Mayor’s Message: Bernie Platt
Over the last year, my office has been involved in a number of initiatives to get residents engaged in cleaning up our community. We’ve gotten our neighborhoods involved in picking up the litter that too frequently dots the township’s landscape — the plastic bags, food wrappers, paper and bottles that line our roadways and our open spaces.
When I see the amount of trash that builds up in these very visible areas and the speed at which it accumulates even after the most thorough cleanup, it disgusts me; it angers me.
So this Oct. 1, I’m reaching out to residents and community groups to once again do something about it. From 9 a.m. to noon that day, the township is hosting a wide-scale community cleanup day.
Residents can sign up to participate, and township staff will be on hand at each site to help in the effort. Trash bags and gloves will be provided; participants should bring whatever materials they have lying around, as well.
Three public sites have been designated for this special event — at Croft Farm; on a tract of open space along Browning Lane; and near Carusi Middle School. The event is part of National Green Volunteer Day — and is the second event of its kind hosted by the township this year.
The first, held in mid-April, saw dozens of individuals come together to clear trash from public land.
In all, more than four dozen large green trash bags were removed from 10 sites across the community. It was amazing to see the impact our residents, civic associations, swim clubs and religious organizations made in such a short period of time.
The importance of cleanup events like this, and of the continued cooperation of residents who are dedicated to protecting our environment and our township, cannot be stressed enough.
As mayor and as a resident of this community for more than 45 years, I know that our residents expect only the best from our hometown. We take pride in our public lands and hold ourselves to a higher standard and a higher quality of life.
And with more than 50 public parks across the township, participation from our neighborhoods is crucial to maintaining the special quality of life that makes Cherry Hill such a destination for families.
Anyone interested in participating can contact Lisa Landis at [email protected] or 910–9685, or Natalie Barney at [email protected] or 432–8706.
I hope you’ll join in this effort to strengthen our community and keep Cherry Hill such a wonderful place to live, work and play.
