COLONY MEETING

The first Medford Lakes Colony meeting of the New Year will be held on Monday, February 8, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in Demby Annex.  All colonists are encouraged to attend.  A proposed increase in Colony fees will be discussed.

MLAA Baseball Registration!

Registration for MLAA Baseball is from 2/1/2010 to 2/15/2010 for Pre K, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades.  Please visit www.mlaasports.com to register!

MEDFORD LAKES CHILD DIAGNOSED WITH NEUROBLASTOMA

Dear friends, on Christmas Eve 2009, 3 year old Charlie Haughey, son of Julie and Mike, of Nahma Trail was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma (an aggressive form of childhood cancer). Charlie is being treated at CHOP and will receive chemotherapy and other intensive treatments for the next 6 months to a year. Our heartfelt prayers are continuously with him and his family. This letter is to ask the Medford Lakes community for help. To offset the miscellaneous and increasing expenses being incurred by the Haugheys we have set up a fund for Charlie at TD Bank. If you would like to donate please make out a check to The Charlie Haughey Fund and mail it to 121 Algonquin Trail. If you would like to be included on a master email list to help with meals, receive updates on Charlie or fundraising information please email me. Finally, we have started to put ideas together for fundraising (tee shirts/car wash/golf tournament/dine and donate nights/Team Charlie for Broad Street 10 mile run (May 2nd)/Flyers and 76ers games). If you would like to help or have ideas please contact Diane Smith at scooterb06@comcast.net.  Email me with any questions, advice and ideas and keep checking the Colony newsletter for upcoming fundraising events. Thank you to everyone in Medford Lakes in advance for your kindness, generosity and prayers. Your support is overwhelming.

Katrina Strich

121 Algonquin Trail

609 714 0405

strich1@mac.com.

HOT CHOCOLATE FOR CHARLIE A HUGE SUCCESS!

Last Saturday the “Hot Chocolate for Charlie” fundraiser at Vaughan Hall was a huge success! We thank all of our neighbors and friends in Medford Lakes and the surrounding communities for their overwhelming generosity.  We would also like to thank the many volunteers who donated their time, supplies and their baked goods. 

With much gratitude,

The Charlie Haughey Fund Coordinators

We would like to thank everyone who came out last Saturday to support “Hot Chocolate for Charlie.” It was so uplifting to see all the people who came together for this wonderful event. Your support has been a tremendous source of strength for our family. Words cannot begin to express our gratitude to those who organized this event, donated their time and baked goods, and to those who attended. We are so blessed to live in this wonderful community.

With Love, The Haughey Family

Thank you from Brownie Troop 23028

Last week 2nd grade Brownie troop 23028 was able to make up brown ribbons with hearts which can be worn to show Charlie and his family our love and support through this challenging time. At the "Hot Chocolate for Charlie event" we collected donations for the ribbons and we are proud to say that we were able to contribute $422.00 to the folks running the event for Charlie. We would like to THANK everyone who attended and helped make this event a huge success! Also, if you were unable to attend but would still like to donate and obtain a ribbon they will be available at the colony office. Thank you!

LAKE LOWERING

If you live on a lake and would like the lake to be lowered in the late winter (this is the only time the State will grant a permit without an existing problem) please contact the Medford Lakes Colony office at 654-7747 or office@medfordlakescolony.org and leave your name, address and reason for request.  A lake lowering is done for the purpose of bulkhead/dock repairs and the cleaning of debris. 

Please note – bulkhead and dock repairs do require a Medford Lakes Colony permit. 

Based on Colony member requests we applied for permits to lower –

Upper Aetna & Lower Aetna, and Siquitise Lakes.

If the applications are approved by the State

Lower Aetna Lake will be lowered a maximum of 3’ between Feb. 26 – March 15

Upper Aetna Lake will be lowered a maximum of 3’ between March 16 – 30

Siquitise Lake will be lowered a maximum of 3’ between March 16 – 30

It is against the law to dump sand or any other material into the lake!

INCOME TAXES PREPARED - FREE

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service, sponsors a FREE income tax counseling service in Medford Lakes for taxpayers.  Trained counselors will be available every Tuesday morning from February 2, 2010 through April 13, 2010, 9:00AM until noon in Vaughan Hall, Tabernacle Road at Powhatan Trail, to assist taxpayers.  Counselors can prepare noncomplex federal and New Jersey income tax returns, New Jersey real estate tax rebate forms for 2009, review returns prepared by taxpayers, or consult on specific questions which taxpayers may have.  This is a great service for taxpayers who don’t like preparing their own returns but feel it’s not worthwhile to use a paid preparer and for those who prepare their own returns but would feel more comfortable if they were reviewed by someone knowledgeable about income taxes before filing with the tax authorities.

We ask that taxpayers bring copies of their 2008 tax returns. In addition, taxpayers who bought a new vehicle, a home, or energy efficient home items such as windows, furnaces, insulation, etc. should have the documents for such things in order that counselors can prepare the returns properly.  Taxpayers should also know the amount of any Economic Recovery Payment received during 2009.  Those arriving at Vaughan Hall without such items will be asked to go and get them before being signed up to see a counselor.  Additionally, please bring any blank tax forms received from the IRS or New Jersey. 

Certain counselors can prepare federal and New Jersey income tax returns by computer and file them electronically at no cost.   Electronic filing usually results in more accurate preparation and processing and faster receipt of refunds.  The most rapid refund receipt occurs with direct deposit to taxpayers' bank accounts, like most Social Security benefits.  To receive refunds this way counselors must insert taxpayers' bank account numbers on electronically filed returns, so bring this information with you, a blank check from your account is best.  Those taxpayers who anticipate making payments need not actually pay the balance of tax due until April 15, 2010, even though the return is electronically filed before then.  In the case of joint returns, both spouses must sign an electronic filing authorization form before their tax return can be filed electronically.

MLAA Girls Softball Registration

With Spring around the corner, it's almost time to dust off the gloves and stretch out the arms!  MLAA will be offering Girls Spring Softball Registration (Online @ www.mlaasports.com) beginning 2/1/09 and ending 2/21/09.  We are excited to announce our new U6 program that will play in the Seneca/Shawnee Conference and be a great experience for the girls!   Please make sure you register between the open enrollment dates, as we have an upcoming league meeting at the end of the month and need to identify how many team will be enrolled for the upcoming season. 

Any questions please contact Softball Commissioner: Shawn O'Neil @ 654-5263

2010 Softball Age Brackets

                                      Age Division                  Born Between            Cost

6 & Under                              1/1/04                     4/30/06**       $50.00

                                       8 & Under                       1/1/02                     12/31/03       $75.00

                                     10 & Under                       1/1/00                     12/31/01      $75.00

12 & Under                            1/1/98                     12/31/99      $100.00

15 & Under                            1/1/95                     12/31/97      $100.00

Please register for the correct division based upon your birthday.  Exceptions may be made with the approval of the Softball Director

and will be based upon skill level and team sizes.

** our 6u cutoff is consistent w/ our t-ball cutoff

The Gerald B. Cahill / Medford Lakes Athletic

Association Volunteerism Award

The Medford Lakes Athletic Association (MLAA) is now accepting nominations for the 2nd annual Gerald B. Cahill / MLAA Volunteerism Award. The MLAA will provide 4 scholarships per school year: one male graduate and one female graduate from Neeta in the amount of $100.00 each and one male graduate and one female graduate from Shawnee in the amount of $250.00 each. These awards will be presented to the individual who best represents the spirit of Gerald B. Cahill and the MLAA though their community involvement and volunteerism. Potential award winners must also have played within the MLAA organization.

Please submit a letter of nomination for the individual, or an essay nominating yourself, to one of the following individuals by April 15, 2010.

Shawn Cone

 127 Nokomis Trail

609.654.8304

or

Pat Sipera

52 Syossett Trail

609.654.1747

Hope for Haiti

The earthquake disaster in Haiti has increased the desperate need for supplies already in short supply prior to the quake.  Hope Alive Clinics in Medford maintains 4 clinics and 6 pharmacy stations in Haiti.  One of the clinics is only 6 miles from the epicenter of the quake and many thousands of people are pouring in to be helped with medical treatment, food and water.  Below is a list of items needed.  Items will be shipped as soon as the Port is open in Haiti.  If you can help, please drop your donations at one of the following locations in Medford Lakes:  108 Manhasset Trail, 62 Minnetonka Trail or at the Colony Office.  Call Nancy Pisano at 609-953-1408 or Jolene Wagner at 609-654-8529 for more information or visit Hope Alive at hopealiveclinic.org

Multivitamins (infant, children, adult) and iron (infant, children adult)

Acetaminophen (infant, children, adult) - no aspirin

Ibuprophen (all strengths)

sterile and regular gauze

Anti-fungal creams/ointments

Anti-biotic Cortisone

Acid reducers (Zantac, Prilosec, etc.)

Cough and Cold Medicine (infants, children, adults)

Prescription anti-biotics (ask your doctor for samples) We cannot accept any expired medicines.

Betadine or Provodine

Food Needs

Rice (in bags, not boxes, not instant)

Beans (in bags, not canned)

Powdered milk

Powdered baby formula

Monetary donations towards shipping costs and to purchase other supplies.

Tab on Calendar of events to download license form

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

2010 colony fees

An invoice for 2010 Colony fees should be delivered to your home on or about December 31, 2009.  If you do not receive your invoice please call the Colony office at 654-7747 (or email us office@medfordlakescolony.org) after January 5, 2009.  Thank you!

Please note if you or your spouse will be age 66 next year please call 654-7747 so that the bill can reflect the over age 65 rate of $325 instead of the regular rate of $425.  Please note – if you were billed at the over age 65 rate in 2009 it is not necessary to call.  If you qualify for the over age 65 rate but have a child or grandchild in camp, your dues must be paid at the regular rate. 

MS Walk 2010, Medford Lakes!
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has officially named Medford Lakes as the newest location of the MS Walk Campaign. Save the Date: Sunday, April 25, 2010. Help raise awareness and support for those living with MS and give hope for a cure. The Medford Lakes location will be posted on the official NMMS website by the end of December. Volunteers are needed for the operations team and day of the even. Kick off meeting 12/15. For information on how to help, become a fan on Facebook (MS Walk 2010 Medford Lakes) or contact Shannon Walsh-Bacchus at dannyzm@verizon.net. Walk to create a world free of MS!
 
Walk to create a world free of MS! Become a participant, create a team, make a general donation, be a corporate sponsor, volunteer and learn walk day details by logging on. Locate www.nationalmssociety.org, select the MS WALK logo, at the map enter Zip Code 08055 & Submit, select the Medford Lakes link & from the pop-up select Event Website. 

 Lake safe fertilizers
“Lake Safe” fertilizers meet the following criteria:   -50% or more of the nitrogen in slow-release form -Low or no phosphorus -Pesticide free (no weed-and-feed) -Ratio nitrogen to phosphate 5:1 or greater
Please use and be sure your landscapers use lake safe products. 
Continued lake health and water quality has to be a community wide effort.
  

BARKS 4 PARKS

Despite of the bad weather I want to thank everyone for supporting The Women's Auxuliary for Barks 4 Parks. It was a great success and turn out.

I would like to thank - Karen Mercy chairperson and her family, everyone who came to help from Women' Aux, our doggie judges Tim Casey, Larry MacDonald, and Mindy Brooks.
Our donators - Murphy's, Medford Lakes Police, Medford Police officer Canuso and his K-9, Competetion Dog, Medford Pet Supply, Pet Smart, Jakes Dog House, Central Dog, Wheelies, Elizabeth Markus, Alberta Brocherman, and all of our vendors and spectators and contenders.

 Congratulation to the Grand Winner and all of our contestants.

Sabina Holston, President

DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE BEACHES
Please do not take your dog onto the beaches.  On Season, Off Season, Night, Day, Early morning, members on the beach, empty beach, DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON  BEACHES 1,3,4 or AREAS  2,5  OF THE MEDFORD LAKES COLONY.  It is a health code violation and clearly posted at all beaches.
There are many open spaces, places to walk, exercise, play with and enjoy time with your dog. This is a dog friendly community!  We all use the beaches, children especially play in the sand; they should not have to share it with your dog and anything they may leave behind!  All members are encouraged to give a friendly reminder if they see a dog on the beach.   Health Code violations could subject our beaches to closure.

YELLOW RIBBON CLUB
Colonist Elaine Phillips recently joined the Yellow Ribbon Club.  It is a group of dedicated people who collect items for care packages to be shipped to soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The Yellow Ribbon Club plans elaborate homecomings for these soldiers when they return home.  If anyone or their organization would like to donate items, you can contact Elaine directly at elaineph2@comcast.net
To learn more about the club and to see the items that the troops need, go to www.yellowribbonclub.org.
 
YARD WORK
The Women's Auxiliary is offering a volunteer based service to our Medford Lakes seniors along with those who have limited mobility.  This service includes light yard work, raking leaves and shoveling snow.  If you would benefit from this service please contact Nancy Schuck at 609-654-8087 for more information.
                                                                                 
WOMEN PADDLERS
A women's paddling group will be starting soon, in the evenings Monday -Thursday nights, time to be determined by whatever works best for everyone. Boats and paddles provided. Call 654-0845 if interested (we tried this before but things got crazy-let's try it again!)
 
DONATIONS NEEDED

Conor, Sean and Delaney Cahill are still collecting items for the
AWA animal shelter in Voorhees.  Items needed include: 
Cat and dog food, dog toys, towels, blankets, bleach, and laundry & dishwasher detergent.  For your convenience you can bring your donations to the Colony office during regular business hours.  Thank you!

 
LAKE WATCH
In its on going effort to be responsive to and address concerns of the membership regarding our lakes, the Colony Board has established an email address to report lake related issues. 
Please use this address to notify the Colony of issues such as weed growth, water quality concerns or other water maintenance issues that concern our lakes.
 
Please send an email to lakewatch@hotmail.com.
You must include the following information: your name and address, location/lake name, what you are reporting (please be as detailed as possible), the date and time that you made the observation.  This account will be monitored closely. We will follow up and promptly respond via email.  Thank you in advance for you assistance in helping to preserve and maintain the health and quality of our lakes.   
 
Suggestions are always welcome and we encourage all Colonists
in good standing to attend the monthly Colony meetings!

SCHOOL FACILITIES USE
Prior to any activity-taking place in the school building or on the school property all paperwork must be completed as follows:
-A completed facilities use application with a certificate of insurance showing Medford Lakes School District as an additional insured signed by the President of the organization.
-Applications and certificates of insurance are due to the Superintendent’s office two (2) weeks prior to the Boards? Meeting for inclusion of the agenda.
-Board of Education approval of application.
Please call Mary Jo Cooper at 654-0991 x 15 for a Facilities Use Application.

WILSON FIELD
Residents, please be aware Wilson Field will be used for Medford Lakes Athletic Association sports programs for our youth.  Please pick up after your pet!  It is the law and it is common courtesy.  Thank you!

PLEASE PICK UP AFTER YOUR PET
There is a common misconception that pet waster benefits the environment by fertilizing the soil.  The truth reveals that pet waste contains disease-causing bacteria and parasites that can harm water systems. 
Typical organisms found in pet waste include the bacteria, E. coli and campylobacteria, the protozoan parasite cryptosporidium and roundworms.  Pet waste also contains nutrients that can promote the growth of algae and waterweeds.
Disease and Contamination Prevention:  Reducing this problem consists of picking up after your pet.  When walking your dog, always carry a pooper-scooper and a bag.  Periodically pick up dog waste from your yard, especially during wet-weather seasons.  Place all bagged wastes into the garbage.  Dispose of kitty litter in the garbage, not in the yard.  Do not allow pets to roam unsupervised near streams or wetlands.