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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?

• 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

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.

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!

• 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.

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.

• 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. 

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!

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.

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. 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. 

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.

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.


 

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

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!

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.

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 24^th, 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

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.

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. 

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.

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.”

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. 

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.

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.

•  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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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. 

The 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.

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.

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 

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). 

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.

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 

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 

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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.com.  Sewer 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  

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 

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), 2^nd 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.

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).

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

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.                                                                                                                  

                                                                                      ###

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.

October 18, 2021

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

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



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.

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.

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.

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. 

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!

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.



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

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.

• Rinsed plastic or glass bottles
• jars and jugs
• rinsed aluminum and steel cans
• clean paper, and clean cardboard

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

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.

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.

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. 

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!

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!

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.

Collingswood Youth Theatre will be doing a summer show open ONLY to 7th and 8th graders, limited to 20 participants. Registration will begin June 1^st 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.

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.

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 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. "

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.

“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.

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

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”!

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, 10^th 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!

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.

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/

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.

###

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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 

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82798992011

 Meeting ID: 827 9899 2011

Earth Day 2020–Commissioner Leonard Reflects on 50 Year History  

The 50^th 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.  

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.

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

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

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 Collingswood’s 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, 2020, 6:30 PM
• April 8, 2020, 6:30 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

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/

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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  

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.

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.

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.

 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.

Any out of town registrations received before November 8 will be denied a spot in the cast.

--DO NOT SEND REGISTRATIONS EARLY!

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.

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.

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

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.

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

 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 501^st 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.

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.

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...

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

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/.

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.

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.

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.

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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**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.

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!