News & Events

In Voorhees Township, we acknowledge our differences, we embrace our differences and we 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. Voorhees was the first community in South Jersey to establish such an important group.

The Diversity Committee fosters community relations, encouragement of greater respect and understanding between people, recognition of racial, ethnic, religious and cultural diversity, and promotion of tolerance and mutual respect among neighbors.

The Committee is empowered to provide a forum that will encourage input from our culturally diverse citizen groups and, to that end, hosts monthly meetings on the first Monday of each month at Town Hall, attended by Committeeperson and liaison Jackie Fetbroyt, who reports between the VCDC and the Township. The VCDC also seeks ways to advocate and assist in the development of continuing education programs and outreach to the community to place the issue of diversity before our citizens in a positive manner.

Last year, the VCDC hosted several speakers and a very important and timely forum to encourage communication and information exchange regarding the Israel-Hamas War, enjoyed a potluck dinner, and participated in a variety of town-sponsored events such as the Holiday Tree Lighting and National Night Out. The VCDC hosted International Day in October, with over 500 attendees, cultural performances, ethnic food, vendors and crafts.

The Education Outreach Subcommittee was formed and collaborates with our Voorhees schools. The VCDC also offered four scholarships to Eastern Regional High School seniors.

This year, the VCDC is expanding its education outreach and working with local students to collaborate on International Day and other events. It plans to host Voorhees’ first Juneteenth celebration on June 15, and other panels and events, including trips to historical sites and museums such as the Holocaust Museum, the Peter Mott Underground Railroad Museum and the newly built BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville.  The VCDC is especially excited to launch its own Facebook social media page to provide information to our community and reach even more people.  For more information, contact Chairperson Stephanie Fisher at (609)841-2727.

 

** The Animal Welfare Association is hosting a 5K Run/Walk and Doggie Fun Day on May 4 at the Voorhees Town Center. The event runs from 9am-2pm. The 5K kicks off at 9am. Activities include Tiger Belly Bounce Vet for a Day, Wags & Wiggles Classes, Power Wheels Ride on Cars, an Action Karate Demo, Face Painting and more.  For more information, visit www.awanj.org/paws-and-fee-5k-run-walk-doggie-fun-day/

** The Voorhees Township Police Foundation is hosting their 8^th Annual Benefit Car Show on Saturday, May 18 from 11am-3pm at the Voorhees Town Center. Proceeds benefit the PD K9 Unit and the Foundation.  Entry fee is $20 day of show, no pre-registration.  For more information, contact Chuck (856)904-4843, catalano112@verizon.net or Tom (856)524-2588, goatguytom@aol.com

** The Camden County Board of Elections needs poll workers for the upcoming elections. This year the Board of Elections is hiring employees 16 and over.

** Voorhees Township is once again partnering with Morey’s Piers to offer discounted tickets for their amusement piers located on the Boardwalk in Wildwood, NJ.  Tickets may be obtained in person from the office of the Voorhees Township Clerk (856) 429-7757 and are payable by cash only. Tickets are available to residents and non-residents.

 

 

 

Voorhees Township has an ordinance that prohibits smoking, vaping and all electronic smoking devices on all Township owned land. Although cannabis usage is now legal, this ordinance includes the prohibition of smoking cannabis on all Township owned property.

 

Studies have shown that breathing environmental tobacco smoke is a significant health hazard for children, the elderly, and individuals with cardiovascular disease, impaired respiratory function and asthma. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), a class A carcinogen. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, SHS aggravates and increases the risk of chronic diseases including asthma, allergies, heart disease, pneumonia, emphysema, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis and diabetes.Secondhand smoke causes nearly 34,000 premature deaths from heart disease each year in the United States among adults who do not smoke.

 

The Township Committee believes that the general health and well-being of our residents is a top priority and this prohibition benefits everyone. It is in our best interest to refer to all Township owned land as “Smoke Free Zones.”

 

The ordinance bans smoking within the boundaries of any Voorhees Township owned land or any property which is owned, maintained or in the possession of the Township, including all parks, playgrounds, active and passive recreational facilities, the Municipal Complex, Police Department, Fire Department and the Department of Public Works.  Any person found to be in violation of this ordinance will be issued a Summons and subject to a fine of $100 to $150 for the first offense, $150 to $250 for the second offense and $300 to $500 for any subsequent offense.

 

This smoking ban covers all parks, including Connolly Park, Giangiulio Sports Complex, Maiaroto Sports Complex, Rabinowitz Sports Complex, Lions Lake Complex, Kirkwood Sports Park, John Hale Memorial Park, Lake Villa Playground, Round Hill Road Playground, Sandpiper Drive Playground, Sheppard Road Basketball Courts, Stafford Woods and the open space portion of the Stafford Farm.

 

Voorhees is proud to join communities throughout the state and nation in instituting such a ban to protect the health of our families.

 

 

** Voorhees Township kicks off its entertainment season with “Live Jazz Night” on April 26 at 6:30pm in the Town Center Food Court.  The Budesa Brothers and Jerry Tanenbaum are back by popular demand. For more information, email Stella Sytnik ssytnik@voorheesnj.com or call the Show Hotline (856)882-SHOW.

** The Voorhees Art Commission presents “Classics by Candlelight,” a free concert featuring the South Garden Strings quartet on Saturday, May 2 at 7pm at the Voorhees Town Center, Black Box Theater, 1st floor. For more information, contact Gabby Horvitz at www.ghvsplayers.com or call (609)781-4409.

** The Animal Welfare Association is hosting a 5K Run/Walk and Doggie Fun Day on May 4 at the Voorhees Town Center. The event runs from 9am-2pm. The 5K kicks off at 9am. Activities include Tiger Belly Bounce Vet for a Day, Wags & Wiggles Classes, Power Wheels Ride on Cars, an Action Karate Demo, Face Painting and more.  For more information, visit www.awanj.org/paws-and-fee-5k-run-walk-doggie-fun-day/

 

** The Voorhees Township Police Foundation is hosting their 8th Annual Benefit Car Show on Saturday, May 18 from 11am-3pm at the Voorhees Town Center. Proceeds benefit the PD K9 Unit and the Foundation.  Entry fee is $20 day of show, no pre-registration.  For more information, contact Chuck (856)904-4843, catalano112@verizon.net or Tom (856)524-2588, goatguytom@aol.com

 

** The Camden County Board of Elections needs poll workers for the upcoming elections. This year the Board of Elections is hiring employees 16 and over.

 

After years of planning and construction, Bill Green’s vision came true when he officially opened Saddlehill Cellars Winery& Vineyards at Stafford Farm on April 10!

Green has invested significant funds to improve and beautify the site to make it a community destination.  

“I bought this thing knowing I was going to have to put more into it. If my name is on it, or my family name is on it, we want to make it special for our family as well as for the community,” Green said.  He views Stafford Farm as a “generational asset” for his children and grandchildren. “This is not to fix it up and sell it in a few years for a profit. This is a passion project for me and my family.”

Green is a “local boy” who grew up in Marlton, then raised his family first in Voorhees then in Cherry Hill.  A successful entrepreneur and author of several books, Green bought the 248-year-old 70-acre agricultural portion of the Stafford Farm on March 5, 2021.  The other 70 acres of Stafford Farm have been preserved as open space for over two decades by Voorhees Township in partnership with Camden County and the state.

Green is only the fourth owner of the land since 1773, when Gen. George Washington gave the land to his personal guard, Lt. John Stafford. The Stafford Family initially grew corn and potatoes on the land and later focused on growing hay and developing harness racing.

The land has always been a beautiful and scenic gateway to our community.  

Green said the vineyards are primed to produce premium quality grapes. Winemaker Peter Szerdahelyi brings his wealth of experience to create a portfolio of wines. Overlooking the vineyards, farm, pasture and flower gardens, the spacious tasting room is ready for visitors who can enjoy a relaxing wine pairing with food from the farmhouse kitchen in one of the indoor or outdoor seating areas. The tasting room offers a beautiful place to unwind and enjoy world-class wine, food or a tour of the vineyard.

Embracing the spirit of giving has always been a core principle for Bill and his wife Amy.  Their commitment to those in need is interwoven into the very fabric of Saddlehill.  The land grants them the opportunity to provide an educating and nurturing environment for children and young adults.  The farm includes alpacas and horses.  

Guided by their passion and under Amy’s leadership, they are eager to join hands with nonprofit organizations to make a positive impact.  The Saddlehill Foundation serves as their philanthropic arm, fostering partnerships with non-profit organizations that share their vision of social responsibilities.  Their flagship program is the Sprouting Connections Partnership, which brings the joy of the farm to children and young adults with special needs.

Through engaging activities, Sprouting Connections participants will explore and experience the benefits of:

The positive impact of the Sprouting Connections Program will be evident in the smiles, connections, and sense of well-being that will be cultivated on the farm.

We are thrilled that Saddlehill has also become a Silver Sponsor of the Voorhees Township Citizens Event Foundation, a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote and celebrate community experiences throughout Voorhees Township.

Visit this new Voorhees gem called Saddlehill and explore everything it has to offer.  Schedule a vineyard tour and enjoy the firsthand experience of the beautiful world class winery right in our backyard.

For more information or to purchase wine, visit https://saddlehill.com

** The Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club, in conjunction with Voorhees Township School District, presents artwork by students with autism on April 20 from 10am-4pm at the Town Center inside the mall. Enjoy art displays, a live piano performance and food. For more information, call Alan Stein at 609-320-7876 or email alanfsrotary@gmail.com

** Voorhees Township kicks off its entertainment season with “Live Jazz Night” on April 26 at 6:30pm in the Town Center Food Court.  The Budesa Brothers and Jerry Tanenbaum are back by popular demand. For more information, email Stella Sytnik ssytnik@voorheesnj.com  or call the Show Hotline (856)882-SHOW.

** The Animal Welfare Association is hosting a 5K Run/Walk and Doggie Fun Day on May 4 at the Voorhees Town Center. The event runs from 9am-2pm. The 5K kicks off at 9am. Activities include Tiger Belly Bounce Vet for a Day, Wags & Wiggles Classes, Power Wheels Ride on Cars, an Action Karate Demo, Face Painting and more.  For more information, visit www.awanj.org/paws-and-fee-5k-run-walk-doggie-fun-day/

** The Voorhees Township Police Foundation is hosting their 8thAnnual Benefit Car Show on Saturday, May 18 from 11am-3pm at the Voorhees Town Center. Proceeds benefit the PD K9 Unit and the Foundation.  Entry fee is $20 day of show, no pre-registration.  For more information, contact Chuck (856)904-4843, catalano112@verizon.net or Tom (856)524-2588, goatguytom@aol.com

** The Camden County Board of Elections needs poll workers for the upcoming elections. This year the Board of Elections is hiring employees 16 and over.

Spring has arrived, and I encourage all to get outside and enjoy our wonderful Voorhees parks.

Connolly Park, located on Centennial Blvd., is a 49-acre oasis.  Acquired by the Township in 2001, it contains two dog runs, one for large dogs and one for small dogs, a half-mile lighted walking and jogging track that includes workout stations, a large grass field for multi-sport usage, a cricket pitch with synthetic turf, an open-air picnic pavilion adjacent to the playground with picnic tables and a tot-lot. Connolly Park is also the home of our Summer Concert Series.

Lions Lake Park is located on Dutchtown Road off of Route 73 and has a community banquet facility.  There is a playground with an adjacent open-air pavilion with picnic tables.  It is also home to the Voorhees Girls Softball Association, with four fields which are fully lit.

Kirkwood Park, located along Laurel Oak Road behind the Holiday Inn Express, has a lighted softball field, paved walking path, three full basketball courts which were recently resurfaced, a children’s playground, a multi-purpose field, two bocce ball courts, picnic tables and restrooms. The Township also permanently preserved the adjacent 14-acre Kirkwood Forest, enhancing and ensuring the beauty of this natural setting.

The Maiaroto Sports Complex, located on Echelon Road, is home to the Voorhees Soccer Association and host to the Annual Memorial Day Soccer Tournament, one of the largest in the country.  The complex includes seven fields, including three with artificial turf, and recently expanded and improved the lighting.  It also offers two pickleball courts, a tennis court, and a full basketball court, as well as a fully operational snack bar with restrooms.

Home of the Gibbsboro Voorhees Athletic Association (GVAA) is the Rabinowitz Baseball Complex, located along KressonRoad, with six fenced baseball fields. “Sprinturf Diamonds” have been installed on the Babe Ruth and Majors fields.  New LED field lighting was added to the AA field this year.  Four of the fields are fully lit.  The complex also includes a children’s playground with swings as well as a snack bar and restrooms.

Eastern Junior Vikings Football and Cheer, as well as Voorhees Lacrosse Inc., use the Giangiulio Recreation Complex located along Victor Blvd. The complex includes a lighted athletic field with synthetic turf which is used year-round.  A new lacrosse wall with the Voorhees Lacrosse logo was installed last year.  In addition, there is a baseball field with lights and a fenced playground. Giangiulio also includes a snack bar and restrooms.

John Hale, Sr. Memorial Park is at the site of the former Voorhees Township Department of Public Works sewer plant on West End Avenue in the Ashland section of town.  In partnership with the Ashland Residential Coalition (ARC) and with a grant from the Camden County Open Space Advisory Board, a playground with swings and a picnic pavilion were installed. This park connects to Ashland Woods, a 20-acre tract of forest permanently preserved by the Township.

The historic 140-acre Stafford Farm was acquired by Voorhees Township in 2004, in partnership with the County and State. Half of the property will always be preserved as open space.  It is home to the Stafford stagecoach walking trail and a disc golf course. The other half is permanently preserved for agricultural/farming use. In March 2021, the agricultural portion was purchased by Bill Green who invested significant funds to improve the site which is now known as Saddlehill Winery & Vineyards. Saddlehill’s Grand Opening will be on April 10.

The neighborhood playgrounds maintained by the Township are Green Ridge Playground on Round Hill Road, Elliot Playground on Elliot Drive in the Beagle Club, Sandpiper Playground on Willowbrook Way in the Avian Section and Cornell Drive Playground in Lake Villa.  A pickleball court was added to the Green Ridge Playground.  Voorhees also maintains one full-court and two half-court basketball courts at the Sheppard Road Basketball Park located off of Centennial Blvd.

The Township Committee will continue to work to improve our park system.  All of our parks are smoke free and maintained without the use of pesticides.

** The Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club, in conjunction with Voorhees Township School District, presents artwork by students with autism on April 20 from 10am-4pm in the Town Center inside the mall. Enjoy art displays, a live piano performance and food. For more information, call Alan Stein at 609-320-7876 or email alanfsrotary@gmail.com

** Voorhees Township kicks off its entertainment season with “Live Jazz Night” on April 26 at 6:30pm in the Town Center Food Court.  The Budesa Brothers and Jerry Tanenbaum are back by popular demand. For more information, email Stella Sytnik ssytnik@voorheesnj.com  or call the Show Hotline (856)882-SHOW.

** The Animal Welfare Association is hosting a 5K Run/Walk and Doggie Fun Day on May 4 at the Voorhees Town Center. The whole event runs from 9am-2pm. The 5K kicks off at 9am. Activities include Tiger Belly Bounce Vet for a Day, Wags & Wiggles Classes, Power Wheels Ride on Cars, Action Karate Demo, Face Painting and more.  For more information, visit www.awanj.org/paws-and-fee-5k-run-walk-doggie-fun-day/

** The Voorhees Township Police Foundation is hosting their 8thAnnual Benefit Car Show on Saturday, May 18 from 11am-3pm at the Voorhees Town Center. Proceeds benefit the PD K9 Unit and the Foundation.  Entry fee is $20 day of show, no pre-registration.  For more information, contact Chuck (856)904-4843, catalano112@verizon.net or Tom (856)524-2588, goatguytom@aol.com

** The Camden County Board of Elections needs poll workers for the upcoming elections. This year the Board of Elections is hiring employees 16 and over.

$300 for the day from 5am – 9pm
Tuesday, June 4 (Primary Election)
Tuesday, Nov. 5 (General Election)

For more information, call (856) 401-8683

 

The Voorhees Theatre Company (VTC) is a non-profit community theatre based at the Voorhees Middle School Theater.  The mission of the VTC is to offer performance and educational opportunities to artists on stage and behind the scenes and to bring audiences professional-caliber performances within and beyond the walls of the theater.  VTC is well known for educating and nurturing young performers and for offering performance and theatre opportunities to local artists of all ages. VTC offers a safe harbor to all participants who want to explore the arts.

Since forming in 2002, VTC has staged a wide variety of productions, including Peter Pan, Footloose, Elf the Musical Jr., Little Shop of Horrors, Hairspray, Shrek the Musical Jr., Beauty and the Beast, The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Lion King Jr., Mary Poppins, Godspell, Annie Jr., The Music Man, The Wedding Singer, The Little Mermaid Jr., Into the Woods and Seussical..

One of the most successful programs of VTC has been the Summer Theatre Camp held at the Voorhees Middle School. The camp offers a complete theatrical experience. The camp provides instructions in all aspects of performing and the opportunity for participants to perform in a musical production at the end of the camp season.

The camp is open to children entering 3rd grade through 8th grade as of Sept. 2024. This year’s show will be You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, and performances will be held on Wednesday, July 31 at 10 AM, Thursday, Aug. 1 at 10 AM and 7:30 PM, Friday, Aug. 2 at 7:30 PM and Saturday, Aug. at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM.

The Summer Adult Show will be Legally Blonde: The Musical.

To learn more about VTC, including information about upcoming shows, the Summer Theatre Camp, as well as available scholarships, visit voorheestheatre.org or call (856) 206-3554.

Voorhees is proud to have the Voorhees Theatre Company provide a stage for the stars and future stars of our community.

 

** The Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club, in conjunction with Voorhees Township School District, presents artwork by students with autism on April 20 from 10am-4pm in the Town Center inside the mall. Enjoy art displays, a live piano performance and food. For more information, call Alan Stein at 609-320-7876 or email alanfsrotary@gmail.com

 

** Voorhees Township kicks off its entertainment season with “Live Jazz Night” on April 26 at 6:30pm in the Town Center Food Court.  The Budesa Brothers and Jerry Tanenbaum are back by popular demand. For more information, email Stella Sytnik ssytnik@voorheesnj.com  or call the Show Hotline (856)882-SHOW.

** The Animal Welfare Association is hosting a 5K Run/Walk and Doggie Fun Day on May 4 at the Voorhees Town Center. The whole event runs from 9am-2pm. The 5K kicks off at 9am. Activities include Tiger Belly Bounce Vet for a Day, Wags & Wiggles Classes, Power Wheels Ride on Cars, Action Karate Demo, Face Painting and more.  For more information, visit www.awanj.org/paws-and-fee-5k-run-walk-doggie-fun-day/

** The Voorhees Township Police Foundation is hosting their 8^th Annual Benefit Car Show on Saturday, May 18 from 11am-3pm at the Voorhees Town Center. Proceeds benefit the PD K9 Unit and the Foundation.  Entry fee is $20 day of show, no pre-registration.  For more information, contact Chuck (856)904-4843, catalano112@verizon.net or Tom (856)524-2588, goatguytom@aol.com

** The Camden County Board of Elections needs poll workers for the upcoming elections. This year the Board of Elections is hiring employees 16 and over.

$300 for the day from 5am – 9pm
Tuesday, June 4 (Primary Election)
Tuesday, Nov. 5 (General Election)

For more information, call (856) 401-8683

 

“Women’s Day is not about applauding women for being good mothers, sisters, wives, daughters. It is about recognizing that this is the actual problem. Because this applause doesn’t serve women. This applause ensures women serve men.” – Farida D., author

This was a tough one for me. Those of you who know me know I enjoy applauding others’ accomplishments, especially women. I’m a consummate cheerleader. Still, this quote from author Farida D. resonates. Why?

March marks Women’s History Month, a month dedicated to honoring the achievements and contributions of women throughout American history. It is a time to recognize that without the pivotal roles women have played in fields such as science, business, sports, literature, art, and law, our community and nation wouldn’t be the same. These contributions of women have often been overlooked, hence the significance of learning the names and faces of women change-makers and recognizing the courageousness of these women to stand up to forces aimed at discrediting them.

But, reflecting on Farida D.’s quote, I am suddenly aware that recognition and celebration aren’t enough. This month, and every month, I ask you to join me in finding ways to not only celebrate and honor women, but to support and empower them.  

Women have fought as heroes on our battlefield, invented life-changing medicines, led the effort to end slavery, created businesses, and fought to secure the right to vote. So, yes –March is a time to celebrate and be inspired by every woman who shapes our community. Let’s be sure we are all working to ensure women have the support and resources to continue contributing greatly to our society.

 

March is Women’s History Month. The National Women’s History Alliance has announced the women’s history theme for 2024 is “Inspire Inclusion,” which encourages diversity in the fight for gender equality.

On March 8, 1911, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Denmark, though the holiday was not widely celebrated in the United States until the United Nations began sponsoring it in 1975.

In 1977, to persuade school principals to comply with the recently passed Title IX, a task force in California created Women’s History Week to celebrate the accomplishments of women.

In March 1980, after celebrations had spread across the country, President Jimmy Carter declared that March 8 was officially the start of National Women’s History Week. That same year, Utah Senator Orrin Hatch and Maryland Representative Barbara Mikulski co-sponsored the first Joint Congressional Resolution declaring the week of March 8, 1981 as National Women’s History Week.

By 1987, Congress declared the entire month of March as Women’s History Month. Since then, every President has declared the month of March as Women’s History Month. In 2021, President Biden called upon all Americans to observe this month and to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2021, with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.  He also invited all Americans to visit WomensHistoryMonth.gov to learn more about the vital contribution of women in our nation’s history.

Women served our nation during World War II, led organizing and litigation efforts during the Civil Rights movement and represented the United States on the global stage in the fight for human rights, peace and security.  Far too often, their heroic efforts and stories have gone untold — especially the millions of black women, immigrant women and others from diverse communities who have strengthened America across every generation.

During the global pandemic, women continued to lead.  From vaccine researchers to public health officials to the countless heroines on the frontlines, women have been working tirelessly to defeat COVID-19.

2021 also marked a historic milestone of women’s leadership with the inauguration of America’s first woman Vice President, Kamala Harris.  In our community, I am proud to serve on the Voorhees Township Committee with two women who are role models, Deputy Mayor Michelle Nocito and Committeeperson Jacklyn Kassab Fetbroyt.  They will be sharing their thoughts in this column over the next two weeks.

 

 

** The Animal Welfare Association is now offering day camps from 9am-3pm on holidays and school breaks for children ages 7-14. The dates are March 29, April 1, 2, 3.  They will play educational games, make animal-related crafts, hear from special guests, peek behind the scenes of AWA and hang out with animals.  Register: https://give.awanj.org/kidsdayoffcamp2024

For more information, contact education@awanj.com or call 856-424-2288 x219

** The Animal Welfare Association is also offering Wags & Wiggles grown-up-and-me style classes for children ages 2-4 on March 26.  This program will teach all little animal lovers about animal safety, kindness and compassion.  Each class will last 45 minutes and includes instructor-led story time, a craft and developmentally age-appropriate activities focused around animals.   Register: https://give.awanj./wagswiggles2024

For more information, contact education@awanj.com or call 856-424-2288 x219

 

** The Voorhees Breakfast Rotary Club, in conjunction with Voorhees Township School District, presents artwork by students with autism on April 20 from 10am-4pm in the Town Center inside the mall. Enjoy art displays, a live piano performance and food. For more information, call Alan Stein at 609-320-7876 or email alanfsrotary@gmail.com

 

** The Camden County Board of Elections needs poll workers for the upcoming elections. This year the Board of Elections is hiring employees 16 and over.

$300 for the day from 5am – 9pm
Tuesday, June 4 (Primary Election)
Tuesday, Nov. 5 (General Election)

For more information, call (856) 401-8683