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Independence Day Celebration “America and it’s Patriotism”This year’s 14th Annual Independence Day Celebration was a great success. Special thanks to Chairwoman Dolores Comparri and the Special Events Committee. The Fire Truck Parade started the day off in Collings Lakes and headed to Michael Debbi Park in Richland. The flag was raised and then lowered to half-staff in memory of the 3 Firefighters who lost their lives in Gloucester City earlier in the week. The Grand Marshals/Hometown Hero’s were Eddie Albert of Collings Lakes, Joseph Becket of Newtonville and Robert Casazza of East Vineland. Also in the parade were the Buena Police Explorers, Miss BVT Heather Rode (1992), Smokey the Bear, the Martin Luther King Drill Team and VFW Post #158. The Annual Chicken BBQ was very tasty and the BVT EMS staffed the booth. The Newtonville Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary manned the desert booth. DJ John Reed kept the crowd dancing and numerous prizes were given out. Local resident Eugene Moore performed the Star Spangled Banner during the opening ceremonies and again at 5 pm. The Environmental Commission gave away 150 bluebird houses with instructions. The Great Egg Harbor Watershed made presentations and Joan Dickerson of Buena Vista Township Public Works had a display on compost. A Car Show sponsored by the Garden State 50’s Club featured 75 vehicles. Civil War re-enactors had quite a display to view along with live cannon salutes throughout the day. Bouncies, a dunk tank, basketball shoot, a high striker, face painting, sand art, and characters entertained the children. The babies in the baby parade and carriage contest were all so beautiful. Three winners received savings bonds from Minotola National Bank. Our 5 pm program saluted our Grand Marshals, featured special guest Sheriff Jim McGettigan and talked about the Declarations of Independence. Rev. David Mallory, Pastor Ken Albert, Jr. and Deputy Teresa Kelly spoke along with Mayor Chuck Chiarello who hosted. Students from the Buena Regional School District, ages 5 to 18 were given the opportunity to enter a “Patriotic Picture Contest” in conjunction with our celebration. The winner in the 13 to 18 group was Regina Scarpelli of Collings Lakes. She had her picture printed on a special t-shirt that was available at the festival and received $50 from American Youth Enterprises designers of the shirt. The honorable mentions were Devin Seelman of Richland; Kelsie Caregnato of Buena; Michael Collins of Buena; and Marquies Harris of Newtonville. The winner in the 5 to 12 age group was Courtney Turner of Collings Lakes who received a special “place of honor” on the 2003 Buena Vista Township Calendar and Municipal Guide along with $50 from the Special Events Committee. Honorable mentions went to Dmitriy Drozd of Minotola and Jessica LaFrennie of Minotola. All 8 winners will have their artwork on the back cover of the 2003 Calendar. We would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for their support of our Independence Day Celebration: A very special thanks to Joan Stahl, Ron Trebing, Dawn Scott, the entire BVT Staff, the entire BVT Road Department, Special Events Committee Members, NJ State Police, Buena Explorers, Garden State “50s” Car Club, Art Anderson, Inc., The Barber Family, Tony Basile, Buena Braves Football Assoc., a very special thanks to all the members of the BVT EMS, BVT VFW Post #158, Charles Bylone, Cheryl Chiarello, Collings Lakes Ambulance Assoc., Frank Comparri Jr., Wayne Houseworth, Bernadette Leonardi and John Eagan, Mary’s Hallmark, Dominick Mesiano, Maria Mesiano, Dominick Mesiano Jr., Milmay Vol. Fire Company, Minotola National Bank, MLK Drill Teams, Newtonville Vol. Fire Company, Newtonville Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, Mark Cerione, Bob Robinson, David Linn, Tommy Linn, American Youth Enterprises, Eugene Moore, Rev. David Mallory, Rev. Ken Albert, The Nilsen Family, Richland Vol. Fire Company, Ms. Buena Vista Township - Heather Rode, a special thanks to Karl Molinelli for his donations, Muzzarelli Farms, C & M Greenhouses and the person who let us use his convertible in the parade.
BVT Summer Concert Series - Continues BVT is holding it’s 3rd Annual Summer Concert Series at the Michael Debbi Park in Richland. The concerts are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. They started on July 10 and run through to August 21 (rain or shine). In case of rain, we will relocate to the library of the Milanesi Elementary School located at 880 Harding Highway, Buena next to the Municipal Building. Our program is partially funded by the New Jersey State Council of the Arts, Department of State/a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. Connectiv and Buena Vista Township also support the series. Come and enjoy the Sounds of Summer with these FREE concerts. Get there early for the best seats or bring your own chairs or blankets. Our Special Events Committee provides light refreshments. Here is the remaining schedule: July 17 – Joe Dale Orchestra July 24 – Shades of Blue July 31 – Singing Ambassadors
August 7 – Gene Boney Band August 14 – The Big Band August 21 – The 4 J’s Band
Buena Vista Township Opposing Senate Bill 856 Permitting Hospital Based Mobile Intensive Care Units to Transport Patients to Health Care Facilities Buena Vista Township is opposing a bill sponsored by Senator Robert W. Singer of the District 30 (Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean County) that would permit Mobile Intensive Care Unit providers to transport patients to healthcare facilities. The Township Committee believes the bill undermines the efforts of our hardworking volunteers. The bill will lead to the decline of volunteers. This bill provides that an authorized mobile intensive care unit (MICU) may operate one or more basic life support transport capable ambulances as an authorized transport MICU. The bill also provides that the MICU which responds to a call for emergency medical assistance may, under certain conditions, transport a patient to an appropriate emergency treatment facility at the discretion of an MICU paramedic or registered professional nurse staffing the vehicle. Under the bill’s provisions, if an ambulance arrives at the scene of an emergency after the MICU arrives bur prior to the patient being loaded into the MICU, the patient would choose the vehicle in which to be transported. The ambulance crew also may request that the patient be transported in the MICU. The bill further provides that the MICU may transport the patient if a basic life support ambulance has not arrived at the scene of the medical emergency at the time the paramedic or nurse staffing the MICU determines that the patient should be transported to an emergency treatment facility. But the patient may be transported in the ambulance if extenuating circumstances exist.
Local Student Kevin Gunter Excels in Community Kevin Gunter, a graduate of Buena Regional High School this year, had a very successful season in baseball. As a senior, Kevin excelled in his position as pitcher with a record of 9-1, ERA of 0.77, having 94 strike outs. Kevin was selected as a Cape Atlantic All Star, All South Jersey All Star, and First Team All State. He was chosen to participate and pitch in the All Star North/South Game at Princeton University and the Carpenter Cup Classic Tournament at the Veterans Stadium in Pennsylvania. He was selected by the Daily Journal as “Player Of The Year” along with one of his co-players. He is currently pitching for the South Jersey Seminoles. During his high school years, Kevin played football, basketball, and baseball. He achieved a career marker of “1000" points in basketball but his real love and talent is baseball. Besides being athletic, Kevin was involved with the “Natural Helpers”, a mentoring program and was chosen on many occasions to do public speaking in and out of school. He was also a participant in the high school band where he performed on the trumpet and in the high school choir. He was chosen to perform in the “Mr. Buena” contest which was found to be very entertaining. Kevin has chosen to attend Gloucester County College for two years as he is very impressed with their baseball program. Kevin is the son of Buena Vista Township Clerk LaVerne Gunter. Good luck in your future plans!
Final Section of Pancoast Mill Road to be Paved An application to the NJDOT for grant funds to pave the final portion of Pancoast Mill Road was approved for $140,000.00. Bids were advertised and received on June 21, 2002. The low bid was very close to budget and was awarded to South State Paving Company. When construction is complete Pancoast Mill Road/Main Avenue will be completely repaved, with most of the expense funded by grants from the NJDOT. The final construction will also address some problems at the Pancoast Mill Lake to alleviate the flooding problems and wash outs at the bridge. Paving will run from the bridge at Pancoast Mill Dam to Country Club Lane in Richland. When completed a driver will travel on new road surface from Route 54 down Pancoast Mill Road which turns into Main Avenue in Richland to Milmay where it turns into Millville Avenue traveling to the Hamilton Township line.
Pinelands Commission Approves Proposed Football Field The Pinelands Commission approved the construction of a Football Field at the Newtonville Park at their June 14, 2002 meeting. This approval is for the field, concession stand and announcers booth. Construction consists of relocation of the 10th Street basketball courts which will be moved to locate the football field at the rear of the park. Additional basketball courts will be constructed near the half courts that currently exist next to the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center. Township Committee members Peter Bylone and Mike Rivera have taken the lead on this project along with the Township’s Recreation Committee.
Cedar Avenue Bike Path Contract Awarded Bids were requested for the construction of a bike path on Cedar Avenue from Route 40 to Five Points (Tuckahoe Road). There was only one bidder, Buena Plumbing, in the amount of $44,600.00. The Township Committee awarded the bid to Buena Plumbing contingent upon receiving approvals from Atlantic County. Cedar Avenue is a County road. As soon as County approval is received construction will begin. The bike path will consist of paths on both sides of Cedar Avenue with striping traffic markings, signs, and additional asphalt in select areas of the roadway plus a path into the Michael Debbi Park. Completion should be in time for late summer bike riding. Eventually, our bike path will tie into phase two of a Countywide system that will run from Mays Landing to the Buena Vista Camping World. Also see separate article on County Bikeway Ground Breaking.
Mayor Attends Atlantic County Bikeway Ground Breaking On Wednesday, June 19, 2002 Mayor Chuck Chiarello attended the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Atlantic County Bikeway. The event was held at the Shore Mall Parking Lot in Egg Harbor Township. The first phase of the project will run from Shore Mall to Mays Landing. Phase two will run from Mays Landing to Buena Vista. Also, present were County Executive Dennis Levinson and Kirk W. Conover, Chairman of the Board of Chosen Freeholders. Other County and Municipal Officials were in attendance.
BVT Supports the Save Our Waterways Campaign Mayor Chuck Chiarello recently signed a pledge on behalf of the Township Committee stating that New Jersey’s waterways are a critical source of drinking water and natural habitat. It is important that we take responsibility for ensuring the protection of this precious natural resource. Buena Vista Township support’s the Governor McGreevey’s Earth Day plan to designate 15 of New Jersey’s most important drinking water sources and high quality waterways as Category One, a special designation that will ensure these waterways remain clean and clear. Furthermore, we support Governor McGreevey’s directive to identify another round of designations by January 22nd, 2003, and the establishment of stronger criteria to determine which waterways should be eligible for Category One, the highest level of protection. Specifically, waterways that provide drinking water for the residents of New Jersey and habitat for threatened and endangered species should be considered eligible for Category One designation. These waterways are irreplaceable natural resources and must be saved from pollution. This is Buena Vista’s official public comment on the regulations promulgated by the DEP to achieve the Governor’s directives.
The Atlantic County Board of Taxation has certified the Tax Rates for 2002. New tax bills should begin arriving around July 20, 2002. Local taxes increased by 2.2˘ while county taxes decreased by .008˘ and school taxes increased by 9.7˘. The overall tax increase is 11.1˘ per hundred dollar assessment. For a home assessed at $80,000.00 that would amount to an $88.00 increase in taxes. In addition, the fire district taxes must be added. Fire district tax changes are, Richland, District 1, no change; E. Vineland, District 2, 8.4˘; Newtonville, District 3, no change; Milmay, District 4, 3.8˘; and Collings Lakes, District 5, 1.5˘. This year on your tax bills you will find a bar graph which shows a comparison of taxes paid to each entity. This should make it a little easier to see where your dollars go. Buena Vista Township collects taxes for all the above mentioned agencies. Considering the economic times, rising health care costs and flat state aid levels the increase is reasonable.
State Roadaid Grant Applications Submitted by Buena Vista
Have you often thought “I wish I could make wine” but have no idea how to get started… If so then come to The Richland General Store Wine Making Seminar. The seminar will be held on Saturday, July 20th from 4 pm to 6 pm. The emphasis is on concentrates, bottling and corking. This seminar is fun, easy and rewarding. The Richland General Store is located at 1275 Harding Highway in Richland. For more information call 856-697-1720, they are now open 7 days.
On Wednesday, July 10, 2002, the Buena Community Reading Center at Buena Regional High School on Weymouth-Malaga Road held a program to teach the world’s oldest game – Mancala. Children ages 5 through 10 were invited to come and learn how to play. All they had to bring was an empty egg carton to participate.
Clean Communities Grant Program Buena Vista Township has been awarded a Clean Communities Grant for 2002 that has been substantially cut back. This years grant is $4,858.67, a reduction of $23,761.33. With this reduction the clean-ups performed by our local groups, organizations and schools will not be available this year. This is an extremely vital program and it is truly unfortunate the program was not renewed in its entirety. The State Legislature did not allow the program to continue at the end of 2001 under acting Governor DiFrancisco. The new Legislature under Governor McGreevey is supposed to revisit the program soon. We are not sure if it will be in time for this year’s funding cycle.
Open Space Financial Assistance Buena Vista Township has been awarded $60,000.00 in Open Space Assistance from Atlantic County. This funding is provided to Atlantic County Communities from an Open Space Tax that is part of your annual County taxes. This funding is being used to pay for the construction of new bathrooms completed last year at the Michael Debbi Park in Richland along with a lighting project at Collings Lakes Park for the street hockey, tennis courts and park in general.
Attention Buena Vista Residents our next recycling collection dates are: Friday, July 19 Friday, August 2 Friday, August 16 Friday, August 30
For more information call ACUA at 1-800-613-2282 or BVT Public Works at 697-2100 or visit www.acua.com
Reminder: Plastic Bags are not recyclable. Please have materials curbside by 7:00 am on collection day. Residents should also bring in any empty trash containers once collections are made.
Water Restrictions Still in EffectThe State of New Jersey is still in a drought situation and there are water restrictions still in place. They have been eased slightly for our area by Administrative Order 2002-18. They are summarized as follows: · Water usage should be the minimum necessary. · No puddles or runoff is permitted. · Use of a hose shall be with a nozzle that shuts off automatically. · Washing vehicles at a residence on Saturday and Sunday only. Wash with a bucket, sponge, or hose. No power washing. · Water lawns, trees, shrubs, vegetables, flowers, etc. every other day, on an “odd-even” basis. Odd-even is based on your address. Even addresses on even days, odd addresses on odd days. For additional information visit the DEP Drought web page at www.njdrought.org/.
BVT ONLINE Check out the BVT website at www.BUENAVISTATOWNSHIP.org for information on meetings, hours, officials information, recycling dates and regulations, announcements, news bulletins, newspaper articles and much more.
Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program The Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program is a new state-funded program. This pharmaceutical assistance program is designed to serve senior citizens and disabled residents of New Jersey who do not qualify for Medicaid or the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) program. The year 2002 income guidelines for participation in the Senior Gold program are between $19,739 and $29,739 for an individual and between $24,203 and $34,203 of combined income for a married couple. These income guidelines will increase in conjunction with the Social Security annual cost-of-living adjustment as of January 1, 2003. Senior Gold beneficiaries will pay a $15 co-payment per prescription plus 50% of the remaining cost of the prescription. There is also an annual catastrophic cap in Senior Gold. Once a beneficiary has reached out-of pocket threshold of expenditures ($2000 for an individual; $3000 for a couple), the beneficiary will be able to obtain prescriptions for the balance of that eligibility period for a flat $15 co-payment. Information and applications for Senior Gold and other PAAD benefits programs that are offered by Division of Senior Benefits and Utilization Management are available on the web at http:www.state.nj.us/health/senior benefits.htm.
MONTHLY REPORT July 16, 2002
By: Joan Dickerson, Certified Public Works Director The first week in July all Public Works employees were busy preparing for our annual Independence Day Celebration. Everyone enjoyed the event. There was a great turnout due to the nice weather. We spent two days cleaning up afterwards. We have had both street movers and the grader down for repairs this month. We are now up and running. We have completed another round of the Township with grading and mowing. The Parks Department has been busy with the Independence Day activities and rentals of the parks. They have kept the parks mowed and cleaned. They also help with the concerts now being held on Wednesday nights. The Parks employees are presently repairing the cracks in the tennis courts at the Michael Debbi Park and Quigley Park. On Fridays in July and August the Public Works Department will be picking up yard waste throughout the Township. Yard waste consists of leaves, grass and brush. The Atlantic County Utilities Authority will start collecting again in September on Recycling Fridays in designated areas. We urge anyone who is going to put yard waste out for collection to call the Town Hall at 856-697-2100 or Public Works at 8756-692-4121 to be put on a list for collection. We ask everyone’s cooperation in preparing their yard waste for collection. Leaves and grass clippings need to be bagged. Brush must be cut to 3 or 4 feet, bundled and tied. Bundles should not exceed 12” in diameter. This makes for faster and neater collection. Loose material blows out of the truck, which means the driver has to take longer between return trips. A jumbled up pile of brush at the curb takes longer to pick up and will be left at the curb. Yard waste DOES NOT include wood waste such as fencing, railroad ties or construction and demolition materials. These are to be put out with your regular trash AND are considered BULKY WASTE. You may put out two bulky waste items or the equivalent on you regular trash days. This would be two small piles of wood if possible bundled and tied, or two cans of wood not to exceed 40 lbs. Large items must be broken up or dismantled for collection. Very large and unusual items will not be collected. Public Works has been issuing warnings for unprepared yard waste; trash mixed with recycling and too much bulky waste at the curb. After the third warning we will be issuing summons to those who do not cooperate. At our monthly recycling drop off we DO NOT take bulky waste items; NO WOOD, NO FURNITURE or household trash. We DO TAKE; brush, leaves, grass clippings, up to four tires, car batteries, used motor oil, metal scraps and appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators. We also take cans, bottles, paper and cardboard. We DO NOT take stumps or limbs over 12” in diameter. Our next recycling drop off will be held on August 3rd from 8 am to 12 noon.
Proper Disposal of Hypodermic Needles Regulations Not Just For PeopleFor it has come to our attention that animal owners that doctor their own animals need to be aware of the proper way to dispose of medical waste and hypodermic needles. Hypodermic needles can not be disposed of in the trash. If you are receiving the needles and medication through the mail, you need to check with a veterinarian or other medical facility and get the proper containers for these. The points need to be broken off before putting into the container. The container when full needs to be sealed and taken to the proper facility for disposal. If you are receiving these from your vet you should make arrangements to take these back to the vet for proper disposal.
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