Haddonfield Today 109_2022April01

10 | haddonfield.today #109 • APRIL 1 TO 22, 2022
Citizen of the Year 2022
During the Mayor’s Breakfast
on Saturday, March 19,
Julie Beddingfield
was named Haddonfield’s
Citizen of the Year for 2022.
After moving to Haddonfield in 2006, Julie
Beddingfield put the knowledge and experience
she gained as an environmental and land-use
lawyer to use, for the benefit of our community,
as a member (2009-16) and chair (2012-16) of
the Haddonfield Environmental Commission. A
variety of new projects led to the formation of
Sustainable Haddonfield, which Julie also served on (2010-18) and chaired (2010-16).
She oversaw the work necessary to attain silver-level certification from Sustainable
Jersey and receive a $10,000 grant to develop a Green Building and Sustainability
Element for Haddonfield’s Master Plan. Additional projects included a municipal energy
audit, the addition of bicycle lanes to a portion of Grove Street, and a multi-faceted
water conservation education campaign. In recognition of her work, Julie was named
Sustainable Jersey’s first Sustainability Hero in 2014.
Julie has been a member of the Haddonfield Civic Association’s board of governors
since 2012 and has served as the Association’s treasurer since 2016.
As the owner of Inkwood Books since 2015, Julie has used her store and social media
presence as a platform for a diversity of ideas and perspectives. The store supports
numerous literacy initiatives in Haddonfield and throughout the region. During the
early days of the Covid-19 pandemic – the outbreak of which coincided with her
decision to move to larger premises – she inspired other Haddonfield business owners
with her ability to pivot, adapt, and find creative solutions to the many challenges and
obstacles that the pandemic placed before the owners of small businesses.
The author of one of the letters submitted in support of Julie’s nomination wrote: “In
all of these ways and so many more, Julie truly embodies the best of Haddonfield. She
understands that Haddonfield is a stronger community when we work together, listen
to each other and support those who need help. And her contributions to our town have
made it a more sustainable and more welcoming place to live.”
MADELINE CASH receives the
William G. Hansen Youth of the Year
Award for 2022.
The president of the Leo Club at Memorial High School,
Maddie has organized numerous activities to raise money
and help people in the community, while providing volunteer
opportunities for more than 300 Leos in the school.
Sponsored by the Haddonfield Area Lions Club, the Mayor’s Breakfast
is held annually in the Presbyterian Church’s Fellowship Hall.
This year marked the 50th anniversary of the Citizen of the Year Award.
Photo: Colette Oswald