Mayor Mignogna discusses recent and upcoming activities in the township.
As the weather heats up, so do activities in Voorhees.
On April 20, I had a great time for a wonderful cause at the Voorhees Business Association’s Annual Bowling event, which raised money to support Operation Yellow Ribbon. In addition to being a vibrant part of our community, the VBA provides a forum for businesspersons and businesses in the Voorhees area to meet and share concerns and interests of a civic, commercial, cultural and economic nature.
On the evening of April 27, I was proud to attend the 51st annual Camden County Police Chiefs Association Installation Ceremony, as Voorhees Police Chief Lou Bordi was sworn in as president. Congratulations, chief!
On the morning of April 28, we had a huge turnout for our third annual Voorhees Police Foundation Car Show.
On the morning of April 29, I participated in the “10th annual Run and Walk 4 Family and Friends with Cancer” at the Voorhees Middle School. Hundreds came out to show their love and support.
On May 2, I welcomed the World Selects International Ice Hockey Tournament to the Voorhees Skate Zone. The 700 best teenage players from all over the world, and their families spent four days in Voorhees showing off their talents.
On May 4, I enjoyed being part of the 29th annual Eastern Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony. The inductees were Kelsey Mitchell, Genevieve Okoro, Olympic Gold Medalist English Gardner and two-time Super Bowl Champion Logan Ryan.
On the morning of May 9, I attended the meeting of the Key Communicators of Voorhees, a roundtable discussion among key opinion leaders in our community who discuss issues involving our schools and pass along information to our community.
On the morning of May 13, I was honored to be part of the graduation ceremony for the Muslim American Community Association Weekend School. The same day, our community celebrated Mother’s Day.
On May 16, the VBA held its monthly luncheon meeting at Radicchio Café.
On May 17, I was honored to be part of the graduation ceremony for the third annual Voorhees Citizens Police Academy Class.
On May 19, the annual Animal Welfare Association “Paws and Feet 5k Race and Doggie Fun Day” was held at Cooper River Park. Hundreds of animal lovers supported the AWA’s mission of helping pets and people.
On May 20, the 10th annual Alicia Rose Victorious 5K Run/Walk” had more than 300 participants raising money to install teen lounges in hospitals throughout the world.
On May 23, I participated in “Steered Straight” at Voorhees Middle School. The compelling program educates parents and raises awareness about drug addiction.
On the evening of May 24, I enjoyed being part of a panel representing all levels of government at a town hall meeting in Voorhees. Other representatives included Freeholder Susan Shin Angulo, Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt, Senator Jim Beach and Congressman Donald Norcross.
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 a guest speaker at the Annual Kirkwood Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, which honor the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
During the entire Memorial Day weekend, the Voorhees Soccer Association held its 36th annual Voorhees Memorial Day Tournament.
Hundreds of teens from all over the east coast converged on our community to enjoy soccer. Their parents enjoyed great food and a “Beer Garden” at the Voorhees Town Center.
On the evening of May 30, I joined a huge crowd at Connolly Park for the “Voorhees Schools Color Fun Run” to raise money for enhancement of our schools.
On June 3, the Voorhees Arts Council presented its quarterly youth program, “Wild Animals and Photography” to educate children about photographing wild animals and pets with phones and cameras while learning how to protect wild animals with photography.
On June 8, I cut the ribbon for the Grand Opening of Cheers Wine and Spirits Liquor Store at the corner of Route 73 and Cooper Road. Check it out!
On the morning of June 9, I was part of the Philippine Independence Picnic Celebration at Cooper River Park. Hundreds enjoyed a daylong celebration of the Filipino heritage. Later in the day, I was honored to be part of the Voorhees Senior Club’s annual luncheon.
On the evening of June 11, I spoke at a fundraiser at The Mansion called “Right in our Backyard,” an addiction awareness program started by Gregg Wolfe, in memory of his son, Justin, who lost his life to heroin addiction. All proceeds went to the JFCS of Southern New Jersey. Later that evening, the Voorhees Township Committee was presented a plaque in appreciation of our annual support of the Bike MS City to Shore Ride. Last year, the event raised $6 million to fight MS.
On the afternoon of June 15, I was honored to participate in Eastern High School’s 52nd annual graduation ceremonies. Congratulations to the Class of 2018!
On June 20, the Voorhees Township Police Department held a ceremony honoring the second graduating class of our Law Enforcement Against Drug (LEAD) Program, which promotes positive, healthy relationships as well as a resistance to substance abuse and conflict. That afternoon, the VBA held its monthly luncheon meeting at Elena Wu. That evening, the Voorhees Arts Council hosted an evening of rock painting with Voorhees Rocks painter Julia Hossain.
On the gorgeous evening of June 21, we had a huge turnout at Connolly Park as “The 52nd Street Band” opened the 2018 Voorhees Summer Concert Series with a tribute to Billy Joel.
At our June 25 Voorhees Township Committee, we honored our 16 Schools Resource Officers and School Security Officers for keeping our children safe during the past school year. We also honored retiring K9 Bo and his partner officer Nicholas Gruber for their decade of service to our community. Happy retirement, Bo!
On the evening of June 27, I was proud to show off our “Restaurant Row” as host of the monthly dinner meeting of the Camden County Mayor’s Association held at Rodizo Grill.
On the evening of June 29, the VTPD presented a featured documentary entitled, “Dinkheller” at the VMS Theater. The film is a tribute to fallen Georgia Deputy Kyle Dinkheller who lost his life on duty 20 years ago. The documentary film was nominated for the best documentary feature at the New York City International Film Festival. Later in the evening, the Voorhees Arts Center and Gallery held its grand opening. The venue will feature the works of local artists and hold art classes. The Voorhees Art Center and Gallery is located at the Voorhees Town Center behind the food court.
Upcoming events include the “Smiles from Kara” 5k run/walk on Wednesday, July 11. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and the Run/Walk will start at 7 p.m. at Eastern Regional High School. The cost is $25 for registration before July 8, and $30 the day of the race. Proceeds will be used to provide financial assistance for sports registration fees, scholarships and donations to local charitable events.
On the morning of July 12, the new Aldi will hold its Grand Opening on Route 73. Check it out.
On July 18, the VBA will hold its monthly luncheon meeting at Elena Wu on “Restaurant Row.”
The second show in our Summer Concert Series will be Thursday, July 19 and will feature “Good Vibrations: A Celebration of the Beach Boys.” The show is free and starts at 7:30 p.m. at Connolly Park. A beer garden and food trucks will open at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, visit www.voorheesnj.com or call the show hotline at (856) 882-SHOW.
The VTPD will hold their fifth annual Junior Police Academy from July to 27. The program teaches our young people from the ages of 12 to 17 to appreciate and respect the duties of a police officer. Interested parents and applicants can contact Sgt. Eric Camm at (856) 882–1104 or at [email protected]. Applications and forms for the Jr. Police Academy can be found at vtpd.com/gpa.
This year, the Voorhees Theatre Company Summer Theatre Camp will feature “Shrek The Musical, Jr.” with performances on Aug. 1 at 10 a.m., Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 4 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The summer young adult show will be “Hairspray” with performances on Aug. 9, 10 and 11.
Our fourth annual National Night Out will be Tuesday, Aug. 7, beginning at 6 p.m. at Connolly Park. The VTPD does a great job in organizing this community event. The evening promotes police community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie while striving to make our neighborhoods safer. The residents get a chance to meet our police officers and enjoy carnival attractions, games, music, great food and more.
The third show in our Summer Concert Series will be on Thursday, Aug. 16, as we welcome Asbury Fever Band, recreating the popular Jersey Shore sounds of the 70s and 80s. The band includes a three-piece horn section and covers such artists as Bruce Springsteen, Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes, Bon Jovi, Little Steven and more. The free show is at Connolly Park and begins at 7:30 p.m. The beer garden and food truck opens at 6:30 p.m.
