| | | | | | there is something happening for everyone! | | | | Special Ceremony held for “A Small Town with a Big Heart” | | | | On September 15 / 2:00 pm, Runnemede residents, council members and special guests gathered to celebrate the successful completion of the town’s spectacular new mural project.
The goal of this project was to create a visual landmark that would enhance our sense of community, attract visitors to strengthen our local economy, and give residents of Runnemede the opportunity to experience art daily.
Attendees included: Camden County Commissioner (and former Runnemede Mayor), Virginia Betteridge; Council members, Eleanor Kelly and John Ranieri; Reimagine Runnemede President, Ken Leap; Camden County Cultural and Heritage Commission, Lydia Hamilton-Brown; Members and officials of the NJ arts coalition and South Jersey Cultural Alliance; special guest legendary graffiti artist, Darryl “Cornbread” McCray; and Vice President of Reimagine Runnemede and Poet, David Steinberg. Words of appreciation were given by Mike Bosky, owner of Cook’s Florist, who also donated flowers. Attendees enjoyed a selection of savory food dishes donated by El Tequila Mexican Restaurant. | | | Residents, council members, county officials and special guests attended the celebration ceremony for our beautiful new town mural. The muralist donated her original mural drawing, which members are holding up proudly for display. | | | | | Councilwoman Eleanor Kelly read a proclamation by Assemblyman, Bill Moen, honoring the Borough of Runnemede in its celebration of the Mural as a first step in the revitalization of the Black Horse Pike Business District. Camden County Commissioner, Virginia Betteridge, and Reimagine Runnemede President, Ken Leap, are in the background. | | | | The creator of this fabulous mural, Yulia Augustinovich, who was unable to be there in person, ‘attended’ the celebration via this stunning lifelike cut-out, created by Ken Leap and Rachelle Omenson. | | | | Camden County Cultural and Heritage Commission Vice President, Lydia Hamilton-Brown, congratulates Reimagine Runnemede and recognizes our organization as an exemplar model of the NJ State Council on the Arts Re-granting Program. | | | | Camden County Commissioner, Virginia Betteridge, congratulates the successful completion of our town mural project and remarks on its positive impact on the community. Runnemede Councilwoman, Eleanor Kelly, reads the proclamation from Assemblyman Bill Moen as Camden County Commissioner, Virginia Betteridge, looks on. | | | | | | Guest Speaker: “Cornbread”Legendary graffiti artist, Darryl “Cornbread” McCray, spoke about the beginnings of his storied career in Philadelphia and his early experiences with graffiti in the 1960s and 1970s, including how he earned his tagging name - Cornbread. Mr. McCray is widely considered the world’s first modern graffiti artist and the first person to contribute to what we now call “Hip Hop” music. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| | | | | | | Poetry ReadingAttendees at the Mural Celebration ceremony were treated to a reading of an original poem - “Mural, Mural on the Wall” - by Vice President Reimagine Runnemede and Poet, David Steinberg. David created the poem especially for this occasion, a copy of which can be read in its entirety below. David is a founder and Past President of the Society for Poets of Southern NJ, now one of the oldest poetry groups in the state. He was nominated for the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize, has written 20 books, has been published in 12 countries, and serves on Runnemede’s Green Team. To contact David: steinberg.david07@comcast.net |
|
|
|
|
|
| | “Mural, Mural, on the Wall” ©
by David L Steinberg
Mural, Mural, on the wall Who is the best muralist of all? With my different colors of paint, I create scenes that are so quaint. _______________ Will it be a figure I will feature Or a scene with a magical creature? Yes, I need you to volunteer, To make all my brushes clear. _______________ Or paint by numbers, that is my treat. Help me keep my paint tools neat. In my mind’s eye, I fantasize I am the best in everyone’s eyes. _______________ That I have the ability to create I would be a perfect teammate. I would paint from here to eternity Then all would be in perfect harmony. _______________ As I put my mark upon the wall All who know me, I stand so tall. At the final stroke of the brush I would stand back and blush. _______________ At all the kudos that come my way I’d pretend not to know what to say. The smiles inside are all I need To know how good I am, indeed! _______________ Mural, Mural on the wall, Who is the best muralist of all? Alas, and Drat! I am not who I dream, I only pretend to believe what I seem.
© David L Steinberg July, 2o22 All rights reserved under the copyright laws of the United States of America. This may not be used without written permission of the Author. Steinberg.david07@comcast.net 856-383-5325 | | | Community Vision MeetingsThe Reimagine Runnemede Vision Meetings are held at Leap Studio at 109 N. Black Horse Pike on the 3rd Thursday of the month. This month’s meeting is on Oct 20th at 7:00 pm. Come join us! You’ll meet some awesome people and participate in a group that is working to revitalize Runnemede. Everyone is welcome! | |
| |
|
|
|
|
| | | | Society of Poets MeetingsReimagine Runnemede hosts meetings of the Society of Poets for Southern NJ every 4th Friday of the month.
Next Meeting October 28 / 7:00 pm Location Leap Studio 109 N. Black Horse Pike Runnemede, NJ 08078
Contact David Steinberg 856-383-5325
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | | SPAN THE GAP We are so close, please help us now! |
|
|
|
|
|
| | In October, Reimagine Runnemede will be implementing a trail bridge restoration project that has been years in the making! The Borough of Runnemede received a grant to replace the temporary palette walkway that our volunteer crew - "The Queer Musketeers" - helped install. The goal is to span 50 feet of muddy terrain with a permanent boardwalk allowing safe access into the park. Russell Burt, Reimagine Runnemede volunteer and VP of the Runnemede Chamber of Commerce has been working tirelessly with the Borough Engineer to get a drawing approved. After nearly a year of negotiations, the engineer has finally signed off on Russ's design. Unfortunately, if the work doesn't happen by the end of this year the grant will expire and the Borough will lose the funds. Runnemede resident and long-time supporter of Reimagine Runnemede, Ed White, has volunteered to lead the work crew on a series of builds that will happen over the next few weekends. If you can walk at least 1/4 mile on an unpaved trail, have experience with tools, and are willing to follow verbal directions, then, CONGRATULATIONS! you are per-qualified to join our volunteer workforce.
| | DATES: Saturday, October 8 and Saturday, October 15 starting at 9 AM
RAIN DATES: Sunday, October 9 and Sunday, October 16 starting at 9 AM LOCATION: Runnemede Lake Park Trail Head at the gravel parking area off Rowand Avenue BRING: Gloves, work clothes, boots, and your best "Can do!" attitude. Snacks, laughter, and mud will be provided in abundance. CONTACT: Russell Burt at 856-979-1008
| | | WHYY covers Fall Equinox Celebration WHYY Reporter, Kimberly Paynter, captures the spirit of our recent Fall Equinox celebration in a series of photographs including images of Reimagine Runnemede President, Ken Leap’s, dramatic performance of “fire spinning” in the peaceful setting of Venella Park.
Enjoy article & photographs at link below: Runnemede, N.J., celebrates the autumnal equinox with fire https://whyy.org/articles/runnemede-new-jersey-autumnal-equinox-celebration/ The next Labyrinth event is the Winter Solstice, which takes place in Runnemede on Wednesday, December 21 at 4:00 pm.
The Labyrinth - “Your Oasis of Peace in an Unpeaceful World” - is located in Mayor David L. Venella Memorial Park - just past the basketball courts. |
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | | Happy 50th Anniversary! Marino’s PizzaOn Sept 18th, Runnemede celebrated the 50th anniversary of Marino’s Pizza, along with the changing of E 1st Ave to Joe Marino Way - in honor of Joe Marino! Marino’s Pizza is not only known for serving delicious food made with love, they are also known for their generosity and dedication to the Runnemede community. Thank you Danny Marino for continuing on with your Dad’s legacy. Many thanks to the Runnemede Mayor and Council, and the Runnemede Police Department for making this event happen! Location 100 N. Black Horse Pike Runnemede, NJ 08078
Contact Phone: 856-939-5523 www.marinospizzarunnemede.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | NEW BUSINESS OPENING! Cob Father’s Roasted Corn & BBQ | | Cob Fathers owner, Mike Corsetti, and town officials enjoyed a festive Ribbon-Cutting event on September 10th. (Photo: Front row: left to right: Councilman John Ranieri, Camden County Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, Mayor Nick Kappatos, Cob Fathers Owner Michael Corsetti, Councilwoman Pat Passio, Councilwoman Eleanor Kelly, and President of Chamber of Commerce Cathy Gregory)
(Back row : left: Fire Marshall Scott Hill, Chief William Sampolski, Councilman Craig Laubenstein)
|
| This local barbecue hot spot serves up delicious roasted corn, chili, pork ribs, pulled pork, brisket and chicken, plus specialty items and many flavorful sides. Take-Out only / Delivery service available
Location 68 W. Clements Bridge Road Runnemede, NJ 08078 Phone 856-312-8184 Order Online www.cobfathers.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | | THE ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY! The Mayor and Council’s annual Halloween Party kicks off again with Contests, Prizes, Food & Refreshments Get your costumes ready! October 31st / 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (At the Field House) | | | | | | Plant “Glory of the Snow” bulbs at the Labyrinth We have 1000 bulbs to plant and we need your help!
Kids are welcomed!
Glory of the Snow bulbs produce a mass of lovely star-shaped flowers with deep green strappy leaves. Each bulb bears five to ten blooms on thick short brown stems. the blooms are up to 3/4 inch (2 cm).
Date: Sunday / October 9
Hours: 9:00
Bring small trowels, dig 2” deep and plop ‘em in.
Location The Labyrinth is located in Mayor David L. Venella Memorial Park - just past the basketball courts.
|
| | Join us for a TRAIL CLEANUP!
Volunteers are Welcomed!
Sunday / October 9
Hours 12 Noon - 2:00 pm
Location Runnemede Lake Park (Rowand Ave Trail Head entrance)
Gloves & trash bags will be provided |
|
|
|
|
|
| | BOROUGH Shred Event | | | Sunday / November 6 Hours: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: In front of Borough Hall |
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | | Senior Luncheon & Senior Monthly Meeting (Events held at Senior Center)
Luncheon / 12:00 pm
Meeting / 1:00 pm
Mayor and Council honor our Senior’s with a luncheon held on 3rd Saturday of every month at 12:00 pm - followed by a Seniors monthly meeting at 1:00 pm.
|
| | Early Voting in Senior Center Saturday, October 29 through Sunday, November 6
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | Upcoming Events Mark Your Calendar!
10/2 - Trail Clean-up (RLP)* - 12 Noon 10/9 - Plant Crocus Bulbs - 12 Noon 10/13 - Community Vision Meeting - 7 PM 10/28 - Society of Poets Meeting - 7 pm 11/5 - Artists in the Park (RLP) - 10 AM 11/6 - Trail Clean-up (RLP) - NOON 11/13 - Community Vision Meeting - 7 PM 12/4 - Trail Clean-up (RLP) - NOON 12/15 - Luminary Making (Senior Center) - 7 PM 12/21 - Winter Solstice Celebration - 4:00 PM * (RLP / Runnemede Lake Park) _______________ | “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” - Maya Angelou | | | |
|
|
|