Catch up on what happened this week in Medford.
Camp Firefly’s 13th annual camp for bereaved children will take place this August
Camp Firefly is a one-night overnight camp being held on Aug. 25 to Aug. 26 at Camp Ockanickon in Medford. The camp is geared toward children ages 7 to 14 who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
Children must live in Burlington, Camden or Gloucester counties to attend the camp, and there is no cost to campers or their families.
For those interested in attending or volunteering at Camp Firefly, more information can be found on www.moorestownvna.org, by calling (856) 552–1300 or by emailing services@moorestownvna.com. Applications for campers are being accepted until July 25, and applications for volunteer counselors are being accepted until July 30.
Pride Paws nonprofit provides transitional employment opportunities
Pride runs deep at Pride Paws retail store, located at 26 S. Main St. in Medford. Pride Paws is a nonprofit organization that was founded in September 2010 and sells pet treats, toys and accessories.
The mission of Pride Paws is to provide job training and transitional services to individuals with developmental disabilities through the work experience offered at Pride Paws.
The participants at Pride Paws can join right out of their high school program and continue until their 30th birthday. There is a 200-hour training program that all participants take part in, where they cover an array of job skills, including resume building, communication and retail skills, baking, sewing and more.
The ninth annual Pins 4 Pride fundraiser was held at Pinsetters in Merchantville on April 28. People were invited to bowl, participate in the raffle baskets and auction items, as well as enjoy the food and drinks that were provided.
Pride Paws’ has two upcoming fundraisers, including one on July 23 at Citizens Bank Park, where people can purchase tickets to attend the Phillies game with Pride Paws store participants, and receive food and drink specials at Xfinity Live before the game. Tickets can be purchased on its website, http://www.prideventuresinc.org, beginning June 1.
The Medford Township School District adopted the 2018–19 budget
The Medford Township School District adopted the 2018–19 budget at last week’s meeting, and overall, the district will see a tax increase of 2.25 percent.
The total tax levy for the 2017–18 budget was $44,745,93, and the 2018–19 total tax levy is $45,751,539, resulting in an increase of $1,005,608.
A homeowner with an average assessed home of $326,300 will see an annual increase of $66.24.
Last school year’s general fund budget totaled $50,943,823, and the 2018–19 school year budget will have a total of $52,155,383, increasing by $1,211,560.
State aid from 2017–18 was $4,969,108, and in 2018–19 is $5,161,803, resulting in a 3.88 percent increase.
There will be one additional full-time teacher to accommodate class size, and one new special education teaching position added, as well as mandated services. as per student individual educational plans. One school resource officer position has been added, along with two site maintenance positions.
