Major Donor Gives “Medford Celebrates” a Boost

Challenges Other Businesses to Step Up

Medford Celebrates, Inc., a non-profit group of Medford residents, is trying to raise money through donations to finance an Independence Day celebration and fireworks for next year because of the Township’s budget constraints.

It’s a tough haul because the economy has impacted businesses and their willingness to contribute.
But Bob Wagner, managing partner of Braddock’s Tavern and Ott’s Restaurant in Medford, wants none of that whining. He just donated $5,000 to jump start the drive with the hopes other businesses will follow suit.

Wagner is challenging businesses throughout the township to step up and contribute to reach the $40,000 needed to cover the July 2012 celebrations.  “All the things that make Medford great, such as its family activities, are in jeopardy because of lack of funds. We can’t let that happen,” says Wagner, an active player in civic affairs. “These events are critical to Medford.”

Medford Celebrates, with a core of 15 volunteer Trustees, knows that unless they can raise funds through donations– giving taxpayers a break – the July celebration in 2012 will not happen. The celebrations in 2010 and 2011 were cancelled because the township couldn’t come up with the money. That in fact led to their new organization, “Medford Celebrates.”

“We don’t want the traditions in Medford to die. They are an integral part of the community and its one of the reasons families settle in Medford,” says Robert Egan, president of Medford Celebrates, an IRS certified non-profit foundation.  “We need everyone’s help and  dollars,” said Egan.  “We know it’s tough out there but think about what you could make happen with your contribution,” he added.

The non-profit is not only looking for donors and sponsors, it also hopes that it can attract more volunteers. People have been donating in small amounts, but it is missing the larger contributions businesses can make.

Medford Celebrates’ website is www.medfordcelebrates.org .   The website gives people and businesses the opportunity to contribute or volunteer.  Or email info@medfordcelebrates.com   for more information.

Family Fun Day at Fort Medford Playground on July 18th

On Saturday, July 18th make plans to join in the fun and also support a wonderful cause by attending the Family Fun Day at Fort Medford Playground located in Bob Meyer Park. The event will take place from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm with all proceeds going to help build the planned 100% handicapped accessible playground addition to Fort Medford.

For the past year dedicated members of the Fort Medford Playground Committee have been working diligently to raise the funds necessary to build this special playground designed for both children and adults with special needs, but also fun for all children of all ages. This addition is to be incorporated with the existing Fort Medford that was built in 1995 with donations and the labor of many volunteers.

The goal of raising the $100,000 needed is now within sight, but $20,000 is still required to begin building the playground, which will be the first of its kind in Burlington County.

The benefit that will be held on Saturday will include fun field games, an All-Star Band line-up including “The Feables” and “UFT,” picnic food, face painting, clowns, a multitude of Chinese auction gift baskets, and children’s games complete with prizes. Your support of this event will help to make the dream of the not only 100% accessible, but also “green” eco-friendly playground, a reality in the very near future.

If you would like to volunteer for the Fun Day, call Dottie Spellman at 609-654-0563. If you like to make a donation, contact Committee Co-Chair Kyle Koszowski at 856-988-1552.

The Fort Medford Playground in Bob Meyer Park is located at 2 Commonwealth Road just off of Gravelly Hollow Road, next to the Township Public Works Facility. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held on Sunday, July 19th. For additional information, please call the Medford Recreation Department at 609-654-2512.

Rob Hanold, Medford resident, presented six brand new picnic tables for the new handicapped-accessible playground at Fort Medford in Bob Meyer Park to the Fort Medford Playground Committee.

Hanold, an Eagle Scout Candidate, worked with the rest of his troop and their fathers
to build six handicapped-accessible picnic tables. The tables will be situated near the
soon-to-be new addition to Fort Medford.

Hanold and his fellow scouts built the tables with 100% donated materials. Kyle Koszowski,

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Medford, New Jersey is a great place to live for a number of reasons. 

Great people, excellent location and one of the best school systems in the country. 

Best of all, Medford has a small town charm where local businesses are the norm and people develop long lasting friendships with one another.  Youth sports, school activities, festivals and the local lakes, beaches and pools enable people to connect with one another all year long.

There are a few of the larger chain-style businesses, but they are the exception rather than the norm.

Our school system is excellent, our students consistently do very well compared to the national averages and youth sports are very popular. Whether you or your children are into swimming, lacrosse, football, baseball, basketball, wrestling or any number of the sports and activities, Medford, NJ has a thriving team become a part of.

If you’re an entrepreneur or work-from home business person, Medford is full of networking opportunities and you’ll be able to connect with other like-minded people who share your passion for business, sales, entrepreneurship and more.

Geographically, Medford, NJ has a great location.  Filled with lakes and small beaches itself, Medford is also only 30-45 minutes from the Jersey shore.  Medford is also only 15 miles or so from Philadelphia and an easy commute to New York city via train.  In fact, Medford has a many residents who work in Philadelphia and New York City, commuting to work each day and returning the quiet, secluded environment of Medford in the evening.

Medford is also rich in History and sponsors several great family-style festivals throughout the year.

As a child or teenager, Medford really does offer the best of many words.  Excellent schools, sports teams, and friend building opportunities.  As an adult or parent, Medford has an equal number of benefits including business and entrepreneur friendly environments, close proximity to major cities like Philadelphia and New York City, and close proximity to leisure activities including local lakes and beaches and the Jersey shore.

Wrap all these things up and you have a great place to live and raise a family.  We’d like your opinion as well.  Think Medford is great or have another favorite place to live?  Leave a comment and let us know!

Foodies and families will be in their glory when 18 Medford area restaurants dish out their menu favorites at Taste of Medford on September 20, from noon to 3:00 pm at Freedom Park, Jones Road and Old Marlton Pike, Medford, New Jersey.

The all-you-can-eat event provides fun for the whole family with music, games, rides and kids’ treats. Three live bands will keep feet tapping and more than 40 local businesses will display their wares.

Participating restaurants include ShopRite of Medford, Izzie’s Eatery, Lamberti’s Cucina, LB Daniel’s, Let’s Dish, Medford Leas, Mexicana Rose, Mulberry Tea House, Piezano’s, PJ Whelihan’s, Roselli’s, Saladworks and Zinc Café. Cookiepalooza, Reily’s Candy and Kettle of Nuts will serve up treats, Starbuck’s will provide coffee and Canal’s Wines Unlimited will pour non-alcoholic beverages. Local businesses will showcase their wares and offer fun give-aways for the whole family.

The event, presented by Zallie’s ShopRite of Medford, features horse-drawn wagon rides, pony rides and hayrides from Johnson’s Corner Farm. Face-painting, coloring contests and dog agility demonstrations will please the younger set. Jennifer Mylod & the Boys of County O’cean, the Merchant Street Dixieland Band and saxophone virtuoso Jim Riddle will keep people stepping to Irish, traditional New Orleans and mellow jazz tunes throughout the afternoon. Coles Roberts will entertain all ages with his famous Jersey Jerry antique apple peeling demonstration.

Taste of Medford is a project of the Medford Business Association. Sponsors, in addition to Shop Rite of Medford, include Sterling Bank, Jantek Industries, LLC, Beneficial Bank, Dynamic Flooring, Medford Ford, Lakes Appliance & TV, Keller Williams Realtors and Medford Mini-Storage.

Keepsake wristbands that serve as admission tickets can be purchased in advance at the Medford Recreation Department in Cranberry Hall (behind the Township office building at 17 North Main Street).

The cost is $12.00 for adults and $5 for children 3-12. Toddlers and infants are free. At the door the cost will be $15 for adults and $5 for children. Freedom Park is located at Jones Road and Old Marlton Pike, one block off Route 70 in Medford.

For more information call 609-654-5382.

As the nation pauses to reflect on the destruction, the courage, the countless heroes and the unforgettable impressions of the day seven years ago that forever changed our country, the Medford Township Council has planned an observance at Medford’s Freedom Park beginning at 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 11, 2008. 

Freedom Park is located at 86 Union Street, one block south of Route 70.  (In the event of inclement weather, the observance will be held in the Courtroom in the Public Safety Building, located across the street from Freedom Park at 91 Union Street)    

As a part of Medford’s remembrance, reflection and response to the life-altering events of September 11th, the Medford Cultural Arts Commission (MCAC) erected a permanent September 11th Memorial tribute in Freedom Park in 2002. 

The memorial is comprised of a bronze sundial,permanently mounted on a natural boulder bearing a plaque inscribed with the words "September 11, 2001 REMEMBER, REFLECT, RESPOND" which was the theme of the remembrance program held in Freedom Park on the first anniversary of this national tragedy when this memorial was dedicated.

In recognition of the seventh anniversary of 9/11, this year’s observance will feature remarks by members of the local clergy and public safety officials, a wreath laying ceremony.

Directions to Freedom Park can be found here.

More information may also be obtained by contacting the Medford Recreation Department at 609-654-2512.

CONTACT:   Beth Portocalis

(609) 654-2512