Check out the biggest stories in Berlin this week.
Reaching out to veterans
Gold star mother Jackie Dixon opens A.J. Dixon Vets and Friends Center in Berlin, named after her son who died in Iraq. Its new mission is to provide resources for veterans, servicemen, servicewomen and their families in Camden County. The center is initially open one day a week on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and provides services such as meals, clothing and haircuts. It will also host “tell your story” nights when veterans can share their personal experiences. Additionally, Dixon will be coordinating medical, psychological and case management services through the county office of veterans affairs.
Eastern Regional High School sophomore hosts STEM workshop
Journei Hutchings held a Self-eSTEAM — Journei’s STEM Gems Workshop at Rowan University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford — for girls in sixth through 12th grades from high schools in Camden and Burlington counties. Her mission was to increase their interest and exposure to STEM and art — how it relates to STEM, and empower them to speak up and not feel uncomfortable in any situation. This workshop was Hutchings’ project to obtain the Gold Award, the highest award one can earn as a Senior Girl Scout. She will be honored at a ceremony in May.
Berlin Police Department conducts school lockdown presentation
In case a school shooting occurs, the police department went over security procedures and training tools on how to help keep kids safe. The presentation also included teaching school employees the mindset and history of active shooters, as well as a simulated blank firing of guns that sounded exactly like real guns.
Eastern Regional High School parents unable to speak about former football coach, Danny Boguszewski, at BOE meeting
Board solicitor Anthony Padovani explained that the state’s second highest court, the appellate division, made a ruling last week stated anytime a person’s name comes up during local board meetings, one cannot mention the name or cannot talk about that person if he or she wasn’t given notice. After the meeting, Padovani said even though Boguszewski is still employed in the school district as a health and physical education teacher, because he is no longer employed as a football coach, no comments could be made about him.
