Four Cherry Hill residents to be awarded the Camden County Freedom Medal
Thirteen Camden County residents have been chosen to receive the 2012 edition of the Camden County Freedom Medal for their unselfish contributions to improving their community. The award, created in 2001, is presented to civic leaders who demonstrate the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The event will be held on Friday, Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. in the Camden County Boathouse at the Cooper River, 7050 N. Park Drive, Pennsauken.
Cherry Hill residents Lori Braunstein, Hardon H. Durrani, Linda Holscher and Melinda Kane will be honored at the event.
Braunstein, nominated by Freeholder Jeffrey Nash, is a tremendous asset to not only the township of Cherry Hill, but the communities it surrounds as well. Her tireless commitment to community service is second to none. She is the executive director and founder of Sustainable Cherry Hill. She is participating in her fourth year of the prestigious NJ Learns for a Sustainable Future program. She has received the Governors Environmental Excellence Award. She is an active member of the project team for “it’s in our power” an EPA Climate Showcase community grant awarded to Cherry Hill Township, Highland Park, and Montclair. The community would not be what it is without her service and dedication.
Dr. Durrani, nominated by Aquil Kahn, is a civic leader who devotes his time and passion for life to make the community better. Durrani provides free health and education classes and seminars on preventative measures against disease. Durrani has organized fundraisers for victims of disasters around the world, including the tsunami, hurricane Katrina, and the Earthquake in Pakistan. He has been an active donor to the Red Cross, UNICEF and the United Way. Durrani promotes community unity and diversity through cultural, educational and social programs.
Holscher, nominated by Pamela Robb, is an extraordinary individual who exemplifies what the Camden County Freedom Medal represents. Her compassion is shown to everyone she helps, especially those in Camden. “Mrs. Linda” as she is affectionately known, has devoted all of her life to giving and supporting those in need. She has spent 40 years in the city and is a former Camden Board of Education member. Holscher is a meticulous bookkeeper, who everyone wants as treasurer for their organization. Trustworthy, dedicated, and dependable are just a few of her many fine qualities. Holscher is the epitome of Dr. King’s teachings.
Kane, nominated by Freeholder Nash, has made her community better by channeling grief into a positive cause. Kane lost her oldest son in the war in Afghanistan two years ago. Instead of retreating, Kane has stayed strong and focused her energy on supporting veterans of all wars in numerous ways. She is an active member of the Gold Star program, the American Legion, and the Yellow Ribbon club. Kane established the Jeremy Kane run in conjunction with Rutgers Camden and their Veterans For Education Group. The Purpose of the run is to raise money so that veterans can continue their education at Rutgers. Kane is a true treasure to her community.
