Home Care In New Lisbon, NJ

New Lisbon, N.J.– The seventh annual Pinelands Summer Short Course will feature 12 educational presentations and three guided field trips, including a kayak trip on the Mullica River.

Registration is now open for the event, which will be held at Stockton University’s Kramer Hall in downtown Hammonton from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023.

The event is co-sponsored by the New Jersey Pinelands Commission and Stockton University.

“From turtles and orchids to legends and lore, this year’s Summer Short Course includes a diverse lineup of presentations that will raise awareness and appreciation of the Pinelands,” said Susan R. Grogan, the Pinelands Commission Executive Director.

“Public awareness of the New Jersey Pinelands is probably our best bet over the long term to preserve the precious cultural and environmental resources unique to the Pine Barrens,” said Stockton University Literature professor Thomas Kinsella, who will lead a presentation at the Short Course. “Stockton University is proud to partner with the Pinelands Commission to bring the Short Course to area residents.”

Educators can earn four professional development credits for attending the event.

Register Here

Pinelands Flora and Fauna

This lively presentation includes sights and sounds while taking the audience on an insightful walk in the woods, familiarizing them with the flora and fauna of the New Jersey Pinelands. Presented by Joel Mott, Principal Public Programs Specialist, NJ Pinelands Commission.

Two Efforts to Preserve Pinelands History

This presentation will feature an overview of several Pinelands-related collections, preserved and available for research in Stockton’s Special Collections, including the Buzby’s General Store collection, the Evans and Wills Cranberry and Blueberry agriculture collection, the Estell-Bourgeois collection relating to 19th-century southern Atlantic County, and highlights from Budd Wilson’s donated Pinelands archaeology materials. Presented by Dr. Thomas Kinsella, Director of Stockton Special Collections & South Jersey Culture & History Center.

Legends and Lore from the Barrens to the Shore

Get ready to find yourself immersed in the world of New Jersey folklore! Weaving a story of some incredible men, women, and legendary cryptids, attendees will leave this presentation with a better appreciation for what makes this Garden State so, well … infamous! Presented by Lesley Schierenbeck, Folklife Director of Tuckerton Seaport.

Mary Treat: The Life and Works of a Pioneer Scientist in the Pinelands

The year 2023 marks 100 years since Mary Treat’s death. Her work in the New Jersey Pinelands and throughout the Atlantic Coastal Plain has been nearly forgotten, though she corresponded and shared flora and fauna studies with renowned 19th century scientists, including Charles Darwin. Attendees will learn how the presenter spent four years researching and writing Mary Treat: A Biography, to finally bring Treat’s life and scientific contributions to light. Presented by Deborah Boerner Ein, Writer and Editor.

Turtles of Southern New Jersey

This talk will cover the identification, natural history, and conservation of our local turtle species, with notes on turtle research conducted at The Wetlands Institute. New Jersey is home to 13 freshwater and terrestrial turtle species, and many of these can be found in the Pinelands. Presented by Brian Williamson, Research Scientist with The Wetlands Institute.

Orchids of the Pinelands and Why the Smithsonian is Interested

The Pinelands is home to more than two dozen species of wild orchids. Although some are flamboyant, many are small and inconspicuous. This presentation will employ the magic of macro-photography to provide close-up views of all of them. In addition, attendees will learn about the amazing life histories of some of these fascinating plants as well as why the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center has chosen the Pinelands as an important study site. Presented by Robert Sprague, President of the Native Orchid Conference.

Ocean and Coastal Acidification Teaching Modules

We all know about ocean acidification. But have you ever heard of coastal acidification? Did you know that there is a difference between the two? Learn about education modules that include new and existing resources about ocean and coastal acidification. This educational resource package was compiled by regional partners through the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network (MACAN). We will review slides that explain the difference between ocean and coastal acidification. After that, we will do a quick review of the newly compiled modules from MACAN and then perform one of the lessons together from the modules. We will wrap up by sharing copies of the modules and other helpful resources. Presented by Kaitlin Gannon, Education Coordinator of the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Pine Barrens to Pinelands

Discover the Pinelands of today and learn how they evolved from the Pine Barrens of the past. Presented by Joel Mott, Principal Public Programs Specialist of the NJ Pinelands Commission.

Silviculture in the Pinelands

This presentation will take attendees on a visual and mental journey in learning about the proper terms and definitions associated with the science of silviculture (growth and cultivation of trees and forests) as well as common misconceptions. Attendees will be introduced to silvicultural practices used within the Pinelands region, as well as the goals and objectives of each — regeneration, wildfire mitigation and/or fuel reduction, forest health, climate adaptation, plant and wildlife habitat. Attendees will learn to identify when and how such practices should be applied, and the best management practices for implementing such. Presented by William Zipse, Supervising Forester, NJ Forest Service and Courtney Willitts, Assistant Regional Forester, NJ Forest Service.

Modern Waste Systems Protect the Earth

This presentation will provide important details about landfill gas collection systems, leachate and how it is treated, and how residents can help these systems run smoothly and effectively by recycling the right way and taking small steps at home that collectively make a big impact. Presented by Alexis Demitroff, Public Education and Outreach Assistant of the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA).

Agriculture in the Pinelands

This presentation will provide a unique perspective on the cultivation of native Pine Barrens plants, while examining the development of cultural practices over the past 100 years. Attendees will also learn about the current challenges of farming, including how issues such as groundwater quality, soil health, climate change and invasive species affect the survival of these important agricultural industries. Peter Oudemans, Professor and Director, Rutgers University, Phillip E Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension.

Tap Roots

This presentation will feature a musical presentation by Pat Seiler, who will perform live songs from his album, "Tap Roots,” which features guitar-driven, instrumental music that includes nature sounds recorded in the Pinelands.

Walk Through History on the 1808 Trail

This course will feature a guided hike along the same road the loggers of the 1700’s traveled when they timbered out the majestic cedar trees in Mordecai’s Swamp. The walk is approximately 5 miles or less over 13 footbridges and through the middle of an old-age swamp. Attendees should wear sturdy shoes (no sandals or flip flops) and bring water, a snack and bug repellant. Led by Rosemarie Mason, South Jersey Outdoor Club.

Participants will drive on their own to Batsto, where they will meet with the guide at the parking area in front of the Visitor Center.

Mullica River Paddle Exploration

Goshen Pond in the Mullica River is teeming with life in June. Professional guides will point out the amazing flora and fauna and provide insight into the unique ecology of the Pinelands during a short, guided kayak paddle on calm waters. Boats, life jackets, and transportation will be provided. Participants should bring water, sunscreen, bug repellent, and a dry bag for any items they need to protect/keep dry. Ages 12+. (Transportation is provided.) Guided by Jeff Larson and Allison Hartman, Pinelands Adventures.

A Walking Tour of Batsto Village

Batsto’s Historian will lead a walking tour of the Village. The tour will meet and conclude at the Wharton State Forest State Visitor Center at Batsto Village. Topics will include the notable people who lived in the village, and the ways in which humans interacted with the natural resources of the Pinelands through different eras of Batsto’s history. The tour will also include a stop at the blacksmith/wheelwright shop for a demonstration.

Participants will drive on their own to Batsto, where they will meet with the guide at the parking area in front of the Visitor Center.

In cooperation with the Pinelands Commission, the Town of Hammonton has implemented a comprehensive strategy to eliminate effluent discharges from the Town's wastewater treatment plant to Hammonton Creek, a tributary of the Mullica River. As a result of these actions, there has been no effluent discharge to the Creek since March 2015.

In the early 1990s, Hammonton built a modern wastewater treatment plant to replace the Town's aging facility that did not comply with Pinelands and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (NJDEP) water quality standards. The new plant was designed to improve effluent quality and to eliminate the pre-existing wastewater discharge to Hammonton Creek. The modern treatment plant incorporates nitrogen reduction processes and is coupled with five wastewater infiltration lagoons that were designed to infiltrate a minimum of 1.6 million gallons per day. In its second year of operation, the infiltration facility failed to function as designed and the Town found it necessary to continue to discharge treated effluent to Hammonton Creek, prolonging the violation of the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP).

The Pinelands Commission and Town initiated action to resolve the creek discharge violation by retaining the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to determine the cause of the infiltration lagoon failure. In addition, Hammonton hired an engineering consultant to identify specific measures the Town could employ to better manage its wastewater. The USGS issued its investigation report in 2010. The USGS attributed impeded effluent infiltration to previously unrecognized hydraulically restrictive soil conditions that underlie the infiltration lagoons. The Town's engineering consultant finalized its Optimization Plan in early 2014.

The Pinelands Commission approved the town's Optimization Plan in April 2014. The Plan proposed the construction of a wastewater-supplied overland drip irrigation system on 26.47 acres of wooded lands in the vicinity of the infiltration lagoons and the beneficial reuse of treated wastewater on 7.47 acres of turf fields at the nearby municipal recreation complex. The turf fields are irrigated using a subsurface drip irrigation system and treated effluent now replaces potable water that was previously used to irrigate the fields. The Plan also incorporates water conservation measures to reduce flow to the plant and the identification and rehabilitation of problematic components of the wastewater collection system. Older sections of the collection system were known to introduce extraneous flow to the plant through inflow and infiltration. Importantly, the Plan and the Commission's approval provide that no discharge of treated wastewater to Hammonton Creek may occur, except in the case of an emergency.

The Town completed the installation of 26.47 acres of overland drip irrigation and a total of 7.47 acres of subsurface drip irrigation infrastructure in late 2015. Further, the town has adopted a potable water rate system that encourages water conservation and is continuing its efforts to eliminate inflow and infiltration to its wastewater collection system.

Collectively, these efforts have resulted in water quality improvements to Hammonton Creek and have reduced potable water withdrawals from the Kirkwood-Cohansey Aquifer.

SOUTHAMPTON — Tucked away in a campus off Route 72, a safe place has opened for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to work on better communicating with the world around them.

Lester Place offers out-of-home treatment for special needs children with severe mental or behavioral issues that make it difficult for their families to care for them. Children stay in three five-bedroom houses and are treated by a variety of specialists and nurses, with the purpose of returning home once they are ready.

The 70-acre campus is Legacy Treatment Services' first long-term outpatient program for youths with special needs. Legacy, based in Hainesport, has a variety of short-term offerings for children and adults across the state, including the Tamayo House in Mount Holly for children.

It also has programs targeting drug and alcohol addiction, crisis management, homelessness and foster care.

Lester Place is the agency’s next step in serving children who need help, but who may not be able to find treatment easily because of their challenges, Legacy CEO Roy Leitstein said. Some are nonverbal or have behavioral issues that make it difficult to communicate with their families or caregivers.

At Lester Place, specialists are trained to communicate with the children regardless of disability.

“We’re able to serve intellectually and developmentally disabled children that probably struggle to find help in New Jersey,” Leitstein said.

The campus opened July 1 and will serve 15 children. Nine are already living there, but one or two children will move in each week until the home reaches capacity.

Families are allowed to visit the children whenever they’d like. The goal of the program is to reunite children with their families once they have made progress and can transition to home care.

“We don’t view this as a child’s home. Their home is their home. They’re here for treatment,” Leitstein said.

Before Lester Place was established, the property had been vacant for two years following the departure of Vision Quest, another outpatient facility.

Legacy won a competitive bid from the New Jersey Department of Children and Families to establish a long-term outpatient program for youths with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the property, which was owned by the state.

The department funds the program while Legacy leases and maintains the property.

Leitstein empathizes with youths served by Legacy partly because he was abused as a child. He said he is honored to give help to children who need it most.

“It’s what gets me up each morning,” he said. “I’m only in the position I’m in because of caring adults and friends and family that helped me when I was a kid.”

Danielle DeSisto: 609-871-8050; email: [email protected]; Twitter: @DeSistoBCT

Here are some small farms to visit in South Jersey, where blueberries are generally in season until the end of July. For other farms, search visitnjfarms.org.

1610 Route 532, Chatsworth, 609-726-1370, ammonnursery.com

Rare and heirloom blueberry plants. Call in advance to make sure it’s open.

250 South Mannheim Avenue, Egg Harbor City, 609-338-8690, bbfarmsnj.com

Open daily for picking your own produce, including strawberries, raspberries and specialty vegetables like West African chiles.

345 Columbia Road, Hammonton, 609-704-7622, littlebuckorganics.com

Call ahead for pre-picked certified organic berries. The farm’s Little Buck Organics brand can also be found at some Whole Foods Markets and other groceries.

346 Long Swamp Road, New Egypt, 609-758-8514, emerysfarm.com

Pick-your-own organic berries daily, including some heirloom varieties. There’s a market with pies and preserves.

248 Odd Fellows Road, Pemberton Township, 609-351-1255/609-894-2198, fredplusthree.com

Pick your own berries on a 70-year-old blueberry farm. Call ahead to arrange guided Japanese-style nature walks around a pine forest and pond.

436 Pleasant Mills Road, Hammonton, 609-561-2474

Call for an appointment (small groups only) to pick your own berries from heirloom plants. The farm, which says it uses no pesticides, is a wildlife habitat certified by the National Wildlife Federation.

98 Sheep Pen Hill Road, Pemberton Township, 609-894-8630, hainesberryfarm.com

Pick your own berries daily from a fourth-generation farm working on its fifth. Pre-picked 10-pound boxes are also available, as well as honey, blueberry jam and other products.

1 Pasadena Road, Browns Mills, 609-500-1074, pbnf.com

Call for pre-picked berries, frozen fruit and other blueberry products.

145 Laurel Avenue, Hammonton, 609-567-8130, rosedaleblueberryfarm.com

Call for pre-picked certified organic blueberries and blackberries, and blueberry honey. The farm’s Farmlife Organics brand can also be found at supermarkets like Wegmans and ShopRite.

3 Pea Patch Road, New Lisbon, 609-894-8725

Pick your own daily from a pine-tree-lined farm with several rare, old-fashioned varieties of blueberries, including Elizabeths, Stanleys, Weymouths and Berkeleys.

200 Route 206, Hammonton, 609-567-0060, 206farmmarket.com

Fourth-generation farm and farm market has an acre of blueberries, and sells blueberry plants and other crops. Open daily.

View full sizeObtained by The Star-Ledger

TRENTON — The former vice president of a national company serving people with disabilities will run the Hunterdon Developmental Center, the target of several internal investigations that shook up its top leadership this year.

Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez announced Califon resident Lisa Coscia begins on Monday at the Union Township facility, home to 520 people with developmental disabilities.

Coscia replaces William "Gus" Wall, the longtime CEO who retired in September following an investigation into a senior doctor that was administering potentially dangerous levels of Vitamin D to patients with developmental disabilities for an unauthorized study.

The department charged Wall with neglect of duty; violation of a rule, regulation, policy or procedure; conduct unbecoming a public employee; and other "sufficient" cause. Dave Thomas, the assistant chief executive at the New Lisbon Developmental Center in Burlington County, then Tom Rue from Green Brook DC were CEO at Hunterdon during the search for Wall's replacement.

Coscia spent 20 years at The Mentor Network, which operates housing, employment and other social service programs in 33 states for people with developmental disabilities and brain injuries, and foster children. She was the New Jersey state director, executive director of the New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia region, vice president of Operations, and of Development, managing more than 1,000 employees and budgets up to $150 million.

"Lisa has incredible, hands-on organizational experience with the disability community, which "Lisa has incredible, hands-on organizational experience with the disability community, which gives her a great foundation for managing the Hunterdon Development Center," Velez said.

Coscia, 52, holds a Master's degree in psychology and was president for the Board of the New Jersey Association of Community Providers for two years. She will earn $120,000, according to the department. Coscia said in a prepared statement she was "looking forward to working with the dedicated and caring staff and families to provide quality services."

Six senior employees were implicated in various internal investigations this year, including Wall, physician Philip May, his wife and nurse practitioner Robin May, Assistant Superintendent Donald Eckel, managing physician/psychiatrist Lilia Lantin. The Mays' attorneys have denied the administrative charges.

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