Neighborhood Crime Prevention – Did you know?…

The modern-day concept of Neighborhood Watch began in the 1960’s. Due to escalating crime rates, the Los Angeles Police Department enlisted assistance from citizens in reporting suspicious activities. The National Sheriff’s Association took the concept further in 1972 when it organized the National Neighborhood Watch Program (NNWP) with funding from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration.

The Neighborhood Watch Program has become an effective way to get the community involved in crime prevention and help law enforcement. Implementing the program and posting “Neighborhood Watch” signs in your neighborhood and on the homes in the area tells criminals that your neighborhood is not an easy target and that they are probably being watched.

For more information on crime prevention in your neighborhood, contact your local law enforcement agency’s crime prevention department.

Santa Arrives for Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony 

On Friday, December 7th, the Buena Vista Township Special Events Committee held the 19th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Township Hall.

The evening began with a welcome from Deputy Mayor Teresa Kelly.  Karen Coates led the Buena Middle School Select Choir along with Kim Albert who led the Abundant Living Church Children’s Choir in a wonderful selection of holiday songs.

A crowd of over 150 was on hand to greet Santa and Mrs. Claus and their Elves as they arrived via the Richland Volunteer Fire Company in a parade of fire and emergency vehicles.  Once the tree was lit, Santa heard the wishes of all the children and they received special gifts that were donated from our Holiday Toy Drive.

Miss South Jersey, Ashley Murphy and Miss South Jersey’s Outstanding Teen, Gabriela Collins, were here and handed out prescription lock boxes gifted by The Municipal Drug Alliance led by Gia Haws.

Hot chocolate, Apple Cider, and cookies were available to all. A big Thank You to our Special Events Committee for making the evening a success! Merry Christmas! And a very special thank you to the children of Milanesi & Collings Lakes Elementary Schools for the beautiful decorations they made to help “Deck the Halls” of the Municipal Complex.

Congratulations to  the Buena Braves Varsity Football and Cheerleaders

On Monday, December 17^th, 2018, Mayor Chuck Chiarello and Township Committee awarded “Making Buena Vista Proud” awards to the Buena Braves Varsity Football Team and Cheerleaders for an outstanding undefeated 2018 Season. The winning score of 24 – 13 over Somers Point in the final games gave the team their fourth Championship since 2012 in the Atlantic County Football League! And the Buena Braves Varsity Cheerleaders were recognized as well for their dedicated commitment and “Team Spirit” throughout the 2018 football season. Go Braves!!!

Kindergarten Class from Milanesi Elementary School Visits Town Hall

The children of Ms. DeCesero’s Kindergarten class visited Town Hall on December 13^th. They were welcomed by the Deputy Mayor Teresa Kelly, as well as all the management staff and Township Committee Members David Turner and John Williams at the Municipal Complex. They were treated to snacks and juice and each child received a small gift and certificate to commemorate their visit.

They also got to see a NJ State Police car, and one of Buena Vista Township’s own Public Works Trucks. And special Thanks to Newtonville Fire Company and Buena Vista EMS, who were both there that morning, but had to leave on a call before the children could see their vehicles. It was an exciting morning for all. Thanks to all who made it happen, and thanks to Ms. DeCesero’s class for being so wonderful!

The Holiday Gift Boutique was a success!

The Special Events Committee of Buena Vista Township hosted the first “Holiday Gift Boutique” on December 1^st at the Dr. Martin Luther King Center in Newtonville. It was a great day with lots a wonderful crafts and products to see. Those who attended were treated to a variety of specialty and handmade items to purchase for those special people on their gift lists. The vendors were amazing and the members of the Special Events Committee made the day very special! There was food and music and lots of fun. If you missed this one, you missed a great day! Make sure to join us next year.

The Buena Vista Township Special Events Committee presents the 19th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony/Fire Truck Parade on Friday, December 7th at 6:30 pm at Township Hall, 890 Harding Hwy., Buena.

Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Elves will arrive in a Fire Truck Parade. There will be sing-a-longs and lots of Holiday music. Tell Santa what is on your wish list and receive a special present! Complimentary cookies and hot chocolate will be served. Help support our local Food Bank by bringing canned food or a non-perishable item and receive a ticket for a chance to win a prize. Let’s kick off this Holiday Season in the true spirit of Buena Vista. Happy Holidays from all of us to all of you!

Imagine shopping the world for holiday gifts without leaving New Jersey!! Come and shop for items from Thailand, Lebanon, Malaysia, India, Africa and many other countries at the Annual International Boutique Fundraiser.  This year’s event will be held on Saturday, December 1 from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday, December 2 from 10 am to 5 pm at the St. Augustine Prep School, 611 Cedar Ave. in Richland.

This Fundraiser is sponsored by AMURTEL, an international relief organization whose projects aid and empower women and children around the world.  All proceeds from the sale will be used to help women and children locally and abroad.  Please visit their website at www.amurtel.org to learn more.  You can also go on line to www.internationalboutique.org to view some of the items that will be available for sale on the above dates.

Beirut, Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi, Katmandu, exotic places all, where wonderful and unique items can be found and  purchased for AMURTEL’s International Boutique fundraiser.  The main focus in traveling is shopping for the gifts and also visiting the  AMURTEL projects that they support.

On October 9, 2018, the Mayor and Township Committee appointed Lisa A. Tilton as Township Administrator. She will hold this position along with her current title as Clerk/Registrar. Lisa will also continue to serve as the Planning/Zoning Board Secretary and is a member of the Township’s Master Plan Committee, Development Review Committee and Advisor to the Environmental Commission for Sustainable Jersey.

Assemblyman John Armato administered the Oath of Office to Ms. Tilton on October 22, 2018, with her family present. “It is an honor and privilege to not only work, but be part of Buena Vista Township” Tilton said.  Lisa has worked in Government for over seventeen (17) years, is a life-long resident of Atlantic County and a graduate from the Pilgrim Academy in Galloway Township in 1995.

Lisa came to Buena Vista Township in January 2014 as a temporary employee and was made a permanent appointment shortly thereafter. On August 4, 2014, the Township Committee appointed Lisa Tilton as Township Clerk/Registrar. She is a Registered Municipal Clerk, Certified Municipal Registrar, Certified Technical Assistant, Certified Planning Board Member, and a Notary.

Lisa works with a dedicated staff in the Clerk’s Office, which includes Lori Ricci as the Deputy Clerk/Deputy Registrar and Lori Faisst as Clerk Typist/Alternate Deputy Registrar.

On October 22, 2018, Dr. Leonard Long attended the Buena Vista Township Meeting TV night and addressed Committee and the public. He was hired this year as the new Principal of Collings Lakes Elementary School after the retirement of Mr. Benedetto at the end of the 2018 school year.

Dr. Long was very honored and has many valuable qualifications that will help to make the school a better place. His goal is to train the children of the community to be leaders and active in their communities.

Mayor and Township Committee were presented with a picture made by the students representing their thanks and appreciation for all that the Township does for the community.

On behalf of the Mayor and Township Committee, we would like to welcome Dr. Long and wish him the best in his new position. He will be an asset to our community.