A Message from Mayor Susan Shin Angulo |
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Dear Neighbor:
At Tuesday’s Council Meeting, I introduced my proposed budget for the coming fiscal year. I want to again thank Council for their strong support during this past year and for working with me on our proposed budget.
Together with Council, I’ve been committed to managing the Township in a fiscally responsible way while providing the services our residents need and expect. Anticipating a fiscal impact from the statewide shut down due to the pandemic, Council and I made some very tough decisions early on to manage our taxpayers’ money responsibly, without diminishing Township operations.
I’m extremely proud to report that, there will be no increase in municipal taxes this year. Our efforts have kept Cherry Hill on solid financial footing. Council and I know that this has been a difficult time for many Cherry Hill families, so we hope that this news brings some comfort.
Despite no increase in taxes, this budget reinforces important priorities for the upcoming year. I recently announced that the township will purchase the Kingston Swim Club property to prevent it from being sold to a private developer. The property will now remain open space for recreational use for the benefit of the entire community.
The introduced budget continues to make improvements and investments in the parks and playgrounds, historical sites, the library, and recreational facilities, all of which contribute to Cherry Hill’s reputation as a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
We are also continuing our commitment to public safety – investing in the technology and services needed to keep our community safe, as well as Township roads, sidewalks, and sewers.
The introduced budget will be available on our website on October 16 and the public hearing on the budget will be held during the Council Meeting on October 27, 2020 starting at 7:00 pm.
Also on Monday's agenda was the next step in moving forward with construction of a dog park on the open space grounds at Croft Farm, which will be funded in part by grant money. Throughout this upcoming year, we will continue to seek grant funding whenever possible, to offset costs for goods and services.
In closing, I again want to thank Council for working towards our mutual goal of a fiscally sound and effective budget. Most importantly, I want to thank the residents of Cherry Hill for your patience and perseverance during these past several months. I am proud of how Cherry Hill united and rose to meet the challenges of the pandemic. Working together, Cherry Hill will move forward as a safe, stable, and welcoming community. As always, it is an honor to serve as Mayor of Cherry Hill.
Sincerely,
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Council Members attend National Public Lands Day event |
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Council Vice President Brian Bauerle and Councilwomen Sangeeta Doshi and Jen Apell welcomed several volunteers that came out to help with National Public Lands Day this past Saturday.
We are so appreciative of all the hard work that is put into our trails. Special thanks to Lew Gorman and Jay Jones who are continuously dedicated to bettering and improving the environment through their leadership of the Cherry Environmental Board and the Cherry Hill Trails Crew.
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Census Extended to October 5th! |
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The 2020 Census has been extended to October 5th. There’s still time to make a difference for your community. Take 10 minutes and Fill it Out Now at 2020CENSUS.GOV or by phone at 844-330-2020 (English) or 844-468-2020 (Spanish).
The next Census doesn't come for another 10 years! The results of this once-a-decade count also determine political representation, including the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives. Data is also used to draw and re-draw congressionals and state legislative districts, based on where populations have increased or decreased
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General Election Information |
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In light of the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Governor Phil Murphy signed P.L. 2020, c. 72, which makes significant changes to how the 2020 General Election will be conducted.
- To limit unnecessary exposure, the election will be conducted mostly by Vote by Mail Ballot, as such you have been sent this ballot.
- There will be limited in-person polling places where voters can cast their vote by paper Provisional Ballots.
- Per the new law, you cannot vote in a machine at the polls (there will be an ADA accessible ballot marking devices available for voters that are unable to vote via paper ballot).
Make sure you are registered before the October 13 deadline!
Election Day: November 3, 2020
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COVID-19 Exposure Tracking App Launched in New Jersey |
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Add Your Phone to the COVID Fight. Download COVID Alert NJ.
COVID Alert NJ is New Jersey's free and secure mobile app that anonymously alerts users if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
The app also provides users with up-to-date information on New Jersey reopening news, key COVID-19 metrics, and a user-friendly symptom tracking tool. COVID Alert NJ uses Bluetooth proximity technology. The app will never record any identifying data. All users will remain anonymous. How it Works:
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Download COVID Alert NJ on the App Store or Google Play Store. Opt-in to receive "Exposure Notifications"
- As you go about your day, the app will use Bluetooth to sense any "close contacts"—other app users who are within 6 feet of you for more than 10 minutes
- When your app senses a close contact, your phone will exchange a secure random code with the close contact's phone. It's important to note that your location and name are never disclosed
- If you test positive for COVID-19, a public health representative will call you and ask if you're willing to anonymously notify your "close contacts" by uploading your app's close contact codes
- Each day, the app will compare your list of close contact codes to the list of codes associated with positive COVID-19 app users. If there's a match you will get an Exposure Alert, along with appropriate next steps
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Fire Prevention Week is October 4-10 |
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Fire Prevention Week is October 4-10. This year’s fire prevention week campaign is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen™"
The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half (44%) of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.
- Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
- If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
- You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.
- Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
- Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
For more information on fire safety, please visit Cherry Hill Fire Department's website.
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COVID-19 School-age Tuition Assistance for Working Families |
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Families can apply for child care tuition assistance to help with care for children who have remote learning schedules due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
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Information for Cherry Hill residents regarding COVID-19 |
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Stay up to date with the latest information regarding COVID-19 in Cherry Hill. Find information such as the following:
- How to Conduct Township Business
- Closures throughout Town
- Helpful Links and Resources
- FAQs
- Information for Local Businesses
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Camden County announces 2020 Drive-thru Flu Shot Schedule |
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As our region continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting the spread of seasonal influenza will be critical to protecting public health in Camden County this fall. To help keep residents safe and healthy this flu season, the Freeholder Board is announcing the 2020 Seasonal Flu Shot Schedule, beginning on Friday, Oct. 2. In order to accommodate social distancing recommendations, this year’s flu shot program will be conducted via a series of drive-thru events at locations throughout the county.
Each fall, the county offers a number of times and locations throughout the county where residents can receive the influenza vaccine, at no out-of-pocket cost.
Cherry Hill locations:
October 16 and October 17
10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Camden County College – Cherry Hill Campus,
1889 Marlton Pike East, Cherry Hill 08003
November 20 and November 21
10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
One Stop – Cherry Hill
101 Woodcrest Road, Cherry Hill 08003
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Camden County Launches Rental Assistance Program |
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The Freeholder Board is launching a new program aimed at supporting renters at risk of losing their homes or facing an eviction threat due to lost employment or income caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Camden County Rental Assistance Program makes available up to six months of back rent (April 2020 through September 2020) for a maximum of $4,000. While tenants will apply to take part in the program, payments will be made directly to landlords.
In order to qualify for Rental Assistance Program, tenants must meet the following eligibility and rules:
- Tenants cannot earn more than 50% of Average Area Median Income (AMI);
- Applicants will be required to provide proof of loss/reduction in employment or income;
- No duplication of funds will be permitted – apartments/landlords which are funded under the State’s tenant assistance program or Section 8 are not eligible;
- Landlords must agree to waive late fees and penalties accrued from April 2020 to September 2020; and
- Lease must have begun prior to 3/1/2020.
Congressman Donald Norcross has been working in partnership with the county governing body to get federal funds back into the community as quickly as possible.
More information regarding the Rental Assistance Program, how to apply, and the additional eligibility requirements is available by visiting www.camdencounty.com.
Applications for the program will be accepted beginning Thursday, Oct. 1, at 8 a.m., and be awarded on a first come, first served basis, and will be accepted until all available funds have been awarded. To apply, visit: www.CamdenRentGrant.com.
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Cherry Hill has reached a milestone! |
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Thank you to the many residents who have certified their properties as National Wildlife Federation Backyard Habitats. Because of you, we have reached the halfway point in our effort to become a NWF Certified Habitat Community: a distinction held by only 135 towns in the country.
Linda Martines, an Erlton resident and realtor, has recently joined our effort. Linda holds the opinion that the distinction of Habitat Community will boost property values within the township by proving our collective commitment to providing crucial habitat for valuable native wildlife. Healthy habitats can make a difference in water quality, air quality, and boost crop yields for our gardens and farmlands.
Join our effort today at NWF.org/certify. Work through the simple checklist and you may find that your patio, balcony or yard is already a certifiable habitat, or may need just a few simple additions to become one!
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Spotted Lanternfly Information |
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If you are in one of the quarantined counties of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Salem, Somerset or Warren, you do not need to contact the New Jersey Department of Agriculture about Spottted Lanternfly sightings, as they are aware of their presence in these communities.
Spotted Lanternfly locations in unquarantined counties in New Jersey can be reported to the Department by emailing slf-plantindustry@ag.nj.gov or by calling 609-406-6943.
If you are able to eliminate the Spotted Lanternfly, please do so.
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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 |
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The Department of Public Works Administrative Offices will remain closed to the public until further notice. Public Works will be continuing to provide services to the best of their ability. If you have an emergency matter that requires immediate attention, please call (856) 424-4422 or email publicworks@chtownship.com. |
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Solutions to Stormwater Pollution |
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Easy Things You Can Do Everyday to Protect our Water.
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Although, Township offices are closed to the public, 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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Senior Citizen Virtual Vendor Fair |
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During these unprecedented times, when we can't gather together, we still wanted to bring you the benefits of our annual Senior Festival event...virtually!
Members of the community can explore the valuable information, services and activities, specifically for Cherry Hill residents 55 and older. Connect directly with local organizations, businesses, non-profit groups and Township departments in our Vendor Stalls and be sure to check out the Resource Center for videos and information on specific topics and needs. Learn more by following the link below.
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Cherry Hill Public Library News & Events |
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Hours and Guidelines
The Cherry Hill Public Library is open with limited hours:
- Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. & Wednesday nights until 8 p.m.
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Contactless Pickup* for items ON HOLD is available Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. To schedule Contactless Pickup call Reference 856-667-0300 x2 during Library hours or email chplref@chplnj.org *This service is not available Wednesday evenings and Saturdays.
- Masks and social distancing are required in the building. Your mask must be worn the whole time you are in the building and it must be over your nose and under your mouth.
- Metered access includes limits of 30 minutes for patrons inside the building - including 30 minutes on computers.
- Maximum capacity is set at 50 patrons at a time.
- If you feel any COVID symptoms please stay home.
Returns
Books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and video games can all be returned now in the outdoor book drops at CHPL and at the Marlkress Rd location at the Post Office. Do NOT put in the following items: American Girl dolls, puzzles, Kindle Fires, mobile hot spots, or any non-traditional items (https://chplnj.org/nontraditional_lending) Those items can be returned at the library. Once materials are returned to CHPL, they are put in quarantine for 72 hours. AFTER quarantine items will be checked in and adjusted on your account. Books and materials will be backdated to the day you returned them. Fines will not accrue during the days items are quarantined in the building.
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Donations
Book donations or donations of other materials are NOT being accepted at this time. If you would like to support the library, monetary donations are very appreciated! Visit our website to contribute by credit card or PayPal: https://chplnj.org/supportyourlibrary or make a cash donation in person when you visit.
Questions
Computer Lab
Our Computer Lab on the Lower Level is open for visitor use of 30 minutes during library hours, and closed daily from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. *NOTE: CHPL patrons with current library cards can request to use computers for up to ONE hour by appointment only. To make an appointment, you must call the Computer Lab at 856.903.1246. These appointments are only available Monday - Friday,
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Database Spotlight
NJ Hope & Healing Free Virtual Support & Discussion Groups available between September and November: The program includes a variety of virtual support and discussion groups to provide emotional support for people from all different backgrounds. Topics provide support for health care workers, caregivers, teachers, parents, adults, teenagers, Baby Boomers, Spanish-speaking, and more. Click the link for the full list of group meetings offered.
Computer Donation Collection Drive
Help a student, family, or senior citizen in need by donating a laptop to Computer Smiles! On Saturday, October 10, Computer Smiles will be running a laptop donation drive in front of the library from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Computer Smiles will be accepting any laptops that are no more than 10 years old. Computer towers under 10 years old will be accepted, but please do not bring any monitors, keyboards, mice, wiring, or other associated items. For more information about Computer Smiles and what kinds of items they accept as donations, visit www.computersmiles.org or send them an email at ComputerSmilesNJ@gmail.com.
Upcoming Events
CHPL Animal Crossing Open Hours
Wednesday, October 7 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 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. Animal Crossing requires a Nintendo Online subscription for online play.
Workshop Wednesdays: Professional Networking
Wednesday, October 7 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Halloween: A Haunted History
Tuesday, October 20 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Why do we carve pumpkins at Halloween, dress up in costumes, or decorate our homes with skeletons and ghosts? This colorful new program traces the strange history of Halloween, from Old World harvest festivals to our modern family holiday. Join our hour-long slideshow on Zoom for some holiday fun. For details and to register.
Cherry Hill Community Scarecrow Contest
Saturday, October 17 – Build Day! From 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Get creative & make a scarecrow at the Cherry Hill Community Scarecrow Contest, hosted by Cherry Hill Township, Cherry Hill Recreation and Cherry Hill Public Library! Prizes will be awarded in four categories and supplies are provided. Cost: $20 per entry (up to 6 participants per entry). If you can’t make the build date on October 17, pick up your supplies on Wednesday, October 7 (10 a.m. - 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.) at the Cherry Hill Public Library then return your completed scarecrow to the Library on October 17. For all the details and required registration.
VIRTUAL: "The White Coat Diaries" A conversation with local author, Madi Sinha
Wednesday, October 21 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
CHPL is excited to welcome local author Madi Sinha to discuss her novel, The White Coat Diaries, set in Philadelphia. Madi Sinha is a writer and practicing physician living in Moorestown, NJ. The White Coat Diaries is her brilliant debut novel about a young doctor’s struggle to survive residency, love, and life. Named one of "25 Books by Asian Authors to read in 2020"- We Are Bookish. One of "Fall's MOST Exciting New Books" - Popsugar. One of the "Best 20 Books of Fall 2020"- Frolic. Signed books can be purchased from Inkwood Books in Haddonfield. For more information and to register, click here.
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