Deptford Township council recognized the accomplishments and community dedication of three people at its meeting on March 6.
Awards went to the citizen and business of the month, as well as to Cub Scout Pack 7062 for its performance in recent Pinewood Derby races.
Citizen of the month was presented to Deptford Middle School guidance counselor Laura Fortson-Williams, who was the New Jersey School Counselor of the Year for 2022. She was recognized for that accomplishment at a January board of education meeting.
“Not only are we honoring Laura tonight, but this is also a sign of the cooperation between the school district and town council,” said Mayor Paul Medany. “We’ve been working very well together over the years with the school board and school administration, and we’ve certainly lifted Deptford up.”
Business of the month was awarded to the township’s Mission BBQ for its work with the community, veterans and the police and fire departments. Two of its representatives accepted the council certificate.
“You’re really one of the most outstanding businesses in Deptford Township,” Medany told the representatives. “That’s a fact. That’s because of you and all of your team. They come to our barbecues, and they donate things.
“I really can’t speak enough about it.”
Pack 7062’s awards were earned in the derby, a toy car racing competition where families make their own vehicles and race them down a track, with help from gravity. Scouts from grades kindergarten to fifth were present at the meeting – complete with uniforms and some of the contest’s toy cars – and cited for their work and dedication in front of their families and council.
“We have a great group of leaders and parents,” noted the pack Committee Chair Sharon Galda.
“I just want to say congratulations to the business and citizen of the month, and I would like to acknowledge the Pinewood Derby winners,” said councilwoman Mackenzie Belling. “I always thought that was so cool when I was a kid, and I just enjoy recognizing those kinds of things.”
