INSIDE THIS WEEK
Two Motorcycles Collide on Route 9. Page 4
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Bass River Evesham
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Vol. 1 - No. 43
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Patrolman Recognized for Assisting Widow Searching for Late Husband’s Gravesite
PHOTO BY BILL HAINES, OF FOCAL POINTS PHOTOGRAPHY Patrolman Randy Molina of the Evesham Township Police Department has been selected as the department’s Officer of the Month after performing exceptional acts and achievements in the performance of his duties and responsibilities. By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer
EVESHAM—Patrolman Randy Molina of the Evesham Township Police Department has only been on the job for a year and half, but he has already left his mark on Evesham and holds a special place in one resident’s heart for an act of kindness on Memorial Day weekend. On Friday, May 26, an elderly woman who lives in the municipality set out for Brigadier General William Doyle Memorial Cemetery in North Hanover to place flowers on the grave of her late husband, a WWII veteran. However, the woman, described to be in her
80s, returned home after she was unsuccessful in finding the cemetery. The following day, she tried again. However, police say the woman became distraught after she drove for over four hours, unable to locate the cemetery. “She flagged down another officer on Main Street,” said Molina, who was called to the scene to provide assistance. “She was in tears. The other officer and I decided that one of us should take her to the cemetery instead of running the risk of her getting lost again.” Molina transported the upset woman in his police car to the cemetery.
“At first I thought I was just giving her a ride,” he said. “But as I spent time with her, I realized the meaning of Memorial Day varies. For her, it was to go see her hero.” Throughout the 50-minute trip to the cemetery, the 25-year-old officer and the woman exchanged stories with each other and touched on topics that included the importance of family and military service. Molina spent four years in the U.S. Air Force as a military police officer before joining the Evesham Township Police Department. “For me, the most important story she told
PATROLMAN>>PAGE 17
June 24-30, 2017 BurlCo Prosecutor Declares ‘The Tide Is Turning’ During His Ceremonial Swearing In By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer
MOUNT LAUREL—Over 275 members of the law enforcement community and a number of distinguished guests gathered inside Rowan College at Burlington County’s (RCBC) Enterprise Center for a ceremonial swearing in of Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and First Assistant Prosecutor Philip Aronow on June 14. Coffina was previously administered the oath of office on March 29 during a private ceremony led by Burlington County Assignment Judge Ronald E. Bookbinder. He succeeds Robert D. Bernardi, who served as county prosecutor for 17 years. Aronow was also administered the oath of office during a private ceremony which occurred on May 15. The first assistant prosecutor holds the second highest position in the Prosecutor’s Office and oversees many of the daily operations. The public event was an opportunity for the two men to share their vision for the county and to discuss a number of initiatives they’ve already undertaken since beginning their service. As Coffina and Aronow entered the room and took their seats, members of the Burlington County Honor Guard performed the presentation of the colors. The young children of Coffina and Aronow; Alex Coffina, Ethan Coffina, Dylan Coffina, Carrick Aronow and Micah Aronow; helped lead a flag salute. As the children came off stage, Maurice Lassiter of the Prosecutor’s Office sang the National Anthem and Ret. Detective Sgt. Steve Wenger of the Burlington Township Police Department played a rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Rabbi Jennifer L. Frenkel, of Congregation M’Kor Shalom in Cherry Hill, delivered the invocation. She quoted from the Prophet Isaiah and discussed the Bible’s “Pursuit of Justice by Just Means.” “Creator of justice, we ask your blessings upon Scott Coffina and Phillip Aronow, upon our county and community, and upon all those who live, play and work here,” she said. “We all come from many places, different backgrounds and different paths. Yet, we each come here inspired by a singular mission—to work passionately and honorably for the safety, security, and well-being of all those who call this county home.”
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Fire Destroys St. Ann’s Garage and Carnival Trailer; Melts Rectory Siding
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PHOTO BY TOM WALKER Firefighters worked to extinguish a fire which engulfed a three-car garage. By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer
PEMBERTON—St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church officials are assessing damage after a fire broke out on church grounds at about 1:40 p.m. on Saturday, June 17. The one-alarm fire started in a three-car garage located at 22 Trenton Road. Some of the church’s maintenance workers were inside the garage when the fire began. “The maintenance workers were working in the garage when suddenly they felt very hot,” said Pemberton Township Fire Chief Craig Augustoni. “They looked up and saw flames running across the attic. The fire had already penetrated the gable at that point.” Augustoni said that the maintenance workers immediately removed propane tanks, including one which is rather big, from inside the burning garage. The tanks are used for the church’s Annual Carnival. “By taking quick action, they averted an explosion,” Augustoni said. “Thank God they were there. A lot of tragedies were averted today.” The maintenance workers then ran across street to the Browns Mills Fire Station to report the blaze. EMTs who happened to be present at the station immediately radioed for firefighters. Township fire stations are not manned 24/7 since the Pemberton Township Fire Department is made up of all volunteers. Volunteer firefighters are usually dispatched to calls from their home or place of employment. Traffic was jammed in the area due a number of onlookers. Some firefighters abandoned their
vehicles due to the traffic jam and sprinted to the firehouse to get their equipment. Augustoni said firefighters arrived at the scene five to six minutes after the first call went out on the radio. Upon arrival, firefighters determined that the engulfed garage and trailer were “unsavable.” They turned their attention to the church rectory, which is about 25 feet away from the garage and used their first water lines to hose it down. The rectory sits in front of the garage. Firefighters hosed the building down for more than an hour to prevent the flames from spreading to it. “We made a concentrated effort on the savable building which was the church rectory,” Augustoni said. “I am very pleased with our operation and the fact that we saved a building that was a little more than 20 feet away from the flames.” The rectory only sustained damage to its siding due to the heat released by the flames. The garage collapsed due to the fire and was completely destroyed. The trailer, which stored equipment and materials for the church’s Annual Carnival, was also destroyed. No injuries were reported. The fire was listed under control just after 3:15 p.m. The church, which sits on the opposite side of the property, was not damaged. Saturday evening mass was canceled. Services resumed on Sunday. Augustoni said Pastor Edwin J. Mathias was not inside the rectory at the time of the blaze.
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INDEX Automotive......................................23 Business Directory...........................13 Community......................................10 Fun and Games................................15 Graduation Coverage......................G1 Health ..............................................21
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The Pine Barrens Tribune is published weekly by Pine Barrens Media, LLC. The newspaper is distributed free at select locations in Bass River, Medford, Medford Lakes, Pemberton, Pemberton Borough, Shamong, Southampton, Tabernacle, Washington, Woodland and surrounding areas. This newspaper is protected under the Federal Copyright Act. Reproduction of any part is not permitted by mechanical or electronic means without the expressed written permission of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to revise or reject any advertisement. No liability shall be attached to the Publisher for interruption of publication or limitation of size and/or number of pages due to shortage of material, failure of transportation, flood, fire, severe weather, winter weather, riots, strikes, acts of God, or other causes beyond his or her control. It is our policy to promptly correct errors. If you believe that you see a mistake, please call (609) 801-2392.
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Smash and Grab Thieves Burglarize 6 Stores Resulting in an Estimated $20,000 in Loss and Damages
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Personnel Changes the Major Item at Latest Shamong Board of Education Meeting By Adam Tait III
For the Pine Barrens Tribune
SHAMONG—While a preceding awards ceremony attracted all of the attention (see separate story on pg. 6), there was still a fair amount of business conducted by the Shamong Board of Education on June 13. This included changing a date for a special meeting, originally set for June 22, to July 5. Seven employees were granted leaves of absence of varying length, five of them unpaid. Business Administrator Laura Archer was awarded a one-year extension on her contract through June 30, 2018. Spanish teacher Jessica Cardella and Music teacher Ruthie Stitt were hired to work at Indian Mills Memorial School. Vice President of the Shamong Township Education Association (STEA) and fourth-grade teacher Lisa Fuchs was awarded a PHOTO SUBMITTED Police released still images from surveillance video taken during a smash and grab burglary in Evesham. By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer
EVESHAM—The search is on for a “crew” of thieves who burglarized six businesses in Evesham Township on June 14. The first incident is believed to have happened at around 2 a.m. when Evesham Township Police received a report of an activated burglar alarm at Ragazzi Restaurant, located at 44 W. Route 70. Dispatched police officers found the front glass door of the restaurant smashed. Police say the inside of the restaurant was ransacked by
the thieves who also stole money from a cash register. While police were conducting an investigation at the restaurant, they received a separate burglar alarm activation report from a Lucky 7 Deli located at 27 N. Maple Ave. Police arrived at the convenience store to find the front glass doors of the store smashed and the inside of the store ransacked. The convenience store is part of the Allison Shopping Center. Four other businesses in the shopping center;
THIEVES>>PAGE 18
salary adjustment. Six faculty members will be transferred in the coming school year. Among them are Susan Styers, from general music teacher (she directed school choruses) to instrumental music and band director. Styers will replace Anthony Scardino, who is retiring. Styers was also chosen as Teacher of the Year at Indian Mills Memorial School, while that award at Indian Mills School was shared by Kim Fox and Robin Russell. Also retiring are employees Deborah Drabold and Kathleen Foster. Appointments were made for two specialized summer programs, Seeds for Success and Bridge. Teachers Sherry Duboff and Kerry Haines and nurses Heather Cosper and Jennifer Simpson will lead Seeds while
CHANGES>>PAGE 20
Two Motorcycles Collide on Route 9 Leaving One Man Dead By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer
BASS RIVER—Two Harley-Davidson motorcycles collided in the northbound lanes of Route 9 in Bass River Township on June 18 resulting in the death of a man from Ocean County. The crash occurred near milepost 58 at about 12:25 a.m. New Jersey State Police say that a 2017 Harley Davidson Motorcycle driven by David Smith II, 27, of Little Egg Harbor was struck from behind by a 2016 Harley Davidson Motorcycle driven by Zachary Strang, 26, of
West Creek. “The 2016 Harley went off the roadway, to the right side, and struck a guardrail,” said Trooper Alejandro Goez, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police. Strang suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger; Heather Miller, 27, of Ship Bottom; suffered “moderate” injuries. Smith was unharmed. Goez said Smith and Strang were riding their motorcycles together at the time of the crash. The factor(s) that led to Strang striking Smith’s motorcycle remain under investigation.
Saturday, June 24, 2017
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Man Charged with Sexually Assaulting Woman at Gunpoint Inside Her Pemberton Twp. Residence
PHOTO SUBMITTED Lawrence Pippins, 26, of the first block of Scrapetown Road in Pemberton Township has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman at gunpoint inside her Pemberton Township residence. For the Pine Barrens Tribune
PEMBERTON—Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Pemberton Township Police Chief David H. Jantas announced on Saturday, June 17 that a man has been charged with breaking into a Pemberton Township residence and sexually assaulting a woman at gunpoint. Lawrence Pippins, 26, of the first block of Scrapetown Road in Pemberton Township, was arrested on June 16 in conjunction with the execution of a search warrant at his residence. He was charged with aggravated sexual assault (first degree), robbery (first degree), burglary (second degree), certain persons not to have a weapon (second degree), two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon (second degree), criminal restraint (third degree) and terroristic threats (third degree). He was lodged in Burlington County Jail pending a hearing on the state’s motion to detain him. The case will be prepared for presentation to a Burlington County Grand Jury by Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Eife, the supervisor of the Prosecutor’s Office Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Unit. The investigation revealed that Pippins gained entry into a residence on Ursinus Court in the University Park apartments through a window at approximately 2:45 a.m. on June 15. He then sexually assaulted the victim at gunpoint and robbed her of money before leaving the residence. Investigators began canvassing the
neighborhood a few hours later and the victim’s apartment was processed for evidence by the Prosecutor’s Office Crime Scene Unit. The investigation yielded information that identified Pippins as a suspect and warrants were obtained for his arrest and the search of his residence. “I want to commend the detectives from the BCPO Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Unit, the Crime Scene Unit, and many other detectives in our Office, as well as the assigned detectives from the Pemberton Township Police Department, for their diligent efforts in bringing this defendant to justice quickly and safely,” Coffina said. “This is a chilling crime that can affect the security of an entire community. We are fortunate that the excellent police work by these two agencies has taken this individual off the streets.” The search warrant was executed by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, the New Jersey State Police (Technical Emergency and Mission Specialists Unit) and the Pemberton Township Police Department. Assistance was provided during the investigation by the New Jersey State Police Canine Unit. The case was investigated by the Pemberton Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. The lead investigators are Pemberton Township Police Department Detective Danielle Hann and Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Matthew Delgado.
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Shamong Students Recognized in Academics, Art By Adam Tait III
For the Pine Barrens Tribune
SHAMONG—Shamong’s School Board held a two-in-one meeting on June 13. The first, recognizing student achievement, drew about 150 proud parents and friends. Later, when the awards had been passed out, about a dozen residents stayed for the regular board meeting. (See separate story on page 4.) Needless to say, the student recognition ceremony was the major attraction. 49 students were honored for various activities; 32 of them for being students of the month in grades five through eight, from October through May. Here they are, October through May, grades five through eight: October: 5th grade Ava Palladino, 6th Michalah Dillard, 7th Sarah-Daisy Carlin, 8th Kayla Sinclair. November: 5th Anthony Fedeli, 6th Emily Keller, 7th Abigail Johnson, 8th Ben Peters. December: 5th Lillianne Hunt, 6th Lawrence Valenzano, 7th Victoria Crooker, 8th Emma Bittner. January: 5th Hudson Schuller, 6th Teddy Troy, 7th Keegan Sokorai, 8th Allison Bierly. February: 5th Dalton Robbins, 6th Julia Rath, 7th Will Feldscher, 8th Chris Henry.
March: 5th Lacey Radico, 6th Morgan Rosenthal, 7th Julianna Graeber, 8th Anna Sacco. April: 5th Kylee Donegan, 6th Gavin Toronto, 7th Marina Olazcuaga-Chen, 8th Emma Boisvert. May: 5th Jaden Allen, 6th Kalayna Quisbert, 7th Emily Haines, 8th Thomas Scafidi. Other awards were made. Five students shared the Principal’s Art Award at Indian Mills School. They are Hayden Allen, Hope Durham, Fiona Faryna, Madelyn Lambiase and Dorian Nguyen. The sole Art winner at the middle school was Brianna Derby. The Superintendent’s Art Awards went to three students: Owen Caprera and Rayne Lewis of Indian Mills Elementary School and Alexandra Smith of Indian Mills Memorial school. The Teen Arts Festival produced five winners: Adam Arnold, Emma Bittner, Derby, Emily Miller and Jade Russell. In the field of mathematics, Allison Bierly took fourth place overall at the 2017 Holy Cross Competition, while Joey Steff was second in the Individual Test and Lightning Round. Arnold, one of the Arts Festival winners, also
Saturday, June 24, 2017
RCBC and Virtua Announce New Career Path in Exercise and Wellness For the Pine Barrens Tribune
MOUNT LAUREL—Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC), in partnership with Virtua, will be offering an associate degree program in Exercise Science Health and Wellness Promotion that will provide a seamless transfer to Rowan University and access to growing field of personal fitness. “As people live longer lives and desire to remain healthy through programs of personal fitness, we’ve seen a growing demand for athletic trainers and health educators,” said Al Campanella, Executive Vice President for Virtua. “Students who complete their associate and bachelor’s degrees in this field will be well prepared for a career in state-of-the-art fitness centers, similar to Virtua’s three Health and Wellness centers in southern New Jersey.” Students can join this program now for the fall. “This is a great way for students to enter a field that is growing and of interest to many of us who want long, healthy and fulfilling lives,” said RCBC Dean of Health Sciences Dr. Karen Montalto. “Our goal through the Virtua partnership is to ensure our programs are
aligned with the healthcare needs of today and tomorrow and this career path certainly meets that objective.” Health Sciences jobs are among the fastest growing in the country. The projected growth between 2014 and 2024 is 21 percent for athletic trainers and 13 percent for health educators. These careers also carry very competitive salaries. Median pay is $44,670 for athletic trainers, $47,010 for exercise physiologists and $43,840 for health educators and community health workers. “Students who take this track can earn their bachelor’s degree from Rowan University to enter a high-growth, high-pay field,” said RCBC President Paul Drayton. “This is a great example of the Classroom to Career opportunities RCBC students have because of our partnerships with Rowan University and Virtua.” This program will cover nutritional requirements for consumers that promote health and wellness, explore the relationship of exercise science with health and wellness and serve as the essential first step for the student who wishes to continue in this field.
ACADEMICS>>PAGE 17
Shamong Cancels Meeting Due to Lacking Quorum By Adam Tait III
For the Pine Barrens Tribune
SHAMONG—A rare meeting cancellation occurred here on June 14 when lack of a quorum forced the township to cancel a committee meeting. There are five members on
the committee here and only two would have been able to attend the meeting. A majority of three are needed to conduct business. This forced the cancellation. Shamong’s next scheduled meeting is a work session, scheduled for Tuesday, June 27.
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Atlantic City Electric Holds Annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast For the Pine Barrens Tribune
MAYS LANDING—Atlantic City Electric recognized approximately 100 employees during its recent Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast held at the Buena Vista Country Club. The annual event honors company employees who make a difference in their respective communities through volunteerism. Julie Reed and Ron Mascola were named the Atlantic City Electric 2016 Volunteers of the Year. “Our commitment to the community is very important to us,” said Vince Maione, Atlantic City Electric region president. “We are thrilled so many of our employees participate in events and volunteer initiatives each year to support numerous organizations in the communities we live and work.” Julie Reed, a senior business analyst and 20-year Atlantic City Electric employee, participates in numerous volunteer events and initiatives in her community. “It’s most rewarding knowing I can make a positive impact in someone’s life through volunteerism,” Reed said. “Sometimes it’s the little things that have the greatest effect on others.” Reed dedicates countless hours as an assistant coach, treasurer and concession director of the Smyrna-Clayton youth football, baseball and cheerleading leagues. Reed plans volunteer events throughout the year to bring attention to childhood cancer, breast cancer awareness as well as recognizing military personnel at youth football games.
She is also an associate member of Clayton Fire Company No.1, assisting with fundraising events for the brave men and women who risk their lives to keep our communities safe. Fifteen-year Atlantic City Electric employee and senior field engineering technician Ron Mascola dedicates most of his free time as president of the Hammonton Fire Company No. 1. In addition to fire company volunteer events, Mascola volunteers at company-sponsored events including the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk and the Special Olympics Beach Bump event. Mascola also supports the Hammonton Cancer Society along with his wife Joan who is a member of this organization. “Volunteerism is important to me,” Mascola said. “I have always had the desire to help and assist others. I would encourage anyone thinking about volunteering to be part of the action and get involved.” Also recognized were the Atlantic City Electric linemen that operate the company’s Safety Trailer that is used throughout the community to educate students, first responders and emergency personnel about electrical safety. Atlantic City Electric encourages employee participation in community volunteer activities. Each year, hundreds of Atlantic City Electric employees donate thousands of hours of their personal time to help support local organizations, community events and volunteer initiatives.
Proposed $42 Million RCBC Budget Maintains $135 Per Credit Tuition For the Pine Barrens Tribune
MOUNT LAUREL—New Jersey’s topranked community college will remain its most affordable under a budget proposal approved by the Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) Board of Trustees. The $42.1 million spending plan will keep in-county tuition and fees at $135.50 per credit, maintaining the lowest rate in the state, while the college has transformed itself into a national model for high-quality education through innovations such as its Rowan University partnership and Workforce Development Institute. The college has held the line against tuition increases that have become common throughout the country for two consecutive years.
“The two most important things a college can offer is high quality and affordability,” said RCBC President Paul Drayton. “We have redefined how a college can offer exceptional quality at a price that won’t burden students with huge piles of debt. This budget will support many of our ongoing efforts to improve the campus experience, increase student success and workforce development and offer new programs in growing fields without raising costs on students.” At a time when college enrollment is declining throughout the nation, RCBC achieved an enrollment increase this spring and projects to build upon that momentum in the
TUITION>>PAGE 20
Senator Addiego Bill to Allow Drug Donations Advanced by Senate Panel For the Pine Barrens Tribune
MEDFORD—Legislation sponsored by Senator Dawn Marie Addiego (R-Burlington, Camden, Atlantic), to help the uninsured or underinsured through the use of donated prescription and over-the-counter drugs, was advanced by the NJ Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. “We already have a number of programs in place to collect unused medication, so it can be destroyed, but just because it’s unused doesn’t mean it’s not useful,” Addiego said. “Unexpired medication can and should be going to individuals who need it, but otherwise might not have access to it because of how much it costs.” The legislation, S-2560, allows private entities to establish drug donation programs where various healthcare providers,
pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies can donate over-the-counter and prescription drugs for use by people who are uninsured or underinsured. It also provides the drug donors with a credit against their state gross income taxes equal to the cost of the drugs that were donated. In order to be acceptable for donation, the medication must be unexpired and contained in a tamper evident package or sealed in single-dose units or blister pack. Medications that are classified as controlled dangerous substances would be permitted. Addiego said the legislation could help the state save some money. If programs that pay for prescription drugs, like Medicaid and Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) start getting a steady supply
SENATOR>>PAGE 18
PHOTO SUBMITTED Pictured are Atlantic City Electric 2016 Volunteers of the Year Julie Reed and Ron Mascola. Atlantic City Electric recognized approximately 100 employees during its recent annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast to honor company employees who make a difference in their respective communities through volunteerism.
Board of Nursing Suspends Certification of Home Health Aide Allegedly Caught on Camera Stealing For the Pine Barrens Tribune
EVESHAM—Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced on June 22 that the state’s Board of Nursing has temporarily suspended the certification of a homemaker-home health aide who worked in Burlington County. Leanne R. Tucker, 41, of Williamstown, was arrested on theft charges after a hidden video camera allegedly caught her stealing money and prescription medication from an elderly woman living in Evesham who was in her care. She was charged with theft of cash and theft of a controlled dangerous substance. She allegedly stole $80 and an unknown number of prescription pills while providing in-home care to the 81-year-old woman. Evesham Township Police arrested Tucker on May 6 after video surveillance footage allegedly showed the aide stealing the items a day earlier. In an Interim Consent Order with the state’s Board of Nursing, Tucker agreed to the temporary suspension of her Certified Homemaker-Home Health Aide (CHHA) certification, pending the resolution of the criminal charges against her, at which time additional disciplinary action may be taken. “Instead of watching over the elderly woman entrusted to her care, this aide allegedly spent her time casing the home in search of items to steal,” Porrino said. “Unfortunately, for her, cameras don’t lie and now she will face the consequences of her alleged crimes.” Steve Lee, director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, said that no family should have to worry that a loved one will be victimized by the very person responsible for their care. “The board will continue to protect New Jersey families by enforcing the professional
standards set for Certified Homemaker-Home Health Aides and taking swift action against aides who fail to live up to those standards,” Lee said. Tucker, an employee of the Right at Home health care service firm, began providing in-home care to the elderly resident in March. The woman’s family purchased and installed the hidden video camera in her home after weeks of noticing various amounts of money missing from her wallet. The camera installed by Tucker’s family is similar to the micro-surveillance technology used in New Jersey’s “Safe Care Cam” program, which makes hidden cameras available for free 30-day loans to families who suspect a loved one is being abused, neglected or otherwise victimized by a health-care provider at home or in a residential facility. Individuals who wish to participate in the Safe Care Cam program can call 973-504-6375 and leave a message in a voice mailbox that is monitored by Division of Consumer Affairs staff. Or they can call the Division’s toll-free line 800-242-5846 and follow voice prompts to leave a message. For more information on the Safe Care Cam program, go to www.safecarecam.com. Investigators with the Enforcement Bureau within the Division of Consumer Affairs conducted the investigation. Deputy Attorney General Wendy Leggett Faulk, of the Consumer Affairs Counseling Section of the Division of Law, represented the state in this matter. Patients who believe that they have been treated by a licensed health-care professional in an inappropriate manner can file an online complaint with the state Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846.
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Saturday, June 24, 2017
SCANNER ATV Overturns on Private Property in Southampton Seriously Injuring Woman SOUTHAMPTON—An ATV accident in Southampton Township on June 17 has left one woman seriously injured. First responders were called to a private property located in the 1700 block of Church Road at about 3:28 p.m. for a report of an overturned ATV. Trooper Alejandro Goez, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police, said the circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation. However, he said that it looks as though the driver, Heidi Waid,
Handlers and Their Pups Receive Certificates During K-9 Graduation
48, of Southampton, may have struck a ditch causing the ATV to overturn. No other vehicles were involved in the crash. Waid sustained serious, but non-lifethreatening injuries. She was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in Camden. Shikeitha Addye, 42, of Clementon; a passenger; did not sustain any serious injuries in the crash. Goez said the women were riding a Yahama Kodiak 450.
Contractor Strikes Natural Gas Line, Prompting Officials to Evacuate Two Homes MEDFORD—On June 14 at 8:14 a.m.; Medford Township Police, Fire and EMS were dispatched to the first block of Haines Ave. in Medford Township for a report that a residential 1-inch natural gas line was struck by a contractor. Police immediately evacuated four residents from two separate homes that were adjacent to the ruptured gas line. South Jersey Gas responded to the location and contained the gas leak. After approximately
two hours, the repair was made to the gas line and the evacuees were cleared to return to their homes. A police investigation revealed that a private utility locating company was called to the job site and completed a utility mark out prior to the excavation being started. However, police say the company failed to mark out the residential service line which was struck by a contractor using an excavator to dig where it was believed to be safe.
PHOTO SUBMITTED The New Jersey State Police held a graduation ceremony on June 16 for the K-9 Training School at the New Jersey Forensic Technology Complex in Hamilton.
Marlton Man Arrested for Distribution of Methamphetamines, Pills and LSD EVESHAM—On June 8, officers from the Evesham Township Police Department responded to a home in the 3700 block of Elberta Court to investigate a missing person complaint. During the investigation, officers arrested the homeowner, James Barbera, 37, of Marlton for the possession and distribution of methamphetamines, pharmaceutical pills and
LSD. The New Jersey State Police HAZMAT Unit and detectives from the Burlington County Prosecutors Office responded to the scene and assisted with the investigation due to the suspicion that the suspect was manufacturing the drugs inside the home. Barbera was lodged in the Burlington County Jail without bail.
Trailer Fire Spreads to Surrounding Barn and Shed MEDFORD—On June 13 at 9:15 p.m., Medford Township Police and Fire units responded to a residence in the 300 block of Church Road for a report of a trailer on fire. The fire not only consumed the trailer, but
it also damaged a surrounding barn and shed. The fire was investigated by the Medford Twp. Fire Marshal’s office and the cause of the fire was undetermined.
PHOTO SUBMITTED Five state troopers and several police officers from New Jersey and Pennsylvania completed 33 weeks of intensive training and recieved their certificates during the ceremony.
Motorist Failing to Stop for Red Light Causes Accident at Route 70 and Jones Road MEDFORD—On June 20 at 8:40 a.m.; Medford Police, Fire and EMS were dispatched to the intersection of Route 70 and Jones Road for a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles. An on scene investigation revealed that Brenda Keeley, 77, of Lumberton was traveling westbound on Route 70 and failed to stop for a red light, causing her to strike a vehicle driven by Brittany Enright, 27, of Voorhees. Enright was crossing over Route 70 towards Sharps Run Plaza on Jones Road when her
vehicle was struck. Enright and two passengers in her vehicle, a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old, were transported to Virtua Marlton Hospital by Medford EMS for further evaluation due to reported pain. Keeley was transported to Virtua Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly by Medford EMS, also for further evaluation after complaining of head pain. Keeley was issued a traffic summons for failure to obey a traffic control device. PHOTO SUBMITTTED Three New Jersey State Police canines were named in memory of troopers who recently died in the line of duty: Tpr. Anthony Raspa, Tpr. Sean Cullen, and Tpr. Eli McCarson.
Saturday, June 24, 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.
Guest Commentary
Letter to the Editor
Breaking Away
America Should Not Be the Land of Opportunity— Except If You’re Homeschooled
Graduation Day. Just uttering those two simple words evokes a multitude of complex emotions and dreams, both in the minds of parents and students alike. Our world has become global in scope, socially minded in conscience, technologically connected and economically tied in reality; much different than when we as parents stood in their shoes all Scott Kern those years ago. As parents, we want our kids to realize their full potential and make a difference, regardless of career or major field of study. Make good decisions. They will fail and learning will take place as a result. That may not necessarily be a bad thing. We pray their mistakes are small ones, but if not, we hope they possess the courage and integrity to do the right thing in the face of adversity, peer pressure and the always available—easy way out. Graduates from the Class of 2017: Earn it, own it and get it! To My Children:Your mom and I could not possibly be any prouder of you than we are today! As I look out over the football field, many fond memories come rushing back to me. This was where I personally watched you grow-up and come of age on the red colored track cheering on the varsity football team on Friday nights. Friday Night Lights. Moments your mom and I will never forget! You will undoubtedly continue to grow into the person you are destined to become. Today, you are leaving behind many memories of time, both good and bad, spent in the company of your closest friends.
Friends you will never forget. While those moments will never be relived, they will live on forever in your memory—continuing to help you grow and influence the person you will eventually become. You’ve had an amazing four-year run in high school. To All Graduates: In September, you will begin your next four-year phase. If you thought high school was cool, wait until you get to college. Remember it’s a journey, not a destination. Remain a nice person—not naïve, but kind. Mean people suck. They always have. They always will. Look for the good in people. If it’s not there…look a little harder. Never take yourself too seriously. Many others will do that for you in your lifetime; including strangers, work colleagues, neighbors and authority figures. Laugh at yourself. You are amazingly unique. Use that to your advantage. Laugh often. Use humor to get through the many speed bumps of life. Don’t be afraid to do something silly, waste time needlessly, wander aimlessly or act goofy. Give your brain a break now and then. Remember to just breathe. This too shall pass. The sun will shine again. I promise. “All you need is love.” is at best a half truth. Remember the Beatles were quite rich when they wrote that. You will need money. However, try not to confuse the two. True love will get you through the times where you have little or no money. Your mom and I know this to be true. Worry about what you can control in life. Let go of what you cannot control in life. Be smart to know the difference between the two. Time and experience will help teach you to understand the difference. Perform random acts of kindness, favors for friends (who didn’t ask for help) and help strangers. The feeling you receive in
AWAY>>PAGE 20
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.
I am writing in response to several “Letters to the Editor” which appeared last month in the Pine Barrens Tribune. It is our view that discrimination is taking place in the Lenape Regional High School District because homeschooled students who live in district’s sending towns are being denied access to public services designed for them and that their parents help pay for with their tax money. If we as a society pay for and benefit from having a well-educated citizenry, then we also pay for and benefit from having a well-rounded citizenry. When a family makes the sacrificial decision to lawfully educate their children in house as opposed to outsourcing, why should the children be punished for that? These programs offer students opportunities for growth, experience and socializing aside from academics. Since we all help pay for these programs, don’t we as a society benefit from giving all students access, not just some? There should be equality of opportunity. There is an inequality when some students are given access and some are not. In addition, in NJ, some districts allow homeschooler participation in activities and some don’t. This inequality is not right. Of course, a public-schooled student and home-educated student may have a different set of standards to go by, just like a special education student vs. an AP honors student, or a Sequoia student vs. a BCIT student. These students are all held to different standards, yet they are all given access to after-school programs in the district. The student who just barely passes all of his or her classes can
be eligible just like a student who works very hard to get all A’s in his or her AP classes. The key is that homeschoolers should receive an equivalent education to that of the local public school. Legal precedent states that an equivalent education refers only to academics, and nothing else. Therefore, if a home-educated student wishes to participate, they can provide evidence that an equivalent education is taking place so that the eligibility requirements are met. Numerous districts throughout the state and across the country have figured out how to handle this, usually with a portfolio and sometimes with scores from a standardized test. We hope that someday our district will get on board and do the same. As far as behavioral requirements, a home-educated student can provide character references to start, then be disqualified from participation should problems arise. Attendance records can be noted by the parents who can supply the student’s schedule. Again, all these things are already being done in many districts and chaos has not ensued. It’s difficult to not be emotional when you are fighting for your child—please forgive me for that. I had stated that denying children equal access is un-American because it is contrary to liberty and freedom: the principles that this country is founded on. America is “The land of opportunity.” America should not be, “The land of opportunity - except if you’re homeschooled.” That is where I stand. Let them play! Marni Cunard Tabernacle, New Jersey
Social Media Sound Off (Re: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Held in Vincentown for Village Green) They did a good job. They just need a trash can for people who like to eat their lunch there. Cheryl Crain Morgan (Re: Woodland Mayor’s Adversaries Question Reason for Getz’s Candidacy) Laught out loud! Charge the Cranberry Festival Committee a fee?! Ha! This is a committee that sets up a festival which brings thousands of dollars to many of the residents of this town and thousands of dollars that the IRS never knows about. Russ Adams (Re: Woodland Mayor’s Adversaries Question Reason for Getz’s Candidacy) The Cranberry Festival Committee is all volunteer. It is a lot of work to plan throughout the year and I am sure it can be a headache for them, but, in the end they enjoy it and thousands of people look forward to this two day event. People come from all over to either sell their merchandise or buy crafts, eat the great food and listen to the band. As far as charging them, there are plenty of people who don’t obtain a permit to park cars at their own home and don’t contribute a portion of their profits to the township. I am not saying all homeowners because I am well aware some make a donation to the Chatsworth HSA for the children of our town to benefit from. If you’re going to charge the Festival Committee, then you should charge everyone a permit regardless of whom they are and what position they hold in our township. You can’t pick and choose who obtains a permit. That is just wrong! Dawn Boden-Johnson
Please comment on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Twitter: @PineBarrensNews with the hashtag #SoundOff or Facebook: www.facebook.com/pinebarrenstribune.
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Saturday, June 24, 2017
PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE
COMMUNITY Events
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 be set up beginning 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, 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: 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. 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: 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: 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. 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 service too! 2 Hartford Road, Medford. Handicapped accesses available. For more information call 609-654-8111.
July 1 Event: Snakes of the Pine Barrens Location: Bass River State Forest Details: Come out to Bass River State Forest, Lake Absegami Beach Breezeway, July 1, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. to see and learn about snakes of the Pine Barrens. Bring a flashlight and something to sit on; ADA accessible. This is a free event; donations are welcome. For more information, call 609-296-1114. Event: Looking for Players for 10 U Travel Fall Baseball Location: Tabernacle Details: New opportunity for a new team! Travel baseball players are wanted for Tabernacle and the surrounding areas. Designed for players wanting to learn the fundamentals and skills along with the mental approach to take baseball to the next level for fun and exciting play. Please respond by July 1. Call 609-388-4233, or email tabtravelbaseball@gmail.com for more information.
PEMBERTON TWP. SENIOR CITIZEN COLUMN
July 5 Event: Adult Yarn Social Location: Evesham Details: Do you knit or crochet? Come out to Evesham Library for an hour or so of relaxed yarn time, 11 a.m., Wednesdays from July 5 through July 26. Share your current project, ask for pointers, swap patterns, or just enjoy the company of fellow enthusiasts. 984 Tuckerton Road, Evesham. For more information, call 856-983-1444. Event: Introduction to the Internet Location: Evesham Details: This beginners class introduces uses of the mouse, navigating web pages using a browser, and searching with Google. 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Evesham Branch Library, 984 Tuckerton Road, Evesham. For more information, call 856-983-1444.
July 8 Event: Full Moon Hike Location: Bass River State Forest Details: Come out to Bass River State Forest, Lake Absegami Beach Breezeway, and enjoy a full moon hike, 8:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. Bring a flashlight and insect repellent. Must be 8 years of age or older. $3 per person; pre-registration required (limit of 25 people). 609-296-1114. Event: Over Eaters Anonymous Location: Whiting Details: Over Eaters Anonymous announces a new meeting schedule, Saturdays, beginning July 8 at 11 a.m. Christ Lutheran Church, 40 School House Road, Whiting. No dues or fees.
July 10 Event: Vacation Bible School Location: Pemberton Details: July 10 – 14, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., for kids Kindergarten through 6th Grade. First Baptist Church, 59 Hanover Street, Pemberton. For more information, contact the church office Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 609-894-8685.
Buzby’s Last Day
Seniors Learn About New Medicare/Medicaid Plan By Ebba Liguori
For the Pine Barrens Tribune
PEMBERTON—On Tuesday morning, Marisol Cochran, an authorized and licensed insurance agent for Amerigroup of New Jersey, visited the senior center to present information on a relatively new medical health insurance program for Burlington County residents. This plan was first introduced last year and is now being expanded to Burlington County and other South Jersey areas. This program sounds like something everyone would want, but it is limited to those who receive both Medicare and Medicaid. If you have a limited income, you may be eligible for Medicaid. Once one is enrolled in this “2017 New Jersey Amerivantage Dual Coordination (HMO SNP) Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan,” one will not need to pay anything for covered services. There are no premiums, no copays, and no deductibles. The plan covers all hospital services and in-network physicians; including specialists. It even covers dental care, hearing, vision and podiatry care. Part D prescriptions drugs that are on the “formulary” are available at no cost and you can even receive $672 per year for approved healthcare items such as
over-the-counter medications. One can even participate in the “Silver Sneakers Fitness Program.” A 24-hour access to a nurse helpline is also included. This is such a well thought out plan for limited-income seniors, there is no excuse for not at least checking it out. One can contact Cochran at 732-379-7441, TTY: 711, during business hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, or go online and email Marisol.cochrane@amerigroup.com. She will assist you in determining if this is a plan in which you are eligible to participate. This is good news for our limitedincome seniors, so check it out. For those who have diabetes, or are caregivers of a diabetic, on Wednesdays there will be a special six-week program beginning on Aug. 2 and ending on Sept. 6. The program will begin at 10:30 a.m. and run for one hour, breaking for lunch at 11:30 a.m. Janet Knoth from Quality Insights will visit the center and provide information on dealing with diabetes through activities and meal planning. There is no charge for this program and participation will help you better manage your diabetic condition. Please register in
SENIORS>>PAGE 13
PHOTO BY SKIP HARRIS Customers flock to the Chatsworth General Store, known as Buzby’s, for the store’s going out of business sale held on June 17.
Saturday, June 24, 2017
PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM
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PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM
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Saturday, June 24, 2017
Saturday, June 24, 2017
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PHOTO BY SKIP HARRIS
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Saturday, June 24, 2017
PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE
GRADUATION COVERAGE Shawnee Principal Offers Five Pieces of Advice to Graduates By Jayne Cabrilla
For the Pine Barrens Tribune
MEDFORD—As excited graduates from Shawnee High School’s Class of 2017 lined up on the school’s football field for their processional on June 16, the school’s ensemble and wind ensemble entertained proud parents and grandparents. Shawnee Student Council members from the Class of 2018 were on hand to pass out programs and bottled water and, if needed, to help the elderly. When everyone was in place, the school’s band struck up the ever-traditional graduation song, “Pomp and Circumstance.” 381 smiling seniors, donning cap and gown, waved to their loved ones as they paraded past bleachers to take their seats. Principal Matthew Campbell welcomed the audience and then spoke directly to the graduates. “Every year, in my graduation speech, I give a piece of advice to the students,” he said. “But this year, I’m going to give you five pieces of advice.” Campbell advised the graduates to have a positive attitude, love what they do, work hard, be aware that digital footprints last forever, and surround themselves with people who have their best interests at heart. Campbell also told the seniors to make smart decisions as there are no more do-overs. Dana B. Goldstein, president of the graduating class, spoke of the importance of being passionate and taking advantage of
opportunities that spark passion. Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Richard Dodd gave a presentation of straight-A students, which included Molly Baechler, Steven Campbell, Grace Gibson, and Madison Heaton. Dodd also announced students with perfect attendance all four years: Gibson, Peter Poblete, Scott Reader and Valentine Ro. Valedictorian Steven Campbell gave a comic speech with a serious message. He said that he had reflected on how depressing their lives were because the older generations had let them down with no flying cars and vacation trips to Mars. “It is not just one step—but together many small steps which can be a positive force in changing the world,” Campbell said. Assistant Principal Barbara Fuoco recognized the top 10 percent of the Class of 2017. Ryann DiNatale, also an assistant principal, recognized students entering the armed forces: Thomas Robinson, NROTC Scholarship at the University of Maryland; Nicholas DiMona III, U.S. Army; Jax Luzinski, U.S. Military Academy at West Point; Vito Tafaro and Drew Werosta, U.S. Navy; Joseph J. Trombley, U.S. Marine Corps; and Alexander Joseph Feighery, U.S. Army ROTC at Catholic University. Salutatorian Megan Strachan spoke about some of the things she learned in high school. “Fun is not determined by what you do, but by who you are with,” she said. “By trying new things, I learned that some frightening and
Threatening Skies Didn’t Dim Enthusiasm at Pemberton High School’s Commencement By Adam Tait III
For the Pine Barrens Tribune
PEMBERTON—The clouds were menacing, but never even put a damper on the 58th annual commencement exercises here last Friday night, June 16. 247 graduates, along with their families and friends, were all in a festive mood. Those attending and participating cheered lustily as the students marched in. They continued enthusiastically throughout the entire evening. The high school band played Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance.” Principal Eder Joseph briefly introduced the Class of 2017, before the JROTC presented the national colors. Eder later gave a longer speech to the seniors.
Those remarks were particularly telling. He emphasized to the seniors that “commencement” meant beginning, not end, and that this moment was a major step to adulthood. Then came another highlight of the ceremonies. Senior Siobhan McGuiness, whose voice has brightened so many gatherings during the past few years, sang her final song as a Pemberton student, “The Star Spangled Banner.” Senior Class President Anthony Joseph, William & Mary bound in the fall, welcomed those attending, adding a heartfelt tribute to his mother.
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Pinelands’ Valedictorian and Salutatorian Reflect on Their High School Experience For the Pine Barrens Tribune
LITTLE EGG HARBOR—Pinelands Regional High School seniors are looking forward to beginning the next chapter of their lives. One of the staples of any graduation ceremony is the addresses made by the class valedictorian and salutatorian. 18-year-old Glenn Brown was named valedictorian. The salutatorian is 17-year-old Susanna Cardillo. Brown has been involved in varsity football and basketball. He is also a member of both the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.
“Glenn truly impressed me this year with his dedication to his classes,” said Shaun Banin, principal of Pinelands Regional High School. “He possesses the work ethic and demeanor that will ensure his success in the future.” Brown plans to study biology at The College of New Jersey. Cardillo has been involved in varsity field hockey and lacrosse, where she captained both teams. She also has been involved in the Spanish Club, One Way Club—where she was president this year—Leed and Seed, and has been a member of Wildcats in Action since 2011. Cardillo represented “good character” in
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PHOTO BY AUSTIN MARSDALE Shawnee Principal Matthew Campbell offers some advice to the Class of 2017 during a June 16 commencement ceremony. awkward things are worth it.” Assistant Principal Lorna Fairess congratulated the nearly 100 Shawnee students who had won monetary awards and scholarships from 70 local clubs, foundations, associations and merchants. Dr. Justin Smith, Assessment,
Accountability and Planning Coordinator of the Lenape Regional High School District, presented the Class of 2017. He introduced two graduating Student Council members, Jack Dougherty and Samar Ahsan, who read the names of each student as they were presented with their diplomas.
335 Graduates Sent off From Seneca as ‘Global Thinkers’ and ‘Problem Solvers’ By Judy Cohen Minches For the Pine Barrens Tribune
TABERNACLE—Commencement exercises for Seneca High School seniors began at 6 p.m. on June 16 at the Golden Eagles’ football field and ended two hours later with young adults eager to begin the next chapter of their lives. Amid all the excitement on the field was the distribution of a program, which listed 335 graduates and a multitude of student accomplishments: Recognition of Students’ Academic Achievements—Top 10 Percent, Perfect Attendance for Four Years (four students), Straight A Students for Four Years (four students), Recognition of Students’ Military Service (10 students), and the National Honor Society (71 students). An estimated 70 additional awards and honors from a variety of sponsors listing a wide range of criteria were also included in the program. The ceremony started with a processional by the Seneca Band, followed by the presentation of colors by the Seneca Air Force JROTC and the National Anthem and Alma Mater by the Seneca Singers. The welcome address was presented by Student Council President James “J.J.” Scarpello, whose sister stood in the same spot one year ago. “The Seneca family means support, guidance and advice,” he said. He pointed to the school’s teachers, coaches and advisers as an integral part of life for hundreds of students. Scarpello also offered some words of wisdom
to his fellow graduates. “Life will have its ups and downs with some really bad days, but it is important to remember that life is a journey,” he said. He advised everyone to interact positively with one another. Valedictorian Kevin Woytowich spoke about the complex journey into the adult world, showing a parallel between real life and the kind of obstacles experienced by the crew in the “Apollo 13” movie. He referred to the inevitable twists and turns in life and stressed the importance of remaining “level-headed and adaptable when we are faced with challenges, switching gears as needed.” Salutatorian Ashley Paetow said that one of her goals in high school was to achieve the highest marks she could earn; having accomplished that, she is now looking forward to where that next chapter in life will take her. Senior Class President Elizabeth Hagmayer, whose sister had also held the same position, expressed her pride in what she believed was a unique support system at Seneca, with students cheering for each other’s teams during sporting events and spirit activities. Principal Jeffrey Spector read a thank-you note that he received from a student after a class trip, which he said also expressed his sentiments to the Class of 2017. In the letter, the student thanked the principal for helping to create students who are “global thinkers” and “problem solvers,” and called the senior class empathetic, optimistic and
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PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM
‘Without Hope, There Is Nothing;’ Lenape Graduates Told of the Importance of Perseverance By Mark Hatoff
For the Pine Barrens Tribune
MEDFORD—Perseverance. Overcoming challenges. Facing adversity. Happy for past opportunities, but ready to face the future. Hope. Even the movie “Cars 3.” These were the themes and messages expressed by school and district representatives, parents and students at the 57th Annual Commencement of Lenape High School at Richard M. Driscoll Stadium on June 16. After opening remarks from Student Council President Jenna Goldstein and the National Anthem, performed by the Lenape Combined Chorus, Principal Anthony Cattani praised the members of the graduating Class of 2017 for their ability to teach as well as learn. “Effective education is a two-way street,” Cattani said. “There’s a Latin proverb that states, ‘By learning, you will teach. By teaching, you will learn.’ All members of the community learn from each other. Just as members of the Class of 2017 have spent countless hours learning from their teachers, parents, school staff and peers, they have also devoted countless hours to teaching us all about perseverance, dedication, service to others, achieving success, and many other successful approaches to life.” Cattani mentioned that of the 403 graduating students, some have been accepted to 224 different colleges and universities around the country, while others have chosen to enter into careers or elected to enter the armed forces. A number of the Lenape graduating seniors have had to show perseverance during high school, including Kait Kuleza, Rachel Fox and Michael Higgins, who was the evening’s salutatorian. “My best memory at Lenape is winning states in lacrosse in my freshman year,” said Kuleza, who played lacrosse, basketball and field hockey at the school. During her junior year, she was told by doctors that she could no longer play competitive sports due to discovering that she was born with the coronary artery of her heart formed on the opposite side. “I loved playing and also going to games,” she said. Even though she could no longer play, Kuleza found that she was still able to contribute in lacrosse, her favorite sport. “Lenape was great in that she was made an honorary assistant coach for lacrosse in her senior year,” said Ted Kuleza, father of Kait, who was honored at the team’s end-of-the-year banquet. “That kept her involved in the sport that she loves and her heart condition led to her becoming interested in Exercise Science which she will study at West Chester University.” Kait is the last of four siblings to graduate from Lenape, following Ted Jr., Casey and Dan, who graduated last year. “It will be bittersweet (not having anyone going to Lenape),” said mother Nancy Kuleza. “Each of our kids was different and the school offered something for each of them.” Fox, who will be majoring in TV Production with a concentration in Sound Design and minoring in Computer Science at California State University-Northridge, began high school on a different path and said that she owes Lenape (and her parents) for helping her persevere and discover her passion. “I was taking classes for engineering, but all along I was helping at Lenape TV, working on set design and lighting for the theater
productions,” said Fox, who especially recognized Television Broadcasting Technology teacher Peyton Ebbeson as a strong influence. “In my junior year, I just had an epiphany. I didn’t want to be an engineer. I told my parents and luckily they were cool with it. They said that I was lucky that I was able to follow my dream.” Higgins had to persevere while at Lenape as well, having gone through a few setbacks, as he mentioned during his salutatorian speech. Luckily, he had hope to get him through, a feeling that he thinks all of his fellow graduates can use to their advantage in the future. “To quote my favorite movie, ‘The Shawshank Redemption,’ which features none other than Morgan Freeman, the voice of God himself, ‘Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things and no good things ever die,’” Higgins said. “Whether you realize it or not, hope has been our greatest asset through our high school years. When we were in our darkest of times, we all knew that grass was greener over the horizon.” Higgins said that he was hit hard this year when he was faced with the news of three close relatives suffering serious illnesses. His maternal grandmother died of lung cancer just five days into the recently-completed school year. His aunt on his father’s side has had the same diagnosis for more than nine months. His grandfather on his dad’s side was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer. He hasn’t let this bother him. “I wholeheartedly believe that my grandmother is in a better place than she once was,” Higgins said. “I think that my aunt will have more good days than bad days with the time she has left and I believe my grandfather will keep getting better and continue to crack the worst jokes in the world.” Higgins wrapped up his talk with some advice for his fellow classmates. “I have the power to see the future optimistically and believe each graduate here does as well,” Higgins said. “Hope just needs to exist, because without hope, there is nothing. If not for yourself, be hopeful for the sake of those around you. Some may say giving up is the easy thing to do, but I say hoping is the easy thing to do. Hope can always be there for wherever we are going in life.” Although nearly all of the night’s speakers recognized Lenape’s staff as a whole, there were a few people who were especially singled out. In his address, Senior Class President Evan Mufalli chose to honor Class of 2017 advisers Stephanie Fox and Rich Jacobs, who he referred to as “two of the most caring and thoughtful individuals I’ve had the pleasure of knowing at Lenape.” He also credited English teacher Nicole Mustaccio with teaching him his most powerful sentiment. “Be true to yourself and be true to others,” Mufalli said. “As Ms. Mustaccio says, if you can do this, you can do good in the world.” Valedictorian Saransh Chopra spoke about his two favorite teachers. “I would like to recognize science teacher Mr. (James) Hessler and math instructor Mr. (Robert) Spitz who, after devoting a combined 59 years of service to Lenape, will be retiring at the end of this year,” he said. “This is quite an amazing accomplishment.” Near the middle of the commencement ceremony, Cattani spoke about Linda Schwartz, who also is stepping down as Lenape
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Pinelands Graduates Urged to Build a Solid Foundation for Their Future By Catherine Galioto
For the Pine Barrens Tribune
LITTLE EGG HARBOR—With a celebratory toss of their caps, Pinelands Regional High School’s Class of 2017 entered the next chapter of their lives after graduating on June 19. Family members, supporters and faculty cheered on the 255 graduates and listened to words of wisdom from several distinguished speakers; including Valedictorian Glenn Brown, Salutatorian Susanna Cardillo, Principal Shaun Banin, Superintendent Dr. Maryann Banks and Pinelands Regional Board of Education President Susan Ernst; during a nearly 90-minute commencement exercise. The commencement exercise was held in the school’s auditorium due to inclement weather. “This is your first true ‘Now what?’ moment,” Banin said. “Whereas in years prior you had the assurance of knowing that a choice was already made for you and you had to go to school— from this day forward the choice of where you go is now yours.” Brown said in his valedictorian speech that the future may be uncertain, but asked of his fellow classmates to remember that “you can’t slow the rush of time.” He also said that it was a joyous and bittersweet occasion that he and his fellow classmates are moving on from high school, despite the countless memories that had been made over the last four years. He urged listeners to not forget to make time for the small moments that contain precious memories—as they go whizzing by. Brown, 17, is from Tuckerton and the son of Glenn and Lacey Brown.
Cardillo emphasized her love of God and Jesus Christ during her salutatorian speech. She urged graduates to ask themselves “How can I build a solid foundation for my future?” She said the answer would be to “build your house on rock and not on sand.” She ended her speech by singing “Praise God,” which drew a standing ovation. Before concluding her remarks, however, she discussed how the class was in eighth grade when Superstorm Sandy struck the sending towns of the school district. She said the storm was a real test for the community which experienced significant damage. “We observed the personal hardships experienced by our families and friends as the storm threatened our homes,” Cardillo said. “Unexpected storms will come throughout each of our own lives. We stand in a world that is constantly shifting and changing. We need a foundation—something that remains timeless and something that remains constant.” Cardillo, 17, is the daughter of Peter and Theresa Cardillo of Little Egg Harbor. Banks and Ernst congratulated the class on their accomplishments. Those congratulations matched those from parents and friends in the audience who filled the auditorium. The ceremony was televised to an overflow crowd in the gymnasium. The traditional ceremony included “Pomp and Circumstance” as played by the school’s band. Senior members of the high-school chorus came downstage to perform in-between speeches. But, there were also untraditional elements
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Cherokee’s Class of 2017 Told to ‘Dream Big’ During Send Off By Scott Kern
For the Pine Barrens Tribune
EVESHAM—On this past Friday night, June 16, a humid summer evening, Cherokee High School celebrated its 40th Annual commencement exercises at the William H. Foltz Stadium. The Cherokee Symphonic Band, directed by D. Michael Lynch, kicked off the festivities with processional music as 567 graduating Cherokee seniors, proudly wearing brown and white gowns, walked the track circling the football field. Parents, friends and family members cheered on the Class of 2017 carrying balloons, waving signs and snapping photographs. Salutatorian Pooja Patel provided the welcome address. Patel’s opening remarks highlighted her unique experience as a Cherokee Chief as well as the optimism she feels as she and her fellow classmates ready themselves for the next steps in their respective journeys. She concluded her remarks quoting William Shakespeare: “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves.” Donna Charlesworth, principal of Cherokee North, addressed the Class of 2017 next. She provided a recap of senior year and highlighted the Powder Puff football victory, Mr. Cherokee competition, Disney Trip, Senior Prom, Cherokee 38 and South Jersey Group 4 Championship season. She also spoke about family themes, building relationships and continuing to strive to be a ‘community of people’ when they leave this campus tonight. “Tonight we are one town, one pride, one tribe,” Charlesworth said. “A Chief is someone
in charge of his own destiny. Always dream big, work hard and carry your Cherokee Pride with you wherever you go. Remember your roots trace back to Cherokee. You will always bleed orange. Once a Chief. Always a Chief.” Michael McShane, president of the school’s Class of 2017, presented the class gift to the administration. McShane used the opportunity to remind his fellow students that there are endless opportunities to succeed in life. Assistant Principal Christopher Callinan recognized outstanding academic achievement, including Straight-A students, Perfect Attendance and Top 10 Percent of Class. Athletic Director Scott Agnew acknowledged seniors receiving financial awards as well as those students committing to military service upon graduation. McShane and Student Council President Daniel Schwartz read the names of the graduating seniors during the presentation of diplomas. Valedictorian Matthew DeCesare concluded the ceremony. DeCesare fondly recalled endless days of video games and 3-on-3 basketball. He poked fun at his older brother, Mark, Valedictorian of the Class of 2014, and thanked his parents and friends for helping him make this journey. DeCesare concluded his speech quoting the 1986 movie, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” “Life moves pretty fast,” he said. “If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Congratulations to the Cherokee High School Class of 2017 from this “former” Cherokee High School Graduate—Class of 1979.
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PHOTO BY PAT CARNEY
PHOTO BY PAT CARNEY Dr. Carol Birnbohm, superintendent of the Lenape Regional High School District, addresses Lenape students.
PHOTO BY AUSTIN MARSDALE Shawnee Class of 2017 President, Dana Goldstein, addresses her peers.
PHOTO BY AUSTIN MARSDALE Students eagerly await to have their names called to receive their diplomas.
PHOTO BY JENNIFER PEACOCK Many Pinelands Regional seniors decorated their caps. Here, “What a long, strange trip it’s been 2017.”
PHOTO BY JENNIFER PEACOCK Pinelands Regional School District Board of Education members, as well as the high school’s administrators, line up on stage before the graduating Class of 2017.
The ceremonial tossing of the caps at Lenape’s graduation.
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Skies threaten, but don’t dim enthusiasm at Cherokee’s graduation.
Seneca Student Council President, James “J.J.” Scarpello.
Two Pemberton students appear deep in thought.
PHOTO BY SCOTT KERN
PHOTO BY SKIP HARRIS
PHOTO BY TOM WALKER
Messages abound on students’ caps during Cherokee speeches.
A congratulatory hug is exchanged at Seneca commencement.
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PHOTO BY SCOTT KERN
PHOTO BY SKIP HARRIS
PHOTO BY TOM WALKER Pemberton Class of 2017 President Anthony Joseph addresses his fellow graduates.
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HOPE
PAGE G3 Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) President after six years. Schwartz now has two daughters who graduated from Lenape, including 2017 graduate Danielle. “Schwartz worked on project graduation,” Cattani said. “She worked tirelessly, even when not having a senior in school to benefit from her hard work. She was the glue that held the PTO together and she will be sorely missed as she moves on to life after Lenape PTO.” There were a number of famous quotations cited during the evening, such as Mufalli’s use of a quote by Walt Disney. “As Walt Disney once said, ‘We don’t stand around here for very long, we keep moving forward,’” Mufalli said. “Seniors, keep moving forward and be the change you want to see in this world.” Just as important to Cattani, however, were quotes provided by graduating seniors that he pulled from the school yearbook, quotes that offered advice to Lenape’s incoming freshmen. “Jack Koerner wrote, ‘Believe in how far you’ve come, have faith in how far you’ll go,’” Cattani said. “Everyone sitting here tonight has had to overcome some kind of challenge for you to get to this point.” Cattani next made note of Mark Robinson. “For all that you have accomplished, I encourage you to follow Robinson’s yearbook advice and that is to ‘Stay humble,’” Cattani said. “In my opinion, humility is the key to continuous personal growth.” Stating, “I love this one,” Cattani brought up Rebecca Agbaje. “Rebecca wrote, ‘Stay focused,’” Cattani said. “Stay true to yourself. Take classes that interest you and you will make some amazing memories because these four years will fly by. I know I sound like your mom, but your mom is right.” For his last example, Cattani brought up Claudia Engelhardt, who, perhaps channeling Ferris Bueller, wrote, “Don’t rush it. Enjoy the small things, because life moves so fast.” Following Cattani’s thanking of organizations and sponsors who provided 55 scholarship awards (valued at more than $73,000) to the Class of 2017, an announcement by class representatives Eric Fei and Sydney Woodsum Finnell of the class gift for improvements to the courtyard, and a last performance by the Lenape Chorus of “Go the Distance,” from the Disney film “Hercules,” it was time for the presentation of the Class of 2017 by Lenape Regional High School District Superintendent Dr. Carol Birnbohm. It was Birnbohm who made the connection between the graduating class and “Cars 3.” “Tonight is one of the most important nights of your life and also your family’s life, but coincidentally, it is also an important night in
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Wildcats in Action, where she was co-president this year. Additionally, Cardillo has been a member of the Ministry team and Youth Group at Calvary Baptist Church in Tuckerton. She has participated in numerous mission trips. including to places such as Dayton, Ohio, York, Pennsylvania, and Churachandpur, India— where she taught at Hope Baptist Academy and
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FOUNDATION my family, for it is also the opening night for the long-awaited sequel of the Disney Pixar movie ‘Cars,’” Birnbohm said. “The original ‘Cars’ movie came out the year you started your school careers in first grade. We don’t know what Lightning McQueen’s latest adventures will be, just as you don’t know everywhere your journey will take you after Lenape. But graduates, I would certainly buy a ticket to the movie of your life.” Later in her speech, Birnbohm made sure to draw attention to the important people in the graduates’ lives. “When looking at the previews of your life, they show a resilient human spirit, commitment to each other and commitment to community and commitment to achievement,” Birnbohm said. “The extras in your movie, who are here tonight, were cast to fill several roles. During your school careers, many of you found your first love, like McQueen did with Sally, or found a life-long best friend like Mater. Just like the members of the pit crew who supported McQueen’s races, your parents were there to patch you up and help guide you to new experiences. All of these people in your life became not just extras, but important supporting characters. If you carry the lessons learned from all of us, your supporting cast, and continue to work hard and give back to your community and have fun, you will soon be looking back on your life from the winner’s circle.” Birnbohm concluded her remarks by stating that the Lenape Class of 2017 had fulfilled all of its requirements and earned the right to be awarded a Lenape High School diploma. Then what followed was the moment the seniors had been waiting for—the presentation of diplomas to the 403 students that started with Benjamin Adams and ended with Matthew Ziegler. After the last name was read, Mufalli returned to the podium to instruct his fellow classmates on moving the tassels on their caps from the left to the right side, signifying that they were now officially Lenape graduates. The celebration was on. Earlier, during his speech, Mufalli spoke with concern about the state of the world, but hope for the future. “I could take the optimistic route and say everything is going to be fine, but life is not always going to be perfect and fair,” Mufalli said. “However, with the understanding that the actions we take today have consequences on all of our tomorrows, we can overcome the obstacles that impact us most. This is our chance to become the next great generation. “We may not know what the future may hold,” Mufalli said. “But I know that tonight, we are optimistic graduates ready for a new beginning.”
served at an orphanage. “The summer between my sophomore and junior year, I was able to serve on a mission trip to India,” she said. “I appreciated my cross-cultural experience, along with the opportunity to interact with people there who live very different lives.” Cardillo’s plans for her future include volunteering in a missionary program in Niger. “Susanna excels in and out of the classroom,” Banin said.
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to the evening that were notable. The graduation recessional was “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, further proof of what speakers called a “tightly-knit” class. There were speeches that contained inside jokes, shared personal beliefs and fostered community spirit. Many students chose to decorate their graduation caps by placing intricate messages on the front mortarboard. Some students wrote where they were headed to next, such as a college name or a branch of the armed forces. Others decorated their caps with meaningful quotes and jokes. A Star Wars fan decorated their cap with the message “In a high school: far, far away.” The class gift, a tradition where the senior
class leaves something to the school or its advisers, was a monetary donation for the installation of water-bottle filling stations around the campus. With limited seating due to the move indoors, attendees began to crowd the school’s entranceway about an hour before the scheduled start time of 6:30 p.m. At the front of the line were several folks who came to congratulate Carly Knowlton. “I just wanted to get up front so I could take a lot of pictures,” said mother Mellissa Kazoun. “I am so proud of her. She is my first one to graduate high school.” Many parents, just like Kazoun, arrived at and left Pinelands’s commencement exercise beaming with pride.
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enthusiastic. The letter also referred to them as doers and thinkers, and referenced all the laughter she enjoyed over the years. “Bird’s Nest forever,” is how the letter ended. He then thanked all the parents for giving their children these wonderful attributes. “The values you instill in your children make the Seneca family, a family,” Spector said. In true Seneca style, families were out en masse to cheer on their children, grandchildren, siblings—along with friends of the graduates— to the tune of about 2,500 guests. Graduating senior Zachary Harris is the eldest child of proud mom Louise Harris, a third-grade Tabernacle Elementary school teacher, who recalled when many of this year’s seniors were students in her classroom.
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The next speaker, Assistant Principal John Bamber, paid a brief tribute to the many military families in the community. This military connection was reinforced a little later on during the ceremony when it was announced that 22 graduates, nearly 10 percent of the senior class, were entering the armed services: nine in the U.S. Marines, eight in the U.S. Air Force, three in the U.S. Army and two into the U.S. Navy. The race to become class valedictorian (first academically) ended in a dead heat. Josiah Bell and Cindy Lin both spoke, followed by the class salutatorian, (second academically) Glenda Martinez. Bell wished the juniors well. Lin spoke humorously, reminding students of happy times, but also called the evening “bittersweet,” facing the reality that classmates now will all go their separate ways. Bell and Lin are both graduating a full year early. Martinez spoke thoughtfully. She acknowledged the reasons for hope and ambition, but also pointed out the regrets and mistakes that high school contained. She ended by praising teachers for getting students ready for life. Academic awards followed with more than 100 students winning at least one. Eighteen students in the Class of 2017 earned at least 24 or more college credits with seven of them completing at least one year of college. Topping the list is Cody Marlin, who has
Attending the ceremony with her family, Harris named some of her son’s teachers who were truly inspirational and made all the difference in Zachary’s education: Gerard Sherlock, Matthew Carr and Michael Malloy. Graduate Tyler Rafferty had his own fan group in attendance, led by his grandmother, Elva Runquist. “I am so very proud of him,” she said about her grandson, who is heading to Catholic University in Washington, DC. This was Runquist’s third high school graduation for one of her grandkids in a week’s time. “There’s nothing better than seeing our (local) kids turn out well—other than seeing your own grandkids turning out well, too,” she said with a smile.
already earned an associate degree. A list of over 130 colleges and schools, where seniors will be attending in the fall, was provided. The list ranges alphabetically from The Art Institute of California to York College (Pennsylvania). Tony Trongone, finishing his first, full year as superintendent of Pemberton’s schools, is a former math teacher. He channeled his math background while speaking. Calling it a “coefficient for success,” Trongone told graduates that to succeed in life, “you have to do more than just show up.” “Strive for consistency and stick-to-itiveness,” he said. “There will be obstacles, but persevere.” Diplomas were then presented to the graduates by Trongone, Joseph, Pemberton Board of Education President John Willitts and Vice President Jeffrey Wilson. The Senior Male Choralier’s then sang the school’s alma mater and the 247 graduates turned their tassels…and in an instant, they were alumni. For close to an hour afterwards, crowds of students, proud parents and friends mingled on the football field, the school lawn and the parking lots. Slowly, almost reluctantly and even somewhat sadly, their numbers dwindled. It was finally over. A final citation from the seniors read, “The students of the Class of 2017 would like to express their deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to their successful high school career(s).”
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SENIORS PAGE 10
advance with Melissa Cuevas at the senior center, 609-893-4400. This year, the Pemberton Recreation Department will again be offering canoe and kayak lessons on Mirror Lake. A special addition will be lessons for seniors. Matty Kinsella and several of the lifeguards will be available to instruct residents in the use of these watercraft. Check out the township website, under recreation, for a complete listing of available courses and registration information. Joe Marrolli, Director of Recreation and Senior Services, can be reached at 609-8935034 for further information and enrollment. A reduced fee is available for seniors wishing to take advantage of this opportunity. Come out and enjoy Mirror Lake from “on the water” rather than from the shore. Frank Journeigan and other seniors just returned from their trip to Mount Rushmore and the Badlands. The group of 20 seniors departed from the Acme parking lot early on
Friday, June 2 and returned late on Monday, June 12. In order to fill the bus and keep costs competitive, they joined with another group from Whiting. The weather cooperated for most of the trip and they were able to keep on schedule and see all the tourist spots along the way. “This is a trip everyone should take at least once in their lifetime!” Journeigan said. “Photos cannot do justice to the scenery.” The great expanse of prairie and mountains has to be seen in person to fully appreciate what a wonderful country we live in. The visit to Mount Rushmore was the highlight of the trip and the visit to “Crazy Horse Monument” came in at a close second. That monument has been under construction for 50 years and has a long way to completion. The face and head is recognizable and gives an idea about what is to come. The group stopped at the famous “Wall Drugstore” on the way out and enjoyed it so much that a second stop was made as they returned eastbound. Meals were excellent and the group had a chance to enjoy some “buffalo steaks.”
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Everyone was tired as they returned home, but excited to share the many sights and stories of the trip. Journeigan has already scheduled another trip, this time to Cape Cod for five days and four nights. Diamond Tours is the provider and promises another unforgettable travel
experience. The trip will depart from Browns Mills on Sept. 25 and return on Sept. 29. If you are interested, contact Journeigan at 609-500-8050 or stop in at the center for a brochure. The trip will include four nights lodging, four continental breakfasts, and four dinners.
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FUN AND GAMES Are We There Yet? By Lori Clinch
Lori Clinch was born and raised in North Platte, Nebraska, a hotbed of material for writers whose passion it is to make people laugh. Lori Clinch is the mother of four sons and the author of the book “Are We There Yet?”
Vacation: A Whole New Kettle of Fish It’s not officially summer, but it sure feels like it. The temperature is rising along with the humidity and the barometric pressure (whatever that is) isn’t even messing around. As I swelter in the shade, sipping lemonade and anticipating whether or not the grasshoppers will completely devour the clematis, one thing lingers on the forefront of my mind—The Family Vacation. Back in the day, I pondered the family vacation with dread. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to be squeezed in the family sedan with a car full of rowdy boys and a husband who slept at the wheel; it was the planning process that it required. First and foremost was our destination. Was it going to be a place where our four sons would be entertained? Would the drive be so long that they would make us crazy with their antics? Then there was the all-important question, could we withstand this financial hit to the proverbial wallet? After asking oneself these all-too-important questions, one had hotels to consider, points of interests to contemplate, and then there was the planning of the meals for appetites reminiscent of a cattle drive and snacks which included, but certainly weren’t limited to, a cooler full of cheese and bologna sandwiches. But the planning wasn’t complete. No sir. We had to ask ourselves if there would be a church near our destination, if there would be a Mass time that would work for us, and most importantly, would there be an empty pew in the back that we could occupy just in case one of the kids decided that “now” would be the best time ever to throw a kidney punch. These, my friends, were points to ponder. Generally our vacations included a camper and as we pulled into state parks, the retired folks would take a gander at the chaos that
was our family and quickly begin packing their wares, getting out of Dodge and heading to a more peaceful place like East LA. But our family of boys has grown and these days I plan the vacations by sending out a group text to the fam. I let them mull over the destinations and then assign the tasks of car rentals and plane tickets to our oldest offspring, Vernon, who always has an app for such a thing and then I call it a day. Via a lovely group chat with Vernon and his apps at the helm, I can plan spectacular vacations without so much as breaking a sweat. Better yet, I can enjoy the vacations like a carefree adult. Instead of “sit still” and “stop that!” recent vacations consist more of “Take those headphones off, put that thing away!” and my husband’s all-time favorite, “You do not need to be on your texting machines 24-7!” With a crew that can finally travel further than the local lake without incident, our family has really started taking in some sights. The past few summers we ventured to places like Chicago, Montana and the Grand Canyon (where the rule was, “Don’t even fake a fake push!”). This year we decided on St. Louis for a destination. To the tune of, just because we can, we loaded the old sedan and headed for the famed arch. During the filmed documentary of its construction, we basked in its glory, wondered at the ingenuity and marveled at the determination to build it. Although it’s been several years since I’ve had to call out, “Quit it!” “Stop that” and “Unman your little brother,” I was briskly taken back to those days when our Charlie decided to poke his older brother in the ribs mid-documentary and Huey retaliated by throwing the aforementioned kidney punch. Before the next vacation, I’ll have to have Vernon download an app to separate them from each other.
C R O S S W O R D
Across 1 Like a store ready for business 5 Gadget for KP duty 11 Part of www 14 Champagne Tony of golf 15 Replacing, with “of” 16 “__ we done here?” 17 Old pharmacy weight 18 Phonograph inventor 19 Quaint “Tsk, tsk!” 20 *Make easier to hear, as bad news 22 Not as risky 24 Misrepresents, as data 25 Veil of gloom 26 __ voce: softly 29 Kid gloves? 32 Unadulterated 33 Promotional bribe 36 Novelist Fleming 37 Letter after zeta 38 *Rhinoplasty 39 Genetic letters 40 Terrier’s welcome 41 Writing fluid container 42 Laugh good and loud 43 Removes impurities from 45 Minister’s home 46 French cruise stops 47 Manuscript insertion mark
P U Z Z L E
50 Emmy-winning daytime host Lake 52 Classic “Saturday Night Live” family, with “the” ... and, literally, what the starts of the answers to starred clues can be 56 Modifying wd. 57 Martial arts film star Chuck 59 Fingerprint, to a detective 60 “Kampgrounds” chain 61 Most adorable 62 Not just ready and willing 63 Big shade tree 64 Radiator sounds 65 __ Springs, California Down 1 The “O” in REO cars 2 Land of Lima and llamas 3 Kindle read, briefly 4 Word that ends many yoga classes 5 Jigsaw puzzle unit 6 Provide with funds 7 Sewing machine inventor Howe 8 “Schindler’s __” 9 Fair-hiring abbr. 10 Gets credit from the bartender 11 *Appliance that makes Eggos unnecessary 12 One of the Great Lakes
13 Suds in a mug 21 “King Kong” studio 23 PC key 25 Show’s first episode 26 Asparagus unit 27 Very odd 28 *Freeway congestion 29 Magic charm 30 Family babysitters 31 Hunter’s trap 33 Southern loaves 34 Poses a poser 35 Slangy affirmative 38 Like the width of many foot-long envelopes 42 Interest limitation 44 Sort 45 “Doesn’t thrill me” 47 Apple centers 48 Sambuca flavoring 49 Enjoys a hammock 50 Leaf-clearing tool 51 Superstar 52 Old PC monitors 53 Jessica of the “Fantastic Four” films 54 Yawn-inducing 55 Outwardly appear 58 Yves’ yes
© 2017 LORI CLINCH
S U D O K U
ANSWERS ON PAGE 22
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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.
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Help Wanted 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. Area claims writers. No experience PT/ FT flex hours. NJ/PA. Call or text 609-994-2156. Target income $30k/$80k. Are you retired or an empty nester and can you work part-time on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8:30 to 1:30 p.m.? If so, please contact Judy at 609-6541234. We are a local janitorial company that cleans bedrooms and bathrooms in a facility in Medford. Delivery Driver Needed. Dependable person who can work during the daytime
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
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.
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.
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was how she met her late husband,” he said. “Her first husband, before dying, told his best friend to look after her. The friend did just that and then they got married. Both of her late husbands were veterans.” Upon arrival at the cemetery, the two got out of the car together. Molina assisted the woman in locating her late husband’s (from the second marriage) gravesite and helped place flowers on it. “She said, ‘Hey honey, I am here,’” Molina said. “She was a sweetheart. She lived through it all.” After allowing the woman to spend some time at the gravesite, he transported her back to her home. Unbeknown to the officer, the woman’s childhood house was alongside one of the roads he decided to use to return back to Evesham. The woman was elated to have an opportunity to pass by where she grew up. “For me, I am just doing my job,” Molina said. “For her, it meant the world. This was a different aspect of the job I don’t get to see every day.” Once back home, the woman called Molina’s superiors to express her gratitude for the officer. “I’m glad to help,” Molina said. “I just wanted to help somebody.” Molina, a graduate of Mount Olive High School, University of Phoenix, and Camden County College’s Police Academy, was selected as the department’s “Officer of the Month” for June. He was commended by his superiors for his “proactive policing efforts and willingness to truly help someone in need.” “The ‘Officer of the Month’ award is
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FIRE presented to a member who performs exceptional acts and achievements in the performance of their duties and responsibilities,” said Patrol Bureau Commander and Public Information Officer Lt. Joseph Friel. Molina also made 11 arrests last month in the town with a population of nearly 45,000 residents; including for a DWI offense, weapons offense and narcotics distribution. “Officer Molina not only remained proactive throughout the month of May, making numerous self-initiated arrests, but his compassion for a distraught motorist demonstrated his willingness to truly help someone in need,” said the department’s command staff in a statement. Molina said he noticed the pictures of the department’s past “Officer of the Month” honorees hanging on a wall inside police headquarters on Dec. 21, 2015, his first day on the job. He said he never expected to earn the honor so quickly, if at all. “I thought it would take years,” Molina said. “It feels good, although I am still learning. It’s a reassuring thing that I became ‘Officer of the Month’ and people recognize your work.” The woman, assisted by Molina, asked police to not release her name. Molina said he could not release the name of the officer who was flagged down by the woman. “There are people in the department that do a lot more which is unspoken about because they don’t want the recognition,” Molina said. “When you wear the uniform, you are part of something. When I am here, I’m part of something.”
PAGE 2 “Father Edwin and the staff of St. Ann’s are grateful to everyone for their concern and prayers after the fire which destroyed our garage and Carnival Trailer and damaged the outside of the rectory,” the church said in a statement. “We are eternally grateful that there were no injuries or loss of life and we thank Jesus Christ for protecting us. We are also grateful to the members of the Pemberton Township Fire Department for their quick response along with the neighboring towns which responded. Their actions prevented the
Rectory from sustaining any further damage. Everything lost today can be replaced. The fact that there were no injuries or loss of life is of paramount importance. Please continue to keep us in your prayers during this difficult time. God Bless all of you.” There have now been a total of 13 structure fires since the year began in Pemberton Township, 12 of which have been ruled accidental. The cause of this latest fire remains under investigation. However, Augustoni said it was “unintentional.”
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took top honors in the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen essay contest. As usual, Shamong music students, both choral and instrumental, have won recognition. Six were named to the All South Jersey Elementary Choir: Hannah Dunn, Ben Friedman, Lillianne Hunt, Jackson Maroon, Morgan Rosenthal and Megan Thomas. Alexandra Smith was selected All South Jersey Junior Choir.
Flutist Rebecca Capobianco was chosen for the 41st Olympic Conference Honors Band while four students made the 25th All South Jersey Elementary Honors Band: Dan Errigo, clarinet; Jesse Ferrara, alto sax; Kalayna Quisbert, clarinet and Evan Sturges, trumpet. The highest honors went to Larissa Narkiewicz and Marina Olazacuaga-Chen who were named to the All South Jersey Junior High Orchestra, while Olazcuaga-Chen made the All State Intermediate Orchestra.
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She said that she was praying for their safety and hoped that their families would always be blessed. “As you are both sworn in today, may you both know not only the importance, but also the holiness of your services, and the gratitude of your community for your willingness to answer the call to serve.” Philip Aronow delivered the welcoming remarks. He said his new position was a “homecoming” for him as he served the Prosecutor’s Office from December 1997 through January 2004 as an assistant prosecutor with the Family and Trial Team Units. He also said that his older son attends college at RCBC and he started his legal career working for James Logan Jr., who still maintains an active law firm in the county. “Our roots are in Burlington County and so is our future,” Philip Aronow said. “Today, we are recognizing the beginning of a new chapter.” He was beaming with pride as he recognized Logan in the audience. “At 96 years old, he is the oldest surviving U.S. Marine Corp veteran having served active duty in World War II in Korea,” he said. “His commitment to the law, community and country embodies the spirit of Burlington County as much as anyone I know.” Prior to returning to the Prosecutor’s Office, Phillip Aronow was an assistant attorney general with the state Division of Criminal Justice, where he was chief of the Prosecutors Supervision and Training Bureau. In addition to his responsibilities to oversee training, he coordinated the statewide implementation of Conducted Energy Devices, Less Lethal Ammunition, and Body Worn Cameras. He also served as the coordinator and project director on behalf of the Attorney General’s Office for the series of Fugitive Safe Surrender Programs held across the state over a five-year period. The initiative was recognized nationally by the United States Marshal’s Service with a combined total in excess of 18,300 fugitives who surrendered, which cleared approximately 50,000 active warrants. “The scope and volume of the work that Phil did for the Division of Criminal Justice was staggering,” said Elie Honig, director of the Division of Criminal Justice. “He was in charge of supervising the work of all 21 county prosecutors—which is no small task. He was in charge of training thousands of police officers and prosecutors across this state every year.” Gov. Chris Christie, also a former U.S. Attorney, delivered a rousing endorsement of Scott Coffina. Up until recently, Scott Coffina served as the Senior Deputy Chief Counsel to Christie. The governor selected Scott Coffina for the top spot in the Prosecutor’s Office in early March. He joined the Christie administration from Drinker Biddle & Reath, LLP, where he was a partner in the firm’s White Collar Defense and Corporate Investigations practice group. His practice focused on representing corporate, university and individual clients in internal investigations, False Claims Act litigation, political-legal controversies, and additional civil, criminal or regulatory enforcement actions. He was an Associate Counsel to President George W. Bush from May 2007 until January 2009, where he advised White House and administration officials on a wide-range of legal matters, represented the interests of the
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president in Congressional oversight investigations and evaluated candidates for judicial appointments in the District of Columbia and Eleventh Circuits. Previously, he served in the White House Office of Political Affairs for President Ronald Reagan. Christie said that during his time as U.S. Attorney, he learned that it was important to have qualified, competent and solid men and women with good judgment and experience serving in the role of county prosecutor. He detailed three qualifications he looks for in a person before appointing them to the position of county prosecutor. The first is integrity. “In Scott Coffina, I can tell you that you have someone with unquestioned integrity,” Christie said. “In all of my dealings with Scott as my deputy chief counsel, I can tell you that he at all times gave me good advice but also gave me the right advice—what the right thing to do was.” The second is experience. Scott Coffina was also an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Philadelphia from 1997 to 2001. “That experience is not just ‘What are the laws and how many trials have you had?,’—although that is all important—the most important is how do you bring people together,” Christie said. “There is no better experience than serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney.” The third is being a good person. “In the end, these judgments as a prosecutor are made not only with their head, but they are also made with their heart,” Christie said. “What I always heard from anyone who interacted with Scott is that he is a ‘Really good guy.’ That can’t be minimized in public life—to have a heart that helps to lead your mind to write just and consistent conclusions—is something that is in my view indispensable in an effective prosecutor. In other words, Scott Coffina touches all the bases.” The governor also told the audience that he made each assistant U.S. attorney read the seal that was in his office before administering them the oath of office. “It doesn’t say department of prosecution,” he said. “It says Department of Justice. The prosecutor needs to understand that their job is to do justice, not to prosecute.” Marc Raspanti, of the Philadelphia law firm of Pietragallo, Gordon, Alfano, Bosick and Raspanti, amused the crowd with stories of his time together with Scott Coffina. He said Scott Coffina also used to be an associate at his law firm and he first met him when he was 17 years old during a White Collar Conference in Miami. “Scott is not only highly skilled, superbly trained, and extremely intelligent; he is honest to the core,” said Raspanti as he introduced the new prosecutor to the audience. “There has never been a time that I have ever seen, in any job that he has had, that there was some gray area. He was always clear and unequivocal and the right decision came out. For those of you who are about to work for him, he is not afraid to roll up his sleeves.” Scott Coffina told attendees that addressing gun violence and the opioid epidemic are among his top priorities. He provided attendees with sobering county violence and drug statistics. Last year, there were 19 homicides. This year, so far, there have been six. Last year, there were 617 deployments of Narcan. This year, in the first five months, there have been 322 deployments of the overdose reversal drug; a number that has grown since Coffina last
provided this newspaper with statistics. The prosecutor listed more than a dozen events or county residents that have inspired him to “rise up to the challenge” to reduce violence and drug addiction. “We in Burlington County must rise to this challenge, do it with urgency, and do it together,” Scott Coffina said. He also thanked the 130 members of his staff who were watching his speech from the balcony. Scott Coffina listed criminal justice reform, continuing to provide support for victims and witnesses, and the professional development of the staff as areas on which he plans to continue to concentrate. “The reason I want this job is not just (so) that I can make a positive contribution to my community every day, but also that I am inspired every day to try to make a positive contribution,” he said. “This violence is not happening in a vacuum and I don’t believe it is a coincidence that the spike has occurred during the worst drug abuse epidemic in a generation, if not ever.” Before leaving the podium, he addressed the recent violence in Pemberton. There have been a number of homicides and shootings in the township during the past year. This past weekend, he charged a man with breaking into a township residence and sexually assaulting a woman at gunpoint. “Rest assured we will be more active and visible in communities struggling with violence,” he said. “Already, we are seeing signs that the tide is turning. Over the past two months, the street gang causing mayhem in Pemberton has many more members now residing inside prison than outside of prison.” After the ceremony, the Pine Barrens Tribune caught up with several local police chiefs and asked them about their initial impressions of the new prosecutor. “I’m very proud to be here and part of this,” said Medford Township Police Chief Richard J. Meder, who is also the president of the Burlington County Chiefs of Police Association. “I am nothing but impressed with him. He has jumped in with both feet. He has even jumped in police cars.” He said that Scott Coffina held direct meetings with his department during a recent criminal investigation and brings a “global level” approach to the Prosecutor’s Office. “He was engaged,” Meder said. “He listened to our suggestions and did not dictate to us. We look very forward to continuing a relationship with him as it has already been a positive one.”
THIEVES PAGE 4
Gaetano’s, Dominos Pizza, China I Restaurant and EV Nail Salon also had their front glass doors smashed out and were ransacked. Cash registers were pried open and cash was removed in all of these incidents as well. Police released still images from surveillance video taken during the incident. The video shows at least two individuals participating in the smash and grab burglaries. Patrol Bureau Commander and Public
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of donated medication, costs in those programs could be reduced. “As many as one in four working-age
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Evesham Township Police Chief Christopher Chew said he was pleased that Scott Coffina chose to ride along with members of his department and chose to participate in a DWI checkpoint operation. “I am very excited with some of his ideas,” he said. “We will work together as we go forward and partner with his office to participate in the ‘Enough is Enough’ initiative.” “Enough is Enough” is a crime-fighting initiative launched by the new prosecutor on May 30 that will provide local police departments with additional law enforcement personnel for proactive operations aimed at combating gun-related crime and other violent offenses. The initiative got its name after Scott Coffina said “Enough is enough!” when the occupants of two vehicles were shooting at each other as they drove through a residential neighborhood in Willingboro. “Opioids are one of the top issues we are facing as a community and we want to partner to help the people who are affected,” Chew said. “I am looking forward to the next five years.” Coffina resides in Evesham with his wife and three sons. Pemberton Township Police Chief David H. Jantas said there has already been a lot of good work that has been done in his community by the new prosecutor. “We have gotten some pretty bad people off the street,” he said. “I have already seen a big difference in our town. Prosecutor Coffina brings a much more operational vision than his predecessor.” Jantas said that he is very excited about the support his town has already received from the new prosecutor. He said he is particularly pleased that Scott Coffina will be pushing a drug amnesty program similar to the one already in use in neighboring Ocean County. The program allows drug addicts to walk into police stations, with drugs in hand, without the threat of criminal charges. Instead, those who present themselves to police with drugs are referred to an addiction service provider for treatment. Jantas said that the proactive attitude of the new prosecutor combined with an anticipated hiring of 11 new police officers in Pemberton should lead to continued successes in reducing violence and boost morale during the next few months. The current number of officers on the Pemberton police force is 37, down from 57 a few years ago. “It is an exciting time in Burlington County,” Jantas said.
Information Officer Lieutenant Joseph Friel said that police do not yet know how many individuals were involved in the burglaries. Anyone with information about the burglaries or who knows the identity of the suspects seen in the pictures are asked to contact the Evesham Police Department at 856-983-1116, the Confidential Tip Line at 856-983-4699 or email at Facebook@Eveshampd.org. “It is a safe estimate that the total damage and loss is somewhere in the ballpark of $20,000,” Friel said.
Americans skip taking prescribed medicines simply because it’s too expensive, and we’re destroying medication that’s perfectly safe to use,” Addiego said. “We have a chance to help people get the medicine they need.”
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AWAY
TUITION
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fall when the college completes its modernization of the Mount Laurel Campus, including a new Student Success Center, Health Sciences Center and quad. All of these projects have been supported by the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders to fulfill the county’s goal of providing world-class educational and workforce development programs in Burlington County. “Rowan College at Burlington County’s transformation is remarkable and something the entire county can take pride in,” said Freeholder Linda Hughes, who serves as liaison to the college. “Families and students throughout the country struggle with the high costs of education and we’re proud that families in Burlington County can choose to attend RCBC and receive a tremendous education without mortgaging their future.” Hughes also said that she was pleased to support the “bright” future of RCBC students in a way that won’t increase their tuition and fees this year. RCBC’s enrollment and budget were
CHANGES PAGE 4
teachers Tara Reed and Diane Carr will lead Bridge. Six teachers were named as homebound
Saturday, June 24, 2017
bolstered by the immediate success of the 3+1 program, which debuted in January as the first of its kind in the region. Students can remain at the community college for their junior-year courses and complete 75 percent of their Rowan University bachelor’s degree at RCBC, allowing them to save $75,000 while earning two degrees. There are about 360 students committed to the program with 530 more interested in it. “By every measure Rowan College at Burlington County is growing—except by price tag,” said Board Chair George Nyikita. “The Board of Trustees is very excited to expand opportunities for students without additional cost. We are very grateful for all of the hard work done by President Drayton, his staff and the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders to support students in Burlington County.” The budget is pending approval by the Burlington County Board of School Estimate, which is scheduled to meet at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28 in the Burlington County Administration Complex. instructors for the summer: Jennifer Babbitt, Sherry Duboff, Kerry Haines, Traci Mendez, Tara Reed and Jennifer Wilson. In other business, a total of 18 bus routes were approved for the next school year, as well as fees for busing for sports and field trips.
return will be ten-fold. Stay young at heart and free in spirit. Do not become jaded or cynical as you mature. This one will be difficult to follow as you grow older. Trust me. Never let “them” take your “spirit” away. They will try. Never let “them” win. Continue to explore your artsy side; music and art are wonderful diversions and hobbies. They will at times force you to look at things from a different perspective. That’s okay. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Venture off the normal path. Some of the best adventures and discoveries were “accidents.” Have fun, but stay focused with your “eyes on the prize.” Remember why you are attending college in the first place and what your goals are once you graduate college. Stay focused! Use all the lessons “learned” and life experiences from your high school days for your college years. Continue to grow, stretch and push yourself. Never stand still. Remember you are very creative. Use your creativity when you teach others in the classroom and use your creativity when approaching problems in life. Make friends and cultivate friendships discreetly. Remember it takes hard work to be a “friend” and to be a friend for someone else. Always strive to be a true friend. Try not to get too high during the good times or too low during the bad times. In both, try and
remain realistic. Define yourself. Don’t let the world label you (car, house, career, position, etc….) Remember—you are the boss of you! Never, ever, ever, ever, ever give up. Ever! Work hard and play hard. Both are important in life. Find equal time for both to co-exist. One will give you purpose, the other will help to define you. However, know which is which. When you’re sad, play some music to cheer you. When you’re happy, play your music loudly to cheer others. Never stop Rockin’. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s how you will learn and grow. Don’t be afraid to risk. No risk, no reward. Risk smartly! Continue to make good decisions. Trust your heart. Finally…be yourself. That’s who we love and that’s who the world will love in return. All this and so much more you will learn by simply living and enjoying life. Above all else—have fun! This is your time! This is your moment! Make the best of it! Love, The Parents Scott Kern is a feature and lifestyle reporter for the Pine Barrens Tribune. He is also a travel writer, photographer and explorer. Kern authored this commentary as he watched his kids graduate from his old high school. This piece is meant to capture the timeless transition phase from teenage graduate to young adult.
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HEALTH
Dear Pharmacist
By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph.
Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com.
7 Reasons You Don’t Sleep Like a Baby Chronic sleep deprivation causes you to crave more junk food, skip your exercise routine and deflate your mood. The only real way to cure insomnia is to find out why it’s occurring in the first place. Don’t just take sleeping pills to knock yourself out, consider the impediments to sleeping like a baby and fix those. Here are seven reasons you don’t sleep like a baby: Timing: If you’re accidentally taking stimulating medication at night instead of the morning, you will not sleep well. A fellow gym-rat told me she takes her Synthroid at 7 p.m. and my neighbor uses his Albuterol (asthma inhaler) at bedtime. Both of these medications are ideally taken in the morning because they will keep you up at night. That said, if you wake up some nights coughing, or with chest tightness, you could certainly use your inhaler at night, but bronchodilators that are prescribed for general maintenance are best used during daytime hours. Medical Conditions: What if you have Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease? Both of these conditions cause erratic changes in thyroid hormone which can block sleep. Untreated acid reflux is another common cause for poor, unrefreshing sleep. Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease cause disruptions in the natural sleep-wake cycle and if you are in the beginning stages, you may not even realize you have these conditions brewing. Type 2 diabetes will disturb your sleep due to the frequent urges to urinate. Allergies: You might think I’m simply referring to hayfever, and while that certainly will keep
you up at night, I’m thinking bigger. When I say allergies, I mean everything that could possibly annoy your immune system, from the warm milk you drank before bedtime, to the goose down duvet, to the flannel sheets, and the polyester rug under your bed, to the dust on your fan blades, to dust mites in general… to cat or dog fur and so on. Histamine release will keep you up at night, not to mention the miserable symptoms. Temperature: Personally if it’s too hot, I can’t sleep. I like the bedroom cold, but Sam likes it warm and cozy, so on cold, snowy Colorado nights I leave our window open but I give Sam a microwaveable hot pack. Chronic Pain: Only 36 percent of chronic pain sufferers enjoy regular, good sleep according to the National Sleep Foundation. Green Tea: It makes some people alert due to the minor caffeine content. It doesn’t make everyone sleep like you may have thought. Drinking Coffee: Most of you know not to drink coffee at night for obvious reasons (the caffeine), but what you don’t know is that coffee is a drug mugger of magnesium. This mineral is a natural chill pill, and it helps your muscles relax. Magnesium is thought to be a calming mineral so coffee drinkers are up against potential mag deficiency, and therefore more prone to migraines, insomnia and sadness. Drinking decaf doesn’t matter because decaf coffee still contains chlorogenic acid, which is the compound that mugs the magnesium.
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.
Do Fidget Spinners Help Kids with ADHD?
By Sue Hubbard, M.D. Does your child have a fidget spinner? Thank a “stress-relieving toy,” which would help goodness school is coming to an end just as certain people focus. But, there seems to be no this craze is getting crazier! Not only are some research into the efficacy or safety of schools banning fidget spinners altogether, fidget spinners to help manage the symptoms of there have recently been concerns over ADHD, anxiety or any other mental health choking. conditions, according to the director of the While fidget spinners have warnings about ADHD program at Duke University. choking hazards, two children have been While these may only be a craze for hospitalized after ingesting and choking on the school year, they are inexpensive and easily parts of the spinner. Both of these children purchased at multiple toy stores and online. Do required surgery to remove the piece of the not let children under the age of 3 play with spinner that they had “accidentally swallowed.” this toy! For children ages 3 to 6, I would make Neither of these children were under the age of sure to talk to them about choking dangers and 3 (the recommended age to avoid using a stress that they should never put the toy in their spinner). It seems that children of all ages put mouths. They should also be supervised when things in their mouths (fingernails, pencils, playing. coins), and in several cases, pieces of the For older children, I would again make them spinner have fallen apart. aware of the choking issues and even show I have recently noticed my patients playing them X-rays of the toy lodged in the with fidget spinners. Several little boys were esophagus. This might be another “teaching fighting over their different colored fidget moment” to never put toys into your spinners just the other day, before their mom mouth (or coins, or batteries) because took them all away! Parents were showing me accidental ingestions do occur. Remind them how the fidget spinners were supposed to help to play with fidget spinners using only their manage their children’s attention and focus, hands, as some toys have been known to fall but they looked like a distraction to me. I can apart. only imagine if 20 kids in one class had them, I bet this craze may be short-lived with all “fidget spinning” at once. A few minutes of school out. Summer activities provide even extra recess might be a better idea. more diversion than a three-pronged toy that Fidget spinners have been around for turns into a blur when twirled on your finger! I some time and were initially thought to be am not investing in one.
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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.
If It’s Not Broken… Farmers and ranchers are a resourceful lot. rural America last November, Hillary Clinton’s Their widespread reputation for fixing almost geographically smaller area of victory—just anything anywhere—often with little more 450 of the nation’s 3,144 counties or their than baling wire and spit—is well-earned and equivalent—holds almost two-thirds of the nation’s GDP. Rural, or mostly red, America, greatly admired. One thing these masters of the mechanical a staggering 85 percent of the nation’s area don’t do, however, is fix what isn’t broken. represented in last year’s election, holds but the No farmer or rancher wastes either sweat or other third. Those facts alone suggest rural America bubble gum on tires that aren’t flat, plumbing that doesn’t leak, and cows that don’t complain. placed a big bet on the Trump Administration’s The same cannot be said for Secretary of ability (to coin a phrase) to make it great again. Agriculture Sonny Perdue. At the request of the The key tools to do so, however, USDA’s rural White House, Perdue appears more than willing development programs, face severe cuts under to take a hacksaw to what few see as a broken the proposed 2018 White House budget. For example, a May 30 letter to the White operating structure and no one sees as a too-fat House from 28 Democratic and Independent budget at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Perdue, however, has already started U.S. senators noted that “zeroing out USDA to implement part of his controversial funding for water and wastewater infrastructure restructuring plan. On June 12, he named Anne projects leaves small communities without Hazlett, the former Indiana director of ag and, access to federal funds needed to address the most recently, the chief counsel for Senate Ag $2.5 billion backlog” in rural water, wastewater, Committee Republicans, as his new “Assistant and “emergency water assistance.” Also, the senators pointed out, “…eliminating to the Secretary for Rural Development.” That title replaces the headier, higher post USDA’s small business programs” wipes out of Undersecretary for Rural Development. programs that “have been credited with saving Perdue demoted that presidential appointee to almost 800,000 jobs and helped finance more an “assistant” named by him so he could grab than 107,000 businesses since 2009” in rural that chair—there are a limited number of America. USDA’s Rural Development pie is pure sugar undersecretaries at USDA—for a new, yet-tobe-named undersecretary of trade and foreign to budget bees because it’s big; in fiscal 2016 its loans, grants, and technical assistance portfolio affairs. Despite the demotion, Hazlett jumped at the totaled $216 billion. Last year alone, the agency “supported job. “Small towns and the people who call them home have been my life’s passion,” she gushed 157,660 projects through more than $29.3 after the announcement. “… I am eager to get billion (in) help” to rural America. Nearly $17.3 to work at USDA and be a partner in crafting billion of that total went “to help more than solutions to the significant problems these 132,000 families… buy, refinance, or repair” homes in rural communities. communities face...” Despite that clear need, the Trump Significant problems, indeed. Rural America, bucolic though it sounds, notes Steven Conn, a Administration wants deep cuts to Rural professor of history at Miami (Ohio) University, Development programs. On June 13, skeptical is the “new inner city” because “(w)hether you Republican and Democratic members of the look at median income or per capita income, the Senate Ag Appropriations subcommittee grilled Perdue on the budget plan and his elimination of poorest places in the nation are rural...” And, continues Conn in a March column for the undersecretary for Rural Development. Perdue defended both by telling the senators the HuffPost, much of the new century’s “new to give him a year to fix Rural Development economy” bypassed rural America. That rural-urban income split can be seen programs. Fix what? The much needed, heavily in the nation’s red-blue political split: while used programs aren’t broken. Yet. Donald Trump racked up huge vote totals in © 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
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AUTOMOTIVE New Vehicle Buying Guide Compiled by Motor Matters
E-mail Questions To: info@motormatters.com Mail Questions To: PO Box 3305, Wilmington, DE 19804
2017 Chevrolet SS The 2017 Chevrolet SS has a 6.2-liter V8 that delivers 415 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque, going from 0-to-60 in just 4.7 seconds. The SS’s good looks are a well-balanced mix of performance cues and premium details. Staggered front and rear wheels, which are pushed out to the corners, enhance the sporting, muscular stance of the SS. Up front, the aluminum hood with functional vents features a subtle “power bulge” hinting at the capability of the engine underneath. LED lighting at the front illuminates the powerful design, while the front fascia now includes ducts on each side to direct airflow over the front wheel openings to enhance aerodynamic performance. At the rear, the tapered, tear-drop shape contributes to aerodynamic performance. Premium cues include jewel-like chrome accents, standard high-intensity discharge headlamps and light-emitting diode daytime running lights. Along the vehicle’s sides, a character line extends from the hood to the
trunk lid, helping create a classic wedge shape by further accentuating the planted appearance and muscular sheet metal. The SS’s sport-tuned suspension complements the powertrain with handling prowess and driving refinement. The front suspension is a MacPherson-strut-based multi-link system with a direct-acting stabilizer bar. It features a forward-mounted steering rack and dual lower links with individual ball joints at the outer ends. At the rear is a multi-link independent suspension with high lateral stiffness for great handling, thanks to three lateral ball joints per side. Track-capable Brembo four-wheel disc brakes are standard, with ventilated 14-inch front rotors and 14.2-inch rear rotors. Fourpiston aluminum calipers provide increased stiffness to reduce fluid displacement and caliper deformation without adding weight. Base model estimated mpg: 14/22 Estimated starting price: $46,625 Compiled by Motor Matters.
2017 Chevrolet SS.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
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