As most Rivertonians may know, our own Dreer’s Nursery first imported the dreaded Japanese beetle (as a grub) to the United States in some iris bulbs from Japan in 1916.  These destructive beetles spread throughout the country.  One Riverton neighbor remembered that as a boy, he collected these pests by the jar-full in order two quell their spread.

Spotted Lanternflies: This time, not that we imported these deceptively-lovely planthoppers from Japan, but they have arrived in Riverton.   The menace must be stopped in order to protect the vines, fruit trees, and other tasty sap plants that they enjoy; they are not harmful to people, but they kill trees. Praying Mantis will eat the Spotted Lanternfly, but if you see this pest, step on it, kill it, as advised by the PA Dept of Agriculture.

This school year will be new to all in this generation of teens (and adults!), so consider this list of suggestions from The New York Times’ 2020 Back-to-School for Teens’ Emotional Well-Being.

Topics include:

• Safe Ways to See Friends
• Time With Other Adults
• Reliable Routines
• Warmth & Support at Home

Image thanks to Piklist

This step-by-step guide was published by The New York Times.  You may find it useful in teaching How to Help Your Child Wear a Mask.

1. Wash the mask before the first wearing using unscented soap.  Wash it at least once a week or more often if soiled.
2. Experiment with the straps, and adjust as needed.
3. Can’t get the straps just-right?  Sew buttons into a hairband or baseball cap for the straps.
4. Provide distractions such as gum if your child tends to chew on the mask.
5. Select a mask with a favorite character or animal.  Let your child name the mask!

The Riverton Public School welcomes back its staff and students to another school year with its goal to provide an excellent education while following all the safety precautions as outlined by the State of New Jersey’s Department of Education’s Restart and Recovery Plan: The Road Back.

Check out Riverton’s Restart & Recovery Plan for 2020-2012 for further details.

Image thanks to the NPS.

While many days seem just seem like the same day repeating itself over and over again, we are glad to hear that our little library is patiently waiting to reopen to full services.

In the meantime, Mr. Christian, our library director, confirms that the library’s book drop is open, and you can contact the library by phone (856) 829-2476 or by his email address (cpulvere@bcls.lib.nj.us) to make arrangements to schedule your use of the library’s computers.

Stay safe and healthy!