Pine Barrens Tribune June 27, 2020-July 3, 2020

Find the Perfect Job! Many New Jobs Added This Week! www.pinebarrenstribune.com

Vol. 4 – No. 41 ♦

@PineBarrensNews

See Page 14

Facebook.com/PineBarrensTribune

The News Leader of the Pines

♦

To Advertise Call: 609-801-2392

FR EE

June 27, 2020 – July 3, 2020

Barbers, Beauticians Back in Business, But with New Rules, Appointments Only

HATS OFF

By Andy Milone Staff Writer

Photo By Tim Derkas

Six members of the Chatsworth Education Association, through the New Jersey Education Association’s PRIDE in Public Education grant program administered locally by the CEA, provide 23 members of the Woodland Volunteer Fire and EMS company with 12-pound bags of fruit purchased from Russo’s Fruit and Vegetable Farm.

Chatsworth Education Association Provides Bags of Fresh Fruit to Frontline Workers Who’ve Labored Through COVID Pandemic and Gives Cookies Tailored Toward Class of 2020 to Graduates By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

CHATSWORTH—Approximately a half-dozen members of the Chatsworth Education Association (CEA), through the New Jersey Education Association’s (NJEA) PRIDE in Public Education grant program administered locally by the CEA, delivered healthy fruit to Woodland Township’s frontline workers on June 8 to express appreciation for their efforts during the Coronavirus pandemic, and also provided custom made cookies that were included in gift baskets disseminated June 15 to graduating 8th graders of Chatsworth Elementary School, as they received their diplomas at home this year as part of a Doorto-Diploma campaign after the school’s traditional commencement ceremony was canceled due to the virus. PRIDE, according to Brenda Casano, a CEA member who is the head of the local PRIDE program and a kindergarten teacher at Chatsworth Elementary, gave $250 worth of 12-pound bags of fruits purchased from Russo’s Fruit and Vegetable Farm to the primary postal clerk of the Chatsworth U.S. Post Office, and 23 members of the Woodland Volunteer Fire and EMS company. Each bag, she said, contained bananas, strawberries, apples and oranges.

Casano told this newspaper that the NJEA, earlier in the 2019-20 school year, awarded the CEA (26 members strong) a $2,500 PRIDE grant to support a local PRIDE in Public Education campaign that “shares the successes of New Jersey’s public schools, while building community support and involvement.” She said the grant monies allowed the CEA to purchase tote bags for each school family in September, honor local veterans in November for Veteran’s Day, sponsor a schoolwide STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) night in January and hold a literacy night in March. However, a statewide school shutdown order in March forced the cancelation of a planned Easter activity, resulting in an opportunity to reallocate unused PRIDE grant dollars. “The NJEA, through the PRIDE division of the NJEA, told us that the funds could be reallocated so long as we keep it local to benefit community members and frontline workers,” Casano contended. Casano told this newspaper that projects were requested by the NJEA that would assist each local education associations’ respective communities during the COVID-19 crisis. Given the nature of the pandemic and social distancing guidelines currently in place, and that many of the frontline workers are

volunteers with varying schedules where they don’t all work on the same day, she said honoring frontline workers with a luncheon (or something comparable to that) wasn’t feasible. The CEA, instead, presented the local frontline workers with bags of “healthy, fresh fruit” from Russo’s Fruit and Vegetable Farm in nearby Tabernacle Township. Casano said the CEA knew that a lot of Chatsworth community members shop at Russo’s and wanted to also help support the local business, which had been open for several weeks with only limited access to its road stand, and mostly online ordering, due to the social distancing guidelines. “We wanted to keep everything local,” said Casano, who lives in Tabernacle and is a member of the Russo family. “We wanted to help our local businesses.” She added that by providing bags of fruits, the frontline workers were also able to take something home to share with their families. Given the voluminous workload generated by the pandemic, in addition to the need to maintain social distance if one is exposed to COVID-19, some frontline workers throughout the Pines have spent limited time with their families since the See HATS/ Page 13

SOUTHAMPTON—New Jersey residents no longer have to rely on their own two hands (or those of their friends) for a haircut during the Coronavirus pandemic. Barbershops and beauty salons, after being closed down as non-essential businesses back in March on orders from Democratic Governor Phil Murphy as part of his administration’s attempts to slow the spread of the COVID-19, were allowed to reopen on June 22. Unlike restaurants that were at least allowed to offer take-out and delivery as a means of generating revenue, these “personal-careservice facilities” were never given permission by the state to operate outside their licensed premises, such as at clients’ homes. “It has been scary,” said Sara Brown, owner of The Hair Parlour and Towne Barber Shop in Southampton. “If I did not have some money saved up for an eventual expansion, I could have lost my two businesses. I no longer have that extra money, but I am still here.” Brown was able to welcome her entire staff back on June 22, with the exception of one barber who retired and another employee who was too apprehensive to return. But even with most of her employees returning, she is working two additional days per week to help her crew catch up on a backlog of appointments, which extend into August. Establish ments that operate as sole proprietorships, however, have had their own set of challenges to contend with during the lockdown. Edie Poinsett, owner of Edie’s Beauty Salon in the Brown Mills section of Pemberton Township, said that her first day back in business on June 23 made her feel like she had money in her pocket again. “Being self-employed, we did not get any (financial) assistance during the shutdown,” she said. Even with the green light being given, the Division of Consumer Affairs has issued health and safety standards that owners of personal care services who are licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, and the New Jersey Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy, must follow. “We are learning how to cut and color hair around the masks, plus manage the influx of people coming from places in Shamong and Medford that had to shut down (permanently),” Brown explained. Donna Brosious, owner of The Boardroom Barbershop in Medford, pointed out that the temporary guidelines do not allow for her business to offer either shaves or mustache See BARBERS/ Page 11

INDEX Business Directory... 12

Local News................. 2

Job Board................. 14

Marketplace.............. 15

Worship Guide...........11

****ECRWSS**** LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER

Vincentown, NJ Permit 190

PAID Presorted Standard US Postage

Page 2 ♦

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Saturday, June 27, 2020

Medford Council Considers Borrowing $9 Million for Improvements, Upgrades County Agrees to Provide $625,000 Toward Combination Library-Municipal Hall Project, Regulations for Sewer and Water Services Updated to Include ‘Substantive Revisions’ By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

MEDFORD—The Township of Medford would like to borrow $7,154,871 (which includes a mandatory $547,744 down payment) for “various general capital improvements and related expenses,” and another $2,420,000 for “various utility capital improvements.” Medford Township Council introduced a general improvement bond ordinance, and a utility improvement bond ordinance, both on June 16, that, if approved following scheduled July 8 (moved from July 7 due to that being the new date for the state’s Primary Election) public hearings, would approve the borrowing plans. The capital plan includes a $15,000 increase in computer funds for township building computers; purchase of two police vehicles for a total of $110,000; purchase of fire apparatus for $970,000, including a pumper/ tender; procurement of new PPE gear to replace existing material; buying of firefighting tools and equipment; the obtainment of a fire hose; drainage improvements to various township roads; HVAC improvements to township facilities; site remediation at 640 Gravelly Hollow Road; purchase of a dump truck with a plow; purchase of a F350 utility body with snow plow; and procurement of a portable light tower. The capital plan also would set aside nearly $2 million for road improvements (including to bikeways) throughout the municipality, and allow for improvements totaling nearly $490,000 at Fort Medford playground and Freedom Park. Mayor Charles “Chuck” Watson pointed out that one of the improvements outlined for Freedom Park is the addition of a pickleball court. $3,332,000 in the capital plan would also help fund the continued construction of the municipality’s two-floor, over 20,000-squarefoot combination library-municipal building at 51 Union St. Officials broke ground for the new facility on March 9, just before the Coronavirus pandemic began. The 3.27-acre parcel was acquired by the township for $605,000 (including settlement fees) in 2018. Medford Township Council awarded an $8,194,000 contract for the construction of the new building to Arthur J.

Ogren, Inc. in October 2019. The township, as of March, was said to have had allocated $6.5 million toward the project and hoped to receive additional funding from the state and county. Watson, during a March 9 groundbreaking ceremony, said that by the time construction is all said and done; between the property, the cost of the building and professionals’ fees; “it is about a $10 million project.” The township currently operates a branch of the Burlington County Library System, known as the Pinelands Branch, on Allen Avenue, which is expected to be shuttered in place of the new facility. Council for a longtime has been involved in negotiations with the Burlington County Library System, which was said earlier this year to have agreed to contribute funding toward the library portion of the building. The township and county library also reportedly had planned to seek grant funding for the project through the state’s Library Construction Bond Act, which was passed by voters via a ballot measure in 2017. While Township Manager Kathy Burger did not return messages seeking an update on any grant submittal, and how any submission plans might have been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic, council on June 2 authorized execution of a library branch dedication agreement with the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders for the combination library-municipal building. A related resolution providing authorization for the municipality to enter into the agreement with the county contends that the county has agreed to provide funds to assist the township in the cost of the construction of the building “in order to improve the Burlington County Library System, to serve not only the residents of Medford Township, but other county residents in the area.” The county, according to the agreement, has agreed to contribute $625,000. The utility capital plan includes “several projects,” including the replacement of a water main at Turtle Creek Drive and Wilkins Station Road, along with one at Falls Court.

Outdoor Visitation at Developmental Center Described as Inventive, Working Beautifully

Staff Writer

WO ODL A N D — It w a s a “ ve r y inventive” reunion that 90-year-old Delores Hardman declared June 23 “worked out beautifully.” Hardman, for the first time in over three months, was allowed to visit with her developmentally disabled daughter at the New LisbonDevelopmental Center last Sunday, June 21, and to finally bring summer clothes to her daughter. “I just want to let the people involved in making this happen know that I appreciated it so much,” Hardman said. “You couldn’t give me anything better.” Hard man’s stor y had previously been shared by this newspaper—one

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner All Day! Now Serving: • Chicken Pot Pie • Famous Chicken Soup • Ribs • Virginia Ham Steak • 6-Pack of Beer or Bottles of Wine • Famous Crab Cakes • and MUCH, MUCH More!

Everything Available for Family Packages • Food & Provisions Market with Essential Items for You and Your Family

Safe Curbside Pickup Touchless Takeout Free Delivery Within 5 Mile Radius (Min. $25 for Delivery)

Call 609-859-2301 Check Out Our Menu at

www.RedLionNJ.com

Open Every Day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Family owned and operated since 1985

See UPGRADES/ Page 11

Woman, 90, Reunites with Daughter Stricken by COVID-19 at New Lisbon By Douglas D. Melegari

We’re Back and Can’t Wait to Serve You!

of heartbreak and concern—pulling at the heartstrings of community members grappling to come to grips with the toll of the Coronavirus pandemic at New Lisbon, which has, so far, infected 67 percent of the state-run facility’s resident population, and 132 staffers, though the spread of the virus appears to have finally come to a halt, for now, with only one additional employee case reported within the last week. Hardman previously called this newspaper May 4 in desperate search for a copy of the Pine Barrens Tribune. As Hardman would later explain, the COVID-19 pandemic had forced New Lisbon to suspend visitors’ access to the facility, where her daughter has been an 8-year resident, in early March. See REUNITES/ Page 10

S Best for Hardwood Flooring SJ’s • Low L w pricing on top brands br •D DIY project support • CContractors welcome • Free local deliveryy (low minimums apply)

MEDFORD • 609-953-7766 370 Miller Road (behind the Dutch Wagon Market)

SICKLERVILLE • 856-262-0606 547A Cross Keys Road (across from Winslow Plaza)

DanHiggins.com

NJ License #13VH00085500 Dan Higgins Wood Flooring is a DBA of Quality Installation Associates, Inc.

Saturday, June 27, 2020

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Man Dies from Medical Emergency Experienced in Wharton State Forest By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

WASHINGTON—A man who suffered from a medical emergency last week in the Wharton State Forest has died. Accordi ng to Ca r y n Sh i nske, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), New Jersey State Park Police responded June 16 to a remote area of the Wharton State Forest to medically assist a 65-year-old Murray Hill resident. Initially, according to Shinske, it was thought the man may have fallen off a motorcycle. However, she said officials now know that the man was actually off of it (prior to the emergency occurring) because he was pushing it through brush. “He then had a medical emergency,” she said. Shinske contended that a person riding with the man administered CPR until state park police arrived at the scene. “The man was later pronounced dead,” Shinske said. Shinske said she did not have the identity of the victim to provide to this newspaper. A source familiar with the situation told this newspaper that there was a “substantial” search and rescue operation conducted in response to the incident, with a series of dilemmas experienced in accessing the scene, i ncludi ng “Google d r ivi ng directions” that took first responders out of town, a “lack of a motorized access plan and

maintenance/repairs” and Ridge Road being “blocked by water holes north of Wading River, along the Great Swamp, preventing connection, unless you have a bulldozer or tank.” T he sou rce said t hese issues were experienced in two previous incidents in the general vicinity over the last couple of years, and that “motoring with family into our scenic Pinelands” used to be enjoyed, “but “no more” due to the risk of officials being unable to respond promptly to emergencies in remote areas outweighing the benefit. “It is ironic that there are ‘area patrolled’ signs on the roads into woods—that increasingly are hazardous due to no repairs/maintenance for years,” said the source, claiming that no one takes jurisdictional responsibility for the issues, and that previous attempts by the state to make improvements stalled due to local politics. The source provided this newspaper with photographs taken in 2015 of the water holes, along with the area patrolled signs that seemed to be in somewhat of disrepair. “Roads to the victim’s location were blocked at multiple entries by downed trees and water,” Shinske told this newspaper when asked if there were any circumstances/challenges experienced that prevented first responders from immediately accessing the victim. The source contended that personal efforts will be made to work “to improve emergency response on land if no one can improve the roads of the woods.”

Check Us Out Online

Visit www.PineBarrensTribune.com

Before You Meet God, Get Your last Will & testaMent

499 special

$

*

Located In ‘Downtown’ Shamong (Across from Wawa). For Fastest Action, Email Me Now: mdclegal@comcast.net We Practice Social Distancing and We Can Sign Your Will in the ‘Outside Office’ Under the Big Maple Tree!

♦ Page 3

PINE BARRENS

POLITICAL HATS IN THE RING PRIMA ARY ELECTION TUESDAY, JULY 7 President of the United States U.S. President

DONALD J. TRUMP* (Republican)

Political advertising paid for by the Burlington County Republican Committee Treasurer C Lambiase, 219 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ 08060.

U.S. Senate

Republican Primary - for New Jersey

RIK MEHTA (Republican)

Political advertising paid for by the Burlington County Republican Committee Treasurer C Lambiase, 219 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ 08060.

Third Congressional District

Republican Primary-U.S. Congress

KATE GIBBS (Republican)

Political advertising paid for by the Burlington County Republican Committee Treasurer C Lambiase, 219 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ 08060.

Burlington County Freeholder Republican Primary

JOHN ADAMS] (Republican)

Political advertising paid for by the Burlington County Republican Committee Treasurer C Lambiase, 219 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ 08060.

TINAMARIE NICOLO] (Republican)

Political advertising paid for by the Burlington County Republican Committee Treasurer C Lambiase, 219 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ 08060.

] Indicates Running Together on Same Ticket. * Indicates Incumbent

Candidates!

DI CROCE LAW FIRM 609-268-6331 • mdclegal@comcast.net

*Limited time offer and can be withdrawn at any time. Price is for one ‘simple’ will. A Power of Attorney, Trust, Complex Will and/ or Health Care Directives are an additional charge. Di Croce Law Office, P.C., 276 Indian Mills Road, Shamong, NJ 08088. 609 268-6331. Attorney Licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Attorney Id: #000231984.

Enter the ring today by calling Gail NOWat 609-801-2392, or emailing sales@pinebarrenstribune.com !

Page 4 ♦

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Richter Claims He’d Support Gibbs in Event She Were to Win GOP Primary, But Doubts She Could Defeat Kim in General Election Rivals Hurl Insults at Each Other in Acrimonious Debate By Bill Bonvie Staff Writer

MOUNT HOLLY—Despite the acrimonious and mutually insulting tone of a virtual June 16 debate, streamed live on Facebook between the two Republican hopefuls in the July 7 primary for the 3rd Congressional District seat now held by Democratic Rep. Andy Kim, one of them, former CEO David Richter, told the Pine Barrens Tribune Wednesday that he was willing to support his rival, former Burlington County Freeholder Director Kate Gibbs, should the latter be the choice of GOP voters. “I have no interest in seeing Andy Kim get re-elected,” said Richter, who entered the congressional race back at the beginning of February after dropping out of the 2nd District contest when incumbent Rep. Jeff Van Drew switched his political affiliation from Democrat to Republican, and received the support of Republican President Donald J. Trump. Richter said he wanted to see the 3rd district seat once again occupied by a Republican (Kim, the son of S. Korean immigrants, defeated GOP incumbent Tom McArthur in 2018), and that he would do everything he could to ensure that comes about, although reiterating the belief he expressed in the debate that Gibbs doesn’t have what it takes to win the general election. “I would be very impressed and surprised if she did win (in November),” Richter said. “But that is not going to happen.” He added that it would give him “no sense of self-satisfaction” if he were to lose the primary and Gibbs, in turn, were to lose the congressional election. He added, however, that he has every expectation of winning the primary, because Gibbs “has no support in Ocean County whatsoever” and that he has been getting “a surprising amount of support in Burlington County from people who know Kate only too well.” Attempts by this newspaper to ask Gibbs whether she would support Richter should he win the primary, along with others, via both phone and email were unsuccessful as of this newspaper’s press time on Wednesday night. Richter, in response to further queries, said he thought a joint travel advisory issued Wednesday by the governors of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut requiring people entering those states from COVID-19 “hot spots” to self-quarantine for 14 days is clearly unconstitutional. “If it saves three lives, is that reason to give the government of New Jersey unconstitutional powers?” Richter asked. “What if it is 30? What

if it is 300? What if it is 50,000? That answer is still ‘no.’ This why we have a constitution, why we have a Bill of Rights. And there is no exception for when the government thinks public health is more important than our freedoms. “It is time for the government to stop telling us what businesses can and can’t be opened. People and businesses can do smart things to try to stay safe. But ordering businesses to arbitrarily stay closed like (Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy) has done has been a huge mistake.” He claimed Murphy’s orders have resulted in a lot of businesses going bankrupt and a lot of people being out of work. He also claimed that “this thing has affected far fewer people than anyone estimated three months ago.” The pandemic, he indicated, has now burned itself out in New Jersey, and he didn’t expect there to be any major resurgence, and thus it is time for the state to get back to normal. Richter also indicated he wasn’t particularly perturbed by Trump’s controversial statement at a rally in Oklahoma June 20 that he had asked his people to slow down testing for the infection, which he believes wasn’t meant to be taken seriously (despite Trump’s subsequently claiming it was). “We live in a world today where you can’t tell jokes anymore,” Richter asserted. “He is the president and can say anything he wants to say.” He likewise isn’t bothered by former Trump aide John Bolton’s claim that the president is unfit for the job, noting that Bolton “has a book to sell and nothing sells books better than controversy.” Richter was also critical of Murphy’s handling of the Coronavirus during the debate aired on the Facebook page of Save Jersey, a conservative group. In response to a question from the site’s founder, Matt Rooney, who commented that that the curve here had “not only flattened, but flat-lined,” the ex-CEO said Murphy has an obligation to make sure the decisions he makes, and executive orders he issues, are constitutional, rather than have some judge decide six months from now whether or not they are constitutional. Gibbs agreed with Rooney that the Murphy administration had “absolutely gotten it wrong” in responding to the pandemic. While noting that she had lost her own grandmother to complications from the contagion and that she “takes this pandemic very seriously,” the former freeholder maintained that “we have See PRIMARY/ Page 7

Saturday, June 27, 2020

Medford Lakes Borough Upgrading Sewer Lines, Wastewater Treatment By Andy Milone Staff Writer

MEDFORD LAKES—Officials have been pushing for improvements and upgrades to be made to the wastewater infrastructure in Medford Lakes for the last couple of years, and now there are two major projects in the pipeline, one designed to improve the reliability of the borough’s sewer lines and another intended to upgrade operations at its wastewater-treatment plant. At a meeting last month, Medford Lakes Borough Council, by a 3-0 vote, awarded a cont ract to Q uebec-based Fou r n ier Industries, Inc. for the installation of a sludge press for $359,900. (Two councilmen, Bob Hanold and Thomas Cranston, were absent.) “This has been a long time coming,” Mayor Bill Fields said at the time. The sludge press selected is “at the forefront of municipal and industrial sludge dewatering,” according to infor mation posted on the company’s website. “Due to its reliability and simplicity, the Fournier Rotary Press requires minimal supervision,” the company contends. “It is the only dewatering technology that is safe for stand-alone automatic operation and can be monitored and operated by remote control. The benefits derived from using the rotary press have been well documented and result in lower operating costs for the customer t h roug h it s h ig h per for ma nce, ea sy operation, reduced polymer usage, low power consumption and low maintenance.” Borough Manager Dr. Robert Burton noted in a telephone interview that the sludge press will “end up paying for itself” because the disposal of sludge will become significantly cheaper. The sludge press, he said, will help make operations at the wastewater plant as “optimal as possible” by eliminating a lot of the moisture within the sludge, and as a result, there will be less total volume of sludge to transport. T h e m o n e y fo r t h e s l u d g e p r e s s w ill come f rom t he boroug h’s sewer capital fund, according to the resolution awarding the project. Burton subsequently told th is newspaper t h at ab out $1. 2 m i l l ion w i l l r e m a i n in the fund after the withdrawal, and the sludge press will be installed at the wastewatertreatment plant sometime within the next couple of months. The installation will take about three weeks, he said. “It is going to be an enormous savings for our residents,” said Deputy Mayor Dr. Gary Miller. However, Joseph Aromando, a candidate who was defeated in the recent May election for council, voiced concern over Fournier

Industries being the only company to place a bid. “To just have one bid for a project this big, as an alteration to the sewer plant, is not a great thing to me,” Aromando said. “I don’t u nderst and if this is a common thing, or something used in other plants, why there wouldn’t be more players stepping up.” Burton replied that the sludge press was a “very specialized” piece of equipment. “Rotar y fan presses are actually not manufactured specifically for sewer-sludge usage,” Burton said. “They are used in that application, but they are used in other areas. It is not like a road program, where you have an asphalt guy on every corner.” The new sludge press is actually the less costly of the two wastewater projects the borough is undertaking. T he sewe r l i n i ng proje ct is b ei ng conducted in order to prevent rainwater, sand and grit from entering the wastewater plant through cracked and broken pipes, Burton said. According to a fact sheet on the project released last year, this capital improvement also will “minimize blockages and eliminate potential sewage spills.” “T he proposed work w ill result i n improved reliability of the existing sewer system and reduce maintenance costs,” the fact sheet notes. “Improvements proposed include lining of sewer pipe and manholes and replacement of pipes and manholes where necessary.” The borough is financing the lat ter project through what Burton described as a low-interest loan from the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust. The principal amount, as stated in a bond ordinance approved last year, will not exceed a maximum amou nt of $ 9, 0 3 4 , 615; h o w e v e r , B u r t o n s a i d he does not expect the cost to exceed $6 or 7 million. “Within the last three or four years, we have had four or five emergency repairs, each roughly $20,000 to $40,000 dollars,” Burton revealed. The project went out to bid on June 1, with bids slated to be opened July 23, and could start as early as late August. It is expected to last about 24 months. Burton said inconvenience to residents would be “limited,” and he does not expect any major road closures. The borough ow ns and operates its w a s t e w a t e r s y s t e m , w h ic h i n cl u d e s t he li nes a nd t reat ment pla nt. It s system serves approximately 1,500 homes in Medford Lakes, as well as providing service to local businesses, a local high school, Camp Ockanickon and Medford Pines.

Saturday, June 27, 2020

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

State Forest Reopens Two Weeks After Rare Derecho Causes Extensive Damage

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

♦ Page 5

Bunning Baseball Field Largely Restored, Medford BOE Agrees to Maintain Parcel

Photo By Andy Milone

A new chain-link backstop, new dugouts and perimeter fencing at Bunning Baseball Field in Medford Township.

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer Photo By New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

Damaging winds produced by a derecho removed the roofing from a maintenance storage barn for the Bass River State Forest.

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

BASS RIVER—Bass River State Forest reopened for passive recreation at 8 a.m. June 19 after a reportedly nearly two-week closure that New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) officials said was the result of “extensive storm damage.” “After a nearly two week long cleanup effort, we are happy to report that Bass River State Forest’s gates will reopen to the public today,” wrote Bass River State Forest officials on an official Facebook page for the forest, maintained by the NJDEP. Caryn Shinske, a spokeswoman for the NJDEP, told this newspaper that the state forest had been closed since June 3.

A round midday on June 3, the area experienced a very rare derecho (or long-lived, intense thunderstorm), which caused extensive tree damage and widespread power outages. A 72-mph wind gust was observed in Waretown, while a 92-mph wind gust was reported in Surf City. Philadelphia International Airport reported a 68-mph wind gust. The Pine Barrens falls in-between these observation stations. Shinske said the New Jersey Forest Fire Service spent two work days on cleanup; the State Park Service, eight work days; and a treecutting service, seven work days. State forest closures for lengthy periods of time are unusual, but all state parks and forests were closed for several weeks in the spring due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

MEDFORD—The Township of Medford has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Medford Township Board of Education for maintenance of Bunning Baseball Field. Medford Township Council approved the MOU at a meeting it held earlier this month. $294,230 in municipal renovations and upgrades to Bunning Baseball Field, located off Mill Street in Medford Township, are now “mostly done,” according to Mayor Charles “Chuck” Watson, but the project is “still inprogress.” Bunning Field, considered a historic part of Medford, “had fallen apart” by 2015, according to Mayor Charles “Chuck” Watson. Watson made it a priority of his administration to restore the field. Improvement work that began last fall has included minor grading of the existing senior baseball field, application and incorporation of soil amendments into turf playing areas

to improve soil structure, installation of an irrigation system, establishment of a turf outfield, restoration of the infield with supplemental infield mix, installation of a new chain-link backstop, new dugouts and perimeter fencing, construction of a concrete sidewalk, restoration of a gravel driveway, as well installation of related appurtenances. In October 2017, council announced that Medford had been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Burlington County Municipal Park Development Grant program for the project. The county grant also allowed for the installation of a new wooden fence in the outfield to replicate an original fence installed at the field in the early 1900s, and a new batting cage. “There are still bleachers that need to be worked on, and a couple of little other final things,” Watson said. Under the MOU, the Medford Township Board of Education will provide maintenance services at Bunning Field “in return for the See BASEBALL/ Page 7

DURING THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES,

PREPLANNING BRINGS PEACE OF MIND Anderson & Campbell has been serving families in the greater Ocean and Burlington Counties since 1869. We understand that preplanning is a difficult subject, but we can make it easy.

ASK ABOUT OUR FREE PERSONAL PLANNING GUIDE AND BUDGET FRIENDLY MONTHLY PAYMENTS. Be it a simpple cremation or full service burial we can helpp.

We practice safe social distancing appointmentts virtually or if you prefer face to face. Choose our porch or yours!

Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home

115 Lacey Road, Whiting, NJ 08759

Call Diana Today!

732-350-5700 Diana M. Daly

Funeral Director, NJ Lic. No. 4920

Richard C. Campana Manager, NJ Lic. No. 4135

100 OFF ANY GAZEBO

$

OR SHEDS 8’x12’ or LARGER

with be combined combinedwith withany anyother otheroffer. offer.Offer Offerexpires expires 7/3/20. PBT PBT withthis thiscoupon. coupon. Cannot Cannot be 6/30/20.

Page 6 ♦

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Human Services Officer Dies in Crash HAMMONTON—An investigation is underway after a 53-year-old officer with the New Jersey Human Services Police Department (NJSHSP) was killed in a June 19 crash on the White Horse Pike in Hammonton. According to Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner, Taquaysha Bell, 28, of Trenton, was traveling westbound on the White Horse Pike in a 2010 Chevy Silverado when the incident occurred around 11:07 p.m. Bell, near the intersection of Moss Mill Road, crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a 2003 Honda Civic, operated by Michael Luko Sr., of Mays Landing, who according to New Jersey Department of Human Services (NJDHS) Spokesman Tom Hester, was assigned to the southern region of the NJSHSP, which is based out of Ancora. Tyner said that Luko was returning home from work at the time. Following the crash, he said, Luko was transported to Atlanticare Regional Medical Center—Mainland Division where he was pronounced dead at 12:22 a.m. Bell was also transported to the same hospital for treatment and a blood sample was taken for toxicology analysis. A rear seat passenger in Bell’s vehicle, Chanelle Morgan, 28, of Trenton, was transported to Atlanticare Regional Medical Center—City Division where she underwent surgery over the weekend. Two additional male passengers were transported in the ambulances with Bell and Morgan, but neither was said to be injured and left the hospital without being admitted or treated. “At this time the crash is an ongoing cooperative investigation by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Crash Investigations Unit and the Hammonton Police Department,” said Tyner in a press release. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7692.

Saturday, June 27, 2020

Camping to Resume in Limited Form at Three State Forests in Pinelands

Photo Provided By Wimberg Funeral Home

Michael Luko Sr., who died in a motor vehicle crash returning home from his occupation as a New Jersey Human Services Police officer. According to an obituary published in The Press of Atlantic City, Luko graduated Gloucester County Police Academy Class #14 in July 1998 and was a police officer for 22 years. He was said to have made a “huge impact in his community,” including serving as a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) officer during his time in Egg Harbor City, and volunteering as the Dare officer in Green Bank. “I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of New Jersey State Human Services Police Officer Michael Luko,” said NJDHS Commissioner Carole Johnson. “The work of the New Jersey State Human Services Police is the epitome of community-based service, as officers work every day to protect some of our most vulnerable residents. Officer Luko brought veteran experience and knowledge to this important role, and became a mentor to younger officers. He will be missed.” “On behalf of the entire Department of Human Services, I send my deepest condolences to Officer Luko’s family at this difficult time. We join in their mourning.”

!

BASS RIVER—Camping (but in limited form) has resumed at 12 state parks, forests and recreation areas in New Jersey, including Bass River State Forest, Brendan Byrne State Forest and Wharton State Forest, following a temporary prohibition due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The state grounds reopened for camping June 22. “We are pleased to resume camping at New Jersey state parks and forests, knowing how important these activities are to so many people,” said New Jersey Department of Environ mental Protection ( NJ DEP) Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe in a statement. “We are taking every precaution to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all of our guests and strongly remind the public of the importance of maintaining proper 6-foot social distancing and wearing masks when visiting this summer.” The NJDEP, according to McCabe, has taken into account the physical layouts of each park in determining the percentage of campsites to reopen. At most areas, at least 50 percent of sites will be open.

More Industries Allowed to Reopen Soon, But Bump in Virus Transmission Observed After Weeks of Decline, Leading to Jitters By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

TRENTON—Democratic Governor Phil Murphy has made a series of announcements this week detailing when certain non-essential businesses shuttered due to the Coronavirus pandemic will be permitted to reopen in at least some capacity. However, his pronouncements come as the rate of statewide transmission of COVID-19 edged up slightly this week for the first time in several weeks, and with some states seeing rapid growth in the spread of the contagion, the governor has warned he will put a pause on his reopening plans should he see the upward trend in New Jersey continue. Murphy, on June 22, said that indoor dining may resume July 2, but limited at first to 25 percent capacity. Casinos may also reopen July 2, but can only operate at 25 percent capacity. Retail shopping malls, the governor said, can reopen June 29, though all stores will be limited to 50 percent capacity. Outdoor gatherings may now have as many as 250 people, with no limit in place for outdoor religious or political activities. The capacity limit for indoor gatherings was increased to 25 percent, but cannot exceed 100 people. “If the current trends in our health metrics

We pay CASH on the spot! Call John & Stephanie 610-71 C 16-55353 email: antiqueandrareguns@gmail.com Federal Firearms License Holder

change between now and next Thursday, we will hit pause on the current plan,” Murphy said. “… If we continue to be smart, we’ll soon be able to set the date for our entry into Stage 3 of our restart.” Outdoor amusement parks, outdoor water parks and playgrounds will also be permitted to reopen July 2, the governor announced June 23. Museums, aquariums, and indoor recreation facilities—including indoor bowling alleys, batting cages, shooting ranges, and arcades along boardwalks—were added to the July 2 reopening list by the governor on June 24, but can only reopen at 25 percent capacity. Libraries, currently allowed to offer curbside services, were also added to the reopening list for July 2, with a capacity limitation. These announcements were made despite New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) data showing the COVID-19 rate of transmission (Rt) increasing from 0.70 percent on June 15 to 0.86 percent on June 23. At the peak, the rate of transmission was above 5 percent. Eight New Jersey counties currently have a transmission rate greater than 1 percent, and ten counties have seen their Rt increase by at least 50 percent over last week, according to

390 Lakehurst Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015

WANTED!ALL FIREARMS Gun Collections * Military/Hunting An Antique n Arr * Military Artifacts Swords/Bayonets

According to a press release from the NJDEP, to account for social distancing requirements and “staffing necessary to clean and maintain indoor facilities,” camping will be limited to “tent-style camping,” while all other forms of “overnight use” including cabins, shelters, group cabins, wilderness campsites, primitive campsites and group campsites will remain closed. Rigorous cleaning protocols for restrooms, shower facilities and other facilities and com mon a rea s w il l be i mpleme nt ed , following guidelines set by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH). In addition, barriers are being installed to limit contact between staff and visitors, the NJDEP said. Campground guests will be encouraged by signage to wear a mask when in public and in indoor spaces such as gatehouses and restrooms. “They must maintain a six-foot distance from other individuals that are not immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or partners,” according to the NJDEP.

The Cigar Hub in Browns Mills is completely renovated and we have fine cigars in our large walk-in humidor. Domestic cigars, pipes, pipe tobacco, and roll your own tobacco are also available. We have 26 years of experience and are excited to be joining a new community.

Come check us out...you won’t be disappointed! pp Like Us on

See REOPEN/ Page 7

609-283-0036

Saturday, June 27, 2020

REOPEN

(Continued from Page 6) NJDOH figures. “We are far from defeating COVID-19,” the governor declared. “We are in a good place to contain it, but it is not defeated. There is no vaccine and there is no proven therapy. There is only social distancing and wearing your face covering.” As of press time, 12,995 New Jerseyans succumbed to the virus. The number of New Jerseyans hospitalized for the virus increased slightly to 1,196, after a mostly continual decline since the peak. 275 patients were in either critical or intensive care, with 214 ventilators in use. 5,068 Burlington County residents have now contracted COVID-19 since testing for the disease began, with 169,892 people in the state testing positive for it.

BASEBALL (Continued from Page 5)

right of first refusal use of the facility” from March 1 to June 30, annually, by the Medford Memorial Middle School’s baseball and softball programs. The Medford Township Board of Education, according to the agreement, will provide lawn cutting and trimming; fertilization and startup; along with control, monitoring, sprinkler head maintenance and winterization of the field’s sprinkler system. The school board also reserves the right to install and maintain portable restroom facilities for the duration of each baseball season. The term of the MOU will be from July 1 and extend through Dec. 31, 2021. Bunning Baseball Field has a long and

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM “Tracking our overall trends for the past two weeks, the overall numbers remain in a place where we feel comfortable continuing with Stage 2 of our restart,” the governor said June 24. “We must remain vigilant and take personal responsibility for the overall health of our communities.” However, several states are seeing a resurgence in cases, or are continuing to struggle to get anywhere near past peak. The U.S., June 24, saw the most cases in a single day since the pandemic began. As a result, Murphy, Democratic New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, and Democratic Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont June 24 announced a “joint incoming travel advisory” that all individuals traveling from states with significant community spread of COVID-19 quarantine for a 14-day period from the time See REOPEN/ Page 10 storied history in Medford, beginning with its construction by residents (along with Medford Park) in the early 1900s, according to Watson at a previous council meeting. Baseball players such as Cy Young (an American Major League Baseball [MLB] pitcher considered one of baseball’s greatest players) played there back in the 1930s and 40s on semipro adult baseball teams. More recently, MLB All-Star Mike Trout played there as a teen, with a South Jersey stars travel team, in the early 2000s, the mayor said. “We took an eyesore, and it is really becoming an attractive field,” said Deputy Mayor Rebstock. “I am super-excited for the Medford Memorial baseball team to be able to utilize that, and share in the responsibility for caring for the field. It seems to be a wonderful repair to that basically eyesore. It has been a longtime coming. So, it is great to see it develop as we go.”

Accepting New Patients Our Browns Mills office, which is conveniently located on the Deborah Heart & Lung campus, along with our Whiting office location, are proud to be servicing our neighbors in the Vincentown, Pemberton, Manchester, Southampton and Tabernacle areas. Ocean County Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates, P.C. is your trusted provider of podiatry services in Burlington and Ocean Counties that offers a wide range of procedures performed by our team of highly experienced and compassionate foot and ankle specialists.

BROWNS MILLS

WHITING

6 Earlin Avenue, Suite 240 Browns Mills, NJ 08015 (609) 836-6608

61 Lacey Road Whiting, NJ 08759 (732) 350-2424

PRIMARY (Continued from Page 4)

to get our economy moving again” and that “the vast majority of businesses and residents want to get back to normal” and have “made significant behavioral and societal changes” to that end. “(Murphy) is absolutely playing with the Bill of Rights and trying to make decisions based on his own value systems and his own politics, rather than standing up for what the First Amendment really means,” Gibbs declared. But outside of their agreeing on that and several other issues, the debate itself was a noholds-barred affair in which both candidates went straight for the jugular, attempting to demolish each other’s reputation and credibility in any way they could, despite their opponents’ claims that such efforts were total exaggerations or blatant lies. Richter, for example, seizing on a question posed by Rooney, put heavy emphasis on what he called Gibbs’ “long pattern of reckless disregard for the law,” repeatedly referring to a shoplifting conviction from her student days that got her banned from Kohl’s (which in an earlier interview with this newspaper he alleged was an “ethical” transgression that made her unfit to hold office) and a citation she was given for illegally drinking beer on the beach. He further charged that Gibbs has added to that record of illegalities, as evidenced by her being sued for “ethical violations” in Burlington County in connection with her activities on behalf of the union that employs her, Local 825 Operating Engineers, in which she accepted a speaking engagement that represented an “in-kind” contribution to her campaign from the union without declaring it, over which he said his campaign had filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission, and having

♦ Page 7

engaged in nepotism by helping her mother get a job with the Burlington County Bridge Commission. Gibbs, in a brief rebuttal, alluded to the shoplifting incident as a youthful mistake for which she accepts responsibility, declaring that she didn’t believe “mistakes define us,” but rather the fact that “we grow and learn and do better,” as she believes she has done. She also vociferously denied the validity of Richter’s other allegations, maintaining that the lawsuit had just been dismissed, that his complaint with the elections panel was a frivolous attempt to tie her up in litigation “because you have money,” and that her mother had been hired by a “bipartisan, independent entity” before she even became a freeholder. (Richter, however, subsequently told this newspaper that it took place between Gibbs having been elected and actually taking office). Gibbs, for her part, took the opportunity of another question that Rooney put to Richter— one about whether the latter was engaged in “district shopping” when he entered the 3rd District race and where his current legal residence is, to which Richter replied that he had spent most of his life living and working in the district— to mock his motivation for becoming a candidate. “So, let’s be clear: you’ve been registered to vote in four different congressional districts in less than 18 months,” she declared, going on to refer to Richter as “an entitled rich guy who is bored and needs validation. “That’s why you’re willing to tear somebody down—so you can have a title (that) you see as a status symbol.” Richter, however, insisted that his objectives in running for Congress are to have Kim’s reelection bid soundly defeated, thereby helping to ensure that the House of Representatives will no longer be under the control of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, to help keep Trump in the White See PRIMARY/ Page 9

SPECIALIZING IN: • General foot and ankle care • Traumatic and sportsrelated injuries • Foot and ankle surgery • Heel pain/plantar fasciitis • Warts and ingrown nails • Diabetic foot care • Pediatric foot conditions • Diabetic Shoe Program and Custom Bracing • Wound Care • Noninvasive Vascular Testing

OCFASA.com

Page 8 ♦

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Saturday, June 27, 2020

We’re now offering a quicker and safer way to get your local news in your hands during the COVID-19 pandemic with home delivery*! Plus, moneysaving coupons and special offers from local merchants every weekend!

Send Form to:

Pine Barrens Tribune P.O. 2402 • Vincentown, NJ 08088

Please circle your preferred subscription.

13 Weeks, $26! 26 Weeks, $52! 52 Weeks, $104

Name: _______________________________________ Address ______________________________________ City: _________________ State: _____ Zip: _______

e m Ho ry e v i l De ble! ila a v A Now

2

$ Y L N ! O K E E PER W

CC# __________________ CVV ______Exp._______

Subscribe by phone at 609-801-2392. Please call for out-of-state rates. *Offer is available only to certain zip codes within our coverage area. Deliveries of our weekly publication are made on Fridays and Saturdays. Areas outside of our delivery area will receive a copy of the newspaper mailed to the home. Call 609-801-2392 to check on availability in your area!

www.pinebarrenstribune.com

Saturday, June 27, 2020

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

PRIMARY (Continued from Page 7)

House and to fight for conservative principles. The personal attacks also extended into the realm of the contenders’ occupations, with Richter alleging that Gibbs is a bought-andpaid-for agent of the union that employs her, which he charged has supported Democrats and policies that run contrary to the economic interests of county residents, and Gibbs assailing aspects of his former role as CEO of Hill International, the company founded by his father. “In 2016, your union endorsed Hillary Clinton for president and gave her $3 million toward her campaign to defeat Donald Trump,” Richter told Gibbs when given the chance to ask her a debate question. “In 2017, your union endorsed Phil Murphy for governor. Your union advocates for higher tolls, higher gasoline taxes and spends about 80 percent of its money on Democratic candidates. Your union has essentially funded the Trenton swamp for quite some time. They have also funded your campaign.” Richter then asked his opponent to name one issue on which she disagreed with the union, “because my position is that you will be their puppet in Congress,” he asserted. “I have to work for a living, I wasn’t handed a company by my dad,” Gibbs shot back, accusing Richter of “attacking my organization that was praised by President Trump,” who she maintained had even named one of its leaders to his Economic Recovery Task Force. “I am proud to help create job opportunities for hard-working middle-class blue-collar workers that live right here in the 3rd district,” Gibbs declared. Rather than directly answering Richter’s question, however, she indicated that what she disagreed with is the “huge difference between private unions and public unions, the way they collectively bargain, the way they are compensated and to call it “absolutely ridiculous that here in New Jersey we have both civil service and public employee unions.” “It’s duplicative,” Gibbs contended. Gibbs, however, was equally caustic in regard to Richter’s record once he took over as chief executive of Hill, an international engineering firm, which she alleged he had been pushed out of by shareholders after its stock tanked by 80 percent. She not only implied that he bore responsibility for the company’s hiring of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s brother James (despite Richter’s previous insistence that that he was only involved in having James Biden fired), and charged that the company had been sued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for fraud because a project it had undertaken in Libya had involved “some sort of discrepancy with the currency” in which Richter “underreported the losses.”

GIBBS

RICHTER

“Did you not understand the financial statements or not look at them?” she asked. “Or were you deliberately misleading your shareholders when you were issuing stock?” Richter responded that Gibbs’ question revealed “the fact that you really don’t know anything about business.” The reality, he said, was the SEC’s claim was over “a minor accounting issue,” and he “was never part of that lawsuit,” which came up at a time when he wasn’t CEO, and “nothing I said or did implicated me whatsoever.” Hill is a big global company,” he added. “It gets sued from time to time.” But this particular lawsuit, Richter claimed, was something he wasn’t involved in, adding, “I’d like to stand up and be accountable for the things I do and decisions I make.” But Gibbs insisted on pursuing the matter further, asking whether as a corporate officer he hadn’t looked at the financial statements and had been “bamboozled.” That prompted Richter to further clarify that the matter had involved “a very discreet issue about foreign currency exchange rates” and that “the decision was made by two accountants in our financial department who didn’t report to me.” “A family business is a great situation to be in 95 percent of time,” Richter explained. “You keep talking about how I was born on th i rd base with a silver spoon i n my mouth, but the fact is I was born poor, and my dad started that company to feed his family after he lost his job. He and I worked together for a long time, but five percent of the time when we disagreed, it got pretty contentious. “I stand behind any decisions I make. I take personal responsibility for them, unlike you, who has blamed other people for every mistake you have ever made.” Both Richter and Gibbs did concur, however, on a number of issues they were asked about— including the incorporation of a provision in the 2018 Tax Reform Bill limiting the SALT (State and Local Tax) deduction to $10,000. While maintaining that “it was a very good bill,” Richter said had he been in Congress, he would have “worked very hard” to get that provision

out, while Gibbs called the bill “a great start (that) had a lot of good features, including those tax cuts for business.” But she added that what she “has heard constantly from residents is that we need a simpler, more modern tax code that has lower rates for everyone across the board and incentivizes hard work to grow our economy.” That, too, however, ended in a personal argument over whether Gibbs, during her tenure as freeholder director, “was the only one who has actually cut taxes right here in the 3rd district,” as she claimed, or, according to Richter, actually raised taxes in Burlington County, by which he meant property taxes. In response to another very timely question from another moderator, Stephanie Faughnan, as to whether America’s police need to be reformed or defunded, or if police culture in their view is not the real problem, both agreed that the death of black Minneapolis resident George Floyd at the hands of a police officer was a “disgrace” and that reforms are needed. Richter said he thought police “have an obligation to take people under arrest and treat them safely and make sure they survive that process.” But he contended that “the vast majority of our law-enforcement officers have the toughest job under incredibly dangerous and difficult circumstances” and that “we shouldn’t be defunding the police, we should be defending the police—the good police that do their jobs every day, putting their lives at risk to keep the rest of us safe.” He added, however, that “there are absolute reforms that need to be implemented to get rid of bad cops” and that “we need to be protected by our police officers and protected from bad police officers.” Gibbs said that the 3rd district had “some really excellent examples of community policing at its best,” noting that she had been “really proud” to work with (former) Sh e r i f f Je a n St a n field (n ow a s t a t e assemblywoman), county prosecutors, and police chiefs to make Burlington County a safer place” and that being “better connected with the community” can help avoid tensions and brutality complaints.

Do you hear but have trouble understanding the words? Schedule a FREE HEARING TEST and CONSULTATION and take advantage of our FREE 2 week trial.

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

List

Toilet Pa per Hand Sa nitizer Jigsaw Pu zzles View MUM C’s Live Service o n Facebo ok Sunday @ 9:30 am

and lifestyle starting at $2,500/pair. Every hearing aid purchase includes our expert programming and our unsurpassed, world-class service! Rechargeable and cell phone compatible hearing aids now available. Medford • Whiting Bridgeton • Columbus Hammonton

Call 877-924-3477 • Since 1985 • scottwilsonhearingaids.com Scott Wilson, Owner, NJ Lic #484 • Kirsten Corcoran, NJ Lic #1123 • Kelli Byrne, NJ Lic #1350 • Hearing Aid Dispensers

Other issues on which they were in agreement included the need to proceed with Trump’s border wall and fixing a “broken immigration system,” a subject that was raised when both candidates were questioned on their feelings about whether the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA recipients, known as “Dreamers,” should be given protected status or a path to citizenship. Gibbs, after talking about the need for border security, emphasized that “we have to be compassionate with the Dreamers and have that comprehensive reform that has a tough, but fair and consistent process to move them toward citizenship,” adding, however, that she was “absolutely against amnesty.” Richter, though, opted to address the circumstances of those in the DACA program in somewhat greater detail, noting that “you have situations where children were brought here sometimes as young as babies who only know English, don’t know their native language and only know living in America, and sending them back to a country they don’t know and that speaks a language they don’t speak I think is incredibly unfair.” But he added that he thought “there is a compromise to be done both sides … including Democratic support for building the wall.” When asked for a final statement, Richter noted that “we need the best possible candidate to k nock Andy Kim out of Congress” and that “Kate Gibbs can’t do that based on her history, her ethics, her integrity, and her poor track record as a freeholder in Burlington County.” “I have a record of success, Richter claimed. “I know how to create jobs; I know how to work with President Trump to rebuild the economy and get this country moving again.” Gibbs, in her concluding statement, claimed that electing her “can change the perception of what a Republican looks like and attract new supporters.” “We can beat Andy Kim, take back the House, support President Trump, and elect the most qualified person in this race,” Gibbs said. “I am the only candidate who can win in November, (whereas) nominating David would be an absolute disaster and a gift to the Democrats. … I’m scrappy as hell, and you’ll never find a better fighter in Congress for you than me.” In an email responding to the Republican debate, Kim asserted that, “The Republicans proved once again they won't stand up for working families.” “Instead, they'll stand by Donald Trump— no matter what,” the congressman contended in the email. “They provided no solutions to addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and no ideas for how they would help hardworking people get through this economic crisis.” The email also contained a statement that, “National Republicans have already made it clear they are going to spend big to beat Andy no matter who wins the primary.”

Shopping

We have hearing aids for every budget

PBT

♦ Page 9

Page 10 ♦

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

REUNITES (Continued from Page 2)

The facility, overwhelmed by the contagion in April and May, had reportedly lost touch with many residents’ parents and guardians, leaving this com munit y newspaper as the only means of real communication bet we e n t he m a nd t hei r love d one s. Hardman, along with others, explained in May that many of the residents at the facility are non-verbal. Hardman previously told this newspaper that her daughter is mentally challenged, bipolar and autistic, and that although she calls her almost every other day, and her daughter is one of the New Lisbon re side nt s who ca n a ct u al ly t al k a nd wal k on he r ow n , she ha s d if ficu lt y communicating with her without face-to-face contact. “I telephoned her, but she is not a talker on phone,” said Hardman in May. “If she can’t see you, she doesn’t understand you, and can’t hear you that well. My conversations have been very brief, and I pretty much just say ‘Take your medicine, be a good girl and the nurses will take care of you. I love you.’” Hardman had been particularly concerned because two weeks prior to contacting this newspaper for the first time in May, she said, she received a telephone call from a New Lisbon social worker informing her that her daughter had just tested positive for COVID -19 and developed a fever. That was the last status update she had heard concerning her daughter for weeks during the height of the outbreak, leaving her to worry whether her daughter, with a past history of hospitalizations related to pneumonia, would be OK. A New Jersey Depar tment of Health

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM (NJDOH) directive issued late last week, as the state enters Phase II of a reopening plan given recent improvements in virus cases and hospitalizations statewide, permitted outdoor visitation with long-term care residents starting June 21. “Being apart from our loved ones has been one of the most difficult challenges throughout the pandemic—especially for long-term care residents and their families,” said NJDOH Commissioner Judith Persichilli in a press release. “This directive outlines the measures that must be in place to reduce risk to this vulnerable population while allowing visits outdoors. Virtual communication could never replace gathering face to face gatherings with loved ones. We hope these outdoor visitations bring joy and comfort to residents as well as their loved ones—while also protecting them.” Hardman said she learned that following that directive, “Trenton,” or the New Jersey Department of Human Services (NJDHS), contacted New Lisbon CEO Dave Thomas late Friday to inform him that outdoor visitations could begin at the developmental center starting June 21. Hardman jumped at the opportunity, and upon her arrival at the facility, personnel took her temperature. “They provided a picnic bench where we could sit and see each other,” Hardman said. “I couldn’t touch or hug her, or anything like that, but just seeing her was a joy.” Hardman said one other family was present at the time she went to New Lisbon. She contended that personnel were taking precautions and were “very cautious, very precise.” “They are going to set it up where I can go there once a week,” she said. “We are limited to 20-minute visit, but that is no big deal to me as I live 20 minutes from there. It is a step in the right direction. I don’t know what this is going to lead to, though, down the road.”

Saturday, June 27, 2020

Hardman, who added that she was “ready to cooperate 200 percent” with any precautions or visitation regulations “because seeing my daughter means a lot to me,” contended t hat her d aug hter is now “ tested periodically” for COVID-19, and that her daughter’s latest test result for the contagion was negative. “She looked good, but has lost 10 pounds,” Hardman said. Clearing the picnic bench, she said, to make the reunion possible, was Thomas himself. Thomas has been u nder fire due to t he outbre a k at New Lisbon , a s t he facility maintains the highest number of resident COVID-19 cases of any State of New Jersey-run developmental facilities, by far, and is in the top-tier for state long-term care facility outbreaks. This newspaper previously repor ted an employee’s account that contended that the reasons for the concent ration of c o m mu n it y s p r e a d a t t h e c e nt e r i ncluded “cross cont a m i nat ion,” PPE issues, inadequate facilities being used to quarantine ill residents and the inability for many non-verbal residents to communicate that they are feeling ill. That claim was later supported by other accounts,

including from Woodland and county officials. Repor ts say many of these concer ns have since been addressed following this newspaper’s reporting and calls placed by the community to local legislators and the governor’s office. “Sunday was Father’s Day,” Hardman said. “Thomas usually doesn’t work on Sunday. He is the one who organized everything. He was there—he himself. He washed down the picnic bench. He sprayed it, wiped it down. There were no custodial staff around. He more or less handled the entire visit. He wanted it to work. It was new to him, new to us, and it worked out very well.” Hardman said of Thomas, and the criticism he has faced in recent weeks, that “he was presented with this tremendous problem.” “It was a challenge,” Hardman said. “They seem to be working with it diligently. He is living a situation that never happened before, just working at it all the time. …When I got home from there, I called up my whole family to tell them the good news. It has been doom and gloom for so long, when something good happens to you in life, you want to celebrate.” Hardman added that “maybe another miracle will happen in a few weeks,” hoping that the virus will completely fade in the U.S.

REOPEN

states have taken aggressive action to flatten the curve and beat back the coronavirus,” Murphy said. “As a result of our collective efforts, we have low infection rates, falling hospitalizations, and have steadily been reopening our economies. Unfortunately, many states continue to have high transmission rates. We are proud to work with our partners in New York and Connecticut on a joint incoming travel advisor y to ensure continued progress against this virus and to keep residents of the tri-state area safe.”

(Continued from Page 7) of last contact within the identified state. The quarantine, which started 12:01 a.m. June 25, applies to any person arriving from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents, or a state with a 10 percent or higher positivity rate over a seven-day rolling average. “Over the course of the past few months, our

We’re All In This Together, We Continue To Serve Customers with Health & Safety Being Our #1 Objective

Protect your home

Celebrate Achievement 9

A permanent solution for clogged gutters

For safety, FREE gutter evaluations and estimates outside your home, no physical contact necessary.

SPRING SAVINGS! * FREE Installation 0

Handles

22” RAIN of

Down Payments Interest

Extra 5% OFF

/hr

for Essential Workers

First Responders | Medical Grocery | Military/Government S

NO Money Down NO Payments NO Interest Until 2021†

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE G

ter

Helm Ro

ofin

®

et

g

SINCE 1981

Senior and Veteran Discounts

GUTTER

EXPIRES 5/31/2020

ut

Call today to learn more!

609-631-3420

in Our Community

*Offer expires 5/31/20, call for more details. Min. purchase is required. Offer applies to Gutter Helmet gutter protection installations only and must be presented at time of estimate, cannot be combined with any other offers and subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited by law. †Subject to credit approval. Interest does accrue during promotional period but all interest is waived if paid in full within 10 months. Lednor is neither a broker nor a lender. Financing is provided by 3rd party lenders, under terms & conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lenders, satisfactory completion of finance documents is required. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only. NJ HIC Reg. #13VH04341800 - PA #010099 © 2020 Lednor Corporation.

Join us in congratulating the Class of 2020 with a graduation greeting in our upcoming special section! This keepsake special section is the perfect place to share your best wishes, as well as advertise your products or services.

Class of

Riephoff Sawmill 609-259-7265

www.riephoffsawmill.com

We are a family-owned business for over 50 years supplying top-quality lumber products. • Oak Fence Boards & Posts • Custom Cut Hardwood Lumber • Tree Stakes - Trailer Decking • Crane Mats

WE BUY STANDING TIMBER 763 Route 524, Allentown, NJ 08501

To learn more or reserve your spot in the Class of 2020 special section, contact us today at

609-801-2392

Saturday, June 27, 2020

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

♦ Page 11

*Please contact your church for COVID-19 service updates.

Photo By Andy Milone

Sara Brown cuts the hair of Josh Inman, of Shamong, at Towne Barber Shop in Southampton Township on the first day of its reopening.

BARBERS (Continued from Page 1)

and beard trims. She also can no longer offer magazines for customers to read. In addition, these personal care facilities cannot accept clients who walk inside without making an appointment, and must perform temperature checks of clients and staff prior to entry into the facility. “It is like being reborn again,” she said about her first days back. “It was like the first day of school, or the first day at a new job.” There are no specific set capacity limitations on these personal-care facilities; however, staffclient pairs need to maintain six feet of social distancing between other staff-client pairs, unless separated by physical barriers. “That has cut our paycheck in half,” Brown noted. The social distancing requirement, she maintained, is the “only downside to having a small salon,” because there is no additional space to allow for the six feet of distance without limiting the number of people that are served inside at once. As a result, she can no longer “double book appointments”—that is, cutting a client’s hair for a half hour while waiting for another client’s hair coloring to process. While additional sanitary procedures have also become part of what some people call the “new normal,” sanitizing had already been part of what it takes to operate a hair salon or barbershop. Therefore, Brown contends that personal care facilities should have been allowed to reopen earlier, at least as early as June 15 when outdoor dining was allowed to restart. “Being regulated by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, we needed to learn how to sanitize in order to get the license,” she said. “It is second nature to us.” Poinsett also maintained that no additional precautions are really needed beyond the basics like wearing a face covering or using hand sanitizer.

People just need to use “common sense,” she said —something that she believes her clients, many of whom come from Pine View Terrace, a 55-and-over housing community, are perfectly capable of doing. “If you do not feel good, do not go to a hair salon,” she advised. Those representing a younger generation, however, might be less inclined to make common-sense decisions during these gradual reopenings of businesses, she asserted. Coincidentally, on the same day, the governor specifically admonished them in a tweet. “Attn. young people: You are not invincible,” the tweet read. “We have seen an increase in the percentage of COVID-19 cases between the ages of 18-29. Do the right thing. Wear a mask. Keep your distance. Wash your hands. Do not be a knucklehead.” For some personal care facilities, though, the wait to open was too long, and there will not be the chance to test people’s common sense. Metamorphasis Family Hair Salon in Shamong Township announced its permanent closure earlier this month, after being in business for more than 17 years. “Please u nderst and, this was not a decision we ‘made,’ but one that was forced upon us because of the state closures,” the salon’s management noted in a statement on its Facebook page. “We are a mini business, not even a small business, and this closure and the uncertain future of what a new ‘normal’ would be for us makes reopening impossible.” The salon did not, as of press time, respond to a request for an interview for further explanation behind the decision to close. Nails at Metamorphasis remains open. Under Murphy’s Executive Order No. 154, the personal-care service facilities that were allowed to open starting June 22, include cosmetology shops, barbershops, beauty salons, hair braiding shops, nail salons, electrology facilities, spas (including day spas and medical spas, at which solely elective and cosmetic medical procedu res are performed), massage parlors, tanning salons, and tattoo parlors.

PPine Grove Tenants

Pine Grove Plaza Shopping Center

18 BROADWAY, 5 BROWNS MILLS, NEW JERSEY 08015 RETAIL SPACE AVAILABLE! FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL:

856-218-8677 7

ALBA PIZZA

TOP NAIL SALON

PINE GROVE DRY CLEANERS

Join our Catholic faith community on the weekend Mass Times: Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Sundays at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. or 6:00 p.m.

WELCOME! THEREFORIS AYOU!SEAT OPEN

Trinity Episcopal Church 18 Mill St. Vincentown, NJ 08088 Worship: Sundays 10 a.m. 609-859-2299

Visit our website for more information holyeucharist.org “Like” us on Facebook

Messiah Lutheran L Brethren Church Join us for service on Sundays at 9:30 am on Facebook Facebook.com/MedfordUMC Get the daily devotional @ medfordumc/devotional 2 Hartford Road • Medford, NJ • 609/654-8111 medfordumc.org • Like us on Facebook/@MedfordUMC ~OUR FACILITIES ARE ACCESSIBLE~

UPGRADES (Continued from Page 2)

It also includes rehabilitation of the “Southside Standpipe,” and rehabilitation of filters at the township’s sewage treatment plant. Improvements to various sewer mains, laterals, manholes and pump stations are also included in the utility capital plan. In a somewhat related matter, council unanimously approved on second reading an ordinance that repeals and replaces the township’s existing Sewer and Water Utility Ordinance. According to an explanation provided on council’s June 16 meeting agenda, several provisions of the existing Utility Ordinance were considered “outdated” and “needed revision.” The township contended that there were two substantive revisions made, the first being “language regarding automatic odd/ even scheduling for the public use of water during the period of May 1 to Sept. 30 of each year,” and that the water conservation measures would only be imposed if authorized by the township manager. The other, according to the township, i nc or p or at e s t he prov ision s of st at e statute requiring a 50 percent reduction in the connection fee for public housing authorities and non-profit organizations building affordable housing projects. There is also a clause protecting the redevelopment agreements previously entered into by the township that waive 100 percent of the connection fees. The township contends this was offered to the redevelopers to get a higher

Find Us On Facebook

“To Know Jesus Christ and to Make Him Known” Pastor Todd Anderson

www.MessiahLBC.church Church (609) 893-1700 530 Virginia Drive Presidential Lakes, NJ 08015 Worship Service - 10 a.m.

percentage of affordable housing needed for the town’s plan as mandated by the state. “This is just to bring some of our code up to standards,” contended Watson about the new version of the ordinance. “Some of it (the existing ordinance) is a little bit a nt iqu ated a nd (t he cha nges) i nclude how we regulate our water, conservation me a su re s a s on ly aut hor i z e d by t he township manager, (along with) a reduction in the connection fee for public housing authorities, non-profits and builders of affordable housing. It just brings things upto-date.” Township Engineer Christopher Noll added that “a couple of other items” were updated in the new Sewer and Water Utility Ordinance. “ We t ig ht e ne d up ou r g re a se t r ap regulations because we have had some issues with restaurants clogging up our sewer mains,” Noll said. “We have increased the maintenance procedures and repor ting procedures. It allows the towns to check those records. We also tightened up the responsibilities of the township versus residents for sewer laterals and water services versus the main.” According to the agenda, municipal utility staff requested a revision that the water meters are to be installed by “the owner” and “not the township,” and that any remote meter head is to be mounted directly to the meter. Council, at a June 2 meeting, awarded a $1,547,800 contract to JEV Construction to undertake improvements to the township’s sewage plant. According to the township, bids were taken May 12 and 14 bids were received. JEV Construction was the lowest, qualified bidder.

Facebook.com/PineBarrensTribune

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Page 12 ♦

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

l LocaBUSINESS

& SERVICE DIRECTORY

AT ONLINE LE 24/7 OM .C S E AVAILAB IC SSERV N E R R A PINEB

AUTO BODY P 609.893.8285 F 609.893.4770 Open 8 a.m. to 5p.m. Mon.- Fri.

ATTORNEY

LAW OFFICE OF KIT APPLEGATE VINCENTOWN, NJ

(609) 228-5750 GENERAL PRACTICE ATTORNEY SERVING THE RESIDENTS OF LEISURETOWNE SERVING THE SMALL AND MEDIUM BUSINESSES OF SOUTH JERSEY HOME AND OFFICE VISITS AVAILABLE FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION ESTATE PLANNING PACKAGES STARTING AT $500 Please don’t hesitate to call for more information: (609) 228-5750 or www.kitapplegatelaw.com

AUTOMOTIVE AUTO REPAIR

AUTO REPAIR AUTOMOTIVE

576 Lakehurst Road Browns Mills, NJ 08015 NJ Body Shop Lic#01873A

42 Ye ars in Bu sines s

rk All Wo d ntee a r a u G

Saturday, June 27, 2020

P 609.893.8285 F 609.893.4770 Open 8 a.m. to 5p.m. Mon.- Fri.

576 Lakehurst Road Browns Mills, NJ 08015

P 609.893.8285 576 Lakehurst Road Full Line Auto Repair Towing Service F 609.893.4770 Browns Mills, NJ 08015

NJ Body Shop Lic#01873A

NJ Body Shop Lic#01873A

42 Ye ars in Bu sines s

rk All Wo d ee t n a r Gua

Open 8 a.m. to 5p.m. Mon.- Fri.

42 Ye ars in Bu sines s

rk All Wo d ee t n a r Gua

Ridge Auto Body Ridge Auto Repair

Ridge Auto Body Ridge Auto Repair

Ridge Auto Body Ridge Auto Repair

Check Engine Light • Brake Work • Transmission Work ASE & I-Car Certified For 24 Hr. Towing, Call 609.969.1114

Check Engine Light • Brake Work • Transmission Work ASE & I-Car Certified For 24 Hr. Towing, Call 609.969.1114

Check Engine Light • Brake Work • Transmission Work 239 Pemb.-Browns Mills Rd. • Browns Mills, NJ 08015 ASE & I-Car Certified For 24 Hr. Towing, Call 609.969.1114

Servicing Browns Mills, Pemberton and Whiting

Servicing Browns Mills, Pemberton and Whiting

Hours : Tue. Thru Sat. 9 Mills, a.m. - 7 p.m. • Sunday a.m. - 5 p.m. Servicing Browns Pemberton and9Whiting

Full Auto Repair, Free Estimates

576 Lakehurst Road Browns Mills, NJ 08015

For Jobs Over $500.

10% OFF

Driveways & Parking Lots

42 Ye ars in Bu sines s

Ridge Auto Body Ridge Auto Repair Check Engine Light • Brake Work • Transmission Work ASE & I-Car Certified For 24 Hr. Towing, Call 609.969.1114

Full Auto Repair, Free Estimates

Servicing Browns Mills, Pemberton and Whiting

ELECTRICAL/SOLAR

ELECTRICAL

10 % OFF

NJ Body Shop Lic#01873A

rk All Wo d ee t n a Guar

Full 609-893-9353 Auto Repair, Free Estimates

CONSTRUCTION AUTOMOTIVE

AUTO REPAIR P 609.893.8285 F 609.893.4770 Open 8 a.m. to 5p.m. Mon.- Fri.

Full Auto Repair, Free Estimates

SEALCOATING:

for Military Vets or Senior Citizens.

Commercial,, Industrial,, Residential

Asphalt Overlays Repairs • Asphalt Patching Hot Pour Crack Repair Line Striping • Stenciling Sign Installation/Sign Removal Speed Bump & Bollard Installation 609-859-8668

•

Driveway B-ball keys only $300

SINCE 1989

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL Whole House Generators Backhoe & Bucket Truck Service

Free Estimates Fully Insured Like us on Facebook HIC:13VH09369600

www.nickolausconstruction.com

A+ BBB Rating • FREE Estimates

609-894-9014

RUSS HUBSCHMAN

www.bearelectricco.com

OWNER • LIC# 9924

HANDYMAN

MASONRY

Fully Insured-HIC#13VH10872300

Joe Posch

SPECIAL OFFER

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

15% OFF

.

BATHROOM / KITCHEN REMODELING LIGHTING / LANDSCAPE LIGHTING FENCES • OUTDOOR CONSTRUCTION FLOOD & MOLD RESTORATION DECK REFINISHING PAINTING • GENERAL HOME REPAIRS

732-710-5714 AUTOMOTIVE PEST CONTROL

•

609-857-3871

ALL TYPES OF MASONRY • Garage Slabs • Driveways • Sidewalks • Curbs • House Raising • Foundations • Etc. Lic. #13VH06233700 FREE ESTIMATES • FULLY INSURED • COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

REAL ESTATE AUTOMOTIVE

ROOFING WE BEAT EVERY WRITTEN OFFER... Has Been in Business For Over 35 Years

DIAMOND ROOFING

Owned & Operated By Dave Mikulski

Guaranteed Return Phone Call Within 24 Hours! Lic.#13H01716900

Call 609-268-9200

Operates in All of South Jersey Specializing in Roofing and Gutters FREE Estimates • Fully Insured Operates from Sunrise to Sunset

OFFERING FREE ESTIMATES

Saturday, June 27, 2020

LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

TREE SERVICES

TREE SERVICES Land Clearing

Removals

♦ Page 13

WELL SERVICES Firewood

P.O. Box 311 Medford, N.J. 08055

N.J. Lic. #NJTC768133

Robert H. Griscom Fully Insured NJTC768766

(609) 654-6602

NJ Lic. 13VH06395500

HATS

(Continued from Page 1) pandemic began. “We wanted to give them something that would make them feel encouraged, but also a good practical type of thing,” said Tracy Derkas, a fourth-grade Chatsworth Ele me nt a r y t e a che r, who is a l so president of the CEA and the school’s track coach. “We felt healthy food was a good choice.” Postal Clerk Larissa Chalginow, of the Chatsworth U.S. Post Office, was said to be shocked when members of the CEA showed up with a bag of fruit. “ T h e p o s t m a s t e r s a id sh e wa s s o appreciative,” Casano said. “She didn’t really think people thought of her as a f rontline worker. But she is, and she has been there ever y day at work. She does a lot to help the school with packages, and what not, so it was impor tant to recognize her. She was very surprised and very gracious.” Chalginow told this newspaper that the gesture “meant a lot” and that she was “very touched” that people recognized that postal workers never stop at what they do. “I was reporting to work every day,” she said. “I think of this as my duty. I am here, and was so glad that we were open all this time. It (being open through the pandemic) kind of brought people a sense of normalcy in this time. It was very difficult. At the Post Office, we report to work and do our job.” Members of the Woodland Volunteer Fire and EMS company gathered outside its Fire Station #2, off Locust Trail, in the Lebanon Lakes section of Woodland, to receive the donated food. “I would li ke to say t ha n k you to all the members of PR IDE, and their dedication for the work they do, and to Russo’s,” said Shawn A. Viscardi Sr., chief of Woodland Volunteer Fire and EMS Company. “PRIDE did an outstanding job of supporting the community’s first responders during these

Photo By Barbara Levy

Members of the Chatsworth Education Association, through the New Jersey Education Association’s PRIDE in Public Education grant program administered locally by the CEA, celebrate Postal Clerk Larissa Chalginow, of the Chatsworth U.S. Post Office (second from right), for being a frontline worker during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cookies containing the Chatsworth Elementary School’s official school logo/ mascot, a deer buck, and a graduate cap with 2020 written on it, were donated by the Chatsworth Education Association to be included in gift baskets for school graduates.

hectic times with the fruit bags. It is always great to see first responders getting recognition for their tireless work and hours they give to the community.” As this newspaper previously reported, the Woodland Volunteer Fire and EMS company transports the Woodland-based New Lisbon Developmental Center residents to the hospital for emergency care. The agency has dealt with numerous COVID-19 cases at t he s t at e - r u n fa ci l it y, wh ich h a s e x p e r ie n c e d t h e h ig h e s t n u m b e r of resident COVID-19 cases among five state developmental centers, by far. As of press time, 194 New Lisbon residents (of 288 residents as of the last census) came down with the illness, with 10 dead and 184 considered “recovered positives,” according to a data sheet provided by the New Jersey Department of Human Services (NJDHS). 132 New Lisbon staffers also contracted

instead, ar rived at the idea to deliver diplomas to each student on what was graduation day, June 15. Eighth grade teacher Barbara Levy and Superintendent Misty We i s s a r r a n g e d t h e d o o r - t o - d o o r graduation with the support of the school board. Casano told this newspaper that the CEA also used the PRIDE grant dollars to give each graduate custom cookies made by Sunflour Bakeshop, of Mount Laurel, to celebrate their graduation from Chatsworth Elementary. Each box of cookies, she said, was included in a gift basket given to the graduates when they received their diplomas. “There are 24 graduates of Chatsworth Elementary,” she said. “They were kind of our local school heroes because they lost of a lot of their 8th grade activities to the pandemic. We wanted to give them something to celebrate their success.”

Photo By Tim Derkas

Sharing Our Community’s Strength & Stories As the consequences of COVID-19 affect our community and our world, the importance of our connection to reliable information, resources and one another is more evident than ever. As your local newspaper, we are committed to keeping you connected through local news, outbreak updates, stimulating features and community engagement as we make our way through these troubled times toward a brighter future together.

the virus, which has since claimed the life of one of them. Eight staffers are said to still be battling the virus. Due to the pandemic, an executive order was issued by Democratic Governor Phil Mu r phy that closed schools for in-person instruction for the remainder o f t h e 2 019 - 2 0 s c h o o l y e a r , a n d prohibited school districts from holding graduation ceremonies this June, as is traditional. While Murphy has since issued a subsequent one, following public pressure, that would allow districts to hold modified commencement ceremonies beginning July 6, Woodland is one of many districts throughout the state that decided not to hold a delayed ceremony, rather it did door-to-door diploma deliveries on June 15. T he Wood la nd Tow n sh ip Boa rd of Education, and school district administrators,

Travis Garage Doors & Repair Broken Springs/ Cables

Operator Remotes

Since 1971 New Garage Doors + Electric Openers Service & Repair 7 Days a Week for Your Convenience

(609) 859-2992 All Credit Cards Accepted

TO ADVERTISE• CALL OR EMAIL JANINE 609-801-2392 • JSEELEY@PINEBARRENST JSEELEY@PINEBARRENST JANINE 609-801-2392 JANINE •• 609-801-2392 •• JSEELEY@PINEBARRENST Page 14 ♦

JOB BOARD

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

.JOBS

EXPERIENCED CLEANERS/CLEANING COMPANY

TO ADVERTISE CALL OR EMAIL TO ADVERTISE CALL OR EMAIL

TO ADVERTISE CALL OR EMAIL

9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. N.J. JANINE • 609-801-2392 • JSEELEY@PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM MANAHAWKIN,

TO OROR EMAIL TO ADVERTISE CALL OR EMAIL TOADVERTISE ADVERTISECALL CALL EMAIL

Saturday, June 27, 2020

BlueBerry Packer

Blueberry Farm, Pemberton, N.J. Summer Help Wanted! Working in blueberry packing house. MUST be at least 16-years-old. $12 an hour. Apply in person at Bush Blueberry Farm: 312 Magnolia Road, Pemberton. Saturdays A.M. TO 5between P.M. 12 noon and 2 p.m.

609-801-2392 • SALES@PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM 9 JANINE • 609-801-2392 • JSEELEY@PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM AD RATES AS LOW AS DEADLINE: TUESDAYS AT 4 P.M. 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. Deep cleaning, LBI house/ windows, with owner. Starting immediately. $15-$20/hr., plus $25 per day for gas. Must wear mask, provide legitimate address and have reliable transportation. Segue to Saturdays only as rental checker or cleaner. Text 602-663-3303.

HELP WANTED HE Warehouse and Shipping Assistant Southampton, New Jersey

W Warehouse and Shipping Assistant to pick, pack and p ocess purchase orders, assemble component parts pro into finished goods, receive and stock warehouse merchandise, etc. Must be able to lift up to 75 lbs., drive forklift and have mechanical aptitude. Competitive pay with 401K, health care, paid major holidays and paid vacation. Company located in Southampton Twp., NJ. Interested persons should send resume to sales@triplednj.com.

•Flex Time Available •Part-Time or Full-Time •Opportunity for an experienced technician to tune/clean oil heaters who wants to work with an established company where Customer Service is #1 and employees are valued. •$20-$23 per hour with benefits, negotiable based on experience and hours wanting to work. •Consistent work, uniforms, tool allowance

Apply at https://harriettses.com 609-654-5739 Ext: 228

Like Where You Work!

Computer Operator • Tabernacle, N.J.

Duties include entering basic data into the computer and working with email.The ideal candidate should have computer experience or knowledge. This position requires a highly-organized individual who can maintain focus. No experience in insurance needed.

Interested Candidates Should Apply by Calling 609-268-2158.

or visit lbicleaning.com/hireme

Human Resource Support and Financial Assistant Southampton, New Jersey

Large Scale Homeowners Associations in Southampton, seeking a Human Resource Support and Finance Lead to assist in the day-to-day financial activity of the organization. The Financial Assistant processes financial reports/ monitors activities (accounts payable/accounts receivable) budgets and payroll transactions. Establishment of vendors setups and invoice processing. Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communications skills with friendly demeanor required. Ability to work independently within a busy office environment. Must be able to manage multiple concurrent projects with varying deadlines. Attention to detail required. Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel, Internet, and Accounting software programs. Human resource background a plus.

Email resume to kristine.clancy@associa.us

Help Wanted “Indoor comfort you know and trust.”

95 PER WEEK

RichaRd O’Neal iNsuRaNce ageNcy

CALL ERIN 609-389-9399

HARRIETT'S ENERGY SOLUTIONS

J

Oil Heater Tune-up Technician

12

$

EXPERIENCED CLEANERS NEEDED! Great pay based on experience. Medical benefits offered. Go-getter attitude required! We attract people who want to make money, like tips, are reliable, have a sense of humor,, and are attentive to customer requests. Must be a team playerr! Background checks required. COVID-19 safety gear provided. Positions filling up fast!

101 S. Main, Medford

92

ND

NOW HIRING!

HVAC Technician with Minimum 4+ Years of Field Experience Looking For:

Like Where You Work!

• Full-Time with Stand By • Flex Scheduling Available if Needed • Oil, Gas, A/C Maintenance & Repair Expertise • Must Live Within 30 Miles of Medford • Good Driving Record • Able to Work Independently

Off ffered: f

• Competitive Hourly+Incentives Based on Experience • Full Benefits Package • Paid Vacations, Holidays, Training

Email Resume to: jobs@harriettses.com

Saturday, June 27, 2020

TO ADVERTISE CALL OR EMAIL

609-801-2392 • SALES@PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM DEADLINE: TUESDAYS AT 4 P.M. 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. AUTOMOBILES/TRUCKS

LAWN CUTTING

Cash Paid for Your Car. Looking to buy better than junk cars. Call 1-866-261-5277. We come to you.

Lawn cutting, along with yard and gutter clean up. Shrub pruning and some tree work, along with hauling. Free estimates=reasonable rates. Call Bob at 1-609-880-3789.

AUTOS WANTED CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/Models 2002-2019! Any condition. Running or not. Top $$$ paid! Free towing! We’re nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-985-1806.

AWNINGS ATLANTIC AWNINGS professional installations. Residential/commercial. Retractable awnings, window awnings, retractable and stationary canopies, recovers, repairs, take downs, re-hangs and washing. Fully insured. FREE ESTIMATES. 609-618-2420. LIC#131VH06758700, atlanticawningcompany. com.

FURNITURE REPAIR Adam’s Furniture Restoration, LLC. Fully insured. Furniture repair, kitchen cabinet refinishing, touch-ups, and in-home services. Call 1-856-979-6210. Visit www.facebook.com/ adamsfurnres .

HAULING Household appliances. Televisions, furniture, etc. for disposal or transport. Garage, yard and gutter cleanups and gutter cleaning. Free estimates. Call Bob at 609-880-3789.

MISCELLANEOUS Applying for Social Security disability or appealing a denied claim? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc., Social Security Disability Attorneys, at 1-855-498-6323! Free consultations. Local attorneys nationwide. [Mail: 2420 N St. NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/ NM Bar.)]

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing - trusted by authors since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive services: consultation, production, promotion and distribution. Call for your free Author’s Guide. Contact 1-877-6262213.

Call Empire Today® to schedule a free in-home estimate on carpeting and flooring. Call today! 1-855-404-2366.

Cross Country Moving, long-distance moving company, out-of-state move $799. Longdistance movers. Get a free quote on your longdistance move. 1-844-452-1706.

HEALTH AND FITNESS Generic Viagra and Cialis! 100 Pills $99 with free Shipping! 100 percent guaranteed. Open 24/7, call now! 1-888-889-5515.

INSURANCE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PROPER COVERAGE. DON’T ASSUME. GET PROFESSIONAL SERVICE, DEAL WITH AN INDEPENDENT AGENT. O’NEAL INSURANCE AGENCY, 1614 ROUTE 206, TABERNACLE, NEW JERSEY, 08088. PHONE NUMBER: 1-609-268-2158.

FREE!

Savings Include an American Standard Right Height Toilet FREE! ($500 Value)

MARKETPLACE

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Dental Insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Not just a discount plan, real coverage for [350+] procedures. Don’t wait, call now at 1-877-308-2834 for details. www.dental50plus.com/cadnet#6258 .

DISH Network special—$59.99 for 190 channels. Add high-Speed internet for only $19.95/mo. Call today for $100 gift card! Best value and technology. Free installation. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-855-837-9146.

Walk-In Tubs

WALK-IN BATHTUB SALE! SAVE $1,500 ✔ Backed by American Standard’s 140 years of experience ✔ Ultra low entry for easy entering & exiting ✔ Patented Quick Drain® Technology ✔ Lifetime Warranty on the bath AND installation, INCLUDING labor backed by American Standard ✔ 44 Hydrotherapy jets for an invigorating massage Limited Time Offer! Call Today!

877-381-3271

Or visit: www.walkintubinfo.com/network

♦ Page 15

12

$ AD RATES AS LOW AS

95 PER WEEK

MISCELLANEOUS

MISCELLANEOUS

Earthlink High Speed Internet. As low as $14.95/month (for the first 3 months). Reliable high-speed fiber optic technology. Stream videos, music and more! Call Earthlink today at 1-855-520-7938.

Two great new offers from AT&T Wireless! Ask how to get the Next Generation Samsung Galaxy S10e for free. Get a free iPhone with AT&T’s buy one, give one special. While supplies last! Call 1-866-565-8452 or www. freephonesnow.com//cadnet .

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a free LeafFilter estimate today. 15 percent off entire purchase. 10 percent off senior and military discounts. Call 1-855-402-0373 . HughesNet Satellite Internet: 25mbps starting at $49.99 per month. Get more data free! Offpeak data and fast download speeds. Wi-Fi built in! Free standard installation for lease customers! Limited time, call 1-855-973-9254. Lung Cancer? Asbestos exposure in industrial, construction, manufacturing jobs, or military may be the cause. Were family members in the home also exposed? Call 1-866-795-3684 or email cancer@breakinginjurynews.com. $30 billion is set aside for asbestos victims with cancer. Valuable settlement monies may not require filing a lawsuit. Portable Oxygen Concentrator may be covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and longlasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 1-888-609-2189! Stay in your home longer with an American Standard Walk-In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-855-481-3969 or visit www.walkintubquote. com/national .

REAL ESTATE Commercial—LBI, downtown Harvey Cedars. Seasonal or year-round. 700’ open area with 1/2 bath. Great for office, art gallery/antique or thrift shop, meeting room. Great visibility on Blvd.! Call Sandi at 609-709-2956, or 941485-5836.

Southampton Twp. Highway Commercial Zoning, Two-Story Home, 4 Beds, 2 Bath, 2 Car Garage and possible office space, with .60 ac on Route 206, next to several business. Call 609-314-0588 for additional information and tour of the property.

U-PICK Poinsett Farm. U-Pick blueberries. SaturdayMonday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. only. 209 Columbus Avenue. Call 609-744-5522.

WANTED TO BUY Vinyl records wanted. Pay in cash. Rock, blues, jazz, metal, Elvis, Reggae. Very good condition only. Call Rick at 908-616-7104.

Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests. Send details to P.O. Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201.

CIRCULATION The Pine Barrens Tribune is published every Saturday. 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, a public health emergency 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. © 2020 Pine Barrens Tribune

Lung Cancer?

Asbestos exposure in industrial, construction, manufacturing, or military jobs may be the cause. Are family members in the home also exposed? Call 1-866-795-3684 or email cancer@breakinginjurynews.com. $30 billion is set aside for asbestos victims with cancer. Valuable settlement monies may not require filing a lawsuit.

Page 16 ♦

WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Saturday, June 27, 2020

CAPITAL HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP IS PLEASED TO WELCOME CAPITAL HEALTH OB/GYN − BROWNS MILLS Capital Health OB/GYN – Browns Mills is a comprehensive women’s health practice. After serving women in the Lower Bucks County, PA region for almost 30 years, our team is bringing its trusted obstetric and gynecologic care to women in Browns Mills, NJ. Our experienced and board certified providers include DRS. ROBERT BERK, NEIL BLUEBOND, AMY HARVEY O’KEEFFE, MARK KUHN, and ANNE WALKER. Our team provides women

with comprehensive prenatal and obstetrical services, as well as annual women’s health exams, in office hysteroscopy, open and minimally invasive/laparoscopic surgery, cancer screenings, and minor surgical services. Capital Health OB/GYN – Browns Mills joins Capital Health Medical Group’s extensive network of more than 400 physicians and other advanced care providers who offer primary, specialty and surgical care.

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, CALL 609.896.1400 CAPITAL HEALTH OB/GYN − BROWNS MILLS 6 Earlin Avenue, Suite 290, Browns Mills, NJ 08015 capitalhealthobgyn.org/brownsmills MOST INSURANCES ARE ACCEPTED, INCLUDING TRICARE

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

MEDICAL GROUP