Cherry Hill Township Council began its Feb. 28 meeting by recognizing Samost Jewish Federation of Children and Family Services’ Betsy and Peter Fischer Food Pantries as well as Greg DeShields for their work in the community.
The first proclamation on the food pantries explained that JFCS helps more than 10,000 people across the region annually and has expanded their new facility to include assistant case management, counseling suites, a nutrition kitchen, healing garden and more. The pantry provides nonperishable and personal care items to people in need across Camden, Gloucester and Burlington counties. In addition to their food pantry, the nonprofit also was recognized for their initiatives helping vulnerable community members.
“I know JFCS intimately and the people that work there and they do a fabulous job for the community and it’s really my pleasure and honor to give this proclamation to them,” said Councilwoman Jennifer Apell.
The second proclamation recognized Greg DeShields, who was recently awarded the Camden County Freedom Medal that is “presented to civic leaders who demonstrate ideals and actions that reflect the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” according to a press release.
DeShields has served on the boards for Boy Scouts of America, the African American Chamber of Commerce in PA, NJ and DE, the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Asian American Chamber of Commerce in Philadelphia and Skal international.
“On every volunteering board (DeShields) serves, he leads with intent and ensures everyone is welcome,” said Councilman William Carter.
Mayor Susan Shin Angulo took time to discuss the upcoming state-wide ban on single-use bags starting on May 4.
“The best way to prepare for this change is to make it a habit now,” Shin Angulo said. “By bringing your reusable bags with you whenever you go to the grocery store or the store together, we can help our community be more sustainable, cleaner and better prepared for the future ahead.”
For more information on Cherry Hill’s Bag Up initiative, visit https://www.chnj.gov/1351/Bag-Up-Cherry-Hill.
The mayor and council also acknowledged the ongoing war in Ukraine and noted that their thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainian people who are fighting for their country, democracy and their lives.
In other news;
- The township added Audubon Park and Mount Laurel to the Cherry Hill Cooperative Pricing System, which allows for the collective to use purchasing power to bring down the cost of bids for goods and services like paper, emergency repairs of infrastructure, and disposal and composting of yard waste.
- The council appointed Joseph DiSalvo to the Zoning Board of Adjustment
- The township accepted a $10,000 Emergency Management Performance subgrant to improve emergency management prevention and protection against catastrophic events like natural disasters and acts of terrorism.
- Council passed two resolutions for the 2019 and 2020 road maintenance program to allow the town to pave both sides of a road while PSE&G is conducting roadway restoration. During caucus, Business Administrator Erin Gill clarified that the engineering department, in conjunction with the contractors, will use discretion on which roads need to be repaved and that there is flexibility when it happens to avoid paving a road that would have to be dug up again by PSE&G, NJ American Water or South Jersey Gas.
The next council meeting will be held on March 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Cherry Hill Township Municipal Building. It will also be available remotely.
