MAYOR’S COLUMN

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 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. 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, for the second time, was awarded the Silver Certification by Sustainable Jersey. The silver level is the highest level awarded by the State.

The Business Development Committee meets the first Thursday of every month and works to maintain and increase business 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 Committee makes presentations at area chamber of commerce events and business expos to attract businesses to our community.

The Business Improvement District is a volunteer group of business owners and tenants located in the Voorhees Town Center that work with the ownership of the VTC to attract new business and help existing businesses thrive.

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.

The Voorhees Arts Council is comprised of local artists and art supporters who develop art programs and art/cultural educational events. This group assists in the operation of the Voorhees Arts Center located in the Voorhees Town Center.

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Pathway Committee works hard to promote our over 11 miles of bike paths and bike safety for the benefit of our community.

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!

** The Voorhees Arts Council is offering a Holiday Stress Relief Gift Workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in the Voorhees Art Center located in the Voorhees Town Center. Each participant will be able to make artisan soap, a fancy candle and customized bath salts. This event is also BYOB so you are welcomed to bring some wine, they say one is more creative with a glass in your hand. The cost is $20 and includes all materials, space is limited. For more information or to reserve a seat call 609-315-6218 or visit marianne@marianneleone.com.,

** The Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club will be holding their annual Voorhees Township Community Service Awards Dinner on Thursday, Jan. 23 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Lucien’s Manor. The Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club will honor their Community Service Award recipients for 2019, including Voorhees Business the Year, the Voorhees Citizen of the Year, the Voorhees First Responder of the Year and the Voorhees Selfless Student of the Year. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.Voorheesbreakfastrotary.org.