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BVT Receives Approval For Traffic Signal at Route 54 and Jackson Road Buena Vista Township received word on Friday (5/3/02) that a new long requested traffic signal has been approved by the New Jersey Department of Transportation. Mayor Chuck Chiarello on behalf of the Township Committee announced that Buena Vista was very pleased to receive this notification through Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew’s office. Additionally notification was also received from Senator James Cafiero and Assemblyman Nicholas Asselta. “This intersection has long been a hazard to our community. We have made many requests of NJDOT and our legislators for traffic signalization during the past 7 or 8 years that I can remember” said Chiarello. “We are pleased that Commissioner James Fox and the Department of Transportation under Governor James E. McGreevey saw fit to immediately approve this light during our most recent request. The design and construction of the traffic light will take some time. There is piece of mind in knowing that it is on the way” the Mayor said. The intersection of Route 54 and Jackson Road has long been a hazard with 27 accidents involving cars and trucks over the past three years. The highway is a main business route between Vineland, Hammonton and Trenton. State Police reports verify the need for a full traffic signal at this intersection. Jackson Road is a township highway and Route 54 is maintained by the State of New Jersey.
New Mini Bus Route Coming to Buena Vista Specific details were being drafted at press time for a new Mini Bus Route that will travel in Buena Vista between Richland, Cranberry Run, Newtonville and Collings Lakes, winding up linking to the Rail Station in Hammonton and to Bus Routes in Richland and Hammonton. Under a grant through Atlantic County and New Jersey Transit routes are being established in various places in the county. The western end has long experienced a void in public transportation. Mayor Chuck Chiarello, Deputy Mayor Teresa Kelly and the Buena Vista Township Committee had previously obtained a $10,000 grant to study transportation in the western end back in 1995. A meeting was held on Thursday, May 2, with Township Administrator Ron Trebing, Mayor Chuck Chiarello and representatives of Buena Borough, Folsom, and Atlantic County Officials. The Meeting was to take suggestions on the proposed route and stops. One bus will be assigned to the route which handles about 35 passengers. The program may be starting as soon as June. The bus will fill a void for many of our residents that either don’t have a car or don’t have a way to a job. This program is in addition to current Atlantic County Services for seniors and the disabled. We will have more details in next month’s issue of the Buena Vista News.
BVT holds Senior Awareness & Health Day 2002 Committeewoman Sue Barber announced that on Friday, May 17, 2002 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Buena Vista Township will be holding their 3rd Annual Senior Awareness & Health Day. It will be held in the Buena Vista Township Municipal Building, 890 Harding Highway (Route 40) in Buena. All seniors from Buena Vista and the surrounding area are welcome to attend. Come join us for coffee and bagels in the morning. A light lunch will be available in the afternoon. There will be speakers, exhibits and screenings all at no cost to area residents. You can look forward to getting information on the following: Wills & Estate Planning, Senior Affairs, Fraud Against Seniors, Medicare, Betty Bacharach Hospital, Kessler Memorial Hospital-Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Screening, Peer Review Group of New Jersey, Licensed Acupuncturist T’ai Chi Chuan, Buena Atlantic County Library, Division of Taxation and much, much more. For more information call Joan Stahl at 856-697-2100 ext. 24.
BVT Public Works to add New Dump Truck The Buena Vista Township Committee has approved the funding of a bid for a new 2002 GMC Dump Truck for the Public Works Department. The bids received on April 19th were approved to purchase the vehicle from Seely Supply for $72,820. The vehicle will be the largest dump truck in the Township’s fleet featuring a GMC chassis, snowplow, salt/sand spreader and a dump body. While we had a mild winter in BVT this year, this truck will be ready for the fall and winter when it decides to snow. The vehicle will also be used year round for many other Township projects. The Township recently also purchased two used GMC Heavy Duty Pickup Trucks to replace older pickup trucks in our Public Works Department. The 1996 and 1997 vehicles were purchased for a total of $9,000 and will be put in service in the next few weeks. The Township Committee has worked aggressively to keep our equipment in top shape to service our residents.
Buena Vista has applied to the Pinelands Commission for approval to construct a football field, concession stand/announcer’s booth, benches and bleachers at the Township’s Park in Newtonville on Jackson Road. The Buena Vista Township Recreation Committee which is handled by Township Committeemen Peter Bylone and Mike Rivera has been working on this project for nearly a year. The plan calls for the removal of basketball courts near 10th Street to accommodate the football field, which would run along the rear of the park near the woods. The basketball courts next to the Martin Luther King Center will be expanded. It is hoped the project can begin once Pinelands approvals are received.
BTV Cracking Down on ATV Owners – 4 Wheelers, Dirt Bikes Per BVT ordinance #14-1997 operation and use of ATV’s are restricted in Buena Vista Township and now will be enforced to the full extent of the law. ATV’s are NOT allowed on Public Property or Highways. Written consent is REQUIRED even on Private Property. If you would like a copy of the All-Terrain Vehicle – Law of the Land which defines Ordinance No. 14-1997 please stop by the BVT Municipal Building, or call 856-697-2100 ext. 24. The ordinance can also be found on line at www.BUENAVISTATOWNSHIP.org.
Art Work of Jody Rivera on DisplayThe Buena Vista Township Cultural Arts Committee is hosting the Fifth in a Series of Art Shows at the Municipal Building on Route 40. The shows feature local talent from our own community. The current featured artist is Richland resident Jody Rivera. Her art is on display throughout the month of May, during normal Township hours and on Tuesday evenings. Stop in and see the talents of this great artist. Jody Rivera is the wife of Township Committeeman Mike Rivera. The display also features photographs taken by Mike and shows the unique talents of the couple. An opening reception was held on Sunday, May 5, from 6 – 8 pm. Residents, family and friends attended the opening, which also featured dessert and coffee. Assemblyman Nick Asselta and Atlantic County Sheriff Jim McGettigan were in attendance with members of the Township Committee.
BVT Recycling DatesAttention Buena Vista Residents our next recycling collection dates are: Friday, May 24 Friday, June 7 Friday, June 21 For more information call ACUA at 1-800-613-2282 or BVT Public Works at 697-2100 or visit www.acua.com Reminder: Plastic Bags are not recyclable. Please have materials curbside by 7:00 am on collection day. Residents should also bring in any empty trash containers once collections are made.
Area 8 Special Olympics Held at Buena RegionalThe Special Olympics held their annual Track and Field Meet at the Buena Regional High School on Saturday, April 27, 2002. Mayor Chuck Chiarello along with Deputy Mayor Teresa Kelly presented the organization with a Proclamation Plaque on behalf of the Township Committee. Area 8 of the Special Olympics comprises Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland Counties. Dr. Diane DeGiacomo, Superintendent of Schools delivered a welcome as well as a few words of encouragement to the athletes on their special day. Congressman Frank LoBiondo and Assemblyman Nick Asselta also greeted the crowd. Susan Exler, Vice Principal of the Buena Regional High School, was also in attendance. The games consisted of relay races, softball throw, tennis ball throw, standing long jump, running long jump, shot putt, motorized wheelchair slalom, and assisted walk race. The weather was beautiful and the athletes were excited to compete. Gold, silver and bronze medals were taken home by the athletes.
BVT Proclaims May 2, 2002 the 51st National Day of Prayer Civic prayers and national days of prayer have a long history in our constitutional republic, dating back to the First Continental Congress in 1775. The Supreme Court has affirmed the right of state legislatures to open their sessions with prayer and the Supreme Court and the U.S. Congress themselves begin each day with prayer. May 2, 2002 marks the 51st Annual National Day of Prayer with this year’s theme, “America United Under God.” Mayor Chuck Chiarello proclaimed Thursday, May 2, 2002 to be designated as “A Day Of Prayer In BVT” and encouraged the citizens of the Township of Buena Vista Township to observe the day in ways appropriate to its importance and significance. In the wake of September 11th this day is even more important. Rev. Ken Albert of the Abundant Life Church on Route 54 led a small group in prayer at 12 Noon on May 2nd at the Township Municipal Building. The group was joined by Mayor Chuck Chiarello at the flag pole in front of Township Hall. Prayers were given for civic leaders at all levels of government.
Area volunteers from the BVT EMS and Collings Lakes Ambulance Association were in attendance at the April 22 televised Township Meeting in honor of EMS Week which is celebrated from May 19 – 25, 2002. Buena Vista Township takes great pride in recognizing our volunteers throughout the year and it is important that our residents know of their valuable contributions to our community.
Collings Lakes Ambulance Celebrates EMS Day The Collings Lakes Ambulance Association will be having an EMS Day Celebration in honor of the EMS Week at their squad building (209-211 Beach Road). The event will be on Friday, May 24, 2002 for 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. There will be demonstrations, free refreshments and goodies for the children. Come out and bring the family.
The Collings Lakes Ambulance Association has a Junior Program. The objective of this program is to provide structure and education to the youth in our community. There are four fundamental parts to this program
To help achieve these goals the Junior Auxiliary created its own Executive Board, and Operational Officers. The Juniors have been assigned two adults to be their Leaders. These individuals will maintain a schedule of meetings, fund-raisers, and events to help achieve the goals we have set forth. For more information on this program call the Collings Lakes Ambulance Association at 609-567-2593.
On Saturday, April 13, 2002 the Friends of Joey Foundation held a “Beef and Beer” benefit at the Williamstown VFW Post #1616. Joey Reiser was a young man from Collings Lakes who lost his life at a young age. Joey lives on through the spirit of his family who have dedicated themselves to do good things in his honor. The benefit on April 13 featured a huge Chinese Auction with hundreds of prizes donated by businesses throughout the region. A large crowd was on hand for the festivities. Alice Reiser (Joey’s mom) was the MC, plus family and friends helped with the Chinese Auction. Joe Kelly of Collings Lakes provided the music. Deputy Mayor Teresa Kelly, Mayor Chuck Chiarello and Committeewoman Sue Barber were in attendance. The proceeds of the Foundation benefit Cure for Lymphoma Research, FOJ Foundation Scholarship, the Joey Reiser Playground and Families of Children with Cancer.
Atlantic County Mainland Chamber of Commerce The Atlantic County Mainland Chamber of Commerce held it’s Annual Town(s) Meeting Tuesday, April 16, 2002 at the Linwood Country Club. It is one of their most important events. It provides a great opportunity for the business community of Atlantic County to address issues and concerns with their government leaders. In attendance were BVT’s Mayor Chuck Chiarello and Deputy Mayor Teresa Kelly. Mayor Chiarello made remarks and took questions from the business leaders in attendance. Most of the towns in the county were represented.
Buena Vista Township Independence Day Festival Set for Sunday, July 7th On Sunday, July 7, the Buena Vista Township Special Events Committee will host the 14th Annual Independence Day Celebration starting at Noon at the Michael Debbi Park in Richland. (Rain Date: Sunday, July 14, 2002) The annual Fire Truck Parade will start in Collings Lakes at First Beach at 11:00 am and progress to the Michael Debbi Park on Cedar Avenue in Richland by Noon. There will be a car show sponsored by the Garden State 50’s Club. All vintage car, truck and motorcycle owners are welcome to participate and compete for trophies. There will be a baby and carriage parade at 3:00 pm with judging and prizes. The baby parade is open to Buena Vista Township residents, ages 2 and under. Area DJ John Reed (Lite Rock 96.9 WFPG) will provide entertainment all day and night. Other activities during the day include face painting, puppet shows, bouncy rides, sand art, cartoon characters, fireman’s water barrel fights and much more. Great food and prizes for everyone. Free Admission to the Park. This year the Fireworks at dusk, will be bigger and better and ever!!!! More information next month – mark your calendar now!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 7, 2002 at 3:00 pm for the second Annual Buena Vista Township Special Events Committee Baby & Carriage Parade. Children must be two years old or under to participate. The categories for judging will be (1) Funniest baby and carriage combinations (2) Most Patriotic, baby and carriage combinations and (3) Most Original baby and carriage combinations. Winners will receive a $50 US Savings Bond from Minotola National Bank. BVT Residents can pick up registration forms to enter the contest at the Township Clerk’s office anytime or on the day of the event at Michael Debbi Park by Noon at the Funnel Cake Stand.
Crafters/Attic Treasures Wanted for Independence Day Celebration BVT will hold it’s 14th Annual Independence Day Festival on Sunday, July 7, 2002 (rain date July 14th) at the Michael Debbi Park, Richland. This event is sponsored by the Special Events Committee. If you are interested in setting up a table the fee is $20 (you must bring your own table, chair and shade). For more information or to register please call Joan Stahl at 856-697-2100 ext. 24.
The “Walkway to the Millennium” at the Michael Debbi Park in Richland still has room for more pavers. You can purchase a 4" x 8" Brick Paving Stone for just $40.00. Stones can have up to 3 lines with 13 characters per line including spaces & punctuation. Bricks may commemorate a special date in time, event, or be in memory of a family member. To get your order form or for more information call Joan Stahl in the Mayor’s Office at (856) 697-2100 or (609) 561-5650 ext. 24.
BVT will hold it’s 3rd Annual Summer Concert Series at the Michael Debbi Park in Richland. The concerts will be held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm starting on July 10 through to August 21 (rain or shine). In case of rain, we will relocate to the library of the Milanesi Elementary School located at 880 Harding Highway, Buena. Come and enjoy the Sounds of Summer with these FREE concerts. Get there early for the best seats or bring your own chairs or blankets. Here is the schedule: July 10 – Red White & Blue Band July 17 – Joe Dale Orchestra July 24 – Shades of Blue July 31 – Singing Ambassadors
August 7 – Gene Boney Band August 14 – The Big Band August 21 – The 4 J’s Band
Check out the BVT website at www.BUENAVISTATOWNSHIP.org for information on meetings, hours, officials information, recycling dates and regulations, announcements, news bulletins, newspaper articles and much more.
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