, both parties were advised of their right to sign a citizen’s complaint. One party decided to sign a citizen’s complaint while the other declined.

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PHOTO SUBMITTED Soon-to-be N.J. state troopers watch attentively as classmates compete in swimming challenges.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Pemberton Twp. Man Charged With Distributing Child Pornography

PAGE 9

Man’s Ex-Wife Accused of Making Unauthorized Purchases on Debit Cards PEMBERTON—On Jan. 22, Pemberton Township Police Ptl. J. Laffan responded to the 200 block of Magnolia Road in reference to a fraud complaint.

The caller advised that his ex-wife stole a

significant amount of money from him over the past few months. The suspect used the victim’s debit cards to make unauthorized purchases including several that were out of state. This case is still being actively investigated.

Man Accused of Trespassing and Occupying Boarded-Up House PEMBERTON—On Jan. 21, Pemberton Township Police were dispatched to Mill View Road for a report of subjects in a boarded-up house.

Upon arrival, Ptl. A. Wills observed that the front door was unsecured and there were several lights on inside. The subject inside

of the residence was identified as 22-yearold Michael Lehner.

Lehner was subsequently charged with defiant trespassing, possession of a syringe and possession of drug paraphernalia. Lehner was also processed for an unrelated warrant.

Police Respond to Fight, Suspect Accused of Running Over Mailboxes and Stop Sign

PHOTO SUBMITTED Tristan M. Cottle, 25, of the first block of North Whites Bogs Road, was charged with three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

MOUNT HOLLY—Burlington County Prosecutor Robert D. Bernardi and Pemberton Township Police Chief David H. Jantas announced on Feb. 10 that a man residing in the Browns Mills section of Pemberton Township has been arrested for possession and distribution of child pornography.

Tristan M. Cottle, 25, of the first block of North Whites Bogs Road, was charged with three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Two of the counts were second-degree charges and involve the distribution of child pornography as well as the intent to distribute.

The other count is a third-degree charge and involves possession of child pornography.

The investigation began in January after the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit received intelligence from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning the defendant’s online activities. The investigation revealed that images of child pornography had been posted online by

the defendant.

On Feb. 2, a search warrant was executed at Cottle’s residence which yielded cell phones containing images of child pornography. Cottle was not home at the time of the warrant.

On Feb. 8, Cottle was arrested in Mount Holly by members of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crimes Unit and the New Jersey State Police Digital Technology Investigations Unit.

The defendant was lodged in the Burlington County Jail pending a detention hearing next week in Superior Court.

The investigation was conducted by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office HighTech Crimes Unit, the New Jersey State Police and the Pemberton Township Police Department. The BCPO High-Tech Crimes Unit is a member of the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the New Jersey State Police Cyber Terrorism Task Force.

Sheriff Jean Stanfield’s Senior Home Security Program Accepting Applications MOUNT HOLLY—Sheriff Jean Stanfield announced that her department is now accepting applications to provide seniors free home security surveys and modifications.

“Seniors looking to make their homes more secure, can set up an appointment with our professionally trained technicians who will conduct a security review and make recommendations based on their assessment,” Stanfield said.

“Door and window locks, peepholes, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are just some of the items that our technicians can install and instruct the senior on their use and operation.”

Other security and safety items that may be installed free of charge include reflective house numbers, lamp timers, power-failure lights, and “med-info” packets which provide emergency responders with important medical information about the residents.

“The program is designed to increase resi-

dents’ knowledge and safety and make them feel less vulnerable and to educate them on how to not become a victim of crime,” Undersheriff Bryan Norcross said. “Crime prevention specialists are available to give home security workshops and presentations to clubs, churches, and various civic and community groups. These workshops provide seniors with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the latest frauds and scams.”

The program serves roughly 300 homes a year for seniors over age 60. To qualify, at least one person in the household must be 60 years of age or older.

“My department is committed to the safety and security of our senior citizens and we look forward to serving even more residents this year,” Stanfield said.

Interested residents should call (609) 2655796 to register.

PEMBERTON—On Jan. 31, Pemberton Township Police Ptl. J. Danka responded to the 100 block of Harwich Street for the report of a fight and that some of the suspects fled in a white vehicle.

While responding to the scene of the fight, Danka observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. It was at this time that the vehicle observed the marked patrol car and ran over three sets of mailboxes and also ran over a stop sign.

Danka attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver began making maneuvers that led the officer to believe that he was going to stop the vehicle and continue to elude the officer on foot.

The driver did exit the vehicle and Danka pursued the driver on foot. With the help of Ptl. B.

Bartleson, Danka was able to apprehend the individual.

Additional information was received that this individual may be in possession of a firearm.

After retracing the suspect’s path, a handgun was found and secured.

Prior to arrest, the suspect was searched and found to be in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

The suspect was identified as a 16-yearold male and was subsequently arrested and charged with resisting arrest by eluding law enforcement in a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of weapons, theft by unlawful taking, possession of weapons for an unlawful purpose, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police Discover Individually Packaged Crack-Cocaine During Traffic Stop PEMBERTON—On Jan. 31, Pembertown Township Police Ptl. J. Glass and Special Officer J. Lampiasi were patrolling Lakehurst Road and observed a moving violation.

Glass and Lampiasi conducted a motor vehicle stop and the driver was identified as Jermaine Edwards, 34.

Police say due to Edwards’ nervous demeanor, they believed it was necessary to have a K9 conduct a sniff of the vehicle from the outside. The K9 alerted officers to the presence of possible controlled dangerous substances on the

driver’s side of the vehicle.

Edwards was removed from the vehicle and the vehicle was searched.

Subsequent to a search of his person, it was found that Edwards was in possession of a significant quantity of crack cocaine. The crack cocaine was individually packaged and therefore believed to be packaged for sale.

Edwards was arrested and charged with possession of controlled dangerous substances and also distribution of controlled dangerous substances.

Magnolia Road Resident Issued Violation After Shooting Gun In Backyard PEMBERTON—On Feb. 4, Pemberton Township Police Ptl. S. Bostick responded to the 200 block of Magnolia Road for a report of a resident shooting a gun in their backyard.

The caller advised that they were unsure what

type of weapon was being fired, however they believed the shooter was aiming at a target.

Bostick subsequently issued a summons to the shooter for a local ordinance violation relating to the discharge of a firearm.

Police Make Several Arrests After Discovering Paraphernalia Indicative of Narcotics Sales PEMBERTON—On Feb. 2, Pemberton Township Police detectives with the help of patrol officers, executed a search warrant on a residence in the 3500 block of N. Lakeshore Drive.

Following a search of the residence, detectives found heroin and other paraphernalia indicative of narcotics sales.

As a result of the search warrant, several individuals were arrested and charged with various offenses.

Junior Laster Jr., 34, was charged with possession of controlled dangerous substances, distribution of controlled dangerous substances, pos-

session of drug paraphernalia and possession of prescription legend drugs.

Catherine Seales, 26, was charged with possession of prescription legend drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Anjel Fernandez, 23, was charged with loitering for the purpose of obtaining controlled dangerous substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Comaw Bennett, 37, and Clifton Brown, 31, were both arrested for unrelated warrants.

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PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

COMMUNITY Events

February 18 Location: Tabernacle Event: 8th Annual Community Wide Chili Cook-off Details: The Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 166 Carranza Road, will be holding their 8th Annual Community Chili Cook-off on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. Make a great chili?

Enter it for free by calling 609-792-2603. Love chili? Come and try all the entries, as well as a salad & bread bar, and beverages; only $8 for adults and $4 for kids. Everyone gets to vote for their favorite chili. Prizes will be awarded for top votes in several categories.

Location: Whiting Event: Thyroid Support Group Meeting Details: The next meeting of the Thyroid Support Group will be Monday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. These meetings are held monthly at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539, Whiting.

The purpose of the meeting is to educate, support, and answer questions about thyroids. Contact facilitator Stephanie at 732350-2904.

Location: Southampton Event: Pancake Breakfast Details: The Buddtown United Methodist Church is hosting a Buffet Style Breakfast, Saturday, Feb. 18, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., 520 Ridge Road, Southampton. Adults, $10; Children under 10, $5; Children under 3, Free. Takeout available, $10. For more information call 609-859-3437. If weather is questionable, call 609-859-1645.

February 20 Location: Browns Mills Event: Family Game Night at Whitesbog Details: Come into Whitesbog for some family time in the General Store at 6 p.m. Old-time games will be available and

Saturday, February 18, 2017

light refreshments are provided. The event is free. Registration is requested 609-893-4646 or email WhitesbogPreservationTrust@ gmail.com.

February 24 Location: Browns Mills Event: Kids Canvas Paint Party Details: 1 p.m. at the Gallery at Whitesbog, 120 Whites Bogs Road, Browns Mills. Children are provided a canvas and all the supplies needed as they follow along with local children’s librarian, Miss Theresa, as they create a snowflake painting. $8 per person; advance reservations requested to ensure there are enough supplies. Call 609-893-4646 or email WhitesbogPreservationTrust@gmail.com

February 26 Location: Medford Event: Medford VFW Blood Drive Details: The Medford VFW and the Seaboard AMCA are hosting a Blood Drive. In conjunction with the Red Cross and in memory of Kathy Papasso, we are asking that you donate a pint of blood that may save the life of three people. Sunday, Feb. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 317 Church Road, Medford.

Appointments preferred but not required. 1-800-RED CROSS.

March 3 Location: Medford Event: Works on Paper – Juried Art Exhibition Details: The reception and presentation of awards will be held Friday, March 3, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Medford Arts Center (MAC), 18 N. Main Street, Medford. In the Gazebo Room Watercolors by Alice Domineske. Meet the artist, Friday, March 3, fro 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Location: Whiting Event: World Day of Prayer

Details: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539, Whiting, is the site of this year’s celebration of World Day of Prayer. Three Whiting churches will be involved in the music and readings: Christ Lutheran, Community Reformed Church and St. Stephen’s. The focus is on economic justice in the Philippines and around the world. The event will take place at 2 p.m.; the public is invited to attend.

March 13 Location: Vincentown Event: Adult Watercolor Painting Details: Mondays, March 13, 20, & April 10, 17, with artist, Joyce McAfee. Learn to use watercolors to create a wonder work of art. Learn something new each session. All supplies are included. You must attend all classes and pay in advance, $40. Class is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Old Town Hall, 25 Plum St., Vincentown. Call to register 609-859-0607, or email dfascenda@comcast.net.

March 14 Location: Whiting Event: Trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show Details: The Crestwood Village Garden Club will be going to the Philadelphia Flower Show on Tuesday, March 14. The cost is $61. The theme is Holland: Flowering the World. Contact Stephanie for more information, 732-350-2904.

March 17 Location: Southampton Event: Annual Southampton Girl Scouts Book Swap Details: Starting March 17 through March 29, gently used books of all genres are being collected to spread the joy of reading. Collection boxes will be at all three Southampton schools, The United Methodist Church, and the Southampton Library.

The Book Swap will be held Friday, March 31, at the cafeteria of Southampton School #2, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Lines on the Pines To Hold 12th Annual Event: “Twelve Years on the 12th” For the Pine Barrens Tribune

GALLOWAY—Lines on the Pines, an indoor event celebrating the New Jersey Pine Barrens, is once again being held at the Historic Renault Winery, 72 N. Bremen Avenue near Egg Harbor City and Galloway Township.

The 12th Annual Event will be held on Sunday, March 12 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. This very popular book-signing, history, arts and craft show, and everything New Jersey Pine Barrens is free and open to the public. It is presented by It’s a Sign of the Pines, a 501 (c) (3) NJ nonprofit corporation.

“Double your Experience” is also at this annual event and an established South Jersey tradition.

Lines on the Pines recognizes and honors authors and history as well as the Humanities & the Arts (AHHA) of our area. Both large buildings at Historic Renault Winery are being utilized and they will be connected and enclosed by tents completely covering the walkways.

Once in the event, you can walk freely from building to building.

Stockton University School of Arts and Humanities, South Jersey Culture & History Center, AtlantiCare, Egg Harbor City Historical Society, Mullica in the Pines Historical Society, ACUA, Plexus Publishing, Inc. and many more will support us in welcoming many authors to the event.

Included are well-known favorites such as: Robert L Thompson, Burlington Biographies: A History of Burlington, NJ Told Through the Lives & Times of Its People; Mark Maxwell,

“Egg Harbor City;” Michael Gabriele, History of NJ Folk Revival Music 1700’s - Present; Dave Hart & John Calu, Adventures Along the Jersey Shore and John Hart: Portrait of a Patriot, and 20 other popular authors. Ted Gordon, historian, botanist and photographer will be present selling books from his private collection and sharing historical information.

For the first time, this huge AHHA event will include many activities and displays for the entire family. Kids will have the opportunity to meet Gloria Repp who is the author of the Friendship Bog Series and Pine Barrens coloring books and Shirley O’Neil author of Leapy.

Kids can make baskets with Stephen Carty of Pinelands Folk Music and Basketry and get a cool design by Heather Hires, Face Painter extraordinaire.

Also participating in the event are, Kayak Karl of Pine Barrens Adventures providing tips on “Hiking Safety;” Thru Our Eyes, Imagery with Loralea Kirby and Zachary offering a “HandsOn and Sensory Nature Exhibit” with objects from the New Jersey Pine Barrens; Jenkinson’s Aquarium and Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge will showcase live animals and raptor species of the Pine Barrens.

You can also meet over 90 Pine Barrens celebrities such as local artist Meed Barnett of “Mixed Media” with hand-forged jewelry; Niki Giberson of Swan Bay Folk Art Center, baskets and jams; Thomas G. Southard, “Pinelands Horticultural Designs,” made of branches, vines and moss - Furniture, and Pinelands Plants; South Jersey Guild of Spinners and Handweav-

ers with Irene Charney; Barbara & Ray Nyman of Nyman Decoys and many more artists, crafters, website hosts, musicians and film makers including Kirk Jarvis with his DVD ~ “Lines on the Pines - Carved in Pine Barrens History.

Throughout the day-long event, the musical trio “Cranberry Jam” will be playing traditional folk songs.

We are also very pleased to share that for the first time participating at Lines on the Pines will be the Camden County Historical Society,

Burlington County K9 Search and Rescue, Wine & Whiskey Barrel Decor and Jersey Devil Pine Barrens Tours and more organizations and historical societies.

Dinner following the day-long event is sold out. Highlights during the dinner will be a presentation by Gary Giberson, “Adventure in Bird Carving” and a brief clip of David Kessler’s film, The Pine Barrens accompanied by members of the Ruins of Friendship Orchestra.

Oddfellows Present Check to Ockanickon For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MEDFORD—Ken Boyle, Noble Grand of the Medford Oddfellows, recently visited YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc. and presented a check in the amount of $500 to Dave Kaubin, Outdoor Center Director, of the 111-year-old camp property, located on 800 acres off of Stokes Road in Medford.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is a nearly 200-year-old organization whose mission is to work in support of local communities as a way of making the world-at-large a better place. In the Medford chapter, there are fewer than 20 members, but they’re committed to making a difference in their own backyards.

“We decided we wanted to support something here in our community that would benefit a lot of people,” Boyle said. “The gift we’re making to the camp is really a gift to the community.”

Kaubin, who is also a member of the Medford Oddfellows, said he was proud to accept the do-

nation on behalf of Camp Ockanickon.

“The Oddfellows are really passionate about finding a need and when they do, they’re willing to step up, even if it’s something not on their radar,” Kaubin said.

While YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc. is best known as a popular summer camp (Ockanickon for boys, Matollionequay for girls and co-ed Lake Stockwell Day Camp), it is also a cause-driven nonprofit organization that provides scholarships and financial assistance to hundreds of children and teens each year.

In addition, Ockanickon participates in a host of specialty camps: Camp Bright Feathers for children infected by HIV/AIDS; Camp Kesem for children whose parents have or have had cancer; Camp Little Rock for children who are blind or visually impaired; and Camp Firefly, a bereavement camp for children who have lost a loved one.

CHECK>>PAGE 20

Saturday, February 18, 2017

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PAGE 11

“Couponing Ladies” visit the Pemberton Senior Center

By Ebba Liguori

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—Did you know that the Pemberton Township Recreation Department hosts a couponing club with meetings held on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., rotating monthly between the Recreation Department buildings, Country Lakes Club House, Dominique Johnson Center and the Nesbit Center? The ladies gather to swap coupons and inform each other about money-saving offers. On the first Monday morning of each month, some members come to the senior center and share much of this information. If one carefully clips coupons and checks local ads, it is possible to save a lot of money when shopping. Kim Tauche and Vicky Lynn Adams administer the Facebook website, “Coupon Clip It Club” and also regularly visit the senior center to share tips. They also bring extra coupons to assist seniors who do not have access to the coupons. Please go online and join the website for special tips and sharing.

This service helps seniors to decide which store they will plan to shop at this coming week.

Certain items can be purchased for a real bargain if one follows the coupon ladies’ advice.

Many coupons can be doubled, or used with special sales. The savings can really add up quickly. Seniors thank these ladies for spending the time to share their research.

On Wednesday, Ralph West brought in his usual supply of pastries and bread products to hold the weekly “raffle.” This is a really fun time. Tickets are given out and numbers called.

If your number is called, you have a chance to select from the surplus products offered. Some weeks there are some very good choices available. There are usually enough choices that everyone gets something. Being called early provides one with a better choice. Each table of seniors cheers when one of their seat mate’s numbers is called. Some yell “Bingo” when they are winners. It becomes a fun time where everyone has a chance. Other pastry products

are opened and placed on the front table for everyone to share. Coffee and tea are available, so there are often great morning “coffee breaks”.

Seniors do know how to have fun!

On Thursday, Feb. 9, there was a snowstorm that spoiled the seniors’ plans. The snow came during rush hour and the senior bus had to be canceled. Most seniors did not want to drive in the falling snow. Therefore, so very few showed up at the center. The catered food was cancelled the day before the snowstorm since the storm was anticipated. Roast beef was on the menu, so everyone was disappointed. At least there were only a few inches and clean up was minimal. Many seniors do not have a way to prepare meals, so everyone was happy the center did not close and served something nourishing to those who were able to get there. The good news is that Colonial Village Caterers, the food provider, was able to send some of Thursday’s roast beef, and some of Friday’s filet of flounder, making every diner happy. Everyone had a choice of beef or fish. Seniors in Pemberton Township are certainly well taken care of.

On Friday, the Future Nurses of America (FNA) had to be canceled. Seniors missed the students and now look forward to March 10 when they are due to visit the center again. This is a great service as it helps the students get used to working with patients and helps the seniors to keep track of their health. Many of the students will go on for further education and become doctors and nurses. Some will take advantage of the newly instituted CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) program at the local high school. Elisabeth White McCartney has been working with local medical facilities to provide training for those who will not be going to college at graduation.

This program will allow them to have a profession to begin becoming financially independent and perhaps later continue their education and training. This is a great opportunity for many local students.

The Annual Valentine’s Party will be held on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Garden State Diner. The

PINE KNOTS COLUMN Financial Advisor Presentation at BMIA Meeting on Sunday, February 26

By Ebba Liguori

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—The BMIA general meeting will be held Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the BMIA Building. The guest speaker will be Tony Miehle with the topic “How Money Works.” We all need to know more about money and ways to use it to our best advantage. Come and hear a professional financial advisor give you some useful information.

Miehle serves on the BMIA Board of Directors and is well known in the township. You can speak to him with confidence knowing he is one of our neighbors. He is active in many local organizations.

The winner of the student “Landscape Design” competition will be recognized. This design competition was sponsored to improve the local “Triangle,” near Turtle Log Bridge as part of the plans to celebrate 100 years of service to the township during 2019. Plan now to become part of the planning team to make

this a memorable occasion. All upcoming events are posted on the Pemberton Township Website, click on “Community Links,” and click on “Browns Mills Improvement Association.”

The BMIA can also be found on Facebook.

Refreshments will be served and there will be time to ask more personal questions of Miehle. Spend time with your neighbors and become more active in the community.

The Browns Mills Improvement Association, known as the BMIA, is the oldest local civic organization in Pemberton Township. Meetings are held on the fourth Sunday monthly, September through June, at 2 p.m. at the BMIA Building on Arbutus Street, near the Mirror Lake Beach and are open to the public. Pot Luck dinners are held three times a year for members and their guests. The building is handicapped accessible and there is ample parking. Annual dues are only $15 per family. Checks may be sent to: BMIA, PO Box 395, Browns Mills, NJ 08015.

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meal will be served at noon. Side Car Charlie will be providing music for the seniors’ enjoyment. More than 100 seniors have purchased tickets, so let’s hope the weatherman is good and does not send snow on the 18th. Right now, the prediction is sunny and relatively warm.

St Ann’s Church will be holding a Spring Craft Bazaar on March 4 and 5. There will also be an advance sale on hoagies. There will be four varieties; Italian, American, Turkey, and Tuna. They are $6 each and can be ordered at St. Ann Church or O’Brien & Son Building Supply. The deadline in Feb. 26. If you are a vendor and interested in having a table, call Dottsie at (609)-893-8118. There will be many unique craft items available and this is the perfect time for Easter and Mother’s Day gifts.

This sale will be supporting activities for the Youth Group.

St. Patrick’s Day will mark the next set of celebrations for the seniors. Seniors will travel to Spring Lake and Doolan’s Shore Club on Wednesday, March 8 for dinner, dancing and a show.

A “sit down” meal is provided with choices of corned beef and cabbage, roast chicken or grilled salmon. Soup and salad is included as well as beverages, rolls and butter. Dessert follows and is always delicious. Music is live and dancing is available before, during and after dinner, followed by the show which will include audience participation and sing-a-longs. There is an Irish theme, so expect a lot of the old favorites like “Danny Boy” and maybe a bag piper will march in with a few special songs.

Many seniors have purchased tickets for the annual St. Ann’s St. Patrick’s Day party which will be held on Saturday, March 11 from 4 to 7 p.m. This is always a great party with excellent food. Tickets in advance are only $10 each for adults and well worth the price. Include your name, phone number and a check. Send to St Ann’s Church, 22 Trenton Road, Browns Mills before March 7, if you are interested in attending.

The following week, March 14, the Pemberton Township High School Interact Club students will visit the center and provide a St. Patrick’s Day party. This event will include a buffet supper and be held from 4 to 7 p.m. in the senior center. Seating is by reservation only and limited to 100. Tickets are available at $10 each to help defray the cost of food. Students have a program planned which will include singing, music, dancing and games. They usually present a “Scavenger Hunt” which delights everyone. So much fun looking for a 1998 penny or a purple lipstick. Many senior ladies bring their purses full of all sorts of extra “stuff.” Rubber bands, pins, markers, earrings, and scissors, you name it. Who knows what will be on this year’s list? Seats are filling fast, so stop in soon to be part of this event.

The situation with the cracks in the New Jersey/Pennsylvania Turnpike Bridge looks to be long term. This will provide problems with all the Pennsylvania-bound trips for the seniors.

It looks like an additional half hour will be needed for travel time, so all 9 a.m. trips to Pennsylvania will leave the Acme parking lot by 8:30 a.m. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has mentioned an early April repair date, but nothing is certain. The next trip affected by this change will be on Feb. 28 to the Mount Airy Casino.

The bus will leave the Acme parking lot at 8:30 a.m., one half hour earlier than originally scheduled. Seniors are asked to be at Acme by 8:15 a.m. to begin boarding. There are a few seniors who may not know about these changes. Please pass this word to anyone you know who may be on that trip.

The senior center is located on Brook St. across from the Browns Mills Post Office. It is open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily. Information is available on the township website, or by calling 609 893-4400. Nourishing meals are served daily at $2 for residents, but must be reserved in advance. Stop in and complete a sign-up form and join the many seniors enjoying this benefit.

Free Family Dinner Night on Feb. 26 at Camp Ockanickon For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MEDFORD—Community members are invited to attend a free Family Dinner Night at the Camp Ockanickon Dining Hall on Sunday, Feb. 26 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dinner will consist of an assortment of cold salads and a hot pasta bar with a variety of sauces for you to mix and match. Dessert will be that age-old camp favorite: s’mores prepared by a crackling fire in the Ockanickon Dining Hall.

Families will be able to enjoy the delicious food, prepared by camp Chef Jason Ostroski, and to partake in board games, conversations and general camaraderie. The evening will be free of electronic interruptions, as the use of cell phones and other electronic devices will be discouraged during the event.

The dinner is the first of several planned as part of YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc.’s recently developed Strategic Plan, which seeks to bring community members together for pleasant, family oriented gatherings.

“As part of Ockanickon’s Strategic Roadmap, we’re offering a chance for people to focus on being part of a family,” said CEO Mark Dibble. “It’s a no-cost opportunity for families to spend quality time together, while enjoying a relaxing dinner and having a good time, without distractions.”

Dibble said that the organization’s “Strategic Roadmap” was developed to better serve the

community at large, addressing issues such as youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. “The aim is to promote community by strengthening families and improving the health and well-being of children and teens.”

Ockanickon plans to offer other family focused events, Dibble said, including a Mother’s Day brunch on May 14 at 10 a.m., which will give moms, dads, kids and grandparents a chance to relax and bond in a leisurely way.

For details or to register for the Family Dinner Night, Mother’s Day Brunch, or other programs, go to www.ycamp.org, click ‘Register,’ log in or create an account, and then select “2017 Non-Summer Camp Programs.”

For more than a century, YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc. has provided a place for hundreds of thousands of children, parents, and families to spend quality time in the great outdoors through its three camps: Camp Ockanickon (overnight, for boys), Camp Matollionequay (overnight, for girls) and Lake Stockwell Day Camp (co-ed).

The 800-acre facility, located at 1303 Stokes Road in Medford, offers traditional camp activities such as archery, canoeing, sports, low-rope adventures, a climbing wall, a zip line, creative arts and more. In addition to overnight camp, day camp and preschool camp, it offers off-site travel adventures, teen leadership programs and a host of family activities.

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Saturday, February 18, 2017

Saturday, February 18, 2017

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Saturday, February 18, 2017

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Saturday, February 18, 2017

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PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Diana Grover

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Columbus, NJ 08022 Office: (609) 456-4742 Fax: (609) 784-8061 Cell: (609) 647-7564 dianagrover@remax.net www.DianaGroverSellsHomes.com ww Each office is independently owned and operated

Emission Repair Major & Minor Repairs

Robert H. Griscom Fully Insured

(609) 654-6602 NJ Lic. 13VH06395500

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24 Hr. Towing Flatbed Service Road Service

109 Route 38 Pemberton, NJ 08068 (609) 894-4258

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Sales Associate

2835A Route 206 Columbus, NJ 08022 Direct Phone: (609) 456-4740 Email: JACKRYAN@REMAX.NET WWW.JACKSELLSHOMES.COM Office Phone: (609) 784-8021 Each office is independently owned and operated

Valentine Accounting, LLC Angele Valentine

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Saturday, February 18, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

HEALTH

Dear Pharmacist

By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph.

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

Give Your Valentine a Healing Bouquet of Flowers For Valentine’s Day, I know most of us ladies want some chocolate. I love chocolate myself, the darker the better. You don’t need me to tell you about the health benefits of dark chocolate, there are probably 100 posts about it being uploaded as I write this. So this year, I am thinking outside the Moonstruck box!

Let’s consider another traditional standby, flowers. Not just any flowers, flowers with medicinal power. You see, many of these beautiful and sweet-smelling plants are also powerful healers that deserve a place on your natural medicine cabinet. You can put together a healing ‘bouquet’ of remedies made out of flowers.

It’s creative and sure to win a special space in your Valentine’s heart, especially if he or she is into health and wellness. Here are some ideas to build your bouquet: Chamomile. This is a sweet little white flower with a big yellow center that, when dried and steeped as tea, is also a widely-hailed sedative.

Add a box of chamomile tea, to help you and your Valentine unwind and fall asleep together.

Echinacea. This popular garden plant is hardy and has great antiviral properties. It is known to help you reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of colds and flu. A 2015 study by researchers in the Czech Republic found that a hot drink made of echinacea extracts was as effective as Tamiflu at reducing flu symptoms, with far fewer side effects.

Roses. It’s everyone’s Valentine favorite!

Consider rosewater, which is created when rose petals are steam distilled. The end result is a beautiful smelling rose toner that I use to spritz my face… like all the time! Rose hips have anti-inflammatory properties, so in addition to smelling divine, it’s good for reducing facial redness, whether from acne, rosacea, cold weather or dry skin.

Rose hips. Rose hips are the fruit of rose bushes and these little scarlet, globe-shaped beauties are packed with vitamin C! I keep them right beside the stove, and steep two teaspoons to the water which I use for green tea. It adds a strong antioxidant boost and makes my skin more youthful. You can buy dried rose hips at most health-food stores and online.

Lavender is a tiny purple flower that packs a healing punch. Put a half cup in the middle of a pretty handkerchief and tie up the ends to make your Valentine a sachet. At night, take a shower and sprinkle some of the essential oil onto your shower floor. A 2015 study found that dialysis patients reported a significant reduction in needle insertion pain over patients who had no intervention or who received a placebo.

So go make your lover a beautiful bouquet, and choose your flowers wisely based upon their medicinal purpose. From now on, Valentine’s or not, you will always think of flowers with a new healing perspective. Unlike chocolate, they don’t go straight to your thighs.

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

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

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Why Babies Need to Sleep on Their Backs

By Sue Hubbard, M.D.

I have been seeing online ads promoting “new” baby products for 2017. What concerns me is that in those ads an infant is shown sleeping on his tummy, which doesn’t promote recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics that say all infants should be placed on their backs to fall asleep.

There should be a law that you cannot shoot a picture for any product being advertised for an infant in which the baby is shown sleeping on his stomach. Seeing this photo may only confuse parents about the correct sleep position for their baby, especially when many of the advertisements are for sleeprelated products.

The “Back to Sleep” campaign, which started in 1994, has served to reduce the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by more than 50 percent. I have been fortunate in that I have not had a patient of mine die from SIDS since the recommendation for sleep position was changed. Unfortunately, when looking at data, 30 percent of SIDS cases report that the baby was found in the tummy position.

So, if a sleep-deprived new parent is surfing the net for products related to infant sleep, and then sees a baby on his tummy, the parent may think that maybe that is the trick to get their baby to sleep, never realizing the huge risk they are taking. Many a parent has come into my office and said, “I think my baby sleeps

better on their tummy,” which immediately puts a look of horror on my face.

“WHAT? I thought we had discussed that your baby must sleep on their back until they are rolling over on their own.”

Some of the parents do reply, “So and so told me it was OK.” In this case, do not listen to anyone about tummy sleeping! Discuss car seats, high chairs, pacifier options or whatever else instead, and choose which works for you.

Sleep position is non-negotiable.

With that being said, I realize that between four months old and seven months old, many babies will roll over during sleep even when placed on their backs. It is a developmental milestone for babies to roll, and you cannot put a brick on them.

I would “guesstimate” that about 25 percent of the babies I see will ultimately prefer to sleep on their tummies, but they are all out of their swaddle and then roll over after being put down on their back. I also get many videos showing me a baby in his/her crib who is in the act of rolling over, with a nervous parent running in turning them back over, only to have the child roll right back to their tummy. You could spend the entire night “flipping the baby” over.

Remember: back sleeping only, in a crib with just the baby. No bumpers or toys. You will have plenty of time for other stuff in the crib when they are bigger.

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FUN AND GAMES Are We There Yet?

By Lori Clinch

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

An Empty Nest, Except For Sadie When we first got our puppy, Sadie, a year and a half ago, I questioned my own sanity.

Being chubby in stature with green eyes and a playful nature, she was darling, to be sure.

THAT part I simply loved. What I did NOT love was the way that Sadie ate our remotes, shredded toilet paper and sauntered through the room wearing our best shoes as an ill-fitting hat.

All four of the boys were home for the weekend when Sadie arrived. She was more darling than we had even imagined. “Look, she plays with a ball! Ahh she’s rolling over. Isn’t it cute how she’s chewing on the corner of the kitchen table?”

In her mind, Sadie must have been a one-dog parade as she ran past sporting some of our favorite shirts as a banner and literally ate Charlie’s homework. She was a lovable little terror on four paws.

It wasn’t all bad with Sadie. She potty trained well, kept her food in the bowl and sometimes, she even slept.

But sometimes, at the end of a long day of watching her traipse through clutching our socks in her jowls, and wearing undergarments on her head, I wondered if I would survive her.

Praise God Sadie didn’t have opposing thumbs or nothing would have been safe.

My beloved spouse, Pat, wasn’t sure we needed another dog in the first place. There was the time needed to potty train, the food costs to consider, and those vet bills weren’t going to just pay themselves.

Therefore, you could imagine Pat’s dismay when his cell phone got chewed to smithereens.

Surely you sense the gamut of emotions he must have felt when he put on his beloved football cap and the bill fell off, making it painfully obvious it had been “Sadie-ized.”

But, it has been a year and a half since those chaotic and downright dark days and I must say that Sadie has finally mellowed. She only chews on her toys, leaves socks where they lie and although she has had ample opportunity, she hasn’t chewed up a work boot for several

months.

Our four sons have returned to their campus homes, far away from their loving mother.

They are growing up, moving on with their lives and leaving us with an empty nest. Thankfully I have Sadie to devote my extra attention to.

With a koo-chie-coo and the occasional, “Mommy loves,” I suppose it’s become a tad bit sickening from my Pat’s point of view.

“You give that dog more attention than you do me,” he complained the other day when I dropped down to the floor to rub Sadie’s tummy.

“Do you think so?” I asked as I prepared her food, gathered her toys and fluffed her dog bed.

“Probably,” Pat replied as he poured himself a bowl of cold cereal.

I suppose it’s true. But in my defense, Pat won’t let me scratch his ears, express my loving devotion for no apparent reason, nor does he cry in complete despair when I depart from his presence.

Pat doesn’t leap in the air with excitement when I return home at the end of the day. Nor does he lay himself down outside a door that has been closed between us, in complete despondence at the separation it enforces.

That’s a doggone shame.

Yet I feel that on his own level, Pat is feeling the impact of our empty nest as well. With no sons with whom to watch basketball, talk shop or chew the fat, he is actually focusing some of his attention on none other than our sweet Sadie.

“Do you want to come out and work with me?” he actually asked her last weekend as he prepared to head out to his shop. Uncanny as it is, Sadie seemed to understand and even leapt in the air at the prospect. Pat then patted her on the head, scratched her ears a bit and the two of them happily headed out for the afternoon.

As I ponder the situation, I’ve decided this— he gives her way more attention than he does to me.

© 2017 LORI CLINCH

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C R O S S W O R D

P U Z Z L E

ACROSS

1 One capsule, say 5 Metaphorical sticking points 10 Jacob’s twin 14 App that connects riders with drivers 15 Hard pattern to break 16 Prominent giraffe feature 17 *Sing on key 19 Skedaddle 20 “Please, I’ve heard enough,” in texts 21 Speaker on a soapbox 22 Cutlass automaker 23 Jungle adventure 25 Store with Kenmore appliances 27 Sloppy 30 Corsage flower 33 Players in a play 36 Severely injure 38 Crystal-bearing rock 39 Illuminated 40 *Try, with “at” 42 Civil War soldier 43 Desert building brick 45 Fashion magazine that’s also a French pronoun 46 In-flight predictions: Abbr.

47 Trickery 49 Discourage

51 24-__ gold 53 Draft choices 57 Whitewater ride 59 One with a bleeping job 62 Feel sorry about 63 Notable periods 64 Make available, as merchandise ... and a hint to the start of the answers to starred clues 66 Law business 67 Entices 68 Continent explored by Marco Polo 69 “__ old thing” 70 Lyric poem 71 Neighbor of Kent.

DOWN 1 Tear conduits 2 Bush successor 3 Sans __: type style 4 Make a mistake 5 Compelling charm 6 Pro __: in proportion 7 Share a border with 8 Lushes 9 Hi-fi system 10 Implement, as laws 11 *Underestimate 12 Breezed through, as a test

13 Luau instruments 18 Days of old 24 Tsp. or tbsp.

26 Constellation named for a mythological ship 28 Rescue 29 On-ramp sign 31 Original thought 32 Belles at balls 33 Not naked 34 Teacher’s helper 35 *Cattle enterprise 37 Bachelor party attendee 40 Estate beneficiary 41 Warm up for the game 44 “I’m baffled” 46 Unit of work 48 Bring down the running back 50 Make, as a living 52 Prepare to drive, as a golf ball 54 Wipe clean 55 Altercation 56 Family auto 57 Foul callers, at times 58 Operatic song 60 Fictional sleuth Wolfe 61 Went like the wind 65 It may be tipped by a gentleman

S U D O K U

facebook.com/pinebarrenstribune @PineBarrensNews

ANSWERS ON PAGE 22

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

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

Automobiles/Trucks Rears 4x4 Ford F-250 1979 410 gears, not complete, 1 axle missing $450. 66 CU in motor did run $400. 856-371-5076 Fred.

Auto Parts and Svcs Auto body repair technicians, experienced professional, collision technician, busy shop, with insurance DRPs. Valid driver’s Food Service workers needed for license a must. Top salary offered. Call Lenape, Seneca, Shawnee, & Cherokee 609-893-8292.

School District. Part time M-F. Summers Automotive technician Class. A tech busy off! Must be able to lift 30lbs and pass a automotive repair center. All makes and fingerprint-background check. If interested models. All computer diagnostics done on please call Sue at 856-983-5141 x 2371 or site. Top pay offered. 609-893-8292. email resume to LEN@nsfm.com Maintenance person able to do all types Pine Barrens Tribune, LLC– Searching of housing repair, painting, spackling, etc. for a sales representative. The right candidate will be highly organized, Call 609-893-7721. collaborative, and creative closer who Help Wanted thrives in a deadline-driven sales environSERVER FOR BUSY DINER. Expe- ment and demonstrates a passion for both rience preferred but will train right indi- print and digital advertising sales. The job vidual. Apply in person. Ask for Cynthia. includes prospecting leads, making calls, NO PHONE CALLS. Red Lion Diner at daily territory travel, setting up appointments, and the use of technology. Previous the Red Lion Circle, Southampton, N.J. newspaper and/or sales experience is a HOSTESS/CASHIER. Job requires plus, but not necessary. Strong face-toability to stand/walk up to eight hours face written, and verbal communication and good communication skills. Apply 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.

Miscellaneous Brotherton Indian Tribal Offices Brotherton Indian Reservation, Tribal Lands Office of the Chief Brotherton Indian Reservation Indian Mills, New Jersey 08088 Attention Dr. Sam Beeler, Chief 973-222-1920 973-432-8894

Home Improvement

PIANO LESSONS WITH LYDIA. Certified teacher. 25 years experience. All ages/ levels. Medford N.J. Call for information/ registration. 609-654-1087.

Unique, full length silver fox coat. Size: medium. Price $650. Fox trim silver mink jacket. Size: 8-10. Price $300. 609-8593602.

First cutting Timothy hay. Locally grown, not imported. Cured naturally. No curing preservative used. All nice uniform bales. $6.00 bale. 609-859-0562.

Redefine spaces. Your one-stop shop home improvement contractor. Kitchen and baths, doors, windows, and siding. Tile, hardwood, drywall, and painting. Call John for free estimate. 609-458-5371.

Anything We Haul It. Estates, Attics, Basements, Space Places, Odd Jobs, Yardwork Demolition, Pools Removed, etc. Call Earl 609-694-9356.

Will Do Citizens

Extra

Saturday, February 18, 2017

POND

FROM PAGE 1 approval to proceed with the restoration in accordance with the plan. We haven’t received it yet. As soon as we receive that, we can move forward with the restoration.”

Guzzi said he contacted four contractors and received three quotes for the repairs.

“The quotes are above the bid threshold,” Guzzi said. “We will have to make a decision whether we want to try to do the job in-house or go out to public bid.”

Bass River Mayor Deborah Buzby-Cope read the estimates into the record.

R.D. Zeuli Inc. quoted $22,908 to make the repairs. Command Co. Inc. quoted $24,400 to make the repairs. Giberson Plumbing and Excavating Inc. quoted $67,000 to make the repairs.

Buzby-Cope then asked Guzzi if he believed the repairs can be made by in-house maintenance crews. He said the township could probably save some money doing it that way.

“With some direction,” he said. “As long as we have the manpower and equipment, then yes we can do it. We might have to rent a pump or something like that. So, there might be some equipment that needs to be rented. Certainly, we would have to buy the materials.”

Guzzi added that the NJDEP is requiring his firm, Dante Guzzi Engineering Associates, to oversee the construction. He said it is likely that the NJDEP will inspect the work when it is completed.

“They would rely on my office to oversee the construction,” he said. “We would have to be there.”

Jeff Dawson, a resident of Little Egg Harbor, whose property adjoins the pond, voiced his displeasure with the fact that officials were contemplating using in-house maintenance crews to make the repairs.

“I think it is pretty obvious even to the most casual observer that if you do this in-house, you are going to have the same people that destroyed it, doing it,” he said. “I don’t really think that would be the best way to go about it.

They obviously didn’t know what they were doing when they tore it apart or the repercussions of it. So, having them go back and do it just to save money doesn’t even make any sense to me. Having it contracted out would make a lot more sense.”

Township resident Carol Bitzberger asked Guzzi if he felt the township’s Department of Public Works could make the repairs with him overseeing the project.

“There is nothing difficult about the work that has to be done,” Guzzi said. “It has to be done in a particular way. But there is nothing specialized about doing that work.”

Guzzi said it will take a “good couple of days of work” to make the repairs. He said there is a lot of setup involved because the sandbag cofferdam has to be constructed and the remaining water has to be pumped out.

“I think it could be done in less than a week,” he said.

Township resident William Aaronson inquired about why one of the quotes was three times more money than the others.

Guzzi said Giberson Plumbing and Excavating Inc. didn’t want to bid on the project after looking at it.

“The other two were very close,” he said.

“They were competitive.”

Bitzberger asked what would be the difference in cost if the township’s maintenance crews perform the repairs.

“That is difficult to quantify,” Guzzi said.

“We have to take a look at what the materials are and what equipment would have to be rented in

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order to get that cost. Then it would be manhours that are already being paid for because the town already has the manpower on staff. The labor costs would be the savings basically.”

Bitzberger also inquired about the Public Works employees salaries.

“We are paying one $9 an hour,” Buzby-Cope said. “Two get $15 an hour. There are three of them down there.”

Dawson, deeply dissatisfied with the discussion, asked if there was going to be any repercussions for the removal of the berm and drainage of the pond.

“This was literally a criminal act,” he said.

“This was done completely illegally.”

Dawson also said that before the meeting began, he heard Commissioner Louis Bourguignon say that an employee removed only two scoops of soil from the berm.

“Two scoops?” Dawson said. “The thing is five foot below the waterline.”

He added that the gap in the berm is 30 feet in length and at least 10 feet wide.

“That must have been the biggest backhoe bucket you’ve ever seen,” Dawson said.

Bourguignon and Dawson began exchanging words.

“That is your opinion and that is my opinion,” Bourguignon said.

Dawson said Bourguignon’s opinion doesn’t matter anymore.

“I have proof,” Dawson said. “You can go look at it.”

Dawson said that Bourguignon’s “two scoops” comment led him to believe that Bourguignon gave the Public Works employee “the marching orders” to go down to the pond and remove a portion of the berm.

Some members of the public interrupted the exchange between the two men and asked Dawson about what repercussions he would like to see happen.

“Doesn’t anybody have to lose their job or anything?” Dawson said.

Township resident Kevin Foder said Bass River Township residents are going to wind up having to pay for the pond being fixed.

“Little Egg (Harbor) is not paying nothing,” he said.

Dawson called the situation business as usual.

“You can do whatever you want?” Dawson said.

Several members of the public shouted that it was a mistake and nobody drained the pond intentionally or to hurt people.

Dawson said that it wasn’t a mistake and that the town showed complete disregard for the law.

“They didn’t do any research on it which makes it completely neglect,” he said.

Dawson said that the septic-system issues in the Offshore Manor development were completely bogus.

Aaronson inquired about why the township removed a portion of the berm.

“The original problem is there are beavers over there and they are blocking the waterway,” Buzby-Cope said.

Dawson disagreed with Buzby-Cope and shouted that it was not a beaver dam.

“Can we stop lying, please?” Dawson said. “It is not a cranberry bog. It is not a beaver dam. It is not anything you keep repeating.”

State officials have said in the past that initial indications are that Roberts Pond was an abandoned cranberry bog that transformed into a vernal pond. Little Egg Harbor residents have pushed back on that claim. They fear officials are trying to designate the pond as a cranberry bog since it is the only form of a water body which can be drained in the state without obtaining a permit.

“Why are the beavers in there, then?” Bourguignon said. “Are they there just to take a

swim?”

Bourguignon and Dawson shouted and talked over each other for over a minute. The two men argued over whether there were beaver dams and dead fish in the pond.

“The state said it was a good thing it drained the thing,” Bourguignon said.

Dawson demanded to know which official from the state said that.

“That is horse s---,” Dawson said. “Show me that in writing.”

Buzby-Cope slammed the gavel down to regain order of the meeting.

“This is not being productive,” said Township Solicitor JoAnne O’Connor. “Let’s get back to why the meeting was originally opened to the public, please.”

Both men settled down.

Aaronson said he wanted to get a straight answer as to why the township removed a portion of the berm.

“This is what was brought to the board several times through the years,” Buzby-Cope said. “In the front pond, the fish were dying.

People weren’t catching fish like they used to and there were dams that were being built up by beavers. There is one by the front. Apparently, there was one in the back. Our Public Works guys were working on it. They said they could

PAGE 19

take care of it. Okay, and that was here in a meeting. We were sitting here in a meeting and we thought that was a good idea to take care of it, if he knew where it was and what was going on.”

Aaronson asked if the employee explained to the board what he was going to do.

“He did not,” Buzby-Cope said. “But this wasn’t like it was a one-time thing. They had gone out and I know some of the residents have gone out and pulled debris in certain areas. The area he happened to go to was a berm area. He took the loader out and he dug down to open it up, thinking he was doing the right thing.”

She added that there are really three ponds that make up what is commonly referred to as Roberts Pond; a front pond, middle pond, and back pond.

“The water from the center pond moved into the front pond,” Buzby-Cope said.

Dawson interrupted Buzby-Cope and said that the debris from the pond has clogged the pipes that go underneath Route 9.

“That problem was also caused by Bass River,” he said.

Aaronson asked if the Public Works employees dug out the berm to intentionally drain the pond.

“No,” Buzby-Cope said.

POND>>PAGE 20

PHOTO SUBMITTED A portion of the berm removed by a Bass River Township employee.

PHOTO SUBMITTED The aftermath after Roberts Pond was drained. The pond was turned into a mudflat.

PAGE 20

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TETHERING FROM PAGE 1

Animals brought indoors during inclement weather conditions would have to be placed in a climate controlled setting.

An animal control officer or a law enforcement officer would be authorized to document the circumstances of evidence and take reasonable measurers to remove the animal from the tether, take the evidence, and take the animal to the pound.

“The problem is if we have anyone that has a dog that lives outside right now and we put this ordinance into play, they are going to be the first ones coming in here complaining about it,” Buzby-Cope said. “If they have a dog that has been living outside for eight years or whatever it is and we enforce this, then that means the code enforcement guy or police officer that goes to their house and tells them that they need to bring their dog inside and the dog has been living outside and they can’t take it in their house, are going to take the dog away from the family.

If the dog goes to the pound, unless somebody adopts the dog, they are probably going to end up putting the dog down.”

She said that the ordinance was designed to mirror nearby Tuckerton Borough’s tethering regulations, but one of the problems is that Bass River Township consists of more land.

“It is a rural area,” Buzby-Cope said. “We do have some farms.”

She also said that she has received feedback on tethering requirements from other towns.

“I have discussed this with other mayors at the different functions that I have gone to,” Buzby-Cope said. “In a lot of the other towns, it is a gray area whether they should pass an ordinance like this because there are several people that have dogs that are on lines outside.

You have dogs that are more accustomed to being outdoors. Some of them sometimes have a little trouble living indoors.”

However, she said that she also has concerns when unneutered dogs are tied up, especially the female dogs, because they can get jumped and can’t get away. She also expressed concern for dogs when there are inclement weather conditions.

“When it comes to dogs that are out there in cold weather, we don’t want them out there freezing to death,” Buzby-Cope said. “We want them having adequate water. We want them having shelter. We want them having food.”

She added that she is an animal lover, has plenty of animals, and believes in taking care of

CHECK

FROM PAGE 10 Ockanickon CEO Mark Dibble said the donation from the Oddfellows will be put to good use.

“We’re so appreciative of the support that we get from the community, and from organizations like the Oddfellows,” Dibble said.

“YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc. is committed to youth development, healthy living and social

animals.

“How far are we going to go to enforce telling somebody what to do with their dog?”

Buzby-Cope said.

She said that she didn’t think including a grandfather clause in the proposed ordinance would solve the problems that she foresees.

“If we put a grandfather clause in there, it kind of defeats the purpose of the ordinance,” Buzby-Cope said. “Anybody that has a dog, that is outside right now, that is tied up, will come in and they’ll say ‘I have a dog that is six-years old and it will live until it is fifteen years old.’ and we kind of have got to abide by that.”

Residents at the meeting questioned whether existing state animal cruelty laws already provide the rationale for enforcement agencies to go after homeowners who tether their dogs and prevent access to climate controlled environments in harsh weather conditions.

Officials were unsure whether there were any state statutes in place regulating the tethering of dogs.

Township resident Bill Curtain was not in favor of the proposed regulations.

“Just because one person complains, I don’t think we should be passing laws to solve one person’s problems with their neighbor,” he said. “This just sounds like overkill to me. If it is a cruelty situation, it seems like it is covered somewhere else.”

Township resident William Aaronson said the commissioners should take into consideration the rural nature of Bass River Township.

“I am not convinced we need this kind of an ordinance given the fact that we already have a baseline on the books and there is a state baseline apparently,” Aaronson said. “I think I would urge you to put it back on the shelf.”

Township Solicitor JoAnne O’Connor said that the township’s existing animal ordinance places a prohibition on barking and allowing dogs to run around unleashed.

Township resident Carol Bitzberger said she was against tethering dogs outside. She suggested that the township pursue opportunities to educate the public on how to take care of pets.

“I would hope that people that saw any animal being abused would call someone,” Bitzberger said. “You can call me. I don’t care. I’ll do something about it if you are afraid to. It is something that upsets me.”

Deputy Mayor Nicholas Capriglione and Commissioner Louis Bourguignon choose not to comment on the proposed ordinance. The measure was tabled for another year by a vote of 3-0. responsibility, and for every child who attends one of our camp programs – including our specialty camps – we provide a safe, nurturing, fun-filled place.”

Through its summer camps and outdoor center, YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc. offers traditional activities such as archery, canoeing, sports, low-rope adventures, a climbing wall, a zipline, creative arts and more. Ockanickon also offers preschool camp, off-site travel adventures, teen leadership programs, annual memberships and a host of family activities.

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POND

FROM PAGE 19 “So, it (the rush of water) just got away from them?” Aaronson said.

“Yes,” Buzby-Cope said.

Buzby-Cope repeated that the township was under the impression that the pond was part of their property and only discovered that it wasn’t their property after the soil had been removed.

She said that she called the NJDEP for clarification after she observed what had happened to the pond. She added that Geographic Information System (GIS) experts had to be brought in to determine the ownership of the property.

She also reiterated that the town is willing to do whatever it takes to rectify the situation.

“Now we have a new engineer that is taking over,” Buzby-Cope said. “We’re trying to move it along as quickly as possible. Here we are tonight. We have bids on it. We want to get it done.

We want to get it corrected. From now on, we know it is the state’s property.”

She said the state is aware of other problems in the vicinity and that they need to post signs in the area denoting their property.

Aaronson asked if the township’s former engineer, Kris Kluk, was consulted before the Public Works employee touched the berm.

“No, the former engineer was not,” Buzby-Cope said.

Aaronson said engineering oversight becomes extremely important if the township decides to have in-house maintenance crews perform the repairs.

Before ending the latest question and answer session on Roberts Pond, Buzby-Cope took a few minutes to address whether there would be any repercussions initiated by the township for the removal of the berm.

SIGNAGE FROM PAGE 2

Township resident William Aaronson asked the board about how the township planned to enforce the provision.

“Through code enforcement,” said Bass River Mayor Deborah Buzby-Cope. “If somebody calls and makes a complaint about it, we can go out there and summon them. We can ask them to take it down or correct the problem and if not, we would give them a citation on it.”

Bill Curtain, also a resident of the township, asked who would receive the citation in the event that a complaint pertains to a political sign.

“Would it be the person running for office?”

Curtain said.

Buzby-Cope said the property owner would receive the citation.

Curtain said political signs get put up all the time on properties along Route 9.

Township resident Carol Bitzberger inquired about the penalties for offending the new regulations.

“Do they have to come to court?” Bitzberger said.

O’Connor said the property owner would receive a violation and be required to appear in municipal court.

“It is no more than $1,000 the way the ordinance is worded,” O’Connor said. “But there is a general catch-all penalty.”

A few residents asked if the township was planning to have someone travel throughout the municipality to look for violations.

“The burden always seems to fall back on the citizens to file complaints,” Aaronson said. “It seems to me township officials should take the lead there. I have many, many gripes about our ordinances that aren’t enforced. The sign ordinance, the one we have today, I could take you

Saturday, February 18, 2017 “The guy that works for us went out there and thought he was doing the right thing,” she said. “Apparently, we know now differently. But do we fire him? I mean it was a mistake. We all know that. We are paying for that mistake. We brought it forth. It is not like we are lying about it. It is a lesson that has been learned, even up here. We can’t go on the assumption that somebody can run with something. It has opened everyone’s eyes up here a little bit more to be more diligent when looking over things.”

Deputy Mayor Nicholas Capriglione said he wants to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

“The goal here for this township has always been to resolve the problem,” he said. “Finger-pointing to me is counterproductive.”

The board choose to hold off on a decision as to whether in-house maintenance crews or outside contractors would be utilized to make the repairs.

Buzby-Cope’s comment about the township receiving bids on the project contradicted Guzzi’s comments made earlier in the same meeting.

In a follow-up interview, Township Clerk Amanda Somes clarified whether the township had sought public bids through a state-mandated process or obtained estimates for the repair job.

“We obtained estimates to determine if we need to go to bid,” she said. “The prices came in over the threshold. We are going to obtain an estimate from Guzzi to see if doing this job in-house is possible. If we can do the job inhouse, with the supervision of the engineer, we will move forward. There will be no need to award a formal bid. However, if this is not possible, we will have no alternative but to go out for public bid though the process of advertising and awarding at a public meeting.”

through town and point out five illegal signs.

Why doesn’t the town enforce the ordinance?

Why does it rely on the people complaining, which I think puts the public in a very bad light?”

O’Connor said if the township knows about a violation, they are going to act on it. She added officials can’t be everywhere.

“The township officials drive the same roads that I do,” Aaronson said. “They know what signs are illegal. I get very frustrated that I don’t see my officials taking a more forceful lead in the enforcement of the laws that are already on the books. Now we are spending more money to bring more laws on the books. If we are not going to enforce them, then it is a waste of money.”

Township resident Leo Assur said that the township needs to find a common-sense solution to the temporary sign problem.

“A lot of these ordinances come up because of complaints,” he said. “I can complain about a lot of things. Are we going to have ordinances for everything I complain about? We don’t have enough people here in our government to patrol signs.”

Aaronson said township officials should take a more aggressive role and not put the citizens between a rock and a hard place with a lot of their neighbors.

“It’s their responsibility, not ours,” Aaronson said. “They swear to enforce the law, not you and I.” Buzby-Cope said the board can squash the ordinance amendments. Several township residents said that the township already spent money having it drawn up.

“Sometimes you have to have teeth in an ordinance to move it forward,” Buzby-Cope said.

“When there is an issue, whether we complain about it or you complain about it, if there are no teeth in the ordinance, then there is not much that can be done to the individual.”

SIGNAGE>>PAGE 21

Saturday, February 18, 2017

BOWLERS FROM PAGE 6

Cassel says the team remained focused from the beginning of the season and doesn’t recall any specific obstacles the team had to overcome.

The team’s focus and tenacity helped lift them to victory over some formidable opponents.

“With all teams, there are ebbs and flows, but they always knew what their ultimate goals were,” Cassel said. “So really, any obstacle they overcame only made them stronger.”

The team’s losses were to Shawnee, Cherry Hill East and Cherry Hill West.

“All three of our losses were close, and to three of the top teams in our area,” Cassel said.

“Two of those teams, Shawnee and Cherry Hill West are competing in the Group 4 State Championships this Friday.”

Cassel attributes the team’s success to their ability to call upon each other to overcome opponents. There is no focus on individual achievement.

FIRE

FROM PAGE 6 significant loss of mature trees as wildfires do.

While the annual burning program began late last year, the Forest Fire Service is entering peak season for controlled burns. The Forest Fire Service expects to burn between 10,000 and 20,000 acres of forests and grasslands this season, depending on weather conditions. Most burns take place on state-owned property, such as state forests, parks and wildlife management areas.

“Prescribed burning has been a successful wildland fire mitigation tool used by the Forest Fire Service since the 1920s, protecting property, lives and infrastructure by creating defensible space around developed areas and

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“They pick each other up when needed,” he said. “This is their best quality as a team. Each bowler has a strength that we’ve used throughout this season. We don’t have anyone competing in the individual championships which tells you how well they work together as a team.”

This team will compete one final time for the state crown on Friday.

Win or lose, the future looks bright for this young and talented team with three of the five team members returning next year and plenty of young talent eager to fill the gaps created by graduation. The future also looks bright for captains Jacob Boris and Spencer Eckstein, both of whom are scholar athletes. Boris will be continuing his academic and bowling career at Indiana Tech, Wright State or Florida State University. Eckstein will continue his academic career and is considering, among others, Monmouth University, Florida State University, and Seton Hall University. strategic fire breaks that help the Forest Fire Service quickly contain wildfires,” said Richard Boornazian, state Department of Environmental Protection’s assistant commissioner for Natural and Historic Resources.

In 2016, the Forest Fire Service responded to 1,065 wildfires, 75 percent of which were a quarter-acre or smaller. The largest was a 464-acre fire in Bass River State Forest.

Roads in areas where burns are taking place are clearly marked. Motorists traveling through these areas are advised to observe posted reduced speed limits and to be alert to the presence of trucks and Forest Fire Service personnel. During the burns, firefighters employ best management practices to control smoke impacts, but nearby residents and forest visitors should expect temporary smoke.

HEARTS

FROM PAGE 6

PHOTO SUBMITTED The adorable red hats were worn by adorable special care nursery babies at Virtua Memorial in Mount Holly to recognize the American Heart Association’s Little Hats, Big Hearts Program. hope to spread awareness to moms and families during February, American Heart Month, about heart health and a healthy family lifestyle.

“The Little Hats, Big Hearts program is near and dear to our hearts at Virtua because it perfectly aligns with our mission to help our patients be well and stay well,” said Lauren Ochs, assistant vice president of Women’s and Children’s Services. “As a leader in maternal and child health

in South Jersey, we continually strive to educate new moms about the importance of good health for them and their families, and this initiative is a beautiful way to bring awareness to CHD.” The Little Hats, Big Hearts program started in Chicago in 2014 and has expanded to more than 40 states. Over 2,000 kits are being distributed throughout the Garden State.

SIGNAGE

FROM PAGE 20 She added that the board is trying to clean up several of the existing ordinances on the township books and that they must amend them to do so.

O’Connor said that there are a lot of old township ordinances and the township doesn’t realize that they don’t contain enforcement provisions until an issue is brought to their attention.

An individual who did not identify herself asked why doesn’t the township require permits for temporary signs.

O’Connor said the township would then have to revise the township’s permit ordinance.

Bitzberger asked if the commissioners call in complaints when they observe a violation of the law.

“Yes, we do,” Buzby-Cope said. “I call it in.

I know these guys call in. So, yes, when we see something and there is a problem going on, we bombard the township clerk all the time. It is common for us to do. We just don’t bring it to

DIRECTOR FROM PAGE 4

CEO Mark Dibble had this to say about the organization’s newest staff member.

“We’re so excited to have Matt,” Dibble said.

“He brings a breadth and depth of experience; drawing on many successful years in the YMCA camping movement. Matt’s experience in the camping field is a huge asset, second only to his seemingly boundless energy and ideas. We’re very excited for him to be a part of our camp family. Matt and his family are a welcome addi-

PAGE 21

the attention of you guys.”

Buzby-Cope asked the approximately 20 members of the public who were in attendance at the meeting if they wanted the board to continue with it or squash it.

Several residents said they thought the intent of the ordinance was good, but they were concerned that it couldn’t be enforced well.

Another individual who did not provide a name during the public hearing, quipped, “If you start enforcing some of these things that need to be enforced, half of New Gretna would be in court.

It is going to snowball on the township because the township has got some stuff that they need enforcement on. You better watch what you are enforcing.”

Several people in the room laughed. Some of the officials appeared to blush.

“What do we want to do with this ordinance?”

Buzby-Cope said.

“Pass it!” (passing the amendments which is done via a new ordinance) had the advantage over “Keep it the way it is!”

The board voted 3-0 to pass the ordinance. tion to our camp family. We’re so happy they’re here and he’s part of the team.”

Foran has a wife, Katya, and a son, Valor, who is 15-months-old.

“My hope is to instill grit and determination in our campers,” Foran said. “I feel so glad to be here, and I hope people in this area know how lucky they are to have a place like this in their community. I’m going to do my best to uphold the time-honored Ockanickon standards.”

He then pointed to the old photographs surrounding him.

“I owe it to these guys,” Foran said.

PAGE 22

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Saturday, February 18, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

HOME, GARDEN, AND FARMING Farm and Food File

By Alan Guebert

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

Winter’s Work

January started gray, stayed gray, and ended gray. Worse, it wasn’t a shining silver gray or an inviting blue gray. It was the flat, disengaging gray of used dishwater that seemed to whisper, “Don’t bother.”

The one-colored weather wasn’t cold weather, though. Early in the month, a few days of Arctic temperatures did thicken the lake ice for safe—and, as it turned out, good—fishing. Neither lasted, however, and within a week squadrons of honking Canada geese again ruled their gray sea.

It was the first January in memory that delivered more rainfall than sleet, ice, and snow combined. So, oddly, it was a month of no shoveling, no slipping, no falling, no sweating, no bruises, and no complaints.

It was also a month of no wood cutting.

Cold, snowless January days are perfect days to cut and split firewood because they feature hard ground, natural cooling, and skies so blue you could swim in them. That wasn’t this justpassed January.

Howard, the herdsman on the southern Illinois dairy farm of my youth, would have loved January because it would have afforded him a seven-days-a-week opportunity to haul and spread manure. Howard was hard on manure; he hated seeing it anywhere but on a stubble field.

His little brother Jackie, our farm’s other hired man, didn’t have the family’s anti-manure gene and only lent his limited talent for the task when ordered to do so by my father. That action brought two quick reactions from Jackie: colorful, instant cussing and an immediate trip to the dairy barn for a pre-emptive cup of hot, instant coffee.

My brothers and I would have done the work if allowed. Most winter days, however, the only available job for Jackie was to haul manure so he and his salary preempted us and our 50-cents-an-hour eagerness. As such, his cussing and coffee became a staple in our January

lives.

Given the equipment we used back then, Jackie had cause for both. For more than 30 years our go-to manure spreader tractor was a narrow-front Oliver of current vintage—first a 77, then 770 and, finally, a 1650. None, of course, had a cab.

All, however, sported a winter jacket called a “Heat Houser,” a canvas-and-twine strings contraption meant to divert the tractor’s engine heat toward the driver. Even better, the floppy rig was crowned with a near wrap-around plastic windshield of sorts that kept at least five percent of winter wind off your face.

The windshield’s biggest flaw (among many other flaws) was that it was wide open behind the driver so, in theory, he or she could watch the operation of whatever implement they were using at the time.

Turning to watch the operation of a manure spreader, however, was not something experienced drivers did. In fact, most learned to use the sound of the spreader’s rotating rear tines— slow and throaty when full; faster and more hollow-sounding when empty—to endure a run without risking either a glance back or a facial splat of, well, you know.

Still, with our small New Idea manure spreaders, that no-look skill did not mean the driver’s hat, back of his ear, or back of his coat didn’t sometimes catch an errant wad of already-digested alfalfa or hard clump of used straw. As is said on the farm, it happens. Often as not, when it happened, it happened to Jackie.

Uncle Honey, on the other hand, rarely hauled manure because Uncle Honey was banned from operating any machinery that involved both power-takeoffs and less-than-solid animal-based fertilizer. There was a time when an employee of the U.S. Postal Service could have explained the reason for the ban but he, like Uncle Honey, is long gone.

So, too, is January’s bleak grayness. Now, get to work, February.

Sawmill

Riephoff 609-259-7265

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CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU

Saturday, February 18, 2017

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PAGE 23

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

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 Sierra HD All Terrain GMC introduces the 2017 Sierra HD All Terrain X, the most off-road-capable model in the Sierra HD lineup, and one that matches its enhanced capability with trail-ready style and the brand’s signature refinement.

It joins Canyon and Sierra 1500 as the third model in GMC’s distinctive, limited-edition All Terrain X series, offered on the Sierra 2500HD crew cab 4WD with a 6.0L gas V-8 engine or the all-new, next-generation Duramax 6.6L V-8 turbo-diesel. More powerful than ever, the new Duramax delivers a segment-topping 445 horsepower and 910 lb.-ft. of torque.

The All Terrain X’s customized appearance blends a premium package of monochromatic exterior trim and special equipment, complemented with GMC’s latest technologies. Among some of the features: 18-inch black-painted aluminum wheels; Goodyear Duratrac MT-rated tires that feature an aggressive tread pattern for outstanding off-road performance; A unique body-color grille surround

with All Terrain insert; power-adjustable heated and power-folding trailering mirrors with integrated turn signals, LED rear guidance lamps and LED amber clearance lamps; black belt moldings, front bumper skidplate and B-pillars.

All Terrain equipment includes a spray-on bedliner, front and rear park assist, the Z71 offroad suspension package, underbody shield, heated steering wheel and all-weather floor liners. The Eaton automatic locking rear differential is also standard.

The 2017 Sierra 2500HD All Terrain X also features GMC IntelliLink with an 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen, Teen Driver, remote-locking tailgate, remote starting system, rear vision camera, adjustable pedals, leather-appointed seats, heated front seats and wireless charging.

Base model estimated mpg: NA Estimated starting price: $40,000

Compiled by Motor Matters.

2017 GMC Sierra HD All Terrain.

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Saturday, February 18, 2017