Mayor’s Message: Michael Mignogna
As the summer weather heats up, so do the activities in Voorhees.
Memorial Day weekend was kicked off with the opening ceremony of the Voorhees Memorial Day Soccer Tournament organized by the Voorhees Soccer Association. This year, hundreds of teams from all over the East Coast converged on our community to participate in this first class event. On Memorial Day, I was honored to participate in the annual memorial services at the Mt. Zion AME Church and the Ashland Presbyterian Church. I was once again asked to be the guest speaker at the Annual Kirkwood Memorial Day Parade, which honors the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Thanks to the volunteers on the parade committee, particularly the Vandegrift Family, as well as the Voorhees Township Fire Department and the Eastern Marching Vikings for making the parade and ceremony memorable. In the afternoon, I had fun cutting the ribbon for the grand opening of the new Voorhees Swim Club.
On the evening of June 8, the first “Relay for Life of Voorhees” was held at Eastern Regional High School in partnership with the American Cancer Society. The event raised over $18,000 to fight cancer and help people stay well and get well. It was a wonderful, yet emotional evening that I hope becomes a Voorhees tradition.
On June 9, I was part of the Philippine Independence Picnic Celebration at Cooper River Park. Hundreds of members of the Voorhees Filipino Community enjoyed a day-long celebration of their heritage. Later in the day, I enjoyed going to The Mansion for the Voorhees Senior Citizens Club Installation Luncheon.
On June 14, thousands gathered on a beautiful evening at Connolly Park to enjoy the sounds of Bruce in the USA, a tribute to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
On June 15, I had a great time at the grand opening of Mirko’s–A Taste of Europe in the Ritz Center. Experience the amazing cuisines of Europe in an environment of fun and friends.
On June 20, the monthly meeting of the Voorhees Business Association was held at Pasta Pomodoro. The VBA provides a forum for business persons in the Voorhees area to meet and share concerns and interests of a civic, cultural or economic nature. The day also marked graduation ceremonies at Eastern Regional High School. I was pleased to participate in the commencement ceremony honoring our leaders of tomorrow. Later in the evening, I attended the monthly meeting of the Camden County Mayor’s Association. The group affords area mayors the opportunity to discuss common issues and share useful information concerning our respective municipalities.
On June 26, the Voorhees–Gibbsboro Rotary Club held their Installation Dinner. Over the last two decades, this group has raised over $300,000 in support of worthy causes throughout our area.
On the evening of June 27, I was honored to speak at the Awards Reception for the “March of Dimes March for Babies” at The Mansion. This year, the event raised $317,000, giving hope to the half million babies born too soon every year. Over $2 billion has been raised since 1970.
On June 28, I enjoyed welcoming the second Spoon Me to Voorhees, this one located on the Voorhees Town Center Boulevard. The other is located at the Ritz Center. Stop by and enjoy delicious frozen yogurt with a wide variety of toppings. Later in the evening, I joined hundreds at Lucien’s to honor our retiring Chief of Police, Keith Hummel, who served our community for 32 years.
On June 29, I enjoyed attending the American Heart Association’s “Adult Prom” at The Mansion. The event raised money to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and strokes, the leading cause of death in New Jersey.
Upcoming events include the Voorhees Town Center Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday through October 27 from 8 a.m. until noon at the Special Events Plaza outside the entrance to Town Hall. The market features Jersey fresh fruits, vegetables, pasta, honey, wine and much more from vendors throughout the Delaware Valley.
The next show in our 2012 Summer Twilight Series is Thursday, July 12, with the return engagement of Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles. Enjoy the timeless music of one of the most famous bands of the 70s. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at Connolly Park and is free.
On Sunday, July 15, Downs Farm Swim Club on Haddonfield-Berlin Road in Cherry Hill will host “Meters for Mike,” a swim-a-thon to raise money to help cover medical bills for Mike Heaney. Mike is a 25-year old Voorhees native who was riding his bicycle on April 11 when he was struck by a car. He has spent the last several months in a rehabilitation facility. The cost of the event is $10 at the door. For more information, contact the swim club at 856–428–1151.
