Local organizations, service projects and volunteer enthusiasts are welcome to attend the May 10 event.
Gloucester Township and neighboring residents will soon have an opportunity to kick off or expand upon their good service.
On Thursday, May 10, the Blackwood Lake Advisory Committee will host its seventh Service Organization Networking event from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Gloucester Township Senior Center, located at 1261 Chews Landing Road.
The event, which takes place every few years, is designed to promote interest in joining local service organizations based around Gloucester Township.
“By bringing all these social organizations each others together, we can further each’s causes and work on projects together as a community,” said Paul Beyers, member of the Blackwood Lake Advisory Committee. “If we can find common ground and work together, we can accomplish more as a group for the community.”
From thespains to Rotarians, the event will feature representatives from a variety of local groups, including the Gloucester Township Historic and Scenic Preservation Society, the Unforgotten Haven, Mainstage Center for the Arts, the Gloucester Township Police Department Community Relations, Gloucester Township-Pine Hill Rotary Club, the Gloucester Township Lions Club and more.
Wearing a name tag while nibbling on some light refreshments, attendees are encouraged to walk around, introduce themselves and get involved with organizations seeking to benefit the township through an assortment of avenues.
This year’s event might also feature an open mic session, encouraging attendees to discuss any ongoing service projects.
Several years ago, the event started as a small night of socializing, but eventually evolved into a highly anticipated and attended event in Gloucester Township.
“Now, we actually want to get more people involved to network and enhance the community and share ideas and promote membership in the public,” Beyer said.
Aside from welcoming non-township residents, the event also aims to promote community service in the local youth, as the invitation is extended to Boy and Girls Scouts. In the past, local Scouts have used the evening as an opportunity for Eagle Scout projects and Gold Awards.
The committee’s objective is to improve elements of the township that may fall under the radar, including managing the Blackwood Lake Area and overseeing the bike path.
“The event aligns (with the committee) by connecting us with other various group throughout the township,” Beyer said. “Members will come out and give us a hand.”
The committee, which includes a nine-member board appointed by council, meets every few weeks to brainstorm recommendations and resolutions related to Gloucester Township.
Beyer says, in the past, he’s seen increased networking, participation and community engagement stem from prior Service Organization Networking events. With organizations continuing to register and local government showing supporting, Beyer says this year will probably have the largest turnout in the event’s history.
“Volunteerism is not dead in Gloucester Township,” Beyer said. “We have wonderful base of citizenship — citizens that volunteer their time.”
Information: To register your club or for more information, contact Paul Beyer at (609) 929–8548.
