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.

On October 5, The Philadelphia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, teaming up with NFL Alumni Philadelphia Chapter Cheerleaders and UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania, launched the organization’s first-ever viral video, created to generate breast cancer awareness on a worldwide stage, as well as raise significant funds to empower the local and global breast cancer movements. Cindy O’Barr, resident of Medford, was one of more than 130 former NFL cheerleaders who made the “Team Ra-Ras Kick Breast Cancer” come to life and is now part of the viral video sensation that generated more than 300 views within the first two hours of officially being launched.

Set to “Do You Remember” by Pop and R&B sensation, Jay Sean, Philadelphia-based UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania is the exclusive sponsor of the video and will donate 10 cents to the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate each time it is viewed online, up to a total of $100,000. The goal is to drive at least 1 million views of the video before the end of this year. Everyone is encouraged to participate by viewing “Team Ra-Ras Kicks Breast Cancer” at www.KomenPhiladelphia.org/Video.

“It is extremely humbling to think that we, from our small office at 9th and Sansom, have achieved something that will literally embrace people around the world in the hope of beating breast cancer… and empower them with a concrete way to contribute to Komen’s mission to end this disease forever,” said Elaine I. Grobman, Executive Director of the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate. “This incredible journey has been the epitome of teamwork and conviction… made possible thanks to the ingenuity of the NFL Alumni Cheerleaders, the generosity of UnitedHealthcare, the energy of Jay Sean, and the passion of everyone.”

The “Team Ra-Ras Kicks Breast Cancer” project was the brainchild of Maggie Trush-Hammond, Membership Chair of the NFL Alumni Philadelphia Chapter Cheerleaders. Trush-Hammond’s relationship with the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate started last spring, when she captained “Team Ra-Ras” for the 2010 Susan G. Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure® in celebration of several of their members who are breast cancer survivors. For Medford resident, Cindy O’Barr who cheered with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1981 – 1984, the breast cancer cause is very close to her heart.  Many of Cindy’s friends have been victims of the disease, however, most are survivors.

“Team Ra-Ras was born out of the NFL Alumni Philadelphia Chapter Cheerleaders commitment to finding a cure for breast cancer—and our recognition that by partnering with the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate, we were carrying out our vision as one with the global leader in the fight,” said Cindy.  ” On September 11th, we danced together for the first time as alumni, and it was awe-inspiring…. as we rallied behind our own alumni who have taken the breast cancer journey, as well as all women who have been touched by this disease.   I am grateful to be able to share my craft—along with all my fellow cheerleader alumni—to help perpetuate the Komen promise, and hope to inspire multiple generations of women to come together to ‘kick’ this disease!”

All summer the alumni participating in the video practiced their dance from their homes across the country. On September 11, the entire group—136 cheerleaders in all, ranging in age from 25-64 years, and including eight breast cancer survivors—united at the Central High School football field in Philadelphia for the grand performance and video filming.  The performance was composed of five segments, each created by a former cheerleader choreographer and reflecting the dance style from one decade, starting with the 1960s through 2010.

Dozens of organizations have come together to make the vision of “Team Ra-Ras Kicks Breast Cancer” a reality, led by UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania.

“UnitedHealthcare is honored to take part in this one-of-a-kind opportunity and support the life-saving work of the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate,” said Sue Schick, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania. “This program embodies our mission to help people live healthier lives, and shows how everyone can make a difference in the quest to end breast cancer. Our goal is to show that when everyone comes together for the common good, anything is possible—including a future without breast cancer.”

In addition, Jay Sean and his management team, released the rights for the use of “Do You Remember” for the video. In addition, before a show in Atlantic City, Sean took time to meet with members of the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate and alumni, and recorded a special message for the video.

The Komen Philadelphia Affiliate, NFL Alumni Philadelphia Chapter Cheerleaders, UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania and Team Jay Sean are in the midst of an aggressive social media campaign to drive views of the video over 1,000,000 before January 1, 2011. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the viral video phenomenon by viewing “Team Ra-Ras Kicks Breast Cancer” on YouTube, accessible via www.KomenPhiladelphia.org/Video.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which is now the world’s largest breast cancer organization and the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer with nearly $1.5 billion invested to date.

Up to 75% of net proceeds generated by the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate stays in its thirteen-county service area. The remaining goes to the national Komen for the Cure Grants Program. For the 2010-2011 season, the Affiliate invested $2.1 million in the form of grants to local organizations for their breast health and breast cancer awareness projects.

More information is available at www.KomenPhiladelphia.org.

About UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare (www.unitedhealtcare.com ) provides a full spectrum of consumer-oriented health benefits plans and services to individuals, public sector employers and businesses of all sizes, including more than half of the Fortune 100 companies.  The company organizes access to quality, affordable health care services on behalf of approximately 25 million individual consumers, contracting directly with more than 600,000 physicians and care professionals and 5,000 hospitals to offer them broad, convenient access to services nationwide. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company.

About the NFL Alumni Philadelphia Chapter Cheerleaders

The NFL Alumni Philadelphia Chapter Cheerleaders, comprised of five decades of former Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders, was founded to continue the charitable community outreach efforts established as professional NFL cheerleaders.  The existing Philadelphia Chapter of the NFL Alumni expanded their membership in 2009 to include these women who once graced the sidelines of Franklin Field, Veterans Stadium and Lincoln Financial Field. Established after a reunion in 2009, the NFL Alumni Philadelphia Chapter Cheerleaders have dedicated themselves to charitable works and community service, with supported causes including St. Vincent’s Home for Girls in Philadelphia, Make-A-Wish Foundation, multiple children’s charities in the tri-state area, and the Philadelphia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The Medford Township Council is proud to announce that the following photographers will be featured in the 2010 Medford Township Municipal Calendar: Denise Bush, Al Celenza, Melissa Ciecierski, John Ciecierski, Patrick Connolly, Denise DiPace, Doreen Frake, Albert D. Horner, Richard Lewis, Richard H. Musgnug, Andrew Schipke and Bill Troy.

A long-standing effort by the Township Council and administration to provide residents with information on Township services, the annual Calendar is the result of dedicated work by Township employees from each Department who assemble and compile the information that is mailed to every address in Medford each December.   In order to enhance the Calendar, the Township Council asked the Cultural Arts Commission to provide artwork featuring Medford artists and or scenery.

Thirty-five photographers submitted 91 photos to “A Call for Photography” contest sponsored by the Medford Cultural Arts Commission earlier this year.  Each photographer submitted a maximum of three digital images taken in Medford Township within the last two years. Entries were then judged by two jurors. This year’s judges were Central Record’s esteemed photographer David Borrelli and photographer, Louis Dallara.  Louis is a winner of the 2009 Calendar contest. Both judges are residents of Medford.

A reception at the Medford Arts Center (MAC) at 18 N Main St in Medford is being planned in honor of the winners.   Members of the public will be invited.

The winning photographers have been invited to display their original calendar photographs at the MAC beginning October 16, 2009 through January 16, 2010.  A continuous slide slow of all entries will be on view during the reception.

Two “top” photos out of the 14 winners will grace the front and back covers. These featured photographers will be announced at November’s reception.

In addition to honoring the winning photographers, the winners of the Medford Cultural Arts Commission’s recent Poetry Contest will also be honored.  For more information please contact the Medford Township Recreation Department at 609-654-2512 or MAC  609-654-6033 or write medfordartsinfo@aol.com.

CONTACT PERSON- Tracey Femiano, 609-654-1855

The Medford Cultural Arts Commission invites poets in Burlington County to participate in its Second Annual Juried Poetry Contest, an event established to give recognition to the literary arts.  Winners will be selected based on excellence of poetry.  Monetary awards will be presented to the top three outstanding poems selected.  Poets submitting the top ten poems will be honored at a reception and poetry reading at the new Medford Arts Center later in the fall.

Entering poets must be a resident of Burlington County and at least 18 years of age.  Any form of poetry or subject is acceptable. All submitted work must be original, the work of the poet entering the contest and not previously published.  Up to three poems may be submitted by each entrant. 

All entries must be typed and presented in hardcopy (no e-mailed entries).  An entry form must accompany all entries.  Poet’s name must not appear on typed copy of poem for judging. There is no fee for entry.  

All entries must be received no later than Thursday, October 15, 2009, and accompanied by an application form.

Contest guidelines and application are  available online on these websites:   Medford Arts Center (MAC) www.ArtsinMedford.org or Medford Township www.MedfordTownship.com.  They may also be picked up at the Medford Township Recreation Department (2^nd floor), 17 North Main Street in Medford during regularly scheduled hours or at the MAC when it reopens for the season on September 12^th.  Questions may be directed to the Recreation Department at 609-654-2512 or e-mail:  culturalarts@medfordtownship.com.

Members of MCAC, FMAC and Employees of Medford Township and their relatives may participate but are not eligible for prizes or awards.

CONTACT:  Elsa Williams

609-953-0805

The legend of the Pine Barren’s most famous (or infamous) resident will be brought whimsically to life by the Pinelands Puppets at the Medford Arts Center on Sunday Afternoon, October 11 at 2:00 p.m. The Jersey Devil, or J.D. as he prefers to be known, will tell his own story in his inimitable way. It’s guaranteed to be more fun than scary, with a hands-on craft after the show.

The Medford Arts Center, or MAC as it’s known, is located at 18 North Main Street in Medford, New Jersey, next to the Township Gazebo. The cost of the event is $5 per adult and $3 per child (under 12 years). For more information, check the website, www.artsinmedford.org or call 609-654-6033.

Jeff Cleve, the creative power behind the Pinelands Puppet’s stage, has been performing with puppets since 2000. He earned a degree in elementary education and children’s theater at Rowan University and credits Dr. George Neff, a Rowan professor, with sparking his interest in puppetry. He just finished working on a full-length feature movie that will be debuting at film festivals in 2010. Cleve is a resident of Marlton who works as a substitute teacher when not pursuing his artistic endeavors.

Contact jsjacksongould@comcast.net for more information.

Saturday Coffee Concerts at the Medford Arts Center (the MAC) will kick off with traditional blues music on Saturday, October 10 as Norman Taylor entertains with his mellow voice and lively acoustical guitar. The tunes begin at 7:30 p.m. at the MAC, 18 North Main Street, Medford, New Jersey. Coffee and tea will be available starting at 7:00 p.m. Cost of the concert is $10 per person at the door.

Bluesman Norman Taylor one of the area’s up and coming singer/songwriters. His style is connected to the country blues of people like Robert Johnson and Skip James, although he also draws influence from country, 70′s rock, soul, gospel and a variety of musical forms. Taylor, who hails from Willingboro, New Jersey, has performed in many different settings and on several different instruments. Taylor has also been an opening act for bluesman Guy Davis, Singers-Songwriter Phil Roy, Pat Wictor, Chris Smithers, and Marcia Ball. In addition to these openers Norman has also played festivals such as Camp Jam in the Pines and the State Street Blues Stroll, a blues festival in Media, PA.

For more information on the MAC and its programs, go to the website www.artsinmedford.com, or call 609-654-6033.

Contact:

Janet Jackson-Gould
609-654-6485
jsjacksongould@comcast.net

TraceyFemiano

The Medford Arts Center’s First Open Juried Art Exhibition will be held October 2- November 22, 2009.  A reception will take place on October 2, 6-9 PM, at which time awards will be presented. The public is invited to attend.

The Medford Arts Center is located at 18 North Main Street  in Medford Village. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays 11 AM- 6 PM and Sundays 1-5 PM.

Board President, Janet Jackson-Gould is pleased to announce that the juror will be Brian O. Hill, Director of the Trenton City Museum. He will select art to be accepted into the show and award winners.  Cash prizes will be given for Best in Show, Second Place, Third Place and Honorable Mention.

All entries will be by “drop off only” with a limit of two pieces to be submitted.  Drop off for entries to be judged is scheduled for September 21, 22 and 23.

Two-dimensional original art in various media will be eligible.  No photography or digital art is included in this show, as a juried photography show is scheduled for early in 2010.

For more information or a prospectus, visit www.artsinmedford.org, call the MAC at 609-654-6033 or e-mail medfordartsinfo@aol.com

Contact:

Tracey Femiano

609-654-1855

An art exhibition featuring current instructors at the Medford Arts Center (MAC) will open on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at 11 AM.  Come “meet and greet” the artistic staff at a reception open to the public that evening from 6-9 PM.   The show, which will feature many different mediums and genres, will continue through September, closing on Sunday, September 27, at 5 PM.

The MAC is located at 18 North Main Street in Medford Village.  Hours are Fridays and Saturdays 11 AM- 6 PM and Sundays 1-5 PM.

Artists and artisans will include:

• Dorothy Amsden
• Matthew Blair
• Patty Ann Fince
• Harry Forrest
• Salley Gushue
• Jim Jackson
• Katie Paetzold
• Donald Stephens
• Linda Shelley
• Diane Wallace
• Tracey Birnbohm
• Frank Weiner

Visitors will be able to enjoy drawings, illustrations, calligraphy as well as traditional and contemporary paintings. The exhibition committee at the MAC will have the pleasure of hanging fiber art as well. Handmade rugs by Patty Ann Finch will be included in the display.  Admission is free.

For more information call the Medford Arts Center at 609-654-6033 or visit www.artsinmedford.org.

Contact:

Tracey Femiano

609-654-1855

The Medford Cultural Arts Commission invites poets in Burlington County to participate in its Second Annual Juried Poetry Contest, an event established to give recognition to the literary arts. Winners will be selected based on excellence of poetry. Monetary awards will be presented to the top three outstanding poems selected. Poets submitting the top ten poems will be honored at a reception and poetry reading at the new Medford Arts Center later in the fall.

Entering poets must be a resident of Burlington County and at least 18 years of age. Any form of poetry or subject is acceptable. All submitted work must be original, the work of the poet entering the contest and not previously published. Up to three poems may be submitted by each entrant.

All entries must be typed and presented in hardcopy (no e-mailed entries). An entry form must accompany all entries. Poet’s name must not appear on typed copy of poem for judging. There is no fee for entry.

All entries must be received no later than Thursday, October 15, 2009, and accompanied by an application form.

Contest guidelines and application will be available online after September 1 on these websites: Medford Arts Center (MAC) www.ArtsinMedford.org or Medford Township www.medfordtownship.com. They may also be picked up at the Medford Township Recreation Department (2^nd floor), 17 North Main Street in Medford during regularly scheduled hours or at the MAC when it reopens for the season on September 12^th. Questions may be directed to the Recreation Department at 609-654-2512 or e-mail: culturalarts@medfordtownship.com.

Members of MCAC, FMAC and Employees of Medford Township and their relatives may participate but are not eligible for prizes or awards.

CONTACT:  Elsa Williams

609-953-0805

Run under the auspices of the US Cycling Federation (USCF), and in conjunction with the Heart House/CC Evesham elite cycling team, cyclists from throughout the region will descend upon Medford to compete on our course in historic and scenic downtown Medford Village. The .09-mile loop course will start on South Main Street in front of the Medford Memorial Community Center and proceed to Union Street, then onto Allen Avenue, and back to South Main Street.

Starting at 8:30 am sharp and continuing through 1:00 pm, five (5) events will be staged for cyclists, including a Senior Men’s Category 4/5 20-lap event; a Senior Women’s 17-lap event, a Master Men’s 35+ 25-lap event, and a Senior Men’s Pro & 1-2-3 40-lap event. The Senior Men’s 1/2/3 and the Master Men’s 35+ events are a part of the prestigious MAXXIS Garden State Cup Series.

In between these races, competitions will be staged for area residents, including children and adults.

For more information & to register for the USCF competitions, on-line registration is available at www.bikereg.com or www.njbikeracing.com. Registration for the local competitions is free. Registrations will also be accepted the day of the event at the Medford Memorial Community Center, located at 21 South Main Street, beginning at 7:30 am.

Volunteers are also needed to act as Marshalls along the route to assist with pedestrian and traffic control. If interested, please contact the Medford Recreation Department at 609-654-2512.

The events will be held rain or shine.

Even if you’re not an accomplished cyclist, you are encouraged to join us on Main Street on August 22nd to share in the excitement and cheer on the competitors!