Pine Barrens Tribune - October 29, 2016

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Vol. 1- No. 9

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October 29-November 4, 2016

'Let Them Play' LRHSD Officials Attempt to Censor Press at Board of Education Meeting

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

Adam Cunard, 14, of Tabernacle wants to remain a Seneca Golden Eagle.

SHAMONG–Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD) officials attempted to censor members of the local news media who gathered on Wednesday (Oct. 19) to cover a regular Board of Education meeting. The meeting was held at the Konstantinos Administration Building in Shamong.

There was a greater presence of media at the meeting due to a controversial policy that has come to the forefront. Board policy #2630 prohibits homeschooled children from participating in activities such as field trips, clubs, band or football.

“Students who are educated elsewhere than at school are not eligible to participate in LRHSD curricular, extra-curricular, or athletic programs or activities,” the policy reads in part.

A Tabernacle family, who homeschool their children, is fighting to get the policy overturned as their sons would like to play football at Seneca High School. Seneca is part of the Lenape Regional High School District.

PHOTO SUBMITTED District employees stood watch as members of the public and news media entered the board meeting room. Some members of the press, who brought in obvious photography and recording equipment, were homeschoolers to participate. immediately approached by the District’s However, Cunard is now in the 9th communications personnel. grade his freshman year for A photographer for the Burlington County Times homeschooling. The Seneca football was told that he could not take photographs of anyone program for 9th through 12th graders is speaking or participating in the meeting. controlled by the Lenape Regional High A reporter for New Jersey 101.5, also known as School District since Seneca High School WKXW-FM Radio, was prevented by a district is part of the district. This year’s Seneca employee from placing his hand-held microphone on freshman football team consists of a podium reserved for speakers, including members of individuals who Cunard grew up and the public. The reporter was told that he could only played with on the field. Cunard has been record the meeting from his seat. A hand-held unable to play football with his microphone does not pick up quality audio at a contemporaries because of Policy #2630. distance. The reporter was unable to obtain much “I have been playing Seneca Football useable audio for airing on the radio station. since I was 5-years-old and was told I was Officials also placed handouts next the meeting a part of the ‘Seneca Family’,” Cunard agendas which described media bylaws. At the top of

Community Rallies Behind “Let Them Play” Movement

By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer

SHAMONG–Adam Cunard, 14, of Tabernacle wants to continue to be able to wear a Seneca football jersey. Cunard’s indisputable love for the Seneca football family, including his teammates, was exhibited on Wednesday night (Oct. 19) as he addressed members of the Lenape Regional High School District Board of Education and administration about a policy preventing him from continuing as a Seneca athlete at the high school level. Despite a plea for open dialogue, most key administrators and all the board members in attendance remained silent on the issue. Superintendent Dr. Carol Birnbohm sped through a prepared statement.

Cunard, a homeschooled student who has been wearing a Seneca football jersey since he was five-years-old, described in detail how he felt Lenape District Board Policy #2630 was divisive, unwarranted, and unfair. Policy #2630 prohibits homeschooled children from participating in activities such as field trips, clubs, band, or football.

“Students who are educated elsewhere than at school are not eligible to participate in LRHSD curricular, extra-curricular, or athletic programs or activities,” the policy reads in part.

The Seneca Youth Football league, which implements football activities for those under the age of 14 (8th graders and under) have no rules prohibiting

MOVEMENT>>>PAGE 10

MEETING>>>PAGE 15

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LOCAL NEWS

Southampton Plans Major Recreation Park Expansion

PHOTO SUBMITTED The old plan for a recreational complex on the Good Farm. The new plan can be found on Pg. 4.

By Adam Tait III For the Pine Barrens Tribune

SOUTHAMPTON — A planned improvement of recreational facilities here has been greatly expanded with the acquisition of 65 acres of the Good Farm on Red Lion and Church roads. Using the state’s Green Acres funding for the land has reduced the township’s cost. The farm’s total acreage is 220.

The original plan has grown to include the following: 12 soccer fields which can be used for other purposes, four baseball fields, an amphitheater, a bocce court, a skating pond, three other ponds or basins, a community center, a dog park, two playgrounds, buildings for concessions and storage and that allimportant requirement, ample parking.

There also will be extensive wetlands throughout the park.

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

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

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

end of 2017.

Committee acted unanimously to approve nine resolutions, most of them minor. Two accepted the 2015 annual audit report and a corrective action plan. Another approved a $400-a-month plan for animal control service with N.J. Animal Control of Medford, until the end of 2016.

The Little League field and T-Ball field at the Red Lion Road Baseball and Softball Complex is plagued by sinkholes and officials closed them last week due to dangerous conditions. In addition, there are multiple soccer fields on Buddtown Road, part of the Municipal Sports Complex that is located on the east side of Route 206, which are considered to be located improperly by the Pinelands Commission.

Two residents raised concerns over the Mill St. Bridge, or more specifically, its embankment. Mill street is a county highway.

The embankment is eroding badly, rising water has drowned several trees and residents appear to have legitimate concerns. The erosion and flooding also have forced the closing of the nearby Telephone Museum.

A final measure approved the appointment of John Holroyd as the Fire Subcode official.

During the public comment session, the most interesting remarks were made by resident Pat Topham. She complained about

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

Fun and Games. . . . . . . . . . 16

Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . .

Community. . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Business and Technology. . . . . 13 Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

. 17

Home, Garden, & Farming . . . . 18 Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

The Pine Barrens Tribune is published weekly by Pine Barrens Media, LLC. The newspaper is distributed free at select locations in Bass River, Medford, Medford Lakes, Pemberton, Pemberton Borough, Shamong, Southampton, Tabernacle, Washington, and Woodland Townships. 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 a 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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EXPANSION FROM PAGE 2 activities at Auto Salvage Recycling, including loud noise, blaring radios, engines racing, speeding of 50-60 mph and several other problems.

A list of bills paid in mid-month was interesting, graphically pointing out the high costs of education. $1,170,248 was paid to the Southampton Board of Education for district taxes. An additional $609,445.59 went to the Lenape Regional School District.

At the other end of the list was $10.40 for a retired worker’s prescription, $12 for agricultural equipment and $21.93 for bottled water.

The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.

Attendance was about 30. The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 15 at 8 p.m.

Follow Us On pinebarrenstribune.com PHOTO SUBMITTED

The new plan for a recreational complex on the Good Farm.

PHOTO BY TOM WALKER

The Little League field and T-Ball field at the Red Lion Road Baseball and Softball Complex is plagued by sinkholes and officials closed them last week.

PHOTO BY TOM WALKER

The Commission has ordered Southampton Twp. to abandon the Buddtown Road Soccer Fields.

According to the township, the Commission has a policy that a person can walk, but not run on wetlands.

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5 Candidates Vie For 3 Pemberton School Board Seats In Browns Mills Forum

By Adam Tait III For the Pine Barrens Tribune

BROWNS MILLS—In the annual prelude to voting in the Pemberton School Board election, the Browns Mills Improvement Association (BMIA) hosted its annual candidates forum last Sunday.

Five candidates are vying for three seats on the panel, three incumbents and two newcomers. The incumbents are Sandra Glawson, Tom Maier and John Ulrich. The challengers are Wanda Knox and Christopher Otis.

After a few preliminaries, the debate began. It was moderated by the BMIA’s President, Elisabeth McCartney. There were five questions for each candidate, who had two minutes to answer each one.

Each candidate went first, once for each question.

While this was a fair solution to the age-old problem of who should go first at a debate, it does present reporting problems. To make the reporting as clear as possible, the Tribune will list each question, but print each response in the order the candidates answered ; Glawson, Ulrich, Knox, Maier and Otis.

Question No. 1. Introduce yourself.

Why do you want to be on the school board?

Glawson: She is a former teacher with years of experience. Glawson admires the Pemberton school system, and praises its

new superintendent, Tony Trongone. She would like to help the schools continue to improve. Glawson has served six years.

Ulrich: He has been on the board for 24 years. His three daughters are all graduates and have been successful. That’s a sign, he says, that the schools are good.

Knox: She is a long-time resident and attended Emmons School before graduating from Burlington Co. Tech. She believes her education here has helped her to be successful in life and would like to serve as a way of paying back.

Maier: While Maier is not a Pemberton graduate, all his children and grandchildren are. He believes Pemberton has served his family well and wants to repay that service.

Otis: He has had four children in Pemberton’s school, two graduates and two still in school. He feels all of his children have benefited from going to school here and wants to contribute to the schools’ success.

Question No. 2. What discipline policy would you support for students who are “out of control?”

Glawson: I would counsel first. We must rely on our well-prepared staff of psychologists and counselors and peers working together. I’d tell a student, “I respect you. If you respect yourself, you can achieve whatever you want.”

Ulrich: Counsel them! We have an excellent staff that can respond to whatever

needs a student can have.

Knox: I’m strict. If you misbehave, you should face discipline. But follow through.

Students will learn that way.

Maier: We have policies in place. Use them.

Our counselors are great, but a bad home life is often responsible. I’d turn to alternate schools only as a last resort.

Otis: Continue using our current policies.

Support the guidelines and back school officials.

Question No. 3. What are your views regarding the purpose and evaluation of the school district’s Strategic Plan? (Note: Candidates gave very similar answers to this question.)

Glawson: It’s a good plan, but changing times call for frequent reviews. Keep it current with revisions.

Ulrich: I support the plan but realize that time will require some changes, even frequently.

Knox: Yes, I’m for it but you will have to update it often.

Maier: It was Gorman’s (previous superintendent) plan. Changes are inevitable. I’m not sure if the board is solidly behind this.

Otis: It’s a good plan, but needs to be updated every two years. I want an emphasis on preparing students for jobs.

Question No. 4. How would support resources and programs for students who need counseling, treatment and support for drug use/addiction?

Glawson: There are so many opportunities and programs to help the kids. They

must know they have support. “We are here for you.”

Ulrich: More research is needed. We must continue to educate the students to the hazards of drugs. Get them involved in sports and clubs.

Knox: We must use our resources. But parents have to respond. They have to be told, “Get help for them.”

Maier: We have a strong system. We simply can’t afford to lose students.

Otis: Support whatever they need. We have great support and programs for them.

Question No. 5. Would you support a decrease in administration staffing along with an increase in teacher aide (support) staffing for the primary and elementary students to help raise reading and math scores?

Glawson: Yes, I would support cuts to get more teachers and teaching aides.

Ulrich: Yes. We are somewhat heavy on top.

We simply need more staff.

Knox: It’s probably a good idea. More staff could bolster pupils’ success.

Maier: I rely on the administration and we have a strong support staff. But I would really like to see more staff hired.

Otis: I’m not sure it’s possible, but I do back increased support for students.

There you have it. Thoughtful answers from five thoughtful school board candidates. Now it’s your turn. Get out on Nov. 8 and vote for the three you think will best support the Pemberton school system and its students. Enter Text Here.

Pemberton Township Tables Puppy, Kitten Mills Bill

By Adam Tait III For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON—In what was a relatively slow legislative night, a diminished township Council tabled an ordinance prohibiting the sales of dogs and cats that come from so-called “puppy” and “kitten” mills.

Only three Council members attended the meeting, the bare minimum needed to conduct business. Democrats Letha Jackson and Norma Trueblood were absent, an unusual occurrence.

Little debate preceded the unanimous, 3-0 vote to table the puppy mill bill, but two out-of-town animal-rights activists spoke at length after the move.

They were Janice Fisher and Jeanne Clayton. Both praised the bill and urged Council to pass it as soon as possible.

Fisher spoke for 30 minutes on the wellknown problems of the “mills,” such as overcrowding, neglect, minimal care, injury and disease.

When Council takes up the ordinance again, the women urged quick passage.

The major thrust of the measure is to force pet stores to buy animals only from licensed breeders.

Contacted by phone the next day, Fisher lauded the intent of Pemberton’s Council. She noted with pleasure that the number of pet stores in the entire state has declined and leveled off at 20 or 21, a surprisingly low number for such a populous state.

She and Clayton both urged those seeking pets to visit shelters where plenty of loving dogs and cats are hoping to be rescued.

After the meeting, Council President Jason Allen said the motion to table was routine, describing it as simply “an attempt to get the bill just right.”

In other business, seven consent agenda resolutions were acted on. Two were quite minor, but five will attract some interest. Of those five, the first accepts the township’s Municipal Utilities Authority proposed budget for 2017. Another approves a corrective action plan for the 2014 audit report. This sounds serious, but really isn’t.

Every municipality in the state does this: it’s routine and means there’s nothing seriously wrong with the audit.

Another seeks permission from the state’s Division of Local Government Services to include in this year’s budget $3,788 from the Body Armor 2016 fund.

The fourth grants township Chief Financial Officer Robert Benick authority to refund $3,100 in liens.

The fifth approves an amendment to the agreement between the township and developer Danitom, Inc. in the construction of 50 homes, all valued at about $200,000.

The first three resolutions passed unanimously, 3-0. The final two drew “no” votes from the lone Council Republican, Jack Tompkins.

In other business, two fire police officers were appointed, Judy Brown and Peggy Havens.

Three measures concerned new business,

but two were pulled, possibly for a vote next month. Approval was given to pay $2,913 for tickets for the past summer’s youth programs, largely to Great Adventure.

Payment of vouchers from a bill list dating to Oct. 14 was approved, 3-0.

Mayor David Patriarca reported asbestos was

being removed from a residence. Asked for more details the next day, Patriarca said the removal, largely routine, was at 19 S. Lakeshore Drive.

Allen praised residents of Presidential Lakes for a neighborhood clean-up.

Council’s next meeting will be on Wednesday, Nov. 2, at the customary 6:30 p.m.

PHOTO FOR THE PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE Map showing the best places to Trick-or-Treat in the U.S.

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OPINION

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

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

Editorial: Actions of LRHSD Leadership Deeply Troubling The Lenape Regional High School District (LRHSD) Board of Education decision to ignore the request of the Cunard family is undemocratic. It appears that the board members view themselves as monarchs, rather than what they are: elected representatives.

School boards in a democracy have a responsibility to maintain an open dialogue with those whom they serve. This means that their direct contact information should be readily accessible.

This means that members of the public deserve a two-way conversation when attending board meetings. This means that members of the public should receive a reply from an addressee.

When issues aren’t brought to the forefront and dealt with in a transparent and respectful matter, confidence in the decision-making process is shattered. In this instance, it is disconcerting that the board will not at least entertain repealing Policy #2630.

A discussion should not be happening in private or avoided altogether. A discussion should be taking place in public view and in the form of a forum. A school board should take an up or down vote anytime a request is made before the entire body.

We question the competency and intentions of the 11 members serving on the LRHSD Board of Education. President Linda M. Eckenhoff, Vice President Paula D. Lee, Dr. Robert H. Bende, Jr., Dr. William J. Bisignano, Jr., Joseph W. Borucki, Margaret M. Estlow, Barry J. Fitzgerald, John D. Jeffers, Steve H. Lee, Ted D. Shinske, and David E. Stow are operating a "closed shop" approach to the operation of the district.

It’s not a good sign when district employees attempt to censor the press, the board secretary is failing to provide adequate meeting notice to those who request it, district

employees are leaving the sound system turned off during a meeting, and the board itself isn’t establishing an open dialogue. Do the board members want to be there? Do they know what they are doing?

We’re also deeply troubled by what Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carol Birnbohm said when asked about her personal views on homeschooling.

“Please know that as the superintendent, sharing my personal views is inappropriate,” Birnbohm said.

She is the leader of 6,800 students and more than 1,100 staff members – and it’s inappropriate for her to share her personal viewpoints on the various aspects of education? Give us a break.

With respect to the Cunard family request, we believe it is wrong for any school district to prohibit a homeschooler from participating in extra-curricular activities or athletic programs; if that child is meeting the homeschooler criteria established by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association and New Jersey Department of Education.

The school districts that are of great quality are the ones who invite critics, skeptics, independent monitors of power, and supporters in for conversations. The school districts that are failures are the ones that view critics, skeptics, and independent monitors of power as enemies.

The Lenape Regional School District administrators and school board is failing the Cunard family, failing the Seneca Family, and failing you. Their inaction and ignorance is causing a child to be excommunicated from the tightly-knit Seneca family. Think about that for a second. It’s time for you to get involved and help turn this mess around.

Social Media Sound Off (Re: Two Wild Raccoons Test Positive For Rabies) This so saddens me. I hope folks don't get crazed at the site of wildlife. Be alert, not crazed.

Sharnee, Medford Lakes, New Jersey (Facebook) (Re: Two Wild Raccoons Test Positive For Rabies) Nice, had one on my deck a few nights ago in Shamong.

Noel, Shamong, New Jersey (Facebook) (Re: Pinelands Regional School District) $10 a month for our children's safety and healthy morale? A no brainer.

Debbie, New Jersey (Facebook) Please comment on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Twitter: @PineBarrensTribune with the hashtag #SoundOff or Facebook: www.facebook.com/pinebarrenstribune

Guest Commentary submitted to the Pine Barrens Tribune can be submitted by an appointed or elected official, political candidate, organization leader, or community leader.

Guest commentary submitted to the Pine Barrens Tribune must include the name, photo, address, affiliation, title, and phone number of the writer. Commentary may be edited for length, clarity, and taste. Because of space limitations, commentary should be about 450 words or less.

Letter To The Editor: I believe you owe our legislators an apology. Due to two overseas wars and the usual creep of inflation, every twenty dollar bill in 1990 is equal to fifty dollars in 2016. If the gas tax matched the rate of inflation, they should have raised the tax to 26.5 cents, which they did not do. They "buffered" it and then lowered the sales tax as a palliative. They also eliminated the estate tax.

Whatever happened to Horatio Alger and the myth that we could all pull ourselves up by our boot straps? Are we instead creating a class of oligarchs?

To have a good economy, you need to have a good, operational transportation infrastructure.

Gifford Pinchot made Pennsylvania a model of this when he proclaimed, "We must pull the farmer out of the mud, and give him serviceable roadways."

In America, we love to build. But we are frugal when it comes to maintenance. The Senators were loath to increase the tax. But what is our alternative?

John Pryor Shamong, NJ

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Scanner Man Sentenced To Six Years In Prison For Creating Child Pornography TRENTON–Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced that a man from Burlington County, N.J., was sentenced to state prison Friday (Oct. 21) for manipulating underage girls into engaging in sexual conduct on a webcam while he recorded them via the Internet. He convinced the young girls, whom he met through an anonymous chat service, to play a game he devised called “The Countdown,” which started as a question-and-answer game, but progressed to explicit commands for sexual conduct.

Daniel P. Caplan, 24, of Mt. Laurel, N.J., was sentenced to six years in state prison, including two years of parole ineligibility, by Superior Court Judge Jeanne T. Covert in Burlington County. He will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law and faces parole supervision for life. Under the plea agreement, the state recommended a sentence of eight years in prison, including three years of parole ineligibility, but the judge sentenced him to six years, with two years of parole ineligibility. Caplan pleaded guilty on April 22 to second-degree charges of manufacturing child pornography and distributing child pornography. He admitted that he created at least 20 videos of child pornography by manipulating girls under the age of 16 into engaging in sexual conduct on a webcam through his game “The Countdown.” He also admitted he distributed other files of child pornography by making them available in a shared folder of his computer for others to download using file-sharing software.

Deputy Attorney General Joseph Remy handled the sentencing for the Division of Criminal Justice.

Former Deputy Attorney General Anand Shah prosecuted Caplan and took the guilty plea. The case was investigated by the New Jersey State Police Digital Technology Investigations Unit.

“Caplan was every parent’s worst Internet nightmare,” said Porrino. “We’re devoting significant resources to patrolling the Internet and prosecuting these cases, so we can put these predators in prison, where they can no longer exploit children.”

“By repeatedly stalking young girls to satisfy his deviant impulses, Caplan revealed himself to be a dangerous predator,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “When he gets out after serving his prison term, he will continue to be monitored under parole supervision for life.”

“The only countdown game that Daniel Caplan will be playing now is the one where he is counting the number of years he has left on his prison sentence,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “I commend the State Police Digital Technology Investigations Unit and our partners, who work tirelessly on these dark investigations to ensure justice is served.”

Caplan was arrested on Aug. 7, 2013 by the New Jersey State Police and other members of the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. A detective in the State Police Digital Technology Investigations Unit initiated an investigation into peer-to-peer file sharing on a file-sharing network popular with offenders who trade child pornography. The detective identified a computer IP address that was offering multiple files of child pornography for any user to download using file-sharing software. The detective successfully downloaded eight videos of child pornography, including videos of adult males raping prepubescent girls.

The computer IP address was traced to Caplan’s residence in Mt. Laurel, where he was arrested. DTIU detectives, assisted by the State Police TEAMS Central Unit and other ICAC Task Force members, executed a search warrant at the home and seized computer equipment, including a laptop and a tower PC. The investigation revealed that Caplan used his laptop to record girls under the age of 16 who exposed themselves for him online after he met them through the anonymous online chat service and recruited them to play the game “The Countdown.” The girls were initially awarded points for answering innocent questions like “What is your favorite color?” which Caplan asked anonymously, using a “test box.” However, the questions progressed to explicit requests and commands that the underage girls expose themselves and touch themselves in certain ways.

The computer equipment was taken to the Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory in Hamilton for full forensic exams. Those exams revealed that more than 1,000 files of child pornography, mostly videos, had been downloaded and shared from Caplan’s shared folder. The exams also revealed 20 videos in which 26 different underage girls engaged in sexually explicit conduct in response to requests made by Caplan during the online game. Several of the 20 video files were compilations of “highlights” from other videos he had recorded. In pleading guilty, Caplan admitted manufacturing those 20 videos and distributing the eight videos of child pornography that were downloaded by State Police detectives After pleading guilty earlier this year, Caplan was arrested on May 12 by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office on charges of possession and distribution of child pornography, for allegedly engaging in the same type of conduct for which he previously was charged. Those charges are pending.

Porrino commended the detectives in the State Police Digital Technology Investigations Unit who conducted the investigation. He also commended the attorneys who handled the case for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Computer Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Michael A. Monahan, Deputy Bureau Chief Veronica Allende, and former Bureau Chief Kenneth Sharpe. Porrino thanked members of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.

Porrino and Honig urged anyone who suspects improper contact by persons communicating with children on the Internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children to contact the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Tipline at (888) 648-6007.

Fire Prevention Day at Bass River Elementary

PHOTO SUBMITTED Captain Jamie Smith, giving tours of the engine.

Lt. Jason Cowperthwaite demonstrating PPE.

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Asst. Chief Patrick Monaghan, giving talk about fire safety.

Saturday, October 29, 2016

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COMMUNITY

Events October 29 Location: Medford Event: Halloween Parade Details: The Medford Halloween Parade has been a continuous family-fun event since 1946. Come see marching bands, floats, costumed marchers, and more! The parade starts at 7:30 p.m.

Location: Vincentown Event: Stitchin’ with Sally Details: Needle crafters of all types welcome. 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Library, 94 Main Street, Vincentown. Call 609-859-3598 for more information.

Location: Browns Mills Event: Special Halloween Craft Time & Trick or Treating, 11 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Details: Visit Historic Whitesbog Village and stop in at the General Store for a special “Make and Take” craft on the porch. No reservations required.

Location: Vincentown Event: Vincent Fire Company Bingo Night Details: Vincent Fire Company Bingo Night, 16 Race St., Vincentown. Doors open at 6 p.m. Games start at 7 p.m. The night will include cash prize bingo, 50/50 raffle, and door prizes! Refreshments will be available for purchase – bottled water, sodas, coffee/tea, hot dogs, popcorn and pretzels.

Limited seating! All proceeds will go to the Vincent Fire Company #1. This is an adult event, age 18 and over – no exceptions. Visit: https://www.facebook.com/ VincentFireCompany for more details.

October 30 Location: Browns Mills Event: Blueberry Music Jam, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Details: Calling all music lovers and musicians! Come to historic Whitesbog Village and join the music for an open jam session. All acoustic musicians are welcome from every music genre. Join experienced musicians for an open music jam on the porch of the General Store. FREE activity.

November 2 Location: Medford Event: Berry Basket Quilters Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Details: This month, the Berry Basket Quilters meeting will feature a quilt revival of the 1930’s. The lecture and trunk show of quilts from 1920 – 1950 will focus on the Feedsack Era. All are welcome. 7:30 p.m. at the Medford Leas Community Center, 1 Medford Leas Way. Location: Medford Event: Medford Sunrise Rotary meeting, 7:15 a.m.

Details: The Medford Sunrise Rotary meets every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m., at the Medford Pop Shop.

November 4

November 5 Location: Mt. Holly Event: Craft Fair Details: Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church is hosting a craft fair, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 121 High St, Mt. Holly.

November 9 Location: Medford Event: Medford Sunrise Rotary meeting, 7:15 a.m.

Details: The Medford Sunrise Rotary meets every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m., at the Medford Pop Shop.

November 10

Location: Vincentown Event: Vincentown Garden Club Meeting, 7 p.m.

Details: Vincentown Garden Club meeting will be held at the Library, 94 Main Street, Vincentown, New members welcome.

Location: Medford Event: Woman’s Club of Medford Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Details: The WCOM will be hosting their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 7:30, at the Medford Memorial Community Center, 21 S. Main St. The group will be assembling Caring Bags for the homeless. Please see our website for more information, www.medfordwomansclub.com. Interested women of all ages are welcome to attend. No need to register before the meeting.

Club members provide refreshments.

November 3

November 12

Location: Westhampton Event: Friends of the Library Used Book/Media Sale Details: Last chance this year to shop for bargains at the Burlington County Library. Fall is a great time to stock up on books to read this winter and the Friends of Burlington County Library are ready to help with another gently-used book and media sale scheduled for November 3 – 6. There will be more than 7,500 books for sale and will cost just .50 cents to $1 each. Look for a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction titles, children’s books, and books about cooking, business, hobbies, crafts, biographies, music, self-help, art, travel, history, religion, science, math and more. There will also be seven carts of specially priced coffee table, art and other over-sized books, as well as puzzles. Westhampton Library, 5 Pioneer Boulevard, (609) 267-9660 Thursday, Nov. 3, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 6, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: LeisureTowne, Southampton Event: 2nd Annual Craft Fair, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Details: Assorted homemade crafts by the many talented residents here at LeisureTowne. A great way to do your holiday shopping with something made from the heart. The craft show will be held in Laurel Hall on Huntington Drive.

Admission is Free.

Location: Vincentown Event: Christmas in November Bazaar Details: Christmas in November Bazaar benefits the Southampton Historical Society. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Vincent Fire House, 16 Race Street. Crafts, gifts, door prize, baked goods, Chinese auction, and more. Lunch available: homemade chili, hot dogs, meatball sandwiches and drinks.

For more information, call (609) 859-0524.

November 15 Location: Medford Event: Ninth Annual Poetry Contest Details: The Medford Arts Center (the MAC) invites poets in Burlington County to participate in their annual juried poetry contest. Selected poets will be recognized Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. For contest rules and submission forms, go to www.medfordartscenter.org, or go to the MAC, 18 N. Main St, Medford, weekends only. All entries must be received no later than Nov. 15. There is no fee for entry. Maximum 3 poems per entrant.

November 16 Location: Medford Event: Medford Sunrise Rotary meeting, 7:15 a.m.

Details: The Medford Sunrise Rotary meets every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m., at the Medford Pop Shop.

Location: Vincentown Event: Let’s Create Art With Fabric Details: Local artist, Margarete Naperski, will facilitate this creative event. The cost is $10 per person for adults and children 14 years and older. All supplies are included for you to create a wonderful piece of art to take home with you.

Learn to use fabrics and colors to express your creativity. 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Olde Town Hall, 25 Plum St., Vincentown. Pre-registration is required. Call 609-859-0607 or email: dfascenda@comcast.net

November 19 Location: Browns Mills Event: St. Ann’s Christmas Bazaar Details: St. Ann’s Church, located at 22 Trenton Road, Browns Mills, is hosting their Annual Christmas Bazaar. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (To reserve a vendor space; call Dottsie 609893-8118, before November 11, $20.00 per table for this 2 day event.)

November 20 Location: Browns Mills Event: St. Ann’s Christmas Bazaar Details: St. Ann’s Church, located at 22 Trenton Road, Browns Mills, NJ, is hosting their Annual Christmas Bazaar.

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

November 26 Location: Medford Event: Gingerbread Village Display Contest Details: This family fun contest is hosted by the Women’s Club of Medford. Displays must be made of nonedible materials and measure no larger than 5’x5’x5’.

Winners will be announced at noon in the Gazebo. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups /MedfordNJGingerbreadVillage/ Registration will be at 9 a.m. at the Gazebo, $20.

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MOVEMENT FROM PAGE 1 said. “Now that you won’t let me play at the high school, I feel like I have been excommunicated from this family. It’s not a good feeling.”

While not ideal, a determined Cunard took advantage of an age-eligibility rule in the Seneca Youth football program bylaws which permitted him to play football for one more season on the junior high team. However, with the youth football season ending, Cunard is trying to secure a spot on the high-school level sports team in 2017.

“I have been good enough to proudly wear Seneca jerseys for a decade of football seasons, good enough to sweat, bleed, and cry with the word Seneca on my back,” Cunard said. “Why am I not good enough now?”

Despite Cunard being a grade level above the others who make up the 2016 junior high football team, his present teammates have embraced him and strongly support his stance. At 7:53 p.m., moments before Cunard spoke to the board, more than 15 junior high football players along with some of their parents and coaches filed into the board meeting room in a show of solidarity. Some members of the administration and school board looked at each other in disbelief as the team filed into the meeting room.

At one point during his remarks, Cunard asked anyone in support of his cause to stand up. Most of the audience members, including his teammates, did stand up. The school board members and administration did not. Notably, Seneca High School Principal Jeffrey Spector and Seneca Assistant Athletic Director Brad Bauer, both present at the meeting, did not stand.

Cunard also spoke about how the AntiDefamation League designated the Lenape Regional High School District as a “No Place for Hate” and how the current policy contradicts the pledge. “You always stress community, tolerance, diversity, mutual respect, and being inclusive,” Cunard said.

“Are you practicing what you preach?”

Adam’s mother, Marni Cunard, also spoke.

She took the opportunity to not only advocate for homeschoolers, but to also voice her displeasure with the lack of dialogue between the public and board members.

“Tonight, we are asking you to reconsider this issue and that you would change this policy so that students in this district who are homeschooled can participate in district athletics, clubs, and activities,” she said. “We also turned in 25 letters from the community supporting a change in your policy. We did not receive a written response. However, we received a phone call from Dr. Carol Birnbohn, superintentent of schools, stating that you were not willing to change board policy #2360. Tonight, we are asking you to reconsider this issue, and that you would change this policy so that students in this district who are homeschooled can participate in district athletics, clubs, and activities.”

After the meeting, she described several communication challenges with the school board.

She said that she was unable to directly contact each individual board member and was told that any communication had to go through the board office.

In addition, she expressed her frustration with how there was no dialogue between her, her family, and the board at both the April and October meetings.

Cunard decided to mail each board member a letter marked 'private and confidential’ just hours before the meeting was set to begin.

The Pine Barrens Tribune obtained copies of the board’s regular and executive session meeting

PHOTO SUBMITTED Cunard took advantage of an age eligibility rule in the Seneca Youth Football program bylaws which permitted him to play for one more season on the junior high team. minutes through an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request. The minutes reveal that the full board completely ignored the Cunards' request. Nowhere in the minutes is it noted that the full board legally discussed the matter.

In addition, the Pine Barrens Tribune discovered the existence of e-mail addresses for each board member through an OPRA request. The e-mail addresses appear to be setup in such a way as to prevent the public from guessing the contact information for their elected representatives. The e-mail addresses for the school board are also not published online. District staff e-mail addresses present like this: jdoe@lrhsd.org. However, the board member addresses contain extra characters and are of a different format and present like this: Jane.Doe.BOE@lrhsd.org.

Lenape Regional High School District Spokeswoman Elaine Kurtz was asked if the full board discussed the matter and why the email addresses were not posted for members of the public. Kurtz promised three times to answer these questions over the course of six days. However, Kurtz still did not provide a response as of press time.

After the Cunards and their supporters concluded their remarks, the privilege of the floor portion of the meeting was closed.

Birnbohm then proceeded to hastily read through a prepared statement. Following Birnbohm’s remarks, the Cunards and their supporters joined with the family to go outdoors to speak to the press.

Laura Bishop, who was hired on July 20th to manage public relations for the school district, introduced herself to members of the media and distributed a press release concerning the District’s position on the homeschooling policy. The sentences in the release were identical to what Birnbohm had read aloud.

“This policy is not intended to be, nor is it discriminatory in any fashion; in fact, it

‘levels the playing field’ by ensuring that all participants in curricular, extra-curricular and athletics programs meet the same rigorous requirements and preconditions for eligibility,” the release read.

Scott A. Woodruff, Senior Counsel to the Homeschool Legal Defense League Association, believed that the District’s policy doesn’t level the playing field.

“You don’t level the playing field by locking someone else out of the playing field,” Woodruff said.

The LRHSD is a member of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) and the organization has developed homeschooler guidelines for member schools. The guidelines were distributed to member schools via a memorandum on Nov. 15, 2011. The seven guidelines are now also part of the NJSIAA bylaws. Homeschooler guideline categories include approval by the local board of education, residency, notice and request to the principal, compliance with local requirements, demonstration of equivalent education, and certification of academic eligibility.

“The purpose of these homeschooler guidelines is to ensure that homeschooled students participate on the same level playing field as other student-athletes,” wrote Steven J. Timko, Executive Director of the NJSIAA. Larry White, Assistant Director of the NJSIAA, said earlier this week that the homeschooler guidelines were created after the organization realized that they were not compliant with a state law passed in 1999.

The law permits local districts to allow homeschool students to compete in interscholastic sports.

“We recognized that we weren’t compliant with the law,” White said. “This association did not make that about-face until five years ago.” White also said that the

NJSIAA does not require schools to report whether they allow homeschoolers to participate in their athletic programs. He also has not heard of any problems related to homeschooler participation in interscholastic sports. However, he did stress that the NJSIAA does not take a stance on the issue and that participation in interscholastic is contingent on local school board approval.

The Pine Barrens Tribune followed up with Birnbohm after the board meeting via e-mail.

Birnbohm replied that she believed that the curricular activities part of the policy was being overlooked.

“I would like to reinforce that the policy applies to curricular activities as well as extracurricular activities and sports,” Birnbohm wrote. “The emphasis has been too heavily toward extracurricular and sports. We do not want to overlook that the district is responsible for the entire educational experience of its students.”

Woodruff was quick to point out that homeschool access to curricular activities wasn’t as important as the access to extracurricular activities and sports.

“Homeschool parents feel confident in providing a curricular program,” Woodruff said. “However, for them to independently arrange equipment, facilities, and a sufficient number of youngsters of the same age to organize a sports team is difficult.”

In the press release, the District says that the programs homeschooled students follow are individualized programs and are not under the LRHSD Board of Education’s purview or supervision, nor should they be.

“LRHSD personnel have no means of monitoring eligibility preconditions and requirements, or to confirm that all the strictures mandated of LRHSD enrolled students, are met by homeschooled students,” the release said. “It would be unfeasible for LRHSD to attempt to ensure the consistency

MOVEMENT>>>PAGE 15

Saturday, October 29, 2016

By Ebba Liguori

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Pemberton Seniors See Jimmy Sturr at Mount Airy Casino

For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON–On Tuesday, Oct. 18, 55 seniors headed out of town on a beautiful warm sunny day with Sam Calabrese at the wheel of Safety Bus # 147. This is the first time Calabrese has driven for the seniors, but he proved to be a competent and safe driver, taking extra care to assist the seniors in every way possible. The foliage was very colorful with lots of changing leaves ranging from yellows to oranges and even bright reds. Soon the bus was at the Mount Airy Casino and seniors were heading inside to get good seats for the Jimmy Sturr Show.

Jimmy Sturr and his orchestra are noted for their Polka’s and other singable and danceable music. The show lasted more than an hour and was filled with energy.

There were many musicians, all talented with many years of experience. Instruments included alto, tenor, soprano sax, clarinet, flute, piccolo, trumpet, bass guitar, keyboard, violin, accordion, and of course drums. Each song featured different musical styles, many as reflections from the bigband era. One could close their eyes and just imagine a famous orchestra or musician from the past, such as Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa, Myron Florin and Lawrence Welk. The Jimmy Sturr Orchestra has received many awards, nominations, and Grammies and is well known in entertainment circles. The show included a few jokes and some guest stars as part of the entertainment. It certainly was a great event and the seniors enjoyed the day.

Following the show, all rushed to the fabulous buffet restaurant. It is hard to describe all the choices and variety available, and no one went hungry. For starters, there were ice cold cocktail shrimps complete with side sauces and sliced lemon.

Four kinds of delicious soups were available with rolls and crackers on the side. One section had premade salads of several types along with a salad bar with multiple choices of greenery, veggies, and dressings. Then there was a complete taco bar with all the fixings. If one still had room left, the choice of entrees was extensive. Sliced turkey, sliced ham, fried chicken, broiled cod, BBQ ribs, chicken parm, stuffed cabbage, to only name a few choices. Plus there were side dishes like carrots, string bean, mashed potatoes, fried rice, macaroni, and much more. There was an Italian section with pizza and other treats. The desserts were delicious. Choices included various cheesecakes, fancy cream cakes, Jello, and pudding, plus fruits and ice cream with

several different toppings.

Of course, there was a casino bonus of $20 loaded onto a player’s card. Many seniors only play that amount of money, but others save up their extra pennies and try their luck on the games. Many seniors were winners with a few doing very well. The trip home was uneventful and little traffic was encountered. Calabrese brought the seniors safely to Browns Mills and everyone scattered for home. The weather remained warm and pleasant, the end of a perfect day. The seniors will return to the Mount Airy Casino on Feb. 28, when the feature show will be "Ring of Fire," the Johnny Cash Tribute Show. The day will include the full buffet lunch and a coin return.

Tickets will be on sale after Christmas. This trip was a sell-out, so if you are interested in the February trip, be sure to stop in before mid-January to assure your space.

The Pemberton Township Senior Council will sponsor at least 18 trips during 2017, two holiday dinners, a Senior Prom, and several events to be held at the senior center. There is no charge to stop in and register for programs.

The Senior Gazette is given out at the first of each month and contains information on the many activities, programs and trips offered.

The programs are also listed on the Pemberton Township Website under “Senior Services.” A daily lunch program is available through the cooperation of the Burlington County and the Township. Nominal fees are charged for meals and most trips, but every effort is made to keep events affordable.

The next scheduled trip is to the American Music Theatre is on November 8 to see “Winter Wonderland”, their musical holiday show. The seniors will leave the Acme Shopping center at about 9 a.m. and head for Lancaster. The first stop will be at Shady Maple Smorgasbord and a fabulous meal. This place has so many choices, actually more than 100 choices so no one leaves hungry.

Following the meal, there will be time to visit the nearby Farmer’s Market and to do some shopping.

This market is similar to a Supermarket, but has so many choices available. If one plans to shop for perishables, please remember to bring a small cooler and ice pack. The fresh produce is super and priced very well.

On the lower level of the restaurant, there is a gift shop with almost anything you can imagine for sale. With Christmas and the holidays coming, this is the perfect opportunity for picking up unusual gifts or “stocking stuffers.” This trip will include two buses and both will be full. There is a wait list available in case of last-minute cancellations. The next

trip to the Music Theatre will be in May, when the group will see “Las Vegas.”

Special thanks to the Education Association, PTEA, for helping out with the recent International Festival.

PTEA President Kathy Vogel was one of the servers, along with two Board of Education members, Sandy Glawson and Terry Maldonado. School Business Administrator Pat Austin was also there to assist in

serving. Of course, Mayor Dave Patriarca was there with his homemade lasagna to add to the festivities.

These township officials are always ready to help the seniors. If any of these activities sound interesting to you and you are a Pemberton senior, stop in and get to know the folks.

You will find many interesting people with many things to share.

Stop in at the center located across from the Browns Mills Post Office.

PINE KNOTS COLUMN BMIA holds annual “Berry Bake-Off” and Board of Education Forum.

By Ebba Liguori For the Pine Barrens Tribune

PEMBERTON–On Sunday, Oct. 22, members of the BMIA gathered for what has become an annual tradition. With cranberry harvest in full swing, plus easy access to stored blueberries from the freezer, members brought their finest creations for the Berry Bake-Off. Chef Rudy Zotter, Mr. Z., was present with his usual big smile.

Mr. Z. teaches Culinary Arts at both the high school and RCBC so he is well qualified to judge all the entries. He is loved by all his students and after just a few minutes with him, it is obvious why he is so well liked. Soon Mr. Z. was sampling all the creations and preparing his critiques. It would not be long before the winners would be announced. This was a “blind judging” as all the entries were listed only by a number and the creator was anonymous.

Mr Z carefully sampled each of the creations, licked his lips lustily and began his decision making. Following the Board of Education Candidates Forum, Mr. Z was introduced and the winners were announced. First Prize was won by Ede Poinsett for her “Cranberry Coconut Custard Pie”. Poinsett has won this contest a few times in the past and everyone agrees she is a great cook. In addition, she raises some of these local berries and sells the raw berries at her local beauty salon. She is indeed a “Jill of all Trades”, and even the Master of Many! Second Prize was won by Ruth Adrian for her “Blueberry Buckle”. This is her favorite recipe and she often brings it to local events.

Third Prize was won by George Terry Patton with his “blueberry/cranberry pie”, truly a delicious creation. Patton was the only male entrant, but proved that men can also be good cooks. The first runner up was Sherry Scull with her “White Chocolate Cranberry Bread Pudding”, another tasty treat that the audience members were delighted to finish up. Luckily, Mr. Z only “tasted” each entry. Second runner up was Adrienne Leonard and her “Chocolate Cranberry Cake”.

She always favors chocolate and was able to showcase both chocolate and cranberries in this tasty dish.

As the Candidates Forum was completed, audience members rushed forward to get their own samples of each dessert. Mr. Z may have gotten the first bites, but definitely not the last ones!

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, residents are reminded that the high school bakery, under Mr. Z’s direction, will be baking fresh fruit and pumpkin pies for the holidays. These will be priced below the commercial market value as purchasers will only pay for the ingredients. One may go to the Pemberton Township School website, click on the high school page, and check out the “Academic” listings. Scroll down to the “Bakery Department” and one should be at the newly developed site of the bakery. Mr. Z has recently reconstructed this site with the latest information.

One can view the various choices and costs, then order some tasty treats for the holidays. The ordering deadline for Thanksgiving delivery is Nov. 10th. Pick up will be at the high school on Arney’s Mt Road. The bakery’s phone number is (609) 893-8141, extension 2091. Once you have tried the Culinary Arts products, you will become a fan forever. Mr. Z’s students make all the desserts for the annual “Senior Prom.”

This is the first place locals turn to when needing desserts for an event.

There was ample time to sample all of the desserts and ask more specific questions of each candidate. We have a good group of residents running to serve on the Pemberton Board of Education. Next month, the BMIA will host the Superintendent of Schools, Tony Trongone, at the Nov. 20th meeting. Please note that because of the Thanksgiving holiday the meeting will be held on the third Sunday.

This is an important meeting as Trongone will report on the “State of the Schools”.

Annually, the Superintendent gives this report to the residents at the BMIA meeting.

Because the schools impact all our lives and especially our children’s lives, this informative meeting should interest all residents. The meeting is open to the general public and all are encouraged to attend. There will be refreshments available and time to personally interact with Trongone.

The Browns Mills Improvement Association, known as the BMIA, is the oldest local civic organization in Pemberton Township. Meetings are held on the fourth Sunday monthly, September through June, at 2 pm at the BMIA Building on Arbutus Street, near the Mirror Lake Beach. The building is handicapped accessible and there is ample parking. Annual dues are only $15 per family.

Checks may be sent to: BMIA, PO Box 395, Browns Mills, NJ 08015. Residents are encouraged to join the BMIA and support community efforts to improve our township.

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PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY Advanced Manufacturing Center Located at the Burlington Institute of Technology Opens For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MOUNT HOLLY–Burlington County Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio officially opened a new Advanced Manufacturing Center located at the Burlington Institute of Technology in partnership with Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) that will become the region’s premier educational center.

RCBC, in partnership with Rowan University, recently earned a $770,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop the region’s premier advanced manufacturing educational center.

“This Advanced Manufacturing Center puts Burlington County at the forefront in providing skilled workers to fill the many high-paying advanced manufacturing positions that are available today in this sector,” said Garganio. “This is also a message to businesses that through our Workforce Development Institute, we can work together to create solutions to keep your business in Burlington County and drive growth throughout the region.”

The training, which also includes the Burlington County Institute of Technology (BCIT) and the college’s Workforce Development Institute as partners, will be driven by the needs of local advanced manufacturing employers.

In addition, the new associate degree program will provide a key link between the BCIT’s innovative Advanced Manufacturing program at the Medford campus, where students will have access to both the NIMS (National Institute of Metalworking Skills) Level I & II credential assessments and Rowan University’s renowned engineering programs. Next fall, RCBC will offer Mechanical Engineering with a certificate in advanced manufacturing on the Mt. Laurel campus.

“All the stars have aligned to transform Burlington County into the premier advanced manufacturing center in our region,” said RCBC President Paul Drayton . “Advanced manufacturing provides some of the higher salaries in the workforce and we will provide

all the tools needed for residents to enter, advance and flourish in this growing industry from high school through associate and bachelor’s degrees.”

Rowan University’s Mechanical Engineering program will be heavily involved in implementing the program in coordination with industry leaders.

“This is a perfect example of how our partnership can fuel innovation and drive the regional economy,” said Rowan University President Dr. Ali Houshmand. “Advanced manufacturing is a critical piece to the state’s economic future and we will provide the best training programs possible for this growing field.”

Advanced manufacturing training has already begun at BCIT. Thirty-three students have engaged in the exploration of the fouryear program in Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication. Additionally, the college’s Workforce Development Institute is partnering with BCIT’s Adult Education Division for adults who are interested in entering this field. The initial six-week training program will begin in January 2017.

“Advanced manufacturing is one of the seven talent networks identified by the Department of Labor as in-demand industries in New Jersey and grows more important every day as technology advances,” according to BCIT Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Christopher Nagy. He further stated that, “We’re proud to be at the forefront of what will surely become the region’s premier advanced manufacturing training center.”

The grant also provides funding for improvements to the college’s Electronic Engineering Technology program. The National Science Foundation previously awarded the college a grant in 2007 that focuses on this area and RCBC and BCIT recently partnered on a program that provides high-school students the opportunity to earn 30 credits toward an Electronic Engineering Technology degree before college.“We are proud that the National Science Foundation recognizes the quality of work and our ability to create programs that can be replicated throughout the country,” said RCBC Senior

Vice President and Provost Dr. David Spang, who wrote the grant and will lead its implementation. “With the assistance of our many talented partners, Rowan College at

Burlington County is committed to fulfilling the vision of this grant, which is to create programs that benefit students and meet the needs of employers in a growing sector.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio officially opens premier advanced manufacturing training center created by a partnership with RCBC, BCIT and Rowan Universit.y

Rowan College at Burlington County Offers Assistance to Former ITT Students For the Pine Barrens Tribune

MOUNT LAUREL – Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) is offering personalized assistance and waiving late registration fees to help students affected by the closing of the ITT Technical Institute.

“Our hearts go out to these students who find themselves in a very difficult situation at the beginning of the school year,” RCBC President Paul Drayton said. “There is still time for students to transfer to Rowan College at Burlington County this semester and we are ready to make the transition as quick and easy as possible.”

Former ITT students who want to continue their education may contact Admissions Counselor Jeannine Baumgartner at jbaumgartner@rcbc.edu or 856-242-5201.

Late registration fees will be waived for students transferring from ITT and students can complete their enrollment process in time to take advantage of RCBC’s seven-week and 10-week terms starting later this fall.

“We will evaluate each student’s financial and academic situation and work with them toward the best possible solution,” Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success Mike Cioce said. “We understand the predicament students are in and are here to help.”

The for-profit ITT, which operated more than 130 schools including one in Marlton, suddenly closed in September after the U.S. Department of Education barred it from receiving federal financial aid.

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Saturday, October 29, 2016

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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 .

Pregnant Women Encouraged To Receive Flu Vaccine

By Sue Hubbard, M.D.

Amazing Health Benefits of Butternut Squash Autumn is stunning here in Colorado and I wait for the leaves on the trees to begin to glow orange and yellow. I love how the temperature drops, and I get to dust off my beloved boots.

There’s a pumpkin patch near my house that begins to boast its harvest with pretty little pumpkins for miles. I love looking at those pumpkins, but I confess I haven’t found my ‘pumpkin gene’ yet. They’re just okay, I don’t crave them. The gourd I long for is Butternut squash!

Butternut squash has a lot of beta carotene which your body automatically converts to vitamin A, unless you have a variant (expressing genetic SNP) in their BCMO1 gene. In that case, you can’t convert the beta carotene to Vitamin A very well, so supplementation with retinol would be helpful or you become deficient in vitamin A. The health perks of eating butternut are just crazy amazing. Today, I’ll focus on beta cryptoxanthin, this is a powerful carotenoid (similar to beta carotene) and it protects DNA. So much so, that studies suggest it can help with cancer, especially lung cancer.

Researchers in Philadelphia just published results from an animal study stating beta cryptoxanthin can “be used as a chemopreventive agent or a chemotherapeutic compound against lung cancer.” It works by flipping a switch on the genes in your body that keep cancer from spreading. As for inflammation, cryptoxanthin compound has the ability to reduce development of rheumatoid arthritis according to a University of Manchester study.

A three and a half ounce serving (100 grams) of cooked butternut squash contains about 3,120 mcg of beta cryptoxanthin,

whereas a bowl of boiled carrots contains only 199 mcg.

As for butternut squash, the only thing you have to throw out is the skin. You can actually roast the seeds with olive oil, salt and pepper.

These little guys are rich in tryptophan which converts to the happy neurotransmitter serotonin, and subsequently into sleepy melatonin. Here is one recipe from my newest eBook called “Eat for the Seasons: 21 Delicious Fall Recipes.” Download your free copy from suzycohen.com.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SAVORY SALAD Ingredients – 2 tablespoons butter – 2 cups butternut squash, cubed – Salt and pepper – 2 teaspoons coconut or brown sugar – ½ cup almond slivers – ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice – 6 cups mixed lettuce greens – 1 avocado, sliced – 1 small cucumber, sliced thinly – ¼ cup pomegranate seeds Directions Melt butter in a skillet and cook the butternut squash with salt and pepper (as desired) and sugar (to caramelize it.) Cook until golden or lightly brown and tender. Toast the almond slivers in another saucepan along with the pumpkin-pie spice, keep tossing them until they are toasted, it took about 5 minutes for me. Toss the salad greens along with the cooked butternut squash, cucumber, and pomegranate seeds. Then top with avocado slices, cucumber and toasted almonds. I make my own dressing at home by combining EVOO and pomegranate vinegar.

Pomegranates are natural beta blockers and help reduce blood pressure.

This information is not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose your condition. For more information, please visit www.SuzyCohen.com. © 2016 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

PHOTO FOR THE PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE When a pregnant woman receives her flu vaccine, she is not only protecting herself but also her baby.

I just had my flu vaccine! Guess what - my arm didn't even hurt this year. I have also been reminding all of the pregnant mothers that I see to get their flu vaccines. The current recommendation is that pregnant women receive influenza vaccine as soon as possible beginning after their 28th week of pregnancy (third trimester).

When a pregnant woman receives her flu vaccine, she is not only protecting herself but also her baby. Infants cannot receive a flu vaccine until they are 6 months old; and for babies born during the fall and winter season, that means they will not be vaccinated until the following year. But when a mother has received a flu vaccine the infant is also getting protection via antibody that the mother passes to her baby across the placenta.

In a 2014 study, the authors reported that "immunization of pregnant women with trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV3) was safe, immunogenic, and partially protected the women with a vaccine efficacy of 50 percent and their infants with a vaccine efficacy of 49 percent against laboratory-confirmed influenza illness during a six-month follow-up post-delivery." In other words, the infants in the study had just as much protection as the mother.

In a more recent study, the authors now looked at how long the immunity lasted in the infants born to the flu vaccinated mothers.

Surprisingly, the immunity was not as long lived as had been thought. The infants involved in the study were born an average of 81 days after their mothers were vaccinated with flu vaccine, and were monitored for influenza infection for about 172 days after birth.

Infants born to mothers who had a longer interval between vaccination and delivery had higher antibody titers. The infants' antibody levels did drop off after birth, and by 8 weeks of age the babies did not have significant antibody. Ideally, in order for babies to have better protection a mother would be vaccinated even earlier in her pregnancy, and studies are being done to look at this possibility.

Infants are especially susceptible to influenza and have a higher rate of complications as well as hospitalizations.

While the current recommendations for vaccinating pregnant women may not confer as much immunity to the newborn as was previously thought, there is very high protection for the first eight weeks after birth.

Any protection is preferable to none!

Get your flu vaccine; and if you are pregnant ask your doctor to give it to you as soon as you are in your 28th week. The longer the baby is getting placental antibody, the better!

© 2016, KIDSDR.COM

Saturday, October 29, 2016

MEETING FROM PAGE 1 yellow. Members of the media who were in attendance never received a copy of the bylaws from district officials in advance of the meeting.

Members of the media were also never advised of the bylaws through interactions with district officials. The sheet of paper does not mention when these bylaws were voted on or when they took effect. The sheet does indicate that the bylaws were implemented by members of the school board. The policies were also not posted on the district’s website prior to the beginning of the meeting.

The unadvertised bylaws prevented unsuspecting members of the media from recording the meeting since the rules called for a three day notice to be provided to James H. Hager, Secretary of the Board of Education.

“The Board will permit the use of audio tape recorder(s), still or movie camera(s), or videotape camera(s) only when notice of such intended use has been given to the Board Secretary three days in advance of the meeting," read the policy. "No more than three camera(s) may be in use at any time, and any camera must be operated in an inconspicuous location in the meeting room. The presiding officer shall determine when any recording device interferes with the conduct of a Board meeting and may order that an interfering device be removed.”

New Jersey law does allow sound and video recording devices in public meetings subject to reasonable restrictions, such as advance notice.

Americans also enjoy freedom of the press under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

“The Open Public Meetings Act does not address the issue of tape recording, either audio or video,” according to the New Jersey Press Association website. “The Court has, however, determined that recording is permissible so long as it does not disrupt the meeting.”

In addition, the media bylaws presented on Wednesday night make mention that the school board can inspect and copy any recording that is made if it is made available to others.

“Any recording of a Board meeting that is made available to persons other than the maker of the recording and is set forth as a true and accurate record of that meeting must be open to inspection by the Board and may be copied by this Board at the Board’s expense,” the bylaws read.

The Burlington County Times photographer choose to ignore the school district employee’s directive and exercised his right to photograph a public meeting. John Donaldson, Director of Media and Communications for the Lenape Regional High School District, walked up to the photographer and stopped him from shooting

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM PAGE 15 additional photographs. up until a half hour before the board adequate notice is not provided to a Burlington County Times staff writer meetings are set to begin. Under the requestor.

KellyKultys and yours truly spoke during the Sunshine Law, the contents of a government privilege of the floor portion of the meeting to meeting can be invalidated by a court if ensure that there would be a public record of what took place. Kultys spoke up first, followed by yours truly. Birnbohm, superintendent of the district, was visibly agitated by the comments.

Board members and other district officials sat in silence and did not express any emotion.

Following the conclusion of the privilege of the floor, Birnbohm addressed the media’s concerns. Birnbohm suggested that members of the media were permitted to record Wednesday Night’s meeting all along. The board resumed their normal business while most of those in attendance left to go outside. Members of the media also went outside to conduct interviews with the family and their supporters.

While conducting interviews, Laura Bishop of Laura Bishop Communications LLC, who represents the Lenape Regional High School District, introduced herself to members of the media and distributed a press release concerning the school board’s position on the homeschooling policy. When asked about her relationship with the Lenape Regional High School District, Bishop explained that the board hired her firm to manage public relations.

Later in the evening, Bishop e-mailed a statement to the Pine Barrens Tribune concerning the events that transpired at the meeting.

“There was a misunderstanding about photography," Bishop said. "The district does permit photography during board meetings, just not recordings."

PHOTO SUBMITTED Bishop’s statement contradicted the media bylaws that were presented to the press on Officials placed handouts next the meeting agendas which described media bylaws. At Wednesday and the state law. the top of the handout, “Attention Media” was highlighted in yellow.

The meeting room sound system was also not turned on during the entire length of the meeting.

It was not clear as to why the sound system was already paying the salaries of those public FROM PAGE 10 not running. Many in attendance had trouble school staff members and it is certainly of class participation, projects, reasonable for them to ask that the staff hearing what was being said by the school board.

The Pine Barrens Tribune filed an Open presentations, test taking, discipline, and spend a few minutes on administrative Public Records Act request to obtain the audio attendance for every homeschooled student issues involving homeschoolers playing recording of the meeting. The Lenape District in the region who may wish to participate in sports,” Woodruff said.

Television station was filming the meeting and extra-curricular activities and sports.”

Birnbohm, the leader of education for Woodruff questioned whether the LRHSD approximately 6,800 students in grades 9had their own video and audio equipment in is accepting homeschooler parents and 12 and more than 1,100 employees at five place.

In addition, the newspaper filed an Open students as genuinely honest. He also high schools; was asked by our newspaper Public Meetings Act request in September with pointed out that public schools rely on the last week if she believed homeschooled the district. Under the Sunshine Law, a public honesty of parents every day when children should be allowed to participate in body must provide 48 hours meeting notice to the homework assignments are submitted to extra-curricular activities, including sports, requestor along with a copy of the meeting teachers. and if she believed in parents “Trust is implicit in every system where homeschooling a child(ren). agenda, to the best extent known.

The Open Public Meetings Act request was you want a reasonable level of freedom,” “Please know that as the superintendent, never fulfilled by the district. An administrative Woodruff said. “They have the opportunity sharing my personal views is assistant told the Pine Barrens Tribune in to rely on the parents’ word.” inappropriate,” Birnbohm said.

Woodruff added that if school officials September that the district doesn’t have to In the meantime, Marni Cunard plans provide notice or an agenda in advance and that don’t trust homeschoolers or their parents, to continue to advocate for all officials commonly make changes to the agenda policies and procedures can easily be put homeschoolers in the LRHSD while her into place that require homeschool athletes husband, Andy, continues to teach at to submit their books, essays, and tests.

Seneca High School.

“If they don’t trust the parents, they can “If I have to go to the next meeting and evaluate tests,” Woodruff said. “They can speak again, I will,” Marni Cunard said. require homeschool athletes to bring in “We have no malice toward Seneca, the essays and tests.” Woodruff believed that district, etc. Andy loves teaching there, and there would be no additional burden placed just wishes his son could play football on the school system given the small there too. We don't have any ulterior goals. number of homeschoolers in the LRHSD We just continue to hope and pray that at and the fact that tax dollars are still being some point the District will change this received whether a student chooses to attend one policy so that homeschoolers in our a public high school or not. community have more opportunities for “Homeschooler moms and dads are participation and enrichment.”

MOVEMENT

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM PAGE 16

Saturday, October 29, 2016

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

FUN AND GAMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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?"

In Trouble With The Password Police

Across 1 "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening" rhyme scheme 5 Govt. org. with a "Safety Compass" blog 9 Under-the-tree pile 14 Silly smile, maybe 15 Snack with a white center 16 Garnish 17 "Gotcha!"

19 Brawl 20 Menlo Park initials 21 Those, in Oaxaca 22 __ mater 23 Gear on a tour bus 24 "Gotcha!"

28 They blow off steam 30 Bugged by a bug 31 Like a twisted remark 32 Within: Pref.

33 Hive-dwelling 35 "Gotcha!"

41 College declaration 42 Feminizing finish 44 Icarus, to Daedalus 47 Snooze 48 Add to a scrapbook, say 51 Significance of this puzzle's circled letters (gotcha again!)

54 Map rtes.

55 Drop-off point 56 Charlie's fourth wife 57 201, on a monument 58 Carillon sounds 60 Today's "Gotcha!"

62 Cookout spot 63 Willing 64 "A __ for Emily": Faulkner short story 65 Not in a slump?

66 "Iliad" deity 67 Stops equivocating

Down 1 Stir up 2 Military equipment 3 Designated park trail 4 DiFranco of folk rock 5 Greets wordlessly 6 Three-note chords 7 Have a feeling 8 Peat source 9 Leg, to a film noir detective 10 Model of perfection 11 Trail 12 Seismometer detection 13 Duplicitous 18 Self-produced recording,

perhaps 25 Slangy golf term for nervousness while putting, with "the" 26 Everything-in-the-pot stew 27 __ Bator 29 Mary Oliver output 33 __ Lingus 34 Babushka's denial 36 Actress Kaczmarek with seven Emmy nominations 37 Ventura County resort city 38 Keystone force 39 Kid-sized ice cream order 40 Price per can, e.g.

43 Stores in a farm tower 44 Vast grassland 45 "Goodness gracious" 46 Cancel out 48 "I have the worst luck!"

49 John Denver's "__ Song" 50 Corporate emblem 52 Dig find 53 Wall Street phrase 59 Pink-elephant spotter, stereotypically 60 Ottoman bigwig 61 To and __

©2016 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SUDOKU

Although I wouldn’t say that I love technology, I will say it certainly comes in handy.

I have a deep appreciation for my smart phone as it keeps me from looking stupid. It reminds me to take out the trash on the first and third Wednesday of the month, keeps track of my shopping lists and is a great access to information when we need to know something as valuable as “What are the sleeping habits of the sloth?”

Thankfully I don’t have to rely on the smart phone for all of my reminders.

Our Sadie barks so I don’t need a reminder to feed her, my handsome husband has a voice so I know when I misplaced the checkbook and thankfully my tummy growls, so I remember to eat.

Like that’s ever been a problem.

Yet, I must contend that the most annoying thing with technology is the everloving password that’s needed to access the bulk of it.

It would seem that all websites have different requirements for their passwords and thereby make it impossible to use the same one.

That completely puts “asdf ;lkj” out of the running.

Some websites want at least one uppercase and one lower case in their eightdigit repertoire. Some require symbols or some such and others would just love it if you could include an ampersand.

Yet, I have my four basic “go-to” passwords and they get me by. At least I thought they did until, just this last week, when the Cloud told me that my password wasn’t my password and that I needed to change it. (As an aside, 20-years ago this last sentence would never have made sense.)

There are folks out there, and four of them are our sons, who will tend to a problem such as the Cloud password immediately and be done with it. I am not one of these folks.

It’s not my tendency to procrastinate such a problem, mind you. It’s the fact that the prompt showed up on my iPhone, iPad and computer at times when tending to said prompt

just wasn’t feasible.

I could have tended to it while visiting my parents, but my dear mother would have given me the what for. If you know my dear mother, you know her “what for” isn’t pleasant.

There wasn’t time while in line at the bank to deal with the issue and although tending to the Cloud password dilemma during a horrible unemployment insurance audit would have been a much-needed break, I knew the dear and sweet lady conducting the God-awful audit truly appreciated my undivided attention.

Having grown weary of the prompt and its untimely appearances, I finally took a moment yesterday to put the matter to rest.

Since the Cloud apparently didn’t like my last password, I simply entered in another one of my “go to” passwords.

Did they like it, you might ask? Well, that’s going to be a “no!”

They indicated this by demanding, “You must use a password that you’ve not used in the last year!” They’re just so bossy.

Thinking they wouldn’t know that I used a childhood address along with the last name of my favorite grade-school friend as my password on Amazon, I happily offered it up as an option.

Talk about your “No-go!”

The Cloud didn’t like the password that I chose where I combined my favorite meal with my ideal weight. It rejected Sadie’s birthday combined with my mother’s maiden name and flat out turned down Dad’s CB handle in the 70s combined with my favorite big hair band.

It’s almost as if they didn’t appreciate how clever I can be.

Finally, I entered in a password that the Cloud was good to go with. It had the right amount of characters, upper and lower case letters and although I didn’t use an ampersand, it had a lovely array of symbols.

I’m not one to toot my own horn, but this new password had flair, it had pizzazz and enough moxie to make anyone in the cyber world a little bit jealous.

It’s just too bad my smartphone doesn’t remember what that password is.

© 2016 LORI CLINCH ANSWERS ON PAGE 18

Saturday, October 29, 2016

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM PAGE 17

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

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

Announcements New store in town! Curiosity Consignments, 567A Lakehurst Rd, Browns Mills NJ. Stop in and ask about consigning, check out our Amazing bargains, and bring home Your New Treasures Today!

Help Wanted HEATING OIL DRIVERS SEASONAL & FULL TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE! FLEX TIME AVAILABLE – Minimum 1 year driving experience.

– Current CDL Hazmat/Tanker endorsement with Twic Card.

– Good Driving Record.

Seasonal:Sept-March Training Available Signing Bonus Wages negotiable based on experience.

Dave Stintsman, Delivery Manager 609.654.5739 ext 246 or dstintsman@harriettses.com www.harriettses.com

Pine Barrens Media LLC -– Searching for an advertising sales representative. The right candidate will be a highly organized, collaborative, and creative closer who thrives in a deadline driven sales environment and demonstrates a passion for both print and digital advertising sales. This job includes prospecting leads, making calls, daily territory travel, setting up appointments, and the use of technology. Previous newspaper and/or sales experience is a plus, but not necessary. Strong face to face, written, and verbal communication skills with an eye for detail are a must. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle. Please include your resume, cover letter, and professional references and send to letters@pinebarrenstribune.com. The pay rate is $12 per hour for new hires along with a sales commission.

Pine Barrens Media LLC – Accepting applications for a newspaper delivery driver to work in the Burlington County area. This is a great part-time income opportunity for a motivated individual.

A personal vehicle is necessary and a large van, cargo van, large SUV, or extended cab pickup truck is preferred.

Working hours may vary depending upon delivery arrival time. The ideal

candidate should be available Thursday through Saturday. Responsibilities include lifting up to 25 pounds and delivering newspapers to racks and local businesses.

Excellent reading, comprehension, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills are required. A valid driver’s license, insurance card, and clear/impeccable driving record is a must!

Please include your resume, cover letter, and professional references and send to letters@pinebarrenstribune.com. The pay rate is $20 per hour for new hires.

Pine Barrens Media LLC – Searching for a freelance journalist/reporter with strong reporting skills and great storytelling abilities to join the Pine Barrens Tribune news team! The ideal candidate will have excellent news judgment and be able to develop sources to allow them to break major stories both in-print and online. We are seeking a motivated, energetic, creative, and aggressive reporter who can think and perform outside the box. The candidate should be able to develop story ideas and gather information for the newspaper and website, have sound writing skills, a great

work ethic, strong interpersonal skills, and a can-do attitude. The best person for this job will have excellent writing skills and thrive on breaking stories.

Video editing, photograph editing, and graphic artwork experience is a huge plus, but not required. A college degree in Journalism / Mass Communications or related field of study is required. The average work schedule will include evenings and weekends. Please include your resume, cover letter, three writing samples, and professional references and send to letters@pinebarrenstribune.com

Saturday, October 29, 2016

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM PAGE 18

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

HOME, GARDEN, AND FARMING Farm and Food File By: Alan Guebert

Alan Guebert is an award-winning ag journalist and expert who was raised on an 720-acre, 100cow southern Illinois dairy farm.

We Feed The World Is ‘Not A Harmless Myth’ The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is using this harvest season to solidify its reputation as the biggest not-for-profit policy organization American farmers love to hate.

The hatred took root in 1995 when EWG published—on something called the Internet —a 10-year, searchable database of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) payments to all American farm entities. Farmers, especially the Big Boys, were furious that the public was given a powerful telescope to peek into their back pockets.

No one, however, complained about the database’s accuracy. (It continues to be updated today.) Indeed, it was the accuracy that complainers hated the most. Every penny of taxpayer money openly, and at times embarrassingly, glittered in the bright sunshine of public disclosure.

Which, of course, is a good thing unless the sunshine falls on, uh, you.

On Oct. 5, EWG fired a powerful, welldocumented volley at the most sacred tenet in American agriculture, “We Feed The World,” and hit it smack in the face.

It must have hit right on the mouth because no one in the reflexively sensitive American ag community was either able or willing to respond to EWG’s key finding: We cannot feed the world when, in fact, “Less than 1 percent of American agricultural exports go to the 19 countries with the highest levels of undernourishment.”

The 14-page analysis to support that conclusion is—like EWG’s farm program payment database—clear, inarguable, and devastatingly accurate.

It’s also very simple in its construction; to test its “we don’t feed the world” thesis, EWG simply tracked where U.S. farm exports went.

What it found, and what USDA data confirmed, was that most U.S. farm and food exports went to the richest, best-fed nations while little to any went to the poorest, most undernourished nations.

For example, “In 2015, the top 20 importers of U.S. agricultural products—19 individual countries and the European Union —accounted for 86 percent ($114 billion) of

the total value of U.S. agricultural exports.”

Only 14 percent went to the other 100-plus destinations” tracked by USDA. And “Even though we provide almost half of all food aid to those countries, U.S. exports and food aid together constitute only 2.3 percent of their food supplies.”

None of this should surprise anyone. If a nation, after all, has the money to buy food, we’ll sell them the food. If the nation is too poor to pay for the groceries, well, we’ll take our exports elswhere.

This for-profit approach to ag exports isn’t a bad thing. It does, however, allow us to transform our feel-good, we-feed-the-world belief into “a moral imperative,” suggests EWG. That subtle shift then openly fuels “(T)he collateral damage to natural resources, the environment, human health and ecosystems [to be accepted as]… regrettable but unavoidable” because, by golly, we have to feed the world.

This “claim that U.S. agriculture ‘feeds the world’ is not a harmless myth,” the Des Moines Register declared Oct. 10 quoting the EWG’s report, because “It provides a moral justification for continuing practices that have harmed Iowa’s environment and led to low prices for farmers.”

These results, however, are not native to only Iowa nor are they prescriptive. Moreover, the Register noted, they rest on another shaky premise.

“A 2015 study by the Center for Food Integrity shows that only 25 percent of consumers surveyed believe ‘The U.S. has a responsibility to provide food for the rest of the world.’ Respondents were more interested in access to healthful, affordable food.”

What needs to happen now, suggested the newspaper, is for everyone in U.S. agriculture —farmers, ranchers, Big Agbiz, politicians, foodies and, yes, even the Environmental Working Group—to hold “a vigorous debate… on the most effective way to ‘feed the world.’”

“But,” the Register immediately added, “let’s begin by setting aside myths…”

Yes, let’s.

© 2016 AG COMM.

Pick up a copy of the PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE Today!

CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU

Saturday, October 29, 2016

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM PAGE 19

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 Ford Explorer Giving SUV buyers a fresh option for a sportier-looking ride, Ford adds the new Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package to its popular full-size SUV lineup for 2017. The addition of the package expands Explorer offerings to six models.

Other versions include base, XLT, Limited, Sport and the Platinum edition.

The Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package features updates both inside and out: 20-inch Magnetic Gray wheels and grille, mirror caps, rear applique, Ebony Black body side cladding, Black roof rack, Explorer hood badge, Dark Earth Gray leather for front seats, including outer bolsters by premium leather maker Salerno; Dark Earth Gray Miko suede for seat back uppers and inserts with Umber scrim, and door trim inserts; Umber contrast stitching, plus Explorer logo floor mats.

The 2017 Explorer XLT Sport Appearance Package comes equipped with standard XLT features including a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, Intelligent Access with pushbutton start, 10-way power driver's seat with lumbar support, SYNC 3, and LED foglamps.

The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine for base, XLT and Limited models -- with 290 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque -- is paired with a six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission.

Also offered is a 3.5-liter twinturbocharged EcoBoost V6 makes 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque also mated with the six-speed SelectShift.

Ford offers a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 280 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 310 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm on premium fuel.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost is available on the

PHOTO SPECIAL TO PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE

2017 Ford Explorer base, XLT and Limited series. Customers choosing a four-cylinder Explorer can also opt for four-wheel drive and trailer towing capability.

Base model estimated mpg: 19/27 Estimated starting price: $31,160 Compiled by Motor Matters

Saturday, October 29, 2016

PINE BARRENS TRIBUNE, WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM PAGE 16