My Family’s Favorite

Serves 6

1-1/2 cups chopped onion
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 tablespoons flour
1 can whole tomatoes
1 can beef broth
4 medium potatoes, cubed
4 large carrots, sliced
2 large ribs celery, sliced
3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Saute the onions, garlic, and herbs in oil in a large stew pot for 5 minutes.

Add the beef and saute until browned, about 5 more minutes.

Stir in the flour and cook about 1 minute more.

Add the remaining ingredients and heat to boiling.

Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the beef is tender, about an hour. Stir occasionally.

Serve hot with crusty bread.

Maryanne Corsini

Volunteer Center 2011 Lloyd Ritter Community Service Award Recipient Biography:

Regan Young, AIA/PP

Call it community service “by design,” and certainly with focus. There’s a pattern to Regan Young’s good deeds and, as he himself defines it, the arts, economic development, and education always come to the fore.

Mount Holly has been the most consistent beneficiary of Regan Young’s community service, but really, we’re talking about activities that reach well beyond the borders of the County Seat.

Throw together some good music, art, and fireworks, and you have a New Year’s Party in downtown Mount Holly suitable for families. “First Night Burlington County” wasn’t a big draw when Regan, through his affiliation with the local Rotary Club, found the event in 1999. But today it is a veritable sellout, a chance for business to showcase itself. It draws locals and visitors alike.

It is but one example of Regan’s dedication to the revitalization of Mount Holly, where his own office/residence (which he designed to fit a “green” lifestyle) is located. His affiliation with Main Street Mount Holly (which he helped establish), his support of local events (again, focusing on the arts, education, business activity and architecture) all speak for themselves.

He has donated his talents example: Habitat for Humanity, was founder/advisor of the Boy Scouts of America, Built Environment Post 144; Chairs the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar Committee; is a Board Member of the Burlington County Prison Museum Association; and was a Trustee of the Friends of Whitesbog.

He was the host and producer of an award-winning WBZC (Burlington County College radio) show about The Built Environment, the only interview show of its kind in the nation. The idea was to highlight the people and processes that shape our human habitat.

And the man has volunteered his time in the classroom, having visited more than a dozen K12 schools where he has enlightened students on architecture as a career.

Through the volunteer-driven Main Street Mount Holly, Regan has worked to promote and protect local business and, on a bigger scale, has chaired the Economic Development Committee for the Burlington County Chamber of Commerce. He was, incidentally, a recipient of the chamber’s 2008 “Voice of Business” award.

There is also an intangible uniqueness about Regan. He is perpetual upbeat and optimistic, and is quick to acknowledge the community service and accomplishments of others. Above all things, he is a team player. And he is dedicated.

His RYEBREAD stamp – the acronym actually refers to the name of his business, Regan Young England Butera: Referendums, Engineering, Architecture, Design – is an extension of his individuality. People may not know what all the letters stand for, but they readily connect it with Regan.

Suffice it to say, the Volunteer Center of Burlington County is proud to add Regan Young to its hall of fame. He is the 13th recipient of the Lloyd Ritter Community Service Award. He is beyond worthy. He is an outstanding, civic-minded individual who has made a difference, and who, we are confident, will continue to do so.

In accepting the Volunteer Center’s honor, Regan is joining a distinguished list of past honorees, including Dr. Robert Messina, President of Burlington County College; Mary Wells, Director of Family Services of Burlington County; Millie Gama, Executive Director of the Burlington County Chamber of Commerce; Burlington County Freeholder Vincent R. Farias; former Burlington County Superintendent of Schools Walter Keiss; Rev. Irving Fryar, Eastampton; Dick and Doris Alaimo of Mount Holly; Robert V. Santare, President of Champion Fasteners; former Burlington County Clerk Edward A. Kelly, Jr.; Joseph Laufer, former Associate Dean at Burlington County College and current County Historian; Burlington County Consumer Affairs Director Renee Borstad, and Funeral Director Wilson Bradley of Marlton.

Regan is enjoying an outpouring of support and good wishes as he accepts the community service award, including everyone connected with RYEBREAD and, of course, his wife Thomasina.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.281625565228776.64935.100001440044595&type=3

For Parents with Children in PreK to 6 Grade

When: Wednesday, February 29, 2012, 7:00-8:30 pm

Where: Doane Academy

350 Riverbank, Burlington, NJ 08016

(609) 386-3500

*** This is a FREE workshop and NO registration is required.***

Please come and enjoy.

Six questions to consider regarding Tech-Abuse and Bullying:
1. How would you know if your child were being a bully or bullied?

2. Does your child want a phone, and at what age should they have one?
3. Has your child ever received computer pornography via email without seeking it?
4. Does your student become anxious or demanding after watching certain cartoons?
5. Could you be introducing your child to sources of substance abuse, and adult material?
6. R U aware you may be placing information on the Internet that could help a predator find your

child?

Potential impact in your school:

Difficulty in:
– Working in groups
– Thinking creatively
– Maintaining a positive school climate
– Getting your students to interact face-to-face, and be able to focus their attention

Impending impact on individuals:

We all need and use technology, however, overuse or misuse can cause adults and students to:

– Start over or under reacting – Become constantly distracted

– Isolate, becoming social avoidant – Find themselves lacking social skills

– Become excessively stressed – Express greater physical complaints

– Discover dangerous and illegal behaviors – Experience increased interpersonal problems

What you can do:

– Discover how to set limits.

– Learn to help yourself, your children, and what signs to watch for.

– Find how to gain balance in computer use at home, work and school.

– Gain knowledge of how tech-abuse can cause sleeplessness, and depression!

– Learn how tech-abuse may be impacting you, your family, your workplace and your school.

WMA 18 – Lower Delaware
Trisha Pitcher
http://www.nj.gov/dep/wms/bear/wma_18_2011_bio.pdf
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Camden County
AmeriCorpsWMA18@gmail.com
856-216-7130

WMA 19 – Rancocas
Brittany McGee
http://www.nj.gov/dep/wms/bear/wma_19_2011_bio.pdf
Rancocas Conservancy & Pinelands Preservation Alliance
wma19@pinelandsalliance.org
609-859-8860 x56

WMA 20 – Assiscunk, Crosswicks & Doctors
Peter Zampella
http://www.nj.gov/dep/wms/bear/wma_20_2011_bio.pdf
Mercer County Soil Conservation District
AmbassadorWMA20@aol.com
609-586-9603

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Volunteer-Center-of-Burlington-County/123532026841

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NJ148.html

COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER OFFERS “FREE PETS FOR VETS” PROGRAM
Freeholder O’Brien: Pet Adoption Fees Waived For All County Veterans
Military men and women in Burlington County now may have another “friend” waiting for them at the Burlington County Animal Shelter.
Freeholder Mary Ann O’Brien today unveiled the shelter’s “Free Pets for Vets” program, through which all county veterans may adopt a dog or cat free of charge.
“It is well know that companion animals can help to reduce stress, depression and anxiety,” said O’Brien. “What we’re doing is reducing the barriers for adopting animals for those who, we believe, will truly appreciate the companionship.”
The typical cost of adopting from the shelter runs anywhere from $45 to $100, depending on whether it is a cat or dog, and the age of the animal. All animals are neutered or spayed before being adopted out.
Veterans interested in adopting will need to fill out an application form and show a copy of their DD-214 or County Veteran ID Card. The typical waiting period runs anywhere from one to seven days, depending upon the animal.
“All County residents in the market for a pet should consider the shelter,” said O’Brien. “Visitors are welcomed to walk through the kennels, and acquaint themselves with our ‘occupants’ who are looking for new homes.”
The Animal Shelter is located on Pioneer Boulevard in the County’s Westampton Complex, off Woodlane Road. It has hours every day but Sundays and holidays. The phone number is (609) 265-5073.
Information about the shelter and photos and data on pets available for adoption can be found on the County’s website at www.co.burlington.nj.us, by clicking on the Health Department and then Animal Shelter. ###

Purpose of Kick-off Celebration:
The purpose for the Kick off Celebration is twofold: 1) To provide detailed information about the Team
Youth Initiative Pilot Project. 2) To orientate youth, parents and community partners about their roles in this endeavor.

Goals of Kick-of Celebration:
1. That those in attendance know about Life Opportunities Inc. and the Goals and Objectives of the Team Youth Initiative Program.
2. That at least 50% of the youth and parents attending the kick-off celebration participate in TYAP orientation session.
3. That parents and youth attending orientation session are fully aware of their role and responsibilities in making TYAP a success.
4. 15 youth are recruited as a result of Kick-off

CELEBRATION AGENDA

Organization overview and project background…………Inez Coleman
Life Opportunities Inc. – Executive Director

Overview of Team Mentoring Schedule………………….Deon Cheston
Life Opportunities Inc. – Board Member

Comments from Co-sponsors, Community Partners &……Paula Kosko
Concerned Citizens Pemberton Twp. Rec. Dept. – Executive Director Patricia Ewell
Pemberton Township Education & Advocacy

INTERMISSION (5 MINUTES)

Overview of orientation for youth………………………..Ethel Clegg
Life Opportunities Inc. – Board President

Overview of orientation for Parents and Community…….Judy Jiles
Life Opportunities Inc. – Board Member

Closing Comments………………………………………Inez J. Coleman
Life Opportunities Inc. – Executive Director

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life…..
rather the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.”

Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)

TEAM YOUTH INITIATIVE SCHEDULE & OVERVIEW

The Team Youth Initiative will meet twice a month at the Dominique Johnson Center at 101 Scrapetown Rd, Pemberton, and N.J from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. During each two hour session, time will be allotted for the following:
• Eating a healthy snack
• Beginning homework and tutoring sessions (if needed)
• Presentation

The following is the tentative schedule and overview for each presentation:

January 3, 2012…………Team Youth Initiative Kick-Off Celebration.
Overview:
To introduce the Team Youth Initiative as a pilot project to youth, parents, community leaders and concerned citizens. The kick-off will serve as an opportunity to:
• Introduce Life Opportunities Inc. to the community
• Give Mission and Purpose of Team Youth Initiative
• Recruit youth participants, mentors & volunteers

January 17, 2012………………Speaker: Trina Stackhouse (The Dreamer’s Little Black Book)

Overview:
This first session will focus on “Goal Setting”. Students are more apt to get better grades and score higher on their test and are more successful in life when they are focused and have something to work towards. This session will also teach the youth participants how to prioritize and take personal responsibility for their choices.

February 7, 2012………………….Speaker: Burlington County Sheriff Department-Gang Awareness
Unit

Overview:
This session will focus on how peer pressure is impacting our youth in the community.

February 21, 2011…………………Speaker: Darren Wright (Educator)

Overview:
This session will focus on “cultural diversity” in our society.

March 6,, 2012……………………Speaker: NAMI (National Alliance of Mental health of New Jersey)
Overview:
This session will focus on mental health issues and how we can help individuals and families in our community who are affected by mental illness.

March 20, 2012……………………..Speaker: Joseph D. Conlin (Prevention Plus of Burlington County)

TEAM YOUTH INITIATIVE SCHEDULE & OVERVIEW

March 20, 2012……………………..Speaker: Joseph D. Conlin (Prevention Plus of Burlington County)

Overview: This session will focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle. We want to develop awareness among our youth concerning the dangers and long-term negative effects of drug and alcohol use”.

April 3,, 2012………………………Speakers: Sarah Marshall (Burlington County College)

Overview
This session will also focus on the options available when continuing your education.

April 17, 2012……………………….Speakers: Aleshia Alston (Ignite Change Organization)
Overview
This session will focus on promoting entrepreneurship and working in the corporate world. We want to inspire self-sufficiency in our youth and expose them to alternate career paths.

May 1, 2012………………………Speaker: Donnie Walker (Social Lyte Organization)

Overview:
This session will focus on owning your own business and promoting entrepreneurship. We want to inspire self-sufficiency in our youth and expose them to alternate career paths.

May 15, 2012……………………..Speaker: Megan McCann (TD Bank)

Overview
This session will focus on financial literacy for youth. This session is entitled “What to do with money”
besides spend it!

June 5, 2012……………………….Speaker: James Donio (NARM CORPORATION)

Overview:
This session will focus on digital marketing intelligence for youth.

June 19, 2012……………………..Speaker: Paula Redmond (Pemberton Township Recreation Department)
Overview:
This session will focus on providing our youth participants with the tools and skill sets that are necessary
when looking for employment. The Facilitator will cover the following topics: How to interview for a job, how to write a resume, and how to dress when going for a job interview.

June 26, 2012………………………………Speaker: Michael Ritter (Department of Corrections) Project Pride
Overview:
The youth are invited to listen to juvenile inmates tell their stories and answer questions about “life behind bars” and the importance of making good choices.

TEAM YOUTH INITIATIVE SCHEDULE & OVERVIEW

July 7, 2012………………………………….Community Picnic 12pm to 4pm

August 3, 2012…………………………….UNITED NATIONS YOUTH ASSEMBLY

August 6, 2012 – September 6, 2012……Program Evaluation Period

Overview: During this period, the Life Opportunities Staff and Community Partners will evaluate the success of the program.