Pine Barrens Tribune June 17 2017

INSIDE THIS WEEK

Y.A.L.E. School to Lease Evans School. Page 2

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Bass River Evesham

Medford Lakes

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Southeastern Burlington County’s News Leader

Plan to Erect World War I Memorial in Freedom Park Revealed

By Catherine Galioto

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MEDFORD—This year marks the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I and Medford is considering the week leading up to Veterans Day (Nov. 11) as a time to dedicate a new World War I memorial slated to be placed in Freedom Park by a group of citizens.

The township park currently has only monuments honoring Vietnam War veterans and post-Vietnam War veterans who served.

Residents Mike Panarella and Nile Mills, leaders of the Burlington County World War I Memorial Committee undertaking the initiative, updated the Medford Township Council recently on possibilities for the memorial.

Mills is also a veteran.

Panarella said his group of volunteers would like to invite county officials to attend the ceremony, although they would probably be unable to put all of the names of the county’s World War I veterans on the memorial.

“What we are proposing would be a recognition of the county’s efforts in World War I,” Panarella said. “It would be too prohibitive to put all the names of those who died in World War I (in the county) on the wall; I think there are some 75 names. We are thinking of maybe putting the names of (veterans) from Medford on the wall, but that will all be decided in the future.”

The county is rich in history for World War I, such as with the creation of Camp Dix, which is now Joint Base Dix-McGuire-Lakehurst.

Camp Dix was a major training ground for the war and included a housing barracks. As was the case in so many other counties across the country, Burlington’s men answered the draft and entered the war effort until Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1918.

Panarella said with the anniversary this year, there has been a lot of renewed interest in World War I. Events planned throughout the state include dedication or re-dedication of memorials as well as history lectures.

That, and the potential to incorporate a history lesson to local students or have other local groups involved, lends itself to possibilities to really make a new memorial and its dedication special.

“We are thinking of Medford Memorial students, the local Boy Scouts and others that we can have participate to try to make it more communal and all about the community,” Panarella said.

He said memorial planners hope to raise about $6,000 to cover the cost of the monument and dedication ceremony.

Originally, the

MEMORIAL>>PAGE 20

June 17-23, 2017

It’s Happening Here and Now: Shedding Light on Drug Addiction Seneca Graduate and Former School Athlete Opens Up About His Battle With Addiction

Former Seneca High School football star Tim Meise, wearing a #21 jersey, shares his story about drug addiction.

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

SOUTHAMPTON—Addiction is a disease, drugs don’t discriminate and an opioid epidemic is unfolding in our own backyards.

Former Seneca High School football star Tim Meise hopes that message resonates with parents and teenagers as the summer kicks off and high school graduates don their cap and gown.

Meise, a graduate of the high school’s Class of 2008, who was not at all shy about opening up about his battle with addiction in an interview, went from being a prominent high school athlete living in a four-bedroom house in Southampton to finding himself homeless and facing life-threatening encounters on the streets of Camden.

“I went from being on the front page of the

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newspaper to being a full-blown heroin addict,” he said. “I consider it a miracle I was able to live through those encounters and be here today.”

Meise was well known during the high school’s 2006 football season for being part of a “three-headed monster” on the Golden Eagles football field after he rushed for 1,146 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. His contributions helped propel the school’s football team to a South Jersey Group 3 Championship game with an 11-0 record.

During the 2007 football season, despite a loss of several teammates to graduation, Meise was able to join together with a school sophomore to become the school’s “one-two punch at running back.”

He graduated from Seneca as a Top 10 Rushing Yards leader for the school’s football

PHOTO SUBMITTED

team with 3,471 career yards. He also netted an impressive 28 touchdowns during his high school football career.

But during this entire time, despite the number of successes, Meise suffered from the beginning stages of addiction as he became dependent on gateway drugs.

“I tried to hide it,” he said. “I was the last one to realize I had a problem. I was in denial. I always thought happiness came from money or material things.”

Joe Conlin of Prevention Plus of Burlington County, who also serves as the coordinator for the Burlington County Coalition for Healthy Communities, said at a recent substance abuse presentation in Southampton that alcohol, tobacco and vaping are contributing factors

ADDICTION>>PAGE 20

Now Direct Mailed to Over 2,250 Homes in LeisureTowne and 195 Homes in Hampton Lakes

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LOCAL NEWS

Y.A.L.E. School to Lease Evans School

By Jennifer Peacock

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

EVESHAM—A township elementary school here will have a new tenant come July.

At a special meeting held on June 5, after nearly two hours of closed-door talks, the Evesham Township Board of Education reconvened to award a lease agreement to Y.A.L.E. School Southeast, Inc., for a portion of the Florence V. Evans Elementary School.

The private school was the lone bidder on a solicitation sent out on May 9.

The vote wasn’t unanimous, with Board Members William McGoey and Sandy Student voting down the bid award. Dennis Mehigan abstained.

The remaining board members – JoAnne Harmon, Elaine Barbagiovanni, Jeff Bravo, Trish Everhart, Joseph Fisicaro, Jr., and Nichole Stone – voted for the resolution.

Under the agreement, Y.A.LE. will rent a little more than half of the nearly 79,000square-foot building for five years. The board-approved resolution states that Y.A.L.E. can start leasing the building on July 1.

Y.A.L.E.’s first-year rent, which includes taxes and fees, totals $665,910.

A final lease agreement should be completed for the board’s June 22 regular meeting.

Student said he voted against the resolution because he only received Y.A.L.E.’s proposal on June 2, with much of the proposal’s information not coming to board members until the morning of June 5. He also contests the district’s stance that the lease deal will bring in $1.4 million.

“There are problems with the estimate of expenses, and they’re not accurately reflected, so I don’t think we’ll have the return that was promised to us and I think that’s very important,” Student said. “As was evidenced by us being in closed session for over two hours, there was lots of controversy and questions that we had in executive session; a lot more questions. I don’t think we have enough information.”

Student said that with the lessee only renting a little more than half the building, the district will still have to maintain the

LEASE>>PAGE 19

Repairs to Sepulga Drive and Fire Trucks Approved

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By Adam Tait III

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—In a meeting that lasted only 24 minutes and attracted just two members of the public, Pemberton Township Council nevertheless accomplished a fair amount of business last Wednesday.

The major item was the award of two contracts involving major repairs to Sepulga Drive, totaling $212,000.

The actual repairs will be done by Arawak Paving, of Ocean City, for $187,000. An additional $25,000 will be paid to the engineering firm of Adams, Rehmann and Heggan of Hammonton, for services related to the project.

Four other consent agenda resolutions were approved.

One authorized routine refunds of just over $1,000. Another approved a person-to-person transfer of a pocket liquor license from Joe H. Ngov to Shree Hari Liquors, Inc. Township Clerk Amy Cosnoski described a “pocket” license as one that is not in use, but could be activated in the future.

Two others involved this year’s Water Carnival fireworks on July 29. Council requested permission from the state Department of Labor, Division of Workplace Standards, to allow the fireworks display. The display will be handled by Fantasy Island Properties.

Two ordinances were approved on second reading, while a third was introduced and

won preliminary approval.

The first amended the longtime Browns Mills Town Center redevelopment plan. The township is seeking an exception from the Pinelands Commission to increase housing density in the area. This can be achieved, but it basically means the township will have to pay hefty fees before any exception will be granted.

The second raised several fees in the township construction code.

The introduced ordinance would approve the purchase of easements from two properties on Reeves Ave. for $2,001.

Four purchases of over $2,000 were authorized, including $8,000 for the fireworks.

The fireworks will be purchased from Schaefer Pyrotechnics of Ronks, Pa. Two other purchases were Public Works related for fire truck repairs.

An emergency repair made by Blaze Emergency Co. of Browns Mills of $2,496, to one fire truck, was approved. Other repairs for three fire trucks, totaling $3,452, went to Fire Apparatus Repair of Trenton.

The final purchase was the largest, $12,675 for police uniforms and badges from Samzie’s Uniforms of Ewing.

A used automobile license was granted to CSI Investments of Pemberton.

Council is scheduled to meet next on Wednesday, June 21, at the usual 6:30 p.m. starting time.

INDEX Automotive......................................23 Business Directory...........................14 Community........................................8 Fun and Games................................17 Health ..............................................16

Home, Garden & Farming ............. 22 Local News....................................... 2 Marketplace......................................18 Opinion ............................................ 7 Scanner ............................................. 6

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Annual Ice Cream Social Held at Evans School Prior to Closure

By Jennifer Peacock

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

EVESHAM—An annual ice cream social has served as the last big event during the school year at a local elementary school for years, but now it will be a tradition that is only a memory.

Parents, students and alumni of the Florence V. Evans Elementary School came out for the school’s annual ice cream social, the last in this school’s 60-year history. The line for ice cream was out the cafeteria door and music blared while families played and chatted on the school’s playground.

Students and staff are being sent to other schools in the Evesham Township School District as part of the district’s ongoing consolidation plan. The school building will be partially leased to Y.A.L.E. School Southeast, Inc. which is a private school.

The impending closing couldn’t be denied, with some guests calling the social bittersweet.

However, Evans School Principal Nick DiBlasi said the evening was about having fun.

“This is our end-of-the-year event,” DiBlasi said. “This is an opportunity for everybody to get together; especially families, kids, and teachers; to come out and scoop ice cream. It’s always light out. The music is always playing. It’s just the end of a great school year and it’s always been an annual tradition.”

But, of course, this year is a little different.

“It’s quite different in that everybody recognizes this is our last,” DiBlasi said. “All schools are unique in their own way and one

of the things that always made Evans unique is that we’ve always had a really strong family atmosphere. Everybody realizes it’s the last time we’ll get together in this kind of situation.”

Evans is more than a building. Some of the people attending the social were sad the school was closing. Others were indifferent. But everyone remembered the friends they made and their favorite teacher at Evans.

“This was the best school to come to by far,” said 14-year-old Cassie Mitcheli. “I have so many great memories.”

She graduated from Evans and now attends Cherokee High School. Her little sister is a fourth-grader at Evans and will finish out elementary school elsewhere. Mitcheli recalled in an interview the “clap-out” or when fifth graders walked the halls at the end of the school year, clapped on by their teachers and other students. Her favorite teacher was Theresa Davidson, who taught her in fifth grade.

Siblings Rita Dorisio McCluskey and Frank Dorisio attended Evans in the early 1960s.

McCluskey’s favorite teacher was Helen Beeler (yes, that Beeler) and Dorisio’s was Frances DiMasi (yes, that DeMasi).

McCloskey remembered sitting in “Mr. Isaac’s history class” when an announcement came over the intercom: “President Kennedy has been shot.”

Evans fourth-grade students Katie Armellino and Evelyn Dixon told the Pine Barrens Tribune that they will be attending fifth grade

SOCIAL>>PAGE 19

Marlton Day

Girl Scout Leads Project to Redesign Veterans Memorial Monument at Leon E. Todd Memorial Park

By Mark Hatoff

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MEDFORD LAKES—A presentation made by a high school junior wanting to give back to her town by completing a Girl Scout project highlighted the Medford Lakes Borough Council meeting at Oaks Hall on June 8.

Francesca Bonamo, a 17-year-old Shawnee High School student and member of Girl Scout Troop #23146 in Medford Lakes, is about to redesign the Veterans Memorial monument at Leon E. Todd Memorial Park as a project to achieve her Gold Award, the Girl Scouts’ highest honor. At the meeting, she presented six designs to council.

“I had gotten a number of submissions of pictures, designs and quotes from people in the borough through the Medford Lakes Colony News from September to February,” said Francesca, who has been involved in scouting since she was five years old.

“I narrowed down those submissions to six designs. I think that silhouettes will be used to fill in the spaces not used by quotes. I’m grateful to the people in town for reaching out.”

Francesca said that the Veterans Memorial monument at the park, located at the intersections of Stokes Road, Mohawk Trail and Minnetonka Trail, currently has five different inscriptions, but there are three panels that are almost blank. The monument has existed in its current state since the park’s renovation and dedication on September 11, 2011.

BROWNS MILLS—Deborah’s innovative program “Love Your Heart,” which screens teenagers from 12-19 years of age for potential cardiac problems, was recently recognized as a Runner-Up Winner during the New Jersey Department of Health’s Population Health Hero Awards ceremony.

Deborah was honored in the Health Care Provider category.

For the last three years, Deborah’s physicians and highly skilled specialists have gone “on the road,” bringing a full cardiology screening

PHOTO BY JENNIFER PEACOCK Donovan Gonzalez, 3, of Cherry Hill, has his face painted by Margie Ryan of Sweet Cheeks Face Painting.

“She was asked to do this by Boy Scout Leader Manny Estacio of my son David’s troop,” said mother Sandie Bonamo.

Sandie Bonamo said that Estacio knew that Francesca was looking for a project and helped with the idea, since he knew members of the Memorial Park Committee. David Bonamo, Francesca’s twin, is also close to earning his highest award in Boy Scouts – an Eagle Scout award. He recently finished designing an outdoor classroom with benches and white board cabinet for Chairville Elementary School in Medford for his final project.

Francesca Bonamo, who is working on scheduling a meeting with the committee to show them her designs, hopes to have the monument ready in time for the next 9/11 ceremony or by Veterans Day in November.

She seemed to like one idea in particular.

“One was submitted by a family member who had a son and other relatives in the army,” said Francesca, who is trying to decide between studying Archeology, Geology, Education or Psychology in college. “I think it’s a very nice celebration of the family aspect of veterans and honoring them.”

As for the final decision on what the monument will look like, Mayor Thomas Cranston had a suggestion for Francesca.

“You put a lot of research into this and it’s nice that you solicited the opinions of the town,” he said. “Maybe you can put it on our (Borough) website to see if there is a

PROJECT>>PAGE 19

Deborah’s “Love Your Heart” Sudden Cardiac Arrest Program for Teenagers Recognized For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PHOTO BY JENNIFER PEACOCK Marlton Day was held on June 10 along several blocks of Main Street, drawing hundreds of people throughout the day.

PAGE 5

program – including the ECG, echocardiogram, heart auscultation and body mass index, along with intake of a complete medical history – to various high schools throughout the state. Held on Saturday mornings, students are screened for Sudden Cardiac Arrest, which, when undiagnosed and undetected, is the single biggest threat to young lives in the United States.

“We have all heard stories of teenagers collapsing on the football field and dying from an undiagnosed cardiac condition,” said

PROGRAM>>PAGE 20

Grand Jury Indicts Man for Causing Fatal Collision While Impaired For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced last week that an Atco resident has been indicted for causing the death of a passenger last year in Pemberton Township after his car left the road and slammed into a tree.

John P. Randolph, of the 500 block of 5th Street, was indicted by a Burlington County Grand Jury on one count of vehicular homicide (second degree). The indictment was returned yesterday and signed by Coffina. An arraignment will be scheduled soon in Superior Court.

It is alleged that at the time of the collision Randolph was impaired from drug use.

Just before 6 a.m. on Sept. 27, 2016, officers from the Pemberton Township Police Department responded to a collision in the area of Hanover Boulevard and Magnolia Street in the Browns Mills section of the township and found Randolph behind the wheel of his 1993

BMW 325i.

A passenger in the car, Dennis M. McCaffrey Jr., 39, was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the complaint, toxicology reports conducted on blood drawn from Randolph following the collision determined he was under the influence of marijuana, amphetamine and methamphetamine.

Randolph is presently being detained in the Burlington County Jail on unrelated charges.

The charges were presented to the Grand Jury

by Assistant Prosecutor Douglas J. Bligh.

The case was investigated by the Pemberton Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. The lead investigators were BCPO Major Crimes Unit Detective Michael Reagan and Pemberton Township Police Detective Stephen Price.

An indictment is merely an accusation.

Defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.

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Saturday, June 17, 2017

SCANNER Speeding Enforcement Leads to Cocaine Arrest EVESHAM—On June 6 at 9:52 a.m., an officer with the Evesham Township Police Department was conducting a speeding enforcement campaign in the area of Elmwood Road when he conducted a motor-vehicle stop of a speeding vehicle.

Police say that during the stop, the driver of the vehicle, Dana Poss, 44, of Lumberton was arrested for having an outstanding traffic warrant.

Additionally, during the course of the motor-vehicle stop, the officer developed information to make him believe narcotics were inside the vehicle.

Cones with Cops

A subsequent search of the vehicle by additional officers resulted in the discovery of cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Michael Hawthrone, 39, of Mount Laurel, a passenger in the vehicle, was charged with third-degree possession of cocaine and a disorderly person’s offense for possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana. He was released on his own recognizance.

Poss was also charged with a disorderly person’s offense for possession of drug paraphernalia. She was lodged in Burlington County Jail in default of bail.

Chair Sitting on Top of Extension Cords Believed to Have Sparked House Fire PEMBERTON—Investigators have released the likely cause of a house fire that started at 201 Louisiana Trail last month.

Flames broke out at the 30-year-old dwelling at around 2:35 a.m. on May 24. The fire claimed the lives of two dogs and injured two residents.

Pemberton Township Police say that both residents of the home were standing in the driveway when they arrived at the scene.

One of the residents advised Ptl. Vincent Cestare that as he was watching television, he heard crackling noises and noticed his chair was on fire.

That is when the resident went into the bedroom to get his wife.

They then immediately exited the house.

The Fire Marshal arrived and conducted an

investigation.

“It appeared that the chair was sitting on top of several extension cords and this is most likely what started the fire,” said Chief of Police David H. Jantas. “The Fire Marshal stated that the extension cords must have heated up from being pinched by the chair and eventually got hot enough to start the fire.”

As the Pine Barrens Tribune previously reported, the fire was deemed accidental by fire investigators.

The two residents were taken to Cooper University Hospital. They were treated and released.

Both victims are now living with their son as their home was heavily damaged.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Officers from the Medford Lakes Police Department gathered at the Sand Stand on June 9 to enjoy an ice cream cone with Medford Lakes residents as part of “Cones With Cops.”

Police Search for Two Women Involved in Cigarette Thefts at Local Wawa Stores PEMBERTON—Police here are searching for two women who were observed stealing cigarettes from two Wawa stores last month.

The first incident happened on May 23.

Pemberton Township Police Ptl. Tyler Wolf responded to a Wawa located at 558 Lakehurst Road for a report of a theft.

Police say the manager told Wolf that two women entered the store and approached the cashier. One of the women then asked for three boxes of Newport cigarettes and one pack of Game cigarillos.

A store cashier rang up the items, bagged them, and placed them on the counter. Before paying, one of the females grabbed the bag and walked out of the store.

The other woman told the cashier she was going to ask her friend if she wanted to purchase the items that they had brought to the counter. Both women left the store without paying.

The second incident transpired on May 24, a day after the first one.

Ptl. Jonathan Glass responded to a Wawa store located on Juliustown Road for a report of a shoplifting that had just occurred.

Police say the manager of that store told Glass that two women entered the store and executed what appeared to be a distraction technique while at the cash register. During the distraction, one of the females departed the store with several cartons of cigarettes.

Chief of Police David H. Jantas said Glass watched the surveillance footage from both stores, which are in close proximity to each other, and the officer is of the belief that both incidents are related and likely involved the same women.

An investigation into the incidents is ongoing and no arrests have been made as of press time.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Residents of the borough had the opportunity to meet the officers who service the community, share conversations and ask questions over an ice cream cone. Officer Mark McHugh posed with three residents who turned out for the event.

Dump Truck Overturns in Three-Vehicle Accident WOODLAND—A three-vehicle collision forced the closure of a major thoroughfare in Woodland Township for nearly two hours on Wednesday, June 14.

The accident, which occurred in the eastbound lanes of Route 72 near milepost 8, was first reported to the New Jersey State Police at 7:44 a.m.

State troopers responded to the scene and found a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Accord

and dump truck involved in the collision. The dump truck was overturned.

Route 72 was reopened once the dump truck was safely removed from the highway.

The driver of the Honda; Robert Schneider, 72, of Little Egg Harbor; suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported to AtlantiCare Trauma Center.

John Acampora, 32, of Medford; the driver of

ACCIDENT>>PAGE 19

PHOTO SUBMITTTED Officer David Pfeifer with Sand Stand staff.

Saturday, June 17, 2017

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OPINION

Letters submitted to the Pine Barrens Tribune must include the name, address and phone number of the writer. Letters may be edited for length, clarity and taste. Because of space limitations, letters should be 150 words of less.

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

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

Editorial

Letter to the Editor

Legislature Should Launch Probe into Lake Absegami Drowning

Shamong Voters Should Defeat Second Attempt to Gain Passage of Bond Referendum

Readers Are Urged to Call and Write Their 8th and 9th District Legislators to Prompt Action The pain of losing a child is almost too much to bear for most parents.

But for Yvonne Grinnell, the pain is amplified by the fact that the state has still been unable to provide her with a clear picture of what happened on the day that her daughter, 4-year-old Cami Grinnell, was pulled unresponsive from Lake Absegami in Bass River State Park during a supposedly supervised camping trip. Cami Grinnell died two days later from her injuries.

We haven’t been able to get many answers either as state officials continue to dodge our questions.

It was eyewitnesses, who wrote on the social media pages of local newspapers, including ours, that brought this incident to light. The drowning of any person at a public lake is a serious and noteworthy matter. Why did the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) not provide the public and press with a notice that this incident happened?

It is hard to believe that at a lake, where the New Jersey State Park Service provides lifeguarded swimming, so few details are unavailable about what exactly happened that day.

Did both lifeguards and camp staff, entrusted with Cami Grinnell’s care, notice her drowning?

How many lifeguards were on duty at the time Cami Grinnell drowned?

Who were the lifeguards that were on duty that day and are they still employed with the state?

How long was the child underwater before being rescued?

Why did a child pull Cami Grinnell out of the water and not the lifeguards who were supposed to be on duty? Why did the NJDEP tell this newspaper that the lifeguards pulled her out of the water?

It has been alleged that the camp brought flotation devices for the children to use at the lake, but lifeguards took them away, stating they were not U.S. Coast Guard-approved.

Additionally, Kim Walk, one of two nurses visiting the lake that day, who watched this incident unfold and performed CPR on the victim, told this newspaper that that the victim was not wearing flotation devices or life preservers.

Was any child allowed to swim in the lake without flotation devices or life preservers?

Were these devices taken away and not replaced?

What changes, if any, have been implemented at the lake since the drowning?

There are simply too many questions that have gone unanswered.

There is also the unexplained and troubling discrepancy regarding 9-1-1 communication

troubles during the emergency.

According to NJ DEP officials, the incident was first reported to the county 9-1-1 dispatch at 1:47 p.m. New Jersey State Police and local EMS arrived in about five minutes of the initial call to 9-1-1. A helicopter arrived at 2:31 p.m. CPR continued on scene until the helicopter arrived.

Walk described to the Pine Barrens Tribune that she believed the response times were longer due to communications problems.

Walk described how her mother dialed 9-1-1, only to find that the first dispatcher did not know where Lake Absegami was located.

According to Walk, her mother was then put on hold by the first dispatcher until a second dispatcher, who was from the State Police, got on the telephone line. Her mother had to explain the reason for her call again. The second dispatcher was aware of Lake Absegami’s location and was able to dispatch help.

Interestingly, the 9-1-1 communication problems Walk described mirror those experienced two months after this incident in the next town over.

Today we are calling on the state Senate Legislative Oversight Committee to launch a probe into the events of September 2 at Lake Abesgami. Public hearings are needed on this. We are also calling on our local 8th and 9th District legislators to help expedite the process.

Readers are urged to call their legislators and/or cut out this editorial and mail it to them as it is the squeaky wheel that gets the grease.

8th Legislative District Office Addiego, Rodriguez-Gregg & Howarth 176 Route 70, Suite 13 Medford, NJ 08055 609-654-1498 9th Legislative District Office Connors, Rumpf and Gove 620 Lacey Rd. Forked River, NJ 08731 609-693-6700 What has happened to the Grinnell family is nauseating and we fear other families could one day suffer the same fate if appropriate action is not taken.

Perhaps a barrage of letters from our loyal readers will get this family the closure they deserve and cause the public to receive muchdeserved answers.

Please take the time to write or call your legislators this week.

We’ll be following up on this important story as the public deserves to know what happened.

This is an alert to Shamong Township taxpayers!

Guess what’s lurking just after Labor Day? Bureaucrats are now planning another sneak attack to increase our property taxes in Shamong.

If you thought that the $5.4 million bond referendum was defeated, think again!

I am writing in opposition to the Shamong Board of Education’s pending covert plans that would bring the bond proposal back out again for another vote.

This will be the second special election to be held this year, on the same issues, costing taxpayer time and money, again.

Isn’t this: “I don’t like the outcome of the vote, so, let’s have another try?”

We, the taxpayers, are not only challenged with a second vote; we are also forced to pay for another special election. The previous election was legally binding and the issues are already decided.

Regardless of one’s position on the previous bond proposal, I feel it is necessary to publicly expose the board’s attempt at a “second bite at the apple,” especially when voters and taxpayers have already spoken in a legitimate election.

Additional costs to taxpayers should be avoided at all costs.

I also question the timing of the board’s recent decision to redirect staff positions shortly after the prior bond was defeated by voters. I

believe these actions are unrelated.

Additionally, these plans were never made public beforehand. I believe this is a direct attempt to emotionalize the parents of school aged children.

Taxpayers have had enough of ever increasing taxes and just as importantly, we really don’t want games played in our town when dealing with our children’s education and property taxes.

Not exploring this issue is a recipe for even more sky-high property tax bills in Shamong.

Additionally, I believe that this issue is ripe for a new law restricting the how often elections can be held on the same issue.

I have contacted, by email, Senator Dawn Marie Addiego, Assemblywoman Maria Rodriguez-Gregg and Assemblyman Joseph Howarth, who represent Shamong in the statehouse, to suggest that they consider sponsoring new legislation restricting any special elections to at least 18 months apart where the same, or similar issues, have previously been voted on.

I think that this would be a perfect subject to the “see the light of day,” before any new decisions are made, so voters can be educated as to what is being planned for them while they will be celebrating on the beach or at a pool during the Labor Day holiday.

Deputy Mayor Michael Di Croce Shamong, New Jersey

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

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE Established 2016

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

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PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

COMMUNITY Events

June 17 Event: Buzby’s General Store Going Out of Business Sale Location: Chatsworth Details: The historic Buzby’s General Store is having its Going Out of Business Sale, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 3949 County Road 563, Chatsworth. Gift items, souvenirs, candles, books, walking sticks and small antiques. Cash only. All sales are final. Hot dogs and beverages will be available.

Event: Hike at the Pine Plains Location: Bass River Details: Come out to Bass River State Forest and enjoy a sunrise hike, 4:15 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. The hike is 6.5 miles.

Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Bring insect repellent, water and snacks. Meeting location is approx. 10.4 miles east of the intersection of Route 72 and Route 70; and approx. 3.5 miles west of the intersection of Route 72 and Ocean County Route 539. Heavy rain cancels the hike, light rain will not cancel the hike. Must register for this free event, 609-296-1114.

Event: Nature Scavenger Hunt Location: Bass River Details: Come out to the Bass River State Forest office for a Nature Scavenger Hunt, 10 a.m. to noon. $10 per car for state residents. For more information, call the trip leader 609-296-6574.

June 18 Event: Peace Pole Dedication Location: Pemberton Details: Grace Episcopal Church, 43 Elizabeth Street, Pemberton, will dedicate the newly installed Peace Pole in its gardens on Sunday, June 18 at 4 p.m. The pole is part of a global project to focus on peace, “Let peace prevail on Earth.” The pole is in memory of Dorothy M. Green. The service will be led by the Right Rev. William H. Stokes, Bishop of New Jersey. A reception will follow. The event is open to the public.

Event: Medford United Methodist Church Summer Hours Location: Medford Details: Medford United Methodist Church Summer Hours for Sunday Worship are: Contemporary Service 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. All are

welcome! Enjoy music during the service too! 2 Hartford Road, Medford. Handicapped access available. For more information call 609-654-8111

2 p.m. Saturday through 2 p.m. Sunday, June 25. The Field Day is a chance for the public to see how amateur radio provides communication during emergency situations.

Event: Organ Recital Location: Pemberton Details: Organ recital on the historic pipes by organist Michael Ryan, at Grace Episcopal Church, June 18, at 3 p.m., 43 Elizabeth Street, Pemberton. The event is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will benefit the organ restoration fund. Ryan is a rising senior at Westminster Choir College in Princeton.

Event: Vacation Bible School Location: Vincentown Details: Vincentown United Methodist Church is having a Vacation Bible School, June 24 – 28, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each night. The Vacation Bible School at Vincentown UMC is for children from pre-school to 5th grade and is free for all! For more information, contact Reverend Dave Ledford, 609-859-2161.

97 Main Street, Vincentown.

June 19 Event: Thyroid Support Group Location: Whiting Details: The next meeting of the Thyroid Support Group will be Monday, June 19, at 10 a.m., at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539, Whiting. The purpose of the meeting is to educate, support and answer questions about thyroid. For more information, contact Stephanie, 732-350-2904.

Event: Burlington County Library System 2017 Summer Reading Program Location: All BCLS Libraries Details: “Build a Better World” 2017 summer reading for kids at all BCLS libraries. This 8-week program from June 19 – August 12 encourages children and teens to track their reading progress, earn prizes, and attend lots of great programs during the summer months. Participants will use “Beanstack” the BCLS online tracking system to reach their reading milestones. For more information, contact Holly Hoskins at 856-983-1444, Theresa Preziosa at 609-893-8262, or Rosy Wagner at 609-267-9660, or visit www.bcls.lib.nj.us

June 24 Event: American Radio Relay Leagues 2017 National Field Day Location: Tabernacle Details: The Burlington County Radio Club will be participating in the American Radio Relay National Field Day during the weekend of June 24. Amateur radio stations will begin setting up at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, at the Tabernacle Emergency Services Building, 132 New Road, Tabernacle. We will be communicating with other amateur radio operators and stations nationwide for a 24 hour period,

Seniors Plan Trip to Pines Dinner Theatre For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—A few years ago, aware that the seniors from Pemberton Township like to organize day trips, favorite bus driver Marty Gravenstein mentioned a small dinner theatre located in Allentown, PA to trip planners.

The theatre is located in downtown Allentown, close to the former “Fairgrounds.”

It is a busy section of town and one would not expect a theater to be located in that area. If one was driving down the street, it is possible to pass by the theatre and not even notice it is there.

It appears to be a former corner restaurant or “pub.” Seating capacity is less than 120 persons. The stage is interesting. After serving the dinner and clearing the tables, the kitchen becomes one side of the “back stage.” On the other side of the stage the “back stage” is part of the entrance lobby. A few well-placed drapes hide the entrance to the stage.

This all sounded very interesting and was worth at least a visit to enjoy a production.

The first trip to “The Pines” was in June of 2015 when the seniors saw the musical comedy “The Andrews Brothers.” This was

sort of a take-off on the famous “Andrews Sisters,” who visited the Pacific war zone, with the USO. The Navy was expecting the “Andrews Sisters” for a memorable performance to boost the morale of the sailors.

A telegraph message was received at the very last minute that one of the sisters had a serious illness, so the visit had to be canceled.

In an effort to avoid disappointment, three sailors decided to imitate the act and as they say “The show must go on!” The actors were outstanding in their performance and the seniors were laughing and clapping throughout the production. It was a great show.

In 2016, the seniors attended another great show at the theatre, “The Honky-Tonk Angels.” This show involved three young, aspiring singers who were headed to Nashville to make their names as country singers. Again, the show included many popular songs from years gone by. The actresses were talented singers and performers. This proved to be a most enjoyable afternoon. Of course, the delicious meal that was served helped to complete a wonderful trip. Now the group is ready to try again.

SENIORS>>PAGE 21

Event: 34th Annual Whitesbog Blueberry Festival Location: Browns Mills Details: Come celebrate the kickoff to the blueberry harvest season with two days filled with food, crafts, history, games and live entertainment. All ages welcome! Get blueberry pie, cake, muffins, donuts, fritters and ice cream sundaes. Over 35 artists and crafters will have booths. Enjoy the Festival Barn Dance, featuring traditional square dancing. There will be guided tours of Suningive House, the home of Blueberry Queen, Elizabeth Coleman White. 16 local bands will perform on stage, including bluegrass, country, blues and folk music. Courtesy shuttles will be available to pick up and drop off at remote parking locations. $10 Festival Pass per carload; $5 for pedestrians & bicycles. For more information, www.whitesbog.org, 609-893-4646.

Event: Pineland Striders Independence Race Location: Medford Details: Shawnee High School, 5k/10k and 1-mile walk. Race starts at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit Precious Gems Memorial and the American Diabetic Association Camp Freedom for Kids. To register online, go to www.pinelandstriders.com, or call 609-330-2939.

Event: Migrant Workers Outreach Clothing Drive Location: Evesham Details: Help welcome migrant workers and their families to South Jersey during the blueberry harvest in June & July.

Donate clothing and more to the Migrant Worker Outreach clothing drive. Visit www.MigrantWorkerOutreach.org to see a list of requested items. Call Dory Dickson at 609-969-2480 to set up an appointment. Donations accepted by appointment only.

PINE KNOTS COLUMN

PEMBERTON TWP. SENIOR CITIZEN COLUMN

By Ebba Liguori

Saturday, June 17, 2017

BMIA Closes Out Their Season with a June Pot Luck Dinner

By Ebba Liguori

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—The 2016-2017 Browns Mills Improvement Association (BMIA) year has come to a close with the annual June “Pot Luck” dinner on Saturday, June 10. Members and their guests gathered to celebrate another successful year for the BMIA. The BMIA is fast approaching its 100th anniversary of service to the community.

Browns Mills at one time was a summer enclave with residents coming from the areas along the riverfront, including Camden, Trenton and Philadelphia, to enjoy a refreshing summer in the Pines. Soon there was a need for expanded local government in response to the increase in population. There were many problems, including expanding public water service and utilities.

Locals decided that by joining together, they could accomplish more. The BMIA was chartered and organized and became the prime social vehicle for the area. To this day, the organization has sponsored dances and dinners.

It has also impacted the local government in profound ways.

The BMIA has and continues to keep a watchful eye on the township’s administration.

Prime concerns are protecting the natural resources and the many lakes.

For nearly one hundred years, the BMIA has been a positive force within the community. It is the oldest local civic organization in Pemberton Township.

The Executive Board will hold monthly meetings during July and August, but the next general membership meeting will be on Sept.

24 at 2 p.m. at the BMIA Building. The annual elections will be held at the September meeting and newly elected officers and board members will be installed at an October dinner.

Meetings are usually held on the fourth Sunday monthly, September through May, at 2 p.m. at the BMIA Building on Arbutus Street, off Eldridge, near the Mirror Lake Beach and are open to the public. “Pot Luck” dinners are held three times a year for members only and their guests. Annual dues are only $15 per family. Checks may be sent to: BMIA, PO Box 395, Browns Mills, NJ 08015.

Saturday, June 17, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

PAGE 9

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Saturday, June 17, 2017

Saturday, June 17, 2017

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Saturday, June 17, 2017

Saturday, June 17, 2017

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PAGE 13

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PAGE 14

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Saturday, June 17, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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PAGE 15

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Diana Grover

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Saturday, June 17, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

HEALTH

Can cotton swabs harm your baby’s ear?

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.

How to Get More Energy Without Coffee We all experience fatigue or low energy at some point in our lives. Sometimes it is temporary like after an all-nighter, or a bout with the flu. Whatever the cause, fatigue is difficult to deal with. Also, one common but overlooked reason for fatigue is a missed diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Today, I’ll share my secrets for natural and effective ways to improve energy without Starbucks.

B Complex: A deficiency of the B vitamins harms your adrenal glands and is a frequent cause of fatigue and depression. There’s even a synthetic B vitamin made in very high doses and sold by prescription for depression called Deplin. B Complex is profoundly useful to make neurotransmitters and generate ATP energy production via the Krebs cycle. You need B12 to support thyroid production and get rid of homocysteine.

Licorice Root: This ancient herbal adaptogen doesn’t care how you got fatigued, it only seeks to fix your exhausted adrenal glands by increasing your energy and endurance.

Because licorice stimulates the production of cortisol, it also boosts thyroid hormone. One cup of licorice root tea per day might be all you need. Using it for too long, or taking too much will induce headaches and hypertension.

Ashwagandha: Also known as Indian ginseng, this herb over a few weeks activates T4 to T3 thyroid conversion (good!) which improves energy and fat-burning capabilities.

But ashwagandha should be taken at night—at least at first—because it causes drowsiness for many people.

Tyrosine: Your body uses tyrosine, an amino acid, to make thyroid hormones which improve brain power and energy. Tyrosine is in many popular energy drinks and thyroid supplements.

Dosage varies greatly from person to person, so start with 75 to 100 mg once or twice during daytime hours or it can cause insomnia. You can always increase from there. You’ll know you get too much if you feel shaky or get a racy heartbeat (similar to excessive caffeine).

Oat Straw (Avena sativa): Known best as an effective tonic for hemorrhoids, oat straw may gently support thyroid function which in turn provides energy and fat-burning compounds. It has a lot of natural calcium which helps your muscles and bones. In animals, oat straw triggered release of luteinizing hormone (LH) which increases testosterone and impacts ovulation.

Salads and Greens: Eating steamed or sauteed greens is perfect, and of course a salad a day! The green color of romaine lettuce, chard and collards comes from natural chlorophyll.

There are also supplements and powdered drink formulas that contain seaweeds or cereal grasses which contain chlorophyll. This rapidly cleans your cells and creates energy.

Still want more energy? There are coffee alternatives such as teas (black or green), coffeeberry fruit extract, yerba mate shots and guayusa (gwhy-you-sa) drinks and teas which all act similarly to coffee in that they are stimulating, but milder. These are nice because they have their own specific set of herbal health benefits.

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.

By Sue Hubbard, M.D. A question I receive on a regular basis is: “How do I clean my baby’s/child’s ears?” I have replied for years with something that I was taught many years ago, perhaps by a grandparent: “Nothing smaller than your elbow should go in your ear.” Who knows where that saying came from, but it is a good visual to explain that you should not “stick a Q-tip” or anything into the ear canal.

An article published in the journal Pediatrics sure makes that adage seem timely, as about 12,500 children younger than 18 are treated in emergency rooms annually, which translates into about 34 children per day. The study also showed that about two out of three patients were younger than 8 years and children younger than 3 accounted for 40 percent of all injuries.

Cotton swabs are intended to clean the outer ear and should not be placed into the ear canal, even though most people put a Q-tip right into the canal which may cause injury when pushed

too far. The study showed that about 30 percent of injuries caused by the cotton swabs were feeling as if there was a foreign body in the ear, while 25 percent of injuries were a perforated ear drum and 23 percent were soft tissue injuries. Talk about expensive health care costs related to one little cotton-tipped swab!

Ear, nose and throat doctors (otolaryngologists) will tell you that the ear canals are usually self-cleaning and that using a cotton-tipped swab to clean the ear only pushes the wax further down the canal and closer to the ear drum. If in fact the wax becomes impacted by using a Q-tip, it is even harder to get the wax out. There are over-the-counter drops that you can instill in the ear canal to help soften wax and then use a wash cloth to clean the outer ear.

So, resist the urge to put a Q-tip into your ear canal and simply use them to take off makeup, paint small places or any of the millions of other uses. Just don’t use it on the ear!

Dr. Sue Hubbard is an award-winning pediatrician, medical editor and media host. “The Kid’s Doctor” TV feature can be seen on more than 90 stations across the U.S. Submit questions at http://www.kidsdr.com. The Kid’s Doctor e-book, “Tattoos to Texting: Parenting Today’s Teen,” is now available from Amazon and other e-book vendors.

Saturday, June 17, 2017

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PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

FUN AND GAMES Are We There Yet?

By Lori Clinch

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

Oh No! A Neat Freak is Coming!

I received a phone call from my dear friend the other day that scared me right out of my carpet slippers.

She was coming for the weekend. There was nothing frightful about that, rest assured. I adore Gladys. She’s funny, happy and a gem to hang out with. It was the second sentence she spoke that made my knees go weak, my heart go all aflutter and made my inner person throw her head back and cry like a little girl.

“I’m bringing Nettie!”

I’ve never met Nettie, but her reputation precedes her. Word on the street is that Nettie is a wonderful person with a great sense of humor and spins a good yarn. But the thing that everyone says about Nettie is that the dear gal is a neatnik. Nettie likes things tidy, ship shape, and orderly.

There’s nothing wrong with being a neat freak. It’s the neat freak’s visit to your house that sends a gal, such as me, into a dither.

I don’t have prejudices against neat freaks.

I say hello to them when I run into them in the super center, wave as I pass them on the street and can chat it up with the best of them at social functions.

Yet the preparations that a gal has to make for a neat freak’s visit to their home are mindboggling.

We Clinches are not a slovenly lot. We have some stuff put where it belongs, the coffee table has some semblance of order and on the surface of our humble abode, there is nothing alarming.

But a visiting neat freak is bound to open the linen closets in search of a blanket, help themselves to the fridge and (I swallow hard as I write) open a drawer to look for a pen.

I got off of the phone with Gladys and hit the ground running as I imagined the places that Nettie would see. What if she looked under the couch to retrieve a dropped item, went to the laundry room for clean towels, or worse yet, ventured to the basement (our young Charlie’s domain) and saw that he’s not so good at organizing the remotes?

I ask you this—how does one prepare for a Nettie on such short notice? A fire hose? Leaf blower? A blowtorch?

I calmed myself down as I replayed the conversation with Gladys in my head. “You’ll love her, it will be fine,” she had said after my protest of a visiting Nettie. Then she polished it off by really sucking up with, “Your house always looks clean.”

Little did Gladys know that I worked for hours in preparation of her last visit and it didn’t even come close to doing what a person had to do for the likes of Nettie.

It’s funny how you never know things are out of place until you prepare for a visit from someone such as Nettie. The laundry needs to be put away, the bathrooms needs sprucing up and the newspapers certainly weren’t going to take themselves to the recycling bin.

Socks need mating, heat vents need vacuuming and heaven help us if the windows aren’t spotted with smears from the dog.

For days I scrubbed, I cleaned and I organized.

I put young Charlie in charge of the nether regions of the house and assigned him the task of scrubbing the tubs. I wiped down the counters, polished the back splash and buffed the chrome fixtures to a glistening shine.

Although I’d never met Nettie I have to tell you this, I didn’t like her. For a week solid I had no time to relax, bypassed the grocery shopping and left the bills unpaid while I readied the facilities. Thankfully, by the time Nettie arrived on that fateful Friday night, everything was ship shape.

I’m not sure that Nettie heard angels singing when I opened the door but she should have.

Our towels were properly displayed, the pencil drawer next to the fridge sang of organization and our cupboards were orderly.

Upon her departure, Gladys whispered in my ear, “I don’t know why you worried so much about Nettie’s visit. Your house always looks great.”

Yeah, right.

© 2017 LORI CLINCH

C R O S S W O R D

P U Z Z L E

Across 1 Librarians might use them 12 Lt. col.’s inferior 15 Sci-fi concept 16 Lovelace whom many consider the first computer programmer 17 Whatchamacallit 18 Solo on-screen 19 Trail, perhaps 20 Milky Way source 21 Camera product 23 Tablet container 24 Coral Triangle tourist destination 25 Left rolling in the aisles 26 Down a lot 28 __ other 30 Robot starter 31 Pay dirt 33 Hassle 35 First instrument for many 38 Icy Hot competitor 39 Keep secret 41 Sushi bar delicacy 42 __ pedal: guitar accessory 43 Slam offering 45 Org. that monitors plants

48 Nervous person?

50 Fail to beat the heat 52 AIDS-fighting drug 54 Rough stuff 55 Low-cost pub 56 “__ bien” 57 Storage unit?

58 Vaping devices 61 “Wheel of Fortune” purchase 62 Amusing editor, at times 63 Mo. for which tanzanite is a birthstone 64 Comics-derived danger alert Down 1 Yoga variety 2 Fine after an accident 3 Well-lit?

4 “Gimme a __” 5 Noodle variety 6 Certain queen’s domain 7 Steamed cantina food 8 Like a certain female artery 9 Ink deliverers 10 WWII arena 11 Basil’s wife on “Fawlty Towers” 12 Buddhism branch

13 Company offering many promotions 14 Mystery woman 22 Watches over 24 Where an engineer may retire 25 Less forward 27 Artery problem 29 Bear fruit?

32 Secretly unite 34 Arrogant sort 35 Beverage used in Chinese cuisine 36 Team member in “Moneyball” 37 “Eldorado” group 39 Soured 40 Part-human mythological creature 44 Threat 46 Get cracking 47 Ancient cacao bean traders 49 TED talk subjects 51 Encyclopedia Brown’s first name 53 Discretion 55 Italian tubes 56 Sera is a form of it 59 Tea holder 60 Halting syllable

S U D O K U

ANSWERS ON PAGE 22

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Saturday, June 17, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

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

Community Activities Medford area seniors offer a regular schedule of events running Monday through Friday. Included are bridge, pinochle, knitting, investing, writing, painting, genealogy, yoga, healthy bones and more. Go to Medfordtownship.com for more information or visit us at Cranberry Hall behind the municipal building at 17 North Main St.

Garage/Yard Sale Multi-Family Yard Sale. Saturday 6/17 from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Tools, housewares, clothing. 611 Birmingham Road, Southampton. 609-859-3437.

General Contracting Anything We Haul It. Estates, Attics, Basements, Space Places, Off Jobs, Yard Work, Demolition, Pools Removed, etc. Call 609-694-9356, Earl Evans.

Help Wanted Area claims writers. No experience PT/ FT flex hours. NJ/PA. Call or text 609-994-2156. Target income $30k/$80k.

Part-time limousine drivers. Must have clean CDL with passenger endorsement license. Knowledge of Tri-State area preferred. Professional appearance is required. If interested call Harold at 609-784-2876.

Delivery Driver Needed. Dependable

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Energetic individuals who are dependable and possess a positive, goal-driven mindset are needed to sell advertising.

Earnings are commission based with potential to make $40,000 plus a year. Call 609-801-2392.

Great storytellers with sound news judgment sought. Strong interpersonal, writing, and AP-style skills a must! Call 609-801-2392. Must be available during the evening hours.

Pets and Animals Need you to care for my two, small well-behaved dogs in your loving home occasionally with compensation. Call: 609-836-2621.

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

Real Estate Delran, New Jersey house for sale by owner. 33 Cornell Drive, 4 bedrooms, 1-1/2 baths. $239,500. Call 609-801-0054.

Extra

Saturday, June 17, 2017

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LEASE

PROJECT

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consensus. I’m really interested to see the final result. Let’s see how it goes and check back in with this at another meeting.”

In order to pay for the monument inscriptions, Francesca will be fundraising by advertising the “Buy a Brick Campaign,” through the Colony News and social media.

She also said that she can be contacted about donations and for other information about the project via her email address: fbonamogoldaward@gmail.com.

“We’re really proud of Francesca,” Sandie Bonamo said. “It’s a great project and tribute to all veterans.”

In other meeting business, there were seven resolutions passed, all unanimously, but without the presence of new Councilman Dr. Gary Miller, who was absent.

Resolutions 82-17 and 83-17, authorizing Investors Bank as a depository for the Borough, were passed together. Also voted on jointly were Resolutions 84-17 and 85-17, which authorized the issuance of a raffle license for the

Shawnee End Zone Club to hold a 50/50 raffle and merchandise raffle at the Medford Lakes Country Club on June 19.

Resolution 86-17 authorized the renewal of a retail liquor license to Medford Lakes Enterprises (P.J. Whelihan’s) and 87-17 also passed another liquor license renewal for Medford Lakes Country Club (with Cranston abstaining). The final resolution, number 88-17, authorized the disposal of surplus property identified as assorted ink cartridges, binders, a calculator, 35mm camera, assorted firefighter turnout gear and equipment.

Also of note at the meeting was a report that the Borough will soon have a new website.

“We’re looking to go live on December 15,” said Borough Manager Dr. Robert J. Burton.

He and Borough Clerk Mark McIntosh have been meeting with a design company monthly.

“There will be better interface for citizens to interact with the Borough,” Burton said.

“The new website will also allow for easier information dissemination to the public.”

ACCIDENT PAGE 6

the Jeep, was not injured.

The driver of the dump truck; Martin Diaz, 55, of Camden; complained of minor pain.

However, he was not transported to the hospital.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

entire building, while only getting revenue from the part being leased.

The Pine Barrens Tribune reached out to Board President Harmon for comment. She did not respond as of press time.

Y.A.L.E., established in 1976 with campuses throughout New Jersey, is a stateapproved school for children with disabilities, ranging in age from 3 to 21. Tuition is paid to the school by local school districts.

The board on March 17 of last year voted to close the Evans School due to declining enrollment rates. Overall district enrollment has dropped by 1,000 students since 2003, hovering at 4,440 students now.

Students who attended Evans will be sent to one of the district’s other six elementary

SOCIAL PAGE 5

at Jaggard Elementary. They’ve already visited Jaggard, and while they don’t know anyone there, they said the school is much bigger. Both students, while not excited, said they are not nervous about going to the new school.

“Education is a people business,” DiBlasi

PAGE 19

schools: Beeler, DeMasi, Jaggard, Marlton, Rice or Van Zant. Some students who currently go to Jaggard will also be transfered to Marlton Elementary School.

District Superintendent John Scavelli Jr. said the closing is part of a bigger consolidation and money-saving plan. In 2012, the district consolidated the five middle school “houses” into four, which yielded a $3 million savings. “(Closing Evans) isn’t the first thing we’ve done,” Scavelli said. “It’s actually part of a series of things we’ve done over time to operate efficiently. In the end, with everything that we’ve done, it’s all been so we can continue the programming we have for our students. We haven’t eliminated any programs at all over time, and we’ve added some programs. We’ve tried to do things more efficiently as a school district.”

said. “The relationships we built here are the same relationships we can build elsewhere. We like to say, ‘You’ve got to bring that love lamp with you.’ So when you go somewhere else, you bring the sunshine, you bring the positivity, and I think all those connections will be there. If the connections were here, they can be anywhere.”

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MEMORIAL

ADDICTION PAGE 1

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

“99% of heroin users have used one of those gateway drugs at some point in their lives,” he said.

Conlin attributed the opioid and heroin epidemic to physicians who overprescribe Percocet pain killers for medical procedures.

“That is what has fueled this opioid and heroin epidemic,” he said.

The pathway to opioid addiction Conlin described at the presentation mirrors Meise’s story.

“In high school, I was drinking on the weekends and smoking marijuana,” Meise said.

“Then, during my sophomore year, I tried cocaine in high school with some of my friends.”

He recalled how one of his best friends became violently ill from trying cocaine during a party.

“My friend woke up the next morning and never did it again,” Meise said. “But, I couldn’t stop and continued to do it. When it comes down to it, I loved the effects, buzz and high.

I thought it was cool to do and it was an ego thing. That is how you know you have a disease.”

The former athlete was also prescribed opioids after experiencing a football injury to his shoulder and for routine dental procedures.

“I hadn’t gone out of my way to purchase them,” Meise said. “I have an allergy to drugs and alcohol. Once I start, I can’t stop.”

Meise said that opioids made him feel comfortable and served as his “medicine to cope with life.” However, a few years after popping pills, he decided to start using heroin because the pills were harder to get. He said heroin was “way more powerful.”

His addiction got worse when he turned 21-years-old. By age 24, Meise spent somewhere between $50,000 and $100,000 on heroin and pills.

He said locations where heroin is readily available include Camden, Mount Holly, Trenton or Pemberton, where there is an “open market where you don’t need a phone number.”

“Any dollar in my name went towards it,” he said. “I was a slave to it. I would do things outside of my character that was against the way I was raised and against my morals.”

Meise said that at one point he thought he was powerless over the temptation of drugs and alcohol. He recalled how he tried medications which were supposed to discourage his use of addictive substances, but to no avail.

“I threw everything away and I wouldn’t forgive myself,” he said. “I didn’t go to college to play football. I was my own worst enemy.”

Saturday, June 17, 2017

In 2014, Meise hit “rock-bottom” as even the drugs and alcohol stopped working for him.

He recalled the moment he was able to regain control of his life.

“My parents wanted nothing to do with me, even though they never stopped loving me,” Meise said. “I went outside crying to my mother one day and said ‘I don’t want to live like this anymore.’ and at that point I knew I was ready to make a change.”

With the help of his family, Meise traveled to southern Florida and found an “awesome” recovery community.

“I did the things suggested to me,” he said.

“I have such a wonderful life today. I’m okay with myself.”

Meise, now 27-years-old, is nearing three years of being “clean.”

“Drugs and alcohol were my solution to the disease,” he said. “This is a mental illness that told me I wasn’t worth it. I was never comfortable in my own skin even though on the outside I looked great.

After completing numerous rounds of rehabilitation activities, he now looks at himself in the mirror and likes what he sees.

He participates in 12-step meetings and travels across the country to share his story with audiences willing to listen. He also has a girlfriend and a baby on the way.

“I now have a relationship with my God of my understanding,” Meise said. “I’ve rebuilt family relationships and friendships.”

He is now employed with Epiphany Resources in Delray Beach, Fla. as an outreach specialist. Epiphany stands out among facilities offering drug and alcohol rehab in Florida, if not in the entire country.

“I try to help people where I’ve been,” Meise said. “I want to help the next alcohol or drug addict who comes through rehab.”

He is searching for ways to get on various boards to create awareness for students and parents. In the week and a half preceding the interview, he lost five friends to addiction.

“During the last two years, 10 to 15 people I know die each month,” he said. “I feel that by telling my story, I can relate to anyone that can’t find their purpose in life and who doesn’t feel important and worth it.”

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina told the Pine Barrens Tribune two weeks ago that there have been 146 deployments of Narcan (opioid reversal drug) so far this year in Burlington County. 34 of those deployments were made last month.

Readers who are struggling from addiction and would like to reach out to Meise for help can contact him at 609-342-9430.

“90 percent of the kids I see who come to rehab are from towns just like this,” Meise said. “I am just another person reaching out my hand willing to grab someone who needs help.”

PAGE 1

PHOTO BY AUSTIN MARSDALE Freedom Park currently has only monuments honoring Vietnam War veterans and post Vietnam War veterans who served. dedication ceremony was planned for Memorial Day on May 28, 2018. If the fundraising goal is reached, he said a dedication ceremony may be held on Nov. 4 with a rain date of Nov. 5.

Mills discussed where the memorial would go in Freedom Park and how it would follow some of the walking paths and benches. The location of the planned memorial was previously approved by council. The memorial is slated to be erected in the left-upper quadrant of the park, near the Vietnam veterans’ memorial and post-Vietnam War veterans’ memorial.

The proposed black granite memorial is slated to be about 50 inches square, not including its two bases and footing and surrounding red pavers.

Mills said they are thinking of having a quote by former President Woodrow Wilson, “The world must be made safe for democracy,” inscribed on it. Wilson, the 28th President of the U.S., was the Commander and Chief during the war.

Wording such as “Dedicated to Burlington County’s fallen soldiers of World War I,” may also be inscribed into the memorial.

Mills presented an in-depth packet to council members during its May 2 meeting. The packet included the impact of modern warfare and conditions experienced in the trenches. It also included some of the possible designs for the memorial’s landscaping and inscription.

Council members asked if the design could allow for future memorials to be created at

the park, such as one to honor World War II veterans.

“That’s one of the reasons why we want to push the date up, so that by next Memorial Day we could include a World War II or Korean War one,” Panarella said.

Mayor Chuck Watson said he did not see any reason why the ceremony could not be held on Nov. 4.

All of the council members were in agreement with the date change.

Panarella said “special touches” and other ideas to make the ceremony more meaningful could include the playing of taps, the reading of the names of the fallen World War I soldiers and handing out pamphlets with the names of the fallen along other historical war information.

“We welcome—and I mean this sincerely— any input from the council on ways in which we could enhance the ceremony and the memorial,” he said.

Councilman Chris Buoni asked about possibly adding a stop at Freedom Park during the township’s next Memorial Day Parade.

“I think it is something we should strongly consider given all the sacrifices veterans have made,” Buoni said. “The least we could do is have the parade include a route near the memorial in Freedom Park.”

Township Manager Kathleen Burger said officials would have to consider the impact the proposed stop at Freedom Park may have on traffic before adding it to the parade route.

PROGRAM PAGE 5

Program Organizer Cyndy Kornfeld, Deborah’s Director of Volunteer Services. “Sudden cardiac arrest, however, does not discriminate between an athlete, a chess player or a member of the marching band. It is our goal to reach as many high school students as possible and identify any who might have a potential cardiac condition.”

Kornfeld accepted the award at the New Jersey Population Health Summit recently held at Rider University.

“Shifting the healthcare system’s focus to wellness and collaborating with communities to build healthier environments that promote wellness are the cornerstones of the Department’s work,” said Health

Commissioner Cathleen D. Bennett. “Inspiring initiatives to promote Population Health are ongoing in every region of our state and it’s important that we shine a spotlight on this incredible work, not only to honor our awardees, but to encourage others.”

“While it is gratifying to be recognized by the state Health Department for our community initiative,” “it is of far more meaningful when we identify a young student who has a potential cardiac problem,” Kornfeld said. Being able to alert them and steer them to appropriate medical care is probably among the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. Every child’s life we save is a significant victory for us.”

Saturday, June 17, 2017

SENIORS PAGE 8

On July 13, the bus will leave the Acme parking lot at 9 a.m. and head for the PA Turnpike and the Northeast Extension to see “The Bikinis.” There will be a planned stop at the Allentown Rest Area so seniors can take advantage of the facilities. Arrival should be about noon and seniors are scheduled to be escorted to their assigned tables. The wait staff often includes some of the actors or stage crew, so one might recognize their server as one of the actors!

The meal includes choice of grilled mango pork, teriyaki marinated beef skewers, stripped Pangasius (fish), mushroom ravioli in a garlic butter sauce, or fettuccini Alfredo with broccoli. Salad and fresh baked bread along with coffee, tea or iced tea will be served.

Dessert will be family style, fresh baked apple crisp with ice cream. All the food is well prepared and service is prompt and courteous.

Once the meal is finished, tables are cleared and the show begins. A variety of soda and ice cream drinks are available for purchase; but alcoholic beverages are temporarily unavailable.

The interesting part about this small theater is that one of the owners is a local school teacher who serves as choreographer for the theater productions. Amber Blatt teaches high school and is a dance instructor in nearby

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Kutztown. Her husband provides the sound and lighting for the productions and there are local musicians who provide live music. Most of the staff and those involved support each live show. It is really like the local community productions from years gone by. All involved are talented and professional.

They advertise “The Bikinis” as a show that will have you dancing in the aisles. It is the story of four Jersey girls reunited after 20 years. It features a hit parade of music with titles like “It’s in His Kiss”, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” and “Under the Boardwalk.” Do not miss out on a chance to join this trip. Tickets are only $50 for resident seniors and include transportation, meal and show. Tickets are available at the senior center daily between 9 a.m. and noon. Non-resident seniors’ tickets are only $70 each, which is still a good price for all that the day includes.

This past week, seniors were very happy to celebrate Joan Burke’s 90 birthday with a beautiful decorated cake. Her family took her out earlier in the week, but she wanted to treat all seniors with cake following the daily lunch. The cake was purchased at Acme and had whipped cream icing. Seniors thank her for sharing her special day with all. One of the fringe benefits at the senior center is being able to celebrate everyone’s special day. Stop in and check out all the great activities and make some new friends.

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Saturday, June 17, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

HOME, GARDEN, AND FARMING Farm and Food File

By Alan Guebert

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

You’re Getting Warmer In a White House Rose Garden ceremony June 1, President Donald J. Trump announced he would pull the U.S. from the Paris treaty on global climate change. It was a matter of national sovereignty, explained Trump.

Or, as he colorfully noted, “I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris.”

True, but he was elected to represent Paris, IL; Paris, KY; Paris, ID; Paris, AR; Paris, ME; Paris, MI; Paris, IA and Paris, IN. What’s more, if national polling holds true in these somewhat lesser cities of light, then two out of every three American Parisians see climate change as a global, national, community, and personal threat.

Still, the President acted. How will U.S. and world agriculture react?

The always-sunny Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue endorsed the President’s move.

“Floods, droughts, and natural disasters are a fact of life for farmers, ranchers, and foresters,” ironically noted the secretary as if acknowledging the food-growing reality climate scientists say is ahead of us if we take the White House’s fossil-fueled course.

But, hey, added Perdue, farmers and ranchers “have persevered in the past and they will adapt in the future—with the assistance of the scientists and experts at USDA.” There are two gaping holes in Perdue’s hopeful net. First, not all farmers and ranchers “persevered” in previous climate calamities. In fact, many farm families and rural communities still carry the searing scars of the dirty, hungry Dust Bowl days of the 1930s and devastating floods in 1973 and 1993.

Mankind may not have been the root cause of these disasters but it did add to them and our failure to not even plan for their possibility cost thousands their lives and many more thousands their livelihoods.

Today, another generation of farm and ranch leaders again must decide if Mother Nature is a partner or a hired hand. As the Trump White House sees it, it’s the latter; she works for us.

Moreover—as a matter of national interest— she’s now on notice.

Wise farmers and ranchers everywhere know,

however, it’s the former. That’s not liberalism or politics; it’s experience and common sense.

Another blind spot in Perdue’s endorsement of Trump’s climate policy is quickly becoming something of a specialty of this Administration: while the secretary claims American agriculture will be ready for any climate-altered future because of “the assistance of the scientists and experts at USDA,” President Trump’s 2018 federal budget proposal cuts USDA’s Agricultural Research Service funding by roughly 32 percent. If adopted, that $360 million slice (out of its $1.1 billion budget) means USDA would have to close 17 of its 90 or so research centers.

Which centers would close? No one can say, but if the Boss believes climate change isn’t a serious threat, few scientists serious about their careers at USDA will do climate change research.

Not researching climate change—just like jumping out of the Paris climate accord—does not mean it won’t impact farmers and ranchers.

In its 2015 report titled “Heat in the Heartland: Climate Change and the Economic Risk in the Midwest,” an all-star group of political, business, and academic leaders warned that “Without action, climate change will lock in extreme temperature increases across the Midwest” where, they noted, 65 percent of all corn and soybeans are grown, one-third of U.S. manufacturing is located, and where one in five Americans live.

And it’s going to happen in a hurry. “Over the next 5 to 25 years, without significant adaptation by farmers, some counties in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana will likely see average commodity crop losses up to 18 to 24% due to extreme heat each year,” the report relates.

The point is as simple as it is apparent.

Climate change is happening and will continue to happen.

Ignoring it—by withdrawing from political and scientific efforts to mitigate and maybe manage it—goes against what farmers and ranchers instinctively do best everyday: solve problems, not make ‘em worse.

© 2017 AG COMM.

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

CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU

Saturday, June 17, 2017

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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 Buick Regal The 2017 Buick Regal’s bold lines portray athleticism for every hairpin turn and long straightaway. Design details, such as chrome accents and dual stainless steel exhaust tips, add a confident flair, while the available LED-accented headlamps and taillamps leave a lasting impression.

Regal wears the appearance of a contemporary Buick, with cues that reinforce its low, wide proportion and convey an upscale ambience through technology. The prominent, sweptback headlamps are available in two versions, including halogen projector beams and Xenon high-intensity discharge.

The Regal’s interior blends sculptural beauty and refinement with technology, centered on Buick’s next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system. The instrument panel center stack contains the system’s 8-inch color touchscreen. It is designed for easy operation with intuitive controls and smartphoneinfluenced swipe recognition for easier navigation.

The Regal’s chassis and structural systems

enable the handling and dynamics of a luxury import sport sedan with the quiet, refined ride expected of a Buick.

The 2017 Buick Regal offers a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 182 horsepower at 6,700 rpm and 172 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,900 rpm. Also offered is the 2.0liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with direct injection that produces 259 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque from 3,000 to 4,000 rpm.

Radar and camera-based active safety features, including Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Collision Mitigation Braking, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert, are available. Adaptive cruise control is also offered. It senses traffic in front of the Regal to adjust vehicle speed, including stopping the vehicle in heavy traffic and accelerating again.

Base model estimated mpg: 21/29 Estimated starting price: $27,990 Compiled by Motor Matters.

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2017 Buick Regal.

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