Mayor’s Column

Mayor’s Column

We should acknowledge our differences, embrace our differences and celebrate our differences until differences make no difference at all.

In 2007, the Voorhees Township Committee established the Citizens Cultural and Diversity Advisory Committee to recognize and promote racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity in our community. We were the first community in South Jersey to establish such an important group.

The Diversity Committee fosters human relations through education and encouragement of respect and understanding among the diverse population of Voorhees Township. The Committee provides an opportunity for input from all residents in developing programs leading to greater understanding and values of our diverse community.

Camden County has now established a Cultural Awareness Commission to further celebrate diversity. On Saturday, Oct. 13 from noon to 4 p.m., the Camden County Cultural Awareness Commission, along with the Board of Chosen Freeholders and Camden County College, will celebrate International Day at Camden County College, Blackwood Campus, 200 College Drive, Gloucester Township. The event is free and will include ethnic foods, cultural performances and educational programming for the entire family.

For more information about International Day, go to www.camdencounty.com or contact Stella Sytnik, Commission Chair at 856-287-8614.

Camden County and Voorhees are fortunate to be a “melting pot” of many races and cultures.

** The Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation will hold its 16th Annual Birthday Bash on Friday, Oct. 12 from 6:30 p.m. until midnight at Lucien’s Manor in Berlin. The Foundation furnishes Teen Lounges in hospitals to enhance the quality of life for teens with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Tickets are $160. For more information, call (856) 784-0615 or visit info@arvf.org.

** Voorhees Township’s Annual Halloween Festival will be held on Sun., Oct. 28 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Again this year the event will be held at The Voorhees Town Center. Take an old-fashioned hayride or pick a pumpkin from the Voorhees Business Association’s Pumpkin Patch. Candy and refreshments will be plentiful. Activities will include a Halloween Costume Parade, pumpkin painting and decorating, balloon artists, a Halloween themed magic show and face painting. The Voorhees Township Police Department will be providing Halloween safety tips and conducting a Kids’ I.D. card registration. For more information, visit www.voorheesnj.com or call 856-882-SHOW.

**Learn watercolor painting with artist Ann May Kelly at the Voorhees Arts Center & Gallery located in the Voorhees Town Center. Classes are 11a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday through Nov. 9. The cost is $15 per class + materials. For more information contact Marianne Leone at www.sustainablevoorhees.org or call 609-315-6218.