Dear Neighbors,

I’m excited to introduce a new feature in our Township newsletter — a short note from me each month where I can share what’s happening in Maple Shade, highlight community accomplishments, and keep you updated on upcoming projects.

As I look back on my first nine months serving on Council, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together:

• Helped establish the Train Commission and supported improvements to pedestrian safety, including new stops signs on High Street and improved safety & crosswalks on Forklanding Road at Yocum School.
• Worked with Recreation to bring back programs that promote community health — the Employee Fitness Challenge, Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, and more senior outreach efforts.
• Partnered with the Recreation to secure Open Space Grants in the amount of $900,000+ for a future Inclusive Playground and Pickleball Courts. 
• Coordinated with Sustainable Maple Shade to launch the Farmers Market which has been a wonderful addition to Main Street.
• Supported the Business & Economic Development Commission’s Student Government Day, giving students a chance to learn firsthand about local government.
• Secured multiple grants totaling ($1million+), which help fund township improvements without additional burden on taxpayers.
• Worked with the residents to bring back the Sidewalk Sale which will return in 2026.
• Continued focus on infrastructure, including numerous road repairs and upgrades completed this year.

Each of these accomplishments reflects the teamwork of our Council, Township staff, volunteers, and residents. What I love most about Maple Shade is exactly this — the way we pull together, support one another, and build a town we’re proud to call home.

I look forward to using this space each month to keep you updated and to share what’s ahead. Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me, and thank you for helping to make Maple Shade the “nice town of friendly people.”

Warmly,

Heather Talarico 

Mayor, Township of Maple Shade

ELECTION DAY INFORMATION

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Polls Open 6:00AM - 8:00PM

Click HERE for a printable version of the above flyers with accessible links

to the State of NJ & Burlington County Election websites.

GENERAL ELECTION TIMELINE:

October 14, 2025 - Voter Registration Deadline for General Election

October 22, 2025 - Mailing of Sample Ballots for General Election

October 25 - November 2, 2025 - Early Voting Period

October 28, 2025 - Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by Mail for General Election

October 31, 2025 - Deadline for Application to Receive General Election Mail-In Ballots by Electronic Means for Qualified Overseas Civilian and Military Voters

November 3, 2025 by 3:00PM - Deadline for In-Person Mail-In Ballot Applications for General Election

November 4, 2025 - General Election Day - Polls are open from 6:00AM until 8:00PM

November 4, 2025 - Deadline for Post Office Receipt of Mail-In Ballots from the General Election

November 4, 2025 by 8:00PM - Deadline for In-Person Submission of General Election Mail-In Ballots to County Boards of Election and to Authorized Ballot Drop Boxes

November 6, 2025 - Deadline for Receipt by County Boards of Elections of Mail-In Ballots by Delivery of the United States Postal Service that DO NOT Bear a Postmark of Delivery

TOWNSHIP OF MAPLE SHADE

IS NOW PART OF THE

NJ SHARES PROGRAM

NJ SHARES Municipal Customer Assistance Program (MCAP) provides water, sewer and electric assistance grants to income qualified households experiencing a temporary financial crisis. Eligibility is based on household size and income. Households who have municipal utility services and income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level can receive up to $200 per utility per calendar year. Grants will be used for consumption charges only – not for deposits, reconnection fees, repairs, etc.

Please refer to the flyer below for more information. 

FALL LEAF COLLECTION

The Fall Leaf Collection will run from November through December.

Please refer to the flyer below for the schedule & more detailed information.

The zones listed on the flyer are correlated to your trash collection day.

Zone 1 - Monday Trash Collection Day

Zone 2 - Tuesday Trash Collection Day

Zone 3 - Wednesday Trash Collection Day

Zone 4 - Thursday Trash Collection Day

Zone 5 - Friday Trash Collection Day

OFFICE OF THE FIRE MARSHAL

From Phones to Power Tools: Your Maple Shade Fire Marshal’s Office Urges Residents to Know the Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries this Fire Prevention Week

The theme for Fire Prevention Week™, October 5–11, 2025, is

“Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.

If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, look around your home — it’s important to know which devices are powered by them. “Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere,” said Daniel L. Kerr Jr, Fire Marshal. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach.”

Buy Only Listed Products:

• When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, take time to research it. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.

• Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.

Charge Devices Safely:

• Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.

• If you need a new charger, buy one from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved.

• Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.

• Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

Recycle Batteries Responsibly:

• Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire. 

• Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

The (your town/city) fire department encourages all residents to be aware of their devices, follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach, and support this year’s FPW theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™.”

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit www.fpw.org.

Click HERE for a Printable Version of this Information.

TOUCH-A-TRUCK

TOUCH-A-TRUCK EVENT

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2025

10:00AM - 1:00PM

(No Horn Hour is from 10:00AM - 11:00AM)

MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT AT BRUBAKER LANE & FORKLANDING ROAD

If you would like to participate in this event with a vehicle or a table,

please email Recreation@mapleshade.com.

HALLOWEEN PARADE

& COSTUME CONTEST

HALLOWEEN PARADE & COSTUME CONTEST

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025

2:15PM

MAIN STREET

If you would like to participate in the Halloween Parade,

please email Recreation@mapleshade.com.

TOWN HALL TRICK OR TREAT

TOWN HALL TRICK OR TREAT

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2025

10:00AM - 2:00PM

MUNICIPAL BUILDING

HALLOWEEN OPEN HOUSE AT THE HISTORIC TRAIN STATION

HALLOWEEN OPEN HOUSE AT THE HISTORIC TRAIN STATION

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2025

6:00PM - 9:00PM

MUNICIPAL BUILDING

BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

UPCOMING BEDC MEETING

The next Business & Economic Development Commission (BEDC) Meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 6:30PM in the Senior Room.

CUSTOMIZED PAVERS FOR MAIN STREET

There’s still time to be part of Maple Shade’s history! The Business and Economic Development Commission’s Paver Drive is continuing, so you can still purchase a custom-engraved paver to honor a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or show pride in our community. Pavers will be installed along Main Street in Spring 2025, leaving a lasting legacy in Maple Shade. To learn more or place an order, please visit https://mapleshade.com/business-economic-development/

Click HERE to access the Paver Order Form

WATER & SEWER

NOTICE

Fall hydrant flushing will begin on Sunday night, September 28th and will continue through Thursday night, October 9th. 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 for 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.

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

WATER UPDATE

The annual Hydrant Replacement Project has been awarded to Booth Mechanical, and a pre-construction meeting was held in September. The purpose of this ongoing project is to replace aging infrastructure and ensure operable fire hydrants in the event of an emergency. This project will be completed in the Fall.  

SEWER UPDATE

Sewer main improvements in certain sections of Main Street have been awarded; work is scheduled to begin in the Fall. 

SERVICE LINE INVENTORY UPDATE

Per NJDEP regulations, all water systems must identify the water service lines that supply water to residential and commercial buildings. In 2022, the Township sent out 2 rounds of letters asking those with unknown lines to contact the utility to make an appointment. At that time the unknown lines total was over 500, our current unknown inventory stands at 154.

We need your help to complete the inventory. If you receive a letter in August, please contact the utility to set up an appointment. The appointment takes just a few minutes, otherwise an excavation may be required to determine the service line material. The current inventory can be viewed HERE.

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://www.nixle.com/ 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.

The annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for 2024 is available online. To view the report, please click HERE.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

ARRIVE PROGRAM

The Maple Shade Police Department, along with the Burlington Township Police, were recognized for their “pioneer” work with the ARRIVE Program by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. The ARRIVE Program provides Police Departments in Burlington County with mental health professionals that can respond to assist individuals with mental health incidents. Maple Shade's Police Department has a dedicated mental health professional assigned and available to respond with a Police Officer when needed. Chief Fletcher is proud of to be a part of this program and is always looking for innovative ways to help our community.

ARRIVE Together – The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

It was Back-to-School time and the Maple Shade Police Department were on the scene to welcome students into a new school year. Maple Shade Police is proud to be a partner with the Maple Shade School District and enjoys being a part of school activities and interacting with the students. 

Pictured: Officer McClintock who greeted students off the buses at Howard Yocum School.

Pictured: Officer Fuentes along with Corporal Bennett who were setting up traffic control measures at Maude Wilkins School.

ORIENTATION & RECRUITMENT NIGHT

The Maple Shade Police Department will be hosting an Orientation and Recruitment night on Monday, October 13, 2025 at 5:00PM in the Municipal Building, 200 Stiles Avenue, Maple Shade, NJ.

We will be providing information on the hiring process, benefits, and career paths with the Maple Shade Police Department. Candidates interested in attending must submit your resume along with a valid NJ Driver’s license to apply@mapleshadepd.com.  

• For information on Civil Service tests and announcements, follow NJ Civil Service Commission on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/njcivilservice/?hl=en OR https://www.nj.gov/csc/

BICYCLE HELMET DONATIONS

The Maple Shade Police Department was made aware of a few students who needed bicycle helmets. The Police Department answered the called and provided bike helmets to the school staff at Maude Wilkins School. Specials thanks goes out to Officer McClintock for delivering the helmets and Corporal Bennett who identified the students in need. 

CUSTARD STAND DONATED LUNCH TO OFFICERS

The Police Department would like to thank Joe Fischer and his team at the Custard Stand for purchasing lunch to our department. Officers and staff were treated to lunch at Mission BBQ. We are truly appreciative of Mr. Fischer for his generosity.

MANHATTAN BAGEL PROVIDED OFFICERS WITH COFFEE & BAGELS

The Maple Shade Police Department would like to thank the Staff members at Manhattan Bagel for providing our officers with coffee and bagels. We are thankful for their kindness and continued support. Officer Shaw and Corporal Alvarez presented Manhattan Bagel with a support t-shirt and thank you card.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

Maple Shade Police Department's K9, Ripley, wants to remind everyone that Halloween is almost here. Please be safe and be aware of children trick or treating.

Make yourself visible with reflective materials or lights when out and about. Travel in groups and cross streets at designated cross walks. Have a wonderful Halloween!

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

Report suspicious activity in the area. Be aware of what’s going on in your neighborhood. Do your 9PM routine; lock your doors, don’t leave valuables in the vehicle, and turn on exterior lights.

Be aware that vehicle thefts are on the rise in our area of the county. Take measures to secure your vehicle and did not leave it running and unattended.

Hyundai, Kia Provide Anti-Theft Software Update | NHTSA

New Jersey State Police - Auto Unit

RECREATION

FOLLOW MAPLE SHADE RECREATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

FLU SHOT CLINIC

(Hosted by Burlington County Health Department)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2025

2:00PM - 4:00PM

MUNICIPAL BUILDING - 2ND FLOOR

Click HERE to access the Flu Vaccine Registration Consent Form.

SCAM WORKSHOP

(presented by Citizens Bank)

WEDNESDAY, October 15, 2025

1:00PM

MUNICIPAL BUILDING - 2ND FLOOR

LIL SOUS CHEFS COOKING CLASS

THURSDAYS, OCTOBER 16, 23, & 30, 2025

5:30PM - 7:00PM

MUNICIPAL BUILDING - 2ND FLOOR



Click HERE to Register for Lil Sous Chef's October Classes.

FREE HEALTH FAIR

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025

11:00AM - 1:00PM

MUNICIPAL BUILDING - 2ND FLOOR

LEGO DRIVE NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER

The items collected will be donated to Go4theGoal's "Kart 4 Kids" Program

which is an organization that helps kids battling cancer in local hospitals.

The toys will bring much needed cheer these sick children.

2025 RECREATION SPONSORS

KEEP PETS IN THEIR HOMES DRIVE

DONATE USING THE AMAZON WISHLIST QR CODE

DROP OFF DONATIONS AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING

SUSTAINABLE MAPLE SHADE

SUSTAINABLE MAPLE SHADE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

Are you someone who cares about the environment? Do you want to get more involved in your community? Then Sustainable Maple Shade is looking for you! We have jobs small and large that can have a huge impact in our community. If you are interested in helping ensure a greener future for Maple Shade, email us at sustainablemapleshade@gmail.com. If you would like to meet us in person, attend our next business meeting on October 14, 2025 at 6:00PM in the Maple Shade Municipal Building.

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 Costumes at the Municipal Building . Need a costume? Stop by the Municipal Building on October 12, 2025 and October 19, 2025 OR the Fox Meadow Community Center on October 26, 2025 from 9:00AM - 11:00AM to shop. See below for more details.

JOIN US FOR CLEAN COMMUNITIES FALL COMMUNITY CLEAN UP

Mark your calendars! Maple Shade Clean Communities' Fall Community Clean Up is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 9:00AM - 11:00AM. Groups can pick up supplies at the Municipal Building at 9:00AM.

Contact cleancommunities@mapleshade.com for more information.

MAPLE SHADE TOWNSHIP EMBARKS ON ITS 4TH NEXTREX CHALLENGE

Keep collecting your stretchy plastic and help Sustainable Maple Shade earn a 4th bench for the community. Our new challenge starts September 25, 2025. See below for drop off locations!

MAPLE SHADE VFW POST 2445 AUXILIARY LOOKING

FOR NEW MEMBERS

The Maple Shade VFW Post 2445 is excited to announce that they are re-starting the VFW Auxiliary—and they are looking for new members to join them!

The Auxiliary plays a vital role in supporting veterans, their families, and our community. Whether it’s helping with events, supporting service projects, or lending a hand to our veterans, Auxiliary members make a real difference.

If you’ve ever wanted to get involved, give back, and be part of a proud tradition of service, now is the time.

SAVE THE DATE and join the fun at VFW Post 2445

right here in Maple Shade and be a part of something meaningful.

Saturday October 11, 2025

11:00AM

VFW Post 2445

914 E Main Street, Maple Shade, NJ 08052

For more information or to get involved, send a message to Chuck

at rtg-mars@hotmail.com com or 609-980-6190.

#MapleShade #VFWPost2445 #VFWAuxiliary

#CommunityService #SupportOurVeterans

MAPLE SHADE SOCCER

INDOOR REGISTRATIONS

Maple Shade Soccer Website

4-14 Year Old

Indoor Soccer Information

3 Year Old

Indoor Soccer Information

Click on one of the flyers above to view additional information.

MAPLE SHADE LIBRARY

OCTOBER TOWNSHIP MEETINGS

*Denotes change in regularly scheduled meeting day

**As of September 2025, Town Council Meetings will take place only ONCE a month on the 3rd Thursday, unless otherwise denoted, per RESOLUTION 2025-R-143.