The Clementonian

The
Clementonian
Spring/Summer 2015
Dina Massey - Editor
Issue 6
Gwen Cantwell - Co-editor
A Note From the Mayor
By: Mayor John "Jack" Nicholson
It is an early February evening, the forecast is for
zero degrees later tonight and possibly 3 or more
inches of snow tomorrow.
read that the mixed use redevelopment is coming.
Our Fall Clementonian will have pictures of the new
construction.
People contributing to the Clementonian have to use
their imagination to describe what will be happening
when this issue is distributed.
We should view the investments and improvements
in town as part of a renewal that we can all benefit
from. A renewal we all can contribute to. Getting
residents in new homes has its challenges and will
not favorably impact our tax rate. However, if
Clementon becomes a more desirable place to live,
more investment dollars will flood our Borough. We
provide excellent services, thanks to our employees
and volunteers. We are centrally located for easy
commuting. Our established town has the highest
point in South Jersey and has been a great place to
call home for many decades. We have many
beautiful lakes and have many chapters in our
intriguing history. A short list of our history
includes: an airport, an amusement park with
motorboats and white tigers, blockbuster entertainers
at Gruber's (Harpers), an early bare-knuckle fight
club, neighbor to the #1 ranked golf course in the
world and Al Capone's hideout with tunnels, etc.,
etc., etc. Most importantly, our high performing
school district remains the greatest Clementon asset.
Everything that is now frozen will gradually thaw.
Every year we see a spectacular metamorphosis.
Earth's warming brings so many things to life. Our
landscape slowly turns from drab shades of gray and
white to a vivid green cover.
The next few months will bring an assortment of
positive changes that will greatly improve the
quality of life for Clementon residents.
The Clementon Police Department will be
augmented with the addition of two Class II police
officers. With continual efforts to improve their
programs and facilities, the Clementon Youth
Athletic Association is poised to increase the
number of children participating in team sports. A
new walking path at Princeton Avenue Park will no
doubt draw walkers and joggers. The recently
completed Rail Road Park will attract residents to a
comfortable surrounding where they can rest and
relax. Carver Avenue Field, Hero's Park, Daniel
Dougherty Field and the new equipment installed at
Schaefer's Park round out convenient spots for
young and old alike to enjoy being outside.
In closing, let us all be part of this renewal. Let us all
contribute what we can to making Clementon shine,
as it has in the past, long into the future. Simple
contributions are all it takes. Commit to your
community, help your neighbors, plant some
flowers, rake some leaves, pick up debris, and
spruce up our houses and yards. All these things will
add to our community spirit, pride and desirability.
Positive things are about to happen. Let us all join in
and make it infectious.
At the White Horse Pike and Gibbsboro Road
intersection, there are three new businesses: Route
66 gas station, Dunkin Doughnuts and the Stop &
Go convenience store, and should all be operational.
The first phase of Leewood Villages at Rowan Pond,
is scheduled to commence early this spring. My
sincere hopes are that this is the last time you will
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Tax Office
Public Works/Sewer/Water
Property taxes are due Feb 1, May 1, August 1, and
November 1.
RECYCLING has become a huge part of our daily
lives. Not only does it help the environment, but it
helps save tax dollars. Remember, the borough has
gone single stream. This means you
can put all cardboard, cans, glass,
plastic and paper all in the same
container. Recycling is collected every
other week throughout the town. The
borough public works department will collect other
recycling materials such as tires, concrete, bricks,
stumps and used motor oil. For electronics (anything
with a cord or battery) we ask you to call to schedule
a Wednesday pick up (do not place the items at the
curb). If you have any questions please feel free to
contact the borough garage (856) 784-0495. For
your convenience, a recycling map has been
included with this newsletter.
You may not be aware of the fact that even if we do
not collect the full taxes due each quarter, we still
must submit to the County and School 100% of their
portion of the total tax levied. This leaves the
municipality having to allow for the taxes not
collected during the current year. This is known as
the reserve for uncollected taxes in the municipal
budget. Any amount we can reduce this reserve will
be reflected in the municipal tax rate.
If you are having difficulty paying your property
taxes, please try to pay the balance by year end. In
order to claim property tax payment as a deduction
from your income tax, your payment must be
received by the end of the year.
Spring soon approaching means yard work, which
means getting rid of debris that might have
accumulated over the past year. The town is broken
down into 4 zones and every zone has a different
pickup week which can be found on your recycling
guide (if you need a recycling guide please contact
Public Works). The first week of leaf collection will
begin on April 1, 2015 and will end
May 30, 2015. All residents are
reminded to put their leaves out to the
curb line in neat trash free piles or
untied bags one (1) week prior to the scheduled pick
up. Brush can be placed at the curb line with all cut
ends facing street. This will assist in expediting the
pickups. You are reminded to keep brush and leaves
separated. Any leaf piles with trash or debris will
not be picked up. If you miss your first scheduled
pick up, you will have one other pick up the
following month. If you miss that pick up, you will
have to compost your leaves on your own property
until fall pick up.
To qualify for a $250.00 property tax deduction:
A. Senior Citizen must be at least 65 years old
with an income limit not to exceed $10,000
(excluding Social Security).
B. Permanently and totally disabled, any age
with an income limit not to exceed $10,000
(excluding Social Security).
C. Veterans with active wartime service.
The Property Tax Reimbursement program is
separate from the programs listed above. It is
designed to reimburse Seniors and Disabled persons
for property tax increases. Benefits available under
this program may be affected by State budgetary
constraints.
Income limits apply and all income is included
regardless of your marital/civil union status. You
must report the combined income. Please check
income limits at the time of application.
Clean communities weekend will be
held on April 25th and 26th
between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm
behind the library. Rain date is May
2nd and 3rd. There will be several dumpsters in
place for residents to discard any trash they may
have lying around their yards. You may be required
to show proof of residency when you pull in.
Limited applications are available at Clementon
Municipal Building. You can also get an application
by calling 1-800-323-4400.
If you have any questions concerning the tax office,
please call Jo Ann Watson at (856)783-0284 x 115
and she will be happy to assist you in any way she
can.
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There will also be a paper shredding event on April
25th at the Clementon Elementary School between
the hours of 9am and 1pm. No rain date.
Clementon Memorial Library
The hours of operation for Clementon Memorial
Library are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 11:00am to 4:00pm and Saturday 10:00am to
1:00pm.
The Clementon Water Department will start flushing
hydrants on April 13th and continue through April
24th. Flushing will occur between the hours
of 9 am and 3 pm. During this time
residents may experience low pressure and
discolored and/or cloudy water. We
apologize for any inconvenience this may
cause. Flushing is state mandated, and is imperative
to maintain the quality of our drinking water. This
procedure also checks to ensure our fire hydrants are
working properly.
The Clementon Library has new release
DVDs, current novels and non-fiction
books free for the borrowing! We can
request any book or movie from the
extensive network of libraries in the
Camden County system. We also have several
computers available for use. Stop in to do school
research or job searching online. There is also a fax
machine available for use by borough residents.
Code Enforcement
All residents cutting grass - don't forget to clean
your curb line. Help keep your community neat and
clean!
The Library is located on the corner of White Horse
Avenue and Gibbsboro Road. Please feel free to call
at 856-783-3233.
With the winter months coming to an end, our code
enforcement division will become more visible. The
investigators assigned to this division are tasked
with informing our residents of ways to maintain
compliance with our Property Maintenance Code.
This would encompass guiding them through a
corrective action, and ultimately leading to a
brighter, and cleaner community. Our investigators
rarely cite a first time violation, as the goal is
compliance, not court action.
However, if
unrectified, court appearance may become a
necessary action. Issues, such as placement of trash
containers or a sufficient amount of containers
needed for your daily consumption, broken or
dangling gutters and downspouts, overgrown shrubs
and grass are generally easy fixes. These items are
not just a visible nuisance or eyesore. They are
safety hazards for you and the community. In
addition, these items are known to draw the criminal
element to our community. If we all commit, our
goal can be accomplished, which is a cleaner, safer
Clementon.
Have some spare time? Love to read? We are
always looking for volunteers!
Environmental Commission
The Environmental Commssion meets at 7:30pm on
the second Tuesday of each month in the
Community Center basement. The Commission is a
member of ANJEC and makes recommendations to
the Borough regarding the protection and
preservation of natural resources. We also sponsor
contests, nature walks in the Spring and Fall, and
Adopt a Road cleanups. We are currently working
on upgrades to the Butterfly Garden next to the town
hall, in addition to other projects.
Please look for our new Facebook page - Clementon
Environmental Commission - where we frequently
update on activities and meetings. We will be
hosting a photo contest in the spring via our
Facebook page, so check for details. As always,
new members are welcome.
You may contact the Code Enforcement Division at
the following numbers:
Investigator Gene Richards:
(commercial/rental properties)
856-783-0284 Extension 127
Investigator Al Sexton:
(residential properties)
856-783-0284 Extension 120
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Who will have the Luck of the Irish at our bowling
event? Celebrate St. Patty's Day with family, friends
and the HSA. Flyers will come home with the
Clementon Historical Museum
The Clementon Historical Museum is located
adjacent to the library, in the Community Center on
the corner of Gibbsboro and White Horse Roads. It
is open every Wednesday from 2pm - 4pm. If you'd
like to visit the museum during off hours, visits may
be scheduled by appointment only.
students. If you would like more information or
would like to donate to our basket auction, please
contact the HSA.
Spring Cleaning for a Meaning
Community Yard Sale and Clothing Drive
Dan Dougherty Field (East Clementon)
Saturday, April 25th from 8am - 12pm
$15/space ($20 for vendors)
You will find many photographs, written records,
extensive collections of memorabilia from
Clementon and other past and present recreational
outlets in town, as well as various schools that have
served our children over the years. Stop in, browse,
and share your memories.
To register for space or to donate to the clothing
drive, please contact us. The HSA is accepting
gently used clothing, shoes, bedding, purses and
stuffed animals. If you are unable to drop off your
donation, please contact the HSA for pick up.
Shade Tree Commission
The Shade Tree Commission meets at 7:30 pm on
the 3rd Thursday of every month in the Community
Center Basement.
Bulldog Color Blast
Fun Run/Walk
Clementon Elementary School
Saturday, May 16th
$10/person
Join us for our first annual color run as we paint
CES all the colors of the rainbow. Wear your
brightest white and let's see just how colorful you
can be!
Clementon Elementary Home & School
Association
As the school year nears the end, the HSA looks
forward to seeing all the time and effort our students
have put forth come to fruition. From the Art Show
to the Hairspray Musical to the Graduating Class of
2015, we could not be prouder. The students and
teachers at CES are the reason our organization
works so hard. Participating in Home and School
events or fundraisers helps fund activities at
Clementon Elementary School that might not be
possible without everyone's help. Thank you for all
the continued support.
Flyers will be sent home with the students. If you
would like to register, volunteer or learn more about
the race, please feel free to contact us.
Bulldog Scholarship
The HSA offers two $500 scholarships to graduating
high school Seniors who have attended Clementon
Elementary School for at least three years and have
been accepted to an accredited educational
institution.
The HSA hopes to see everyone at our last few
events of the year.
St. Patty's Day Lucky Strike
30 Strikes Lanes, Stratford
Saturday, March 28th from 2 - 4pm.
$50/lane (up to 6 people) includes: 2 hours of
bowling, shoe rental, pizza and soda. There will also
be a basket auction.
Applications can be found on the school website, the
HSA Facebook page, and the Guidance Offices of
Overbrook and Camden County Technical School.
The deadline is May 1st, 2015.
Box Tops and Campbell's Labels for Education
Page | 4
We collect these all year long. During the school
year, we hold contests throughout the school. The
class that sends in the most each month wins a party.
We use Box Tops and Campbell's Labels to help
purchase extra items for our school, whether it be
new books for the Media Center, supplies for the
classrooms, or for the 8th grade trip. If you would
like to donate, you may send Box Tops and
Campbell's Labels for Education into school with a
student or drop them off at the CES Main Office or
at the John Lesher Senior Center.
Free Pet Adoption for Veterans PetsForVets is an
innovative program that waives the pet adoption fee
for active military, reservists and veterans when
adopting a pet from any of our participating shelters.
Participating shelters now include the Camden
County Animal Shelter in Blackwood, the Animal
Welfare Association in Voorhees, and the Animal
Adoption Center in Lindenwold. For more
information, contact one of the participating shelters.
The Home and School Association meets the 2nd
Wednesday of each month, 7pm in the CES Media
Center. We are always looking for new members of
the community to join our organization.
Camden County's 2015 Women's Health
Conference The conference will be held this year
on Saturday, May 2, from 8am to 3pm at Eastern
Regional High School in Voorhees. Each year, more
than 1200 women attend the free all-day event,
which includes a continental breakfast and box
lunch, a keynote address and four sessions of
workshops that range from Zumba dancing to weight
loss, financial independence to relationships and
much more. Online registration will begin in midMarch, at camdencounty.com.
4 Audubon Avenue
856-783-2300 Ext. 1015
HSA@clementon.k12.nj.us
www.facebook.com/ClementonHSA
County Happenings and Links
For more information, please visit the county
website at www.camdencounty.com.
Camden County Board of Freeholders The
Camden County Board of Freeholders wants to keep
you up-to-date on all of the county services,
innovative programs and special events taking place
in Camden County. Sign up for these updates by
registering at camdencounty.com. The public is also
welcome to attend the monthly Freeholder Meetings.
Dates for the upcoming meetings are:
Senior Services Guide, Concerts, Educational and
Recreation Opportunities The Camden County
Surrogate and the Freeholder Board's Division of
Senior & Disabled Services will hold a series of free
legal workshops for senior and disabled residents.
The sessions will be held at the Camden County
Store, located on the second level of the mall at
Voorhees Town Center, Somerdale and Burnt Mill
Roads, Voorhees. Those who attend the session will
have the opportunity to receive legal advice on a
Last Will and Testament, an Advance Directive for
Health Care also called a Living Will and a Power of
Attorney.
March 19 at 7PM
Collingswood Community Center
30 W. Collings Ave. Collingswood
April 16 at 7PM
Barrington Municipal Bldg,
229 Trenton Avenue, Barrington
Anyone interested in attending one of the sessions
must call the County Store at (856) 566-2920 to save
their spot. Participants are required to be Camden
County residents aged 60 and over, or disabled
citizens aged 18 and over. Workshops are limited to
35 participants per session and pre-registration is
required. Those attending this workshop receive, at
no cost, a Last Will and Testament, an Advance
Directive for Health Care (Living Will) and Power
of Attorney.
May 21 at 7PM
Berlin Township Municipal Building
135 Route 73, Berlin Twp
June 18 at 7PM
Cherry Hill Community Center
820 Mercer Street, Cherry Hill
Page | 5
8:30am - 3:00pm
Camden County College Parking Area
Blackwood
The Camden County Board of Freeholders is pleased
to present a comprehensive guide to services for our
senior population and their families. This directory
outlines available services from a variety of agencies
throughout the county to assist you in accessing any
program needs you might have for you or your
family.
Electronic Recycling Collection Event
For residents only – no businesses accepted.
The Camden County Board of Freeholders is
sponsoring Electronics
Recycling
Collection
Events for all Camden County residents. Recycling
your electronics keeps dangerous materials such as
lead, mercury, cadmium and chromium from being
released into the environment.
For information about this guide and the other
services provided by Camden County, please call the
Division of Senior & Disabled Services at 877-2223737 or the Surrogate's Office at (856) 225-7282.
Information
can
also
be
found
at
http://www.camdencounty.com/health.
April 11
8:30am - 12:30pm
Camden County Public Works Complex
2311 Egg Harbor Road, Lindenwold
For more information on joining your local senior
club call 856-858-2986.
May 16, 8:30am - 3:00pm
Parking Area at Atco & Raritan Avenues
Atco
Identity Theft Protection Event - Paper
Shredding
For residents only – no businesses accepted.
May 30
8:30am - 12:00pm
Camden County College Parking Area
(exact location to be determined)
Blackwood
June 13, 8:30am - 3:00pm
Camden County College
Blackwood
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
For residents only – no businesses accepted.
Items Accepted:
paint products, household
chemicals, cleaners, solvents, pesticides, fuel tanks,
and automotive fluids and batteries.
Items Not Accepted: Motor Oil, Tires, Landscape
Timbers, Air Conditioners, Electronics, Space
Heaters
If you have any questions about what or what not to
bring, please call 858-5241.
March 21, 8:30am - 3:00pm
Cherry Hill Public Works Complex,
1 Perina Boulevard
Cherry Hill
April 18, 8:30am - 3:00pm
Collingswood Public Works Complex
713 N. Atlantic Avenue
Collingswood
June 13
Page | 6
"Zone 1"
Zone 1
Zone 2
04/03/15
04/17/15
05/01/15
05/15/15
05/29/15
06/12/15
06/26/15
07/10/15
07/24/15
08/07/15
08/21/15
09/04/15
09/18/15
10/02/15
10/16/15
10/30/15
11/13/15
11/27/15
12/11/15
12/25/15
04/10/15
04/24/15
05/08/15
05/22/15
06/05/15
06/19/15
07/03/15
07/17/15
07/31/15
08/14/15
08/28/15
09/11/15
09/25/15
10/09/15
10/23/15
11/06/15
11/20/15
12/04/15
12/18/15
"Zone 2"
Page | 7
CONTACT INFORMATION
Address:
101 Gibbsboro Rd.
Clementon, NJ 08021
856-783-0284
Extensions from Main Number
Police Department:
Chief Randall Freiling........................... 130
Suzanne Kunkel, Admin. Clerk ............ 132
Clerk's Office
Jenai Johnson, Administrator/Clerk ...... 116
Adrianne Guernon, Deputy ................... 124
Margie Pierce, Deputy Reg. .................. 112
Tax Department:
Charles Warrington, Assessor ............... 118
Jo Ann Watson, Collector ..................... 115
Joann DiBattista, Clerk ......................... 114
Finance Department:
Nicholas Tocco ..................................... 121
Peggy Giordano..................................... 122
Municipal Court:
Donna Carns, Court Admin. ................. 110
Kathy Buchhofer, Deputy ..................... 111
Code Enforcement:
Gene Richards ....................................... 127
Albert Sexton ....................................... 120
Construction:
Al Hallworth, Official ........................... 119
Fire Safety:
Troy Bishop, Marshall .......................... 123
John Zuggi............................................. 123
Kathy Buchhofer ..............................125
Direct Numbers
Police Department........................856-783-2271
Public Works ...............................856-784-0495
Housing Authority .......................856-784-1134
Fire House ....................................856-627-0277
Municipal Court ...........................856-783-6464
Municipal Building Office Hours
Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 4:00pm
Wednesday Evening until 9:00pm
Mayor and Council
John "Jack" Nicholson, Mayor
Thomas Weaver, President
Carol Andrews
Mark Armbruster
Jonathan Fisher
Meghan Milano
Christine Nucera
Page | 8