Cherry Hill Sun

Author: tjohnson

  • An ‘essential’ celebration of Día De Los Muertos

    Volunteers welcome visitors at the annual Día De Los Muertos event on Nov. 1 to share information on community events and cultural programs.

    Bright colors, lively music and the aroma of traditional foods filled John Adler Memorial Park in Cherry Hill on Nov. 1 as the community came together for the fourth annual Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration.

    The seven-hour event featured family activities, a costume contest and performances honoring Mexican culture and heritage.

    Presented by community organizer Janette Norcross, the festival included special performances by Canpatlaneci Danza Azteca del Anahuac; Mariachi Flores; and Ballet Folklorico Yaretzi, with music from DJ Skynet. The celebration took place at the township’s Challenger Grove at Bortons Mill and Caldwell roads.

    Among those supporting the festival was the Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee, which hosted a vendor table, assisted with an art contest and provided administrative support behind the scenes. Committee members also joined in the festivities while dressed in traditional attire.

    Sapana Raval, community organizer and vice president of the Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club, emphasized the importance of participation.

    “Supporting the Día De Los Muertos event is essential for the Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee because it exemplifies our commitment to fostering inclusivity and celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures within our community,” Raval explained.

    Raval said events like Día De Los Muertos “serve as a bridge between different cultural groups by providing a space for sharing traditions, stories and experiences.”

    Lisa Witherspoon, a member of the Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee, echoed that sentiment.

    Community leaders Sapana Raval (left to right), Janette Norcross and Lisa Witherspoon were at the Día De Los Muertos event to honor Mexican traditions through music, dance and community connection.

    “Día De Los Muertos honors the ancestors of the living through prayer, dance, and song,” she noted. “It was nice to participate in such a culturally rich traditional event in Cherry Hill. Until attending this festival, I had never experienced it first hand.

    “It was truly wonderful.”

    Both Raval and Witherspoon agreed that cultural celebrations like Día De Los Muertos are vital to strengthening community connections.

    “Cultural celebrations are not just a reflection of our identities,” Raval pointed out. “They are the threads that weave us together into a vibrant tapestry of community. By honoring and embracing our diverse heritages, we cultivate understanding, respect and unity among all people.”

    The Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee’s upcoming events include a pageant at the Indian Cultural Center in Marlton on Sunday, the Voorhees hliday tree-lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 5, and a Black History Month bus trip to the African American Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.

    To become a vendor or learn more about future cultural celebrations, contact Norcross at (856) 229-4608.

  • An ‘essential’ celebration of Día De Los Muertos

    Volunteers welcome visitors at the annual Día De Los Muertos event on Nov. 1 to share information on community events and cultural programs.

    Bright colors, lively music and the aroma of traditional foods filled John Adler Memorial Park in Cherry Hill on Nov. 1 as the community came together for the fourth annual Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration.

    The seven-hour event featured family activities, a costume contest and performances honoring Mexican culture and heritage.

    Presented by community organizer Janette Norcross, the festival included special performances by Canpatlaneci Danza Azteca del Anahuac; Mariachi Flores; and Ballet Folklorico Yaretzi, with music from DJ Skynet. The celebration took place at the township’s Challenger Grove at Bortons Mill and Caldwell roads.

    Among those supporting the festival was the Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee, which hosted a vendor table, assisted with an art contest and provided administrative support behind the scenes. Committee members also joined in the festivities while dressed in traditional attire.

    Sapana Raval, community organizer and vice president of the Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club, emphasized the importance of participation.

    “Supporting the Día De Los Muertos event is essential for the Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee because it exemplifies our commitment to fostering inclusivity and celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures within our community,” Raval explained.

    Raval said events like Día De Los Muertos “serve as a bridge between different cultural groups by providing a space for sharing traditions, stories and experiences.”

    Lisa Witherspoon, a member of the Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee, echoed that sentiment.

    Community leaders Sapana Raval (left to right), Janette Norcross and Lisa Witherspoon were at the Día De Los Muertos event to honor Mexican traditions through music, dance and community connection.

    “Día De Los Muertos honors the ancestors of the living through prayer, dance, and song,” she noted. “It was nice to participate in such a culturally rich traditional event in Cherry Hill. Until attending this festival, I had never experienced it first hand.

    “It was truly wonderful.”

    Both Raval and Witherspoon agreed that cultural celebrations like Día De Los Muertos are vital to strengthening community connections.

    “Cultural celebrations are not just a reflection of our identities,” Raval pointed out. “They are the threads that weave us together into a vibrant tapestry of community. By honoring and embracing our diverse heritages, we cultivate understanding, respect and unity among all people.”

    The Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee’s upcoming events include a pageant at the Indian Cultural Center in Marlton on Sunday, the Voorhees hliday tree-lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 5, and a Black History Month bus trip to the African American Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.

    To become a vendor or learn more about future cultural celebrations, contact Norcross at (856) 229-4608.

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  • In their Sunday best, Lions mark first anniversary

    Community leaders – including Greg Peltz, president of the Haddonfield Lions Club; Mimi Hadi, secretary; vice president Sapana Raval; and Mayor Michael Mignogna – were among those marking the club’s first charter party.

    Members of the Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club gathered at Il Villaggio Restaurant on July 22 for their first annual charter party to commemorate a year of service to the community.

    Dressed in what was described as their Sunday best, guests spent more than two hours celebrating the club’s achievements, strengthening partnerships and looking ahead to future goals.

    The event – attended by Mayor Michael Mignogna and current and past Lions Club district governors – was a milestone for the club, launched last year with a mission to serve.

    “This milestone represents not just the culmination of a year’s hard work, but also a testament to the dedication and passion of our club officers and members,” said Sapana Raval, vice president of the club. “It was heartwarming to see our collective efforts recognized and celebrated by not only our members, but also by esteemed guests from across the Lions network.”

    Guests enjoyed an evening of camaraderie, speeches and community connection at the host restaurant in Cherry Hill. At $48 a ticket, the charter party also supported the club’s ongoing service efforts. Club leaders say it was more than just a celebration, but a reflection of the club’s core values: community, compassion and service.

    “The celebration was a vibrant reflection of the Lions Club’s spirit,” Raval continued. “It brought together our diverse membership, showcasing the unity and camaraderie that define our club.”

    Club secretary Mimi Hadi echoed that sentiment.

    “Seeing so many members from neighboring Lions Clubs attend to support our anniversary was really great,” she noted.

    Over the past year, the Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club has expanded both in leadership and in the scope of its service projects, from partnering with Cathedral Kitchen in Camden and offering health lectures, to hosting dance and meditation workshops. It has reached community residents through both traditional and other forms of engagement.

    “We’ve added more officers to our Lions Club board,” Hadi explained. “That means we can offer more service projects than when we first started.”

    Among those projects? Bringing back a beloved local tradition.

    “Hosting the pancake breakfast with Santa again was a highlight for me,” Hadi related of the December event. “We had gotten so many requests from the community to bring it back and it was wonderful to do so. And I’m happy our club was able to start vision screenings again.”

    As the club enters a second year, it has big plans to grow its impact.

    “We aim to expand our outreach programs focusing on youth education, health awareness and environmental sustainability,” said Raval. “Key upcoming projects include vision screenings, food drives, eyeglass donations and partnerships with local restaurants for Dine and Donate events.”

    The club also plans to host events such as paint workshops; henna art nights; and cultural dance sessions, with the goal of doubling volunteer participation and fundraising in the coming year. Its leaders are eager to welcome new members who want to get involved in meaningful – and enjoyable – community work.

    “Giving back to the community can be fun and rewarding,” Hadi maintained. “We encourage people to attend a dinner meeting or service event to see if the club is the right fit for them.”

    And support remains vital.

    “Whether it’s through attending events, volunteering or simply spreading the word,” Hadi said, “your involvement helps us make a real impact.”

    For more information or to get involved, contact the club at voorheesgibbsborolionsclub@gmail.com.

  • ‘Inspiring energy’ at a community blood drive

    Courtesy of BAPS Swaminarayan Temple
    Donors check in at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple drive on July 20, an effort to increase donations during summer, when they tend to go down.


    A steady stream of donors filed through 1 Carnegie Plaza on July 20 as the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Cherry Hill hosted a blood drive in partnership with New York Blood Center Enterprises.

    The six-hour drive drew residents from across South Jersey for a day of giving and service, including Sapana Raval, vice president of the Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club, who pointed out that the need for blood donations in the state is critical.

    “Summer months tend to see a drop in donations,” she explained. “Meanwhile, hospitals continue to rely on steady supplies for surgeries, trauma and cancer care. We also have to be prepared for emergencies and natural disasters that increase demand.”

    “The motivation behind organizing this blood drive at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple stems from our deep commitment to serving the community and fostering a culture of giving,” said Kiritkumar (KD) Patel, one of the drive’s organizers.

    “Blood donation is a vital act that can save lives,” Patel added. “By hosting this event at our temple, we aimed to inspire our community members to contribute to a noble cause.”

    BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a globally recognized Hindu spiritual organization, is known for combining spiritual growth with community service. The blood drive reflected that dual mission, said another organizer.

    “This initiative truly embodies the values of compassion and unity that are central to our faith,” Yogini Patel related. “Our partnership with the New York Blood Center was founded on a shared vision of making a positive impact on public health. Their experience and support helped us make this event a success.”

    Blood drive volunteers managed check-ins and refreshments, with medical professionals on hand to guide each donor through the process.

    “The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive,” KD Patel pointed out. “We had many donors walk in and express gratitude for the opportunity. The energy here today is inspiring.”

    Raval praised the drive’s calming atmosphere.

    “Staff were very attentive, making sure everyone felt safe and informed,” she said. “It’s not just about the blood – it’s about creating a positive experience so people will want to donate again.”

    Raval also offered quick after-care tips for donors: “Stay hydrated, eat something light after donating and avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day. Most importantly, feel proud of your contribution – and consider doing it again.”

    Organizers confirmed that the temple’s blood drive won’t be its last.

    “We’re committed to doing this every year,” promised Yogini Patel. “This isn’t just a one-time act. It’s part of a larger mission to serve our neighbors and encourage a spirit of giving.”


  • Silencing women no more

    Courtesy of Dr. Chhavi Kaushik Relia
    Dr. Chhavi Kaushik Relia, Mrs. United States of America Camden County 2025, specializes in breast cancer imaging and has long witnessed the emotional toll of the illness. She calls her new title “incredibly humbling.”

    A Voorhees resident and local doctor has been crowned Mrs. United States of America Camden County 2025 and wants to use her new title to shine a light on mind-body healing and breast-cancer awareness.

    For Dr. Chhavi Kaushik Relia, those two causes are deeply rooted personally and professionally.

    “Being crowned Mrs. Camden County 2025 was incredibly humbling,” she noted. “It validated not just a personal dream, but a deeper mission to uplift women’s emotional and physical health.”

    A specialist in breast cancer imaging at Jefferson Health, Relia – who is known as Dr. Kaushik – has long witnessed the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis, so she wants to bridge clinical medicine with compassionate care to promote emotional wellness as part of physical healing.

    “Mind-body healing teaches us that emotional pain can manifest physically, and that healing requires us to feel safe emotionally and neurologically,” she explained. “My platform brings together science and compassion, giving women tools to support both recovery and resilience.”

    While balancing her roles as a doctor and mother of two adolescents, Kaushik views her pageant work not as a separate task, but as an extension of her mission.

    “Pageantry allows me to show up for my community in new ways, and that fuels me,” she noted. “I carve out time intentionally for advocacy work, and I’m fortunate to have a supportive family and professional circle who believe in my mission.”

    The doctor is determined to challenge long-held misconceptions surrounding breast cancer and women’s mental health.

    “One common misconception is that breast cancer is purely a physical journey, when in truth, it’s deeply emotional and relational,” Kaushik emphasized. “Another is that emotional symptoms like anxiety, burnout or chronic pain are ‘just in your head.’ These beliefs silence women.”

    Through her platform and social media account, @the_feeler_healer, Kaushik shares evidence-based tips for emotional wellness and practical tools to help women reclaim their strength.

    “I hope to model what it looks like to pursue bold dreams while honoring your healing journey,” she related. “Whether you’re wearing scrubs or a sash, your voice matters – and it can change lives.”

    Kaushik is currently planning a series of speaking engagements across Camden County that focus on emotional resilience and the mind-body connection. She also wants to partner with local organizations that support women battling breast cancer and those experiencing caregiver fatigue.

    “My goal is to create meaningful conversations and connections that inspire healing and resilience throughout Camden County,” she said.

    Participating in the United States of America (USOA) pageant system has been transformational for Kaushik. More than a title, she considers Mrs. Camden County a platform to lead with empathy and purpose.

    “It’s given me the confidence to step beyond traditional roles and embrace creative leadership,” she related. “Pageantry has reminded me that reinvention is always possible.”

    Representing the county is something for which she holds deep pride.

    “Camden County is diverse, hard-working and full of heart,” Kaushik observed. “I hope to reflect that spirit with authenticity, compassion and courage. True leadership is rooted in service and empathy.”

    While her reign as Mrs. United States of America Camden County 2025 is just beginning, Kaushik sees it as a stepping stone to lifelong advocacy.

    “I plan to continue writing, speaking and creating accessible tools for women navigating chronic illness, stress or caregiving burnout,” she said. “This journey is only the beginning.”

    Her message is simple yet powerful: “Your healing matters. Your story matters. And no matter what you’ve been through, you can reclaim your strength.”

    For updates on Kaushik’s advocacy and upcoming events, follow her on Instagram at @the_feeler_healer.

  • In their Sunday best, Lions mark first anniversary

    Community leaders – including Greg Peltz, president of the Haddonfield Lions Club; Mimi Hadi, secretary; vice president Sapana Raval; and Mayor Michael Mignogna – were among those marking the club’s first charter party.

    Members of the Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club gathered at Il Villaggio Restaurant on July 22 for their first annual charter party to commemorate a year of service to the community.

    Dressed in what was described as their Sunday best, guests spent more than two hours celebrating the club’s achievements, strengthening partnerships and looking ahead to future goals.

    The event – attended by Mayor Michael Mignogna and current and past Lions Club district governors – was a milestone for the club, launched last year with a mission to serve.

    “This milestone represents not just the culmination of a year’s hard work, but also a testament to the dedication and passion of our club officers and members,” said Sapana Raval, vice president of the club. “It was heartwarming to see our collective efforts recognized and celebrated by not only our members, but also by esteemed guests from across the Lions network.”

    Guests enjoyed an evening of camaraderie, speeches and community connection at the host restaurant in Cherry Hill. At $48 a ticket, the charter party also supported the club’s ongoing service efforts. Club leaders say it was more than just a celebration, but a reflection of the club’s core values: community, compassion and service.

    “The celebration was a vibrant reflection of the Lions Club’s spirit,” Raval continued. “It brought together our diverse membership, showcasing the unity and camaraderie that define our club.”

    Club secretary Mimi Hadi echoed that sentiment.

    “Seeing so many members from neighboring Lions Clubs attend to support our anniversary was really great,” she noted.

    Over the past year, the Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club has expanded both in leadership and in the scope of its service projects, from partnering with Cathedral Kitchen in Camden and offering health lectures, to hosting dance and meditation workshops. It has reached community residents through both traditional and other forms of engagement.

    “We’ve added more officers to our Lions Club board,” Hadi explained. “That means we can offer more service projects than when we first started.”

    Among those projects? Bringing back a beloved local tradition.

    “Hosting the pancake breakfast with Santa again was a highlight for me,” Hadi related of the December event. “We had gotten so many requests from the community to bring it back and it was wonderful to do so. And I’m happy our club was able to start vision screenings again.”

    As the club enters a second year, it has big plans to grow its impact.

    “We aim to expand our outreach programs focusing on youth education, health awareness and environmental sustainability,” said Raval. “Key upcoming projects include vision screenings, food drives, eyeglass donations and partnerships with local restaurants for Dine and Donate events.”

    The club also plans to host events such as paint workshops; henna art nights; and cultural dance sessions, with the goal of doubling volunteer participation and fundraising in the coming year. Its leaders are eager to welcome new members who want to get involved in meaningful – and enjoyable – community work.

    “Giving back to the community can be fun and rewarding,” Hadi maintained. “We encourage people to attend a dinner meeting or service event to see if the club is the right fit for them.”

    And support remains vital.

    “Whether it’s through attending events, volunteering or simply spreading the word,” Hadi said, “your involvement helps us make a real impact.”

    For more information or to get involved, contact the club at voorheesgibbsborolionsclub@gmail.com.

  • ‘Inspiring energy’ at a community blood drive

    Courtesy of BAPS Swaminarayan Temple
    Donors check in at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple drive on July 20, an effort to increase donations during summer, when they tend to go down.


    A steady stream of donors filed through 1 Carnegie Plaza on July 20 as the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Cherry Hill hosted a blood drive in partnership with New York Blood Center Enterprises.

    The six-hour drive drew residents from across South Jersey for a day of giving and service, including Sapana Raval, vice president of the Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club, who pointed out that the need for blood donations in the state is critical.

    “Summer months tend to see a drop in donations,” she explained. “Meanwhile, hospitals continue to rely on steady supplies for surgeries, trauma and cancer care. We also have to be prepared for emergencies and natural disasters that increase demand.”

    “The motivation behind organizing this blood drive at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple stems from our deep commitment to serving the community and fostering a culture of giving,” said Kiritkumar (KD) Patel, one of the drive’s organizers.

    “Blood donation is a vital act that can save lives,” Patel added. “By hosting this event at our temple, we aimed to inspire our community members to contribute to a noble cause.”

    BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a globally recognized Hindu spiritual organization, is known for combining spiritual growth with community service. The blood drive reflected that dual mission, said another organizer.

    “This initiative truly embodies the values of compassion and unity that are central to our faith,” Yogini Patel related. “Our partnership with the New York Blood Center was founded on a shared vision of making a positive impact on public health. Their experience and support helped us make this event a success.”

    Blood drive volunteers managed check-ins and refreshments, with medical professionals on hand to guide each donor through the process.

    “The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive,” KD Patel pointed out. “We had many donors walk in and express gratitude for the opportunity. The energy here today is inspiring.”

    Raval praised the drive’s calming atmosphere.

    “Staff were very attentive, making sure everyone felt safe and informed,” she said. “It’s not just about the blood – it’s about creating a positive experience so people will want to donate again.”

    Raval also offered quick after-care tips for donors: “Stay hydrated, eat something light after donating and avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day. Most importantly, feel proud of your contribution – and consider doing it again.”

    Organizers confirmed that the temple’s blood drive won’t be its last.

    “We’re committed to doing this every year,” promised Yogini Patel. “This isn’t just a one-time act. It’s part of a larger mission to serve our neighbors and encourage a spirit of giving.”


  • Silencing women no more

    Courtesy of Dr. Chhavi Kaushik Relia
    Dr. Chhavi Kaushik Relia, Mrs. United States of America Camden County 2025, specializes in breast cancer imaging and has long witnessed the emotional toll of the illness. She calls her new title “incredibly humbling.”

    A Voorhees resident and local doctor has been crowned Mrs. United States of America Camden County 2025 and wants to use her new title to shine a light on mind-body healing and breast-cancer awareness.

    For Dr. Chhavi Kaushik Relia, those two causes are deeply rooted personally and professionally.

    “Being crowned Mrs. Camden County 2025 was incredibly humbling,” she noted. “It validated not just a personal dream, but a deeper mission to uplift women’s emotional and physical health.”

    A specialist in breast cancer imaging at Jefferson Health, Relia – who is known as Dr. Kaushik – has long witnessed the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis, so she wants to bridge clinical medicine with compassionate care to promote emotional wellness as part of physical healing.

    “Mind-body healing teaches us that emotional pain can manifest physically, and that healing requires us to feel safe emotionally and neurologically,” she explained. “My platform brings together science and compassion, giving women tools to support both recovery and resilience.”

    While balancing her roles as a doctor and mother of two adolescents, Kaushik views her pageant work not as a separate task, but as an extension of her mission.

    “Pageantry allows me to show up for my community in new ways, and that fuels me,” she noted. “I carve out time intentionally for advocacy work, and I’m fortunate to have a supportive family and professional circle who believe in my mission.”

    The doctor is determined to challenge long-held misconceptions surrounding breast cancer and women’s mental health.

    “One common misconception is that breast cancer is purely a physical journey, when in truth, it’s deeply emotional and relational,” Kaushik emphasized. “Another is that emotional symptoms like anxiety, burnout or chronic pain are ‘just in your head.’ These beliefs silence women.”

    Through her platform and social media account, @the_feeler_healer, Kaushik shares evidence-based tips for emotional wellness and practical tools to help women reclaim their strength.

    “I hope to model what it looks like to pursue bold dreams while honoring your healing journey,” she related. “Whether you’re wearing scrubs or a sash, your voice matters – and it can change lives.”

    Kaushik is currently planning a series of speaking engagements across Camden County that focus on emotional resilience and the mind-body connection. She also wants to partner with local organizations that support women battling breast cancer and those experiencing caregiver fatigue.

    “My goal is to create meaningful conversations and connections that inspire healing and resilience throughout Camden County,” she said.

    Participating in the United States of America (USOA) pageant system has been transformational for Kaushik. More than a title, she considers Mrs. Camden County a platform to lead with empathy and purpose.

    “It’s given me the confidence to step beyond traditional roles and embrace creative leadership,” she related. “Pageantry has reminded me that reinvention is always possible.”

    Representing the county is something for which she holds deep pride.

    “Camden County is diverse, hard-working and full of heart,” Kaushik observed. “I hope to reflect that spirit with authenticity, compassion and courage. True leadership is rooted in service and empathy.”

    While her reign as Mrs. United States of America Camden County 2025 is just beginning, Kaushik sees it as a stepping stone to lifelong advocacy.

    “I plan to continue writing, speaking and creating accessible tools for women navigating chronic illness, stress or caregiving burnout,” she said. “This journey is only the beginning.”

    Her message is simple yet powerful: “Your healing matters. Your story matters. And no matter what you’ve been through, you can reclaim your strength.”

    For updates on Kaushik’s advocacy and upcoming events, follow her on Instagram at @the_feeler_healer.