Hannah Naegle is shown with her parents, Deptford council members and a certificate the 7-year-old received recognizing her stint as the day’s “mayor” during the April 7 council meeting.
Deptford council had a special guest for its meeting on April 7 in the form of kid mayor Hannah Naegle.
Earlier in the day, the first-grader got a tour of the municipal building to see the workings of local government, and the visit culminated with Naegle helping to preside over the council meeting. The 7-year-old’s presence was part of Deptford’s participation in the New Jersey League of Municipalities’ Local Government Week, which began on April 6.
“The idea of it is to teach our students and our children about local government,” explained Mayor Paul Medany. “It’s so important to learn how local government works, how it functions, what it’s about, and this exposes the children to it and also exposes their parents to it.”
The youngster was given her own name tag and chair to sit in at the meeting, which she started off by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Naegle also helped oversee awards for business and citizen of the month.
Business of the Month went to Deptford Honda Yamaha (DHY) Motorsports on Clements Bridge Road. The family-owned retailer has been in the township for more than 40 years, according to Medany. Though its representatives were invited to the council session, they were absent because of a last-minute commitment.
Citizen of the Month went not to a person, but a turkey. Fred became a local phenomenon in recent months as he made Caulfield Avenue his home, seemingly unfazed by the traffic that connects to busy Clements Bridge Road. But while he’s been a delight to some residents, he’s been a bane to others who have found him on their properties.
The township would eventually install a turkey crossing sign on the avenue to protect Fred, who also couldn’t make it to the meeting.
“In the heart of Deptford, a feisty wild turkey has become a local legend,” Medany noted. “Residents chuckle as he struts along Caulfield Avenue. The new turkey crossing sign adds humor, urging drivers to slow down for this feathered entertainer.
“Some view him as a nuisance, while others cherish his antics, turning daily commutes into a delightful spectacle.”
Naegle accepted certificates on behalf of the citizen and business of the month. She also received one that officially recognized her as kid mayor for the day.
“Hannah did a very nice job,” said Councilman Bill Lamb. “I want to thank her parents for bringing her. I actually prefer her as the mayor also.”
