July 18, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 17 Sugar is treat for Wise Heidi Wise, her dog Sugar, and America Kennel Club Judge Charles Marcantonio celebrate Sugar’s first place win in the AKC obedience competition. Sugar, an 11 1/2 year old Pomeranian, is trained and handled by Wise, president of Coddled Creatures Pet Sitting and Obedience Training LLC. Wise says Sugar is one of the only, if not the only, small dog trained, for AKC competition obedience using only positive reinforcement methods with a great emphasis on learning theory. Wise had been told by many that it could not be done with her methods, but she stuck to her beliefs and obtained first place without ever using any old school, methods such as prong or choke collars. Wise says her approach to competition training, is what she is most proud of because it sets an example that shows it can be done in a fun and humane way for both owner and dog. (Photo courtesy of M. Nicole Fisher Photography.) Crossroads (continued from page 11) meeting with the NJDOT as beneficial. He emphasized that the NJDOT was made fully aware of the township’s concerns, and they expressed their own concern about the Stag Hill access. He said they are also concerned about the impact of this project on areas outside their jurisdiction. He reiterated that the NJDOT is anxious to rekindle talks with New York State and the Federal Highway Administration to resolve the traffic weave issues on Route 17 in the areas of the proposed mall. Prior to the public hearing on the Crossroads project, Miller Road resident Lynne McLewin read the board a letter she sent the NJDOT concerning the traffic impact of the mall. In that letter, McLewin made the point that the developer’s profit should not be paid for with the blood of those who travel on the highways in the area of the proposed mall. She described the current conditions of the highways as dangerous and hazardous, and she was critical of the proposed cloverleaf ramp that she claims would “dump” traffic on Route 17 in an area where motorists speed and change lanes. McLewin predicted the traffic trying to enter the mall would back up on to Route 17 northbound and a dangerous condition would be created with the mixing of traffic on the highway with vehicles leaving the last gas station in New Jersey. She called the developer’s projection of the increase in traffic due to the mall as conservative and deadly, and she emphasized her concern is for the safety of those who use the highways on a regular basis. The Crossroads hearing was carried to the Aug. 20 planning board meeting, at which time more testimony will be provided by the developer’s environmental expert. The presentation of the traffic plan modifications and related testimony are scheduled for the September meeting.