Bank’s donation to help bring light back to Edison Memorial Tower

EDISON — The Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park recently received a boost in its efforts to fund the rededication of the Edison Memorial Tower.

Investors Bank donated $10,000 for the Oct. 24 rededication. Bank representatives Deangelina Iman and Jeffrey Britton presented the check to Len Sendelsky, chairman of the Thomas Edison Center, Middlesex County Freeholder Charlie Tomaro, who is also a trustee of the center, and Center Trustee Peg Ingolese.

“Investors Bank is dedicating to giving back to the community,” Iman said. “We have been associated with the Thomas Edison Center for a long time, and we are happy to be involved with this celebration.”

Sendelsky thanked those at Investors Bank for their commitment to the center and said their generosity will help make the rededication a memorable experience for all who attend.

Center Director Cathleen Carlucci noted that more funds are needed to help with the event, which is actually intended to kick off a larger campaign to add on to the museum/ education center, located on Christie Street.

“We have such limited space that our efforts to create programs to turn the switch on in our children’s minds about the wonders of the [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] STEM initiatives have been stifled,” Carlucci said.

By increasing the size of the two-room museum, many of the exhibit materials that are in storage will be displayed for the public to enjoy. The center’s Board of Trustees envisions a space that the community will be able to use for other social and business functions, as well.

Contributions to the Thomas Edison Center can be made as a Title Sponsor, a Pavilion Sponsor or a Table Sponsor, where companies and their products can be displayed.

A souvenir book for the event is being compiled, and both businesses and individual sponsors are invited to contribute.

The rededication will begin at noon and culminate at 7 p.m. with the lighting of the 77-year-old tower, which dominates the site of the Thomas Edison State Park on Christie Street. Dark for many years, the tower has long been a symbol of Edison Township, and the public is invited to join in celebration of its rekindling.

Many corporations and organizations will be displaying information, and food vendors will be on site. Parking will be available at Menlo Park Elementary School, and transportation will be provided to the museum site.

“This is going to be a family affair,” Ingalese said. “There will be a Thomas Edison impersonator on site to make us all believe that Edison is with us. Please come — it is going to be a beautiful day.”

For more information on becoming a sponsor, visit www.menloparkmuseum.org.