Cherry Hill Sun

Tag: Community Update

  • 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.

  • 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.”


  • Hundreds inspired to walk ‘with a purpose’

    Voorhees native Dr. Jatin Mehta (left), the walkathon’s local organizer, with Cherry Hill Mayor Dave Fleisher.

    More than 500 walkers gathered at Cooper River Park on June 8 for the annual BAPS Charities Walkathon, an event organized by a Voorhees native.

    The walkathon is one of more than 1,000 events organized by BAPS Charities across North America that draw more than 40,000 participants annually. BAPS is a volunteer-driven, international nonprofit that engages in health awareness, education, humanitarian relief, environmental protection and community empowerment.

    The walkathon was kicked off by Cherry Hill Mayor Dave Fleisher and Camden County Sheriff Chuck Billingham, whose presence organizers said “helps inspire hundreds to walk for a purpose.”

    Organizer Dr. Jatin Mehta reflected on the deeper meaning behind the effort.

    “The ‘spirit of service’ means doing something from the heart without expecting anything in return,” he noted of the day’s theme. “That’s exactly how BAPS volunteers approach their service.”

    What makes the Cherry Hill walk unique, Mehta added, is its strong regional support and inclusive nature.

    “We see participants and volunteers from Camden, Gloucester and Burlington counties,” he said. “It’s a real example of people coming together across communities.”

    The walkathon not only raises funds, but also cultivates empathy and understanding, especially among youth, according to Mehta.

    “Younger generations gain so much inspiration, not just from walking, but from volunteering, reaching out and truly engaging with the community,” he explained. “Events like this (the walkathon) foster teamwork, build compassion and help us understand one another better.”

    While the funds raised during the walkathon contribute to both local and global charitable causes – including disaster relief and environmental efforts – the heart of the effort is its ability to bring people together.

    As for the future of the campaign, Mehta is hopeful.

    “The ‘spirit of service’ is about promoting good, one person at a time,” he pointed out. “It grows through small acts and helps us build stronger communities for generations to come.”

    For more information about BAPS Charities and their work, visit www.bapscharities.org.

  • R.A.D. Fest celebrates emerging music talent

    John Callahan (left), 14-year-old George Callahan and Sara O’Brien (right) pose with the official R.A.D. Fest poster for the debut music festival on June 22 at Proprietors Park in Gloucester City.

    South Jersey’s music scene takes center stage on Sunday, June 22, as the first R.A.D. Fest (Rock Ain’t Dead Festival) transforms Gloucester City’s Proprietors Park into a celebration of community and youth-powered rock.

    The free, all-ages event runs from 2 to 9 p.m. and willl include a full day of live music, food trucks and local vendors, a beer garden and kids’ activities along the Delaware River.

    Organized by Cherry Hill-based band Lackadaisical Lemon and the Haddon Heights nonprofit Community Rocks Corp., R.A.D. Fest was created to showcase teen and young adult talent emerging from South Jersey’s music community.

    “This has been my dream for a long time,” said George Callahan, the 14-year-old front man of Lackadaisical Lemon. “After meeting so many amazing young bands in the local scene, I knew a festival like this would be the perfect way to bring everyone together and put their talent in the spotlight.”

    Lakadaisical Lemon – formed in 2022 and known for its genre-blending mix of prog, funk, reggae and rock – will headline the Main Stage along with youth-driven bands like Sunrise Cries, Wasted Potential and The Big Trip & Friends. The Side Stage will feature acoustic performers during changeovers, including the Voorhees-based teen duo Dissonance, made up of John Langan and Ava Prendergast, students at Eastern Regional High School.

    “We play original music that moves fluidly between funk, prog rock, reggae, punk and more,” Callahan noted of his band’s set. “There’s a lot of improvisation and energy; we want people on their feet, dancing and having a great time.”

    For John Callahan, George’s father and Lackadaisical Lemon’s manager, organizing R.A.D. Fest is a full-circle moment.

    “I met Sarah O’Brien of Community Rocks in 2013 at Studio Luloo in Oaklyn during one of her open mics,” he recalled. “I used to bring George to those events when he was just a little kid. Now, at 14, he’s performing in front of big crowds and we’re teaming up again to give other young artists that same kind of platform.”

    The choice of Proprietors Park was deliberate, according to the elder Callahan.

    “We wanted it to feel like a real music festival – open air, grassy fields and a beautiful view of the water,” he explained. “It’s also close to the Community Rocks studio on King Street, which has deep roots in this community.”

    In addition to music, R.A.D. Fest will include a Kids Zone with crafts, games, face painting and balloon animals; art vendors; and a beer garden for adults 21 and over. Leashed pets are welcome and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for lawn seating.

    This rain-or-shine event will move indoors to Community Rocks Studio in case of extreme weather. Updates will be posted on the event’s Facebook page.

    “We want this to be more than just a concert,” John Callahan pointed out. “It’s about giving young people a place to be themselves, be creative and be inspired by their peers. That’s what makes R.A.D. Fest special; we’re building community through music.”

    For more information or to volunteer, contact John Callahan at (856) 296–4027 or email lackadaisicallemonband@gmail.com. You can follow the festival and its performers on Instagram at @dissonance__band and other linked profiles.

  • ‘Two festivals, one day’

    The Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee (VCDC) is spreading a message of unity and inclusion this month with two cultural celebrations happening on the same day across Camden and Burlington counties.

    The committee will have a presence at both the Philippine Independence Fiesta 2025 in Cherry Hill and the annual South Jersey Eid-al-Adha Festival in Mount Laurel, both on Saturday. The events are free.

    The fiesta will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cooper River Park to celebrate the Philippines’ rich heritage and commemorate its declaration of independence from Spanish rule. Hosted at the Jose Rizal Monument and Bataan Death March Shrine, it will feature cultural performances, children’s games, a patriotic program and Filipino cuisine.

    The Eid-al-Adha Festival, scheduled for 2 to 7 p.m. at Laurel Acres Park, will include carnival activities, a petting zoo, face painting, sales and cultural performances to mark the Islamic holiday celebrated by millions around the world.

    Lisa Witherspoon, secretary of the Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee, said participating in both events is part of the group’s larger mission of celebrating multiculturalism and fostering inclusion across South Jersey.

    “VCDC is very involved in the community as well as networking outside of Voorhees,” Witherspoon noted. “Not only are we diverse within our committee, we also involve ourselves in every cultural diversity festival, celebration, activity, or event we can, not only to show our appreciation within other cultures, but also to learn about them and celebrate alongside them.”

    The committee will host an information table at each event to engage with guests, promote cultural understanding and invite residents to get involved in future initiatives.

    “Events like these are incredibly important to us,” Witherspoon explained. “They reflect the vibrant diversity of our region and give people a chance to share stories, food, dance and traditions. It’s about building bridges and celebrating our differences while realizing we all belong to the human race.”

    The committee’s message is clear: South Jersey’s cultural mosaic is something to be respected and embraced.

    “Our message is to love the melting pot of all cultures, respect them, and learn from them,” Witherspoon offered. “We may be culturally diverse through our food, dance, clothes, or religion, but we all belong to the human race and can relate through embracing those differences.”

  • Local students on Monmouth University dean’s list

    Monmouth University has recognized the academic achievements of students who earned a place on the fall 2024 dean’s list, including 14 who hail from Voorhees, Sicklerville, Cherry Hill and other Camden County towns.

    For many students, making the dean’s list is a testament to perseverance and commitment.

    “It makes me feel incredible knowing that the hard work that I put in paid off,” said Domenic Giampetro, a freshman from Voorhees. “Those late nights where it was just me and my notes culminated in this great honor.”

    Giampetro credits his success in part to passionate instructors like Monmouth geology professor Professor Michael Tarullo.

    “Professors play an instrumental role in the type of student you are,” the student noted. “If the professor is excited to teach their specific course, it will rub off on the students and make them eager to learn. I have never been much of a science guy, but professor Tarullo brought a level of passion to the subject that was contagious.

    “For the first time ever, I was excited to learn about science, and I attest to his passion as the reason why I had success in the course.”

    Like many first-year college students, Giampetro faced challenges in adjusting to campus life.

    “The biggest challenge was finding the right routine to balance everything going on,” he explained. “Since it was my first semester at college, I needed to find a routine that worked best for me. The hardest part was finding a way to balance class, working out, clubs, personal time and a social life.

    “Class always came first, but after a while, I believe I found great success in balancing all these different aspects of my life.”

    For students aspiring to make the dean’s list, Giampetro offers some sage advice.

    “The best advice I could give is to stay on top of your work,” he offered. “Make sure you keep a planner or calendar to keep track of all your assignments and exams. Use whatever works best for you. Personally, I use a calendar in my dorm room to make sure my schedule is clear and organized. I would also say to make procrastination a thing of the past. Try your best to get work done as soon as you can so all your assignments do not pile up.

    “Lastly, take a deep breath and believe in yourself. You can do whatever you put your mind to.”

    The other Camden County students named to the fall 2024 dean’s list are:

    • Erin Murray – Audubon
    • Emma Vinci – Brooklawn
    • Sadie Dugan – Cherry Hill
    • Chloe Lehrfeld – Cherry Hill
    • Christopher Reigel – Cherry Hill
    • Anya Stuckert – Cherry Hill
    • Bridget Capano – Haddon Heights
    • Olivia Fowles – Merchantville
    • Athena Constantakos – Mount Ephraim
    • Brenna Bowie – Sicklerville
    • Mason Rowe – Sicklerville
    • Matthew Giosa – Voorhees
    • Alexa Lovallo – Voorhees

    The names of all students who made the Monmouth University dean’s list are available online.