Cherry Hill Sun

Author: submittedcontent

  • Hospital staffers cited for Bee-ing ‘extraordinary’

    The respiratory team at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital that includes Richie Augustine and Matthew Morris was recognized for dedication and teamwork in managing complex cases during a demanding weekend.

    Four Jefferson Health employees in New Jersey were recognized recently with Being Extraordinary Everyday (BEE) Awards for their commitment to exceptional care and the positive impact they have on patients, families and colleagues.

    The honorees include Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital patient care technician Melissa Chalfant, of the intensive care unit; Jefferson Stratford Hospital patient care technician Sarah Flaer, of the ER; Jefferson Washington Township Hospital’s intensive care unit secretary Dawn Valora; and its respiratory team, according to a release from Jefferson Health.

    Atco resident Chalfant was described as a “lifesaver” by a patient’s family for her compassionate care and support during a challenging time. Flaer, of Cinnaminson, showed exceptional leadership by guiding two newer staff members after a challenging code. Valora, a Gloucester City resident, provided comfort to a patient’s family during a difficult day, staying beyond her shift to offer support. The respiratory team that was cited included Richie Augustine and Matthew Morris, who were recognized for dedication and teamwork in managing complex cases during a demanding weekend.

    BEE honorees – nominated by patients, visitors, nurses, physicians and fellow employees – are non-nursing employees who work side by side with clinical nurses to provide exemplary patient care and improve the patient experience.

    For more information on the BEE awards, visit www.JeffersonHealth.org.

    Jefferson Stratford Hospital Patient Care Technician Sarah Flaer, of the Emergency Department, showed exceptional leadership by guiding two newer staff members after a challenging code.
    Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital Patient Care Technician Melissa Chalfant, of the Intensive Care Unit was described as a “life-saver” by a patient’s family for her compassionate care and support during a challenging time.
    Jefferson Washington Township Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit Secretary Dawn Valora provided comfort to a patient’s family during a difficult day, staying beyond her shift to offer support.

  • Hospital staffers cited for Bee-ing ‘extraordinary’

    The respiratory team at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital that includes Richie Augustine and Matthew Morris was recognized for dedication and teamwork in managing complex cases during a demanding weekend.

    Four Jefferson Health employees in New Jersey were recognized recently with Being Extraordinary Everyday (BEE) Awards for their commitment to exceptional care and the positive impact they have on patients, families and colleagues.

    The honorees include Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital patient care technician Melissa Chalfant, of the intensive care unit; Jefferson Stratford Hospital patient care technician Sarah Flaer, of the ER; Jefferson Washington Township Hospital’s intensive care unit secretary Dawn Valora; and its respiratory team, according to a release from Jefferson Health.

    Atco resident Chalfant was described as a “lifesaver” by a patient’s family for her compassionate care and support during a challenging time. Flaer, of Cinnaminson, showed exceptional leadership by guiding two newer staff members after a challenging code. Valora, a Gloucester City resident, provided comfort to a patient’s family during a difficult day, staying beyond her shift to offer support. The respiratory team that was cited included Richie Augustine and Matthew Morris, who were recognized for dedication and teamwork in managing complex cases during a demanding weekend.

    BEE honorees – nominated by patients, visitors, nurses, physicians and fellow employees – are non-nursing employees who work side by side with clinical nurses to provide exemplary patient care and improve the patient experience.

    For more information on the BEE awards, visit www.JeffersonHealth.org.

    Jefferson Stratford Hospital Patient Care Technician Sarah Flaer, of the Emergency Department, showed exceptional leadership by guiding two newer staff members after a challenging code.
    Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital Patient Care Technician Melissa Chalfant, of the Intensive Care Unit was described as a “life-saver” by a patient’s family for her compassionate care and support during a challenging time.
    Jefferson Washington Township Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit Secretary Dawn Valora provided comfort to a patient’s family during a difficult day, staying beyond her shift to offer support.

  • Governor declares State of Emergency for South Jersey ahead of snowstorm

    Gov. Phil Murphy declared that New Jersey will enter a State of Emergency effective at 10 p.m. due to significant and severe storms causing hazardous winter weather conditions, including heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, high wind gusts, and freezing temperatures, according to the governor’s office.

    Executive Order No. 374 declares a state of emergency across Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties, allowing resources to be deployed throughout the state during the duration of the storm.
     
    “Throughout our state, we are experiencing severe winter weather resulting in hazardous conditions, with snowfall expected to reach a high of six to eight inches in our southern counties,” said Murphy. “These dangerous outdoor conditions may impact the morning or evening commutes and make travel very difficult. Drivers should stay off the roads if possible, remain alert, and follow all safety protocols.”
     
    The governor encourages New Jerseyans to visit ready.nj.gov for important weather updates and safety information. Residents should also pay attention to local forecasts, warnings, and watches.
     
    For those living in Northern New Jersey and the New York Metro area, visit the U.S. National Weather Service New York, N.Y. at http://www.weather.gov/okx/
     
    For those living in Central and Southern New Jersey, visit the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly at https://www.weather.gov/phi/

  • Governor declares State of Emergency for South Jersey ahead of snowstorm

    Gov. Phil Murphy declared that New Jersey will enter a State of Emergency effective at 10 p.m. due to significant and severe storms causing hazardous winter weather conditions, including heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, high wind gusts, and freezing temperatures, according to the governor’s office.

    Executive Order No. 374 declares a state of emergency across Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties, allowing resources to be deployed throughout the state during the duration of the storm.
     
    “Throughout our state, we are experiencing severe winter weather resulting in hazardous conditions, with snowfall expected to reach a high of six to eight inches in our southern counties,” said Murphy. “These dangerous outdoor conditions may impact the morning or evening commutes and make travel very difficult. Drivers should stay off the roads if possible, remain alert, and follow all safety protocols.”
     
    The governor encourages New Jerseyans to visit ready.nj.gov for important weather updates and safety information. Residents should also pay attention to local forecasts, warnings, and watches.
     
    For those living in Northern New Jersey and the New York Metro area, visit the U.S. National Weather Service New York, N.Y. at http://www.weather.gov/okx/
     
    For those living in Central and Southern New Jersey, visit the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly at https://www.weather.gov/phi/

  • Cherry Hill Calendar

    Wednesday, Jan. 8

    Writer’s Block. 7 p.m. Hybrid at the Cherry Hill Public Library. Teens. Come join the Library’s teen writing club in-person OR virtually through Zoom! Each month the club will try fun writing prompts designed to spark your creativity. Open to grades 8-12. Registration Required at chplnj.org. Tgere wukk be some basic stationary supplies, but feel free to bring your own to use or share. All registrants will be sent the Zoom link via email.

    Tuesday, Jan. 14

    Special Board of Education Meeting. 6:30 p.m. Arthur Lewis Administration Building.

    Wednesday, Jan. 15

    Cherry Hill Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting. 4 p.m. Virtual. NOTICE is hereby given that the Cherry Hill Public Library Board of Trustees has scheduled a VIRTUAL (Zoom) Meeting, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 4 p.m. Formal action may be taken by the Board at this time.

    Documentary Screening: The Sultan and the Saint. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cherry Hill Public Library. In recognition of January as Muslim-American Heritage Month, join us for a screening of The Sultan and the Saint. This award-winning PBS documentary chronicles the connection between Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt during the Crusades. There will be a discussion with refreshments following the documentary. Register online at chplnj.org.

    Saturday, Jan. 18

    Practical Cyber Security Tips for Staying Safe Online. 11 a.m. Cherry Hill Public Library. Register online at chplnj.org.

    Tuesday, Jan. 21

    Planning Board Meeting. 7:30 p.m. See chnj.gov for meeting details.

    Thursday, Jan. 23

    Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting. 7:30 p.m. See chnj.gov for meeting details.

    Sunday, Jan. 26

    Intro to Coding with Python. 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Cherry Hill Public Library. Children and Teens ages 12 to 18. Ready to dive into the world of programming? This Beginner Python Workshop is the perfect starting point for anyone curious about coding—no experience required! In this hands-on session, you’ll learn the essentials of Python, a versatile and beginner-friendly programming language. Register online at chplnj.org.

    Tuesday, Jan. 28

    Board of Education Meeting. 6:30 p.m. Arthur Lewis Administration Building.

  • Cherry Hill Calendar

    Wednesday, Jan. 8

    Writer’s Block. 7 p.m. Hybrid at the Cherry Hill Public Library. Teens. Come join the Library’s teen writing club in-person OR virtually through Zoom! Each month the club will try fun writing prompts designed to spark your creativity. Open to grades 8-12. Registration Required at chplnj.org. Tgere wukk be some basic stationary supplies, but feel free to bring your own to use or share. All registrants will be sent the Zoom link via email.

    Tuesday, Jan. 14

    Special Board of Education Meeting. 6:30 p.m. Arthur Lewis Administration Building.

    Wednesday, Jan. 15

    Cherry Hill Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting. 4 p.m. Virtual. NOTICE is hereby given that the Cherry Hill Public Library Board of Trustees has scheduled a VIRTUAL (Zoom) Meeting, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 4 p.m. Formal action may be taken by the Board at this time.

    Documentary Screening: The Sultan and the Saint. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cherry Hill Public Library. In recognition of January as Muslim-American Heritage Month, join us for a screening of The Sultan and the Saint. This award-winning PBS documentary chronicles the connection between Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt during the Crusades. There will be a discussion with refreshments following the documentary. Register online at chplnj.org.

    Saturday, Jan. 18

    Practical Cyber Security Tips for Staying Safe Online. 11 a.m. Cherry Hill Public Library. Register online at chplnj.org.

    Tuesday, Jan. 21

    Planning Board Meeting. 7:30 p.m. See chnj.gov for meeting details.

    Thursday, Jan. 23

    Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting. 7:30 p.m. See chnj.gov for meeting details.

    Sunday, Jan. 26

    Intro to Coding with Python. 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Cherry Hill Public Library. Children and Teens ages 12 to 18. Ready to dive into the world of programming? This Beginner Python Workshop is the perfect starting point for anyone curious about coding—no experience required! In this hands-on session, you’ll learn the essentials of Python, a versatile and beginner-friendly programming language. Register online at chplnj.org.

    Tuesday, Jan. 28

    Board of Education Meeting. 6:30 p.m. Arthur Lewis Administration Building.

  • Police academy applications open

    The Cherry Hill Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy returns this January.

    The free nine-week program is designed to increase residents’ understanding of police operations, policies and procedures with first-hand experiences. The academy is open to any adult who lives in Cherry Hill, who has not already participated and who has no felony convictions or pending criminal actions at the time of application. Participants must also pass a background investigation. 

    The academy will meet every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 820 Mercer St., beginning on Jan. 22 and continuing through March 19. Class size is limited to 20 people (first come, first served).

    To apply, fill out the online application here: https://www.chnj.gov/FormCenter/Cherry-Hill-Police-9/2025-Cherry-Hill-Police-Department-CITIZ-213?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3yUGa0e3pHAU-xFzCoX5qwMSAhSx8JPTHUiE9yMF-nJKkqPmby3raKtWY_aem_jCedGe3dPTf_CZ6Xdkk6AA

    Additional questions can be emailed to Lt. Andrew Spell at ASpell@cherryhillpolice.com

  • Police academy applications open

    The Cherry Hill Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy returns this January.

    The free nine-week program is designed to increase residents’ understanding of police operations, policies and procedures with first-hand experiences. The academy is open to any adult who lives in Cherry Hill, who has not already participated and who has no felony convictions or pending criminal actions at the time of application. Participants must also pass a background investigation. 

    The academy will meet every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 820 Mercer St., beginning on Jan. 22 and continuing through March 19. Class size is limited to 20 people (first come, first served).

    To apply, fill out the online application here: https://www.chnj.gov/FormCenter/Cherry-Hill-Police-9/2025-Cherry-Hill-Police-Department-CITIZ-213?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3yUGa0e3pHAU-xFzCoX5qwMSAhSx8JPTHUiE9yMF-nJKkqPmby3raKtWY_aem_jCedGe3dPTf_CZ6Xdkk6AA

    Additional questions can be emailed to Lt. Andrew Spell at ASpell@cherryhillpolice.com

  • Township’s new police chief is on the job

    Capt. John Ostermueller has assumed his new duties as Cherry Hill’s police chief.

    Mayor David Fleisher and council confirmed his appointment at their Dec. 30 meeting, and Ostermueller began his new job on New Year’s Day. A township resident, he is an expert in community-based policing and has more than two decades of law-enforcement experience, including the last 21 years in Cherry Hill.

    “Capt. John Ostermueller has the experience and vision to lead the Cherry Hill police department into the future,” Fleisher said. “He shares my commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe, and operating with efficiency, professionalism and accountability. I look forward to working with John to ensure our department continues to deliver for our residents.”

    Ostermueller replaced Robert Kempf, who retired from the department on New Year’s Eve.

    “Ostermueller is an excellent choice to lead the department with his years of experience and dedication to our community,” noted council President William Carter.

    Fleisher and council also congratulated Kempf on his retirement and thanked him for his 26 years of service to the people of Cherry Hill. He joined the township police department in December 2003 as a patrol officer and has held various leadership and managerial positions over the course of his career.

    Along with expertise in community-based policing, Ostermueller is skilled in administrative operations, strategic planning, officer development and community relations. He most recently served as chief administrative officer for the department.

    As chief, Ostermueller will lead a staff of more than 175 full- and part-time employees. The police department averages more than 85,000 calls a year in a community that covers 24.1 square miles and has a population of 76,000 residents.

    “I am honored to lead the Cherry Hill police department as the next chief and to provide the services our residents and our community expect,” Ostermueller noted.

    Ostermueller holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Stockton University and a master’s in human resource management, training and supervision from Seton Hall University. He is a graduate of the 2024 class of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

    “Capt. Ostermueller has consistently demonstrated professionalism, a proactive approach to problem-solving and outstanding communication skills, as he collaborated with our association on community events or items of concern over the years,” said Tina Truitt-O’Neal, president of the Cherry Hill African American Civic Association. 

    “He has shown a deep understanding and commitment to the diversity within the Cherry Hill community and clearly possesses the attributes, experience and skills necessary to serve as the next police chief.”

  • Township’s new police chief is on the job

    Capt. John Ostermueller has assumed his new duties as Cherry Hill’s police chief.

    Mayor David Fleisher and council confirmed his appointment at their Dec. 30 meeting, and Ostermueller began his new job on New Year’s Day. A township resident, he is an expert in community-based policing and has more than two decades of law-enforcement experience, including the last 21 years in Cherry Hill.

    “Capt. John Ostermueller has the experience and vision to lead the Cherry Hill police department into the future,” Fleisher said. “He shares my commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe, and operating with efficiency, professionalism and accountability. I look forward to working with John to ensure our department continues to deliver for our residents.”

    Ostermueller replaced Robert Kempf, who retired from the department on New Year’s Eve.

    “Ostermueller is an excellent choice to lead the department with his years of experience and dedication to our community,” noted council President William Carter.

    Fleisher and council also congratulated Kempf on his retirement and thanked him for his 26 years of service to the people of Cherry Hill. He joined the township police department in December 2003 as a patrol officer and has held various leadership and managerial positions over the course of his career.

    Along with expertise in community-based policing, Ostermueller is skilled in administrative operations, strategic planning, officer development and community relations. He most recently served as chief administrative officer for the department.

    As chief, Ostermueller will lead a staff of more than 175 full- and part-time employees. The police department averages more than 85,000 calls a year in a community that covers 24.1 square miles and has a population of 76,000 residents.

    “I am honored to lead the Cherry Hill police department as the next chief and to provide the services our residents and our community expect,” Ostermueller noted.

    Ostermueller holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Stockton University and a master’s in human resource management, training and supervision from Seton Hall University. He is a graduate of the 2024 class of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

    “Capt. Ostermueller has consistently demonstrated professionalism, a proactive approach to problem-solving and outstanding communication skills, as he collaborated with our association on community events or items of concern over the years,” said Tina Truitt-O’Neal, president of the Cherry Hill African American Civic Association. 

    “He has shown a deep understanding and commitment to the diversity within the Cherry Hill community and clearly possesses the attributes, experience and skills necessary to serve as the next police chief.”