Township of Maple Shade

"Nice Town, Friendly People"


OCTOBER 2024 EDITION

REGISTER FOR NIXLE ALERTS


Want to stay informed of Maple Shade Road Closures, upcoming events, and other important information? Sign up for NIXLE alerts and receive text messages with updates. Text your 08052 to 888777 to opt-in or sign up online for specific notifications.

2024 ELECTION MACHINE

TRAINING FOR VOTERS

It is expected that the November 5, 2024 Presidential Election will result in heavy voter turnout. Burlington County has purchased new voting machines that have already been used for early in-person voting and the 2024 Primary Election. This year, the new machines will be used at all polling locations on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. 


In order to ensure that voters have the most efficient and pleasant voting experience possible on Election Day, the Clerk’s Office will hold an Open House for voters to familiarize themselves with the new machines and the new process.  


Please register online using the link below or call 856-779-9610 ext. 113.

https://bit.ly/3TRPtZq


Thursday, October 17, 2024

9:30AM - 2:30PM

Maple Shade Municipal Complex

200 Stiles Avenue, Maple Shade, NJ

Click HERE for a Printable Version of the Flyer

2024 GENERAL ELECTION INFORMATION

ELECTION DAY

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Polls are OPEN from 6:00AM - 8:00PM

State of New Jersey Elections

Click HERE for a Printable

"Helpful Election Information & Resources Guide"


GENERAL ELECTION TIMELINE:

October 15, 2024 - Voter Registration Deadline for General Election

October 23, 2024 - Mailing of Sample Ballots for General Election

October 26 - November 3, 2024 - Early Voting Period

October 29, 2024 - Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by Mail for General Election

November 1, 2024 - Deadline for Application to Receive General Election Mail-In Ballots by Electronic Means for Qualified Overseas Civilian and Military Voters

November 4, 2024 by 3:00PM - Deadline for In-Person Mail-In Ballot Applications for General Election

November 5, 2024

General Election Day - Polls are open from 6:00AM until 8:00PM.

Deadline for Post Office Receipt of Mail-In Ballots from the General Election

8:00PM Deadline for Delivery of Mail-In Ballots at a Secure Ballot Drop Box 

November 7, 2024 - Deadline for Receipt of Timely Mailed Postmarked Mail-In Ballots to the County Board of Elections


HELPFUL ELECTION INFORMATIONAL WEBSITES & LINKS:

Hands-on Voting Equipment Training Sessions for Voters & Poll Workers

Every Saturday from 10:00AM – 2:00PM

Burlington County Corner Store at the Moorestown Mall

400 Route 38, Moorestown, NJ 08057

(Located within the Moorestown Mall by the northern side facing Route 38 between Cooper University Health Care and Joe Italiano's Maplewood Restaurant)

Video: How to Vote Using Burlington County Voting Equipment

Find your Polling Location

Maple Shade Voting District Map

Register to Vote

Check Your Voter Registration Status

Vote-by-Mail Information

Early Voting Locations & Information - Early voting runs from October 26th to November 3rd at seven locations in Burlington County (use link above). The hours of operation are 10:00AM - 8:00PM Monday through Saturday and from 10:00AM - 6:00PM on Sundays

Track Your Ballot

Secure Ballot Drop Box Locations - A ballot drop box is a secure, locked structure operated by election officials where voters may deliver their mail-in ballots from when they receive them in the mail until polls close at 8PM on Election Day. Drop boxes are under surveillance by security cameras and collected daily by the Board of Elections. 

Voter Hotlines - Burlington County's Vote Hotline is 609-265-VOTE (8683)

New Jersey Division of Election's Voter Hotline is 1-877-NJ-VOTER (1-877-658-6837)

MUNICIPAL OFFICES CLOSED

SCHOOL IS BACK IN SESSION!

With schools back in session, it is important for parents/guardians to follow all parking regulations in our neighborhoods to ensure the safety of our students, pedestrians, and other drivers.


Proper adherence to the drop-off, pick-up, and parking rules put in place by the district and our police department helps prevent congestion, allows school buses to navigate smoothly, and maintains clear access for emergency vehicles. By respecting no-parking zones, drop-off/pick-up areas, and speed limits YOU can contribute to a safer and more efficient environment for everyone during school hours.

TOWNSHIP SIGN ORDINANCE

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign……

As the 1970 Five Man Electrical Band song goes, “Sign, sign Everywhere a sign, blockin’ out the scenery…” Maple Shade has been under siege with temporary yard signs placed in public right of ways, easements as well as some property owners placing multiple signs on their property.


Township Code Chapter 205-65(H-I) states:

 

H. Political signs. Political signs or posters shall be allowed one month prior to a scheduled election and must be removed within seven days following the election and shall not exceed 16 square feet. Only one such sign is allowed per lot, except that two signs shall be permitted on any corner lot.

 

I. Temporary special event signs.

 

Street-wide banners. Town Council must approve the hanging of all street-wide banners, which may only be hung from Township owned banner poles.

 

Garage sales. Signs advertising garage or yard sales shall not exceed one square foot in area. Such signs are allowed one week prior to the event advertised and must be removed the day following the event.

 

Other. Signs advertising events such as fairs, bazaars, auctions, or other special activities are allowed one month prior to the event being advertised and must be removed within seven days following the conclusion of the event and shall not exceed twelve square feet. Only one such sign is allowed per lot at any given time.


In addition, no sign should be placed on telephone poles, roadway directional or traffic signs. 


DPW and our Code Enforcement Office have been responding to a multitude of complaints and have been canvassing the municipality for signs not in conformance with the Township Code. Those found not to be in compliance, may be subject to violations going forward.

RECYCLING

WE NEED YOUR HELP!


Over the past several months, we have seen an uptick recycling violations being sent out through Burlington County. Recycling is mandatory in the Township of Maple Shade and it is the responsibility of the resident to familiarize themselves with the recycling guidelines for Burlington County.


Please take a moment to review our county’s guidelines on what can and cannot be recycled.

Burlington County Recycling Guidelines Link

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

TAX COLLECTOR

SENIOR FREEZE INFORMATION

The deadline for the 2023 Senior Freeze Application

is October 31, 2024.


Click HERE to check eligibility requirements.


Please contact the Senior Freeze Information Line at 1-800-882-6597 to request an application booklet.

 

First-time filers or those who must reestablish a base year may print the PTR-1 application and/or instructions or file online. You may also print a copy of Form PTR-1 from the website at https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/ptr/.

 

Those residents who received a reimbursement check in the previous year will automatically receive their personalized Form PTR-2 in the mail, please contact the Senior Freeze Information Line at 1-800-882-6597 if you have not receive yours.

 

If you have any questions filing out the PTR application, please contact the Senior Freeze Information Line at 1-800-882-6597.

SAFETY TIPS OF THE MONTH

FIRE PREVENTION

As Fire Prevention Week approaches, the Maple Shade Fire Department

 urges residents to make sure their smoke alarms are working.   


The theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, 2024 is

“Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!”


According to NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). Meanwhile, roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

“Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working in order to protect people,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps better educate the public about simple but critical steps they can take to make sure their homes have smoke alarms in all the needed locations and that they’re working properly.”

 

The Maple Shade Fire Department encourages all residents to actively support the 2024 FPW theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” “Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time to get out safely,” said Daniel Kerr Jr, Fire Chief. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great way to remind everyone about these messages and to act on them.”


Maple Shade Fire Department offers these key smoke alarm safety tips and guidelines:

  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
  • Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
  • Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
  • Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

The Maple Shade Fire Department operates a smoke detector installation program for senior citizens and those with disabilities, free of charge to these residents. For an application or more information please visit our website at mapleshade.com/new-fire-official or call the office at 856-779-9610 x179 or x183.


To find out more about FPW programs and activities in Maple Shade, please contact the Maple Shade Fire Department, Office of the Fire Marshal, at 856-779-9610 x179. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and smoke alarms, visit fpw.org.

HALLOWEEN SAFTEY TIPS

DRIVING SAFETY TIPS ON HALLOWEEN

  • NEVER use a cell phone or other electronic devices while driving
  • Drive BELOW the posted speed limited in residential areas during trick-or-treating hours
  • Pay EXTRA attention, particularly to crosswalks, intersections, & side of the roads
  • Do NOT pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway. They could be dropping off children or waiting for pedestrians to cross the roadway.

IS YOUR HOUSE NUMBER VISIBLE FROM

THE STREET FOR EMERGENCY RESPONDERS?

Visible house numbers are necessary for emergency responders to locate those in need. Minutes matter so that fire, ambulance, and police personnel can quickly find your address.


The more difficult it is to find the numbers, the longer it will take emergency personnel to arrive at the scene.


Take a moment to drive around after the sun has gone down and try to find a particular address that is unknown to you. It is not very easy.


Emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time.


BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

2nd Annual Business Appreciation Night

All Maple Shade business owners are invited to join us for the 2nd Annual Business Appreciation Night on Monday, November 25th!


Don't miss this opportunity to connect, celebrate, and network with fellow local entrepreneurs.


This event is free—RSVP now HERE

Small Business Saturday

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 30th, and get ready to support our local businesses at the Maple Shade Small Biz Bash! Held on Small Business Saturday, this event encourages residents and visitors to Shop Small and show love to the small businesses that make our community special.


According to a study by American Express, $0.68 of every dollar spent at a small business stays within the local economy—helping to keep our town thriving.


Any businesses interested in participating can email Jennifer Nixon at jnixon@mapleshade.com for more information.


Let’s come together and make this a great day for Maple Shade!

Small Biz Bash Pop-Up Market

We’re calling all Maple Shade Crafters, Makers, Artisans, Home-Based Businesses, Party Representatives (Avon, Scentsy, Tupperware, Tastefully Simple, etc.), and more! We didn’t forget about you for Small Business Saturday!


Join us for the Small Biz Bash Pop-Up Market happening on November 30th from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Wallace Ave and Gazebo Park.


This is your chance to showcase your unique products and be part of this exciting event! For more information and to sign up, visit the link below:

https://bit.ly/4dne8Mi


Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get involved and connect with local shoppers!

Join the BEDC and Make a Difference!

Do you want to make a difference in your town? Interested in joining a group of dedicated residents and business owners to bring ideas to life?


The BEDC is now seeking applicants for one at-large member.


Click HERE for more information and to download an application.

Upcoming BEDC Meeting

The next Business & Economic Development Commission (BEDC) Meeting will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024* at 6:30PM in the Senior Room.

*NOTE: The next BEDC Meeting is taking place on a Monday instead of a Tuesday.

ART, COMMUNITY, & YOU

Our Business and Economic Development Commission's Art Committee in partnership with Sustainable Maple Shade is looking to find ways to support our local artists.


Please take a moment to complete our survey. We would love to hear your ideas on how to promote your art in our community!


Click HERE to access the survey

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Our 3rd Annual Custard With a Cop was a huge hit with over 250 cones shared with the community in one hour! Captain Brian Weiss also had the grill going and served up over 100 hot dogs!

Our Class III Officers are back to school! On Patriots Day,  Ms. Santorelli's 3rd grade class at Maude Wilkins School presented “Officer Matt” Henkel and other First Responders with cards thanking them for their service. Ask your child who their school officer is! 

The Maple Shade Police Department would like to thank the Maple Shade Rotarians for supplying lunch to the on-duty officers as an expression of gratitude for their service to the community. Chick-fil-A was purchased and delivered to the officers with this generation donation. Thank you Maple Shade Rotary!

On September 19, 2024, the Hope One Bus came to Maple Shade. This outreach, coordinated by the Maple Shade Police Department, was quite a success. The Hope One Bus is able to provide identification to those who do not have it enabling them to receive social services. Along with Hope One, Volunteers of America, Legacy Treatment Services, and The Agape Project were on location for several hours to provide Narcan training and kits, addiction treatment resources, and housing/rental assistance. Keep your eye on our newsletter to find out when they’ll be back.

As the holidays season approaches, the Maple Shade Police Department is very conscious of the fact that many families will not have the means to purchase special meals and gifts to celebrate. In an effort to assist these families, the Maple Shade Police Department will be hosting two separate food drive events. Currently running is “Shaders Feeding Shaders”, a school grade level competition where the grade who donates the most food to the Maple Shade Food Bank receives a pizza party courtesy of the police department.

NOTE: The collection has been extended to Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

The Annual “Fill the Truck” Food Competition has begun and will wrap up on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 5:30PM - 7:30PM at the Maple Shade Custard Stand. During these hours, the community-based organization that donates the most food will be rewarded with cash prizes totaling $2,500. Come out to the Maple Shade Custard Stand, bring a food donation, and meet some of your favorite officers!

Starting on October 8, 2024, as part of the “Fill the Truck” event, look for our food bins at local businesses to do your part to help with food insecurities in Maple Shade. Please consider donating. All food donations will remain in Maple Shade!


Our food bank is in need of items such as mac and cheese cups, tuna fish, canned meat, peanut butter, jelly, crackers and pet food. Items in cans that do not require a can opener are very much appreciated. 

TIP OF THE MONTH

As the holidays approach we want to remind you that distracted driving is dangerous and illegal. Let’s all do our part to keep our community safe.  

PUBLIC WORKS

The Department of Public Works completed roadway repairs at the intersection of Mildred and Spruce on Monday October 1st.  Great job, guys!

Click HERE for a Printable Version of the Flyer

WATER & SEWER UTILITIES

ANNUAL CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT (CCR)

The annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is available online. To view the report please click HERE.

FALL HYDRANT FLUSHING

Fall hydrant flushing will begin Sunday night, October 6th and continue through Thursday night, October 17th. The utility flushes every hydrant each Fall and Spring to ensure the proper functionality of the hydrants, remove sediments from the distribution system, and to improve overall water quality. The hydrants are flushed during the overnight hours, Sunday - Thursday, from 10:00PM to 6:00AM.


It is not unusual to experience discolored water when nearby hydrants are flushed.


Residents are advised to run only COLD tap water for 5 minutes to check for discoloration prior to doing laundry to avoid unexpected staining of clothing. Never run the hot water to check for discoloration.


If you do observe discolored water, do the following:

  • Run only COLD tap water until the condition clears (usually 15 minutes or less)
  • Do not run any HOT water until after clear water is confirmed at the cold-water tap. Running hot water will draw discolored water into the water heater making the condition much more difficult to clear.
  • Do not do laundry until clear water is confirmed at the cold-water tap.
  • If clothing is inadvertently stained from washing with discolored water, DO NOT DRY the clothes. Drying the clothes will set the stain permanently. Call the utility at 856-488-7450 during normal business hours and we will provide you with a specially formulated detergent designed to remove these types of stains, FREE OF CHARGE.

The progress of this program will be posted on the utility’s web site at www.mapleshadeutilities.com and updated periodically throughout.


PLEASE USE CAUTION: Since this program is being conducted during the evening hours, it will be dark and the roads will be wet. Please drive carefully when operating a vehicle near the flushing crew.

WATER UPDATE

Water System Improvements on County Ave, between Fellowship and Maple, are complete. Final asphalt restoration to be completed in October. Please use caution around the area during those times.


KEEPING YOU INFORMED

Receive a text message and/or an email regarding emergencies such as main breaks, upcoming utility work, important announcements, water shut offs, etc. through NIXLE. Please visit https://nixle.com/register/ to sign up.  


Receive email updates from our website by subscribing at http://www.mapleshadeutilities.com where we post upcoming work, hydrant flushing updates, and much more. 

RECREATION

Check out the new sign that has been installed at the Lee Sharples Soccer Complex, home to Maple Shade Soccer at 895 E. Main Street.

LIL SOUS CHEFS COOKING CLASSES

OCTOBER 10th, 17th, & 24th

ANNUAL LEGO DRIVE

COLLECTION NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER

LIL SOUS CHEFS COOKING CLASSES

NOVEMBER 7th, 14th, & 21st

TEDDY PAINT PARTY

NOVEMBER 9, 2024

12:00PM - 2:00PM

SENIOR HEALTH FAIR

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

10:00AM -12:30PM

KEEP PETS IN THEIR HOMES DRIVE

Donate using the Amazon Wishlist QR Code - Drop-Off donations to Municipal Bldg.

2024 FREE TECH HELP SESSIONS

The Township of Maple Shade's Recreation Department

would like to thank the following SPONSORS of the

2024 Township Events

GOLD SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSOR

If any business is interested in becoming a sponsor for 2024 Township events,

please email Recreation@mapleshade.com for more information.

TOUCH-A-TRUCK

This is a FREE event. 

No tickets are being sold by the Township & reservations to attend are NOT required.

HALLOWEEN PARADE & COSTUME CONTEST

SAVE-THE-DATE

NOON YEAR'S EVE PARTY

The Township of Maple Shade is hosting a Kids Noon Year's Eve Party

at the Municipal Building on December 31st! Mark your calendars for a fun-filled celebration with games, activities, and a countdown to noon.

 

🗓️ Stay tuned for more details and ticket information in our November newsletter. Tickets go on sale December 2nd—don't miss out!

BURLINGTON COUNTY SHREDDING EVENTS

SUSTAINABLE MAPLE SHADE

Sustainable Maple Shade is Looking for More Volunteers!

Sustainable Maple Shade is looking for energetic, green conscious people to join their team! Even if business meetings aren't your thing; we have jobs large and small that can make a huge impact in our community. Have any experience writing grants or fundraising? Sustainable Maple Shade needs you! If you are interested in helping ensure a greener future for Maple Shade, you can email us at sustainablemapleshade@gmail.com. Or, if business meetings are your thing, you can attend one of Sustainable Maple Shade's general meetings.


General meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month in the Maple Shade Municipal Building Senior Room at 6:00PM. The October business meeting will take place on October 8th at 6:00PM. The November business meeting will take place on November 12th at 6:00PM. All are welcome to attend.

Maple Shade's Community Garden Feeds Maple Shade Residents

As growing season turns into harvest season, Sustainable Maple Shade's Community Garden has been able to donate fresh produce to the Maple Shade Food Bank. Sustainable Maple Shade's mission is not only to make our town 'greener' but to make it more resilient. And our neighborhood cannot be resilient if our residents do not have enough to eat. Our inaugural growing season has been fruitful and we are thrilled to be able to provide our residents with free fresh produce at the food bank. The community garden has been able to donate cucumbers, jalapeños, red and yellow cherry tomatoes, slicing tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe and a variety of herbs. The Maple Shade Food Bank is located in the basement of the municipal building at 200 Stiles Avenue. It is open on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month between 10am and 2pm. Sustainable Maple Shade offers continual gratitude and thanks to Sustainable New Jersey and Woodard and Curran for their grants that made the Community Garden possible. 

Want to save money on your utility bill? Check out Sustainable Jersey's - PSE&G Energy Efficiency Partnership!

Sustainable Maple Shade has partnered with Sustainable Jersey to help residents take advantage of PSE&G's residential energy efficiency programs. The no-obligation professional home energy assessment can give the residents of Maple Shade recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. These recommendations could help you save on your utility bill and decrease your impact on the environment. Visit EnergyOutreachNJ.com/MapleShade for more information. 

Join us for Clean Communities Fall Community Clean Up!

Mark your calendars! The Clean Communities' Fall Community Clean Up is scheduled for Sunday, October 13th from 9:00AM to 11:00AM. Groups can pick up supplies at the Municipal Building at 9:00AM. Contact cleancommunities@mapleshade.com for more information.

Help Support Sustainable Maple Shade's Annual Halloween Costume Shop

Sustainable Maple Shade is collecting Halloween costumes and accessories for the annual costume shop. Help us reduce and reuse by donating your gently used and clean Halloween Costume at the Municipal Building or Maple Shade School District Schools. Need a costume? Stop by the Municipal Building October 13th and October 26th from 9:00AM to 11:00AM to shop! See below for more details.

MAPLE SHADE SOCCER CLUB

SOCCER WINTER/INDOOR REGISTRATIONS

SOCCER 3-YEAR OLD

PROGRAM

Click HERE to access Maple Shade Soccer Club's website

MAIN STREET MAPLE SHADE GRANTS AVAILABLE

Main Street Maple Shade's Grants are designed to improve the Main Street experience. We want a thriving, busy district and we are willing to put our money where our mouth is!


We want to assist with things that make us look well maintained and charming.

Curb appeal, signage, window displays are all examples of what we are looking to

help fund. Does your store need a fresh coat of paint? Do you have an outdoor area

that needs an upgrade?


What can be done to be more attractive to the public? Bring us your hoped for

projects, working together we can make this place shine!


We have a little treasure of a main street and we should protect it, nurture it,

and grow it. We need to work together to really make a difference. So whether its

participating in our festivals, or keeping us aware of your specials and promotions,

open lines of communication is key to making things better! Together we have

strength, together we multiply the possibilities!


Without you we are simply ineffective. We are here to help but we can’t do it

alone. Let’s get creative and work on this place!


You can apply online starting now at:

www.MainStreetMapleShade.org

Application Deadline is October 15, 2024

MAPLE SHADE LIBRARY

MAPLE SHADE LIBRARY

Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am to 8:30 pm

Friday & Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Call or Visit the Library for Further Details


LIBRARY CLOSED:

Monday, October 14, 2024 - Columbus Day/ Indigenous Peoples' Day

 

For a list of Library Youth & Adult Services, please click HERE.

OCTOBER'S TOWNSHIP MEETINGS:


Wednesday, October 9th - Zoning Council Meeting at 7:00PM

Thursday, October 10th - Town Council Meeting at 6:30PM

Wednesday, October 23rd - Planning Board Meeting at 7:00PM

Thursday, October 24th - Town Council Meeting at 6:30PM

856-779-9610 - phone  www.mapleshade.com  856-779-2524 - fax

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