Mayor David Brown is pleased to announce that thanks to the tireless efforts of the Township Council and administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) will reimburse the Township in excess of $1.9 million additional dollars for costs associated with the July 2004 floods. The Township previously received approximately $930,000 in reimbursement related to the catastrophic event. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the funds will come from FEMA with the remaining twenty-five percent (25%) from the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management.

“This is a great day for the people of Medford. The Township has pursued these funds steadily since the remediation work was done. Finally, our pleas have been heard and our hard work has paid off,” explained the Mayor. Councilman Chris Myers added, “Too often we hear about recovery efforts from natural disasters in other parts of the country.

When the events of the July 2004 flood struck home, our emergency responders put forth incredible effort to save lives and property. We expended millions of dollars in repairing the extensive damage with FEMA’s acknowledgement, and with the expectation that the federal government was there to assist us financially. After aggressive action on Medford’s part over the past four years, FEMA has recognized the effort put forth, and has confirmed it will reimburse the Medford taxpayers for these actions.”

The flood occurred in the Summer of 2004, and the Township efforts to obtain reimbursement were undertaken soon thereafter. FEMA authorized the recovery work, however, it initially would only reimburse the Township $131,360 for certain work, including the repair of sewer main and roadway wiped out by the flood at Ramblewood Drive. The Township appealed FEMA’s limited reimbursement decision in both 2006 and 2007. With those appeals pending, the Township continued to press representatives from FEMA for the recovery of funds it was due.

“Our residents should be proud of the commitment put forth by our emergency responders. Thanks to the quick and decisive action of dedicated men and women, no lives were lost during the storm and recovery efforts,” lauded Councilwoman Mary Ann O’Brien. “The efforts by the Township after the storm to make repairs, and pursue reimbursement are also to be commended,” she continued.

Councilman Joseph Lynn noted, “We continued to press the position with FEMA that the destroyed sewer pipe would have contaminated the lakes and shorelines downstream if not immediately corrected, creating a public health problem. We had to bypass sewage and rebuild the system while holding back millions of gallons of water from upstream. The end result was a great effort by emergency responders, Township staff and the construction team.”

FEMA representatives have now confirmed that the Township’s emergency repair and remediation efforts will be reimbursed the additional $1.9 million, on top of the funds originally received. The Township expects to receive those funds by the month’s end.

“In the end we just wanted to be treated fairly, like any other town that is devastated by a natural event. We are thankful that FEMA has ultimately acknowledged our efforts and will reimburse our expenses,” concluded Deputy Mayor Robert Martin.

CONTACT: MICHAEL ACHEY, TOWNSHIP MANAGER
(609) 654-2608 x328

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.

Please support Medford Township’s fundraising efforts to upgrade Fort Medford located in Bob Myer park – making it a much more handicapped accessible facility.

Please visit PJ Whelihans in Medford Lakes on June 22nd from 5-8pm.  PJ’s will donate 10% of each patron’s bill during this time to help raise funds for the Fort Medford project. 

When you visit PJ Whelihan’s in Medford Lakes present this flyer to have 10% of your bill donated to the fundraising efforts.

It’s a great cause, and a chance for you and your family or friends to gather at one of Medford’s favorite eating spots for good food and fun.

Download the flyer here, print it out and present it to your server.

The Medford Cultural Arts Commission is seeking talented high school musicians to participate in its annual Young Artists in Concert event, scheduled for Friday, April 24th, 2009, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Tabernacle,
New Jersey.

This program is designed to showcase the area’s highest level of talented high school performers and will include instrumentalists, vocalists and pianists performing everything from Bach to Broadway selections.  

All high school students residing in the Lenape Regional High School District sending district towns, and attend public or private school are eligible to apply.

All applicants should be instrumentalists, pianists, and vocalists who have studied privately and/or have acquired some onstage solo experience. Each applicant is asked to submit an application listing his/her most recent musical accomplishments, along with a recommendation from his/her instructor.

In addition to providing the young artists with a large and very appreciative audience, this concert offers an opportunity for them to get some extra use from that solo that was used for regional tryouts or perhaps a college audition. It also enables the student a means of testing out a piece before a crucial audition, a technique many experienced musicians have used successfully.

Since performers are not permitted to use taped accompaniments, each participant must provide his/her own accompanist. At the conclusion of the concert each performer will receive a beautifully framed certificate of appreciation for their participation.

Last year’s participants included:

• Thomas E. Weaver, Jr., piano
• Danielle Fau, violin
• Angelica Hicks, vocal
• Nathan Paternoster, piano
• Darryl Randall, flute
• David E. Muoio, piano
• Marisa Manion, piano
• Even Kilgore, clarinet and saxophone
• Gregory DiBona, piano
• Danielle Nachbar, piano.

Applications are available at the Medford Township Recreation Department or may be obtained via email at: YAIC09@aol.com.

All applications must be returned by April 6, 2009. Please direct all questions to the above email address or contact Dr. Anthony Femiano, Chairman, Medford Cultural Arts Commission at 609 654-1855.

Sponsored by HARRIETT”S ENERGY SOURCES

Historic Medford Village Association and the Medford Business Association Annual Summer Art, Wine & Music Festival

The Historic Medford Village Association and the Medford Business Association are now accepting applications from fine artists and crafters interested in participating in our 19^th Annual Summer Art, Wine & Music Festival.

This event is scheduled for Sunday, June 7^th from 11:30-4:00. The event will be held on historic and scenic Main Street (Route 541) in Medford Township, Burlington County.

In the past, this event has attracted upwards of 10,000 visitors.

The deadline to submit an application is March 30^th. To download a form, please visit our web site at www.hmva.org; the form is located under Art Festival.  Any questions please email info@hmva.org. 

December 9, 2008 – (Medford, NJ)  After being closed since February 2008, Medford Township was able to re-open the Fort Medford Playground to the public on October 17. 

This past September, the Medford Township Council committed $175,000 towards the purchase of new playground equipment and safety improvements to Fort Medford. 

The Council reached out to some of the original Medford Playground Committee volunteers to propose a vision for an addition to Fort Medford that is 100% handicapped accessible, made with 100% recyclable materials, completely eco-friendly made with “Trex” material.

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Historic Medford Village Association is seeking Food Vendors, Entertainers and Volunteers for our “Spectacular” Dickens Festival. 

We are now accepting applications for food vendors, musicians, entertainers, Carolers, strolling Dickens characters for our annual “Spectacular” Dickens Festival.

The festival is scheduled for Saturday December 6, 2008 from 6:00pm to 9:30 pm. (Rain Date: Sunday December 7, 2008 from 3:00-6:30) Festivities will take place along Historic Main Street.

The Historic Medford Village Association has made some recent changes in leadership. They are very pleased to announce they have made a few exciting changes to the Festival. “A Must See” They are anticipating this event to be one of our best. You don’t want to miss it!

For more information about this “Spectacular” Dickens Festival or to obtain an application please contact Betsy Hudson or Julie Scott at 609-714-8811 or via email info@medfordvillage.com

*This press release was created by the Historic Medford Village Association.  MedfordNJ.com is not associated with with the Historic Medford Village Association, and offers this information as a service to our readers.

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

An interesting array of trips is being offered July through September by the Medford Senior Center, which is housed in historic Cranberry Hall. All of the trips will depart by school bus at 9:30 am from Bob Bende Park, located on the north side of Route 541, and will return at approximately 3:30 pm.

On July 9th trip participants will begin the day with an all inclusive breakfast at the famous Mastoris in Bordentown. They will next travel to Princeton to visit Drumthwacket, the official home of the governor of New Jersey. A guided tour will include six of the historic mansion’s public rooms which showcase New Jersey’s cultural heritage including its art, history, architecture and antiques. Guests are welcome to stroll through the gardens following the tour. The fee for transportation and the tour is $15 with $12.50 being collected the morning of the trip for the breakfast.

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