Weekly Roundup: Shawnee recognizes Educational Services Professional of the year, Pinelands Library hosts “Chicken Paws to Read”
In other news, the owners of Wonder World Toys are hoping for the township to revisit Medford’s Sign Ordinance after receiving a warning for their lighted “open” sign.
Rosebud the Therapy Chicken was a special guest at Pinelands Branch Library this week, and Shawnee recognized school counselor Darren Welsh as Educational Services Professional of the year. Catch up on all of the week’s biggest stories in the Weekly Roundup.
Pinelands Branch Library hosts its first ‘Chicken Paws to Read’ event
On Tuesday, Jan. 30, Pinelands Branch Library switched up their normal “Paws to Read” event with a therapy chicken, instead of a therapy dog. Rosebud the chicken and her owner Gwenne Baile — also known as “The Chicken Lady of South Jersey — visited the library while children got to read stories to the chicken. Librarian Rick Yankosky said the event got a great response from library patrons, and he would like to host more events like that in the future.
Shawnee High School names counselor Darren Welsh the Educational Services Professional of the Year
Darren Welsh, Shawnee High School counselor and coach, was honored with the title of “Educational Services Professional of the Year.” Welsh said he works in a close-knit department at the school, who would have all deserved to earn the award.Welsh, whose job requires a lot of student motivation, said one of the biggest rewards are the “thank you’s” he receives from his students— because “Because usually, there’s a lot behind that ‘thank you,’” Welsh said.
Medford Township to discuss Sign Ordinance at upcoming council meeting
After a warning from the Department of Planning, Zoning and Code Enforcement regarding a lighted “open” sign hanging on the door, the owners of Wonder World Toys on South Main Street are hoping for a change to Medford Township’s sign ordinance. “The goal is to find balance between helping businesses by easing restrictions, while maintaining the historic feel of Medford,” Medford Mayor Charles “Chuck” Watson stated in an email. “Keeping the character of the Village business district is important to the residents of Medford and to the businesses as well.” Owner of Wonder World Toys, Jessica Breaux, explained that the issue is more about convenience for the consumers, so they don’t have to park and get out of their cars to see if the store is open when it’s dark outside.
Shawnee hosts annual Jazz Festival
On Friday, Shawnee High School hosted it’s annual Jazz festival, which featured performances by 12 bands, including schools part of the Lenape Regional High School District. The program also featured performances by members of the All South Jersey and All State Honors bands.“This is not only a showcase of the tremendous musical talent within our South Jersey schools, but also a really entertaining evening for the community,” said Jeanne Hauser, event coordinator and member of the Shawnee Band Parents Association, which organizes the Jazz Festival.
