Update: Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 1:20 p.m.
Per an executive order signed today from Gov. Christie, Cherry Hill will now celebrate Halloween on Monday, Nov. 5.
The recommended hours for trick-or-treating remain 3 to 7 p.m.
This is the second time this week that the township has re-scheduled the spooky holiday.
“I’ve taken this action to minimize additional risks to lives and the public safety as we begin the process of rebuilding and recovering from Hurricane Sandy,” said Christie in a statement. “In too many communities in our state, the damage and losses from this storm are still being sorted out, and dangerous conditions abound even as our emergency management and response officials continue their work. As Governor, it is my responsibility to use all available resources of the state government to protect against the emergency created by Hurricane Sandy — postponing Halloween celebrations by five days is a commonsense and necessary step to accomplish that.”
Update: Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 5:25 p.m.
Cherry Hill Public Schools will remain closed tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 31 for safety concerns.
Superintendent Maureen Reusche released the following statement.
“Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members:
All Cherry Hill Public Schools will be CLOSED on Wednesday, October 31. I made this decision based on power outages at several of our schools, the number of downed power lines and trees throughout the community, and in consultation with the Mayor, the Chief of Police, and the Fire Chief.
Although our facilities appear to be in good shape following the storm, a number of our schools are still without power. Power outages inhibit our ability to assess mechanical and electrical damages that a building may have experienced as a result of the storm. Cherry Hill emergency management officials report that approximately 10,000 Cherry Hill residents are currently without power. But even as power is restored throughout the community, we remain concerned about the downed trees and live power lines impacting the safety of our children as they travel to school.
I want to express my gratitude to those staff who have worked tirelessly around the clock throughout this event. We will continue to monitor, assess, clean up, and — like many residents — await the restoration of power.
We recognize the hardship this decision places on our parents who must return to work tomorrow; however, our goal is always to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
The district has released a listing of rescheduled events as well, which includes the rescheduling of Halloween’s trick-or-treating.
12:55 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30:
The clean up process has begun in Cherry Hill.
Today, all schools, the library and the township building remained closed. The township buildings will re-open tomorrow.
According to Township Spokeswoman Bridget Palmer, there were a number of downed trees and power lines, as well as damage to a couple houses, though not widespread, in the township.
The main issue in Cherry Hill from Hurricane Sandy, she said, was stormed drains that clogged from leaves and caused roadside flooding.
As of this morning, about 10,000 residents remained without power in the township, she said.
“Travel is still restricted,” said Palmer. “Stay home.”
Trees are down and it’s still windy out, she explained, and it is best to stay home if possible until later this afternoon.
Worried about a traffic ticket? Residents will not be penalized for not paying today, she said.
Trash and recycling pick up will be back on schedule tomorrow with Wednesday pick up. Any residents who had Monday or Tuesday pick up should take their trash out next week instead.
In all, said Palmer, any after school, recreation and township inspections will not occur today.
The tax office is closed as well.
The Red Ribbon Awards, scheduled for tonight, have been canceled.
For those still without power, contacting PSE&G will help in the restoration process.
“That helps them track the outage locations,” Palmer said.
More information will be coming soon. Check back at The Sun throughout the week for updates.
Follow the Cherry Hill Police Department’s Facebook page for up to the minute details throughout the town, as well as Cherry Hill Township.
