Home Care In Jobstown, NJ

The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado touched down in northern Burlington County Saturday night during the violent thunderstorms that swept through New Jersey.

The tornado had an EF rating of 1 with estimated peak winds of 80 to 90 miles per hour, the weather service said in a Sunday evening statement.

The twister touched down in the Columbus section of Mansfield Township at about 10:25 p.m. and dissipated about 11 minutes later in Jacobstown after covering 7.9 miles on the ground. The maximum width of the damage was 800 yards, and there were no injuries, the service said.

“We have determined that an EF-1 tornado touched down last evening in northwestern Burlington County, NJ with the line of severe thunderstorms that moved through the area,” the National Weather Service announced in a Facebook post.”

The National Weather Service sent a team of meteorologists to a spot in Burlington County on Sunday in order to determine whether a tornado touched down.

According to the report from their findings, the tornado started a “a narrow, discontinuous path” of damage beginning just east of the intersection of Route 206 and Columbus-Jobstown Road.

It left “significant tree damage” in a neighborhood north of Columbus-Jobstown Road. One tree was uprooted and another was snapped on Juliustown-Georgetown Road, and another tree was snapped on Route 68.

The funnel cloud also blew tree limbs onto utility lines on Monmouth Road (Route 537) near Tilghmans Corner, and other damage to trees in Jacobstown in North Hanover Township.

New Jersey typically gets about two tornadoes each year, but has had three confirmed so far this year — including Saturday’s twister in Burlington County — and four confirmed in 2020.

Two tornadoes touched down in New Jersey as Tropical Storm Elsa brushed the eastern Shore region during the early-morning hours on July 9.The first one was an EF-1, which packed peak winds of 100 mph as it touched down in Woodbine in Cape May County around 2:40 a.m. and lasted about two minutes, the weather service said.

The second twister was classified as a lower-level EF-0, with peak winds of 80 mph, touching down at 3:33 a.m. along Sycamore Drive in Little Egg Harbor Township in Ocean County.

New Jersey’s record is 17 tornadoes in a single year — 1989. The state had nine confirmed tornadoes in 2019 and also in 1987, and eight twisters in 1990 and 1973, according to the National Weather Service’s storm events database.

- Weather reporter Len Melisurgo contributed to this story.

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Jeremy Schneider may be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter at @J_Schneider and on Instagram at @JeremyIsHungryAgain.

It’s no secret that we love a good farmers’ market haul. There’s something so inspiring about seeing the fresh seasonal produce lined up, creating a rainbow of colors at the market. Perhaps even better is dining out at a farm-to-table experience in New Jersey. The Hoboken Girl did a little research about where you can go to enjoy farm-fresh goodness right at the source. There are several farms and vineyards in New Jersey offering farm-to-table meals, classes, and other special events where guests can learn more about how their food is made. From a picnic with goats to a flower-arranging class with freshly picked blooms, there is an unforgettable outing to be had. Read on to plan your outing to one of these New Jersey farms with farm-to-table meals + events.

(Photo credit: @albavineyard)

This 93-acre property has been in operation since 1982, and tastings are available Monday through Thursday from 11AM to 4PM, Friday and Saturday 11AM – 9PM, and Sunday from 11AM to 5PM. Live music is performed on weekends. Some of the special events hosted at Alba include Grill Night and Seasonal Wine Dinners, which feature produce grown on the property paired with wines from the vineyard.

(Photo credit: @alstedefarms)

Alstede Farms may be known for its fall offerings like hayrides and apple cider, but the calendar remains full over the summer with many on-the-farm offerings. In particular, the Farm to Table Strawberry Brunch. This ticketed event gives guests the opportunity to pick their own strawberries, enjoy a visit around the farm property, and then indulge in a delicious brunch in the farm’s Christmas Barn. For Father’s Day, the farm will have a special Father’s Day BBQ on-site as well. Since so much of what the farm offers is based on what’s in season, check back often for updated events.

(Photo credit: @bluemoonacres)

Blue Moon Acres is a 63-acre organic farm that grows rice in addition to vegetables. This year, the farm is also the site of two Outstanding in the Field farm dinners. Outstanding in the Field is an international effort to create dining experiences directly on-site where food is grown (think of it as a pop-up dining experience at the farm). The dinners, which are ticketed events, will take place on September 10th and 11th, where farmers Jim and Kathy Lyons team up with local chefs to create a seasonal feast.

Read More: LifeCap Farms: A Sustainable Urban Mushroom Farm in Jersey City

(Photo credit: @cherrygrovefarm)

The Hamill family has owned the property that makes up the farm since 1902. Now, the farm is 480 acres, and the farmers organically raise dairy cows using sustainable methods to create happy cows and delicious dairy products. In particular, the cheeses produced at Cherry Grove are made using classic European recipes and have won awards — as well as fans — across the state. The Farm hosts both scheduled and private farm dinners. Each farm dinner has a theme, features meats and cheeses from Cherry Grove, and invites other local farmers and producers to contribute to the meal. For a private farm dinner, guests can work directly with the Farm to create a menu. Some of the dinners are what the Farm calls BYOTS: bring your own table setting. The end result is a creative, festive mishmosh of tablescapes.

For those who want to get their hands directly involved in some of the farm’s goings-on, there are frequent classes on-site. Guests can learn more about homemade cheese, growing a medicinal herb garden, baking sourdough bread (the perfect vehicle for cheese, of course), and even mozzarella making and pulling.

(Photo credit: @citygreennj)

Neighbors near and far are invited to attend the City Green Eco-Center’s Farm Fest on June 23rd, July 28th, and August 25th. This is a free event where guests can bring a picnic, explore the farm, visit with the farm animals, and learn more about City Green’s mission. There will be live music, food trucks, and beer from local breweries Montclair Brewery and Ghost Hawk Brewery. The farm stand will be open so guests can shop for fresh produce as well.

(Photo credit: @closter_farm)

Farm manager Jared Krawitz started Closter Farm in 2020 with a desire to bring people close to their food and grow the highest quality food possible — starting with the soil. Jared, a chef, says that the team practices what is called regenerative or biodynamic agricultural traditions. The produce is certified organic, but Jared says it’s more than that.

“Everything we do goes way beyond the standard. Our baseline standards are many people’s goals for quality,” he said. The farm is frequently open to visitors for events, not limited to farm dinners. “We partner with local businesses and organizations to host events like an art class or a yoga class,” Jared mentioned. The farm also offers education for both children and adults in agrarian topics like beekeeping, composting, and basic gardening skills. Closter Farm offers cocktail infusion events using ingredients grown on the farm, wine and cheese tastings, and of course, farm dinners. Jared said that because the farm is so new, they are still working on getting a regular calendar going, so interested guests should check Closter Farm’s website for the latest information.

If a day spent on the farm isn’t enough, Closter Farm also has a rental property on-site so you can really soak it in. The home is located on the farm property, so guests have access to the sights, sounds, and smells of the farm experience. Jared says that he will work with guests who want a curated experience, whether that be a catered meal or an educational event on the farm.

(Photo credit: @cecil_creek_farm)

Farm dinners at Cecil Creek take place after hours in the market on the 42-acre property. The menu is seasonally-focused, and with only 14 seats at the table, it is an intimate and informal evening. The five to eight course meal is prepared using produce grown on the farm and from other local producers. During the meal, guests will learn about the growing practices of the Farm and the other producers and be able to chat freely with the chef. The meal is BYOB and the evening ends around the firepit with a mug-style dessert. While most of the Farm dinners are private events, there is a community-style dinner once a month where individual seats can be reserved.

See More: Duke Farms Nature Preserve in NJ is a True Adventure

(Photo credit: @thenjfarm)

Farm dinners at Glenwood Mountain take place year-round. The meals use ingredients grown on the farm and the meal is prepared by Chef and Farmer Steve Maclean. The dinner is served in either the newly renovated 1930s dairy barn or the Chef’s Table kitchen space. Guests can enjoy the views of the farm while they dine, including watching the farm animals.

(Photo credit: @gorgeous_goat)

During a Goat Picnic at the Gorgeous Goat Creamery, guests can enjoy their meal at a picnic table while goats visit and explore the woodland setting. In fact, the Creamery gives visitors a heads up about friendly goats: “Our goats love people. If you choose to be up close and personal with them, they will share their love with you by nibbling on your zipper or rubbing their head on your leg.” The Creamery is tucked into the woods in Hunterdon County, and guests are invited for tours and private events. Farmer Maria Stewart is a Quality Dairy Producer via Langston University in Oklahoma. The goats’ milk is used to create cheeses, soaps, and other products available in the Creamery’s market.

The Creamery also offers hikes with goats, where guests can enjoy a walk throughout the 17-acre property with the goats. In springtime, guests are invited to help bottle feed and socialize the baby goats.

(Photo credit: @locusthall)

There are plenty of options at Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm to explore everything the property has to offer. Eric and Peter Johnson acquired the 315-acre property in 2013 with an eye toward preserving the property’s historical legacy as well as making a space where people could enjoy the farm’s elegance and beauty. The farm was originally owned by the Black family starting in the early 1700s, so there were several generations of history to keep in mind as the property was updated and a wedding and special events venue was added.

Throughout the summer, this Farm offers a variety of events including flower-focused events, evening music events with light bites, and farm dinners with wine pairings. Bunches and Brunches is a brunch event where guests enjoy a five-course meal and can pick and arrange their own flowers from the farm’s gardens. There are also Flower Workshops where guests can enjoy light bites and golden hour on the farm while picking flowers and learning about growing their own. Local Nights on the Farm are evenings where guests can enjoy hayrides, live music, food, and beverages on the farm. Farm-to-Table dinner events are hosted in the Farm’s Breezeway Barn where guests will enjoy a five course farm-to-table dinner, live music, and a beautiful vista of the farm.

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As Halloween candy, and, dare I say it, Christmas decorations, pop up in stores where there were once sand shovels, buckets, and beach towels, I also find that I’m starting to anticipate crisp mornings, earlier twilights, and weekends spent at area farms.

Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm, a beautifully preserved and family-owned-and-operated, 17th-century farm is one of the places you will surely find me throughout the season.

My husband and I recently attended Locals Night, where all are actually welcome! Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm is home to a field that faces the setting sun, and as the light fades (during the “Golden Hour,” everything is bathed in a magical golden glow.

Aside from the natural beauty of the farm, Locals Night also included a variety of food trucks, a beer garden featuring Screaming Hill Brewery, and ice cream served from the farm market. Guests enjoyed live music and hayrides to the sunflower fields, where they could pick a bouquet to bring home or snap the perfect Instagram picture. Another highlight of the evening was Tomasello Winery’s tasting bar, located on the farm. (Guests could enjoy glasses there or take some wine home.)

Locals Night may be over, but there’s still quite a lot to experience at Johnsons Locust Hall Farm this season. Sunflower September features the farm’s sunflower trail–take a stroll through the fields this weekend! And apple picking is also underway!

On weekends in October, enjoy Fall Harvest Festivals! Stop by to pick out a pumpkin, and enjoy the live music, food trucks, and the onsite Farmhouse Grill for lunch. Festival season is also the perfect time for scenic hayrides, a corn maze, and tours of the farm. Before you go, stop by the Farm Market to pick up unique seasonal decorations, pies, apple cider doughnuts, and, yes, a bottle of Tomasello wine.

Johnsons Locust Farm also hosts events throughout the year, including Sunday Brunch, flower arranging workshops, and more. It is the perfect backdrop for a wedding or other special event.

See the website for additional information on upcoming events, hours, private event inquiries, and farm reservations.

Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm 2691 Monmouth Road Jobstown, NJ 609-353-9000

A Medford farm that focuses on family entertainment is sprouting a second site.

Johnson's Corner Farm plans to open a similar venture Sept. 12 at Locust Hall Farm, which covers 300 acres in the Jobstown section of Springfield.

The venture represents an investment of at least $1.7 million by the Johnson family, which bought the preserved farm off Monmouth Road in December.

"There is a lot of room to grow here,' said farm manager Donna Capri, noting the Jobstown site will allow a third generation of Johnsons to continue in agriculture.

The Medford farm, founded in 1953, will serve as a model for the new site, said Donna Capri, manager of the Jobstown farm.

Each farm will offer hayrides, pumpkin picking and corn mazes this fall, along with festivals and other forms of entertainment. A bakery at the 112-acre Medford site will supply pies and other products for the Jobstown location.

Workers currently are painting barns and installing fencing for a "children's animal farmyard" in Jobstown, said Pete Johnson, who operates the business with his brother, Eric.

That approach to farming, called agritourism, plays a key role in supporting New Jersey's rural communities, said Lynne Richmond, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Agriculture.

She noted 347 farms offered agritourism activities across the state in 2012, generating $18.4 million in revenue.

The state ranked ninth nationwide in agritourism dollars "and nine New Jersey counties rank in the top 10 percentile in agritourism sales," she added, citing figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"Burlington County is in the top 2 percent, ranking 51st in the nation," Richmond continued.

The Johnson farms will serve a market made up largely of families and school field trips, said Capri, who noted the Medford site draws visitors from as far away as North Jersey and Toms River.

The Jobstown site also will emphasize the history of a farm founded in the 19th century, Capri said.

"The barns and the house are from the 1800s," Capri said. "We actually have a tub here that's listed as the first indoor bathtub in the state."

She said Jobstown's rolling terrain is more rustic than the Medford farm, which is across from Lenape High School.

"I'm looking out back and it's a postcard," Capri said. "You see all the way down through three pastures where the horses are."

Reach Jim Walsh at [email protected] or (856) 486-2646.

FLORENCE – A sprawling Superfund site here will get clean-up funds from the nation’s new infrastructure law, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The former Roebling Steel Co. complex, which occupied a heavily polluted site along the Delaware River, is one of seven ‘backlogged’ sites in New Jersey to get Superfund money from the law.

The EPA also will direct infrastructure money to a second Superfund site in Burlington County — a five-acre property that once held Kauffman & Minteer, a tanker truck operation in the Jobstown section of Springfield.

Overall, the EPA will spend $1 billion in infrastructure money for work that was previously unfunded at 49 sites across the country. The agency also will accelerate clean-up efforts at dozens of other sites across the country, it said.

“This funding will be transformational for New Jersey communities impacted by toxic contamination,” Sen. Bob Menendez said Friday in a statement announcing the EPA’s spending plans.

He said clean-up efforts also “will provide critical investments in communities of color and low-income communities, which are disproportionately affected by legacy contamination from abandoned Superfund sites.”

The EPA has not specified how much money will be available for the Burlington County sites.

The agency on Friday said it’s “finalizing cleanup plans and preparing funding mechanisms to get construction work started as soon as possible.”

The Roebling Steel site, which dates to 1904, made steel and wire products before closing in the 1980s, according to an EPA account.

Parts of the site were later used for other industrial operations.

“Soil all around the site is contaminated with heavy metals such as lead, chromium and cadmium," said the EPA, which also noted contamination of groundwater, wetlands and river and creek sediments.

Clean-up activities that began in the 1980s have already resulted in asbestos mitigation at the site, as well as the decontamination and demolition of multiple buildings.

Future efforts will put an emphasis on groundwater and soil contamination, as well as the need for additional building demolition.

As part of the clean-up effort, the EPA has restored the main gate house at the complex.

The gate house and the adjacent village of Roebling, which was built to house steel company employees, “have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978,” the agency noted.

The Kauffman & Minteer property held a transportation company that from 1960 to 1981 “discharged wastewater used to clean the inside of its trucks into a drainage ditch and an unlined lagoon,” says an EPA account.

It notes a dike broke at the Monmouth Road site in 1984, allowing wastewater with hazardous substances to flow onto a neighboring property and into wetlands.

Pollution at the site has also contaminated groundwater and threatened an aquifer described as “a major source of potable water," the EPA said.

Infrastructure funds also will pay for remediation at a third Superfund site in South Jersey, the former Kil-Tone pesticide plant in Vineland, the EPA said. That site is heavily polluted with arsenic and lead as a result of manufacturing activities from the late 1910s to the late 1930s.

Jim Walsh covers public safety, economic development and other beats for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal.

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