We are fortunate in Voorhees Township to have dedicated volunteers who give their time with no expectation of recognition or reward. On behalf of the other members of Township Committee, I thank those volunteers for their service to our community.
People such as our volunteer firefighters, youth sports coaches, scout leaders, theatre board members, animal welfare groups and environmental groups make Voorhees a better place in which to raise a family.
Our local government is privileged to have devoted volunteers, who serve on our various boards, committees and commissions, to help maintain the quality of life in our community.
Members of the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment are guided by the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law and the Voorhees Township Zoning Ordinance. Whenever a resident attempts to modify his or her real estate, change the use of it, subdivide it or build on it, permission must be obtained from the Planning Board or Zoning Board. These Boards ensure that the work being performed maintains our municipal and state standards. The Planning Board generally meets the second and fourth Wednesday of the month and the Zoning Board generally meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month.
Another volunteer group is the Environmental Commission, which meets the second Tuesday of every month. Among other roles, this Commission reviews certain development applications and provides advisory opinions and guidance to the governing body about potential environmental issues and concerns. Among other projects, this Commission oversees our “Green Team” which was awarded the Bronze Certification by Sustainable Jersey.
The Community and Economic Development Committee meets on the first Thursday of every month and works to sustain and increase businesses in our community. The Committee helped launch our successful Shop Voorhees Program, allowing a portion of your normal purchasing dollars spent on goods and services at participating Voorhees businesses to be applied to your property tax bill, thereby reducing your taxes at the end of the year. This year the Committee organized our first Home Based and Small Business Symposium attended by over 35 business owners. The CEDC also partners with the Voorhees Business Association and together created the Voorhees Business Retention and Expansion Task Force.
The Citizens Cultural and Diversity Advisory Committee meets the second Monday of every month and helps foster positive human relations through education and the encouragement of respect and understanding among our diverse population. The Committee provides an opportunity for input from citizens of all races, ethnicities and genders in developing programs leading to a greater understanding of the value of a diverse community. Among other events, the Committee sponsors an “International Day” every year to highlight and celebrate our community’s cultural diversity. This group presented a plaque and funds to purchase a K9 bulletproof vest to our Police Department at this month’s Township Committee meeting.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Pathway Committee works hard to promote our 10.5 miles of bike paths and bike safety for the benefit of our community. Their efforts helped the township get a grant for the installation of sidewalk along Kresson Road between Rabinowitz Field and School Lane, allowing for safer pedestrian travel between Kresson School and the baseball complex.
Finally, our Recreation Board serves as a partnership between our residents and our local government to provide our youth with opportunities to participate in a variety of sports on state-of-the-art playing fields.
Thanks to all!
**On Saturday, Aug. 27, the Cynergy Cycling Club will be hosting the first Voorhees Bike Rodeo. The event will teach kids from ages 5 to 14 foundational riding skills and help them to ride more safely and with more confidence. The Bike Rodeo is a free event and will be held in the parking lot behind Carmike Ritz 16 Theater on Laurel Oak Road. This event is sponsored by the Voorhees Police Department, Voorhees Breakfast Rotary, Columbia Bank, Virtua Health and the Ritz Shopping Center.
**On Saturday, Aug. 27, see the Armored Combat League “Battle for the ATLANTIC CUP” at the Coliseum, 333 Preston Ave. Teams from New York, Philadelphia and Washington will be battling with Swords, Axes and more in this International Medieval Combat League competition. The event starts at 6 p.m., tickets are available at http://www.FightersTix.com.
**A reminder that the deadline to submit applications for this year’s addition to the Voorhees Veterans Wall of Honor is August 31. Information about the Wall and the application may be found on the homepage of our website at www.voorheesnj.com or obtained in the Municipal Clerk’s Office at Town Hall.
**GVAA Fall Baseball Registration is now open. The cost is $50 for your child to play fall ball. Team assignments will be made right after Labor Day, with the fall season starting around the weekend of September 12. Sign your child up at https://gvaabaseball.sportngin.com/register/form/402680573.
** Voorhees Township is offering discounted tickets to Morey’s Piers in Wildwood. Tickets are available in the Municipal Clerk’s Office at Voorhees Town Hall. Prices vary according to the type of ticket and several options are available to residents and non-residents. Voorhees also offers discounted tickets to Clementon Lake Park via our online services. For more information about tickets or to order online, visit www.voorheesnj.com.
