Hello Voorhees. As Township Committee continues to navigate through these unprecedented times striving to protect and assist our residents within the ever-changing state of emergency regulations set forth by our Governor, we have some additional updates for you. We wanted to explain the latest Executive Orders and their effect on the residents of Voorhees, and also share with you how you can help us spread some cheer in our community this week.

Executive Order 130 allows municipalities to extend the grace period for payment of the second quarter property taxes to June 1, 2020. The Township Committee held a special meeting to review this Executive Order and understanding the benefit it may provide to some residents, we unanimously agreed to adopt Voorhees Township Resolution 113-20 extending the grace period for this quarter’s property tax payment to June 1, 2020. Please understand and take note that the Executive Order mandates that taxes paid after the June 1 grace period will have interest charged retroactively back to May 1.

Executive Order 133 takes effect on Saturday, May 2, 2020, and partially reversed the closing of state parks and forests allowing fishing, hunting, boating, canoeing, hiking, walking, running or jogging, biking, birding and horseback riding. The state parks and forests remain closed for all picnic areas, playgrounds, exercise stations and equipment, chartered watercraft services rentals, swimming, pavilions, restrooms and other facilities including visitor centers, interpretive centers and interior historical sites. This Executive Order also recommends that all employees and visitors of state parks and forests wear face covering and maintaining social distancing. Organized or contact activities or sports are also not allowed.

In compliance with the Governor’s orders, Voorhees Township Parks will reopen following the same restrictions mandated in Executive Order 133. The dog parks, playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, exercise stations and bocce courts will remain closed.

As I continue to assist with many of the responsibilities of the Mayor, be assured that the members of the Township Committee and I will remain vigilant in reviewing the multitude of state and federal changes relative to what we are and are not allowed to do during this time. We are learning of various plans being developed to systematically move us back to a more normal life. As the Governor has stated, data determines dates. Thank you for your continued sacrifice and patience and stay tuned for additional updates.

Our Mayor’s condition continues to improve, and we are anxious for him to resume his work here in the Township. We know he reads this column, so again we share this message: We Miss You Mayor Mike!

As a mother, I empathize with the families across our country who have children missing milestone celebrations and traditions. I was the first person in my family to graduate high school and college, so I know first-hand what these types of accomplishments mean to students and their parents. Therefore, Township Committee is declaring May 9-16 Celebration of Graduates Week. We are encouraging all residents to decorate their doors with Congratulations messages for our graduates in town. From pre-school to college, we want to recognize the efforts of our students and their hard-working parents. Please decorate your doors and send us your pictures to share. Spreading good will brings our community much needed joy at this time and helps us salute our graduates. We will continue to explore additional celebratory options as appropriate and hope to be able to participate in larger community-based events in the future when safely allowable.

To the Class of 2020, don’t let the rushed goodbyes and abrupt pivot in your academic path define your educational journey. Look instead to the unique sense of camaraderie you and your peers share. Find solace in the resiliency you are demonstrating to the rest of us and know that your efforts and accomplishments will not go unnoticed. We celebrate you today and will continue advocate to give you the celebration you have earned.

Stay Healthy. Stay Connected. Stay Hopeful.