Pine Barrens Tribune January 11, 2020-January 17, 2020

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January 11, 2020 – January 17, 2020

NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN

Democrats Take Absolute Control of Freeholder Board, Celebrate “New Era”

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

Photo By Andrew King

Democratic Governor Phil Murphy (left) congratulates Anthony Basantis (right), also a Democrat, after swearing him in as Burlington County Sheriff on Jan. 6.

Sheriff Department Falls Under Control of Democrats for First Time in 34 Years with Swearing in of Anthony Basantis

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

MOUNT HOLLY—There is a new sheriff in town and Democratic Governor Phil Murphy came to swear him in to elected office.

Democrat Anthony Basantis, who joined the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department as a career law enforcement officer almost 15 years ago and recently served as president of the Burlington County Sheriff’s Officers’ FOP Lodge #166, was officially sworn in as county sheriff on Jan. 6 after defeating Republican Michael Ditzel in November’s General Election by 8,831 votes.

“It is an incredible treat and humbling moment to be asked to swear anybody in, never mind an extraordinary sheriff,” Murphy said.

Basantis took his oath of office in front of a crowd packed tightly into the first and second floors of the Historic Burlington County Courthouse in Mount Holly, all while 14-year department veteran Ditzel, who was county undersheriff up until the ceremony, served as part of a security detail for the event, assigned to the front of the courthouse.

Basantis has permanently replaced Republican Jean Stanfield, who served as county sheriff for 18 years and retired from the post in May 2019, before moving on to win an 8th Legislative District state

Assembly seat in November. According to Nicholas Gangemi, a public information officer for Burlington County, Basantis is believed to be the first Democrat to serve as county sheriff since Francis Brennan left the post in 1986.

“This is an unbelievable moment,” Basantis told this newspaper after being sworn in. “It means anyone can come to this country and achieve great things.”

Basantis, during the campaign cycle, said that he was born in Willingboro, and at the age of just 3, his parents, Greek immigrants, decided to move back to Greece because they could no longer afford to live in New Jersey. Basantis said he and his parents returned to the U.S. when he was almost 8-years-old.

“My parents moved back here because they wanted a better opportunity for myself and my brother,” he said. “I started working at a very young age of 11 at the Golden Dawn Diner in Edgewater Park. Since then, I worked in various diners growing up to pay my way through college. Those diners included Vincentown Diner and Harvest Diner. I worked my way up in the restaurant diner business from a busboy to a waiter, dishwasher, cook and all the

way to manager.”

Basantis, before joining the sheriff’s department, worked in the New Jersey Judiciary System in Camden as a probation officer and earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University in Camden. He told this newspaper after the ceremony that priority number one for him is to “provide the citizens of Burlington County with safety and services they deserve.”

Basantis appointed law enforcement veteran James Kostoplis, who unsuccessfully ran as a Democrat in both 2013 and 2016 for county sheriff, to serve as the department’s new undersheriff.

Kostoplis began his law enforcement career as an officer with the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department.

According to the undersheriff’s LinkedIn page, one of his accomplishments while working in Bergen County was the capture of Serial Murderer Richard Cottingham, who had escaped from a courthouse.

In 1983, Kostoplis left the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department for the Hamilton (Mercer County) Police Division. After retiring from Hamilton Police, Kostoplis served as the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office chief warrant officer.

“I joined the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department at the age of 19,” Kostoplis told See SHERIFF/Page 7

MOUNT HOLLY—Democrats now enjoy absolute control of the five-member Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders for the first time in “many decades.”

Democrat Linda Hynes was sworn into the freeholder board on Jan. 6, replacing Latham Tiver, who was the lone Republican remaining on the county body last year after Democrats gained control of the freeholder board for the first time in nearly 45 years in January 2019.

Hynes, who took her oath of office before a standing-room only crowd gathered at the Historic Burlington County Courthouse in Mount Holly, defeated Tiver in November’s General Election by 10,409 votes for a fullterm on the freeholder board. She joins colleagues Tom Pullion, Balvir Singh, Felicia Hopson and Daniel J. O’Connell in leading county government.

“2020 is going to be an amazing year,” Hynes said. “It is the 100th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement. So many women before me not only sacrificed so much so that I would have the right to vote, but so that I would have the opportunity to serve.”

Hynes then recognized “five young ladies” that she met on the campaign trail for their contributions to society, contending that she wanted to “send a message” and “make a statement” by inviting them to the ceremony.

In recognizing one of the individuals, Hynes said “one voice is all that is needed to make a difference.”

“These young ladies are our future,” she said.

O’Connell, who was selected last year by the Democratic party to fill a vacancy on the freeholder board, also was sworn in again on Jan. 6 after being chosen by voters in November to continue filling the unexpired term, which has two years remaining on it.

“Two years ago, we were sitting in this room and Tom (Pullion) and I had just joined this board,” Singh said. “…It is quite humbling to be at this stage where there were none, then two, then three, then four and now five (Democratic members) of the freeholder board. ...The people trust us to do the work and service.”

Singh told those who gathered for the ceremony, which also included the swearing in of a new county sheriff and undersheriff (see separate story), that it has been “an amazing experiencing” for him to go from living in a home in a village in India, which required the constant pumping out of floodwaters, to serving as a freeholder in Burlington County, See CONTROL/Page 6

INDEX Are We There Yet?............ 11 Games................................. 8 Marketplace....................... 19 Financial Planning............. 13 Job Board.......................... 18 Opinion.............................. 14 Dear Pharmacist................ 12 Leo the Lion Challenge....... 9 Senior Column................... 11 Here's My Card.................. 16 Local News.......................... 2 Worship Guide................... 15

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Saturday, January 11, 2020

Evesham Council Revitalizes Commissions for Shade Trees and Historic Preservation

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

EVESHAM—New appointments have been made to the Evesham Township Shade Tree Advisory Commission and Evesham Township Historic Preservation Commission for the New Year, revitalizing the two bodies that had “gone dormant” due to “not being seated” for years, according to town officials.

Evesham Township Council, which is made up of three Democrats (Heather Cooper, Mayor Jaclyn Veasy, and Patricia Hansen) and two Republicans (Ken D'Andrea and Bob DiEnna), voted unanimously on Jan. 2 during its reorganization meeting to appoint three individuals to the Shade Tree Advisory Commission, first created by township ordinance in 1962.

“I am excited to see this come back into fruition for the town,” said Cooper, who was unanimously selected by her colleagues also on Jan. 2 to serve as deputy mayor for a second consecutive year after the three Democrats took control of township council in 2019. “There has been a lot of changes with the landscape and a lot of requests to evaluate trees. We are a town that has a lot of history in our trees, and I look forward to the possibility of input from our residents.”

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) New Jersey Urban and Community Forestry Management Program website, Evesham did not achieve accreditation with the agency in 2019. Additionally, a state-approved Community Forestry Management Plan for the municipality, submitted in 2012, expired on Dec. 31, 2016 and a new one has not yet been submitted for approval.

The Shade Tree Advisory Commission, according to township code, is responsible for developing and/or updating annually a Shade Tree Master Plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of trees and shrubs along the streets, in parks and in other public places.

“I know that a lot of our trees have been removed because of sidewalks that were considered unsafe,”Cooper said. “Hopefully, we can create a cohesive plan and get really good feedback for the trees in our town because trees matter.”

The New Jersey Shade Tree and Community Forestry Assistance Act, passed in 1996, enables a community to address tree related liability if they satisfy the four requirements for approved status under the act. This includes writing a state-approved Community Forestry Management Plan and participating in the state’s Training Skills and Accreditation Program for Community Forestry.

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“This is a new appointment for the town,” said D’Andrea, noting that the town had a grant writer when he first started on council, but the position eventually became vacated. “I think it is a great idea.”

D’Andrea, who also called the position “very valuable,” added that there is an expectation that the grants that the municipality will receive through Farmer’s efforts should fund the position. The councilman suggested that council include an incentive program in the contract based on any dollars and cents the town receives in grant money.

“We have left a lot of grants on the table,” he said. “Having some focus on that through a firm that is really good at doing this is going to be a great thing for the township.”

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Bass River Asks Police to Investigate Welfare of Animals at Animal Rescue After Concern They Were Left Behind

By Andy Milone Staff Writer

BASS RIVER—New Jersey State Police are investigating a local animal rescue after one resident told the Bass River Township Board of Commissioners on Jan. 6 that she was concerned that several animals may have been left behind by its previous owner after they moved out of state.

Resident Carol Bitzberger told the commissioners during the meeting that she observed what appeared to be five or six alpacas (or possibly llamas) left behind on the property of Smitten Stables, located at 11 Frantz Lane, in New Gretna.

She contended that it was her understanding that the previous owner of Smitten Stables had recently sold the property and moved away.

She sought answers from commissioners at the meeting as to what was going on with the parcel and the care of the animals.

Smitten Stables, according to the company’s Facebook page, was founded by Mark and Kelly McGovern in 2013. The company bills itself as an equine rescue dedicated to rescuing horses that are neglected, abandoned, abused, or at risk of being sent to slaughter.

Mayor Deborah Buzby-Cope, upon hearing Bitzberger’s concerns, said she was not aware of the property having been sold, and could not provide a report on the status of any animals.

After fielding questions about whether the animals allegedly left behind were receiving proper care, Buzby-Cope noted her intention to have someone check on the animals to ensure they are receiving the basic essentials, including food.

Following the meeting, on Jan. 7, Township Clerk Amanda Somes said that the municipality contacted the New Jersey State Police to follow up on the concern raised about the parcel during the meeting.

“We have contacted the state police, and have called the owner, and the owner told them everything is good,” she wrote in an email to this newspaper. “I asked them (the state police) to call him back because, according to what we were told, the owner has since left the area and moved to Virginia.”

She said that the owner, in a follow up telephone call from the state police, told the agency that he is in the process of moving to Virginia and that the animals are being looked after by an area veterinarian.

Somes contended that the state police are currently in the process of investigating the property further, and have contacted various animal welfare and cruelty organizations, in addition to the municipality’s animal control officer, for assistance.

“In early 2018, we realized that financially, physically, mentally and spiritually, we could not maintain the influx of animals of this magnitude,” noted a Facebook posting from Smitten Stables. “We have officially changed our charity to a sanctuary, to care for the blind, lame and sick animals that have already won our hearts over. We try to assist and place animals in need of a home, but can’t take on any more here, as everyone will suffer. We trust in God’s will for us and those under our care.”

Some residents, upon learning of the allegations during the meeting, eventually questioned the involvement the township code enforcement officer should have in the matter, and in other matters involving properties they perceived as blighted and neglected in town.

“Some people take great pride in their property, and I think that the commissioners need to take a ride around my block over there,” said resident Rick Adams during public comment. “It is horrendous. It is horrible.”

This was especially the case after Bitzberger contended that the property in question had manure all over it.

“The manure is all over, and it has got to be cleaned,” she said. “I don’t think Bass River wants it sinking down into their water.”

According to the township’s code book, manure may be stored in a pile of not less than 100 feet away from property lines, and not near any residence or place of human habitation. The pile is not to exceed 200 square feet.

Somes, after the meeting, stressed that the township had been unaware of the concerns, but even if it had been aware of them, the code enforcement officer is not a certified animal control officer and would have no authority in this type of matter because it is outside is realm of duties.

During the meeting, in response to the suggestion by some of the residents that the township code enforcement officer was not doing his job, Township Solicitor Joanne O’Connor replied that that the township had attempted to update its zoning ordinance about a decade ago with some “more teeth,” but that a public hearing on it had been met with an uproar due to concerns that such proposed regulations would violate private property rights.

“Our founding fathers made it difficult for government to interfere with people’s private rights, and that is the thing you really have to be careful of,” contended resident Leo Assur.

“That is what the (outcry over the) ordinance was all about—the town being able to go onto properties without having a search warrant.”

He added that just because someone doesn’t See RESCUE/Page 8

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

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Blue Angels Set to Dazzle Skies Over Pines at Spring Airshow

Photo By JBMDL

LCDR Adam Kerrick, Blue Angel #8, meets Captain Bill Sherrod, commander of NSA Lakehurst.

By Michel Garofalo Staff Writer

J O I N T B A S E M C G U I R E - D I XLAKEHURST—Aviation enthusiasts have extra reason to look forward to the 2020 edition of the always-popular Power in the Pines Open House and Air Show at Joint Base McGuireDix-Lakehurst (JBMDL).

This spring’s event will feat ure the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s elite flight demonstration squad.

Preparation for the event, scheduled for May 16 and 17, is already well underway.

Two members of the Blue Angels visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on Dec. 17 to coordinate with air show staff to ensure a successful show in May. The Blues’ jet number 7, piloted by Lt. Julius Bratton and Lt. Commander Adam Kerrick, arriving from Brunswick, Maine, landed on base prior to a meeting with air show officials.

“Our job here is to be an advance party and basically make sure that all of the fine details are talked about so when the team arrives in May, it is fluid and very efficient,” said Bratton at a brief press conference.

This year’s edition of the biennial Power in the Pines Open House and Air Show, which typically draws tens of thousands to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, will mark the first Blue Angels demonstration over the Pine Barrens air base since 2005. Admission and parking for the event are free.

“You can expect maneuvers at low-altitude, high-speed and in traditional Blue Angel formation right here over McGuire,” Bratton said.

Bratton, who serves as the team’s narrator, gave an overview of the demonstration planned for the show, which will feature six F/A-18 Hornets and the team’s C-130 cargo plane, affectionately known as Fat Albert.

“Pilots one through four fly in a diamond formation, and they showcase the precision flying required of Nav y/ Marine Cor ps aviators,” he said. “Pilots five and six fly as solo pilots, and they will demonstrate the maximum performance capability of the F-18.”

The Blue Angels fly as close as 18 inches to one another and reach top speeds of about 700 miles per hour during the demonstration. The highest maneuver, weather permitting, will reach an altitude of 15,000 feet.

The Blue Angels’ 2020 demonstration season will be the final tour featuring the F/A18 Hornet, which the team has flown since 1987.

In 2021, the team will transition to F/A-18E Super Hornets.

Kerrick, who serves as the team’s events coordinator, discussed at the press conference the intense planning that goes into each of the roughly 30 air shows that the Blue Angels perform at each year, including booking accommodations, obtaining Federal Aviation Administration clearances, and conducting safety and search and recue planning.

“A whole lot of logistics are in play,” Kerrick said. “We have to move essentially 60-plus people, in addition to the seven jets and one C-130 from site to site, so there is a lot that goes into it.”

Kerrick, a native of nearby Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, who was formerly stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, suggested performing at the Power in the Pines will represent a homecoming of sorts.

“It is an honor for me to be back here representing the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, as well as all the reservists who are out there serving,” he said. “It is truly a piece of Americana. A national treasure, really.

For people who come out and see it, it makes everyone feel good to be an American. I know it makes me feel great to be serving.”

Page 4 ♦

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

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Medford Eyes Easing Parking Requirements Facing Businesses in Township’s Downtown

By Michel Garofalo Staff Writer

MEDFORD—Medford Township Council is considering a zoning change aimed at easing the regulatory burdens concerning parking that face some businesses in the township’s downtown district.

Medford Mayor Charles “Chuck” Watson advocated for changes to the township’s rules governing commercial parking along Main Street at the township council’s Dec. 17 meeting, explaining that Medford’s current practice imposes unnecessary costs on business owners and he would like council to consider doing something that would ease the burden.

“Pretty much any business that opens up downtown—unless it is a pre-existing business that someone is moving into that is very similar—needs some type of parking relief, usually in the form of a variance,” Watson said. “It can become quite costly for someone if the only thing they need a variance for is the amount of parking.”

Current zoning in Historic Medford Village requires commercial establishments to meet certain minimum requirements for off-street parking spaces, with the number of required parking spaces varying by the type and size of the business.

Retail stores, for example, must provide one parking space for every 200 square feet of gross floor area, while restaurants are required to provide one parking space for every three seats within the establishment.

If sufficient space is unavailable for the required number of spaces, businesses can instead be required to contribute funds to a Village Parking Trust, which is an account maintained by the township to fund

improvements to sidewalks, streetlights, bike paths and off-street parking lots, along with other needs.

Businesses on Main Street often come before the township’s zoning board to seek parking variances, which Watson explained are generally granted with relative ease.

“They always get the variance,” Watson said. “I don’t think we have ever not given the variance to a business down there.”

But the application fees, legal expenses and other costs associated with applying for these variances represent an excessive encumbrance, the mayor contended.

“It is a problem,” Watson said. “It is costing businesses money.”

The township could take several approaches to address the issue, Watson said, including the elimination of minimum parking requirements for all commercial buildings on Main Street.

Township Solicitor Timothy Prime suggested that rather than implementing a blanket exemption from parking requirements for Main Street businesses, the same goal could be accomplished by revising the zoning code so that exemptions from the parking variance requirement could be granted at the discretion of the township’s zoning officer or engineer.

He said this method would preserve some level of township oversight should unusual circumstances arise.

“I don’t think you want to exempt something that is a much more intense use without at least looking at it,” Prime said.

Prime recommended that the exemption only be granted if a parking variance were the only relief a business would need to request.

See PARKING/Page 8

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Christmas Eve Crash in Southampton Leaves At Least One Person Dead SOUTHAMPTON—A collision at the intersection of Church Road (also known as County Route 616) and Eayrestown Road on Christmas Eve in Southampton Township has claimed the life of at least one person.

The accident occurred around 11:47 a.m., according to Trooper Alejandro Goez, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police.

A preliminary crash investigation, he said, has determined that the driver of a Dodge Durango, Natalie Lewis, 52, of Lumberton was traveling northbound on Eayrestown Road, when her vehicle was struck on the right side at the intersection by a Toyota being driven by Nancy Myers, 68, of Marlton.

“The Toyota then struck a curb and traffic pole,” Goez said.

Both Cooper University Hospital and Goez confirmed that Myers died from injuries sustained in the collision.

Goez said a briefing report he had from the crash indicated that Lewis sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Virtua Vorhees Hospital. A passenger in Toyota, he said, Holly

Lippincott, 61, of Marlton, was transported to Cooper University Hospital in Camden with serious injuries.

A spokeswoman for Cooper University Hospital was unable to definitively provide an update on Lipincott’s condition, as of press time, and a spokesman for Virtua said he was unable to release information about Lewis’ condition due to privacy laws. Telephone numbers are unlisted for both victims’ families.

However, Scott Mitchell, chief of the Vincent Fire Company, told the Southampton Township Committee during its Jan. 3 reorganization meeting that the collision was a “double-fatal accident.”

“We did have a double-fatal accident on Dec. 24, unfor t unately, at Church and Eayrestown roads,” he said. “And many calls this month.”

Goez said he was unable to confirm a second fatality in the Dec. 24 crash.

“The crash is still under investigation,” he said when asked about whether any charges were pending.

Pizza Delivery Driver Crossing Street to Make Delivery Killed in Hit-and-Run BROWNS MILLS—A Riccardo’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant pizza delivery driver was killed on Dec. 27 after he was struck by two vehicles, including one that fled the scene of the crash, as he was making a delivery to the County Lakes Apartment Complex, located across the street from the establishment.

Ronnie Zukowski, 72, of Pemberton, was trying to cross Lakehurst Road to deliver food from Riccardo’s when he was struck by a vehicle just before 7 p.m. traveling eastbound, according to Lt. Brian Smith, of See PIZZA/Page 18

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New Pemberton Council President Chosen; Chaplains Raise Speeding, Litter Concerns

Photo by Michel Garofalo

♦ Page 5

Haines Pledges Focus on School Demolition During Pemboro Reorganization Meeting

Photo by Michel Garofalo

Councilwoman Gaye Burton (right) is sworn in as president of the Pemberton Township Council by Mayor David Patriarca (left), while her sister holds the Bible.

Pemberton Borough Mayor Harold Griffin, Councilwoman Bonnie Haines and Councilman Robert Brock (L-R) were sworn into office by Borough Clerk Donna Mull.

By Michel Garofalo

By Michel Garofalo

Staff Writer

PE M BE RT O N T OW N S H I P —T h e Pemberton Township Council has a new presiding member in 2020, as the governing body unanimously selected Councilwoman Gaye Burton to serve as its president at its Jan. 2 reorganization meeting.

Burton succeeds fellow Councilwoman Norma Trueblood, who served as council president for the last two years. Burton, a retired educator, was elected to township council in Nov. 2018. Her four-year term on the governing body will last through 2022.

“Taking this seat is an honor,” said Burton upon taking the gavel as council president. “I will do my best to do the best for the entire community. I work with a wonderful group, so I am looking forward to this.”

In her first action as council president, Burton asked Mayor David Patriarca to swear in the police department’s volunteer chaplains.

Police Chief David Jantas held the Bible for the department’s four chaplains, while Patriarca administered the oath of office.

During the public comment period following the ceremony, two of the newly reappointed police chaplains raised issues that they believe are negatively impacting township residents’ quality of life.

Spea k i ng fi rst, police chaplai n and Pemberton resident Samuel Hayes called on the township to take action to keep streets and sidewalks cleaner and hold businesses and individuals accountable for litter.

“Our community is overwhelmed with trash,” Hayes said. “It hurts my heart every time I walk around.”

Hayes, who in addition to serving as a chaplain is the pastor at Friendship AME

Church in Browns Mills, explained that he has become acutely aware of the township’s trash problem while walking around town with his dogs.

“We need to do something to develop pride in our township,” he said.

B u r t o n c a l l e d H a ye s’ a s s e s s m e n t “disheartening” and vowed to take on the issue as council president.

“I feel like I was just challenged, so I feel like my first personal task will be to meet with certain community organizations (to look into organizing further cleanup efforts to promote civic pride),” Burton said.

In response to a question from Burton, Patriarca explained that property maintenance is a code enforcement issue and that the township will soon hire a third code enforcement officer to ensure local businesses uphold their responsibilities.

“If they are not getting their dumpsters emptied in a timely fashion, and they are overflowing, or if their gates are open, they are all violations and we can address that,” Patriarca said.

The mayor noted that businesses are first notified of violations and given an opportunity to fix the problem before fines are levied.

Litter on public streets is more difficult to address, the mayor said, because it is impossible for police to enforce anti-littering ordinances unless they actually see an individual commit a violation.

“We have got to change the culture and people’s mindsets to get them to think differently,” Patriarca said.

Councilman Jason Allen requested that details of the discussion be passed along to See PRESIDENT/Page 12

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P E M B E RT O N B O RO U G H —T h r e e Pember ton Borough officials who won reelection in November each took the oath of office for their new term at the borough council’s Jan. 6 reorganization meeting.

Mayor Harold Griffin, Councilwoman Bonnie Haines and Councilman Robert Brock were each sworn in by Borough Clerk Donna Mull at the start of meeting.

Griffin, who was appointed mayor in 2014 and has since won election to the office twice, will serve a four-year term ending in 2023.

Haines and Brock will serve three-year terms ending in 2022.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, borough council unanimously voted for Haines to serve as council president for 2020. Haines was first elected to the council in 2013 and also served as council president last year.

In an interview following the meeting, Haines said that her chief focus as council president in the year to come is the impending demolition of the former Pemberton Borough Elementary School.

“The biggest focus for me this year is to get the school demolished and then to work on that area as far as recreational opportunities,” she said.

The borough council has already received bids for the demolition project and will likely

approve a contract at the council’s next regular meeting on Jan. 21, Haines said.

Once the contract is awarded, the timeline for the work will be dependent on the weather, but Haines is hopeful that the long-awaited razing of the empty school building, which has been closed since 2008, will be completed by the end of the spring.

The borough has already applied for grant money through the county to fund new recreational amenities at the former school site. Among the possible improvements that the municipality is eyeing the site for are a dog park, shuffleboard or bocce ball courts, or a small playground “Hopefully we will get something from that grant application and we can get to work in the spring or early summer on that area,” Haines said.

The reorganization meeting also saw the council move swiftly to approve resolutions authorizing start-of-year municipal business, among other matters. The council held a short discussion concerning language in the borough’s policy governing the donation of sick leave time before moving to adopt the policy.

No members of the public spoke during a comment period, after which Mayor Griffin adjourned the brief meeting. “We might get home to watch ‘Jeopardy!’” Griffin said to laughter from the few gathered in attendance.

“Ten minutes [long] — put that in the paper.”

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Saturday, January 11, 2020

CONTROL (Continued from Page 1)

or part of a county body that he contended has “accomplished a lot.”

Following the swearing in of Hynes and O’Connell to the freeholder board, Hopson was unanimously elected by her colleagues as freeholder director for 2020. Pullion, who served as freeholder director last year, was unanimously chosen by his colleagues to serve as deputy freeholder director this year.

Hopson, only the second African American woman to ever hold the freeholder director position, also delivered the annual State of the County address before the ceremony concluded, contending that it was a “new era” in Burlington County and “our work” was “just beginning.”

“We have a completely Democratic board for the first time in many decades,” she said.

“I am excited to see what, together, we can accomplish.”

Hopson noted that last year the freeholder board brought together mayors and the county’s economic development team to discuss how the county body could assist towns with economic development planning and bring in new business.

“Because of these roundtables, we created a Best Practice Guide for municipalities on a range of economic development matters,” she said. “We look forward to strengthening this partnership and seeing each town reach their goals.”

The overall theme residents can expect for 2020 from the freeholder board, Hopson said, is a focus on them and “making them safer.” She said that as part of the initiative, the county will launch a $40 million upgraded and enhanced emergency radio communications system.

“In 2020, we will be launching the new

Photo By Andrew King

Photo By Andrew King

7th Legislative District Senator Troy Singleton swears in Democrat Linda Hynes, who became the fifth Democrat on the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders on Jan. 6, giving the Democratic party absolute control of the five-member body.

Democrat Felicia Hopson takes the oath of office on Jan. 6.

system, and providing brand new radios to each police, fire and EMS department in Burlington County,” Hopson said. “Our first responders will have access to the newest and best emergency communications system available.

We made sure that every aspect of the system was examined and improved: with better coverage, clarity and overall functionality.

We also assured that our system will connect seamlessly with neighboring counties and to the New Jersey State Police.”

Also, as part of the safety initiative, Hopson said, is an effort to make sure county residents have a “roof over their head” and a “place to call home.”

“We need to end homelessness in Burlington

without fear of prosecution.

She said residents can expect to see a Resource Recovery Center, that will link residents to ser vices such as addiction treatment, sober living, peer support and recovery support, opening later this year.

“Every resident living in Burlington County must know that they are not alone in any battle that they are fighting, and there is help available for them,” Hopson said. “If we continue to work together, we will save the lives of people who live with addiction.”

She added that residents can also expect an increased number of established trails, more park offerings and programs this year.

County,” she said.

The freeholder director discussed the recent establishment of the “first-of-its-kind” Housing Hub in the county’s Human Services Facility to serve as a single point of entry for residents who are homeless or are experiencing a housing crisis; providing guidance, information and a gateway to services for residents who need help; the recent debut of the Hope One vehicle, which travels throughout the county offering mobile services to those impacted by or suffering from addiction; and the recent establishment of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s StraightTo-Treatment program, allowing individuals suffering from addiction to get treatment

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SHERIFF

deeply in the community” and there is “selfless devotion.”

“I feel very safe here,” joked Murphy, all while he posed for a picture with Kostoplis and his family, joined with Basantis.

The governor, during the ceremony, also recalled a deadly Dec. 10 domestic terrorism attack at a kosher grocery store located in Jersey City and said that the Jewish community and law enforcement was attacked as part of the incident.

“But for the bravery of law enforcement, in particular the Jersey City Police, that tragedy, as bad as it was with the killing of a police detective and three innocent individuals, could have been far worse,” Murphy said. “I don’t think we can ever underestimate the courage and bravery that our men and women in law enforcement have when they put their uniforms on every single morning and take the risks that they face. Let us never forget that and always show them respect.

“As tragic as that day was—we are New Jersey. We came together across faiths, across communities, across counties—I got a lot of shoutouts from folks in Burlington County in the days that followed the tragedy. We rise and fall as one New Jersey and we should be really proud of that.”

(Continued from Page 1) this newspaper following the ceremony. “I spent my first 10 years in law enforcement with the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department, and then moved on to retire as a police lieutenant from Hamilton, Mercer County.”

Kostoplis, according to the undersheriff’s LinkedIn page, also held a position as a special deputy marshal assigned to Federal Court Security, prior to joining the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department.

7th Legislative District Senator Troy Singleton administered Kostoplis’ oath of office, also on Jan. 6 before the crowd.

Numerous members of Kostoplis’ family members looked on, many of whom currently serve as police officers, including in Baltimore City and Hamilton.

“Policing in my family goes back to the 1800s,” Kostoplis told this newspaper following the ceremony.

“My sons and nephews are all police officers.” Singleton contended that when one encounters the Kostoplis “family of public servants,” one can see that they are “embedded

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RESCUE

PARKING

like the way somebody’s property looks doesn’t give anyone the right to violate their constitutional rights and search their property.

O’Connor denied the township would have violated constitutional rights with the ordinance that had been proposed, but some residents continued to assert that it would have done so due to the language the measure contained.

“A lot of times, based on what the laws and regulations are, some of the people find them cumbersome,” said Deputy Mayor Nicholas.

“However, as some of the residents stated, everyone has a certain amount of rights, and they start taking shortcuts, and they start violating the ordinances. We tried to pass some ordinances about 10 years ago (giving the code enforcement official more authority), which were extremely unpopular. It is a fine line. We don’t want to have the town run down, however we have to make sure you or anybody else has the right to due process.”

He added that if a business owner has to come in for other relief, it is probably “not a terrible burden” for that person to apply for a parking variance as well.

Watson agreed that the exemption should be reserved for cases in which a parking variance would be the sole relief required.

“If that is the only variance you need, it just seems over-burdensome,” Watson said.

Watson said he favors implementing changes that would apply only to businesses fronting on Main Street.

“Our downtown is clearly thriving,” Watson said, referencing the district’s low commercial vacancy rate.

At township council’s request, Prime will review the township’s current zoning regulations concerning exempt site plans and attempt to prepare a draft ordinance for council review.

(Continued from Page 3)

Saturday, January 11, 2020

(Continued from Page 4)

Young Steps Down as Southampton Mayor After Serving Quarter Century in Position CLUES ACROSS

Photo By Douglas D. Melegari

Southampton Mayor Michael Mikulski (right) recognizes outgoing mayor James F. Young Sr. (left) on Jan. 3.

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

SOUTHAMPTON—James F. Young Sr., who has served as Southampton Township’s mayor for the past quarter century and earned recognition from the New Jersey League of Municipalities for his more than two decades of service to the municipality, has stepped down as the municipality’s mayor, but will remain on the township committee.

Young, who is beginning his 27th year on the township committee, received thunderous applause in recognition of his 25 years of service as mayor as he handed over the gavel on Jan. 3 to Michael Mikulski, who was unanimously selected by his committee colleagues to serve as the township’s next mayor in 2020.

“I have gigantic shoes to fill, and that does not even begin to say it,” said Mikulski as he recognized the outgoing mayor during the reorganization meeting. “I am just going to say that I am not even going to try to fill them. But

I look forward to you staying on the committee and working.”

Committeewoman Elizabeth Rossell, who lost in the nominating process to continue serving as deputy mayor to Bill Raftery, called Young a “fantastic example” of a public servant.

“I want to thank the committee and residents of the township for having trusted me for the last 26 years,” said Young as he became somewhat emotional. “It is pretty hard to actually say that I am stepping down as mayor.”

Young then reminisced for a few minutes about what he believes are some of his greatest accomplishments, while working together with the committee over the past 25 years.

He made a point of stressing that three people, or votes, were and are still needed before anything can be acted upon.

He said a section of Southampton was a “mudhole” when he first joined the committee, See YOUNG/Page 19

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32. Pretend to be 33. Flight path 35. Foil metal 36. Full force 38. Before, in verse 39. Begley and Asner

40. Trucker’s rig 41. Unattached 42.Smudge 44. Andes pack animals 49. Shoemaker’s device 51. Mate for mama 53.Pine 54. Rival 55. Warning 56. Garden spot 57. Sam on “Cheers” 58. Geek 59. Brood’s home

CLUES DOWN 1. Coasted 2. Nurse’s ____ 3. College figure, for short 4. Discount event 5. Beginner 6. Word for Scrooge 7. Put forth 8. Dollar division

9. Assess 10. “Gentle ____” 11. Play the ponies 19. Monastery head 21. A very long time 23. Smoldering coal 25. Slip sideways 26. Certain bills 27. Chats 28. Land unit 29. Tripped 31. Hard metal 34. Leprechaun land 37. Naught 41. Picture holder 43. “Once ____ a Time” 45. Hymn finisher 46. Method 47. Gibbons and gorillas 48. Posted 49. Sternward 50. Misery 52. Part of mpg

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COUNCIL

The Historic Preservation Commission, created through a township ordinance in 2000, is charged with the responsibility to encourage the continued use of historic resources and facilitate their appropriate reuse, safeguard the heritage of the township by preserving resources with the Olde Marlton Village, and develop an appropriate and harmonious setting for the historic and architecturally significant buildings, structures, sites, objects, or districts within the municipality.

“The residents requested in 2019 that we bring back the Historic Preservation Commission, so I am proud to say that we have now done that,” Hansen said. “They also said they wanted us to bring back the Shade Tree Commission, and we have now done that.” She added that she was very excited to see that the town is evolving and becoming more environmentally friendly.

D’A nd rea said that the idea behind revitalizing the defunct commissions is to get more people involved so that more people have knowledge to make decisions.

“We have a team up here that is trying to advance what we believe is the right thing to do based on your input,” said D’Andrea, who along with the rest of his colleagues stressed throughout the meeting that they may have some differences, but have put partisan politics aside because they want what is best for Marlton. “The more people involved with township government, the better we are as a township because they are more informed.

Bringing back the Shade Tree and Historic Preservation commissions are moves in that direction to have more people involved.”

D’Andrea called on council to entertain re-establishing an economic development committee, which Veasy agreed needed to be looked at.

“We are going to be looking at how we can make our main street more vibrant,” she said, noting that she believed an economic development committee would help to do that.

(Continued from Page 2)

Cooper said that potentially millions in grants are available and the township had about $1 million in grants come through the municipal budget last year.

“I look forward to millions more, especially at a time in which we have to be fiscally conservative with our budget,” she said. “I am excited as well, and more than confident it (the position) will fund itself.”

A major change involving the township’s finances was unanimously approved during the meeting with the appointment of Bowman and Company LLP to serve as the municipality’s auditor.

“I know this is a change for us this year and I think it is an important change,” Cooper said.

“Just as I heard from previous councilmen, in previous times, sometimes you have to go through an experience to understand what is needed for the town. So, we heard from the employees and professionals and we really look forward to working with Bowman and Company LLP for our auditing needs and having them return to the town (after a hiatus).”

Township administration officials later told this newspaper that Mercadien, P.C. previously served as the municipality’s auditor. The officials contended that there were “growing pains” with the previous auditing firm that the town used and changing firms was a “matter of recommendations.”

DiEnna cast lone dissenting votes with respect to the appointments of Melman Associates, LLP as township bond counsel and Phoniex Advisors, LLC as the town’s financial advisor.

Veasy made dozens of mayoral appointments during the reorganization meeting, including the appointment of seven members to the Historic Preservation Commission and one alternate member.

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♦ Page 9

Van Drew Formally Becomes a Republican; Trump Plans to Campaign for Congressman as Bass River GOP Officials Endorse Richter

AP Photo Evan Vucci, File

President Donald Trump (right) meets with Rep. Jeff Van Drew in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C.

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

BASS RIVER—Second Congressional District Congressman Jeff Van Drew has officially become a Republican, and President Donald J. Trump has endorsed him with plans to rally local Republican support for his candidacy later this month.

President Donald J. Trump welcomed Van Drew, who had been one of only three Democrats to vote in opposition to Articles of Impeachment against the president in the U.S. House of Representatives, to the White House on Dec. 19. It was there that an official announcement was made that Van Drew was switching parties.

“Jeff will be joining the Republican party,” Trump said. “We are very fortunate he voted our way (against impeachment) yesterday (Dec. 18).”

The president told the congressman that he was “a tremendous asset to the (Republican) party,” while shaking his hand during a joint appearance in the Oval Office.

Van Drew then pledged his “undying support” for Trump. Trump not only quickly embraced Van Drew at that time, but also officially endorsed him. Vice President Mike Pence, also present during the announcement, said that Van Drew has his support as well.

The president called Van Drew “very smart” after McCarthy pointed out that Van Drew was coming from the majority party to join the minority party. Trump said the GOP won’t be in the minority for very long.

Van Drew said a local county chair in the Democratic party had approached him about two weeks prior to Dec. 19 and told him that he could not vote against impeachment or he would lose the Democratic party line.

“I said, ‘What do you mean I can’t vote against impeachment,’” said Van Drew, insisting the chairman vowed to do everything to destroy him.

Van Drew said the county chair’s remarks “kind of hurt” because he has given everything that he could to his district.

Van Drew added that he believes being a member of the Republican party “is a better fit” for him, and then repeated a quote from former President Ronald Reagan that he didn’t leave his party, the party left him.

Trump plans to travel to Wildwood, in Van Drew’s district, for a 7 p.m. “Keep America Great Rally” on Jan. 28 at the Wildwood Convention Center, in part to bolster Van Drew’s chances for re-election this year.

“The president is coming, obviously, to talk about some of the things he usually does,” Van Drew told the Daily Journal, a newspaper serving far Southern New Jersey. “And he will also be expressing his support for me at the event.”

Van Drew joining the Republican party has created difficult circumstances for the GOP as there were multiple Republicans already vying for the party’s nomination in the second district to run against Van Drew in 2020. Trump, also seeking re-election this year, will be at the top of the GOP ticket.

One of the Republicans who put his hat in the ring for the GOP nomination in the second district, David Richter, had already received the endorsement of the Burlington County Republican Committee on Dec. 7 following a Burlington County GOP nominating convention.

“He has got a liberal voting record in the House,” Richter told CNN. “He recently endorsed Cory Booker for president. This is not somebody who saw the light. This is somebody who opportunistically decided that his best chance for re-election was as a Republican and didn’t leave the Democratic party. He was essentially thrown out of it.”

Richter, when reports first started surfacing that Van Drew planned to defect from the Democratic party, had said that the congressman “has no chance” of getting the Republican party to support him.

This newspaper has learned, however, that some consultants and staffers with strong GOP connections have already left Richter’s congressional campaign after the National Republican Congressional Committee told them they would be blackballed if they worked against a GOP incumbent in a primary.

Van Drew, ironically, claimed that he had lost numerous staffers after the Democratic party threatened to blackball them if they continued working for him.

The Burlington County Republican Committee has not announced any change with their endorsed slate, so far. A spokesman for the Burlington County GOP could not be immediately reached for comment on this story.

Richter announced on Jan. 6 that Bass River Township Mayor Deborah Buzby-Cope, who is seen as influential in the Burlington County GOP, has endorsed him. He contended he also had the endorsement of Bass River Township’s GOP chairwoman, Helen Hazard.

See VAN DREW/Page 15

Page 10 ♦

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

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Saturday, January 11, 2020

Fawn Lake Village Holds First-Ever Holiday Lights Contest to Encourage Residents to Take Pride in Where They Live

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

SHAMONG—Three Shamong Township families, who live in Fawn Lake Village, were the recipients of gift cards on Dec. 21 after participating in a Holiday Lights Contest organized by the managers of the mobile home park.

Mr. and Mrs. Herb Kelley, and family, took first-prize in the contest, winning a $100 gift card. Their winning entry included the placement of an illuminated snowman, “Noel” lettering and Santa Claus inflatables on the rooftop of their mobile home, along with a Christmas-themed archway over a sidewalk leading into the home.

The lawn of the Kelley mobile home also included a gigantic and lit Christmas ball ornament with an illuminated reindeer within it. Chris and Karen Hathaway won a secondplace prize, receiving a $50 gift card, with their property featuring moving-laser projector lights that created a glowing sparkle on both their mobile home and nearby landscape. The brightly colored green and red lights also reached the tree tops in the area.

An RV and shed on the parcel were also lit with various holiday-themed projector light colors.

The Hathaway home sits at the intersection of Indian Trail and Spearhead Lane. The family also decided to decorate a street sign denoting the intersection, turning it into a makeshift Christmas tree of sorts with a star at the top of the highway post.

A third-place, $25 prize went to Hebert, Josh and Nicole DeRidder, who also used laser projector lights, in addition to numerous strands of Christmas lights, to add holiday cheer to their home in the neighborhood.

“This is the first-time ever that we had any type of competition at all in Fawn Lake Village,” said manager Donna Nixon, who has undertaken an initiative to improve the quality of life in the park since taking on the management position about a year ago. “We are really cleaning up the park and trying to encourage the residents to take pride in where they live.”

Mayor Michael Di Croce, Deputy Mayor Tim Gimbel and Committeeman Martin Mozitis drove through the park to choose the contest winners. They joined Nixon, who dressed up as Mrs. Claus, to deliver the prizes to the winning families.

“It is really getting to be a nice place to live,” Nixon said.

Mr. and Mrs. Herb Kelley, and family placed an illuminated snowman, “Noel” lettering and Santa Claus inflatables on the rooftop of their mobile home during a Holiday Lights Contest.

The lawn of the Kelley mobile home also included a gigantic and lit Christmas ball ornament with an illuminated reindeer within it.

Deputy Mayor Tim Gimbel (left), Mayor Michael Di Croce, and Committeeman Martin Mozitis (right), along with Fawn Lake Village Manager Donna Nixon (dressed as Mrs. Claus), award the Kelley with a $100 gift card for taking first-place in a Holiday Lights Contest.

A third-place prize went to Hebert, Josh and Nicole DeRidder, who also used laser projector lights, in addition to numerous strands of Christmas lights, to add holiday cheer to their home in Fawn Lake Village.

Committeeman Martin Mozitis, Deputy Mayor Tim Gimbel and Mayor Michael Di Croce (from left to right), along with Fawn Lake Village Manager Donna Nixon (dressed as Mrs. Claus) present Chris and Karen Hathaway with a second-place prize.

Chris and Karen Hathaway won a second-place prize with their property featuring movinglaser projector lights that created a glowing sparkle on both their mobile home and nearby landscape.

Photos By Douglas D. Melegari

Saturday, January 11, 2020

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PEMBERTON TOWNSHIP SENIOR COLUMN

Delicious Meals and Entertainment Served Up at Annual Celebrations

By Ebba Liguori For the Pine Barrens Tribune

P E M B E R T O N — M o r e t h a n 10 0 seniors gathered at Garden State Diner, in Wrightstown, on Dec. 21 for the Pemberton Township Senior Citizen Council’s annual Christmas Party.

The end of year event is traditionally the grand culmination of the year for local seniors, even though they spend the other weeks of the year partaking in fun-filled and lively trips, dances and performances.

The reason for this is because of the size of the servings and deliciousness of the food combined together with the festive mood provided by “Side Car Charlie.”

Each senior received a fruit cup, followed by hot, homemade vegetable soup as an appetizer.

Fresh, crisp salad followed. Entre choices included choice of prime rib, stuffed flounder or half a roast chicken, served with a baked potato or vegetable. A cake, topped by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, was served for dessert.

This annual Christmas party is always held at Garden State Diner and owner, “Zach,” is happy to provide the delicious meal.

Area seniors will return to the diner for the

annual Valentine’s Party, scheduled for Feb. 15.

Tickets are now available for the dinner, and can be purchased at the Pemberton Township Senior Center.

Township seniors closed out 2019 with an annual “Happy Noon Year’s” party at noon on Dec. 31, held at the center. The center was festively decorated to help seniors ring in the New Year (about 12 hours earlier than midnight as many seniors are asleep by that time).

Jerry Jerome, of Colonial Village Caterers, delivered a special buffet for the noontime celebration that included veggie lasagna, chicken cordon bleu, tender roast beef, oven browned potatoes, string beans and rolls. A Caesar salad was also served, along with sheet cake for dessert that was decorated to celebrate 2020.

Dominic Muscella, a local DJ, provided music, which included a number of line dances, some slow music, and of course the “Twist.”

Resident Willie Holmes was on the dance floor “cutting a rug” as only he can do.

When the clock struck noon, seniors and center staff sounded their noise makers and welcomed the New Year to the tune of Auld Lang Syne.

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♦ Page 11

Lori Clinch COLUMNIST

Till Death Do Us Part Well, I pulled a muscle in my lower back again just in time for Christmas!

“How?” you might ask. Was I lifting a small car or a hefty antique oak buffet?

In the past, I have put my back out of commission by doing things as exciting as picking up the newspaper from the front porch, reaching into the car for a jacket and retrieving a wayward cough drop off of the kitchen floor.

This time I was sweeping the hardwood floors. The injury didn’t happen in one fell swoop. It went from a twinge to “Holy cow! I am going to need to take a chair!”

You probably won’t believe this, but I tend to be a bit dramatic when experiencing pain and my Pat is the polar opposite of that. He has experienced everything from bumps and cuts to a torn rotator cuff, and if he shows any sign that he is having pain, you better rush him to the ER STAT. Although I did my best to try and prepare for the day, it was quite difficult.

“Can you help me untangle the controller for the heating pad from the recliner?” I asked.

Then, after sitting down and getting situated, I realized that my reading glasses were not within reach.

“They are just there on the counter, to the right of the fridge.” I explained.

Getting back out of the recliner to retrieve my own Kleenex sounded like a half-marathon on a hot August day.

“I hate to bother you,” I said to Pat, who had just sat down from putting away the groceries and doing the dishes. “But could you get me

a hankie?”

Pat is nothing short of a trooper and although he first said, “Nope, nope, nope,” in answer to all of my requests, he did them without complaint. As I sat in the chair and tried not to move, he grabbed the phone charger out of my purse, retrieved the electric bill from my desk so I could pay it online and brought the Chapstick from my bedside table to the little environment that I had set up for myself.

As I readied myself for church Sunday morning, I realized that I had already sat down here, but left my shoes all the way over there.

I was left with two choices.

Did I go through the pain of standing up and hoping I could endure the agony of bending and retrieving my shoes, or did I ask Pat to do it for me?

Feeling confident that he wouldn’t leave me for some young Filly who can lace up her own boots, I sent out the request.

“Are you still hurting that bad?” Pat asked.

“Look,” I responded. “You signed up for better or worse, in sickness and health and that includes retrieving my boots.”

“You think boot retrieving is blanketed in that vow?” Pat asked.

“I am pretty sure it is,” I replied. “You are lucky it doesn’t include moving a hefty antique oak buffet.”

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

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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

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Suzy Cohen AMERICA’S PHARMACIST

Coffee And Blood Sugar Connection Coffee gets a bad rap sometimes, but this is almost everyone’s drink of choice when they gather together to share information with one another.

The effect of coffee consumption on glucose metabolism is of interest to many people who feel they have lost all of their sweet treats in life, and their coffee!

Here’s the good news: Coffee addicts have a lower propensity of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to some interesting studies. The results of many studies are pretty consistent with this finding!

W hile not all health exper ts and nutritionists think coffee is good for people with diabetes, a new Singapore study may be the most conclusive of them all, finding that drinking coffee creates no determinantal effect for those suffering from insulin sensitivity. The research in this particular study was funded by Nestlé, which makes coffee brands like Nespresso, Nescafé and Coffee-Mate creamer.

Before you dismiss the results of this study since it was funded by a manufacturer of coffee products, keep in mind that the trial was a larger-scale human study compared to the prior ones and there are others out there with similar, positive results.

The conclusion was derived from the

randomized, placebo-controlled study after 126 middle-aged people were split into two groups.

Half the group drank four cups of fake coffee (placebo), and the other half drank four cups of instant regular coffee. Data was collected over 24 weeks (which allows enough time for blood sugar changes to reflect in participant’s A1c).

Unfortunately, the A1c was not evaluated, or if it was, the results were not published.

Regardless, the coffee bean is well studied and here are other purported medical benefits of drinking coffee in moderation: ● It reduces the perceived feeling of pain, meaning it is a natural analgesic. ● It may support liver health. ● It acts as a natural stimulant for some adolescents dealing with attention deficit disorders. ● It can help with memory and possibly even Alzheimer’s disease. ● It may offer some protection for Parkinson’s disease. ● It is a mood booster—it can help with depression and suicidal ideation. ● Prostate cancer and melanoma risk may be reduced by drinking it.

If you have longed for a cup of coffee again, and you believe the studies, definitely have a chat with your diabetes health expert.

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

For more information, please visit www.SuzyCohen.com. © 2020 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

PRESIDENT (Continued from Page 5)

the Pemberton Board of Education to encourage an anti-littering message in schools.

Pat riarca also drew attention to the township’s Clean Communities Program, which leads volunteer litter collection outings several times each year.

Councilwoman Elisabeth McCartney, who like Patriarca has participated in the Clean Communities program, said the group is open to suggestions for where to focus its efforts, and added that the council would be happy to support new resident-led organizations seeking to beautify the township. ​ “We are 65 square miles, so we could add more people and more organizations to help with that,” McCartney said.

Hayes called on the council to “lead by example” and encourage more community members to participate in such actions.

“If you lead, people will follow,” he said.

Following Hayes’ comments, fellow police chaplain Ernest Trueblood addressed council.

Trueblood, who is married to Councilwoman Norma Trueblood, asked that police step up traffic enforcement. He cited frequent speeding on various roads in the township, including near his church on Choctaw Drive, and near his home on Clubhouse Road.

Police Chief David Jantas, attending the meeting, replied that while the department conducts targeted speed enforcement on a number of problem roads, the department would need “more manpower” to focus on all of the roads it would like while still responding to calls and maintaining its other duties.

Patriarca, who prior to serving as mayor was a member of the police department, contended that traffic enforcement could be enhanced without increasing the number of officers, citing reports that show some members of the force consistently write few or no traffic tickets.

“I still can’t wrap my head around why so many officers are writing so few tickets when our biggest complaints are traffic,” Patriarca said.

Patriarca said he has encouraged Jantas to increase the department’s emphasis on traffic enforcement in the past and believes the chief will take action.

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♦ Page 13

How Financial Planners Can Help Every Day

inancial planning and retirement go hand in hand. Without effective planning, many people would never be able to retire, while others might have to work much longer than they hope to. While financial planning is essential to achieve longterm goals, planning also can make it easier for people to meet their everyday financial needs.

Managing money is a big responsibility, and it’s one that many people may need help with. A recent survey from Pew Charitable Trusts found that 55 percent of Americans spend as much or more than they earn.

That’s not only compromising their financial futures, but also making daily life more stressful, as the American Psychological Association’s annual “Stress in America” survey routinely finds that money is a top cause of stress among millions of Americans.

Adults who are finding it difficult to manage their money on a day-to-day basis may benefit from the services of a financial planner. Financial planners can help people create effective longterm financial plans, and they also can be vital resources for people who need help managing their money every day.

Planners can look at things from an unbiased perspective. An honest

assessment of monthly expenses is essential when creating a monthly budget. However, many people tend to be biased when it comes to their monthly expenses. For example, some may feel that three streaming service subscriptions are something they cannot live without. That can make it difficult to trim some of the fat from their monthly expenditures. A financial planner will begin by examining your monthly expenses and may or may not make unbiased suggestions.

Planners have the time. The average household is a hectic place.

Adults with commitments at work and home often cite a lack of time as one of the reasons they aren’t more on top of their finances. A 2018 survey from Bankrate.com found that 16 percent of respondents aren’t saving more money because they haven’t gotten to it.

Financial planners have the time to help clients save, and over time a planner can be an expense that pays for itself if families are saving more as a result of enlisting the services of a planner.

Planners have the expertise many people lack. One of the reasons people struggle financially is that it can be hard to navigate the world of investments, insurance and taxes. Planners have the financial literacy necessary to

navigate those waters successfully and can help people realize both their short- and long-term financial goals.

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Page 14 ♦

OPINION

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GUEST COMMENTARY These Are Bleak Times

Qasem Suleimani had a vision for the Middle East without American forces, where Iran was the undisputed power of the region.

With the recent developments of the Iraqi Parliament voting to expel U.S. troops from Iraq, and the Iranian announcement of their full withdrawal of the diplomatic process to halt their nuclear weapons ambitions, Suleimani's goals, not ours, are being realized.

We can still stop this slide.

We cannot allow ISIS to regain their footing, as to do so would erase hard fought gains and put us at further risk. We cannot give up on diplomatic efforts to halt nuclear weapons as to do so would leave only nightmarish scenarios on the table.

We must take seriously any and all threats against Americans and not dismiss them as “a little noise.”

These are bleak times, but there is still time to develop and execute a strategy that will give us the best chance to navigate through this crisis.

Kim, who represents New Jersey’s Third Congressional District in the House of Representatives, is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and as a member

Saturday, January 11, 2020 SOCIAL MEDIA

SOUND OFF

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

(Re: Washington Township Mayor Retires After Serving Full Decade In Position) Job well done! ~Thalia Kay

(Re: New Concerns Raised with Salvage Yard) It is funny how all these busy-bodies can gripe about a valid, legal business that is not affecting anyone. But they turn a blind eye to all of the drug dealers in their neighborhoods.

Kim New Jersey Congressman of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities.

Prior to serving in Congress, Kim served in Afghanistan as a strategic advisor to Generals David Petraeus and John Allen. Kim went on to serve as Director of Iraq in Obama’s National Security Council, where he coordinated the crisis response to countering the rise of ISIS.

~Bill Tutu Lei Lei

(Re: New Concerns Raised with Salvage Yard) I hate to tell you people who responded to the story, but this company was/is operating illegally. Also, the houses in the neighborhood were there before Allied bought the land. That was Freedman’s Junkyard in the 60s to 90s, until the owner died and then Allied bought it. It was supposed to just be an auto part salvage yard, but they have since done other things around that property.

How to Send Items to the Editor: letters@pinebarrenstribune.com, please type “Letter” as the subject.

~Harry Simmons

Distribution Area

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Mt. Holly 08060

Another Slap in the Face by Murphy

A few weeks ago, Democratic Governor Phil Murphy signed the “New Jersey Safe and Responsible Driver Act,” which now makes it possible for illegal aliens to get a driver’s license in the state.

Do you remember them asking the state to do this? I don’t!

You and I might have always thought that having a driver’s license is a “privilege,” and not a “right,” but apparently this is not always so: a “privilege” for us is a “right” for scofflaws who are here against the law, and who, in a sane world—and in every other country—would be arrested and deported promptly.

Of course, the real reason for the law is to pave the way, when we are not looking, to grant illegals the right to vote.

Remember, with Murphy and the legislative tax-eaters in Trenton, your “illegal alien” is their “undocumented Democrat.”

This is all Trenton’s way of saying “thanks” to all the law-abiding people who pay taxes.

You are welcome!

How to Send Items to the Editor: letters@pinebarrenstribune.com, put “Letter” in the subject line. 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 or less. Due to the volume of letters received, we cannot guarantee every one will be printed.

08071

08068

08048

Medford

■ BURLINGTON COUNTY

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08068 | 08064 |08015

08055

Southampton

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08088

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Tabernacle

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08088 | 08019

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08053

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08005 | 08050

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rd

08005 | 08008 08050 | 08092

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08224 | 08087

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Joseph O’Hara Evesham, New Jersey

Pemberton Borough

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Saturday, January 11, 2020

WORSHIP GUIDE

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609-859-2161

Preparing for the New Year

97 Main St., Vincentown, NJ 08088

609-268-8383

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“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”

Lamentations 3:40 NIV

Food Pantry for Families: 1st Saturday of Every Month 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

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he of way, a new year is an “In start the same those of you who do not give up ideal time everything youfor havequiet cannot and be my disciples.” prayerful reflection about our First Baptist Church Luke 14:33 NIV lives. What have we experienced in h e year, a d viceand to what live dhave a ngg erou Take COME VISIT! We would love to meet you! the previous weusly is procllaim the Kingddom off God: “T n o t meant to suggest that Lord we nothing for house, the journey—no staff, no bag, builds the the builders accomplished?

Rev. John Vars, Pastor First Baptist Church should stop wearing seatbelts no money,127:1 no extra shirt.” (Luke in bread, vain.”no(Psalm NIV) What were our successes, and labor 39 Main o r takk i n g our prescc r i b ed m edicc i n e , bAsk u t God 9:3 Nfor IV) De efifin nitin elly keeping nott adviceyour for a safe and help COME VISIT! We would love to meetStreet you! howrather might we build on them in 18 Mill St. that we should takee some risks nand ned trip, but it isoffering exactlly what on ne well-plan Vincentown, NJ 08088 consider the which year might to come?

Conversely, resolutions, Rev. John Vars, Pastor transform our lives for the would expect ifItone hasalso totally surrendered them up to God. may help Sunday School..................................9:45 a.m. where did“Nothing we fail,ventured, and how mightgained” him- or herself to God. Throughout the Vincentown, NJ 08088 better. nothing 39 Main Street to track your progress in a diary, we repair those failures, or at least 18Sundays Mill St.10 a.m. is as true in the stock market as it isainnotebook, Gospels, or Jesusonfrequently sounds like he is Sunday WorshipNJ Service .......................11 a.m.

Vincentown, 08088 your phone or Worship: avoid in the ourthem everyday livenew s, anyear? d especially in our trying toKeep dissuade people from following him, computer. your resolutions Cross Roads Youth Groupa.m.

- Sundays .......5 p.m.

Sunday School..................................9:45 Surely of The us patriarchs would benefit Vincentown, NJ 08088 spiritualall lives. and prophsimple ets sayying, example, “You take up your 609-859-2299 andforrealistic and must realize from more prayer and and cross of athe Biblefaithful never lived lives life of comfort Bible .......................11 Study - Wednesdaysa.m. .................6:30 p.m. andd bprobably ear it.”” Whatgoing Jesus appears to be Sunday Worship Service Worship: Sundays 10 a.m. that you’re to a commitment treat our fellow security. They to were e sojourners in strange sayingoccasionally here, and in countless other places, is slip up on things Cross Roads Youth Prayer Group Fellowship - Sundays .......5 p.m. ........7:15 p.m.

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As 609-268-0200 Ministries, Inc. the psalmist advises, “Unless (Beginning September favorite show 8th) after exercising. Email:Phone: edford dh your the PastorKeeUMC@gmail.com United Methodist Church All Are Welcome!

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“Find strength for the journey ahead.”

Indian Mills

Medford United Methodist Church

United Methodist Church

Worshipp Schedule Communion Service - 8:15 am Contemporary Worship - 9:30 am Traditional Worship - 11:00 am 2 Hartford Road • Medford, NJ • 609/654-8111 medfordumc.org • Like us on Facebook/@MedfordUMC ~OUR FACILITIES ARE ACCESSIBLE~

Worship Schedule Communion Service - 8:15 am Contemporary Worship - 9:30 am Worship Service: Sundays 9 a.m.

Traditional Worship - 11:00 am Sunday School: Sundays 10 a.m.

Willow Grove & Indian Mills Roads • Shamong, NJ Pastor Rev. Jack Orr Church Office (609) 268-5699 E-mail: pastorjack4256@gmail.com Sunday Services at 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

VAN DREW (Continued from Page 9)

“I am proud to support David in his race against former Democrat Jeff Van Drew, whose liberal voting record in Congress last year does not represent the conservative values of our town, or our party,” Buzby-Cope said.

Richter is the former CEO of global c o n s t r u c t i o n m a n a g e m e n t fi r m , H i l l International. He has branded himself as a “lifelong Republican” who “grew up in and

has spent most of his life” living and working in South Jersey. He earned two bachelor’s degrees and a law degree from Penn, as well as master’s degrees from Oxford and Harvard.

“David is a lifelong Republican and he has the conservative values that we need representing our district in Congress,” Hazard said.

The Second District includes all of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem counties as well as parts of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Ocean counties. Brian T. Fitzherbert and Bob Patterson are also seeking the Republican nomination in New Jersey’s Second Congressional District.

“I call on Van Drew to return all the money he raised from liberal Democrats,” said Patterson Wednesday. “If he is really a Republican, he shouldn’t be using liberal money to run.”

Meanwhile, the slate of Democrats running for the Democratic party nomination in New Jersey’s Second Congressional District continues to grow in the wake of Van Drew’s exit from the party. Amy Kennedy, a member of the Kennedy family and wife of a former Rhode Island congressman, announced on Monday she is running for Congress in the second district, joining Ashley Bennett, Will Cunningham, John Francis III and Brigid Callahan Harrison

2 Hartford Road • Medford, NJ • 609/654-8111 medfordumc.org • Like us on Facebook/@MedfordUMC ~OUR FACILITIES ARE ACCESSIBLE~

on the ballot.

“As a former history teacher and a mother of five, I know that this is an historic moment in time when our children’s future is on the line,” said Kennedy in a statement. “Our country is in crisis, and our leaders like Donald Trump and Jeff Van Drew have lost their moral compass. Environmental protections for our coastal communities are being traded in for profits. Race baiting and fear mongering have taken over. We no longer talk to our families and our neighbors because of our divisive politics.”

Check us out online! Visit www.PineBarrensTribune.com

Page 16 ♦

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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239 Pemb.-Browns Mills Rd. • Browns Mills, NJ 08015

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Saturday, January 11, 2020

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

MASONRY

MUSIC LESSONS

LAND SURVEYOR

Joe Posch

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Cell: (609) 709-1331 (609) 494-6566 Fax: (609) 812-9281

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• Property Surveys, Topography • Construction Layout • Subdivision and Variance Plats • Riparian, Wetland Location • FEMA Certificates • Pinelands Submissions

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♦ Page 17

PIANO LESSONS All Ages, Preschoolers to Seniors Retired Shamong Township Music Teacher Graduate of Westminster Choir College Professional Church Organist

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JOB BOARD

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Saturday, January 11, 2020

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9 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

New Year Minimum Wage Increase Forces Businesses to Make Changes to Afford Increased Costs of Labor TRENTON—The minimum wage has increased again from $10 to $11 per hour in New Jersey on Jan. 1, except for seasonal, agricultural and tipped workers.

The increase is part of a gradual increase in the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2024 under legislation signed by Democratic Governor Phil Murphy in February 2019.

When Murphy took office in 2018, the state’s minimum wage was $8.60 per hour.

Murphy, in a statement, contended the increase in the minimum wage will give more workers the opportunity to join the middle class, and that it will also strengthen the state’s economy over the long-term.

However, Michele N. Siekerka, president and CEO of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA), said in a statement that businesses are having to already

make necessary adjustments to afford the increased cost of their labor.

“Of course, employers who can afford to pay a $15 an hour minimum wage or more to their workforce, will do so,” said Siekerka, also a practicing attorney. “Other smaller businesses, with their slimmer profit margins impacted by a higher minimum wage and other costly workplace mandates, will need to raise prices or reduce staff, hours or benefits to accommodate these added expenses.”

Siekerka added t hat “ u n i ntended con seque nce s of $15 m i n i mu m wage increases” are already beginning to emerge in other states that enacted legislation similar to New Jersey, including the stalling of entrylevel job growth in Seattle and restaurants adding surcharges to food bills to offset labor costs in California.

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New Jersey Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo said that paying workers a fair wage for their work promotes economic and employment stability, and gives lower wage earners a chance to achieve economic independence.

“It (increased minimum wage) helps both employers and employees to have a workforce that feels adequately compensated and able to afford basic necessities such as rent, groceries, and electricity,” he said.

Approximately 192,000 workers in New Jersey had an hourly wage between $10 and $10.99 per hour before the increase, according to U.S. Census Bureau Monthly Current Population Survey (CPS) data.

Seasonal and small employers were given a longer timeline to reach $15 per hour in an effort to lessen the impact on their

businesses. As of Jan. 1, seasonal employers and those with fewer than six workers must pay a minimum wage of $10.30 per hour.

Agricultural and tipped workers are guided by separate minimum wage timetables.

NJBIA is supporting bipartisan legislation that provides for the suspension of scheduled minimum wage increases due to an economic downturn, particularly as Standard & Poor’s has reported that New Jersey is one of 15 states at an elevated risk for fiscal distress during the next recession.

“Expecting smaller businesses to simply continue to incur added expenses without knowing the full ramifications of a $15 minimum wage, par ticularly during an economic downturn, is not only unfair, but unsustainable,” Siekerka said.

Be First in Line for an Interview Immediate Opening for an Outside Advertising Account Executive Sell print and digital advertising packages and build relationships.

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PIZZA

(Continued from Page 4) the Pemberton Township Police Department.

The first vehicle to strike Zukowski fled the scene of the collision.

Zukowski, according to the police lieutenant, staggered in the roadway into the westbound lane, where he was struck by another car driven by a 62-year-old Jackson woman, who swerved unsuccessfully in an attempt to avoid him.

Zukowski was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to an obituary for Zukowski, who served in the U.S. Navy, he was the only AllAmerican high school football athlete from Notre Dame High School. The memorial also

noted that Zukowski was a varsity letterman in football, baseball and basketball, and went on to play defensive-end under Lou Holtz at the University of South Carolina.

“In 2008, he and his brother, Larry, were inducted into the Notre Dame High School Athletic Hall of Fame together,” the obituary said.

Anyone with information, or who witnessed the collision, is asked to contact Pemberton Township Police at 609-894-3308, or its confidential tip line at 609-894-3352. The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office has joined the investigation. “ T he fat a l c ol l ision is st i l l b ei ng investigated,” said Joel Bewley, a spokesman for the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office on Jan. 8. “No arrests have been made.”

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Vincentown, New Jersey 08088 • 609-801-2392 www.pinebarrenstribune.com

Our Worship Guide is geared towards celebrating

faith and helping readers connect with religious Our Worship Guide is geared toward celebrating faith and helping rea aders Place Your Ad resources in our community. connect with religious resources in our community. Make sure these Contact us today to secure your spot in our Worship Guide. readers know how you can help with a presence in this weekly section read 609-801-2392 • sales@pinebarrenstribune.com by more than 50,000 people in the Pine Barrens area.

Buy & Sell, In Print & Online Advertising Deadline : Tuesdays 4 P.M. Publication Date: Saturdays 609.801.2392 • www.pinebarrenstribune.com

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609-801-2392 • sales@pinebarrenstribune.com

Saturday, January 11, 2020

TO ADVERTISE CALL OR EMAIL

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EVENTS Medford VFW Comedy Show, Jan. 25, 2020, 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include food and three comics. Call 609-654-9823, or purchase tickets online at www.vfw.org .

FIREWOOD Firewood For Sale! Split, seasoned hardwoods, $100 per half cord. Stacking available. Also providing leaf clean-up/ removal. Call 1-856-656-1839.

YOUNG

(Continued from Page 8) and he worked with the governing body to put a dam in to fix the issue, though he noted the state later removed it.

“We put the dam in there and then the state came back and put this new dam in there and they ruined everything,” he said. “The old spillway was perfect.”

The former mayor also recalled that the Vincentown section of Southampton lacked a reliable water supply and the “next thing we did” was the installation of a sewer system in the village.

“They (the residents) couldn’t even wash clothes and take a shower on the same day,” he said.

At the same time, Young said, he and the rest of the committee had street lights installed throughout Vincentown.

“The main thing that I think I did—our accomplishment—is when we formed a coalition against the State of New Jersey, where we sued the state over (taking away) the state police (in favor of local police) and we won. We saved our township millions of dollars.”

Young said the installation of a left turn lane on Route 70 for the Hampton Lakes development, and the installation of a traffic light at the intersection of Route 70 and Old Red Lion Road, are other notable accomplishments.

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FURNITURE REPAIR Adam’s Furniture Restoration, LLC. Fully insured. Furniture repair, kitchen cabinet refinishing, touch-ups, and in-home services.

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Visit www.facebook.com/ adamsfurnres .

HAULING

12

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Televisions, furniture, etc. for disposal or transport.

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“These are just some of the few things we have done in the past many years,” Young said. “I am proud of it, and the committee, as we worked together to do this. We thank the township and all of the residents for having the confidence in us and voting for us.”

Southampton’s governing body has remained all-Republican during Young’s tenure as a committeeman. Sean Earlen, Jesse Estlow and Linda Hughes, who are the top three county GOP officials, were in attendance at the meeting to watch the transition of power.

Young contended it was his decision to step aside as mayor and that he made it in January of last year.

“It is going to be very difficult not to call you ‘Mayor’ Young,” said resident Evelyn “Evie” Doherty. “I want to thank you for the wonderful things you have done. You have kept us a rural community.”

Mikulski told the residents who gathered for the ceremony, which also saw him and Rossell being sworn in to new terms on the committee, that he will “work his hardest” to live up to Young’s standards.

Mikulski, however, didn’t say much else during the meeting, later telling this newspaper that as a member of the military, he was taught that a change of command ceremony is always supposed to be about the outgoing commander.

“It is Jim’s night,” Mikulski said. “It is a night to honor his 25 years of great service to community as mayor.”

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PHONE NUMBER: 1-609-268-2158.

60’x 125’ Cleared Buildable Lot located in Lakehurst, NJ. Zoned residential. Asking $65,000. Close to Jersey Shore and Garden State Parkway. One hour from Philly, NYC & AC. City water, sewer and gas hookups in street. Call 1-732-606-5500.

Bill’s Odd Jobs and Light Hauling. Attics, basements, and garages cleaned. General yard clean up and removal of sheds, decks and old fencing, and more! Call 1-609-268-5227.

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♦ Page 19

YARD CLEAN UP Yard and gutter clean up. Shrub pruning and some tree work, along with hauling.

Free estimates=reasonable rates. Call Bob at 609-880-3789.

LOST & FOUND Adopted from Popcorn Park: looking for three dogs, Miniature Pinschers named Taz, Rusty and Henry. Please call 732-796-3572 or 908670-1173. Reward for return.

YARD SALE Indoor yard sale, Buddtown United Methodist Church, 520 Ridge Rd., Southampton, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Great variety of items! Yummy baked goods! Call 1-609-8592956 for more information.

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Page 20

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Saturday, January 11, 2020

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