Nov 4 2017 revised

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Student 504 Plan and School Policy for Managing Food Allergies Repeatedly Violated. Page 2

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November 4-10, 2017

PHOTO BY RYAN MARCHESE Tom Pullion (right), a Democrat running for freeholder, discusses the 23-cent gas tax.

Gas Tax Hike Takes Center Stage at Candidates Forum in LeisureTowne

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

SOUTHAMPTON—A 23-cent gasoline tax hike signed into law late last year took center stage at a candidate’s forum hosted by the LeisureTowne Civic League Association on Oct. 25.

George Youngkin, a Democrat running for an 8th District state Senate seat, along with Democratic freeholder candidates Tom Pullion and Balvir Singh, took their Republican opponents to task over their support for the gas tax in front of an audience of nearly 50 people.

The gas-tax discussion ramped up quickly during the forum after an attendee asked the candidates to “please fix” the Centerton Road

Bridge in Mount Laurel.

The bridge, which connects Mount Laurel to Willingboro and Westampton, was closed more than two years ago after engineers deemed it structurally unsafe.

An estimated 14,000 vehicles per day crossed the bridge when it was open to traffic. Interstate 295 has since become an alternate route.

The Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders voted on Dec. 9, 2015 to demolish the bridge. A few months later, the county ordered a feasibility study on a possible replacement.

The study is supposed to produce a list of permits that would be required if the county decided to proceed with constructing a

new bridge.

At the time, county officials were vocal that they could not consider moving forward with any improvements until the state’s Transportation Trust Fund was replenished.

Replacing the bridge may cost somewhere between $15 and $20 million.

Republican Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio, who is being challenged by Pullion and Singh, stood in front of the bridge in 2014 with state Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney, a Democrat from Gloucester County.

Sweeney appeared with Garganio to tout his fund replenishment proposal, the 23-cent gas tax.

The gas tax was signed into law on Oct. 14,

2016 by Republican Governor Chris Christie.

Republican Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, along with several Republicans in the state Legislature, were adamantly opposed to increasing the gas tax and fought Christie and Sweeney.

The proposal also drew opposition from some of the Democrats in the state Legislature.

Senator Dawn Marie Addiego, Assemblyman Joseph Howarth, and Assemblywoman Maria Rodriquez-Gregg—Republicans from the 8th District—voted to increase the gas tax and were some of the bill’s biggest supporters.

Since the 23-cent gas tax was imposed on Nov. 1, 2016, the county has not taken any

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LOCAL NEWS

Student 504 Plan and School Policy for Managing Food Allergies Repeatedly Violated

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

WOODLAND—A parent’s account of how a student 504 plan and district policy for managing food allergies was violated five times in the first two months of the school year roiled a school board meeting here on Oct. 23.

Rachel Wall, the mother of an 8-year-old boy with a severe peanut allergy, told the Woodland Township Board of Education that the first violation happened on the first day of school.

She said her daughter came home from school with a doughnut from an outside vendor, which broke school policy.

“In my head, I thought I didn’t need to get nitty-gritty (upset) with this because my daughter isn’t the one with the allergy; it is my son,” she said.

According to Wall, the district recently adopted a policy that bans peanuts, tree nuts or any food that may have been produced in a facility that manufacturers them from being allowed inside the Chatsworth Elementary School.

Additionally, a 504 plan was developed for her son to further prevent him from being exposed to peanuts. The plan is supposed to inform school faculty that he is not to be given food brought in from the outside.

Anyone severely allergic to peanuts can experience anaphylactic shock by only ingesting a trace amount of the food or inhaling its particles.

Wall said during Chatsworth Elementary School’s back-to-school night, a teacher informed parents that cupcakes were still permissible under the policy as long as a list of ingredients used to make them was given to the school.

“It is not okay,” Wall said. “It goes further than

that—it goes for the sprinkles, the icing, and things that not everyone thinks of every day.”

She said eight days into the school year and three days after back-to-school night, on Sept.

15, her child was given ice pops (outside foods) by a teacher as a reward for completing a voluntary homework assignment.

“I got a call from the school nurse who said my son was given ice pops which goes against the verbiage stated in his 504 plan and school policy,” Wall said. “He was okay. He did not have an allergic reaction, which was great.”

But the possibility that her son could have had an allergic reaction because of the mishap caused her to sit down with school officials, including Superintendent Misty Weiss.

“We met again,” she said. “We revised the 504 plan. We came up with some more ideas which included logging food in just to double check and try to get everybody on the same page. The school was super compliant about it.”

Wall said one week later, despite the meeting with Weiss and revisions to the 504 plan, her child consumed food at school that he wasn’t supposed to have.

“On Sept. 29, my son ate ice cream that he could not have,” she said. “(It went against the) verbiage in his 504 plan. I got a letter apologizing for it.”

Wall said that on Oct. 13 there was yet another incident.

She said the fifth incident involved her daughter who went on a field trip. She was again given a doughnut from an outside vendor.

“All of the kids were given doughnuts,” she said. “It is against school policy. They don’t label their food.”

Wall said her son has come home saying, “They (school staff) don’t care if I am dead or

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INDEX Automotive..................................... 27 Business Directory.......................... 16 Community..................................... 11 Fun and Games............................... 20 Health.............................................. 19 Home, Garden & Farming ............. 26

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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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Saturday, November 4, 2017

Blood Drive Held for the First Time Ever at Chatsworth Elementary School

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

WOODLAND—A successful American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Chatsworth Elementary School last month was also a historic one.

“This is the first time one was done here at the school and they haven’t had one in the township in a long, long time,” said Superintendent Misty Weiss during a Woodland Township Board of Education meeting on Oct. 23.

The organizers of the Oct. 11 blood drive were striving for 22 donations of blood. They ended up with 23 donations.

“They were very pleased with the amount of donations,” Weiss said. “So, we will look into possibly scheduling one again next year.”

Board member William Dirkin said the blood drive was great.

“We are a small community and it was great to see people from all over who I haven’t seen in a while come out and give blood for a good cause,” he said.

Students from the district’s Junior Honor Society helped with greeting blood donors at the door as well as with manning a “canteen” (snack) area.

In other news, the lone heater in the district’s administrative trailer malfunctioned when it was turned on for the first cool-air spell of the season.

“A blower motor had broken,” Weiss said.

“It has since been replaced. Allen’s Oil is on it and (the repair) was part of their rotation of inspections.”

Weiss announced that TTI Environmental of

Moorestown performed an air-quality inspection in the Chatsworth Elementary School earlier that day.

“The gentleman (an inspector) went into every single room (in the school building) and outside,” she said. “He used his fluorescent light and looked for anything that could be potentially harmful to the air quality of the school. We don’t have a report back yet as the inspection was just today.”

She said that, preliminarily, the inspector said the school looks clean.

“He did actually say he has done a lot of schools just like this one and we are an exceptionally clean school—from his experience,” said Business Administrator George Gahles. “It was very nice of him to say that. His comments had nothing to do with the air quality, just that the general cleanliness of the school was top notch.”

Weiss said after the meeting that the inspection was prompted by a concerned parent.

“To my knowledge, the district has not had an air-quality inspection, at least in the last 10 years,” she said. “At the beginning of the school year, we had a meeting with parents where they asked about this. I agreed that is was something that the district would look into and schedule.”

She said the official results have not yet been submitted to the district.

Policies that govern service of non-public school students, long-range facilities planning, educational adequacy of capital projects, site selection and acquisition, school closings, disposition of property, disposal of

PHOTO SUBMITTED A donor lies on a cot while her blood is being drawn for donation. instructional property, disposal of land, disposition of personal property and disposition of federal property were passed.

No details were offered.

A contract was awarded to The Learning Well, LLC. It was later explained by Weiss that this company will be providing behaviorists and aides for the district’s multiply-disabled classroom.

Five field trips, including one to Lee

Brothers Farm and another to the Statue of Liberty, were authorized.

A scholastic book fair to be held at the school from Nov. 20 through Nov. 22 was approved.

Also approved was a comprehensive building maintenance checklist and NJQSAC statement of assurance.

Ten employees of the Chatsworth Elementary

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Officials Consider Radio System After Bus Intrusion by Erratically-Behaving Man

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

WOODLAND—Officials in the Woodland Township School District are taking a serious look at investing in a radio system so that district bus drivers can communicate an emergency while they are transporting students to and from school.

“For whatever reason, the school district’s buses have never had radios on them,” said Superintendent Misty Weiss during an Oct. 23 meeting of the Woodland Township Board of Education. “The board knows this is a concern and they want to move forward with it.”

The project was initiated after an erratically-behaving man in a sub-mental state entered a school bus, carrying district children, on the first day of school and the bus driver couldn’t call for help right away due to poor cellular phone reception.

The school bus was on Baptist Road when the incident happened.

Woodland Township, a rural community in the heart of the Pine Barrens, is known to have areas with poor cellular phone reception.

The Woodland Township Committee has sought the installation of a cellphone tower, but the tower project has faced a number of hurdles and remains incomplete.

Mayor Matthew Henrich said in August that the township initiated two requests for proposals (RFPs) and got no responses back from companies or contractors that construct cellphone towers.

Weiss said the district is now reviewing the cost of a two-way radio system for district buses.

“We don’t have any quotes yet,” she said.

“We have to go out and do an inspection of our buses and make a list of the equipment that we need.”

Weiss said Business Administrator George Gahles has been talking with several companies that install radio systems.

“We are basically 100 sq. miles and preliminary estimates show that we need to have a base station and an antenna (for the station to work),” Gahles said. “We are going to need repeaters. Basically, we need things to make the signal stronger.”

Gahles said he is going to be getting quotes for a radio system shortly.

“I have not gotten any hard quotes—just estimates,” he said. “So, now we have to have a couple of different companies come out and inspect the site and give us hard quotes on what it would cost us.”

Board Vice President Edward Vincent said the school district may need a grant to help complete the project.

“We are looking into grant monies because some of the estimates we are getting are pretty high,” he said. “It is something that we are going to need help with.”

Kristin Marziano, vice president of the Chatsworth Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), said the organization is willing to provide a contribution towards the radio system.

She said it is the PTO’s mission to serve the school, protect the children and enrich everybody’s lives and safety.

“We parked over 1,000 cars (at the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival),” she said. “We

raised over $10,500. We do have a little bit of funds. We are open to fundraising and are open to meeting with the school board to find out if there is a way we can help with that.”

A school parent suggested that the board ask the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival Committee for a donation towards the radios.

“It doesn’t hurt to try,” said Board President Dennis Cronin. “Maybe we can send them a formal letter and ask them to help us out.”

One school parent asked the board about what the bus drivers are using right now to communicate an emergency in the wake of the incident.

Weiss said the bus drivers are still using their personal cellphones.

Vincent said the district was also looking into other options.

“The county has a tower out here and maybe we can piggyback off that,” he said.

“We have been talking with Lenape Regional to see if they have a system with a strong enough signal that we can piggyback off.”

School officials have faced enormous backlash in the wake of the Sept. 7 incident.

Parents are upset that the district did not already have a radio system in place.

Additionally, they are troubled that Weiss wrote to them saying their children were “safe throughout the entire situation,” when a spokesman with the New Jersey State Police provided a completely different assessment to this newspaper.

“You know what—if that were my child on that bus, I’d tell you they were in danger,” said Lt. Theodore Schafer, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police. “I’d be concerned about

their safety.”

Schafer told this newspaper that the man who got onto the bus was admitted to a local hospital as a psychiatric patient due to his “submental state”.

Weiss, the day after the latest board meeting, said she felt the incident was “sensationalized.”

At the same time, however, she said what occurred that day has become a “principal concern.”

“Another principal concern is the communication among our district buses and the school while our drivers are transporting students,” Weiss said. “As I stated last night, I do not know why our district buses have never had radios installed on them.”

She said the lack of radios on district buses is not something that the district is taking lightly.

“The district intends to purchase and install radios in the very near future,” she said.

“Preliminarily, this is going to be a significant cost that the district did not budget for. Given the size (of the project) and the budget of our district, we need to be sure that the investment we are making is appropriate.”

Weiss said the safety and security of the district’s students is always a top priority for her and her administrative team.

“The district has made huge strides over the last three years in accomplishing this and we plan to do even more in the future,” she said.

“I began this position three years ago, with various issues in all areas to address within the district. The district continues to work diligently to provide an education that is outstanding to our students as well as a safe and inviting environment each and every day.”

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Republican Committeeman Hopes Democratic Candidates Will Win 8th District Seats

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

SOUTHAMPTON—A Republican township committeeman filling in for Southampton Mayor James F. Young Sr. during a candidate’s forum stunned an audience of nearly 50 residents last Wednesday when he publicly offered his support for the 8th District Democratic candidates.

Ronald Heston, who serves alongside Young on the all-Republican Southampton Township Committee, backed Democrats George Youngkin, Maryann Merlino and Joanne Schwartz while he delivered a closing statement on behalf of the mayor during the forum held in LeisureTowne.

“Perhaps, when you are elected—and I am thinking positively for you even though I am here as a Republican—sometimes you need people across the aisle to get things done,” he said.

Heston’s remarks were preceded by a rebuke of Republican Governor Chris Christie for ignoring the township’s requests to have turn arrows put in at the intersection of Route 206, Retreat Road and Main Street. Heston received applause for bringing the issue up.

“I just want to say to the people who are running for state office, on behalf of Southampton Township, we have sent letters— and LeisureTowne has been a big part of that— to get turn arrows at the intersection of Route 206, Retreat Road and Main Street,” he said.

“We sent them to the governor because the governor has the authority to authorize it and the governor has done nothing. He has not responded to the township.”

Previously, during an April committee

meeting, Heston called on township residents to write letters to Christie, Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, and their 8th District legislators with a request that an existing traffic signal and electronic system at the intersection be changed to permit arrowed left-hand turns.

Heston, at the April meeting, also took a swipe at the 8th District Republican legislators, who include Senator Dawn Marie Addiego and Assemblyman Joseph Howarth. Addiego and Howarth both supported a 23-cent increase in the gasoline tax.

“I ask that we write everybody we can,” he said. “It’s an election year. They also took our gas prices up 23 cents a gallon. Why? To do road improvements! Well, that is a road improvement!”

Addiego and Howarth are being challenged

by Youngkin (senate candidate), Merlino and Schwartz (assembly candidates).

Addiego and Howarth chose not to attend the forum.

Heston has called for the traffic signal upgrade because he believes the intersection is dangerous without left-hand turn arrows. The intersection, as he often points out, already has left-hand turn lanes.

“Our residents need the turn arrows because the turn lanes are already in place,” he said during the forum. “The state said, ‘We will charge you $25,000 to do a study and then if we agree with you, we will go ahead and put it in and the township will pay for electricity in perpetuity.’ That is not right for us to pay for the electricity for a highway traffic light.”

Steve Schapiro, communications director

COMMITTEEMAN>>PAGE 22

Saturday, November 4, 2017

Two Policemen Hired to Patrol Pemberton Borough

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

PEMBERTON BOROUGH—Two new faces are now patrolling Pemberton Borough’s streets.

Anthony Amaroso and Carmelo Sorce were sworn in as Pemberton Borough Police Department officers during a Pemberton Borough Council meeting last month.

“We got two new policemen up here tonight,” said Mayor Harold Griffin. “Hopefully, this will allow us to get our police force back up to normal.”

Amaroso is replacing a full-time patrol officer who recently left the force. Sorce is replacing one of two part-time patrol officers who recently resigned from the department.

Police Chief Edward Hunter said a few weeks ago that the patrol officers resigned because they found positions in other municipalities that offered higher pay.

“We lost three officers, two part-time and one full-time,” Hunter said.

Councilwoman Bonnie Haines said borough officials are conducting a background check on a person they are highly interested in hiring for the remaining opening.

The borough’s entire police force came to the meeting to congratulate Amaroso and Sorce.

A resolution appointing Amaroso as a full-time patrol officer subsequently passed.

Last month, a resolution appointing Sorce as a part-time patrolman passed.

In a related matter, an ordinance was passed on second reading that would amend the borough code governing the police department.

The amendment creates the position of sergeant on the police force.

Hunter has been the only administrative officer on the force. He said he is hoping to

POLICEMEN>>PAGE 23

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From: Louise P., Medford N.J. Dear Louise, Remodeling a bathroom can be a rewarding, yet costly proposition. We have remodeled bathrooms all the way up to over $100,000. Yes, it’s not a typo. So what your expectations are will determine your idea of “going broke.”

The first thing you need to do, is set a budget.

That budget needs to be realistic with the expectations you have for the finished bathroom. If you are doing a powder room, years ago they did a tile wainscoting around the walls. Today, powder rooms are just a small vanity with a pedestal sink, toilet and painted walls. This type of remodel can be done very cost effectively.

One way to save money is to shop at your local plumbing supply house and tile shop for clearance items. Many times you can get high-end quality fixtures and vanities at 50 to 70 percent off retail. Not only is it fun, but rewarding when you find exactly what you are looking for.

Today, you have many innovative options for floor coverings. I suggest you go look at the new waterproof floating floors as an option as well as ceramic or even vinyls that look like wood or tile.

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What we don’t want you to do is get any system that goes over your old bathtub. They only cover up the problem.

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Saturday, November 4, 2017

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PAGE 7

Medford Lakes Council Meeting Turns into a Shouting Match

By Mark Hatoff

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MEDFORD LAKES—A Medford Lakes Public Works Department issue led to accusations and a shouting match between Medford Lakes Deputy Mayor Robert D. Hanold and resident Joseph Aromando at a Council meeting here on Oct. 26.

Aromando, who is also running against Councilman Dr. Gary Miller for an unexpired council seat, alleged that Hanold told Borough Public Works Foreman Mark Witsczak about comments that he had made at a previous council meeting.

Aromando said it sparked a heated discussion between him and Witsczak.

Aromando, a 28-year Medford Lakes resident who had previously served as a councilman from 1998 to 2002 and been a member of the Medford Lakes Planning Board from 2010 to 2011, said that he was asked to go to the Public Works yard to see if some of his campaign signs had been dropped off. “(That is when) I pretty much got ambushed from (Witsczak) who came out fairly upset about remarks that got attributed to me from Bob Hanold,” he said.

Aromando said the comments relayed were about the borough being a “guinea pig” with machines used for cleanup.

Aromando said his machines comment referred to the new leaf vehicle that was unveiled to the public at the borough’s fire prevention night on Oct. 10 and were not about a pothole machine the borough got.

Aromando said Hanold thought he was talking about the pothole machine and relayed to Witsczak that he was talking about the pothole machine.

“I didn’t appreciate you (Hanold) reporting what I said because I did think you did it with malice,” Aromando said. “(Witsczak) was upset, but then we did have time to talk about it. Ultimately, nobody was saying a disparaging comment about his efforts. We all know that there have been problems with the machines from time to time and I’ve gone back a long time, so I have a track record and a basis to say that.

“It’s a legitimate concern to be worried about trying something different and wondering if it’s going to work out or not. But, to make these comments and get this guy all fired up without me being there to discuss it—it hurts my relationship that I have with him and I don’t appreciate it.”

Hanold disputed Aromando’s account.

“I never said anything about any machines being guinea pigs,” Hanold said. “I never said anything about what you said. But, let me say this: you don’t belong down there telling our superintendent (Witsczak) what to do. I don’t either.”

Hanold said it is the responsibility of the town manager to tell Witsczak what to do.

“You were down there in front of a resident and started campaigning and telling the superintendent that he should pick up sticks or something,” he said. “You’re not doing our residents any justice. You don’t belong down there, Joe.” It was at this point that the two men began to raise their voices and tried to talk over one another.

“I do belong down there,” Aromando said. “I can go down there any time I want. I don’t want to argue with you because you’re a fabricator and a liar. I went down there for a reason and I was told to. Bob, you never let the truth get in the way of a good story.”

Hanold ridiculed Aromando for losing several elections. Aromando, since 2002, has run for a seat every two years without winning.

“You’re so wonderful down there,” he said.

“That’s why you couldn’t get elected 10 times in a row.”

Concerned about the heatedness of the argument, Mayor Thomas J. Cranston banged his gavel and declared the public comment portion over.

After the meeting, Hanold continued to express his concerns.

“A resident shouldn’t be telling any employee what to do,” he said. “I don’t tell employees what to do, even though I’m an elected official. I listen to them and bring their concerns back to town council. That’s my job.

The town manager runs the town, period. If (Aromando) or anyone else has a problem, they should go to the town manager.”

Hanold said that Witsczak thought about leaving the borough because of what has transpired recently.

“He upset that man (Witsczak) so badly, he was ready to quit,” he said. “He was ready to resign. So, don’t sit here and tell me he wasn’t upset.”

Interestingly, just before public comment, Hanold said that the borough had decided against keeping the pothole apparatus after repeated problems and delays.

Hanold said the borough had been interested in the pothole machine to save time.

Public Works had hoped to have it fully operational by spring 2016.

“We’ve had problems with it and it had just come back to us from the manufacturer this week for the third time,” he said. “The machine has been significantly changed from the original order. It was an oil-fired machine and they’ve converted it to propane. This morning they started it up and the propane wouldn’t stop—it just kept burning. They had to shut the gas valves off. There were also more hydraulic issues with it.”

Hanold said propane takes twice as long to heat up the material used to fill in potholes and can’t heat up the same amount of material as oil would. Using propane would also force the borough to use a propane-tank service, which would cost more money.

Cranston pointed out that the machine was never paid for, but Hanold said that money has still been laid out for it.

“We bought about $3,000 worth of material to use for the asphalt grindings which now we won’t have a use for,” he said. “Maybe, get (the manufacturer) to reimburse that, and also maybe point out that we probably spent over $20,000 on supplies.”

The borough had expected to use the new machine for permanent repairs. However, with the winter approaching, Hanold said that Public Works will now probably go back to cold patching the potholes for the balance of the year.

“Next year, we’ll probably try to get all the jobs lined up at one time and go to the asphalt plant and fill in whatever we can with hot material,” he said.

In other news, council introduced a proposed ordinance, passed an ordinance on second reading and passed four resolutions.

The ordinance introduced would adopt new flood-damage prevention standards. It was previously tabled for introduction at a Oct. 12 meeting due to some questions about the whereabouts of new Federal Emergency

MEETING>>PAGE 24

541 Barbershop..............................................................................15 Braun’s Garage................................................................................6 Femmina Italian Grill.....................................................................5 McElven Fuel Inc..........................................................................25 Medford Eyewear Center..............................................................19 Modern Day Recycling.................................................................14 Neubert’s Tire & Auto Center.......................................................27 Red Lion Inn...................................................................................4 Runway Cafe.................................................................................14 Tri State Tire.................................................................................25

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Saturday, November 4, 2017

Large Crowds Flock to Downtown Chatsworth for the 34th Annual Cranberry Festival

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

WOODLAND—More than 20,000 people flocked to downtown Chatsworth in Woodland Township for the 34th Annual Chatsworth Cranberry Festival on Oct. 21 and 22.

Attendees enjoyed some of the warmest-ever weather in the 34-year history of the festival as the mercury climbed above 75 degrees on both afternoons.

By noontime on Saturday, some attendees had to park their vehicles more than a mile away from the action, near mile marker 41 on County Route 563.

“It is jammed out there today,” said Melissa Camiscioni, the festival’s vice-chairperson.

Many longtime festival volunteers surmised the unusually warm weather resulted in record turnout.

One of the most popular vendors this year was Howling Woods Farm. The Jackson business set up a pen with two wolfdogs.

Festival attendees were allowed inside the pen to take photos, under very close supervision, for a $10 donation.

“We ask for a donation to take a photo with the wolfdogs,” said Mike Hadanish, the owner of the farm. “The funds raised are used to keep up a wolves and wolfdogs adopting program that we run.”

Hadanish said the farm also includes a learning center and provides an animal rescue for wolves and wolfdogs. Educational programs are also provided.

“We offer tours of the farm and presentations to local groups,” he said. “Farm visitors can go inside our different pens.”

Kotori, a German breed of an Eastern Timber Wolf, was one of the wolfdogs inside the cage.

He had a friendly, mischievous, and provocative temperament. The 75 pound wolfdogs’ fur was snow-white.

The other wolfdog in the cage was Samson, a 115 pound Alaskan Malamute whose fur was brown. His temperament was easy-going. He loved the attention he was getting from onlookers.

More than 160 foods, arts and crafts vendors partook in this year’s festival.

“My favorite part of the festival is the fact that with less than 30 volunteers, we can pull this off,” Camiscioni said. “We come together as a great team.”

Music and entertainment for the festival was provided by Chatsworth’s own Tom Baz, a member of the Bullzeye Band.

“What more can you have than a resident leading the festival,” Camiscioni said. “I couldn’t think of any other place I’d rather be.”

There were a number of attendees who came to the festival for the first time ever.

One of them was Betty Ahearn, a 50-year resident of neighboring Southampton Township.

“It is a real family affair coming here,” she said. “I met Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno and liked all of the homemade hot sauces that were available.”

Another was Victor Finamore from Brick.

“I’ve heard a lot about this festival over the years and today and I had an opportunity to see what this was all about,” he said. “I was truly impressed with the culture, people and vendors.”

The festival was established, in part, to raise funds for the renovation of the White Horse Inn. The inn, located at the intersection of County Routes 563 and 532, sat devoid of character for many years. The inn has since been mostly restored.

However, the festival continues to serve as a celebration of the area cranberry harvest each year.

The state is ranked third in the nation for cranberry production. A lot of the harvesting happens in Woodland and Washington Townships.

Camiscioni said she appreciated everyone’s patronage and that this is one of the festivals that everyone should put on their calendar annualy as a “must do.”

“I can’t say enough about our festival committee and volunteers,” she said.

“Everyone did above and beyond this year.”

PHOTO BY SKIP HARRIS The harvest is in and celebrated at the annual Cranberry Festival in Chatsworth.

PHOTO BY SKIP HARRIS While officially closed, Buzby’s porch steps are still a popular gathering spot for those who need a rest at the Cranberry Festival.

Two Familiar Faces Vie for Medford Lakes Council Seat

By Mark Hatoff

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MEDFORD LAKES—Two familiar faces are hoping to win a Medford Lakes Borough Council seat that is up for grabs during a nonpartisan election on Nov. 7.

The seat is being contested by current Councilman Dr. Gary A. Miller and former councilman Joseph A. Aromando.

Miller began his third stint on the council on May 11, when he took over for Dr. Robert J. Burton, who became the new borough manager.

Miller was previously a council member from 1994 to 1998 and 2010 to 2016.

The 32-year Medford Lakes resident was mayor twice, from 1996 to 98 and 2010 to 2011. He was deputy mayor from 2015 to 2016.

“When you give service to the borough on council, your No. 1 priority is to retain the special aspects of this town in any way that you possibly can,” Miller said. “We’ve got to secure that which we’ve got and move forward.

That’s the legacy we want to leave for our children.”

Besides being on council, Miller has also served the borough by assisting with the construction of pavilions at Beaches 1 and 2, building a sidewalk at Nokomis School and serving a term on the Medford Lakes Zoning

Board. As a Burlington County Human Services administrator for 33 years, he was responsible for all publically-supported services to the county’s indigent.

His primary concerns for Medford Lakes involve facilities and infrastructure.

“We have to deal with the Public Works garage/firehouse and we need another structure at the wastewater treatment plant,” he said.

“We also have some infrastructure issues with our sewer pipes in town. Those are not flashy issues, but they’re important issues for this town to stay strong and independent.”

Aromando, a 28-year Medford Lakes resident, last served on council from 1998 to 2002. He also was a Medford Lakes Planning Board member from 2010 to 2011. Since serving on council, he has run for a seat every two years without winning.

“I represent everybody,” he said. “I’m the best candidate for the job. I outwork and know more about these people (in town). I have other ideas and better ideas than (the current council members) do. There’s people in this town who want me and support me.”

Aromando, who has a Political Science/ Public Administration degree and has been a self-employed computer sales and service person since 1995, has headed three petition

drives in town over the years.

In 2003, he led a petition to put a question on the ballot to increase the council size from three to five members.

In 2008, he led a petition drive opposing the borough’s purchase of a property.

In 2009, he led a petition for a referendum that allowed taxpayers to vote on whether or not they wanted to purchase a new trash truck.

“I’ve been on the right side of the issues, just not on their (council’s) right side,” Aromando said. “With these people, if you’re not part of their clique, you’re against them. It’s just like party politics, except that in our town, the parties are the Lions Club, the Colony Club and the Medford Lakes Country Club. I’m not a member of any of them. But I have nothing against them.”

Aromando said that his goals for the borough include improving a storm-water collection system, actively pursuing new revenue streams and grants, offering incentives to homeowners to renovate or expand existing homes, improving voter turnout, ensuring transparency and accountability for the council, reviewing municipal services and making improvements as needed.

But, Aromando’s top concern involves

short-term rentals (or bed and breakfasts) in Medford Lakes and what council plans to do about them.

“In January, they introduced (an ordinance) on first reading (that would regulate short-term rentals),” he said. “Then there was going to be a second reading planned for February and then in March.”

At a March 9 council meeting, several residents spoke out during public comment about noise, lack of fire safety, lack of hotel-guest insurance, property damage and decreasing property values in neighborhoods where increasing short-term lodging rentals were allowed to exist. Borough Solicitor Doug Heinold had said at the time that the town’s goal would be to dissuade these types of home businesses.

“I went to the planning board (following the March council meeting) and said that this would be a major change,” Aromando said.

“The planning board told (council) that they are not to move on that ordinance until they review it (and council obliged). They have now been reviewing it as part of the master plan and will make the ultimate recommendations going forward. Thankfully, they’ve taken the ball and now this has been postponed.”

COUNCIL>>PAGE 23

Saturday, November 4, 2017

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PAGE 9

SCANNER Pemberton Township Man Indicted for Attempted Murder

PHOTO SUBMITTED Malik I. Mayberry, of the 100 block of Delap Court, was indicted on attempted murder and weapons charges last week.

PEMBERTON—Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced on Oct. 26 that a 19-year-old man from Pemberton Township was indicted on attempted murder and weapons charges for shooting a Pemberton Township

resident in the ear earlier this year.

Malik I. Mayberry, of the 100 block of Delap Court, was indicted on one count of attempted murder (first degree), one count of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (second degree) and one count of unlawful possession of a weapon (second degree).

The indictment was returned and signed by Coffina. An arraignment is scheduled soon in Burlington County Superior Court.

A police investigation revealed that on May 8, in the Sunbury Village of Pemberton, Mayberry approached a resident of Lemmon Avenue and began firing a handgun at his head, striking him once in the ear before the victim was able to retreat into his residence.

The victim was treated and released from Lourdes Emergency Department at Deborah hospital in Pemberton.

The case was presented to the Grand Jury by Assistant Prosecutor Lisa Commentucci.

It was investigated by the Pemberton Township Police Department with assistance from the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.

The lead investigator was Pemberton Police Detective Thomas Lucas.

An indictment is merely an accusation.

Evesham Police Help With Trick-or-Treating

PHOTO SUBMITTED Evesham Township Police officers dressed up in costumes for Halloween as they participated in a Halloween party at DeMasi Elementary School.

Police Seek Man Who Stole Trailer with Family Keepsakes

PHOTO SUBMITTED Some of the department’s officers had fun trick-or-treating with township children.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Police are searching for this unidentified man who was seen in surveillance footage stealing a trailer with family keepsakes on Church Road in Medford.

MEDFORD—Police in Medford Township are asking for your help in identifying and locating a thief who stole a trailer filled with family keepsakes from a Medford residence.

Authorities say that at 805 a.m. on Oct.10, a black and silver 2017 Scout Bravo enclosed trailer was stolen from a residence in the 100 block of Church Road.

As seen in surveillance footage, the trailer was stolen by two white or Hispanic male subjects operating a 2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71 truck.

The truck is black in color and has chrome door handles and a chrome gas tank fill lid.

“The trailer contained personal items belonging to the owner’s father and grandfather, who are both deceased,” said Police Chief Richard J. Meder. “Included in

the stolen items are navy uniforms from the early 1900’s, family photos, family documents, trophies and Hess trucks that have extreme personal value to the owner as well as historic value.”

On Oct. 23, the stolen trailer was recovered from Stratton Lane in Mount Laurel. The trailer was found parked on the roadway. However, all of its contents were removed.

Surveillance footage captured a good image of one of the suspects and police are hoping readers can identify who it is.

Anyone with information pertaining to this incident or who can identify the actors are asked to contact Burlington County Central Communications at 609-267-8300 or the Confidential Tip Line at 609-714-0302.

The officers helped fill the Evesham children’s goody bags with candy.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

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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.

Saturday, November 4, 2017

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.

Letters to the Editor Focus on Medford Every Day, Not Just Around or on Election Day The current Medford Township Council waited for a challenger campaign to take action and listen to their constituents.

I want a focus on Medford every day, not just around or on Election Day. I want a council that wants my opinion, whether they may agree with me or not.

Council has not always been civil with those who disagree with them. Check out an April 4 council meeting on the township website.

Put an end to the scare tactics and the position that “we can’t,” when the towns around us find a way to do things.

No one goes to meetings anymore because they are intimidated. Five minutes to talk is what is allowed. Then council can go on for as long as they want in response, and they offer no option for rebuttal.

Staying the course doesn’t work for me.

We’ve been in a recovery stage for a long time, and they are telling us there is no other way to move forward.

Providing quality services contributes to strong property values. Let’s bring more balance to the council with new ideas and by having two women represent us.

A bipartisan council will represent our town more accurately. In Medford, there are more unaffiliated, independent voters than voters from either of the two major parties.

Make your vote count to reflect that Medford is for all. Vote for Czycyk, Clark and Goldman.

Jackie Faust Medford, New Jersey

Medford Council Has Been Lopsided for Far too Long Are you looking for balance in government, where numerous views and needs are considered, with thoughtful and objective reason, and with a shared goal of putting residents first?

It is time for diverse and innovative ideas on Medford Township Council; ideas that will return services and ideas that will avert declining property values.

I no longer want to shovel leaves with the snow. I no longer want to drive on snow covered

and icy roads. I no longer want to fear that my home values won’t rebound.

The council in Medford has been lopsided for far too long. It is time for change.

The Czyzyk, Clark and Goldman team will make that change and they will make a Medford that is better for all. Vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Wendy Dymkowski Medford, New Jersey

Civic League of LeisureTowne Disappointed County and 8th District Republicans Skipped Forum The Civic League of LeisureTowne, whose mission statement is to introduce political candidates to the residents, had a Candidate’s Night on Oct. 25.

The candidates for freeholder in Burlington County, 8th District Senate, 8th District Assembly, Southampton Township Board of Education, Lenape Regional High School District Board of Education and the Southampton Township Committee were all invited in a timely manner to attend.

The many residents, who were in attendance, were polite and civil and asked great questions. We got to meet and hear the candidates for Southampton School Board and George Youngkin, JoAnne Schwartz and Maryann Merlino, all candidates running for

seats in the 8th District.

Tom Pullion and Balvir Singh, challengers for the Burlington County Freeholder seats also attended.

We were disappointed that the following candidates did not choose to attend: Dawn Marie Addiego, an 8th District incumbent for state Senate, Joseph Howarth, an 8th District incumbent for 8th District state Assembly; and Ryan Peters for 8th District state Assembly.

They choose to attend the Hammonton Halloween Parade where smiling and waving is easier than meeting and answering questions from their constituents.

Sylvia Teahan Southampton, New Jersey

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.

Write-In Eileen Carlos for Shamong Board of Education In the Shamong Township School District, there has been declining enrollment, a reduction in federal and state school aid, and a local tax burden!

How much can an Indian Mills resident take?

No more! Write me in.

Let’s demand that our New Jersey Department of Education Burlington County Rep., Kathy Goldenberg, fight for us. Let’s demand that our next governor increase school funding that we deserve from the funding formula. Let’s hold our elected officials accountable for their actions.

If “you” don’t do the job, then we will “Get Rid of Incumbent Politicians (GRIP),” including me.

As a 55-plus single person living in the rural

Pinelands for over 30 years, I want to step up. I improved my home because I know that Indian Mills is a proud community. However, when I see our municipal government opposing quality schools and residents fired up about their taxes, it’s time to step up.

Whether you have lived in Indian Mills a lifetime or a short time, we all live here for a reason. Being taxed out of our lifestyle is not what I signed up for!

Write me in, Eileen Carlos, for Shamong Township Board of Education. You must spell it exactly correct or you vote won’t count.

Let’s get to work.

Eileen Carlos Indian Mills, New Jersey

Write-In Chris Logar for Shamong Township School Board My name is Chris Logar and I am running for Shamong Township School Board as a write-in candidate alongside Chris Bouffard.

I am married with four children. I have been a Shamong resident for 23 years and a lifetime Burlington County resident. I graduated from Glassboro State College (Rowan University) in 1989. I am from a family of 10 and resided in Mt. Laurel until 1994.

My family includes several educators, from teachers to board members and even a vice principal. They have all helped educate me on this road I am about to go down as a candidate for the school board.

I have had two step-children go through Indian Mills School and currently have twins in first grade. I have coached for Seneca Travel Soccer and was a Boys Commissioner for

several years.

I decided to get involved in this election to help with decisions on how my children will be educated. I have strong opinions on how our tax dollars are being spent since the bond issue. It has raised many questions regarding what the priorities are with spending in our school district.

I hope to become a school board member so I can help educators and residents come together. By helping us all come together, we can make a better school district for all, especially our children.

Thank you for your consideration of me for the election. Please remember you must write me in to be elected.

Chris Logar Shamong, New Jersey

Challengers to the Status Quo in Medford Represent Real Change For as far back as anyone can remember, Medford Township has been run by members of the Republican Party.

The current Medford Council is no different.

In their bid for reelection, they would have us believe that the standard for good government is only to keep their fiscal house in order. Of course, they have trouble admitting that Medford’s past brushes with red ink were brought on by members of their own party.

We should expect more from our government leaders than simply keeping the books in order.

The primary challenge facing every New Jersey household is the extraordinarily high rate of property taxes we pay. Reducing property taxes is not going to come about by cutting spending at the local level alone.

Attempts to do that, which have been made by past councils, short change the people of this great community. Leaders need to have a vision for our town and they need to represent us in the larger community. Ironically, the incumbent council seems to be pushing towards more isolation, rather than cooperation.

The only path towards real property tax reduction will come through forward thinking

and an eye beyond our borders.

At this point, efforts to reduce property taxes don’t come without real attempts to share services with other local communities.

New Jersey is the only state—amongst all 50—with nearly 1,000 different taxing authorities. With over 500 towns alone, in a geographically small state, tax savings can only come through shared services.

One would have hoped that the current administration would have been able to accomplish more synergies with other communities given that they share a political party with those in control of the county and the governor.

It’s clear that the Republican council candidates calling, as usual, for a “Focus on Medford” will not achieve those necessary results.

The challengers to the status quo represent real change. They are willing to think outside of the box. They realize that as good as Medford is, it’s going to take government at the township, county and state level to work together to really solve problems.

CHALLENGERS>>PAGE 23

Saturday, November 4, 2017

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PAGE 11

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

COMMUNITY

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

Events

November 5 Event: Philly Soul Collective Performance Location: Westampton Details: The Burlington County Library continues its Sundays on Stage series with a performance by the Philly Soul Collective, a 9-piece band that features R&B, soul, classic Rock and top 40 dance music. Doors open at 1:40 p.m., performance begins at 2 p.m., at the County Library, 5 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton.

For more information, call 609-267-9660.

Event: Flag Retirement Ceremony Location: Evesham Details: The 8th Legislative District Office is collecting tattered, ripped and faded flags for a flag retirement ceremony, Sunday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m., at the Marlton Elks Lodge, 426 Evesboro-Medford Road, Evesham. You may bring your flag to the 8th District office at 176 Route 70, Suite 13, Medford; Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The deadline for dropping off flags is Nov. 3.

November 6 Event: Southampton Historical Society Meeting Location: Vincentown Details: The monthly meeting of the Southampton Historical Society will feature a program “Blueberries and Beach Plums”

by Jenny Carleo, of Agricultural & Resource Management for

Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County. 7:30 p.m., November 10 Old Town Hall, 25 Plum Street, Vincentown. Free to the public.

Event: Jazz Quartet Concert For more information, call 609-859-0524.

Location: Tabernacle Event: Sons of Italy, Marlton Lodge Details: Master baritone saxophonist Frank Basile; noted Location: Marlton trumpeter Richie Vitale; organist Jared Gold; and drummer Pete Details: There is a monthly meeting of the Sons of Italy, Van Nostrand will perform a jazz concert, Nov. 10, from 7:30 Marlton Lodge 2315, 6:30 p.m., at the Gibson House. Turkey p.m. to 10 p.m., Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 1 Winchester dinner $7. New members welcome.

Court, Tabernacle. $15 Seniors, $20 Adults, $10 Students. 609268-0108.

November 8 Event: Free Health Screening at Pemberton Library Location: Pemberton Details: On the second Wednesday of each month, a registered nurse from Lourdes Health System will be in the lobby of the Pemberton Community Library to provide free health screenings and dispense health and wellness information. 10 a.m. to noon.

For more information, call 609-893-8262.

November 9

Event: Tabernacle Historical Society Location: Tabernacle Details: The meeting of the Tabernacle Historical Society will feature guest speaker Millicent Moore, of the Moore Family of Tabernacle. The meeting will be at the Community Center (the old Emergency Squad Building) on Hawkins Road. 7:30 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend. For more information, call 609-268-1255.

November 11

Event: Christmas in November Location: Vincentown Details: Southampton Historical Society is hosting a Christmas in November Bazaar, Saturday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Vincent Fire House, 16 Race Street, Vincentown.

Crafters, baked goods and more. Lunch available – homemade chili, hot dogs, meatball sandwiches and drinks. 609-859-0524 or 609-953-5988.

Event: LeisureTowne 3rd Annual Craft Show Location: Southampton Details: LeisureTowne is hosting its third annual craft show.

We will have a large assortment of vendors – something for every holiday shopper. Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Laurel Hall, Huntington Drive, Southampton.

PEMBERTON TWP. SENIOR CITIZEN COLUMN Seniors See “Four by Four” at Resorts

By Ebba Liguori

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—The weather has been so nice that going to the shore is a pleasure.

On Wednesday, Oct. 25, eighty-four seniors had the opportunity to travel to Atlantic City to see a special show. The group, “Four by Four” gave a terrific concert at Resorts Casino. The package included a $20 food voucher, a $20 casino rebate, and the show ticket.

The entertainers had arrived in Atlantic City from Las Vegas. These four men were truly talented and put on a most energetic show.

They came on stage doing some of the favorite “Beetle’s” songs. They had so much energy, told the audience that they were not just singers, but also dancers—and dance, they did! Soon, three left the stage and one was

performing. In just a few moments, the three appeared again with a change of costume; now they were the “Beach Boys.” Within moments the fourth reappeared, also as a Beach Boy. The songs all brought the audience to screaming and clapping. They really had the sound perfected. Their sound crew was talented and provided an excellent back-up.

Soon, all four performers were all on stage singing the Bee Gees famous songs with totally different costumes. They followed up with a Mo Town medley, even including a take-off on the Supremes.

They had an amazing range of voices and sounds and quick changes of costumes. This was truly a first-class show and well worth attending. As the seniors boarded the buses to return home, only positive remarks could

Come

be heard. Drivers Judy Pardon and Gordon Goldberg had some really happy passengers for the return trip. Arrival was at the scheduled time of 7 p.m., so everyone was happy to head home and relax.

The food vouchers were put to good use as most seniors stopped at one of the restaurants in Resorts and found something good to eat. There is a good variety and for a $20 voucher, one can find something suitable that does not require additional cash.

There is a food court available if one does not want a full meal. Personally, I always enjoy the “Fish and Chips” at “Margarita Ville” Restaurant. Some friends found a delicious meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy platter at “Breadsticks.” Everyone managed to eat well and a cup of soup was sufficient for the evening

Worship With Us

meal.

The weather was pleasant and many ventured out onto the boardwalk for an invigorating stroll. For seniors this becomes a most enjoyable part of a trip to Atlantic City.

The seniors will be returning to Resorts on Dec. 6 for another show.

This time the “Jersey Tenors” will be performing. This group is also a male quartet and performs throughout the country. It is the newest Opera/Rock Mash-up sensation that creates an explosive blend of the most iconic Opera classics alongside such industry greats as Queen, ABBA, Journey, Elton John and Josh Groban, to name but a few. But, they are also “Jersey proud!” and do not forget where they came from as they highlight the best of

SENIORS>>PAGE 23

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Saturday, November 4, 2017

Medford Halloween Parade

PHOTO BY RYAN MARCHESE The crowds gathered together just after sundown.

PHOTO BY RYAN MARCHESE The parade was not just for kids....these two dogs also had fun.

PHOTO BY RYAN MARCHESE The adults shown had just as much fun as the kids pictured.

PHOTO BY RYAN MARCHESE Some dressed in spooky costumes.

PHOTO BY RYAN MARCHESE Girl Scouts wave to parade onlookers.

PHOTO BY RYAN MARCHESE The Beatles, upgraded after 30 years, still draw in listeners.

Saturday, November 4, 2017

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PAGE 13

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Saturday, November 4, 2017

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Saturday, November 4, 2017

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PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

PAGE 19

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

HEALTH

Dear Pharmacist

By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph.

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

DHA Levels Impact Attention Span and Behavior I bet you feel like you used to be smarter and quicker at making decisions. I hear you and at 52, I feel like my brain is still fairly sharp but not like it was at 30. Let me ask you some personal questions: Do you forget things easily?

Do you get derailed from a task easily or distracted by sounds and noises?

What about your IQ? When my now 24-year-old son was just 9, a doctor thought he had ADHD, and I came close to putting him on a stimulant. Even though I declined the medicine, I used natural fish oils high in DHA. He turned out to be naturally brilliant without any of those prescribed stimulants.

I’m not trying to alarm you about medications, but you should be informed so you can choose the best option for your loved ones. DHA fish oils are known to support a healthy brain and attention span in all people, young and old.

Studies have involved children and teenagers who had low levels of DHA and they, not surprisingly, had poor reading scores as well as behavioral problems. Could these children benefit from omega-3 supplementation? Low DHA in children aged 7 through 9 were associated with reading and comprehension that was below average, as well as behavioral issues. Why aren’t physicians considering DHA supplementation as a first-line treatment?

Probably because the pharmaceutical sales people aren’t hyping those up.

Some studies point to DHA supplementation as a method of increasing overall intelligence

as you get older. Can you imagine?! They based this finding on kids between the ages of 3 and 5 years old who had received omega-3 fat supplements as infants. Those kids outscored children who were in the placebo group who did not get the omega fats. By “outscored” I mean they had better results across the board on vocabulary and intelligence tests.

Omega-3 fatty acids seem to boost and balance your brain function. Basically, I’m saying we’re all fatheads and need good fats for our brain which consists of lipophilic cells.

About 60 percent or slightly more brain material is comprised of fat! Of the total fat, DHA makes up approximately 20 percent of your brain’s cerebral cortex. That’s the part of your brain that helps you think, learn a language, correctly perceive things, reason and comprehend. It is involved in voluntary movement, so when you think I need to pick up that pen, your arm automatically does that for you, compliments of your cerebral cortex.

DHA plays an undeniable role for your cerebral cortex and your nerves. It’s found in unusually high levels in your neurons (the cells of your brain and spinal cord). That’s why patients with a TBI (traumatic brain injury) are told to take omega-3 fatty acids that are high in DHA content.

When you combine DHA fish oil with vitamin D or the calming mineral magnesium, the result can be even more astonishing, especially if you have other signs of cognitive decline such as memory loss, senior moments and problems making decisions.

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.

Why Young Girls Are At Risk For Anemia

By Sue Hubbard, M.D. Adolescent girls are at greater risk for have a higher incidence of anemia and should anemia than adolescent boys. This may be be screened. This list includes many of my due to several reasons, including the fact that patients. adolescent girls lose blood each month during Interestingly, you can have low iron stores their menstrual cycles and many teenage girls without yet being anemic. I have now started eat less red meat than adolescent boys. looking at the serum ferritin levels in teens with While some adolescents with anemia (low risk factors for anemia, as I am finding that hemoglobin and hematocrit) complain of some of my athletic patients have low ferritin headaches, irritability or fatigue (which are levels, with a normal blood count. Some recent very common teenage complaints), others are studies have shown that low ferritin may completely asymptomatic. It is recommended impact athletic performance including that teens have a screening for complete blood fatigability. While fatigue during exercise is a count around the age of 13 and then every five subjective symptom, maintaining iron stores is years or so thereafter. important for overall health.

At the same time, the American Academy Lastly, iron deficiency may impact cognitive of Pediatrics recommends more frequent function in adolescents. There have been blood counts in those with risk factors for several studies showing that girls who had anemia, including diets low in iron-rich foods higher serum ferritin levels had statistically (meat, eggs, fortified cereals), teens who have significant improvement on cognitive tests significant physical activity (especially female of verbal learning and memory; so it may be adolescent athletes), those with vegetarian or worth looking at levels in a teen who is vegan diets, and for any adolescent girl with suddenly having difficulty in school, without excessive menstrual bleeding. Obese teens also previous issues. One blood test!

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

PAGE 20

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

Saturday, November 4, 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?”

One Squirt and the Rest is History The first time my father laid eyes on my mother, he wanted to squirt her with the garden hose.

Not exactly the recipe of a love story, one that has spanned over 50 years, but every love story has to start somewhere.

The next time he saw her was in church.

According to Mom, he wasn’t exactly a willing parishioner and Dad defiantly sat in the back of the sanctuary with all of his friends.

Like a gang of hoodlums, Dad and his people were dressed in leather jackets and blue jeans and totally looked out of place. Mom had her hair piled high and wore as much makeup as her over-protective mother would allow for any event, much less a church service.

Depending on what mood you catch my mom in when she’s telling the story of their early relationship, she either snubbed him and his band of brothers, or locked eyes with him across in the sanctuary in a way that also sealed their hearts.

I suspect it’s the latter.

Unbeknownst to Mom, my father leaned over just after that fateful moment and, as he took in my mother, told his buddies, “That’s the woman I’m going to marry.”

Mom sometimes says that if she had heard him say it, she probably would have laughed.

But, my dear mother, one of the best story tellers of her time, has recounted the makings of her and Dad’s love story many times over the years and the mental image that I have of my parents meeting and courting is something straight out of the “Grease” movie, minus the singing.

Their relationship was rocky from the get-go. But Dad smelled of Old Spice and Dentyne gum, and when you combine that with the bad-boy image that Dad had going on, it made my dear mother’s heart go all aflutter and the rest of the story wrote itself.

Dad and Mom were amazing at parenting and spent all of their free time with my siblings and me. We did everything as a family. We went on bike rides, trips to the park and loaded

up for the weekend and camping excursions in an old school bus that barely made it up the hill to the lake.

We spent Saturday nights crammed into a small living room to watch old movies with homemade snacks that included everything from popcorn to sickeningly-sweet fudge that never quite settled.

People go through lots of things in a young marriage. We weren’t rich, but we never knew it. We wore homemade clothes and got by on what we had without extravagances.

Raising four children, money was tight. We ate lots of biscuits and gravy and Hamburger Helper without the hamburger. Funny thing was, my siblings and I never knew we were poor.

Still, my father would buy Mom flowers for no reason, trinkets when he was on the road, and provided both Mom and his children with everything that we needed.

In the midst of it all, I don’t believe there has ever been a day that’s gone by that Dad hasn’t told Mom that he loved her.

Over the years, my father and mother have suffered through illnesses and family struggles, and yet their love never faltered. When Mom was hospitalized a few years back, my father refused to eat, saying he wouldn’t have a meal until Mom could.

Dad has sat long hours by Mom’s hospital bed, and oftentimes she kept vigil at his. Each of them will tell you that they cannot live without the other.

Like too much of that unsettled fudge, their love is almost a bit too sweet at times. Dad’s cards to Mom are like memoirs. To this day he presents her with flowers from the garden just because, leaves her love notes and tends to her every need.

After 50-some years, Mom still laughs at his jokes, Dad listens to her concerns and they glow in each other’s presence.

Together, they are like clockwork. They pray together, work together and no matter what life has thrown their way, they stay together.

Happy 55th anniversary, Mom and Dad.

© 2017 LORI CLINCH

C R O S S W O R D Across 1 Ritzy 5 Cockroach, e.g.

9 Puccini classic 14 Acreage 15 Comics pooch with a big red tongue 16 Islamic analogue of kosher 17 “It’s now or never!”

20 Where to buy EBAY 21 Was in charge of 22 Org. for Serena Williams 23 Canine tooth 26 School gps.

27 Play the Lute or Grasp the Sparrow’s Tail, in martial arts 32 Dating 33 Skin blemish 34 Addams family nickname 35 Journalist Stewart or Joseph 37 Use, as resources 39 Hardly economical 42 Novelist Stoker 44 Logical beginning?

46 Galley implements 47 Folk ballad also known as “Cowboy Love Song” 50 Course elevators 51 Scatter 52 Lease alternative

P U Z Z L E

53 Sit in a cellar, say 54 Marriott rival 59 “Whatchu talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?” sitcom ... or, literally, occupants of this puzzle’s circles 63 Curaçao neighbor 64 Something to file 65 Dump at the altar 66 Jacket fabric 67 First name in advice 68 Cognizant of

24 Rotisserie rod 25 Thick soups 26 Oklahoma State mascot __ Pete 27 Former flier 28 Feel bad 29 “I had a blast!”

30 Basic guitar lesson 31 Carol opener 36 Line on a scorecard 38 Cop’s catch 40 Before, before 41 Future therapist’s maj.

Down 43 Moose’s girlfriend, in Archie 1 What acupuncture relieves, for comics some 45 In plain view 2 Killer whale 47 Upgrade electrically 3 Bering and Ross 48 Capital on the Danube 4 Word with deck or dock 49 Banned fruit spray 5 Classroom surprise 50 Inscription on a June greeting 6 Part of a collegiate address card 7 Kennel command 53 Saroyan’s “My Name Is __” 8 Game whose original packaging 55 Spell-casting art boasted “From Russia with Fun!” 56 Similar 9 Like Laurel, but not Hardy 57 Bench press beneficiary 10 Western treaty gp.

58 Regarding 11 Frustratingly on the mend 60 “Criminal Minds” agcy.

12 Kind of robe 61 It’s next to Q on most 13 Italian racers, familiarly keyboards 18 Dash gauge 62 Unc, to Dad 19 __ made: was set for life

S U D O K U

ANSWERS ON PAGE 26

Saturday, November 4, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

PAGE 21

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

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

repair, kitchen cabinet refinishing.

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

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

AUTO PARTS & SVCS.

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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.

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

CONCRETE MASONRY Concrete work 12 x 12 ft. patio $1,200.

Sidewalks, driveways, stone and much more. Call F&S Masonry for free estimate. 609-339-1742.

FOR RENT 2 bedroom house in Pemberton. Very secluded. Oil heat. No large dogs. $1,000 a month, plus utilities. 1 1/2 month security deposit. Call 609-894-2593.

House for Rent. Manahawkin, N.J. Ocean Acres ranch home. Bowsprit Road, 3 bedroom, 1 bath. Private, fenced yard. $1,500 per month. Call Rodney 856-745-0786.

Southampton. 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with fireplace and large yard. Available immediately. $1,700 a month. One and a half months security. Call 732-238-2949.

FURNITURE REPAIR Adam’s Furniture Restoration LLC. Twenty (20) years experience. Furniture

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 HORTICULTURIST–A prosperous cranberry plant propagation business located near Chatsworth, NJ has an opening for a horticulturist position.

The position requires an individual who

is well organized, 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, yearround position. Advancement would be 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.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT–A prosperous cranberry plant propagation business located near Chatsworth, NJ has an opening for a career opportunity as Administrative Assistant. We are looking for an applicant who is very organized, disciplined with a strong work ethic, dedicated and motivated, with attention to detail and the initiative to learn about the propagation business. Applicant must possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Computer skills are essential with proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Publisher, PowerPoint and QuickBooks.

Understanding of farm culture is advantageous. Responsibilities include the processing and management of customer orders, customer support, contractual agreements, analytical accounting of orders, costs and supplies, scheduling and arrangement of shipments, and graphic design for advertising. This is a year round position, less than full time, with flexible hours. Advancement to Administrator would be determined by

the individual demonstrating the ability to take on responsibilities. Interested applicants should forward their resume to P. O. Box 517, Chatsworth, NJ 08019 Area claims writer. No experience.

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

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

Newspaper Delivery Driver Needed.

Dependable person who can work during the daytime on Fridays. Pay is excellent.

Call 609-801-2392.

MISCELLANEOUS

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

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

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

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

SPORTING GOODS Mauser bolt action 300 Winchester Magnum 24” Heavy Varmint barrel, muzzle break, walnut stock, 4X12 Nikon scope, pleasant to shoot, classic gun. $1,100. Call 609-456-9779.

PAGE 22

COMMITTEEMAN PAGE 6

for the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), previously told this newspaper that local officials who request changes to an existing traffic signal or want a new signal installed on a state highway are required to commit to 25 percent of the electrical costs.

“That commitment must be made prior to any work being done,” he said. “Once a request is made for an addition of or a change to a signal and the local jurisdiction (either the county or municipality) commits to the 25 percent funding requirement, NJDOT will begin a study.”

Schapiro said the study would include collecting information on traffic volume and crash data. He also said field studies would be conducted to assess the construction suitability for possible equipment locations. The process can take six to 12 months.

He added that local governments do not have to pay the 25 percent up front.

“Only if the NJDOT analysis finds the change to be warranted is a cost-sharing agreement then prepared and executed,” Schapiro said. “Once signed by the respective parties, the town is billed the 25 percent prior to finalizing the design.”

The NJDOT told the Pine Barrens Tribune that they have not received a request from the township for changes to the signal at Route 206, Main Street and Retreat Road.

However, Township Administrator Kathleen D. Hoffman provided the Pine Barrens Tribune with an email sent to the agency requesting the

ALLERGY PAGE 2

alive.”

“Nobody has ever apologized to him,” she said. “He has never received a (new) award for his homework. He feels like he is not cared about. He comes home from school, occasionally really upset.”

Wall said she is afraid to send her child to the school.

“I don’t know how to get everybody on the same page,” she said. “I don’t know how to get through to everyone that it is serious. If he eats a peanut, he probably won’t live. He has the least likely chance of survival.

“I am here for a resolution. I want him to feel safe and I want to feel safe. I don’t want any more phone calls like this. It is scary.”

Board President Dennis Cronin said the board wants everyone to feel safe when they come to school.

“Obviously, something is broken and we have to come up with ideas on how to fix it,” he said.

Cronin said the board had no prior knowledge that there was a problem.

“All I can tell you is that we don’t know much about this,” he said. “This is the first we are hearing about this. I would like to get together with everybody and understand what policies and procedures are in place, so that we as a board can try to come up with some ideas (on how to fix the problem).”

Wall suggested that the board also has to change the mentality of its employees by stressing that children need supervision and can’t be left to fend for themselves.

“When I picked him up the last time, the school nurse said, ‘He read the whole label, but he ate it anyway.’ I looked at her and said, ‘He is 8 years old. He is supposed to be supervised by adults here.”’

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

change in August 2015.

Wayne D. Mathis, a NJDOT project engineer, confirmed receipt of the township’s request in an email sent to Hoffman on Aug. 19, 2015.

“With respect to this traffic-signal revision request, if justified, any such change will create the need to revise the traffic-signal installation, plan and timing,” Mathis said. “That being the case, as per NJDOT Policy 346, Southampton Township must commit to pay 25 percent of all costs associated with electrical construction projects. Upon receipt of a township resolution committing to this cost sharing, we will be pleased to initiate the investigation process.”

The township committee has not unanimously agreed to share the costs of the project and thus no resolution was ever sent.

All of Heston’s colleagues on the committee have stayed silent since the issue was first raised.

Youngkin, after listening to Heston, promised to not forget about the township’s needs during his closing remarks at the forum.

“Already, I took notes tonight and I wrote ‘Turn arrows on Route 206,”’ he said. “Right away, I want to file that in my file. I don’t forget things like that.”

Heston said he was filling in for Young at the forum due to an “illness that has been going on for two weeks.”

Young is being challenged by Democrat Luke Bohm. Bohm did not attend the forum.

Heston told the audience that Young has served Southampton for 24 years as a committeeman and 23 of those years have been spent as mayor of the municipality.

He said Young was inducted into the Wall said her son does read the food labels to the best of his abilities, but an adult who has more experience and situational awareness needs to double check.

Wall’s husband, Jeff, agreed.

“He is 8 years old and we want someone to double check,” he said. “I am the one who drove him to the hospital when he was in anaphylactic shock. It wasn’t a pretty thing.”

He added that it is hard, as a parent, to hear his son say that school staff doesn’t care about him.

Cronin said the board makes the policies, but it is up to the district’s administrators to implement them.

“We’ll try to get a game plan together,” he said. “Obviously, we can’t micromanage the whole thing. But, I want to make sure your kids are safe as well. So we will address it— absolutely.”

The mother also questioned a recent decision to bring back a lineup of junk foods during lunch.

“I get it that it is exciting for the kids,” she said. “But, I feel like we are moving backwards, instead of forward. Everywhere else, they are trying to provide healthier foods for the kids. Now, we are giving them ice cream and cookies. I feel like we should eliminate the threat altogether and not be serving any of it.”

The board also heard from parent Elizabeth Buttocovla who asked why first marking period progress reports were not distributed to parents.

“Why haven’t we received them?” she said. “I had to reach out to each of my child’s teachers to ask how my daughter is doing. I am shocked and surprised I haven’t seen a progress report.”

Buttocovla said two of her daughter’s teachers returned her call and one did not.

“Do me a favor—obviously you haven’t gotten any satisfaction from the teacher,”

Saturday, November 4, 2017

PHOTO BY RYAN MARCHESE Republican Southampton Township Committeeman Ronald Heston speaks while Balvir Singh, a Democrat running for freeholder, listens.

Mayors’ Hall of Fame in 2014.

“Several years ago, the state informed Southampton they had to pay for police protection,” he said. “Jim helped organize all the towns involved in that decree, sued the state, and won. This action alone saved the residents over $500,000 each and every year— let alone the startup costs for a local police force which would have been in the millions.”

Heston said Young has made a firm

commitment to open space and farmlandpreservation programs in Southampton. He added that Young has sought sponsorships to fund concerts and fireworks for the residents.

“Young has always been available to the residents of Southampton by phone, stopping in at his business, or just by setting up an appointment to meet with him at the township building,” Heston said. “He is never too busy to talk to anyone.”

Cronin said. “Can you put this into an email and forward it over to Misty?”

Buttocovla said she had already sent an email to Weiss, but wanted to know why the district was not posting student grades online for parents to access like the neighboring school districts do.

Woodland’s neighboring school districts use a “Genesis Parent Portal,” which enables a parent to access grades, reports and attendance records for their child(ren).

“I don’t know why we don’t have Genesis or some kind of gradebook where we can log on and see the grades,” she said. “I heard the Tabernacle School District doesn’t give out first marking period progress reports, but they do have a system where parents can log on and see what their class grades are every day.”

School officials, already facing backlash for their handling of a school bus incident on the first day of school (see separate story on pg. 5), immediately went into an unscheduled closeddoor session, inside a conference room, to discuss the latest concerns raised.

“We are going to call the meeting into an executive session and go talk about some of the issues that were brought up and get an understanding of where they (school administrators) are at,” Cronin said.

The board’s executive session lasted for nearly 20 minutes.

Upon returning to public session, Cronin said “information would be communicated” to the affected parents as soon as possible, but that he could not disclose any of it to the public.

A total of 11 parents attended the meeting. These parents waited in the Chatsworth Elementary School’s cafeteria through the closed-door session, to see if any action would be taken by the board on the concerns.

Weiss, after the meeting, took it upon herself to email this newspaper a statement about the

concerns.

“A parent spoke of being disappointed with the district in how it has handled situations regarding their child’s allergy,” she said. “Each of the parents’ concerns were immediately addressed and procedures have been put in place to make the school day a safe environment for their child.

“In years prior, there has been an open-door policy as far as allowing food being brought into the school for classroom parties and celebrations. In September, a letter was sent home to all parents stating that moving forward, only store-bought products would be distributed to students in the district for parties and celebrations. This decision was made based on the fact that there are various allergies in the district. This allows the district to regulate all incoming food and review all ingredients prior to allowing students to consume them. There are plans in place for each student with an allergy when they cannot have food brought in from the outside. Policies and procedures were established in September, have been adjusted as the first month of school took place, and will continue to be amended as necessary.”

A week after the meeting, Weiss confirmed to this newspaper that first marking period progress reports were not issued to parents.

“First marking period progress reports were not included on the school calendar for the 2017-18 school year,” she said. “This was a collaborative decision made among the teachers and myself. It was agreed that at the start of the first marking period, there is time spent on reviewing topics and very few grades are given with minimal new concepts being introduced.”

Weiss said Buttocovla’s question about the first marking period progress reports was a first.

“This question was never asked of any of the teachers or myself prior to the BOE meeting,” she said.

Saturday, November 4, 2017

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PAGE 23

DRIVE

POLICEMEN

PHOTO SUBMITTED Chatsworth Elementary School students and staff provide food and water to donors.

PHOTO BY DOUGLAS D. MELEGARI Carmelo Sorce (left) and Anthony Amaroso congratulate each other after being sworn in as Pemberton Borough Police Department officers.

PAGE 4

School were approved for professional development days.

Two students were approved for out-ofdistrict placement in the Berlin Borough School District at a cost of $12,395.63 each.

A spring assistant coach was approved for a $1,100 stipend.

The school board certified that the district had $145,290.27 in their general account, including

SENIORS PAGE 11

our NJ brethren like Frankie Vallie and The Four Seasons, Frank Sinatra, Bon Jovi, and Bruce Springsteen.

These four charming wise guys will raise the roof with their powerful voices; and will have you singing along. A few tickets are still available so stop in at the senior center soon if you want to be included.

On Thursday, Oct. 26, seniors attended the monthly “Bingo” breakfast at Aspen Hills.

Margaret Graiff hosted about 60 seniors for another fun packed morning of door prizes and Bingo prizes and a delicious breakfast. Aspen Hills staff always provides scrambled eggs and sausage, along with an assortment of fresh fruits, bagels and individual pastries.

Aspen Hills has a “Smart” unit for rehab and many of the Pemberton seniors have taken advantage of the location to complete their rehab locally. We are fortunate to have such a highly rated facility so close. Graiff visits the senior center during the week and checks on the seniors’ blood-pressure readings and

COUNCIL PAGE 8

Miller said council is interested in addressing public safety concerns and is not looking to regulate short-term rentals to generate revenue.

“It’s not a revenue source that we’re interested in or something that we’d want to undertake at all,” Miller said. “The security issue is something that’s got me concerned with bed and breakfasts and if we leave it the

PAGE 6

special revenue. This certification process is now a monthly tradition, after questions were raised about the district’s financial circumstances.

Bills totaling $162,230.71 from September were approved for payment.

Gross wages for September totaling $168,404.05 were also approved for payment.

All action taken was unanimous.

general well-being.

Seniors look forward to seeing her and sharing their concerns. She also volunteers with the Medical Academy at the Pemberton Township High School. One must register monthly to attend the breakfast Bingo. The township senior bus brings non-drivers to and from the location.

Local seniors are invited to stop in at the center daily and take advantage of the many services offered. There is no charge to visit the center or join the programs. Registration is free and easy. Nourishing meals are served daily, by reservation, and are priced at only $2 each for resident seniors. Financially, this is the best meal option available.

A monthly menu is published in the Senior Gazette which will be available on Nov. 1.

Stop in and pick up your free copy, or check the township website under the “Senior Services” tab.

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.

way it is—uncontrolled—there are some issues that have cropped up and will continue to crop up even more. I’m not sure if relief is going to be something statewide or just something borough wide, but we’re trying to figure out our options.”

Besides his desire to serve Medford Lakes, Aromando’s reason for running for council is simple.

“They (the council) don’t listen to me,” he said. “In order to have any influence, you have to be in one of those seats, where you can vote.”

promote an officer to sergeant to help spread out some of the administrative responsibilities.

In other news, an ordinance passed unanimously on second reading updating the municipality’s flood-damage prevention standards to stay in accordance with the state’s new requirements.

Kevin Beta was appointed as a part-time lineman for the borough’s Electric Department.

The borough operates an electric company that serves borough residents.

The only other action taken resulted in two tax-sale certificates being redeemed.

All actions taken during the meeting were unanimous.

Borough Engineer William Wentzien announced that the borough received a $193,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to improve Early Street.

He said that he reviewed the scope of work planned for the project as an initial estimate to conduct the work was about $225,000.

“Basically, we were able to take out a little bit of the work that goes towards the surrounding street networks—particularly Egbert and Hough streets,” Wentzien said. “We were able to reduce the estimate (and now it is) $191,190.”

Contractor bidding on the project will open Nov. 9.

The borough has spent the better part of the year inspecting its street signs. Griffin said there are 175 street signs in the borough.

Several faded signs will be replaced or have already been replaced during the past several weeks. Some rusted poles for the street signs have also been repainted.

Antiquated and irrelevant signs, including

a “Drug-Free School Zone” sign, are in the process of being removed.

The borough’s elementary school was closed in 2008. Borough children are now sent to school in Pemberton Township.

Councilman Tim Quinlan said the borough needs to re-stripe lines on Hearthstone Blvd.

“I was shocked to see the striping just isn’t there,” he said. “It is almost a safety issue. It is almost invisible.”

Borough Clerk Donna Mull said there is limited funding in this year’s budget for striping, due to the sign project. She said she doesn’t know how much line striping costs, but will check into it.

Public comment was dominated by concerns over the cause of a power outage that impacted the entire borough on Oct. 11. Council was unsure of the cause.

Resident Diane Fanucci called on council to be proactive with inspecting all of the cutouts and trees near the wires for signs of deterioration or damage.

Resident Abigail Lake called for borough trees near the wires to be trimmed.

“I think this is something we need to keep a close eye on—on all of the streets—to make sure the trees are not hanging over on the electric or telephone lines,” she said.

Some residents were concerned about the outage because it occurred in the early morning hours. It lasted approximately 2 ½ hours according to officials.

The next day, a borough official told the Pine Barrens Tribune that the outage was caused by a tree branch that fell on a cutout (officials said a cutout is basically an insulator). The incident occurred on Elizabeth Street.

CHALLENGERS PAGE 10

Cooperation from the governor on down is necessary to achieve the desired results. The team of Stanley Czyzyk, Kelly Clark, and Linda Goldman consists of young, dynamic

thinkers and doers who are prepared to successfully take on that challenge.

Al Finkelstein Chair, Medford Democrats Medford, New Jersey

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FORUM PAGE 1

action to rebuild the Centerton Bridge. They’ve only decided to demolish it as the feasibility study is still outstanding.

“The thing I feel bad about is you don’t hear the people at the freeholder level talking about it (the bridge) at all,” Pullion said. “You don’t hear them bringing it up.”

Pullion recalled the photo op of Garganio and Sweeney as they stood in front of the bridge.

“About two years ago, current Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio, Senate Speaker Sweeney and one other individual took a picture (with the) the Centerton Bridge (in the background) and they said, ‘This is why we need the 23-cent so that we can fix it,’” Pullion said. “However, you haven’t heard anything about it since. One of our greatest responsibilities is to take care of our roads and infrastructure and we are dedicated to doing that.”

Another resident in the audience asked the candidates if the 23-cent gas tax would be eliminated in the future.

Singh said it was unlikely that it would be eliminated. He was also critical of his opponents who have touted that the same legislation rolled back the sales tax by about half of a percentage point, eliminated the estate tax, raised the retirement income-tax exclusion, increased the Earned Income Tax Credit for the working poor, and created a tax deduction for veterans.

“As for the gas tax, as we know in government, it is not going away because a deal was cut that, ‘Hey, we are going to give you a tax break,’” he said. “A 7 percent sales tax is going down to 6.5 percent. So you can enjoy the $5 you spend at Walmart—you are going to spend four pennies less.

“But now, when you are at a gas station, an average driver is going to be paying $200 more a year. That is an average. For a longer commute, you could be looking at thousands of dollars depending on how much time you spend on the road. That tax is not going to be repealed anytime soon the way the government works.”

Singh questioned why the Centerton Bridge, in his opinion, appears to be no longer a priority for the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

“It was a priority at the time when they needed to raise the taxes and all of a sudden, when the taxes went in, it is now not a priority,” he said. “Notice that now all of a sudden it is not needed.”

MEETING PAGE 7

Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps.

A second reading and public hearing on the ordinance will be held on Nov. 9.

The ordinance passed on second reading transfers funds from one project to another for the capital improvements and a new computer system for the borough’s sewage treatment and collection buildings.

As Cranston had explained at the Oct. 12 meeting, the total cost of the projects, $342,000, remains the same. The ordinance passed unanimously.

The first resolution reduced sewer fees for a newly-renovated laundromat at 32 Trading Post Way. With the number of washing machines reduced from 29 to 20, the yearly bill will be reduced from $10,208 to $7,040, retroactive to

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM

The Republican candidates running for freeholder and the 8th District chose not to participate in the forum. This was the second, traditional candidate’s forum in the county that the Republicans allegedly elected to not participate in.

The League of Women Voters canceled their forums planned for mid-October after they said the Republican candidates did not respond to their invitation.

Chris Russell, a Burlington County GOP spokesman, later disputed the League of Women Voters’ assertion that Republican candidates did not want to participate in the open forums.

Sylvia Teahan, who organized the LeisureTowne forum, said she was told that Addiego and her 8th District Republican colleagues were scheduled to attend a Halloween Parade in Hammonton, which conflicted with the forum.

She added that she was advised that Garganio and Freeholder Linda Hughes, also running for office, had to attend a scheduled freeholder’s meeting, which also conflicted with the forum.

Youngkin, who spent four years in the United States Marine Corps. and worked for PSE&G for 38 years as a union pipe fitter, said he retired in May so he can put all of his efforts into serving the residents of the 8th District.

He appeared to call out Addiego for putting a parade ahead of a forum.

“The current senator has held office for a long time at various levels, which can be commendable,” he said. “But, folks don’t know who she is and people wonder where she is.

They don’t hear much.”

Youngkin added that residents in the district need “serious” property-tax relief. “(There should be) no more kicking the can down the road which results in reactionary measures like the 23-cent gas tax that my opponent voted for,” he said.

“We need a comprehensive and sustainable plan to alleviate this enormous tax burden.”

Youngkin called for the release of energy tax receipts and the regionalization of school districts.

“We should be growing the green economy that would provide rebate incentives to residents and create jobs at the same time,” he said. “For seniors, the senior tax freeze or similar legislation that lessens the burden on seniors and disabled residents (is something worthwhile). I also support a property tax bill of rights to help residents understand their tax bills.”

Youngkin said the state’s roads and bridges didn’t deteriorate overnight.

July 1.

The next resolution expressed support for the creation and establishment of the Rancocas Creek National Water Trail that would run from Pine Barren headwaters to the Delaware River tidewaters. The resolution passed, although not without discussion. The request for the resolution had been made by Rancocas Pathways, a nonprofit organization.

Miller expressed concern that the water trail’s creation would create the need for regulation.

“Would the establishment of this watershed bring about another governing body to oversee and control it?” he said. “Would it make it difficult for us to do anything within our borough?”

Hanold added his own worry about the nonprofit.

“This group is not connected with our colony and my concern is that if they are able to get

Saturday, November 4, 2017

PHOTO BY RYAN MARCHESE LeisureTowne residents listen to Balvir Singh, a Democrat running for freeholder.

“What she didn’t tell you (Addiego) was that she has been a senator for two terms and a two-term assemblywoman,” he said. “If they (state officials) had been better stewards of our tax dollars and supported the Transportation Trust Fund, we would have been in much better shape.”

Democratic 8th District Assembly candidates Maryann Merlino and Joanne Schwartz, who were also in attendance at the forum, discussed their proposals to provide tax relief to residents.

Merlino said that as the broker owner of Home and Sweet Realty and someone who has been in the real estate industry for 30 years, she has seen many seniors struggle to stay in their homes because they can’t afford to pay real-estate taxes.

“I have even seen some seniors lose their homes because they could no longer afford those real-estate taxes,” she said. “This is one of my passions. What I am looking to do—if I could be the voice in Trenton—is I would like to be able to take a percentage or remove all of the school tax from our seniors’ tax bills.”

Schwartz said she knows what it is like to live on a fixed income and it isn’t easy.

“The question I have for us all is when was the last time we got a Homestead Rebate?” she said. “If I get to Trenton, I will help you fix that. I was a freeholder for three years. During that time, I am the only freeholder who voted against a tax increase.”

Schwartz said the tax-increase proposal she didn’t vote for would have provided increased

funding to the county’s library system.

“I was the only one who voted against that,” she said. “If I get to Trenton with your help, I will continue to vote against any tax increase.

Again, I know what it is like being on a fixed income.”

Schwartz, a semi-retired healthcare administrator and former probation officer— who is also a life member of the Hampton Lakes Emergency Squad—said she believes bail reform, shared services, conducting a rootcause analysis, and legalizing marijuana to create a big windfall, are ways to reduce tax burdens on seniors.

Schwartz, like Youngkin, called for better communication between the district’s representatives and their constituents.

“If you elect George, Maryann and I, we have a plan to have a constituent’s night one day a week,” she said. “That (program) will revolve throughout the district. One night a week we will be at a senior center or a community center to answer your questions and for you to meet with us, individually or one-on-one.”

Burlington County Republican GOP Campaign Manager Josh Foote did not return this newspaper’s Oct. 16, request which sought the Republican candidates’ campaign platforms.

The GOP’s website was not updated as of press time with their platforms.

The site only contains information about last year’s candidates under a “candidates” tab.

grants, this would open up the whole watershed for public use,” he said.

Borough Solicitor Doug Heinold said he recently attended a presentation by Rancocas Pathways and understood that its aim was to improve public access to what is currently the Rancocas. He said the organization wants to ensure the existence of the watershed going forward, where land is not currently preserved.

“They would be able to get the kind of recognition that would allow them to go after bigger grant dollars to provide access to boat launches and those sorts of things,” he said.

“Without our consent, there’s little they can do.”

The council approved the resolution, 4-1, with Miller voting against it.

The third resolution unanimously approved Shane McCausland, Richard R. Drum and Justin DiLeo, active members of the Medford

Lakes Fire Department, to apply for membership into the New Jersey State Fireman’s Relief Association.

The final resolution disposed of surplus items received with the purchase of a John Deere tractor. The tractor came with brand new attachments that the borough has no use for.

Also discussed during the meeting was the “Best Practices Review,” which the borough recently submitted to the state.

“Some years ago, the state mandated that every municipality had to fill this form out to qualify for state aid,” said Borough Clerk Mark McIntosh. “If you made a minimum standard (21 out of 25 questions answered yes), you get full aid. We got an acceptable score, which allows us to receive our full aid. Some of the questions we had to answer ‘no’ on were geared towards health insurance. Since the township is self-insured and we do a separate plan, we can’t answer ‘yes.”’

Saturday, November 4, 2017

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Saturday, November 4, 2017

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

HOME, GARDEN, AND FARMING Farm and Food File

By Alan Guebert

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

A Plan or an Obit Five hundred years ago this week, a German theologian nailed a sheet of 95 statements, or theses, to a church door in Saxony in hopes of starting a debate to reform the church he loved.

But Martin Luther’s hammer didn’t spur debate; it sparked a wildfire that changed the world.

That’s the thing about reformers; once they get events rolling, events take over. Sometimes reform follows, other times revolution.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) would be wise to take note of this difference because it is smack in the middle of what it calls a “broader on-going review of the Department based on the President’s… ‘Comprehensive Plan for Reorganizing the Executive Branch.’”

That effort, and a 2014 Farm Bill mandate for USDA to establish an “Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs,” will deliver a department, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue promises, that maximizes “customer satisfaction” and will be an “unapologetic advocate” for U.S. ag exports.

The plan hit a pothole Oct. 19 when Senate Ag Committee leaders asked Perdue not to swear in a newly-approved Under Secretary because—well, gosh, this is embarrassing—the office he was to fill under the USDA reform plan does not actually exist. Not yet, anyway.

Glitches like that should have been expected because few—in fact, no one that I could find— has seen an actual copy of USDA’s reform plan.

To one Capitol Hill old-timer that means only one thing: “There really isn’t a plan.”

If that sounds crazy, welcome to our post-truth world. USDA is in the middle of what appears to be its biggest “reorganization” in history and there is no formal, public document listing any of the announced (or to-be-announced) reforms, their costs or benefits, and what it means to taxpayers and farmers both here and abroad.

So what do we know?

On May 11, just two weeks after unpacking his socks in Washington, D.C.,

Perdue announced changes within USDA. The two most sweeping were the creation of the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (per the 2014 Farm Bill) and the elimination of the Under Secretary for Rural Development, an office that manages a $216 billion rural loan portfolio.

It’s not known if Perdue arrived at USDA with the reform plan or he if was handed it upon arrival. Nor is it known who wrote it—USDA staff or outsiders—and who paid for the work, taxpayers or special interests. (Capitol Hill rumors strongly assert it was non-USDA outsiders backed by a large farm lobbying group.)

The plan’s author is important because their view shaped the plan’s overall theme: what you see in American agriculture today is what you’ll see for decades to come—increasingly large, export-driven, biofuel-centered commodity production with ever fewer suppliers, farmers and ranchers competing for lower prices and more taxpayer subsidies.

What the author got wrong, however, is that American agriculture won’t be the same a generation or even 10 years from now. It will be different because it’s always different, never static. In the last generation alone, U.S. farmers have adopted GMOs, drones, and GPS. It’s anyone’s guess what the next generation will bring.

But it won’t be more of the same. Electric vehicles will dent—maybe even run over—the ethanol industry, climate change will continue to move production and markets to levels and places once unimaginable, and technology will continue to remove people from both farms and rural communities.

And yet the unpublished, unseen USDA reform “plan” doesn’t account for any of these highly-likely events. Instead it looks backward 40 years, not forward even 10.

As such, it’s more an obituary than a reform plan.

© 2017 AG COMM. The views expressed in this column are the author’s own views and do not reflect the view of the Pine Barrens Tribune.

CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU

Saturday, November 4, 2017

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PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

AUTOMOTIVE New Vehicle Buying Guide Compiled by Motor Matters

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

2017 Nissan Pathfinder The Nissan Pathfinder is reborn for the 2017 model year with more adventure capability, a freshened exterior look and enhanced safety and technology.

The 3.5-liter V6 engine’s new Direct Injection Gasoline system provides better wide-open throttle performance and emissions performance (versus a non-direct-injection system). Horsepower for the new V6 increases to 284 hp (from the previous 260 hp) and torque is now rated at 259 lb-ft (up from 240 lb-ft). Maximum towing capacity has increased by 1,000 pounds to a best-in-class 6,000 pounds (when properly equipped).

All 2017 Pathfinder models are equipped with Nissan’s third-generation Xtronic transmission (similar to that utilized in the sporty Nissan Maxima). The Xtronic transmission includes D-Step Logic Control, which simulates shifts, giving a more natural acceleration feeling. Pathfinder also features selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes from the available intuitive ALL-MODE 4x4-i

system.

The 2017 Pathfinder’s refreshed exterior provides a stronger sense of adventure character and presence by adding Nissan signature design elements, such as the new “V-Motion” grille and boomerang-shaped headlights with LED daytime running lights.

Another addition for 2017 is the Motion-Activated liftgate with liftgate position memory. A simple wave of the foot under the center of the liftgate activates the power opening function.

Pathfinder’s stylish, adventure-ready interior includes comfortable seating for seven, enhanced user friendliness and updated connectivity features. A wide range of seating and cargo carrying combinations are available with the 2nd row 60/40-split seat with manual slide/recline/fold flat and 3rd row 50/50-split seat with manual recline/flat fold.

Base model estimated mpg: 20/27 Estimated starting price: $29,990 Compiled by Motor Matters.

2017 Nissan Pathfinder.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

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Saturday, November 4, 2017