In 2013, the Voorhees Township Committee adopted an ordinance that prohibits smoking on all Township owned land. Previously, the ban covered only public school property.
Studies have shown that breathing environmental tobacco smoke is a significant health hazard for children, the elderly, and individuals with cardiovascular disease, impaired respiratory function and asthma.
There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), a class A carcinogen. According to the U.S. Surgeon General 2006 report, SHS aggravates and increases the risk of chronic diseases including asthma, allergies, heart disease, pneumonia, emphysema, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis and diabetes.
The Township Committee believes that the general health and well-being of our residents is a top priority and this prohibition benefits everyone. It is in our best interest to refer to all Township owned land as “Smoke Free Zones.”
The ordinance bans smoking within the boundaries of any Voorhees Township owned land or any property which is owned, maintained or in the possession of the Township, including all parks, playgrounds, active and passive recreational facilities, the Municipal Complex, Police Department and the Department of Public Works.
Any person found to be in violation of this ordinance will be issued a Summons and subject to a fine of $100 to $150 for the first offense, $150 to $250 for the second offense and $300 to $500 for any subsequent offense.
Voorhees is proud to join other local communities in instituting such a ban to protect the health of our residents, especially our most precious asset, our children.
** The Voorhees Animal Orphanage will hold its 19th Annual Woofstock on Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Connolly Park.
The event will feature festivities for animal lovers of all ages and their leashed pets as well as appearances by the Mummers, Dr. Elizabeth Severino (Animal Communicator) and Master Chef Joseph Poon. Crafters and vendors are welcome. Microchipping will be available for $25.
Admission is a $1 donation but senior citizens and children under 5 are free.
For more information about Woofstock or the Animal Orphanage, visit www.theanimalorphanage.org or www.vaonj.org/woofstock.
** The Kirkwood Lake Fall Clean Up will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. Volunteers meet at the end of Pinelawn Avenue in Lindenwold to clean the trails that run through the park.
** The Annual Bike MS City to Shore Ride is Oct. 3 & 4. For bicyclists and all those seeking a personal challenge and a world free of MS, this is the premier fundraising cycling series in the nation. Bike 25, 45, 80, 100 or 180 mile routes covering one or two days.
To ride, volunteer, donate or learn more about this unforgettable event visit www.bikems.org or call 1–800–445-BIKE. Voorhees Township is proud to be part of this amazing event!
