Nov 18 2017

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PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE www.pinebarrenstribune.com

Vol. 2 - No. 12

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The News Leader of the Pines

November 18-24, 2017

Two Shamong Homes Destroyed in Separate Blazes Hours Apart

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Fire-damaged house at 563 Atsion Road in Shamong.

Two People Seriously Injured in Second Fire, One Person in Critical Condition

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

SHAMONG—Two blazes occurring just hours apart from each other in Shamong Township last week left two families homeless, one man fighting for his life and numerous pets dead or unaccounted for.

Sirens blared throughout the municipality around 1:45 p.m. on Nov. 10 as firefighters responded to a report of a house fire at 563 Atsion Road.

“When we arrived, there was a heavy fire showing,” said Indian Mills Volunteer Fire Co. Chief John Smith. “The garage was fully involved in flames and the flames extended into

the house.”

Smith said firefighters went for a second alarm as soon as they arrived at the two-story colonial home.

“The house was completely totaled,” he said.

“We boarded it up.”

The heat from the wind-swept flames melted siding on a home adjacent to the one that caught on fire.

“The wind was a complicating issue,” Smith said as he described the gusty winds that ushered in an arctic blast of air, the first cold blast of the season. “It resulted in exposure problems.”

According to Smith, the fire was reported by

a neighbor.

The Burlington County Fire Marshal is helping to conduct an investigation into the fire, but it is not believed to be suspicious.

“We determined that the fire started in the house’s garage—but we don’t know where exactly,” Smith said. “We believe a lawn tractor, which was used earlier in the day, may have been the culprit.”

He said a working theory of investigators is that debris underneath the tractor, including leaves, somehow ignited.

“There could have been a small fire that started underneath the tractor while it was in use,” Smith said.

The fire chief said that the investigation determined that a red can filled with gasoline sat next to the tractor.

“It is believed a can of gas located behind the tractor melted from the heat of the flames,” Smith said. “Once the gas came out of it, the fire took off.”

He said one cat that lived in the home was unaccounted for.

“There was a bright side to the fire that occurred on Atsion Road,” Smith said. “We were able to recover a $20,000 (engagement) ring in the ashes.”

He said firefighters were wrapping up their

FIRE>>PAGE 14

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LOCAL NEWS

Another Pinelands Regional Administrator Under Fire After ‘Unacceptable’ Letter Surfaces Calls for Investigation into Construction Scandal Grow Louder

PHOTO BY DOUGLAS D. MELEGARI Dr. Cheryl Stevenson addresses a crowd at a parent meeting.

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

LITTLE EGG HARBOR—Another administrator in the Pinelands Regional School District has come under fire after authoring a letter to staff that asked them to “be prepared to work in an environment that includes dust, debris, noise, and unfamiliar odors” as construction takes place at Pinelands Regional High School.

The letter, which was authored by Dr. Cheryl Stevenson in early October, came at the same time parents had difficulty convincing the Pinelands Regional Board of Education that their children were being subjected to dust, debris, noise and foul odors inside the high school while roof work was taking place on its

exterior.

Stevenson wrote the letter while she served as the district’s acting superintendent from Oct. 2 to 13, while Interim Superintendent Dr. Maryann Banks was away—an absence that has yet to be explained.

Stevenson, in her regular capacity, serves as the district’s director of curriculum and instruction.

“The recent closing of school has become an opportunity for us to reset our processes, and from this point forward we must work together throughout the construction project,” said Stevenson to staff. “I must remind you that this is only the beginning and you must be prepared to work in an environment that includes dust, debris, noise, and unfamiliar odors.”

Around the same time that Stevenson fired off the email, parents frantically tried to convince the school board to close the high school as the dust, debris, noise and foul odors were causing students and staff inside of the building to fall ill.

As the Pine Barrens Tribune previously reported, a number of students and staff inside the high school building developed unexplained respiratory issues and rashes.

Particularly bothersome to many of the high school’s occupants was the strength of the foul odor inside. A WCBS-TV (CBS 2) reporter was overcome by the odor after just spending 10 minutes inside the high school.

Stevenson insinuated to staff that the foul odor was no cause for alarm based on a remark made by one of the district’s environmental consultants.

“To quote one of the environmental

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INDEX Automotive..................................... 23 Business Directory.......................... 18 Community..................................... 12 Fun and Games............................... 16 Health.............................................. 21 Home, Garden & Farming ............. 22

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

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Device Allegedly Malfunctions, Leaving Most of Pinelands Regional BOE Meeting Unrecorded

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

LITTLE EGG HARBOR—Pinelands Regional School District officials grudgingly revealed last week that a device employed to record a Pinelands Regional Board of Education meeting on Oct. 11 malfunctioned, leaving a majority of the meeting unrecorded.

The board meeting that went mostly unrecorded included a discussion about the construction debacle, which has now evolved into a scandal.

Specifically discussed were air-quality reports received by the district and the cancellation of classes resulting from parent and staff concerns about dust, debris, noise and foul odors inside Pinelands Regional High School (as previously highlighted by reporter Catherine Galioto).

Board member Karen Poklikuha’s questioning of the administration and board leadership caused Board Solicitor Amy L. Houck to publicly disclose that the recording doesn’t exist in its entirety.

Poklikuha asked if questions posed by community members during the Oct. 11 meeting about the various issues surrounding the construction project were answered afterward—as was promised.

“I have many of those same questions,” Poklikuha said. “So, I was hoping to get a copy of the correspondence back to our residents.”

Stephen J. Brennan, who has served as the district’s business administrator and board secretary for 10 years, said he didn’t know if the community members received a response.

“I don’t know who was responsible to responding to them,” he said. “It wasn’t me.”

Brennan’s response caused Poklikuha to ask

for the recording of the meeting to be made available to the board.

“Maybe as a means to an end—I would like to ask that the recording from that meeting be made available to the board so that I can go back and listen,” she said. “I also request the same of tonight’s meeting.”

Brennan agreed to provide the recordings to the board.

“Sure, we can do that,” he said.

Poklikuha said the Oct. 11 meeting included the district’s professionals and a lot of information was shared.

“I think it is important information,” she said. “I would like to go back and listen to that myself again. I would like for that to be made available.”

Houck made the disclosure immediately after Poklikuha announced her intentions.

“I just want to clarify that after the Oct. 11 board meeting, Mr. Brennan informed me—and I then informed the acting superintendent—that the computer program malfunctioned and the whole meeting is not recorded for Oct. 11,” Houck said.

The audience and Poklikuha were stunned.

Meeting decorum was temporarily lost.

Houck was asked by an audience member to repeat what she just said. She did and then added that the only part of the Oct. 11 meeting that was recorded was the board forum.

One man said “Of course!” believing that there may have been incriminating statements made by officials and professionals during the part of the Oct. 11 meeting that wasn’t recorded.

After the meeting adjourned, Poklikuha and

MALFUNCTIONS>>PAGE 14

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Ordinances Affecting Parade Security, Community Cats Discussed in Shamong

By Vince DeBlasio

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

SHAMONG—An ordinance regulating public events that are held in Shamong Township was finally passed during a township Committee meeting held on Nov. 8.

The ordinance was originally introduced on Aug. 1 and was tabled several times.

According to officials, the measure is designed to prevent security lapses at events held in the township by requiring a plan from organizers.

An incident involving an unauthorized car entering a parade route during a Memorial Day Parade in Southampton Township sparked the discussion in Shamong.

Township Solicitor Douglas Heinold said specific requirements for the ordinance were set after public-hearing sessions were held on the measure.

Any event expected to draw 300 guests or more will require a township-issued permit.

The permit would be issued after an organizer provides the township with an acceptable security plan for the event. A fee would not be assessed for the permit.

Organizations holding multiple events of the same model would only need to submit a plan once for approval.

An earlier draft of the ordinance would have required a permit if an event was anticipated to draw 250 guests or more, but public comments caused the committee to bump the figure up.

With final adjustments set, the committee voted to adopt the ordinance, 4-0. Mayor Timothy Gimbel was not present.

“This generally is to get basic information about what is happening at the event—the

traffic management, emergency vehicle access, and some basic public-health management,” Heinold said.

Another ordinance adopted on second reading amended sections of the township code governing property maintenance, streets and sidewalks.

The new provisions clarify that the maintenance of trees, curbs, and sidewalks in a public right-of-way are the responsibility of abutting property owners (trees within 10 feet of powerlines remain the responsibility of Atlantic City Electric).

Township Administrator and Clerk Susan Onorato said calls routinely come to the township administration for tree removal in a right-of-way.

“A state statute allows us to pass an ordinance for sidewalks that the abutting property owner is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of those sidewalks over time,” Heinold said. “There is also a similar provision that we should have on the books relative to trees.”

The committee introduced four more ordinances by unanimous votes.

One ordinance would remove provisions from a section of the township code that regulates community or feral cats.

The provisions would be replaced with ones that implement a community cat program in the township, in an effort to reduce the population of free-roaming cats. Language for this program’s regulations and nuisance abatement is included, as well as definitions for terms relevent to cat colonies.

This follows the lead of the Burlington

SECURITY>>PAGE 15

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Saturday, November 18, 2017

Bikeway Intended for Walking Purposes Added to Good Farm Overhaul Plan

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

SOUTHAMPTON—Officials in Southampton have made a modification to their plans for the first phase of a major construction project that will transform a large portion of the Good Farm into recreational facilities.

The Southampton Township Committee decided last month to seek a grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s (NJDOT) Bikeways Grant Program to install a bikeway on the section of the farm slated for recreational facilities.

Committeeman Michael Mikulski said a bikeway is basically a bike path or bike lane.

The Bikeway Grant Program provides funds to counties and municipalities to promote bicycling as an alternate mode of transportation in New Jersey.

A primary objective of the program is to support the state’s goal of constructing 1,000 new miles of dedicated bike paths or facilities that are physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier.

However, it appears the township is not exactly seeking the funding to promote bicycling.

“It is actually for walking,” said Township Administrator Kathleen D. Hoffman. “You can walk on it.”

Mikulski said it “can be called a bike path,” before conceding that “basically, it will be a walking track.”

The farm adjoins both Red Lion Road and Church Road. The first phase of the project involves a portion of the farm that sits closer to Red Lion Road.

Preliminary plans for phase one call for the construction of a ball field and a multi-purpose field for soccer, football and lacrosse. The first

phase is also expected to include the construction of one parking lot, an access driveway and associated drainage.

The township is well removed from its initial goal of having phase one completed by the fall of 2017.

The overall project involves the construction of three multi-purpose fields, four baseball fields, an amphitheater, a bocce court, a sledding hill, a skating pond, two playgrounds, a concession building and pavilion, a lawn picnic area, one storage building and a dog park. A multi-purpose community center is also proposed which would contain senior areas and an indoor basketball court.

75 acres are slated for active and passive recreation. Future phases are subject to funding. Officials have said the first phase of the project will cost about $1 million.

This is all part of the community’s search for both active and passive recreation.

Several athletic fields may have to be abandoned altogether and the township is making plans to relocate the fields onto the Good Farm.

The Little League field and T-Ball field at the Red Lion Road Baseball and Softball Complex are plagued by sinkholes and officials closed them in October due to dangerous conditions.

The site of the fields was once a landfill.

Temporary ball fields were set up earlier this year, adjacent to the municipal building, after Township Administrator Kathleen D. Hoffman said, “You could be running across the field and your leg could get sucked into these holes that appear.”

Mikulski, at this latest township meeting, said he was happy with the progress of the repairs to the fields and said he wanted to see if they can be reopened in the spring.

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“I was down at the fields on Saturday and also last Wednesday,” he said. “I’d like to meet with our engineer out there again before the spring season. It looks to me like the repairs are in good shape.”

Mikulski, after Hoffman described the sinkhole situation last year, downplayed the concerns a month later.

“You’ve heard sinkholes but these are not sinkholes like you see on the news in Florida that are swallowing cars,” he said. “They are small holes that have formed primarily on one field which is the Minor’s Field. They’ve been fixed by Public Works along the way.”

Rancocas Valley Baseball League Manager Harry Thompson, who helped build the fields in 1947 and uses a different portion of complex for the league, verified Hoffman’s comments a month after Mikulski downplayed the situation.

He painted a much grimmer picture of what has been taking place at the complex.

“You people don’t understand,” he said.

“From the baseball park where the bleachers are, all the way back that line, all the way down to the other line, that is all filled-in ground. That was a dump area for years and years. It is about 30 to 40 feet deep. You want your kids playing on it? It is all well and good. But you go down Route 38 and see those pipes sticking out of those hills over there (a site of a former dump in Mount Holly). That is gas coming out of there.

We had that up here on Big Hill (another site of a former dump). That is gas in that ground. We’ve got to have something. I don’t know what it is going to be. We have to have something to get those kids out.

“I still maintain that I hope, God forbid, that if any child ever falls in one of the holes and we have had children fall out there, yes there are some that have gone in there, but if one ever

falls in there and never gets out, the township won’t belong to Southampton. That is for sure, because you are well aware of it, they are well aware of it, and I am sure if anything happened to a child, they would sue.”

Thompson also said the ball team used to rent the field as a dump to the township for $480 per year. He said that when it was an active dump, the baseball teams would have to stop a game to go out and find the game ball in the trash.

“It is not a scare tactic,” he said. “It is just a fact of life. We are playing on dumps. Filled ground. Dumps. I was there. I helped build it years ago. I know. You better hope right now that nothing ever happens to any kid who slips and falls in a hole out there or gets gas from stuff coming out of the ground.”

In addition to the ballfield situation, there are multiple soccer fields on Buddtown Road, part of the Municipal Sports Complex that is located on the east side of Route 206, which are considered to be located improperly by the Pinelands Commission.

The township’s request to build a new 6,000 sq. ft. public works building and a 2,000-sq. ft. salt shed at the complex was approved by the Pinelands Commission, pending removal of the contested soccer fields by the end of 2017.

Bids for the construction of the new building off Buddtown Road were rejected at this latest committee meeting. The bids were opened by the township on Sept. 26.

“There were three bidders,” Hoffman said. “They all came in over the engineer’s estimates.”

She said she is going to rebid the project.

In other news, Committeeman Ronald Heston issued a strong warning to all diabetics living in the township.

OVERHAUL>>PAGE 14

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Saturday, November 18, 2017

SCANNER Pedestrian Killed After Being Struck

by Multiple Vehicles on Pemberton Bypass PEMBERTON—Police in Pemberton Township are investigating the death of a Browns Mills woman after she was struck by multiple vehicles on the Pemberton Bypass, also known as County Route 530.

Police were dispatched to the bypass around 11:37 p.m. on Nov. 10 for a report of a motor-vehicle collision.

Upon arrival, police determined that Jeanette Luna exited her vehicle that was parked off the roadway and walked into the westbound lane of the bypass. As the victim entered the shoulder, she was struck by multiple vehicles.

Luna died as a result of the crash.

Lt. Brian Wechkus, a spokesman for the Pemberton Township Police Department, said

Medford VFW Veterans Day Ceremony

that police do not yet know whether Luna intentionally walked into oncoming traffic.

“It is all part of the (active) investigation,” he said.

All of the drivers involved in the collision remained on scene. No summonses have been issued so far.

One of the drivers, who struck Luna, was transported to the Lourdes Hospital in Willingboro for minor injuries. No other injuries were reported at the scene.

Anyone with any additional information, who may have witnessed this collision, are urged to contact the Pemberton Township Police Department at 609-894-3308 or the Police Confidential Tip Line at (609) 894-3352.

Juvenile Charged After State Police Investigate Social Media Post Involving Seneca H.S. TABERNACLE—New Jersey State Police have charged a juvenile following the discovery of a social media post that had a connection to Seneca High School in Tabernacle Township.

According to an email sent to Seneca parents on Nov. 11, the social media post was brought to the attention of the Seneca administration during the evening of Nov. 10. The administration contacted the state police due to its contents.

Police initiated an investigation and immediately identified the individuals behind the posting. It was determined that there was no “current threat” to students and staff.

The email said a juvenile was charged “for his or her participation in the social media post.”

Lt. Theodore Schafer, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police, said the agency could not comment on the incident since a juvenile was involved. He encouraged this newspaper to reach out to the Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD), which operates Seneca High School.

Dr. Carol Birnbohm, superintendent of the LRHSD, said the social media posting was “inappropriate,” but declined to offer more details because the matter involves a juvenile.

“Although the district’s communication encouraged parents to contact the Seneca administration with any further questions, only one inquiry was received and it was addressed,” she said. “As this matter involves a juvenile, the district is not permitted to provide any further specifics or other information.”

PHOTO BY RYAN MARCHESE On Saturday, Nov. 11, Medford VFW Post 7677 conducted their annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Monuments on S. Main Street in Medford Township.

Man Dies After Striking Two Trees Along the Shoulder of Magnolia Road PEMBERTON—A Philadelphia man is dead after his vehicle left Magnolia Road in Pemberton Township and struck two trees.

Pemberton Township Police were dispatched to an area of Magnolia Road, near the Four Mile Circle, around 2:44 p.m. on Nov. 13 for a report of a motor-vehicle collision with injuries.

Upon arrival, officers located a 1967 Ford Mustang, driven by John Lloyd Sr., 77, of Philadelphia, off the westbound shoulder of the roadway.

“A preliminary investigation revealed that the Ford Mustang was traveling west on Magnolia Road when the vehicle left the

roadway surface, before colliding with two trees on the westbound side of the roadway,” said Lt. Brian Wechkus, a spokesman for the Pemberton Township Police Department.

“Lloyd sustained injuries that were not compatible with life and was pronounced dead at the scene.”

The collision is still under investigation and no summonses have been issued at this time.

Anyone with any additional information or who may have witnessed this collision are urged to contact the Pemberton Township Police Department at 609-894-3308 or the Police Confidential Tip Line at (609) 894-3352.

PHOTO BY RYAN MARCHESE VFW Post 7677 members returned to their Post home on Church Road.

LeisureTowne Woman Allegedly ‘Improperly Emerges’ from Conte Plaza, Causing Crash MEDFORD—A woman from the LeisureTowne section of Southampton Township has been issued a citation after allegedly improperly emerging from a Conte Plaza driveway onto Jackson Road in Medford Township, causing a motor-vehicle crash.

On Nov. 10 at 12:07 p.m., Medford Township Police, Fire and EMS units along with Virtua Hospital Paramedics responded to Jackson Road, in the area of Stokes Road, for a motor-vehicle crash.

Upon arrival, first responders found that the crash involved a Lexus, Hyundai and utility

pole.

“An on-scene investigation determined that Patricia Weaver, of Finchley Court in Southampton, was operating a 2007 Lexus and attempted to exit a side driveway of Conte Plaza on to Jackson Road,” said Lt. Arthur Waterman, a spokesman for the Medford Township Police Department. “Upon entering the roadway, Weaver’s vehicle struck a 2009 Hyundai being operated south on Jackson Road by David Akouka, of Shinnecock Trail in Medford Lakes.”

CRASH>>PAGE 14

The ceremony included a rifle salute.

PHOTO BY RYAN MARCHESE

Saturday, November 18, 2017

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PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

OPINION

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

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

Editorial

Regional Board of Education Must Act Pinelands With a Sense of Urgency Perhaps members of the Pinelands Regional School District Board of Education need a reminder: a school board’s first responsibility is to the children and staff it serves.

It is irresponsible of the board to allow Kobithen Roofing to continue to work on the district’s high school roof after a.) the company’s workers inadequately cleaned the metal roof decking and placed a new roof overtop asbestos debris—as confirmed in a Sept. 10 letter from James Eberts, president of Epic Environmental b.) the company’s workers got caught carelessly tossing debris from the high school’s asbestos-contaminated roof into an open-top container truck, violating asbestos abatement protocols—as photographs and video taken from Oct. 2 through 9 show c.) the firm dishonored the project’s bid specifications and contract mandating rooftop construction be completed

by Aug. 18 (in some parts of the document it says Sept. 5), so as to not interfere with the start of school on Sept. 7 and d.) the roofers cut the heads of numerous screws throughout the high school and one fell on the top of a student’s head—as confirmed by Interim Superintendent Dr. Maryann Banks.

It is also inane of the board to retain New Roads Construction as project manager, especially in light of all of the blunders that occurred on their watch.

Banks said she asked a representative from Kobithen and New Roads to attend board and parent meetings to address concerns and answer questions about what happened. On several occasions, Banks said the two firms declined to attend the meetings—a true slap

in the face to the very people funding the project.

Tommy Williams, Bass River Township’s board representative, said last week: “There obviously needs to be something looked into,” Williams said. “(This is especially true) when you go back and look at the contract that was awarded for this construction and (see that) several areas of that contract—from all of the entities—were not followed.”

In this case, unlike other safety issues we’ve covered recently, the possibilities of what “could” happen if a contract and protocols aren’t followed—unfortunately— played out in real time.

Several of the students and staff subjected to dust, debris, noise and foul odors inside the high school fell ill. Many developed respiratory issues and rashes.

Additionally, the indefinite closure of the high school due to the problems has led to the district’s inability to maintain a functional, regular school day and has added expenditures.

Yet, Williams and his colleagues haven’t lifted a finger to remove those “entities,” despite the adverse effects the incompetence has had on district staff, students and parents.

It’s simply outrageous and inexcusable.

In the wake of this debacle, Pinelands Education Association President Mel Reid called on the board to act with a sense of urgency to restore the quality and reputation of education provided by the district.

We couldn’t agree more.

Cartoon

PAGE 11

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

Letter to the Editor Don’t Forget the ‘Date Which Will Live in Infamy’ Nearly 76 years ago, on Dec. 7, 1941, the United States was attacked by the imperial forces of Japan in Honolulu, Hawaii. The attack happened at Pearl Harbor, the largest U.S. naval installation.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt, addressing a joint session of Congress on Dec. 8, 1941, said that a state of war existed between the U.S. and Japan. He said Dec. 7 is “a date which will live in infamy.”

There is no question that the sudden and treacherous attack on Pearl Harbor and nearby U.S. Army, U.S. Army Air Corps and U.S. Marine facilities took place while two Japanese emissaries to the U.S., were “negotiating” with then Secretary of State Cordell Hull.

Japanese Ambassador Kichisaburō Nomura met with President Roosevelt, even while the Japanese naval forces were in route to attack Pearl Harbor.

The subsequent war resulted in several million dead and wounded many throughout the world.

Many thousands, especially civilians, still have physical and mental scars.

I do not know of any American survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor still living in Burlington County.

President Clinton approved a joint resolution of the 103rd Congress designating Dec. 7 as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The resolution urged individuals to fly the American flag at half-staff in honor and memory of those who were in the attack and died defending Pearl Harbor and adjacent American military installations.

76 years later, there will be very little said, or appearing in the media of Dec. 7, 1941.

There will be a few local ceremonies marking the occasion. One will be on the U.S. Battleship New Jersey “BB62,” in Camden. Veterans and maybe a Pearl Harbor survivor still able to travel will offer prayers and then drop floral tributes into the water.

Another ceremony will be held near the Pearl Harbor Highway, a section of the New Jersey Turnpike that turns into the Pennsylvania Turnpike, over the Delaware River.

In the past, there was more space in the media devoted to the protest of using the atom bombs to force the Japanese military forces and government to stop the war. An estimated million casualties would have been sustained if Allied forces were to invade Japanese homeland islands.

There were several thousand Allied prisoners in the Japanese POW camps and the Japanese military promised that each and every one of the POWs would be executed should the invasion happen.

Let us take a few moments on Dec. 7 to remember the sacrifices and loss of life from that sudden and treacherous attack 76 years ago and offer a prayer in their memory.

May God bless all of our men and women in harm’s way, serving in our military throughout the world, and God bless the United States of America.

Paul J. Tuliano Browns Mills, New Jersey

Social Media Sound Off (Re: Brennan Disappears After Teachers Union and Parents Demand He Be Fired) The plot thickens! I smell lawsuits. This could bankrupt the district. You don’t want to move forward with the people currently sitting at the dais. They all need to go first. Parents should be demanding it. They all let you down and knowingly put your kids at risk.

Donna Mathieson Andreen

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE Established 2016

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

(Re: Officials Consider Radio System After Bus Intrusion by Erratically-Behaving Man) I first moved to Mount Laurel in 2004. My cell phone and satellite radio wouldn’t work when driving through the farmlands and I felt it was dangerous, so I moved. I didn’t have children then.

How could anyone think it was a good idea all of these years to have children traveling on these roads without any means of communication? How much money did the school district save?

Susan Curley Milone (Re: Officials Consider Radio System After Bus Intrusion by Erratically-Behaving Man) The issue about bus drivers using their cell phones was brought up to the Woodland Township Board of Education years ago when William Randazzo was the principal of Chatsworth Elementary School. It’s against the law to talk on the phone and drive. That was the issue because a particular driver would do that. My husband and I made the board aware. The school was asked about getting another means to communicate and obviously it has not been a priority. It’s been over eight years now. They need to get their priorities set and do what is needed to make the children safe. My daughter was on that bus and I got some of the scariest text messages I have ever received and never felt so helpless not knowing where she was. But all I knew was that there was a strange man on the bus and he wouldn’t get off.

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

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Saturday, November 18, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

COMMUNITY

E-Mail Story Ideas and Community Events: news@pinebarrenstribune.com

Events

November 19 Event: Spaghetti Dinner Location: Medford Details: Join the Medford VFW for a delicious spaghetti dinner, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is $12 per person. 317 Church Road, Medford. 609-654-9823.

Event: Pinelands Symphonic Band Holiday Concert Location: Whiting Details: The Pinelands Symphonic Band will be presenting its holiday concert at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539, in Whiting, at 3 p.m. This family event is open to all. Tickets are $7 and are available at the church office, Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at the door on concert day. For more information, call 732-350-2121.

Event: Sundays on Stage Location: Westampton Details: The Burlington County Library continues its Sundays on Stage series with renowned sitar player Adam Laboz. His

concert will combine western rock with traditional Indian November 22 classical music. Doors open at 1:40 p.m., concert begins at 2 p.m. The library auditorium is located at 5 Pioneer Event: Thanksgiving Eve Community Service Boulevard, Westampton. For more information, call 609-267- Location: Shamong Details: A service of Thanksgiving and praise will be held at 9660. the Indian Mills United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. The church November 20 is located at Willow Grove and Indian Mills Road in Shamong.

For more information, call 609-268-5699, 609-980-3527, or visit Event: Thyroid Support Group www.indianmills.umcchurches.org Location: Whiting Details: The Thyroid Support Group will meet at 10 a.m., at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539, Whiting. Event: Community Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast The purpose of the meeting is to educate, support and answer Location: Medford Lakes Details: Medford Vincentown Rotary Club will be sponsoring questions about thyroids. 732-350-2904. its 13th annual Thanksgiving Community Spiritual Breakfast, November 21 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Medford Lakes Country Club on Oak Drive in Medford Lakes. Churches and clergy from around Event: Pemberton Book Club the area come together to express thanks. The Location: Pemberton Details: The Pemberton Readers Book Club will meet at the keynote speaker will be Fr. John Bishara from St. Anthony’s Pemberton Community Library, at 2 p.m. We will be discussing Coptic Orthodox Church in Medford. Tickets are $17. Proceeds “Thanksgiving” by Janet Evanovich. New members welcome. will benefit the Gift of Life Program. For reservations, call Dave Stow, 609-953-7600.

609-893-8262.

PEMBERTON TWP. SENIOR CITIZEN COLUMN

PINE KNOTS COLUMN

“Home for the Holidays” Show at American Music Theatre Pleases Seniors

Superintendent of Schools Tony Trongone To Speak at November BMIA Meeting

By Ebba Liguori

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—On Tuesday, Nov. 7, a group of seniors from Pemberton Township travelled to Lancaster, Pa. for the annual American Music Theatre Christmas Show.

The group gathered at the Browns Mills Acme store parking lot and boarded Safety buses driven by Marty Gravenstein and Gordon Goldberg.

Each year, more than 100 seniors head to Lancaster for the show. It is always a super show and never disappoints. In fact, it seems every year the seniors remark that “this is the best show ever.” No one was disappointed as this year was truly the best show ever!

The first stop was at Shady Maple Smorgasbord in East Earl for a sumptuous buffet lunch. If you have never stopped at Shady Maple, you have missed a real dining experience. They have more than 200 feet of buffet tables, serving from both sides,

different choices. That sounds to me like 400 feet of buffet!

Soups and all the salad fixings are located in the center and the main dishes are placed all down the line. Desserts are placed near both ends. There are cooking stations where one can have portions cooked and served to order.

Almost every veggie is available in one form or another and choices of entrees are extensive.

Once diners have eaten their fill, there is a super large gift shop on the lower level. There were so many choices, it was impossible to choose only one. If you have a person with very specialized tastes in your family, there is something to interest them, guaranteed.

Across the parking lot is a Farmer’s Market with even many more choices. Prices are reasonable and there are numerous “specials.” There is also a Goode’s Department Store with an additional multitude

SENIORS>>PAGE 14

Come

By Ebba Liguori

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—The next meeting of the Browns Mills Improvement Association (BMIA) will be held at the BMIA Building on Sunday, Nov.19 at 2 p.m.

Pemberton Township School Superintendent Tony Trongone will be the guest speaker. He will present his annual “State of the Schools” report to the membership. This meeting is open to all residents and all are encouraged to attend and learn more about our educational system.

Trongone will update the community on the construction at the Denbo/Crichton School site. This campus is undergoing extensive construction and a new modern school will soon emerge that will provide an excellent learning environment. This will be a “state of the art” facility and will include many improvements. This presentation alone is worth attending to understand where our educational system is going. He will also speak about the

Worship With Us

extensive renovations that are being implemented at the Stackhouse School complex.

In addition, he will share results and progress for grades K to 5 in the reading assessment testing. In grades 6 to 8, there are improvements in using the digital curriculum.

In grades 9 to 12, the emphasis has been technology. Learn more about the innovations that are preparing our students for an increasingly complicated future.

There is always the controversy of transportation and the number of buses and routes. Trongone will share some insights into this complicated situation. We live in a sprawling community with populations scattered over many miles. How do we efficiently handle this situation and get all our students to school on time, in the most efficient manner? He will shed some light on the many problems facing transportation and how

SUPERINTENDENT>>PAGE 15

Winter Fun &

HOLIDAY Gift Guide

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s e e r T s a m t s i r h C ! y a d i r F k c a l B e l b a l Avai

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WE ALSO DELIVER & INSTALL BULK STONE, TOP SOIL & MULCH

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Saturday, November 18, 2017

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | CREATIVE GIFTS

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© FOTOLIA

The Artist rt comes in many different forms. It’s about expressing our imagination, emotions and skill.

If you are shopping for an artist, appeal to his creative side.

Remember that all artists are poets at heart, and gifts that inspire them are just as meaningful and loved as more practical ones.

THE HANDMADE Think about gifts that will be useful and beautiful. If you are handy with a thread and needle, make your artist an apron with multiple, deep pockets in a fun print, or a pencil roll for storing their favorite pencils while traveling.

If the artist in your life creates a lot of work on a regular basis, consider helping her turn her hobby into a small business by taking the work of “set-up” off their plate.

Create an Etsy shop for her, photograph examples of her work, and if you feel inspired, create a business proposal on how she could grow her hobby into a lucrative business. Just don’t get your feelings hurt if she doesn’t follow your advice.

SURE TO PLEASE Artists always need supplies. This is one of the eternal problems of being an artist. You can’t go wrong with new brushes, pencils, paints or clay.

Don’t forget about supply storage. This includes a supple leather camera bag or a tartan wool laptop case.

IF YOU’RE PREPARED TO SPLURGE Because they are in the business of making beautiful things, artists tend to appreciate beautiful things. Purchase your artist an annual museum pass so he can admire the work of others and gain inspiration.

Gifting art also is fun because you can look for prints, paintings or sculptures to inspire your loved one. Purchase a print or piece of art and have it matted and framed. For a special touch, write a personal note on the matting.

Even if you choose to pen your note on the back of the matting, the two of you will know it’s there.

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | GIVING BACK

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Keepsake Traditions

ll Christmas traditions are magical, but keepsake traditions are just a bit more special. They act as a type of scrapbook or album of moments for us to remember and share with others.

Make ornaments as a family every year. You can go to most local craft stores and purchase clear glass bulbs that you can either fill (with glitter for snow) or paint the outside of. If you’re feeling extra crafty, try your hand at salt dough ornaments.

GIFT AN ORNAMENT Each Christmas, gift an ornament to each of your children. Think about the year, and consider what each child has accomplished, overcome or experienced and gift an ornament that conveys a particular memory, or even the general feeling that year evoked. By the time they are grown, each child will have a full set of ornaments to take with them to start their own family tree.

WRITE CHRISTMAS LETTERS Each year, have a member of the family, or several family members, record a bit of family history. This can be anything from highlights to

challenges the family experienced throughout the year. Place them in a special Christmas box.

Make it extra special by having the kids decorate the box. Over the years, you can pull out the letters and share them.

BUILD TREE SKIRT MEMORIES Purchase a plain tree skirt. Any color will do, as long as it is a solid color. Then, every year, trace your child’s hand on the skirt and write their name inside the outline. You can begin a new ring for each child or trace their hands side by side. It will be fun later to look back at the skirt and the growing little hands.

PRESENT CHRISTMAS PAJAMAS A wonderful Christmas tradition is gifting Christmas pajamas. These can be wrapped and put under the tree to be opened on Christmas Eve. This way, everyone can wake up Christmas morning wearing their holiday jammies.

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WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | GETTING TOGETHER

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Host a Cookie Exchange

he holiday season comes with a lot of activities, decorating and travel — leaving almost everyone wishing for more time in which to do it all. Christmas cookie exchange parties are great because in one swoop, they allow us to spend time with friends and family, and simplify our holiday baking.

Follow this guide, and you will be hosting a festive get-together that will leave people envious that it wasn’t their idea.

SET A DATE The first step to hosting an unforgettable Christmas cookie exchange is creating a guest list and setting a date and time.

Picking a date can be tricky. You will want to pick a date close enough to the holidays that the cookies will last for a while and people are already thinking of baking, but not so close to Christmas that you infringe on people’s “last-minute” time to finish projects and shopping.

SEND THE INVITATIONS The idea behind the Christmas cookie exchange is that each person invited brings one kind of cookie to share. Be sure this is clear in your invitation, and be sure to give your guests a cookie count so they know how many to bring.

If you have any other rules you wish to set for the exchange, they should be communicated in the invitation. For example, you might wish to make clear that the cookies should be homemade and seasonally appropriate.

PROVIDE OTHER REFRESHMENTS While a good amount of sampling will be

done before the actual exchange, you will want to provide more than cookies. Think appetizers and finger foods.

Serve an array of beverages, such as coffee, iced teas or spiked punch. And since it is a cookie party, you would be remiss not to offer milk.

DON’T FORGET THE KIDDOS If you are going to have kids at the party, it might be nice to plan a special activity for them, such as a cookie decorating station. Bake extra batches of blank sugar cookies and let the children decorate them however they want.

You also might think about hiring a trusted babysitter for a few hours during the party to oversee the decorating — leaving you and parents of younger children to have fun socializing at the party.

ARRANGE A PACKING STATION Don’t forget the whole point of the party is to exchange cookies. It is likely none of your guests will try every cookie during the party, so you need to provide packing materials so they can take a variety home with them.

Lay out boxes, sandwich bags and sticker labels for people to pack up their goodies. Offer colorful ribbon or cellophane for an added special touch.

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WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | PRACTICAL GIFTS

The Minimalist

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© FOTOLIA

ecluttering is all the rage, and the minimalist lifestyle is in.

If this sounds like the mantra of one of your closest friends or family members, there are many gifts on the shelves this Christmas season to help them on their mission.

To purchase for a minimalist, you must first ask yourself a few questions: What is the purpose of this gift? Will this person find value in this gift? These questions will help guide you.

THE “HANDMADE” Minimalists appreciate items that are useful.

Homemade hand soaps are perfect for minimalists.

They also completely customizable.

If you’re unsure of their scent preferences, scents such as lavender, rosemary, mint and honey vanilla are always popular.

Are you a whiz in the kitchen? Share your talents by gifting your famous spicy salsas, zesty tomato sauce or raspberry preserves. Anything that can be jarred and enjoyed over time is always a crowd-pleaser— and can also be arranged nicely in a gift basket.

SURE TO PLEASE Subscription boxes make a great gift for those with a minimalist mindset. Not only are

these the gifts that “keep on giving,” but they are often filled with creative (and consumable) goodies.

Not to mention there is a subscription box for every taste and budget, from beauty products to wine to food. With enough research, you are sure to find the perfect fit.

Many downtown businesses are getting in on the act of subscription boxes, so don’t forget to check with your local establishments.

The same goes for magazine subscriptions.

Find a local publication that puts out information about which your gift recipient is passionate. The minimalist on your list can enjoy them when they come in and pop them in the recycling bin when they’re done.

IF YOU’RE PREPARED TO SPLURGE Why not gift an experience, such as tickets to a sporting event or a family pass to the city museum? Experiences help strengthen the bonds between people — and don’t clutter up the cupboards.

Whether you intend to be part of the experience (concert tickets with your best friend) or not (a family zoo pass for your brother and his kids to enjoy), you’ll be gifting memories that last for years to come.

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | PRACTICAL GIFTS

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The Relatives

elatives can be tricky to shop for, especially if you’re not that familiar with their tastes. Focusing on their home is a great opportunity to give a gift that doesn’t feel generic while at the same time doesn’t require deep knowledge of their tastes.

Show relatives that you care with a gift that will make their living space more comfortable and beautiful. This list is sure to work for the pickiest of relatives.

THE “HANDMADE” Personalized stationery is thoughtful, gender neutral and easy to design yourself! You can take this in any direction—notecards with matching envelopes, full-size stationery paper or notepads for grocery lists.

If you feel ambitious, allow your DIY prowess to take the lead and create a piece of art, a tufted pin board for the kitchen or a sassy sign for the laundry room. Pinterest is a great social media tool for these types of projects and you are sure to find the perfect match for both your relatives home and your skill level!

SURE TO PLEASE Items for entertaining are always appreciated and allow you to offer a bit of personality with

your gift. Cheese stones are great for cheese, but are perfect for serving so many different things.

Create a smart little tag to tie around the end, reminding your relatives to pop the stone in the freezer before serving something cold, or get it nice and toasty in the oven for more savory snacks. Most stone are both incredibly durable and dishwasher-safe.

IF YOU’RE PREPARED TO SPLURGE While it may not seem like a splurge on the surface, candles are a perfect gift for just about everyone. Candles make a room smell fresh and make a home feel cozy. They are also not an item people seem to splurge on often because it feels either wasteful or too indulgent.

Paddywax Apothecary candles are downright decadent in their colored glass vessels and scents like blue sage and lavender, and verbena and eucalyptus. So spoil your relatives with a luxury candle. Bonus? The jars are so beautiful, they will definitely get reused.

© FOTOLIA

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WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | GIVING BACK

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A Season of Giving

he holiday season is known as one of giving. While it is good to make a conscious effort to give back throughout the year, the holidays are a time when we especially like to think of others.

Here are just a few ways you can spread the act of kindness this holiday.

SHOP FOR OTHER FAMILIES IN NEED. Take your children along. Let them be an active participant in choosing the gifts and, depending on which organization you are working with, wrapping the gift. This helps teach children that Christmas is about the giving, not receiving, of gifts.

GIVE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE. Have your children choose a few of their own toys to donate. This is a nice way to think of others and make room for the new items they are sure to receive. This can also teach your children to be grateful for what they have and nurture a desire to share with others.

SURPRISE THOSE WHO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY. Take your holiday family baking tradition one step further and bundle up nice little care packages. Drop these goodies off to groups of people who serve the community—firefighters, ambulance drivers and nurses, for example. You can always give to as many every year as you can, or pick a different group to share the holiday cheer with each year.

CAROL TO THOSE WITH INFREQUENT VISITORS. Caroling is a great way to spread Christmas cheer to those who

© FOTOLIA might not have anyone to share the holiday with.

The word “carol” actually means a dance or a song of joy and praise. A festive holiday tune can brighten anyone’s spirits.

START A SIBLING SECRET SANTA. Have each family member draw names from a hat and gift something extra special for that person.

You can even enforce rules to make the activity

both more distinct and fair, such as requiring that all gifts be handmade. Exchange these presents on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas morning to distinguish the gifts even more.

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a.m. - 5 p.m.

a.m. - 4 p.m.

1p.m. -4p.m.!

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WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | GIVING BACK

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Caring At Christmas

on’t forget about our less-fortunate animal friends during the holidays. Offering your help this holiday season is a great tradition to start. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 6.5 million animals enter U.S. animal shelters each year.

© FOTOLIA

While it is estimated that 3.2 million shelter animals are adopted every year and another 700,000 sheltered strays are returned to their owners, this still leaves many animals in need of care—especially during the holidays.

NEEDED DONATIONS • Pet food and treats • Puppy and Kitten formula and nursing bottles • Collars and leashes • Towels and blankets • Grooming supplies • Kitty litter • Newspapers • Cleaning supplies • Crates and carriers • Food bowls • And don’t forget something to play with.

DONATING YOUR TIME AND TALENTS

If you would like to do more than drop items off, shelters can always use extra hands.

Walking animals, cleaning kennels and doing laundry are all never-ending tasks with which shelter staff constantly struggle to keep up.

Even volunteering one Saturday could make a big impact on your local shelter. If you are looking to volunteer more long term, consider volunteering to transport animals—a duty needed in order to get animals to vet appointments and adoption fairs.

And don’t forget any talents or skills you could donate. For example, if you have decent photography skills, offer to update the animal photos on the shelter’s website. Research shows that the way shelter animals are photographed directly impact how many inquiries they receive.

Santa Is Coming!

The Medford Historical Society is Proud to once again have Santa at the Mill!

Saturday Dec. 2nd, 2017 ~ 1-4 pm Adm i is F ssion ree!

ng Bri ur yo ra! e Cam

Pi withctures San ta!

Historic Kirby’s Mill 275 Church Rd, Medford NJ 08055 Located at The Sawyer House behind the Mill

Saturday, November 18, 2017

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WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | ENTERTAINMENT

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Movie Lineup

he holiday season brings many traditions—holiday baking, decorating and parties, to name a few. But when the day is done, continue the holiday cheer by cozying up on the couch with a great holiday movie.

....Holiday shopping done local....

© FOTOLIA Alone or surrounded by your favorite people, here is a sampling of holiday movies you should watch at least once.

ANIMATED A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965): Follow the whole Peanuts gang as Charlie Brown tries to understand what Christmas is all about.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): A Tim Burton holiday masterpiece follows Jack, a skeleton bored with his own holiday of Halloween, who tries on Christmas for size.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (two versions) (1966 and 2000): Incomparable and fantastic in their own way, both will undoubtedly make your heart grow three sizes.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992): If you ever doubted that Kermit the Frog and Charles Dickens could create magic, this film is here to prove otherwise. Kermit as Bob Cratchit and Michael Cain as Ebenezer Scrooge make this film a casting win.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964): This stop-motion animation is a classic. It’s time to introduce a whole new generation to Rudolf and his misfit friends.

The Polar Express (2004): This recent classic features breathtaking animation and Tom Hanks as the voice over for several characters, following a young boy on a train ride to the North Pole. Wonders never cease for those who believe.

FEEL-GOOD FAMILY MOVIES A Christmas Story (1983): We all had that one toy we wanted desperately as a child. For Ralphie Parker, this was the Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and “this thing which tells

time.”

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989): Clark Griswold has big holiday plans.

But like most plans, things don’t go as expected. In other words, disaster, Griswold style.

Home Alone (1990): Left at home at Christmas by mistake, Keven McCallister is left to fight off two reckless burglars with creative pranks only a child could imagine.

Elf (2003): Buddy the Elf is lovable and full of so much Christmas cheer, he will remind any Scrooge of the true meaning of Christmas.

The Family Man (2000): One Christmas night, Jack wakes to find his lavish bachelor lifestyle replaced with the life he would have had, had he stayed with his college sweetheart. Think a modern twist of the “what if” plot of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

The Santa Clause (1994): Tim Allen provides a whole new (comedic) possibility to the origins of Santa Clause.

Prancer (1989): A farm girl finds a wounded reindeer she believes is Prancer, hoping to nurse it back to health in time for Christmas.

CLASSICS It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): George Bailey has a wonderful life, and he will leave you feeling like yours is pretty great, too.

White Christmas (1954): Starring Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, two of the greats remembered year after year for their renditions of Christmas classics.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947 and 1994): It’s OK to believe in Santa—after all, faith is what Christmas is all about.

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off

any one item $20 or over.*

*Must present this coupon at time of purchase. 20% off any single, regular priced item over $20. Excludes furniture, sale & clearance items. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires Dec. 15, 2017. Offer not valid during Dickens Festival Dec. 2, 2017.

Saturday, December 2nd from 6-9pm Come downtown to Historic Medford Village for a festive night of holiday shopping for the 28th annual Dickens Fest!

Village Treasures 26 S. Main Street | Medford, New Jersey 609.654.8757 | Sun. 11-5 | Mon.-Sat. 10-5:30 find us on facebook!

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Saturday, November 18, 2017

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | SWEET GIFTS

P

The Baker

eople who love to bake can be the most fun to shop for—or the most difficult because they tend to invest heavily in their hobby. This means they already have so much dedicated to the craft.

Follow this guide and your baker will be humming tunes as they whip up their “chef-d’oeuvre.” They might even treat you with the results.

THE “HANDMADE” Some of the best ingredients can be made by hand. Think vanilla-infused sugar, lavender simple syrup or rosemary olive oil—all items that are made by simply mixing a few ingredients and letting time take care of the rest. These gifts often inspire a baker to try something new.

You also can think outside of consumable items and go the sentimental route, such as putting together a recipe book of the family’s famous treats. Think grandma’s strawberry rhubarb pie, mom’s peanut brittle or Uncle Bob’s jalapeno chocolate sauce.

Even if your baker already has these recipes, he will appreciate how you’ve chosen to collect and display them.

SURE TO PLEASE Those who love to bake genuinely appreciate consumable items. These include things they can put to good use in the kitchen. Look for

delectable salts that are the perfect finishing touch on candies and caramels. Put together a basket of baking goodies—fun cupcake liners, maybe a set of new frosting tips—and add in a few consumables to complete the gift.

If you’re still stuck, don’t forget the latest and greatest gadgetry to hit the culinary market. Silicone has hit the baking scene with gusto, appearing in the form of batter spatulas, measuring cups, baking mats and cupcake pans. Silicone is non-stick and easy to clean, which makes it a baker’s dream material.

Marble cutting boards for rolling out dough, nesting bowls for easy storage or a new apron are also sure to please.

IF YOU’RE PREPARED TO SPLURGE Depending on how long your baker has been practicing her craft, she may not have some kitchen essentials. A high-end stand mixer in her favorite color is guaranteed to make her swoon, making it the perfect gift for someone just starting to outfit her kitchen.

Also don’t discount a great pastry cookbook.

Great cookbooks are works of art. They also can be pricey.

© FOTOLIA

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | SPORTY GIFT

C

The Athlete

hoosing to be active is more than a hobby for some. It’s a lifestyle. Support the athlete in your life by gifting him athletic essentials he can use during practice, competition or just for fun.

Here are just a few ideas for any fitness enthusiast: THE HANDMADE Every athlete needs a great playlist. Take this as a personal challenge and put together a motivating playlist that will keep your athlete focused and inspired. Don’t forget “cool down” music, as well as instrumentals and nature sounds for the yoga enthusiast.

If the person you care about loves being in nature, consider purchasing inexpensive trail maps and highlight great walks. This includes markers for where to stop and enjoy a great view.

This gift takes considerable time to put together but will be worth it when you see the look on your loved one’s face.

SURE TO PLEASE If you are a bit unsure of what direction to go, never underestimate the thrill of new gear.

This could be a new gym bag, an eco-friendly no-spill water bottle, a yoga mat or clothing.

If you go the clothing route, consider what the item will be used for, as this will dictate

fit and fabric. If you are buying for a runner, tight-fitting moisture-wicking fabrics are best, whereas you will want to find looser clothing for yoga to allow for movement.

If you are more of an “experience” giver, gift the athlete in your life a trial membership to a hot gym. If she already belongs to a gym, consider gifting classes that generally don’t come with a membership, such as spinning classes.

Remind your athlete to take care of his body by gifting a massage. Fitness buffs thoroughly work their muscles, so help them unwind and relax with a massage. Most clinics and spas offer deep-tissue massages, which help relieve chronic muscle tension.

IF YOU’RE PREPARED TO SPLURGE A wearable hi-definition sports camera is perfect for the hyper-active. Not only can these cameras create awesome videos that your athlete will want to watch over and over again, but they can be invaluable for training.

This type of action-capturing camera can help her learn which mistakes she’s making and how to correct them.

Saturday, November 18, 2017

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WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | CLASSIC TRADITIONS

T

The Perfect Christmas Tree

he “perfect tree” means different things to different people, and the merits of a fir versus a pine, tall and slim versus short and wide, are argued at length each year.

But one aspect of Christmas trees on which people tend to hold a strong stance is material: Are you a “real” Christmas tree believer? Or do you prefer an artificial tree?

To help you decide (or sway you in a different direction), consider the following pros and cons of both Christmas tree types.

ARTIFICIAL TREES Benefits Convenience: Each year, this tree is simply taken out of storage and assembled. Its shape is always “perfect,” it won’t molt its needles, and it never needs to be watered.

Cost: While the initial investment might be pricey depending on the size and style you choose (pre-lit, dusted with fake snow, or ornamented with pine cones, for example), it is a cost that is only incurred once, rather than every year.

Drawbacks Non-biodegradable: This means when you throw it out, it will be in the landfill forever.

Sizable carbon footprint: More than 85 percent of artificial trees are made in China and shipped to the United States.

Fire hazard: They not only burn easily but act as an accelerant—causing much more damage than if a live tree were to burn in your home.

LIVE TREES Benefits Made in the U.S.A.: According to the USDA, almost all of the 25 to 30 million real

© FOTOLIA Christmas trees sold in the U.S. every year are grown in the U.S. Eco-friendly: Live trees are recyclable.

Smell great: A natural deodorizer, there is really nothing like the scent of fresh pine or

balsam fir.

Drawbacks Cost: Your cost will depend on the size of tree you choose as well as where you live, but most trees run anywhere from $20 to $200—a

reoccurring cost as one tree will only last the current holiday season.

High maintenance: Needles will begin to litter the floor almost immediately, and live trees must be watered heavily every day.

GIVE THE PERFECT GIFT No Fee Visa Gift Card* ®

Gift Card

DEBIT

*No purchase fees for Republic Bank customers.

ACK B IS D E R F O R E W O P THE

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Saturday, November 18, 2017

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | NEW TRADITIONS

E

Elf On the Shelf

lf on the Shelf has transformed into a 21st Century Christmas tradition with “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition” — a children’s picture book written by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell, and illustrated by Coe Steinwart.

While forms of this tradition have existed around the world for centuries, this Christmas-themed story of an elf who keeps Santa informed about who is naughty and who is nice exponentially increased the popularity of the tradition.

INTRODUCING ELF While Elf starts off a wonderful Christmas season with a bang, be sure not to introduce him too soon. You don’t want him to run out of ideas or let time steal the novelty out of the activity for your children.

It is customary for Elf to appear no earlier than December 1. Many people also see their Elf for the first time the night the family decorates the Christmas tree.

STICK TO SIMPLE SHENANIGANS Elf should be able to get into her position easily, and she shouldn’t raise the expectation too much, too soon.

If she gets up to very complicated hijinks early in the season, she might run out of mischievous and creative ideas before Christmas. Pinterest is a great tool for finding

out what kind of shenanigans other families’ Elves have gotten into.

AN ELF IS AN ELF IS AN ELF While the commercialism of Elf is deepseated, you don’t have to have the advertised Elf. Anything can be an Elf. Any small figurine or stuffed animal will do, with a dose of Christmas magic, of course.

SET A REMINDER This is especially important if you’ve set the expectation that Elf is up to something different each night.

Don’t let Elf forget to adventure around the house, so you won’t have disappointed or confused little faces in the morning.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN Remember, there is no official rule book.

Maybe your elf appears in a different spot each morning, or maybe he only appears when the kids have been good.

Maybe he brings treats or small notes with him. There is no right or wrong way to start an Elf tradition. He is just there to add another dash of magic to the season.

© FOTOLIA

Saturday, November 18, 2017

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PAGE S15

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | HARD-TO-BUY-FOR

The Reluctant Recipient T

here are always hard-to-shop-for people on our holiday or birthday lists, but the most difficult are the people who want nothing.

Maybe all the kids are grown and it seems superfluous to exchange gifts. Maybe this person in your life is down-sizing and making a concerted effort to reduce their belongings.

What do you get someone who doesn’t want anything? Consider the following suggestions.

THE “HANDMADE” The people you care about mean more to you than any object, and it probably wouldn’t be a stretch to say they feel the same about you. Help a friend clean out his gutters or offer to babysit your cousins for your aunt and uncle.

Your time can also be gifted outside of chores. Spend the day with your grandmother.

Look through family albums. Go to the salon—whatever you both enjoy. Oftentimes, the best present is presence.

SURE TO PLEASE Think of gifts that give back. With so many companies prioritizing sustainability and philanthropy, it is easier than ever to choose a gift that is both useful and beautiful, as well as offers a nod to social good.

Some items promise to donate a portion of the sale proceeds to a noteworthy cause, while others provide an outlet for artisans in struggling countries to have stability and an income through their craft. You also can make a donation to a cause the recipient cares about in their her. With these gifts, everybody wins.

IF YOU’RE PREPARED TO SPLURGE Give the gift of memory. Companies such as Ancestry and 23andMe offer new ways for people to experience their ancestry — DNA testing.

These services will break down your global ancestry and create a complete report of your history.

Genealogy kits make a great gift for those who think they want nothing because you are bypassing physical objects and gifting them knowledge. Knowing where we come from is a quest many of us are constantly on—and help along the way is always welcome.

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Saturday, November 18, 2017

WINTER FUN & HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE | GIFTS FOR ANIMALS

O

The Pets

ur pets deserve to feel some love in the form of a special treat, as well. These are often the members of our family who greet us first in the morning and when we come home for the day.

They pick us up when we feel down and provide us company and someone to care for when we need it most.

THE “HANDMADE” Outfit your canine with the outwear they will need to brave your climate. This could be handmade sweaters, vests or thermal jackets— even little booties to protect paws from cold, sharp ice.

New toys are always a winner for keeping your pup entertained. Check in with your local pet shop to choose toys that are the appropriate size and material for your dog’s age and (perhaps destructive) nature. New bedding is also sure to please your pup. Add a handmade touch by placing extra padding in their bed for maximum comfort.

SURE TO PLEASE Consider upgrading your cat’s pet carrier.

Carriers that are made of soft nylon frequently have 360-degree mesh siding, allowing your cat to see out of all sides. This helps keep them calm when traveling to high-stress locations, including the vet.

If your cat’s collar is looking a little too loved, check out the most modern styles and prints, including those made of reflective material and “anti-stink” material. That’s right, anti-stink. Check it out.

CAGED CREATURES Don’t forget to spread the love to your caged creatures, including hamsters, reptiles, birds

© FOTOLIA

or fish. New toys or accessories are sure to delight any bird or hamster and fish like to be stimulated by new tank decor.

Don’t forget to pamper your reptile friends with new treats or an upgraded warming lamp.

IF YOU’RE PREPARED TO SPLURGE We’re not talking about splurging in terms

of money, rather in terms of your heart. There are thousands of animals that don’t have owners to dote on them. Contact local shelters and see what they need.

Towels, treats and toys are often always needed. Or give your time! Shelters are always looking for volunteers to clean kennels, take

dogs for walks and give the animals baths.

If you are prepared and have given considerable thought to the commitment a pet requires, consider adopting a pet and give them the best gift of all: their forever home.

Saturday, November 18, 2017

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PAGE 13

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS Small Business Saturday, November 25. Sale at Curiosity Consignments 567 Lakehurst Road, Browns Mills, New Jersey. 20 percent off entire store.

Exclusions apply. See Facebook for raffle details. Open 12 p.m. till 8 p.m.

AUTOMOBILES/TRUCKS We buy all used cars, vans and trucks.

Any make any model, any condition and any year. We also specialize in buying classic Porsches, Mercedes and Jaguars. Running or not, dead or alive.

Call 609-598-3622.

FLIGHT TRAINING

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Learn to Fly. Discovery flights and gift certificates. Free Flight Avaition. www.FreeFlightAvaition.com. 609-2650399.

New Weight Watchers Meeting held in Browns Mills, on Tuesday at 4:45 p.m. at Drills for Skills, 111 E. Pemberton Road. Weigh-in starts 1/2 hour before the meeting. Mention this ad and get a free gift.

FOR RENT Southampton. 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with fireplace and large yard. Available immediately. $1,600 a month. One and a half months security. Call 732-238-2949.

Townhouse For Rent. 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths. Saratoga community in Toms River. $1,650 per month plus utilities.

1 1/2 months security. Non smoker.

Available immediately. Call 732-2701750 after 6 p.m.

AUTO PARTS & SVCS.

FURNITURE REPAIR

SCRATCH AND DENT REPAIR BY AUTO BODY STORE. First-class auto body repairs and painting. Cars, trucks, trailers or tractors. FREE estimate visits in LeisureTowne. 609-859-3670.

Adam’s Furniture Restoration LLC. Twenty (20) years experience. Furniture repair, kitchen cabinet refinishing.

Touch-ups, re-gluing, upholstery, leather repair.

856-979-6210. www.facebook.com/adamsfurnres

CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTORS Redmond’s Mulch and Stone World, 1347 Monmouth Road, Eastampton, NJ 08060 Now Hiring Dump Truck Driver-F/T. Must have clean driving record & background. Capable of following directions & reading maps.

Construction background helpful. Triaxle experience & CDL required.

GARAGE/YARD SALE Moving Sale. Everything must go. Old and new items including guitars and jewelry. Monday thru Saturday for the next 2 weeks. From 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

27 Exeter Street, off South Lakeshore Drive in Browns Mills.

HELP WANTED Technician/Mechanic Wanted. As a Technician/Mechanic, you will provide accurate and efficient services to customers by trouble shooting, diagnosing, and repairing heavy duty semi-truck trailers in a safe, reasonable and responsible manner.

You will be required to have a “whatever needs to be done” work ethic and attitude, be mechanically inclined, and a team player with neat appearance. You should be a self-motivated, dependable person, and work well with others. Qualified candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED; pass a background check and drug screening and have a valid driver’s license. 401k-benefits and paid training. Please apply online at www.mypetrojob.com Nursery with position for someone who is willing to work and learn–A prosperous cranberry plant propagation business located near Chatsworth, NJ has an opening for an individual who is motivated, dedicated with a strong work ethic and an interest in becoming familiar with plant propagation. Experience

in farm culture is advantageous.

Responsibilities would include plant care, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, and assistance with daily operations. This is an hourly, year-round position. Advancement determined by the individual demonstrating the ability to take on responsibilities.

Applicant should send a description of their work experience or resume to P. O. Box 517, Chatsworth, N.J. 08019.

Area claims writer. No experience.

PT/FT flex. hours. NJ/PA. Call or text 609-548-3108. Target income. $30k/$80k.

Medford Nursery is seeking a seasoned Diesel Mechanic to join our team.

Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years’ experience, technician’s degree or a combination of both; a background in horticulture is preferred, but not required.

Daily responsibilities will include maintaining farm equipment; welding experience and the ability to fabricate will be essential. Additional responsibilities will include irrigation pump maintenance, company vehicle maintenance, and identifying repairs necessary within buildings on site.

This is a full-time position necessary for the daily operation of a wholesale nursery extending over 400 acres. Compensation is

commensurate with experience. Contact us today to discuss this exciting opportunity! In Person, Medford Nursery.

560 A Eayrestown-Red Lion Road Lumberton, NJ 08048.

MISCELLANEOUS Cash paid for vintage saxophones and World War II military items. Email mymilitarytoys@optonline.net or call 609-581-8290.

Heirloom cranberries for sale. Local, fresh, dry harvest and hand scooped.

Excellent color. Good for baked goods, sauce, beer and wine. $3 per lb. Call 609-460-1865.

Brotherton Indian Tribal Offices Brotherton Indian Reservation, Tribal Lands Office of the Chief Brotherton Indian Reservation Indian Mills, New Jersey 08088 Attention Dr. Sam Beeler, Chief 973-222-1920 973-432-8894 Errands Done & More Grocery shopping, pick up / drop off mail, packages, returns. etc.

Handyman services, picture hanging, window treatments, assemble/ move furniture.

No job too big or too small. Rates as low as $16.00 per hr. 7 days, senior/ veteran discounts.

609-222-1744

PAGE 14

FIRE

PAGE 1 fight when they were approached by the homeowner.

“The homeowner came up to us and said ‘Did you find a $20,000 ring that I gave to my fiancée last week?’” Smith said. “We searched for it for about 10 to 15 minutes after that and found it.”

He said the homeowner asked firefighters to look for the ring near a burned-out bureau that was in a second-floor bedroom.

“We managed to find it in the ashes and he was one happy dude even though his house was gone,” Smith said.

A second diamond ring of lesser value was also recovered at the scene by firefighters and given to the New Jersey State Police to return to the homeowner.

“We also found a second diamond ring that belonged to his fiancée’s mother as she had her mother’s ring,” Smith said.

The first house that caught fire belonged to the Volk family.

Friends Aimee Karmilovich and Mary Kelly have set up a GoFundMe account so the family can purchase some new clothes and necessary items.

“It would mean a lot to them for a small donation,” said Kelly, who established a fundraising goal of $600. As of press time, $447 was raised.

Readers can donate by going to: https://www. gofundme.com/volk-family-house-fire.

As firefighters put their hoses away, a second fire broke out at 467 Carranza Road. Pagers went off at around 8:15 p.m.

SENIORS PAGE 12

of items available. This place is a diner’s and a shopper’s paradise.

Do not worry, the seniors will return to Shady Maple on May 23, 2018. Following the buffet at Shady Maple, the group will enjoy another original musical, “Silver Screen” at the American Music Theatre. These original

OVERHAUL PAGE 6

“Hypodermic needles—we have a lot of diabetics in Southampton and they are contaminating (the recycling),” he said. “They are just taking the needle and throwing it into the recycling thinking it is plastic. No—it is not acceptable!”

China, the biggest receiver of the country’s recyclables, is starting to reject full loads coming from the U.S. and other countries because of contamination. Shipments have become so contaminated that China may soon ban recycled plastic and paper imports.

This has prompted Burlington County to send out a letter to its municipalities and meet with municipal recycling coordinators. The county has asked local officials to reiterate to residents what they can and cannot recycle and how to properly dispose of their recyclables.

Heston’s warning to diabetics came after he attended a county meeting that was held to discuss the problem.

“As a heads-up warning, Burlington County Recycling is coming out when they find on any given day that there was a problem with what was collected in Southampton Township,” he said. “They are going to come out and inspect your container before the truck gets there. They are literally going to take it (the recyclables) out and see what is in the container and you

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Saturday, November 18, 2017

“When I got there, I had heavy fire through the roof,” Smith said. “The whole front of the house was engulfed in flames.”

Two people, both residents, were inside the home when the blaze broke out.

“A daughter and father were inside the home,” Smith said. “The daughter turned something (an electronic) on and had trouble with it. She went in the basement to check the breakers and then heard a loud boom. She returned upstairs and the whole one end of the home’s living room was on fire.”

The fire chief said the woman got her father, who suffers from dementia, and exited the home.

“She came out of the home and realized he was no longer behind her,” Smith said. “So, she went back inside to get him.”

Both suffered from smoke inhalation.

Smith said. “From what I am told, the man remains in critical condition at the hospital.”

Smith said two firefighters received “BandAid” type injuries.

The state Fire Marshal’s Office is helping to conduct an investigation into the second fire.

This fire is also not believed to be suspicious.

“We don’t know the exact cause of the fire,” Smith said. “But, it appears to be electrical and it appears that it did start in the home’s living room corner.”

The fire destroyed the two-story Cape Cod home.

Smith said that while the winds were lighter than what was experienced during the first fire, ice became an issue as temperatures plummeted below freezing.

“With the second fire, you had a lot of ice

form from the firefighters using their hoses and at the draft points,” he said. “The temperature was down to 24 degrees by the time we left the scene.”

The second house that caught fire was occupied by the Shadle family.

Friend Maria Ginter set up a YouCaring account so the family can purchase basic essentials.

“Please donate what you can,” Ginter said.

“They have nothing but the clothes on their backs.”

Ginter said Allison May Shadle, one of the victims, rescued animals for many years. She said the victim was fostering a litter of kittens and a very sick adult cat, in addition to her own cats and a dog.

“We fear many animals perished in the fire,” she said. “Ali was physically restrained from re-entering the burning building to try and rescue her animals. At this point, we don’t believe any survived.”

Smith said that firefighters, so far, have located one dog and six cats that perished in the fire. He said as many as 10 pets may have been in the home when the blaze broke out and officials are still holding out hope that the four unaccounted pets ran into nearby woods.

Given the home’s close proximity to the woods, several spot fires developed in the brush. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service was called to help to extinguish them.

Ginter, who said Allison May Shadle’s father is in an intensive care unit of a local hospital, is hoping to raise $10,000 for the Shadles family.

Readers can donate by going to: https://www. youcaring.com/allisonmayshadle-1007668.

“Please help,” Ginter said. “Ali herself was in very poor health and they were already struggling just to survive. Even though sickly, Ali (has) continued to work at CHOP at Virtua Mt. Holly as a Patient Care Technician. On her Facebook page she’s quoted as saying: ‘I’m all about the little things—work, my animals, friends, and family. That’s what truly matters in life!”’

Ginter said Allison May Shadle had just recently reached out to Lynn’s Animal Rescue for help for the adult cat that was sickly.

Lynn’s Animal Rescue is now trying to help the entire family through their loss.

Two house fires occurring on the same day in Shamong is almost unprecedented.

“I have been here (as a firefighter) for 45 years and this was a first for me,” Smith said.

“In 1966, we did have a day with two fires, according to one of the longer-serving members.”

Both fires involved a massive undertaking by area first responders.

Smith said he would like to thank all of the volunteers from the Atco Fire Co., Atlantic City Electric, Burlington County Fire Marshal’s Office, Good Will Fire Co., Hainesport Fire Co., Hammonton Fire Department, Hampton Lakes Vol. Fire Co., Indian Mills Volunteer Fire Co., Medford Fire Department, Medford Lakes Fire Department, New Jersey Fire Marshal’s Office, New Jersey Forest Fire Service, New Jersey State Police, Pemberton Twp. Vol. Fire Co., Shamong EMS, Tabernacle Fire Rescue, Tabernacle Rescue Squad, Taunton Lakes Fire Department, Vincent Fire Co. and Waterford Works Fire Co.

productions are always superb extravaganzas and not to be missed.

The show this year, “Home for the Holidays,” featured an all-star cast and a troupe of youth performers. They were accompanied by a nine-musician orchestra. These musicians are so talented, each plays multiple instruments and together they sound like a full-sized orchestra.

This multitalented group produced the most

spectacular show. The costuming was superb and the selection of musical songs just perfect.

The show began with lots of Christmas and popular music. The second act began with a “Candy Land” theme and energy- packed dancers. It then transitioned into a more religious theme, concluding with the most artful manger scene complete with dancing angels. There was the perfect mix of secular and religious music. The audience gave

a standing ovation at the end of the show and was reluctant to leave.

During the early afternoon, rain began to fall. This was not a problem since the activities were all scheduled indoors. The temperature in Pennsylvania was cooler than New Jersey, so a few flakes of snow and some sleet were observed. This is a reminder that winter is not far away. The drivers took a little longer

could wind up with a red sticker on your container and it (your recyclables) won’t be taken.”

Heston said he wants residents to look carefully at what it is they are putting in their recycling container.

“There are things that belong in the trash, not in recycling,” he said. “Every ton that doesn’t go to the landfill saves our township over $85.

That is what the dumping fee is up to, $85 per ton at the landfill. It is in your interest as a taxpayer, to see that the recycling is done properly.”

A grant application was submitted to the NJDOT that seeks funds to resurface Stagecoach Road.

A second reading of an ordinance that would cancel $16,264.66 for various capital improvement projects and reappropriate those funds toward the purchase of a replacement 5-yard dump body was tabled.

Two Ford F-450s and a Ford F-750—all owned by the township—have dump bodies that are rotting. It wasn’t immediately clear which truck would get the new dump body if the measure eventually passes.

Heston said a “super-majority” of four committee members were needed to pass the resolution since it involves money.

Committeewoman Elizabeth Rossell was the only other committee member present for the meeting.

“That (tabling the measure) is going to delay

the savings of $120,000 to the taxpayers until next month,” Heston said.

Rossell and Mikulski said that if the absences were going to delay $120,000 in savings to the taxpayers, they would have Mayor James F. Young Sr. and Deputy Mayor Bill Raftery dragged to the meeting—causing everyone to share a light moment amidst serious topics and concern for Young, who has been ill.

“I don’t want them (the public) to think that

because two guys aren’t here, we are going to lose money,” Mikulski said.

Heston previously said that the township is saving over $120,000 by replacing each truck’s dump body, instead of by purchasing three new trucks.

“To go out and spend $150,000 to $200,000 to replace these three vehicles—when you have perfectly good motors and the rest of the cab and all is in good shape—is a waste of taxpayer dollars,” said Heston in July.

CRASH PAGE 10

Waterman said the initial impact with the Lexus caused the Hyundai to have a secondary impact with a utility pole at the corner of 20 Jackson Road.

Akouka, 77, sustained a scrape to his hand.

His passenger, Rosalie Akouka, suffered a hip injury and complained of chest pain. She had to be extricated from the vehicle by

MALFUNCTIONS PAGE 4

Board President Susan Ernst went to a back corner in the meeting room (Pinelands Junior High School Media Center) and were seen conversing with each other.

Brennan, according to multiple eyewitnesses,

SENIORS>>PAGE 18

members of Medford Fire & EMS. Rosalie and David Akouka were transported to Virtua hospital in Marlton for evaluation.

Weaver, 78, was not injured.

“She was issued a motor vehicle summons for improperly emerging from a driveway (39:4-66b) and an appearance in Medford Township Municipal Court is pending,” Waterman said. “The crash is under investigation by the Medford Township Police Traffic Bureau.”

was escorted out of the district’s administration building the following day after more than 150 parents and the district’s teachers union called for his firing during the Nov. 6 meeting.

He was reinstated by the Pinelands Regional Board of Education on Nov. 15, just before press time, in a 6-4 vote (more details next week).

Saturday, November 18, 2017

LETTER PAGE 2

consultants, ‘if it smells bad, is (sic) does not mean that it is bad for you.’”

Multiple messages that sought the name of the consultant who dismissed the potential toxicity of the odor were not returned.

“I would like to know who wrote this memo to the staff because clearly you were aware of the conditions in the school,” said Lee Morey, a father who has a son in the district, during a Nov. 6 school-board meeting. “It is just not acceptable. When were you going to notify parents that this was what our children were exposed to?”

At the time of the board meeting, Morey only had an excerpt of the letter and did not know that Stevenson wrote it. The full letter, with Stevenson’s signature, was leaked on the internet on Nov. 10.

Board President Susan Ernst only thanked Morey when he read the excerpt.

As the Pine Barrens Tribune reported last week, Epic Environmental president James Eberts told the district’s Business Administrator Stephen J. Brennan on Sept. 8 that required cleaning of the high school’s metal roof deck was discovered to be incomplete prior to the installation of a new roof on the high school.

The discovery came after debris falling in high-school classrooms was investigated on Sept. 8.

Eberts informed Brennan that some of the debris found on the uncleaned areas of the roof tested positive for asbestos.

While none of the debris that fell in the classrooms tested positive for asbestos, Eberts said there was the potential for roofing debris to continue to enter the school and recommended the district cease all rooftop activities due to the asbestos-containing debris on the exterior.

Additionally, Ahera, one of the district’s environmental consultants, told Brennan on Sept. 1 that ethylbenzene was detected inside the school at levels above residential and industrial standards.

Exposure to high levels of ethylbenzene in the air for short periods can cause eye and throat irritation. Vertigo and dizziness are also possible.

Trimethylbenzene was also detected above residential levels inside the building.

Trimethylbenzene can irritate the skin and eyes. Exposure to trimethylbenzene can also cause a person to feel dizzy, lightheaded and to pass out.

“The tests performed prior to Oct. 3 were done and did not indicate any cause for alarm,” said Stevenson to staff, who was also dismissive of parent, student and staff concerns and accounts that were posted on social media. “This is the second time in three weeks that information on social media has been inaccurate and has caused mass panic in this district.”

Ahera recommended the district relocate and restrict staff away from active construction areas when possible.

Also, according to the project’s bid specifications and contract, the rooftop construction was mandated to be completed by Aug. 18 (in some parts of the document it says Sept. 5), so as to not interfere with the start of school on Sept. 7.

“All roof work shall be conducted within the contract time limits, but in no case while students or faculty are in the building,” the document says.

Brennan signed the document. It was also approved by the school board.

Brennan, according to multiple eyewitnesses, was escorted out of the district’s administration building on Nov. 7 after more than 150 parents

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

and the district’s teachers union called for his firing the night before. He was reinstated by the Pinelands Regional Board of Education on Nov. 15, just before press time, in a 6-4 vote (more details next week).

Three days after Stevenson wrote the letter to staff, a screw fell on the top of the student’s head. She attributed the incident to vibration from the construction work. This incident resulted in the indefinite closure of the high school.

Banks, when she returned to the district, said the heads of numerous screws throughout the high school were cut off when roofers removed a level of the roofing earlier in the summer. She said the screws were loosened as a result.

The disregard of the recommendations, disregard of the roofing contract and improper cleaning of the roof—along with Stevenson’s letter—has now resulted in calls for an investigation by an outside agency.

“Is there any outside agency that is investigating this scandal?” said parent James Ruland at the Nov. 6 school board meeting.

“You state here that you had the welfare of the children in mind—yet somebody here made a decision and knew that those kids were in that school when they shouldn’t have been.”

Ruland asked Ernst to explain why an outside agency isn’t investigating the scandal. Ernst never offered an explanation.

“If you are not having an outside agency investigate what is going on here—why not?” he said. “What harm could be done if you did nothing wrong? I think there were a lot of things done wrong here.”

Ruland said he believes the board and administrators are covering up for a “criminal mistake.”

“There is a lot of money involved here (project is being funded through a voterapproved $53-million bond referendum) and our children’s health,” he said. “Every one of you that are involved should be investigated, and prosecuted if needed.”

James Smith, a district parent who does construction for a living, said the board was in “way over their heads” with the ongoing debacle.

“There is a lot of construction people in this room—I know some of them—and none of us would be on the job for more than a week if we behaved this way about a (multi)-million dollar project,” he said. “We would be gone.

We are responsible to come to a place and know what we are looking at before we give a bid for it. If we don’t—we eat it and we are out of business.”

Kenneth Persichetti, the father of a district student, asked the board to provide the public with the square footage that was uncleaned and covered up with new roofing.

“The speculation from what I have seen on different things (social media) is 18,000 sq. feet,” he said. “That is ridiculous! Whoever allowed that to happen should be tarred and feathered—if that is the case.”

Prior to parents and community members speaking, Ernst said that no price could ever be put on the safety of students and staff and that the board had grave concerns about the unfolding situation.

“There is just no price,” she said.

Only one resident out of nearly 50 who attended the meeting came to the defense of the board.

“I know quite a few of the board members personally,” said resident Liz Moritz, who does not have any children in school. “I can honestly tell you that I do not believe any of them would dare to put our children at risk or their co-workers and staff people.”

Moritz, however, suggested that an

investigation into what occurred needed to take place.

“As you go through the records, interim billing and who signed off on what inspections in order to get their payments—you are going to get the picture,” she said. “It is going to become clearer and clearer.”

Moritz said she watched video of the roofers removing debris from the high school roof.

As the Pine Barrens Tribune reported last week, the images posted online show debris from the high school’s asbestos contaminated roof being tossed carelessly into an open-top container truck. Related dust is seen flying through the air. Some pieces of the debris fell onto the ground.

Effective asbestos abatement involves carefully placing contaminated debris in sealed leak-tight containers and not tossing debris to prevent contaminated particles from spreading through the air.

“I too looked at the video and thought it can’t possibly be that bad,” she said. “But, it looks like you really do have a problem.

“You are going to have to do some soul-searching and you are going to have really look and see what facts pan out. You are going to have to be honest either way. Either the school people screwed up or the contractor

SECURITY PAGE 4

County Board of Chosen Freeholders who recently passed a similar measure.

Volunteers from the Burlington County Animal Shelter, who respond to properties to provide Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) to cats, have gone to towns across the county to encourage changes to ordinances that regulate feral cats.

The second would adjust flood damage prevention standards for the township, to keep in accordance with state requirements.

The last two ordinances introduced would amend township fees charged for permits and amend a chapter of the township code governing a sign permit fee.

In other news, further update was given on the proposed Pinelands Cemetery for Willow Grove Road, an item of discussion for the committee during the past several months.

Onorato said a single bid came in for the cemetery work at a price much higher than an estimate received. A recommendation was made to re-advertise the job.

A motion to reject the current bid and put the project out to re-bid passed.

Township Engineer Dan Guzzi said Phase I of an Oak Shade Road improvement project is underway. He said pipe work was recently completed and paving will be done this week.

As part of a separate road program, a maintenance bond for Tuckerton Road improvements is set to start Dec. 20.

Guzzi said the township is waiting for a schedule to come back from the contractor.

“We still haven’t gotten from them a schedule as to when they are going to come and complete the repairs,” he said.

SUPERINTENDENT PAGE 12

officials are working to solve these problems.

Every resident has a stake in the future of our schools. If you are a parent, you certainly are concerned about your own students. If you no longer have students in the schools, you must be aware that the educational system and reputation has a direct impact on the value of

PAGE 15

screwed up.”

Moritz said the board put their faith and resident taxpayer dollars toward the project’s contractors and they need to be held accountable.

Patty Persichetti, after Moritz spoke, said that she doesn’t trust the board.

“Every time I come to these meetings, I feel sicker and sicker listening to this crap,” she said. “I want to know when that school is finally open—how the hell am I going to trust you that this place is safe? How am I going to send my child back to school?”

Thomas D. Williams, Jr., a school board member who represents Bass River Township and is the head of the board’s construction committee, responded to the call for an investigation after some attendees began shouting, “Hire an investigator!”

“There obviously needs to be something looked into,” Williams said. “(This is especially true) when you go back and look at the contract that was awarded for this construction and (see that) several areas of that contract—from all of the entities—was not followed. So, that is where the investigation needs to be so that we can get answers on all of the shortfalls so nothing like this can occur again to jeopardize anyone in our district.”

The committee also approved six resolutions.

Three of these authorized the mayor, deputy mayor, chief financial officer (CFO), assistant CFO, clerk and deputy clerk as signers on various township bank and escrow accounts.

Onorato said this action was necessary for adding Joanne Robertson, the current deputy clerk who stepped in once Barbara Valenzano retired.

Taxes in the amount of $5,337.66 were canceled for a totally-disabled veteran who lives off Wesickaman Road.

Township budget transfers were authorized.

The following actions occurred: $1,000 was moved from administration operating expenses to Southampton Municipal Court operating expenses; $503.78 was moved from administration salaries and wages to the public employee retirement system; and $1,000 from finance salary and wages was moved to the building code office salary and wages.

A township employee policy manual was amended to include a policy on bloodborne pathogens.

“We’ve had this policy in place, but (the Joint Insurance Fund) would like to see it in our employee policy manual, too,” Onorato said.

Deputy Mayor Michael DiCroce, running the meeting in the absence of Gimbel, made comments about the previous night’s election.

He said Shamong had about 40 percent turnout.

The school board elections saw five candidates run, four of whom were write-in candidates. Residents cast more than 600 write-in ballots.

“I don’t think that’s ever happened,” DiCroce said.

The committee will next meet for a workshop session on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

your house and real estate.

In October, the BMIA heard from the Board of Education candidates and now is your chance to hear from the other side (administration). The administrative team implements the educational policies and make things happen.

There will be time for personal concerns and questions following the meeting.

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Saturday, November 18, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

FUN AND GAMES Are We There Yet?

By Lori Clinch

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

A Fabulous Gift, From the Lumberyard When Pat, my beloved husband of many years, walked in the door on a recent night, he was beaming with pride.

“I’ve been thinking about you all day long,” he said. Then he smiled, looked at me with love and reported, “And I’ve been considering an expensive gift.”

I’m here to tell you that there is nothing like an expensive gift to jump-start a woman’s heart!

I suddenly went from being a 50-year-old woman with bad hair to an 11-year-old little girl on Christmas Eve. “Something for me?”

I asked as I thought of the Red Wing crock that I’ve had my eye on.

“No,” he said, trying to contain his excitement, “it’s something for us.”

Now you can call me a spoiled brat if you want to. But “something for us” doesn’t sound like a fun “something for us” when you’re married to a man like my Pat. Pat opposes any and all glitz, doesn’t understand bling and totally bypasses extravagance so that he can make a beeline straight to the practical gifts. Instead of fulfilling the desires of a woman’s heart, he opts for hammers, drills, and anything that would effortlessly drive a bolt into concrete.

Still, I’m nothing if not optimistic, so I forced a smile and asked, “Will I like it?”

“Oh,” he said, still beaming, “you’ll use it all of the time.”

See, there we go again. No woman worth her salt wants something that she’ll “use all of the time.” She wants to wear it, stage it, and certainly wants to show it off to her friends.

Better yet, she wants to display her antique crock in the corner that would be perfect for it and spend her spare moments gazing upon it with love and admiration.

After all, how often do you see a woman showcasing her 150-piece wrench set as she says to her dinner party guests, “Don’t you just love these? I got them for Christmas!”

But I didn’t want to appear ungrateful, so I kept a stiff upper lip, forced a smile and said, “Well, let’s see it.”

With that, he pulled an ad from the local lumberyard out of his pocket and with a quick, “Ta da!” he showed me a lovely picture of a mechanical device that was large, bulky, and appeared to plug in.

Quite frankly, I hadn’t been so disappointed since he showed me a picture of a woman in his construction magazine who was sporting a pink tool belt and told me that I, too, could rock that look.

Don’t get me wrong, not all of his practical gifts are bad gifts. Oftentimes I wonder how it is that I’ve lived without nail punches and wire cutters with matching accessories. I would even make great use of the compact drill if it weren’t constantly at his job site.

In the grand scheme of things, I have everything that I need and want for nothing.

Nothing, that is, except for that Red Wing crock.

Our anniversary is looming on the horizon, Christmas is only moments away and I truly feel that it’s never too early to begin pondering my birthday.

Alas, my surprise gift was nothing that could be purchased at a jewelry store, or a timeless gift from an antique shop and it certainly wasn’t a crock that could be showcased in the coveted spot in the corner of the living room.

Rather, it was something that would come from the lumberyard, be quite useful in daily tasks and most likely spend the bulk of its time on a construction site.

Although I’m not one to boast, I am a great and considerate gift giver. I assess the recipient, ponder their dislikes and tastes, and mull to great lengths the desires of their hearts.

Therefore, for our anniversay, I’ve purchased for my beloved spouse the best gift ever, the ultimate and unsurpassed gifts of all gifts. I shall drop little hints, leave little clues and enjoy his curiosity as it leads up to the day.

I shall enjoy the anticipation and I’m here to tell you that I simply cannot wait for him to see that I bought him the best gift ever—a Red Wing crock.

© 2017 LORI CLINCH

C R O S S W O R D Across 1 Liner 5 Hope __ 10 Shred of evidence?

13 A, to Bach 14 “I wanna do it” 15 See 18-Across 16 Turkish warlord 17 Physicist’s proposed particle 18 Literally, forms an obstruction 19 See 23-Across 21 Camps 23 Literally, sacrifices to save one’s own neck 24 Pod opener 25 RV chain 26 Chou En-__ 27 Like adobe 30 Publicity 31 Sundance’s love 33 Blackguard 34 Touch, for example 36 Toaster’s words, and a hint to solving eight puzzle answers 40 Fills 43 __ grass 44 World Golf Hall of Famer Aoki 48 Soul seller

P U Z Z L E

49 1972 Olympics city 53 Beantown landmark, with “the” 54 Rile 55 End of August?

56 See 61-Across 58 Blocks 61 Literally, books 62 See 66-Across 63 Tin Pan Alley gp.

65 Mr. Bean’s car 66 Literally, commits perjury 67 Onetime NPR host Hansen 68 Settled 69 “The Conspiracy Against Childhood” author LeShan 70 Itzhak Perlman choice 71 Tart fruit

9 Academic status 10 Supple leather 11 Whims 12 On the line 15 String next to E? 20 Former NHL defenseman Krupp 22 Infomercial cutlery brand 28 It’s frustrating to be in one 29 Scout group 32 Actor Vigoda 35 Center opening 37 Davis of “Do the Right Thing” 38 Tiananmen Square honoree 39 Lacking, with “for” 40 Stick on a slope 41 Blitz 42 Break on “Downton Abbey” Down 45 Reduced-price offering 1 City named for a Duwamish 46 Hall of “Coming to America” chief 47 Unlikely, as a chance 2 Snub 50 Historical records 3 Come into 51 Watch a friend’s dog, say 4 R&B singer Bryson 52 The NBA’s Magic 5 One to admire 57 Cloverleaf branches 6 Spell 59 Old tape type 7 Mideast monarch 60 Bad mark?

8 Like some operators 64 Santa __, California

S U D O K U

ANSWERS ON PAGE 22

Saturday, November 18, 2017

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PAGE 17

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SENIORS PAGE 14

to return to Browns Mills because of the wet road conditions. By 8 p.m., the seniors headed home from the parking lot. A special “shoutout” to Pemberton Township Police officers for keeping an eye on the many cars parked all day at the Acme.

The next trip on the schedule will be to Resorts in Atlantic City. The Jersey Tenors will be performing on Dec. 6. Buses will be leaving the Browns Mills Acme parking lot at 9:30 a.m.

Seniors will receive a $20 meal voucher and a casino coin rebate as well as a ticket to the 3 p.m. show. This will provide a full day of activity. Most seniors will take about an hour to enjoy their lunches, spend some time on the boardwalk and maybe another hour at one of the machines. Then it is time to head to the theatre for the show. As soon as the show finishes, it is time to head for the bus.

Jersey Tenors are male quartets who are nationally-renowned performers. They will provide an energy-packed show with music we all remember and enjoy. The great part of this

trip is the price, only $40 for township residents and $50 for non-residents. Enjoy an early Christmas gift and bring a friend.

On Nov. 6, Kimberly Tauche of the coupon clippers made her monthly “first Monday” visit to the center. She brings coupons, ads, and tips on how to save money while getting the best shopping deals around. She is very informative and using just a few of her tips will save you a bundle. These days, with rising grocery prices, one needs to spend carefully.

The center was closed on Friday, Nov.10 for Veteran’s Day. The center will be closed on

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Thursday and Friday, Nov. 23 and 24, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Holidays can be difficult for seniors who do not have the ability to prepare meals.

The Pemberton Township Senior Center fills an important role by serving a nourishing midday meal daily to assure nutritional needs are being adequately met.

The center is located in Browns Mills, across from the U.S. Post Office, and is open from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday. Phone 609-893-4400 for more information.

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

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Saturday, November 18, 2017

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PAGE 21

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

HEALTH

Lechner Funeral Home

Dear Pharmacist

By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph.

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

7 Life-Saving Reasons You Should Eat Cauliflower I was eating dinner with Sam and having homemade chicken soup with a slice of sourdough bread and melted butter. It was simple and delicious. We ate silently. Toward the end of the meal, he said to me, “We always eat our soup and bread silently because we are mentally calculating how to time the last bite so it’s perfect.”

LOL! So true. We usually chatter during meals, and tell funny stories, but when soup and bread hit the table, it all goes to silence. I like to time my last bite so it’s soup (to wash down the bread).

Regardless, about this homemade chicken soup…that’s what I really want to talk about.

Tonight we made it differently with peas instead of celery (because you need something green) and with red onions instead of white ones. We used shredded cauliflower instead of rice; that was the biggest and most pleasant surprise because I didn’t think it would actually work.

You can buy shredded cauliflower now in bags, in the produce department of your grocery store. Someone should have bagged this stuff decades ago!

Anyway, the cauliflower holds up remarkably well, even days later. It acts just like rice except with cauliflower, you get the most incredible health benefits. It’s a crucifer, like its green cousins broccoli and Brussels sprouts, so it has the same cancer-fighting properties.

I want you to start cooking with cauliflower.

Here’s why: Cauliflower contains sulforaphanes, that’s the compound that gives it a funky sulfur smell.

This compound has been isolated and studied.

It clearly demonstrates cancer-fighting promise,

especially for breast, prostate and other reproductive cancers. This has been shown repeatedly, in both animal models and test-tube studies.

Cauliflower contains antioxidants which neutralize free radicals. There are many, but among the more recognizable, we find quercetin, vitamin K, vitamin C, beta-carotene and kaempferol. That last one is incredible. It’s rarely talked about, but kaempferol has evidence behind it to show that it can block VEGF production in your body and “suppress ovarian cancer cell metastasis in vitro,” according to one study. Another article suggests kaempferol could interact with estrogen receptors on the cell and slow growth of cancer!

Cauliflower protects your bones because it is a rich, natural source of vitamin K and C, as well as minerals like potassium, manganese and phosphorus.

Cauliflower gives you a low-carb alternative to digestible fiber, so it will help you achieve regular bowel movements while eliminating toxins stuck in the deep crevices of your gut.

In fact, sulforaphanes and glucosinolates found in cauliflower fight Helicobacter pylori, and that fact alone should reduce your risk of colon cancer.

Cauliflower contains I3C (Indole 3 Carbinol) which helps metabolize estrogen into anticancer by-products and that’s good for both men and women. I3C has been studied for its role in cholesterol and triglyceride synthesis.

If you’d like to get some of my recipes using cauliflower, sign up for my newsletter and I’ll email them to you.

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

For more information, please visit www.SuzyCohen.com.

© 2017 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

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PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

Saturday, November 18, 2017

HOME, GARDEN, AND FARMING Farm and Food File

By Alan Guebert

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

Willful Ignorance Michael Lewis is a serious writer with a list of serious bona fides: Princeton bachelor’s degree, master’s from the London School of Economics, a brief career on Wall Street and author of best-selling, non-fiction books like Money Ball, The Big Short and The Blind Side. All were Hollywood box office hits. He also writes for the New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker and other national and international publications.

Earlier this year, Lewis turned his keen eye and sharp intellect toward Washington, D.C. to see how our federal agencies were making the transition from the bureaucratic steadiness of previous administrations to the “drain the swamp” Trump Administration.

His first report, a 12,500-word piece published in the September issue of Vanity Fair, examined changes at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). His second, an equally-long and equally-detailed report released in the magazine’s November issue, spotlighted the Trump takeover of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA. Both showcase Lewis’s fact-layered journalism and laser-sharp observations.

And both scare the pants off readers because of the willful ignorance shown at DOE and USDA by the incoming administration. A shared theme in each is that Team Trump rode into Washington with “nothing to learn from all the people running the place,” Lewis said in a Nov. 6 radio interview.

Soon, however, that gave way to a “willingness to tax the distant future for the political present.” In other words, quick personal wins—against what Trump’s one-time political adviser Steve Bannon calls the “deep state”—are more important than continued, long-term national success in energy or agriculture.

That discovery shocked Lewis because, like most Americans, he had only the broadest sense of what DOE and USDA actually did when he began his reporting. He was stunned to learn the breadth of both.

DOE, for example, spends almost half of its “$30-billion-a-year budget” on “maintaining and guarding America’s nuclear arsenal.”

About $2 billion of it “goes to hunting down weapons-grade plutonium and uranium loose in the world so that it doesn’t fall into the hands of terrorists…”

It didn’t: During the Obama years, DOE

collected enough of this material around the world “to make 160 nuclear bombs.”

So, yes, this is serious—in fact, deadly serious—work that demands serious people and serious attention.

After their election victory, however, the Trump team waited over a month to send anyone to DOE to even say hello. When someone finally appeared, it was a Koch Industries lobbyist who “didn’t bring a pencil or piece of paper. He spent an hour [and] never asked to meet… again.”

Lewis discovered it was no different at USDA. On Nov. 22, 2016, the incoming administration finally sent a transition official to one of the federal government’s largest agencies. The official stayed less than an hour and “wanted to know about the office on climate change… That’s what he wanted to focus on.

He wanted the names of the people doing the work,” one USDA staffer told Lewis.

USDA’s “friendly welcome”—a 2,300-page transition blueprint intended to assist Trump appointees in overseeing an agency with a $164 billion annual budget, 100,000 employees, 193 million acres of land to manage, an $80-billion a year food aid program, “a bank with $220 billion in assets,” and a “massive science program”—was rejected.

Today, little has changed. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Trump’s last Cabinet nominee and second-to-last to be approved, spends most of his time making public appearances at Big Ag events around the country or pushing a controversial USDA reorganization plan no one has seen.

Most sub-cabinet appointees, the undersecretaries who actually run USDA’s necessary, far-reaching programs, are either stalled in the Senate (see Bill Northey) or so controversial (see the now-gone Sam Clovis) that it’s both fair and necessary to ask who actually is in charge of anything there.

This ongoing failure, Lewis explained in the Nov. 6 Fresh Air interview, now threatens USDA and America’s future. “In some ways, the scientific progress in the production of food… underpins the entire economy (and) enables everybody to be something else other than a farmer…”

In no small part that “something else” is the nation itself. Putting it at risk now for short-term political gain is just more willful ignorance.

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

CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU

Saturday, November 18, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

PAGE 23

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

AUTOMOTIVE New Vehicle Buying Guide Compiled by Motor Matters

E-mail Questions To: info@motormatters.com Mail Questions To: PO Box 3305, Wilmington, DE 19804

2017 Subaru Crosstrek Subaru turns up the value and style of its popular Crosstrek compact SUV for 2017. A new Premium Special Edition offers exclusive exterior style and interior appointments along with additional safety technology and amenities.

The versatile, fun-to-drive Crosstrek combines bold 5-door design, a highly capable chassis, excellent fuel economy and in-demand multimedia technology. All Crosstrek models are powered by a 148-hp 2.0-liter Boxer engine, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or the available Lineartronic continuously variable transmission.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive comes standard, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, 17-inch alloy wheels and ample room for passengers and cargo, makes the Crosstrek a high-capability crossover.

Subaru offers the 2017 Crosstrek in three models: 2.0i, 2.0i Premium and 2.0i Limited.

For 2017, a new Premium Special Edition provides an additional choice following the success of the 2016 “Pure Red” Special

Edition.

The 2017 Special Edition, available exclusively with Pure Red or Crystal Black Silica exterior, gets an even sportier look and attitude with a body-color rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, black exterior badging and body-color mirrors with integral turn signals. Standard Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert enhances convenience and safety.

When equipped with Subaru’s awardwinning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, the Crosstrek earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating and a “Superior” rating for frontal crash prevention from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. EyeSight includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, and Vehicle Lane Departure and Sway Warning and is available for the Crosstrek 2.0i Premium and 2.0i Limited models.

Base model estimated mpg: 26/34 Estimated starting price: $22,570 Compiled by Motor Matters.

2017 Subaru Crosstrek.

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Saturday, November 18, 2017