Mount Laurel council presented the winners of the 2023 holiday house contest, got a gift from a resident for its new municipal building and proclaimed Black History Month at its meeting on Feb. 5.
Township resident Paul Chenier began the session by presenting the township with a new flag for its recently opened municipal building at 750 Centerton Road.
“I was rather impressed,” Chenier said of the new building. “You did a great job getting that building ready, and I’m sure it’ll help serve (residents) needs for many years.”
He then explained that while he was at the new building, he noticed its walls were empty. So Chenier – who has carved many wooden pieces over the years and donated unique flags to local police, fire and EMS stations – carved an American-Mount Laurel flag to display. He was rewarded for his efforts with a gift card.
Mayor Fozia Janjua then announced the winners per category for the township’s house decorating contest, each of whom was awarded a gift basket, and commended all participants in the competition.
“I want to congratulate all of you on winning in your respective categories, but I also want to thank you for bringing the holiday spirit to Mount Laurel,” she noted. “Just driving around town and seeing your houses, it just lit up my face, and I’m sure it brought joy to a lot of our residents, so thank you.
“I know it’s not easy,” she added. “It’s a lot of effort to put the decorations up as well as take them down, but we do appreciate all of the work you did.”
The contest’s peoples choice award went to Vanessa Morrissey, council’s choice went to Kristie Kelly, the mayor’s choice to Mary Christ, the most creative to Mike Kilpatrick and best theme to Daryll Dickinson.
Janjua then read the resolution proclaiming February as Black History Month and its importance.
“Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements of the Black community and a time for recognizing their important role in our history, along with reflecting on the centuries of struggle they have faced,” the mayor read.
The proclamation stated that February has been nationally recognized as Black History Month since 1976. The observance is a call to action for society to become more educated on the heritage and history of Blacks Americans.
“Mount Laurel cherishes the value of each person and appreciates the importance of equality and freedom,” the document notes. “The observance of Black History Month calls our town’s attention to the continued need to battle racism and build a community that welcomes and supports every person and family, regardless of race.”
Janjua then presented the proclamation to the township’s first Black mayor, Councilman Kareem Pritchett.
“This is an honor,” Pritchett remarked. “Thank you very much. I’m really touched by this.”
The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 4, at 100 Mount Laurel Road.
