Highlighting some of
the good and ugly 10/30/06
Saw Mill Park opening was held on Saturday. The park
features a 9/11 Memorial, caboose and gazebo, and the township's visitors
center.
For complete details go to:
www.thedailyjournal.com
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Kelly,
Chiarello unopposed as they seek 16th year 10/30/06
Mayor Chuck Chiarello and Deputy Mayor Teresa Kelly are running
unopposed this November for their sixth consecutive terms.
For complete details go to:
www.thedailyjournal.com
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Historical society
eyes home for future 10/30/06
The Buena Historical Society wants use the 111-year-old St.
Joseph Church in Richland as its new home.
For complete details go to:
www.thedailyjournal.com
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Buena Vista celebrates
park's opening 10/30/06
On Saturday a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in the Township's
new Saw Mill Park in Richland Village.
For complete details go to:
www.thedailyjournal.com
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9-11
Memorial unveiled at Saw Mill Park dedication 10/30/06
A 9-11 Memorial was held prior to a ceremony to dedicate Saw Mill Park on
Saturday in Richland.
After officials and survivors of the victims of the 9-11 attack attended the
ceremonies.
The memorial is localed beneath the large flagpole in the park.
The park is part of Richland Village, which has completed phase one and is
now into phase two with the dedication of the park.
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9/11 Memorial in Buena 10/28/06
BUENA VISTA TWP- A reminder of what was lost and the sacrifices
that were made.
On Saturday at Saw Mill Park, in a ceremony attended by the families of victims,
veterans and first responders; Buena Vista Township dedicated its 9/11 memorial.
"To remember the goodness of the human spirit of Americans, the firefighters,
the police, just the average people that went back in," said assemblyman Jeff
Van Drew.
Vineland resident Robert Adams lost his son Donald in the attacks. He says
having this monument so near means the world to his family.
"It’s meaningful to us. We get comfort out of that," said Adams.
Flying above the memorial was a flag biked from ground zero to raise money for
the monument by al Stebbins a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers
Local 152.
Stebbins and the union worked on the project for the last two years and today
his flag became a part of the monument after a special folding ceremony by the
National Guard.
Stebbins says while making the 148-mile bike ride, he had only one thing in
mind.
"To make the next generation remember what happened on 9/11 and instill in them
not the take freedom for granted everything comes with a cost," said Stebbins.
The gray granite stone reads always remember 9/11 and depicts the two World
Trade Center towers.
It’s placed just off Harding Highway where city officials hope it will touch the
lives of the thousands that drive and walk by.
"I think they'll stop I think people will come over and spend a few minutes here
they might not other wise, said Mayor Chuck Chiarello.
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Governor answers
residents' questions 10/27/06
Governor Corzine answered dozens of questions by an audience of
about 150 residents at a town meeting.
For complete details go to:
www.thedailyjournal.com
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Today's Halloween Events 10/27/06
Collings Lakes — Our Lady of the Lakes Church and Youth Group will sponsor
a Haunted Hayride from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. today and Saturday at 19 Malga Road,
off Cains Mill Road. Drinks and refreshments are available. General admission is
$6, seniors age 65 and older $4 and children age 3 and younger free. Call the
rectory at (609) 561-8313 for information.
Buena Vista Township — A Halloween Celebration will be held from 11 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Oct. 28 in Richland Village. Events include a Halloween parade for
children at 1:30 p.m.; live music by the Sugar Sand Ramblers from noon to 3
p.m.; a 9-11 memorial dedication at 10 a.m.; Sawmill Park dedication; a
pumpkin-decorating station and car show. Call Joan at (856) 697-2100 or (609)
561-5650, press 8 or Dolores Comparri at (856) 697-1482 after 7 p.m.
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Gay 'marriage'? It's up
to legislators 10/26/06
The recent ruling requires state legislators to either emend the
marriage statutes to include same-sex couples, or enact a new statutory that
allows for such unions without calling them "marriages" in the next 180 days.
For complete details go to:
www.thedailyjournal.com
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Park Problems 10/26/06
BUENA VISTA TWP.- Officials in Buena Vista Township are offering
a reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever is responsible for
vandalizing two local parks. As officials prepare to open a new park, they say
they won't let the vandals cast a negative light on a positive project.
"It just tears your heart out." Richard Calareso, the Director of Public Works
in Buena Vista Township is becoming increasing upset, as vandalism is becoming
all too familiar in two of the township's parks. "Makes you feel terrible," said
Calareso, "my men get disgusted after awhile cause they work so hard at this.
It's an everyday process for our five parks."
The Vandalism has been going on since this summer, and is costing the township a
lot of money, man power and frustration. City officials are now offering a $500
reward for information leading to the arrest of the vandals. "We want to find
out who is doing the damage," said Mayor Chuck Chiarello, "it's not just an
insurance claim, it's something we don't want to have in our community."
The Michael Debbi park in the Richland Section has been vandalized several
times. Windows were broken, holes were punched into different sheds, bathroom
mirrors were shattered and hundreds of dollars of equipment has been stolen.
"It's happening at nighttime, after 4:30, after we leave here and most of it
appears to be juveniles," said Calareso.
More than $3,000 worth of repairs are still needed here at Quigley Park in
Collings Lakes, where graffiti and broken bleachers still remain, along with the
remnants of a tripe sliding board, which had to be removed because someone
punched a giant hole in it. "Just last week, they stole the flag and the ropes,"
said Calareso pointing to the flagpole.
Officials won't let this recent vandalism deter them from opening up the
township's newest park, which they say will be the centerpiece of the Richland
Section. "This is Saw Mill Park," said Chiarello, "we hope that for the overall
good of the rest of the township, we keep doing nice projects and keeping our
parks looking as good as they do." Especially this new park, where this 9-11
memorial will soon be dedicated. Officials hope the vandals will steer clear of
the township's newest attraction.
Saw Mill Park will officially open, rain or shine, this Saturday at 10am, when
the 9-11 memorial will be dedicated.
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Reward offered after
parks vandalized 10/25/06
Buena Vista Township is offering a $500 reward for information
that leads to the arrest of recent vandalism in local parks.
For complete details go to:
www.thedailyjournal.com
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Buzz on Saw Mill Park is positive ~ Buena Vista to open new recreation area this
weekend 10/25/06
Saw Mill Park in Richland Village will officially open this
Saturday. The Township purchased the land with a grant from the State
Department of Environmental Protection.
For complete details go to:
www.thedailyjournal.com
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Buena
Vista Twp. may get age-restricted development 10/25/06
BUENA VISTA -- With a changing global economy, the need for individual energy
conservation is increasing rapidly, said New Jersey Rate Counsel Seema M. Singh.
"We Americans have been really spoiled," she said. "Now things are changing,
globally it's become more competitive. More industry is creating a higher demand
on energy."
Over the past few years, Singh said her office has stepped up its efforts to
promote conservation. Singh gave a presentation to residents at the township
committee's meeting Monday.
"Because the supply is lower, the prices are high," she said. "That's the
reason you need to go out and make people want to conserve."
Many of Singh's suggestions are simple, such as unplugging appliances when
not in use and lowering the thermostat when no one is home.
She also suggested waiting until late evening hours to run large appliances.
"It helps the global demand of energy when people use at times that are not
periods of peak demand," she added.
Singh said many people have been receptive to her message, especially when
they discover the money they can save.
Buena Vista resident Marie Rose Tubertini said she does a lot to be energy
efficient, including sometimesdrying her clothes on an old-fashioned
clothesline, but the presentationgaveher some new ideas.
"It was very helpful, she gave a lot of good information. She makes it very
simple," she said of Singh.
Newtonville resident Roberta Corbitt said it's good residents have a place to
turn to for this information.
"I don't know if everyone will do it, because of the way people are, but it's
good to know you have those choices," she said. "If we don't conserve the planet
will be gone. Global warming affects us all.
"If we don't try to conserve, we won't have the Earth the way we once knew
it."
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Buena Vista learns how to
conserve 10/24/06
The need for individual energy conservation is increasing
rapidly.
For complete details go to:
www.thedailyjournal.com
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Kennel
Club event brings wide variety of competitors 10/23/06
South Jersey Kennel Club's Dog Show was held on Sunday at the
Buena Vista Camping Park.
For complete details go to:
www.thedailyjournal.com
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Birds seized in
Buena Vista await new home 10/17/06
An 80 year old man from Arkansas parked his van in Newtonville on Ninth Road
with 1,000 birds in the back. The SPCA took the birds and contacted the
Animal Welfare Association who agreed to help.
For complete details go to:
www.thedailyjournal.com
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You
may now pay the mayor and kiss the bride, state says 10/17/06
In a dispute over a decades-long tradition, state officials yesterday backed
off treading on the sacred ground of mayors across New Jersey: the right to
collect fees for weddings.
The Department of Community Affairs reversed an ethics violation
determination alleging Bedminster Deputy Mayor Don Cross used his public office
for financial gain when he asked couples to pay him for performing their
nuptials.
A copy of a letter sent to Cross by the DCA and released to The Star-Ledger
yesterday said the case against him was closed. He no longer faces a $300 fine.
The news will come as a relief for mayors who were in an uproar over the
penalty being imposed, after years of receiving payment for their service to
couples.
"If they told me I can't have any money, do you think I'm going to give up my
time for being a nice guy on a Saturday afternoon?" Bound Brook Mayor Frank Ryan
said.
Officials at New Jersey's League of Municipalities and Conference of Mayors
had never questioned a mayor's ability to seek money for presiding over
weddings, and were surprised when the state determination against Cross was
issued in August.
"We never realized there was anything wrong with this, and we were shocked
because it certainly was common practice," said Deborah Kole, the league's staff
attorney.
While many mayors don't charge, others accept fees to cover their time and
expenses, or solicit donations for volunteer and charity organizations. The
practice has been widespread and unregulated.
The Executive Board of Directors of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors 10
years ago set up a suggested fee chart at the request of mayors. It ranges from
no charge for full-time mayors marrying couples during business hours, to $100
for weekends outside the community, and up to $150 for part-time mayors giving
up their weekends.
"There are no statutes anywhere in the state that defines fees or what a
mayor should or should not charge, whether it should be free or not be free,"
said Donald Fauerbach, executive director for the conference.
Cross yesterday said he had not received the letter, dated Friday, that the
case against him was closed. A copy of the letter was faxed to The Star-Ledger
by the DCA.
"I wasn't concerned," Cross said. The deputy mayor had requested a
"reconsideration" from the state's Local Finance Board, under DCA, after it
determined he "used his official position to secure unwarranted privileges or
advances for himself or others by collecting fees for performing marriage
ceremonies." That notice of violation was signed Aug. 9 by Susan Jacobucci,
chair of the Local Finance Board.
In the reversal, Jacobucci rescinded the ethics violation, and said the state
would provide "guidance for mayors or deputy mayors who perform marriage
ceremonies."
Cross said he performed about 61 weddings, including the marriage of the late
John DeLorean's daughter, Kathryn, during his tenure as mayor from 1997 to 2001,
and as deputy mayor from 2002 to the present.
While he did not collect on the DeLorean wedding ("John stiffed me," Cross
recalled of the bankrupt former automaker), he did collect roughly $1,100 from
others. He said he was paid mostly in cash, and checks he accepted were written
out to him. All the funds were reported as income, Cross said.
What the couples got was a ceremony penned by the tall, gray-haired Cross,
who speaks with a booming voice with a twang from years of living in Texas. Upon
request, he also performed the ceremony in Spanish or German.
The reimbursement, he said, helped pay for his tuxedo, mileage on his aging
Mercedes, tolls, and in one case a bottle of Moet for the happy bride and groom
-- but he also said he donates an equivalent amount local food banks.
The 69-year-old retired telephone company vice president said he did the
weddings because he, "loved doing it, absolutely."
State officials told Cross the complaint had been brought by Amey Mesko, a
former Bedminster mayor, whom Cross criticized for alleged ethical lapses.
Mesko said she filed the complaint in January, after "staff" at Bedminster
town hall complained they were uncomfortable telling couples Cross would seek a
fee to marry them.
"I believe it's wrong. You already get paid for your service to the town.
It's not your responsibility to shake down people," she said yesterday.
But mayors across New Jersey traditionally have made the request for money.
Glen Ridge Mayor Carl Bergmanson said he typically uses the occasion of a
wedding as a fund-raiser. "I was always concerned about the appearance of
impropriety, so what I do is when I perform weddings, I ask that they donate at
least $25 to the ambulance squad," he said.
Millburn Township officials said they also ask for a $50 donation to perform
weddings, and the money is placed in a fund to be used for charitable causes.
Edison requests a pricier $250 contribution to a local charity, Mayor Jun Choi
said.
In Cape May County, one of New Jersey's most popular wedding places, former
Middle Township Mayor Mike Voll said he performed about 500 nuptials during his
18-year tenure, and was usually paid "a fair tip" of $50.
Sometimes the money went to charities, he said, sometimes he kept it.
"Some people come late, they don't show up at all," he said. "At the end of
the day, it took a couple hours a way from my family, it took a freshly pressed
suit, a starched shirt and all that stuff. Somebody's got to pay for it."
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Buena Vista
vote sets stage for 55-and-up housing 10/11/06
Township Committee approved a redevelopment ordinance for the
site of a 20-acre parcel off Lincoln Avenue for people age 55 and older.
For complete details go to:
www.thedailyjournal.com
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Woodbine backs rail excursion
10/10/06
WOODBINE — Woodbine as tourist attraction?
That's what Mayor William Pikolycky envisions for this tiny Pinelands borough
with a proposed extension of the Cape May Seashore Lines railroad excursion.
The borough has applied for a $550,000 tourism grant from the state
Department of Community Affairs to build a railroad station off Route 550. The
borough also is asking the state Department of Transportation for $1.1 million
for repairs to about a quarter-mile of track.
Tony Macrie, the president and general manager of Cape May Seashore Lines,
said Woodbine would be an extended stop on a current excursion between Richland
In Buena Vista Township and Tuckahoe in Upper Township.
It's a popular route, particularly with bicyclists, he said.
“We're adding a special car on every train to accommodate
bicycles,” he said. “That will open the door to bicycling.”
Visitors to a rail station in Woodbine will need one. At the moment, plans
call for the station to be built on the perimeter of the Woodbine Municipal
Airport in a patch of pine woods on the outskirts of town, more than a mile from
the center of town and the town's biggest attraction — the Sam Azeez Museum of
Woodbine Heritage. Another attraction, Belleplain State Forest, is even farther
away.
Pikolycky said people could begin their train trip in Woodbine and make stops
in Tuckahoe and Richland.
First, Macrie needs to repair about 1,400 feet of track south of the Route
550 trestle to the as-yet-unbuilt station. The tracks are in bad shape. They
have not been replaced since 1979, he said.
While Macrie's excursion to Cape May is mostly seasonal, he envisions
year-round trips on the Woodbine route to Richland.
Macrie said the train is attraction enough, especially with older passengers
who are nostalgic about train travel.
“You talk about ecotourism. It's not just about the shore,” Pikolycky said.
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All aboard! Next stop...Buena?
10/9/06
Mayor Baruffi of Buena Borough arranged for the
Southern Railroad Co of New Jersey to show a display of old trains at their
Buena Day celebration. Last year in Buena Vista a tourist rail line was
established for the town's revitalization project.
For complete details go to:
www.thedailyjournal.com
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Stolen
jewelry found in time for woman's viewing 10/5/06
