A Message from Mayor Susan Shin Angulo |
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Dear Neighbor:
I’m pleased to announce that Town Hall and Public Works will fully reopen to the public on Monday, June 21, following the successful soft reopening of the tax office in May. As part of reopening preparations, and with continued guidance from Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders and the CDC regarding unvaccinated individuals, areas where the public interacts with Township employees have been outfitted with clear plastic barriers, and residents are asked to wear a mask when inside Town Hall and Public Works.
As always, residents are encouraged to save time and continue to take advantage of the Township’s convenient, online options to conduct business and access services with the Township, like applying for permits, paying tax or sewer bills, or reporting concerns like fallen trees and potholes, among others.
Following the reopening, Township Council will also return to in-person meetings in the N. John Amato Council Chambers (Room 208) of Town Hall, beginning in July. More information regarding the meetings and about virtual public participation options will be made available prior to the meeting.
I hope you can join us next Saturday, June 19, for the first annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival presented by the Cherry Hill African American Civic Association at Croft Farm. Juneteenth refers to June 19, 1865, the day enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been freed by Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation two years prior. While it is the oldest national holiday that celebrates the end of slavery, Juneteenth has only recently become more well-known across the country, and is now being celebrated by an increasing number of communities nationwide.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Caldwell Rd and Park Blvd. and will feature a variety of participants, including the NJ Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, the South Jersey Street Legend Car Club, African Stilt Walkers, local Scouts, churches, churches, members of the Cherry Hill Human Relations Advisory Committee, and other organizations and performers. Following the parade, the festival will be held at Croft Farm with vendors, performers, food trucks, music, and more. To learn more, click here.
And finally, I'd like to congratulate the Class of 2021! Although this year was another difficult year, your resilience has been inspiring. We know you will do great things in the future.
Please continue to stay safe.
Sincerely,
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Town Hall Closing Early in Honor of 156th Anniversary of Juneteenth |
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In honor and celebration of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, Cherry Hill Town Hall will be closing at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 18.
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Trash and Recycling Delays |
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The ongoing, regional shortage of truck drivers is causing repeated delays in Republic Services’ trash and recycling pick up across Cherry Hill, an issue that many towns in South Jersey are facing at the moment. We ask for your patience and understanding as Republic Services works to get everyone’s trash, recycling and yard waste picked up as soon as possible.
Trash, recycling and yard waste collection will continue on Saturday, June 12th with Republic Services utilizing all available resources to complete collection in delayed areas. Please keep your waste curbside for this pickup. The township continues to work with Republic Services to restore these collection services to our standard schedule. Please continue to check the township’s website and Facebook page for daily updates about pickups and delays.
For questions or concerns with waste pick up, contact Public Works at (856) 424-4422.
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Councilwoman Attends National Trails Day at Croft Farm |
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On Saturday, June 5, Cherry Hill Township had about 40 volunteers meet at Croft Farm to help improve the Cherry Hill Trail System and the natural lands where they traverse. Councilwoman Sangeeta Doshi provided opening remarks for this national level event that Cherry Hill has participated in for at least a decade. She thanked the Cherry Hill Environmental Board (CHEB) volunteers who participated, and the Township’s Recreation and Public Works Departments for supporting the event.
Coordinated by CHEB, an all-volunteer Township organization, teams were assigned to various projects by CHEB’s Chair, Lew Gorman III.
Milkweed plants were added to the new Dog Park perimeter at Croft Farm Trails to help Monarch butterflies, while invasive species were cut at Downs Farm Trails to protect native trees. Another team closed off an unofficial and unwanted path at Bortons Mill Trails to lessen the impact on the forest while making trail maintenance more sustainable. A small stream was deepened on the Nature Trail at Croft Farm to prevent flooding at the small bridge that spans the stream. Litter and trash were removed from both Croft Farm Trails and Bortons Mill Trails along Brace and Kresson Roads. Loads of stone were laboriously wheelbarrowed to the Nature Trail at Croft Farm Trails to improve the trail surface and protect tree roots. One of the Cherry Hill Trail System’s most popular trails, this one has experienced significant increase in use, especially since the Covid pandemic started. About 54 feet of trail was stabilized, with more work to do.
None of this could have been accomplished without the efforts, concern and interest of the volunteers who braved hot temperatures and hard physical work to make a difference for Cherry Hill’s Natural lands and the trails that help people experience those lands, waters and wildlife. The trails have been a refuge for both wild and human users and on National Trails Day Cherry Hill did its part to help its trail system.
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Indoor & Outdoor Summer Classes |
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This summer, Cherry Hill Recreation will be holding virtual and outdoor classes for children and adults. Classes ranging from exercise to hobbies will be offered for young and old.
To sign up for classes, follow the link below.
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Juneteenth Parade and Festival |
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The Cherry Hill African American Civic Association presents the Juneteenth Parade & Festival on Saturday, June 19. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a parade starting at Caldwell Road & Park Blvd. The festival will be held at the Croft Farm with vendors, food trucks, music, and more.
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Al Fresco Affair Food Truck Series |
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Come join us at Croft Farm on Thursday, June 24 for some great local food and live music in the park! Bring a blanket, a chair, or take your dinner home with you. For a list of participating food trucks and entertainment, please visit the link below.
The Al Fresco Affair Food Truck Series is held on the last Thursday of the month through September and features different food trucks and entertainment.
The series is sponsored by Jefferson Health and Renewal by Andersen.
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Cherry Hill Township's Independence Day 5K & Block Party |
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Join Cherry Hill Township for the Independence Day 5K on Sunday, July 4 at Croft Farm. The race will start at 8:00 a.m. with pre-registration beginning at 7:00 a.m. Packet pick-up will also be available at the Croft Farm Art Center on July 1 from 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Entry fees: $20 1-mile walk and $35 for 5K
T-Shirts to the first 175* 5K & Walk registrants
There will even be a contest for the best "4th themed" runner! This event is chip timed. Timing provided by TNT Event Management.
Prizes to top three male and female age group finishers.
There will be post-race refreshments, awards ceremony, giveaways, DJ, inflatable games for the kids, a balloon artist, airbrush tattoos and a bubble show! Kona Ice will also be on hand selling cool treats to those not registered for the race.
The Independence Day 5K is sponsored by Specialized Physical Therapy.
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Applications Now Live! New Help Available for Rent or Mortgage Payments |
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The township has launched a new Rental & Mortgage Assistance program designed to help residents who have had difficulty affording their rent or mortgage payments due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The program is available to both renters and homeowners in the township whose income has been negatively impacted by the pandemic, and who qualify as low- or moderate-income.
Assistance will be offered for up to three months, and can be used to cover either current payments or payments for multiple past months, dating back to March 1, 2020.
The Township began accepting applications online on May 15, 2021 and funds will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Prior to beginning your online application process, please take some time to review which documents you are required to submit so you can have them prepared ahead of time. A full list of required documents, eligibility information and program details is available on our website.
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Spotted Lanternflies are a serious invasive pest with a healthy appetite for our plants and it can be a significant nuisance, affecting the quality of life and enjoyment of the outdoors.
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National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Habitat |
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The Cherry Hill Environmental Board has just registered the Barclay Farmstead Community Garden as a National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Habitat.
The gardens, surrounding open space and stream all provide food, water and cover for pollinators, amphibians and other valuable native species.
Cherry Hill is on its way to becoming one of only 135 towns in the country to hold the distinction of being certified by the NWF as a Wildlife Habitat Community. Help our township reach this goal, and be featured here in the Mayor’s weekly email by registering your own property at NWF.org/certify.
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Upcoming Virtual Township Meetings |
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In order to join the virtual meetings, please refer to the log-in information and links on our website under the calendar section.
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Department of Public Works & Engineering |
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The Department of Public Works Administrative Offices will remain closed to the public until Monday, June 21. Public Works will be continuing to provide services to the best of their ability. If you have an emergency matter that requires immediate assistance, residents should call (856) 424-4422 during business hours or the police non-emergency at (856) 665-1200 after hours and on weekends. |
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Beginning on June 21, PSE&G will begin to replace old gas pipes within the township |
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Beginning next week, PSE&G will begin to notify residents in specific areas, starting with the Kingston neighborhood, that their old gas pipes will be replaced with new piping in an effort to provide the continued safety and reliability of their gas service. The work for the first phase is set to begin on June 21. PSE&G will begin on Edgemoor and Edgemoor Terrace before continuing to work on connected streets in the neighborhood.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the interest of maintaining the safety of their customers, employees, and families, PSE&G workers and PSE&G contractors follow safety protocols guided by the CDC and NJ State Department of Health, as well as all directives from the Governor’s Office and county/municipal governments.
For more information about the planned work, a video about the upgrades and contact information for PSE&G, visit pseg.com/gaswork and select Cherry Hill under the first dropdown menu. PSE&G has also shared this information about the project:
- To upgrade the gas lines, PSE&G dig trenches, primarily in road surfaces, and lay new pipes block-by-block to minimize disruptions. At the end of each workday, the trenches are filled in and protective plates are secured.
- When possible, PSE&G avoids digging on properties. If PSE&G has to dig on your property, a PSE&G/Contractor will restore any disturbance after the service line is installed. Grass areas are repaired and seeded, and concrete or asphalt openings are patched until final restoration work is scheduled.
- After construction, a PSE&G technician will need access to your home to connect the service line and gas meter to the new gas main. PSE&G will contact homeowners to arrange a date and time to do this work. On the day of your scheduled appointment, a PSE&G technician will ask you a series of pandemic-related safety questions.
- During the reconnection, you can expect to be without gas service for about four hours. If your meter is inside, PSE&G will move it to the outside of your home or business. A PSE&G technician will reconnect and relight all appliances. If you are not able to legally provide access to the property in question and require landlord approval, please let PSE&G know when they contact you. PSE&G technicians will be wearing personal protective equipment and will maintain physical distancing throughout the appointment and they ask that you also keep a safe distance from our technicians. Please allow technicians through the nearest entryway in proximity to the meter set location.
- When work is finished, PSE&G will repair roads with temporary pavement until the project is complete and the ground settles. This generally takes 45 to 90 days. Final restoration may take longer depending on the weather conditions, size of the project, time of year or at the request of the town. PSE&G will then have their contractors restore roads with permanent paving in accordance with town/county ordinances and paving requirements.
As with any construction project, residents may experience an increase in traffic, loud noise, and presence of heavy equipment and machinery. If residents have any questions, please call 1-833-661-6400.
If anyone in the household has a serious medical condition that may be aggravated by an interruption in gas service, please contact us immediately at 1-800-436-7734 (PSEG).
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Although, the recreation office remains closed as the township prepares for a full reopening of Town Hall, our Senior Services Coordinator is still responding to voicemail and email. Please note that during this time, senior bus services are currently suspended. If you have any questions regarding Cherry Hill Senior Services, please contact Gaye Pino by email or (856) 661-4800.
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As COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines start to ease up, it has allowed for some senior programs to reconvene. This includes our Senior Line Dancing class which seniors can register for on our Township website, the kick-off of our concert series which is scheduled for October 10: A Tribute to Luciano Pavarotti, and of course the Socrates Club discussion group which will continue virtually. For more information on these programs and events, please contact Gaye Pino at GPino@chtownship.com.
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Cherry Hill Public Library News & Events |
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CHPL Hours of Operation
The Cherry Hill Public Library is open to the public for limited browsing (60 minutes maximum) and Contactless Pickup by appointment. Visit us Mondays and Wednesdays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Computer Lab open during open hours of operation. Masks required in the building at all times.
Shop the CHPL Flea Market
Stop by the Cherry Hill Public Library this Saturday, June 12 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. for our Flea Market. We have 60 vendors on-site in the library parking lot AND a food truck with affordable goodies. Fun for all ages – no registration required!!
Pet Supply Vendors Accepted for Pet Expo
Saturday, July 17 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Friendship Grove
Shop our Pet Expo supported by local vendors. Vendors currently being accepted to participate. More info.
Adult Summer Reading Program
Pre-registration for the Adult Summer Reading Program starts next week! Earn prizes for reading and attending events! Check our website next week for more information and registration information.
Donations
Donations of books and other materials are accepted. Drop off of items at the side entrance (closer to Friendship Grove) Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Please do not bring donations into the building through the Main Entrance. For more information, click here. We also collect gently used jewelry and accessories all year. Please drop off items in the Admin Office.
FAQs
June is Pride Month!
Visit our Events Calendar to register for upcoming Pride at the Library programs including:
Upcoming Programs
Adult Dungeons & Dragons
Monday, June 14 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Joyce Alexander Walker Multicultural Room, Lower Level
Looking to make new friends and go exciting places limited only by your imagination?
Sign up for Adult Dungeons and Dragons! Our Dungeon Master will take players through peril, discovery, and intrigue as a story unfolds before you and your friends. Registration required - seats are limited and fill up quickly! Masks and social distancing required. Registration required.
The Babysitters Club: The Book Club
Tuesday, June 15 from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Join our fourth meeting of the BSC book club on Zoom. A link will be emailed to you a few days before the program. The June discussion questions, and bonus book are available now for pick up at the library. Register here.
CHPL Animal Crossing Open Hours
Wednesday, June 16 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Animal Crossing New Horizons players of all ages are invited to open play at CHPL Cove. Pick fruit, catch bugs, visit our virtual branch and museum, and swap recipes, fossils, furniture, and clothing! Add the library's Nintendo Friend Code, SW-7377-8544-2015, then once playing ACNH, visit your airport, and select "visit through online play" to find us. We also have a CHPL Teens Discord Server! Use our #animal-crossing text channel to chat with other Animal Crossing players. For more information please, click here.
Rhyme Time Live!
Thursday, June 17 from 10 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Move and groove on Zoom to help develop your baby's motor, sensory and early literacy skills. Join us for short books, songs, movement and more! Designed for children ages 0-23 months. Register Here.
Opera Roundtable: “Carmen”
Saturday, June 19 from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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