Councilwoman Dawn McLeod's 2020

2020 Annual Report

 CENSUS  2020 -Complete Count Committee- The purpose of this committee was to encourage 100 % participation for CENSUS 2020 from the residents of Lawnside by providing them with as much information about the Census as possible. I attended several meetings with the Camden County Census Administrators to strategize how to reach the community along with other council members. Throughout January, February and March of 2020, the Complete Count Committee promoted Census 2020 awareness. We attended PTA meetings, Family Fun Night, and parent teacher confrence at Lawnside School. We attended Democrat Club meetings, church meetings, and spoke with the Super seniors during several lunches at the Wayne Bryant Senior Community Center. We advertised Census 2020 at all community events and council meetings. As a Census 2020   Complete Count Committee, we hosted two   Census parades to spark awareness to the community. The parades we held on May 17th and August 2nd at which time we gave out Census literature along with Census giveaways. Census 2020 lawn signs were put up around the community. We are grateful to the citizens of Lawnside that allowed us to place signs on their lawns. As of October 28, 2020, the Borough of Lawnside Census 2020 self response rate was 67.5%...which is great! The Census 2020 response rate for Camden County was 69.5%.

Sustainable New Jersey: Community Garden- The community garden had a soft opening due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The garden was opened May, 3rd. The garden consists of 22 – 6 foot raised wooden boxes. Various members from the community grew tomatoes, eggplant, lettuce, peppers, squash and strawberries over the course of the summer. If interested You must provide top soil, seeds/plants for your box. If anyone is interested in obtaining a box, please contact the Lawnside Borough clerk.

Lawnside Board of Health- The board purchased and installed three Doggy Sanitation posts throughout the community for dog walkers.   We look forward to obtaining several more when funding becomes available. They are located on Warwick Rd near the War Memorial Monument, Gloucster Ave and near the pump station on Charleston Ave.

Wayne Bryant Senior Community Center- Renovations took place in January 2020. The building received new siding, the interior was painted, and landscaping was done with reference to Storm Water Management. The bathroom vanities were upgraded and new kitchen cabinets were installed as well. New fire and security alarms were installed.

Parks and Grounds- The Lawnside Recreational Park was temporarily closed due to the COVID 19 pandemic. We ensured that the proper signage was displayed to insure social distancing and wearing of mask.

Activities- Attended and participated in the following activities:

1/20/20- MLK Celebration for the Seniors; Sponsored by UPS and Shoprite of Lawnside

2/8/20- Black History Program; sponsored by Town Watch

2/9/20- Senator Robert Menendez 9th Annual Black History Program “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants” held at Grace Temple Baptist Church

2/13/20-  The Mayor’s Winter Summit; Trenton, NJ

3/25/20- Delivered meals to seniors weekly throughout August 2020

6/4 /20- Coordinated Lawnside Lights Up the Town Night for Racial Justice

6/7/20- Marched in Black Lives Matter Peaceful Protest

6/19/20- Lawnside Public School 8th grade drive through graduation

7/2/20 – participated in food distribution; sponsored by Touch NJ and Camden County Board of Freeholders/Commissioners

7/12/20- Prayer Walk; sponsored by Hiram Lodge #5 in support of Black Live Matter

8/22/20- Back to School Bonanza Lawnside Public School Census 2020 outreach

9/4/20- participated in food distribution; sponsored by Touch NJ and Camden County Board of Freeholders/Commissioners

9/14/20- Bag for Hunger at Shoprite of Lawnside

11/10/20-11/12/20-  Annual New Jersey Leagues of Municipalities Conference.

12/12/20-  Christmas Parade to spread cheer to the community

12/23/20- Golden Age Club- Holiday Cheer to the seniors

In conclusion, 2020 has been a very different year and prevented us from doing a lot of things. However, it allowed us to do things in a new, safe and creative way.

Submitted by,

Dawn Wright-McLeod

Council Vice-President

Borough Of Lawnside