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Democrats Hold County, But 8th District Contest Tighter Than Expected
‘CLOSER THAN WHAT WE WOULD HAVE LIKED’
In Stunning Last-Minute Surprise, Democratic Assembly Candidate Pulls Ahead of GOP Incumbent, Making Outcome Uncertain Editor’s Note: This story was updated right before press time to reflect the 8th District Assembly development.
By Bill Bonvie Staff Writer
MOUNT LAUREL—When longtime Burlington County Democratic Chairman Joe Andl told an Election Night watch party at the Weston Hotel in Mount Laurel Township of having experienced both victories and defeats during his 14 years of hosting such events, he might have added that there had been more of both on this particular night. If the defeats weren’t yet all that evident at the time he finally took to the stage, however, the victories were significantly more so, adding as they did to the general atmosphere of euphoria created by state Democrats having generally a better night than anticipated by, among other things, not only managing to hold onto majorities in both houses of the Legislature but adding to them. A particularly symbolic win for the party with the defeat of Sen. Ed Durr, the truck driver who ousted Senate President Steve Sweeney two years ago, gaining back that seat. In Andl’s neck of the political woods, the immediate good tidings included both open county Board of Commissioners seats being handily retained by incumbents Tom
Photo By Tom Valentino
Two Republican newcomers, Michael Czyzyk and Bethany Milk, celebrate with Medford Mayor Charles “Chuck” Watson (center) after the pair apparently squeezed out a victory over a Democratic challenger, Raye Coxe, for two open Medford Township Council seats.
Republican Newcomers for Medford Council Appear to Squeeze Out Victory Over Democratic Opponent in What Has Been Traditional GOP Stronghold, But Not Without Some Republicans Admitting to Voting Blue for First Time
By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer
MEDFORD—Change is coming to the Medford Township political picture in January – that part was already predetermined prior to Election Day here with a decision by two council incumbents,
Deputy Mayor Lauren Kochan and Frank Czekay, a former deputy mayor, to not seek re-election, as well as a preelection announcement by Kathy Burger, longtime township manager and clerk to the Republican administration, that she will be retiring from her post at the end
of this month. But in what amounted to a closely watched contest for the two open council seats, the question in this traditionally Re publ i c a n s t rong hol d wa s wh at form would that change take and how See CLOSER/ Page 10
See RACES/ Page 9
INDEX
Business Directory...................................14 Election Results........................................11 Holiday Event Guide................................ S1
Local News.................................................2 Marketplace/Job Board................................. 13 Worship Guide..........................................16
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES
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Huge Sycamore Tree’s Removal from Site of Old Municipal Building in Medford Was Done on Orders from New Owner, Officials Claim Whether Better Arrangement for Disposal of Property Could Have Spared Tree Is Subject of Debate Following Its Sale to Brewing Company from Essex County
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Heavy equipment being readied to take down the massive sycamore tree on the site of Medford’s old municipal building to make way for a new brewery facility.
By Bill Bonvie Staff Writer
MEDFORD—Some Medford Township residents were evidently taken aback by the removal on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 4 of what they had come to consider one of the community’s most captivating landmarks — a towering sycamore tree reputed to be two centuries old that sat behind the former municipal building on North Main Street. But perhaps they might not have been, had all the details of a township real-estate transaction been openly discussed by local officials. Being situated smack in the middle of a property the township had sold to a company planning to erect a massive, brandnew brewery there, it perhaps should have been apparent that this particular tree would simply have to be taken down, contended both the township solicitor and the leader of a Main Street residents’ organization who has been a vocal critic of local officials. But did it really need to be removed from the site? Not in the opinion of either a local
Democrat who just narrowly lost a bid to join the all-Republican township council or the administrator of a local Facebook site who has also had some experience selling commercial real estate in the township. The razing of the tree in question, according to Jennifer Jensen, a local resident who had come to know it well during nearly a decade as an employee of the JS Braddock Agency directly across the street, began on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 4, at about 9:30 a.m., and went on well into the afternoon. “I can’t tell you how upset I am about this beautiful tree being taken down,” Jensen told the Pine Barrens Tribune in a phone interview two days later, noting that she had always been impressed by just how enormous its trunk was. Even the contractor hired to supervise the job, she claimed, when she questioned him about it, had admitted, “It is a beautiful tree.” But despite its being such a striking part of the local landscape, there was just no viable See TREE/ Page 12
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES
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Pemberton Borough Elects New Republican Mayor as Current One Plans to ‘Fade Away’ as He Nears 90, That’s Unless He’s ‘Mentioned by Name’ As Far as One Official Knows, Haines Will Be Municipality’s First Female Mayor, and Upon Taking Office, ‘Women Will Outnumber Men’ as Local Decision Makers
By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer
PEM BE RT ON B OROUGH — Republican Bonnie Haines will return to the same chamber she departed from a little less than a year ago as a nine-year councilwoman, only in January, she will do so as borough mayor. Haines, who also previously served as president of Pemberton Borough Council, was elected on Nov. 7 to a four-year term as borough mayor, and will replace current GOP Mayor Harold Griffin when his term expires on Dec. 31. Griffin, who has served a total of two terms as borough mayor, and before that was a borough councilman, decided earlier this year to not seek re-election, and more recently has dealt with some health challenges as he nears the age of 90. Haines ran unopposed for the mayoral post, and, as of press time, garnered 206 votes. There were only two write-in votes. She prev iously ser ved on boroug h council from Jan. 1, 2014, to Dec. 31, 2022. “As far as I know, this is our first female mayor,” Councilwoman Diane Fanucci told this newspaper on Nov. 8. “I think that is pretty cool. And we also have three women on the council. So, the women will outnumber the men now (once Haines is sworn in), 4 to 3.” While Haines could not be reached for comment on this story, as of press time, Griffin told this newspaper the day after the election that he and the mayor-elect have spoken over the phone following her victory. “I was satisfied and told her she will be alright,” Griffin declared. “She has been on council with me for several terms. I know that her heart is in the right place.” Griffin pointed to Haines having worked alongside GOP Councilwoman Melissa Tettemer to “decorate the town” and its park for Christmas. “I don’t see why everyone is worried about this,” he said of his time as mayor com ing to an end and the upcom ing transition to Haines. “Everything is going to go fine.” Ac c ord i ng t o s e ve r a l i nd iv idu a l s familiar with Haines, they believed she previously served as a municipal clerk. Republican Terry Jerome, the current council president, was also re-elected Tuesday n ig ht, along w ith Tettemer, receiving 215 and 201 votes, respectively. Jerome, who is in the m idst of h is
ninth year on council, when reached for comment on this story, told this newspaper that he “plans on doing the best job I can for the borough moving forward.” “I thank the public for their confidence in me,” Jerome added. Tettemer, elected to a second term, said she “would like to thank everyone who voted” and that she is “excited to serve another term as councilwoman.” “I will continue to show how much I value the borough I’ve lived in for 16 years,” she said. “And I’m really looking forward to working with our new mayor.” Griffin, meanwhile, in detailing what he hoped would be part of his lasting mayoral legacy, pointed to getting the gymnasium that had “fallen down” fixed, having the former borough school that was in “real bad” shape torn down and having it replaced with ballfields, as well as prompting the county to replace the Hanover Street Bridge. Additionally, he pointed to a graveyard on County Route 530, before declaring, “they wanted to take out a lot more of it than they did,” a reference to the county having obtained properties, or pieces of ones, in the area for a project to widen the road. Getting the “trash tax” eliminated, Griffin noted, or residents “getting a separate bill” for trash pickup is something that he proclaimed he proudly ended as the municipality “didn’t need it.” He also maintained he has taken pride in having restored flower baskets to every streetlamp post in town, maintaining the program had been “done away with” prior to him being elected. T he c u r re nt Re publ ic a n m ayor c o n c l u d e d t h at “ i f t h e y d o t h i ng s properly” in his remaining time in office, then “every street in town will have been repaired since I have been in office.” That includes, he noted, the three main throughfares in town maintained by the county – Elizabeth and Hanover streets, as well as County Route 530. “The transition will go very smoothly,” Griffin predicted. “I hope there is nothing said about me, as I am going to ‘fade away’ – if they allow me to fade away.” But he added – and asked this newspaper to put a sharp point on it – “if ‘they’ mention my name, I will have a comment.” Griffin, who also at one time served as mayor of neig hbor i ng Pemb er ton Township, noted he turns 90 in January.
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Route 73 Collision Between Truck, Motorcycle Claims Life of Marlton Teen Motorcycle Operator Was Killed, Police Say, After Truck Driver Made Illegal Turn
EVESHAM—A Marlton teenager was killed in a Route 73 collision between a motorcycle and truck during the evening of Nov. 4, Evesham Township Police reported. According to a press release issued by the Office of Police Chief Walt Miller, Evesham Police responded around 7:56 p.m. to the area of Route 73 and Dutch Road for a report of a motor vehicle collision. Upon arrival, according to the release, it was “determined that a motorcycle and truck were involved in a collision,” with police finding the motorcycle’s operator, Tyler Ciabattoni, 19, dead. T he dr iver of the tr uck, Brandon Braciszewski, 18, also of Marlton, as well as a 15-year-old girl from Marlton who was
a passenger in the truck, were uninjured, it was noted. An on-scene and ensuing investigation, the rele as e st at e d, det er m i ne d that Braciszewski’s vehicle was traveling west on Dutch Road and made an illegal left turn onto Route 73 southbound, after crossing straight over the northbound lanes, and upon entering the southbound lanes, Braciszewski’s vehicle struck the motorcycle being operated by Ciabattoni. The investigation, it was added, is “ongoing” and “charges will be filed after the investigation is completed.” Anyone with information on this collision, or who may See COLLISION/ Page 6
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Newcomer GOP Women in Tabernacle, Shamong Win Uncontested Races; Appointed Tabernacle Committeeman Also Chosen to Fill Unexpired Term
Tabernacle Committeewoman-elect Had Defeated Longtime Official in June Primary By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer
TABERNACLE—While the General Election races for township committee in Tabernacle and Shamong townships were uncontested this year, come January there will be newcomer women joining the governing bodies following the results of Tuesday night’s races. Republican Natalie Stone prevailed in a bid for a full-term on the Tabernacle Township Committee on Nov. 7, receiving 1,367 votes, with 37 other voters casting a “personal choice” given there was no Democrat on the ballot. Stone, however, back in June, defeated over 20-year Tabernacle committeewoman Kim Brown in a Republican primary. Brown, currently the township’s deputy mayor, and who has served multiple stints as Tabernacle’s mayor and deputy mayor, in late March, had been inducted into the Mayors’ Hall of Fame by the New Jersey League of Municipalities. But Brown did not receive the party backing in the primary. With an unexpired two-year term up for grabs (after Robert Sunbury had resigned at the beginning of this year), Brown had formed a ticket with Cuyler B. Vena. Vena was also defeated in the GOP primary – with Noble McNaughton prevailing. McNaughton, who received the party’s backing and ran together with Stone back in June, and again in the General Election, received 1,412 votes as of press time on Nov. 7, with there being 25 write-in selections for the unexpired term. McNaughton, appointed in March to temporar i ly fi l l the vac ancy left behind by Sunbury, had been a township committeeman at some point prior to that governing body decision, as well as has been a longtime member of the township Land Development Board. The Stone and McNaughton campaign, during the primary, had made a point of there needing to be “term limits,” claiming without them, it was resulting in the “dysfunction” being seen from the local to the national level. When challenging Brown and Vena, a local asked Stone and McNaughton what their platform entails. “We DO ne e d fr e sh eye s ,” Stone responded. “Just like a corporation. When you have people there for 35 years and you’re a manager who wants to put new, more efficient processes in place and the longterm employees are too comfortable, they say ‘Well, we always did it this way.’ Well,
so what? There is a better way now. Things get missed when you’re too comfortable and don't try new ways of doing things. Things get stuck.” Stone continued that she is running “to help my community,” “to help move things forward, yet keep the beauty of our rural area,” “to make sure we are getting good services and programs for the residents,” “to get information TO the residents,” and, “to encourage people to get involved, to come to the meetings, events, and workshops to stay informed.” She added “whether you are a legacy family who has been here for 90 years, or moved to Seneca Reserve or Monarch Woods three years ago, I want to represent both legacy and all of the new young families moving in.” “The bottom-line is I am a good person who is passionate about helping others and making a better life for people,” Stone wrote. “I keep my eyeballs peeled. It is what grounds me.” The Tabernacle committee has been under fire for a two-minute public comment limitation, as well as what some see as attempts to jam through various measures. Stone, in responding to the question, contended “we need better presence, period, from a committee” and that “clear communication builds trust,” and that, “If I’m at a township meeting now, I hear things where I want to say, ‘Wait a sec, this doesn't make sense.’” “At least if I am on committee, I can officially say it, and maybe slow something down that should be processed for a second before passing it through,” she added. Stone, during the primary, also called for the release of a “number” to determine the potential tax impact of a new town hall being planned. Additionally, she charged that “sexual groom ing in schools makes me sick, which is why I sent my kids to private school and why there is a mass exodus from public schools to homeschooling pods and private schools,” and that in regard to “overdevelopment – we moved to Tabernacle because Medford/Medford Lakes was feeling like a city to us, and we wanted rural, woodsy and peaceful” living. In Shamong Township, after Republican Deputy Mayor Martin Mozitis decided not to seek re-election on the Shamong Township Committee after more than 15 years of service, Megan Mozitis decided to run. Martin Mozitis is Megan’s oldest brother. The younger Mozitis – a lifelong resident who has entered the political arena for the See NEWCOMER/ Page 15
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Evesham Convenience Store Clerk Punched ‘Multiple Times’ During Robbery, Police Say; Suspects Reported Fleeing Scene with ‘Multiple Boxes of Cigarettes’
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Police are seeking these “persons of interest” in a 7-Eleven convenience store robbery at 2 E. Main Street, in Evesham Township, on Oct. 23. EVESHAM—A late evening robbery on Oct. 23 at a 7-Eleven convenience store in the downtown district of Evesham Township is being probed by Evesham Township Police, according to a press release from the Office of Police Chief Walt Miller. At around 9:10 p.m., at the 7-Eleven store at 2 E. Main Street, a black man, accompanied by a woman, reportedly entered the store, and “after nearly 30 minutes of shopping in the store, the male went behind the counter and began to take boxes of cigarettes, while the female attempted to distract the 7-11 employee.” “The employee attempted to stop the theft and was subsequently assaulted by the male,”
COLLISION
(Continued from Page 4) have witnessed it, are being asked to contact Evesham Police at 856-983-1116. “T he Eve sham Pol ic e Depar t ment extends our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Tyler Ciabattoni,” the release concluded. According to a published obituary for Ciabattoni, he was a 2022 graduate of Cherokee High School, and played both
the release continued. “The male punched the 7-11 employee multiple times before both subjects fled the store with multiple boxes of cigarettes. They were last seen leaving the parking lot in a gray, unknown, vehicle.” Police have released still images from a store surveillance system of “persons of interests” in hopes of catching those responsible for the robbery. Anyone with information regarding this crime, or the identity of the suspects, is asked to contact the Evesham Police at 856-9831116, or its confidential tipline at 856-9834699. The public can also email HalpernJ@ eveshampd.org with information or tips.
football and lacrosse. He worked full-time in construction, and part-time valeting cars. It was further noted that Ciabattoni “loved riding his motorcycle and anything to do with cars” and that his dad “would help him learn the hands-on things he liked to do, especially with cars, and he was excited to change the oil in his mom's car.” A fter pointing out Ciabatton i was only 19 years old, the heartbroken family proclaimed through the obituary, “19 years was not enough time to share our lives with Tyler.”
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Maryann Russo, Matriarch of Russo’s Fruit & Vegetable Farm in Tabernacle, Dies at 82; Was Widely Known and Loved by Customers of Family Business
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TABERNACLE —Mar yan n Ru s so, the beloved matriarch of Russo’s Fruit & Vegetable Far m, a revered part of Tabernacle Township’s rural lifestyle for many decades, who was known for her infectious smile, generous spirit and zest for living, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on Nov. 4 at her home surrounded by family members. Russo worked for many years alongside her late husband, Anthony Russo III, helping to develop the farm into the successful and popular family business it became. Among the appreciative comments and tributes posted on Facebook was one from a regular customer of the farm, Tom Bauman, who recalled her as being “such a sweet lady,” noting that he could “remember her smiles and courtesy,” whenever he had patronized the market over the 20 years he had lived in the area, adding “Sorry for the loss to all of us.” Another area resident, Dianne Emerson, characterized Russo as “an amazing person” with an “awesome legacy.” Describing her family as her “most cher ishe d g i ft,” her obitu ar y note d that she derived her greatest joy from watching her grandchildren grow through
each stage of their lives and finding ways to “celebrate creating special memories with her kids and grandkids. Bor n Mar yan n Dub el l, in Mount Holly in 1941, she g r e w up on But t onwo o d Street there, as the youngest of three children, attending Sacred Heart Catholic School in her hometown and graduating from Rancocas Val ley Hig h School. She then took a job with Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator. She met her husband on a blind date in 1965, and they were married the following year, both raising a family and helping him develop the farm into a family business that has survived even the most trying of times. She is described as having played an integral part in developing the retail farm market, during which she became friends with many of its customers, thus helping bui ld the far m’s cl ientele while getting to know many residents of the area. She was reported to have worked there until this past August. “She was a wonderful woman and an inspiration to the community,” wrote one person in expressing their condolences. “Her legacy will continue in the hearts of all those that loved her and your family business, as well as in those she inspired to keep local business alive in the community! May she rest in eternal peace.” She is survived by her daughter Joann (Russo) Gsell; her husband Kevin; her son Anthony IV; and his wife, Melissa; her brother, Msgr. James Dubell; brother-in-law Richard Coughlin; her sister-in-law Natalie Casano; and grandchildren Jacqueline (Gsell) Hayhow, Gabrielle (Russo) Literal, Elizabeth Gsell, Anthony “AJ” Russo and Luke Gsell. Memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey, Development Office, 635 South Clinton Ave., Trenton, NJ 08611, or Church of the Holy Eucharist, 520 Medford Lakes Road, Tabernacle, NJ 08088. “So very thankful for the many memories of Mrs. Russo,” wrote one person underneath her obituary. “She is with the love of her life. The sky shines brighter with a new star. Such a beautiful person!”
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Authorization Narrowly Given for Architects to Create Conceptual Drawings for Two-Acre Area in Browns Mills, But Concern Raised About ‘50-50’ Units
Administration Wants to Repurpose Properties to Attract IndustryLacking in Community, But GOP Councilmen Raise Concerns About Units with Residential Upstairs, Retail Downstairs By Douglas D. M elegari Staff Writer
PEMBERTON—Conceptual drawings have narrowly been authorized by Pemberton Township Council for a group of lots totaling about two-acres in downtown Browns Mills, with Pemberton Township administration’s intent to “repurpose the properties” to attract industry “lacking in the community.” However, a pair of Republican councilmen have indicated that the intent of the administration is to have the final design reflect “50-50 commercial-residential” use or units with housing upstairs and businesses downstairs, similar to that currently found in Eastampton and Evesham townships, a concept they contended that they are currently opposed to seeing in Pemberton Township. The land at issue, according to Business Administrator Daniel Hornickel during a raucous Oct. 18 Pemberton Township Council meeting, is essentially “across from the current Wawa, Ritas and all that in Browns Mills.” According to the resolution authorizing the drawings, the lots at issue comprise Block 553, with the tax map indicating it is across from the current Rite Aid building on Juliustown Road/County Route 530. That resolution also mentions the intent of awarding an approximately $11,000 contract to Regan Young England Butera Architects is “for purposes of razing and redeveloping a strategic portion of Browns Mills Town Center zoning district along Juliustown Road” and that the drawings showing “how the property can be redeveloped” will “enable the township administration and Community Development director to begin marketing the property to prospective developers.” “What we would like to do is get your approval to have architects develop three conceptual plans to present to you for repurposing that property,” Hornickel told the council. “Once the plans are done, you will give feedback, and the plan is to market the properties and try to sell them.” Hornickel, in response to a question from Democratic Councilman Paul Detrick, acknowledged that the properties were studied previously along with a drawing created “years ago.” But what the concept plan from back then envisioned, according to the business administrator, was “Rancocas Woodsstyle log cabins” on “basically horseshoelooking properties.” “I don’t think that is what we are trying to draw downtown,” Hornickel declared. It was a response that led Democratic Councilwoman Elisabeth McCartney to
ask, “What are we trying to draw?” “We are looking to try to get restaurants, brewer ies, and w iner ies,” Hor n ickel answered. “As a staff, we put together a list of 10 to 12 uses we would like to target – things we are lacking in the community.” Some examples of businesses Hornickel told the council the municipality is lacking, in appearing to suggest they were on the list, include a bait and tackle shop, a bicycle shop, as well as a kayak rental store. “We are look ing for uses that are compatible with what we have,” the business administrator maintained. “We are a lakefront community. We are looking for things that are lacking right now.” Republican Councilman Joshua Ward said that his “only concern” would be pursuing a “50-50 commercial-residential” use. “They are not really doing well,” Ward contended. “I took liberty driving through Burlington County, with Eastampton the closest with those units. They are at 50-50 capacity. There are others in Marlton, and it is around the same (capacity).” The Republican councilman maintained that he would like for there to be “complete streets in place” before administration “went that route,” maintaining his concern would be for “families living above that,” or businesses. “And I know we are coming up on a new Master Plan, and $10,000 doesn’t seem like a lot of money for drawings, but I’d hate to waste it and not see us do it. With residential above and retail below, I don’t see a lot of them working out in the area.” Hornickel, in responding to Ward, maintained that “most of the time, the developers want that because it gives them assurances” or that it makes sure, for them, they will have “a steady stream of income coming in.” “From our perspective, as a potential seller of the land, it makes the land more valuable,” the business administrator further maintained. “For better or worse, we will have spent ‘X’ number of dollars with the goal of redeveloping them. Will we get all that money back? Probably not! But if we (don’t) decide to do residential above commercial, we are going to get a lot less back!” Ward responded to Hornickel that he is “not trying to put the idea down,” but that there are still “missing storefronts” in the existing shopping centers in the township, and the township is also trying to secure tenants for its plan to revitalize the largely vacant Browns Mills Shopping Center. “The Midtown Plaza (in Browns Mills) has 50 percent occupancy, maybe even less,” Ward See ARCHITECTS/ Page 15
Travis Garage Doors & Repair Broken Springs/ Cables
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Saturday, November 11, 2023
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Holiday EVENT GUIDE ♦ Page S1
Inside: Shopping & Fashion Tips, Plus Recipes!
Saturday, November 11, 2023 A Special Section of
Page S2 ♦ Holiday EVENT GUIDE
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Saturday, November 11, 2023
4 Trends to Make a Splash This Festive Season Planning to attend a few festive outings this year? If you want to stand out from the crowd with your killer style, opt for a fashion-forward outfit that highlights your assets. Get inspired by these four trendy ideas before you go shopping. 1. HAPPY YELLOW Although yellow isn’t typically associated with Christmas and New Year, this vibrant, sunny color has become popular among top designers for their 2023 winter collections. From mustard and canary yellow to high-vis and Pantone’s Blazing Yellow, this hue is sure to turn heads! 2. TEARDROP NECKLINE This is the golden age of the teardrop neckline, which is
surpassing traditional plunging and V-shaped necklines in popularity. This style features a cut-out shape that can reveal varying amounts of skin, from a little to a lot, depending on your personal preference. The teardrop neckline can be found on blouses and dresses in various styles, from a modest collarbone peekaboo to a daring navel plunge. 3. BOLD MAXIMALISM Want an outfit that refuses to go unnoticed? Combine refined pieces with classic or bohemian prints for a curated maximalist style. Celebrate the holidays in style with tartan, stripes, polka dots and flowers. This year, take a pass on the monochrome look. Instead, have fun mixing your favorite patterns, colors and fabrics.
4. 3D FLOWERS A high-quality garment adorned with 3D fabric flowers can be both romantic and playful. Whether you choose to add a few to the collar of your dress, top or skirt, or go all out with a whole bunch, it’s sure to grab the attention of those around you. You can find everything you need to design a headturning holiday outfit at your local women’s clothing boutiques. Happy shopping!
Saturday, November 11, 2023
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Holiday EVENT GUIDE ♦ Page S3
Riddlesbrood Touring Theater Co. Expands Foothold in Pine Barrens One of New Jersey’s Oldest Touring Theater Companies Puts Down More Roots at Historic Smithville
We Make Any Event A Success!
EST. 2000
Photo Provided
Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company's Bus with Dean Woody Duncan from Smithville.
By Pamela M iller Advertorial for the Pine Barrens Tribune
S i n c e i t s fo r m a t i o n i n 2 0 0 0 , Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company (RTTC) in Stratford, NJ, comprised of a zany troupe of local, talented actors, including many alumni of the now closed Elaine's Famous Dinner Theater in Cape May, has become a formidable regional theatrical production company known for presenting original, top quality, comedic interactive dinner theater productions, especially murder mysteries, at a wide variety of venues in NJ, PA, DE, MD, CT and NY under the direction of Ryan Long, executive director of Riddlesbrood. Since 2001, the traveling theater c omp a ny h a s p er for me d at m a ny locations in the Pine Barrens, year after year, including the renowned Show Barn, formerly in Historic Smithville, which ultimately developed into their four-year stint as the resident theater company there from 2001 to 2004, when it closed. After the Showbarn, RTTC built upon their successful run by continuing to perform at local venues and private homes in the Pine Barrens where they had established a reputation for unique, high-quality entertainment. From 2019 to 2022, RTTC managed to meet the challenges that presenting live indoor performances posed by the COVID pandemic by revamping its stage productions and re-emerging as a top-rated outdoor performance theater company presenting live shows on large portable stages resplendent with their trademark colors of purple and gold that they built to take their productions “on the road.” Although most of their scheduled indoor shows were cancelled and their prospects for booking new shows was bleak, it was in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, that RTTC premiered their two-day outdoor “Dickens Fest” in the Pine Barrens at Historic Smithville that featured their original, musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic, “A Christmas Carol.” Performed on their large, beautifully crafted, portable stage set up on the “Village Green,” along with several other portable stages nearby, the shows included actors from the RTTC troupe along with local children of all ages from the community, who are welcomed as part of the ever-growing Riddlesbrood
“family.” Many of the children and teen actors enjoy their role in their first show and learn so much that they go on to become a “regular” cast member in future Riddlesbrood’s shows. Despite the challenges holding the event presented, Long was eagerly looking forward to hitting the road to present the first “Dickens Fest” at Historic Smithville. His refusal to shut down the company and determination to find a way to continue presenting their shows outdoors in the community fired up his and his troupe’s imagination to come up with a solution - and they did! “When the pandemic hit and all of our indoor shows were cancelled, we realized we had to shift gears and up our game to present larger scale, outdoor shows,” Long explained. “So, we designed and built a modular, portable, outdoor stage that we can easily bring to any venue to set up and use to present a high caliber production that is lifted up off the cement or grass and onto a real, professional stage, just like Shakespeare did!” “Then, we got a hold of a bus with a trailer so we could haul our stage anywhere and have room to carry all the other production components like sound and lighting equipment, sets, costumes, and even our cast, if we needed to!" Long continued. “All the world truly could be a stage for us!" From children’s summer camps to fine dining restaurants, wineries and entertainment/vacation destinations, RTTC "kept the lights on" in their theater company as they hauled their stages behind a large, artfully painted RTTC bus that held the actors as well as their costumes and everything else necessary to bring a professionally staged show to an outdoor venue. “We had over 20 years of experience creating original shows and performing them at a wide variety of venues on the East Coast," Long said. “But this would be the first time we presented a major, ‘Main Stage’ production, like 'A Christmas Carol,’ outdoors in a festival setting. “Even though we've participated in outdoor fairs and festivals and have had our share of presenting outdoor shows at everywhere from wineries and swim clubs, to amusement parks and kids’ summer camps over the years, putting on this ‘Dickens Fest’ was in a different league.” With a long history of presenting shows in the Pine Barrens, returning See THEATER/ Page S8
d.com
www.Riddlesbroo
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Show Today! r u o y k o o B . .. . . err. the Laughtte n th n iin Joiin in o. specializes C e tr a e h T g n Touri we take to Riddlesbrood entertainment ic m o c ty li a u , Private original, top q s, Restaurants ie it il c a F t e u q an e. audiences at B er type of venu th o y n a r o s ir a als / F , Homes, Festiv 0 shows in NJ 0 ,5 1 r e v o d e ’ve perform Since 2000, we beyond! NY, PA, DE and or and d-pleasing hum w ro c f o d n ra b omedic Our trademark ne-of-a-kind, c o r u o g n ri u d artee ses interactive rep e full of surpri b s y a lw a l il w tees they ding shows guaran r guests explo u o y g in v a le lds ! as the plot unfo you for the fun g in k n a th d n a with laughter
3 Packages to Choose From
We make your entertainment decision easy! Simply pick the show you like, then choose the package that best fits your needs and budget. Just give us a call!
Page S4 ♦ Holiday EVENT GUIDE
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Accessorize
Your Festive Outfits Do you have your Christmas and New Year’s Eve party outfits picked out but feel they’re missing that special something? Here are a few suggestions for trendy men’s and women’s accessories in 2023. BOW TIES This year, bow ties aren’t just small and worn neatly around the neck. Oversized versions are now being used as collars and in other creative ways. BLACK TIE To add a touch of chic to your holiday outfits, consider wearing a black tie made of sheer or satin material. This fashion accessory can also be worn at various other events and occasions. COLOURFUL GLOVES Whether short or long, made of soft leather, velvet, lace or latex, colored gloves in bright green or red make a stylish and daring addition to any holiday outfit. SIGNET RING This ring’s timeless design features a flat bezel that often showcases initials or a coat of arms. It’s currently seeing a rise in popularity, so why not join the trend? COMBAT BOOTS Military-inspired black ankle boots instantly add character to an ensemble. For Christmas, choose a pair made of glossy patent leather or bedecked with glitzy embellishments. Which accessory will you choose?
Saturday, November 11, 2023
What Will Stylish Men Be Wearing This Holiday Season? Do you enjoy keeping up with the latest ready-to-wear trends but feel your wardrobe needs a little novelty? With the festive season fast approaching, why not draw inspiration from the current styles showcased in the 20232024 collections of the world’s top designers? THE PREPPY LOOK This year, fashionable outfits suitable for a model student are on trend. You can choose a bon chic bon genre style consisting of a polo shirt, neutral pants and a waistcoat adorned with diamonds. Alternatively, you could go for a contrasting shirt featuring the logo of a famous university.
or anyone who tends to run hot. Visit your local menswear boutiques to find outfits that’ll make you stand out at your holiday parties.
THE CHIC JUMPSUIT Do you struggle to put together cohesive outfits? If you’re tired of trying to match colors, fabrics and patterns, consider wearing a jumpsuit. Here’s a tip: to avoid looking a little too much like a mechanic, pay attention to your hairstyle and wear stylish shoes. After all, it’s the holiday season! THE SLEEVELESS TOP Have you spent the year working out or lifting weights at the gym? If you’re proud of your chiselled biceps, show off your hard work by trying out the popular sleeveless top trend. This style is also ideal for those with tattooed arms
A Victorian Christmas at Smithville Mansion Every room is decorated by local clubs, historical societies, and individuals highlighting this year’s theme HB’s Victorian Christmas.
Christmas Day Tours:
Will be Held on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12/7 through 12/30 with exception of 12/24 and 12/25. Adults $10 • Seniors/Students $8
Candlelight Tours:
will be held on 12/14, 12/17, 12/22 and 12/29. The cost is $15 per person. Reservations are required online. www.smithvillemansion.org
The Boutique will be open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday during the month of December beginning 12/1. Christmas Tea Events: All are sold out. 803 Smithville Road, Eastampton, New Jersey • Call 609-261-3780 for More Information and Reservations.
Saturday, November 11, 2023
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Black Friday:
Enticing Deals Near You Who’s on your holiday shopping list this year? Children? Parents? That special someone? Have you been considering a wardrobe refresh or looking for the perfect outfit for those seasonal get-togethers? How about that electronic device you’ve been eyeing to make your daily life a little easier? Black Friday is your opportunity to find everything you need at exceptional prices. PRIORITIZE LOCAL You may benefit to some degree from shopping online from the internet giants. But consider for a moment the additional benefits of exploring the Black Friday deals available from your local entrepreneurs. Visit local businesses and their websites to take advantage of their many promotions. In addition to getting quality products and personalized customer service, you get to boost your local economy. The choice is yours!
In 2023, Black Friday is November 24. However, some companies are extending the fun for a few extra days. Happy shopping!
Holiday EVENT GUIDE ♦ Page S5
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Pork Roast
with Bacon and Winter Vegetables
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Festive
Orange and Beetroot Salad
When placed at the center of a festive table, this juicy, fragrant roast will have everyone salivating. Bon appétit!
Bursting with flavor and color, this salad is the perfect way to liven up your festive meals!
INGREDIENTS Servings: 6
INGREDIENTS Servings: 2
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard • Zest of one lemon • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 1 tablespoon rosemary, finely chopped • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 pork loin roast, 2.2 pounds • 8 slices bacon • 4 carrots, peeled and cut into large sticks • 4 parsnips, peeled and cut into large sticks • 2 apples, quartered • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 tablespoon orange juice • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 3 cups mesclun • 2 purple carrots, thinly sliced • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. 2. In a small bowl, combine the mustard, lemon zest, garlic and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. 3. Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof frying pan and brown the roast on all sides. Place on a plate and coat with the herb mixture. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on top of the roast. Tie the roast up with kitchen string or butcher’s twine to hold the slices of bacon in place. 4. Place the carrots, parsnips and apples in the bottom of the pan and place the roast on top. Cook for approximately 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140 F. 5. Remove the pan from the oven, cover with aluminum foil and let rest for 15 minutes. Arrange on an attractive serving dish and garnish with fresh rosemary.
Holiday Market & Tree Lighting
Date: Friday, December 1st, 2023
• 1/4 cup roasted pecans, chopped • 1 orange, cut into half slices • 1 cooked beet, sliced into rounds • 2 slices mild cheddar • Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS 1. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, orange juice and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. 2. Arrange the mesclun, carrot slices, pomegranate seeds, pecans and orange slices on a pretty serving plate. 3. Using cookie cutters, create pretty shapes from the beet slices and cheddar cheese. Arrange the shapes on the plate. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 4. Place the bowl of vinaigrette in the center of the plate before serving.
Make Reservations Now for Your Holiday Party!
Starts: 5 p.m. Closes: 9 p.m
There is no parking or admittance fee for this event. 933 Monmouth Road, New Egypt, NJ 08533 609-758-2082
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
200 Tuckerton Rd, Medford, NJ 08055
(856) 334-8026 • www.tacoseltio.com
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Holiday EVENT GUIDE ♦ Page S7
IT’S A SHORE HOLIDAY Holiday Shopping
NOV 26TH | 3:00PM
A Radio City-Esque Show By The Atlantic City Ballet Adults $35 Children 12 & Under $15
We've Got it All!
Do you have a lot of shopping to do this festive season? This year, combine business with pleasure by buying local as often as possible. FOOD Your local caterers, grocery stores, restaurants, pastry shops, cheese shops, bakeries, butchers, chocolate shops and farmers’ markets are bursting with delicious treats for your holiday parties. Visit them in person or browse their websites to stock up on tasty, ultra-fresh products. DRINKS Drinking local has never been easier. Whether you prefer wines, spirits, ciders, cocktail syrups, soft drinks, fruit juices or beers brewed next door, you’ll be able to raise a glass to local producers from noon to midnight. GIFTS Christmas markets, gift shops and many other types of businesses in your part of the country offer a variety of products to slip into stockings or under the tree, including toys, body care products and
sweets. Shop local or order online now to avoid the rush and enjoy peace of mind. CLOTHING Want to look your best on Christmas Eve or New Year’s from head to toe? If so, choose clothes and accessories made locally with love. A growing number of designer websites and boutiques are showcasing up-andcoming designers. It’s up to you to find outfits that reflect your style this festive season. Finally, remember that buying local helps boost your community’s economy. Happy shopping and happy holidays!
BUYING LOC ALYS: A FOR THE HOLIDality a must for qu and variety
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SHADOWS OF THE 60’S
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THE NEW YORK TENORS
“A Very Merry Christmas” Tickets $50-$60 | 718.423.8394 | ticketor.com/sfentertain
TOGETHER THIS CHRISTMAS A Holiday Concert With Dakota And Elle Visit STACNJ.COM or Call 609.489.8600 For Tickets
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Homemade Cookies • La Colom mbe Coff ffee f • Hershey's Ice Cream Gluten Free Cookies • Cinnamon Rolls • Sticky Buns • Brownies • Cookie Trays
A Gris iswol s old ld Fam ami miilllyy Chr hris ristm stma maass 2nd Annual Handmade Home S Shopping hopping Ev Event vent
Saturday, December 9th: 10am - 6pm & Sunday, December 10th: lOth: 10 lOam 3pm am - 3pm Located in Tabernacle
Come and explore amazing handcrafted gifts created by several local artisans! The shop includes: Sewn Goods from Farmhouse Country Creations, Bees & Blooms’ Florals, Shari’s Chocolate Sweets and Baskets, Home Décor by Rachael’s One of a Kind Designs, Soap Products from Bella; Liz, Dog Treats from Hungry Pawz, and so much more! Text Abbey Griswold for more Info: 609-784-3586 609-784-3S86 649 Chatsworth Road, Tabernacle, NJ 08088
609-365-3530
560 Stokes Road, Suite 1, Medford, New Jersey 08055
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES
THEATER
(Continued from Page S3) to Historic Smithville to perform their annual shows there further cemented RT TC 's pre s e nc e a s t he dom i na nt original theater company. RTTC brings two festivals to Historic Smithville annually. In the spring, it’s their “Fantasy AdventureFest” featuring a new, or ig i na l mu sic a l e a ch ye ar complemented by a host of fantasy and adventure themed vendors.
Photo Provided
A Christmas Carol, an original Musical Adaptation By Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company. In the fall, their “Dickens Fest” featuring their original musical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” with unique holiday themed vendors returns to the delight of enthusiastic audiences of all ages who come out to enjoy Riddlesbrood's popular, entertaining, interactive shows that always include local children who also learn the Riddlesbrood theme song as part of their acting and singing rehearsals. (Visit: https:// www.riddlesbrood.com/themesong ) This fall, their exciting, new way of presenting live theater will, once again, roll into Historic Smithville! RTTC will bring the Spirit of Christmas back to Historic Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Rd., Smithville, NJ, 08205, when they return to present their two-day outdoor “Dickens Fest” featuring their original, musical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens’ heartwarming, classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from
Photo Provided
Ryan Long as Clyde P. Riddlesbrood (The theater company's mascot).
WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM greed to redemption that will surely raise the spirits and warm the cockles of the hearts of their audiences who will travel through time with the Ghosts of Christmas and witness the ultimate transformation of this miserly skinflint into a jolly Father Christmas, himself! Parker Smith, a seasoned local actor and an alumni of Elaine's Famous Dinner Theater from Cape May, will be portraying Scrooge. Presented on Riddlesbrood’s portable, main stage, along with two other stages set up on the Village Green in the heart of the Village of Smithville, 615 E. Moss Mill Road, Absecon, NJ, 08201, the show will have a matinee performance at 1 p.m. and an evening performance at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 25th, and a matinee performance at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 26th, that are filled with their trademark banter and improvisation that guarantees a rollicking good time for audiences of all ages. A variety of vendors with art, artistry and collectibles brimming with holiday gift ideas will add to the festivities. Admission and parking are free both days. The cast has 25 children from 6 to 17 from Atlantic and Ocean counties in it, including 12 year old Erin Sheey, from Tom's River, who plays Issabelle. Erin has been performing in key roles in Riddlesbrood’s shows at Historic Smithville for several years, such as playing “Wendy” in last year's “Peter Pan” production. Gerald Castro, a 10 year old from Lakehurst, NJ, plays the pr incipal role of Tiny Tim. Even at his tender age, he is already another “veteran” of Riddlesbrood’s productions. He has been in several previous shows including portraying one of the “lost boys” in their “Peter Pan” production. To add to their entertainment roster, RTTC will be offering short, 15-minute audience-engaging “Side Shows” entitled “Pen and Jester” performed in a tent several times during the day. Over a quarter of a century, it has become apparent that RTTC stands alone by creating its own lane for bringing its signature brand of live, original comedic theater to a wide variety of audiences. But that’s not all that is propelling the theater company into the forefront of regional theatrical productions. As its Executive Director, Long has continually sought out unique ways to differentiate RTTC from all other theater companies. In addition to spearheading RTTC to make it a leading theatrical force in the region, Long has demonstrated that there are no limits to the directions his creative expression could take. His active imagination has already lured him to venture into the fantasy book market with the writing and subsequent publication of his truly bizarre, 100,000 word ghost story brochure about RTTC, “Riddlesbrood: The Greatest Brochure in the World.” Long soon began to sell his book at their shows as well as on Amazon. (Visit: https:// www.amazon.com/dp/1795132426 ) B e s id e s b e c om i ng a n aut hor i n addition to his long career as an actor and playwright, Long has emerged as a successful conlanger, a creator of a language that premiered in his original, inter-active, fantasy musical adventure show, “Harken: A Game of Phones” at Historic Smithville in 2021 that lets audiences decide on the course of the action throughout the play by downloading an app on their phones upon arrival to the outdoor show area. Long even created his own language, “Riddle’s diculous,” for an original show
Saturday, November 11, 2023
back in 2012 called “The Dark Side” that outdoor venues gives us an opportunity to was a steppingstone for the “Riddle’s reach people in a totally different way that is d icu lous” lang u age he c reate d for less inhibiting and more relaxed than being "Harken," with guidance from none other in a confined space. There's an increased than David Peterson, the facilitator of the rapport with our audiences that inspires and two languages, Dothraki and Valyrian, encourages us to engage our audiences more created for the award-winning Medieval - which has been so much fun for everyone!” fantasy epic, “Game of Thrones.” “No two shows are alike now,” Long “Harken” proved to be a game changer pointed out. “Because there are always for RTTC with its new way of involving interactions with members of our audience the audiences' participation in the play. who 'get into the act' and end up adding Once their audiences understood how a special, one-of-a-kind aspect to each they could be involved in the “Game of show that keeps every show fresh and Phones,” word spread quickly about this unpredictable. We couldn't ask for anything exciting new show and many people who more than that!" were intrigued by the concept returned to Visit r idd le sbrood.c om for more play again and again. information about their public shows and RTTC’s first show of 2023 at Historic private parties. Smithville, “Riddlesbrood’s Peter Pan and This is a paid advertorial. the Pirates” attracted audiences who had already enjoyed several Riddlesbrood shows there and came back for more of the theater company’s own brand of crowd-pleasing hu mor a n d r e p a r t e e that has become their trademark and earned them a reputation for presenting one-of-a-kind, engaging comedic shows that are always full of surprises as the plot unfolds. Long and the troupe’s other h igh ly creative, wild and wacky group of actors, are celebrating their 25th year of bringing over 3,500 of their original theatrical productions that combine comedy, mu r d e r my s t e r y a n d often, local folklore, to the sheer enjoyment of their diverse audiences in the region. To Long’s sur pr ise, this new, unique way of presenting live outdoor shows has become an integral part of RTTC’s performances, as well as Photo Provided a great audience-pleaser. “It looks like our outdoor RTTC actors who are part of Riddlesbrood's branding. L., David shows on our portable Polgar, Ocean Co., as Nyx in Harken and is in the Sideshow at stages are here to stay,” Dickens Fest R., Dean Woody Duncan, Smithville, as Clyde P. Long said. “Bringing our Riddlesbrood, RTTC mascot, and Mary Foley, Ocean Co., as shows to audiences at Madame Cludetti and is RTTC's Company Blogger.
Riddlesbrood's portable stage.
Photo Provided
Saturday, November 11, 2023
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES ♦ Page 9
Photo By Andrew King
Burlington County Commissioner Balvir Singh (center) claims Democratic victory in the county races.
RACES
(Continued from Page 1) Pullion, its deputy director, and Balvir Singh, who won 53,490 and 52,396 votes, respectively, against their Republican c h a l l e n g e r s A l fo n s o G a m b o n e , a Moorestown attorney, whose vote count came to 40,109, and Medford eye doctor Larry Vernamonti, who got 39,946. (All such totals are unofficial and may increase as mail-in and then provisional ballots are tallied, but substantial enough margins of victory will likely not be affected.) Another major win for county Democrats was the re-election of County Clerk Joanne Schwartz, with a tentative tally of 54,602 compared to 39,607 cast for her GOP rival, Bass River Township Mayor Deborah Buzby-Cope. Schwartz has had her share of criticism in recent years, particularly from Republicans for a series of blunders i nvolv i ng s a mple ba l lot s a nd ot her materials. But Andl, addressing the watch party crowd, shrugged it off by quipping that “there are hundreds of thousands of ballots and voters, and stuff always happens, whether it is from a Republican administration or ours” and “they are always settled and handled professionally.” Also easily re-elected were 7th District Assemblyman Herb Conaway, Jr. and Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, both of whom appeared to have nearly doubled the unofficial vote total of their Republican rivals, with Murphy observing that it was “great to see that we as Democrats are bringing back more Democratic seats in the Assembly and the Senate this year.” In the 8th Legislative District, however, the news wasn’t completely good. It app eared Republican Latham Tiver, running for Senate in the 8th Legislative District and selected by the GOP to replace retiring Republican Sen. Jean Stanfield, topped last-minute Democratic candidate Gaye Burton, a retired schoolteacher and former Pemberton councilwoman who had lost her Pemberton Township Council re-election bid. But she came a lot closer than anticipated to beating former GOP county Freeholder Latham Tiver, given that her running mates had favored another
replacement for Evesham Councilwoman and Democratic Vice Chairman Heather Cooper, who had planned to run for the post but dropped out at the 11th hour, reportedly due to a health issue. Burton, whose unofficial vote count was 26,648, or 49 percent of the total, compared to Tiver’s 28,013, or 51 percent, had all but conceded the race in a somewhat philosophical manner. “Yesterday, I exceeded the expectations of many,” she wrote in a Facebook posting. Burton continued that she had “never been one to go down without a fight” and that she has also had to “fight when relocating to New Jersey, from New York, as a single parent, raising two sons.” She also stated that, “This will not be the last time you see my name on the ballot!” In a subsequent interview with the Pine Barrens Tribune, Burton, emphasizing that she had “worked extremely hard” to make her candidacy known during the preceding two months, indicated she might have to give some further thought to that prospect, but added, “Now, they know me.” And despite Cooper’s unexpected decision to drop out of contention, she was also given a moment of recognition by Andl, who referred to her as “the backbone of our party.” In the 8th District Assembly match-up, several media organizations had called the race for Republican incumbents Michael Torrissi, Jr., and Brandon Umba. But in a stunning development just before this newspaper’s press time on Nov. 9, one Democratic contender Andrea Katz pulled slightly ahead of Umba. Katz’s Democratic running mate, Anthony Angelozzi, was still trailing, however, albeit not by much. As of press time during the evening of Nov. 9, Katz had garnered 27,037 votes, compared to Umba’s 27,010. Torrissi remained the top vote getter with 27,502 votes. Angelozzi was trailing everyone with only 26,849 votes. Notably, during an Election Night watch party held by the GOP at Braddock’s Tavern in Medford, the 8th District delegation withheld declaring victory. And they had issued no apparent statement as of the night of Nov. 8, this newspaper’s deadline, and their county chairman, Josh Zoppina, had not responded to a phone and email message asking if he would like to provide one.
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Page 10 ♦
LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES
CLOSER
(Continued from Page 1) significant would it be with a Democratic challenger, Raye Coxe, seemingly gaining ground in recent weeks over two Republican c ont e nder s, i n t he wa ke of s ever a l controversies in town. T he a n swer i s t h at t he t wo G OP newcomers, Michael Czyzyk and Bethany Milk, appeared to have squeezed out a victory over Coxe on Election night – but with voters seemingly sending a message not only through a closer-than-normal contest by Medford standards, but through other means, that they desire change from what has been a raucous two years in Medford politics. Take, for example, 133 write-in votes that had been cast in the local race as of press time – with a final vote tally not due for a week as mail-in ballots postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day have a full six days to arrive at the county Board of Elections to be counted. Then there were several self-proclaimed “st au n c h Re publ i c a n s” a nd “fi s c a l conservatives” who took to Facebook to throw their support behind Coxe, some proclaiming that they had voted for a Democrat for the first time. “Hey Ray, as a staunch Republican, can you give me one reason to vote for you since you are a Democrat?” one of those Republicans asked on Election Day via Medford 08055, a prominent social media group for the area. “I am on the edge right now.” After Coxe replied, in part, that “I believe government should not be about party label – it should be about electing an individual who will represent all residents fairly, equally, and with respect” and that “I believe I would be a new, independent voice who would ensure accountability and transparency,” as well as seek input from residents with the township Master Plan, the voter responded, “Ray, I voted to give you a chance. Don’t let Medford down.” Another voter, in responding to the same thread, declared, “This is the first time I’m voting Democrat,” adding, “Ray is right – it shouldn’t be about a political label – government should not even be Democrat and Republican.” Both of those apparent GOP voters indicated that the township’s ugly conflict with the Carns family was a major deciding factor i n thei r de c isions. T hat ver y public dust-up involved Medford having charged the family matriarch with codeenforcement violations while one of its members was involved in a dispute with GOP Mayor Charles “Chuck” Watson, resulting in a $10,000 fine being levied (although ultimately reduced by a Superior Court judge) against the matriarch. It was
WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM a fine that many viewed as excessive. “We need council to stand up to the mayor,” the second voter added, noting she decided to vote along the lines of a recommendation from one of the Carns siblings, while also pointing to concerns about overdevelopment and several breweries being established in Medford Village that also became campaign focal points. “No backdoor deals like the brewery. No more townhouses. Schools are overcrowded.” A third Republican voter wrote directly to Coxe on his Facebook page, that he is a “lifelong Republican,” but that “you have my vote.” “The current council needs someone to stand up and not just be a ‘yes’ man for Chuck Watson,” that voter declared. Some of those who were public in breaking with their party also acknowledged that they were writing in someone on the ballot, given that Coxe ran alone without a running mate, and that there was thus no second Democratic challenger, apparently unable to bring themselves to cast at least a vote for one of the GOP candidates on the ballot. And Brain Carns, they declared, was a viable option for the write-in slot. (As was later explained by Burlington County Spokesman David Levinsky, there is a whole process that must be completed for confirming write-in vote selections, and who exactly was written in by voters who chose the personal choice option on the ballot is not something that is immediately available for release.) Coxe also built up a remarkably significant lead for the GOP stronghold in early-vote and mail-in-ballot votes cast, according to figures released by the County Clerk’s Office, garnering 1,792 votes, having a lead of 732 votes over Milk going into Election Day. But by 10 p.m. Nov. 7, with same-day votes tabulated, Czyzyk and Milk took the lead, with 3,675 and 3,815 votes, respectively, over Coxe’s 3,437, keeping the five-member town council all-Republican. That gap between Czyzyk and Coxe of 238 votes, however, pales in comparison to the 2021 council race here, with the thenRepublican candidates enjoying a nearly 2,000-vote advantage over their Democratic counterparts, and before that, in 2019, a lead of some 800 votes. T he clos er-t h a n-nor m a l r a c e wa s something that Watson, in declaring victory for the Medford Republicans at a watch party at Braddock’s Tavern in Medford, appeared to recognize. “It was closer than what we would have liked, but we still overcame the innuendo and everything else that was out there, and we won handily,” declared Watson, who has strongly refuted accusations that the violations issued to the Carns matriarch and other code-enforcement actions taken against members of the family had any personal or political ties.
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Medford Mayor Charles “Chuck” Watson (right) and 8th District Assemblyman Brandon Umba (center), among others, wait with anticipation as election returns come in, with the mayor later acknowledging the local race was “closer than what we would have liked.” Following the Carns dispute, as well as the changing dynamic of downtown Medford and development boom, Joe Maggelet, a one-time member of Watson’s inner circle, withdrew his support of the Republican mayor. Maggelet, who is the administrator of the township’s most prominent social media group, which had been initially created to help garner support for the Watson administration, increased his rhetoric against the mayor throughout the campaign cycle. In the lead-up to the election, Maggelet endorsed Coxe, even changing the cover photo of the group in the final hours to a campaign sign for Coxe. “As most of you know, I am a conservative that believes in small government, property rights and minimal rules and regulations,” Maggelet wrote. “Sadly, under control of Medford’s mayor and his puppet council, Medford is like a huge out-of-control HOA. Small businesses and homeowners can’t do anything to their property without the approval of the mayor’s hired professional who make $$$$. Medford – don’t be fooled (by) your mayor and his puppets, who are not conservative Republicans.” Maggelet, in a separate post, continued to charge that under the GOP leadership, the township “increased residential building,” bringing in up to 5,000 new residents, and that it has resulted in “excess traffic on roads that were not designed to handle it” as well as “crowded schools” and “increased crime.”
Protectors Of Public Health & Property
“Me d ford ne e ds more pol ic e, fi re department personnel and municipal employees to properly deal with all this residential bui ldi ng,” he contended, maintaining the purported overcrowding of the schools alone will increase taxes. He also pointed to “constant trashcol le ction problems” and “exc essive restrictive zoning ordinances that make Medford far worse than any community homeowners association’s rules/regulations” as well as what he views as efforts to “pit neighbors against neighbors by telling them to turn each other in for zoning violations.” The controversies, in combination with Maggelet withdrawing his support, as well as Kochan and Czekay deciding to leave the council, have given rise to questions surrounding the mayor’s future in politics. Those questions were something that Watson appeared to address in the speech he delivered Tuesday night congratulating Czyzyk and Milk. “I am really excited to serve with these guys for at least the next couple years, unless I run again,” Watson declared. “So, maybe four years for us.” That was followed by chants of “One more time!” and “Two more times!” as well as “Four more years!” A longtime staunch supporter of the Watson administration, Paul Chenier, also known as “Pauly Paul,” later wrote to this newspaper of the outcome that, “Voters knew who the BEST candidates were!” See CLOSER/ Page 12
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Saturday, November 11, 2023
2023 ELECTI
N RESULTS
8th District State Senate (Vote for One) †
♦ Page 11
The election results were updated as of 7 p.m. Nov. 8, 2023. *Incumbent
Pemberton Borough Council (Vote for Two)
Party
Vote Tally
Percentage of Vote
Gaye Burton
Democrat
26,648
49%
Latham Tiver
Republican
28,013
51%
Candidate
ELECTION RESULTS
Projected Winner X
Candidate
Party
Vote Tally
Percentage of Vote
Projected Winner
Melissa Tettemer*
Republican
201
48%
X
Terry Jerome*
Republican
215
51%
X
Personal Choice
Write-Ins
3
1%
8th District State Assembly (Vote for Two) † Candidate
Party
Vote Tally
Percentage of Vote
Andrea Katz
Democrat
27,037
25%
Anthony Angelozzi
Democrat
26,849
25%
Michael Torrissi Jr.*
Republican
27,502
25%
Brandon E. Umba*
Republican
27,010
25%
Projected Winner
Shamong Township Committee (Vote for One) Candidate
Party
Vote Tally
Percentage of Vote
Projected Winner
Megan Mozitis
Republican
1,122
99%
X
Personal Choice
Write-Ins
15
1%
† The above election results were updated as of 8:30 p.m. Nov. 9, 2023. Southampton Township Committee (Vote for One) Burlington County Commissioners (Vote for Two)
Candidate
Party
Vote Tally
Percentage of Vote
Projected Winner X
Candidate
Party
Vote Tally
Percentage of Vote
Projected Winner
James F. Young Sr.*
Republican
2,198
97%
Tom Pullion*
Democrat
53,490
29%
X
Personal Choice
Write-Ins
59
3%
X
Balvir Singh*
Democrat
52,396
28%
Alfonso Gambone
Republican
40,109
22%
Larry Vernamonti
Republican
39,946
21%
Tabernacle Township Committee (Vote for One)
Burlington County Clerk (Vote for One) Party
Vote Tally
Percentage of Vote
Projected Winner
Joanne Schwartz*
Democrat
54,602
58%
X
Deborah Buzby-Cope
Republican
39,607
42%
Candidate
Medford Township Council (Vote for Two) Candidate
Party
Vote Tally
Percentage of Vote
Raymond W. Coxe
Democrat
3,437
31%
Michael A. Czyzyk
Republican
3,675
33%
X
Bethany J. Milk
Republican
3,815
35%
X
Personal Choice
Write-Ins
133
1%
Candidate
Party
Vote Tally
Percentage of Vote
Projected Winner
Natalie M. Stone
Republican
1,367
97%
X
Personal Choice
Write-Ins
38
3%
Tabernacle Township Committee - UNEXPIRED 2-Year Term (Vote for One) Candidate
Party
Vote Tally
Percentage of Vote
Projected Winner
Noble F. McNaughton*
Republican
1,412
98%
X
Personal Choice
Write-Ins
25
2%
Projected Winner
Washington Township Committee (Vote for One)
Pemberton Borough Mayor (Vote for One)
Candidate
Party
Vote Tally
Percentage of Vote
Projected Winner
Paul T. Seybold*
Republican
145
98%
X
Personal Choice
Write-Ins
3
2%
Woodland Township Committee (Vote for One)
Candidate
Party
Vote Tally
Percentage of Vote
Projected Winner
Candidate
Party
Vote Tally
Percentage of Vote
Projected Winner
Bonnie J. Haines
Republican
206
99%
X
William H. DeGroff*
Republican
194
97%
X
Personal Choice
Write-Ins
2
1%
Personal Choice
Write-Ins
7
3%
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LOCAL NEWS / FEATURES
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way it could have been preserved while the site was being sold for redevelopment, both Medford Solicitor Timothy Prime and Zachary Wilson, one of the organizers of a group of Medford Village residents who have recently had some bones to pick with the township council, contended in separate conversations with this newspaper. The use of the site for a third microbrewery facility in Medford, after having been discussed for some time, was approved via council resolution 129-2023 on June 2, according to a listing at the township website, authorizing the execution of an agreement with Magnify Brewing, LLC, of Fairfield Township, in Essex County, “for the redevelopment of the former township municipal building property at 17-19 N. Main Street.” The resolution notes that “Magnify has identified Medford Village as the perfect place to implement its vision for redevelopment of the property, with its Main Street charm, established craft beer culture, easy access and proximity to Philadelphia and surrounding areas.” It also claims that “the Magnify destination brewery will result in a positive impact on local businesses, including other breweries, restaurants and retail stores and will contribute to the further revitalization of the downtown Medford Village area, as has been the experience with the existing Magnify Brewery in Fairfield.” The sale to the brewing company was finalized in October, Medford Township Manager and Clerk Kathy Burger told this
CLOSER
(Continued from Page 10) “Congratulations to the Czyzyk-Milk team!” he added. Chenier, throughout the campaign, had taken a very different position from that of Maggelet, the latter who slammed Czyzyk and Milk’s slogan, “Keep Medford in the right hands” as meaning “two more puppets hand-picked by your mayor!” “Years ago, I spent a lot of time criticizing Medford’s Officials ... Medford was on the brink of financial disaster!” wrote Chenier to voters prior to the election. “Mayor Chuck Watson and his team were up for elections; they made a lot of promises that people, including myself, thought they would never be able to accomplish. However, Mayor Chuck Watson and his team made some very difficult decisions … those included major layoffs in public safety, staff personnel and Public Works. These cuts, we later found out, were absolutely necessary in order to save Medford from bankruptcy! “Developers, at the time were staying clear of Medford, Main Street was on the verge of being a ‘ghost town.’ However, Mayor Chuck Watson asked residents to be patient – he was determined to turn things around, and he promised to fulfill his campaign promises. Well, here we are years later. Medford has indeed ‘turned around,’ and Medford is now the ‘Destination Point’ in South Jersey. Up until this year, Mayor Chuck Watson and his team members on the council were able to avoid any increases in the local property tax rate for I believe eight or nine years straight! Something unheard of in these days of inflation.” Chenier warned voters to “don’t be fooled by some other candidates whose political affiliations almost destroyed Medford,” but to, as he put it, “continue the GREAT work Mayor Chuck Watson and his team have been doing for Medford's residents!” Watson, during the watch party, said of what will be his new councilmates “they care about Medford” and are “involved
Saturday, November 11, 2023 newspaper in a return call on Nov. 8, and the tree was presumably removed on orders of the new owner, since the township was no longer involved. Prime also maintained that the company “removed the tree as part of the project” and that the “township did not take the tree down.” “It was a nice tree,” Prime acknowledged. “But there was nothing we could do about it.” He added, however, that the brewing firm had plans to use wood from it in both the bar and brewery “to acknowledge that the tree was on the property.” However, upon attempting to reach Magnify Brewing on Nov. 8 during the limited hours that its facility was listed as being open at a number found on the web for the company (with a Wyoming exchange) for confirmation of those claims, this newspaper was told that, “Your call cannot be completed as dialed.” An attempt to reach the company’s president at another number found on the web got a similar response. As for residents having been taken by surprise by the tree’s removal, the solicitor noted that “the redevelopment plan has been public for years” and that “everything was done in accordance” with that plan. Furthermore, he maintained, the availability of the property as a site for redevelopment had been duly advertised, and the brewing company was the only bidder to respond, finally acquiring it for a price of $218,000 “based on two appraisals that reflected the cost of demolition.” “I didn’t think there was a need for any further notice (to the public),” he declared. See TREE/ Page 13 with Medford.” Milk asserted that she “thanks God for leading me in the right direction to serve” while Czyzyk maintained “independently, we kind of came to the conclusion that we were put here to serve.” “It is our time,” he added. “We are part of a very great team, and we look forward to continuing all the great work you guys have been doing.” Brandon Umba, a local 8th District assemblyman, also the municipal chair of the Medford Republicans, asserted, “It was a tough election for us up and down ballot” but that “it is because of you that we are here.” “And it is because of you that we can share a success story here in Medford,” he added. After telling this newspaper he wanted to be sure the numbers were firm, Coxe, in a concession statement issued late on the afternoon of Nov. 8, said, “I’d like to take a moment to congratulate both Mike and Bethany.” “I look forward to working with them for the betterment of our community,” Coxe added. “To all those who supported our campaign, my heartfelt thanks! You allowed your voices to be heard for the future of Medford. Now we must come together and work with Mr. Czyzyk and Ms. Milk in ensuring the voices of residents are heard in an open and transparent municipal government.” For his part, Brian Carns, one of the Carns siblings who had thrown his weight behind the Coxe campaign, also released a statement on Facebook the day following the election congratulating Czyzyk and Milk on winning those two council seats. “We hope you guys bring some change to the direction this town is heading in,” he wrote, adding, “Also, what a great run by Ray Coxe for Medford Township Council. You came within 220 votes, which is unprecedented.” It was accompanied by a meme posting, “Create a town where people can live like human beings, instead of slaves to some bogus sense of progress that is driving us all mad.” Staff writer Bill Bonvie also contributed to this story.
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(Continued from Page 12) Wilson, for his part, concurred that he doesn’t think “you could develop that lot with those plans and have kept the tree,” given that the building planned for it will occupy the entire site and not allow room for any opening, such as a courtyard. But what bothered him, he indicated, was the lack of any attention being given to that aspect of the project. While “there was a lot of dissatisfaction” about the property being utilized for another brewery and the way that came about,” he contended, “the tree was not a focal point of conversation.” Wilson also maintained to this newspaper that he “doesn’t think anybody made the connection that the tree would be coming down” and noted that while approval of the plans indicated that would be the case, “nobody discussed the tree specifically” and “nobody talked about it before Saturday.” “I’m faulting the way the mayor (Charles “Chuck” Watson) communicated and dealt with it,” Wilson asserted. “It is another example of how he doesn’t really understand what is important to the people of Medford.” Wilson also criticized township officials for apparently not having required that the company take steps to replace the tree at issue, and noted that a recent amendment to an existing tree ordinance had spelled out rules governing the removal and replacement of trees (specifying, for example, that subject to certain conditions, a tree removed “either shall be replanted on the subject property or shall be replaced with a new tree planted
either on the subject property or as directed by the Zoning Official”). “I think any developer that got their hands on that site would have taken down that tree,” Wilson contended, emphasizing that he also didn’t think the township “should have held on to the property just to save the tree.” But Wilson added that he was speaking strictly for himself and felt sure there were people in town who would prefer the township had kept the tree intact rather than bring in another brewery. And he was correct in that assumption. One such individual was Ray Coxe, a Democrat and Camden school administrator who waged a hard-fought, but unsuccessful campaign to fill one of two open seats on the township council. In a campaign message posted on his Facebook page, complete with photos of the remains of the tree, Coxe had called its removal “yet another example of the lost focus of the mayor and his team.” “It i s u n c o n s c io n abl e t o s e e a n approximately 200-year-old tree so casually removed,” he asserted. “A tree that was presenting no danger to the public. A tree that could have been a focal point in the design of the new business going onto this location. I do not see how the mayor’s players say they will protect open space when they won’t protect such a significant piece of Medford.” Equally outspoken was Joe Maggelet, administrator of the Facebook group Medford 08055, who contended in an interview with this newspaper that a different approach to the sale of the property might well have had a different outcome for the tree, as well as fetching a better price
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and put the site to better use than simply another brewery. “The township could have put a sign on the building that it was available for sale,” asserted Maggelet, who said he had been responsible for some successful commercial real estate transactions in town, including one involving a property one-third the size of the one where the brewery will be situated, and without a parking lot, for $265,000. In his opinion, the property could have been redeveloped in a manner that would have “absolutely” enabled the tree to have been preserved, such as a restaurant that would have made use of it or perhaps by turning the existing structure into a commercial building that would have two or three retail shops at street level and help provide more housing by providing affordable apartments on the second floor. Instead, he declared, “They’re turning Main Street into Brewery Row,” and offering a “golden deal” to the property’s new buyer that includes five years of tax
Pine Grove Plaza
write-offs on improvements. One reason this was allowed to happen, according to Maggelet, is the fact that so few residents attend council and planning board meetings and so much municipal business is conducted in executive sessions, where transparency and the details of such transactions are for the most part lost on the public. However this came about, in Jensen’s view, it has resulted in some of the leafy quality of living in Medford having quite literally been lost. “It seems that every time you turn around, there is something else being taken away from Medford,” she lamented. “I’ve been part of this town for a decade, and this tree was just something that was always there, where you could watch the leaves changing. It is sad that all these things are being taken away. “People come to Medford because of the historic appeal of the commercial and residential mix. If we keep changing everything, it is not going to be Medford anymore.”
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Page 14 ♦
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
WWW.PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM
Saturday, November 11, 2023
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY ♦ Page 15
AD HOTLINE: (609) 801-2392 or SALES@PINEBARRENSTRIBUNE.COM
Saturday, November 11, 2023
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you have residential over the shops, you will have those people shopping in those shops that are right over them.” Ward, a restauranteur, recalled a similar setup for a restaurant in Delaware, and “the residents above were always complaining it was too noisy” with what was happening downstairs. Hornickel said he specifically requested that the architect “take a look at” not having residential overtop a restaurant. “He even said that (or had raised the 1,122 votes on Nov. 7, with 15 write-in votes being cast. In Southampton Township, Republican James F. Young, Sr., who has over a quarter century of service to the Southampton
Township Committee, won re-election, receiving 2,198 votes. He was running unopposed, but 59 write-in votes were cast. Also running unopposed was Republican Wi l l ia m “Bi l ly” DeGrof f, mayor of
Woodland Township. DeGroff won after getting 194 votes. In neighboring Washington Township, GOP Committeeman Paul T. Seybold, also not facing any opposition, won another term.
Find Us On Lic# 1283
noted. “This (authorization to do the drawings) is not a deal breaker, but it is still $10,000.” Republican Mayor Jack Tompk ins responded that initially when the plan was brought up during a Planning Board session, “I was against it.” But then, in talking to members of the board, he came to realize “if
NEWCOMER (Continued from Page 6)
first time and ran unopposed – received
(609) 654-6602
NJ Lic. 13VH06395500
drawings is the town’s way to “just try to find out what the options are” and that “we are not making any decisions.” “We have to explore our options,” she maintained. “We have to figure out some ways to balance the budget. I think we should look at our options.” But Dewey shot back “the problem is we spend a ton of money on ‘options.’” Gardner, however, maintained that the township would have the ability to require any future developer to “pay for the drawings” and that it would “get rolled back in the sale price.” “If we find a developer, we can renegotiate a redevelopment agreement,” Hornickel added. McCartney, in recently claiming to be more inclined to deny future warehousing development, and in recognizing there are many residents who do not want any more large development, asserted, “we can’t have both.” “If we want to preserve our quiet community, we have to figure out ways to balance the budget,” she declared. “I am not an economic analyst, but I certainly don’t think residents want taxes to go up high. We have to look at how we can balance the budget a little bit.” The authorization passed, 3-2, along party lines.
Keith Abrams
(Continued from Page 8)
Robert H. Griscom Fully Insured NJTC768766
concern), pointing to complaints about smell and noise,” the business administrator added. Tompkins said the setup would be ideal for call centers and lawyer offices that are “open during the day and closed at night.” “I would be dead set against condos over stores in downtown Browns Mills,” is something that Republican Councilman Dan Dewey, however, shot back. “If you put them in there, where are the kids going to play and how many kids will get splatted on the wagon train roads over by Ritas?” He advised the administration to “look at Gregory’s” or the former retail store that was replaced with such units in Eastampton, where “half of those stores are empty.” “I don’t see where it would be a good concept for downtown Browns Mills,” Dewey declared. “And I think they take away from the town.” Democratic Council President Donovan Gardner maintained there are already “kids that play” in the area of concern, pointing to houses that are next to the ice cream and water ice business. McCartney, who has proven to be a pivotal swing vote given there are currently three Democrats and two Republicans comprising the council, maintained that having the
WELL SERVICES
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P.O. Box 311 Medford, N.J. 08055
Page 16 ♦
WORSHIP GUIDE
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w us on m/MedfordUMC
First Baptist Church COME VISIT! We would love to meet you! Rev. Vernl E. Mattson, Pastor 39 Main Street Vincentown, NJ 08088
Family Owned & Operated
Grace Episcopal Church 43 Elizabeth St, Pemberton, NJ 08068 9 a.m. Sunday Service (609) 894-8001
Cross Roads Youth Group - Sundays �������5 p�m�
Adult Choir Practice - Wednesdays ����7:30 p�m�
www.fbcvnj.org • 609-859-8967 Please join us for Worship 9:00 am Contemporary In-Person or Facebook Live
10:30 am Traditional
All Are Welcome!
50 Burrs Mill Roadd, Southampton, NJ 08088 609 - 847- 4848
Sunday Worship Service �����������������������11 a�m�
Prayer Fellowship - Wednesdays ��������7:15 p�m�
I Am That I Am Ministries, Inc. Sunday Worship Seervice at 11:30 a.m. Pastors Florence and Russell Webberr
Sunday School����������������������������������9:45 a�m�
Bible Study - Wednesdays �����������������6:30 p�m�
371 Lakehurst Rd., Browns Mills, NJ 609-893-4800 • www.MooreFuneralHome.com
All are welcome here to grow closer to God through scripture, prayer, music, fellowship, and service to others.
www.iamthatiamministriesinnc.com
graceepiscopalchurchnj.com graceepiscopalnj@comcast.com https://www.facebook.com/graceepiscopalpemberton/
St. Andrew’s Church 121 High St., Mt. Holly MASS: 5 PM Sat. 10 AM Sun. Morning Prayer (M-F) 9 AM on Facebook Office: (M-Th, 8 AM-Noon) 609-267-0225 E-Mail: STANDREWSCHURCHMH@gmail.com Website: WWW.STANDREWSCHURCH-MH.ORG
In-Person or Facebook Live
Trinity Episcopal Church 18 Mill St. Vincentown, NJ 08088 Worship: Sundays 10 a.m. 609-859-2299 Transportation Available Call 609-859-2883
2 Hartford Road | Medford NJ 08055 medfordumc.org | 609/654-8111 info@medfordumc.org
Facebook: STANDREWSCHURCHMOUNTHOLLYNJ All are invited to join in worship and fellowship!