The township will have plenty of events for residents to enjoy.
With 2017 officially over, residents in Mt. Laurel can look forward to just some of what’s already planned for the municipality for 2018.
The year will kick off with Mt. Laurel Township Council’s annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. in the courtroom at the Mt. Laurel Township Municipal Building.
With Mayor Dennis Riley and Deputy Mayor Rich Van Noord having presided over council’s last meeting of 2017, council members will gather to choose the mayor and deputy mayor for 2018 at council’s first meeting in January.
Officials also note that throughout the year, the township plans to continue an initiative from 2017 that saw council take its meetings “on the road.”
At several points through 2017, council held meetings at sites in Mt. Laurel outside of council’s normal meeting location at the municipal building.
Officials have said the initiative allowed those who in live in different areas of town a chance to attend a meeting and speak about concerns related to their local neighborhoods.
According to acting township manager Meredith Tomczyk, this year council will take its meetings “on the road” on Feb. 26 at Countryside Elementary School, on May 7 at Fleetwood Elementary School and on Oct. 22 at the Mt. Laurel Fire Department Headquarters on Elbo Lane.
Tomczyk said the township would also begin mailing a new quarterly newsletter to residents starting in January. According to Tomczyk, the newsletter will list upcoming dates for township council, planning board and zoning board meetings, along with other upcoming township events and useful information.
“It’s really to help residents put those dates on their calendars and so we can tell them about what’s coming up,” Tomczyk said.
Tomczyk said the newsletter will also contain information on how to sign up for alerts about future meetings and additional information through the township’s recently redesigned website and its new alert system.
“Residents love it, and it’s a good way for us to help improve communications,” Tomczyk said.
Tomczyk said the township is also looking to connect with the community through its annual township-sponsored events, most of which are returning for 2018.
Residents looking for something good to eat won’t have to wait long, as the township’s annual Taste of Mt. Laurel food festival is scheduled for March 22 at Harrington Middle School.
Since its debut in 2010, the event has expanded its offerings to members of the Mt. Laurel community and usually attracts about two-dozen local food vendors to give residents free samples of what’s available to eat in the area.
The township’s animal lovers should also be aware the township is once again set to hold a free rabies clinic for cats and dogs on March 24 at the Mt. Laurel Police Garage.
Moving into April, Mt. Laurel Township will hold its annual Cleanup Day on April 28 when residents come together to beautify the township by collecting litter about town.
Organized by the Mt. Laurel Green Team, the event also allows residents to learn from Green Team members about the real-world effect litter can have on Mt. Laurel’s environment.
Also scheduled for April 28 is the township’s annual Shred Day where residents can dispose of their sensitive documents in a secure way, with documents also being recycled to protect the environment.
Moving toward the late spring, the township is also set to hold its annual Memorial Day Tribute on May 30 at Laurel Acres Park.
Residents are once again invited to join with local officials at veterans organizations to honor those who gave their lives for their nation.
With summer then right around the corner, Mt. Laurel Township is also bringing back its annual Summer Concert series. Shows will take place at the Mt. Laurel Community Center on July 12, Aug. 2, Aug. 10, and Aug. 16. Shows will take place at Laurel Acres Park on July 19 and July 27.
New for 2018, the township is also hosting a series of “Movies at Dusk” this summer at Laurel Acres Park on July 26, Aug. 3, Aug. 9 and Aug 17.
Closing out 2018 for township events will be the annual Mt. Laurel Fall Festival on Sept. 22 at Laurel Acres Park and 2018’s Santa Comes to Mt. Laurel event on Dec. 13 at the Mt. Laurel Community Center.
Tomczyk said residents could also expect several new businesses for the township in 2018, including Topgolf at the southeast corner of Marne Highway and Centerton Road and a new Burlington store (formerly known as Burlington Coat Factory) at Centerton Square at the site of the former Sports Authority.
