Message from the Commissioners
As we approach spring and the nicer weather, we will be getting underway with some new projects. Cedar Avenue will be done this spring and summer along with various other streets.
Also, the new firehouse will be getting underway this spring with demolition of the old firehouse on James and Bell Rd. and the construction of the new facility, which is scheduled to be completed by Summer/Fall of 2010. The Lambert Ave. Fire House will be converted to a Senior Center/Meeting Facility for various organizations. A committee will be formed to address this opportunity.
We again are faced with very difficult budget decisions. Our hope is to continue the work with the state and county to maintain taxes and provide the same level of services that we have been providing.
Over the past number of months we have been working on a plan to meet the State requirements to appoint a Registered Municipal Clerk (RMC) at an acceptable cost. We determined that the best way to meet these goals was to find a part time Clerk and have that person work with our talented existing personnel. The result is a Shared Service agreement with the Borough of Barrington for their RMC, Ms. Terry Shannon, to also serve Mt. Ephraim. She has been their Clerk for the last 9 years and comes highly recommended. Effective March 16, Terry will begin working in the office each Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning and will participate at the Commissioners meetings. We have worked out a financial plan for the Clerk’s responsibilities that allows us to meet our obligations and provide full service at a significantly lower cost than in past years. We welcome Terry and expect this arrangement to allow her to be here for many years. Please come in to meet her and welcome her to our community.
To support the Clerk’s operations, our long time Tax Collector, Marie Darlington, who, over the past 9 months has been filling in as Deputy Clerk, then Acting Clerk, will again be the Deputy Clerk to work closely with Terry. Marie and the office staff will provide much of the day-to-day operations of the
Clerk’s office such as licensing (dog, mercantile, raffles, bingo, peddlers, etc) and provide intake for liquor licensing, elections issues and records handling. We want to thank her for her extra duty and willingness to take on more responsibility for our community.
The Tax Office has been busy processing PTR forms for our residents for the Property Tax Reimbursement Program, also known as the “Senior Freeze”. Those eligible are urged to have their forms completed early so that they can avoid possible delays later on. The State has recently increased the income limits enabling more people to qualify for the program. Those having questions about the program may call 1-800-882-6597 for information or 1-800-323-4400 to order a form.
THANKS MT. EPHRAIM FOR ANSWERING OUR RECYCLING CHALLENGE
The Borough of Mt. Ephraim would like to thank its residents and businesses for their conscientious efforts toward recycling in 2008.
The final figures are in and, with the cooperation of residents and businesses; the Borough reduced its trash collection by 295,628 pounds, which saves on tipping fees. This, in turn, increased recycling by 77,840 pounds. This is a great beginning, but we need to do more to increase productivity. All cans, bottles, cardboard and papers must be removed from your trash. Public Works is not responsible for separating trash from recycling. We are instituting a sticker program starting immediately. Failure to separate trash from recycling may jeopardize your trash pickup. Also, we hope to start a recycling education program with the children through the school system to help them learn about the importance of recycling and “going green”.
REMINDERS
*2009 Mt. Ephraim Sewer bills will be mailed out in April and will be due on May 1st along with 2nd quarter 2009 Taxes.
*Those planning on making improvements and changes to their homes are reminded to contact the Construction Office to find out what permits are necessary before beginning work.
*We encourage you to use our website which is: www.mountephraim-nj.com
Here, you may find answers to most any question you may have about Borough contacts and events. Also, any feedback will be appreciated.
The Veterans of Mount Ephraim to Celebrate Memorial Day
On Monday, May 25th, 2009 at approximately 10:15 a.m. your Veterans will set aside time to pay tribute to not only the sixteen valiant citizens of our Borough but also honor all who made the ultimate sacrifice for our security and freedom.
As in years past, we hope to be joined by the Raymond Kershaw Choir and Honor Society, along with members of the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Office of Emergency Management and our loyal citizens.
This is the one day of the year that affords us the opportunity to thank not only all those who have fought for or served their Country, but also recognize and keep in our prayers the six young citizens of Mount Ephraim presently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq:
Sergeant First Class Priscilla Blagojevich
Staff Sergeant John Blagojevich
Specialist Martin Coogan
Specialist Nick Rabeau
Specialist Marcus Wild
American Legion Post 150 of Mount Ephraim invites and strongly encourages residents to join us as we remember, recognize and thank all who serve or have served their Country and every one of its citizens with their military service.
Robert J. Conley, Commander
American Legion Post 150
TROOP SUPPORT 08059
Our continued prayers are with SSG John Blagojevich, SFC Priscilla Blagojevich, SPC Nick Rabeau, PFC Marcus Wild, and SPC Martin Coogan, all members of the Army National Guard who are currently deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Congratulations to Patrick Cummings for advancing to Petty Officer 3rd class, United States Coast Guard. He is presently working as an Operations Specialist on a search and rescue team in Juneau, Alaska.
Thank you to everyone who made donations during the Christmas season, especially the Mount Ephraim Fire Department who dedicated their float to our military, collected items and also donated $300 of their prize money to support our troops. Over three hundred gift bags were sent to service members overseas.
If you know of someone from our town who is serving, or to make a donation, write a letter of support, or organize a collection of items, e-mail or call 609-217-6177. We want to ensure that everyone who is serving is recognized and supported during their service to our country.
Looking Ahead…
Anyone who is interested in participating in the 4th of July Parade or needs information about the Parade, please contact Carla Bonamassa at 856-931-2672.
Mount Ephraim Fire Department
If any resident needs a FREE smoke detector or wants to make sure that they have enough in their home, you may call the firehouse at 931-6532 and leave a message with your name, address and a phone number to call you back. The MEFD will call you back to schedule an appointment to come out to your home and replace any older smoke detectors for FREE of charge. A safe fire prevention practice is to make sure there are smoke detectors located outside of all bedrooms, mounted to the ceiling and that there is at least one smoke detector per floor of your home.
The MEFD would like to congratulate the New Officers for 2009 and they are; Fire Chief Mario Scullan, Deputy Fire Chief Brian Gilmore, Battalion Chief Anthony Stagliano Sr; Captain Mark Campanell, Captain Dennis Brandt, Administrative Assistant Fred Vilardo, Company President Richard Holmes, Vice President Keith Kalbach, Administrative Secretary Dawn Parks, Treasurer Anthony Stagliano Sr; Trustee Dan Tokolish Sr; Trustee Mario Alibrando, Legal Counsel & Advisor Richard Schepacarter, Esq; Ladies Auxiliary President Leslie Gilmore, Vice President Peggy Franecki, Treasurer Kim Fehr and Recording Secretary Dee Stagliano.
Thank you to the outgoing officers for all of their hard work and dedication and they are; Nichole Campanell – Trustee 2008, Monica Mallon – Administrative Assistant 2002 - 2008, Jeff Vilardo – Administrative Assistant 2001, Captain 2002 - 2003, Battalion Chief 2004 – 2008.
Congratulations to the Chief James E. Sylvester Memorial Award – Firefighter of the Year for 2008 Daniel Tokolish Jr. who throughout the course of the year best demonstrated the ideals of Compassion, Courage, Dedication, Leadership and Loyalty, while providing Outstanding Service to the Department and community.
The John D. West Sr. Memorial Award is presented to an individual or organization that has contributed their time and faithful support to the MEFD in our goal of protecting life and property. This award was presented to John Fanelle, Owner of Fanelle Towing of Collingswood who has provided old vehicles for our extrication drills numerous times throughout the past few years. Mr. Fanelle has provided these vehicles and made sure all fluids have been drained from them before sending them over for our firefighters to train with. Mr. Fanelle each time has sent one of his guys to tow the vehicles over and pick them up from the firehouse all at his company’s expense. For this exceptional service the MEFD is truly grateful and looks forward to working with Mr. Fanelle and his company.
Chief’s Award – Fire Explorer of the Year was presented to Nick Buckingham who has truly demonstrated a commitment to duty and service to the department and community.
The President’s Award – Member of the Year was presented to Al Cooney in recognition of his Hard Work, Dedication, and Devotion to the MEFD. This acknowledgement of the individual’s effort reflects the true asset they have been to our department.
UPCOMING EVENTS
COMEDY NIGHT – Friday, March 27 – 8:00 PM. Tickets are $20.00 Donation in advance only. For more tickets and/or more information, please call Mario Alibrando at 933-3928.
FLEA MARKET – Saturday, March 28 – 8 AM to 12 Noon – Bell Road Firehouse, 200 Bell Road. Refreshments will be sold by the Ladies Auxiliary. TABLES ARE GOING FAST at $10.00 a piece. Reserve your spot today by calling Laura at 933-2024 or Kitty at 931-9284.
HOAGIE SALE – Saturday, April 11 from 9 AM till SELL OUT. FREE Delivery is available by calling 931-6532 Saturday ONLY after 8 AM. All Hoagies are made fresh Saturday morning and are available with or without onions. Hot peppers are also available.
As Your Neighbors, We THANK YOU For Your Continued Support! Feel free to visit our website at www.mefd.org for more information or call the firehouse at 931-6532, if no one is available, please leave a detailed message and someone will return your call as soon as possible.
Department of Public Works
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE DISPOSAL OF WATER BASED LATEX PAINT
Latex paint is non-hazardous and should not be brought to the Camden County Household Special Waste Collections. It can be disposed of in the regular trash, provided it is first dried out.
Following these simple steps, you can dispose of latex paint in the trash, year round.
1. Check the label for an indication that the paint is latex or cleans up with “soap and water”.
2. Gather the following materials: cardboard box, strong plastic trash bag, kitty litter or sand.
3. Place a cardboard box on the ground. Place a strong plastic bag inside the box, fitting the open ends of the bag over the sides of the box. Place a small amount of sand or kitty litter into the plastic bag.
4. Open the paint can and pour the paint into the plastic bag with the kitty litter/sand, adding more kitty litter/sand, if needed. Mix together.
5. Wait for kitty litter/sand to absorb the paint. This may take from a few hours to a few days depending on weather conditions and the amount of paint.
6. When the paint is fully dry, pull the ends of the plastic trash bag together and secure tightly. Discard the bag into the trash.
7. Allow the residue inside the empty paint can to harden and dispose of the can in the trash.
Please do not dispose of needles in regular trash. Needles should be stored in a proper container and must be brought to the Borough Garage or returned to where they were purchased.
The Borough of Mt. Ephraim would like to thank its residents and businesses for their conscientious efforts towards recycling in 2008.
The final figures are in and with the cooperation of residents and businesses the Borough of Mt. Ephraim achieved 295,628 lbs less trash, which saves on our tipping fees, which in turn recycling increased by 77,840 lbs.
This is a great beginning, but we need to do more to increase productivity. All cans, bottles, cardboard and papers must be removed from your trash.
Public Works is not responsible for separating trash from recycling.
We are instituting a sticker program starting immediately. Failure to separate trash from recycling may jeopardize your trash pickup. Also, we hope to start a recycling education program with the children through the school system to teach them the importance of recycling and to “go green.”
Touch New Jersey Food Pantry
http://touchnewjersey.org
Pantry Location: 7 North Black Horse Pike & West Buckingham Avenue, Mount Ephraim, New Jersey 08059
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 8604 Collingswood, New Jersey 08108
(856) 559-0116
Debbie Realey, Executive Director
Our mission - to help alleviate poverty by providing food and resourcesto individuals and families in need.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, the volunteers, and most importantly the people we serve, we want to thank the community for their generous donations of food, money, gift cards, and ACME & ShopRite register receipts. Your kindness is appreciated by the many people that we serve. Through the generosity of caring people, such as you, Touch New Jersey, Inc., is better able to help those in our community who are in need. Please visit our website at http://touchnewjersey.org to learn more about our organization.