Mayor’s Message:
This weekend, I had the honor of attending a very special dinner at the Medford VFW, where our community came together to recognize the incredible volunteers and donors who support Operation Yellow Ribbon.
Featured from left to right – Mayor Mike Czyzyk, December Giberson-Shover, owner of A Rose in December, Laura Small, representative of Calvary Lutheran Church of Medford, and Mari Jean Andl, representative of LDSSA (Lenape District Support Staff Association).
Operation Yellow Ribbon—led locally with heart and determination by December Giberson-Shover, owner of A Rose in December, Laura Small, representative of Calvary Lutheran Church of Medford, and Mari Jean Andl, representative of LDSSA (Lenape District Support Staff Association), —has become a powerful expression of who we are as a town. December is a Medford small business owner who gives her time, energy, and leadership purely out of a desire to help, expecting nothing in return. Her work reflects the quiet kind of service that often goes unseen yet makes a lasting impact.
Through December, Laura, and Mari Jean, and through countless hours of dedication, this initiative assembles and delivers care packages and essential supplies to our deployed service men and women. Each package represents far more than its contents—it carries gratitude, encouragement, and a reminder that Medford stands firmly behind those who serve.
This effort has also been supported over the years by many local businesses that have generously donated time, resources, and funding to ensure its success. When we have the opportunity, I encourage everyone to seek out and support local companies that give back to our community. When neighbors, volunteers, and businesses come together with a shared purpose, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.
The evening was a reminder that service does not always wear a uniform, but it always comes from the same place—a deep sense of responsibility to one another. To every volunteer, donor, and organizer: thank you for your compassion, generosity, and commitment. You represent the very best of Medford, and our community is stronger because of you.
~ Mayor Mike