As we near the close of 2022, on behalf of Mayor and Township Committee, I would like to thank all of our residents, businesses and employees for their support in making 2022 a great comeback year. The past two (2) years have tested and tried many municipal operations with the bottleneck of economy resources, but the resiliency of many employees has allowed the services the Township provides to our residents continue and even improve.  

With grant money, the Township was able to purchase a new leaf vacuum which has allowed the much-needed service in the community to be reinstated this year.  The Township also purchased a Billy-Goat debris loader to clean out debris in drains and reduce the potential of flooding. Earlier this year the Township purged several pieces of equipment and vehicles in Public Works that were no longer needed and that yielded over $33,000 in revenue. This has allowed the Township to focus on newer equipment and vehicles including the purchase of a new dump truck. 

The Township also settled and approved a new five-year contract with public works employees.  This contract was able to bring additional stability, and include two (2) new team members to the workforce, in addition to a seasonal employee that added depth and experience to the department. 

Another big accomplishment this year was a program to review many parcels of land the Township owned by selling land no longer needed for public use to potential buyers and adjoining neighbors. With those sales, the Township was able to raise an additional $39,000 in revenue this year in proceeds.

The Township continued this year with Earth month in April by opening our convenience drop-off center at Public Works every Saturday, and then ended with a huge community yard sale at Michael Debbi Park in May. This was such a great success that we are bringing it back for 2023, so stay tuned.

We were also able to end this year with a community partnership in raising donations for our annual toy drive.  So many residents donated toys, and in combination with monetary donations, we were able to raise over $4,000. Hundreds of toys were purchased and handed out at our annual tree lighting ceremony at Town Hall where over 300 people came to celebrate the holiday season. It was the best around town!

While we look forward to another year in Buena Vista Township, we are already making plans to increase services in the community for 2023 as we keep BVT Strong.  Have a safe, prosperous and Happy New Year!

The Buena Regional School District  is moving forward with  construction projects as part of its approved bond referendum.  At the high school, the roof has been completely replaced with just a few punch list items remaining; the new nurse’s suite and new library-media center are progressing nicely with anticipated completion dates now at the end of the winter.  Ground has been broken and construction is ongoing for the   addition of the new wrestling room, weight room, and fitness room. The middle school, our newest building, is not receiving the same  extent of renovations as the other school in our  district; however, plans have begun to modify the existing vestibule at the entrance of the school to improve safety and security.    

At Collings Lakes Elementary School, the school year opened with a completely renovated main office and conference room, newly renovated student and staff restrooms, and a brand-new state of the art nurse’s suite. The additional parking lot has been constructed and is almost ready to be opened.  

Milanesi Elementary School opened the school year with a brand-new main office, conference room area, and newly renovated  staff and student restrooms. The cafeteria  expansion project is progressing nicely.  Also, ground has been broken for the highly anticipated gymnasium addition. This upcoming summer will see the much-needed renovation of the bus loop and parking lot.   

At Cleary, roof renovation has occurred and our  students now have a well-deserved playground area, which has a full basketball court, a walking track around the back, and brand-new equipment for our students to enjoy.  Also, we are very  excited with the progress of the two additional classrooms being constructed in the rear of Cleary.  

Aside from the needed renovations to the   physical facilities of our schools, there has been much going on throughout the district.  On November 14th, our Food Services Department and the Buena Regional High School hosted a Thanksgiving Feast for senior citizens within our community.  The BRHS Choir and Dance Team provided entertainment for our guests as we were proud to serve them dinner and give away gifts.  

On November 21st, the annual Powder Puff Football Game took place in the high school football stadium, and a school-spirit bonfire followed on the football practice field. And on November 22nd, at our Board of Education meeting, several Collings Lakes Elementary Schools  students, led by Music Teacher Adrienne McKishen, provided our community and public a very special Thanksgiving performance.

You can stay current with all events and  happenings by visiting our schools’ social media accounts., and you can also see updates on my Instagram account at “buenasuperintendent”.  On behalf of the entire Board of Education and Buena Regional School District,  I wish our entire community a happy holiday season, and a safe and healthy new year.  

Due to the anticipated Inclement weather, and the anticipated unfavorable field conditions left by the rain, the 32nd Annual Independence Day Celebration at Michael Debbi Park in Buena Vista Township, scheduled for Saturday, July 9th, has been cancelled and will unfortunately not be rescheduled for this year.

Look for upcoming information on our big “2nd Annual National Night Out” event hosted by the Municipal Drug Alliance!! Tuesday August 2, from 5 to 9 pm at Michael Debbi Park…more details to follow.

The 32nd Annual Independence Day Festival will be held on Saturday, July 9th, 2022 at Michael Debbi Park from 11 am ‘til Dark. Food, Fun, Music, and Fireworks!

Always a family fun filled day kicked off with a Fire Truck Parade down Cedar Avenue.

Events and music throughout the day including some of the annual favorites such as the Fireman’s Water Barrel Fights, and the Fire/Rescue Vehicles Show and Awards…and it all ends with a beautiful display of fireworks at dark.

Applications for Crafters, Food Vendors, and entry forms for the Fire Truck Show will be available on our website and through the Special Events Office at 856-697-2100 Ext 8, or email specialevents@buenavistanj.com. 

You can also visit the website www.buenavistanj.com or our Official Facebook Page for more information.

Application for Food Vendor CLICK HERE

Application for Merchant / Crafter CLICK HERE

Application for Fire Truck or Rescue Squad CLICK HERE

Once again, Buena Vista Township will be livening up its Wednesday nights throughout the summer with eight (8) FREE concerts for your dancing and listening pleasure.

That’s right, you read that correctly! Eight FREE concerts! Grab your dancing shoes and come out to Michael Debbi Park in Richland each Wednesday night.

Concerts will be held, weather permitting, beginning June 22nd and running through August 10th, with 2 rain dates scheduled for August 17th and 24th.

Seating is available or feel free to bring your own lawn chair.

Bring your appetite, too! Hamburgers & Hot dogs, fresh popped popcorn & snacks, ice cream sandwiches, and hot & cold beverages are available for purchase and hosted by the Special Events Committee at the concession stand.

All concerts start at 7pm. Concession stand will begin serving at approximately 6:30 pm.

For more information, contact Beth Conway, Chairwoman of Special Events, at 856-697-2100, ext 8 or email: specialevents@buenavistanj.com

Due to Inclement Weather, this event has been rescheduled to June 4th.

The Buena Vista Township Special Events Committee is proud to announce our First Ever “Community Yard Sale”. This event will now take place on Saturday, June 4th, 2022, at Michael Debbi Park in Richland. 10 am to 3 pm, Rain or shine. (NO rain date)

Spaces are only $10!! If you wish to participate, you will need to submit your application and $10 fee BEFORE 5 pm on June 1st.

Information and Applications can be found on our website www.buenavistanj.com or at the Municipal Complex located at 890 Harding Highway in Buena.

Contact Special Events for more information at 856-697-2100, ext 8

CLICK HERE for Application

The Buena Vista Township Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, April 23rd, 2022, at 12 Noon at Michael Debbi Park on Cedar Avenue.

The hunt will be for children ages 2-8, and the Easter Bunny will arrive on the firetruck to see all the children and to take pics with them, and each child will receive a free ice cream.

Bring a basket to gather as candy-filled eggs.  Contact Special Events for more information at 856-697-2100, ext 8

Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban in Effect May 2022

Starting May 4th, 2022, New Jersey will ban single-use plastic bags in all stores, food service businesses, and grocery stores statewide.

This ban includes the use of polystyrene foam products including clamshell containers, plates, cups, food trays and utensils in all food service businesses statewide.

Bring your own reusable bag when you shop! For more information, visit www.bagupNJ.com<http://www.bagupNJ.com> or www.acua.com/bagban<http://www.acua.com/bagban>

For the entire month of April, the Buena Vista Township Environmental Commission, Clean Communities, and Sustainable Jersey will be sponsoring “Earth Month” to help the residents of BVT remove unwanted waste and trash from their properties.

The Buena Vista Township Public Works Building, located at 430 Union Road, East Vineland, will be open EVERY Saturday in April from 8 am to 12 noon. They will be accepting the following: Appliances, metals, used motor oil, brush/leaves in biodegradable Kraft style bags ONLY, bulky rigid plastics, recyclables, E-Waste, and up to 4 tires with NO rims.

They cannot accept the following: Construction, demolition, lumber or concrete materials. No hazardous materials or paints. This service is for Buena Vista Township residents only and ID will be required.

For more information, please contact the BVT Public Works Department at 856-697-2100, ext 5.

On Monday, April 18th , 2022, the Environmental Commission will be giving away free trees as part of the Community Tree Recovery Program (an Arbor Day Foundation Program.).

The tree seedlings will be located at the Buena Vista Township Municipal Complex located at 890 Harding Highway, Buena, NJ 08310. Pre-Registration is REQUIRED.

Please call 856-697-2100, ext 8 to reserve your trees.

It is that time of year again, the Special Events Committee of Buena Vista Township is preparing for our 2022 Annual Calendar, Scrapbook, & Municipal Guide. Now is the time to get your ad space secured AND take advantage of the “Early Bird” Discount rates! Our regular rates for 2022 will be $150 for a business card sized ad, and $500 to sponsor an entire month (ad would be the size of 3 business cards).

But if you get your application, payment, and artwork in BEFORE Sept. 1st, the rates will be $125 for the business card size, or $450 for the entire month. These highly successful calendars go out to approximately 2,800 homes in Buena Vista Township and about 700 are distributed through the Municipal Complex.

So, DON’T DELAY, get your Applications in to us today. You can download the Sponsor Application through our website… www.buenavistanj.com, or request one through email; specialevents@buenavistanj.com.

For more information, please contact the Special Events Office at 856-697-2100 ext 8.

CLICK HERE for Application