Pennsauken Committee highlights holiday events, library programs and Jan. 1 yard‑debris change

Committee members used the Dec. 5 meeting to recap recent holiday activities and announce upcoming events and operational changes for Public Works.

The mayor and Deputy Mayor Jessica Raffick thanked volunteers and Public Works for the recent parade and tree‑lighting, and urged residents to attend upcoming events. The township noted a senior‑citizen lunch scheduled Dec. 19 from 12 to 3 p.m., a holiday decorating contest with registration through mid‑December, and the Angel Tree program accepting new, unwrapped toys and monetary donations through Dec. 13 (contact: Juan Vasquez at municipal offices; phone number provided in the meeting transcript was not clearly recorded here).

The library will host children’s and youth programs: "mini movers" for ages 2–5 on Dec. 7 (10:30–11:30 a.m.), a monthly STEAM lab for ages 8–14 beginning Dec. 11 (4:30–5:30 p.m.), Santa visiting the library on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m., and a DIY lip‑balm session on Dec. 14 (11 a.m.–1 p.m.; $5 registration). Deputy Mayor Jessica Raffick and Committeewoman Nicole Roberts encouraged residents to register and attend.

Public Works announced its last scheduled collection for certain Monday/Thursday areas before the end of the year and reminded residents that beginning Jan. 1 plastic bags will not be allowed in yard‑debris collections; paper bags or trash cans are acceptable, and residents can call Public Works to request paper bags or recycling cans.

Vince Martinez, Director of Public Safety, said the fire department will escort Santa around town on Dec. 7, and encouraged residents to come outside for candy distribution and community engagement.