On April 26, Voorhees Township celebrated Earth Day at Eastern Regional High School. The event included many fun family activities and was coordinated by the Voorhees Environmental and Cultural Education Foundation (VECEF) along with the Rutgers University Center for Urban Environmental Sustainability.
On the morning of April 28, I attended the meeting of the Key Communicators of Voorhees, a roundtable discussion among key opinion leaders in our community who identify public opinion about the schools and pass along information about the schools to our community.
From May 1 to May 11, the Voorhees Town Center again hosted a carnival to benefit the NephCure Foundation. Thousands of people enjoyed great food, good music and exciting rides for a wonderful cause.
On May 2, Voorhees was once again proud to be the home of the 2015 Women’s Health Conference presented by the Camden County Freeholders at Eastern Regional High School. The day included presentations from experts about health, nutrition, exercise and professional and financial wellness. Also, the same day, the Voorhees Township Rabies Clinic was held at Lions Lake Complex, providing almost 200 free rabies vaccinations to our dogs and cats.
On May 6, I was honored to be part of Eastern’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. For a half century, Eastern has molded the lives of our young people.
On May 15, the Annual Animal Welfare Association Paws & Feet 5K Race & Doggie Fun Day was held at Cooper River Park. The event included pet contests, demonstrations and entertainment. Money raised goes toward the adoption center and the care of homeless animals.
On May 20, the monthly luncheon meeting of the Voorhees Business Association was held at Rodizio Grill. The VBA provides a forum for business persons and businesses in the Voorhees area to meet and to share and discuss concerns and interests of a civic, commercial, cultural and economic nature. Later in the day, I attended the monthly meeting of the Camden County Mayor’s Association. This year, I am honored to be President of the group. The Association affords area Mayors the opportunity to discuss issues and share useful information concerning our respective municipalities.
On Memorial Day, I was honored to participate in the Annual Memorial Services at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church and Ashland Presbyterian Church. I was once again privileged 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 Vandergrift Family, the Voorhees Township Fire Department, our Police Department and the Eastern Marching Vikings for making the parade and ceremony memorable.
On May 30, our schools held a Color-A-Thon at Connolly Park. A great day was had by all while raising money to support the Parent Faculty Associations of VMS, ET Hamilton, Osage and Kresson Schools. On the same day, the Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee, along with the Camden County HumanRelations Commission, sponsored a conference at Legacy Hall in Voorhees addressing anti-bullying and new immigration laws.
On June 3, I enjoyed the 11th Annual Wine and Food Tasting to benefit the Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation. The event featured fine wines, draft beers, spirits and great food from around the world. The Foundation installs teen centers in hospitals throughout the country to bring hope, excitement and entertainment to teens facing difficult conditions while receiving hospital treatment.
On the evening of June 4, I enjoyed Columbia Bank’s networking event held at The Mansion. It was a great opportunity for our community’s various businesses to gather to exchange ideas and enjoy great food and drinks.
On the evening of June 11, I was honored to be part of the JFCS program, Right In Our Backyard. The event helped educate students and parents about developing increased addiction awareness in the community and stopping addiction-related deaths. Heroin addiction is an epidemic and must be addressed. Later in the evening, thousands gathered at Connolly Park to enjoy the first show in our 2015 Summer Twilight Series which featured Beginnings: A Tribute to Chicago.
On the morning of June 13, a Kirkwood Lake Clean-Up and Nature Walk was held. Later in the morning, I was part of Philippine Independence Picnic Celebration at Cooper River Park. Hundreds enjoyed a day long celebration of the Filipino heritage. Later in the day, I was honored to be part of the Voorhees Senior Club’s Annual Luncheon and administer oaths to the new officers. The day also included the Relay for Life of Cherry Hill/Voorhees. I once again enjoyed the American Cancer Society’s emotional event to save lives and create a world with more birthdays by helping people get well, stay well and find a cure for cancer. The same evening, HOPE Church hosted Summer Fest 2015 which included music, prayer and a chance to enjoy friendship.
On June 17, Rodizio Grill hosted the monthly luncheon meeting of the VBA. Later in the day, Rodizio Grill also hosted the monthly dinner meeting of the Camden County Mayor’s Association.
On the afternoon of June 18, I was once again honored to take part in Eastern Regional High School’s Graduation ceremony. Congratulations to all of the graduates!
On the morning of June 20, the Stafford Woods Golf Course hosted the 2015 Stafford Open. Disc golfers from all over the east coast enjoyed our facility.
On the evening of June 22, the Philadelphia Union and Rodizio Grill hosted “A Town Takeover” at the Voorhees Town Center. The event offered an opportunity to meet members of the Philadelphia Union Soccer Team as well as enjoy inflatable games, giveaways and prizes.
Upcoming events include the Annual BocceBrooke Tournament on June 28 at Kirkwood Park beginning at noon. The event brings our township’s neighborhoods together for a fun day of bocce, food and drink.
On July 15, the monthly luncheon meeting of the VBA will be held at Legacy Hall, 333 Preston Ave. in Voorhees.
**The second show in our Summer Twilight Series will be on Thursday, July 16 (rain date July 23) and will feature Evolution: A Tribute to Journey. This performance will re-create the history and hit songs of the legendary band. The show is free and starts at 7:30 p.m. at Connolly Park.
**From July 20 through July 25, the Voorhees Police Department will hold their 2nd Annual Junior Police Academy. The program teaches our young people from the ages of 12 to 16 to appreciate and respect the duties and life of a police officer. Interested parents and applicants can contact Lt. Dennis Ober at (856) 882–1110 (dober@vtpd.com). Applications and forms for the Junior Police Academy can be found at http://vtpd.com/bureauofcommunity-affairs/. Applications must be submitted by July 1 to be considered.
** Voorhees Township is offering discounted tickets to Morey’s Piers in Wildwood. Tickets are available in the Municipal Clerk’s Office at Voorhees Town Hall. Prices vary according to the type of ticket and several options are available to residents and non-residents. For more information about tickets visit www.voorheesnj.com.
