The Turkeys Are Warming Up!

We are all looking forward to the joy that the Thanksgiving Holiday brings… referring, of course, to the annual CEA/Johanna Foods Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning in Flemington.



The Turkey Crew is working hard on this 2010 charitable 5k run/fitness walk, processing the 1,000s of applications coming in of those who just can’t wait to strut their stuff on the streets of downtown Flemington.



Tickets are on sale for the famous raffle with a first prize a 64G iPad, 2nd prize a fabulous Weber grill, 3rd prize a Raleigh Mtn bike and plenty of 4th and 5th prizes.



Registration is live at www.raceforum.com/turkeytrot/. This year there is no price difference for registering online, and no price increase, so why not save a stamp, part of a tree and register now? Online registration is particularly good for registering multiple family members-less chance of writer’s cramp. Apps can also be downloaded from our website, www.ceaemployment.com (Click the link under “Events”)



Applications can be found in locals gyms, YMCAs, and stores nearby. Look for our famous collectors Turkey Trot posters hanging in the windows. If you have a store, restaurant or fitness center where you’d like a poster hung be sure to contact us at 908-782-1480.



This year all the live wires will be found on the streets of Flemington on Thanksgiving morning again. The “Trot” is well known to be the cat’s meow, the gnat’s eyebrows, and the turkey’s wattle-whatever. Come on out and join the throngs of happy Trotters in the 18th Annual CEA/Johanna Foods Turkey Trot!

Flemington business finds perfect package at Hunterdon Center for Educational Advancement

by Veronica Slaght for The Star Ledger
http://www.nj.com/news/local/index.ssf/2010/08/flemington_businesses_create_p.html

When Nancy Issenman needed to find a packaging company near her Flemington business she was surprised to learn there was a nonprofit that did just that in neighboring Raritan Township.

The Center for Educational Advancement, however, is business with a twist — the organization employs 75 to 90 people with emotional, physical and developmental disabilities. Unlike other nonprofits, CEA keeps a close eye on its bottom line and doesn’t receive subsidies from the government. CEA employees are paid a competitive hourly wage to package products for business like Johanna Farms in Readington, Johnson & Johnson, Roche, Estee Lauder and Neutrogena.

“We are successfully helping people with disabilities earn a paycheck,” explained sales director Jim Cavanagh.

CEA’s client-workers range in age from 18 to 75 and have a variety of disabilities. Some live at home with their families, while others are in group homes or indepenent. CEA assesses their functionality and matches each person with an appropriate job. Over time, the employees acquire new skills and get different kinds of work.

“We can train people to achieve more than anybody ever thought they could do,” Cavanagh said. “They’re incredibly dedicated,” he added. “They want to work.”
Issenman toured CEA earlier this year and knew she had found her solution.

The horseback rider runs a Flemington-based business called Equatic Solutions. Founded in 2005, its sole product is called Horse Quencher. The problem it addresses? Horses don’t like to drink water when they’re stressed out, which often happens when they’re sick or traveling.

Issenman said adding this granola-like feed mixture to a bucket of water entices a horse to drink it. In other words, “You lead ‘em to water; We’ll make ‘em drink” — the company’s slogan.



“I’m just so happy,” she said Friday, watching workers put their first batch of Horse Quencher into plastic buckets. “I feel like we’re helping all these people.”

Longtime client-worker Laurie Golembiewski said she likes working for CEA because, “There’s always different things to do.” As an animal lover, Golembiewski especially enjoys working with this product, she said.

“This smells good,” she added with a smile.

Horse Quencher represents an approximately $50,000 contract for the CEA, which puts all its profits toward its Spring Run School, a high school for 14 to 22-year-olds with disabilities.



This year, Horse Quencher is sponsoring rider Mary Jordan, from Maine, in the World Equestrian Games. Held every four years, the 2010 games will be in Kentucky this fall. Jordan, who has multiple sclerosis, will be competing against other para-equestrians.

Before she leaves, she will be presented with a case of Horse Quencher and a card from the CEA workers.

“Horse Quencher is very proud of our connection to CEA and our sponsorship of Mary Jordan,” Issenman said. “It’s a perfect fit.”

CEA's 19th Golf Classic

Arthur Daley said, "Golf is like a love affair. If you don't take it seriously, it's no fun; if you do take it seriously, it breaks your heart." On September 13, 2010, the Center for Educational Advancement (CEA) is hoping for a lot of serious fun, while having your heart in it to support a great mission. CEA educates, empowers, and employs individuals with special needs. The proceeds from this event benefit youth and adults that work and train in our Employment Services Programs.



We look forward to you joining us the Monday following Labor Day, September 13, 2010 for the 19th Annual CEA Golf Classic. Held at the Copper Hill Country Club, the day includes a round of golf with cart, lunch, beverages on the course, cocktails, gourmet dinner buffet, trophies, prizes, 50/50, and silent auction. Some of the hole in one prizes include a car courtesy of Mercedes-Benz of Flemington, a fur coat courtesy of Flemington Fur, a dozen roses every other month for a year courtesy of Flemington Floral, and free orthodontic services for a year courtesy of Loews Orthodontics. In addition golfers have a chance to win $5,000 in our Putting Contest, or $10,000 for a Hole- In- One Contest.



Golfers are limited to 96 and may sign up as individuals or as a team. Registration starts at 10:30 am with a Shot-Gun Tee-Off at 12:15 pm, cost is $250.00 per golfer or you can enjoy dinner, cocktails, 50/50, door prizes, and silent auction for $90.00.



Some sponsors for this event include: Ardito & Co., LLP, Bihler of America, Flemington Furs, Hahr Construction, Jarden Plastics, Michael Collins & Paul Appleby, PNC Bank, and Stanton Ridge Country Club.



A variety of sponsorships and program book ads are still available and items are still being accepted for the silent auction. This is a great way to promote your business while supporting the important work that happens at CEA. To donate silent auction item or inquire about sponsorships/advertising please call Rose Holden ext 263, or rholden@ceaemployment.com. For more information about CEA's 19th Annual Golf Classic, or to sign up for golf, please contact Ellen Gilbert at 908-782-1480 Ext 252, or egilbert@ceaemployment.com.