Southern New Jersey Overlook

One of the highlights of the Medford Lakes experience is the annual Canoe Carnival held on the first Saturday in August.    Everyone looks forward to this time where the community comes together to celebrate the uniqueness of Medford Lakes and enjoy the fellowship of family and friends in a Mardi Gras type of atmosphere, culminating in a parade of canoe floats on the water.  (That description doesn't do it justice, you have to experience it!) 

There are a lot of preparations and planning leading up to this event, including the campaigning and voting on the King and Queen of the Canoe Carnival and the Court.  They were announced yesterday, and will be appearing on one of the procession of floats that will embark from their docks at dark, when the signal to begin is given.   Kids and people of all ages are always fascinated by the creativity and ingenuity that goes into the making of the floats.

Starting at 7pm, on Beach One, there will be a Master of Ceremonies, who will introduce the live entertainment and featured participants prior to the parade of canoe floats, and will then introduce each float as it goes by. 

See the Colony Club website for more details about the Canoe Carnival.


See my previous articles about the Medford Lakes Canoe Carnival that describe it in more detail and provide some historical background.


Wider view of above photo:


Another view of lake showing some of the preparations for tonights Canoe Carnival:

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Yesterday, Medford Lakes celebrated with it's traditional Memorial Day Parade lead off by the Shawnee High School Marching Band, followed by herds of kids in their decorated bikes, and then followed by local honories, officials and a long line of police, fire and emergency vehicles from Medford Lakes and the surrounding communities of Medford, Southampton, Shamong, Evesham and Tabernacle townships and the Forest Service.

It was quite a large group of kids that participated, Medford Lakes owes a lot of it's vitality to the youth and young families in the community as well as those who are raised families and are still active in the community.

As always, the highlight of this event is when the parade ends up for memorial ceremonies at the Borough's municipal building. The national anthem, playing of Taps, offering of words and a time of silent prayer in memory of those who gave their lives and the sacrifices of their families was made and the lowering of the flags to half-mast was carried out by local officials, VFW veterans and the local Boy Scouts. It was a very solemn and heart felt time for all observing the event.

(Note: Prior to the parade, there was the annual marathon run.)


Images from the parade...

Shawnee H.S. Marching Band leads the parade...

Next the local Boy Scout troop...



A couple of our local heroes...



Then come the bikers...



And more bikers plus strollers with parents...



And of course, the fire, emergency and rescue vehicles...

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Once again, on Memorial Day, we will be celebrating and honoring our veterans, Medford Lakes style.

"Come out and get involved in a great time - Monday, May 26, 2008 the Medford Lakes Lions are again sponsoring the Annual Memorial Day Parade, which will leave from Wilson Field.  All participants should report to Wilson Field at 9 a.m. where the Junior Women will register them and assign numbers organized by age and gender.  The Women's Auxiliary will judge each category for prizes at the conclusion of the parade.  Children participating should have decorated bicycles, wagons or other. 

The parade will start at 10:00 a.m. so participants should be set up no later than 9:45 a.m."

Source: Medford Lakes Colony Club


Click here for a short highlight of last year's celebration.

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

Medford Lakes Colony Memorial Day Run will be held on Monday, May 26, 2008, beginning at 8:00 AM.
Everyone is invited to participate.  It is a 5K run.  If interested, show up between 6:00 AM and 7:30 AM on the day or the race to register. 

Race Day Schedule:
6:00 AM - 7:30 AM - Race Day Registration - Vaughan Hall, Tabernacle Road, Medford Lakes
7:30 AM - Race Instructions and announcements
7:45 AM - National Anthem
8:00 AM RACE START
9:30 AM - Awards - Vaughan Hall

Race Course:
APPROX. 3.2 MILES (5K) - Marked with Bright Green Arrows
Start at the Stop Line Tecumseh/Powhatan
Tecumseh to take a sharp left at Pocahontas onto Neeta
Follow Neeta to Omaha to Blackfoot
Right onto Oak
Cross McKendimen to Chippewa to Beach Drive
Right on Stokes to first right onto Timbo to left on Comanche
Cross Stokes to Bowker to Minnetonka
Go over the footbridge (Quogue)
Go Right onto Natchez and follow to Lenape to Stokes to Aetna Way and back at Vaughn

Pre-Registration: Only in person at the Medford Lakes Colony office, 79 Tecumseh Trail, Medford Lakes, N.J. 08055, between 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. (609-654-7747)

Cost: To enter - $12 which includes the Medford Lakes Colony "Memorial Day Run" t-shirt.  Make checks payable to "Medford Lakes Colony".


Source: Colony Club News

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

A recent article in the Colony News announced that the Medford Lakes Environmental Commission hosted an underground oil storage tank information session at Cathedral in the Woods on March 11, 2008, where subject matter experts served on panel to present information and answer questions of residents.  Since the community consists primarily of older houses, the environmental commission is concerned about the many older tanks buried in the town, especially in a lake and well-water community.  Bear steel tanks placed directly in the soil can begin to corrode in as little as 15 years, according to a study by the U.S. EPA. 

The information session was organized to ensure that residents are aware of state assistance to cover some of the costs of removing these underground tanks through the NJEDA.  A homeowner can receive up to $1,200 for the removal of a non-leaking underground oil tank and up to $3,000 for the removal of a non-leaking underground oil tank and the installation of a new aboveground oil tank. 

Forms are available on the njeda.com web site.  Once the tank has been removed and it is confirmed that it has not leaked, the application package can be submitted along with the $250 application fee to the NJEDA.  Reimbursement checks are usually received in 4-6 weeks.

In the event that the oil tank has leaked, the same fund at the NJEDA can pay for the cleanup costs that are not covered by a tank protection plan and homeowners insurance policy.  The NJEDA Fund can even cover any insurance deductible that the homeowner my have to pay.

In order to qualify for a grant the applicant has to have an annual taxable income of less than $250,000 and a net worth of less that $500,000, not including the value of the applicant's primary residence and retirement savings (401K/IRA/Pension).  The applicant can be the owner or in certain cases the occupant of the residence.  These grants are also available to estates, depending on the equity in the estate.

Source: Medford Lakes Colony News

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

According to a past article in the Colony Club News, Medford Lakes is in the process of a Phase I stocking of fish in Upper/Lower Aetna and the Mirror chain.  This is part of the recovery efforts from the 2004 flood that required the dams to be repaired and the lakes refilled. 

Now, based on advice by experts, they will be stocking minnows and bluegills this year to establish the feeder fish population.  In the spring of 2009, they will be stocking bass.  

The programmed was developed with the help of two residents, Bill Find and John Bonk who developed that plan that was submitted to the fishery. 

The Medford Lakes Girl Scouts will also be lending their time to build habitats for the small feeders to hide an reproduce.  They will be placed in several location in the Atena and Mirrors lakes to allow the population to quickly grow, helping to insure a successful bass stocking in 2009.  These habitats will be clearly marked, out of th way, removable and for the most part submerged.  They are recommended by the NJ Department of Fish and Wildlife as essential to the success of the restocking program.  Please make every effort not to disturb the structures.

Source: Medford Lakes Colony News

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

One of the many things I appreciate about Medford Lakes is that the decision makers, who are also residents, are very conservative (as in "conservation") about our community environment.  They will avoid pesticide where appropriate, but will also make weighted decisions and take action when necessary to avoid larger ecological damages.

Such is the case with the 2008 Gypsy Moth program that is begin carried out under state guidelines and control. 

According to the recent letter sent to Medford Lakes residents, gypsy moth egg mass surveys, conducted by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJ DOA), indicate that gypsy moth populations will be very high during May and June 2008. Leaf feeding by the caterpillars of this pest will cause severe defoliation of many of our trees. Consequently, the municipality has entered into a cooperative control program With the NJ DOA and the U.S. Forest Service. This program is being operated on an integrated approach, utilizing a pesticide with a naturally occurring active ingredient to reduce defoliating populations of this forest pest. The aerial spraying will be employed around residential and recreational areas to reduce thee loss, while natural control agents will be encouraged to reduce pest levels in remote, uninhabited areas.

In our area, only the biological Insecticide, Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki (FORAY 768, EPA Reg.#73049-49) will be applied once by aircraft at a dosage rate of 38 B.I.U.s (64 oz.) per acre by Downslown Aero Crop Service (DEP Lic.#90029), 339 Harding Highway, Vineland, New Jersey. The spray operation is expected to begin on or after May 1, 2008 through June 1, 2008 or until completion. The exact date of application will depend on climatic conditions and the development of the caterpillars and trees in you area.

A municipal contact person may be reached at (609) 654-8898, I Cabin Circle, Medford Lakes to answer any questions you may have about the exact timing and dates of treatment.

To insure precise placement of the spray material, aircraft will conduct treatments only when there is little or no wind. Daily spray operations normally are conducted early in the morning between 5:30 a.m. and 2:00p.m. and possibly between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the evening. However, no pesticide application for gypsy moth control will take place between 7:45 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. during operations Monday through Friday only. 
 
Although S.t.k. has very minimal risk to humans or wildlife, individuals wishing no exposure to either themselves or their children, before or after this one hour no spray shutdown time should remain indoors during the treatment. if you must go outside, wear rain gear or use an umbrella to prevent contact with the spray material, especially If you bear the aircraft working in your area.

Trained personnel from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and our municipality will assist 10 the program. Pilots will be carefully briefed  to insure that the spray material is being applied m the proper areas as directed.

The program is being conducted to protect and preserve the municipalities and your valuable shade tree resources. Your understanding and cooperation will be very much appreciated.

Individuals wishing additional information about pesticides may contact the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378. For emergencies call the New Jersey Poison Control Information and Education System at 1-800-222-1222. For pesticide regulation information, pesticide complaints, and health referrals call the New Jersey Pesticide Control Program at 1-609-984-6507.

Upon request, the pesticide applicator or applicator business shall provide a resident with notification 12 hours prior to the application, except for Quarantine and Disease Vector Control only, when conditions necessitate pesticide applications sooner than that time.  

Source: Medford Lakes / NJ DOA


Click here for more information about the New Jersey Department of Agriculture's 2008 Gypsy Moth Suppression Program, spraying schedules for other spray zones, and change updates.

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

A Medford Lakes Colony Jackson Park Restoration meeting will be help Saturday, April 19th, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. on the Stokes Road side of Lower Aetna Dam.  All colonists in good standing are encouraged to attend.

According to the latest report in the Medford Lakes Colony News:

The Colony is making progress towards the complete restoration of Jackson Park.  The Colon'y consultant has provided a Park plan and a list of suggested plantings. Prior to any plantings, the Colony will contract to remove any remaining dead tress from the Park.

The Jackson Park Committee expects that the planting of trees, shrubs and flowers and the construction of an entranceway and footbridge will include many service groups in the community.

The Colony has planted over 1,000 trees and shrubs already, as part of the contract with the dredging contractor.  The Park is certified wetlands area, and all planting will be native to the Pinelands and compliant with State and Pinelands guidelines for wetlands vegetation. 

The proposed plan is for the Park to be subdivided, with grouping of similar plantings, each designed to blossom mat different time of the year.

The Committee also wants to replace the "Jackson Park" sign as closely as possible to the original sign destroyed in the Flood.

(Source: ML Colony News, 4/11/08)

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

The Medford Lakes Colony Club Camp for grades 1 thru 9 will begin on Monday, Jun 30th thru Friday, July 25th.

Camp times are from 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m, Monday thru Friday each week they are held.

Registration will take place from April 15th through Aprill 30th in the Colony Club office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (except when closed for lunch between 12 noon and 1 p.m.).

Fees for the camp will be discussed at the Monday, April 14th Colony Club meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Demby Annex.

Fees are expected to start at $150 for one camper.

If you have any questions, keep reading the Colony News for more information or contact the Club office.

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), sponsors a FREE income tax counseling service for taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older. 

Trained counselors will be in Vaughan Hall on Medford Lakes-Tabernacle Road at Powhatan Trail, in Medford Lakes every Tuesday morning from February 5, 2008 through April 15, 2008, 9:00AM until noon, to assist taxpayers. 

Appointments are not necessary.  

Counselors can prepare noncomplex federal and New Jersey income tax returns, prepare New Jersey real estate tax rebate forms for 2007, review returns prepared by taxpayers, or consult on specific questions which taxpayers may have. 

Certain counselors can prepare federal and New Jersey income tax returns by computer and file them electronically at no cost.  


Source: Medford Lakes Colony Club News (see for more details)




For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
   
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).   
 
Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.  

The New Jersey Environmental Commission will be hosting an information session on underground oil tanks on March 11, 2008.

The purpose of this session is to provide information on state grant programs and cover issues related to the cleanup of leaking and non-leaking tanks from professionals in the oil service and remediation, real estate and insurance fields. who will also be on hand to discuss issues and answer questions related to their fields. 

State Grant programs provide reimbursement to homeowners of up to $1,200 for closure/removal of non-leaking underground oil tank and up to $3,000 for closure/removal/replacement of an underground tank.  The reimbursement program also covers costs for removal of tanks retroactive to August 6, 2006.

Additional information regarding the location and time of the session will be provided in future editions of the Colony Club News.  Any comment regarding should be direct to Carl Pelligrino at 609-654-0845 or via e-mail at Pellegrino.carl-AT-epa.gov  (replace the "-AT-" with "@" in your email TO: address).


Source: Medford Lakes Colony Club News



See my article New Jersey Underground Storage Tanks (UST) for more information and resources

For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
   
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).   
 
Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.  

Beautiful Lakefront home in desirable Medford Lakes.  3 BR, 2 BA with master bedroom on first floor.

Newly renovated, while retaining the original log cabin look and charm that includes a magnificent lodge room with stone fireplace, balcony and large porch overlooking the lake. 

With the upgraded kitchen and bathrooms and full appliance package, it's ready for you to move in and enjoy this great community!

Property is convenient to major transportation routes, shopping and excellent schools. 

Complete appliance package included, so it's ready for you to move in and enjoy.  

This is a great opportunity to obtain a great full-size home in wonderful neighborhood!
 


For more information about this home (and to locate other listed homes in NJ):  BestHomes-NJ.com/TR4957391

 










For more information about this house (and to locate other listed houses for sale in the Borough of Medford Lakes and throughout New Jersey): BestHomes-NJ.com/TR4957391


Contact me for an appointment or to list your property:

Lawrence Yerkes
RE/MAX Suburban
338 Stokes Road, P.O. Box 129
Medford, NJ 08055
Serving the Greater South Jersey area
We Get Results!
609-654-7300 x206 (Office)
609-953-1330 (Direct)
609-654-7060 (Fax)

Visit my web site for additional real estate resources and services: LawrenceYerkes.com

The annual Medford Lakes Community Yard Sale Weekend is now is full swing and there is still time to take advantage of the fantastic deals available on pre-owned and often never used, quality items.  

Well over 100 sales locations in Medford Lakes, not to mention surrounding communities which are also sponsoring similar sales, are available!!!

I took a quick tour of the yard sales and was amazed, as always, on the variety great buys on furniture, clothing, toys, crafts, tools, appliances, exercise and electronic equipment and more.   We have regularly found great bargains on some very high quality, often almost new items. 

And there is some deep discounting going on here!

The yard sales will be continuing tomorrow (Sunday) from 8:30 am until 1 pm.

There is a list (catalog) available of participating homes during the Community Yard Sale event. 

If you're not a resident, this is your opportunity to come and enjoy a fun time out shopping for great bargains on every kind of item imaginable.



For additional information about local events see the Medford Lakes Colony Club web site.


NOTE: Even if you can make this event, on nice weekends (usuaully Saturday morning and early afternoon) you will almost always encounter yard sales in the area.  There are always great deals available to discover and it's a fun time out.

 


Visit my web site for real estate services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com
  
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to find the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).   
 
Copyright 2007 by Timon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.  

Medford Lakes will be hosting their 7th annual 2-day Community Yard Sale on the last weekend in September (Saturday, September 29th and Sunday, September 30th).  The times each day will be from 8:30 am until 1:00 pm.

This is a great opportunity for getting some great buys on furniture, clothing, toys, crafts, tools, exercise and electronic equipment and more.   We have regularly found great bargains on some very high quality, often almost new items.

There will be a list (catalog) available of participating homes during the Community Yard Sale event. 

For residents of Medford Lakes, check your Colony Club news or contact the Colony Club for details.  Whether you are participating with a yard sale at your home or shopping for bargains at neighboring homes, you will not want to miss out.

If you're not a resident, this is your opportunity to come and enjoy a fun time out shopping for great bargains on every kind of item imaginable.




Visit my web site for real estate services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com
  
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to find the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).   
 
Copyright 2007 by Timon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.  

Once again, the Medford Lakes tradition of holding the Medford Lakes Canoe Carnival, under the auspices of the Medford Lakes Colony Club, on the first Saturday in August (based on historic weather records indicating a very high probability of nice weather on that day) will proceed this evening with clear weather and offering another great time for the entire family.

 
Related resources:
Medford Lakes - Wikipedia
Medford Lakes Colony Club
Medford Lakes Canoe Carnival Picture Archives

See my previous post about Medford Lakes' Canoe Carnival 2006 for a 'taste' of what it is all about.

 
For real estate resources, help and support services in acquiring or selling properties in New Jersey, Visit my web site: LawrenceYerkes.com
    
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to shop for the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).   
  
Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved. 

Everyone is welcome to visit and experience this Medford Lakes waterfront property for yourselves.   Providing a comfortable lifestyle in a rustic vacation setting, this unique lakes community offers something for everyone at all ages. 

Whether you like swimming, canoeing, biking, walking, summer camps for kids or just convenient access to other recreation, entertainment and cultural resources, Medford Lakes is a great place to live, raise a family, play or just relax. 

Address: 162 McKendimen Road, Medford Lakes, NJ 08055

Date/Time:  Sunday, May 6th, from 1 - 4 pm.

[UPDATE: Sorry you missed the open house, but I can still get you in to see that property at your convenience (or to see other properties in the area).  Just Contact me.]

This invitation is for you!  Contact 609-654-7300 x206 for more details (or Contact me via the web).
  
 
For more information about this home (and to locate other listed homes and open houses in NJ):  BestHomes-NJ.com/TR4957391 
 
 
Contact me, if you can't make the open house, for an appointment or to list your property:
 
Lawrence Yerkes
RE/MAX Suburban
338 Stokes Road, P.O. Box 129
Medford, NJ 08055
Serving the Greater South Jersey area
We Get Results!
609-654-7300 x206 (Office)
609-953-1330 (Direct)
609-654-7060 (Fax)

Visit my web site for additional real estate resources and services: LawrenceYerkes.com