Chatham Borough Hosts Open House and Seeks Volunteers for Annual Spring Clean

Contributed by Kara Sibilia, MyChathamNJ

The New Jersey State League of Municipalities is kicking-off its first statewide program “NJ Local Government Week” April 7-13 to involve and inform residents about their local government. Chatham Borough will host an “Open House” at Borough Hall, “Family Walking Tours” and “Coffee and Conversation” in the Central Business District.

“The goal is to welcome the public to get to know the different areas of our local government and to demonstrate how it works,” says Chatham Borough Council Member Carolyn Dempsey. “We will have stations set up at Borough Hall for school groups and residents to rotate around. Among them are the outdoor ‘Touch a Truck’ areas highlighting our Department of Public Works, Fire and Police Departments and Emergency Services.”

During the Open House, both students and residents may tour the Police Department and jail, Council Chambers and other departments within the Borough. Popcorn and refreshments will be served. The event will include a “scavenger hunt” and some take-away goodies.

Residents will also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with Borough Council members, explore the new Riverside Trail and walk the Urban Track.

“We are very excited to participate in 'NJ Local Government Week,'” adds Chatham Borough Council Member, Vicki Fife. “It is so essential for residents to learn and understand the importance of local government. It will give everyone that participates an inside look at how the Borough operates on a daily basis.”

Find out more about your local government through a meet and greet with Chatham Borough’s Governing Body, and members of the Administration,in Council Chambers; enjoy tours and interactions with the Fire and Police Departments, Community Services, Finance, Emergency Squad, Library of the Chathams, Public Works, Recreation and Zoning/Engineering.

9:45am – 11:00am Walk the entire new Riverside Trail with Council Members. Meet at Shepard Kollock Field. Dogs welcome!

11:00am – 1:00pm Coffee with a Council Member at Drip Coffee. Bring your ideas!

1:45pm – 3:00pm Walk the Eastern portion of the Urban Track with Council Members. Meet at Reasoner Park Gazebo, off of Fire House Plaza. Dogs welcome!

For additional details or program updates, please visit: www. chathamborough.org; Post on social media using hashtags: #njlocalgovt; #ChathamSpotlight; #ChathamLife.

Help keep Chatham beautiful! Grab a rake, don some work gloves and join fellow community volunteers at the 7thAnnual Spring Clean. Meet at Reasoner Park Gazebo, off Fire House Plaza. Come for the morning, or even if you have just 30 minutes to spare. Focus projects for 2019 include landscaping beds beneath each of the five Chatham “welcome” signs, trash removal, edging and mulching the common areas downtown. Wear boots or work shoes and bring work gloves. Dress for the weather.

Register today and receive a free Spring Clean T-shirt (designed by a member of the Senior Center of The Chathams), while supplies last. Contact Janice Piccolo, director of community services: jpiccolo@chathamborough.org or (973) 635-0674 x200.