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 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 .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Matt Cosentino | For NJ Advance MediaWilliam Tschumy had a monster day as he went 4-for-4 with two doubles two home runs and 10 RBIs to spark Doane Academy past Pennsauken Tech 14-7 in Pennsauken The Spartans (14-3) broke a 7-7 tie with a two-run sixth inning and added five insurance runs in the top of the seventh Caleb Roman went 2-for-2 with a home run and three RBIs for Pennsauken Tech (6-8) 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 Shakir Ali was born at Cooper Hospital in Camden City a place that would become central to his formative years working in places such as CamConnect West Jersey and Virtua Hospital in Camden City and the Camden Empowerment Zone While Shakir does not consider himself extraordinary he feels deeply fortunate to have been surrounded by family and mentors who nurtured his character and values Shakir’s father introduced him to PBS’s Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Movement documentary Although he didn’t fully grasp its significance at the time A pivotal moment came when his father shared a personal story: as an enlisted airman he took leave to attend the historic March on Washington Despite threats of court-martial from a commanding officer for being AWOL an optician at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry extended his activism by taking trips to impoverished areas in places such as Mexico where he provided eyeglasses to the poor and those in need he invited friends he made from these trips to stay with his family for a few weeks at a time fostering cross-cultural conversations that exposed Shakir to the realities of poverty and privilege His father’s activism and connection to luminaries like Muhammad Ali further instilled values of service and justice his father was honored with the distinguished “Chapel of Four Chaplains – Legion of Honor Award” for his dedication to humanity worked in the Camden City School District for most of her career embedding the importance of education in her children She also instilled the principle of resourcefulness sewing clothes for her sons when financial times were tough.Without a driver’s license she often relied on public transportation for trips to the city to acquire clothing patterns and material These trips exposed young Shakir and his brothers to the harsh realities of homelessness Shakir would sometimes remark on the people he saw sleeping atop steaming sewer grates His mother always took the time to explain what her children were seeing Inviting them to ask questions and push back against ideas they were taught about the homeless being lazy or addicts and how but by the grace of God he didn’t end up in that same position Her teachings about empathy and gratitude resonated deeply when Shakir helped distribute peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to homeless families in Love Park In the Park Shakir didn’t encounter what he presumed would be unkept drug addicts but rather families with children The experience shattered his preconceptions and solidified his commitment to service Shakir Ali has since become a passionate advocate for community service Shakir’s volunteer work spans critical areas such as fair housing (having had his parent’s lose his childhood home to foreclosure) He has played key roles in organizing community events including Pennsauken’s first annual Autism Awareness event which connected families to vital resources Shakir has shaped the lives of countless children across the Delaware Valley His dedication to youth development extends to mentoring at-risk students at Hatch Middle School and having volunteered as a counselor for the last 22 years at Camp Bright Feathers a summer program for children affected and effected by HIV/AIDS and violence Shakir’s commitment to others is deeply personal exemplified by his decision to donate a kidney to his ailing father in 2007 This act of love and selflessness is a reflection of the values he lives by daily Through his enduring efforts to uplift and empower Shakir Ali continues to inspire those around him building a way of living grounded in compassion A new Taco Bell restaurant opened in Pennsauken New Jersey on Route 130 on the site of the former Penn Queen Diner The new restaurant features a dual lane drive-thru and a variety of more advanced fast food restaurant concepts including a walkup late night pick up window This redevelopment project was first announced at 42Freeway in December 2023 when then presented at the Planning Board Penn Queen originally opened in 1966, which over the years saw several expansions to the restaurant.  With the redevelopment approval gained, the demolition of the diner started around July of 2024 Taco Bell is the first of a three phase development effort at the extended property  A Tim Hortons coffee shop is under construction directly next to Taco Bell and a third mixed retail building is still to be developed There is also Wendy’s restaurant on the adjacent property Taco Bell and the soon to open Tim Hortons Close by about a mile away South on Route 130 a Starbucks is getting closer to opening on a lot directly across from the Pennsauken Municipal Building.  I stopped over at the new Taco Bell this afternoon and grabbed the small late lunch and checked out what makes location unique One of the first things I noticed walking up to the main side entrance was the large outdoor covered patio which also includes a surrounding railing.  Honestly it’s a nice addition to the building and provides additional seating options… I wish more fast=food restaurants would do similar To the right side of the main entrance is a pickup window for late night orders which is not something I’ve seen in this configuration… I know Deptford had put a pickup window within the main front door the inside dining room is large and comparable size to other modern Taco Bells Inside features a variety of seating options including a center area high-top table as well as a wide desk-like area with outlets and chargers… perfect firing up the laptop and catching up on emails while at the “Bell” Taco Bell continues their evolution to a full digital ordering platform While there is a front counter area that appears to be a familiar setup it has two customer ordering terminals right in the main portion of the counter   Opposite that counter are four more ordering terminals for a total of six Clearly Taco Bell wants you to place your own orders either in advance on mobile With the front counter area still developed with the store I would imagine if you had difficulties using the digital screens a Taco Bell employee could assist Tim Hortons is rising directly next to the Taco Bell They are a Canada based coffee and doughnut shop which really seems to be a Canadian version of our Dunkin Tim Hortons offers a variety of other products also but one of their more signature doughnuts is the Canadian Maple donut a mile away south from this development a brand new Starbucks is under development I stopped at that location under construction and spoke to one of the contractors on site.  It seems the exterior construction of the building shell and the parking lot areas are complete and soon a second contractor will take over the development to build out the Starbucks interior I have no timelines on either the opening of these two restaurants but they are very far along in the development cycle and I wouldn’t be surprised if both are opened early summer at the latest Taco Bell – Rt 130 Pennsauken NOW OPEN! 7377 N Crescent BlvdPennsauken NJ Categories News heart+paw Pet Veterinary and Grooming Coming to Washington Township 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee Approved for Blackwood-Clementon Road PENNSAUKEN — Replacements for the Penn Queen Diner along Route 130 in Pennsauken are almost complete The Penn Queen Diner opened in 1964 and closed in May of 2022 after being in business for almost 60 years Rising in the ashes of the historic diner are three new businesses a Tim Horton's and a general use retail building — which currently has no plans or tenants — are currently being built The concept plan called for a free-standing 52-seat Taco Bell accompanied by a 29-seat coffee shop Tim Horton's is to fulfill the call for a coffee shop Opening dates for these business have not yet been publicly announced Nick Butler is an impact reporter for the Courier Post the Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times covering community news in South Jersey .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Matt Cosentino | For NJ Advance MediaJamie Dunn allowed an unearned run on five hits and struck out 13 with no walks to lead Holy Cross Prep to an 8-1 win over Pennsauken in Delran Alana McCormick went 3-for-4 with a triple and four runs and Jayla Bullock went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs to help the Lancers improve to 7-6 (This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)  is continuing her leadership ascent in South Jersey Roberts is set to make history as the first Black woman to serve as mayor of Pennsauken She's already had the distinction of being the first African American female to serve on the township's governing body and in January 2022 became Pennsauken's first Black female deputy mayor While serving on the Pennsauken Township Committee Roberts was the 2023 recipient of the Camden County Martin Luther King and she was recognized as one of South Jersey's Super Women by South Jersey Magazine highlighting local women who go above and beyond to create a better world Roberts is also part of the first all-female leadership team for the Pennsauken Township Committee Roberts will once again be partnering up with Rafeh who is to serve as Pennsauken’s deputy mayor for 2025 She spent two decades in the educational field both graduated from Pennsauken High School in 1981 and raised their four children in Pennsauken as well More: The prospective Moorestown mayor is poised to make history. Logan Downey picked up the save for Northern Burlington with one inning of relief.Kevin Minnick | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Mak Ojutiku | NJ Advance Media for NJ.comLogan Downey gave up one hit over six shutout innings with 11 strikeouts and no walks to lead No 7 in the NJ.com Top 20 Northern Burlington to a 9-0 win over Pennsauken in Columbus The win kept Northern Burlington unbeaten at 17-0 Cole Marchetti and Luca Mannino each hit a homer and drove in two runs in the win Matthew Lutzker struck out two and gave up no walks or hits in relief Adrian Capellan recorded Pennsauken’s (1-13) sole hit The N.J. High School Sports newsletter is now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now! Follow us on social: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter) .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By John Lewis | For NJ Advance MediaFranklin Fernandez threw 96 pitches and struck out the side -- seven times -- as Pennsauken Tech defeated Cape May Tech in an NJTAC Tournament Group 1 & 2 quarterfinal in Cape May Court House Fernandez allowed just one hit -- a triple by Daniel Comby -- and issued two walks as the Tornados improved to 6-7 of course -- he had 18 in a one-hitter against Medford Tech on opening day and he’s been in double figures four times this season He has 82 strikeouts in 32 2/3 innings of work this season and has walked just 11 Fernandez also went 2-for-2 at the plate and scored two runs Nathan Moore and Eric Vega also had two hits each Cape May Tech dropped to 2-9-1 with its third straight loss John Lewis can be reached at hssports@njadvancemedia.com The N.J. High School Sports newsletter is now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now! Follow us on social: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter) .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Matt Cosentino | For NJ Advance MediaJunior Jacob Powell hit his first home run of the season and the fourth of his career to help Doane Academy defeat Pennsauken Tech 10-0 in a six-inning game in Burlington Hunter Johnson allowed two hits in 5 1/3 innings struck out eight and overcame six walks to earn the win Christopher Powell doubled and scored twice for Doane (13-2) Jean-Paul Matos had a singled and reached base three times for Pennsauken Tech (5-7) .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Mak Ojutiku | NJ Advance Media for NJ.comNick McCabe struck out eight and gave up two walks three earned runs and six hits in six innings on the mound to help Moorestown take a 7-4 win over Pennsauken Ethan Tolbert and Joe Finazzo each recorded a hit and an RBI for the Quakers (6-4) Kelwin Batista finished 3-for-4 with three RBI for Pennsauken (1-11) PENNSAUKEN — Ownership of a staple South Jersey establishment announced Dec which has been open for more than two decades at 3402 Cove Road in Pennsauken announced on Facebook that the bar is to be sold The post also mentioned that they are asking approximately $800,000 for the establishment The building is two stories,with the bar on the first floor ranging at 1,575 square feet and the upstairs— which has an office and storage — at 600 square feet More: This iconic South Jersey eatery reopens Sept. 20. Here's what happened at The Pub. ownership said that the liquor license is included in the sale price said this is going to be "hard to move on from since everyone who has been coming to the bar for the last 24 and half years have become family." "Thank you to everyone who has come to my bar over the last two decades laughed with you and just enjoyed my time with you all there," Bryson said He added that while he'll miss the people and the good times that the bar has brought him Bryson said he'll be relying on himself instead of a realtor to find the right suitors "I have tried to give back to this community I am hoping the new owners I find will be willing to do the same and run it the same way I did," he said Bryson added that he won't shut the bar down during this interim period those who have patronized my bar for the last 24 and half years but I will make sure I still come to the bar to see everyone." (This story has been updated to add new information.) Pennsauken Police Department officers have announced that a credit card skimming device was found at a local Save-A-Lot Police have advised people to contact their credit card companies if they used their credit card there between those two dates Skimming devices come in different sizes depending on what they're attempting to mimic They're used by criminals looking to copy and store a customer's bank or credit card information Skimmers use a hidden malicious code scanner that's able to read and process the payment for the credit or debit card in use while also storing the information of the card as well they can use your credit card and debit card information to make purchases Some skimmers have been placed on top of everyday card readers at most stores where customers complete a transaction using a credit card reader The skimmer can make the card machine look a little bulkier than normal Skimmers can also be placed on gas station pumps While customers in the Garden State may have a harder time spotting them because an attendant typically handles the transaction it still may be worth knowing what to look for Skimmers may protrude from the pump more than normal or not be attached at security points Skimming devices can also be found on an ATM and may be a little less noticeable People are advised to look for components that appear larger than average stick out from the machine more or don’t fit the appearance of other components Experts have also said to look for pinhole cameras pointed at keypads or touchscreens What should you do if you find a skimming device?If you find what you believe to be a skimming device let the store employees know and make sure you're able to tell the local authorities what and how you found it feel free to ignore some traffic lights on a busy highway corridor in South Jersey In fact, the New Jersey Department of Transportation is helping in that process It's keeping black wrappers on traffic lights that have been installed — but not activated — as part of a $152-million project to improve Route 70 in Evesham The shrouded standards hang near traffic lights that they'll eventually replace they're covered to prevent confusing motorists which noted that work must be done on the ground before the old lights can be removed NTSB report: Crash that collapsed I-95 blamed on South Jersey trucker "This work includes installing additional hardware and configuring software," the statement said It added that the new lights will have upgraded "adaptive systems" to adjust their timing in response to traffic volume That's expected to improve traffic flow and reduce stops and backups, according to the DOT's project summary. "Testing of the newly installed traffic signals has begun and will continue for the next several weeks," the statement said the department will perform a complete system test to ensure that all signals are in constant communication," it added Many of the covers carry the name of Diehl Electric the Hammonton firm that made the advanced signals A company representative could not be reached for comment The new signals are to appear at 28 locations on an 8.8-mile stretch of Route 70 between Cooper Avenue in Evesham and Route 38 in Pennsauken The DOT said the traffic-signal project should be completed by the fall between Cooper Avenue in Evesham and Haddonfield Road in Cherry Hill A strip from Haddonfield Road to Route 38 is due for completion in winter 2026 the project is to include the installation of new pedestrian countdown signals and pushbuttons at crosswalks Upgrades to five closed-circuit TV cameras and the installation of two "dynamic message signs" to alert drivers to new roadway incidents or congestion are also expected Workers will install additional lighting at signalized intersections and replace existing street lights with LED lighting fixtures which includes extensive roadway and infrastructure work Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal Six Pennsauken residents are running for three open seats on the Pennsauken Public School Board and two are running to complete an unexpired term on the governing body 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 Six Pennsauken residents are running for three available three-year terms on the Pennsauken Public School District Board of Education: Jerry Bennett are running to fulfill an unexpired term on the governing body 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 NJ PEN: Tell us something about your hobbies LISA ECKEL: I have lived in Pennsauken for 40 years and currently have four generations of family living in town My grandson graduated from Pennsauken schools I served as Central School PTA Treasurer for two years back in the 1990s and was also an active member of the Pennsauken Lions Club I have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Rutgers Camden and have been a tax preparer for 20 years I proudly served on the Board of Education for three-and-a-half years (2020-23) and I am seeking to regain a seat in the current election NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?  ECKEL: Students need a well-rounded education with many opportunities to succeed We have worked hard in our district to provide many opportunities for students by offering college-level courses and dual-credit opportunities with local colleges as well as many different CTE’s for students who want to have a career upon graduation.  and it’s important to keep families engaged and involved in what goes on at school Kids who get involved more in school become more invested and kids who are more invested have a better chance of being successful NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member ECKEL: I have gained a lot of experience in my three years as a Board Member which gave me a lot of insight on how things run and I was able to suggest improvements and see those ideas are implemented am proud of my ability to hear all sides of an issue and also can be someone who can bring others together to solve problems and bring my years of experience raising kids in the district which allows me to see things from a student and parent point of view Having an accounting background gives me a great perspective to understand the financial aspect of running a district and the role of fiscal responsibility in the decision-making process I always try to listen carefully and see the big picture in every decision I make I am not afraid to ask questions and disagree As long as we can have good dialogue we can accomplish great things I am laser-focused on moving the district forward in a positive way NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?  I have had a strong desire to give back to the community by volunteering and getting involved in the school board When schools are well run and have a lot to offer people will want to move to our town to attend school here I worked very hard during my tenure on the Board and attend as many events as possible to support our students and their families.  One of my proudest accomplishments was being on the Board that opened the Roosevelt STEM school which was ranked #1 in New Jersey after only two years I want to continue that success and the vision that began eight years ago I will work twice as hard for the continued success of our schools and to keep things moving in the right direction NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces ECKEL: Due to the great improvements our district has implemented in the last eight years we have seen a steady increase in student enrollment but we need to make sure we have the proper space to accommodate every potential student from Pre-K to High School Another challenge is continuing to find ways to involve the community in student education and success and giving back to the community through programs and initiatives that can foster great relationships with Pennsauken residents — even those who do not have kids attending our schools.  I have deep concerns about the potential for partisan politics to creep into the non-partisan school board That is not a good thing for any of us regardless of political affiliation.  When a school district becomes beholden to political allegiances it’s easy to forget the reason why board members should want to serve My mission as well as that of my running mates Politics have no place in our schools.  NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?  ECKEL: We must continue developing ways to broaden our Pre-K program so that we can better serve the large number of residents who have young children in this age group I want to see more done to focus on the mental health of our students.  Since the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic many students are still dealing with anxiety we need to look for more ways to see the signs and provide interventions to help these kids.  we must find more ways to engage the community and be more involved in the community and I see so much potential for things we can do to move in that direction.  JOHNSON: I enjoy a wide range of interests that keep me engaged and curious.  I have a fascination with exploring different cultures and histories from around the world.  Reading is also a hobby that I enjoy; I read across a wide range of topics I dive into anything that can spark curiosity or offer me new ways of thinking I also value the importance of spending time with loved ones and appreciate the strong bond that a family can bring NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education JOHNSON: My philosophy of education is grounded in the belief that learning is a lifelong process that fosters intellectual It emphasizes the development of critical thinking preparing individuals for careers and for meaningful participation in society.  I believe that education should be student-centered while also promoting inclusivity and equity ultimately empowering students to contribute positively to their communities and society as a whole.  I bring a combination of personal and professional experiences that enhance my ability to advocate for quality education I have developed a strong sense of leadership JOHNSON: I want to retain my seat on the Board of Education because I am deeply committed to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.  I have seen the positive impact that well-thought-out policies and programs can have on students I want to continue contributing to that progress by advocating for initiatives that promote academic excellence My background as a veteran has instilled in me a sense of responsibility and service I also bring valuable insight from my experiences supporting students and staying involved in educational events.  Retaining my seat would allow me to further this work ensuring that we continue in the right direction for our students’ future.  JOHNSON: The Pennsauken School District faces several significant challenges One of the biggest challenges is addressing the achievement gap and ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students regardless of their socioeconomic background This includes providing resources for students who may need additional academic support such as those with limited in-home support and multi-language learners Another challenge is ensuring the district has adequate funding to support essential programs and services Managing the budget while balancing the need for modern facilities medical coverage and well-compensated staff has its difficulties especially in the face of fluctuating state and local funding with schools increasingly tasked with supporting students’ emotional needs alongside their academic development The district must also focus on ensuring a safe especially in a world where issues such as bullying Navigating these challenges while maintaining strong communication with the community and fostering parent and student engagement is critical for the district’s continued success.  NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected which are vital to the success of the Pennsauken School District.  Equity and achievement. I would continue to prioritize closing the achievement gap by ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.  This includes enhancing support for multi-language learners and providing additional academic support to students who are struggling Equity in education is essential for creating a level playing field and helping every student reach their full potentials Mental health and well-being. Amid increasing awareness of the importance of mental health I would continue our progress in expanding mental health services within our schools This includes increasing access to counselors and creating a supportive school environment where students feel safe and engaged Community and parental engagement. Strong communication and collaboration among the district and the community are crucial for student success I will work to strengthen these connections by encouraging transparency in decision-making increasing opportunities for parental involvement and fostering partnerships with local organizations and businesses the district becomes a hub of support and growth for students  Confidential Aide for Camden County Clerk Joe Ripa MICHAEL PORCH: My wife Kaitlyn and I have lived in Pennsauken for close to a decade with our dog Abbey Pennsauken has been an incredibly welcoming community for us and I am excited for the opportunity to become more involved in Pennsauken’s future many miles around our neighborhood training for distance races like the Philadelphia Marathon and in doing so have had the chance to meet wonderful neighbors and families in the community PORCH: I believe every student should have access to an education that sets them up for success in life whether that be pursuing a college degree Decisions about the education of our young residents should be made with the knowledge that education is not one-size-fits-all so we need to make sure our schools work for students of all abilities.  PORCH: My experience working within organizations that require collaboration and accountability for their success are a good match to successfully working for parents and students of the district I want to work with our schools and staff to make sure our students are successful.  PORCH: I am running because I want to contribute to a community that has been beyond welcoming to my family. I want to make sure we target initiatives such as expanding early education and Pre-K continuing the integral development of trade programs and growing our advanced placement (AP) programs to ensure students are competitive I believe encouraging parental involvement and maintaining transparency for all residents is an important role of the board and a crucial step in providing top-tier educational opportunities. Pennsauken deserves nothing but the best, and the best investment you can make in a community is in its schools PORCH: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted students tremendously student scores have yet to fully recover There is still work to do to get our students where they need to be.  I want to focus on expanding all-day preschool growing our trade and certifications programs in accessible and practical ways and making sure students who choose to continue their education are college-ready. I also believe it is important to make sure that information for parents is more readily available and comprehensive than what is currently offered (Yudelka Morillo-Sandoval declined to answer the questions posed to the candidates I have been a proud Pennsauken resident since 2021 Before moving to Pennsauken with my husband I was a single mother working two jobs and taking care of two kids I still considered myself to be a very involved parent in my children’s education I wasn’t at all back to school nights or all school meetings but I made sure that my kids made it to school on time was in constant communication with the school parent liaison and always asked teachers how my children were progressing in class I made sure that my kids took advantage of all programs their school provided for them I made sure my children’s teachers knew they had a mother that was there for my kids and that I also fully supported their teachers From kindergarten to the day they graduated all my efforts and sacrifices paid off when I saw both of my children graduate not only high school but college too a proud graduate from Rutgers University and my son is an airplane mechanic a proud graduate from Teterboro School of Aeronautics I also want the Board of Education to better provide resources to parents who are new not only to this country but this town too I understand the feeling of confusion and frustration when registering children and trying to understand the new culture that we as immigrants are submerged into and a great team to make parents feel included and I believe that we can improve in our efforts I also knew the struggles of maintaining my household I was fortunate enough to have been part of a district that provided young parents with tools that can be used at home with their children and programs that assisted in advancing my child’s academics and social skills I believe that the Pennsauken Board of Education can improve these programs for parents and children I hear so many of my friends expressing worry about bullying in the school environment and want to ensure that the district is able to implement social and emotional learning and activities for students in pre-k through high school I also bear witness to parents struggling to pay for early childhood education I was fortunate enough to live in a district where preschool is free for residents I would like to see the Pennsauken Board of Education expand this type of benefit to residents especially when the majority of the tax money goes towards the schools I believe Pennsauken has room for improvement and I would like to be part of it.I would like for you to support me along with John Figueroa Jr We believe we can make more positive changes we will work together to represent students A one-time policy solution offered by the New Jersey Department of Education allows communities that lost state aid to exceed the cap on their taxes without a public vote it could take double-digit increases just to maintain current staffing and service levels Superintendent Bob Fisicaro says options for closing the gap include a combination of tax increases drawing down a reserve fund for emergency unemployment benefits and borrowing against money reserved for improvements to athletic facilities Officials in Pennsauken are taking a new approach to a summer festival that was cut short last year by an unruly crowd Pennsauken's Summer Kick Off for 2025 is scheduled to be held during daylight hours we’ve adjusted the schedule to create a more welcoming and secure experience for everyone," she said in a statement Teen violence: South Jersey communities grasping for solutions. Roberts didn't specify the upcoming festival's hours but predicted "an afternoon filled with food trucks Last year's festival was supposed to run from 6-9 p.m It ended abruptly as juveniles and young adults in the audience became disruptive which brought police from multiple towns to help restore order The 2024 event was held just days after a summer celebration in Gloucester Township ended in chaos with juveniles and young adults fighting for almost two hours Organizers had hoped to revive Gloucester Township Day this year with the same emphasis on daylight activities But those plans were dropped earlier this month because of concerns over social media comments by young people Pennsauken's Summer Kick Off is to be held at the community recreation center at Westfield and Bethel avenues A list of attractions and activities is still being assembled Jim Walsh is a senior reporter for the Courier-Post 2025 at 12:16 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}An explosive fire gutted a commercial building on a car lot Friday night in Pennsauken NJ — An explosive fire gutted a commercial building on a car lot Friday night in Pennsauken in a one-story annex building on the 5900 block of Route 130 South according to the Pennsauken Fire Department Specialized personnel were on the scene because of hazardous materials in the building It wasn't immediately clear which business or businesses operate out of the unlabeled building which is part of a lot containing numerous auto businesses Photos from the Pennsauken Fire Department show heavy smoke coming from the building Pennsauken police and the Camden County Prosecutor's Office are investigating the fire Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. 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(Lindenwold NJ) – PSE&G will be working on River Road in Pennsauken on Tuesday there will be a full road closure at the intersection will 36th street “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 .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Matt Cosentino | For NJ Advance MediaFranklin Fernandez singled drove in two runs and scored three as Pennsauken Tech defeated Willingboro 16-4 in Willingboro Ethan Rodriguez had three hits and an RBI and Jose Estremera added two hits and two runs for the Tornados (5-6) Winning pitcher Jean-Paul Matos struck out 12 Travan King-Johnson went 2-for-3 with a run for Willingboro (0-8) founded 73 years ago and located at Admiral Wilson Boulevard and Kaighn Avenue closed for approximately 10 weeks over the summer for repairs and renovations according to a social media post on the restaurant’s official page A Sept. 14 post on The Pub’s official Facebook page simply stated: “The Pub will reopen next Friday the restaurant announced on its Facebook page that it would close temporarily from July 1 to Sept Pub ownership representatives said at the time that the restaurant would receive a new roof kitchen equipment and other upgrades during the closure They assured customers that many of the things The Pub is noted for — such as its medieval vibe and décor which seats 500 with open-flame charcoal hearths — would remain the same whose father Marc Gelman is a co-owner of the landmark eatery said at the time that changes would be limited to infrastructure concerns Things will still look the same,” he told the Courier-Post at the time Also around that time, a real estate listing was discovered, advertising a leasing opportunity by a commercial realty firm, which listed the same address as The Pub at 7600 Kaighn Ave But David Gelman said this listing was not for The Pub but for a large building that sits on the property behind the restaurant a mainstay in the local community for decades occupies a massive Tudor-style building in what was known for years as The Airport Circle The restaurant was rebuilt after a fire in 1962 It’s known for its prime rib and seafood offerings Patrons welcomed the news that The Pub would be reopening soon “I am taking my wife there on the 24th for her 75th birthday,” Joe Scalise wrote on The Pub’s Facebook post about the reopening This time we will be of legal drinking age We have frequented the Pub for many occasions over the years and never disappointed "The Pub is still standing and so are we!” said they hoped the décor would remain the same Barbara Boyarsky added: “The absolute best prime rib Others remembered their time at The Pub as small children “Been a patron since the mid-70s with my parents as a little girl .. then as a wife and mother with 3-4 generations dining together," wrote Jennifer Berry-Schuyler "Actually broke the news to our family that we were expecting our second child at (The Pub) "I’m now living in (South Carolina) but I’d make a trip to dine with you guys again.” Deb Lacy Sillery wrote that she's a lifelong patron of the restaurant “My parents first brought me when I was 6 months old So that pretty much makes me a Pub (lifer)!” she said George Lloyd added that his dad worked for nearby RCA and frequently joined co-workers and out-of-town company visitors at The Pub for lunch or for meetings “It was great then even as a little kid to go there," Lloyd said "Well worth the trip no matter how big or small our appetites were." Please consider a digital subscription to help support our journalism Development of a Pennsauken Township building to house their Municipal Offices and Library is progressing quickly The large three-story building is rising at the back of the Township’s 10-acre municipal complex property located at Crescent Blvd (Route 130) and Merchantville Ave The 53,000sf building will feature a two-story segment on the left side for the Pennsauken Municipal offices and a three story segment on the right side will be the library.  The library portion will include a tall interior two story atrium-like open space (which can be seen in some of the drone images here The municipal building aspects will support offices for administration finance department and a larger Mayor and Board/Commission meeting room.  The meeting room will offer more seating space to accommodate residents wanting to attend meetings The library will take up 70% of the new building   The new library will of course feature books and resource materials but also to meet today’s modern library needs it will include a Cultural Resource Center Township administrator Tim Killion says the new development will be a huge resource and benefit for Pennsauken residents.  All aspects of Township Municipal business will be more accessible and easier for residents.  A true modern townhall that residents will be proud off The building is expected to be completed in June 2025 when both Municipal Office and Library functionalities relocate into the space Soon after the library moves into the new facility demolition of the existing older library building will take place.  That former library area will support additional parking for the new building as well as outdoor community spaces.  That demolition of the old library (and work to repurpose) is expected to be completed in the Fall of 2025 An inclusive “Jake’s Playground” will also be developed on the property closer to Merchantville Ave.  In my conversation yesterday with Administrator Tim he shared with me that the family who started the Jake’s Playground initiative is from Pennsauken… and the Township has made having their own inclusive playground in the community a top goal a walking path will be developed around the entire complex The construction cost for the total building project is $27.5 million of which $9.3 million comes from a grant under the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act.  Pennsauken Township will be responsible for the remaining costs Jake’s Playground construction includes funding from a $702,000 grant from the State of New Jersey Still remaining (for a short while at least) at the Township complex would be the original municipal building which opened in 1958 I chatted with Township administrator Tim Killion yesterday who tells me that the initial goal for that prime corner property (where the current Municipal Building is located) is for redevelopment into a multi-use “village like” complex There are no formal plans for the redevelopment aspect at this time The entire development effort will be a significant transformation to the property which also previously was home to the large Central School which was located along Merchantville Ave.  The school building was demolished about 12 years ago.  A portion of the former school area will be used as water management basin for the new municipal building complex With the three large older buildings gone and the modern municipal building and library…  As well as an expected future redevelopment at the corner… Pennsauken Township leaders and residents believe these collective projects will be a source of pride for many generations of Pennsauken residents  Pennsauken Township is also moving forward on a large Community Center project in another part of town which will offer indoor and outdoor options for residents including indoor basketball pickleball and volleyball courts.  That project is expected to be bid it out by the end of the year.  I’ll have more on that at a later date Administrator Tim provided renderings of the upcoming Pennsauken Municipal/Library building Absolutely the new building will be an attractive and modern space for Pennsauken residents to both conduct municipal business and utilize the community aspects Larger areas are available for community spaces.  One example is in unofficial count of the chairs in the Township’s main meeting room shows seating for at least 150 people But what really comes through in the images is that everything has “space” Hallways are wider.  Designated waiting areas with chairs are available.  Community spaces are more open and offer more options to either be collaborative with other residents… or maybe just a little more quiet if you choose This is in stark contrast to the existing buildings which are being replaced I found a Courier-Post article from July 1958 which described the features of the then all new $230,000 municipal building In 1958 one of the big features was that the then new Municipal Building had dedicated women’s restrooms  They also called out that the building offered air conditioning and areas for lounging within its baby pink and pastel colorings Today while the “classic” Pennsauken Municipal building has internet and mostly changed color scheme… it seems basically the same building that was developed 70 years ago The expectation is the new development will be good for at least another 70 years into the future… and beyond Pennsauken TownshipMerchantville Ave and Crescent Boulevard (Rt 130) Website Categories Marlton Pike Route 42 North Bellmawr Lanes Shift To Right Hershey’s Shake Shop Creamery Opens In Bellmawr A new Starbucks is coming to Pennsauken on Crescent Boulevard (Rt 130) The recent demolition of a closed bank building in Pennsauken signifies the start of a project to develop a new Starbucks with drive-thru along the busy Crescent Boulevard (Route 130) The property is located at the corner of Crescent Boulevard and Merchantville Ave… directly across from the Pennsauken Municipal Building It will likely prove to be an excellent location for the brand as not only does Route 130 provide a significant amount of traffic (and the property sits at the traffic signal) this area is surrounded by dense suburban neighborhoods and industrial parks are close by During my first visit three weeks ago my timing was off just a little bit because I was there on September 25th taking photos when the building was still standing.  I was fully intent on using the images in an article… but then the very next day the building was demolished!  Realizing I needed to refresh those images I delayed my article until I just got back there today The plans call for the development of a 1,992 square foot Starbucks with drive-thru parking areas and associated site improvements This was actually a 2-step approval process which initially required a use variance approval due to the fact that the R3 zone that the property sits in does not allow drive-thru restaurants That land use approval for the “drive-thru restaurant” was granted in January of 2023 the development team returned to present the full project and were subsequently granted an approval for the site plan and development Other earlier media reports written during the approval phases made it appear this was going to be a remodel of the building… but clearly as you can see with t gohe building gone and the property basically cleared out this is all new construction (as was called out in the March 2023 resolution) The Bank building had operated for years as a Beneficial Bank for many years but closed in 2019 after Beneficial was acquired by WSFS and the new owner decided to not continue with the location For the new Starbucks development… While I always try to get my hands on the site plans unfortunately for this project I was not able to do that (at least in a timely fashion for me to get this article online) As mentioned the new Starbucks is located directly across from the and talking of municipal building   That municipal building had opened in 1958 and as I wrote on September 25th a new state-of-the-art municipal building and the library is being developed to the rear of the large property Several other exciting projects are taking place along Crescent Boulevard in Pennsauken at this time including another highly recognized coffee shop brand About a 1.25 miles North on Crescent Boulevard the former Penn Queen Diner was demolished ahead of the development of a Tim Horton’s Coffee/Donut shop Starbucks Pennsauken (Coming Soon)Cresceht Boulevard and Merchantville AvePennsauken NJ Starbucks Website Walmart Turnersville Expanding With Dedicated Pickup Area Building Deptford Grocery Outlet Expects Spring 2025 Opening .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Matt Cosentino | For NJ Advance MediaKimora Truitt scored a game-high four goals and Pennsauken pulled away in the second half for a 15-4 win over Moorestown Friends in Moorestown Kinya Dawson added a hat trick for the Indians (2-5) Kyle Keane had two goals and five ground balls for Moorestown Friends (0-4) PENNSAUKEN — A heavily traveled bridge here is to close for a months-long maintenance project Work on the River Road bridge is expected to begin Thursday according to a statement from Camden County The $1.3-million project is to close the bridge between Route 73 and John Tipton Boulevard until January The county said the span will remain open to emergency vehicles trucks or pedestrians will be able to pass through" until the project is complete DRPA makes change: Tolls on these 4 bridges will increase to $6 in September Access to Pennsauken's landfill is to remain open but all trucks are to use the John Tipton Boulevard side of the site I know this will cause disruptions for my neighbors and their daily commute," said Camden County Commissioner Al Dyer a liaison to the Department of Pubic Works "(But projects) such as these are essential to ensuring our county’s infrastructure continues to be in top condition for years to come.” The Burlington County Bridge Commission owns the structure and is to pay for the work which is to be conducted by contractor South State Inc Gavin Dillard is Glassboro's top player and its heart and soul.Kevin Minnick | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Jack McKenna | For NJ Advance MediaGlassboro and Pennsauken combined for 26 runs on 28 hits on Tuesday’s matchup in Pennsauken but it was Glassboro which scored the first seven of those runs and never trailed en route to a 16-10 victory Six players recorded multiple hits for Glassboro while five players drove in multiple runs Ryan Newell drew three walks and knocked in two runs in a 3-for-4 showing while Gavin Dillard hit a triple and came around to score three times while going 2-for-4 for Glassboro (4-2) The teams traded crooked numbers in the first inning with Glassboro plating seven runs in the top half before Pennsauken responded with four runs in the bottom half Glassboro put together another lengthy rally in the top of the sixth scoring six runs to extend its lead to a high-water mark of 16-6 after five and a half innings Padro and Evan Chresthill each hit home runs for Pennsauken Capellan knocked in three runs while going 3-for-5 with a walk and finishing a triple short of a cycle for Pennsauken (1-7) Jack McKenna can be reached at hssports@njadvancemedia.com ETJada Pichardo looked around a packed room filled with state champions She stood in the back to draw less attention to herself but quickly realized she was the only girl there It was her first spring practice with Seagull Wrestling Club in Mantua didn’t care if she stood out among a group of boys because she had one desire: to compete with the best “I said it in my middle school days that I was going to be the best wrestler to ever walk the halls of Pennsauken,” said Pichardo Pichardo beat Montville’s Alexa Ciliotta in the 126-pound final at the NJSIAA championships to claim Pennsauken’s first state wrestling title I knew I was going to be the best to ever do it,” she said “I knew I was going to be the first to do it Nobody was ever going to take that away from me I’m so grateful and beyond words to have this moment The Olympics are the dream and she plans to extend her wrestling career to college Pichardo was choosing between Bethany College in West Virginia and Southern Oregon she’s holding off from making a decision since other schools might come into the mix For now, she’ll take a short break from the mat before preparing for freestyle season with her club teams, Seagull and Elite and Pichardo feels satisfied in what she achieved “I know our previous best wrestler at Pennsauken [Michael Panarella] When Pichardo started wrestling in sixth grade She mainly practiced and competed against boys “I knew wrestling girls at that time period was very uncommon,” Pichardo said you’re in this weird in-between where some are freakishly stronger than you or some are just not that strong I’m used to their tactics and how they go about things.” After her first season of high school wrestling which she referred to as a year of “getting beaten up on,” Pichardo wanted to join a club team and she knew club would be the best way to get the most out of her training but he ended up being completely fine with it Her parents got divorced when Pichardo was in the first grade and raising my brother and I,” Pichardo said “Nobody would do this if this person wasn’t the perfect person,” said Seagulls cofounder and former coach Pete DiBiase She’s so appreciative — people like Jada come once every 20 years “She’ll never miss an opportunity to get better,” DiBiase said “Either she’s wrestling a boy or a girl that’s 20 pounds heavier … She doesn’t care; she just wants to get better She started to recruit girls to come into our program She’s a leader among everybody in the room — not just girls.” Before Pichardo sat for an interview at Pennsauken, the school’s athletic director, Billy Snyder, handed her a copy of the now-famous book, Inner Excellence Pichardo is a firm believer in manifestation ‘I’m going to be a state champ,’” she said she’ll set the lock screen on her phone with goals as a reminder of what she’s chasing but those have nothing to do with wrestling It’s about the kind of person she wants to be it was “energy and reasoning.” This year it’s “resilience and smile.” Pichardo believes it’s just as important to be present in losses It’s exactly what she did in last year’s final of the NJSIAA state championship when she fell to South Plainfield’s Eva Altamirano in a 4-3 decision “When the buzzer goes off and the match is over and you lose sometimes people will check out,” she said “But I was 100% socially aware of everything that happened around me she was taking notes of what she needed to do better She wasn’t going to sulk on the bad days or brag on the good She put her head down and got back to work “They don’t know that after practice sometimes I’m going back to practice I just love competing in that type of realm.” She can’t deny that it made this year’s state title even sweeter Pichardo has impacted the Pennsauken girls’ wrestling program more than she knows Her 118 career wins made her the first girls’ wrestler in program history to do so who teaches 10th-grade health and physical education believes Pichardo’s success will give the next class of girls’ wrestlers something to work toward I’m going to be pointing to her banner and talking about Jada hoping that girls come in looking to chase that,” Smeriglio said “I’ve told the girls that Pennsauken has a name for themselves in South Jersey for girls’ wrestling PENNSAUKEN — Shoppers need to be aware when using an ATM or a credit card and debit card machine at stores in New Jersey A case of another scamming device has been detected in South Jersey A skimming device was found on a credit card machine at the Save-A-Lot grocery store The device was placed on top of the machine’s keypad on March 2 around 1 p.m but was not detected until four days later Pennsauken police advise anyone who made a credit card purchase at the store to check their accounts and contact their credit card company to notify them about the skimmer This is not the first time card-skimming devices have been detected in Pennsauken a skimming device was found on a credit card machine at a Family Dollar store on Route 130 in Pennsauken Pennsauken police said a device was discovered at the Supremo Food Market on Route 130 police said a skimming device was found on a credit card reader at a 7-Eleven customers at a 7-Eleven in Burlington Township were urged to check their bank accounts after a credit card skimmer was found at the store in January of this year police in South Toms River warned residents about a card skimmer found on an ATM located inside the Wawa at 379 Dover Road Police in the Ocean County borough are warning residents about a card skimmer found inside a convenience store this week Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom Pennsauken police are urging shoppers to check their accounts after a skimming device was detected at a grocery store.\nRead More Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By John Lewis | For NJ Advance MediaMackenzie Myers pitched a complete game and Maple Shade rapped 12 hits on the way to a 10-5 victory over Pennsauken at Maple Shade The Wildcats ended a three-game losing streak scored two runs and drove in a pair as the Wildcats improved to 4-3 Alexis Reichelt and Melayna Bowman had two hits each for Maple Shade Gaidecski and Bowman drove in two runs each just beating the tag of Pennsauken's Adrian Capellan in Monday's BCSL Patriot game.Kevin Minnick | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Matt Cosentino | For NJ Advance MediaAdrian Capellan belted a pair of three-run homers including one in the bottom of the sixth inning that helped Pennsauken rally for a 6-5 win over Holy Cross Prep in Pennsauken Capellan put the Indians on top 3-0 in the third but the Lancers battled back to take the lead with four runs in the fifth and one in the top of the sixth and Pennsauken (1-6) held on for its first win of the season .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Dylan McCoy | For NJ Advance MediaLuke Guire’s two-home run three-RBI performance led Bordentown to its fourth straight victory Bordentown (9-3) scored four runs in the first two innings to take a game-sealing lead Pennsauken (1-10) answered with two runs in the second but could not cut into the lead any further pitching five scoreless innings of relief with eight strikeouts Connor Collora drove in two RBIs for Bordentown Kelwin Batista had a two-hit ballgame and drove in an RBI Evan Chresthill spent five innings on the mound Dylan McCoy can be reached at hssports@njadvancemedia.com .st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Matt Cosentino | For NJ Advance MediaSteve Peltz doubled which scored three runs in the third inning on its way to a 4-2 win over Pennsauken Tech in Palmyra Anthony Morgenstern added two hits and an RBI for the Panthers (4-5) walked eight and allowed one run on two hits in four innings walked twice and knocked in a run for Pennsauken Tech (2-5) Get ready for prom with our exclusive Prom Dress Giveaway Hundreds of brand-new and donated prom dresses and accessories will be available for free to those in need Schedule your appointment and find your dream gown on March 25th or 27th at the Camden County Boathouse (7050 N Park Dr Event Details: Dates: March 25th-27th 3 PM – 9 PM (by appointment only) Camden County Boathouse For more information By bringing her distinct perspective to the office of mayor lifelong township resident Nicole Roberts wants to help her constituents feel more connected to and respected by their local government CAMDEN — Two South Jersey men have received long prison terms for sex crimes against children of Atco must serve an 80-year term for crimes that include sexually assaulting two girls the Camden County Prosecutor's Office said 76-year-old Joseph Jackson of Pennsauken received a 14-year term for the sexual assault of a juvenile Each man must serve 85% of his term before parole eligibility — 67 years for Mottas Mottas was accused of sexually assaulting two girls One was 7 years old at the time and the other 5 years old Pennsauken case: Man, 72, gets long term for sexual abuse of children Mottas "threatened to hurt (them) if they ever told anyone about the abuse," the statement said The girls were assaulted over a five-month period in 2015 They disclosed the abuse in March 2019 and alerted authorities A Superior Court jury in July 2023 found Mottas guilty of multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child He also was convicted of hindering apprehension and terroristic threats Jackson was found guilty in June 2024 after his victim testified at trial about sexual assaults at Jackson's home and in Riverton which began when the victim was 10 years old Jackson was convicted of two counts of sexual assault involving a victim under the age of 13 A jury also found him guilty of two counts of endangering the welfare of a child will be subject to Megan’s Law and parole supervision for life OMG Hot Chicken is a newer Philadelphia based Nashville Hot Chicken restaurant with plans for multiple locations in the Philadelphia area The team behind the new Hot Chicken restaurant based their branding on their chicken being so good when you taste it you’ll say  “OMG The upcoming New Jersey location for OMG Hot Chicken is a freestanding building on Route 130 in front of the Supremo Food Market.  This is the commercial area between Cooper River Park and the Airport Circle.   Most recently the building was home to JZ’s Fish Wing restaurant but for many years it was a KFC location Nashville Hot Chicken is a fast growing popular restaurant style featuring fresh chicken tenders that are coated with a spicier batter and fried typically served with a house special sauce.   Preparation options usually are as a chicken tender OMG Hot Chicken offers sides including waffle fries Additionally they offer smoothies and drinks and a selection of desserts such as cheesecakes OMG Hot Chicken is a newer Nashville Hot Chicken restaurant chain who opened their first location in May of this year and based on their website they have plans for five locations in the nearterm future.  PHL17 was at their May opening of the Frankford Ave location where over 1,700 free sandwiches were given out! (PHL17) Fox 29 has an in-studio segment called  “What’s For Dinner”, and last Spring they invited OMG Hot Chicken into the studio and the 10-minute online segment does a great job of introducing the brand and the founders. (Fox29) the information comes from the eye-catching distinctive OMG Hot Chicken graphics painted on the building… as well as the location being listed on their website At this time I don’t have any details on when to expect Pennsauken to open I’ve reached out to management/ownership over the last week but haven’t been able to connect with them.  I see that on October 4th they are opening their second location (Temple University campus area) so likely they are focused on getting that location ready for opening day I stopped over at the Pennsauken property just over a week ago to see the building has a really powerful and eye-catching exterior front wall mural showcasing the brand There are a few other areas of the building which have been updated with the mural graphics The rear parking lot side entrance has a freestanding light box sign that has also been updated with attractive OMG brand signage…  But the larger signs on the building and the main roadside post have not been updated As the Pennsauken location gets closer to opening I will be back to share more with readers While my coverage is focused on the Pennsauken location I will add that their social media channels say that for the Philadelphia location opening at 1000 Diamond Street the opening day events on October 4th include free food from 4:00 to 7:00 PM OMG Hot Chicken Pennsauken – Coming Soon7550 S Crescent BlvdPennsauken NJ 08109 Inspira Hospital Mullica Hill Breaks Ground on Large Expansion Three Area Big Lots Stores Closing; Glassboro PENNSAUKEN – Jada Pichardo didn’t want to leave Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall The Pennsauken High School senior had won her program’s first-ever state title in wrestling – girl or boy – winning the 126-pound crown with a 1-0 decision over Montville’s Alexa Ciliotta they had to kick me out (of the arena),” Pichardo said I like to see their emotions and take in the atmosphere of everything that’s going on “I also like watching my friends take care of their business Pichardo took care of her own business throughout the weekend in Atlantic City and over the entire season which included her second South Region title and a second trip to the state final Pichardo is the Courier-Post/The Mat Pack Girls’ Wrestler of the Year More: Introducing the All-South Jersey girls' wrestling team for the 2024-25 season While Pichardo is still considering her next move the senior knows she wants to wrestle at the next level She hopes to make a decision on which college she will be attending soon but her coach already knows that wherever she goes “They are going to get the kid with the best attitude and work ethic but they are getting someone who is a smart wrestler,” Shana Smeriglio who is in her third year as girls’ head coach at Pennsauken “She’s always studying the sport and willing to make sacrifices off the mat to get better on it While Pichardo’s effervescent personality off the mat is uplifting there’s a change when she does hit the mat It’s a look that caused Smeriglio to call her wrestler Jada Hurts she gets that Jalen Hurts look,” the coach said comparing the similar stoic all-business look of the two different athletes Pichardo rattled off three straight pins and a 12-2 major decision over Egg Harbor Township’s Cami Bird in the final to claim her second South Region title Pichardo pinned her opponent in the quarterfinal round and recorded an 8-0 major decision in the semifinal before earning the 1-0 win in the state final Pichardo said along with the satisfaction of knowing her hard work paid dividends this season was the most fun she’s ever had in the sport “You get to the point where you have to trust your skills and you trust your preparation,” she said “To have confidence in yourself and your craft “(Before the final) I was just trying to enjoy the moment This was going to be my last high school match I was never going to be in this arena as a competitor or wrestling on these mats and putting the ankle bands on.” always had a vision of becoming the best wrestler in Pennsauken High history “I always knew what I wanted to accomplish in high school,” she said 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 A 46-year-old Philadelphia woman is dead after a driver hit her with a vehicle on Route 130 It's the third fatal crash on the roadway this year The state alleges that thieves targeted luxury vehicles and fenced them in New York City to ship to buyers in West Africa The case involved 43 vehicles valued at $3.6 million A quickly moving fire dealt significant damage to a home on Spruce Street Wednesday afternoon Firefighters from nine area companies responded in full force to contain the blaze Please add matt@njpen.com to your contacts to make sure you don't miss out!