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23G002-Collingswood Pocket Park Presentation_2024-03-04 - INSET
March 05, 2024

Collingswood Borough Moves Forward with Plans for a New Pocket Park at the Intersection of Haddon and Woodlawn Avenues

Collingswood, NJ - March 4, 2024 - The Collingswood Borough Mayor and Commissioners have approved a resolution authorizing a bid for the construction of a new pocket park at the intersection of Haddon and Woodlawn Avenues. This approval, made at the Borough’s monthly commissioner’s meeting on Monday night, marks a significant step forward in the Borough's efforts to enhance community spaces in the downtown area with the addition of “third places” where people can gather and socialize.

The concept for the pocket park, developed by local architect Speizle and informed by input from adjacent businesses and members of the Creative and Green Teams, aims to transform the area into a versatile space for both everyday use and special events.

The Borough presented a working concept for the area which is currently used as a sitting area for Groove Ground Coffeebar and extra parking. Last year, the Borough sold the garage building in the back half of the site to a developer who is leasing the site to Sara’s Produce, which is currently located downtown and looking to expand. Construction for that expansion started this week.

“The Borough has hosted quite a few events at this location over the last few years so we have a good idea of how it could be laid out for events and as a passive space for people to gather. It’s right in the center of town so it makes for a perfect location,” said Collingswood Mayor Jim Maley.

Over the years, the Borough has held various events, from pop-up vigils and holiday festivities to movie nights, highlighting the location’s potential as a vibrant hub for the Collingswood community. Preliminary survey results from the Borough’s recreation masterplan further underscored residents' desire for a space like this, with "pocket park" emerging as a popular feature residents would like to see. The draft of that plan is expected to be completed this spring.

Input from the Green Team and Creative Team provided direction to emphasize sustainability and creativity into the design. Features such as rain barrels, native plants, bike racks, and a mural, envisioned as a “Greetings from Collingswood” style artwork, will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also promote environmental sustainability and community pride. The Borough plans to engage a local artist to design the mural and involve the Green Team in the selection of native plants.

The park's design also prioritizes flexibility to accommodate events both large and small while also serving residents and visitors with a place to gather downtown.

"We are excited to move forward with the construction of this project," said Commissioner Rob Lewandowski. "Our goal is to deliver a space that reflects the vibrant spirit of Collingswood, where residents can gather and connect or just enjoy lunch or a cup of coffee.”

Security cameras, water access, lighting, and electricity will also be incorporated into the final plans to ensure functionality and safety.

Pending a successful bidding process, the Borough expects construction to begin in the summer, with hopes of unveiling the completed pocket park to the community soon thereafter.

For more information and updates on the pocket park project, please visit Collingswood.com.

Please note that the images provided are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent final products.

 

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CamCo
March 04, 2024

Camden County Town Hall and Service Fair Coming to Collingswood on March 18

Collingswood residents, mark your calendars for the upcoming Town Hall on March 18 at 5pm!

The Camden County Board of Commissioners is hosting a series of town hall meetings across Camden County, creating another level of access and opportunity. Representatives from all levels of government will be in attendance to update residents on projects and programming that are taking place in their neighborhood and across Camden County. The meeting also includes a Q&A session, providing residents the ability to ask questions and get answers straight from a representative of the governing body and for elected officials to hear directly from their constituents.

The Town Hall will be followed by a Service Fair at 6 pm, offering a unique chance for attendees to connect with various local organizations and service providers. Whether you're seeking information on healthcare, education, housing, or community services, this fair promises to be a one-stop destination. 

Town Hall Meetings - Collingswood V3.pdf (1) - Copy
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BOH Tile
February 28, 2024

Collingswood Advisory Board of Health Launches Resident Survey to Shape Local Initiatives

In response to the health needs of its residents, the Borough of Collingswood has established a local Board of Health under the guidance of the Camden County Board of Commissioners. The newly formed Collingswood Advisory Board of Health is committed to identifying and addressing community-specific health concerns, as well as educating residents on various health issues.

To better understand the priorities of Collingswood residents, the Advisory Board of Health has initiated a comprehensive Resident Survey. This survey aims to gather valuable insights from the community, guiding strategic recommendations that align with the interests of Collingswood residents.

Residents are encouraged to participate in this survey, which is designed to be anonymous and takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. The collected data will be reported in the aggregate to maintain confidentiality. The survey is exclusively for Collingswood residents and can be accessed HERE.

For any inquiries or assistance, residents can reach out to Borough Administrator Cass Duffey at cduffey@collingswood.com. Additionally, those who prefer a paper survey or require assistance in another language can visit the Collingswood Public Library at 771 Haddon Avenue.

To ensure the best experience, it is recommended to complete the survey on a laptop or desktop. However, if using a mobile device, turning it horizontally may facilitate easier completion. Collingswood residents are encouraged to actively participate in shaping the community's health initiatives by sharing their valuable input through this survey.

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Safe Zone
February 19, 2024

Protecting Residents: Collingswood PD Establishes Safe Exchange Zones

The Collingswood Police Department has established two Safe Exchange Zones at the Collingswood Public Safety Building (434 Haddon Avenue). There is an area of sidewalk in front of the Public Safety Building with yellow sidewalk markings and a sign marking the Safe Exchange Zone. The other area, which is accessible 24/7, is located inside the vestibule of the Public Safety Building. Both Safe Exchange Zones are located in well-lit areas with video recorded by state-of-the-art security cameras. 

The “Safe Exchange Zones” were created as a means of addressing safety concerns brought about by residents involved in online transactions such as Craig’s List or Online Yard Sale purchases, as well as to provide a safe location for families with visitation rights to make custodial exchanges. The zone’s proximity to police personnel is meant to increase residents’ peace of mind when engaging in such transactions with unfamiliar individuals and when conducting child custody exchanges. Please take note that personnel are not in the Public Safety Building at all times, and it is therefore recommended that these zones be used during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, from 8a-4p). If this is not possible, the area is recorded and routinely patrolled.

While a “Safe Exchange Zone” provides a safe area for buyers and sellers to meet, it is important to remember that people you meet online are strangers and can pose dangers. Not every buyer or seller you meet online is someone who is true with their intent. When making arrangements to complete online transactions face-to-face, residents are reminded to:

  • Complete all transactions during daylight hours, if possible.
  • Bring a cell phone in case of emergency.
  • Notify friends or family about the details of the exchange beforehand.
  • Never invite strangers to their home or agree to meet at a stranger’s home.
  • Reconsider any transaction with an individual who refuses to meet at a “Safe Exchange Zone”.

The Collingswood Police Department does not endorse any service and only provides this area as an added layer of safety for those residents involved in online commerce.

Collingswood Police Officers, or any other Borough Official or employee, will not intervene as witnesses, negotiators, or brokers. Our officers and civilian staff members are not permitted to provide legal advice or become involved in civil matters resulting from disputes over payment, quality, etc.

The exchange of any type of weapons, destructive devices, any illicit items, controlled dangerous substances, or controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia are not permitted on the Public Safety Building property.
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FarmersMarket_Logo22_Rust
February 14, 2024

2024 Collingswood Farmers Market Design Contest Announced

Calling all local graphic designers! We want YOU to design the 2024 Collingswood Farmers' Market Poster!

The start of the Collingswood Farmers' Market in early May is a signal that spring has arrived in Collingswood! It's also one of the most anticipated dates on the Borough's community calendar with countdowns, planning, and a yearly marketing push to let the region know the Market is back.

The Market's promotional poster changes each year and is typically colorful, unique, and represents the joy that the Collingswood Farmers' Market brings to thousands of shoppers and hundreds of vendors each year. For the 2024 season (our 25th season!), Market organizers are again looking for a local designer to create the "look" for this year's Market.

Borough officials are inviting local graphic designers to apply for consideration to create the 2024 poster. Based on applications and portfolios, three designers will be selected to create 2024 concept posters. The three finalists will all be paid $300 for their concept design. The public will choose their favorite poster through social media and online voting, and the winning design will be paid an additional $500 for their winning work and to resize the concept for 2024 Farmers' Market advertising.
All designers are welcome to apply, but preference will be given to designers based in or residing in Collingswood.

To apply:
Send an email with subject FARMERS MARKET DESIGN CONTEST to lferguson@collingswood.com.

  • Please include your name and your design experience (resumes welcome) along with your connection to Collingswood (Is your design company located here? Are you a resident?) if applicable.
  • Attach at least three samples of your work that best reflect a similar campaign or artistic approach you would use for the Collingswood Farmers’ Market. Links to professional portfolios welcome.
  • All application emails must be received by March 8, 2024.
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CamCo
February 08, 2024

Camden County Seeks Board Workers for Upcoming Elections: Get Involved in the Democratic Process

Camden County is actively seeking residents to serve as board workers for upcoming elections. As crucial contributors to the electoral process, board workers play a fundamental role in maintaining the efficiency and fairness of voting procedures. This is an opportunity for community members to engage in the democratic system, gaining practical experience and ensuring the smooth operation of elections in Camden County. 

This paid opportunity is open to all registered voters and 16- and 17-year-old students. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply and become essential participants in the electoral framework - training is provided.

The Camden County Board of Elections is a Bi-Partisan Election Office. Interested in helping? If you are a Republican, please contact Dawn Briggs at (856) 401-8671. If you are a Democrat, please contact Mercedes Vadi at (856) 401-8673.

boardworker flyer 2023 - Copy (2)
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smart meter
February 06, 2024

PSE&G Installing Smart Meters in Collingswood

PSE&G will be replacing existing electric meters with new smart meters at area homes and businesses over the next few weeks. Smart meters are devices that send near real-time electric-use information from customers’ homes and businesses to PSE&G via a secure communications network.

They are part of PSE&G’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) program, which connects smart meters to PSE&G system-monitoring and customer applications. This will create an integrated, two-way communications system between customers and PSE&G.

PSE&G has hired Contract Callers, Inc. (CCI) to perform most smart meter installations. Either a PSE&G employee, or a CCI employee, will install the new smart meter. Both PSE&G and CCI employees will use marked vehicles and carry photo identification. Most installations take only a few minutes, and there will be a brief power interruption while the technician changes the meter.

The new smart meter will, among other things:

  • Provide you with more information about your electric use.
  • Allow automatic, near real-time meter reading that will eliminate almost all estimated electric bills.
  • Enable near real-time power outage detection and make storm restoration work more efficient.
  • Reduced PSE&G carbon dioxide emissions in the short-term, and the enabling of more renewable energy projects and more robust energy efficiency efforts in the long-term.

Smart meters are safe. They use low power radio frequency (RF) that is generally far less than RF used by devices already in the home such as baby monitors, cell phones, microwaves, TVs and wireless routers. There are more than 100 million smart meters already installed at nearly 90% of homes across the country.

PSE&G has a comprehensive cybersecurity plan to protect electric usage data collected by smart meters and will only use the data to provide better service to customers. PSE&G will not sell this data to third parties.

To learn about PSE&G’s smart meter program, including information on how residential customers can opt out, visit www.pseg.com/smartmeters. Business customers cannot opt out of a smart meter installation.

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CamCo
February 05, 2024

2024 Camden County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events Announced

The dates for the 2024 Camden County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events have been announced! 

Join us for this drive-thru event on Saturday, April 13 at the Public Works Complex (713 N. Atlantic Ave) from 8:30am - 3:00pm, rain or shine. 

Instructions for the day of the event:
– All residents must remain in their vehicles throughout the event. 
– All material to be dropped off should be placed in the rear cargo area of the vehicle only (not in the passenger seating area.)

Events are for residents only / PROOF OF COUNTY RESIDENCY REQUIRED / NO BUSINESSES ACCEPTED

No appointments necessary.

For more information call the Camden County Division of Environmental Affairs at 856-858-5241.

hazardous waste collection events - 2024 - Copy
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Celebrating Black History Square
February 01, 2024

Collingswood Celebrates Black History Month with a Focus on Economic Empowerment and Cultural Enrichment

Collingswood Celebrates Black History Month with a Focus on Economic Empowerment and Cultural Enrichment

In honor of Black History Month, the Borough of Collingswood is proud to showcase local events and initiatives dedicated to celebrating the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans. Throughout the month of February, we invite residents and visitors alike to participate in a variety of activities ranging from economic empowerment initiatives to cultural events that highlight the importance of diversity and unity.

One of the highlights of this year's Black History Month celebration in Collingswood is the introduction of Economic Empowerment Hours. The program will feature various Black-owned businesses during designated “Buy Black Blitz” hours throughout the month. Sponsored by the Collingswood BID (Business Improvement District), this initiative aims to encourage community members to support and uplift these businesses that play a crucial role in the town's economic landscape.

The Collingswood Public Library is at the forefront of Black History Month celebrations, offering a diverse range of events and resources from curated book displays that highlight African American literature to a film screening showcasing a legendary cultural festival celebrating African American music and culture. The library, a hub of cultural enrichment, also offers reading lists featuring Black authors for all ages and encourages adult readers to participate in February’s Collingswood Reads Book Club, where Stories from the Tenants Downstairs by Sidik Fofana will be discussed.

The Borough of Collingswood, in partnership with the Collingswood Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, has organized a series of local events to engage residents and visitors in meaningful ways. Highlights include pop-up literary readings where local poets and speakers will share their work, providing an opportunity for artistic expression and reflection. Don’t miss “A Celebration of Black History at Perkins Center for the Arts” on Saturday, February 17 from 12:30pm – 4:00pm. There, attendees will enjoy musical performances by CPR Music Invincible and a Soloist from the Marian Anderson Music Guild, Readings and Spoken Word performances, local fare and more.

“Celebrating Black History is a celebration of not just the history, but an acknowledgment of the sacrifice, resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. We are excited to share in fostering a deeper understanding of the significance of Black History with our Collingswood neighbors,” said Bruce Smith, Collingswood resident, DEI Committee Chair, and Perkins Center for the Arts Board of Trustees President.

Collaboration is key to the success of Black History Month celebrations in Collingswood. Partner agencies and institutions including the Collingswood School District, cultural organizations and Camden County, are hosting events that explore the rich tapestry of African American history.

“As we celebrate Black History Month, we’re embracing the spirit of unity and collaboration with our borough and community partners,” explained Collingswood Superintendent Dr. Fredrick McDowell. “By working together, we amplify the impact of our efforts to honor and educate, ensuring that through collaboration, we foster an environment where diversity is celebrated, understanding is cultivated, and the profound contributions of the Black community are recognized, not just in February, but throughout the year. Together, we can inspire a shared commitment to inclusivity, education, and empowerment for all.”

Collingswood Mayor Jim Maley added, "Black History Month is a great chance for us to come together to recognize the important contributions of African Americans. When we support our local Black-owned businesses and connect our neighbors to all the ways they can observe Black History Month in our region, we are creating a more welcoming Collingswood for everyone.”

To ensure everyone can participate in Black History Month, the Borough is highlighting events, resources, and ways to celebrate both in town and beyond. We encourage residents and visitors alike to keep an eye on local announcements and the town's official website and social media channels for updates.

For more information about Black History Month events, please click here or contact Director of Community and Business Development Lindsey Ferguson at lferguson@collingswood.com.

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a241ba1920810bd3306fdb12b1db7fef--water-tower-towers
January 24, 2024

Collingswood Invites Developers to Provide Concepts to Envision the Future of Atlantic Avenue Transit Village

The Borough of Collingswood has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking developers to submit concept proposals for a mixed-use development of the area along N. Atlantic Avenue surrounding the Collingswood water towers. The approximately 1.8-acre proposed project site is located two blocks from the Collingswood PATCO station and is adjacent to the Borough’s thriving downtown.

The site currently contains a large area of surface parking, the former police department, and the soon-to-be relocated Department of Public Works. The relocation of these uses frees up valuable space for the creation of new homes, expansion of the central business district, and a parking garage-further solidifying the Borough’s transit village designation.  

The Borough is searching for redevelopers with extensive experience in urban and suburban redevelopment of mixed-used commercial, retail, residential housing, and structured parking to submit concepts for this transit-oriented development project.

“This is an area we’ve been considering for redevelopment for a long time, and it’s exciting to be at the point where we can begin to see its potential realized,” shared Mayor Jim Maley. “We’d love to see some creative concepts that capitalize on Collingswood’s position as a transit village and build on our reputation as both a destination for shopping and dining and a great place to live.”

Designated as a Transit Village by New Jersey Department of Transportation, Collingswood’s approach to development incorporates the principles of transit-oriented development, emphasizing pedestrian-friendly design, a diverse range of housing options, and a vibrant mix of commercial and retail spaces—all seamlessly connected to the surrounding community.

Studies consistently highlight the benefits of concentrated populations in downtown areas, and Collingswood's dedication to this concept has proven advantageous. For example, the 2021 Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission study on pandemic impacts in downtowns attested to the success of this approach. Collingswood’s downtown emerged with a lower pandemic impact score, attributed to its higher concentrated population, diverse features, walkability, and strategic proximity to public transportation. In essence, Collingswood's commitment to a thriving and connected community is not just a vision but a reality.

Once concepts are submitted, the Borough Commission envisions a process to solicit substantive proposals from a few developers and then engaging in a process for sharing concepts with the public for feedback.

“Some of our most successful projects in town have come to fruition from sharing ideas and receiving input from the community. Once concepts are submitted, we look forward to engaging with the public, sharing these ideas, and including feedback in plans as concepts for the area progress," said Maley.

Responses to the RFQ are due in the office of the Borough of Collingswood on or before March 15 at 3pm. The RFQ is available here.

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xmas trash
December 20, 2023

Ho Ho Holiday Trash + Recycling Schedules

Due to the upcoming holidays, the trash and recycling pickup schedule will be as follows for the week of 12/25-12/29 and the week of 1/1-1/5:

Week of 12/25-12/29
Monday 12/25/23: No Trash/Recycling Pick-Up
Tuesday 12/26/23: Monday Trash/Recycling Route
Wednesday 12/27/23: Tuesday Trash/Recycling Route
Thursday 12/28/23: Thursday Trash/Recycling Route
Friday 12/29/23: Friday Trash/Recycling Route 

Week of 1/1-1/5
Monday 1/1/24: No Trash/Recycling Pick-Up
Tuesday 1/2/24: Monday Trash/Recycling Route
Wednesday 1/3/24: Tuesday Trash/Recycling Route
Thursday 1/4/24: Thursday Trash/Recycling Route
Friday 1/5/24: Friday Trash/Recycling Route

Christmas Trees:

The Borough collects old Christmas trees placed at curbside on regular trash days. To prepare your Christmas trees for chipping, remove all lights, decorations, nails and tree stands. Do not cover trees with plastic bags.

Thank you and have a Happy Holiday and New Year!

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Neighborhood Meeting 12.6
December 07, 2023

Redevelopment Update - 30 Fern Avenue

On the evening of December 6, plans for the redevelopment of the Presbyterian Church at 30 Fern Avenue to be converted into 25 apartments were presented to the surrounding neighborhood at a community meeting held by the developer, Spring Hill Services.

The development will maintain the building’s historic exterior, preserving the facade and most of the original stained-glass windows while transforming the interior into 25 apartment units, consisting of nine one-bedroom apartments and sixteen two-bedroom apartments. The plan also features a fitness room for residents of the building and the addition of proposed courtyards to the exterior.

See the concept here.

Spring Hills Services has been in the development and property management business for over 15 years and specializes in adaptive reuse projects. They have converted other former religious sites into rental units with great success, including 2001 Spring Garden Street and 2029 Montrose Street, 810 S 23rd Street in Philadelphia. See completed properties here.

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NJ-DCA-logo-FINAL_small
December 01, 2023

NJ DCA Announces Winter Termination Program

If you are having trouble paying your residential electric, sewer and water service bills this winter, the NJ Department of Community Affairs has a program to protect you from having these utilities turned off from November 15 through March 15.

Who Is Eligible?

You qualify for protection during this period if you are being helped by one of the programs listed below:

  • Federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
  • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
  • Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD)
  • General Assistance (GA) benefits
  • Universal Service Fund (USF)
  • Low-income Household Water Assistance Program
  • Lifeline Credit Program
OR

You are unable to pay your utility bills because of circumstances beyond your control such as unemployment, illness, medically related expenses, recent death of an immediate family member, and any other circumstances, which might cause financial hardship.

What do you have to do?

  1. If you qualify for protection from shut-off during this period, you should contact your utility company to advise the company that you are eligible for coverage under the State’s Winter Termination Program. You should also pay as much as you can on your bill(s) during the winter.
  2. Customers also have the option to complete the following Self-Certification form and provide this form to their utility company as a way of notifying the company of their eligibility for protection. When using the Self-Certification form it is recommended that a copy of the form be retained for one’s personal records.
Self-Certification Form
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Various Alleys 2 - Copy
November 29, 2023

Resurfacing of Various Alleys (ROVA) Underway in Collingswood

Collingswood's latest municipal project is making strides in revitalizing the town's infrastructure by resurfacing several alleys. The initiative aims to improve safety and accessibility in these often-overlooked areas. This townwide project, which is scheduled to be completed by late November, is in response to resident requests to address alleys and smaller roadways throughout the Borough. These small alleyways have been grouped together to address resurfacing needs across town as one large project.

Work for this project will include the resurfacing of fourteen smaller alleys identified as in need of repair, but that would typically not qualify for grant funding. These alleys, which were previously riddled with potholes and cracked pavement, will soon be transformed into safe and well-maintained passages. The project also includes curb cuts where appropriate, which will contribute to a more accessible environment for everyone who calls Collingswood home. 

The following roadways are included in this project:

  • Crestmont Lane (from E Madison Avenue to Dead End)
  • Richey Avenue Alley (from CR729 to Dead End)
  • Conger Avenue Alley (from Conger Avenue to Dead End)
  • Laurel Avenue (from Woodlawn Avenue to Lincoln Avenue)
  • Allen Lane (from CR630 to Eldridge Avenue)
  • Maple Lane (from CR630 to Eldridge Avenue)
  • West Narberth Terrace (from CR732 to Dead End)
  • Comley Lane (from Harrison Avenue to Comley Avenue)
  • Pacific Avenue (from Pacific Avenue to South Park Drive)
  • Cedar Avenue Alley (from Cedar Avenue to Dead End)
  • Knight Park (from CR732 to Browning Road)
  • Coolidge Avenue Alley (from Edison Avenue to Dill Avenue)
  • Haddon Avenue Alley (from CR630 Avenue to Woodlawn Avenue)
  • West Franklin Avenue (from Franklin Avenue to CR732)


“By combining the smaller alleyways into a single project, and finally addressing those conditions, we intend to make the safety and ease of travel a focus at every level.” shared Mayor Jim Maley. “The little things matter as much as the big things. ”

Collingswood is committed to completing future road repairs and resurfacing projects thanks in part to a partnership with the Rowan University CREATES program, which developed an asset management plan for long-term road repairs in the Borough. The program focused on developing a low-cost system to rate pavement conditions and aims to overcome the limitations of current practices and to help identify and prioritize the roadways most in need of repair.

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OIP (2)
November 24, 2023

Free Rabies Clinic

Make sure your furry friends are healthy! The Collingswood Rotary Club, in conjunction with the Borough of Collingswood, will hold its annual rabies clinic for dogs and cats on Saturday, December 2, from 9am - 11am at no charge. The clinic will be held at the Public Works Department at 713 North Atlantic Avenue.

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trash - Copy
November 17, 2023

Thanksgiving Week Trash Schedule

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the trash and recycling pickup schedule will be as follows for the week of 11/20 - 11/24:


Monday: 11/20/23- Normal Trash Pick-up
Tuesday: 11/21/23- Normal Trash Pick-up
*Wednesday: 11/22/23- Thursday Trash Route*
*Thursday: 11/23/23- Closed Thanksgiving*
Friday: 11/24/23 Normal Trash Pick-up

Thank you and have a happy holiday!

Thanksgiving 2023 Trash Schedule

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Fall Leaf Placement
October 30, 2023

Borough Leaf Collection Begins October 30

Leaf Collection Schedule and Map:

The Borough's weekly leaf collection begins October 30, 2023, and continues through mid-December. 

For excess leaves and collection residents are asked to help by following these guidelines:

• Leaves should be piled at the curb strip between the sidewalk and the curb; Borough crews will rake them into the street.
• No twigs, branches or any other material except grass are allowed in the leaf piles.
• Residents are asked to please have their cars off the street on their scheduled day.

Fall Leaf Placement

The Borough follows a weekly schedule. If it rains on your collection day, we will make every effort to be back before your next scheduled day, however, because of the area we must cover and the volume of leaves we pick up, it is sometimes impossible to do.

The department divides the Borough into five different sections for its leaf collection route, outlined below: 

Monday
Browning Road to Champion Avenue
Collings Avenue to High Speed-Line
Newton Avenue to Crescent Blvd.
Woodlynne Avenue
300 & 400 Block of Park Avenue

Tuesday
Bellevue Terrace up to and including Garfield Avenue
High Speed-line to Haddon Twp. Border

Wednesday
Penn Avenue up to and including Lincoln Avenue
High Speed-Line to South Park Drive

Thursday
Crestmont Terrace up to Lincoln Avenue
High Speed-Line to South Park Drive
King Avenue to Lincoln Avenue

Friday
South Atlantic Avenue to South Newton Lake Drive
Lakeview Drive to Haddon Twp. Border
Bettlewood Avenue to Browning Road
Collings Avenue to North Newton Lake Drive

Leaf Pickup Map - Copy (2)
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Copy of Colls Town Forum 2022  - Copy - Copy
October 11, 2023

Town Forum: October 18, 2023

Have questions or ideas about our town? Come out and share with your elected officials at our upcoming Town Forum!

October 18, 2023 
7 PM 
Collingswood Grand Ballroom 

The Collingswood Commission Town Forums are a great way for Borough representatives and members of the community to share ideas about Collingswood.

Town forums also provide residents with an opportunity to tell us about specific concerns or issues impacting your neighborhood in an informal and comfortable setting.

You can also attend via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83633409824

We look forward to seeing you there!
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Vintage 2
October 03, 2023

Halloween 2023 Trick-or-Treating Hours

Collingswood, NJ – Collingswood has announced its hours for this month’s upcoming trick-or-treat on Halloween. Trick-or-treat will take place on Tuesday, October 31, from 2pm – 7pm.

Beige Orange Minimalist Creative Halloween Party Event Invitation - Copy (3)

Planning on trick-or-treating this year? The CDC gives these safety tips for your ghouls and goblins:

  • Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
  • Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
  • Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
  • Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. 
  • Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.
  • Always walk - don’t run from house to house.
  • Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
  • Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
  • Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
  • Walk on sidewalks whenever possible or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
  • Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
  • Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
  • Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult.
  • Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
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hydrant flushing
September 28, 2023

Fall Flushing to Begin October 2

Collingswood will conduct townwide hydrant flushing between the hours of 9am to approximately 2pm in neighborhoods beginning Oct. 2, 2023. Anyone living in homes of surrounding blocks during flushing should avoid using water during these hours. In the morning it is best to run water from a tub (cold water side only) or outside hose spigot to avoid any unsettled mineral content from getting trapped in faucet screens. We thank you for your patience while we perform this important and necessary task.

See the complete neighborhood flushing schedule here.

Collingswood periodically conducts hydrant flushing in the Borough. The water main flushing program is designed to remove natural minerals like iron and calcium that sometimes collect in the bottom of water mains. This operation may cause a temporary discoloration in your water supply. By allowing your water to run for a short period of time, the problem should clear itself. Please be assured, although the water may be discolored, it is safe for human use.

For more information visit the Water Department page here.

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Leaves
September 26, 2023

Yard Waste and Leaf Collection Update

Yard Waste Collection: 

Yard Waste will be picked up by the Collingswood Department of Public Works through September 28, 2023. Beginning the week of October 2, 2023, yard waste will be collected by the trash company along with residents' trash on their specified trash pick-up day.

Residents can place their leaves, grass, clippings, sticks, twigs, and garden clippings in an open (no lid) receptacle or in paper bags brought to the curb, no plastic bags please. Dirt, rocks, sod, and dog waste will not be accepted in yard waste containers. Do not co-mingle yard waste with trash. All yard debris accumulated from contracted services must be removed by the company performing the service.

Branches should be cut to 4 inches in length and bundled with rope/twine. Logs should be cut in lengths of no more than 2 feet and stacked between the curb and sidewalk.

Residents may drop off yard waste at the Comly Avenue plant Monday to Friday between 7am and 3pm. 

NOTE: For larger brush over 4 inches in diameter please call Public Works (856)-858-0533 to schedule collection.  

Brush Collection:

October to March - Residents can dispose of brush two ways:

  • Drop off at Comly Ave Water Plant Monday to Friday between 7am and 3pm. No plastic bags.
  • Report to Public Works for collection via Resident Portal, publicworks@collingswood.com, or 856-858-0533. Brush must be tied up and bundled or placed in open containers. 

Leaf Collection Schedule and Map:

The Borough's weekly leaf collection begins October 30, 2023, and continues through mid-December. 


For excess leaves and collection residents are asked to help by following these guidelines:

• Leaves should be piled at the curb strip between the sidewalk and the curb; Borough crews will rake them into the street.
• No twigs, branches or any other material except grass are allowed in the leaf piles.
• Residents are asked to please have their cars off the street on their scheduled day.

The Borough follows a weekly schedule. If it rains on your collection day, we will make every effort to be back before your next scheduled day, however, because of the area we must cover and the volume of leaves we pick up, it is sometimes impossible to do.

The department divides the Borough into five different sections for its leaf collection route, outlined below: 

Monday
Browning Road to Champion Avenue
Collings Avenue to High Speed-Line
Newton Avenue to Crescent Blvd.
Woodlynne Avenue
300 & 400 Block of Park Avenue

Tuesday
Bellevue Terrace up to and including Garfield Avenue
High Speed-line to Haddon Twp. Border

Wednesday
Penn Avenue up to and including Lincoln Avenue
High Speed-Line to South Park Drive

Thursday
Crestmont Terrace up to Lincoln Avenue
High Speed-Line to South Park Drive
King Avenue to Lincoln Avenue

Friday
South Atlantic Avenue to South Newton Lake Drive
Lakeview Drive to Haddon Twp. Border
Bettlewood Avenue to Browning Road
Collings Avenue to North Newton Lake Drive


Leaf Pickup Map - Copy


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trash
September 01, 2023

Labor Day Trash Schedule

Due to the Labor Day holiday, the trash and recycling pickup schedule will be as follows for the week of 9/4 -9/8:


Monday 9/4: NO PICKUP (Happy Labor Day!)
Tuesday 9/5: Monday Trash + Recycling
Wednesday 9/6: Tuesday Trash + Recycling
Thursday 9/7: Thursday Trash + Recycling
Friday 9/8: Friday Trash + Recycling

Please note: There will be no yard waste pick up the week of September 4.

Thank you for your patience this week!

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Home-repair-1
July 26, 2023

Camden County Announces Home Improvement Program (HIP)

A Home Improvement Program (HIP) has been announced by the Camden County Board of Commissioners. The program, administered by the Camden County Improvement Authority, focuses on preserving Camden County's housing stock by upgrading single family dwelling units. 

Who is eligible?
Owner-occupants of single-family homes who meet the household size and income limits as published annually by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 8 Income Limits. Please see image below for household size and income eligibility.

What kind of repairs can be made?
 Assistance provided by the program must be used for the correction of housing code violations which are dangerous or injurious to the occupants. HIP has established its own rigid specifications for home repairs which meet or exceed existing housing standards.

Improvements considered as eligible repairs will be determined by the Inspector at the time of inspection.

Improvements considered to be ordinary repairs, home maintenance, cosmetic in nature, or general property improvements will not be considered eligible repairs under HIP.

Technical Assistance
Along with financial assistance, HIP also provides, at a minimum, the following: 

  1. An initial inspection to determine what work needs to be done. This inspection provides a basis for the work specifications; 
  2. A lead hazard inspection will be performed as required by HUD regulations; 
  3. A follow-up inspection to ensure accuracy of the specifications and to allow the homeowner to select contractors; 
  4. Work-in-progress inspections to monitor each contractor's performance (as necessary); 
  5. A final inspection to close out the job.
Financial Assistance
All financial assistance shall be in the form of a Deferred Payment Loan. The DPL will pay the cost of improvements (rehabilitation work which includes Health, safety, and Code Items) up to $20,000.00. Deferred Payment Loans work this way:

  1.  You borrow the money from the program to help pay for the repairs; 
  2. There is NO INTEREST CHARGE; 
  3. There is NO MONTHLY PAYMENT; 
    1. When title to your property is transferred either by sale, when your estate is settled, by gift, or otherwise, you repay to the program the same amount you borrowed; 
    2. Your repayment is put back into the fund for use by other homeowners. 
To learn more about this program or to apply, please contact:

Rehab Office: (856) 751-2242
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trash
June 27, 2023

Holiday Trash Schedule

Due to the July 4th holiday, the trash and recycling pickup schedule will be as follows for the week of 7/3 -7/7:

Monday 7/3: Monday Trash + Recycling
Tuesday 7/4: NO PICKUP
Wednesday 7/5: Tuesday Trash + Recycling
Thursday 7/6: Thursday Trash + Recycling
Friday 7/7: Friday Trash + Recycling

Please note: There will be no yard waste pick up the week of July 3rd.

Thank you for your patience this week.
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OM Logo
June 23, 2023

Collingswood Odyssey of the Mind Finished Fourth in the World

Collingswood Odyssey of the Mind, part of the Collingswood Recreation Program, just finished its 11th season. They fielded 12 competitive teams (3rd - 12th grade) and a non-competitive Primary Club (2nd grade). The program serves more than 100 Collingswood kids and is supported by over 25 adult volunteers who serve as coaches, judges, and workshop instructors. All 12 of Collingswood's teams competed in the Coastal Plains Regional Tournament in March at Woodstown High School and 10 qualified for the State Finals at Princeton High School on April 1, 2023. At the State Finals, two Collingswood teams were crowned State Champions in their problem and age divisions, and one received a Ranatra Fusca award for exceptional creativity.    

Four Collingswood teams competed in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI. They finished 21st, 14th, 14th and 4th in the world for their respective problems and age divisions.  Team Hover Brothers’ 4th place finish was the highest any Collingswood team has scored in Collingswood's 11 years as a program. Over 700 teams from around the world attended including teams from South Korea, Poland, Germany, Singapore, China, and more. The detailed results are shown below.

Our Teams

Division 1 (grades 3-5)

Problem 1 – Pirates and the Treasure

  • Coastal Plains Regional: 2nd place
  • NJ State Finals: 3rd place
  • Coaches: Doug Robbins & Patrick Reidy

Problem 1 – Pirates and the Treasure

  • Coastal Plains Regional: 3rd place
  • Coach: Kenneth Allendoerfer

Problem 3 – Classics… The Walls of Troy

  • Coastal Plains Regional: 1st place
  • NJ State Finals: 2nd place
  • Coaches: Andrea Haines & Jess Todd

Problem 5 - The Most Dramatic Problem Ever!!!

  • Coastal Plains Regional: 1st place
  • NJ State Finals: 6th place
  • Coaches: Geoff DiMasi & Matt Erdely

Problem 5 – The Most Dramatic Problem Ever!!!

  • Coastal Plains Regional: 2nd place
  • NJ State Finals: 4th place
  • Coaches: Clare Tracy & Ed Beitz

Division 2 (grades 6-8)

Problem 1 – Pirates and the Treasure

  • Coastal Plains Regional: 3rd place
  • Coaches: Michael Grace & Jonathan Vitale

Problem 2 - Because iCan

  • Coastal Plains Regional: 2nd place
  • NJ State Finals: 2nd place
  • World Finals: 21st place
  • Coaches: Emma Slabyk & Jed Morfit

Problem 3 - Classics… The Walls of Troy

  • Coastal Plains Regional: 2nd place
  • NJ State Finals: 5th place
  • Coaches: Regan Kaiden & Stavros Hadjitheocharous

Problem 5 – The Most Dramatic Problem Ever!!!

  • Coastal Plains Regional: 2nd place
  • NJ State Finals: 4th place
  • Coaches: Angie Patterson & Katie McDevitt

Division 3 (grades 9-12)

Problem 1 – Pirates and the Treasure

  • Coastal Plains: 1st Place
  • NJ State Finals: 1st Place + Ranatra Fusca Award, NJ State Champions
  • World Finals: 4th Place
  • Coach: Stephen Hwang

Problem 3 - Classics… The Walls of Troy

  • Coastal Plains Regional: 1st Place
  • NJ State Finals: 1st Place, NJ State Champions
  • World Finals: 14th place
  • Coaches: Urmila Malvadkar & Dolores Reilly

Problem 5 – The Most Dramatic Problem Ever!!!

  • Coastal Plains Regional: 1st place
  • NJ State Finals: 2nd place
  • World Finals: 14th place
  • Coaches: Ben Garvey & Kelly Zenfell

In addition to their amazing 4th place finish at World Finals, the Problem 1, Division 3 team received a Ranatra Fusca Award at the NJ State Finals. This award is given to a team or individual for demonstrating outstanding creativity and it embodies the highest honor in OM. The team produced a drivable hovercraft capable of carrying two teenagers along with a pirate radio themed adventure set to music played on a hurdy gurdy built by the team. Congratulations Quincy Brown, Jack Chunko. Jacob Egerton, Jacob Hwang, Matthew Hwang, Ezra Tapper, and Daniel Wynne for your outstanding creative achievement. And thank you to their longtime and patient coach, Stephen Hwang, who has been an OM coach with the program for the past 10 seasons.

Finally, three of the graduating class of 2023 OMers, Jacob Hwang, Sarah Hewitt, and Michael Diaz, were honored by the New Jersey Odyssey of the Mind organization with the Dr Harold Kurtz Memorial Scholarship for their dedication to the values of OM: teamwork, creativity, and perseverance. 

Collingswood Rec OM is one of the largest and most successful OM programs in New Jersey and is made possible by the support they receive from the Collingswood community, especially the Recreation Program headed by Jacob Goodman.


OM 

Team “Hover Brothers” placed 4th in the World for their solution to Problem 1 - Pirates and the Treasure

 

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Americas-Farmers-Market-Celebration
June 20, 2023

Vote For the Collingswood Farmers' Market!

Collingswood has another reason to celebrate! The Collingswood Farmers' Market, our beloved local institution, is currently in the running for “Best Farmers’ Market” in not one, but two contests!

  • USA Today nominated the Collingswood Farmers’ Market as one of the best in the nation! We’re currently holding our own amongst a number of big city markets, placing #2 out of 20 – we have until noon on 7/3 to snag our rightful first place finish! You can vote *once a day from each device you own* for the USA Today contest – let’s kick it into high gear and take this one home! Vote HERE.
  • America’s Farmers Market Celebration ™ (AFMC) is the only annual ranking of the top farmers markets in the United States as voted on by the public. You can help us take home bragging rights (and $5,000!) as America’s favorite farmers market by voting in the 15th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration, presented by @AmericanFarmlandTrust and @FMCorg. Click HERE to cast your vote today!

This recognition is a testament to our market's dedication to providing fresh, local produce, fostering community connections, and promoting sustainable living. We’re so lucky to have the Colls market in our back yard – let’s return the love they show us by VOTING EVERY DAY!

Copy of 2023 AFMC Social Media Graphics - Copy

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mosquito-commission-300x200
June 08, 2023

Mosquito Spraying throughout Camden County Friday

Early Friday morning the Camden County Mosquito Control Commission will be in the community spraying and surveilling areas throughout Camden County. The summer weather has created an ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed.

Commissioner Jeff Nash, liaison to the Camden County Mosquito Commission, talked about being cognizant of standing water.

“Even though this has been one of the driest periods on record through May into the first full week of June mosquitoes are still out there,” Nash said. “Mosquitos need standing water to breed, so you can help keep them off your property by removing water from places like flowerpots and containers. This helps us reduce the pest population in your neighborhood, and it assists the efforts of the Camden County Mosquito Control Commission.”

The Camden County Mosquito Commission will be conducting ULV “spraying” operations on Friday, June 9 between the hours of 2am-6am in the following locations:

Merion Ter.
Haddon Ave.
Atlantic Ave.
Narberth Terr.
Wayne Terr.
Franklin Ave.

The mosquito spray is not harmful to humans or pets, but you should avoid direct contact if you have respiratory concerns or are sensitive to irritants.

Residents should check their property for any object that holds water for more than a few days.  All pre-adult mosquito stages (eggs, larvae, and pupae) must be in stagnant water in order to develop into adult mosquitos. 

  • Swimming pools are a common problem.  All pools must be checked and maintained to keep them mosquito-free.  Swimming pools can breed mosquitoes within days after you stop adding chlorine or other disinfectant.  Pool covers can catch rainwater and become a mosquito development site. Add a little chlorine to kill mosquitoes.
  • Maintain screens to prevent adult mosquitoes from entering your home or business.
  • Personal protection is strongly urged if you are outside when mosquitoes may be active—generally dawn and dusk.  Insect repellants containing between 10-35% DEET are very effective, however, be sure to follow the label directions and take extra precautions with children and infants.

The Camden County Mosquito Commission suggests checking around your yard for mosquito breeding containers.  The following is a checklist of tips to help eliminate mosquito breeding:

  • Dispose of unnecessary containers that hold water.  Containers you wish to save turn upside down or put holes in the bottom, so all water drains out.    
  • Lift up flowerpots and dump the water from the dish underneath every week.
  • Stock fish or add mosquito larvicide to ornamental ponds.
  • Change water in bird baths, fountains, and animal troughs weekly.
  • Screen vents to septic and other water tanks.
  • Store large boats so they drain and small boats upside down.  If covered, keep the tarp tight so water does not pool on top of the tarp.
  • Do not dump leaves or grass clippings into a catch basin or streams.
  • Do not allow water to collect on sagging tarps or awnings.
  • Do not allow trashcan lids to fill with water.
  • Check downspouts that are able to hold enough water to allow mosquito larvae to mature.

For more information, or to report a problem, contact the Camden County Mosquito Commission at (856) 566-2945 or skeeters@camdencounty.com.

 

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trash
May 26, 2023

Holiday Trash Schedule

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, trash and recycling pickup on Monday and Tuesday will be pushed back one day. Thursday and Friday pickup will be on your normal day.

Yard Waste Collection will be on Wednesday; if Public Works is unable to complete the collection on Wednesday, they will continue the collection on Thursday.

Thank you for your patience this week.
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is going fine-free for kids!
May 17, 2023

Collingswood Public Library Goes Fine-Free for Youth Materials

The Collingswood Public Library is proud to announce that, effective June 1, 2023, extended use fees will not accrue on most children’s and teen’s materials – no matter the age of the person checking out the items.

The library is excited to follow the practice of many libraries around the country by removing this potential barrier to library services.  The American Library Association asserted in a 2019 policy statement “that imposition of monetary library fines creates a barrier to the provision of library and information services.”  To that end, many libraries across the country have chosen to reduce or remove fines. The result has been an equivalent rate of return on items, a greater retention of library users, and improved patron satisfaction.

While extended use fees may encourage some patrons to return items sooner, the greater cost for our community is the loss of young borrowers and their families due to fear, shame, or inability to pay fees.  The traditional reliance on library fees to teach responsibility is misguided; parents and guardians are better suited for teaching children to return materials responsibly. 

The Collingswood Public Library’s mission is to serve the local community’s informational, educational, cultural, and social needs through open access to a wide range of ideas, resources, and services.  Putting an end to extended use fees on youth items is one effective way to remove a barrier to access for our young patrons.  Removing these fees will allow more users to access our collections for educational and personal development. 

The library will still encourage patrons to bring back youth materials on time to make them available for others.  To that end, the following guidelines will apply:

  • Most materials in the juvenile and teen collections -- including books and CDs -- will not accrue fees, regardless of the type of library card, as long as the materials are returned in good condition.
  • Adult materials such as DVDs, Interlibrary loans, games, adult books, magazines, museum passes, and craft kits will still accrue extended use fees.
  • All library users will continue to be charged for lost or damaged items.
  • Any patron account will be suspended once an item is 7 days overdue. Though youth items will not accrue fees, accounts will remain suspended until all overdue items are returned.

The Collingswood Public Library will kick-off the 2023 Summer Reading Program on June 24th, with a “Chalk the Walk” event at Tatem Elementary School from 10 am to 12 pm.  More details about summer reading and the library – including its collections, programs, and services, please visit our website at: www.collingswoodlib.org

Green with Circles Promotion Announcement (2)

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Fast Charger
May 16, 2023

Collingswood Installs Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers

The Borough of Collingswood is installing a number of “fast chargers” for electric vehicles this month. The project, originally slated for completion this fall, is ahead of schedule and will be finished in May with chargers going live in June. The first Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) station will be located in the Atlantic Avenue public parking lot adjacent to the Collingswood Senior Community Center and can charge a fully electric vehicle to 80% in just 20 minutes to an hour. The stations are funded by grant programs including the New Jersey Clean Energy Electric Vehicle Tourism Grant, the It Pay$ to Plug in Program, and PSE&G.

Earlier this year the Borough went live with two Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) in the public parking garage at the Lumberyard, located at W. Collings and N. Atlantic Avenues. Level 2 equipment is common for home, workplace, and public charging. Level 2 chargers can charge a BEV (a battery-operated electric vehicle) from empty in 4-10 hours and a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) from empty in 1-2 hours.

Installing EVCS's for public use helps to eliminate barriers to purchasing electric vehicles by investing in electric vehicle infrastructure and reducing range anxiety for residents. Expanding this electric vehicle infrastructure is critical to reaching New Jersey's goal of 330,000 EVs by 2025 and 100 percent clean energy by 2050. Encouraging the use of electric vehicles is also an important part of reducing transportation emissions which accounts for 46% of New Jersey’s net greenhouse gas emissions.

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Revize - Copy
May 11, 2023

Collingswood Launches Programs to Improve Access to Fresh and Healthy Foods

Collingswood and Camden County government officials joined Green Team representatives and local healthcare partner Virtua on Wednesday to launch several new programs to increase food equity and combat food insecurity for area residents. The initiatives include:

  • Accepting SNAP benefits at the Collingswood Farmers’ Market, Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, May to November
  • Providing 100% matching benefits on EBT/SNAP purchases at the Collingswood Farmers' Market
  • Bringing back Virtua Health’s colorful Eat Well Mobile Farmers' Market, offering deeply discounted produce plus a 50% discount on SNAP purchases. Wednesdays year-round from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Thanks to the work and collaboration of Collingswood Green Team members and borough officials and staff, and several non-profit partners, the Collingswood Farmers’ Market now accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments. Customers can use their SNAP/EBT cards to purchase household food products such as fruits and vegetables, meats and poultry, dairy products, and even seeds and plants which produce food for households to eat. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest federal nutrition assistance program. Accepting SNAP/EBT will help families access healthier food options while also supporting local farmers.

The news of this program comes at a time when area families in need are struggling due to soaring food prices and as the federal government’s temporary boost to SNAP benefits came to an end. Earlier this year Governor Murphy signed legislation that nearly doubles the minimum benefit for low-income households in the state from $50 to $95 monthly to help ease the cuts, but statewide estimates from food pantries show upticks in demand as high as 20%.  According to Feeding America, the largest hunger relief organization in the United States, 1 in 10 children in New Jersey are facing hunger and 38% of households receiving SNAP benefits have children. Senior Citizens account for over 60% of households receiving benefits.

“The reality is that families are still struggling to make ends meet and we need to ensure no family goes hungry and that everyone has access to purchase healthy produce at our wonderful Farmers’ Market. The program helps families and supports our market and farmers, it’s really a win-win,” said Jim Maley, Collingswood Mayor.

“What we eat and how that food is produced is all part of a healthy and sustainable food system,” said Morgan Robinson, Commissioner Liaison to the Collingswood Green Team. “Processed foods increase greenhouse gases, contribute to higher levels of food waste, and can lead to poor health outcomes. We know that locally sourced farm-to-table foods are good for our health and our environment.” 

The Borough has also been approved to implement City Green’s Food Bucks program. The program helps customers stretch SNAP dollars by providing a dollar-for-dollar match on SNAP/EBT purchases at the Farmers’ Market. 

Robinson added the importance of these programs is about more than food equity. “These programs can help engage all of our residents to be a part of our community. The farmers market on Saturday’s is a great gathering space where neighbors come together, shop our local farms, listen to music, and learn about civic involvement. 

By providing these benefits we not only are increasing access to fresh foods but also sending a message that this is everyone’s community, and you are a part of it regardless of your income.”

Thanks to a partnership with Virtua Health and the Camden County Commissioners, the Borough also brought back the Virtua Eat Well Mobile Farmers' Market this month. This 23-foot bus brimming with fresh produce offers affordable prices and greater access to produce year-round with the goal of improving health and ensuring good nutrition in underserved areas.

Open to all area residents, the mobile market visits Camden County’s Newton Lake Park on Wednesdays from 11:30 to 12:30, at 520 North Newton Lake Drive in Collingswood. A small bag with six pieces of produce costs $3. A medium bag of 12 pieces costs $6. A large bag of 20 pieces costs $9. Customers who pay with SNAP/EBT cards get 50% off (one bag per customer, per visit). For more details and real-time updates, visit @VirtuaEatWell on social media.

“We’re thrilled to return to Collingswood and increase this community’s year-round access to fresh, healthy, affordable food,” said April Schetler, Virtua Health’s assistant vice president of community health engagement. “Our mobile market team will offer special events throughout the year, as well – free recipes, nutrition education, preventative health screenings, and other opportunities – to support our customers’ health and wellbeing.”

“With prices soaring, so many families are under immense stress when it comes to putting food on their tables. These programs will give some much-needed relief to our residents when it comes to paying for groceries,” Camden County Commissioner Jonathan Young said. “Allowing SNAP payments at the farmers market and partnering with Virtua for the mobile market allows residents to have access to healthier food options and supports our local farmers at the same time.”

The Collingswood Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday from May until November, 8 a.m. to noon, along the PATCO between Collings and Irvin Avenues. The Virtua Mobile Farmers Market also makes other stops in Camden and Burlington counties. For the full schedule, please visit www.virtua.org/eatwell.

Farmers Market EBT  (8.5 × 11 in) - Copy (2)

April_2023__MFM_Newton_Lake_Collingswood
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Stop Sign
May 02, 2023

Collingswood PD to Increase Traffic Enforcement Efforts

We see it every day, and the statistics agree - dangerous driving has increased nationwide over the last three years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In response to a rise in local cases of erratic driving and traffic-related incidents, the Collingswood Police Department has announced that it will be increasing traffic enforcement efforts throughout the town.

According to Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey, the move comes as a response to concerns expressed by residents over the rise in reckless driving, speeding, and other traffic violations. The police department will be deploying additional officers and resources to patrol key intersections and areas throughout the town.

The increased enforcement is expected to focus on high-traffic areas such as Haddon Avenue and Collings Avenue. Officers will be on the lookout for drivers who are speeding, running red lights or stop signs, making illegal U-turns, or engaging in other dangerous driving behaviors.

“Public safety is our top priority, and we are committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors,” said the Chief. “By increasing traffic enforcement efforts, we hope to send a strong message that dangerous driving behaviors will not be tolerated in our community.”

The announcement was welcomed by Mayor Jim Maley, who has expressed concern over the increase in traffic incidents. “We’re pleased to see the police department taking proactive steps to address this issue,” said Maley. “It’s important that we all work together to ensure the safety of our streets and our community.”

 

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hydrant flushing
April 14, 2023

Hydrant Flushing to Occur April 17-27, 2023

It's that time again!

It's no surprise to anyone that has lived in the area for some time that our hydrant flushing causes a temporary discoloration in water supply due to iron sediment that is brownish, but safe, getting stirred up during the process. Since our spring flushing, we have continued to exercise valves.  Valve exercising is requirement by the NJDEP.  Turning valves, has caused an increase in brown water many are seeing. During the month of April, we will conduct flushing to clear out sediment in our older valves.

See the April Flushing schedule here.

The Collingswood water plant has recently completed filter upgrades and we can report that iron levels coming out of the treatment plant are extremely low. Iron is not harmful to drink; however, the discolored water will cause stains on clothing. It's our hope that this additional work will resolve the additional buildup you are seeing in the water. Please contact the Collingswood Water Department at 856-854-2332 if you encounter any adverse condition with your water. 


 

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Plan to Play Postcard  IG Post  - Copy
April 10, 2023

Collingswood Announces "Plan to Play" Recreation Program and Facilities Assessment

The borough of Collingswood, in collaboration with the Collingswood School District and community stakeholders, is soliciting the public's input for the development of a comprehensive Community Recreation and Facilities Master Plan. The community-driven planning process will include identifying and analyzing existing programs through surveying, public outreach activities, and an analysis of current facilities, programs, and recreation trends - including best practices in similarly sized communities. 

The goal is to work with the community and stakeholders to identify gaps in service or facilities and to develop a vision and plan for meeting current and future needs to serve residents of all ages and abilities in an equitable manner. Once completed, the plan and needs assessment will be used to help identify funding and guide the Borough Commission, School Board, stakeholders, and staff on programmatic needs and facility utilization and upgrades for recreational programs and facilities in town. 

The study will kick off on Thursday, April 20 with an interactive Community Open House from 6:30pm-8:30pm at the Collingswood Senior Community Center (30 W Collings Ave, Collingswood). Resident input is welcomed and encouraged  - this is an opportunity to be a part of the planning for recreation programs and facilities in our community. 

If you can't attend on the 20th, follow our page for updates on future events and to take the survey for the plan. 
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cat & dog
March 15, 2023

2023 Pet Licensing Information

All cats and dogs of licensing age must be counted and licensed each year as required by the State of NJ.

Applications and fees are collected at the Borough Clerk’s office. Applications are available at Borough Hall or online.  

As a reminder: Pet Licenses renewed after March 31 will be charged a $10 late fee per household.

For more information call the Borough Clerk at 856-854-0720 x127.

Download the application here.
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CCMUA Logo
February 24, 2023

2023 Camden County Hazardous Waste Event Announced

The dates for the 2023 Camden County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events have been announced! 

Join us for this drive-thru event on Saturday, April 15 at the Public Works Complex (713 N. Atlantic Ave) from 8:30am - 3:00pm, rain or shine. 

Instructions for the day of the event:
– All residents must remain in their vehicles throughout the event. 
– All material to be dropped off should be placed in the rear cargo area of the vehicle only (not in the passenger seating area.)

Events are for residents only / PROOF OF COUNTY RESIDENCY REQUIRED / NO BUSINESSES ACCEPTED

No appointments necessary.

For more information call the Camden County Division of Environmental Affairs at 856-858-5241.

hazardous waste collection events - 2023v2
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FM Revize
February 10, 2023

2023 Collingswood Farmers' Market Graphic Design Contest

Calling all local graphic designers! We want YOU to design the 2023 Collingswood Farmers' Market Poster!

The start of the Collingswood Farmers' Market in early May is a signal that spring has arrived in Collingswood! It's also one of the most anticipated dates on the Borough's community calendar with countdowns, planning, and a yearly marketing push to let the region know the Market is back.

The Market's promotional poster changes each year and is typically colorful, unique, and represents the joy that the Collingswood Farmers' Market brings to thousands of shoppers and hundreds of vendors each year. For the 2023 season, Market organizers are again looking for a local designer to create the "look" for this year's Market.

Borough officials are inviting local graphic designers to apply for consideration to create the 2023 poster. Based on applications and portfolios, three designers will be selected to create 2023 concept posters. The three finalists will all be paid $300 for their concept design. The public will choose their favorite poster through social media and online voting, and the winning design will be paid an additional $500 for their winning work and to resize the concept for 2023 Farmers' Market advertising.
All designers are welcome to apply, but preference will be given to designers based in or residing in Collingswood.

To apply:
Send an email with subject FARMERS MARKET DESIGN CONTEST to lferguson@collingswood.com.

  • Please include your name and your design experience (resumes welcome) along with your connection to Collingswood (Is your design company located here? Are you a resident?) if applicable.
  • Attach at least three samples of your work that best reflect a similar campaign or artistic approach you would use for the Collingswood Farmers’ Market. Links to professional portfolios welcome.
  • All application emails must be received by March 10, 2023.
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YAAG Web Image
February 07, 2023

Collingswood's Year at a Glance Calendar is Here!

Collingswood is full of festivals, concerts, events and more – and now you can plan out a year full of fun with the 2023 Year at a Glance. See a show! Take the kids out! Enjoy all the family fun our town has to offer (and it doesn’t even include all the events hosted by the merchants in our business districts!). Print it, put it on your fridge and start filling your calendar. The Year at a Glance is available as a printable PDF here!

Collingswood 2023 YAAG Final - Copy
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Colls School Revize
January 25, 2023

Collingswood Schools Announce 2023-2024 Kindergarten Registration/Preschool Lottery

Collingswood Families - it is time to plan for 2023-2024 Preschool and Kindergarten classes! Please see the letter here for specific criteria for Kindergarten registration and entry into the Preschool Lottery.

Children are eligible for Kindergarten if they reach the age of 5 on or before 
October 1, 2023.

Children are eligible for 3- and 4-year old Preschool if they reach the age of 3 
(birthday on or before October 1, 2020) or 4 (birthday on or before October 1, 
2019).

Any questions about the Preschool or Kindergarten programs may be directed to Ms. Lisa Pendarvis at lpendarvis@collsk12.org or 856-858-0335 ext. 7188.
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EV Graphic
January 11, 2023

Collingswood Plugs In - Electric Vehicle Charging Stations are Here!

The Borough of Collingswood recently announced the installation of two Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) to the public parking garage at the Lumberyard, located at W. Collings and N. Atlantic Avenues. Located in the central area of the garage, these additions are live and ready to help encourage electric vehicle use. 

The Level 2 EVCS are located in the central area of the Lumberyard garage. Usage fees are $1.50 per hour for the first three hours, and $3.00 per hour for each hour afterwards, and payments may be made by utilizing the Chargepoint mobile app. Level 2 equipment is common for home, workplace, and public charging. Level 2 chargers can charge a BEV (a battery-operated electric vehicle) from empty in 4-10 hours and a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) from empty in 1-2 hours.

These Level 2 charging stations were partially funded by grants obtained by the Borough through the NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s “It Pay$ to Plug In” program. The program is designed to expand New Jersey’s growing network of electric vehicle infrastructure, allowing residents, businesses, organizations, and government agencies to purchase and drive electric vehicles (EVs). EVs both reduce greenhouse gases and other pollutants and improve air quality. 

The Borough has also secured additional funding through the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, the NJ Board of Public Utilities, and PSE&G to expand the availability of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Collingswood. A number of “fast chargers” are scheduled to be installed, with the cooperation of PATCO, in the Atlantic Avenue public parking lot adjacent from the Collingswood Senior Community Center. Direct Current Fast Charging stations, or DCFC charging stations, can charge a fully electric vehicle to 80% in just 20 minutes to an hour.  

Installing EVCS for public use helps to eliminate barriers to purchasing electric vehicles by investing in electric vehicle infrastructure and reducing range anxiety for residents. Expanding this electric vehicle infrastructure is critical to reaching Governor Murphy’s goal of 330,000 EVs by 2025. Encouraging the use of electric vehicles is also an important part of reducing transportation emissions and achieving the Governor’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050.

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Fitch Revize
December 07, 2022

Collingswood Receives Credit Rating Upgrade

Fitch Ratings Upgrades Collingswood’s IDR and GO Bonds to ‘AA’, Outlook Stable

The Borough of Collingswood recently received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, one of the foremost nationally recognized statistical rating organizations in the US. Fitch has upgraded Collingswood, NJ’s Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and outstanding rated GO bonds to ‘AA’ from ‘AA-', rating their outlook as Stable. 

An ‘AA’ rating denotes very high credit quality and expectations of very low default risk. This rating indicates that the Borough of Collingswood has a very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments, and it shows that their ability to make those payments is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events. 

Fitch determined that the upgrade of Collingswood’s IDR and GO bond rating to ‘AA’ from ‘AA-' shows “sustained reductions in the Borough’s long-term liability burden coupled with enhanced resilience given the consistent maintenance of healthy reserve levels.” They continue, “the rating also reflects the Borough’s substantial independent revenue raising authority balanced against slow revenue growth prospects and an adequate ability to adjust key spending items.” 

“This credit rating upgrade highlights the success of both the short-term and long-term fiscal plans that we as a Borough have implemented,” commented longtime Collingswood Mayor Jim Maley. “I think it speaks to all of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes, and to what we can accomplish when our local government is operating at a high level.”

There were a number of key rating drivers that led to Fitch issuing this credit upgrade, including the Borough’s revenue and expenditure frameworks and its operating performance, which has been shown to maintain healthy reserve levels, supporting a high level of basic financial flexibility through economic cycles given the stable nature of its revenue base and control over spending items. 

The ratings organization explained that they “expect that Collingswood remains well-positioned to manage any challenges associated with future moderate economic downturns while maintaining a high level of fundamental financial flexibility.” Fitch goes on to state that “at times of economic recovery, the Borough generally takes actions to restore reserves. The Borough has experienced relatively steady growth in revenues largely driven by its ability and willingness to adjust its tax rate to maintain an adequate tax levy to support operations.” 

Additionally, Collingswood’s low long-term liability burden helped the Borough see this uptick in their credit rating. Fitch expects levels to remain low, considering manageable debt plans and improvement in net pension liabilities associated with the state pension plans in which the Borough participates. 

Collingswood Borough has a population of approximately 14,000 and is located in Camden County, NJ, about seven miles east of Philadelphia. Its vibrant downtown, award-winning restaurants, year-round events and festivals, and eclectic art scene have made it a premier destination in South Jersey. 
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Collingswood Seal
December 06, 2022

Notice: Collingswood Affordable Housing Midpoint Review Published

NOTICE is hereby given that the Borough of Collingswood, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:27D-313, has, as of 02/06/2023, issued a Midpoint Review report as required by the Borough’s Settlement Agreement with Fair Share Housing Center (“FSHC”). A copy of the Midpoint Review report is available on the Borough’s website here.

In addition, members of the public may arrange to physically inspect/obtain a paper copy of the Midpoint Review report by calling the municipal clerk at (856) 854-0720 x127 or by emailing hmannel@collingswood.com. Any interested party may submit comments to the municipality, with a copy to Fair Share Housing Center, regarding whether the compliance mechanisms continue to satisfy the municipality’s obligations. Any comments must be received within 30 days of the 02/06/2023 posting date. Any interested party may by motion request a hearing before the Court regarding these issues. Any motions must be filed within 30 days of the 02/06/2023 posting date.

 

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Copy of Rabies Clinic
December 01, 2022

Collingswood Offers Free Rabies Clinic

Make sure your furry friends are healthy for the holidays and beyond! 

The Collingswood Rotary Club in conjunction with the Borough of Collingswood will hold its annual rabies clinic for dogs and cats on Saturday, December 3, from 9am - 11am at no charge. The clinic will be held at the Public Works Department at 713 North Atlantic Avenue.

Why Should You Have Your Animals Vaccinated?

  •  Vaccinating pets prevents them from getting rabies and is one of the most effective ways in preventing rabies exposure in people.
  • If your dog, cat, or ferret is not vaccinated, and is bitten by a stray or wild animal, the pet needs to be confined and observed for six months. This strict confinement of a pet could cost a significant amount of money and could harm the animal physiologically. If the pet develops signs of rabies while in confinement, it must be euthanized to be tested for rabies.
  • The health risk, stress, and financial burden of a pet potentially being exposed to rabies are significantly less if the pet is vaccinated. Rabies vaccines for pets are an inexpensive way to protect people and other animals. It is worth spending a few dollars to vaccinate your pet instead of spending thousands of dollars on confinement and the potential tragedy of losing your pet.
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Treasury Logo Website
November 21, 2022

NJ Announces Extended Deadline to File for New ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Program

The State of New Jersey has announced the extension of the application deadline and the expansion of eligibility for the new ANCHOR property tax relief program and will embark on an aggressive advertising and marketing campaign to make sure every eligible New Jerseyan takes advantage of the sizable relief.

The application deadline is being extended to January 31, 2023, giving taxpayers an extra month to apply. Additionally, tenants (renters) who had previously been ineligible because their unit is under a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement are now eligible to apply for the benefit.

Under the ANCHOR program, both the size of the benefit and the number of eligible applicants has increased substantially, compared to the previous Homestead Benefit (which ANCHOR is replacing), including double the amount of homeowners and nearly a million tenants who had not been eligible for property tax relief in recent years.

Over 870,000 homeowners with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $1,500 in relief; over 290,000 homeowners with incomes over $150,000 and up to $250,000 will receive $1,000; and over 900,000 renters with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $450 to help offset rent increases.

All payments will begin going out in late spring, regardless of when taxpayers file. Payments will be issued in the form of checks or direct deposits and are not subject to federal or State income tax.

To be eligible for this year's benefit, homeowners and renters must have occupied their primary residence on October 1, 2019, and file or be exempt from NJ income taxes.

Eligible homeowners can apply online, by phone, or via paper application, which can be downloaded online and returned by mail. Tenants can apply online or download the application from the Taxation website and return by mail (there is no phone option for tenants, as this is the first time this group will be eligible for property tax relief).

Applicants are encouraged to consult the detailed information posted on the Division of Taxation's website, including an extensive list of Frequently Asked Questions, before calling the ANCHOR hotline. For more information, visit nj.gov/treasury/taxation/anchor/ or call the ANCHOR hotline at 1-888-238–1233.

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CamCo
October 28, 2022

General Election Sample Ballot Released

Camden County has released the Official General Election Sample Ballot for the November 8, 2022 Election.

You can find the Official Sample Ballot here.
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smart meter
October 26, 2022

PSE&G To Install Smart Meters

Over the next few months, PSE&G will be replacing existing electric meters with new smart meters at area homes and businesses. These meters will be installed within approximately 90 days.

Smart meters are devices that send near real-time electric-use information from our customers’ homes and businesses to PSE&G via a secure communications network.

They are part of PSE&G’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) program, which connects smart meters to PSE&G system-monitoring and customer applications. This will create an integrated, two-way communications system between customers and PSE&G.

PSE&G has hired Contract Callers, Inc. (CCI) to perform most smart meter installations. Either a PSE&G employee, or a CCI employee, will install the new smart meter. Both PSE&G and CCI employees will use marked vehicles and carry photo identification. Most installations take only a few minutes, and there will be a brief power interruption while the technician changes the meter.

The new smart meter will, among other things:

  • Provide you with more information about your electric use
  • Allow automatic, near real-time meter reading that will eliminate almost all estimated electric bills
  • Enable near real-time power outage detection and make storm restoration work more efficient
  • Reduced PSE&G carbon dioxide emissions in the short-term, and the enabling of more renewable energy projects and more robust energy efficiency efforts in the long-term.

Smart meters are safe. They use low power radio frequency (RF) that is generally far less than RF used by devices already in the home such as baby monitors, cell phones, microwaves, TVs and wireless routers. There are more than 100 million smart meters already installed at nearly 90% of homes across the country.

PSE&G has a comprehensive cybersecurity plan to protect electric usage data collected by smart meters and will only use the data to provide better service to customers. PSE&G will not sell this data to third parties.

To learn about PSE&G’s smart meter program, including information on how residential customers can opt out, visit www.pseg.com/smartmeters. Business customers cannot opt out of a smart meter installation.

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October 18, 2022

Spooky Season Officially Begins in Collingswood

Looking for fall-filled fun for the whole family? Look no further! Spooky Season officially kicks off at Knight Park this Saturday, 10/22 with two great annual events: the Collingswood Fall Festival and the Collingswood Haunted Hayride!

Get into the Fall spirit and support Collingswood PTAs at the annual Collingswood Fall Festival this Saturday, 10/22 from 12pm - 4pm at Knight Park. This super family-friendly event boasts live music, games, crafts, a hayride through the park, food, and of course, the Collingswood Chili Cook Off! 

Return to Knight Park once dusk falls on Saturday evening…if you dare! The Collingswood Haunted Hayride will introduce you to all manner of goblins and ghouls as kids and adults alike take a spooky trip aboard a tractor through haunted Knight Park. Admission is $5.00 - all proceeds support the CMS/CHS PTAs towards Project Graduation, Scholarships, Student Activities, Teacher Grants, and more!
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Treasury Logo Website
October 13, 2022

New Jersey Announces ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Program

One of the largest property tax relief programs in New Jersey history is officially underway.

New Jersey announced a new Property Tax Relief Program which replaces the previous Homestead Benefit program and has expanded eligibility for property tax relief for Tax Year 2019. The Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) Property Tax Relief Program will benefit a large number of homeowners and tenants.

This program provides property tax relief to New Jersey residents who owned or rented their principal residence (main home) on October 1, 2019, and met the income limits. If you meet the requirements, you may be eligible for a benefit payment. 

You should file electronically - either online or by phone (1-877-658-2972), unless you are required to file a paper application. Visit the NJ Division of Taxation's Instructions on How To File to find information on What You Need to File and Filing a Paper Application under the "Filing Information for Homeowners" tab.

The filing deadline for the ANCHOR Application - Tax Year 2019 - is December 30, 2022.

You will find detailed information for both homeowners and tenants below, as well as additional resources to help determine your eligibility.

Homeowners

You are eligible if you met these requirements:

  • You were a New Jersey resident; and
  • You owned and occupied a home in New Jersey that was your principal residence (main home) on October 1, 2019; and
  • 2019 property taxes were paid on that home; and
  • Your 2019 New Jersey gross income was $250,000 or less.

If you were not a homeowner on October 1, 2019, you are not eligible for a homeowner benefit, even if you owned a home for part of the year.

You are considered a homeowner if, on October 1, 2019, you:

  •  Owned a house,
  •  Owned a condominium and paid property taxes on your unit;
  •  Were a resident shareholder of a cooperative housing complex;
  •  Were a resident of a continuing care retirement community and your continuing care contract requires you to pay the proportionate share of property taxes attributable to your unit.

You do not qualify if your residence was completely exempt from paying property taxes or you made P.I.L.O.T. (Payments-in-Lieu-of-Tax) payments.

Find additional information for homeowners here

ANCHOR Tenant

You are considered a tenant if, on October 1, 2019, you:

  • You were a New Jersey resident; and
  • Your 2019 New Jersey gross income was not more than $150,000; and
  • Rented an apartment, condominium, or house;
  • Rented or owned a mobile home located in a mobile home park.

You do not qualify if you lived in tax-exempt, subsidized, or campus housing.

Find additional information for tenants here.

Additional resources from nj.gov include Check the Status of your 2019 ANCHOR Benefit and ANCHOR Program Frequently Asked Questions

 

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hydrant flushing
October 05, 2022

Hydrant Flushing to Occur October 17-27, 2022

It's that time again!

It's no surprise to anyone that has lived in the area for some time that our yearly hydrant flushing causes a temporary discoloration in water supply due to iron sediment that is brownish, but safe, getting stirred up during the process. Since our spring flushing, we have continued to exercise valves.  Valve exercising is requirement by the NJDEP.  Turning valves, has caused an increase in brown water many are seeing. During the month of October, we will conduct flushing to clear out sediment in our older valves.

See the October Flushing Schedule here. 

The Collingswood water plant has recently completed filter upgrades and we can report that iron levels coming out of the treatment plant are extremely low. Iron is not harmful to drink; however, the discolored water will cause stains on clothing. It's our hope that this additional work will resolve the additional buildup you are seeing in the water. Please contact the Collingswood Water Department at 856-854-2332 if you encounter any adverse condition with your water. 

For more information on hydrant flushing see this video from Capital Water.

 

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September 26, 2022

Collingswood Halloween 2022 Trick-or-Treat Hours

Collingswood, NJ – Collingswood has announced its hours for this months upcoming trick-or-treat hours on Halloween. Trick-or-treat will take place on Monday, October 31, 2pm – 7pm.

Halloween Hours

Planning on trick-or-treating this year? The CDC gives these safety tips for your ghouls and goblins:

-Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

-Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

-Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

-Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

-Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.

-Always walk - don’t run from house to house.

-Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

-Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

-Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

-Walk on sidewalks whenever possible or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

-Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.

-Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

-Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult.

-Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

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September 01, 2022

The Ultimate Fall Day Trip!

This Fall, get to know Collingswood, NJ - a regional destination for shopping, dining, festivals, the arts, and so much more. Gather your friends and family and make a day of it! Stroll Haddon Avenue and find some of the best shopping in South Jersey. You’ll discover fine art and crafts, gifts, home goods, designer boutiques, vintage goods, and antique galleries along our main street. All that shopping is bound to make you hungry, and you’re in luck! Experience fine and casual dining in one of our superb restaurants or cafes – Collingswood has something for every palate. Visit our Shopping and Dining Directory for a full list of our retailers and restaurants. Take a breather at one of three parks in town. Knight Park – the heart of our community - features the 130-year-old Knight Park House as it’s being historically restored to its former glory in the middle of stunning fall foliage and 70 acres of public park. Known as the “Festival Capital of South Jersey”, Collingswood offers street festivals, professional theater, and international musical talent throughout the year. From the award-winning Collingswood Farmers’ Market, Clover Market, and concerts at the Scottish Rite Auditorium to our monthly Second Saturday Arts and Music events, Collingswood, New Jersey truly is “where you want to be.” Visit us soon – here’s a guide to our idea of a perfect fall day in Collingswood.

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9:00 am - Start your day off with breakfast! Whether you’re in the mood for a lite bite or a full breakfast or brunch, Collingswood eateries have you covered. You can bring your own champagne for BYOB mimosas to Sabrina’s (don’t miss their decadent French Toast or Chicken & Waffles) or stop by the Pop Shop for the “Benedicts Your Way.” If grab and go is more your style, swing by Haddon Culinary for a fresh-made breakfast sandwich to-go and enjoy your meal at one of their picnic tables.  

10:30 am - Swing by the Collingswood Farmers’ Market for Jersey Fresh produce, artisan baked goods, featured artists, fall plants and flowers, and more. Browse over 50 vendors, then relax and take in some live music. November starts our Handmade Holidays feature where you can pick up one-of-a-kind gifts like jewelry, woodworks, art, and handmade home and body products by local artists. Every Saturday, May to Thanksgiving, from 8:00 am – 12:00 noon. 

12:00 pm – Time to shop! Shop and stroll beautiful downtown Collingswood. There are dozens of boutiques and shops to explore – from home décor, plants, art galleries, gift shops, and clothing to candy, gourmet items, bakeries, toys and games, to bookstores, records, comic books, and vintage shops – there’s a little something for everyone! 

2:30 pm – Get Creative. The arts are thriving in Collingswood – take in local artist works at Perkins Center for the Arts, MK Apothecary, or Powell Lane Arts. If you’re looking for some hands-on experiences – check out Say it with Clay and All Fired Up to make your own creations.   

4:30 pm – Kick back and relax with a beverage! Enjoy a local brew at Devil’s Creek Brewery which features a 900-square-foot tasting room with unique fixtures including a corrugated pallet-wood wall adorned with their rendition of the Jersey Devil (their namesake) and many other rustic and vintage features. Known for their seasonal brews, fall is sure to bring something yummy to craft beer lovers to try out.  Looking for a boost of energy instead? Stop for a coffee fix at Groove Ground Coffee Bar or local roaster Revolution Coffee.

6:00 pm – Dinner Time! Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of our dozens of award-winning restaurants. Known for its BYOB dining scene, Collingswood offers everything from fine dining to casual fare. Whatever your taste in food, you've got to taste it here. 

8:00 pm – Enjoy a show at the Scottish Rite Theater. Affectionately known as “the Rite” this 1050 seat theater features national musical acts, community theater productions, and comedy shows set in a beautifully restored historical venue that dates back to the early 1900’s. The stained-glass windows and excellent acoustics make shows at this venue extra special.
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Every Drop Counts_Crier
August 09, 2022

NEW JERSEY ENTERS DROUGHT WATCH

New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette issued a statewide drought watch as of August 9, 2022, and the Murphy Administration is urging residents and businesses to conserve water as persistent dry and hot conditions continue to stress water supplies throughout the state. 

Text  Description automatically generated with medium confidenceThe Commissioner’s declaration of a drought watch is the first in the State’s three-stage drought advisory system. The watch is intended to sow public awareness and appreciation of the stress upon water supply sources and encourage voluntary water conservation measures. If conditions do not improve, declaration of a drought warning or a drought emergency with mandatory water use restrictions may become necessary. Voluntary conservation measures at the watch stage can help to avoid more serious and restrictive drought conditions.

“Stream flow and ground water levels are falling below normal for most of the state and some reservoirs are showing steep rates of decline as hot and dry conditions continue,” Commissioner LaTourette said. “While water conservation is always important, it becomes critical during prolonged dry and hot periods like New Jersey has been experiencing. If residents and businesses do all they can to reduce water demand, together we can ensure ample supplies in the coming weeks and months.”

At this time of year, more than 30 percent of water demand in suburban areas is for outdoor purposes, much of which can be reduced or avoided. The public can make a big difference by reducing watering of lawns and landscaping, reducing the washing of vehicles, and cutting back nonessential uses such as hosing off driveways and sidewalks. Residents and businesses can also practice many conservation measures to reduce indoor water use. For more water conservation tips, visit https://dep.nj.gov/conserve-water/   

On July 26, the DEP reminded residents and businesses of the impact hot and dry conditions could have on supplies and asked for the public’s assistance to moderate demand. Water conservation measures are vital tools that will help New Jersey residents and businesses as we continue to confront a changing climate.

As explained in the New Jersey-specific Scientific Report on Climate Change first released in July 2020, while New Jersey will experience a greater frequency of intense rain events, and decreases in precipitation may occur in the summer months, resulting in greater potential for more frequent and prolonged droughts.

The most up-to-date information about the status of New Jersey’s water supplies can be found at dep.nj.gov/drought. The last drought watch or warning to be declared in New Jersey was in 2016. The last drought emergency with mandatory water use restrictions was declared in 2002. In October 2016, the DEP placed 14 counties in the northern, central, and northern coastal areas of New Jersey under a drought warning due to ongoing precipitation deficits and deteriorating water-supply conditions, particularly storage levels in reservoirs. At the same time, regions along the lower Delaware River were placed under a watch. All regional drought warnings and watches were lifted by August 2017. In March 2002, then-Governor Jim McGreevey declared a drought emergency, which was lifted in January 2003.

The DEP is continuing to closely monitor drought indicators, which include precipitation, stream flows, reservoir levels, groundwater levels, and water demand. DEP will continue to inform the public, local governments, and water systems of future actions to mitigate the risk of more severe conditions.

The DEP has prepared a Conserve Water Toolkit at dep.nj.gov/conserve-water/toolkit which provides infographics, a flyer, a video and social media resources that can be downloaded and used by organizations and government agencies to spread information on drought conditions and water conservation.

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July 22, 2022

Collingswood Scores Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvement Grant

The Borough of Collingswood has been awarded a $217,600 Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) TOP (Travel Options Program) Grant for its “Gateway to Downtown Collingswood” project. This grant will fund improvements that address safety concerns identified by residents and stakeholders at the highly traveled intersection of Collings at Atlantic and Lakeview Avenues. These intersections were noted by residents and visitors during extensive public feedback and surveying as challenging crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.

The improvements were among the recommendations included in the Borough of Collingswood Connect 2020 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and were further tested during a DVRPC-funded Pop-up Demonstration Project “All Aboard Atlantic”, which was a collaborative project of the Borough of Collingswood, DVRPC, Cross County Connection TMA, PATCO, and Camden County. The project will consist of four curb extensions with pollinator gardening plantings, three thermoplastic crosswalks, ADA-accessible curb cuts, and an education component with the School District and the greater Collingswood community. The overall goals of the project include encouraging walking and biking to reduce carbon emissions, improving accessibility for disabled persons, and providing affordable transportation options by providing safety improvements as you enter downtown.

The Collings and Atlantic Avenue intersection is highly traveled by pedestrians from the west traveling to the downtown business district. The addition of crosswalks and curb extensions at this location will slow traffic as it enters the downtown, encourage more pedestrians to walk to destinations, provide safer routes to public transportation, schools, and workplaces, and will address accessibility issues.

The project intersection is also along the main corridor utilized by middle and high school students traveling to and from school and to athletics and activities in Knight Park. The project includes a biking and walking safety education component in cooperation with stakeholders such as the School District and the Collingswood Youth Green Team, as well as the Sustainable Collingswood Transportation Committee to encourage even more biking and walking.

TOP provides funds for creative projects that will reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the region's roadways – a concept known as Transportation Demand Management (TDM). The program funds the planning and implementation of projects that respond to the goals established in the regional TDM plan: improving air quality, equity, reliability, affordability, and the freedom to choose travel options. Construction is expected to commence next fall.

 

 

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collingswood-5
June 21, 2022

Collingswood Named as Top 3 Best Small Town Cultural Scene by USA Today

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Congratulations, Collingswood and Collingswood Fans – we can add placing in the top three for USA Today’s Best Small Town Cultural Scene to our list of accomplishments! While we were nominated by a panel of experts and editors, this win goes to YOU – your daily votes for Collingswood cemented our finalist status and ultimately nabbed us third place! From 10best.com:

“Quakers initially settled this New Jersey community in the late 17th-century, and the Stokes-Lees Mansion, built in 1707, is one of the oldest houses in Camden County…With an incredible roster of local and national acts, the historic Scottish Rite Theater in Collingswood, with exceptional sightlines and acoustics, is a great place to catch a play or musical event.”

Add to those accolades the best downtown and events like May Fair, the Fine Arts and Crafts Festival, Second Saturdays, Sunset Music Sessions, Porchfest, and a community full of small businesses and creators with big ideas, and it’s easy to see that this nod is well deserved!

“We’re thrilled to achieve this recognition,” Mayor Jim Maley expressed. “It really speaks to the fabric of our community, and how our local businesses and artists work alongside Borough government to make our town not only a destination, but a great place to live.”

When choosing nominees, USA Today looked for towns small in population (under 25,000) but big on culture, highlighting locales with museums, art galleries, and a robust performing arts and events scene. Collingswood also took home the top prize in a previous USA Today 10-Best-Contest, being named the Best Small Town Restaurant Scene in America.  

Here’s to what you already know – that Collingswood is “where you want to be!”

Click Here to Read The USA Today Article 

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June 17, 2022

Annual 4th of July Bike Parade!

The Bike Parade is open to ALL. Bike decorating will begin at 9 am. Participants are to gather on West Zane Avenue (between Haddon Avenue and Park Avenue). Decorations will be provided and all participants will be paired with volunteer students from Collingswood Middle School/High School. Our Middle/High Schoolers will assist our littlest participants in decorating their bikes and will thereafter lead the parade.

The parade will take off from West Zane Avenue at 10 am, turn right onto Park Avenue, left onto Browning Road, and thereafter left into Knight Park. Mister Softee will be waiting there with complimentary cold treats for all participants and attendees.

Should your Middle/High Schooler wish to volunteer to assist in this event or should you have any questions, please contact Jodie Farrow (jodie.farrow@yahoo.com). 

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May 27, 2022

Holiday Trash Schedule

Due to the holiday, trash and recycling pickup on Monday and Tuesday will be pushed back one day. Thursday and Friday pickup will be on your normal day.

Yard Waste Collection will be on Wednesday; if Public Works is unable to complete the collection on Wednesday, they will continue the collection on Thursday.

Thank you for your patience this week.

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Sunset Music Sessions - IG (1)
May 09, 2022

SUNSET MUSIC SESSIONS

SUNSET MUSIC SESSIONS
PRESENTED BY: Collingswood Partners and the Borough of Collingswood

The Sunset Music Sessions are a fun and eclectic music series in Downtown Collingswood.  A monthly music event which will serve as a communal gathering space for residents and nonresidents to socialize and enjoy live music together in a outdoor setting. Shop, dine, and stroll the avenue then swing by for an eclectic music series the last Thursday of the month, April through July, 6pm to 8pm. 
BYOC (bring your own chair), kick back, and enjoy a great line-up of musical acts. BONUS: Enjoy your friends and neighbors too!

Music Schedule:
April 28 – Snacktime Philly
May 26 – The Classic Brown and Amalia Messick
June 30 – MONKO and Travel Lanes
July 28 – CANCELLED - I Think Like Midnight and Jersey Corn Pickers

For updates, see the SUNSET MUSIC Facebook Event Page 

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Help Collingswood Public Works fill the potholes (1)
May 08, 2022

Spring is here and we need to fill those Potholes

Potholes 

It’s time for some Spring cleaning and that includes the Collingswood Public Works. Winter takes a toll on roads everywhere but we have to wait until temps warm up to tackle potholes. So, if you have a bumpy road you need to let us know.   Connect with us by filling out the Resident Self-Service Request form or call Public Works (856)-858-0533.


Local roads potholes are filled by Borough crews. Several roads in Collingswood are maintained by Camden County. To report an issue with a county maintained road, please call  the Camden County Highway Department at 856-783-0043.

Roads maintained by Camden County:
Haddon Ave
Collings Ave
Richey Ave
Fern Ave
South Park Drive
Newton Lake Drive
Park Ave
Ferry Ave
Browning Road
Bettlewood Ave
Cuthbert Blvd

Roads maintained by the NJDOT:
Rte 130
Rte 30 

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Stop Sign - Copy
May 07, 2022

Show Us Your Sign

It’s time for some Spring cleaning and that includes our streets. Winter takes a toll on road and street signs. Street signs don’t last forever.  Over years, signs can fade or become damaged. When this happens, we need to replace them. We need your help determining where we need to replace our street signs.  So, if you are walking around town or driving down the street and you see a sign that needs to be retired, just take a photograph of it and jot down the location.

  • Go to the Resident Self Service Portal
  • Fill out the short request form
  • Select “Street Sign Issue”
  • In the “Issue Description” tell us the street, cross street, or location of the sign
  • upload the photo of the sign as an "attachment"
  • or call Public Works with the location (856)-858-0533.
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April 22, 2022

The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission is coming to you!

Come to the Scottish Rite to renew your driver’s license, drop off your license plate, and more…
May 5, 2022 10am-2pm
Location: Scottish Rite Auditorium
Appointments required - schedule here: https://forms.gle/BDAkV6cLY8ttW15w5
For questions call (856) 435-1247

MVC 5-5-22
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hydrant flushing
April 07, 2022

Hydrant flushing to occur April 18 - 29, 2022, 9am-2pm

It's no surprise to anyone that has lived in the area for some time that our yearly hydrant flushing causes a temporary discoloration in water supply due to iron sediment that is brownish, but safe, getting stirred up during the process. Since our spring flushing, we have continued to exercise valves.  Valve exercising is requirement by the NJDEP.  Turning valves, has caused an increase in brown water many are seeing. During the month of April we will conduct flushing to clear out sediment in our older valves.

See the April  flushing schedule here.

The Collingswood water plant has recently completed filter upgrades and we can report that iron levels coming out of the treatment plant are extremely low. Iron is not harmful to drink, however, the discolored water will cause stains on clothing. It's our hope that this additional work will resolve the additional buildup you are seeing in the water. Please contact the Collingswood Water Department at 856-854-2332 if you encounter any adverse condition with your water. 

For more information on hydrant flushing see this video from Capital Water.

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Drug takback
April 05, 2022

DEA Drug TAKEBACK

On Saturday April 30, 2022, 10 am-2 pm, members of the Collingswood Police Department will be at 30 W. Collings Ave, the Collingswood Community Center to receive your unwanted and unneeded medications. So please clean out those medicine cabinets and stop by. Any questions contact Agent Christopher Rodgers at crodgers@collingswood.com

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01
April 04, 2022

2022 Hazardous Waste Collection Event - Saturday,  April 23

Household Hazardous Waste Collections – Drive-Thru Events

Instructions for the days of the events:
– All residents must remain in their vehicles throughout the event. 
– All material to be dropped off should be placed in the rear cargo area of the vehicle only (not in the passenger seating area.)

Events are for residents only / PROOF OF COUNTY RESIDENCY REQUIRED / NO BUSINESSES ACCEPTED

No appointments necessary, event is rain or shine

For more information call the Camden County Division of Environmental Affairs at 856-858-5241

HHW-2022 Flyer SK

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Complete Streets Lab  (Instagram Post)
March 31, 2022

Collingswood Complete Streets Lab – Collingswood PATCO Edition

Collingswood Complete Streets Lab – Collingswood PATCO Edition

The Borough of Collingswood, in partnership with the non-profit Cross County Connection, Camden County, PATCO, and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission are launching a temporary bike and pedestrian demonstration project and education campaign in your neighborhood. The “Complete Streets Lab Collingswood PATCO edition” will create a bike route to the Collingswood PATCO station and include pedestrian safety improvements with temporary low-cost materials to test infrastructure designed to make biking and walking safer. The project addresses some key areas of concern as identified by residents during the Connect 2020 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan feedback sessions and surveys results.

During the project, a combination of improvements will be teste, including traffic calming measures such as curb extensions, pavement markings (bike sharrows), dedicated bike lanes, and signage. The goal of this temporary project–which will be in place from April 9 through May 1–is to encourage walking and biking to PATCO and other destinations in town while also measuring the effects these improvements have on travel safety. Implementing projects in a low-cost, temporary manner allows the public and Borough to communicate and work together to determine what improvements work. In addition, testing projects out aids the Borough in future applications for grant funding of permanent improvements.

What’s Being Tested?

A Bike Boulevard: Location – Maple Ave
* Uses signs and pavement marking to signal street is prioritized for bike traffic
*Uses traffic calming measures to discourage speeding
Bump-Outs: Locations – New Jersey Ave, Maple Ave, Homestead Ave, & Fern Ave
*Improve pedestrian visibility and reduces crossing distance
*Provides a “traffic calming” effect, slowing vehicle speeds
Rain Gardens: Locations – New Jersey Ave, & Maple Ave.
*Absorbs and filters rainwater to reduce flooding risk and water pollution
*Encourages biodiversity by attracting small pollinators
*Often incorporated into bump-outs to benefit the community in multiple ways!
Two-Way Separated Bike Lanes: Location – Bilson Ave.
*Physically separated from traffic to create a more comfortable environment than        standard bike lanes
*Ideal on streets with high traffic volumes or speeds

Throughout this “pop-up” demonstration Collingswood Borough and Cross County Connection representatives will collect feedback from neighbors and travelers through online and on the spot traveler surveys to assess what elements work and what can be improved upon for consideration and implementation as we make permanent improvements.

For More information go to www.connect2020sj.com 

Join us at West Stiles Saturday April 16 at 10:00 am for a ribbon cutting of the Collingswood Complete Streets Lab Project, Collingswood PATCO Edition
and then stick around to learn more about the project and for some fun, giveaways, and activities:

**Community Bike Ride – sponsored by Collingswood Bike Share

**Bike Rodeo – sponsored by the Collingswood Police Department/Bikeshare

**SOJO 104.9 will be providing the soundtrack and broadcasting live from the event!

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Greenwald & Robinson - Copy
March 23, 2022

Collingswood receives $370,000 Safe Streets to Transit funding to improve walkways

Assemblyman Lou Greenwald joined Commissioner Morgan Robinson to welcome state funding to Collingswood to make safety and accessibility improvements for Collingswood pedestrians. The Department of Transportation recently announced Collingswood Borough was one of 19 municipalities to receive grant funding through the Safe Streets to Transit (SSTT) program, a program funded through the State Transportation Trust Fund and appropriated in the budget. Collingswood was awarded $370,000.

The grant will improve more than 100 ramps and dozens of intersections. This project will directly answer the requests of residents to fix curbs in disrepair and make neighborhoods safer and more walkable.

"Local Aid funding like Safe Streets to Transit has a meaningful and lasting impact in our neighborhoods," said Collingswood Mayor James Maley. "This kind of partnership with the state allows us to identify needs and make improvements – in this case, these curb installations and repairs will create better walkability to transit and through town and also fulfills direct requests for improved intersections that we received after our last Safe Streets project."

The New Jersey Department of Transportation's SSTT Grant Program provides funds to counties and municipalities to improve mass transit riders' overall safety and accessibility. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis considering the proximity to a transit facility, safety, accessibility, and project need.

"Collingswood is known across South Jersey for its vibrant and walkable downtown, said Majority Leader Greenwald (D-Camden/Burlington). This funding will allow for the repair and restoration of more than 100 curb cuts, making it safer for pedestrians and those with mobility challenges alike to access all of the wonderful restaurants, shops, community events, and public transportation Collingswood has to offer.

The Safe Streets to Transit program is one of several grant programs that local governments may apply for funding to improve pedestrian safety. These state-funded programs assist local communities with necessary repairs and safety updates, without burdening the local taxpayer. For more information on New Jersey's Safe Streets to Transit (SSTT) please visit https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/business/localaid/safe.shtm

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Color Borough Seal - Copy
February 11, 2022

Town Forum Announced for March 23 & April 27

At least twice a year Collingswood hosts a Town Forum. Every resident and business owner is encouraged to come. There’s no formal agenda, no RSVP, no sign-in – just an opportunity to bring your questions, concerns or support to your elected officials or even just hear about what’s happening in town.

Our Town Forum will be held March 23 at 7pm at the Collingswood Community Center (30 W Collings Ave).

The next Town Forum will be held on April 27 at 7pm at the Scottish Rite (315 White Horse Pike)

All are welcome. For info call 856-854-0720 x125.
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house
February 09, 2022

NJ Launches Program to Assist Eligible Collingswood Homeowners Affected by Covid-19.

The Murphy-Oliver Administration launched the Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) program. The Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance program (ERMA) was developed by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)) to deploy federally allocated HAF funds to assist eligible NJ homeowners who have been financially affected by COVID-19. The program will help eligible Collingswood homeowners bring their mortgages and other housing related expenses current.

ERMA funds can cover delinquent Collingswood homeowner obligations including mortgage payment principal, interest, taxes and homeowner’s insurance; reinstatement assistance; and other housing related costs including escrow shortages, delinquent taxes, homeowner’s insurance payments, and payments to lienholders.
For more information on ERMA and to submit applications click here

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PSEG IMAGE
February 04, 2022

Utility Payment Assistance Programs Have Expanded

Thanks to increased income limits, many more Collingswood residents are eligible for payment assistance. If you are having trouble paying your utility bill contact PSE&G immediately to learn how they can help you avoid disconnection of your utility service.  PSE&G can help you get back on track. Payment assistance programs have expanded to include more customers.
For more information and resources from PSE&G click here or call 800-357-2262. 

Starting March 16, 2022 PSE&G can disconnect service for non-payment. If you're currently past-due on your energy bill payments, you may qualify for help from the State of New Jersey or through private agency programs.  If you or a neighbor need further assistance and resources contact 211 New Jersey.
Click here or call 2-1-1
If you are using a rotary dial phone, please dial 1-877-746-5211.





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cat & dog
January 28, 2022

2023 Pet License Applications Available Now

Pet licenses are required for dogs and cats. Licensing your pet has many benefits including centralized vaccination records and can aide in finding lost pets sooner.  Please download an application and be sure to include your rabies vaccination records. Please note that a 10.00 late fee will be charged after March 31. 

Download the Application 
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Color Borough Seal - Copy (2)
January 21, 2022

Utility and Rental Assistance Program

Utility and Rental Assistance Program Applications Available

The Board of County Commissioners is now officially accepting applications from eligible renters facing financial hardship due to the pandemic. These federal funds will assist residents to stay in their current homes and aids with back utility payments.

Applications for the program will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, and will be accepted until all available funds have been awarded.

To apply, go to CLICK HERE or call (833) 327-2199, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Camden County RECOVERS Rental Assistance Grant makes available up to 18 months of back rent (dating back to March 13, 2020). In addition, the newest phase of the program will also include three months of prospective rental payments.

Utilities that are included in rent will be treated as rent and internet services may be considered an eligible utility. While tenants will apply to take part in the program, payments will be made directly to landlords, unless the landlord does not respond and then the payment will be made directly to the tenant.

In order to qualify for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applications must meet all three of the following conditions:

  • Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability (i.e. past due notice, rent notice, or eviction notice).
  • Has a household income at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI). Please note: preference will be given to households with income below 50% AMI.

Additionally, the program will have the following requirements:

  • There must be no duplication of funds.
  • The amount of rent to be reimbursed per month will be capped at Camden County’s Fair Market Rent (FMR) Limits.
  • A preference will be given to households with one or more individuals that have not been employed for more than 90 days.
  • Landlords must agree to waive late fees and penalties.

More information regarding the Rental Assistance is available by clicking here.

 

 

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Color Borough Seal
January 04, 2022

COVID-19 Ratepayer Relief Measures

Certain measures are in place providing relief to ratepayers experiencing economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please review this message in its entirety. For more information please contact wgiordano@collingswood.com

SERVICE SHUTOFF MORATORIUM

BE ADVSIED that Executive Order 229 currently prohibits a local government from shutting off water or electric service to a residential customer, or to accounts primarily serving residential customers, due to nonpayment of water charges unless the disconnection is to prevent or ameliorate a risk to public health or safety. This shutoff moratorium remains in effect until March 15, 2022.

LATE PAYMENT PENALTY AND LIEN ENFORCEMENT MORATORIUM

BE ADVISED that, until March 15, 2022, Executive Order 229 places a moratorium on local governments enforcing late payment charges and penalties on water accounts, or referring a delinquent water payment to tax sale. On or after March 15, 2022, charges or penalties may be imposed for delinquent payments, and any payments remaining delinquent may be referred to a tax lien sale held by the municipal tax collector.

 

COVID-19 RATEPAYER RELIEF MEASURES

This notice announces relief measures for residential ratepayers experiencing economic hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please review this message in its entirety.  

INSTALLMENT PLAN AVAILABILITY

BE ADVISED that State law requires residential customers to be offered an installment plan for any water/sewer arrearages accruing between March 9, 2020 and March 15, 2022.  To maintain the installment plan, a residential customer must make timely payments on all current charges.  More information is available at www.collingswood.comSewer liens that were sold before January 1, 2022 cannot be included in the installment plan.   For more information please contact the Borough of Collingswood Tax Collector at 856-854-0720  x121

 LATE FEES, CHARGES AND PENALTIES

BE ADVISED that P.L. 2021, c. 317 prohibits local governments from charging residential customers interest, fees, or charges for late payment of water/sewer charges accruing between March 9, 2020 and March 15, 2022 until after March 15, 2022 at which time interest and penalties may begin to accrue.  This prohibition does not apply to sewer liens that were sold before January 1, 2022.  Late interest, fees or charges may be enforced against arrearages accruing before March 9, 2020 and after March 15, 2022.

 BILL ASSISTANCE AND ARREARAGE FORGIVENESS PROGRAMS

The application period for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is now open.  This federally funded program will provide financial assistance to low-income households to reduce the balances on their residential water and sewer bills.  LIHWAP will provide benefits directly to water and sewer service providers on behalf of residential customers.  The assistance can be used, in order of priority, to:

  • restore services where services have been terminated and pay reconnection fees and other charges accrued due to a disconnection;
  • avoid service disruption for those residential customers who are in danger of disconnection (i.e., received shut off notices or have past due balances) and to help them afford bill payment going forward; and
  • support those household customers who are current in their bills but might be in danger of falling behind in the near future.

Priority will also be given to families with elderly or disabled household members and/or with children under the age of five, no matter which category they fall into.

BILL ASSISTANCE AND ARREARAGE FORGIVENESS PROGRAMS (cont.)

To be eligible for LIHWAP assistance, applicants must be water/sewer bill holders who are responsible for paying their water and sewer bills directly to the water/sewer provider.  Also, applicants’ total gross household income must be at or below 60% of the state median Income ($6,439 a month for a family of four).  The LIHWAP frequently asked questions webpage, available at https://njdca-housing.dynamics365portals.us/lihwapfaq has additional information about maximum income limits and other items. 

Participants in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are automatically eligible for LIHWAP assistance so long as they are water/sewer bill holders. People can apply online through the DCAid application portal at https://njdca-housing.dynamics365portals.us/en-US/dcaid-services/.

Those without computer or internet access can call 1-800-510-3102 to be directed to one of the community action agencies to assist them with starting, completing, and submitting an application online.

for further questions call  Borough of Collingswood tax office at 856-854-0720 or email  wgiordano@collingswood.com  

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Color Borough Seal - Copy (2)
December 10, 2021

Collingswood Police Department to equip officers with body-worn cameras

Effective Monday, December 13, 2021, the Collingswood Police Department will begin implementing newly purchased body-worn cameras. The cameras will be worn by all officers and ranks in the department. The use of this important tool is governed by a policy that was developed based on guidance from the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and feedback from the community. The purchase of the cameras was funded in part by grant funding through a state program with the goal of equipping all New Jersey police departments with the cameras.

“This is an important step in strengthening trust between the police and residents,” said Simone Jackson who serves on Collingswood Chief’s Advisory Committee. The advisory committee was created in 2020 and is comprised of residents and professionals with diverse backgrounds and representation. The committee is charged with helping to ensure an environment where the community feels their police department is accessible and values the input and needs of residents.

“It’s important we maintain an open channel of communication and transparency with the public,” said Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey. “The implementation of the body-worn cameras is another step that helps us to achieve those goals,” he added.

Body Worn Cameras are an important asset intended to assist law enforcement by producing an audio-video recording of interactions with the public. The cameras will provide valuable documentary evidence for solving crimes, ensuring transparency, and aiding in upholding the utmost professional standards for Collingswood officers. It should be noted that in accordance with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Guidelines, officers are trained to respect areas of privacy and will restrict recording under some circumstances of private residences, schools, places of worship, healthcare facilities, and courtrooms.

Residents will notice the new Axon Body 3 body-worn cameras worn by all uniformed officers’ clothing during citizen encounters. The cameras will be positioned on the outer-most clothing garment and placed within the upper torso/chest area to ensure recording capability is not obstructed. The photos below demonstrate where the cameras are to be placed on an officer’s uniform.

The cameras have high-quality audio and visual capabilities but do not have enhanced audio or video capabilities that capture images or conversations beyond what the officer can see or hear, such as infrared night vision, thermal imaging, or sound amplification.

Residents can access both state and local policies below:

Collingswood Police Department Body-Worn Camera Policy

New Jersey Attorney General’s Guideline on Body Worn Cameras 2021-5

Pictured Left to Right: Bodyworn Camera Placement:
Class A, Class B, Class C, Detective Bureau 
Class A Class B Class C DB

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Color Borough Seal
December 08, 2021

Special Commission Meetings

A Special Commission Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 4pm.

The Special Commission Meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, December 28 has been changed to Monday, December 27 at 4pm.

Both meetings will be held at the Collingswood Senior Community Center, 30 W. Collings Avenue
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Colls Vaccine Event NJDOH Logo Version
December 07, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Event at Collingswood High School

New Jersey Department of Health,  Borough of Collingswood, Collingswood Public Schools, and the Collingswood Education Association partner to host a No Cost COVID-19 Vaccine Event at Collingswood High School on December 13, 2021.

Pfizer (either 5+ or 12+), Moderna (18+), and Johnson & Johnson (18+) vaccines are available in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and booster doses.

Walk ups are welcome and no appointment is required. There is no cost to receive your vaccine at this clinic.


Colls Vaccine Event NJDOH Logo Version
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December 03, 2021

Collingswood Ornaments still available

Here’s what’s available -  Collingswood Manor, Foster Warne Funeral Home, Collingswood Library (low inventory), First Baptist Church, Roberts Pool (Low Inventory), 10th Annual Green Festival, Book Festival  and Season’s Greetings (Carolers). See below for photos. Ornaments are available for purchase at Collingswood Borough Hall (678 Haddon Avenue), 2nd Floor, for just $10 each, cash or check payable to Collingswood Partners. They will also be available at Dig This, 717 Haddon Avenue during regular business hours after November 1.

Past Ornaments


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Rec kigi
November 15, 2021

Recreation Registration now open!

For details on the individual programs, check out the web site - http://www.collingswoodrecreation.com/
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910 Stokes Ave. - Copy (2)
November 05, 2021

Join in Collingswood's Holiday House Decorating Contest!

Grab your garland, snowmen, and string lights- Collingswood's Holiday House Decorating Contest is back! 

Can your holiday decorations take home the top prize?


Registration begins Monday, November 1 and ends at midnight on Wednesday, November 24. There are three categories for judging: Classic, Most Creative, and Best Block (must have at least five homes within the same block to register, themes suggested). All homes must be decorated by Wednesday, December 1. Winners announced on Facebook on Wednesday, December 15. Collingswood Rotary Club will judge participants based on curb appeal- anything that can be seen from the street or sidewalk!

All registered homes are featured on Collingswood’s Holiday Light Map for self-guided tours through the town during December- bring on the holiday cheer!

Register Here before midnight on Wednesday, November 24: https://bit.ly/3xeVItK


TistheSeason_Color_RGB
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Color Borough Seal - Copy (2)
October 29, 2021



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244722151_4398753766838769_8859833791429521149_n
October 23, 2021

Three Ways to Vote for Nov 2 Election Day

New Jersey registered voters can vote three ways in the Nov 2 election:

-In Person on Election Day
-By Mail
-Early Voting Centers

Visit Camden County Voting and Elections for information including polling places and vote by mail drop box locations. A vote by mail drop box is available outside of Collingswood Borough Hall (678 Haddon Ave).

Early voting starts Oct 23 through Oct 31. Hours are 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 6pm on Sundays. Registered voters can visit any of the seven early voting locations throughout Camden County and vote their local ballot on a voting machine- including the Collingswood Senior Community Center (30 W Collings Ave).

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Color Borough Seal - Copy (2)
October 15, 2021

Town Forum - Wednesday October 20, 2021 at 7 pm

Have questions or ideas about our town? Come out and share with your elected officials at our upcoming Town Forum!

October 20, 2021 
7 PM 
Collingswood Grand Ballroom 

The Collingswood Commission Town Forums are a great way for Borough representatives and members of the community to share ideas about Collingswood.

Town forums also provide residents with an opportunity to tell us about specific concerns or issues impacting your neighborhood in an informal and comfortable setting.

At our upcoming forum, we will provide an update on the proposed Haddon Avenue development project and open the floor to any topics residents wish to discuss.

You can also attend via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83915503754?pwd=S0pUeHpTWHNDeklMRDFOWm9QdW02Zz09 

We look forward to seeing you there!

-

See Oct 20 Town Forum recording here

Concept slides presented for the proposed Haddon Avenue development project are available here

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Dog on leash
October 11, 2021

Leash your pets – it's the law!

Dogs must remain leashed in parks and all public spaces in Collingswood 
Collingswood PD increasing enforcement of dog leash violations

The Collingswood Police Department will be increasing enforcement of dog leash laws and ticketing owners in violation of Borough ordinance. The response is largely due to an increasing number of dog-related incidents around town and in Knight Park caused by unleashed dogs. There are no off-leash dog areas in Collingswood. 

“As we exit the pandemic and we return to more foot traffic and use of our public spaces, we’re seeing off leash dogs running loose at kids, families and other pets in our parks, neighborhood and downtown,” said Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey. “Not only can this be dangerous or frightening for some, it’s also against the law. Even if you believe you have a well-trained dog, it must be leashed for everyone’s safety.”

Borough ordinances regarding leash laws are as follows: 
§ 105-21 Dogs running at large. 
Any person owning, keeping or harboring any dog, whether the dog is licensed or unlicensed, who shall suffer or permit said dog to run at large in or about the streets, highways or public places of the Borough or to run at large upon the lands and premises of any person other than the owner or persons in possession of said dog without permission of said landowner first obtained, in writing, shall be guilty of a violation of this Article.

§ 105-22 Leashing of dogs. 
No person owning, keeping or harboring any dog shall suffer or permit the same to be upon the public streets or in any public places of the Borough unless such dog is accompanied by a person over the age of 12 years and of such mental and physical capacity that he or she is able to control said dog by leash, provided, always in any case, that there shall be control of such dog by an adequate leash with not more than six feet thereof extended between the person in control of such dog and the dog itself.
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PSB-Pic Photoshopped
October 06, 2021

Collingswood Officials to Celebrate Grand Opening of New Combined Public Safety Facility

Collingswood officials invite the community to celebrate the town's first responders by welcoming them to their new home with a grand opening ceremony on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 1:00 pm. Collingswood Fire and Police Departments will kick off the day as they ceremoniously march with the Camden County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Band from the former firehouse on Collings Avenue to the new combined facility at 434 Haddon Avenue.

The facility brings Collingswood's first responders into the twenty-first century with desperately needed upgrades. The Borough's former police and fire buildings were extremely outdated and did not meet modern police and fire standards or best practices.

"We're excited to celebrate this new chapter in serving our residents. We have worked collaboratively along with residents and as a municipal team to build something that will keep our community safe, give our first responders the tools they need, and fits within the fabric of Collingswood," said Collingswood Mayor James Maley. "And our team did it on time and with no impact on taxes all during a pandemic, not an easy feat," added Maley. 

The new 30,000 square foot building allows for greater collaboration between the Police and Fire Departments who were in separate buildings before the construction of the new headquarters. The building was specifically designed to reduce operation and maintenance costs, improve response times, provide better communication and efficiency between the two departments, provide increased community visibility and accessibility for residents, and provide shared multi-purpose areas. The building also features a green roof and energy-efficient building systems. The new headquarters is also now home to Collingswood's Office of Emergency Management, with upgraded technology and communications equipment allowing for better operations in the event of town-wide or regional emergencies. 

"Our department has been doing extraordinary work in deficient conditions for a long time," said Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey. "This new space allows for improved policing and community relations and we are excited to be working more closely with our public safety counterparts in the Fire Department."

Collingswood residents collaborated as a community on the new facility.  Hundreds of residents came out for several planning workshops during a year-long process. Borough officials used these meetings to inform residents regarding the need for the project, how it would be financed, and to gather feedback from the community. The sessions also included tours of the old facilities and exercises to get input from residents about the building's design.

"By engaging and listening to the community throughout the entire design process, we were able to complete a project that all of Collingswood can be proud of," said Borough Commissioner Rob Lewandowski. "The Public Safety Building is a case study on how municipalities and residents can work together to build public projects that benefit all of the community."

The official grand opening ceremony will be held immediately following the first responders' march down Haddon Ave. The program includes remarks by local elected officials and dignitaries, a performance by the Collingswood High School and Middle School Choir, a N.J. State Police flyover, and a ribbon-cutting. After the ribbon-cutting, the Collingswood Fire Department will perform a ceremonial housing called a "push-in" by manually pushing a fire vehicle into the building's apparatus bay. This part of the ceremony is a fire service tradition that dates back to the late 1800s when fire departments used hand-drawn pumpers and horse-drawn equipment. After the ceremony, tours of the building, giveaways, and fire prevention and community policing activities are also planned. 

"This is an exciting project for the staff at the Fire Department. We are thrilled to finally have a facility that fits our current and future operations and also allows for new opportunities for expanding our services to the community," said Collingswood Fire Chief Keith Davis.                                                                                                                  

                                                                                      ###

 

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Hydrant flushing
September 22, 2021

Fall hydrant flushing begins Oct. 4

Collingswood will conduct townwide hydrant flushing between the hours of 9am  to approximately 2pm in neighborhoods beginning Oct. 4, 2021. Anyone living in homes of surrounding blocks during flushing should avoid using water during these hours. In the morning it is best to run water from a tub (cold water side only) or outside hose spigot to avoid any unsettled mineral content from getting trapped in faucet screens. We thank you for your patience while we perform this important and necessary task

See the complete neighborhood flushing schedule here.

Collingswood periodically conducts hydrant flushing in the Borough. The water main flushing program is designed to remove natural minerals like iron and calcium that sometimes collect in the bottom of water mains. This operation may cause a temporary discoloration in your water supply. By allowing your water to run for a short period of time, the problem should clear itself. Please be assured, although the water may be discolored, it is safe for human use.

For more information visit the Water Department page here.

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Halloween Hours Revize
September 21, 2021

Halloween Trick or Treating Hours

October 18, 2021

The gho
sts and goblins will be out on Monday, October 31! 

Trick or Treating hours in Collingswood are 2 to 7 p.m.

Halloween Hours Revize

Going trick-or-treating? The CDC gives these safety tips for your ghouls and goblins:

-Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

-Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

-Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

-Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

-Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.

-Always walk - don’t run from house to house.

-Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

-Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

-Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

-Walk on sidewalks whenever possible or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

-Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.

-Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

-Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult.

-Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

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COVID-19 community tile
September 15, 2021

Camden County RECOVERS Small Business Grants now open

Collingswood small businesses are urged to take advantage of additional grant funding available through the Camden County RECOVERS Grant program. Applications are currently being accepted through November 30, 2021 and funding is available on a first come, first served basis.

This second Grant Opportunity is being made available for Small Businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. If eligible, your respective business could receive up to $10,000.

Deadline to Apply is November 30th, 2021


Eligibility

  • Applicants are prioritized based on COVID-19 related funds received (PPP, EIDL, etc.). Businesses that have not received COVID-19 funds are considered first
  • Business must be located in Camden County since January 1, 2019 as a: Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation, Non Profit, LLC
  • Annual Revenue: Must be less than $5 Million
  • The business employed 25 or fewer employees or full time equivalent as of March 1, 2021

Grant Funds are on a first come, first serve basis.

 

Grant Calculation:

Provide a grant amount based on 2020 revenue of the company. If revenue is:

  • Less than $25k, the award is $2,500 (if funded last program, award is $1,250)
  • $25k but less than $100k, the award is $5,000 (if funded last program, award is $2,500)
  • $100k but less than $500k, the award is $7,500 (if funded last program, award is $3,750)
  • Greater than $500k, the award is $10,000 (if funded last program, award is $5,000)

 

Download Flyer (English / Spanish)

 

Application Assistance

The Camden County Library System is offering residents certain assistance for residents. Although the Library is not able to assist you fill out your application, they can assist you with getting an email address, scanning and attaching documents, etc. Make an appointment here: https://www.camdencountylibrary.org/assistance-appointment

 

Grant Application Now Open

To fill out an application for the Small Business Grant visit: www.CamdenCountyRecovers.com

For assistance or general questions concerning the Camden County RECOVERS Small Business Grant please contact 833-487-0462,

Monday-Friday from 9 AM – 5 PM.

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September 01, 2021

Water (lead) Service Line Reporting

Water (lead) Service Line Reporting

See the service line inventory in our documents section here:
http://www.collingswood.com/government/documents_(audits_budgets)/index.php#revize_document_center_rz2486

Lead service line notification - sample letter

The Collingswood Water Department is planning to replace lead service lines in customers’ homes in compliance with updated New Jersey state requirements. The first step is identifying all lead service lines in the Borough and to do this Collingswood water staff is asking everyone to help. All you have to do is take a picture!

To identify and record all residential service lines we’re asking that residents submit a photo of the area where your service line connects to your water meter as pictured below. You can find this area by going to the interior front wall of your basement.* Look for a one-inch metal pipe coming in through the front wall of your basement. Take a photo of the pipe where it comes through the wall up to and including where it connects with the small, black water meter. With this photo, the Water Department staff can identify and record your line.

Lead service line sample image

*Most lines are located on the interior front wall of your basement. If you cannot locate your line, email water staff at water@collingswood.com and they will help you locate and record your line. PSE&G gas lines are also often located on the interior front wall of basements, be sure you are photographing your water line!

Then upload your photo through the google form found here 

https://forms.gle/wnCRgr9392h29iFcA or email your picture to water@collingswood.com.

You will see door hanger notices and information sent about this project over the coming months. Find more details on lead service pipe replacement on Collingswood.com. Having a complete record of our service lines is crucial to this project, help from residents in supplying service lines is key. Please contact the Collingswood Water Department with questions at 856-854-2332 or email sdiorio@collingswood.com.

Thank you for your help in maintaining the Borough's water infrastructure!
----
Collingswood has spent the last five years making significant upgrades to our water system and several more are planned as part of state requirements and planned infrastructure improvements. Here’s an overview.

Your Water at Work
Collingswood's service area covers approximately 50 linear miles of water mains and serves approximately 21,000 people. The Borough of Collingswood complies with all of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities meter testing regulations and has made several water system improvements in recent years including:

•    Installation of temporary charcoal filters in the Comly Ave plant to comply with new DEP quality standards.

•    Plans for a new, permanent water plant on Comly Ave capable of exceeding rigorous state water standards.

•    Construction of a new well along the Cooper River to improve overall water quality.

•    Replacing outdated water lines throughout the Borough as part of the WQAA and planned infrastructure improvements
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Cash mob Bob & Betty
August 30, 2021

Shop Local Cash Mob, Sept. 23!

2021 Shop Local Cash Mob will be held on Thursday, September 23 from 4pm to 8pm! Just spend a minimum of $23 in town that evening.

Buy gifts, toys, produce, candy, jewelry, home goods, school supplies, clothing or enjoy a service or evening out – all available from Collingswood merchants. By joining forces for shopping local we show Borough businesses how much we love them and celebrate our business districts together. Collingswood and Shop Camden County host Cash Mob to attract residents and visitors from the county to downtown Collingswood - and most importantly to show our businesses our support.

The event will end with a reception at Songbird Karaoke, 790 Haddon Avenue from 6 to 8pm where shoppers can sing their hearts out and enjoy food from Tortilla Press, Philly Pretzel Factory and Haddon Culinary. Plus we'll have  giveaways, door prizes and a Collingswood Cash grand prize! 

Participants must bring receipts totaling $23 or more in Collingswood-purchased goods or services for admission and to be entered for prizes. The event is part of Camden County’s ongoing Buy Local/Shop Local campaign.

If each household in Camden County transitions just $10 per month of their out-of-county retail spending to in-county spending, the economic benefit to the county would be approximately $35 million per year. In Collingswood that economic impact could reach $1.1 million. Camden County and Collingswood teamed up for cash mob events for the past few years that have brought hundreds of shoppers and thousands of dollars to Collingswood merchants.

List of merchant specials can be found here

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Untitled design (8)
August 27, 2021

Communication Board added to Knight Park

A few months ago, Eat Play Learn’s Molly Cervini and Haddon Culinary’s Lindsey Ferguson approached the Borough with an innovative idea to build inclusivity for non-verbal kids and non-native English speakers into Knight Park.

Their proposal, a “communication board,” provides an additional communication method through simple pictures for common words. Children can point to the words as a way to communicate their feelings and needs, even building sentences.

Cervini, a speech pathologist, explains that providing an accessible solution increases non-verbal children’s confidence and creates a safer play space for all.

To bring their idea to life, Cervini and Ferguson put a call out to friends and neighbors to fundraise for the board and received overwhelming support. Due to the generosity of the Collingswood community, enough funds were raised to commission not one, but two boards! The first was unveiled August 26 in Knight Park and was an instant success and asset for the community. Installation of the remaining board at a Collingswood elementary school will take place in the near future.

Over the years, Collingswood has been driven by those who simply ask, “how can we help?” When residents take an active role in the betterment of the Borough great things can happen. The Borough thanks Molly, Lindsey and all who donated for your work to create a better Collingswood for all!

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August 25 @ 5pm
August 23, 2021

Flyers Community Caravan Comes to Collingswood August 25

Gritty and Flyers personalities to visit Collingswood August 25 with mobile pep rally, entertainment for all ages on the club’s “Road to October”

Summer-themed Flyers giveaways to include bucket hats, beach towels, flip flops and MORE!

Summer is officially upon us, which means the Philadelphia Flyers’ Community Caravan presented by Xfinity is back and ready to excite the Flyers Faithful throughout the offseason. The Caravan, which is now in its fifth consecutive year, will follow last season’s mobile-pep-rally-style format throughout the summer-long event series deemed the team’s “Road to October.”

The Caravan kicked off down the shore on Tuesday, July 20, in North Wildwood, N.J., and will continue throughout the summer with exciting stops planned throughout the Greater Philadelphia area including Collingswood on August 25. 

“The Flyers Community Caravan has become a fan favorite since its inception in 2017,” said Flyers Vice President of Community Relations & Government Affairs, Joe Meade. “We are so excited to bring the Caravan back to communities throughout the region and have fun with our fans who have tirelessly supported the Flyers year after year.  If you’re a Flyers fan, this is the summer for you -- we’ve added several first-time stops on the tour and have some awesome giveaways in the works that could turn even Gritty green with envy!”

The 2021 Community Caravan will once again operate as a traveling pep rally featuring the Flyers own In-Arena Host Andrea Helfrich, Flyers Alumni, the Flyers Ice Team and -- drum roll, please -- GRITTY! Fans attending this summer’s Caravan events will also have the chance to get their hands on a lineup of exclusive Flyers-themed giveaways, including bucket hats, flip flops, sunglasses straps, tank tops, beach towels and more.

Details on the 2021 Community Caravan can be found   online at PhiladelphiaFlyers.com. Updates on locations and times can be found on our  on our Community Caravan event page and by following @FlyersCommunity on Twitter.

Caravan Map 8_25_21

Road to October Caravan route:
START: Scottish Rite, 315 White Horse Pike
RIGHT onto Harrison
RIGHT onto Virginia
LEFT onto Magill
STRAIGHT to enter Knight Park
Follow path to the LEFT
LEFT onto Park Ave
LEFT onto Browning and quick RIGHT onto Park
LEFT onto Wayne Terrace
LEFT onto Dwight
RIGHT onto Franklin
RIGHT onto Harrison
END Scottish Rite parking lot

 



 

 

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Color Borough Seal
August 16, 2021

Borough trash collection update

Yard waste will now be collected the first and third weeks of the month on your normal collection day.

In house trash collection continues following the current schedule:
- Trash continues to be picked up on your normal schedule. 
- Wednesday (not a regular trash day in town), crews will catch up on recycling and grass/brush left from Monday and Tuesday's normal schedule.
- On Thursday and Friday, crews will pick up trash, recyclables and grass/brush on the regular schedule.
- On Saturday and Sunday, crews will catch up on recyclables and grass/brush remaining from Thursday and Friday schedule.

View the trash collection route/days map here.

For additional information visit the Trash and Recycling page or call or email the Department of Public Works, 856-858-0533; publicworks@collingswood.com. Please report a missed collection here

All other trash and recycle collections remain unchanged. Additionally, residents may continue to drop off recycling and yard waste at the Comly Ave water plant Monday-Friday from 7am-3pm.

It is critical that recycling rules be followed. NO PLASTIC BAGS of any kind should be in yard waste or recycling, either bagging the material or in the material. Materials bagged in plastic are rejected at the recycling plant.

Acceptable recycling includes:
  • Rinsed plastic or glass bottles
  • jars and jugs
  • rinsed aluminum and steel cans
  • clean paper, and clean cardboard
If you are unsure if a piece is recyclable, remember this, "When in doubt, throw it out."

No plastic bags of any kind should be in or around your recycling.  See the County’s guide to recycling here.

No illegal dumping, trash or construction materials will be collected at this site. Only approved recycling and yard waste (dumped from cans or in paper bags only) will be accepted at drop off. Drop off is for Collingswood residents ONLY. The drop off site will be monitored.

Looking for other ways to use or dispose of yard waste? Head over to the Sustainable Collingswood page for tips on composting and recycling to reduce your waste. 

Subscribe to Nixle for trash and Borough updates by text. Type "COLLINGSWOOD" to 888777 on your smartphone



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Copy of Collingswood Pop-up Vaccine
August 06, 2021

It pays to get vaccinated!

A message from the Collingswood Commissioners:

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a time of unprecedented challenges for all of us. As always, the Collingswood community has come together to help each other in so many ways whether it was checking in on neighbors, helping residents in need through Collingswood Cares, and perhaps most importantly helping to keep each other safe.   Your work – masking, social distancing, and getting tested – saved lives right here in our community.

In order to provide easy access, we are hosting a pop-up vaccine clinic on Friday, August 13 with a special incentive. Sign up today to get vaccinated and receive $25 in free Collingswood Cash with your second dose. We are offering this incentive to help increase our vaccination rates in town and also provide a boost to local businesses.

We must remain vigilant. The virus has not gone away, but we have a way to protect ourselves and our community from severe illness. As we countdown the days of summer and prepare for students to return to school, we urge everyone to join us in getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is critical to keeping our  community safe. Please encourage your family and friends to get vaccinated too.

As always, remember to get tested if you have symptoms. COVID-19 tests and vaccines are free and readily available at local pharmacies, and pop-up events throughout Camden County. 

Jim Maley, Morgan Robinson, Rob Lewandowski

COLLINGSWOOD POP-UP VACCINE EVENT:
Everyone 12 or older who lives, works, or studies in New Jersey is now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. 

August 13, 2021

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Collingswood High School Cafeteria
Preregistration is highly encouraged, if you are under 18, must bring a permission form or a parent/guardian

Must bring a valid form of government-issued or student ID
and a signed student permission form (students under 18). Forms will also be available onsite. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PERMISSION FORM 

Click Here to Register

All residents and students of the Collingswood School District are eligible for the Collingswood Cash incentive. Cash will be distributed after you receive your second vaccine dose. Program is while supplies last.
vax2

Other Pop-up Vaccine Centers:

Monday through Friday - Kelemen Circle, Cooper Hospital (1 Cooper Plaza) 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

7/27 – Camden City Hall 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

For updates please go to:

https://www.camdencounty.com/service/covid-19-updates-and-preparations/vaccine-information/

Pharmacies offering vaccines (please check individual locations for availability and schedules)

CVS 

Rite Aid  

Walgreens  

For Homebound Individuals

Homebound individuals or their caregivers can now call 1-855-568-0545 to request in-home vaccination.

 

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crafts_fine_art_2006_press
August 03, 2021

Crafts and Fine Art Festival & Market Night Aug. 21 and 22

The Crafts and Fine Arts Festival moves onto Haddon Ave August 21 and 22. After a year hiatus during the pandemic, local artists and crafters are delighted to bring their work back in front of Collingswood’s appreciative audience. 
     More than 100 artists have been accepted to participate in the 2021 festival bringing water colors, oil paintings, pottery, photography, children’s clothing, jewlery, handbags and so much more!
     A welcome addition to the event, this year the Festival offers an exciting partnership with Perkins Center for the Arts featuring a curated Quilt Exhibit with classic and contemporary quilts from artists in several Quilt Guilds! The Quilt Exhibit opens on the Friday night before the Saturday opening of the festival and offers open hours throughout the festival. 
     The festival presents family art activities led by experienced Perkins instructors and several festival artists, an “art build” courtesy of Home Depot, a caricaturist, face painting for the kids and a henna artist for all. There’s something for everyone this year, no matter your interest or passion. Wander the vendors along Haddon Ave and be sure to browse the Borough’s shops, many of whom will feature specials and exclusive products only available during the festival. 
    Bring your appetite! The festival is filled with choices for delicious food from the Borough’s own “Restaurant Row” as well as food trucks offering everything from cheesesteaks and chocolate dipped fruit kabobs to refreshing boba teas.
     What’s a festival without music? Live music performed by local artists include folk, jazz and classic rock all along Haddon Ave on both Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy all there is to find, you’re sure to discover something new! 
     The fun keeps going on Saturday evening! Market Night takes over from 5pm to 9pm. Shop the Market Night hours and enjoy a full evening of exciting events! The biggest sidewalk sale of the year, magicians, daring tightrope walkers, fire eaters and more can be found along the Avenue. Bring the family and grab a bite to eat while you shop and enjoy Market Night.
     The Crafts and Fine Arts Festival also takes advantage of an opportunity to give back. The Ronald McDonald House hosts a tent at Haddon and Irvin Aves where you can try your luck at raffles to win generously donated works of crafts and fine art supplied by many of the festival’s participating artists! Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House charity.  
     Now in its 15th year, the Crafts and Fine Arts Festival has become a summer staple of the area. Each year the event welcomes an expanding group of vendors and continues to grow, filling the Avenue and encompassing an array of offerings. 
     It’s a weekend you don’t want to miss. Bring your family, bring your friends and enjoy the arts in Collingswood!

     
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All Aboard Atlantic! Tile
August 03, 2021

All Aboard Atlantic! Bike lane demo comes to Atlantic Ave.

A new look and traffic pattern is coming to Atlantic Avenue. A combination of traffic slowing bump outs, advisory bike lanes and improved pedestrian crossings are in the plan for a temporary “EXPO” project, All Aboard Atlantic. The goal? to test run improvements and get feedback from residents to determine the effects new bike and pedestrian improvements have before permanent changes are considered.
     Working in tandem with Cross County Connection, Camden County and the DVRPC, the team developed a host of new improvements for this heavily traveled stretch of road. Three major areas of need were identified through various studies including the Connect 2020 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The intersections of Collings, Atlantic and Lakeview, along with Atlantic and Lees and Atlantic and Conard were noted by residents and visitors during extensive public feedback as challenging crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. In addition to improving travel near the downtown and to other community assets such as the Farmers’ Market, Atlantic Avenue is a direct connection to the PATCO Speedline commuter train.
After the EXPO period is complete the team will further determine if these changes provide the desired increase in safety and warrant a transition to permanent structures in their place. 
     The pop-up demonstration is scheduled to launch with an official ribbon cutting at 9am on August 14 and will remain in place through September 3.  Tell us what you think! Survey teams will be on the streets interviewing users of the EXPO and online surveys will also be available.
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Copy of sle
July 13, 2021

Special Town Forum July 14

Borough officials invite residents to a special town forum on July 14 at 7pm in the Collingswood Community Center (30 W. Collings Ave.) to discuss the introduction of cannabis sales in the Borough. Members of the community are encouraged to attend to share their thoughts and ask questions directly to Mayor Maley and Commissioners Lewandowski and Robinson.

Unable to attend in person? Please join via Zoom, https://zoom.us/j/96241525312?pwd=SkNGSWtZeTlLQWZyZWxLMUZ5T0UzQT09
 
Town forums provide residents with a platform to speak directly with Borough officials. Forums are conducted in an informal manner and open to all. 

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Seussical kids logo
July 06, 2021

CYT presents Seussical Kids!

LIVE musical theater is back this summer! The talented young performers of the Collingswood Youth Theatre, all thinkers of strange and wonderful thinks, will bring Dr. Seuss from the page to the stage, complete with Cats in Hats, Horton the Elephant, Whos, kangaroos, mischievous monkeys, strange birds, and many more!  Our performances will be dedicated to our late founder and director, Barbara Lefkoe, who led and inspired young performers for over 25 years.

When: July 26 and 27 at 7 p.m. (Rain dates:  July 28 and 29)

Where:  Grounds of the Mansion at the Scottish Rite Theatre

               315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood, NJ

Plenty of free parking!

Please bring your own chair for this outdoor performance! 

As this has been a difficult year for everyone, this performance will be presented “Pay What You Can” by cash, check or PayPal at the door.

Check our website at https://cytnewjersey.wixsite.com/collsyouththeatre for latest updates, and in case of inclement weather.

Join us for this 40 minute, kid-friendly musical journey to the magical world of Dr. Seuss!

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Blood drive fact
June 23, 2021

American Red Cross Blood Drive on June 28

Collingswood Community American Red Cross Blood Drive
Monday, June 28, 2-7pm
Collingswood Grand Ballroom
315 White Horse Pike
Collingswood, NJ 08107

Appointments are preferred.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE: CLICK HERE
Sign up at www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: Collingswood Community

Donors are strongly urged to give now to help ensure lifesaving blood products are available for patients. Hospital demand continues to outpace donations, and your help is vital.

Area hospital patients are depending on you! Don’t forget to HYDRATE and please remember your ID.
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rent grant - Copy
June 17, 2021

Camden County reopens rental assistance program

Applications open for the Camden County RECOVERS Rental Assistance Grant Program for Camden County residents facing financial hardship due to COVID-19. 

Individuals who experienced unemployment or financial hardships due to COVID-19 shutdowns are encouraged to apply for rental assistance through the Camden County RECOVERS grant program.

Applicants must provide proof of loss of income or employmant due to COVID-19. The grant program provides rental and utility assistacne for up to 12 months of back payments. 

The grant is income based with a maximum household income of 80% of Area Median Income.

Full details of the application process and assistance program can be found here. Visit www.camdenrentgrant.com to apply. For questions or issues about the Camden County RECOVERS application please call 856-389-6704.

Application deadline is October 30, 2021.
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DLT with ticket info
June 08, 2021

CCT presents Dragons Love Tacos!

You know what dragons love? Tacos, of course! They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. Bring the whole family to this tasty taco celebration fit for a dragon- just leave your spicy salsa at home!
Don’t miss the fun-filled, outdoor production based on The New York times Best-Selling book that everyone will taco bout this summer!

Dates:
Saturday, June 12 at 10 am and 1 pm
Sunday, June 13 at 1 pm and 3 pm

Location:
Outdoors at the Scottish Rite Auditorium
315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood, NJ  08107

This family-friendly production will be presented outdoors according to COVID-19 guidelines.  Tickets are $5 per person. Bring your chairs or blankets and prepare to be entertained!

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proud neighbors july 4 image
June 07, 2021

Proud Neighbors host 4th of July Home Decorating Contest

Break out the Stars and Stripes!

Proud Neighbors of Collingswood awards Collingswood Cash for houses and businesses in the annual Best of 4th of July decorating contest! Past categories include Most Historic, Most Patriotic, Best Newcomers, Best Innovative Use of Media and Best Business!

Anyone interested in entering their home or business should email their contact info to Proud Neighbors at July4@ProudNeighborsofCollingswood.org no later that July 1!

For details on all the Independence Day events in Collingswood see the Fun on the Fourth page here.

 

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Seussical kids logo
May 28, 2021

Colls Youth Theatre Summer Registration

Collingswood Youth Theatre will be doing a summer show open ONLY to 7th and 8th graders, limited to 20 participants. Registration will begin June 1st here. (NOTE: The page with the registration information will not be available until Tuesday, June 1 at 9am.)

We will performing “Seussical”, kids version. All rehearsals and performances will be outside the Scottish Rite Auditorium, following the CDC guidelines. Auditions are July 1st, rehearsals are July 6th-July 22 Monday-Thursday, and performances are July 26th and 27th 7-8 pm.

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Hydrant flushing
May 12, 2021

Hydrant flushing to begin May 12

Collingswood will conduct townwide hydrant flushing between the hours of 9am  to approximately 2pm in neighborhoods beginning May 12, 2021.
Anyone living in homes of surrounding blocks during flushing should avoid using water during these hours. In the morning it is best to run water from a tub (cold water side only) or outside hose spigot to avoid any unsettled mineral content from getting trapped in faucet screens.
We thank you for your patience while we perform this important and necessary task!

See the complete neighborhood flushing schedule here.

Collingswood periodically conducts hydrant flushing in the Borough. The water main flushing program is designed to remove natural minerals like iron and calcium that sometimes collect in the bottom of water mains. This operation may cause a temporary discoloration in your water supply. By allowing your water to run for a short period of time, the problem should clear itself. Please be assured, although the water may be discolored, it is safe for human use.

For more information visit the Water Department page here.

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njroad
May 09, 2021

Collingswood Mayor and Commissioners Convene Meeting with Governor Murphy and Collingswood's COVID-19 Recovery Committee

This week, Governor Murphy and his top advisors participated in a virtual meeting with Collingswood’s newly formed COVID-19 Recovery Committee. The meeting focused on Collingswood’s success in managing issues through the pandemic, the Borough’s plans to assist residents and businesses by working with committee experts and access to resources that State partners can provide Collingswood in the recovery period.

Murphy started his presentation reinforcing the “standout downtown” Collingswood is known for and stated, “It’s always a good day to be, even virtually, with Collingswood.”

During the meeting Collingswood’s COVID-19 Recovery Committee focused on their plans to administer a community needs assessment, a business needs assessment, current and continuing business support, vaccine goals, and accessing funding and rental assistance as restrictions are lifted.

Governor Murphy and his team provided an overview of the State’s Restart and Recovery Advisory Council which has brought together leaders on a statewide basis to advise leadership on economic matters related to the pandemic.

“Between this phase and recovery, we need to look at what deficiencies there will be for residents, businesses and schools – and how we can best support those groups with the advice of our local experts but also with county, state and federal partners,” said Commissioner Rob Lewandowski “The goal is to reach out to and understand what parts of our community need assistance and how best to provide that or work to bring that help to Collingswood.”

Collingswood created the COVID-19 Recovery Committee to assist residents and businesses facing difficulties as a result of the pandemic crisis. The COVID-19 Recovery Committee consists of members from a wide cross-section of the Collingswood community including, but not limited to, economic experts, healthcare workers and physicians, social service practitioners, business owners, school officials, and other community representatives.  

The committee will examine an array of needs including business recovery and assistance for social services, housing, and rental programs, as well as supporting the schools in developing strategic reopening plans. Resources for State financial assistance will be matched with Collingswood businesses as well as identifying ways in which the Borough can assist through changes in policy to simplify regulations and provide services that increase the businesses’ ability to continue to safely serve their customers.

“The goal of this committee is not only to lift residents and businesses up but to work with residents to create a road map for the future of Collingswood. Ensuring that the Borough’s most vulnerable residents’ and businesses’ needs are met is essential to the future success of all,” said Maley. Part of the discussion with the Governor involved problems faced by the Borough staff who were working to assist tenants with obtaining rental assistance funding and how that might be addressed in the next round of assistance.

“I’m appreciative that Governor Murphy took the time out of his schedule to meet with us and we’re already working on follow-up meetings with his staff at several state agencies to get the ball rolling on new initiatives to begin the work of rebuilding our community. We look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration with our partners at the State,” added Maley.

Dr. Molly Phillps, a member of the Collingswood COVID Recovery Committee reiterated the need to work together for the future success of Collingswood. “Establishing a line of communication and structure aids in identifying and delivering relevant information regarding available assistance for residents and businesses. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with so many of my talented neighbors to ensure the resiliency of our town and to address current and future needs both effectively and efficiently,” said Phillips. 

To learn more about Collingswood's COVID Recovery Committee Click Here 

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handrail1
May 04, 2021

Resident's idea inspires Borough accessibility project

On May 4, the borough installed the first of dozens of single post handrails to address mobility issues and increase accessibility to businesses.

The Borough of Collingswood has taken on a new initiative to benefit residents and visitors of the business district. Resident Amy Welsh contacted Collingswood mayor Jim Maley regarding the difficulties her family face when shopping the downtown in Collingswood and beyond. Welsh is the mother of a child dependent on a wheelchair for mobility as well as a sister to a disabled adult reliant on a cane.

Due to limited abilities, maneuvering steps and step-ups into stores and restaurants can present a fall risk for those who require stabilization to navigate them. Welsh’s proposed solution: handrails to provide stability. This small improvement can open literal and figurative doors for many people in the community.

“Sloped curbs in the business district and ramps to government buildings has been helpful but our interaction with our community is still limited significantly. Even one or two steps without a handrail are hazardous to someone with a disability who can ambulate,” said Welsh. Her suggestion for single post railings is now coming to fruition as the first handrails are installed beginning May 4.

Local Collingswood metal manufacturer, Stout’s, is scheduled to perform the first installation at Grooveground, located at 647 Haddon Ave, on Tuesday, May 4, at 9am. Amy Welsh will be on hand to see the results of her initiative.

“This is a terrific addition to the downtown,” says Collingswood Mayor Jim Maley. “Residents like Amy are what keep the Borough constantly evolving and improving. We encourage anyone with ideas they think are beneficial for the community to speak up, we are listening.”

Following Amy’s letter to the mayor, the Borough immediately began outreach with businesses. The response was encouraging and property owners are eager to see the positive impact the addition of handrails has on their shoppers and employees.

 

 

 

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01_Scarlet_Rowe_Image_And_Design_Poster_Farmers_Market_2021_11X10
April 28, 2021

Collingswood Farmers' Market Opens May 1

The Collingswood Farmers’ Market opens at 8am on Saturday, May 1, with an official ribbon cutting to start its 22nd season under the PATCO speed line. Dozens of local farms and Collingswood restaurants will serve up Jersey Fresh produce, organic meats, eggs, cheese and artisan breads. Enjoy live music as you stroll the market every Saturday from May through June. Offering a wide variety of choices for all tastes, the Collingswood Farmers’ Market is the ideal spot to start a Saturday in Collingswood.

This season the Market continues to implement COVID-19 safety guidelines for the health and safety of its vendors and visitors. Masks are a must for all guests while shopping the Market and safe distancing enforced. This season strollers and wagons are welcome, but dogs should wait at home. The Collingswood Market team hopes to lift some restrictions as the season unfolds, but decisions will come as state guidelines allow.

“The Market has never been more beneficial than it is during the pandemic. For shoppers, the health benefits of fresh produce when our immune systems are under viral attack are obvious,” said Market Director David Hodges. “For the community, anything that helps us gather safely outdoors in camaraderie is healthful and healing. And for the farmers, whose businesses have never been more stressed by exorbitant costs, labor shortages and interrupted supply chains, retail markets are often the only way to survive.”

Buying local took on new meaning over the last year as farmers and retailers continued to pivot and find new ways to survive in a pandemic world. In keeping with the spirit of “Collingswood first” that carried the Borough through the winter season, encouraging residents and visitors to shop local small businesses over the big box stores, the Farmers’ Market is dedicated to offering customers a unique experience worth a trip to Collingswood each Saturday morning. The market offers a variety of options for shoppers to choose from for everything from produce to local honey, fresh cheeses and, for the more adventurous, bison burgers. Weekly exclusive vendors including knife sharpening, alpacas and specialty pickles entice shoppers back to the market each Saturday.

The Collingswood Farmers’ Market operates every Saturday from 8am to 12pm, May through November. Located beneath the PATCO speed line along Atlantic Avenue, the market provides convenient access to shoppers from the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas.  Vendors accept cash and debit as well as WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program vouchers. 

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COVID-19 community tile
April 27, 2021

Camden County Commissioners open pop up vaccine site

Camden County Commissioners offer a pop up vaccine site on April 28 beginning at 1pm at the Jack Curtis Stadium at Cooper River Park, 1301 North Park Drive, Pennsauken.

The Camden County Health Department, in partnership with the Rutgers School of Nursing, and Cooper University Health Care will be operating a pop-up vaccination clinic for residents at Cooper River Park. No appointments necessary, walk-ups welcome.

Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli shared the importance of getting the vaccine into untraditional places where residents congregate. “Right now, as we start to see vaccine demand decline, it’s important for our public health operation to get into to places where people recreate and congregate, so we can offer access and opportunity to the vaccine,” Cappelli said. “This is another example of our elected body bringing the vaccine to the people instead of expecting patients to come to us. In the coming months, we will work to utilize our community’s third places to vaccinate residents and get one step closer to a post-pandemic world.”

At this current time, more than 230,000 residents have gotten at least one dose of a COVID vaccine in Camden County. This is more than 50% of the total adult population.

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COVID-19 community tile
April 19, 2021

COVID vaccination appointments now open to all adults

Effective Monday, April 19, 2021, All adults and children age 16+ are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in New Jersey.

Beginning Monday, April 19, the state of New Jersey will expand the population eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to all adult residents. Anyone who has not scheduled their vaccine appointment at the Camden County Vaccination Center in Blackwood is encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Thousands of new appointment slots are available  for the forthcoming expansion of eligibility.  Please note, you must be 18 or older to receive he Moderna vaccine from the Camden County vaccination site. Schedule your appointment through Camden County here.


Click here to schedule a vaccination appointment  through the State of New Jersey and learn more about the COVID vaccine.
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COVID-19 community tile
April 06, 2021

Camden County Vaccination Center Offers Hundreds of Vaccination Appointments

Camden County Vaccination Center announced it has hundreds of slots open for appointments for the Johnson & Johnson.  In addition, the Camden County Vaccination Center has extended hours for this week from April 6 to10 to vaccinate as many people as possible. 

The schedule is: 

  • Tuesday, April 6, 4pm-8pm/ Johnson and Johnson vaccine is being administered
  • Wednesday, April 7, 4pm-8pm/Johnson and Johnson vaccine is being administered
  • Thursday, April 8, 4pm-8pm/Johnson and Johnson vaccine is being administered
  • Saturday, April 10, 8am to 8pm/Johnson and Johnson vaccine is being administered

In the evening, the last scheduled appointment is around 7:15pm to assure all shots given within the time frame. 

Take advantage of the extra Johnson and Johnson vaccines and extended Camden County Vaccination Center hours. 

  • You must have or set up a MyCooper account to schedule an appointment.  If you do not have a MyCooper account, go to:  www.camdencountyvaccine.com to create an account.  Once the account is set up, you are able to select the available dates and times to set up your appointment.
  • If you do not have a computer or have difficulty setting up a MyCooper account, please call Camden County's COVID Hotline at 800-999-9045 during the hours of 8am-8pm.    

Camden County Vaccination Center located at:  Camden County College in Blackwood, 200 College Drive, Blackwood, NJ 08012.

 

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Copy of Violet and Pink Rabbit Illustrated Easter Facebook Post
March 25, 2021

Easter Bunny Tours the Borough!

The Easter Bunny tours the Borough via a safe, social distancing float March 29-April 2! The bunny makes his way through the Borough each day from 2pm-4pm.

The Easter Bunny will ride through town on a tour to spread some springtime cheer (just like "Santa Around Town!"). Please watch and wave while practicing safe social distancing.

The bunny tour route follows the leaf collection schedule. Schedule and map can be found here. http://www.collingswood.com/.../highway_department.php/

BIG thanks to our team at the Department of Public Works, Police and Fire Departments for helping to make this happen.

Hop over to our Easter Bunny Tour event page for details, activities, photos and updates!
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COVID-19 community tile
March 24, 2021

Camden County Pop up Veteran Vaccine Event March 27

The Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs and the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia are teaming up to create a second pop-up vaccination site for approximately 800 South Jersey veterans on Saturday, March 27. Vaccinations will be provided at the Harry Williams Community Center located at the intersection of North Black Horse Pike and Broadway in Runnemede.

Vaccinations will be available by appointment only between 7:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Eligible veterans can call (215) 823-4014 to make an appointment until all available slots have been filled.

The following conditions must be met to be considered eligible:

  • Must be a veteran (no spouses or relatives at this time)
  • Must be already enrolled for VA benefits
  • Must be at least 55 years of age

No one without an appointment will be administered a vaccine. While future pop-up vaccination sites are possible, no appointments are currently being scheduled outside of March 27.

Updates and more information available on CamdenCounty.com

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dca - Copy
March 19, 2021

Borough offers registration help for Rental Assistance Program March 22

The NJ Department of Community Affairs announced Phase II of rental assistance will be available to residents beginnning March 22, 2021, through the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (CVERAP). The State program awards assistance for eligible residents to  apply towards rent in arrears as well as up to three months of future rent payments. 

Please register and find more information on the CVERAP  here.
Review a checklist of eligibility requirements and needed documentation here.

Borough staff are on hand Monday, March 22, at two locations to assist residents in completing the online registration. Following registration, applicants are chosen through a lottery system and contacted by the state to complete a full application. 

If you or a neighbor are in need of registration help, please visit our dedicated sites on Monday, March 22, between 9am and 12pm.

Registration assistance sites:
Parkview Apartments, police substation on the plaza
540 Collings Ave.

Collingswood Community Center
30 Collings Ave.

Who is Eligible:

  • NJ resident 18 years or older
  • Currently renting in New Jersey
  • Qualifies for unemployment
  • Facing financial hardship caused directly or indirectly from COVID-19
  • Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
  • Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income.

Required information for registration:

  • You must provide an email address. If you don’t have one, the application process will allow you to create one.
  • You must also provide names, birthdates, and income information for everyone in your household
  • Landlord information
  • Any current or previous housing assistance received
  • Evidence that you fulfill the eligibility requirements
  • A lease agreement
  • Proof of rent owed.
Mayor Jim Maley provided a video update with details on the rental assistance program. Please watch it here.
Please contact the Borough with any questions, 856-854-0720.
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Colls Cash BONUS
March 15, 2021

Virtual Collingswood Cash Bonus Grab Returns!

FREE MONEY TO SHOP LOCAL! #loyaltolocal Collingswood Cash bonus grab sale!
Ready to shop in Collingswood? We're giving away cash to jumpstart your  shopping and help your dollars go further for Restaurant Week!

Come right back here on March 21 for the link to register between noon and 2 pm. For every $50 of Collingswood Cash you purchase (up to $400), earn $20 BONUS Collingswood Cash! 
     
Just like our live tailgates (man, we miss those!), available bonus cash is limited and online registration is FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE, so get in early to make sure you grab some bonus cash! Once it's gone, it's gone! Look for an email Monday, March 22, to notify you whether you made the cut. 

Bonus cash winners must pickup their Collingswood Cash during the scheduled pick days:
Saturday, March 27: 9am-11am
Monday March 29: 9am-5:30pm
Tuesday, March 30: 9am-4:30pm
Any cash not picked up by March 30 is forfeitted and awarded to the next registrant. 

Purchase can be made by cash or credit card at time of pick up. (a credit card fee of $4 on every $100 purchase will be added to credit card purchases). Please have your ID and payment in hand upon entering Borough Hall (678 Haddon Ave) to limit your time in the building.

"The bonus sale has for years been how we kickstart shopping in Collingswood and there is no better time to encourage people to shop locally than now, when our local merchants need support," said Collingswood Mayor James Maley. "We ask that everyone that gets bonus cash spends it at their favorite stores and restaurants. The goal is to create a surge of small biz support in Collingswood."

Reminders: Purchasers must be 18 years or older to receive Bonus Cash. The $20 bonus certificate has no cash value and expires on July 31, 2021. There is a $400 limit per person on the purchase. Purchase amounts must be in $50 denominations. Registration is first come, first served until the total of $75,000 is claimed.

You must show ID  to receive your Collingswood Cash and bonus  There will be no walk up bonus cash sales.  You must wear a mask and abide by social distancing rules at pickup. For more information call Collingswood Partners, Inc. at 856-858-9275 or email tseeley@collingswood.com Collingswood Cash can be purchased year round and it makes a great gift! See more about Collingswood Cash here.

RULES:
-The bonus cash only comes with the sale of a $50 certificate. The $50 certificate cannot be broken down into smaller denominations either at the time of purchase or after the purchase.
-One entry per person.
-Collingswood Cash cannot be used to purchase gift cards for out of town businesses.
-Change back from Collingswood Cash is at the discretion of the individual businesses. Businesses may issue a store credit for larger amounts.
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help
March 04, 2021

Proud Neighbors Double Donations

Double the value of your Collingswood Cares contribution to help your fellow residents in need!
Proud Neighbors of Collingswood
recently announced they will match all Collingswood Cares charitable contributions up to a total of $5000. That’s potentially $10,000 to help our neighbors in need.

You can donate online at www.CollsCares.org via Apple Pay or all major credit cards by clicking the donate button. To donate by check, make payable and send to: Collingswood Cares C/O Parke Bank, 1150 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108. Please check the box and indicate Proud Neighbors sent you to double your donation!

About Collingswood Cares: Collingswood Cares was started by Collingswood Mayor and resident Jim Maley and his wife Mary Kay in 1992 to help families with chronically and terminally ill children. Last year, as Collingswood faced an unprecedented challenge in fighting COVID-19, the mission was altered to support residents in need with help for groceries and other basic necessities.

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IMG_5454
February 25, 2021

Yarn Bomb Wraps Haddon Ave in Color!

On Wednesday, Feb. 24, Collingswood woke up to a colorful surprise blanketing the downtown. Overnight, a team of crafty ninjas decked Haddon Ave in handstitched creations for a festive yarn bomb promoting the event’s theme, “All You Need is Love.”

Hearts, hope and happiness abound in the beautifully crafted artwork. The team of volunteers, affectionately nicknamed Yarn Bombers, share their creative spirit and vision with fellow neighbors and visitors to the destination town to combat a gray winter in the midst of a pandemic.

The team worked diligently over the past two months on their creations, sized just right to wrap trees, cover walls and warm up poles and benches along Haddon Ave. 

The artists, given only a theme and color palette, were not shy in letting their creativity and ideas flow, evidenced in the unique pieces found throughout the installation including a welcoming avocado, bountiful hearts and even dapper top hats adorning the horse ties found along the avenue.  Shares artist and resident Bernadette Rossi, "I am delighted to share my love of fiber arts with my community through the yarn bombing, especially this year. This was a labor of love."

Yarn bombing, or “guerilla knitting,” can focus on smaller objects like pipes or tree branches, bringing attention to a part of the landscape one may otherwise miss. A yarn bomb can also include larger items.

Yarn bombing, also called yarn storming, became common in urban areas in the 2010s, decorating everything from lampposts to entire vehicles. Dozens of organizations dedicated to the craft and execution of bombings exist around the country. In 2012, the city of Pittsburgh organized local knitters to decorate the Andy Warhol/7th Street Bridge. Collingswood’s artists are residents and knitting and crocheting enthusiasts that designed and installed the large-scale, fiber arts installation.

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Copy of Untitled (2)
February 25, 2021

Join the 100 Cars for 100 Years Birthday Parade!

Mayor Maley, along with Commissioners Leonard and Lewandowski, need your help celebrating one of Collingswood's own!

Borough resident Margaret Renzi is turning an inspiring 100 years old and this milestone calls for a celebration!

Please join the Borough Commissioners as one of the "100 Cars for 100 Years" in this well earned birthday parade for Mrs. Renzi on March 13 at 3PM.

Email Rebecca Callaway, rcallaway@collingswood.com, to let us know you're joining the parade!


Break out the streamers, deck out your vehicle and line up in the Scottish Rite parking lot beginning at 2:15pm on March 13.
The parade, escorted by the Collingswood Police Department, takes off at 3pm.
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special forum
February 08, 2021

Special Town Forum Tuesday, Feb. 23


Mayor Jim Maley, along with Commissioners Leonard and Lewandowski, host a special virtual town forum Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7PM. School Board President Regan Kaiden and Superintendent Dr. Fredrick McDowell join in the discussion. Share your own ideas on the new normal, the future of education in Collingswood or any issue of concern.

View the Zoom recording here.

Forums provide residents with the opportunity to tell their representatives specific concerns impacting their neighborhood. They are conducted in an informal manner and open to all.

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EMERGENCY HOTLINE
January 26, 2021

Borough Establishes COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline for Seniors

Collingswood, working together with Camden County officials, has established a free hotline to assist seniors registering for the COVID-19 vaccine.  Vaccine appointments in Camden County are currently available through an online registration form. We understand that this can be difficult to navigate and have dedicated Borough staff to help seniors that need assistance with vaccine registration.

Our representative can enter your information into the online form and create your vaccination appointment through the My Cooper registration site. You only need to call in to the hotline. Due to COVID restrictions, no walk-in appointments are available for registration assistance.

Assistance is available Monday-Friday from 9:00am – 4:30pm by calling Collingswood Community Center Director Madalyn Deets at 856-854-4440. Please be prepared to provide the following information for registration:

  • Full name
  • Address
  • Birth date
  • Social security number
  • Insurance/Medicare information

The Borough is also setting up transportation to vaccine appointments for those that need it. If you can drive or have someone that can drive you to your appointment, please use those means of transportation. At this time, we are gathering information to set up transportation assistance. Vaccinations are administered at Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ.

For assistance, you can also call:
-State vaccination hotline at 855-568-0545
-Camden County Division of Senior and Disabled Services at 1-877-222-3737 or 856-858-3317

Please feel free to share this information with any Collingswood seniors that need assistance.

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srts
January 26, 2021

Safe Routes to School Improvements Begin Throughout Town

In January, Collingswood began roadway and walkability improvements with funding from a federal Safe Route to Schools (SRTS) grant totaling approximately $900,000. The project includes work that improves the quality of walking and cycling in the Borough, especially in neighborhoods around schools. Initiatives of the SRTS program include safety education, tools and programs that promote physical activity among people of all physical capabilities.

Collingswood’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) construction is the culmination of a six-year long effort between local, State and Federal partners to design and implement improvements throughout the Borough. Collingswood is one of the first municipalities in the state to receive and implement an SRTS grant.

The Safe Routes to School movement aims to make it safer and easier for students to walk and bike to school. The first federally funded SRTS program was created in 2005 and has since grown to benefit more than 14,000 schools in all 50 states. SRTS focuses on the six E’s: evaluation, education, encouragement, engineering, enforcement, and equity. As a municipality committed to continued improvement in these areas, the SRTS model is a welcome and natural fit to Collingswood.

“Improving the walkability of the Borough is a top priority of myself and Commissioners Leonard and Lewandowski. We believe that safe, accessible walkways for our neighbors are an essential part of the Collingswood landscape as a neighborhood and as a destination town,” said Mayor Jim Maley.

The project is divided into three phases. Phase 1, which began in January, tackles ADA compliance, new crosswalks utilizing thermoplastic crosswalk striping and curb cuts along Maple, Lincoln and Atlantic Avenues. Phase 2 includes similar work along Washington Ave, Dill Ave, Stokes Ave and Lees Lane.  Phase 3 will focus on the addition of a traffic calming bump out at Haddon and Homestead Aves. Neighborhood meetings will be scheduled for each phase of the project so residents can get information about project impact and timelines. More information can be viewed on the Municipal Projects Information Center here as well.

Executing a federal grant takes considerable planning and coordination to ensure all guidelines in place for grant approval are followed while maintaining the Collingswood aesthetic and tackling multiple areas benefitting from road and walkway improvements.

“These seemingly small changes have a major impact on both our safety and quality of life,” said Commissioner Rob Lewandowski. “Upgrading infrastructure is not merely about asphalt and concrete, it is about people and improving their ability to connect with each other, to attend school, and to enjoy our parks and downtown.” 

Recently, the Borough received Bronze Level recognition for our SRTS initiatives from Cross County Connection TMA, a non-profit working with communities to find solutions to transportation issues. Collingswood also completed the Connect 2020 study which was funded by a Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission grant to create a Collingswood and Haddon Township Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The results of that study, which was created with significant public input, helped secure a grant from Cross County Connection for thermoplastic crosswalk striping and will be use to apply for additional grant funding that supports the development a multi-modal bicycle and pedestrian network.

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COVID-19 community tile
January 13, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Update

Updated NJ COVID-19 vaccine eligibility goes into effect tomorrow, Jan. 14.

Beginning Jan. 14, the following groups are eligible to receive the covid-19 vaccine:
-Aged 65 and older
-Aged 16-64 with medical conditions as defined by the CDC that increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Illnesses include:
• Cancer
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Down Syndrome  
• Heart conditions (e.g. heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies)  
• Immunocompromised (weakened immune system) due to solid organ transplant
• Obesity (e.g. body mass index of 30kg/m2 or higher)
• Severe Obesity (e.g. body mass index of 40kg/m2 or higher)
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell disease
• Smoking
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus
This definition is adopted from the CDC’s list of People with Certain Medical Conditions at Increased Risk.   
 
A person must have at least one of the above conditions to be considered high-risk.  A doctor’s note is not required.   

All NJ residents may pre-register for the vaccine here

More information from the State of New Jersey on eligibility and receiving the vaccine can be found here.
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blocnew
January 08, 2021

Collingswood Prime Launches With Free Shipping

Collingswood Prime, a new, no-fee shipping service debuts Jan. 14 for local delivery from Collingswood businesses.

In response to the struggles of small business owners trying to stay afloat despite the pandemic, Collingswood Partners, a non-profit manager of the borough’s business improvement district (BID), introduces Collingswood Prime. The unique service offers customers free delivery twice a week through Bloc Delivery, an electric bike-powered courier service. Recognizing the financial strain businesses are under, Collingswood Partners elected to fully subsidize the service, eliminating any fees for participating businesses.

As the holiday season ends, and sales begin to slump, Collingswood Prime makes it easier than ever to shop local and choose small business over big box and online giants.

The allure of two- or three-day shipping is now available from Collingswood businesses to local shoppers in the surrounding areas. Shoppers in Collingswood, Oaklyn, Haddonfield, Audubon and Haddon Township can take advantage of Collingswood Prime. While orders can be placed anytime, delivery takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Ordering and fulfillment is simple for both businesses and customers. Simply order an eligible item through a Collingswood retailer’s website or over the phone and have it couriered through the next delivery day. Businesses notify Bloc Delivery and the goods are couriered on the next Collingswood Prime delivery day. Currently, hot meals are excluded but restaurants are planning to offer take-and-heat options eligible for Collingswood Prime delivery.

Bloc delivery previously operated in Collingswood to assist with deliveries from the Collingswood Farmers’ Market at the start of its 2020 season. The addition of Bloc delivery allowed local farms to continue getting their produce, meats and cheese into patrons’ homes while limiting contact as the corona virus surged. Collingswood Borough is thrilled to see the service return at a time when small businesses need as much help as possible.

 More information and a full list of participating stores and restaurants can be found here.

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Feb. 1
December 28, 2020

Senior Property Tax Freeze Deadline Extended to Feb. 1

The NJ Department of Taxation's senior property tax freeze enrollment deadline is extended to Feb. 1, 2021. Application and details available here.

The Senior Freeze Program reimburses eligible senior citizens and disabled persons for property tax or mobile home park site fee increases on their principal residence. To qualify, you must meet all the eligibility requirements for each year from the base year through the application year (the current application year is 2019).
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dpw
December 22, 2020

Friday trash collection moved to Saturday, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2

Due to the upcoming holidays, Friday trash collection scheduled for Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 is moved to Saturday, Dec. 26 and Saturday, Jan. 2.

There are no other disruptions to the collection schedule.
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cpd award
December 04, 2020

Collingswood PD receives Attorney General's Excellence in Policing Award

The Collingswood Police Department was recognized with the Attorney General's Excellence in Policing Award for Outstanding Community Partnership on Dec. 4.

In September, the Borough Board of Commissioners approved the formation of a Chief’s Advisory Committee as a way to further connect with the community in a way that allows for more communication, trust, transparency and mutual respect. 

The advisory committee is devoted to assisting the Police Chief and other members of the Police Department in providing the Police Chief with community responses to proposed police programs, directly advising the Police Chief of the community’s needs, assisting in community education regarding police department initiatives and programs; and participating, as appropriate, in training with designated Police Department personnel.

Says Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey, "I am extremely thankful for the continued unwavering support of the Mayor and Commissioners.  They not only approved the formation of the Chief’s Advisory Committee, but jumped right in to help get things off the ground.  We are all equally committed to the community we swerve and excited to see how this committee will flourish. "

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Color Borough Seal
December 04, 2020

Borough Commissioner Joan Leonard Announces Retirement

Borough Commissioner Joan Leonard Announces Retirement

Contact: Cassandra Duffey at (856) 854-0720 Extension 124

The Borough of Collingswood announces the upcoming retirement of long-time Borough Commissioner Joan Leonard.

Leonard has served as a Commissioner for the Borough of Collingswood since 1997. She has held various titles including Director of Public works, Director of Revenue and Finance, Director of Sustainability, and Director of Main Street Development. Her areas of special interest have included town-wide business revitalization, historic preservation, shade tree planting, protection of the environment, Knight Park preservation, horticultural beautification, and community volunteerism. 

“Joan dedicated years of her life to serving the people of Collingswood as a passionate advocate for the environment and beautification of this town. She can be seen any given Saturday doing community clean-ups, planting gardens, and planting trees. Her efforts have made a lasting impact on our town,” said Mayor Jim Maley.

Leonard was active in the town’s revitalization efforts in the 1990s, organizing numerous volunteers to improve storefronts as part of the Main Street Restoration Program, founded in 1993. Over 30 retail establishments were restored or rehabbed through her efforts. Leonard also arranged for the reproduction of Collingswood’s original downtown lighting fixtures to be restored on Haddon Avenue, along with the coordination of district-wide flower and planter beautification projects seasonally. She was also a founding member of the Collingswood Horticultural Society. 

Working with volunteers of all ages, Leonard has improved the quality of life in the community through creating and maintaining public gardens and planting curbside shade trees throughout the Borough. Nearly 3000 trees have been planted earning Collingswood the designation as a “Tree City USA” by the Arbor Foundation. Leonard has earned recognition for her tireless dedication and success in revitalizing the Borough with awards from local organizations including the “Woman of Outstanding Achievement” in 2004 by the Girls Scouts of America and as a "Super Woman” in South Jersey Magazine in 2011.  

Joan has steadily been an advocate for the environment. Her work dates back 30 years with efforts such as creating the bike share, community gardens, back yard composting, a rain barrel program, and the creation of the Green Festival just to name a few. The Green Festival was created 12 years ago as a way to bring greater awareness and sustainability to residents. From that festival, the work of the Green Team was born and includes many accomplishments including the Borough’s prestigious designation as a Silver Sustainable Community in 2019 by Sustainable Jersey. 

Leonard announced her retirement from her elected post citing a desire to focus on and spend more time with her family.

“It has been a great honor and privilege to be a part of the team in Collingswood and to serve the residents through my years as a Commissioner. It has been extremely rewarding to work alongside so many residents and volunteers whose energy and enthusiasm has been an inspiration and helped to make Collingswood the best place to live, work, and raise our families. I plan on continuing my work as a volunteer to build upon the many accomplishments we’ve achieved together. There are so many projects to work on!” said Leonard.  “I owe a world of thanks to all of the friends I’ve made over the years,” Leonard added.

The Borough thanks Joan Leonard for her years of service and love and dedication to the Borough of Collingswood.

 

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taxfreeze
December 02, 2020

Senior property tax freeze extended

Attention Seniors Citizens! Did you know relief is available to FREEZE your property taxes? Don’t miss out. The deadline to apply for the Senior Freeze program has been extended to Dec. 31, 2020. Check if you’re eligible today: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/ptr/index.shtml
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griswold house
November 24, 2020

Holiday home decorating contest

Collingswood's second annual holiday home decorating contest!

Do you go all out for the holiday season? Are you a Clark Griswold wannabe? Are you completely trimmed out in garland and lights? Take home bragging rights thi  s year if you think your home (or block) has what it takes to be named BEST decorated!     

Register in categories including Classic, Best Block (get your neighbors together – a block must have at least five homes within the same block to register, themes suggested) and Most Creative (best use of lights/effects/whimsy). Decorate your home however you like. Judging includes doors, windows, yards - anything that can be seen from the street or sidewalk. Complete your registration today right here!    

Homes must be registered for the competition by Thursday, December 3 at midnight. Houses must be decorated and prepared for judging by Thursday, December 7. Winners will be announced December 17.    

Register for Collingswood’s Residential Holiday Decorating Contest at Collingswood.com. Homes are featured on our Holly Jolly Holidays map for residents and visitors to tour the Borough and see the magnificently decorated business districts and registered homes for the contest throughout the month of December.
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November 20, 2020

Senior Tax Freeze Extension

This was a turbulent year.  If you forgot to apply for the Senior Freeze property tax reimbursement, don't worry! The deadline has been extended until December 31, 2020.  Take advantage of the extra time and get the relief you deserve!
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Color Borough Seal
November 13, 2020

Governor Murphy announces Phase 3  of NJ small biz grant funding

Governor Murphy announced and additional $60 million in grants to support small businesses struggling during the pandemic.

Several Collingswood businesses have so far received grant funds during the first two phases of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority's Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program.

Collingswood small business owners are encouraged to take advantage of the additional funding and  apply for the Phase 3 grant  on the NJEDA page

The Phase 3 funding is dedicated to those businesses with fewer than 50 employees and includes home-based businesses. $65 million in funding was dispersed throughout New Jersey during Phase 1 and Phase 2.

“As the winter approaches, there are countless small businesses in our region struggling to stay afloat. The aim of these grants is to help these small businesses survive and, eventually, thrive again rather than see them go out of business permanently and further exacerbate the region’s economic slide,” said Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr.

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NJ
November 13, 2020

NJ Personal Protective Equipment Access Program for Business

Written by Business.NJ.gov Team

The New Jersey Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Access Program is a public-private partnership that helps businesses and non-profits protect the health and safety of their employees and customers. Through the program, all NJ-based businesses and non-profits are eligible for 10% discounts on PPE purchases made through approved online retailers, including Boxed, Staples, and Office Depot.

Visit the program website to get started: https://covid19.nj.gov/ppeaccess.

Organizations with 100 or fewer employees can apply for grant funding for an additional 25% off products purchased through the approved online vendors. These additional 25% discounts are capped at $20.4M for the entire program and $400 to $500 per organization (depending on your company’s location).

Applications for the additional 25% off will open on the program website on Tuesday, November 10th at 9 a.m. ET and are subject to available funds. A walk through of the application can be viewed here.

All organizations can also utilize a free online PPE planning tool to estimate how much PPE they will need in the coming months.

If you are interested in becoming an approved online retailer, or are a NJ-based PPE manufacturer or wholesaler, see the program website for more information on how you can participate: https://covid19.nj.gov/ppeaccess.

Updated: November 9, 2020

Source: NJEDA

 

Link to the NJ COVID 19 Business Portal:

https://faq.business.nj.gov/en/collections/2198378-information-for-nj-businesses-on-the-coronavirus-outbreak

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smallnixle - Copy
November 12, 2020

Collingswood Introduces Nixle



COLLINGSWOOD INTRODUCES NIXLE

Many of you have asked for an easier way to learn about what is going on in the Borough or to be made aware of emergent situations without hunting through posts on social media. During the month of November, the Borough of Collingswood will be introducing you to our new communications system, Nixle.

How do I sign Up? – Fill in the information on the form OR type the word "Collingswood" to 888777 on your smart phone to begin getting text alerts from the Borough on a number of topics.

How can I avoid getting unwanted messages? YOU will choose what messages you want to receive and in what manner (text or email or both in some cases).  Once enrolled, you will be able to select specific message groups such as recreation notifications, emergency messages, special events, community center, etc.

How can I opt out? You can choose to respond with a Stop Message at any time.

Will I get duplicate messages because I signed up for various groups? No, every number will receive only 1 message regardless of how many topic  groups you have signed up for.

“Nixle will allow the Borough to send specific communications on a variety of issues and allow residents to decide exactly what information they want to hear. If you want to know only about certain issues, you can; if you want to know about everything, you can," said Mayor Jim Maley.  "Hoping it will be another way to keep everyone informed on everything in the Borough. Should be even better than the info you get at the coffee shop!”

We are very excited to bring you this service and hope that you choose to participate. We are always looking for better ways to keep you “in the know”!

 

 

 

 

 

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2020 ornament color
October 09, 2020

2020 Collingswood Holiday Ornament

Order your 2020 Collingswood Holiday Ornament today!

The 2020 Collingswood holiday ornament celebrates the holidays in Collingswood. COVID may have taken away many of our traditional holiday events but it can’t take away our Collingswood holiday spirit! This year’s ornament features Collingswood’s iconic SEASON’S GREETINGS sign. More than 800 bulbs make up the two signs that light both ends of Haddon Avenue’s business district. They’ve been gracing the Avenue for more than 15 years!  The ornament also features our sparkling trees and what would the holidays in Collingswood be without our carolers? You can almost hear them sing.

Order your 2020 ornament before they’re gone! Place your order by completing the form here. Ornaments will be available for pick up at Dig This located at 717 Haddon Avenue.

Missed an ornament in the series? Select past designs are available. Collingswood Theatre (very limited), Collingswood Manor, Foster Warne Funeral Home, Collingswood Library, First Baptist Church, Santa Comes to Town, Roberts Pool, 10th Annual Green Festival and the Book Festival ornaments are available for purchase at Collingswood Borough Hall (678 Haddon Avenue) for just $10 each. They make a wonderful gift!

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IMG_0098
October 01, 2020

Applications open for Camden County Rental Assistance Program

Collingswood Mayor Jim Maley and Pat Ciervo, owner of Main Street Realty,  joined Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr. today to unveil the Camden County Rental Assistance Program. The program offers $4 million in assistance to qualified applicants.

Applications will be awarded on a first come, first served basis  and can be  found at www.CamdenRentGrant.com 

The Camden County Rental Assistance Program makes available up to six months of back rent (April 2020 through September 2020) for a maximum of $4,000. While tenants will apply to take part in the program, payments will be made directly to landlords.

9582  - Camden County Cares - Rental Assistance - FlyerV3
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Vote tile
September 10, 2020

2020 Voting Information

ELECTION INFORMATION

The Borough of Collingswood is happy to provide you with any assistance you need to get registered to vote, understand the voting process, let you know where your polling places are or how to complete mail-in ballots/absentee ballots/military ballots. Please go to the clerk's page here  for more information.

Polling locations:

Collingswood Senior Community Center

30 West Collings Avenue

Districts 1, 4, 8, 6, 7

Collingswood Library

771 Haddon Avenue

Districts 2, 12

Parkview at Collingswood

700 West Browning Road (Park Club)

District 5

McLaughlin Hall

Corner of Lees Avenue and South Atlantic

744 South Atlantic Avenue

For the 2020 Presidential Election Districts 6 & 7 will be consolidated with the Districts in the Collingswood Senior Community Center

Scottish Rite Ballroom

315 White Horse Pike 08107

District 3, 9, 10, 11

 



 
For additional information please refer to   Camden County's election page

The State Division of Elections now has on their website a place to register to vote, update your registration, track your mail in ballot,  find your polling location ext.  https://nj.gov/state/elections/vote.shtml

OTHER   2020 General Election Information
Overview:

 

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Phil Murphy signed P.L. 2020, c. 72, which makes significant changes to how the 2020 General Election will be conducted.

 

The election will be conducted primarily by paper VOTE BY MAIL ballots.

 

  • All who are registered are automatically being sent VBM Ballots.
  • Unless you have previously signed up to receive a Vote By Mail for all future elections, you will only be sent a ballot for this election.

 

FAQ’s
When will I receive my ballot in the mail?

 

The county will begin mailing ballots on September 21 through October 5. All ballots should be received by October 12. If you do not receive your ballot by then please contact the county for a replacement ballot (see link below).

 

 What if I don’t receive my ballot or misplace it?

 

You can request a replacement ballot from Camden County at

 

https://www.camdencounty.com/service/voting-and-elections/request-replacement-vote-by-mail-ballot/

 

 How do I return my ballot?

 

You can return your ballot by mail, via a secure dropbox, or deliver in person. There will be 13 secure ballot return boxes throughout Camden County. For a list of dropboxes go to:

 

https://www.camdencounty.com/service/voting-and-elections/vote-by-mail-drop-boxes/

 

Can I still vote in person?

 

If a voter chooses to vote in-person at the polls they will vote by paper Provisional Ballot. You will not be able to vote in a machine. At each of the polling places, there will be an accessible voting machine to comply with the American Disabilities Act (ADA).  To access the machine, the voter will need to certify, under the penalty of fraudulent voting, that they are unable to vote a paper ballot.

 

No Sample Ballots will be sent, but a card listing your polling place will be sent prior to the election to each registered voter.

 

How can I register to vote?

 

To vote in the upcoming election the deadline to register is October 13, 2020. You can now register online here:

 

https://www.camdencounty.com/service/voting-and-elections/register-to-vote/

 

 For further details and official election information go to:https://www.camdencounty.com/service/voting-and-elections/2020-general-election/

 

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CassKeith
September 09, 2020

Keith Hastings to retire as Borough Administrator,  Cassandra Duffey to serve as replacement

Officials in the Borough of Collingswood announced today Borough Administrator Keith Hastings has decided to retire in September 2020. Cassandra Duffey will serve as an Administrator upon Hasting’s retirement.

Hastings has worked for Collingswood for 30 years, serving as the Borough Administrator for the last 9 years. He also held positions in the Department of Public Works and as Tax Collector during his tenure. He saw the Borough through good times and bad serving the town through the 2008 recession and many successful revitalization efforts that transformed the town over the last 20 years. He was also an active volunteer with the Collingswood Library, May Fair, and Holiday Parade to name a few. 

“The retirement of any Borough Administrator is always a significant change in a municipal family, and although we are happy to see Keith embark on this new chapter, he takes with him more than 30 years of institutional knowledge, leadership, and service to Collingswood. He will be greatly missed, and on behalf of the Commission and all of our residents, I congratulate him and wish him well,” said Mayor Jim Maley.  “We are happy to announce that Cassandra Duffey will assume the role of Administrator sometime late summer of this year and hope everyone will join us in extending best wishes to Cassandra as she takes on a new role with the Borough.”

   

Duffey, who has worked for the Borough for nearly 14 years, is being promoted from her dual roles as Director of Communication/Community Development and Business Improvement District Director. She has led many efforts for the Borough including the creation and execution of a dynamic events portfolio geared at building Collingswood as a destination location. She is a graduate of Rowan University with a master’s degree in Public Relations where she was named an Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholar. Duffey was also recognized in 2018 with a “Top 40 Under 40” award by Southern New Jersey Business People. She also serves on the Board of Visit South Jersey.

“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to take on this new role with the Borough. We have a great team here and I appreciate the confidence the Commissioners have placed in me,” said Duffey “I am excited about the opportunity to serve the Borough’s community in a new capacity.”

About Collingswood: Collingswood is a historic NJ town 10 minutes outside Philadelphia. Known for its eclectic downtown and BYO restaurant scene it has taken home national recognition including being named a Top 10 Transformed Neighborhood by Forbes, the Best Small Town Food Scene in America by USA Today, the Best Place to Go Car-Free by Men’s Journal magazine, a Classic Town of Greater Philadelphia by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and a Great Place in America (Haddon Avenue) by the American Planning Association, and a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. The Collingswood Farmers Market was also named the best in the Nation (mid-size) by the American Farmland Trust. For more information visit www.collingswood.com.

###

 

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Color Borough Seal
September 09, 2020

Tax Office Return To 1st Floor of Borough Hall as of Sept. 11th

Beginning September 11, the tax office will return to the first floor of Borough Hall.

While bills may still be paid in-person, residents are encouraged to pay their August 1 tax bills by mail, in the drop box located next to the side door of Borough Hall or online at www.collingswood.com in an effort to reduce foot traffic in the building including elevators and stairways. 

Thank you for your help keeping the Borough safe and distanced!

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Color Borough Seal
September 08, 2020

SEPTEMBER 8 Commission Meeting scheduled as Zoom meeting

NOTICE OF CHANGE OF FORMAT TO THE REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FOR THE MEETING SCHEDULED FOR 7:00PM TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020.


THE MEETING FORMAT HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE AT THE COLLINGSWOOD SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER 30 W. COLLINGS AVENUE, TO  REMOTE CONFERENCE DUE TO COVID-19.

IN LIEU OF IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE, THE PUBLIC MAY ATTEND THIS MEETING VIA ZOOM REMOTE CONFERENCING AND COMMENT DURING THE DESIGNATED PUBLIC COMMENT PORTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT.

TO JOIN THE MEETING DIRECTLY FROM A COMPUTER, TABLET, OR SMARTPHONE PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87619319356

OFFICIAL ACTION TO BE TAKEN.

Draft agenda for the Sept 8, 2020 meeting will be available prior to August 3 here:  Document center - draft documents
Those without a laptop or smartphone can dial in to this meeting by calling any of the below:
US: +1 929 205 6099  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 312 626 6799  or +1 669 900 6833  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 346 248 7799

Webinar ID: 876 1931 9356

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POOL 2018
September 05, 2020

Roberts Pool welcomes Crystal Lake members

Major Pool News!

We had such a great time swimming with our neighbors at Crystal Lake while Roberts was closed, we decided to invite them to our pool!

 Beginning Labor Day, September 7, Roberts Pool welcomes all current Crystal Lake members for the remainder of the extended swim season. Masks and membership tags from either pool are required for admission. Need a membership? Half price tags are still available for purchase at Roberts Pool or Collingswood Borough Hall.

 Current Roberts Pool swim schedule:                                              Weekdays: 3pm – 7pm, Saturday: 11:30am – 7pm, Sunday: 11:30am – 6pm

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SLEG_AnnotatedApplication
August 19, 2020

Small Landlord Emergency Grant Program now accepting applications

The application portal for NJHMFA's Small Landlord Emergency Grant program opened August 19 at 9 a.m.  

The Small Landlord Emergency Grant(SLEG) Program reimburses small residential rental property owners for lost rent revenue due to COVID-19 between April and July 2020.
Applications are not first come, first served and are
open for a week.  Landlords are urged to prepare their documents and submit a complete and accurate application as soon as possible.

Find the application checklist here:
(https://njhousing.gov/rentals/sleg/checklist/)

High application volumes are expected. If you are unable to
submit your application, please try again. Please note
that the application period ends August 26.

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recycle
August 17, 2020

Collingswood Recycling Event - See you in 2021!

Collingswood residents are invited to bring their old electronics and papers to the Collingswood Senior Community Center to be recycled or shredded on August 29 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Have a box of loose wires after your recent home reorganization project? Piles of old computer equipment collecting dust in your basement? Old batteries hanging around your junk drawer? The Borough of Collingswood wants to help you properly and safely dispose of your personal "junk" at our shredding and electronics waste event.

Prevent identity theft and help the environment by bringing your personal documents (paper only--no catalogs or junk mail) and electronic waste to our special recycling event. The Borough will provide a shredding truck and will collect electronics for safe disposal.

**The collection will be drive-up only**
Vehicles must enter at Collings Avenue adjacent to the Collingswood Senior Community Center. Collingswood residents only; no commercial shredding.

Electronic waste includes: laptops, keyboards, ipads, speakers, radio equipment, phones, CDs, VCR tapes, batteries, and more.
For a full list of acceptable items, visit http://www.collingswood.com/blog_detail_T44_R342.php
If you are unable to attend this event, you may drop off electronic waste items at the Department of Public Works (next to the Community Center) August 24 to 28 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
 
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POOL 2018
August 17, 2020

Season Extended through September at Roberts Pool and half price memberships!

Keep the summer fun going into fall! Roberts Pool has extended the season through September 30.  The schedule for September now includes weekdays from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. and weekends Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and  Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Half price memberships now available at Roberts Pool and inside Borough Hall. 

In addition, morning swim hours have been updated to 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. for more daylight for the swimmers. 

Masks are required when entering the facility and are encouraged during your time there. Please bring your own chair!

You can find full details and pool rules here.

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Color Borough Seal
August 12, 2020

Collingswood to form Police Advisory Committee

The Borough of Collingswood Commission and Chief of Police announced the formation of a Police Chief’s Advisory Committee at their monthly commission meeting on July 6. The Borough will appoint and work with an executive committee that will select members from diverse backgrounds and expertise to review police department policies, procedures, and programs that affect the community. The Borough is seeking members of the community to serve on the new committee, which will be comprised of individuals representing various backgrounds such as educators, business owners, civil rights and social justice advocates, religious leaders, mental health and substance abuse disorder providers, youth, and the community at large.

Committee members will be charged with maintaining an open channel of communication with the public, the review of policies, the formation of new strategies, and the expansion of community policing programs. The committee members will also act as liaisons to the community.

“Embracing residents’ voices is paramount for law enforcement agencies to promote trust and legitimacy within the communities they serve. The Police Chief's Advisory Committee is a forum to address community concerns and expand communication between residents and law enforcement. The committee’s goals will be driven by the feedback of the community,” said Collingswood Mayor James Maley.

“The focus of the Chief’s Advisory Committee will be to address concerns that center around public safety with a shared commitment toward building more positive relationships,” said Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey.

Work began on Collingswood's committee early in 2020. National calls to action after the death of George Floyd and regarding police brutality against Black people drove home the importance of resident participation and input into how policing works in communities.

“The objective is to create an environment where our community feels their police department is accessible, transparent, and values the input of the residents regarding public safety and quality of life for everyone,” added Maley.

The initial goals of the Advisory Committee include but are not limited to the following:

  • Work to build coalitions intended to strengthen the ongoing relationships between the police and Borough residents,
  • Function as a “think tank” and make recommendations to the Police Chief about relevant issues in the community,
  • Provide feedback on behalf of the community in response to proposed police programs and priorities, and
  • Assist in educating the community at large about the function and role of the Collingswood Police Department.

Those interested in serving as an advisory committee member can view and download the application here. Completed applications should be emailed to kcarey@collingswood.com 

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SLF
August 07, 2020

The Spotted Lanternfly - it's pretty but the damage it does is not

The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive pest with an appetite for plants and crops including ornamentals and vines. It has the potential to do significant damage in our community’s yards and parks but also affects crops including our beloved NJ vineyards that bring us local wines. The pest, first discovered in Pennsylvania uses its piercing-sucking mouthpart to feed on sap from over 70 different plant species including grapevines, maple trees, black walnut, birch, willow, and other trees. The feeding damage stresses plants and trees which can lead to decreased health and even death.

The Spotted Lanternfly was first detected in New Jersey in 2018 and has descended upon our area in droves this summer. Residents and farmers throughout the region are working to maintain their gardens and crops and should remain vigilant in killing the flies when an infestation occurs.

It is important to understand the lifecycle of these flies and how to manage them on one's property. For instance, lanternflies will start laying eggs in the fall, but they are hard to spot and look like mud (see photo below).

Homeowners can manage the flies on their properties by scraping and destroying eggs, placing bands or traps on trees, removing the insect’s favorite hosts such as the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), and using registered insecticides for control when appropriate.

Here are a few helpful links with detailed information, videos, and other resources regarding the Spotted Lanternfly: 

How To Remove Spotted Lanternfly Eggs

Tree of Heaven Dangers

Spotted Lanternfly Management for Homeowners

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Color Borough Seal
July 29, 2020

Board of Commissioners Special Meeting - August 26 at 7pm

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING BY REMOTE CONFERENCE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS - BOROUGH OF COLLINGSWOOD, NJ

The Board of Commissioners of the Borough of Collingswood will hold a remote Special Meeting on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 7PM through remote conference for the purpose of approving and adopting the 2020 municipal budget.  The link to the remote conference can be found on the Borough of Collingswood Website at www.collingswood.com or by contacting the Borough Clerk at hmannel@collingswood.com

See a copy of the 2020 Budget as introduced in our documents section here.

When: Aug 26, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Collingswood Commission meeting - special meeting
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83473701698

Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +13126266799,,83473701698#  or +19292056099,,83473701698#

Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 312 626 6799  or +1 929 205 6099  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 669 900 6833  or +1 253 215 8782

Webinar ID: 834 7370 1698
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kekBIsn8pn

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POOL 2018
July 27, 2020

Roberts Pool season extension and August membership sale

Roberts Pool will extend the 2020 season to include weekends in September. The facility has traditionally closed after Labor Day weekend, but this year will be open to members September weekends: September 12/13, 19/20 and 26/27.  During the extended season dates, lap swimming will be available 9:30-10:30am, senior swim 10:30-11:30am.

“Because of changes in school and college schedules we are able to source staffing to extend the season in 2020,” said Collingswood Mayor James Maley. “So many have been able to enjoy Roberts pool this year because members have overwhelmingly followed social distancing guidelines and new rules. Thank you to the members and staff that have acted as a patient and responsible community to allow the pool to remain open for everyone’s benefit.”

The Borough will also offer half price memberships for the end of the season during an August swim sale. Join for the last few weekends of the summer at half price!

**AUGUST SWIM SALE BEGINS MONDAY, AUGUST 10**


From noon to 4 p.m., purchase pool tags at Collingswood Borough Hall (678 Haddon Avenue) or at Roberts pool for the remainder of the season. Call 856-854-0720 x128 for more information. For full details on Roberts Pool, including COVID-19 changes and regulations, see the pool page here.

Discounted August Swim Sale Pool Tag Rates - all half price!
Collingswood Family: $125
Non Collingswood Family: $250
Collingswood Adult: $37.50
Non Collingswood Adult: $75
Collingswood Senior Citizens (age 65+): $25
Non Collingswood Senior Citizens (age 65+): $50
Collingswood Child under 3 years: No fee
Collingswood Child ages 3-20: $30
Non Collingswood Child: $60

Guest passes remain $10 per guest. Day bands (sales for single day visit without a member) are not available at this time. Guest passes are available to those that attend WITH a member only. Guest passes can only be purchased for member’s guests for use that day (not purchased in advance or for future use). See full guest pass rules on the Roberts Pool page.

Season information
Regular season hours
11:30am to 8pm, Monday-Saturday
11:30am to 7pm, Sunday

August 10-Sept 7: late season hours
Sunday: 11:30-6
Mon-Sat: 11:30-7

Sept 12/13, 19/20, 26/27: extended season, weekends only
Sunday: 11:30-6
Saturday: 11:30-7
During the extended season dates, lap swimming will be available 9:30-10:30am, senior swim 10:30-11:30am

Pricing, COVID regulations and all details at Collingswood.com here: http://www.collingswood.com/things_to_do/parks_and_recreation/roberts_pool.php

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Park Mobile kiosk
July 01, 2020

Collingswood offers touchless parking options with the ParkMobile App

Collingswood now offers touchless parking through ParkMobile, the leading provider of smart parking and mobility solutions in the United States to enable drivers to pay for parking from their mobile devices. The ParkMobile app is now available at hundreds of spaces around the Borough.

Stickers and signage on meters, kiosks and at businesses will provide information to drivers on how to pay for parking using the app. ParkMobile is available for free for both iPhone and Android devices, and users can additionally register on parkmobile.io. Information on parking and how to use the app is also available on Collingswood.com here.

After setting up an account, customers can immediately begin using the system with their registered mobile devices. Users simply enter the zone number posted on nearby signage, choose the duration of time to park, and hit the “Start Parking” button to begin their sessions. The ParkMobile app gives users the ability to pay for parking on-the-go by allowing them to remotely view and update or add time to their parking sessions – right from their mobile devices.

“We were working on finalizing pay-by-app prior to the pandemic and with New Jersey opening up and guests returning to our businesses this is a wonderful way to remain safe while visiting Collingswood,” said Collingswood Mayor James Maley. “There was a lot of excitement about this option when we tested it out in the winter.”

ParkMobile has a growing audience in the Northeast with parking available in major cities such as New York City, Boston, and the nearby Philadelphia. The app is also widely available throughout other New Jersey markets, such as Newark and Jersey City, as well as the beach communities of Asbury Park and North Wildwood.

ParkMobile is the most widely used mobile parking solution in the country with more than 17 million people using the app over 60 million times per year across over 400 cities. ParkMobile is excited to make a difference leveraging its large network of users as it expands into Collingswood.

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Copy of Copy of Untitled
June 17, 2020

Brush Collection

Due to the recent storms, the amount of brush has been staggering. We’re working on getting all the brush collected. Please be patient.
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POOL 2018
June 10, 2020

 

 

 

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1701_cruisenight_logo
June 05, 2020

CRUISING Cruise Night June 18 - Cancelled for 2020. See you in 2021!

In the face of the pandemic - and thanks to the suggestion of Joe Fox - we're hosting an actual moving Cruise NIght! Thursday, June 18, 6pm to 7pm. Staging will take place on Atlantic Avenue. You must remain in your car at all times. Only pre-registration will be accepted by mail or email.

Donations will be graciously accepted by check payable to COLLINGSWOOD CARES or PayPal. All donations will benefit Collingswood Cares https://www.collscares.org/
NOTE: No dash cards will be issued and no trophies will be awarded. We're just cruising!

For more details and the registration form - http://www.collingswood.com/things_to_do/arts_and_events/cruise_night.php

PayPal link - shorturl.at/horNS
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Color Borough Seal
May 20, 2020

Hydrant flushing scheduled for May 21 & 22

Collingswood will conduct townwide hydrant flushing between the hours of 5am  to approximately 10am in neighborhoods beginning May 21, 2020. Anyone living in homes of surrounding blocks during flushing should avoid using water during these hours. In the morning it is best to run water from a tub (cold water side only) or outside hose spigot to avoid any unsettled mineral content from getting trapped in faucet screens. We thank you for your patience while we perform this important and necessary task

See the complete neighborhood flushing schedule here.

Collingswood periodically conducts hydrant flushing in the Borough. The water main flushing program is designed to remove natural minerals like iron and calcium that sometimes collect in the bottom of water mains. This operation may cause a temporary discoloration in your water supply. By allowing your water to run for a short period of time, the problem should clear itself. Please be assured, although the water may be discolored, it is safe for human use.

For more information visit the Water Department page here.

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1701_cruisenight_logo
May 19, 2020

Virtual Cruise Night

Please join us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/events/785470341984281/

F
eel free to post photos of your vehicle - it doesn't have a be a collectible.  Then browse the cars.

The event runs from Tuesday, May 19 at 9am until Friday, May 22 at 6pm.

See you on Facebook.
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June 29 Blood Drive
May 08, 2020

Blood Drive, June 29

Collingswood Community American Red Cross Blood Drive
Monday, June 29, 2-7pm
Collingswood Grand Ballroom
315 White Horse Pike
Collingswood, NJ 08107

Appointments are preferred.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE: CLICK HERE
Sign up at www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: Collingswood Community

Healthy donors can give blood safely during Coronavirus – and blood donations are needed more than ever during the pandemic. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, “You can still go out and give blood. We’re worried about potential blood shortages in the future. Social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement.”

Learn more about blood donation during COVID-19 here.
Save time on the day of the donation and visit www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass

Donor Eligibility Guidelines | Donation Tips  | Tips to Boost Your Iron

Area hospital patients are depending on you! Don’t forget to HYDRATE and please remember your ID.

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Color Borough Seal
May 06, 2020

May 6 Zoning Board Meeting scheduled as Zoom meeting

Zoning Board of Adjustments Meeting. Meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 P.M. on the 3rd floor at the Borough Hall, 678 Haddon Avenue.

NOTE: Due to COVID-19, the May 6, 2020 Zoning Board Meeting will be held via Zoom.  

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82798992011

 Meeting ID: 827 9899 2011

 
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April 22, 2020

Earth Day 2020–Commissioner Leonard Reflects on 50 Year History 

Earth Day 2020–Commissioner Leonard Reflects on 50 Year History  

The 50th anniversary of Earth Day also coincides with the timing of Arbor Day this Friday. The two celebrations go hand in hand in many ways; plant a tree, clean the air! The lofty goals of both Earth Day and Arbor Day have persisted through the decades.

Click here to read Commissioner Joan Leonard’s message and to learn more about how you can celebrate these two special days.  

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1701_cruisenight_logo
April 09, 2020

Virtual Cruise Night

Join us for a Virtual Cruise Night on Facebook. See photos, stories and videos about cars and motorcycles from our Cruise Night participants and other like-minded folks. We’ll throw in some fun extras like music performances and trivia. We’ll tag the sponsors who support us, the bands who entertain us and many of our participants.  Check out our Facebook event page here.

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Collingswood Connects Cover 3
April 02, 2020

#CollingswoodConnects series brings online classes and entertainment during COVID-19

Presenting: #CollingswoodConnects!

You can't visit all our storefronts but you can still enjoy so much of what our businesses have to offer ONLINE! Collingswood Connects aims to showcase the streaming and online classes, programming and content that Collingswood businesses have made available for our community to learn and enjoy together while we are apart.

We've gathered many of the classes and tutorials our businesses are offering in one place for you to enjoy any time here>>https://conta.cc/2UzhxCN

We are also launching a featured #CollingswoodConnects series **Thursdays at 6PM** starting Thursday, April 2! Every Thursday we will feature a class or tutorial from our local businesses, experts and performers that our whole community can enjoy together.Tune in every week for a new class or seminar! Here's what's coming up:
APRIL 2 - Restorative Yoga for Building the Immune System (using household items as props) with Mary Garbiesi of The Yoga Loft Collingswood

APRIL 9 - The Pop Shop Collingswood - Family Friendly Grilled Cheeses cooking tutorial

APRIL 16 - The Tortilla Press Healthy Quesadillas for the Whole Family cooking tutorial

APRIL 23 - Connect 2020 Virtual Public Workshop

APRIL 30 - Living room concert from Jenny Pilong / Little Fawn

MAY 7 - Sustainable Collingswood seminar, TBA

Links for each online event will be shared on the #CollingswoodConnects Facebook event page here.

Reminder: You can still buy gifts, dinner and experiences in Collingswood, too! See takeout options and online stores in Collingswood here>> http://collingswood.com/news_detail_T6_R281.php

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Bunny around Town
March 30, 2020

The Easter Bunny "around town" - April 6-11

We have egg-citing news!
The Easter Bunny will be touring through our town via a safe social distancing float!
RSVP to the Facebook event page for weather updates!

WHAT: Easter Bunny will ride through town on a tour to spread some springtime cheer (just like "Santa Around Town!"). Please watch and wave from windows or porches and practice safe social distancing.

WHEN: April 6 THROUGH April 10 from 11am to 1pm
--please share to help us spread some joy--

ROUTE: Will follow the leaf collection schedule. Schedule and map can be found at http://www.collingswood.com/government/departments/highway_department.php

BIG thanks to our team at the Department of Public Works, Police and Fire Departments for helping to make this happen.
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Census 2020
March 26, 2020

Census 2020 forms due

A reminder from the Camden County Complete Count Committee:

A our share of Federal resources over the next decade will be based on our numbers, and the resources we will need will be substantial. During the COVID-19 crisis it is still important, likely more important than ever before, to complete the Census.  Fortunately, for the first time in the history of the Census, it can be filled out and submitted online at www.2020census.gov.  Filling out the form is easy, fast and secure, and a receipt is provided to those who complete it.

The Census map is live now.  Check the link below:
https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/2017/geo/roam.html
Enter your zip code in the search and see how Collingswood is responding. 

See more details at https://www.camdencounty.com/census2020/

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Color Borough Seal
March 20, 2020

Borough offices, meetings and services updates

Borough offices are open to the public with social distancing/mask/safety measures in place. Please enter Borough Hall through the Haddon Ave door and exit through the side door.
For updates on State Executive Orders on openings, please see the NJ.gov COVID-19 information hub here.
See the Mayor's video updates on our YouTube page here.

The Collingswood Public Library is open for contactless curbside pick ups. Find more information on scheduling a pick up here.
Find a list of virtual winter programming through the library here.


All Borough meetings will continue to be held remotely on Zoom.

Historic Board Meeting: May 13, 2021 at 7pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96616374304?pwd=eWxpQU5rb1JTT0xHRnl0NXhLNUJOZz09

Meeting ID: 966 1637 4304
Passcode: 980093

Planning Board Meeting: April 26, 2021 at 7pm 
https://zoom.us/j/93913855518?pwd=VVVoV0VRajdpNjdULytQai9ORmVQQT09 
Meeting ID: 939 1385 5518
Passcode: 596154


You can connect with Borough staff for many municipal services by phone or email:                                                                                                          -Public Works 856-858-0533 | publicworks@collingswood.com
-Municipal Court 856-854-7535 |Carol.Staszewski@njcourts.gov -Tax/Water/Sewer 856-854-0720 | press 1  kmccarthy@collingswood.com
To report a sewage stoppage during regular hours (Monday-Friday 7AM-3PM), please call 856-858-0533. During off hours or holidays, please call 856-854-1900
-Borough Clerk 856-854-0720 press 2 | hmannel@collingswood.com
-Construction Office/permits 856-854-0720 press 3 |  mfareri@collingswood.com
-Administration 856-854-0720 press 4 | cduffey@collingswood.co
-Finance Office   856-854-0720 press 5 | epigliacelli@collingswood.com
-Business Improvement 856-854-0720 press 6 | tseeley@collingswood.com

Helpful links:
Pay tax/utility bills online here.
Report issues online here.
Pay traffic tickets: Click here
Police Emergency: dial 9-1-1
Police non-emergency, dial 856-854-1900

Residents are encouraged to monitor Collingswood.com as well as social media channels for further information and updates.

NJ Department of Health has established a 24-hour public hotline: 800-222-1222.
NJ DOH COVID-19 dashboard here.

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COVID-19 community tile
March 20, 2020

Covid-19 Family and Community resources

Collingswood Cares aims to assist at-risk Collingswood families or individuals that have been impacted by COVID-19 with support in a variety of ways.

If you know someone in need or are in need yourself, please visit https://www.collscares.org/.

Collingswood Connects aims to feature online classes, programming and content that Collingswood businesses have made available for our community to learn and enjoy together while we are apart. Every Thursday at 6PM we will feature a class or tutorial from local businesses, experts and performers - tune in every week for a new class or seminar. Or see what you can do all week long! Details here.

From the New Jersey Department of Health: Frequently Asked Questions about Animal Health Issues During COVID-19 Pandemic

The library is adding additional ebooks to their collection so more patrons can access titles at home from their devices. See ebook collections and resources here: https://www.collingswoodlib.org/all-downloadable-collections
Collingswood Public Library is also offering free access to Lynda.com for one year! Now is the time to prepare for your future with professional development courses ranging from basic skills to advanced tech.

The Collingswood Library is also expanding streaming programming. See online storytimes, craft tutorials and other streaming activities on the Collingswood Library Facebook page here.

Emotional and social support resources for dealing with COVID-19 from Collingswood Public Schools here.

ExtraordinaryED,operated by CustomED - a nonprofit specializing in educational experiences for learners of all ages, offer the blog YouthED at customed.org/youthed/ which has resources for parents, caregivers, educators and students. Resources and posts will include items such as virtual trips and tours, activities for the little ones, and ways to help navigate the challenges of remote learning.

Collingswood Public Schools 2 O Clock Dance Party:
Find Time to Relieve Stress! It’s 2 p.m. You’re tired and stressed. You don’t understand this “new math.” You realize your 5-year old knows more about technology than you do. You’re wondering how teachers do this everyday? The best way to fight off the 2 o’clock blues and build that immune system is to move! Welcome to the 2 o’clock Virtual Dance Party.
-Play the music (loud!), Dance! (no groups unless they’re family), Record a short clip, Tweet using hashtag #2beatCOVID19(don’t forget the “2” in #2beatCOVID19)
Follow Collingswood Schools on Twitter to see everyone dancing along and see each day's song!

List of virtual field trips here (google docs).

Doodle with author Mo Willems daily: Mo Willems Lunch Doodles

Collection of free virtual museum tours here.

Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and High School students can take advantage of free audiobooks thanks to Audible, which is owned by Amazon. Audible is offering free streams on a select number of children's stories across six languages to keep kids "dreaming, learning, and just being kids.” The service will be available for as long as schools are closed.

For High School students and older family members who always dreamed of an Ivy League Education, not’s your chance. Free! 500 Free Online Courses from Ivy League Schools that will make you smarter (and less stir crazy). Got time to kill? Check out these classes from the likes of Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.

For all community members, auntbertha.com is a one-stop website to search for free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more. In need or know someone in need? Please share this resource.

For all community members, the Camden County Library System is offering a free one-month card for all Camden County residents to access all of their digital content.  This includes ebooks, audiobooks, emusic, and downloadable video, as well as research and online learning resources for children and adults. To explore, visit https://www.camdencountylibrary.org/free-card .

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DOWNTOWN CLOCK
March 16, 2020

Supporting Collingswood businesses during Coronavirus

Collingswood is open for Business!

Please consider how you can support Collingswood businesses by ordering takeout, shopping online, etc. Our business community continues to thrive during this difficult time, but they need your help to keep the momentum moving forward! Many of the Borough's merchants and services are doing business in-person and online and much of our restaurant community is offering takeout, curbside menu options along with outdoor dining and now, indoor dining. Who can you support?

This list is not exhaustive, please call your favorite businesses to see how you can support them. You can also support small businesses by purchasing gift cards from almost all of your favorite shops, services and restaurants that can be redeemed when Coronavirus social distancing measures have passed.

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PARKING INFORMATION
Collingswood now offers touchless parking through ParkMobile, the leading provider of smart parking and mobility solutions in the United States to enable drivers to pay for parking from their mobile devices. The ParkMobile app is now available at hundreds of spaces around the Borough. See full details on ParkMobile and parking in Collingswood here.

See all Collingswood COVID-19  closures, updates and information here.
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Coronavirus
March 12, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates

See recent updates on the Mayor's blog here.

Letter from the Mayor and Commissioners:

MARCH 16, 2020

Residents and friends of Collingswood,
We'd like to update you on what Collingswood is doing regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) at the local level. Our teams are working, meeting and evaluating constantly to do our best to keep our community safe. Please do your part to limit transmission by adhering to social distancing guidelines: stay at home as much as possible, wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, stay 6 feet away from others and we urge at-risk populations to be especially mindful regarding social interaction. The CDC now recommends that all gatherings of more than 50 people be avoided or canceled for eight weeks.

We have taken several measures to limit transmission in public buildings and spaces as well. All updates, along with more detailed information and resources, are posted here but we've included an overview below. The situation is changing daily so please look for updated information. 
 
Collingswood Public Library and Collingswood Community Center are closed to the public. NJ Courts have suspended Municipal Court sessions from March 16 to March 27. More information here. 

The Collingswood School District issued this directive closing schools as of March 16. Knight Park is open to the public but playgrounds are closed to reduce transmission.

Collingswood Borough Hall remains open to the public for the time being. Borough events, festivals and recreation programs have been suspended until at least April 30. Upcoming Planning (March 23) and Zoning (April 1) boards will be held at the Collingswood Community Center (30 W Collings Ave). See the regular meeting schedule here. Hydrant flushing will continue as scheduled as it is important to not disrupt infrastructure maintenance. Please see the notice about hydrant flushing here.

Collingswood is offering free three-hour parking until further notice to reduce transmission through touchpoints on meters and kiosks. Our businesses are facing an incredibly difficult time as social distancing means dwindling revenues that can cripple small businesses. Please, while practicing social distancing measures, consider how you can support our small businesses by ordering takeout, shopping online, etc. This will be a difficult stretch for our business community and they need your help! We will be following up on this email with a list of businesses that are offering takeout or online specials during this time.
  
Most importantly, we ask that everybody take commonsense precautions to limit the risk of transmission. Collingswood officials are coordinating with county, state and federal agencies to keep up to date on the latest developments and will continue to communicate with the public. While there is no need to panic we do need to work as a team. These social distancing measures are not a casual suggestion. If we all work together to follow these guidelines, we can help limit the impact of this disease.
 
Thank you,

Mayor M. James Maley, Jr. and Commissioners Joan Leonard and Robert Lewandowski
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Collingswood Cares logo
March 01, 2020

Collingswood Cares aims to assist at-risk families or individuals that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis with support in a variety of ways. 

Collingswood Cares is a 501(c)(3) that can help in the following ways:
-Shopping for food or meal delivery
-Picking up medications
-Financial assistance for basic needs 

If you know someone in need or are in need yourself, please reach out by visiting www.CollsCares.org.

Collingswood Cares was started by Collingswood Mayor Jim Maley and his wife Mary Kay Maley in 1992. Collingswood Cares for its Children in Crisis was formed to support families of chronically and terminally ill children in the community with resources needed for care - medical assistance, meals, transportation - however families needed assistance, Collingswood Cares original goal was to help relieve the burden families faced during sickness and hardship.  

Now, as the Collingswood and the world faces a never seen before challenge in fighting COVID-19, Collingswood Cares has altered its mission to support members of the community that need help during the crisis.  Please visit https://www.collscares.org/ to volunteer or request assistance.

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NJ makers day
February 27, 2020

Library hosts NJ Makers Day, March 21

The Collingswood Public Library will participate in New Jersey Makers Day on Saturday, March 21, 2020!

The purpose of this statewide celebration is to shine a light on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and maker culture. This all ages event will take place from 10:30am to 12:30pm in the Peter P. Childs Meeting Room. Watch a demonstration and participate in Stop Motion Animation. If electronics is more to your liking, give Little Bits a try. We’ll be making jewelry, buttons, magnets, chip clips, playing games, and more. Although we won’t be putting a dent in the Guinness record for the largest marble run (for you fellow nerds, it’s 9,379 feet, 7 inches!), guests, kids and hosts will work together to construct a ginormous structure of roll-ability. There is no charge to participate in Makers Day events.

New Jersey Makers Day began in 2015 to enhance community engagement and develop connections among New Jersey residents by collaborating with multi-type libraries, museums, small businesses and others to promote and explore new opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation and hands-on learning experiences. In 2016, New Jersey Makers Day was expanded to be a two-day event, which allowed sites not able to host events during the weekend (like schools, colleges and universities, manufacturers, local businesses, etc.) to still be able to provide programs, demonstrations and other events for their communities.

For more information visit https://njmakersday.org/ or the Collingswood Library page here.

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New jersey Division of Taxation
February 25, 2020

Small Business Workshop at the at Collingswood Public Library, April 14

Learn about starting and running a small business with the Business Registration & Reporting Business Income seminar! Co-hosted by NJ Division of Taxation and Collingswood Public Library, the event takes place Tuesday, April 14, 2020, 10– 12 PM at the Collingswood Public library (771 Haddon Ave., Collingswood NJ 08108).

This course will teach you:
· Different business structures
· Registering a business in New Jersey
· Legal entity vs. individual structured business registration
· How to report your New Jersey business income

To register, email cms@collingswoodlib.org or call the library at 856-858-0649.

RSVP and updates on event Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2518352335085725/

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Collingswood Community Garden Plot
February 13, 2020

Collingswood Community Garden offers open plots for the upcoming season

The Collingswood Community Garden offers an opportunity for community members to register for open plots available for cultivation this spring. The goal of the Community Garden is to promote Collingswoods open space into thriving gardens, creating a place for neighbors to work collaboratively and experience the rewards gardening offers by participating in community events. Come out to one of the Community Garden meetings to learn about organic gardening and meet fellow borough members who share the same passion for agriculture.

Meeting Dates:

  • March 4, 20206:30 PM
  • April 8, 20206:30 PM


Community Garden Locations: 

  • East Collings Avenue (between Washington Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, and Maple Terrace)
  • Cattell Avenue


To learn more, reach the Community Garden through:

  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Collingswood-Community-Garden-239069742792593/
  • Email cllngswdgrdn@gmail.com
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Collingswood Reads Books
February 13, 2020

The Collingswood Reads book club, spring dates

Looking for a fun way to talk about books and meet new people? Join Collingswood Reads, The Collingswood Library’s very own book club! 

Collingswood Reads comes together once a month, typically the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 7 to 8 PM. Adults and teens gather to discuss the book pick of the month, meet neighbors and enjoy snacks.

In March, the book club will read The Great Alone by author Kristin Hannah.

The Great Alone takes place in Alaska circa 1974. Ernt Allbright, a Vietnam Vet, is deeply affected by the war. Ernt moves his family to rural Alaska to turn over a new leaf. Ernt, along with his wife Cora and teenage daughter Leni, learn how to cope with his declining mental health and the onslaught of Alaska’s harsh winter conditions. Drawing support from the tight-knit community which the Allbrights moved to, the family survives the winter. Still, Ernt’s recovery from the trauma of war endures.

Collingswood Reads Book Club will meet on March 25, 2020, to discuss The Great Alone.

Upcoming spring 2020 Book Club titles and dates:
April 22, 2020: The Library Book by Susan Orlean
May 27, 2020: Exit West by Mohsin Hamid

 Learn more at https://www.collingswoodlib.org/

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Collingswood Rendering Page 001
January 03, 2020

Collingswood Public Safety Facility groundbreaking event, Jan 9

Collingswood officials will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on January 9, 2020 at 10 a.m. for the Borough’s new Public Safety facility. The building will house both Collingswood’s Police and Fire Departments at 434 Haddon Avenue.

“It’s been a lot of work getting to this day and there is still a long way until we open the doors but it means so much to symbolically push this project to the next phase,” said Collingswood Mayor James Maley. “We have worked extremely closely as a municipal team to build something that will keep our community safe, give our first responders the tools they need and fit within the fabric of Collingswood.”

The facility will bring Collingswood’s first responders into the twenty-first century with desperately needed upgrades. The Borough’s current police and fire buildings are extremely outdated and do not meet modern police and fire standards or best practices.

The new $10.7 million, 30,000 square foot building is designed to reduce operation and maintenance costs for both police and fire, improve response times, provide better communication and efficiency for both departments, provide increased community visibility and improved accessibility for residents and provide shared, multi-purpose areas that can be used by PD and FD, which maximizes the facility’s use. It will prioritize green building options and includes features like a green roof and building systems’ efficiency measures as the Borough aims for LEED certification. It will also be home to Collingswood’s Office of Emergency Management with upgraded technology and communication equipment. Expected completion is early 2021.

“Our force has been doing extraordinary work in substandard conditions,” said Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey. “This new space will allow for improved policing and community relations and we are excited to be working so closely with our brothers and sisters in the Fire Department.”

Borough officials hosted several meetings over a yearlong period to inform residents regarding the need for the project, how it will be financed, provide updates and hear feedback. The visioning sessions included tours of current facilities and exercises to get input from residents about the building’s design. Officials anticipate taking on the cost of the project as old debt is retired to avoid any substantial tax increase to property owners.

“This project is a great example of how municipalities can work alongside residents to design a building together,” said Collingswood Commissioner Joan Leonard.

Representatives from the Borough, Camden County Improvement Authority, USA Architects, Epic Construction, Jingoli Project Management and others will be on hand to take ceremonial first scoops on the project site. The Borough is working with Collingswood schools to host a separate time-capsule ceremony on the site in the near future.

“This is an exciting project for the staff at the Fire Department. We are looking forward to having a facility that will fit our current and future operations and open new opportunities for expanding our services to the community,” said Collingswood Fire Chief Keith Davis.

See a fly through rendering of the building here.

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Sustainable Jersesy Luncheon 2019
January 02, 2020

Collingswood Earns Silver Certification from Sustainable Jersey

Sustainable Jersey representatives announced that Collingswood has met the rigorous requirements to achieve Sustainable Jersey Silver Certification.  Collingswood is among 50 towns statewide that have achieved Silver Certification and one of only 5 of 37 towns in Camden County that are currently Silver Certified. Certified towns throughout the State were recently honored at the Sustainable Jersey Awards Luncheon in Atlantic City with several Green Team members on hand to celebrate achievements and look to the future.  

“Collingswood is committed to promoting sustainability in its policies and operations. We are proud of the work of our Green Team, volunteers, borough employees, and partners throughout town who helped us achieve this distinction,” said Collingswood Mayor James Maley.

Commissioner Joan Leonard, a longtime environmentalist and the Borough’s liaison to the Green Team reiterated the mayor’s comments. “I am thrilled to receive this designation and we owe a lot of thanks to our Borough staff and residents who do the work each day to fight climate change in our little corner of the world. Our work is far from done and the partnership with our residents is critical as we continue to implement policies and programs help protect the environment.”

To become Sustainable Jersey Silver certified, Collingswood submitted documentation to show it had completed a balance of the required sustainability actions, meeting a minimum of 350 action points and 3 priority actions. Collingswood achieved a total of 380 points for 37 actions in 14 different categories such as preserving natural resources, wildlife protection, energy efficiency, supporting arts and culture, economic resiliency, food production, land use and transportation, waste management, community education, and citizen engagement and communications.

“Congratulations to all of the municipalities that have achieved certification this year,” said Randy Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “Earning certification involves more than just implementing sustainable actions. It takes extraordinary leadership and a real commitment to making our communities better. As New Jersey tops the list as one of the fastest-warming states in the nation, the next ten years will be a critical period for making progress. Sustainable Jersey certified towns are a force for change as they create a path forward to advance sustainability.” Certified towns excelled in areas such as improving energy efficiency, health and wellness, reducing waste, sustaining local economies, protecting natural resources and advancing the arts.

About Sustainable Jersey
Sustainable Jersey provides tools, training and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs. Currently, 80 percent or 450 of New Jersey’s 565 municipalities are participating in the municipal certification program and 339 school districts and 884 schools are participating in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification program. Learn more at  www.SustainableJersey.com.

About Sustainable Collingswood
Sustainable Collingswood, also known as the Collingswood Green Team, works to create an environmentally friendly community and improve the quality of life in Collingswood through the support and creation of sustainable programs, policies, and practices. It is a collaborative effort in which volunteers work with borough officials, local businesses, residents, schools and other community organizations to foster and initiate programs and raise awareness throughout town to enhance the quality of life for current residents and for future generations. Programs in Collingswood that encourage sustainability include the town’s bike share program, subsidized composter and rainbarrel programs, community garden,and recognition as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. For more information visit the Green Team page here or Follow @CollsGreenTeam on Facebook

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Color Borough Seal
January 02, 2020

Renew parking permits in 2020

Overnight parking permit applications are required every two years. Those that have parking permits will need to reapply by January 31, 2020 to renew permits. Collingswood Police Department is accepting permit applications now. Apply in person, by mail or email.  A copy of each vehicle registered to the address is required at the time of application.

Not sure if you need a permit? Here’s an overview of parking regulations:
Parking regulations in Collingswood consider the needs of different streets and neighborhoods in town. Generally speaking, residences with a legal off street parking space or public parking lot within one block of your residence are not eligible for a permit. If you live in a residence with no off street parking or a smaller driveway, you may be eligible. There is no cost for a permit. You can call in overnight guests by calling 856-854-1901 x590.  Overnight call-ins are limited to a maximum of 5 nights in a 30 day period.

See more information on parking permits and applications here. Residents can also apply via email to police@collingswood.com. With parking questions feel free to contact Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey at kcarey@collingswood.com.

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Connect 2020 meetings
January 02, 2020

CONNECT 2020 community meeting, Jan 22

We need your input!
Please join us for a community meeting to kick-off Connect 2020, a plan for walking and biking in Collingswood & Haddon Township.

RSVP to the Facebook event page for this meeting here.

Connect 2020 is thanks to a Transportation and Community Development Initiative (TCDI) grant  from the Delaware Valley River Planning Commission. Collingswood was awarded $72,000 as part of a multi-municipal application with Haddon Township for a Bicycle and Pedestrian Enhancements Master Plan.

TCDI funding focuses on linking land use and transportation planning. The goal of the Collingswood and Haddon Township Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan is to develop a bicycle and pedestrian network that helps to further connect the two communities with a specific focus on travel to the Haddon Avenue corridor and other assets throughout the two communities.

The study will look at the best way to create a seamless, safe and reliable bicycle and pedestrian network between the municipalities of Collingswood and Haddon Township will facilitate and encourage both utilitarian and recreational travel by walking and bicycling. Smart planning will maximize multimodal connections for visitors, commuters and residents to assets including NJ Transit bus connections, the PATCO Speedline, Zip Car (located in Collingswood), The Camden County Spine Trail, various public park trails, The Camden Greenway and The Circuit Trails of Greater Philadelphia and ultimately the East Coast Greenway.

PLEASE NOTE: There are two upcoming meetings to accommodate different schedules. Visit Connect2020SJ.com for meeting schedules or see all events on our page.
To learn more about the project, take the online survey, or for future meeting dates go to Connect2020SJ.com

 

https://www.facebook.com/Connect2020SJ/

http://www.collingswood.com/news_detail_T6_R115.php

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Collingswood menorah lighting 2019
December 16, 2019

Community Menorah Lighting, Dec 26

Colingswood’s annual community Menorah lighting on Thursday, December 26, 2019 at 6 pm.

The lighting takes place at the Lumberyard garden found at the corner of Collings and N. Atlantic Ave.  All welcome!

Connect with the community and enjoy an evening of fun for the whole family with music, latkes, donuts, dreidels and choco-gelt! Sponsored by Chabad of Camden and Burlington counties. For more information please visit www.thechabadcenter.org

 

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21730824_2126779137598575_7382506341087137578_n
November 22, 2019

Community Chorus Concert Dec. 3!

Tis the season for the annual Collingswood Community Chorus Holiday Concert! Join the chorus on Tuesday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. to enjoy holiday classics during an evening of song and celebration at the Scottish Rite theatre located at 315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood.

UPDATE: Due to malfunction at the Scottish Rite, the elevator will not be available for the December 2 concert. Guests that can do limited stairs can be assisted to the auditorium through ballroom lobby, up one floor, and up just one flight of stairs to the theater. Unfortunately, guests in wheelchairs, walkers, and those that cannot use stairs will most likely not be able to attend this concert.

Admission is free, gather your friends and family for this wonderful concert and begin a new holiday tradition! For more information please visit the Collingswood Community Chorus Facebook page.

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The_BIG_Cleanup 2019
October 18, 2019

Knight Park Cleanup, Nov 16 - volunteers needed

Volunteers needed!  A volunteer clean up event is planned for Saturday, Nov 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at Knight Park in Collingswood. Hands are needed to perk up the park.

Tasks include turning over soil and adding compost, installing and maintaining shrubs, leaf raking and pavilion sweeping, etc. Kids ages 12 and over are welcome.

Please help us green up our beloved park. Those interested should RSVP to Commissioner Leonard at jleonard@collingswood.com to volunteer. Participants should bring gardening gloves, rakes, shovels, spade shovel and if possible leaf blower and meet at the Pavilion at Knight Park that morning.
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2019 Holiday Ornament
October 14, 2019

Order your 2019 Collingswood holiday ornament today!

This year’s ornament commemorates the 17th anniversary of the Collingswood Book Festival. An annual fixture of the community, the festival continues to entertain and educate with activities for every generation including featured authors in attendance and a wide range of speakers covering countless literary topics.

Winner of the New Jersey Library Association service award for volunteer group, the Book Festival remains the region’s premiere literary event. The Borough of Collingswood proudly presents the 2019 ornaments in honor of the tremendous work and commitment of the Book Festival organizers and volunteers.

Order your 2019 ornament before they’re gone! Place your order by completing the form here. Ornaments will be available for pick up at Dig This located at 717 Haddon Ave.

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redcross
October 03, 2019

Be a lifeline at the American Red Cross Blood Drive

Be a lifeline by donating blood at St. Teresa Calcutta Parish, located at 50 Emerald Ave in Westmont on Friday, October 11 from 2 pm to 7 pm. Appointments are preferred and can be made online using sponsor code St Teresa.

Consider making a Power Red donation! This method uses a special  machine to safely allow you to donate two units of red blood cells during one donation. Power Red donations are ideal for trauma and surgery patients.

Hosted by the American Red Cross, the blood drive donations serve a critical purpose in treating patients of all ages. From trauma patients to those living with sickle cell and chronic diseases, giving blood saves countless lives.

For more information please visit www.redcrossblood.org  

 

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book
September 20, 2019

The Collingswood Book Club is in full swing!  Next meeting September 30

Looking for a book club where people actually talk about the book? Join Collingswood Reads at Collingswood Library on September 30, October 23, November 20 and December 18 at 7pm in the library’s Peter Childs meeting room to discuss the monthly book pick, meet neighbors, and munch on snacks. The club invites you to come share your thoughts and hear others’ perspectives. For more information please visit the library’s website.

Upcoming Books:
October- The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware.  Hal recieves a mysterious letter bequeathing her a substantial inheritance.  Although the letter was sent to the wrong person, Hal believes her cold reading skills might help her claim the money.  Soon, Hal finds herself at the funeral of the deceased and learns something is very wrong with the situation and the inheritance.
November- The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea.  Ailing patriarch “Big Angel” de La Cruz summons his family for one last legendary birthday bash.  As the party approaches, his mother passes away, transforming the weekend into a farewell doubleheader.  Across two bittersweet days, the revelers mingle to celebrate the lives of Big Angel and his mother and recount the many inspiring tales that bought these citizens to a fraught country they have come to call home.
December- The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson.  Thanks to the Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project, Troublesome Creek has its own traveling librarian in Cussy Mary Carter.  Cussy is not only a book woman but is the last of her kind with skin a shade of blue unlike most anyone else.  If she wants to bring the joy of books to the hill folk, Cussy must confront prejudice with the color of her skin and the Library Project.

 

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porchfest2019
September 06, 2019

Porchfest returns September 21!

Porchfest returns to Collingswood on Saturday, September 21 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Local artists, artisans and musicians are setting up shop on their or a neighbor’s ( porch for a full day of entertainment.

Rather than having just one porch as an all-day concert, wander the town and enjoy different sounds and styles from the many artists on hand.  Maps of the participating porches will be available.

Streets will remain open, but audience members are encouraged to walk, cycle, and use public transit when possible. There will also be bathrooms available at the library, Knight Park and other shops downtown while you patronize them, which we hope you will!

Help get the word out! Before, during and after Porchfest use the hashtag #collingswoodporchfest or #collingswoodporchfest2019 to help promote this awesome event. For more information check out the Porchfest FB page.

Porchfest is a volunteer-organized, grassroots community music and arts festival with a goal of connecting the community through the arts. If you would like to volunteer to help with the promotion of the event or to be an official sponsor, please contact the event chairs Stacey Brown-Downham, Sara Neal, and Kevin Monko at collsporchfest@gmail.com.

 

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image001
September 05, 2019

The Proud Neighbors of Collingswood seeking homes for the Porch Brunch and House Tour

The annual Proud Neighbors of Collingswood Porch Brunch and House Tour will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2020 . The event offers a delightful brunch and leisurely stroll among the varied architecture and lush gardens of showcased Collingswood homes. Proud Neighbors of Collingswood will provide all the necessary food, supplies, and staff. If you are interested in hosting a brunch on your porch and to learn more about showcasing your home or garden please contact the Proud Neighbors of Collingswood at info@proudneighborsofcollingswood.org .  Act fast, registration closes in October!

Proud Neighbors of Collingswood, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity, promotes historic preservation awareness by sharing ideas about restoration and strives to maintain the historic character of Collingswood.
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COLLINGSWOOD HAUNTED HAYRIDE  FYLER-FINAL-01 - 07-09-2019
September 01, 2019

Collingswood Haunted Hayride returns October 26

Looking for Halloween chills and thrills??

The Collingswood Haunted Hayride returns for one night only on Saturday, October 26 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in Knight Park, located on Collings Ave. This evening of scares takes kids and adults on a spooky trip aboard a tractor through haunted Knight Park.

Admission is $5. Food, glow sticks and t-shirts also available for purchase. The Haunted Hayride takes place rain or shine! For more information please visit the event’s FB page or email CollsHauntedHayride@gmail.com.

Sponsored by the CollingswoodMiddle School and High School PTAs, all proceeds support programs including Collingswood High School’s Project Graduation and scholarships.

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Fall festival pics
September 01, 2019

PTA Fall Festival in Knight Park, Oct 19

 Get into the Fall spirit and support Collingswood PTAs at the annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 19 from 12 to 4pm at the Knight Park Pavilion.  There will be incredible music from the band Eastbound and Down, an amazing hayride throughout Knight Park, countless games and fun for kids, and food galore - including the annual COLLINGSWOOD CHILI CONTEST!

Participants needed! To enter the chili contest, contact Denine Gorniak (deninegorniak@gmail.com or 215-407-5867).  Collingswood cash prizes (and bragging rights) for the winners.

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logo resized
September 01, 2019

CYT registration opens Nov. 1

Click here and look for the Spring 2020 Registration page. (Note: The page will not be live until 11/1 at 9am.) The first 68 students will receive a part.

If there are any spaces left, out-of-town residents may register beginning November 8.  

Any out of town registrations received before November 8 will be denied a spot in the cast.

--DO NOT SEND REGISTRATIONS EARLY!

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Take the Green Challenge
August 13, 2019

Take the Green Challenge, Win Collingswood Cash!

The Green Challenge encourages residents to adopt small lifestyle changes that together make a BIG impact. By pledging to take actions such as unplugging devices not in use, slightly reducing shower time, or shopping local– our community can continue to progress towards a greener world for generations to come!


There are three levels to the Green Challenge: Just Getting Started, Green Friend, and Green Champion. Each level hosts a variety of actions meant to encourage and inspire green choices in our daily lives. No matter what level actions you choose to pledge today, know that your participation makes a difference!


TAKE THE CHALLENGE HERE: https://collsgreen.wufoo.com/forms/green-challenge/


To increase the overall benefit, we’re giving away Collingswood Cash to participants! Drawing will be held by Friday, Aug. 16, so be sure to make your pledge in time to be eligible.

 

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Recycling Contamiantion FB
August 12, 2019

Recycling has changed, but have you changed your recycling?

What you've been recycling might not belong in your recycling bin and that is having a huge impact on how our trash is processed. We are asking that residents review new rules and reexamine their recycling habits. Read the entire Mayor's Blog here.

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POOL
July 31, 2019

August Sale for Roberts Pool Passes

From noon to 4 p.m., purchase pool tags at Collingswood Borough Hall (678 Haddon Avenue) or at Roberts pool for the remainder of the season. Call 856-854-0720 x128 for more information. For more information on Roberts Pool, see the pool page here.

Discounted August Swim Sale Pool Tag Rates - all half price!
Collingswood Family: $125
Non Collingswood Family: $250
Collingswood Adult: $37.50
Non Collingswood Adult: $75
Collingswood Senior Citizens (age 65+): $25
Non Collingswood Senior Citizens (age 65+): $50
Collingswood Child under 3 years: No fee
Collingswood Child ages 3-20: $30
Non Collingswood Child: $60

DAY BAND SALES (sold at the pool only) remain the same for the remainder of the season:
Collingswood Resident: $10
Non Collingswood Resident: $20
Proof of residency and child dependency required

Open Swim Pool Hours
11:30am to 8pm, Monday-Saturday
11:30am to 7pm, Sunday
Roberts Pool is open for the season June 21 to September 2






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CBS 3 summerfest
July 30, 2019

Collingswood featured on CBS3 Summerfest series

In June, Collingswood was featured as one of CBS3’s Summerfest towns! The CBS team, including Jessica Kartalija, Ukee Washington and Tori Woodill spent a day in town that included a live broadcast, a live stream from Roberts Pool, several segments on Collingswood businesses, events and organizations, interviews with Borough officials and residents and a lot of fun! Their visit resulted in hours of footage showcasing Collingswood as a truly outstanding place to live and visit (something we already knew)! You can see some of the Summerfest footage below.

Porch & Proper feature
https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2019/06/27/taste-with-tori-porch-and-proper-collingswood-cbs3-summerfest/

Collingswood Bikeshare
https://cbsloc.al/2J8RnzL

Cooper River Yacht Club
https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/video/4114151-summerfest-cruises-into-the-cooper-river-yacht-club-in-collingswood-new-jersey/

The Pop Shop feature
https://cbsloc.al/2J8RnzL

Events/parks/Roberts Pool/Proud Neighbors of Collingswood
https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2019/06/28/cbs3-summerfest-a-collingswood-summer-calendar/

The Factory feature
https://cbsloc.al/2KS0qZp

Restaurant scene
https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2019/06/28/collingswood-new-jersey-restaurant-scene/

Arts & creativity businesses
https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2019/06/28/art-experiences-haddon-avenue-collingswood-new-jersey/

Mayor's segment/anchor interview
https://cbsloc.al/2J8RnzL

Community Garden feature
https://cbsloc.al/2J8RnzL

Bobby Chez feature
https://cbsloc.al/2J8RnzL

Arctic Freeze feature
https://cbsloc.al/2J8RnzL

Songbird Karaoke feature
https://cbsloc.al/2FCyO5V

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Color Borough Seal
July 23, 2019

July 2019 storm updates

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too hot
July 17, 2019

Movies in the Park July 23 is canceled

Movies in the Park for Tuesday, July 23 is canceled due to possible rainy weather.
Full event schedule here.
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SPID Group
July 02, 2019

Roberts Pool Luau, rescheduled for July 14

We’ll celebrate summer and Collingswood's favorite place to relax on JULY 14 from 12:30-2:30pm. Come out for a community luau party with a special lei greeting, Polynesian entertainment and hula dancers, shaved ice, plus games and prizes! The party is open to members or day guests at no extra charge.

**Bring the family and your best hula moves!**
-JULY 14 from 12:30 to 2:30pm at Roberts Pool
-Must have tag for entrance, day tags will be available for $10 per person (resident) or $20 per person (non-resident)
-Full season and membership info for Roberts Pool can be found here: http://www.collingswood.com/things_to_do/parks_and_recreation/roberts_pool.php
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Bike parade image
June 24, 2019

Annual Fourth of July Bike Parade

Annual Fourth of July Bike Parade - 10am

Take a community ride to celebrate the 4th! Kids, families and cyclists are encouraged to decorate their bikes, wagons, strollers and scooters patriotically. The short ride starts at Haddon & Zane Avenues, going down Zane, Park and Browning and ending at Browning & Magill where participants will enter the park. Once inside the park continue your ride towards the ice cream truck. Tatem Shields American Legion Post 17 will be distributing free ice cream and popsicles for the children & flags to guests in Knight Park starting at 10am near the Knight Park Caretakers House. If your child has any specific dietary needs please contact Kim Brooks at kimzoefinn@gmail.com

For more details, check out the Facebook page here
For details on all of Collingswood's 4th of July event see our Independence Day page here.
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proud neighbors july 4 image
June 04, 2019

Register for Proud Neighbors annual July 4 house decorating contest

Proud Neighbors of Collingswood House Decorating Contest 2019

Register your address in advance to participate July4@ProudNeighborsOfCollingswood.org
Judges will only visit homes that provide address, name, phone and email in advance. See the Proud Neighbors event page here.

Spread the word. Tell your neighbors! Register NOW for a chance to win Collingswood Cash!  Collingswood homes, businesses and town blocks will be judged on creativity, originality, appropriateness to architecture, best historic homes and overall best look. Show off your banners, flags, stars or stripes to paint the town red, white and blue! The official judging will take place on the morning of 4th of July and the winner will be announced in style at the Collingswood fireworks display that evening. Winners will be awarded Collingswood Cash and prizes are delivered to property owners one week following contest.

There has been a festive display of patriotic colors over the years and we expect the same enthusiasm from participants this year too. This event requires advance registration – email July4@ProudNeighborsOfCollingswood.org with your name, address, phone and e-mail address to participate. For questions, contact 856-466-8725.

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perkins lawn chair concert
May 15, 2019

CamdenPopRock performs in Collingswood for 2nd Saturday, June 8

Perkins Center’s Lawn Chair Concert Series returns to Collingswood with a live outdoor concert featuring CPR: Music Invincible. Established in 2015, CamdenPopRock will present a wondrously eclectic fusion of modern, classical and international music and performance art. CamdenPopRock will perform on the corner of Haddon and Woodlawn Avenues, next to Grooveground Coffeebar (647 Haddon Ave).

This free performance is part of Perkins Center for the Arts’ annual Lawn Chair Concert Series with a partnership from the Borough of Collingswood and presented by the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey with additional support from Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation and PNC Arts Alive.

This concert is part of 2nd Saturday in Collingswood which invites guests to plan a night on the town to experience the unique arts, music, shopping and dining Collingswood is known for. As always, Second Saturdays are free and there are local artists and musicians on each block. Just arrive & enjoy the culture. Information on 2nd Saturday for artists, musicians and visitors is here.
http://www.collingswood.com/things_to_do/arts_and_events/2nd_saturday.php
 

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Blood drive fact
May 15, 2019

Collingswood American Red Cross Blood Drive

Collingswood American Red Cross Blood Drive
Monday, June 10th | 2:00pm-7:00pm
At the Collingswood Community Center, 30 W Collings Ave.

Appointments are preferred.
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE sign up at www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: Collingswood Community

Those who come to give blood May 1-June 10, 2019 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card* via email.

With less than a three-day supply of most blood types, and a critical shortage of type O, the American Red Cross is in urgent need of all blood donations, especially type O. Without more donations, hospitals may not have enough blood to support patients in need.

Share with friends and family and give on JUNE 10.
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Tatem Shields
May 01, 2019

Memorial Day services from Collingswood's American Legion Tatem-Shields Post 17

Collingswood's American Legion Tatem-Shields Post 17 will host Memorial Day services on Monday, May 27, 2019. The schedule is as follows:

10am – Flag will be lowered to half-staff in ceremony at Post 17, 622 S. Atlantic Avenue
Approx. 10:15am – Remembrance ceremony at the Korea and Vietnam Memorial, Corner of Park and Browning
Approx. 10:30am – Remembrance ceremony at the World War II Memorial, Corner of Collings and Browning
Approx. 11:00am – Remembrance ceremony at Newton Sloan Cemetery, Elm and Lynne Avenues, West Collingswood
Approx. 11:20am – Remembrance ceremony at World War I Memorial, Vicinity of Park and Collings
Approx. 11:30am – Flag raised at Post 17, 622 S. Atlantic Avenue

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Community Chorus spring concert 2019
April 30, 2019

Community Chorus Spring Concert, May 7

Celebrate the season with the Collingswood Community Chorus annual Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 7 at the Scottish Rite Auditorium (315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood, NJ 08107) from 7:30 to 9:30pm.

Listen to the sweet sounds of harmonious songs featuring a variety of melodies and genres perfectly suited for the season. Grab a loved one or some friends – this concert is perfect for families.

Admission is FREE. Learn more about the Community Chorus here: http://www.collingswood.com/things_to_do/arts_and_events/collingswood_community_chorus.php

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Comic book day 2019
April 12, 2019

Library hosts Free Comic Book Day, May 4

 Free Comic Book Day takes place on Saturday, May 4 at the Collingswood Public Library (771 Haddon Ave) from 10am to 12pm.  There will be free comics, snacks, prize drawings, and crafts thanks to our sponsors, Fat Jack’s Comicrypt and the Friends of the Library!

The cosplayers 501st Legion will be our special guests. Stormtroopers will be collecting non-perishable food items for St. Paul’s Food Pantry. Comic book enthusiasts and Star Wars fans of all ages are invited to bring a foodstuff and join the fun!

For more info visit https://collingswoodlib.org/about/youth/free-comic-book-day or www.freecomicbookday.org.

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american marriage
April 12, 2019

Collingswood Reads Book Club upcoming picks and discussion dates

Come join the Collingswood Reads Book Club throughout May, June and July and discuss the picks for the coming months. 
May:  An American Marriage
June:  There There
July:  Calypso
The Book Club meets once a month, typically on the forth Wednesday of the month, from 7pm-8pm. The club meets in the Library's Peter Childs meeting room and include snacks and awesome people!

For more information visit CollingswoodLib.org
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Billy Terrell book The other Side of Rock and War
April 12, 2019

The Other Side of Rock and War discussion, May 15

Vietnam Veteran, Billy Terrell will discuss his autobiography, The Other Side of Rock and War: One Man's Battle to Save His Life, His Career, His Country, and the Orphans He Left Behind.

This book is co-authored by noted CBS reporter Rich Podolsky with a foreword by Frankie Avalon. Billy has an amazing story to tell, from helping to build and establish an orphanage while serving in Vietnam, his time as a stand-up comedian, and his career in the music industry. Stop by the Collingswood Public Library on May 15, 2019 at 7pm to join the discussion.
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DOFL_SOA_lockup-1
March 26, 2019

Fight AIDS on April 18 as part of the 29th annual Dining Out For Life

Seven Collingswood restaurants participating
Visit the Dining out for Life SJ Facebook page here.

Here's food for thought. Through the ordinary act of dining out, you can have an extraordinary impact on your community.  Make a reservation for Dining Out For Life on April 18, 2019. Participating restaurants will donate a generous portion of your check to support HIV/AIDS services in your city. Invite friends, family and co-workers to join you and you can make a meal meaningful by Dining Out For Life.

That’s the message in the latest commercial for Dining Out For Life, which returns to the Southern Jersey area on Thursday, April 18. Over 150 restaurants will again participate across the Delaware Valley, and each donate 33 percent of their food sales for the day to local HIV/AIDS service organizations. The event, sponsored by Subaru, raises nearly a quarter of a million dollars each year, which is essential in a region with four times as many people infected with HIV/AIDS than the national average. In Collingswood, dine at El Sitio Grill & Café, L’Oceano Ristorante, Nunzio Ristorante Rustico, Sabrina's Collingswood, Oasis Mexican Grill, Sapori Trattoria and Villa Barone to give back.

The monies raised on April 18 in Philadelphia, Southern Jersey, and Delaware are invested through local non-profits to only fund care, prevention, education, testing, counseling and other essential HIV/AIDS services across the region. In addition to ActionWellness, beneficiaries include AIDS Delaware and Camden Area Health Education Center.

In Southern Jersey, Dining Out For Life benefits the Camden Area Health Education Center (AHEC), an organization committed to improving the health of the medically underserved - the ethnic and culturally diverse, the aged, the poor, the very young, the unemployed, the homeless and the uninsured. Camden AHEC is the only organization in Southern New Jersey to operate a drop in center designed to provide resources and HIV education to young men of the gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning community. Camden AHEC’s mobile van provides HIV counseling and testing services to over 1,000 individuals annually. Particular emphasis on providing HIV/AIDS prevention services and support to those individuals infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. For more information about Dining Out For Life, visit https://www.diningoutforlife.com/city/philadelphia-delaware-valley/

2019 Southern New Jersey Participating Restaurants:
Barnsboro Inn
Carlucci’s Waterfront
CousCous Moroccan Cuisine
El Sitio Grill & Café
Keg & Kitchen
Kitchen 519
L’Oceano Ristorante
Norma’s Restaurant
Nunzio Ristorante Rustico
Oasis Mexican Grill
Sapori Trattoria
Tre Famiglia Ristorante
Villa Barone
Westmont Bagel
Westmont Diner

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Color Borough Seal
March 08, 2019

Special Town Forum, April 17

Collingswood's spring Town Forum will start with an hour dedicated updates and feedback regarding our Public Safety Facility project.

6PM:
Special forum to specifically discuss public safety facility updates before our regular forum event on April 17, 2019 at the Scottish Rite Ballroom. We will have a PD/FD focused portion at 6pm and move on to our general town forum at 7pm.

7PM: Residents and business owners are welcome to attend an open forum on the Borough. Do you have questions for the Mayor and Commissioners? Come out and share your ideas for Collingswood! The forum begins at 7 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Ballroom (315 White Horse Pike). All are welcome! For more information call 856-854-0720 x125.

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havana
February 15, 2019

Collingswood Reads Book Club spring picks

Travel the world with us this spring! We’ll go time-travelling and globe-hopping with Moonglow, and then we’re off to Cuba with Next Year in Havana. Collingswood reads is a book club that welcomes adults and teens. Meetings are the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Collingswood Public Library.

March 27- Moonglow, Michael Chabon
Desc: This novel revisits an entire era through a single life and collapses a lifetime into a single week. A lie that tells the truth, a work of fictional nonfiction, an autobiography wrapped in a novel disguised as a memoir, Moonglow is Chabon at his most moving and inventive.

April 24- Next Year in Havana, Chanel Cleeton
Desc: After the death of her beloved grandmother, a Cuban-American woman travels to Havana, where she discovers the roots of her identity--and unearths a family secret hidden since the revolution...

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tax-image
February 14, 2019

AARP Tax-Aide assistance available

AARP Tax-Aide is returning to the library starting on Friday, February 1, 2019 and will be at the library on Fridays through April 12. The Tax-Aide sign-up begins (in-person only) at 9:30 am at the library. Due to the complex nature of tax returns, AARP can only assist a limited number of people each day, so arrive early to get on the top of the list!
- For a list of documents you need to bring please go to https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/info-01-2011/important-tax-documents.html

- For more information on the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program, please visit https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/
- To get information on this year’s federal tax forms, visit https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions
- For NJ State tax info, visit https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/taxprnt.shtml

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Romance in Film1.18.19
February 08, 2019

Celebrate Valentine's Day with the Greatest Romantic Films, FEB. 13

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Greatest Romantic Films
Join Professor Keith Forrest on Feb. 13, 2019 from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at the Collingswood Public Library for a discussion of the history of romantic films. Take part in trivia, enjoy snacks and refreshments and find out the results of our Greatest Romantic Film and Song survey. Vote in advance at the library’s website: www.collingswoodlib.org. Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/events/368238700425278/.

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Color Borough Seal
January 21, 2019

County requests public feedback for 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment

The Camden County Department of Health Services is interested in taking an in-depth look at the communities within our service areas through the 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment. Findings from this community health needs assessment will be utilized by South Jersey Health Collaborative to prioritize public health issues and develop a community health implementation plan focused on meeting the identified community needs. Please consider taking this five minute survey to help provide vital information regarding heath services and needs in our region. The survey is anonymous.

Survey can be found here:  http://goo.gl/yEuYd6

Contact 2018CHNA@gmail.com with questions.

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Souper Bowl food drive 2019
January 17, 2019

Collingswood Rotary collecting food donations for the Souper Bowl of Caring

Borough Hall (678 Haddon Ave) and several other Collingswood locations are collecting canned goods, boxed food products and monetary donations for the Souper Bowl of Hunger. Canned goods, boxed food products, monetary donations can be made from now until February 3, 2019 at Borough Hall, Holy Trinity Church (839 Haddon Ave) and Farmers Insurance (1106 Haddon Ave).

The Souper Bowl of Caring empowers youth and unites communities around the time of the Big Game to help those in need. For more information visit tacklehunger.org.
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farmers market facebook_stamp
January 14, 2019

2019 Collingswood Farmers' Market graphic design contest

Calling all Local Graphic designers! We want YOU to design the 2019 Collingswood Farmers' Market Poster!

The start of the Collingswood Farmers' Market is a signal that spring has arrived in Collingswood! It's also one of the most anticipated dates on the Borough's community calendar with countdowns, planning, and a yearly marketing push to let the region know the Market is back!

The Market's promotional poster changes each year and is typically colorful, unique and represents the joy that the Collingswood Farmers' Market brings to thousands of shoppers and hundreds of vendors each year. For the 2019 season, Market organizers are again looking for a local designer to create the "look" for this year's Market.

Borough officials are inviting local graphic designers to apply for consideration to create the 2019 poster. Based on applications and portfolios, three designers will be selected to create 2019 concept posters. The three finalists will all be paid $300 for their concept design. The public will choose their favorite poster through social media and online voting and the winning design will be paid an additional $500 for their winning work and to resize the concept for 2019 Farmers' Market advertising.
All designers are welcome to apply but preference will be given to designers based in or residing in Collingswood.

To apply:
Send an email with subject FARMERS MARKET DESIGN CONTEST to cduffey@collingswood.com
-Include your name and your design experience (resumes welcome) and connection to Collingswood (Is your design company located here? Are you a resident?) if applicable. -Attach at least three samples of your work that best reflect a similar campaign or artistic approach you would use for the Collingswood Farmers’ Market. Links to professional portfolios welcome.
-All application emails must be received by Feb 28, 2019.


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cat & dog
December 31, 2018

2021 pet licensing information

All cats and dogs of licensing age must be counted and licensed each year as required by the State of NJ. Applications and fees are collected at the Borough Clerk’s office. Applications are available at Borough Hall or online.  As a reminder: Pet Licenses renewed after March 31 will be charged a $10 late fee per household. For more information call the Borough Clerk at 856-854-0720 x127.

Download the application here.

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Color Borough Seal
December 18, 2018

Collingswood to start road paving projects

As part of Collingswood’s 2018 budget, Borough officials committed more than $1 million toward roadway improvements throughout town. Paving and other road repairs are planned to begin for the following streets:

  • Merrick Avenue from S. Newton Lake Drive to Bettlewood Avenue
  • E. Coulter Avenue from Highland Avenue to S. Park Drive
  • Belmont Avenue from Dayton Avenue to Lees Avenue
  • Mansion Avenue from Lees Avenue to Lees Lane 
  • West Wayne Terrace from Atlantic Avenue to Dwight Avenue
  • Irvin Avenue from Haddon Avenue to Atlantic Avenue
  • Maple Avenue from Lawnside Avenue to Homestead Avenue
  • Ogden Ave from Haddon Avenue to Atlantic Avenue
  • King alley (behind Kind Avenue) from Conger Ave to Center Street
  • Cedar alley (behind Cedar Avenue) from King Avenue to Tatem Avenue
  • Collings Avenue to Park Avenue thruway
  • Park Avenue from Collings Avenue to thruway

“Maintaining our roads is so important to the day-today life of our residents. It literally impacts them every time they pull out of their driveway so it’s a key service but also a costly one. That’s why we are investing $1 million of capital spending to roadways this year,” said Collingswood Mayor James Maley.

These road projects will cover nearly 3,000 feet of roads as well as other repairs and improvements, like curbs, along some stretches. See an overview of roadwork maps here. Roads were evaluated and projects prioritized by need and road damage. Additional road repairs are always being assessed on an as-need basis. To report potholes or other issues, citizens can use the “Report an Issue” button on Collingswood.com.

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Color Borough Seal
December 01, 2018

"Antiques on the Ave" planned for April 13 Second Saturday

**Do you have treasure in your attic? Find out!**

Gather those heirlooms! The Borough of Collingswood and Collingswood Odyssey of the Mind will host an antique appraisal event as part of 2nd Saturday Collingswood on April 13, 2019. Guests can bring their trinkets, antiques and collectibles up to Haddon Avenue to ask local experts about their value.

Antiques on the Avenue will bring local experts to appraise items including jewelry, fine arts, antiques, decorative arts, silver, China, glass, Oriental carpets and general household items. Appraisals will take place at Collingswood Borough Hall, 678 Haddon Ave, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Appraisals are $5 per antique. Appraisals are on a first come first served basis and guests are limited to bring 10 items per person. After your appraisal spend the evening enjoying the art and music of 2nd Saturday throughout Collingswood's downtown. RSVP for dinner along SJ's restaurant row and do a little shopping while you stroll mini-art exhibits and culture along Haddon Ave!

Opinions of value are verbal and informal, and may not be used for insurance or charitable donations, which require a certified appraisal. Arrangements for written appraisals can be made with appraisal team separately. Funds raised benefit the Collingswood Odyssey of the Mind program.

2nd Saturday is Collingswood’s monthly art and music event. Experience dozens of one-night art exhibits tucked in retail shops, restaurants and spots on each block as well as the shopping and dining Collingswood is known for. As always, 2nd Saturdays are free. Just visit Collingswood, stroll and enjoy the culture - on us. Learn more about visiting or participating in 2nd Saturday by going to Collingswood.com and clicking on the Arts & Entertainment tab.

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HOLOSPEX
November 29, 2018

HOLOSPEX return to Collingswood for holiday season

Free giveaway puts a new twist on annual light display - ONE NIGHT ONLY - Friday, November 29, 2019

The return of Holospex – FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY! The kitschiest way to enjoy the hundreds of thousands of lights that decorate the Borough during the holidays. These retro-style, 3-D, holographic lenses bend light to create a magical pattern from every bright point of light will be in select shops FREE for visitors the evening of NOV 29 after the tree lighting. Start your holiday shopping that evening by visiting our wonderful local merchants for gifts and cheer and grab a pair!




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Decorating TROPHY 2018
November 29, 2018

Collingswood businesses dress up to win storefront decorating trophy!

There’s a showdown in Collingswood. A storefront showdown!

For the holiday season, Collingswood is celebrating the breathtaking, the whimsical, the creative, the wacky and the most beautifully decorated seasonal storefronts in their second holiday decorating contest.

Collingswood businesses are typically decorated elaborately for the Borough’s holiday season – painted windows, garland, figures and lots of creative themes that make the shopping and dining districts look magical. This year 29 businesses are competing to win the honor of “People’s Choice” favorite window through online voting and the competition is fierce (and breathtaking). Also new for 2018 is the official trophy of tackiness – the business with the most votes at the end of the contest will walk away with the honor of adding their name to the trophy and keeping it until the holidays in 2019.

To see the Facebook gallery of storefronts visit Collingswood’s official contest album here: https://tinyurl.com/y8o7nz74

Vote by “liking” your favorite storefront pictures and then share the gallery to spread the joy!

Or see the stunning displays in person by coming to Collingswood and then voting online! Stroll our downtown for the region’s best dining and unique gifts in a winter wonderland.

Voting will take place online from November 28 to December 20, 2018. Participating businesses are:
EVEN SIDE OF HADDON AVE
All Fired Up (602 Haddon Ave), Occasionette (724 Haddon Ave), Philly Pretzel Factory (976 Haddon Ave), Exit 4 Private Escape Rooms (710 Haddon Ave), Cynplicity Artisan Soap (684 Haddon Ave), Sabrina’s Café (714 Haddon Ave), Hair Cuttery (668 Haddon Ave, Suite 2), The Retrospect (732 Haddon Ave), Main Street Reality (730 Haddon Ave), Frugal Resale (740 Haddon Ave), Cabinets of Collingswood (792 Haddon Ave), The Principled Pet (2 Powell Lane) Extraordinary ED (808 Haddon Ave), Kenkojuku Karate (614 Haddon Ave), Songbird Karaoke (790 Haddon Ave)

ODD SIDE OF HADDON AVE
Cup of Bliss Coffee Roasters (579 Haddon Ave), Tortilla Press (703 Haddon Ave), Grooveground (647 Haddon Ave), McFarlan’s Market (741 Haddon Ave), Red Dog Designs (583 Haddon Ave), Candy Jar by 1892 (721 Haddon Ave), Villa Barone (753 Haddon Ave), The Quilted Nest (823 Haddon Ave), Galerie Marie (709 Haddon Ave), Atlantic Travel (723 Haddon Ave), Devil’s Creek Brewery (1 Powell Lane), Nutty Duchess Tearoom (807 Haddon Ave), CAM Tech Computers (681 Haddon Ave), East Coast Calligraphy (821 Haddon Ave)

From November to the New Year, Collingswood is bursting with holiday cheer. Enjoy singers and snow in downtown Collingswood Fridays and Saturdays, FREE visits with Santa, special events, shopping and dining deals and the charm of more than a quarter million lights decorating our tree-lined streets! Pick up free Holospex at select merchants each weekend to view our light display as thousands of fun images. Plus, shopping hours are extended by many merchants in December with FREE PARKING throughout the month. For more information visit Collingswood.com.

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VAPING event
November 28, 2018

Vaping Me Crazy informational event

Vaping event sponsored by Camden County Board of Freeholders, Camden County Addiction Awareness Task Force, Camden County Municipal Alliance, GCADA, Collingswood, Oaklyn & Woodlyne Municipal Alliances and Collingswood High School. Details below. For more information contact Melissa Yaeger at: 856-625-7011

Meeting for parents and staff - We are in the worst public social health crisis America has ever seen with vaping/JUULing, marijuana legalization and pills marketed as the solution for every human ailment. A recent survey showed that over 2 million youth were current E-Cigarette smokers and that 37% of kids did not even know that it was nicotine they were inhaling when they were vaping .

The threats to youth years ago have changed, and the new terminology you thought you understood needs new understanding. What are the conversations you need to have? Where does connection fit in with this digital world? Where do we go from here? Learn about current trends and terminology at Collingswood High School (424 W Collings Ave) on December 10 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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Police and Fire forum quarter card 1
November 27, 2018

Next Feedback Forum for Public Safety Building, Dec 5

After months of planning and several initial meetings with residents, Collingswood officials are hosting two public design feedback forums regarding the public safety building planned for 434 Haddon Ave. The November 7 and December 5 events will present conceptual images of the new facility and invite a dialogue about aesthetics and next steps.

Over the summer, officials have been working with USA Architects to create concepts for Collingswood's new police and fire building. USA used image polling at a June forum to help determine building styles that residents preferred and are working to incorporate "green" building standards and grants where available.

"This new facility is a necessity for providing safety services considering the state of our current police and fire buildings. But it’s equally important that the new facility fits into our community so feedback is a huge part of this project," said Collingswood Mayor James Maley. "We're hoping to show first concepts and really hear what people like and don't like about this new space. Like all our projects, it really needs to match the fabric of town."

Public Safety facility feedback forums will be November 7 and December 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Collingswood Community Center, 30 W Collings Ave.
The December 5 event will also include tours of the current police and fire buildings starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Fire Department (20 W Collings Ave).
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Lion King Logo
November 01, 2018

CYT registration opens 11/1/19

Registration for our winter/spring program "The Lion King Jr." begins today.
Students in grades 3 - 6 are eligible to participate.

Information concerning the program and how to register will be on-line at http://cytnewjersey.wixsite.com/collsyouththeatre beginning Thursday, November 1 at 9am.

Collingswood & Oaklyn residents may register starting Thursday, Nov. 1st at 9am. If our cast limit has not been met, out-of-town residents may begin registering on Thursday, Nov. 8th (not before).
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Environment_NJ
October 22, 2018

Collingswood and Environment NJ host "Ride-and-Drive" event to promote cleaner cars, Nov 1

Elected officials from Collingswood are joining Environment New Jersey Research and Policy Center to host a "Ride and Drive" event to highlight the benefits of electric vehicles for New Jersey and oppose federal efforts to rollback clean car standards. Environment New Jersey's "Ride and Drive" events are an opportunity to showcase a variety of electric cars currently on the market, and give local elected officials an opportunity to test drive them. "Ride and Drive" events are meant to educate the public about the untapped potential electric vehicles can offer the Garden State, and how they protect our health, environment, and pocketbook.

The Ride and Drive will take place in the parking lot of Collingswood Scottish Rite Auditorium (315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood) on November 1 at 11:30 a.m. Expected to speak and take some of the vehicles on a test drive on are Collingswood Mayor James Maley and Collingswood Commissioner Rob Lewandowski along with Doug O’Malley and Raquel Serruya from Environment New Jersey as well as Camden County officials.

“We are always trying to take action that helps us thrive as a town – and as a planet,” said Collingswood Mayor James Maley. “We are working to bring green initiatives, like electric car charging stations, to Collingswood.”

Photo credit Alan Simpson Photography.

About Environment New Jersey: Environment New Jersey Research & Policy Center is a 501 C(3) organization dedicated to protecting our air, water and open spaces. They investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public and decision-makers, and help the public make their voices heard in local, state and national debates over the quality of our environment and our lives. For more information, visit www.environmentnewjerseycenter.org.

About Collingswood: Collingswood is a historic NJ town 10 minutes outside Philadelphia. Known for its eclectic downtown and BYO restaurant scene it has taken home national recognition including being named the Best Small Town Food Scene in America by USA Today, a Top 10 Transformed Community by Forbes, the Best Place to Go Car Free by Men’s Journal magazine, a Classic Town of Greater Philadelphia by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and a Great Place in America (Haddon Avenue) by the American Planning Association. For more information visit www.collingswood.com.

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Read to a therapy dog on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month!
October 16, 2018

Collingswood Library Events

Here’s what’s coming up at the Collingswood Public Library!

Our youngest residents can attend Building Blocks (18-35 months) on Fridays at 10am. This free hour long early literacy program addresses communication and sharing through stories, finger plays, and playtime.

Ready to Read for 3-5 year-old participants adds snack and a craft to the mix when they meet on Thursdays from 10am-11:30am.

Therapy dogs Oswin and Minnie, along with their people, Judy and Deb, are ready to listen to readers in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Fifteen minute appointments are available from 4:30-5:30pm on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. 

For specific dates about any of our programs, visit the library home page at Collingswoodlib.org. To register your child email us at youthservices@collingswoodlib.org.

Dungeons and Dragons continues on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 3 to 5pm for 7th to 12th graders. Newcomers are welcome to join the campaign!

Don’t forget teen Crafternoons on the third Monday of each month! On November 19 the theme will be autumnal crafts, including a flameless tea light holder. No registration required. 

Additional information about teen programs can be found at Collingswoodlib.org/about/youth/teens.

 
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National Night Out
October 01, 2018

Fire Prevention Night and Public Safety Open House, Oct 8

On Monday, October 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Collingswood Firehouse (20 W. Collings Ave), Collingswood residents, families and guests from around the area can enjoy a Fire Prevention and Public Safety Open House featuring games, giveaways and safety information and demonstrations as part of an effort to inform people and bring communities and their safety officials closer together.  

The festival is held in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week which held annually aims to remind residents about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home and testing them monthly. According to the latest NFPA research, working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a fire in half. Meanwhile, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Collingswood’s event will feature fun, prizes, food, music and more. Guests can enjoy carnival games, police cars and fire trucks, fire safety education, public safety demonstrations, hot dogs, hot chocolate, prizes, free child IDs, face painting and balloon twisting, music, mascots, entertainment and ask questions of local fire officials and law enforcement agencies.

“This is a great day to have fun with the community but there is a really important message along with all the entertainment and games,” said Collingswood Fire Chief Keith Davis. “Educating families and residents about fire and public safety saves lives. Any time we can share information about how to make homes safer it’s a great night. That’s the purpose and we’re so glad we can have a little fun with everyone while we spread that message.”     Collingswood Police and Fire Departments as well as local vendors are pitching in for the event which aims to heighten crime prevention awareness and strengthen neighborhood spirit and community partnerships with police and fire departments. The event is staffed by volunteers from the Collingswood Police and Fire Departments, civic groups, government officials and local businesses.

See the Facebook event page here.

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ornament 2018 green festival
September 27, 2018

2018 Collingswood ornament honors Green Festival

The 2018 Collingswood Holiday Ornament is here! This year’s ornament honors the 10th anniversary of our annual Green Festival.

Each year Collingswood’s Green Festival brings together residents, businesses, vendors and volunteers alike to see how they can each make a difference in their community by working together to build a better environment. Through a variety of recycling opportunities, green-conscious vendors, and eco-friendly demonstrations, attendees learn what they can do daily to reduce waste. The festival began and has grown under the leadership of Commissioner Joan Leonard and this year's ornament celebrates the work of Leonard, green volunteers and all residents that are committed to living more sustainably.

Collingswood’s Green Festival is just one of the eco-initiatives that make the Borough one of the greenest places in the Delaware Valley. Programs in Collingswood that encourage sustainability include the town’s bike share program, composter and rain barrel program, community gardens, rain gardens, car sharing (via Zipcar)  and recognition as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.

Bring that happiness into your home this holiday season with the 2018 Collingswood Holiday Ornament.  Availability is limited so order yours today! Order forms found here. 2018 ornaments will be available for pick up upon notification at Dig This (717 Haddon Ave.).

Missed an ornament in the series? Select past designs are still available. Zane School, Collingswood Theatre, Collingswood Manor, Foster Warne, Collingswood Library, First Baptist Church, and Santa Comes to Town ornaments are available for purchase at Collingswood Borough Hall (678 Haddon Ave.) for just $10.

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Apple Pie Contest
September 17, 2018

Annual Apple Pie Contest seeks bakers

We need bakers! Do you have the best pie?

Put those yummy Fall apples to good use! The Collingswood Farmers’ Market will be hosting their annual APPLE PIE CONTEST on Saturday, October 13. This is a perfect opportunity for you to make Grandma’s secret recipe or show off your baking skills. There are Market gift certificates up for grabs, so put your all into your pie!

The contest will be at 10am in the judging tent at the Market. Pre-registration is a must! To register please visit the rules and registration page here before contest.
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CANNING DEMO
August 24, 2018

Canning demonstration

Canning demonstration at the Collingswood Public Library
Thursday, August 30 from 7 to 8 p.m.

Marisa McClellan returns to the Collingswood Public Library with Naturally Sweet Food in Jars, her latest addition to the canning canon. Watch, listen, and learn about safe and shelf-stable canning.  Marisa will show you how to preserve garden produce by making a small batch of homemade salsa!

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CK house
August 22, 2018

Collings-Knight House hosts "Wizarding Weekend"

Collings-Knight House hosts “Wizarding Weekend”

Harry Potter fans, this one’s for you!
A Magical Event: Saturday September 22

Harry Potter fans young and old are invited to the Colling-Knight House’s first Harry Potter Event on Saturday, September 22. The historic Collings-Knight House (500 Collings Ave) will welcome witches, wizards, and muggles of all ages for games, house-themed challenges and demonstrations scattered about the house and grounds. Some of your favorite characters will be there, too! Wear your house colors, your school robes, or everyday muggle-wear. Don’t know what house you’re in? No problem, we’ll sort you out! Earn points for your house with games and activities - the winning house will be rewarded at the end of the day.

This magical event will run from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 22 (rain date Sunday, September 23). Children must be accompanied by an adult. There will be an admission fee of $5 for adults, $10 per family. Follow the Collings-Knight House on Facebook as we update event activities, guest appearances and more! 

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James Poster 2 cropped
August 22, 2018

CCT presents "James and the Giant Peach"

Collingswood Community Theatre is excited to present the story of “James and the Giant Peach” live on stage at the Scottish Rite Theatre, 315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood, NJ  08107. It’s a great show for the whole family!

The story of Roald Dahl’s classic tale is faithfully told by James himself and the insect characters – Miss Spider, Old-Green-Grasshopper, Centipede, Ladybird, and Earthworm. The play begins at the end of the story, when James and his friends are living in the giant peach stone in Central Park, New York.

A tour guide brings a party of tourists (the audience) to see this major attraction, and James and his friends tell the story of how they came to live in New York. The insects play the other roles, like James’s cruel Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker, and the epic journey across the Atlantic is acted out with live action, puppetry and storytelling in David Wood's masterful adaptation.

Show dates are Friday, October 5 at 10am and 6pm and Saturday, October 6 at 10am and 1pm.  All tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at the door.

Join us on Saturday, October 6 to meet some of the real-life buggy stars of our story. Live insects (and other creepy crawlies) from The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will take over the Scottish Rite between performances. Come face to face with cool critters, make your own silly shadow puppet, and enjoy some sweet snacks.

Purchase tickets for either Saturday performance – 10am or 1pm – and enjoy the party from 11am to 12:30pm. 

Reserved seating and special group rates are available for groups of 10 or moreGroups of 10 or more will pay $7 per person. If your group is interested in attending any of the performances, contact Terry at cctartsterry@gmail.com or by phone at (856) 854-0720 x128.

Make plans to join us for the show!

cctArts.net

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peach restaurant week dessert
August 07, 2018

Collingswood restaurants feature NJ deaches during "Just Peachy" promotion

This year New Jersey will produce over 66 million tons of peaches, making it the fourth largest producer of peaches in the nation.

To celebrate this prolific bounty six Collingswood restaurants are once again showcasing this Jersey crop in their Just Peachy celebration. Just Peachy runs August 7 through the 9, though all of August is designed as Jersey Peach Month by the NJ Peach Council. Participating restaurants will spotlight Jersey peaches on their menus as appetizers, entrees and desserts.

Participating restaurants are The Tortilla Press, The Pop Shop, Villa Barone, Nunzio Ristorante Rustico, El Sitio and Centanni Pizza and Grill.

“This is one more way that the Collingswood Farmers Market links restaurants and farms to benefit the guest,” explains Chef Mark Smith of Tortilla Press. “Of course people know and love peach desserts, like pie and cobbler - but there is so much versatility to this fruit. And no one is better placed to show that than the restaurants in our town.”

Menu information and specials below. Make reservations during Just Peachy Week with individual restaurants.

Just Peachy Participating Restaurants
The Tortilla Press - 703 Haddon Ave - specials here
The Pop Shop - 729 Haddon Ave - specials here
Villa Barone - 753 Haddon Ave
Nunzio Ristorante Rustico - 706 Haddon Ave - specials here
El Sitio - 729 Haddon Ave
Centanni Pizza and Grill - 563 Haddon Ave

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Color Borough Seal
August 06, 2018

Tax bills have been mailed

Third quarter taxes will have a final due date of August 29.
There is no grace period for this payment. With questions, call the tax office at 856-854-0720, press 1 or visit the tax office page here.

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POOL
August 01, 2018

August pool pass sale - half off for the rest of 2018!

Starting Monday, August 6, 2018 passes to Roberts Pool are 50 percent off—that's right, half price!

From noon to 4 p.m., purchase pool tags at Collingswood Borough Hall (678 Haddon Ave) or at Roberts Pool for the remainder of the season.  Call 856-854-0720 x110 for more information. For more information on Roberts Pool, see the pool page here.

Discounted August Swim Sale Pool Tag Rates – all half price!
Collingswood Family: $125
Non Collingswood Family: $250
Collingswood Adult: $37.50
Non Collingswood Adult: $75
Collingswood Senior Citizens: $25
Collingswood Child under 3 years: No fee
Collingswood Child ages 3-20: $30
Non Collingswood Child: $60

DAY BAND SALES (sold at the pool only) remain the same for the remainder of the season:
Collingswood Resident: $10
Non-Collingswood: $20
Proof of residency and child dependency required

Open Swim Pool Hours
11:30am to 8pm, Monday-Saturday
11:30am to 7pm, Sunday
Roberts Pool is open for the season June 22 to September 3

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PERKINS Center for the Arts builidng
July 19, 2018

Perkins Tastefully South Jersey Exhibition Celebrates Food Traditions

Perkins Center for the Arts Folklife Center in Collingswood (30 Irvin Ave) opened their Tastefully South Jersey Exhibition on July 12. The exhibition features cultural artisans who sustain Mexican, Liberian, Ghanaian, Polish, Turkish, African American South, Trinidadian, Haitian and St. Lucian food traditions in Burlington, Gloucester and Camden Counties.  

Special events celebrating cultures through food demonstrations, dance, storytelling, handcrafted art workshops and panel discussions will be presented from July 12 through August 25.  The calendar of events include: Taste of West Africa and African-American Soul on July 14, Taste of Poland and Turkey on July 28, Taste of Mexico on August 18, Becoming American: It’s Not a Melting Pot…It’s Pot Luck on August 23 and concludes with Taste of the Caribbean on August 25.

Through food, art, recipes, photographs, cultural artifacts, and interactive exhibits, the collection highlights  the themes of South Jersey’s Own, Sharing the Bounty, Keeping the Tradition, a Pinch of This and a Drizzle, Food and Well-being,and Cookin’ on Canvas.  

From flavoring the palate with authentic ethnic foods to workshopping with traditional artisans, the Tastefully South Jersey Exhibition is designed to render an engaging and enriching cultural experience that celebrates the diversity of our communities.

The exhibition and ancillary events are made possible by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, The New Jersey Council for the Humanities, The New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Perkins Center for the Arts is a unique cultural organization dedicated to excellence in the arts and to providing a wide range of creative opportunities for people of all ages and every level of artistic development. The Center's programs include visual and performing arts classes and lessons, exhibitions, music and dance performances, workshops, visiting artists' residencies, and an outreach program for children, underserved communities, and individuals with special needs.


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TCDI 2018 image
July 16, 2018

Collingswood/Haddon Township Awarded Grant for multi-municipal Bicycle and Pedestrian Enhancements Master Plan

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission announced recipients for its Transportation and Community Development Initiative (TCDI) grant program and Collingswood has been awarded $72,000 as part of a multi-municipal application with Haddon Township for a Bicycle and Pedestrian Enhancements Master Plan.

TCDI funding focuses on linking land use and transportation planning. The goal of the Collingswood and Haddon Township Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan is to develop a bicycle and pedestrian network that helps to further connect the two communities with a specific focus on travel to the Haddon Avenue corridor and other assets throughout the two communities.

Also, the study will look at the best way to create a seamless, safe and reliable bicycle and pedestrian network between the municipalities of Collingswood and Haddon Township will facilitate and encourage both utilitarian and recreational travel by walking and bicycling. Smart planning will maximize multimodal connections for visitors, commuters and residents to assets including NJ Transit bus connections, the PATCO Speedline, Zip Car (located in Collingswood), The Camden County Spine Trail, various public park trails, The Camden Greenway and The Circuit Trails of Greater Philadelphia and ultimately the East Coast Greenway.

“Striving for more walkable and connected downtowns has been a goal of ours and a big part of our success as we’ve grown,” said Collingswood Mayor James Maley. “This grant will help connect a lot of the final dots and fill in areas that will streamline transportation between streets and towns for all users.”

“Haddon Township is excited to partner with our neighbor in this effort to not only create links between our two communities but also to encourage more sustainable ways to travel to and from our towns and throughout the region,” said Haddon Township Mayor Randy Teague.

Additionally, public input is a major factor in the effort. Community outreach, including surveys and public meetings, were listed as specific tasks in the grant application with the goals of analyzing conditions and getting feedback from residents and community groups of all backgrounds and abilities to identify and address problem areas for pedestrians and cyclists. The grant team’s goal is to create a plan that will meet current and future demands for safe and sustainable modes of transportation accessible to as many people as possible.

About Collingswood: Collingswood is a historic NJ town 10 minutes outside Philadelphia. Known for its eclectic downtown and BYO restaurant scene it has taken home national recognition including being named the Best Small Town Food Scene in America by USA Today, a Top 10 Transformed Community by Forbes, the Best Place to Go Car Free by Men’s Journal magazine, a Classic Town of Greater Philadelphia by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and a Great Place in America (Haddon Avenue) by the American Planning Association. For more information visit www.collingswood.com.

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Color Borough Seal
July 12, 2018

Newton Lake Water Quality Project Public Hearing  - Aug 8, 2018

Newton Lake Water Quality Project Public Hearing

The County of Camden is hosting a Newton Lake Water Quality Project Public Hearing on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at 6pm at the Collingswood Community Center, 30 W Collings Ave. The agenda will include an overview and timeline of the project, review of plans by project engineers, discussion of plans for bank stabilization, outfall repair, and additional amenities for the park, and a Q & A  session for residents.

Dredging plans are available for review online here  and in person at Collingswood’s municipal clerk’s office at 678 Haddon Ave, Collingswood.

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ROCKINTALE
July 11, 2018

Colls Summer Youth Theatre presents "The Rockin' Tale of Snow White"

The Collingswood Summer Youth Theatre presents the children's musical "The Rockin' Tale of Snow White" on July 24, 25 and 26 at 7:30pm with a matinee on July 26 at 1pm at the Collingswood Middle School's blissfully air-conditioned auditorium, 414 Collings Avenue, Collingswood NJ.  Tickets are $8 general admission seating and will be available at the door. The show features students in grades 3 through 8.

The tale of Snow White has never felt so fresh and new with this funny adaptation that will make even the most jaded among us laugh out loud!

Musical sytles of all genres fuse to create a rousing mixture of hip-hop, rock and roll, doo wop and more! With tongue-in-cheek humor, catchy songs and an unbelievable cast, this show is a must-see for anyone wanting the joys of an exciting musical.

Click here to check out our web site.


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House decorating generic
June 22, 2018

July 4th home and business decorating contest - winners announced!

UPDATE
Proud Neighbors of Collingswood House Decorating Contest Winners - 2018

With 10 houses and one business vying for the Best of 4th of July, Most Historic, Most Patriotic, Best Patriotic Creativity, Best Newcomers, and Best Business, Proud Neighbors of Collingswood annual Fourth of July House decorating Contest was a variety of themes and designs. This year included some returning but many first timers, showed amazing creativity, sense of patriotism, history and a whole lot of red, white and blue. In addition to the plethora of American flags and bunting, including historical bunting, historic military uniforms, patriotic music, and painted designs on grass, all displaying the participant’s feelings about the Fourth of July.

The winners of the Proud Neighbors of Collingswood House Decorating Contest were announced at the Collingswood fireworks on the evening of July 4th. They are: Best Patriotic Creativity: The Drummond Family, Lees Ave. Most Patriotic: First Place: The Proudfoot Family, Lees Ave.  Second Place Patriotic: The Marino Family, King Ave. Third Place Patriotic: The Zabransky Family, Woodlawn Ave.  Most Historic: The Ritz Family, Stokes Ave. Best Newcomers: The Phillips Family, Taylor Ave. And Best Business: The Retrospect, Haddon Ave.

Winners were judged on creativity, originality and appropriateness to architecture, best historic home or overall best look. Proud Neighbors of Collingswood thanks everyone who entered their homes and to the judges for their time.

The judges were Lois and Harvey Stick, Sonya Peterson, Bernie and Mary Kairis, Ron and Kathy Warwick and Dave Savage. Thanks also to contest registrar Gerry Rock.

This annual show of patriotism is encouraged by Proud Neighbors of Collingswood a 503(c) civic organization that aims to share ideas about restoration, strives to develop awareness of historic preservation and works with residents, businesses and government to maintain the historic character of the town.  
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Break out the Stars and Stripes!

Proud Neighbors of Collingswood awards Collingswood Cash for houses and businesses in the annual Best of 4th of July decorating contest! Categories are Most Historic, Most Patriotic, Best Newcomers, Best Innovative Use of Media and Best Business.
 
Anyone interested in entering their home or business should email Proud Neighbors at July4@ProudNeighborsofCollingswood.org no later that July 1.

For details on all the Independence Day events in Collingswood see the Fun on the Fourth page here.

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Color Borough Seal
June 12, 2018

Public Safety Facilities Forum, June 26

Special Forum to discuss updates regarding new police and fire facilities in Collingswood.  June 26 at 7pm, Collingswood Community Center (30 W Collings Ave).
Tours of current police and fire buildings, starting 6pm at the firehouse (20 W Collings Ave)

Read more information regarding this project and this event in the Mayor’s Blog here: http://www.collingswood.com/blog_detail_T44_R110.php

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LUAU for web
May 31, 2018

Roberts Pool Luau Party, July 8

It was so much fun we're doing it again! Join us for the 2nd Roberts Pool Luau Party!

We’ll celebrate summer and Collingswood's favorite place to relax on JULY 8 from 12:30-2:30pm. Come out for a community luau party with a special lei greeting, Polynesian entertainment and hula dancers, shaved ice, plus games and prizes! The party is open to members or day guests at no extra charge.

**Bring the family and your best hula moves!**
-JULY 8 from 12:30 to 2:30pm at Roberts Pool
-Must have tag for entrance, day tags will be available for $10 per person (resident) or $20 per person (non-resident)
-Full season and membership info for Roberts Pool can be found here: http://www.collingswood.com/things_to_do/parks_and_recreation/roberts_pool.php

Follow updates and RSVP to the Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/391630421315520/

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Chicken_ForumFlyer_May29_rev
May 09, 2018

Backyard chicken forum, May 29

Attend to be a part of the conversation regarding a proposed pilot ordinance in Collingswood to allow backyard chickens.

Are you in favor of backyard chickens in Collingswood? Are you opposed? Do you want to learn more?

The goal of this event is to provide the public with more information about backyard chickens in general and a proposed pilot ordinance. The Collingswood Citizens for Backyard Chickens organization will also give community members ample opportunity to voice concerns, ask questions, etc. Lots of participants from this group will be needed to help arrange, structure, publicize widely and of course, attend!

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2277 - Addictions Flyer - What to Look for - Collingswood
May 08, 2018

What To Look For addiction seminar, May 21

What to Look For is an interactive presentation that will send participants on a scavenger hunt of a typical teenager’s bedroom looking for possible signs of drug use. After everyone gets the chance to inspect the fictional bedroom, the presenter, Chris Dubler, will identify for the audience all the items that were in plain sight, and then moderate a conversation on drug use and addiction.  What to Look For is a very informative program and will be held on Monday, May 21st from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Collingswood Senior Community Center. 

This program is free and open to all. It is supported by the Camden County Municipal Alliance, the Govenor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

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Word by Word town book
April 09, 2018

Collingswood Book Festival announces Town Book

The 2018 Collingswood Town Book is Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries. Author Kory Stamper will attend the Collingswood Book Festival on October 6, 2018.

Kory Stamper is a keeper and shaper of words themselves. She is a lexicographer, editor for the Merriam-Webster family of dictionaries, and now author of Word by Word. She is partly responsible for the sensation that is Merriam-Webster's Twitter feed, with its witty commentary on current events. Her “Ask the Editor” video contributions, like a classic on the plural of octopus, and personal blog Harmless Drudgery, have inspired a Kory Stamper Fan Club on Facebook and have even led to marriage proposals.

“We think of English as a fortress to be defended, but a better analogy is to think of English as a child. We love and nurture it into being, and once it gains gross motor skills, it starts going exactly where we don’t want it to go: it heads right for the goddamned electrical sockets." With sharp wit and irreverence, Kory Stamper uncovers the complex, obsessive world of lexicography, from the agonizing decisions about what to define and how to do it, to the knotty questions of usage in an ever-changing language. And along the way, she reveals fascinating surprises. One example, did you know that “OMG” was first used in a letter to Winston Churchill in 1917?

Every year, the organizers of the Collingswood Book Festival choose a town book, “to provide an opportunity for our entire community to bond over some of the great themes in literature,” said Jean Brennan, creator of the book festival. Copies of the book are donated to students of the AP English Class of Collingswood High School as part of their reading curriculum. The festival provides a forum for discussion and analysis beyond the classroom and into the community through a discussion taking place at Collingswood Public Library during festival week. Over the years, students have examined such topics as life in Afghanistan, plagiarism, book banning, and the demographic shift away from urban sprawl. For English students and all of us who, after all, use words all day long – this year's town book will be a lesson in – what we say to each other, and how it makes us feel.  

The Collingswood Book Festival includes authors and events for kids, tweens, teens and poetry fans in addition to top-notch adult authors. The free festival is set for more than six blocks along Haddon Avenue on October 6. For more information visit www.collingswoodbookfestival.com or follow the Collingswood Book Festival on Facebook here.


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Color Borough Seal
March 12, 2018

April, May 2018 commission meeting dates changed

The April and May commission meeting  dates have changed.  The rescheduled dates are as follows: 
April 2018 meeting: Tuesday, April 3
May 2018 meeting: Tuesday, May 8

Commission meetings are in the Collingswood Community Center (30 W Collings Ave) at 7pm. For more information, see the meetings, boards and forums page here.

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sing unburied sing book club
January 29, 2018

Collingswood Reads book club

Looking for a legit book club where people actually talk about the book? Join us for Collingswood Reads, the Collingswood Public Library’s very own Book Club!
 
Adults and teens are invited to gather in the library’s Peter Childs meeting room to discuss the monthly book pick, meet neighbors, and munch on snacks. Check out our website at www.collingswoodlib.org or drop by the library at 771 Haddon Ave. to borrow our upcoming book picks - whether a paperback, an ebook, or an audiobook.
 
Here’s what’s on deck:
March 28: Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
April 25: We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
May 23: My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman
June 27: Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward

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perkins photography 36
January 19, 2018

Perkins Photography 36 Awards Winnners Exhibition

Perkins Center for the Arts, Collingswood presents  Photography 36 Award Winners Exhibition featuring three outstanding artists in photography.

On View March 10 to April 7, 2018
Meet the Artists Reception: Second Saturday, March 10, 2018, 6 to 9pm

Featuring the works of:
Carlos Chan- originally from Manila, Philippines and currently residing in Philadelphia, PA, “I primarily shoot urban landscapes because I am most at home in cities and because I find them endlessly fascinating. I like making sense of how they work, of what holds them together, of what makes them tick. The sheer organization alone that goes into them is, to me, a source of wonder and beauty”.

Philip “Dutch” Bagley - “Photography can never grow up if it imitates some other medium. It has to walk alone; it has to be itself", from Berenice Abbott. This quote has encouraged my visual sense of direction…my pre-visualization of the final image as I am viewing and capturing the scene; see it, capture it, develop it and present it”.

Stuart Lehrman – “My work is inspired from the natural and manmade phenomena I observe in the world around me. The historical context of my work is that of Abstract Expressionism, Post-painterly Abstraction, Color Field painting and Minimalism.” 

Philip Carroll, Curator and Karen Chigounis, Executive Director selected each artist, “For their level of professionalism and mastery of the medium through Photography”, which has been the mainstay of the Perkins Photography Exhibition now in its 37th year.

Perkins Center for the Arts is a unique cultural organization dedicated to excellence in the arts and to providing a wide range of creative opportunities for people of all ages and every level of artistic development. The Center's programs include visual and performing arts classes and lessons, exhibitions, music and dance performances, workshops, visiting artists' residencies, and an outreach program for children, underserved communities, and individuals with special needs. This exhibition is presented through a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, A Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and Discover Jersey Arts. For more information call 856-235-6488. For event info visit http://perkinsarts.org/tag/photography-exhibition/.

 

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PERKINS Center for the Arts builidng
January 15, 2018

Perkins Center for the Arts  premieres new community storytelling event

The Butterfly: A Radical Act of Community Storytelling premieres on January 23, 2018 at 7pm at Perkins Center for the Arts in Collingswood, NJ.  Performances will take place monthly and are free to the public.  

The Butterfly is a transformational uncensored space to intensely listen to and tell our stories.  Personal tales, cultural stories, family narratives and traditional tales that make us laugh, tear, reminisce, and commune. It’s a place where the best of humanity within us rests gently and speaks boldly.

We all have stories to tell and The Butterfly presents an intimate opportunity to share stories for up to 12 minutes.  The monthly thematic adult storytelling concerts are presented the 4th Tuesday of every month.  Tellers submit to tell online, and four are selected to present at the concert.  Free coaching/rehearsal sessions are held on the 3rd Tuesday with National renowned storyteller and Director of the Folklife Center, Karen “Queen Nur” Abdul-Malik.  Although the tales are uncensored, these sessions boost skill levels in the art of the oral tradition and help the tellers highlight traditions, language and cultural aesthetics within their stories.

The January 23 premiere theme is “The Hideout.”   Expect to hear tales of childhood sacred spaces, or unexpected outcomes when “the secret” was revealed.  Themes in the upcoming months include, February – “Protest” and in March – “The Ripple Effect.” Doors open at 6:30pm.

The Butterfly is a radical act of community storytelling designed for story lovers, both, listeners and tellers.  It’s a time of person to person connections through the art and gift of story. Visit www.perkinsarts.com for more information.

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JEVS Jan 6 2018 kickoff meeting
January 15, 2018

JEVS Human Services takes first steps toward Collingswood program

JEVS Human Services, a regional non-profit human services agency, is taking first steps to establish an independent living community for young adults with disabilities in Collingswood in 2018.  

JEVS Independence Network (IN) provides young adults with disabilities the freedom to learn and experience, and achieve their life’s goals. JEVS organizers hope that six to ten interested families will find housing, typically individual apartments, in Collingswood as part of the initial group. JEVS members live independently, with support from the organization, volunteer locally, and often work with the goal of living full lives as part of the local community.

“The IN model is ideal for young people ready to live on their own who, with some support, want to realize their goal of independence, whether that means building their life skills, working, volunteering—or creating a full and meaningful community life”, says Jill Gromen, Director, JEVS Independence Network.   

JEVS launched a similar program in Narberth, PA in 2011 and hopes to replicate the successes of that program in Collingswood. JEVS offers a variety of activities and opportunities for members to lead fulfilling and productive lives. Each member, along with family members, work with staff to set his/her own goals and identify interests and needs. Resources help individuals as they work through challenges of being independent, while improving life skills, social skills, recreation skills, and work skills. Most of all, members are encouraged to make choices that help them improve their lives and build self-reliance and self-esteem. Collingswood appeals to JEVS because of proximity to transit, walkability, plentiful opportunities for engagement and employment, a busy event calendar and a welcoming community.

“The selection of a community is really important for us,” says Jay Spector, President and CEO, JEVS Human Services.  “It needs to be a place that is accessible and rich with opportunities for members to become a part of the community, to live, work, volunteer, and build relationships—the things we all look for when choosing a place to live.  We feel strongly that Collingswood is an ideal community for JEVS Independence Network.”

Families and adults interested in living in Collingswood met at a January 6 information session in Collingswood to learn about this new opportunity, meet other young adults and their families who are interested in moving to Collingswood, to take a tour of the town’s amenities and discuss next steps for the creation of the model program in Camden County.

We are honored that JEVS feels what we know - that Collingswood will be a supportive and welcoming place,” said Collingswood Mayor James Maley. “It speaks not only to our being walkable and accessible town but to the character of our residents that JEVS feel this is a great place for their members to live happy, supported, involved lives.”

For more information about JEVS Independence Network, contact Jill Groman at SupportsNJ@JEVS.org or 856-242-4710.  

About JEVS: Each year JEVS touch nearly 30,000 lives, focusing on individuals with physical, developmental, and emotional challenges as well as those facing adverse socio-economic conditions including unemployment and underemployment.  Operating with an annual budget of $92.5 million, JEVS Human Services has 1,000 employees and 30 successful programs providing skills development, job readiness and career services, vocational rehabilitation, recovery services, adult and residential day services, and in-home personal assistance.  


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CCT Sherk
January 02, 2018

CCT's "Shrek" Family Matinees – 5 kids for just $10, Jan 13 & 21!

How is an ogre like an onion? Do donkeys and dragons make good friends? Do YOU know the muffin man? Discover the answers to these questions and more as Shrek, Fiona, and company bumble, blunder and belch their way from one twisted fairytale to another in this rowdy re-telling of the beloved animated film presented by Collingswood Community Theatre (CCT) this January.

Because this is a family-centric show CCT is offering special family matinees on January 13 and 21! Purchase a full price adult ticket for $20 and bring up to 5 children for a flat fee of just $10. That's one adult plus one, two, three, four or five children for $30 total! Bring all your little Shreks for JUST $10 more! Invite five siblings, friends, cousins (age 3-12) to enjoy the show for just $10 with an adult ticket. Family Matinees will also have photo area with character masks and Shrek themed concessions.

Shrek the Musical performances are January 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. with two matinee performances on January 13 and 21 at 2 p.m. The beautiful Scottish Rite Auditorium will host the production. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $15 for students/seniors. Tickets for all shows are available on Brown Paper Tickets here.

CCT is also hosting a ShrekFEAST on January 13! The January 13 Shrek Feast Character Breakfast will have food, fun and a chance to meet the cast/ Two breakfast sittings will be offered at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Ticket get guests breakfast (Shrek waffles, eggs, swamp juice, pastries, etc) as well as Shrek-themed activities! Photo opportunities with the characters will be available. Tickets are $20 for one parent/child combo. Additional tickets can be purchased for $7 apiece. Shrek Feast will benefit furry friends at Woof Love Rescue. Info on that event is here: https://www.facebook.com/events/155572325051685/

Based on the Dreamworks smash hit film, Shrek the Musical follows the story of one very grumpy ogre (Shrek, played by Ryan Adams) who lives alone in a swamp. When the insecure and conniving Lord Farquaad (Patrick Waldron) expels all of the fairy tale characters from his kingdom, Shrek is forced into an epic adventure that will see him joined by an over-enthusiastic talking Donkey (Jeff McGrail) and a not-so-by-the-book Princess Fiona (April Lindley) with a secret or two up her sleeve. Perfect for children, but with bawdy humor for adults, Shrek the Musical marries the comedy of the original film with spectacular musical numbers added for the Broadway production. Beyond the belching and coarse humor that made the Shrek franchise a hilarious success, the musical boasts the message, “We are all unique, we are all different, and we are all worthy of love.”

With a cast of 55 characters, a top-notch orchestra (under the direction of Brian Kain), stunning choreography (Katie Scharff), gorgeous costumes (Ellen Geigel) and a professional set, you won’t want to miss this CCT production.

CCT’s SHREK Special Offers and Events:
Family Matinees: Saturday, January 13 and Sunday, January 21 matinees at 2 p.m., purchase a full price adult ticket for $20, bring up to 5 children for an additional $10. That's one adult and one, two, three, four or five children for $30!
Senior Special: Sunday, January 21 matinee at 2 p.m., all seniors (age 63 and over) just $10
Group Rates: Groups of 10 or more, tickets $12 per person and reserved seats. Groups must be reserved and paid for in advance. Contact Terry at ts46th@gmail.com or at 856-854-0720 x128. Absolutely no group seats will be sold at the door.

For more information visit CCTarts.net or follow Collingswood Community Theatre on Facebook here. https://www.facebook.com/ArtsCCT/

Since 2002, Collingswood Community Theatre (CCT) has provided masterful theater to residents of the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas.  Staging up to five shows a year and showing to an average of 400 audience members, Collingswood Community Theatre has produced more than 50 musicals, dramas, comedies and theater for children, to the delight of thousands. Based at the historic Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, NJ, Collingswood Community Theatre has heightened the art scene in Collingswood.  Thanks to CCT, theatre lovers have the opportunity to see Broadway quality shows at small town prices.  For more information, please visit www.CCTArts.net.

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Holiday Shopping
December 01, 2017

Collingswood businesses compete in first holiday decorating contest!

Public will vote on their favorite displays via social media

This year, there’s a showdown in Collingswood. A storefront showdown!
For the holiday season, Collingswood is celebrating the breathtaking, the whimsical, the creative, the wacky and the most beautifully decorated seasonal storefronts in our first holiday decorating contest.

Collingswood businesses are typically decorated elaborately for the Borough’s holiday season – painted windows, garland, figures and lots of creative themes that make the shopping and dining districts look magical. For 2017, twenty two businesses are competing to win the honor of “People’s Choice” favorite window through online voting.

To see the competing storefronts visit Collingswood’s official Facebook gallery here.

Vote by “liking” your favorite storefront pictures and then share the gallery to spread the joy! Or see the stunning displays in person by coming to Collingswood and then voting online! Stroll our downtown for the region’s best dining and unique gifts in a winter wonderland. Voting will take place online from December 1 to December 18, 2017. Participating businesses are:

EVEN SIDE OF HADDON AVE
All Fired Up (602 Haddon Ave), Kenkojuku Karate (614 Haddon Ave), Collingswood Cleaners (646 Haddon Ave), Nesting House (710 Haddon Ave), Occasionette (724 Haddon Ave), Collingswood Hardware (726 Haddon Ave), The Retrospect (732 Haddon Ave.), Frugal Resale (740 Haddon Ave), Dulce (740 Haddon Ave), Bauhaus (788 Haddon Ave), Cabinets of Collingswood (792 Haddon Ave), Extraordinary ED (808 Haddon Ave), Philly Pretzel (976 Haddon Ave), Parke Bank (1150 Haddon Ave),

ODD SIDE OF HADDON AVE
Quilted Nest (823 Haddon Ave), Nutty Duchess (807-809 Haddon Ave), Villa Barone (753 Haddon Ave), Pop Shop (729 Haddon Ave), The Candy Jar (721 Haddon Ave), Galerie Marie (709 Haddon Ave), Groove Ground (647 Haddon Ave), REALM Chiropractic (577 Haddon Ave), Arctic Freeze (495 Haddon Ave)

From November to the New Year, Collingswood is bursting with holiday cheer. Enjoy singers and snow in downtown Collingswood Fridays and Saturdays, FREE visits with Santa, special events, shopping and dining deals and the charm of more than a quarter million lights decorating our tree-lined streets! Pick up free Holospex at select merchants each weekend to view our light display as thousands of angels, snowman, reindeer and elves. Plus, shopping hours are extended by many merchants in December with FREE PARKING throughout the month. For more information see the Holidays in Collingswood page here!

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Color Borough Seal
November 17, 2017

Water tank repairs begin, Nov 20

The Collingswood Water Department will be draining the elevated tank on Comly Avenue on Monday November 20 for repairs. The repairs will take approximately two weeks to complete. There may be some slight discoloration during this period. Letting the cold water run for a short period of time should clear things up. If you have any questions, please call the Water Department at 856-854-2332.
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Colls Cash BONUS
November 14, 2017

Holiday Bonus Cash Sale & Tailgate Party - Nov 18

Collingswood and Camden County will host a tailgate party on November 18, 2017 at Borough Hall for guests lined up for the sale! Those camped out at Borough Hall will enjoy an early morning party to kick off the holiday season in Collingswood! Starting at 6:30 a.m. on November 18 festivities kick off with music and games for guests. There will be multiple giveaways per hour including concert tickets, sports merchandise, tailgating gear and Collingswood themed goods. Organizers will also host crowd trivia games, provide breakfast snacks and goodies to keep folks warm and happy.

Bonus cash is limited. All bonus cash will be sold at Borough Hall (678 Haddon Ave). Rules and regulations apply. For full bonus cash sale and tailgate party info, please see here.

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Color Borough Seal
November 08, 2017

Parking permit renewal now every two years

Overnight parking permit applications are now required every two years, starting in 2018.

“Applicants that apply for a permit in 2018 will not have to reapply in 2019. Permits issued in 2018 will be good until December 31, 2019.  Applicants will need to reapply in 2020,” said Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey.  “We made this change to lessen the burden of yearly applications on residents. “

The 2018-2019 overnight parking application can be found here.

Not sure if you need a permit? Here’s an overview of parking regulations:
Parking regulations in Collingswood consider the needs of different streets and neighborhoods in town. Generally speaking, residences with a legal off street parking space or public parking lot within one block of your residence are not eligible for a permit. If you live in a residence with no off street parking or a smaller driveway, you may be eligible. There is no cost for a permit. You can call in overnight guests by calling 856-854-1901 x590.  Overnight call-ins are limited to a maximum of 5 nights in a 30 day period.

Why Are Overnight Parking Permits Required?
Primarily, the concerns are those of safety.  Some of the benefits of restricting parking on the streets include: reducing opportunity for vehicle-related crimes, easier recognition of suspicious, stolen, abandoned and disabled vehicles, enhancing neighborhood aesthetics and improving access for overnight emergency, utility or road repair vehicles. This is a policy many surrounding towns with similar infrastructure have.

When Does The Overnight Parking Get Enforced?
 Parking is enforced Monday- Friday between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. It is not enforced on recognized holidays.  The Borough is divided into grids/area to ensure equal enforcement throughout the Borough.  Some areas may get cited more frequently due to it being a high complaint area.

Full information on parking permits and applications is on the Police parking page here. Residents can also apply via email to police@collingswood.com. With parking questions contact Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey at kcarey@collingswood.com


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LEGION CANNON
November 07, 2017

Veterans Day ceremonies, Nov 11

Collingswood’s American Legion honors Veterans Day Saturday, November 11 with a series of ceremonies throughout the day:
At 10am, the ceremonies begin at Post 17 located at 622 S. Atlantic Avenue.
At 10:15am, a remembrance ceremony begins at the Korea and Vietnam Memorial, located on the corner of Park and Browning.
At 10:30am, a remembrance ceremony begins at the World War II Memorial, located on the corner of Collings and Browning.
At 10:50am, a remembrance ceremony begins at the Newton Sloan Cemetery, located on Elm and Lynne Avenues in West Collingswood.
At 11:10am, a remembrance ceremony begins at the World War I Memorial, located in the vicinity of Park and Collings.
At 11:30am, the ceremonies conclude by returning to Post 17, 620 Atlantic Ave, Collingswood.

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Alice Jr. logo
October 31, 2017

Colls Youth Theatre registration is CLOSED!


Registration for the Spring 2018 show is closed but we are accepting names on a waiting list.  Email Barbara at collingswoodyouththeatre@gmail.com.
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Ornament 2017
October 27, 2017

2017 Collingswood Holiday Ornament

The 2017 Collingswood Holiday Ornament is here! This year’s ornament depicts Santa in a whole new way. He’s enjoying some sun at our beloved (and recently upgraded!) Roberts Pool!

Whether your favorite memory is jumping off the diving boards or taking the family and meeting up with neighbors in the summertime, you know the importance and tradition of Roberts Pool for our community.

In 2017, the Borough undertook a huge makeover for Roberts Pool: a new snack stand and bathrooms, new kiddie pool and infrastructure improvements. And though it might look a little different than its humble beginning as an actual swimming hole, a visit to the Pool has been making families feel nostalgic for decades. It is a centerpiece of our community.

Bring that happiness into your home this holiday season with the 2017 Collingswood Holiday Ornament. This year’s design cherishes the past, present and future memories of Roberts Pool featuring a very relaxed Santa Claus basking in the sun atop a float in the cool water, with some of the Pool’s newest amenities in the background.

Availability is limited so order yours today! Order forms found here. 2017 ornaments will be available for pick up upon notification at Dig This (717 Haddon Ave.).

Missed an ornament in the series? Select past designs are still available. Zane School, Collingswood Theatre, Collingswood Manor, Foster Warne, Collingswood Library, First Baptist Church, and Santa Comes to Town ornaments are available for purchase at Collingswood Borough Hall (678 Haddon Ave.) for just $10.

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craft beer tasking fundraiser flyer
October 25, 2017

Craft Beer Tasting fundraiser, Oct 27

Craft Beer Tasting Fundraiser to benefit the Collingswood Holiday Parade - Friday, October 27, 2017 from 6pm to 9pm at the Collingswood Senior Community Center, 30 W. Collings Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108

Tickets are available online at BrownPaperTickets.com, from members of the Committee and at Collingswood Borough Hall, 678 Haddon Avenue. Tickets are $35 per person before October 1; $40 per person October 1 - 27.

There will be limited tickets available at the door!

For updates on breweries, check our Facebook page.
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Read to a therapy dog on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month!
October 16, 2017

2018 Library programs for kids

2018 is around the corner and the Collingswood Public Library is happy to announce that our Literacy Enrichment programs are popular with our young attendees. Here is an overview of upcoming programs:

Building Blocks for ages 18-35 months and Ready to Read for 3 to 5 year olds
will continue in the new year.
Lego Junior (for 5 to 7 year olds) and Lego Club (for 8 to 12 year olds) will begin meeting twice a month in January.
Want to Read to a Dog? Once again, therapy dogs Oswin and Minny will be on hand (or paw?) for K-5th graders as they build confidence reading to a non-judgmental listener.
Check the Library website at www.collingswoodlib.org in the coming weeks for details on teen and children’s events.


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Street Smart Campaign Heads Up
October 09, 2017

PD grant aims to make walking safer

This fall, the Collingswood Police Department kicked off a Street Smart NJ pedestrian-safety education campaign aimed at reducing motor-vehicle accidents involving pedestrians. The Street Smart campaign focuses on encouraging five key behaviors to improve safety:

  • Heads Up; Phones Down
  • Use Crosswalks
  • Wait for the Walk
  • Obey Speed Limits
  • Stop for Pedestrians

Signs, posters, tip cards and other safety messaging materials will be distributed throughout the community. As a compliment to traffic enforcement and officers walking the business district to educate the public, e-blasts, social media, and community presentations will be used to raise additional awareness about pedestrian safety.

“This campaign presents a wonderful opportunity for the CPD interact with residents and visitors to the Borough,“ said Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey. “CPD will engage motorists and pedestrians to improve understanding of how to obey traffic laws and stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Conversely, we’ll remind pedestrians to use crosswalks, to cross at intersections, and to not jaywalk. We can all use a refresher on how to share the road more safely and we hope to enforce good habits that have a long term impact here.”

Collingswood Police are aiming to educate pedestrians and motorists during the campaign and will work with schools and in other key areas like the Farmers’ Market and downtown to distribute materials and talk to pedestrians. Police will continue the campaign in spring as well.

To learn more visit http://bestreetsmartnj.org/

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Color Borough Seal
October 01, 2017

Special Town Forum, Oct 24

At our fall forum we’re discussing first steps in updating our police and fire facilities. This will be an open discussion that includes tours of the current buildings, followed by a Q&A with your Chiefs and officials about the project. Read more about this project on the Mayor’s Blog here.
The goal: Discuss the state of our current facilities, steps taken so far and most importantly -  hear from our residents. The floor will also be open to any Collingswood topics, like our typical forums.

6pm- Police and Fire facility tours, starting at the Fire Department, 20 W Collings Ave
7pm, Town Forum – Collingswood Community Center, 30 W Collings Ave



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Town Book 2017 The Unseen WOrld
August 05, 2017

Collingswood's 2017 Town Book announced

The 2017 Collingswood Town Book is The Unseen World by author Liz Moore. Moore will attend the annual Collingswood Book Festival on October 7, 2016.

Every year, the organizers of the Collingswood Book Festival choose a town book, “to provide an opportunity for our entire community to bond over some of the great themes in literature,” said Jean Brennan, chair of the book festival committee. Copies of the book are donated to students of the AP English Class of Collingswood High School as part of their reading curriculum. The festival provides a forum for discussion and analysis beyond the classroom and into the community through a discussion taking place at Collingswood Public Library during festival week. Over the years, students have examined such topics as life in Afghanistan, plagiarism, book banning and the demographic shift away from urban sprawl.

After several non-fiction books, this year’s town book is a page-turning story that spans decades and contains numerous interwoven plotlines revolving around sharply focused universal themes of family, love and identity. It is a timely and important exploration of the complex bonds between a daughter and her father, of the role of intelligence technology in human relationships.

Ada Sibelius is raised by David, her brilliant, eccentric, socially inept single father, who directs a computer science lab in 1980s-era Boston. Home-schooled, Ada accompanies David to work every day; by twelve, she is a painfully shy prodigy. The lab begins to gain acclaim at the same time that David's mysterious history comes into question. When his mind begins to falter, leaving Ada virtually an orphan, she is taken in by one of David's colleagues. Soon after she embarks on a mission to uncover her father’s secrets: a process that carries her from childhood to adulthood. What Ada discovers on her journey into a virtual universe will keep the reader riveted until The Unseen World's heart-stopping, fascinating conclusion.

The Collingswood Book Festival includes authors and events for kids, tweens, teens and poetry fans in addition to top-notch adult authors. The free festival is set for more than six blocks along Haddon Avenue on October 7. More information will be added to the website in the coming weeks: www.collingswoodbookfestival.com.
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Color Borough Seal

Town Forum scheduled for Wednesday April 27th 2022

Twice yearly Collingswood hosts a Town Forum. Every resident and business owner is encouraged to come. There’s no formal agenda, no RSVP, no sign-in – just an opportunity to bring your questions, concerns or support to your elected officials or even just hear about what’s happening in town.



Special Joint Town Forum will be held on April 27th at 7pm at the Scottish Rite (315 White Horse Pike, Collingswood, NJ  08107)
This is a special joint forum with our Collingswood Commissioners and NJ 6th District Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald

For info call 856-854-0720 x125.
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Project-Medicine-Drop

Year round "Medicine Drop Box" available at Collingswood PD

The Collingswood Police Department partners with the New Jersey Attorney General’s “Project Medicine Drop” initiative and provides a Project Medicine Drop box at the Collingswood Police Headquarters.

The Collingswood PD  makes it easier and convenient  for Collingswood residents to take an active role safely disposing of unused medications and preventing addiction, which can be fueled by  prescription painkillers.

The Borough’s Project Medicine Drop Box is located in the lobby of the Collingswood Public Safety Facility:
434 Haddon Avenue
Collingswood, NJ 08108

Residents may visit the Police Department at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, to dispose of their unused or excess medications.

Project Medicine Drop is an important component of the New Jersey Attorney General’s effort to stop the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs, including highly addictive opiate painkillers.

Through this initiative, the State Division of Consumer Affairs installs secure “prescription drug drop boxes” at police departments, sheriff’s offices, and State Police barracks across New Jersey, allowing citizens to safely dispose of their unused, excess, or expired prescription medications.

Members of the public are invited to visit the Project Medicine Drop sites and drop off any unused prescription medications anonymously and with no questions asked.  Most Project Medicine Drop sites make this service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

By giving residents a safe and secure method to dispose of unneeded medications, Project Medicine Drop helps prevent the abuse of these drugs. This initiative also protects New Jersey’s environment by keeping these drugs out of landfills and out of the water supply. 

More information about Project Medicine Drop, including the full list of Project Medicine Drop locations, can be found at NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.
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Color Borough Seal

Welcome to the new Collingswood.com!

Residents and guests of Collingswood – we’ve relaunched our digital home! With feedback from citizens, employees and business we’ve built a more user friendly site for visitors with all the important municipal functions you need and info on all the fun in town as well.

What’s new:

A streamlined site! We’ve trimmed down, consolidated, updated and eliminated unnecessary pages where possible. You’ll also notice new layouts for calendar, news, documents and other functions that will make it easier to access everything. Here are just some of the highlights:

  • The Take Action panel: A quick action menu that takes users to some of the most frequently used functions like bill pay, report an issue, etc
  • Social Media panel: View content from our YouTube, Facebook and Instagram feeds
  • Forms & Documents areas: Access to important municipal applications, reports and forms all in one place
  • Welcome New Residents page
  • For Business page: Dedicated to our local businesses and welcoming new business in Collingswood
  • An improved mobile presence

Some areas are still a work in progress!
Think of this as our “beta version” – we’re relying on feedback from you to continue improvements. Here are some areas that will be part of phase two:
-Services A-Z directory: A categorical sitemap to help you find what you need
-Directories: Searchable, restructured directories for business, employees and all categories are still being built

What if I see something that needs to be changed or updated?
Let us know! We’ve updated hundreds of pages of information but we need your feedback as we come across bugs or other issues. To report a broken link, typo or other issue use the “Report an Issue” feature (Communication category) and include the URL of the page with the issue and a description of what’s wrong!

We look forward to your feedback and continuing to provide easy-to-access information for our residents and guests. Enjoy navigating the new Collingswood.com!

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Community adult/child/infant CPR and AED course

The Collingswood Police and Fire Chaplains along with the Borough of Collingswood Police and Fire Departments will be hosting a certified CPR class on November 7 and 9, 6:30 to 8:30pm, at Collingswood Community Center for just $10 per person.

You must attend both nights to receive the certification. The class is limited to 24 students 16 years and older and must be a town resident. Registration is $10 cash or check made payable to the Borough of Collingswood. Registration is first come, first served. Register at the Collingswood Fire Department, 20 W. Collings Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108 Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm.

October is also Fire Prevention Month! The Collingswood Fire Department shares the following tips.
In a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy. That’s why this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is so important. It reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan. Here are this year’s key campaign messages:

· Draw a map of your home (see how here) with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.

· Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.

· Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.

· Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.

· Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.

· Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

· If you need smoke detectors or assistance checking them, contact the fire department at 856-854-7447 ext. 0 to schedule a free home safety check and smoke detector installation.
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CYT registration opens Nov. 1

Click here and look for the Spring 2020 Registration page. (Note: The page will not be live until 11/1 at 9am.) The first 68 students will receive a part.

If there are any spaces left, out-of-town residents may register beginning November 8.
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Virtual Cruise Night

We'll be posting photos, stories, videos of some of our best vehicles. We'll throw in some fun extra too like music performances and trivia. We'll tag the sponsors who support us, the bands who entertain us and our participants in this event. Check out our Facebook event here
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Virtual Cruise Night

We'll post photos, stories and videos about their vehicles from our event participants. We'll throw in some fun extras, too, like music performances and trivia. We'll tag the sponsors who support us, the bands who entertain us and highlight the cars and motorcycles we enjoy seeing on the Avenue - but all from a safe virtual distance!  Click here for the Facebook event page.
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Virtual Cruise Night

Join us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/events/785470341984281/

Feel free to post photos of your vehicle - it doesn't have to be a collector.  Then browse through the pictures posted by your friends, make new friends who share your passion and while away some time enjoying pretty cars.

The show will run from Tuesday, May 19 at 9am until Friday, May 22 at 6pm.

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Hydrant flushing, week of June 15



It's no surprise to anyone that has lived in the area for some time that our yearly hydrant flushing causes a temporary discoloration in water supply due to iron sediment that is brownish, but safe, getting stirred up during the process. Since our spring flushing, we have been continuing to exercise valves.  Valve exercising is a new 2020 requirement by the NJDEP.  Turning valves, many for the first time in 90 years, has caused an increase in brown water you are seeing. During the week of June 15 we will conduct additional flushing to clear out sediment in our older valves.

The Collingswood water plant has recently completed filter upgrades and we can report that iron levels coming out of the treatment plant are extremely low. Iron is not harmful to drink, however, the discolored water will cause stains on clothing. It's our hope that this additional work will resolve the additional buildup you are seeing in the water. Please contact the Collingswood Water Department LINK/### if you encounter any adverse condition with your water.  For more information on hydrant flushing, please watch this video from Capital Water: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTb5POzdd9A
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POOL 2018

Roberts Pool welcomes Crystal Lake members

Major Pool News!

We had such a great time swimming with our neighbors at Crystal Lake while Roberts was closed, we decided to invite them to our pool!

 Beginning Labor Day, September 7, Roberts Pool welcomes all current Crystal Lake members for the remainder of the extended swim season!

 Masks and membership tags from either pool are required for admission. Need a membership? Half price tags are still available for purchase at Roberts Pool or Collingswood Borough Hall.

 Current Roberts Pool swim schedule:                                      Weekdays: 3pm – 7pm, Saturday: 11:30am – 7pm, Sunday: 11:30am – 6pm

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Collingswood Introduces Nixle

COLLINGSWOOD INTRODUCES NIXLE

Many of you have asked for an easier way to learn about what is going on in the Borough or to be made aware of emergent situations without hunting through posts on social media. During the month of November, the Borough of Collingswood will be introducing you to our new communications system, Nixle.

How do I sign Up? – Simply type the word "Collingswood" to 888777  to begin getting text alerts from the Borough on a number of topics.

How can I avoid getting unwanted messages? YOU will choose what messages you want to receive, and in what form (text, email or both) Once enrolled, you will be able to select specific message groups such as recreation notifications, emergency messages, special events, community center, etc.

How can I opt out? You can choose to respond with a Stop Message at any time.

For help, reply HELP to 888777.  To cancel, reply STOP to 888777. No charge but Msg & Data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Info: nixle.com.  Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.  

Will I get duplicate messages because I signed up for various groups? No, every number will receive only 1 message regardless of how many topic  groups you have signed up for.

Mayor Jim Maley said it best, “Nixle will allow the Borough to send specific communications on a variety of issues and allow residents to decide exactly what information they want to hear. If you want to know only about certain issues, you can; if you want to know about everything, you can. Hoping it will be another way to keep everyone informed on everything in the Borough. Should be even better than the info you get at the coffee shop!”

We are very excited to bring you this service and hope that you choose to participate! We are always looking for better ways to keep you “in the know”!

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Colls Cash BONUS

Collingswood Cash Promo online registration opens Sunday at noon!

The biggest deal of the year is BACK! Warm up those fingers, practice your mouse clicks and get ready for the 2020 virtual Collingswood Cash sale!

This year we may not have the party, but we still have the bonus! Collingswood Partners will once again give away $30,000 to patrons of Collingswood businesses. For every $50 you spend on Collingswood Cash, you will receive a $20 bonus.

Registration opens Sunday, November 15 from noon until 6PM . Don’t wait! We have $75,000 available, when it’s gone, it’s gone. Full details available on the Collingswood Cash page
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Colls Cash BONUS

Collingswood Cash Promo online registration opens Sunday at noon!

The biggest deal of the year is BACK! Warm up those fingers, practice your mouse clicks and get ready for the 2020 virtual Collingswood Cash sale! This year we may not have the party, but we still have the bonus!

Collingswood Partners will once again give away $30,000 to patrons of Collingswood businesses. For every $50 you spend on Collingswood Cash, you will receive a $20 bonus. Registration opens Sunday, November 15 at noon. Don’t wait! We have $75,000 available, when it’s gone, it’s gone.  
Get full details and rules on the Collingswood Cash Promo page.
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Apply by Dec. 8 for Camden County rental assistance

Apply NOW for the Camden County Cares Rental Assistance Grant, application closes Dec. 8. Application available here.

The Camden County Rental Assistance Program now makes available up to eight months of back rent for a maximum of $10,000. While tenants will apply to take part in the program, payments will be made directly to landlords.

Applications for the program will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, and will be accepted until all available funds have been awarded.

 Updated Income limits:

  • 1-person, $33,850
  • 2-person, $38,650
  • 3-person, $43,500
  • 4-person, $48,300
  • 5-person, $52,200
  • 6-person, $56,050
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Collingswood Prime Launches With Free Shipping

Collingswood Prime, a new, no-fee shipping service debuts Jan. 14 for local delivery from Collingswood businesses.

In response to the struggles of small business owners trying to stay afloat despite the pandemic, Collingswood Partners, a non-profit manager of the borough’s business improvement district (BID), introduces Collingswood Prime. The unique service offers customers free delivery twice a week through Bloc Delivery, an electric bike-powered courier service. Recognizing the financial strain businesses are under, Collingswood Partners elected to fully subsidize the service, eliminating any fees for participating businesses.

As the holiday season ends, and sales begin to slump, Collingswood Prime makes it easier than ever to shop local and choose small business over big box and online giants.

The allure of two- or three-day shipping is now available from Collingswood businesses to local shoppers in the surrounding areas. Shoppers in Collingswood, Oaklyn, Haddonfield, Audubon and Haddon Township can take advantage of Collingswood Prime. While orders can be placed anytime, delivery takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Ordering and fulfillment is simple for both businesses and customers. Simply order an eligible item through a Collingswood retailer’s website or over the phone and have it couriered through the next delivery day. Businesses notify Bloc Delivery and the goods are couriered on the next Collingswood Prime delivery day. Currently, hot meals are excluded but restaurants are planning to offer take-and-heat options eligible for Collingswood Prime delivery.

Bloc delivery previously operated in Collingswood to assist with deliveries from the Collingswood Farmers’ Market at the start of its 2020 season. The addition of Bloc delivery allowed local farms to continue getting their produce, meats and cheese into patrons’ homes while limiting contact as the corona virus surged. Collingswood Borough is thrilled to see the service return at a time when small businesses need as much help as possible.

 More information and a full list of participating stores and restaurants can be found here.

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EMERGENCY HOTLINE

Borough Establishes COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline for Seniors

Collingswood, working together with Camden County officials, has established a free hotline to assist seniors registering for the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine appointments in Camden County are currently available through an online registration form. This process can be difficult to navigate and the Borough has dedicated staff to help seniors that need assistance with vaccine registration.

Our representative can enter senior's information into the online form and create their vaccination appointment through the My Cooper registration site. They only need to call in to the hotline. Due to COVID restrictions, no walk-in appointments are available for registration assistance.

Assistance is available Monday-Friday from 9:00am – 4:30pm by calling Collingswood Community Center Director Madalyn Deets at 856-854-4440. Callers should be prepared to provide the following information for registration:

  • Full name
  • Address
  • Birth date
  • Social security number
  • Insurance/Medicare information

The Borough is also setting up transportation to vaccine appointments for those that need it. If you can drive or have someone that can drive you to your appointment, please use those means of transportation. At this time, the Borough is gathering information to set up transportation assistance. Vaccinations are administered at Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ.

For assistance, you can also call:
-State vaccination hotline at 855-568-0545
-Camden County Division of Senior and Disabled Services at 1-877-222-3737 or 856-858-3317

Please feel free to share this information with any Collingswood seniors that need assistance.

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Colls Youth Theatre Summer Registration

Collingswood Youth Theatre will be doing a summer show open ONLY to 7th and 8th graders, limited to 20 participants. Registration opens June 1 at 9am here. (Note: The page with the registration information will not be available until Tuesday June 1 at 9am.)

We will performing Seussical kids version. All rehearsals and performances will be outside the Scottish Rite Auditorium, following the CDC guidelines. Auditions are July 1st, rehearsals are July 6th-July 22 Monday-Thursday, and performances are July 26th and 27th 7-8 pm.
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Colls Youth Theatre Summer Registration

Collingswood Youth Theatre will be doing a summer show open ONLY to 7th and 8th graders, limited to 20 participants. Registration will begin June 1st here. (NOTE: The page with the registration information will not be available until Tuesday, June 1 at 9am.)

We will performing “Seussical”, kids version. All rehearsals and performances will be outside the Scottish Rite Auditorium, following the CDC guidelines. Auditions are July 1st, rehearsals are July 6th-July 22 Monday-Thursday, and performances are July 26th and 27th 7-8 pm.

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Proud Neighbors host 4th of July Home Decorating Contest

 

Break out the Stars and Stripes!

Proud Neighbors of Collingswood awards Collingswood Cash for houses and businesses in the annual Best of 4th of July decorating contest! Past categories include Most Historic, Most Patriotic, Best Newcomers, Best Innovative Use of Media and Best Business!

Anyone interested in entering their home or business should email their contact info to Proud Neighbors at July4@ProudNeighborsofCollingswood.org no later that July 1!

For details on all the Independence Day events in Collingswood see the Fun on the Fourth page here.

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Camden County reopens rental assistance program

Applications are now being accepted for Camden County's rental assistance grant, available to individuals facing financial difficulties due to Covid-19 shutdowns.  

Anyone experiencing challenges affording rent or catching up with payments are encouraged to  apply for grant assistance. 

Applicants must provide proof of income loss and demonstrate a risk of homelessness or home insecurity.  The grant is inome based with a maximum household income of 80% Area Median Income. 

Full details available here. Visit www.camdenrentgrant.com for the application. For any questions or issues regarding the Camden County RECOVERS rental assistance grant please call the hotline at 856-389-6704.

Deadline for applications is October 30, 2021. 
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Collingswood Officials to Celebrate Grand Opening of New Combined Public Safety Facility

Collingswood officials invite the community to celebrate the town's first responders by welcoming them to their new home with a grand opening ceremony on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 1:00 pm. Collingswood Fire and Police Departments will kick off the day as they ceremoniously march with the Camden County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Band from the former firehouse on Collings Avenue to the new combined facility at 434 Haddon Avenue.

The facility brings Collingswood's first responders into the twenty-first century with desperately needed upgrades. The Borough's former police and fire buildings were extremely outdated and did not meet modern police and fire standards or best practices.

"We're excited to celebrate this new chapter in serving our residents. We have worked collaboratively along with residents and as a municipal team to build something that will keep our community safe, give our first responders the tools they need, and fits within the fabric of Collingswood," said Collingswood Mayor James Maley. "And our team did it on time and with no impact on taxes all during a pandemic, not an easy feat," added Maley. 

The new 30,000 square foot building allows for greater collaboration between the Police and Fire Departments who were in separate buildings before the construction of the new headquarters. The building was specifically designed to reduce operation and maintenance costs, improve response times, provide better communication and efficiency between the two departments, provide increased community visibility and accessibility for residents, and provide shared multi-purpose areas. The building also features a green roof and energy-efficient building systems. The new headquarters is also now home to Collingswood's Office of Emergency Management, with upgraded technology and communications equipment allowing for better operations in the event of town-wide or regional emergencies. 

"Our department has been doing extraordinary work in deficient conditions for a long time," said Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey. "This new space allows for improved policing and community relations and we are excited to be working more closely with our public safety counterparts in the Fire Department."

Collingswood residents collaborated as a community on the new facility.  Hundreds of residents came out for several planning workshops during a year-long process. Borough officials used these meetings to inform residents regarding the need for the project, how it would be financed, and to gather feedback from the community. The sessions also included tours of the old facilities and exercises to get input from residents about the building's design.

"By utilizing a participatory community engagement and design process, we were able to complete a project that the entire community can be proud of. This project is a great example of how municipalities can work alongside residents to design a building together," said Collingswood Commissioner Rob Lewandowski.

The official grand opening ceremony will be held immediately following the first responders' march down Haddon Ave. The program includes remarks by local elected officials and dignitaries, a performance by the Collingswood High School and Middle School Choir, and a ribbon-cutting. After the ribbon-cutting, the Collingswood Fire Department will perform a ceremonial housing called a "push-in" by manually pushing a fire vehicle into the building's apparatus bay. This part of the ceremony is a fire service tradition that dates back to the late 1800s when fire departments used hand-drawn pumpers and horse-drawn equipment. After the ceremony, tours of the building, giveaways, and fire-prevention and community policing activities are also planned. 

"This is an exciting project for the staff at the Fire Department. We are thrilled to finally have a facility that fits our current and future operations and also allows for new opportunities for expanding our services to the community," said Collingswood Fire Chief Keith Davis.

 

                                                                                                                  

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Recreation Registration now open!

Detailed registration information can be found on the web site - http://www.collingswoodrecreation.com/
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Dec 2 –

TONIGHT 12/2 at 6pm Join us for a Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration at the Lumberyard Garden (Collings and North Atlantic Avenues). All are welcome! Connect with the community and enjoy an evening of fun for the whole family with music, latkes, donuts, dreidels, and choco-gelt! Sponsored by Chabad of Camden and Burlington Counties.

N Atlantic Ave will be closed from Powell to Collings starting at 5:30pm for the celebration

Dec 3 –

Parade of Lights begins at 6:30pm with fire trucks and floats strung in glittering lights along the perimeter of Knight Park beginning at Grant Ave and Browning Rd.

Knight Park will be closed to parking during the event and vehicle traffic and parking will be prohibited along Browning Road, Park and Collings Avenues for safety.

Dec 4 –

DecemberFest Holiday Pop-Up Family Night happening 5pm at the corner of Haddon and Woodlawn Aves. Join us!

Woodlawn Ave will be closed 4pm to 9pm during the pop-up event.

FULL DETAILS FOR UPCOMING HOLIDAY EVENTS HERE: https://bit.ly/3G8zY63

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Utility and Rental Assistance Program

Utility and Rental Assistance Program Applications Available

The Board of County Commissioners is now officially accepting applications from eligible renters facing financial hardship due to the pandemic. These federal funds will assist residents to stay in their current homes and aids with back utility payments.

Applications for the program will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, and will be accepted until all available funds have been awarded.

To apply, go to CLICK HERE or call (833) 327-2199, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Camden County RECOVERS Rental Assistance Grant makes available up to 18 months of back rent (dating back to March 13, 2020). In addition, the newest phase of the program will also include three months of prospective rental payments.

Utilities that are included in rent will be treated as rent and internet services may be considered an eligible utility. While tenants will apply to take part in the program, payments will be made directly to landlords, unless the landlord does not respond and then the payment will be made directly to the tenant.

In order to qualify for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applications must meet all three of the following conditions:

  • Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability (i.e. past due notice, rent notice, or eviction notice).
  • Has a household income at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI). Please note: preference will be given to households with income below 50% AMI.

Additionally, the program will have the following requirements:

  • There must be no duplication of funds.
  • The amount of rent to be reimbursed per month will be capped at Camden County’s Fair Market Rent (FMR) Limits.
  • A preference will be given to households with one or more individuals that have not been employed for more than 90 days.
  • Landlords must agree to waive late fees and penalties.

More information regarding the Rental Assistance is available by clicking here.

 

 

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NJ Launches Program to Assist Eligible Collingswood Homeowners Affected by Covid-19.

The Murphy-Oliver Administration launched the Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) program. The Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance program (ERMA) was developed by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)) to deploy federally allocated HAF funds to assist eligible NJ homeowners who have been financially affected by COVID-19. The program will help eligible Collingswood homeowners bring their mortgages and other housing related expenses current.

ERMA funds can cover delinquent Collingswood homeowner obligations including mortgage payment principal, interest, taxes and homeowner’s insurance; reinstatement assistance; and other housing related costs including escrow shortages, delinquent taxes, homeowner’s insurance payments, and payments to lienholders.
For more information on ERMA and to submit applications click here

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Town Forum Announced for March 23rd & April 27th

At least twice a year Collingswood hosts a Town Forum. Every resident and business owner is encouraged to come. There’s no formal agenda, no RSVP, no sign-in – just an opportunity to bring your questions, concerns or support to your elected officials or even just hear about what’s happening in town.

The next Town Forum will be held March 23rd  at 7pm at the Collingswood Community Center (30 W Collings Ave). All are welcome. For info call 856-854-0720 x125.

And a Town Forum will be held on April 27th at 7pm at the Scottish Rite (315 White Horse Pike)
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Show Us Your Signs

It’s time for some Spring cleaning and that includes our streets. Winter takes a toll on road and street signs. Street signs don’t last forever.  Over years, signs can fade or become damaged. When this happens, we need to replace them. We need your help determining where we need to replace our street signs.  So, if you are walking around town or driving down the street and you see a sign that needs to be retired, just take a photograph of it and jot down the location.

  • Go to the Resident Self Service Portal
  • Fill out the short request form
  • Select “Street Sign Issue”
  • In the “Issue Description” tell us the street, cross street, or location of the sign
  • upload the photo of the sign as an attachment
  • or call Public Works with the location (856)-858-0533.
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Collingswood's Annual July 4th Bike Parade!

*The Bike Parade is open to ALL. Decorations will be provided and all participants will be paired with volunteer students from Collingswood Middle School/High School. Our Middle/High Schoolers will assist our littlest participants in decorating their bikes and will thereafter lead the parade.

Bike decorating will begin at 9 am. Participants are to gather on West Zane Avenue (between Haddon Avenue and Park Avenue). The parade will take off from West Zane Avenue at 10am, turn right onto Park Avenue, left onto Browning Road, and thereafter left into Knight Park. Mister Softee will be waiting at the end with complimentary cold treats for all participants and attendees.

Should your Middle/High Schooler wish to volunteer to assist in this event or should you have any questions, please contact Jodie Farrow (jodie.farrow@yahoo.com). 

 

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Collingswood Halloween 2022 Trick-or-Treat Hours

Collingswood, NJ – Collingswood has announced its hours for this months upcoming trick-or-treat hours on Halloween. Trick-or-treat will take place on Monday, October 31, 2pm – 7pm.

Planning on trick-or-treating this year? The CDC gives these safety tips for your ghouls and goblins:

-Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

-Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

-Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

-Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

-Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.

-Always walk - don’t run from house to house.

-Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

-Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

-Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

-Walk on sidewalks whenever possible or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

-Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.

-Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

-Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult.

-Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

 

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Spooky Season Officially Begins in Collingswood

Looking for fun fall activities for the whole family? Look no further! Spooky Season officially begins this weekend at Knight Park in Collingswood with two great annual events: the Collingswood Fall Festival and the Collingswood Haunted Hayride!

Get into the Fall spirit and support Collingswood PTA’s at the annual Collingswood Fall Festival on Saturday, 10/22 from 12pm -4pm at Knight Park. This super family-friendly event boasts live music, games, crafts, a hayride through the park, food, and of course, the Collingswood Chili Cook Off! 

Return to Knight Park once dusk falls on Saturday evening…if you dare! The Collingswood Haunted Hayride will introduce you to all manner of goblins and ghouls as kids and adults alike take a spooky trip aboard a tractor through haunted Knight Park. Admission is $5.00 - all proceeds support the CMS/CHS PTAs towards Project Graduation, Scholarships, Student Activities, Teacher Grants, and more! 
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PSE&G To Install Smart Meters

Over the next few months, PSE&G will be replacing existing electric meters with new smart meters at area homes and businesses. These meters will be installed within approximately 90 days. 

Smart meters are devices that send near real-time electric-use information from our customers’ homes and businesses to PSE&G via a secure communications network.

They are part of PSE&G’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) program, which connects smart meters to PSE&G system-monitoring and customer applications. This will create an integrated, two-way communications system between customers and PSE&G.

PSE&G has hired Contract Callers, Inc. (CCI) to perform most smart meter installations. Either a PSE&G employee, or a CCI employee, will install the new smart meter. Both PSE&G and CCI employees will use marked vehicles and carry photo identification. Most installations take only a few minutes, and there will be a brief power interruption while the technician changes the meter. 

The new smart meter will, among other things:
•    Provide you with more information about your electric use
•    Allow automatic, near real-time meter reading that will eliminate almost all estimated electric bills
•    Enable near real-time power outage detection and make storm restoration work more efficient
•    Reduced PSE&G carbon dioxide emissions in the short-term, and the enabling of more renewable energy projects and more robust energy efficiency efforts in the long-term.

Smart meters are safe. They use low power radio frequency (RF) that is generally far less than RF used by devices already in the home such as baby monitors, cell phones, microwaves, TVs and wireless routers. There are more than 100 million smart meters already installed at nearly 90% of homes across the country.

PSE&G has a comprehensive cybersecurity plan to protect electric usage data collected by smart meters and will only use the data to provide better service to customers. PSE&G will not sell this data to third parties.

To learn about PSE&G’s smart meter program, including information on how residential customers can opt out, visit www.pseg.com/smartmeters. Business customers cannot opt out of a smart meter installation. 
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hydrant flushing

It's that time again!

It's no surprise to anyone that has lived in the area for some time that our hydrant flushing causes a temporary discoloration in water supply due to iron sediment that is brownish, but safe, getting stirred up during the process. Since our spring flushing, we have continued to exercise valves.  Valve exercising is requirement by the NJDEP.  Turning valves, has caused an increase in brown water many are seeing. During the month of October, we will conduct flushing to clear out sediment in our older valves.

See the October Flushing schedule here.

The Collingswood water plant has recently completed filter upgrades and we can report that iron levels coming out of the treatment plant are extremely low. Iron is not harmful to drink; however, the discolored water will cause stains on clothing. It's our hope that this additional work will resolve the additional buildup you are seeing in the water. Please contact the Collingswood Water Department at 856-854-2332 if you encounter any adverse condition with your water. 
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Celebrating Black History Square

Collingswood Celebrates Black History Month with a Focus on Economic Empowerment and Cultural Enrichment

In honor of Black History Month, the Borough of Collingswood is proud to showcase local events and initiatives dedicated to celebrating the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans. Throughout the month of February, we invite residents and visitors alike to participate in a variety of activities ranging from economic empowerment initiatives to cultural events that highlight the importance of diversity and unity.

One of the highlights of this year's Black History Month celebration in Collingswood is the introduction of Economic Empowerment Hours. The program will feature various Black-owned businesses during designated “Buy Black Blitz” hours throughout the month. Sponsored by the Collingswood BID (Business Improvement District), this initiative aims to encourage community members to support and uplift these businesses that play a crucial role in the town's economic landscape.

The Collingswood Public Library is at the forefront of Black History Month celebrations, offering a diverse range of events and resources from curated book displays that highlight African American literature to a film screening showcasing a legendary cultural festival celebrating African American music and culture. The library, a hub of cultural enrichment, also offers reading lists featuring Black authors for all ages and encourages adult readers to participate in February’s Collingswood Reads Book Club, where Stories from the Tenants Downstairs by Sidik Fofana will be discussed.

The Borough of Collingswood, in partnership with the Collingswood Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, has organized a series of local events to engage residents and visitors in meaningful ways. Highlights include pop-up literary readings where local poets and speakers will share their work, providing an opportunity for artistic expression and reflection. Don’t miss “A Celebration of Black History at Perkins Center for the Arts” on Saturday, February 17 from 12:30pm – 4:00pm. There, attendees will enjoy musical performances by CPR Music Invincible and a Soloist from the Marian Anderson Music Guild, Readings and Spoken Word performances, local fare and more.

“Celebrating Black History is a celebration of not just the history, but an acknowledgment of the sacrifice, resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. We are excited to share in fostering a deeper understanding of the significance of Black History with our Collingswood neighbors,” said Bruce Smith, Collingswood resident, DEI Committee Chair, and Perkins Center for the Arts Board of Trustees President.

Collaboration is key to the success of Black History Month celebrations in Collingswood. Partner agencies and institutions including the Collingswood School District, cultural organizations and Camden County, are hosting events that explore the rich tapestry of African American history.

“As we celebrate Black History Month, we’re embracing the spirit of unity and collaboration with our borough and community partners,” explained Collingswood Superintendent Dr. Fredrick McDowell. “By working together, we amplify the impact of our efforts to honor and educate, ensuring that through collaboration, we foster an environment where diversity is celebrated, understanding is cultivated, and the profound contributions of the Black community are recognized, not just in February, but throughout the year. Together, we can inspire a shared commitment to inclusivity, education, and empowerment for all.”

Collingswood Mayor Jim Maley added, "Black History Month is a great chance for us to come together to recognize the important contributions of African Americans. When we support our local Black-owned businesses and connect our neighbors to all the ways they can observe Black History Month in our region, we are creating a more welcoming Collingswood for everyone.”

To ensure everyone can participate in Black History Month, the Borough is highlighting events, resources, and ways to celebrate both in town and beyond. We encourage residents and visitors alike to keep an eye on local announcements and the town's official website and social media channels for updates.

For more information about Black History Month events, please click here or contact Director of Community and Business Development Lindsey Ferguson at lferguson@collingswood.com.

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