Madison Housing Authority unveils new logo, discusses importance of mission

Dec 29, 2023 Updated Jan 2, 2024

From left, Madison Housing Authority maintenance staff member Wilson Castenada, Rental Assistance Program Manager Jessica Kirchenbauer, Deputy Director Karen O’Keeffe, Executive Director Tanya Van Order, Office Administrator Elaine Martino and Maintenance Supervisor Julio Duque sport sweaters showcasing the agency’s new logo.

MADISON - The Madison Housing Authority (MHA) has unveiled a new logo as it enters its 54th year of supporting Madison residents.

The MHA took the opportunity to remind residents of its mission in announcing the new logo in a Friday, Dec. 22 press release.

The agency offers apartments to seniors and families and help families pay for apartments in town, providing affordable housing to more than 500 people in Madison, according to the statement. The agency’s goal is to support local residents as they work toward a future where they won’t need housing assistance anymore.

“We help low- and moderate-income families and seniors in Madison find stable and healthy living situations. Our residents are an important part of the Madison community,” the agency stated.

The MHA further explained why affordable homes matter, citing the following reasons:

• The income gap: Many people in Madison, including seniors and those with full-time jobs, can’t afford the high rents. They earn far less than what’s needed to rent an average apartment;

• Children’s well-being: Kids do better in school and in life when they have a stable and affordable home. It reduces disruptions in their education;

• Economic success: Offering affordable homes near good schools and jobs helps families improve their financial situation;

• Housing Variety: Different housing options, including affordable ones, give everyone a chance to better themselves and contribute to the community;

• Economic boost: Affordable housing attracts and retains employers, benefiting the entire community; and

• Reduced commute: Shorter commutes mean less traffic, pollution, and road expenses, which is good for the community.

The MHA partners with the Borough of Madison, which created the agency in 1970 as a solution to a lack of affordable housing. The MHA helps the borough meet state-mandated affordable housing requirements.

The MHA’s policies and finances are overseen by a seven-member board of commissioners that guide the MHA’s direction. Six commissioners are appointed by the Borough Council and mayor, one is an MHA resident, and one is appointed by the governor’s office.

The agency is also guided by MHA Resident Advisory Boards. These boards give a voice to MHA residents and help make decisions that affect residents’ lives. The boards include senior and family tenants and participants in the housing choice voucher program.

The agency also partners with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which provides federal subsidies to MHA, allowing it to fund its programs. These subsidies help MHA and local landlords offer affordable housing.

The MHA works with the HUD Moving to Work (MTW) Demonstration Program. In 2023, MHA became an MTW agency, receiving flexibility from HUD to create policies to better serve its residents and the community. Program goals include helping residents become self-sufficient, offering more housing choices and using federal funds more effectively.

To learn more, visit www.rosenet.org/238/Madison-Housing-Authority.

New Madison flag flies outside Hartley Dodge

By ALEX PARKER-MAGYAR Managing Editor

Feb 1, 2022

Madison’s official flag, a relatively new design adopted in 2019, flies outside the Hartley Dodge Memorial building on Tuesday, Feb. 2.

Photo by Judi Whiting

The new Madison flag, top, replaces a previous design that had been implemented in 2001.

MADISON - The new year brings a new flag flying outside the Hartley Dodge Memorial building.

Madison’s new flag, a design adopted by the Borough Council in 2020, now flies on the flagpole outside the borough hall on Kings Road.

The blue flag features a red rose over a white background in its center, celebrating Madison’s history as “The Rose City.”

Borough Councilman Eric Range said the flag had only been used in a limited way since its approval, “but now is proudly flying every day.”

“Folks can also expect to see the new flag pop up in other places as well,” Range said at a Borough Council meeting on Monday, Jan. 24.

He thanked the volunteer members of the marketing and development committee of the Downtown Development Commission (DDC) and all those who worked on the design or any other part of the town’s rebranding, including fellow Councilman John Hoover and Mayor Robert Conley.

“It is really great to see the flag finally flying in its rightful place in the center of town,” he said.

Madison 'Rebrand' Discussed

By NORA MCSORLEY Contributing Writer, Feb 12, 2021, Madison Eagle, NewJerseyHills.com

MADISON - Early risers heard about the borough's 2019  "rebranding" process on Tuesday, Feb. 9.

The Madison Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a virtual "Networking Breakfast" during which time Kris Pfeifer with Pfeifer Design discussed the creative process behind the rebranding process that was completed in 2019. Vicky Vitarelli of V Dot V Marketing  was also part of the rebranding but was not on the Zoom call with the  chamber on Tuesday, Feb. 9.

The two worked extensively with the borough’s Marketing and Economic Development Committee to determine the branding strategy that would be most beneficial to the borough.

After Karen Glambra, director of the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce, introduced the program.

Pfeifer led the power point presentation. Pfeifer is a Madison resident; she has lived and worked in the borough for 18 years.

Pfeifer was asked by the Borough of Madison Committee to help them develop the new Madison logo and the brand strategy and guidelines.

Pfeifer began with the basic of branding, specifically why it is important to devise a plan for one’s brand.

“Branding is more than just a logo,” said Pfeifer. “The term ‘brand’ refers to how you think and feel about your business or product, or in our case, our town. The logo is one component; we refer to it as the brand mark. Your brand tells the whole story about your business. Brand represents the vision you have for your business and how you communicate that.”

Pfeifer went on to say that the borough’s brand is  the face it presents to the world.

“Our brand should be intentional and consistent,” said Pfeifer. “We have a lot to offer as a town and we want to convey that. We want to present a warm, professional and appealing face in order to attract tourism and attract patronage to our local businesses.”

The borough’s concern with developing its brand began when officials realized that there were multiple inconsistent versions of the Madison rose floating around. There was no one "Madison rose" to adorn both flags atop flagpoles and headers upon official documents. The borough wanted to bring unity to its image through establish a consistent brand and logo.

The traditional rose has long been the borough's logo. Dodge Hall will also be incorporated. 

The Rose represents entrepreneurial spirit and passion for living. For nearly 100 years from 1850- 1950 Madison was the largest producer of roses to wholesale buyers in New York City. The farms were independent businesses, and numerous other businesses were supporting this large industry during that time.

The red rose is a universal symbol of passion and love. "This is representative of the industry that creating a thriving town and the spirit that Madisonian’s have toward all aspects of life," according to the town's website. 

Pfeifer then discussed the many components that make up a successful brand. In order for a brand to tell the intended story, it must capture the vision, mission, the values, culture, voice and overall identity of a town. It is important that the borough’s brand emphasizes its strengths and uniqueness, she said. 

Pfeifer also addressed the importance of the imagery used in the borough’s brand.

“It is important that the images we use uphold the brand aesthetic,” said Pfeifer. “It is important to use images that help tell the Madison story in hopes that they create an emotional response. These images will then be associated with feelings about what it means to live and work and visit Madison.”

The borough’s new branding and logo are already being used throughout Madison, she said, adding that it is important that the borough’s brand mark is visible all over town because it promotes all the town had to offer while also creating cohesion and community pride.

Pfeifer then commented on why brand development and establishment is a vital aspect of building up a community.

“The main purpose of creating a brand is to remind residents of what they love about their town,” said Pfeifer. “Residents will feel that sense of community while others outside of our community will be attracted to it, boosting economic development and local business patronage.”

Pfeifer implored all attending the networking meeting to become brand ambassadors. She explained what such entails.

“Remember to value and uphold the components of the brand such as our mission, vision, values, voice and attributes,” said Pfeifer. “Incorporate those components into your own stories when you’re talking about Madison. Uphold the brand identity and its imagery and in the meantime, think up events that will engage and excite the Madison community.”

Images and presentations regarding the borough’s new branding and logo are available for public viewing at rosenet.org by searching ‘style guide’.

Local Businesses Partner to Help Authors with the Publishing Process

January 3rd, 2020. Creative License Publishing and Pfeifer Design are pleased to announce the joining of their creative talents to assist all writers who want to be self-published. Their goal is to provide writers with a mainstream quality read, in both substance and appearance, while the writer maintains the creative and financial benefits of self-publishing.

Celeste Chin, Founder and President of Creative License Publishing, LLC., said, “Our writers will work with quality editors, both developmental and copy, beta-readers specifically chosen from their target market, and graphic designers to create a superior cover, interior illustrations, and format. We bring a more personalized service and attention to detail than other hybrid firms; making every book we produce a page-turning, well-worn read.”

If you have a story to tell and you want to self-publish, contact Creative License Publishing today for a free personalized estimate. They look forward to getting your “must read” into the hands of readers everywhere!

About Creative License Publishing, LLC: Creative License Publishing LLC, of Chatham, NJ and headed by Celeste Chin, is a writing consulting group with a wide selection of services to help authors get their manuscripts polished and ready for publishing. You can find out more from their website www.creativelicensepublishing.com 

About Pfeifer Design: Kris Pfeifer, of Pfeifer Design, LLC of Madison NJ is principle of a full-service graphic design studio that provides creative graphic solutions with personalized attention from the initial consultation to project completion. For more information please go to www.pfeiferdesign.com/bookdesign

New Logos Proposed for Madison

By CHRISTINE LEE Staff Writer Sep 11, 2019 Madison Eagle, NewJerseyHills.com

MADISON - A new logo unveiled at Monday night’s Borough Council meeting could grace official borough marketing materials in the future. The proposed logo was created by borough resident and graphic designer Kris Pfeifer, who said it would provide a uniform brand for Madison. Pfeifer and fellow resident Victoria Vitarelli Merson, whose background is in marketing, presented concepts for the logo at the meeting.

The primary logo designed by Pfeifer features the name “Madison” in bold, block capital letters, and a red rose — Madison’s signature logo for the rose-growing industry that once thrived here — for the “o” in the borough’s name. The words “New Jersey” are printed below “Madison” in light block capital letters. The clock tower of the Hartley Dodge Memorial municipal building sits above the “Madison” name, with the words “Est. 1889” printed on either side of the clock tower.
The proposed primary “brand” would be used for marketing, such as letterheads and parking signs. Pfeifer also designed three secondary logos — a seal with a rose printed in the middle, and two variations of the primary “Madison, New Jersey” logo — all smaller and intended for such uses as the borough’s website, vehicles, police patches, banners and sponsorship credit on signs, such as the Madison Farmers’ Market. The designer described the concept of the logo as “a representation that’s going to provide Madison with recognition. “When you see it, you think of Madison,” Pfeifer told the council. “This is what somebody is going to identify with our town when they see it.”Merson said the proposed logo is designed to encompass Madison’s history and to “keep the town flourishing.” It also solidifies a uniform Madison brand, she added. Merson and Pfeifer’s vision for the logo is to “advance Madison as one of the best places in New Jersey for individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to thrive,” according to their presentation. “We’re starting to see evidence of that” in the community’s development, Merson pointed out.

Merson said the new branding also captures the “passion, spirit, entrepreneurship and diversity” in the borough. “Madison came of age on a foundation of entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic heart,” Merson said. “We would like to share the story that is the magic of Madison.” Merson pointed to the Hartley Dodge Memorial municipal building at 50 Kings Road as an example of Madison’s philanthropic history. The 1935 town hall building was donated by Standard Oil heiress Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge as a memorial to her son, Marcellus Hartley Dodge Jr., who died in a car accident in France. The rose is meant to represent Madison’s once-prominent rose industry.

The proposed logo can work alongside similar logos in Madison featuring roses, Merson said, such as the one used by the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce, but it needs to be presented “in a certain way. “This (logo) is its own entity,” Merson emphasized.

A consistent brand for Madison was among the recommendations made in a study on redeveloping the downtown area by New York City-based Urbanomics Inc. The results were presented to borough officials in May 2017. The logo was designed based on feedback from residents. The designs were greeted warmly at Monday’s meeting by several council members and residents.

Councilwoman Debra Coen said the proposed logo “makes a visual impact.” Councilwoman Maureen Byrne agreed, adding that it “harkens back to the past but represents our future. “I really like it,” Byrne said. Dean Street resident Melanie Tomaszewski, a member of the borough’s Downtown Development Commission (DDC) and owner of Tivoli Creative Design Studio and Mud Clay Studio, both at 6 Main St., thanked Merson and Pfeifer for their work on the logo. “We can slowly integrate this logo into everything,” Tomaszewski remarked. “I’m very excited.” Deborah Farrar Starker of Beverly Road, the executive director of the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts at at 9 Main St. at Green Village Road, agreed. “Kris and Vicki did a wonderful job,” Starker said. “I think it’s going to really do this town proud.”

Mayor Robert Conley said that should the new logos be unveiled, a “phased-in” approach would be best.

Madison Banner Art Will Fly Until October Public Auction

Madison Eagle, Thursday, August 8, 2013 FAMILIAR MADISON SCENES Two-sided canvas banners decorated with original art were installed in downtown Madison In early May, and will keep flying to October, when they'll be taken down and prepared for a public auction gala on Oct. 18. Above, the two paintings Madison artist Kris Pfeifer created for the Madison Sidewalk Gallery depict charming and familiar scenes of her hometown... more

Madison Sidewalk Gallery art debuts downtown

Madison Eagle, Friday, May 10, 2013  MADISON -- The Madison Sidewalk Gallery Banner Arts Exhibition, a collaborative project between the Madison Arts and Culture Alliance (MACA) and the Downtown Development Commission (DDC), was officially unveiled Saturday, May 4 more

Fresh Mulch, Public Art Beautify Downtown

Madison Patch, May 6, 2013 by Jake Remaly  May Day in Madison saw hundreds of volunteers sprucing up the borough and the debut of a sidewalk art gallery. Read more

Eight artists readying banners for ‘Madison Sidewalk Gallery

Madison Eagle, May 3, 2013  MADISON – Downtown Madison is poised to become an “art gallery” for shoppers, merchants, pedestrians, motorists, residents and visitors as New Jersey artists put the finishing touches on banners for the “Madison Sidewalk Gallery.” Read more

Madison Arts & Culture Alliance, Downtown Development Commission Collaborate in First Public Art Project and Gallery of Banners

The Alternative Press, April 25, 2013 by Bonnie L. Cramer MADISON, NJ - Madison is introducing its first public art project, a sidewalk gallery of collaborative efforts between the Madison Arts & Culture Alliance (MACA) ,the Downtown Development Commission (DDC) and eight selected and sought after New Jersey artists.  Read more

Madison Gallery if Banners is a Winner

By BONNIE L. CRAMER October 21, 2013 at 4:00 AM

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/madison/articles/madison-gallery-of-banners-is-a-winner

Sharing the Unimaginable: Newtown Art Project Contributes to Healing

Hersam Acorn Newspapers, May 2, 2013 by David DesRoches Read more

Madison Graphic Designer Volunteers with Workshop for Children of Newtown, Conn.

The Independent Press, March 4, 2013 by Barbara Rybolt MADISON — Local graphic designer Kris Pfeifer has teamed up with some high school friends from Ridgefield, Conn., to help the town of Newtown, Conn., recover from the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Read more

Artist’s Kid Share Program Helps Children Worldwide

Vermont Times Argus,  25, 2017, by Stephen Mills

EAST MONTPELIER — A Vermont artist has taken a local school program worldwide to empower children to express themselves in printed books through art and storytelling. Kristina Applegate started the Kids Share book project in 2008 at Union Elementary School in Montpelier and has since exported the program to schools in Central America, Asia and Africa. Closer to home, Applegate was asked to bring healing help to the children of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, after the massacre of 20 children and six school staff members in 2014. Her work has led to national recognition, awards and partnerships to promote the power of participation in Read more

Madison Education Foundation

‘Fall Harvest’ adult social to lift up education - Madison Eagle, Sept. 28, 2012  “I really wanted to support this event in some way after seeing the impact MEF grants have made throughout the school system,” said volunteer Madison parent Kris Pfeifer. “I was delighted to offer my design skills to the ‘Fall Harvest’ visual concept.” Read more

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