Camden County officials have introduced park improvements worth more than $2 million a $1-million pavilion at Haddon Lake Park in Haddon Heights formally opened This occurred a day after the official debut of two upgraded playgrounds in Collingswood a $1.3-million project for Newton Lake Park county officials are planning to add a gazebo to Hopkins Pond in Haddonfield Construction bids are due May 8 for the project in Pennypacker Park Something to bark over: Camden County adds dog park in Cherry Hill will be available to the public to rent for gatherings The East Lake Drive building offers an open meeting space and a holding area for performers at the nearby Norcross-McLaughlin Memorial Dell it's to host environmental education classes through employees of the county's parks department The refurbished Haddon Creek and Newton Lake playgrounds have new playgrounds and ADA-accessible rubber surfacing and paths They also have new picnic tables and benches previously worn down by generations of children and vandals "are two of the most well-loved playgrounds throughout our park system," Camden County Commissioner Jeffrey Nash said is bounded by Cuthbert Boulevard and the White Horse Pike The park's amenities include almost 2½ miles of bike paths Jim Walsh is a senior reporter for the Courier-Post Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login here to access content or go here to purchase a subscription Read The Retrospect The support group meets on the last Monday of each month at the Collingswood Senior Community Center For more information please visit the website pflag.org/chapter/collingswood | Out In Jersey magazine covers the interests of the lesbian transgender and questioning community of New Jersey Link IconCopy linkFacebook LogoShare on FacebookXShare on XEmailShare via EmailLink copied to clipboardCollingswood mourns a Wawa closure that had been pitched as temporaryThe Haddon Avenue Wawa closed for what the convenience store chain initially said was needed repairs Then it announced the store would be closed for good The paper note taped to a glass door of the Wawa in downtown Collingswood As customers walked up to the convenience store on the 600 block of Haddon Avenue on Monday they were greeted by the note promising a temporary closure to “make some necessary repairs.” “We are working as quickly as possible to get this taken care of,” it read and redirecting them to other Wawas in the area As the days went by, rumors about the Camden County store not reopening began to spread on social media, even sparking Reddit threads “A number of people were told [the store was closing] by Wawa staff and someone called the location and was told the same thing,” a user posted on Reddit wondering about the permanency of the shutdown “Sad to see one of the last remaining OG Wawas go,” another user said “I know Wawa and Rite Aid are huge corporations but those mini versions of the store just felt right for our small town.” Wawa confirmed to The Inquirer that the Collingswood store is permanently closed we modernize or relocate our older stores rather than close them After extensive evaluation of store performance and the possibility of expansion to support our new format we’ve determined that we are not able to do so,” said Lori Bruce Workers have already been relocated to nearby stores stressing the company’s desire to maintain a “strong partner in this community.” The shuttering of the Collingswood store follows a Wawa trend in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania where smaller stores are being replaced by those with bigger footprints Collingswood Mayor Jim Maley said Saturday he did not find out about the decision to close the Haddon Avenue store from the Delaware County-based chain and had yet to receive direct confirmation from it “Wawa certainly has been clear they like Super Wawas better than these stores so I’m really happy we lasted as long as we did,” Maley said a great part of the community; we wish they wouldn’t leave us Representatives from a convenience store he would not name will be visiting the now-closed Wawa location in the coming days Philadelphia customers looking to patronize the Wawa in the heart of the Thomas Jefferson University campus and hospital complex Sunday encountered a locked door with a “closed until further notice” sign and another sign suggesting a Wawa at Sixth and Chestnut Streets as an alternative A spokesperson for Wawa said Monday that the Walnut Street store closure was temporary due to “necessary maintenance.” The store will reopen “as soon as possible,” the spokesperson added NJ) – Crews will be working on South Newton Lake Drive in Collingswood on Monday There will be a full road closure between Lees Lane and Ventnor Avenue “Motorists should plan ahead to take alternate routes and give themselves plenty of time to get to their destinations,” said Commissioner Al Dyer remember that when you’re traveling through a construction area please slow down and stay alert for crew members and debris.” The Camden County Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining over 1,200 miles of county roadway They are dedicated to making our area safer for motorists and pedestrians through county highway construction projects and road maintenance grass cutting and storm drainage upkeep. The Public Works Department is located in Lindenwold where personnel are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week to serve the residents of Camden County To report concerns on Camden County roadways, call (856) 566-2980 or visit www.camdencounty.com Collingswood voters will head to the polls to elect three people to serve as commissioners in its municipal government and Daniela Solano-Ward are the first to officially declare their candidacies under the slogan “Collingswood Forward.” The brand-new garage at the intersection of Harrison and Sloan Avenues centralizes public works operations in a modern building that borough officials say will improve efficiency and the delivery of services throughout the community Stream our moderated panel discussion among seven candidates for the 2025 Collingswood borough commission elections ahead of the May 13 vote organized in partnership with The Retrospect A resident journalist's perspective on suburban Camden County Your first email should land in your inbox shortly Please add matt@njpen.com to your contacts to make sure you don't miss out The Wawa convenience store chain has decided to close the Downtown Collingswood location at 668 Haddon Ave (close to Collings Ave) Unaffected by this decision is the other nearby Haddon Ave Wawa… the Cuthbert and Haddon Ave Wawa remains open Yesterday I reached out to the Wawa media team who replied this afternoon confirming the difficult decision to close the Downtown Collingwood location As of today the location no longer comes up in the Wawa Store Locator Search page local residents have been sharing online updates about the this particular Wawa which over the last week had closed for several days reopened for a day or two… and then seemingly closed permanently Initial confirmation of the permanent closure came from residents with friends or family working in the store who had learned yesterday (or earlier) that the location had been closed and employees were relocated to other locations Typically, there is advanced notice off Wawa closing a store, such as the recently closed Route 70 Cherry Hill location… so this Downtown Collingswood Wawa closure appears to be more of an abrupt decision although there’s no real extra details around that aspect The Wawa statement focuses on an answer that we all likely expected… They have been on a many-year effort to upgrade their stores and in most cases relocating older stores to develop “Super” Wawas nearby with gas pumps.  That being said there are smaller classic Wawas that have been upgraded and modernized such as two locations in Washington Township Unfortunately for the Downtown Collingswood store it was deemed by Wawa as one that could not be maintained or upgraded going forward Online Facebook groups such as In The Wood, Colingswood are filled with several threads of local residents showing their displeasure regarding the closing of the store commenting that they felt it was always packed and surprised by the outcome The official statement below is from Wawa signature manager of media relations Wawa Statement Regarding Collingswood Store Closure we have made the difficult decision to close our store located at 668 Haddon Ave. our store design and product offer have changed to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers.  Wherever possible we modernize or relocate our older stores rather than close them.  After extensive evaluation of store performance conditions or the possibility of expansion to support our new format we’ve determined that we are not able to do so.  Rest assured that we remain committed to serving this community at our many nearby locations in Collingswood We have already relocated all associates who worked at this location to other stores nearby We will also continue to be strong partner in this community as we have been for so many years We thank the community for their support through the years and we hope to serve them again at our nearby stores Wawa Downtown Collingswood – Permanently Closed668 Haddon AveCollingswood NJ Wawa Website Categories Marlton Pike Millville Approves Project Featuring Raising Cane’s Mario’s Famous Cookies is Open In Collingswood Collingswood Commissioner Rob Lewandowski will not seek re-election to a third term in the upcoming May non-partisan municipal election He cited ongoing physical and mental health struggles by family members “I told myself that if I could not dedicate 100% to the job of commissioner I would not run again,” Lewandowski stated “It is certainly not for a lack of love for Collingswood and its residents that I step aside My decision not to run is because Collingswood deserves more than I can offer right now Perhaps circumstances will change somewhere down the line Mayor Jim Maley and Commissioner Morgan Robinson a non-profit geared at improving student math outcomes through enhanced learning and one-on-one coaching A U.S. Navy veteran and the longtime communications director for the Laborers’ International Union of North America, Lewandowski began his career in elected office in 2014 when he won a Collingswood school board seat as a write-in candidate  Nearly fifty variations of his 17-letter name were used Lewandowski was the top vote-getter against a progressive slate; Team Collingswood crushed Kate Delaney and others by a 2-1 margin is preparing to announce that she won’t seek re-election to a third term Brindle has begun telling local Democrats that she’s calling it quits Ward 1 Councilwoman Linda Hapgood appears to be the leading contender for the Democratic nomination Brindle had a tough midterm election in 2023 with Republicans winning four of the eight town council seats in what was largely a referendum on Brindle’s redevelopment plans An early supporter of Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop’s gubernatorial bid Brindle could wind up in a state post if Fulop wins Republicans have not yet selected their mayoral candidate will run for a second term on the township committee in what will be a control election in a one-time GOP stronghold before the municipality shifted heavily to the Democratic side “I have always cared deeply about our township and I would like to continue to move Millburn forward in a positive “I have proven that I can lead in a bi-partisan manner.” Romano’s release did not indicate whether her running mate Democrats have a 3-2 majority on the township committee with Republicans needing just one seat to take control Republicans won two seats by about 1,700 votes “We seek candidates who are energized by Millburn’s growing diversity and who reflect a broad range of ethnic and religious backgrounds and even political perspectives,” local Republicans said in a statement seeking candidates for this fall “Our goal is to bring together residents from all walks of life who share a deep love for Millburn-Short Hills and a commitment to protecting what makes it a vibrant Watch today's top stories and most popular videos which provide you with features like past/future radar and customizable layers Trust us to help you plan the best day possible with the most accurate weather forecast available We recognize our responsibility to use data and technology for good We may use or share your data with our data vendors The Weather Channel is the world's most accurate forecaster according to ForecastWatch, Global and Regional Weather Forecast Accuracy Overview A Collingswood favorite will be making a move to a neighboring town was established in the borough eight years ago "This move wasn't something we initially planned we imagined building something entirely new," Hearthside owners Dominic and Lindsay Piperno and their team said in a message to patrons this month More: What's next for the old Vineland Qwick Lube property? Project gets early-stage approval the Pipernos acquired a location in Haddon Township A key selling point was being able to purchase a liquor license “When we were looking for a property, we got the liquor license first,” Dominic Piperno told this publication at the time. the plan was to have a large bar and "fine dining" for the new restaurant with many aspects of Hearthside serving as inspiration "In every conversation we kept coming back to Hearthside," the team's April letter to supporters read So we made the decision to take everything we love about this place and give it the room to grow." the restaurant's menu at its new location will "stay true to our roots," with features such as small plates The new location is also to feature more seating The Pipernos plan to open their new doors sometime in 2026 Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need Seven Collingswood residents are running for three available three-year terms on the Collingswood Public Schools Board of Education Every election season, NJ Pen invites candidates running for local office to tell voters a bit about themselves and their priorities before the ballots are cast.  We produce these profiles in the public interest but our journalism is possible only through small regular contributions from our readers — so if you’re reading this for free it’s because other readers have made it possible for us to offer it to you.  To support our ability to keep doing this work year-round, please become a subscriber Seven Collingswood residents are running for three available three-year terms on the Collingswood Public School District Board of Education: Danielle Brown All candidates have been invited to reply to the same set of prompts and their views of the current state of affairs in their community Answers have been edited for clarity and length Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking Program Director Igniting Hope/United Advocacy GroupAdjunct professor at Rutgers University NJ PEN: Tell us something about your hobbies DANIELLE BROWN: I am a mother of 10 children including three sets of twins and four singletons and have passed our dedication to service down to our children Four of my kids have had IEPs for learning and emotional disabilities which has made me a fierce advocate for their education ensuring they receive the support they need.  and supporting him through his journey has been a profound experience His challenges in school and life have fueled my passion for advocacy not only for him but for my clients in the LGBTQIA+ community I’ve served on the LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Task Force and work closely with various programs to ensure equality and rights for all we are active in our local schools and community I have been a longstanding member of the Mark Newbie PTA and a former board member continuing to chair events and offer my time wherever needed We spend much of our time together attending soccer games particularly with fundraisers and service projects aimed at helping those in need NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?  BROWN: My philosophy of education is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to be treated with respect and equity I believe that education should provide a supportive environment where students not only learn academically but grow emotionally and socially.  Schools are like second homes to our children and the educators within them become part of that family It is essential that teachers feel appreciated and valued for the critical role they play in shaping our children’s futures divisions within our community have distracted from this core mission We must refocus on what truly matters: supporting each other for the betterment of our children The way we treat one another will have a direct impact on how our students view and navigate the world.  This will ensure that their journey through education remains positive and empowering NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member I bring both personal and professional experiences that provide me with a well-rounded perspective on education several of whom have had IEPs for learning and emotional disabilities I’ve been deeply involved in advocating for their education ensuring that they received the support they needed to thrive while also navigating the education system for my transgender son and advocating for his rights and well-being throughout his journey I also have a diverse family — my children are part Lakota Sioux and African American — and they have faced discrimination throughout their school experiences These challenges have given me a unique perspective on the importance of diversity I want to bring these lived experiences to the board to help foster an environment where all children I’ve worked in nonprofit organizations that focus on advocacy including the LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Task Force These roles have strengthened my ability to listen and fight for the rights and equity of all individuals skills that are crucial in a school board setting equip me with the empathy and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact on our district I will work to ensure that the voices of all students and families are heard and respected NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?  BROWN: I am running for office because I believe in fostering a more inclusive and supportive education system that treats all students with respect and equity My personal and professional experiences have prepared me to be a strong advocate for children and families in our district especially those who often go unheard.  I have seen firsthand the challenges faced by children who may be marginalized or discriminated against and I am committed to ensuring that no family goes through those struggles alone.  I also feel strongly about the need to bridge divides in our community Collingswood is made up of neighbors who should support one another It’s important to respect different viewpoints and come together to strengthen our community.  I will work hard to create a school environment where all children and families feel valued and where we all work together to build a brighter future for Collingswood NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces BROWN: The biggest challenges our school district faces include teacher retention and ensuring equity and inclusion for all students.  Teacher retention is a significant concern; when experienced educators leave it disrupts the learning environment and impacts student outcomes We need to prioritize supporting our teachers providing them with the resources they need and recognizing their hard work to foster a positive work environment it can be difficult to adequately fund programs that benefit our students and staff We must advocate for increased funding and explore creative solutions to allocate our resources effectively while ensuring that no child is left behind This includes better allocating funds to provide teachers and students with accessible equipment Children cannot focus on their schoolwork when they have a broken Chromebook or no computer at all we need to ensure our students have access to up-to-date devices so they can concentrate on their homework rather than worry about inadequate resources Our district must strive to create an environment where every student feels valued and supported regardless of their background or abilities We need to actively address any disparities and work toward building a school culture that celebrates diversity and promotes respect and understanding among all students.  Addressing these challenges requires collaboration and a commitment to prioritizing the needs of our students and staff I am dedicated to finding solutions that will lead to a stronger and more inclusive educational experience for everyone in our district NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?  I will focus on three key issues that are vital to our children’s education and well-being: Mental Health and Well-Being. Adolescence can be a challenging time for many students and mental health issues have become increasingly prevalent I am committed to advocating for mental health resources within our schools including counseling services and support programs that promote emotional well-being we can help our students navigate the difficulties they face and ensure they have the tools they need to thrive and Inclusion. It is crucial to foster a school culture that values and celebrates diversity I will advocate for policies and programs that promote equity and inclusion regardless of their backgrounds or abilities This involves actively addressing disparities in educational resources and experiences and ensuring that every child has access to a quality education Teacher Retention. Our teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experiences of our students I will prioritize efforts to improve teacher retention by advocating for professional development opportunities we ultimately enhance the learning environment for our students.  and inclusive school community that prioritizes the well-being of our students and the retention of our dedicated teachers JIM DESIMONE: I have been a board member of PFLAG Collingswood for the past several years and currently serve as the Vice President of the chapter I am humbled to provide support to families working to love and accept their LGBTQ+ loved ones I am a member of the Collingswood Pride Committee and have enjoyed working with other community members to bring Pride events to our community over the past three years.  I enjoy walking my two chihuahuas Mitzi and Cookie around town DESIMONE: I believe in a student-centered educational system that focuses on the assets and experiences that every student of our diverse population brings to school every day I believe that schools need to nurture and challenge students and ensure that every student feels that they belong and that their dignity is honored.  NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?  DESIMONE: As an educator for the past 18 years a district liaison at the NJ Department of Education a school principal and currently serve as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet as a central office administrator.  I still keep in touch with the challenges of the classroom while also understanding the system from the state level and the central administrative level I recognize the challenges and opportunities that exist within our systems.  I further recognize how important it is for those on the front lines to be heard and respected while also recognizing that some decisions have to be made from a bird’s eye view where aggregate and disaggregated data must be reviewed to make sure that a system is equitable and meeting the needs of all students and their community.  I have seen an educational system that is not meeting the needs of our students a board of education that micromanages and enables poor decision-making ignoring the concerns of our broader community.  We employ educators to operate the school district and it is time that we both allow them to do so Board members should not be leading discussions around the way the schools are operated; that is the job of the superintendent The Board should not be leading presentations about a proposals of a referendum; that is the role of district leadership.  We must expect this of our district leadership and also get out of their way so they can be the educational leaders we employ them to be and in the way that we negotiate with and compensate them DESIMONE: The biggest challenges we face are two-fold: fiscal and ensuring that all students are valued and honored We must identify ways to operate with a balanced budget that meets the academic and social-emotional needs of our students We need to ensure that we cut costs where we can while also raising revenue.  Since our local tax levy is insufficient to meet these needs we must look at alternative sources of income and savings including a potential referendum to permanently increase our budget beyond the annual cap of 2 percent.  we also must ensure that we have an anti-racist school system that is welcoming of all students and those from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected DESIMONE: The first thing is to ensure that we allow our educators to do their jobs while also holding them to high expectations for how they do this The second is to ensure that communication is improved while also rebuilding trust with the community This means both listening and also getting information out to the entirety of the community we must ensure that we are working together to create an inclusive school environment for all of our students (Devine provided the following short biography—ed.) Zakiya Devine is a dedicated mother of three — Charlotte (8) and Benjamin (1) — and the partner of Matthew Devine with her education taking her to Washington and various moves across the East and West Coasts DEVINE: Education fundamentally shapes how individuals move through society and achieve advancement.  access to educational opportunities has been a driving force informing decisions like immigrating to the United States and being the first generation in my family to complete college and beyond My personal accomplishments are a direct result of educational access and the high expectations my mother set for me Education should be available to all children and schools must meet the needs of the students in their classrooms Schools should be places that honor each child’s unique journey and ensure that every student is given the tools and opportunities to thrive I want my own children to experience an education where they are fully seen DEVINE: My personal experiences with education have profoundly shaped my understanding of its impact on students and it’s something I am deeply invested in When I began hearing more about how school boards across the country influence what students are reading and how they learn the history of this country I realized the critical importance of these roles My commitment to supporting my children’s education began as a member of their daycare board continued through my involvement with the PTA and carries through now that I am a PTA President This progression has fueled my desire to have a meaningful voice in shaping the educational experience for all students in our district I’ve managed large teams through complex transformations as an operational leader ensuring that operational processes evolve while addressing culture and engagement I’ve also gained valuable experience through serving on nonprofit boards where I’ve contributed to policy development These experiences have prepared me well to take on the responsibilities of a school board member where I can apply my leadership skills to advocate for policies and practices that benefit students DEVINE: I am running for the school board because I am dedicated to transforming educational experiences for all students in our district With extensive experience in educational operations and hands-on involvement in diverse school environments I am well-equipped to tackle disparities and ensure equitable access to resources.  I envision a district where every student feels welcomed and supported My goal is to create a system where high-quality education and comprehensive support are standard working diligently to remove barriers and foster an environment that meets the needs of every learner Communication. It is clear to me that communication is significantly hindering our ability to unite students This disconnect prevents us from understanding the work ahead and collaborating effectively to find solutions Clarity of Direction. We must establish a clear path forward to address our failing infrastructure which impacts students at all levels and will not meet the needs of future students Fiscal Health. The Collingswood School District must find a way to fund both its infrastructure needs and the teachers and staff required to support our schools This will only be possible if we address our infrastructure to support a more fiscally responsible course former Director of High School Operations at Prospect Schools One of my favorite hobbies is reading; I love getting lost in a good book and exploring different worlds and ideas as it helps me stay grounded and centered amidst the busyness of life Traveling with my family is another passion of mine—we love discovering new places Balancing my interests with family life is important to me and I believe these experiences enrich our lives and strengthen our bond FORMAN: I believe that education is a fundamental human right and that every individual deserves access to a free This belief underpins my commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment where all students can thrive regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances Education should empower students to think critically I envision schools as dynamic communities that foster collaboration equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate an ever-changing world I believe in the importance of social and emotional learning as an integral part of the educational experience Schools should not only focus on academic achievement but also nurture the well-being of each student my philosophy of education centers on the idea that when we prioritize equity and access we enable every student to reach their fullest potential and contribute meaningfully to society I am committed to advocating for policies and practices that uphold these values and ensure that our educational system serves all students effectively FORMAN: As a former Director of Operations I have extensive experience in school operations I approach these areas with an intersectional lens understanding how various factors intersect to impact student experiences and outcomes This perspective allows me to advocate for policies that address the diverse needs of our community I am also a dedicated parent with significant experience in disability advocacy This personal journey has deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by families and students with disabilities and it drives my commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard in our decision-making processes these experiences equip me to bring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the school board focused on creating equitable and supportive environments for all students and staff.  I am passionate about collaborating with community members and stakeholders to drive meaningful change in our district FORMAN: I am running for the school board because I am dedicated to transforming educational experiences for all students in our district.  Strengthening Community Engagement. I believe it’s crucial to foster strong connections with our community By organizing community forums and feedback sessions I aim to ensure that diverse voices are heard and considered in our decision-making processes Improving Operational Policies. Operational excellence is actually a matter of equity for our students We need to ensure our operational policies are serving all our students with access to resources to support their academic achievement School culture policies. I believe every student deserves a welcoming and secure environment where they feel seen and accepted for who they are the foundation of student well-being lies in fostering a genuine sense of belonging it enhances their educational outcomes and significantly contributes to their overall safety Creating policy that supports this inclusive atmosphere is crucial for nurturing both academic success and personal growth (Groch provided the following short biography—ed.) Paul Groch is a loving and active dad to two amazing children He and Courtney Owen recently celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary He received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Illinois and earned a master’s degree in social work from Tulane University Groch is currently working on his MBA.  Paul and Courtney moved to Philadelphia in 2012 and then relocated to Collingswood in 2020 to set down roots and raise their family Paul is active in the Collingswood community He currently serves as the Secretary for the Collingswood Little League Board NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education PAUL GROCH: I am a product of public schools My family put a great deal of emphasis on the importance of education My father was the first one in his family to go to college My grandfather earned his MBA at the age of 65 I believe that every child regardless of race or disability should have access to a high-quality education in an inclusive and nurturing environment We must acknowledge there are systemic barriers to success in education for marginalized populations that can be mitigated through advocacy Education works best when we are meeting each child where they are While test scores are important measures of success we must focus on the whole child through social and emotional learning to help them learn and grow GROCH: I have served on the Collingswood Little League board for the last two years I will bring more than 15 years of experience as a social worker and advocate for children’s social emotional well-being to the board I have led social services agencies as a chief operating officer I am an expert in program evaluation and change management I help lead an organization that is dedicated to ensuring that adults and children with disabilities can live I will bring my experience in mental health to the board.  and I am firmly committed to continuing to move our school and community forward I have led DEI efforts for my organization I can make tough decisions while being a consensus builder I believe the only way progress can be sustained is through thoughtful compromise and never letting perfection be the enemy of good.  GROCH: I am running for the board because I am strongly committed to public service and being a leader in his community My extensive work with nonprofit boards will bring a sharp vision of what the role of the board is and more importantly what it is not.  I believe that access to a high-quality education is a human right The board needs someone with experience and training in mental health.  GROCH: I will work on improving communication in the district Public comment at board meetings sometimes leads the community to believe that the board does not consider their views when making decisions I will advocate for more transparency in decision-making when possible I will work with my fellow board members to help mobilize and streamline community advocacy efforts at the state and borough level.  I will advocate and support policy that leads to a more diverse teacher and staff workforce We must also focus on keeping our teachers in our district Using data from exit interviews and current teacher surveys why they are staying and what attracted our recent hires.  New Jersey-based education nonprofit Rekindle Education REBECCA SIEG: My husband and I moved to Collingswood nearly 10 years ago and have two children at Sharp (ages 7 and 4) NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education SIEG: Education should enable students to have the futures of their choosing productive members of the community around them Students should be educated in a system that fosters a love of learning and holds them to high standards because the adults shaping those educational experiences know that their students can meet those standards SIEG: My professional background gives me a unique lens into how we create lasting policy and initiatives that are driven by those most proximate to students I currently lead a New Jersey-based education nonprofit which is focused on elevating teachers and strengthening K-8 math instruction across the state.  We have some truly incredible educators who are working tirelessly to provide the best educational experience for their students that they can We need to recognize them and learn from them.  I led policy and business development for City Teaching Alliance a national teacher residency program that is committed to ensuring teachers enter the classroom ready to positively impact their students on day one.  I’ve also served as a state-level policy maker with the New Jersey Department of Education with a focus on designing and implementing policies to address how we recruit My career in education first began as an ESL teacher abroad through a Fulbright Fellowship and then as a high school English teacher in Philadelphia.  My expertise in teacher-focused education policy development that is deeply informed by data and the voices of those who are closest to students — educators and families — guides how I approach questions both big and small.  Experiences such as developing statewide teacher preparation regulations and designing a grant-funded program aimed at infusing social emotional learning into classroom content taught me that the real work only begins when the individuals responsible for implementation are trusted to contribute Engaging teachers and families in shaping the opportunities available to the district is essential if changes are going to be successful and lasting I also have two kids at Thomas Sharp Elementary who love their school and the community they are creating This gives me a glimpse into what we expect of our youngest learners each day This has also given me the opportunity to listen to and learn from other parents who are committed to seeing our students succeed but have differing opinions on how we get there.  These professional and personal experiences have provided me with a humbling perspective on how we create systems and structures that best support our students Doing this work well requires that our leaders are intentional about collaboratively and transparently planning for the big picture while being mindful of the incremental steps it takes to get there That is what I will bring to the table if elected to the Collingswood Board of Education in November I’m running for Collingswood Board of Education because I believe that our students can achieve at the highest levels and pursue the future of their choosing as long as educators and community members work together to ensure all students have equitable access to resources that help them succeed.  This includes ensuring that we have data- and community-driven leaders providing the governance and structure needed to support all learners I’ve seen too many instances of leaders talking at the community instead of to the community; I’m running because I believe we can change that and I have the expertise to be part of that change.  SIEG: Ensuring students are growing academically across all content areas. A fundamental role of our school district is creating an educational environment that enables students to learn and given the disparities in our state assessment data we need to dig deeper and ensure students have access to the resources they need to thrive academically.  We need to assess what is working and where we have opportunities to strengthen what we provide students.  Retaining our educators and valuing their expertise. We need to better understand why educators are choosing to leave the district and what our educators need in order to be successful in the classroom.  Creating and investing in opportunities that encourage students to feel a sense of belonging in their school community. We need more opportunities to really listen to student voices so we can better understand how they are experiencing school and their recommendations for how to continue improving their learning environment This also includes ensuring we have course offerings and extracurricular activities that make students excited to go to school each day there are three pressing priorities that I’d like to undertake: Better understand and tackle issues around teacher morale and retention. Teachers have an immense impact on whether students grow academically and develop a love for learning We need to ensure the professionals who are with our children every day feel valued and supported by the community they serve.  I would want to dig in and better understand what we are expecting of teachers what opportunities for continued growth we are providing and what teachers feel they need to be successful These are the individuals in front of our kids each day We need to take the time to listen to them and respond accordingly Explore and pursue opportunities to better integrate our K-5 students both within Collingswood and with our school partners in Oaklyn and Woodlynne. Our elementary schools are segregated and we need to work with community members to weigh different options for how we better integrate our students at a younger age.  This includes considering longer-term ideas like redrawn catchments and earlier integration of students from Oaklyn and Woodlynne It also includes the more immediate steps of bringing our K-5 students together more regularly Our students should not need to wait until middle school to experience a diverse educational setting Ensure transparency around how our students are doing — both academically and social-emotionally — and what our leaders are doing to strengthen supports for students. This means consistently making parents aware of what their children are experiencing at school including information around teacher vacancies and changes to course offerings that impact student learning.  Parents should also receive updates on leading indicators for how students in their schools and across the district are performing academically throughout the year of school including trends in student absenteeism and how the district is reaching out to impacted families.  ongoing discussions around what our children are experiencing each day rather than waiting for an issue to arise.  MAGGIE ZMIJEWSKI: I am a mother of three elementary school kids When I am not working or driving my kids to an activity or sport and soaking in as much time as I can with my family and friends NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?  ZMIJEWSKI: My philosophy of education is simple: children need to be immersed with as much learning NJPEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?  being an extremely active member of my children’s PTA I have the ability to understand and see firsthand the shortcomings of our district and how they leverage the community to help the schools succeed I have overseen the creation of our book nook after our library was taken away ensuring that our students at Tatem have access to as many books as possible I have designed and led our PTA to creating a second outdoor learning space so our students can get outside as much as possible I see firsthand the lack of space, resources inequity at the elementary level and I know this is a district problem to help solve.  and refuse to be satisfied with the status quo Being a community member and a direct stakeholder that is fully in tune with our schools give me the motivation to do better.  I lead global teams to help bring new drugs to market Although this is not in the education field I have firsthand experience with dealing with budgets extremely tight timelines and strong leadership skills and success professionally, I am able to leverage these skills to benefit our school board.  ZMIJEWSKI: I’m running for office because change is needed in the Collingswood school district Most people would prefer to sit back and complain and want to work toward the betterment of our schools NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces?  lack of inclusion services and lack of current courses in the high school are what I am hearing and seeing as our biggest challenges ZMIJEWSKI: Board members have the opportunity to review policy Ensuring our current policies and any future revisions have the safety of all children at the forefront of those policies is extremely important.  Ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability of all district leadership is what I’d intend to direct my attention to. It’s more important than ever to listen to our community and learn from our past.  Hampered by the statutory 2-percent budget cap and flat state aid the district says it will be unable to address increased costs without outside help Borough officials say they are eager to partner on the issue but also want to weigh in on the board’s budget construction and resolve contract negotiations with its teachers union District officials say there was no credible threat made against the school Corporate offices say the store was closed when it couldn’t be modernized or expanded recalls the impact the business had on the community and on his own life New manager Kaival Patel took over the shop on Monday after his family purchased it from the daughters of its namesake Patel says he plans to keep things the same The first New Jersey location from Alexandra and Jacob Cohen opens its doors five years after the couple developed the recipes behind it in their Lower Merion home COLLINGSWOOD — A local Wawa that recently closed "temporarily" for repairs won't be coming back we have made the difficult decision" to permanently close the Wawa in the borough's downtown one of Wawa's fast-disappearing original models operated for decades in a parking-challenged strip center perpendicular to the 600 block of Haddon Avenue Latest concept: Wawa to experiment with travel centers said a shutdown was needed "to make some necessary repairs" at that time "We are working as quickly as possible to get this taken care of," the notice said But Wawa's statement on Friday said all workers at the Collingswood site have been moved to other locations The Collingswood store has not yet been emptied A reporter on Friday saw multiple would-be customers approach the business then pull on its locked doors in confusion Wawa's answer: Its store designs and products have changed over the years "to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers." which recently upgraded an older store on Church Road in Mount Laurel tries to "modernize or relocate our older stores rather than close them," Friday's statement said "After extensive evaluation of store performance we’ve determined that we are not able to do so," it concluded directed customers to "our many nearby locations." Those stores include a legacy Wawa at Haddon Avenue and Cuthbert Boulevard in Haddon Township just under a mile from the Collingswood location with multiple fueling stations and 24-hour operations opened in April 2023 on the same day Wawa closed a nearby legacy store has approximately 1,100 stores in an expanding market The company initially focused on the South Jersey-Philadelphia-Wilmington area pretzels and other products in North Carolina with stores expected later in Kentucky and Indiana Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post Kismet Bagels is crossing the river into Collingswood NJ with a new luncheonette opening in the next few weeks This week they announced in a Collingswood Facebook Group that they are starting the hiring process for their upcoming Haddon Ave luncheonette…  which of course will feature their “kettle-boiled then baked” bagels as the star of the show for their Lower Merion location they expanded into a broader menu full luncheonette which is the same concept they are bringing to Collingswood Kismet started just a few years ago during the COVID pandemic when Jacob and Alexandra found their jobs in sales and entertainment were put on hold To pass the time and looking for a sense of comfort at home the couple first started baking bread each morning which soon after evolved into baking fresh bagels That first batch of bagels came out of the oven perfect… crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle Soon they we’re “gifting” bagels to family and friends and then as fundraisers for local charities In less than a year they went from not even knowing how to make a bagel to opening their first location in Fishtown Fast-forward just a couple more years and they now have three shops (Collingswood is fourth) a full catering program and national shipping via Goldbelly It’s an awesome story for the couple who first met as kids have been married for six years and now together run the family business Picking Collingswood as their first South Jersey location was a logical decision for the couple were previously selling their bagels at the Collingswood Farmers Market and had quickly developed a loyal South Jersey following One of the first to cover Kismet’s Collingswood luncheonette plans was Marilyn of the South Jersey Food Scene who shared that Kismet was coming to 747 Haddon Ave which most recently was home to Healthy Garden It’s a powerhouse foodie block on the popular Haddon Ave strip as Kismet will be situated between Haddon Culinary and Villa Barone The SJFS article goes on to say the Cohen’s describe their bagels as “Montreal on the outside New York on the inside”… and Kismet gets as many accolades for their homemade flavored smears and slow-toasted everything bagel seasoning A later article in the Inquirer states that the Collingswood luncheonette is expected to be a gathering spot with seating for about 40 to 50 people in a retro-diner style dining room that will also offer counter seating With the Collingswood luncheonette location guest can expect to find the amazing Kismet bagels of course but also a variety of Bagel Sammies which include breakfast classics but also branch out into Signature styles such as chicken salad chicken tenders… and even a classic hot dog to the upcoming Collingswood shop For hiring opportunities the Facebook post shows they will be hiring for basically every position; Assistant Manager, Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, Bakers, Baristas, Front of House and Dishwashers. Official job postings will be at CulinaryAgents Kismet Bagels Luncheonette – Opening Soon747 Haddon AvenueCollingswood Categories News Nothing Bundt Cakes Sicklerville is Open On Cross Keys Road Jacob and Alexandra Cohen’s Philadelphia-based bagel brand will bring a luncheonette concept to the former Healthy Garden location on Haddon Avenue It’s the first of several planned new locations for the couple in 2025 2025 at 12:03 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A raccoon has tested positive for rabies after attacking a dog and a person on a walk in separate incidents in Collingswood NJ — A raccoon has tested positive for rabies after attacking a dog and a person on a walk in separate incidents in Collingswood It wasn't clear if it was the same raccoon in both incidents but county officials think it likely was due to the proximity A Collingswood resident reported that their dog had an altercation with the raccoon at their home on April 8 another resident had an altercation with a raccoon while walking Animal control was able to pick up the raccoon and send it for testing it was confirmed by the state Department of Health and Human Services that the raccoon tested positive for rabies dog owner and the resident on a walk were all notified The Camden County Department of Health and Human Services received proof of vaccination for the dog it received a rabies booster shot and will be under confinement and observation for 45 days All potentially exposed residents have started to receive post-exposure prophylaxis treatment (PEP) for rabies it can be prevented by early treatment,” said Commissioner Virginia Betteridge liaison to the Camden County Health Department “If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal it is important that you seek immediate medical attention.” Betteridge urged county residents to observe a few simple rules including acting responsibly as a pet owner: Betteridge said it is also important to avoid direct contact with unfamiliar animals: Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. PAULSBORO – With three starters out of the lineup due to illnesses the Collingswood High School wrestlers couldn't be blamed for feeling a little unsteady when they walked into the Paulsboro gymnasium on Monday night Collingswood delivered one of the biggest wins in program history shocking Paulsboro with a 37-36 victory in Colonial Conference action The Panthers produced four pins in the final seven bouts including a meet-clinching fall by senior Nyeim Bennett at 215 that sent the team’s bench into a frenzy for sure,” Bennett said when asked if it was the biggest win of his career but it’s all about having faith in the team.” How big was this victory?Collingswood’s previous two victories against Paulsboro both came in 2008 The Panthers’ 28-22 victory in the regular season snapped Paulsboro’s eye-popping 307-meet winning streak in the Colonial Conference Collingswood ended Paulsboro’s run of 28 straight South Jersey Group 1 titles Collingswood’s last win over Paulsboro came in the 1967-68 season “It’s monumental,” Collingswood head coach Dechlin Moody said about the win “Everybody wants to beat Paulsboro and I’ve never beaten Coach (Paul) Morina probably one of greatest coaches in the state He’s a good friend of mine and a great guy I always wanted to beat him while he was here it’s hard to be unstoppable for that long.” Moody looked like he was the one under the weather before the match when he felt the meet had slipped away before it even started with three starters out After Paulsboro raced to a 23-0 lead after just four bouts Collingswood certainly wasn’t feeling any better The Panthers put the comeback in motion when Ezra Katz provided a key pin at 150 The senior had just been cleared to wrestle hours earlier He had received stitches on his chin to close a cut he suffered in the Haddonfield meet on Jan “I got cleared right before the match,” Katz said "The bandages helped out and the trainer really helped out Coach Moody got creative and worked something with my headgear Moody said he told Katz he wouldn’t use him unless the team needed him to wrestle Katz said he was limited in what he could do in practice the last couple of days but he “trusted the hard work” that he had put in before the injury and knew he would be all right “This means so much,” Katz said after the meet “I’m honored to be a part of history like this I’m glad I got a chance to wrestle (Monday) and be a part of it.” Caden Luby followed with a pin at 157 and Kwamerre Long pinned at 190 who turned a lateral drop into the winning move at 215 it’s my job to secure the win for the boys,” said Bennett I thought we were behind the 8-ball a little bit I told the kids we could beat them if everything went right and it did.” Collingswood’s Iasah Cruz earned a one-point decision at 138 and Josiah Evans prevented bonus points at 175 squeezing out a 14-7 decision against Paulsboro’s Sawyer Cabanas Paulsboro fell to 6-5 and is in jeopardy of not winning a Colonial Conference title in back-to-back years for the first time since the 1969-70 and 1970-71 seasons The five losses already mark the most for the program since 2008 and it's just the third time in school history Paulsboro has that many losses The other time was a 4-9 mark in 1967-68 – the program’s only losing season the team has surrendered a whopping 25 pins Morina still stands at 797 career wins with the team traveling to Audubon on Wednesday night The team will host the defending Liberty Division champion West Deptford on Feb Tom McGurk is a regional sports editor for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and Burlington County Times, covering South Jersey sports for over 35 years. If you have a sports story that needs to be told, contact him by email tmcgurk@gannett.com Help support local journalism with a digital subscription At least one rabies-positive raccoon was on the loose in Collingswood earlier this month according to Camden County health officials It is unclear if it was one or two raccoons (officials believe it was one) but a dog and a resident were separately attacked on April 8 and 9 Officials said a Collingswood resident reported their dog had a scuffle with a raccoon at their home the raccoon slipped away and was unable to be located officials said another resident had a direct altercation with a raccoon while out walking animal control was able to snatch the critter and send it to be tested; its rabid condition was confirmed by the state Department of Health and Human Services and dog owner were notified of the confirmed rabidity The dog's proof of vaccination was received the the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services before getting a booster and being confined for 45 days Any resident with potential exposure to rabies has begun to get post-exposure prophylaxis treatment Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom At least one rabies-positive raccoon was on the loose in Collingswood earlier this month, according to Camden County health officials.\nRead More Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom Montegrillo Cucina Italiana has closed in Collingwood after only about seven months The restaurant opened in April at 702 Haddon Avenue But the restaurant posted on its Facebook page that it is shutting down indefinitely as the demands of working seven days a week have taken a toll on our family's well-being We now realize the necessity of prioritizing our health during this challenging time," ownership wrote “We will forever cherish the memories we’ve created together We invite you to visit us at our Pennsauken location at 5825 Westfield Ave. Brothers Mike and Dominick Colandrea own both restaurants previously home to Duck Duck Goose toy store had to undergo significant changes and renovations over the years There were delays with construction and approvals and then the COVID pandemic slowed the process even more “We’re about (4.5) miles away from the other store (in Pennsauken),” Mike Colandrea said in June “We had a lot of our customers move out this way ownership thanked everyone for their support: “You will be dearly missed (and) remember we are only a few towns away should you crave our food.” Please consider a digital subscription to help support our journalism 2025 at 10:57 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A Wawa store in Collingswood has permanently closed NJ — A Wawa store in Collingswood has permanently closed But a Wawa spokesperson told Patch the location has closed for good Collingswood's other Wawa store remains open at Haddon Avenue and Cuthbert Boulevard The recent closure, confirmed Friday, marks a trend of Wawa shuttering older, traditional locations in favor of modernized stores. It happened to a Wawa on Route 70 in Cherry Hill that closed in October our store design and product offer have changed to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers," a Wawa spokesperson told Patch This decision to close was made after extensive evaluation of store performance which we’ve determined that we are not able to do." All employees have been transferred to nearby stores 42 Freeway first reported the closure COLLINGSWOOD – Just a week into the season it’s not surprising the Collingswood High School wrestling team is still working out the kinks a new light was shined on a different problem The Panthers were set to debut a spotlight above the center of the mat while the rest of the lights in the gymnasium were turned off setting for a unique atmosphere that several schools around South Jersey use for wrestling The spotlight was featured during introductions but lasted just one period of the first bout before all the lights in the gymnasium were turned back on It was deemed a safety issue by a school official according to Collingswood head coach Dechlin Moody the kids were excited about it,” Moody said We tried it out (earlier in the week) and prepped it I guess we will meet with (school officials) again on Monday.” Moody said that he hopes to have the issue resolved by the next home dual meet which would be against Notre Dame on Jan Collingswood ran its unbeaten streak to three with a 44-25 victory over Haddon Township the Panthers’ performance wasn’t exactly worthy of a spotlight “We have a lot of work to do,” the head coach said All of my guys are kinda out of weight classes right now Moody added he does like the energy of the new members of the squad who delivered one of the biggest wins against Haddon Township (1-1) was down 12-7 before reversing his fortunes and pinning his opponent at 190 It was a nine-point swing in the team score “I was down and I was thinking I just had to get out and hit a big move,” said Evans who is 2-0 with two pins at 190 despite weighing in closer to 170 pounds who is a linebacker/defensive end on the football team said he likes the aggressiveness he gets to display in wrestling Evans said there was plenty of electricity about the spotlight which was turned on when the Panthers entered the gym for warmups as Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing” blared over the sound system it was the most fun I’ve had besides playing football,” he said “I hope we get the chance to do that again.” Detectives are investigating an apparently random attack on a patron at the Raccoon Taproom in Collingswood The “tragic and senseless act of violence” occurred Saturday night at the business in downtown Collingswood according to a post at the taproom’s Facebook page “A male patron was attacked and injured by an unknown male who was present for a brief time before committing this random act,” said the post Collingswood police and the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating the incident Fatal stabbing: Man accused of killing Cherry Hill veterinarian Anyone with information is asked to call 856-854-1900 “Our thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones during this very difficult time,” the statement said It described the assault as a “horrific event,” but provided no details Raccoon Taproom is at Haddon Avenue and Powell Lane in the Lumberyard complex in the borough’s business district It opened in mid-2024 at the site of the former Devil’s Creek brewery.The taproom’s post thanked "our staff for their quick response in contacting emergency services the patrons who provided valuable testimony and the dedicated law enforcement officers working tirelessly on this case Violent crowds of disorderly youths closed down a Halloween celebration and a Wawa in Collingswood and engaged in a "massive" brawl at a borough park The tumult occurred Saturday night when a large number of youths "The event was quickly disrupted by fights breaking out, largely between arriving youths, and unruly behavior." according to a post at the Collingswood Police Department's Facebook page. youths and young adults were fighting each other running through the crowd and cutting in line for the hayride School proposal defeated: In Collingswood, it's back to the drawing board Borough police officers at the scene responded quickly and received help from departments in neighboring communities Crowd steals from Wawa storeWhile officers were clearing the crowd they learned of "50-70 juveniles taking over" a Wawa along Haddon Avenue and stealing items from the store The Wawa was closed "to prevent further damage and theft," the post said Around that time "a massive fight" broke out involving roughly 80 juveniles along Browning Road kicked and pushed past officers to continue fighting It said some broke away from the main group and ran through the backyards of nearby homes "Officers were able to disperse the crowd and restore peace," the post said The police account reported no serious injuries It noted youth violence "unfortunately" was not new for a community event in Camden County A melee at Gloucester Township Day in June lasted for hours and drew more than 100 police officers Police also blamed that fight on out-of-town youths left at the celebration without supervision A similar disruption broke out one week later at Pennsauken's Summer Kickoff celebration. unruly crowds of youths caused a shutdown of Wildwood's boardwalk during several hours of the Memorial Day weekend A teenager was stabbed during unrest over the same weekend on Ocean City's boardwalk Collingswood officials "will be reviewing and revising plans for public events given this new riotous trend," the police post said An all-hands call brought several local fire companies to the scene of a building fire Saturday afternoon Twenty-seven-year-old Tahaa Elmogahzy of Collingswood is alleged to have stabbed a 30-year-old Mount Laurel man at the Raccoon Taproom Saturday night NPR's Morning Edition takes listeners around the country and the world with two hours of multi-faceted stories and commentaries that inform Morning Edition is the most listened-to news radio program in the country “It's not like the Fabio book cover days,” said the store’s owner “There's no shame in our romance and I love that.” Kiss & Tale on Haddon Avenue in Collingswood taps into a rising interest in romance novels Barnes and Noble asked two dozen local authors to silently read a favorite book in the storefront window Our weekend newsletter will catch you up on the best local stories of the week WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today. BalletX in Philly and ‘How the Light Gets In’ in South Jersey are among weekend event highlights Penn Relays in Philly and Hollywood Nights: The Bob Seger Experience in South Jersey are among the weekend highlights WHYY Morning Edition host Jennifer Lynn spoke with actor LeVar Burton ahead of his appearance at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyone’s stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Learn more about Social Responsibility at WHYY Kismet Bagels is opening a new shop in Collingswood The store will be located at 747 Haddon Avenue It will be Kismet’s fifth location overall and its first in South Jersey; the team plans to open sometime in April Jacob and Alexandra Cohen started Kismet Bagels during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic which are fully covered with toppings on all sides and baked to create a crunchy outside and soft inside They describe their style as “Montreal on the outside After selling their bagels through local pop-ups the Cohens opened their first store in Fishtown in 2022 they’ve opened three more locations: one in Rittenhouse Square The decision to open in Collingswood comes after three successful seasons as a vendor at the Collingswood Farmers Market they built a loyal customer base who already knew and loved their bagels In many ways, this new store is a reward for the people of Collingswood who have supported Kismet at the farmers market and the business owners who listened and responded. It’s also a sign that South Jersey is becoming a more attractive place for small but growing food businesses from the Philadelphia area The menu will be similar to what’s available at the Narberth shop Customers can also buy homemade cream cheese spreads and Kismet’s “Slow Toasted” Everything Bagel Seasoning There will be food options for different diets made with beans from Moonraker Coffee Roasters a small coffee company based in Kensington The store will be open every day of the week Be the first to know about our newest content SNJ Today gives you the latest news in Cumberland County The 41-year-old borough lifer is an insurance broker and youth sports coach the only candidate not to run with a slate says he doesn’t plan on campaigning much in his first race The facility will serve as a community gathering space with a private dressing room for entertainers playing the nearby McLaughlin-Norcross Memorial Dell It's another facet of the $100-million Parks Alive 2025 county greenspace reinvestment project The upgrades change the playground experiences at Haddon Creek and Newton Lake Parks On Friday, Nov. 15, a herd of third-through-fifth graders from Collingswood rode their bikes to Mark Newbie Elementary School to commemorate a new board policy The celebration marked a recommendation from the borough's Connect 2020 Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan a five-to-10-year roadmap set to improve and increase bike and pedestrian safety in Collingswood This followed a measure taken by board of education members to revise their policy Nov officially allowing students in this elementary school age group to bike to school According to a press release from the district multiple steps had been taken to prepare for the policy change More: Firefighters making progress at 20-acre Big Rusty Wildfire. Here's the latest: assemblies were held and a bike rodeo took place to focus on safety for potential riders The borough's Connect 2020 Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan was an initiative adopted to complement one adopted by Haddon Township officials in September of 2020 Its stated goal is to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety According to a website for the master plan, the initiative "seeks to create a safe and comfortable multimodal network between Collingswood and Haddon Township that balances the needs of everyone – pedestrians incremental progress has been made on the connect plan Designs to crosswalks and signage are been introduced and bike and pedestrian safety have been encouraged Using bikes to commute to school is the most recent measure of the connect plan that's come to fruition COLLINGSWOOD — A man who stabbed a taproom patron here was acting "erratically" in the hours before the unprovoked attack is charged with the attempted murder of a customer at the Raccoon Taproom on Saturday He allegedly stabbed a 30-year-old customer in the neck at approximately 9:10 p.m. South Jersey roots: Slain police officer in Virginia was Camden County native The assailant was in the taproom "for a brief time before committing this random act.," according to a Facebook post from the business He then fled from the taproom in downtown Collingswood A witness to the random attack recognized the knife-wielding assailant — with a full beard dark hair and glasses — as someone "who previously came to the establishment at which time he exhibited similar erratic behavior," the statement says was hospitalized in critical but stable condition according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office a man matching Elmogahzy's description was reported to be acting erratically at a Haddon Avenue Wawa about 100 yards from the taproom A photo from a Wawa surveillance video was shown to the witness at the taproom “who advised that was the male responsible for the stabbing,” the statement says A man with a similar appearance acted erratically at 1 p.m at the Royal Mile Coffee Roasters Café in Haddon Township A video from the cafe showed the man introducing himself to a patron as "Tahaa," the statement continues The cafe is on the 900 block of White Horse Pike less than two miles from the taproom at Haddon Avenue and Powell Lane A search of databases for the name “Tahaa” found a recent police contact with Elmogahzy a resident of the 500 block of West Collings Avenue.New Jersey State Police then used facial recognition software to find a potential match between Elmogahzy and a man in a photo from the cafe. Elmogahzy was arrested in custody in Collingswood on Monday afternoon Elmogahzy also is charged with weapons offenses and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon The charges against Elmogahzy are allegations (This story was updated to add information.) Saddle up for the second annual fundraiser for the West Collingswood Revitalization Committee (WCRC) Organizers say like to do things a little bit differently on the west side of town There will be fundraiser standards: delicious cuisine from local restaurants and a DJ for those who want to keep the party going But if attendees want to get a little wild the committee invites all to take a few turns on the mechanical bull Dress for the theme and you might even win a prize for the wildest outfit on the west side of the Pike.  The entrance fee will gets two drink tickets per person to be used on alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks and small bites from local restaurants Entertainment will be provided by a live band: LJ and The Muscle There’s more with line dance lessons by Amy Kueny Mechanical bull will be available for purchase and there will be a prize for whoever holds on the longest Bring your dancing boots and your generosity There will be three different levels of ticket sales so organizers ask patrons to be thoughtful and conscientious when selecting your level of payment Those interested in volunteering and getting a free ticket as a thank you may email collingswoodwest@gmail.com For tickets go to https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/wild-collings-west-party-a-fundraiser-for-wcrc West Collingswood Revitalization Committee has been working steadily to improve resources in the west side of town focusing on the Collings Avenue Business District In partnership with the Borough of Collingswood WCRC put over 600 sustainable pollinator plants in the ground and have led numerous cleanup efforts along the businesses of Collings and Richey Avenues WCRC also added public art to the district to provide a sense of pride and beauty in the community WCRC has provided outreach to the businesses to find out what amenities they need - whether it's public seating or bike racks - and communicated this need to the borough Brady Search (21) of Collingswood pitches during the NJSIAA South Group 2 baseball semifinal between Haddon Heights and Collingswood at Haddon Heights Park in Haddon Heights NJ on 5/31/24.Scott Faytok | NJ Advance Media .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Mak Ojutiku | NJ Advance Media for NJ.comBrady Search tossed a two-hit complete game with five strikeouts and two walks to lead Collingswood in a 4-2 win over Glassboro during the Roseboro Tournament in Collingswood Collingswood (5-6) led 3-0 by the third inning Glassboro (5-6) were scoreless until scoring a pair of runs in the top of the seventh John Antrilli recorded wo hits and an RBI for Collingswood while Andrew Schell went 2-for-3 with a double and two runs Gavin Dillard struck out six and walked one while giving up eight hits in a complete game for Glassboro (5-6) The N.J. 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All rights reserved (About Us) The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Advance Local Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site YouTube's privacy policy is available here and YouTube's terms of service is available here Ad Choices COLLINGSWOOD – The Audubon High School wrestling team has created more than a ripple in the Colonial Conference this season After recording their first-ever victory over perennial powerhouse Paulsboro two weeks ago the Green Wave delivered another deluge on Wednesday knocking off Collingswood for the first time in over two decades with a 47-28 rout which is believed to be a program-record for wins in a season The squad will look to keep its historic run going when it chases its first sectional title the Green Wave hadn't beaten Collingswood since 2004 “We train really hard and we get what we work for,” senior Gabe McCracken said “If we keep pushing each other in practice and get the best out of each other I don’t see why not (make a run to the title).” More: Top performances by South Jersey wrestlers during sixth full week of action McCracken is part of a senior group that has beaten every team in the Colonial Conference at least once over the last four seasons – another first for the Green Wave “They’ve been with me since I was coaching them in middle school so it’s really grown,” Audubon head coach John Walsh said “They’ve bought in to everything I’ve preached to them and they’re getting to see the rewards.” “It’s just really cool to be a part of this team We’re getting more and more kids out every year It’s great to see this grow into something special.” Audubon’s toughest loss last season was a 28-27 setback to Collingswood on criteria and included a pin in the final bout McCracken and Borodziuk both lost decisions by a combined four points in that meet McCracken delivered a pin at 190 and Borodziuk earned a 7-0 decision at 215 “Gabe has really come along this year,” Walsh said “He’s scoring a lot more points and he’s looking really good.” Borodziuk has grappled with an even bigger challenge and thrived the sophomore has often wrestled up at 215 where all of his last seven wins have occurred “I’ve definitely gotten stronger and improved on some of my technique correcting some of the flaws,” Borodziuk said about his improvement from last season The strength is definitely an issue sometimes and just the weight (of the opponent) Sometimes it’s hard to finish the shot or get that turn.” With one of the upper weights out with an injury Walsh said Borodziuk has come up big for the Green Wave but he’s really holding it down for us,” Walsh said Pedro Marte is only in his third year wrestling The senior sparkplug improved to 22-4 with a 17-2 technical fall at 150 against Collingswood “He’s an athletic freak,” Walsh said about the 150-pounder “Each day is a new learning experience in the room for him he was hitting these lat drops and we’re like Audubon senior Rocco Monteferrante ran his unbeaten streak to 26 with his 18th pin of the season Fellow seniors RJ Bauman and Giovanni Patti have 20 wins apiece and Brayden Ervin has 18 Collingswood honored the late Ryan Rodgers with a special pre-meet ceremony Rodgers was a three-sport star at Collingswood and was a member of the Panthers’ South Jersey Group 2 title wrestling team in 2022 Rodgers died in an auto accident in June 2023 The Panthers were led to the mat by a solo bagpiper who was a Region 7 champion for the Panthers in 2001 Scheets also played a stirring rendition of "Amazing Grace" before the meet Senior Matt Malinowski was awarded a scholarship in Rodgers’ name during the ceremony Location: MJ Kidz & MJ Speech - 900 Haddon Ave Embrace the arrival of Spring and join us at our Collingswood location for a delightful celebration This FREE seasonal event is open to everyone in the community—invite your friends and family for a day packed with exciting and lively activities Enjoy sensory-friendly activities and bubble room excitement  The Bistro Di Marino restaurant location in Sewell Washington Township has closed I did stop at the restaurant last night to find the darkened restaurant but I did not have the details until this morning.    I unfortunately am not positioned to write my own extensive coverage today but owner Jimmy explains his reasons for the closing… And it’s likely better to hear from him anyway It is with much regret that I must announce the closing of Bistro di Marino in Washington Township after 5 years of business have been up against very challenging economic conditions with increased operational costs across the board and a decline in customers I have never had a more challenging year in business than 2024 and while I have tried to maintain a thriving restaurant unfortunately it has come to the point that my Washington Township location is no longer sustainable I want to thank all of the customers who have dined with us at Bistro di Marino of Washington Township over the past 5 years My staff and I have truly appreciated your loyalty and support I will be concentrating on making my Collingswood location the best it has ever been in it’s 20 years of business For those of you who have booked events with us at our Washington Twp please know that we are not going to leave you hanging We are in the process of contacting everyone and we just ask that you reserve some patience and understanding while we navigate this For those of you concerned about gift card purchases please know that you may still redeem them at our Collingswood location I would like to also encourage people to remember to support their small local restaurants and businesses and understand the challenges that so many are currently up against No restaurant or business ever wants to close it’s doors JOANN Closing 500 Stores Including; Deptford 2025 at 9:36 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A prior conversation at a coffee shop pivotal in arresting the man accused of Saturday night's stabbing at a Collingswood brewery according to court documents Patch obtained NJ — A prior conversation at a coffee shop proved pivotal in arresting the man accused of Saturday night's stabbing at a Collingswood brewery The shop was one of several places where Tahaa Elmogahzy behaved erratically on Saturday before stabbing and critically injuring a man in an unprovoked attack that night at Raccoon Taproom according to the affidavit into his arrest was charged with attempted murder on Tuesday for the Raccoon Taproom incident detectives interviewed witnesses and reviewed surveillance footage that showed Elmogahzy's whereabouts on Saturday Witnesses from different locations said he was acting erratically throughout that day detectives were unable to identify Elmogahzy But surveillance footage from a Haddon Township coffee shop led them to the answer Detectives learned that a man who matched the stabbing suspect's description had visited Royal Mountain Coffee Roasters around 1 p.m Investigators from the Camden County Prosecutor's Office reviewed the footage from the cafe on the White Horse Pike The man in the video introduced himself as Tahaa to a patron inside the shop Investigators put his name in the database which revealed recent police contact with a man named Tahaa Elmogahzy It's unclear what prompted the prior interaction with police The database also revealed Elmogahzy's Collingswood address A still photograph from the coffee shop footage was sent to State Police who found a potential match for the suspect through facial-recognition software A witness from Raccoon Taproom was shown the same photograph and identified the pictured individual as the suspect The witness described the suspect to detectives after the alleged assault He claimed the man "demonstrated similar erratic behavior" in a prior visit to Raccoon Taproom A nearby business's surveillance footage showed a man who matched the suspect description as he left Raccoon Taproom Separate footage showed Elmogahzy at Wawa (688 Haddon Ave. Saturday — hours before the Raccoon Taproom incident He was also reported acting erratically at the store Elmogahzy stabbed another man at Raccoon Taproom Prosecutors described the incident as an "unprovoked assault." The victim was hospitalized and listed in critical but stable condition as of Monday night Elmogahzy was charged with first-degree attempted murder third-degree aggravated assault and weapons offenses Marshals Service arrested Elmogahzy on Monday afternoon He was jailed in the Camden County Correctional Facility Anyone with information on this incident can contact CCPO Det. Kristen Blantz at 856-225-8642 and Collingswood Police Det. Frank Rossetti at 856-854-1901, ext. 261. Anonymous tips can also be sent at CAMDEN.TIPS residents heard from borough commissioners about the limits of what their tax dollars can achieve under budget caps and the increasing challenges of funding both schools and government with limited state financial aid Link IconCopy linkFacebook LogoShare on FacebookXShare on XEmailShare via EmailLink copied to clipboardSagami the revered Japanese restaurant in Collingswood is being sold to a longtime friendChef-founder Shigeru Fukuyoshi is retiring as he approaches 80 who has been at the six-seat counter of the Collingswood BYOB for 28 years “This place is my wife’s place,” Fukuyoshi said Friday during a chat at the restaurant Now I have trouble because I don’t know anything Now I want to pass over the whole thing to him said: “I’m really grateful that he thinks I’m the right person Su has been working at Japanese restaurants since graduating from Philadelphia’s Central High School Other than introduce online reservations, he said he plans no major changes at Sagami, a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Restaurant Award in 2017 and 2019 while Shigeru Fukuyoshi was a semifinalist in 2023 for Outstanding Chef Su said he would add a dish or two from his other restaurants’ repertoire but otherwise but Fukuyoshi enjoys meeting delivery drivers Su said he has picked up some of the reasons for Sagami’s success “I think that his style of food has a lot to do with the sourcing and the ingredients,” Su said There are only three or four ingredients in almost anything that is in here the ingredients can become very complicated there’s just so much balance in it because he doesn’t need all types of spices Su said he also has learned about Fukuyoshi’s generosity “Everything about him is so anti-business like,” Su said “He’s just doing this to serve the guests and his staff He doesn’t do any of this for profit or anything.” both born in Japan on the same day in May 1945 met in 1969 while he was a sushi apprentice at the Japanese restaurant in New York City where she waited tables the family moved to South Jersey and bought an ice cream shop on a particularly challenging stretch of Route 130 South that forces drivers to make a wicked last-minute turn into the parking lot Sagami — believed to be the first Japanese restaurant in South Jersey — was one dimly lit pine-paneled room whose low ceiling vexed anyone over 6 feet tall the Fukuyoshis installed a separate sushi bar and in 1989 added a 30-seat dining room with higher ceilings Asked what he planned to do in his retirement so I have to look for how I will keep going myself.” Collingswood voters struck down a controversial $44.5-million bond referendum proposal on Tuesday In a press release shared on the evening of Sept Collingswood Public Schools leaders wrote that a district reorganization plan had been rejected by voters The referendum would have decommissioned two elementary schools and paid for a slew of structural improvements across the district According to counts from the Camden County Clerk's Office More: 'We want to keep our school': What to know about today's Collingswood school referendum "While the bond proposal may not have passed ensuring every student in our district has the resources and support they need to thrive," Superintendent Frederick H The proposal would have resulted in a number of changes at the school district: an ADA-compliant playground and renovations improvements to district athletic complexes such as turf fields an expansion of the Zane North Elementary School that would include six new classrooms with bathrooms a small-group instruction room and a speech room Controversy over the proposal stemmed primarily from the aspect of the plan that would have closed the James A Garfield and Thomas Sharp elementary schools while acquiring the Good Shepherd school property and converting it into an upper elementary school for students in fourth and fifth grades Some residents argued against this proposal calling it unfair to the families and communities surrounding Garfield and Sharp They also said it would increase the odds of gentrification in Collingswood's neighborhoods Protect Colls Schools, a parent and resident organization formed to protest the referendum, outlined these concerns on their website. There were also worries that children and parents in the community would be negatively impacted by the loss of a school in the west part of Collingswood which has a different zip code than the rest of the borough and is home to the highest concentrations of minority and underserved students of the district's elementary schools according to data shared from the New Jersey School Performance Report for 2022-2023 More: Police, school investigate "white student union" at Collingswood High citing concerns that neighborhood-based elementary schools could be more segregated and stating that the diversity equity and inclusion problems are structural The parents and residents supporting the referendum outlined their stance through a group called All In For Collingswood Members of the group supported consolidating the district's elementary schools as a means to focus on educational resources for all students and address developmental needs They also supported the numerous ADA-compliancy issues addressed by the proposal school leaders said they'll still be working to address the existing problems within the district "While we did not receive an affirmative vote our work to address those inequities does not stop We will continue to advocate for and make decisions that benefit ALL students in our schools," the school's board of education President Regan Kaiden in a press release The referendum would have had an estimated tax impact of around $35 to $40 per month for the average assessed home of $232,569 The tax impact was also based on 4-to-4.5% over 30 years calculated by the district's financial adviser 2025 at 11:14 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Eagles cheerleaders will pump up fans during the team's Road to Victory Bus Tour NJ — The Philadelphia Eagles Road To Victory Bus Tour will travel to Collingswood rallying fans ahead of this weekend's playoff match against the Los Angeles Rams The Eagles and NBC Sports will head to six locations throughout Greater Philadelphia on Friday The bus is set to stop in Collingswood (30 W Collings Ave.) from 4-4:40 p.m Eagles cheerleaders will pump up fans at each destination which will also feature exclusive merchandise special guests and a chance to win playoff tickets The Eagles opened their playoff run with a 22-10 victory against the Green Bay Packers Check out NBC10 for more info Owners of Raccoon Taproom say a patron was attacked onsite and people who claimed to be chasing an assailant No official word is yet available from authorities Please add matt@njpen.com to your contacts to make sure you don't miss out!