On Sept. 19, Voorhees Township was privileged to host the monthly meeting of the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders at Town Hall. The meeting opened with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem performed by Meredith Brandt of Voorhees, and the Voorhees Township Citizens Cultural Diversity Advisory Committee led the Pledge of Allegiance.
I was proud to learn from the freeholders that Voorhees Township will be recognized for our commitment to economic development by receiving an award at the 8th Annual Tri-County Economic Summit on Oct. 18. The event showcases the regional resources in both public and private sectors, as well as highlighting places where significant economic advancement has occurred. The award salutes the township for showing exemplary leadership by facilitating partnerships between government and business for the betterment of the local economy and community.
The award specifically recognizes the township’s redevelopment efforts at the Voorhees Town Center, with a combination of new restaurants and unique shopping experiences. Additionally, the award recognizes the efforts made along the Route 73 corridor, specifically the “Medical Mile.” The cornerstone of this redevelopment is the new state-of-the-art Virtua Hospital and their partnerships with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Fox Chase Cancer Center.
We are thrilled to be recognized with such a prestigious award.
The freeholders also presented a check in the amount of $43,500 to Voorhees Township, which represents our share of a Community Development Block Grant. The funds are used for senior citizens services.
A community service award was presented to Voorhees resident Ed Hale. Ed is the founder of the Ashland Residential Coalition, a local association of involved residents who are instrumental in the permanent preservation of 19 acres of forest in the Ashland area of Voorhees. ARC also spearheaded the development and maintenance of the John T. Hale Park on West End Avenue. The park was named in memory of Ed Hale’s father. Ed is also the chairman of the Voorhees Environmental Commission and is directing the township’s efforts to become Sustainable Jersey Certified.
The freeholders also presented a community service award to Voorhees resident Alice Johnston for her efforts in establishing the Kirkwood Lake Clean-Up. Alice formed a coalition between the residents, local government, county government, state government and federal government to increase awareness and efforts toward the lake’s remediation and increase the quality of life of the neighborhoods surrounding the lake.
The freeholders also presented a donation to the Chad Gunther Memorial Fund, a non-profit organization started by Voorhees residents Ray and Karen Gunther in memory of their son. The organization has provided college scholarships to members of the Boys and Girls Club of America and has helped more than 300 children in Camden by sponsoring the “Below the Rim” Basketball Program. This year, the organization plans to use some of the funds raised to assist the Gibbsboro-Voorhees Athletic Association in purchasing a new scoreboard.
** The Alicia Rose “Victorious” Foundation will hold its 11th Annual Birthday Bash on Friday, Oct. 4 from 6:30 p.m. until midnight at Lucien’s Manor in Berlin. The Foundation furnishes “Teen Centers” in hospitals to enhance the quality of life for teens with cancer and other life- threatening illnesses. Tickets are $130. For more information, call 856–784–0615 or visit www.arvf.org.
** On Saturday, Oct. 12 from noon to 5 p.m., “International Day 2013” will be held at Eastern Regional High School. The event is free and will include international foods and multi-cultural displays that highlight our community’s cultural diversity. The event is sponsored by the Voorhees Township Citizens Cultural Diversity Advisory Committee as well as the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Camden County Human Relations Commission. For more information, contact Chairwoman Gwen DeVera at 856–751–1364 or at devera6@verizon.net or visit www.camdencounty.com.
** Voorhees Township will again be home to the Camden County 2013 Women’s Health Conference on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Eastern Regional High School. The conference is free to residents of Camden County and offers experts on topics in the areas of health, nutrition, exercise, family, mind, body, spirit as well as professional and financial wellness. Keynote speaker is Kate Bilo, CBS 3 TV meteorologist. Visit www.camdencounty.com or call 856–225–5433.
** The New Jersey Sons of Italy will be hosting Italian Festa at the Voorhees Town Center on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The event will be a celebration of Italian American cultural and heritage. It will be a day of great food, fun and music.
** The Farmer’s Market at the Voorhees Town Center is open from 8 a.m. until noon every Saturday rain or shine through Oct. 5. Vendors include Fruitwood, Bellview Winery, Davidson Exotic Mushrooms and more, supplying both “Jersey Fresh” and locally grown produce, wines and more.
