Borough of Stratford
Transcription
Borough of Stratford
The STRATFORD FALL ISSUE 2013 Times digital edition Halloween Parade October 26, 12 pm There will be prizes for the various categories of Most Horrible, Most Original, Fancy and Comical. Come in your favorite costume with your three initials on your back (if you do not have a middle initial, create one!). Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion. The parade will begin at the Laurel Mill Shopping Center and continue across the street to Yellin School parking lot. If inclement weather it will take place inside Yellin School. Miss Stratford 2013 Jennifer Abbott MISS STRATFORD CONTRIBUTORS 2013 ACADEMY PODIATRY ASSOCIATES, PC ADAGIO DANCE CENTER AIKIDO AGATSU DOJO ALL OCCASIONS LIMOUSINE/DAVE GIFFIN APPLEBEES ASSADOUR CHOUNGOURIAN BATH BOUTIQUE/HEATHER MARTIN BOWMAN & CO LLP/JOHN F. DAILEY, JR. BOYCE WATCH & JEWELRY REPAIR BRUCE ASSOCIATES, INC CAPONE PHOTOGRAPHER CINEMARK THEATER, SOMERDALE, NJ DEMOCRAT CLUB OF STRATFORD DR. JOHN GENTLESS DR. LOUIS HAENEL FILOMENA’S RESTAURANT GREGORIO BROTHERS KENNEDY PROPERTY CORP. LA FITNESS, SOMERDALE MAYOR & COUNCIL NEW JERSEY AMERICAN WATER REPUBLICAN CLUB OF STRATFORD SEASON'S PIZZA SPORTS OUTLET STRATFORD BUSINESS & CIVIC ASSOCIATION (SBCA) STRATFORD DINER STRATFORD HISTORIC SOCIETY TECHNIQUES THIRTY-ONE GIFTS/DIANNA WHITTAKER & KRISTINA MCGOWAN TOMKINSONS AUTO REPAIR WEBERS ROOT BEER STAND WILLIAM P. KEENEY MEMORIAL VFW POST #7365 30 STRIKES BOWLING ALLEY Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine A New Day for New Jersey “Let me just say…We did it!” Those words, spoken by Rowan University president Dr. Ali Houshmand shortly after 10 a.m. on July 1, were met with jubilant cheers and applause from the more than 600 students, faculty, staff and public officials in the Academic Center at the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford. see full article om page 11 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Mayor’s Message Page 2 Fall Festival 2013 Page 5 Page 3 Tarkill Page 8 Stratford Library Page 3 Our Places of Worship Page 9 Page 4 Borough Contacts www.stratfordnj.org Page 12 stratford Times FALL, 2013 Mayor’s Message From the Stratford Municipal Senior Office The Stratford Municipal Senior Office has but one objective, to get for Stratford’s senior citizens everything that New Jersey and Camden County offer. Whether it’s information on senior vouchers for fresh produce, medical information, or entertainment, Stratford’s seniors deserve their share. In fact, that’s what started the current office. Terry and Mike Goldin wondered why people from other towns went to information sessions, parties, band concerts, lunches, etc., and decided to find out. So far, the Stratford Senior Office has offered a meeting with a feeeholder, with refreshments, a number of concerts, and an evening at the Riversharks with dinner. A number of articles on senior interest have also been written. And forms have been offered so seniors can apply for food vouchers. Thus far, response has not been overwhelming but we’ll keep trying. We’ve also been asked why we don’t start a senior group in Stratford. The Goldin’s didn’t know just what seniors did at this time so they went to a Camden County town and saw firsthand a town employee open the building and keep an eye on this group. Of course, if enough of Stratford’s seniors want this, the Goldins will support any initiative to start one. For those neighbors or family members who know of seniors who are not reading this article and want them to be notified of these events, go to borough hall and clerk John Keenan will make you aware of just what to do Below is a list of events in October that is posted on the Camden County Web site. OCTOBER Camden County FREE Senior Legal Workshops (wills/living wills/powers of attorney) for senior residents 60 +, Voorhees Town Center (Echelon Mall, 2nd level near Boscov’s) pre-register by calling (856)-566-2920. • October 7th – Camden County Store •2:00 PM • October 15th – Camden County Store •2:00 PM • October 21st – Camden County Store •2:00 PM Bead Jewelry Making Jubili Beads and Yarn, 713 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108. * This is a 1 hour class where you will be taught by a professional bead jewelry maker on how to make either a bracelet or necklace using your imagination to create your own one of a kind piece. Should time permit, you will be able to create both a necklace and bracelet. Perfect timing with the holiday season just around the corner. • Wednesday 16th , 10:30 am to 11:30 am • Wednesday October 23rd, 10:30 am to 11:30 am Class sizes are limited so you MUST RSVP to attend. For RSVPs, questions or additional information, please contact Tom Castellano either by phone, (856)-858-2986 or e-mail, [email protected] Mayor John Gentless We would like to know what you think of our town newspaper. Please email to [email protected] your thoughts and ideas that can be used for future issues, this includes information from any Stratford Civic Organizations. Next Issue November 2013 Senior Golf Academy * Mornings classes through September and October. * Learn how to play golf or sharpen your game with lessons from our on staff golf professionals. * Space is limited and is on a first come, first served basis, you MUST be pre-registered. * For more information or questions, please contact Cliff Still by calling, (856)-216-2157 or by email, [email protected]. • Tuesday October 1st, 8th or 15th – 10:00 am or 11:00 am • Wednesday October 2nd, 9th or 16th – 10:00 am or 11:00 am Seated Chair Yoga * This class is designed to bring yoga to your day, come as you are & utilize some of your time to maintain health & revitalize your body systems. Yoga develops a union connecting body, mind & breathe….in essence; it’s a whole body tune-up! This class is suitable for all experience levels. * Class size is limited so please register early! * To register for Cherry Hill Classes, please call, (856)-488-7868 or by e-mail, [email protected]. To register for Gloucester Township contact Diane Jones by phone, (856)-435-5374 or e-mail, [email protected] • October 9th – 1–2 pm – Cherry Hill Municipal Bldg., 820 Mercer Street (2nd floor conference rm.), Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 • October 9th – 3–4 pm – Gloucester Twp. Rec. Center, 80 Broad Acres Drive (next to Cherrywood development), Blackwood, NJ 08012 • October 23rd – 1-2 pm - Cherry Hill Municipal Bldg., 820 Mercer Street (2nd Council Chambers), Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 • October 23rd – 3-4 pm – Gloucester Twp. Rec. Center, 80 Broad Acres Drive (next to Cherrywood development), Blackwood, NJ 08012 “Seniors with Sneakers” Senior Walking Club * Join us twice a week for a one hour, heart healthy, brisk and invigorating walk at one of our beautiful county parks September through October (weather permitting). Preparatory exercise instruction will be given prior to the walk. For more information, dates, times and locations, please contact Tom Castellano by calling (856)-858-2986 or by e-mail, [email protected]. October 24th “Masquerade Ball Prize Bingo and Breakfast” PRIZE for BEST costume October 23rd * “Harvest Senior Dance” * Bellmawr Ballroom, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm, 29 LewisAvenue (next to the Bellmawr Municipal Bldg.), Bellmawr, NJ 08031. Join us for light refreshments, LIVE music and an evening of fun. To register, please call Michael at 856-216-2170. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES PERMITTED. PAGE 2 * Bellmawr Ballroom, 29 Lewis Avenue (next to the Bellmawr Municipal Bldg.), Bellmawr, NJ 08031 * Please join us & try your hand of this beloved game of chance. * Doors will open at 11 am, breakfast will be served & bingo will begin at Noon. * Seating is limited so please call Tom Castellano at 1-(856)-858-2986 to register or for additional information. All activities are FREE of charge unless otherwise noted. * Denotes Municipal or Residence Community Events. For more information on joining your local senior club call 856-858-2986. All activities are FREE of charge unless otherwise noted. For more information on joining your local senior club call 856-858-2986. stratford Times FALL, 2013 PAGE 3 Stratford Police Department Nixle is a community information service provider built exclusively STRATFORD to provide secure and reliable EMERGENCY TEXT communications. It is the first MESSAGING AND authenticated and secure service EMAIL NOTIFICATION that connects municipal agencies and organizations to residents in SYSTEM real time, delivering information to geographically targeted The Stratford Police consumers over their cell phones Department is a member of (via text messages), through eNixle a Community Information mails and via Web access. Service designed to deliver important and timely Nixle is a completely free network, information to residents, school simple, and trusted. Stratford officials, business owners and residents can register in just alike in Stratford using the latest minutes at www.nixle.com cellular text messaging and email technology. Only representatives of the Stratford Police Department are This service delivers trustworthy be able to issue alerts and and important neighborhoodmessages via the Nixle System level public safety and therefore you can be assured that community event notifications no spam or commercial by web, e-mail, and cellular advertisements will be sent to phone text messaging. For your inbox. example, this system could be utilized to broadcast a Please take just a moment to description of a missing child, register and remind friends and notify the public of a serious family members to do so as well. crime or announce major traffic detours or accidents. WWW.NIXLE.COM STRATFORD LIBRARY Free to Stratford Residents only, to be accessed by Police and First Responders The New Improved INCASE is coming soon INCASE working with the South Jersey Tech Center at Sterling is almost ready to unveil the new INCASE system. This system uses barcodes that can be scanned by first responders INCASE of an Emergency. Your barcode, placed on the outside doorframe of your home will contain emergency contact information IN CASE OF EMERGENCY. To be a part of the pilot program, mail or email your emergency contact information. Any questions, please call local Stratford resident and inventor, Jacqueline E. Souders. 856-784-4549 “The future of safety, right at your doorstep” Endorsed by the Borough of Stratford. MY INCASE INFORMATION NAME________________________________________ ADDRESS____________________________________ Cellular Number_______________________________ Contact Numbers-Names optional 1.___________________________________________ 2.___________________________________________ 3.___________________________________________ Mail to: P.O. Box 22 Stratford, NJ 08084 or email: [email protected] A new ONLINE system will be going live sometime in September. You will be able to search the Adult and Kids' catalogs, place reserves, renew items, receive e-mail notifications, manage your library account, check upcoming programs, and do so much more—at home! Be on the lookout for more information posted around the library in the coming weeks. Book Group Book Donations for Fall Festival During the month of September, the library is accepting donations of Children's, Young Adult, and Adult books in “LIKE NEW” condition to be given away at the library's Fall Festival table. Please put your donated books in a bag labeled “Fall Festival Book Donation” and give the bag to a library volunteer or staff member at the Circulation Desk. Library Hours Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays – Noon-8 PM Wednesdays and Fridays – 10 AM-4 PM Saturdays – 10 AM-1 PM Sundays – Closed Book Group meets once a month from September-June. Call (856) 783-0602 for dates, times, and book titles. The Library will be closing early or will be closed on the following dates: Story Time Monday, October 14, Columbus Day – Closed Monday, November 11, Veterans Day – Closed Children ages 3-8 and their caregivers are encouraged to come to our Fall Story Times on the following Tuesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 PM: 9/24, 10/8, 10/22, 11/12, and 11/26. Please call (856) 783-0602 to register your child. You will receive a reminder phone call on the day of the program. Juvenile Computer Permission Forms Expire September 30th! Are you under the age of 18 and want to use the library's Internet computers? It's that time of year again. Please stop in with your parent/guardian starting October 1st and have them fill out and sign the required Juvenile Computer Permission Form, which will expire September 30, 2014 Books for Sale We have a small selection of books for sale. Look for the neon green Book Sale sign. Paperbacks are $.50 each and hardcovers are $1.00 each Free Books We have a large selection of FREE books waiting for new homes. Stop in and take as many as you’d like! stratford Times FALL, 2013 PAGE 4 BOROUGH BITS & Helpful Hints JUVENILE CURFEW: From October 27, through October 31 the curfew for children will be 7pm. This will strictly be enforced by the Stratford Police Department. SPECIAL ELECTION – Senate Vacancy: The Special Election day is to be on Wednesday, October 16, and polls open at 6am and will close at 8pm. Any questions about this Special Election please call the borough clerk, 783-0600. ELECTION INFORMATION Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, and polls open at 6am and will close at 8pm. Any questions about registration or on election day please contact the borough clerk office, 783-0600. eNews: To keep residents better informed we offer an Email Blast service. When there are important issues, notices or changes of certain things the borough will send an email to those email addresses who have signed up. To sign up please visit our website at www.stratfordnj.org. PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOGS: Please remember when walking your dog, there is a “pooper scooper” law in Stratford. Please be considerate of other residents’ yards, as well as your own. RECYCLING – ELECTRONIC October 26, Saturday, Lindenwold – Camden County Public Works Complex 2311 Egg Harbor Road, Lindenwold 8:30a-12:30p HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION October 19, Saturday, Lindenwold – Camden County Public Works Complex 2311 Egg Harbor Road, Lindenwold 8:30a-3:00p The Stratford Swim Club would like to thank all of its members for a great season!!! See you next summer!! For information on how to become a member, visit www.stratfordswimclub.com Stratford Municipal Sewer Utility Department REMINDER: Did you turn 65 in 2013? Apply for the Senior Citizen’s Sewer Fee Abatement! WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Stratford residents who turned 65 on or before December 31, 2013 and own and reside in their home in Stratford. WHAT TO DO? By March 1, 2014 you must provide proof of your age to apply for the abatement; copies are fine, and yes, you can mail it to us! Tell us your residential address if it is not included on your proof of age. Tell us your married name if it is not included on your proof of age. Have questions please call the Sewer Department at 856-783-0601. CUT OFF DATE IS MARCH 1, 2014! November 5th 2013 Do not forget to VOTE Poles open @ 6 am SAO Basketball Registrations Dates for the 2013-2014 season are scheduled for the below dates: Saturday October 5th 10-4pm Tuesday October 15th 7-9pm Wednesday October 16th 7-9pm Thursday October 17th 7-9pm Stratford Fall Festival Yale Avenue Clubhouse Yale Avenue Clubhouse Yale Avenue Clubhouse Boys and Girls Clinic Leagues (2nd grade up) through High School grades are encouraged to participate. SAO Basketball Registrations Dates for the 2013 - 2014 season are scheduled for the below dates Registration forms can be found at www.SAO.com stratford Times FALL, 2013 PAGE 5 stratford Times FALL, 2013 WHAT IS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or autism is a developmental disorder that affects a person’s social communication and interaction. Individuals with ASD also have restricted and repetitive behavior, interests and activities. These characteristics fall across a “spectrum” ranging from mild to severe. Some of the major characteristics of autism include: difficulty with social interaction, difficulty with communication and unusual behaviors. Some features associated with autism include: 1) appearing as though deaf, 2) high or low activity level, 3) having little or no apparent fear of dangers (may run into traffic or wander away), 4) unusual responses to sensory information –high tolerance for pain or low tolerance for noise, 5) eating, sleeping and toileting difficulties, 6) seizure disorder, and 7) aggressive or self-injurious behavior. Current research shows that autism affects 1 in 49 children in New Jersey and 1 in 88 nationwide. ASD or autism is 4 to 5 times more prevalent in boys than in girls and occurs across all races, ethnicities and social classes. WHAT IS AUTISM NEW JERSEY? Autism New Jersey or Autism NJ is the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism. Autism NJ is a nonprofit agency committed to ensuring safe and fulfilling lives for individuals with autism, their families and the professionals who support them. They recognize the autism community’s many contributions to society and work to enhance their resilience, abilities and quality of life. The Vision of Autism NJ: We are GROUNDED in science, STRENGTHENED by knowledge and DEVOTED to creating a society of compassion and inclusion for all those touched by autism. By the numbers: Our helpline staff… 1) answers 3,500 phone calls annually, 2) responded to 2,671 information requests in 2012, 3) distributed 11,044 publications, guides and informational brochures in 2012 and 4) maintains a database of 2,300 professionals. A Lifeline: Toll-free information & referral line, 800-4-AUTISM, open Monday thru Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm PAGE 6 stratford Times FALL, 2013 STRATFORD’S 6TH ANNUAL 5K RUN/WALK FOR AUTISM NJ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2013 $20 Pre-Registration Fee (no refunds) before OCTOBER 2ND $25 Registration Fee on Race Day (RAIN DATE OF OCTOBER 6TH) Where: Rite –Aid Parking lot 100 Warwick Rd Stratford, NJ 08084 When: 8-8:45 am Race Day Check-in / Registration 9:00 am 5K RUN/WALK START Awards/Prizes given for top 3 finishers in each age group at the Fall Festival main stage All participants must register and check in Race t-shirts (paid for with registration) will be provided at check-in Mail to: Fall Festival 5K/ P.O. Box 17/ Stratford, NJ 08084 2013 5K RUN/WALK FOR AUTISM NJ –REGISTRATION FORM---PLEASE WRITE LEGIBLY I hereby understand that upon my entry into the 5K Run/Walk for Autism NJ, I waive any and all rights I have against Autism NJ, the SBCA, the Borough of Stratford, volunteers and Samuel S. Yellin School, for any injuries sustained in the event. I give my full permission for the SBCA and Autism NJ to use any photographs, videos or other recordings of me that are made during the course of this event. I further attest that I am physically fit enough to participate in this event. Name______________________________ Date of birth___________ Age on race day_____ Gender: M / F Address_________________________________City________________________State_________ Zip_________ Email address___________________________________ Phone number________________________________ T-shirt size (circle one) ADULT—S M L XL YOUTH—S M L XL XXL Signature of Participant or Parent (must be signed by parent if under 18) ______________________________________ Date__________________ Make checks payable to: SBCA, please put 5K in memo line. Questions: Please email [email protected] @ stratfordfallfestival5K PAGE 7 FALL, 2013 stratford Times PAGE 8 Tarkill Fall 2013 News Kids are headed back to school, sweaters are on and the leaves are changing colors… must mean it’s SOCCER TIME! The Tarkill soccer season will kick off officially on Saturday, September 7th. We are excited to see so many returning faces along with a lot of new soccer players registered this fall as well. If you have not already done so like our Facebook page “Tarkill Soccer Club” as we will post field closings, cancellations, upcoming events and more throughout the season! Volunteers Wanted We are always looking for parents willing to lend a hand by coaching, field maintenance, running our snackstands and so much more. Without your help we could not pull off the successful seasons we have and continue to strive for. The kids love to be able to brag that their parents are helping out as well. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] if you are looking to volunteer. We want to hear from you! If you have any ideas, feedback or even complaints we as a board want to hear from you. Your input is the only way we will improve. Please send all correspondence to our Hotmail account at [email protected] or attend one of our general membership meetings. Board Openings We will have a few positions open on the board next January. To be considered or able to vote you must attend at least two General Membership meetings. Under the Lights Games Please see our calendar on our website as both the Rec and Clinic leagues will have under the lights games this season! TARKILL NIGHT OUT AT THE PHILADELPHIA UNION Looking for a fun night out with the family? Help support Tarkill and enjoy a night out at the Philadelphia Union on October 5th – a great ending after the day at the fall festival! We are able to offer discounted tickets for only $30 each (a savings of $10 a ticket). For tickets contact Tarkill at [email protected] no later than September 21. Upcoming Events September 7th – Season Kickoff September 21st – Lena’s Fundraiser – get your flyer from us that morning – 30% of all sales are donated to Tarkill. September 25th – General Membership Meeting 7:00 pm at Tarkill Clubhouse Late Sept – Early Oct – Applebee’s Pancake Breakfast – date TBD October 5th – Fall Festival – No Rec Games October 5th – Tarkill Night out at the Philadelphia Union October 13th – Columbus Day Weekend – No Games October 23 – General Membership meeting October 25th – Coach’s game and Trunk or treat October 23, 25, 26 – Indoor registration November 2 – Beef and Beer – tickets will be on sale in October November 16th – PeeWee, Clinic and Rec Awards November 20th – General Membership Meeting Thank you for your continued support, we look forward to a great season! The Tarkill Soccer Board FALL, 2013 stratford Times PAGE 9 Our Places of Worship Stratford United Methodist Church At Union & Central Avenues SUMC Thrift Shop and Food Pantry: Mondays & Tuesdays from 9am – Noon Please consider making a Canned Food donation to the Food Pantry. Please drop off items on Mondays & Tuesdays 9am – noon. Call 856-784-9135 for more information. Stratford Presbyterian Church -Biblical -Reformed –Traditional –Christ Centered Home of Stratford Classical Christian Academy Sunday Services: Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 a.m.; Morning Worship 11 a.m. Evening Worship 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday Evening Service 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Warwick Road • Stratford, NJ 856-784-0674 Rev. Martin L. Dawson, Pastor ALL ARE WELCOME! 300 West Atlantic Ave. • Stratford, NJ 08084 • Ph: 856-435-1771 Website: Wordfc.org ch r u h tC s i d o eth nues M d ite al Ave n U d r Centr o f t a Str nion & 856-784-9135 U Fall Worship Schedule Begins on Sunday, September 15, 2013 Youth Group Sunday Night from 7-9 p.m. *********** United Methodist Women Yard Sale to be held on Friday, October 25th from 9am - 3pm and Saturday, October 26th from 8am – 2 pm. *********** Also: (if you have room) Thrift Shop & Food Pantry is open every Monday & Tuesday from 9 a.m. – Noon. 10:15 a.m. Sunday School (Classes for Ages 2 – Adult) 8:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service 11:15 a.m. Traditional Worship Service Youth Group Sunday Night from 7-9 p.m. Food donations (canned goods) are always welcomed for food pantry. Clothing & small household items (no furniture) accepted for Thrift Shop. Drop off items on Mondays & Tuesdays 9am – noon. Call 856-784-9135 for more information. WORSHIP DIRECTORY St. Luke R.C. Church: 55 Warwick Road Stratford United Methodist Church: Union & Central Avenues Stratford Presbyterian: Church: 41 Warwick Road Word Fellowship Church: 10 West Laurel Road Buddhist Temple Duc Me Hien Mother of Grace Temple: 317 Princeton Avenue 627-2222 784-9135 435-0892 435-1771 783-2327 stratford Times FALL, 2013 55 Warwick Road * Stratford, NJ 08084 *(856) 783-3088 * Fax (856)783-9302 www.jp2rs.org For Immediate Release Photos Attached Contact: Christine Willard Telephone: 856-783-3088 E-mail: [email protected] August 25, 2013 Press Release John Paul II School Celebrate 5th Anniversary Stratford, NJ –John Paul II Regional School celebrates its 5th Year Anniversary this year. The celebration kicks off on Sunday, September 15th with an Anniversary Mass and reception at 11:30 am at St. Luke Church, Stratford. All are welcome! John Paul II School experienced much success since its 2008 opening as a result of the strong leadership of Fr. Joseph Capella, Pastor, Helen Persing, Principal and the John Paul II School Board. Campus expansions and upgrades over the past five years, as well as, a variety of programs to meet the needs of all students were also made possible by the generosity of our benefactors, a very dedicated community of parents, faculty, parishioners, alumni, diocesan officials, and business partners. John Paul II School continues its mission that is dedicated to Christian stewardship and academic excellence. Last year’s graduating class received over $25,000.00 in scholarships. “I am proud to be part of creating a Catholic elementary school that provides an experience for students developing the mind, body, and spirit. We empower students to achieve individual academic potential at John Paul II and they excel.” Helen Persing, Principal An ad-hoc Anniversary Committee is planning year-long events to celebrate school families, faculty, alumni, parishioners, grandparents and community partners. We invite all to join us for the following fall events scheduled: Anniversary Mass & Reception -Sunday, September 15th St. Luke Church, Stratford,11:30 am John Paul II 6th Annual Golf Tournament-Friday, October 4th, Valleybrook Country Club Designer Bag Bingo-Saturday, October 12th, John Paul II School John Paul II School Fall Open House-Tuesday, October 22nd and Thursday, October 24th, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm For more information, contact Christine Willard, Advancement Director at 856-783-3088 or [email protected] John Paul II Regional School, Stratford, a Catholic School for nearly 375 students in preschool through eighth grades, is dedicated to Christian stewardship and academic excellence, and empowers students to achieve their academic potential in a faith based environment. To visit our school or for more information, please call Christine Willard, Advancement Director at (856) 783-3088. PAGE 10 stratford Times FALL, 2013 PAGE 11 A New Day for New Jersey “Let me just say…We did it!” Those words, spoken by Rowan University president Dr. Ali Houshmand shortly after 10 a.m. on July 1, were met with jubilant cheers and applause from the more than 600 students, faculty, staff and public officials in the Academic Center at the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford. The overflow crowd was there to witness history in the making – the integration of the former UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine and the Stratford Division of the UMDNJ-Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences into Rowan University. On that day, the New Jersey Medical and Health Sciences Education Restructuring Act went into effect, nearly ten months after it was signed into law by Gov. Christie. The law transforms higher education in South Jersey and throughout the state. For South Jersey, there are three key elements to the legislation: • The School of Osteopathic Medicine and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences merged with Rowan University; • Rowan became New Jersey’s second – and South Jersey’s only – comprehensive public research university; and • Rowan and Rutgers-Camden will launch a joint effort to develop a college of health sciences in Camden. In his welcoming remarks to those assembled on the Stratford campus, RowanSOM dean Dr. Thomas A. Cavalieri noted the historic nature of the day, saying, “Today marks the creation of a new research university in South Jersey, a new day for Rowan University and a new day for the School of Osteopathic Medicine.” Both schools have deep roots in South Jersey. From a small teaching college founded in Glassboro in 1923, Rowan has grown into a nationally respected, highly competitive, award-winning university that draws applicants from across the country and around the world. Rowan offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees to more than 12,000 students in 57 disciplines in eight academic colleges. The School of Osteopathic Medicine was founded in Camden in 1976 and later moved to Stratford. The school, which has grown by roughly 50 percent in the past few years alone, enrolls more than 600 medical students. More than half of the 2,200 graduates of the school practice in New Jersey. In addition, nearly 200 students currently are enrolled in advanced degree (masters or PhD) programs at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. As a result of the legislation, RowanSOM joins Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, which opened in August 2012, under the Rowan banner, and Rowan becomes just the second university in the U.S. to offer both D.O. and M.D. degrees. During the July 1 event, Dr. Houshmand outlined a vision for Rowan that centers on growing the University into an educational and economic force to better serve southern New Jersey. It involves doubling the student body to 25,000 in ten years, increasing the University’s endowment to half a billion dollars (it’s $165 million now), and increasing sponsored research from about $23 million to $100 million annually. Among countless changes made prior to the official integration, replete with a ceremonial unfurling of a new banner, was Rowan Board of Trustees action to rename the school Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine or, informally, RowanSOM. Many dignitaries who helped make the merger a reality were in attendance to celebrate the occasion. All were acknowledged by Dr. Houshmand, who gave special thanks to New Jersey Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney, saying the senator’s “vision and tireless work have positioned South Jersey for great growth.” Senator Sweeney noted his personal connection to RowanSOM: the school’s first class included his brother Bob Sweeney, who today is a successful New Jersey physician. Senator Sweeney added that as Rowan grows and prospers – in Glassboro, Camden, and, now, Stratford – the entire region will prosper along with it. “Education is the key to a strong economy,” he said. “And Rowan is going to drive this economy.” Look for helpful health tips from The University Doctors at RowanSOM in future editions of The Stratford Times. Fall 2013 stratford Times PAGE 12 IMPORTANT BOROUGH CONTACT INFORMATION EMERGENCY Police/Fire/Ambulance/ Sewerage Problems 911 784-4900 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES BOROUGH HALL FAX POLICE COURT FIRE AMBULANCE SEWERAGE LIBRARY SPECIAL SERVICES 783-0600 783-7949 783-8616 783-1093 783-1649 784-4466 783-0601 783-0602 SCHOOLS Parkview School ~ Parkview Road Samuel S. Yellin School ~ 111 Warwick Road John Paul II Regional School ~ 55 Warwick Road Stratford Classical Christian Academy ~ 710 West Laurel Road Under the Sun Learning Center ~ 44 Berlin Avenue Sterling High School (Somerdale) ~ 501 S. Warwick Road Little Praisers Preschool ~ 120 Union Avenue Assessor in Thursdays 6:00 PM Construction Official/Electrical Inspector in Tuesday & Thursday 4:00 - 6:00 PM Plumbing Official in Tuesdays & Thursday By Appointment Organizations Get Your Event Featured in the Stratford eTimes Next Issue is scheduled for November 2013. Contact the Boro Office at 856-783-0600 Email [email protected] 7pm Council Meetings SEPTEMBER 10th October 3rd and 8th November 7th and 12th All at 7pm at the Justice Facility 783-2876 783-1094 783-3088 882-7222 783-9715 784-1333 435-5353 Borough Council Who’s Who Mayor John Gentless - [email protected] Council President Mary Stone [email protected] • Public Events Councilman Mike Santoro [email protected] • Emergency Services Councilman Patrick Gilligan [email protected] - Public Works Councilman Frank Gagliardi [email protected] - Ordinance and Property Councilman Steve Easterday [email protected] - Police Councilman Mike Maloney [email protected] - Finance and Revenue Borough Clerk John D. Keenan, Jr. [email protected]