Winter 2020 08108 Collingswood Magazine

COLLINGSWOOD

08108 WINTER 2020

Holidays in Collingswood

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Letter from the

EDITOR: D id you notice that as soon as the calendar flipped to November, holiday decorations started popping up around the borough? Twinkling Christmas trees were peeking through curtains, festive inflatables waved merrily from front lawns, and wreaths were tacked to doors and windows.

We’re not sure if the stockings were hung by the chimneys with care, but we have our suspicions.

Of course, if we’re being honest, we can’t really blame these early revelers for their overzealous holiday cheer.

Yes, this happens to some degree every year. It just seems this year, decking the halls came on stronger and faster than ever before. But with how hard 2020 has been, who doesn’t need those tidings of comfort and joy?

your gift-giving list. And if giving mom or dad a day off from cooking is at the top of their wish list, you need to check out the catering and family meals featured in Borough Bites (page 8).

Do you embibe during the holidays? Can you imagine there was a time you weren’t permitted so much as a sip of eggnog in Collingswood? Take a look at local history on page 20.

And speaking of delicious drinks, why not start a new tradition and try out 08108 Publisher Arlene Reyes’ Coquito cocktail? Find the recipe on page 12, where Sales Manager Brittany Rought and I also share some fun and festive holiday recipes and crafts.

Enjoy this issue, and enjoy the holiday season! And if you decide to leave your decorations up a bit farther into January than is socially acceptable, your secret’s safe with us.

WINTER 2020 ISSUE

COO

PERRY CORSETTI PUBLISHER

ARLENE REYES EDITOR

KRISTEN DOWD SALES MANAGER

BRITTANY ROUGHT LEAD ACCOUNT MANAGER

AMANDA PHILLIPS ACCOUNT MANAGER

MEGAN MUDD MARKETING CONSULTANTS

PERRY CORSETTI JR. TESSA LEONE CASEY MEGLINO JUSTIN TROYANO

We’re hoping to bring a bit of that merriment to you in our winter issue, too.

Our Collingswood Gift Guide is back (page 16), with some sweet (pun intended) and unique ideas for everyone on

08108

Kristen Dowd Editor

Winter 2020 Issue Contributers:

08108 is a publication of Newspaper Media Group, 2 Executive Campus, Suite 135 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 (856)779-3800 x6837 sunsales@newspapermediagroup.com 08108@newspapermediagroup.com

In this Issue: Kevin Callahan

Kelly Flynn

Jamie Giambrone

Remembering Coach 6 Borough Bites 8 Homemade for the Holidays 12 Collingswood Cares 14 Shop ‘til you Drop 16 A Look Back at Local History 20 Keeping up with Collingswood 21

ON THE COVER

Madeleine Maccar

Rachel Simpson

What do you get when you combine a nutcracker, a stilt walker and a juggler? At last year’s Collingswood Holiday Parade, you’d call this festive entertainment! Although the parade was canceled for safety reasons this year, you can still check out the fun from the 2019 event on page 22.

COVER PHOTO BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

WINTER 2020

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COACH

THEY ALL WANTED TO DO SOMETHING FOR

Collingswood High football team remembers Coach Derrick Scott, who passed away Oct. 12

BY KEVIN CALLAHAN

T

he impact was real. Immediate.

Lasting.

Quadire Fussell remembers when he first met Derrick Scott. He was 13 years old.

“His personality,” Fussell said quickly when asked what was so memorable about his future coach. “He was just a happy person, a person pushing you to do better, he just wanted you to achieve your goals.”

Fussell is the senior quarterback, starting his first year, for the Collingswood High School football team.

“When I played for Coach D, I actuplease see COACH, page 7

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COACH

continued from page 6

ally played running back, I never thought I could play quarterback,” Fussell said.

“When he heard they were going to move me to quarterback, he told me that I could do it, that it was nothing for me.

“It boosted my confidence, I was really nervous, but him saying that, showed me he trusted me. No matter what happened, he showed me that he believed in me.”

Scott, a former star running back/cornerback for the Panthers, was in his first year this season as a Collingswood High assistant football coach after a decade coaching the middle school team.

“Growing up, I didn’t really have my father in my life,” Fussell said. “The first time I met Coach D, he was always there for me, telling me I could do it if I put mind to it.”

Last month, Fussell’s mind didn’t want to play anymore. He didn’t want to play against Haddonfield in a Colonial Conference century-old rivalry. Not after Scott suddenly died on Oct. 12 at 31 years old.

But he did.

“In the beginning, before the game, I’m not going to lie, I didn’t want to play,” the 5-foot-11, 175-pounder said softly. “It was like losing my big brother, someone who I

looked up to, it was devastating.

“Before the game, I was praying and said to myself that Coach D wouldn’t want me to sit out.”

Collingswood coach Mike McKeown had to pick himself up, too. He did so, by using the memory of Scott, who he coached at Collingswood in football.

“It was hard on me, not to sound selfish or anything, but it was legitimately hard to try and get the kids ready,” McKeown said.

“Mentally I couldn’t even get myself ready.”

Although the score really doesn’t matter compared to the loss of Scott, Collingswood lost 35-0 to Haddonfield.

“We were flat,” said McKeown, who has been the Collingswood head coach for three seasons after being a long-time assistant.

“I thought every day we’d get better, but every day kind of got worse because usually Derrick comes in with a big smile and swagger in the practice. He would get us all upbeat when he walked in and he wasn’t there.”

McKeown, who also coached Scott in youth basketball, raved about his former player as the defensive coordinator for the middle school.

It was the first game in 17 seasons that Scott’s infectious attitude wasn’t bouncing on the field or sideline for a Collingswood game. At halftime, Collingswood honored Scott with a ceremony on the field with members of his family and closest friends.

“My coaching staff has really helped me and been involved and really my kids, they all wanted to do something for Coach,” said McKeown, who wore Scott’s jersey during the touching tribute.

McKeown handed Scott’s family a donation to help pay for the burial, a signed football, a Collingswood helmet and book of memories.

“Derrick was the first guy I ever coached, he was the first guy I ever met,” McKeown said. “He was just really a great kid and a great guy to be around.”

McKeown, who played for Bob Barikian at Collingswood in the mid-1990s, plans to keep Scott’s memory alive.

“We got a big banner that we’re going to be hanging up on the practice field,” McKeown said. “We will be looking over at it all the time.

“Coach D coached 27 of my kids since they were 5 years old,” McKeown said. “He legitimately coached my kids since they were 5.”

One of those kids, Scott helped turn into a man.

“I threw two interceptions in the first half and I felt down on myself,” Fussell said about the Haddonfield game. “I never felt I could be the starting quarterback at Collingswood and I said to myself that I couldn’t do it, but then I just remembered what Coach D said to me and I thought just to do what I had to do and I would be alright.” ■

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WINTER 2020

Home for the holidays: In-house dining takes on new meaning amid COVID-19

WINTER 2020

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08108

BY KELLY FLYNN

T

here’s no place like home for the holidays, right? The sentiment has taken on a new meaning as the COVID-19 pandemic stretches on and keeps families from travelling to visit relatives this holiday season.

But what are you to do if you’re not typically the one cooking dinner on Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah? Sure, you could attempt to cook something yourself. But hasn’t 2020 already been stressful enough?

So, if you’re considering having your holiday meal catered this year, these local eateries are here to help.

Silver Spoon Catering

2

Husband and wife catering team Jillian and Dennis Kelley have owned Silver Spoon Catering since 2010. The duo specialize in family catering, and prior to the pandemic, their food was a fixture at weddings, showers, birthday parties and the occasional corporate lunch.

All of their food is homemade with offer-

ings that change with the seasons. Previously located in Haddon Township, in July, they moved the business to a new space in Oaklyn that offered them a bigger kitchen and space to host events on the premises.

When the C OV I D - 1 9 pandemic hit, almost

all of their events were cancelled. Julie said the spring is typically their busiest time of the year between graduations, Easter, communions and a variety of other events.

Given they are a catering company, when the shutdowns hit, they had to shift gears.

They began temporarily offering meal bundles for takeout that people could purchase.

Their menu was comprised of some of their most popular catering items such as chicken francaise, green beans and roasted potatoes.

They continued offering takeout from April through June, but once people began feeling comfortable having small gatherings again, they stopped the takeout services and made their full-time return to catering. Throughout the summer and fall, Silver Spoon catered micro-weddings and outside gatherings and even expanded their services by offering decor and rental services.

And now they’re gearing up for the holiday season.

Every year, they offer a full Thanksgiving spread that customers can pick up by noon on Thanksgiving Day along with reheating 3 instructions. They offer turkey, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies and other typical items, with all of their dishes made from scratch. Given please see BITES, page 10 PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

1: A Thanksgiving feast prepared by Silver Spoon Catering features the tastes of the season, including the centerpiece turkey.

2: Silver Spoon Catering’s fresh cranberry chutney is finished with a twist of orange rind and cinnamon stick.

3: Dennis and Jillian Kelley are the owners of Silver Spoon Catering.

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everything is h om e m a d e , they can tailor menus to meet dietary restrictions for those who may be gluten free or vegan.

While some companies offer Thanksgiving meals at a set price, Silver Spoon offers items a la carte.

So, if customers are just interested in picking up a turkey, they have that 1 option, or if they’d just like to pick up sides, they can do that, too.

Meals can be tailored to suit customers’ needs.

Around Christmas, they’re offering fish dishes for families who host Feast of the Seven Fishes, as well as other traditional holiday items such as meatballs and baked ziti. Items are available for pickup by noon on Christmas Eve and come with reheating instructions.

Julie said they’ve already seen quite a bit of interest in their Thanksgiving offerings. She said cooking a Thanksgiving meal can be overwhelming to do on your own and now that people aren’t gathering with extended family this year, she expects there may be more demand than usual for catering on Thanksgiving.

To find out more about Silver Spoon Catering, visit silverspoonnj.com.

Haddon Culinary Opened nearly a year ago, Haddon Culinary is a Collingswood speciality market that offers casual dining and catering services. Owners James Liuzza and Joe Muldoon’s primary focus is on cooking “the right way,” according to Liuzza. So, they offer speciality products and make all of their items from scratch.

The store offers stocks, soups, pie doughs and other items made in-house and by hand.

2 They also have a variety of prepared foods including meals and sandwiches to go. The store has a full service butcher shop where they make their own sausages and hot dogs, and they also have a catering menu with a wide selection of options.

Liuzza said when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they were scared and unsure of what to expect. While Haddon Culinary typically offers specialty items, when grocery stores began running out of basics, they quickly pivoted to try to help the community get these items and began stocking up on chicken breasts, ground beef, produce, flour and other supplies.

“We were doing pretty much anything we could to make sure we were there for Collingswood and the surrounding areas because a lot of the supermarkets were depleted,” Liuzza said.

Now, Haddon Culinary is focusing on the holiday season. Liuzza describes their Thanksgiving menu as “very basic, but it’s done right.” Customers have the choice to take home a fully dressed and ready to cook turkey or can pick up a boneless turkey roulade that just needs reheating.

The a la carte offerings include Thanksgiving staples such as sage sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, candied yams, Brussels sprouts and salted caramel root vegetables. Their chefs are also cooking up a variety of homemade all butter crust pies.

“Everything is from scratch; no corners are cut,” Liuzza said. “We’re very proud of

Opened in 1994, Villa Barone has been in business for 26 years. Owner Giovanni Barone started the business with his father and brother and took over the business from them about 15 years ago. He currently runs the Collingswood restaurant with his wife Paula.

Barone said the restaurant industry has certainly felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and forced them to adapt their way of doing business. Prior to the pandemic, Villa Barone’s primary business was dineplease see BITES, page 11 Treboro Plaza, Route 130 South Gloucester City (next to Gormley’s)

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[the menu].”

As of now, their Christmas menu is still in the development stage, but Liuzza said they’re looking to cater small groups and have offerings that fit a variety of tastes.

Since posting their Thanksgiving menu, there’s been a definite response, according to Liuzza. He said given some customers’ holiday plans have changed this year, some people who wouldn’t ordinarily cook want a convenient way to host the holidays at home.

“We just want to provide good food for everyone – especially at a time like this when it’s still uncertain, and if we can provide any kind of comfort and convenience, then we want to do that,” Liuzza said.

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in service, and while they offered takeout, it wasn’t nearly at the same level they’re currently offering.

Given the current capacity limits on indoor dining, the restaurant now offers more delivery and takeout options to those interested in the restaurant’s Italian offerings.

“There’s been enormous support from the community [ordering] takeout to sup-

port us during this hard time,” Paula said.

Additionally, they began creating family meal packages that offer customers their choice of salad and pasta and can be tailored to serve either a family of four or six.

Villa Barone is currently open for both indoor and outdoor dining. Servers have their temperature taken every day, and there are sanitizing stations located throughout the restaurant. All tables are spaced at least six feet apart.

During a typical year, December is a busy time for the restaurant, and they’d usually host Christmas parties

for anywhere between 20 to 60 guests. With indoor dining limited to 25 percent capacity indoors, those parties aren’t happening this year.

Instead, the restaurant is offering takeout and catering trays for anyone interested in hosting their own dinner or small gatherings at home. They’re still working on the menu, but John said he anticipates they’ll try to tailor their offerings to be festive and in line with the holiday season. On Christmas Eve, the restaurant would typically serve a seven fish dinner special, so they’re considering doing some sort of spin on that with their Christmas Eve offerings.

To learn more about Villa Barone, visit www.villabaronesite.com. ■

PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

3

1: James Liuzza, owner of Haddon Culinary, organizes the display cooler.

2: A chicken pot pie in the works at Haddon Culinary features fresh, homemade ingredients.

3: Villa Barone isn’t only about the savory. Tiramisu is one of the sweet treats on the menu.

4: Villa Barone owner Giovanni Barone tosses pasta in a cream sauce.

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From our

Family Yours to

The staff of 08108 loves to celebrate the holidays, and we are excited to share some of our traditions with our readers! We would love to hear all about yours, too. Share your traditions by visiting us on Instagram @08108_collingswood or by emailing 08108@newspapermediagroup.com.

A little over 10 years ago I was preparing to host my in-laws for a Christmas dinner and looking for a recipe that would differ from our Christmas Eve dinner which usually entails a roasted picnic pork shoulder.

In my search, I came across a Cinnamon Citrus Glazed Ham from Emeril Lagasse (you remember “bam bam”). Since that Christmas, this ham has been the centerpiece of our Christmas dinner. The aroma of the ham fills the house beautifully, so much so that my niece once walked into the house on Christmas and said, “Oh, it smells like Christmas.” That is when you know you have created not only a Christmas tradition, but a Christmas memory.

Arlene Reyes, Publisher

WINTER 2020

Cinnamon-Citrus Glazed Ham From Emeril’s Test Kitchen

INGREDIENTS: One 7 to 8 pound fully cooked ham, bone-in, scored 1/4 inch deep in a diamond pattern 10 3-inch cinnamon sticks cut in half lengthwise into 20 pieces 4 Navel oranges, sliced crosswise into 1/3-inch slices (20 slices) 5 lemons, sliced crosswise into 1/3inch slices (20 slices) 10 bay leaves

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 13-oz jar marmalade 1/4 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup orange juice 1/2 cup water 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger pinch of cloves and nutmeg

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 325º F. While oven is preheating, prep your ham. Place the ham cut-side down in a deep oven-safe roasting pan or dish. Evenly insert the halved cinnamon sticks partway into the scored ham, and skewer one orange slice and one lemon slice onto each cinnamon stick, sliding snugly against the ham. Tuck the bay leaves around the ham, secured by the orange slices. Sprinkle the ham with black pepper. Put the ham into the preheated oven uncovered.

While the ham first begins cooking, prepare your glaze. Combine the marmalade, brown sugar, orange juice, water and spices in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture reduces to a glaze and can coat the back of a spoon.

The ham should bake for approximately two hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 150º F. During the last hour of cooking, baste the ham with the prepared glaze. please see RECIPES, page 19 12

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Christmas Trees I craft with my 6-year-old all year long, but we especially love to get creative during the winter holidays. We have a tradition of gifting relatives special ornaments each year, which we started making together when my son was old enough to help.

When looking for something new to try, my son loves to scroll Pinterest with me for ideas. This year, inspired partly by the prolific amount of pinecones we find in our new backyard, we decided to fashion these pine tree castoffs into a new type of tree – a Christmas tree!

Check out the how-to complete with a fun video at 08108collingswood.com. ■ Kristen Dowd / Editor

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helpless to helping Collingswood Cares gives volunteers opportunity to support those in need during trying time of pandemic

BY KEVIN CALLAHAN

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ollingswood Cares.

Really, this could be the slogan of the town: Collingswood Cares. Or at least on the signs entering town.

This alliteration says what is known throughout South Jersey already. These two words are why Collingswood is so dynamic, how Haddon Avenue pulsates with life.

Collingswood not only cares about the shoppers and diners who visit, but also cares about its neighbors.

Fittingly, there is a Collingswood Cares, an organization, which does exactly what the name announces.

Sandi Kelly, a Collingswood resident for 50 years, recently started volunteering with Collingswood Cares.

“I got involved earlier this year when Mayor (Jim) Maley asked me to help develop a plan to help people struggling due to COVID-19,” Kelly said.

Kelly embodies the spirit of the organization. She didn’t need to be persuaded.

“Jim asked me,” Kelly said simply why she joined the team, “and because I love this town and we wanted to do something to help people who were struggling. When the pandemic first hit I think we all felt very helpless and this was a way to take action and make a difference.”

Although Collingswood Cares has been recently assisting those in need during the novel coronavirus pandemic, it was started

by Maley and his wife MaryKay in 1992.

“There was a child with a medical condition and we raised some money to try and

help the family and when that was going on, we realized that there were a lot of families that way, so we started raising money,” Maley said.

Once Collingswood Cares started, the growth blossomed quickly.

“Back when Camden Yards opened, we would run bus trips for like 200 people and we’d raised money from that,” Maley said about the Baltimore Orioles popular park.

“So we started with other fundraisers and then other groups started doing fundraisers.”

Collingswood Cares provides resources for medical assistance, meals and transportation.

“Originally, it was for families with children with chronic medical conditions and now it’s for families who are struggling through pandemic issues, whether it’s health issues or to get them food,” Maley said.

Collingswood Cares, a 501 (c) (3), helps by shopping for food, delivering meals and picking up medications as well as financial assistance.

“We raised a significant amount of money,” Maley said about the fundraising effort during the pandemic. “We’ve given out food store gift cards, and all kinds of things, whatever people need we are finding a way to get it for them.”

During the pandemic, Collingswood Cares’ mission refocused a bit to help fami-

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lies.

“We raised money to get a kid eyeglasses, it’s been very good, it’s been nice,” Maley said.

Kelly doesn’t remember any specific time of helping a family or person that made her realize how much Collingswood really cares.

“Just the overall gratitude of people in general makes you realize how fortunate you are to have the ability to help someone through a rough patch is rewarding,” Kelly said.

Helping others has impacted her personally.

“This has been a rough year for everyone,” Kelly explained. “ The pandemic has taken its toll emotionally on all of us. Seeing first-hand how people are struggling to make ends meet and have basic needs like food really puts things in perspective and makes you thankful for the things you do have.

“It’s also been very affirming to see how the residents have stepped up to help their neighbors. We might not be seeing each other out and about in town, but the support shows what a truly great community we live in.

“I would just like to thank our neigh-

FREE

APPETIZER

bors who gave generously of their time to deliver groceries and made donations,” Kelly continued. “Also, our partners in getting

this effort off the ground – our local churches, the Camden County Board of Freeholders and Thy Kingdom Crumb, who did several food distributions in town.”

Not surprisingly, Collingswood Cares will be reaching out to its needy neighbors during the holiday season.

“In the next two months, we are going to focus on ensuring the families we’ve worked with have a special holiday season,” Kelly said. “We are working on putting together some holiday focused food drives and we would encourage people to go to our website

to learn more.”

And, if you don’t go to their website, really all you need to do is look around the town to see Collingswood cares.

“We moved here a long time ago from Philly and it was like a neighborhood in the city but with more trees,” Maley said, “and that’s what we love about Collingswood – it’s a great collection of neighborhoods and everybody helps.”

Learn more at www.collscares. org. ■ COURTESY COLLINGSWOOD CARES

PREVIOUS PAGE: Mayor Jim Maley is pictured at the Camden County Cares Rental Assistance announcement in Collingswood.

LEFT: Mayor Jim Maley helps volunteers load Thy Kingdom Crumb food donations.

RIGHT: Collingswood Cares volunteers lend a hand at a Camden County food distribution event at Parkview Apartments.

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BY MADELEINE MACCAR

Y

ears ago, I worked right in the heart of Collingswood’s Haddon Avenue and instantly fell in love with its fusion of artsy city charm and that smalltown intimacy of a main street that had something for everyone. I loved using my hour-long lunch break to wander the town I adopted as my daytime home for five years.

But Christmas time was always a little extra magical, and my lunch breaks were always a little more well-used during the season of endless strings of lights winding their way along Haddon Avenue, carolers warming the chilly air and decorations adding festive sparkle and flair for blocks. So when a number of old friends started moving to Collingswood this past year, I was excited for the convenient excuse to play tour-guide for them and Santa for my holiday-shopping recipients.

Of course, the pandemic forced friendships and businesses to double down on con-

necting digitally, with Zoom calls replacing girls’ outings and business owners harnessing the power of a virtual storefront more than ever. While many shops have found ways to safely operate their brick-and-mortar locations, those of us who err on the side of extreme caution are more than happy to curl up with a steaming 1 mug, fire up the video chat, and go shopping together from the comfort of our own homes and on our own schedules.

A Virtual Vinyl Store for Virtually Any Taste

So many of my friendships were built on a foundation of sharing favorite bands and discovering new songs to sing along to with the windows down and volume up. Those after-school hours of painstakingly rifling through row after row of CDs in search of some obscure indie gem got a 21st-century upgrade via the virtual home of vinyl haven Inner Groove Records, a much-lauded treasure trove of new and used records ranging from perennial classics to contemporary favorites.

Literally thousands of LPs, from the virtual bargain bin to collectors’ crown jewels, are waiting to be snatched up and wrapped up as the perfect music-lover’s gift. The record

2 your parents fell in love to and have practically worn a hole in from decades of nostalgic replays? The album your best friend loves so much they had to introduce you to it, too? The reissue your spouse has been looking everywhere for? They’re all assuredly here, and a few five-dollar finds that you just can’t leave unpurchased will only sweeten the deal.

Inner Groove also has oodles of goodies for the audiophiles in your life who’ve been angling to up their accessory game or have been hinting that a lovingly curated record collection deserves to be played on an equally impressive turntable. While Inner Groove’s online presence showcases its variety of options and includes detailed specs differentiating each record player from the others, this is one gift that’s worth mulling over in person. Staffed by folks who love vinyl just as much as its loyal regulars do, Inner Groove is eager to lend an expert’s opinion to make deciding on a record player please see GIFTS, page 17

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GIFTS

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that much more foolproof.

Check it out for yourself by visiting innergrooverecords.com and clicking or tapping the “Shop Online” button. The userfriendly interface allows for searching by price, genre, year, condition, format and more. With nearly 3,000 titles appealing to every taste and budget (collector’s items are understandably in the triple digits, if someone on your list has been extra good this year), the treasures you find at Inner Groove will be music to your favorite vinyl-lover’s ears.

Treasures and Tchotchkes Both Vintage and In-Vogue

everyone is coming in asking for these brass figurines,” she said — laughingly adding that she sold them well before the home-making maven caught onto their charm.

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Cindy Schreiber was stocking Clutter’s collection of vintage, handmade and upcycled items with small animal figurines well before Martha Stewart popularized the diminutive statues and made them one of the hottest and hardest-to-find home-decor and gifting trends of the past year.

“I used to have a lot more little brass animals like owls or pigs, but then Martha Stewart did a feature on them and now

Early in the pandemic, Schreiber ramped up Clutter’s Instagram presence (@cluttervintageshop) to bring her wares to a digital audience that coped with shelter-in-place orders by shopping online and sprucing up their homes to keep the cabin fever at bay.

“Everything I was posting was selling, and people got into the habit of buying online,” she said. “But I really want people to come in because I have hundreds and hundreds of smaller items throughout the store, and I can’t post all of those!”

From vintage bar items to holiday deco-

rations to pottery to “a million items that are $5 each or very affordable deals,” there are plenty of budget-friendly options that will get browsers in the holiday mood as they whittle down their shopping lists for the vintage-lovers in their lives.

Clutter’s website (cluttervintage.com) lists store hours, pandemic policy and contact information, but it also serves as a hub for its social media presences. Shop online, or browse Schreiber’s wares so you can drop in and pick up the items that’d be perfect for your sister who loves vintage decor, or to add to your mother-in-law’s collection of vintage cookie tins, or to grab some oldtime holiday decorations for that friend who starts playing Christmas carols in August. please see GIFTS, page 18 PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

1: Inner Groove Records boasts an impressive collection of LPs, from the rare to the bargain.

2: Eye-catching glass ornaments are one of many unique finds at Arts Plus Gallery.

3: For the vintage lover on your list, Clutter has tchotchkes aplenty.

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GIFTS

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Deck the Walls — and Everything Else

Pay close attention to the “plus” in Arts Plus Gallery’s name, because this gallery proves that art is for all kinds of budgets, tastes and purposes. This isn’t some uptight, fussily curated showroom: This is where art has come to life since 1978.

There’s pottery. There’s jewelry. There’s home decor.

There’s handbags. Some items are dreamy, whimsical updates to once-utilitarian home goods like clocks and pillows and light-switch plates.

Some are traditional metaland-gem rings or statement necklaces with eye-catching 1 glass baubles. Some are wooden signs engraved as reminders of meaningful mantras or painted to celebrate a special place. As vastly different as every piece is, they’re all handmade treasures an array of artists have imbued with just as much individual personality as you’ll find in the friends and family on your shopping list.

But for older family members or friends who’ve shared in decades of memories, the photo restoration experts at Arts Plus are ready to give the gift of precious memories.

They can repair wellloved photographic trea3 sures that bear the rips, chips, creases and fading of the passage of time, restoring a moment in time to its former glory. Beyond repairs, they can even reproduce and resize photos if you want a professionally retouched image to share with more than one person — and you can bet that Arts Plus has the perfect frame to showcase your one-of-a-kind gift, too.

Go ahead and explore the staggering amount of artist-made treasures Arts Gallery Plus is waiting for you to discover. You’ll find pages and pages of something for everyone at artsplusgallery.com, as well as its everevolving Haddon Avenue location.

More Than Black-Tie Attire While it’s sad to see that a handful of my old favorites have since closed their doors, I was heartened to find out that Marlene’s Dress Shop is still going strong despite weddings, proms and black-tie holiday parWINTER 2020

ties being put on pause throughout 2020 — though plenty of brides-to-be are finding their dream dresses at Marlene’s despite the nightmare of delayed ceremonies and uncertain venue occupancies and operations.

I learned years ago that Marlene’s is more than eye-catching formalwear and uniquely stunning dresses guaranteed to make anyone the belle of the ball. And after months of loungewear and PJs slowly evolving into everyday

4 at t i r e , accessories like pretty shoes, fancy clutches and enviable jewelry are a little more fanciful and special than they’ve been in years past, pretty promises that special occasions or just dressing up and going out with friends will make their comeback.

Marlene’s gives online shopping an immersive interpretation, throwing open its store doors with a socially distanced, 360-degree virtual tour. Oooooh and aaaaah over pieces that are so color-coordinated it almost feels wrong to leave half of the bonded pair behind. A statement-piece coral necklace complements a turquoise handbag so perfectly you can easily see your fashionista bestie rocking them both on your first dressed-up girls’ date in months; necklace and earring pairs are so expertly matched that they’re an easy screenshot to send as a subtle suggestion to spouses and significant others looking for the perfect gift, too.

Check out Marlene’s Dress Shop at marlenesdressshop.com, or drop in and let one of the store’s experts decide which bangle 18

bracelets your accessory-obsessed favorites will wear every chance they get. Either way, you’ll find out why Marlene’s has been a favorite of South Jersey shoppers with an eye for the tastefully timeless and trendily onpoint alike since 1983.

Sweets for the Sweet

If your nearest and dearest have visions of sugar plums dancing through their heads all year ‘round, a visit to The Candy Jar by 1892 is a must.

Paula Alban loves helping shoppers find the perfect gift at the store’s Haddon Avenue and Bordentown loca2 tions. The self-proclaimed sweetest spot in town specializes in carrying the candies of yesteryear, and Alban is delighted by watching grandparents and parents share a favorite sweet treat from their childhood with the next generation.

More modern palates can also find Hershey’s mainstays, seasalt caramels, candy cigarettes, Necco wafers and more.

Shoppers are invited to mix and match to create one-of-akind gifts hand-selected for a special someone. In addition to old-time offerings, modern favorites and handmade goodies like chocolate-dipped pretzels, The Candy Jar also offers sugar-free options, as well as nut-free and gluten-free goodies for sweet-lovers with allergies to sink their sweet tooth into.

One of the most unique finds, though, is reimagining the Italian Christmas dinner tradition of The Feast of the Seven Fishes with Swedish Fish, inspired by Alban’s Italian husband and in-laws.

“It’s been a hit since we created it about two years ago,” Alban said. “We make seven different kinds, with white, milk and dark chocolate and decorated with things like nonpareils. Everyone goes crazy for those.”

The Candy Jar’s Collingswood shop is open every day, and its website thecandyjarby1892.com is chock-full of inspiration for assembling the perfect gift for that someone you’re a little sweet on all year. ■ PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

1: Pretzels and cookies and candies - oh my! The Candy Jar has got it all.

2: Shore-inspired artwork and accent pillows line a wall at Arts Plus Gallery.

3: Marlene’s Dress Shop is more than just dresses – although those are available in an impressive and beautiful variety.

4: A selection of vintage cameras are on display at Clutter.

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RECIPES

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For as long as I can remember, my mom has been the baker of the family. Every family get-together there is at least one of her family favorite desserts, from chocolate chip cookies, banana cake, whoopie pies to her lemon meringue pie. The holiday season is no different, but instead of the standard pumpkin pie, she puts a twist on a traditional sweet and bakes a pumpkin pie cake. It is a fairly simple recipe and contains the similar flavors of a pumpkin pie, but with a little more crunch!

Brittany Rought, Sales Manager

Coquito is a creamy, coconut-based beverage that is a staple during Christmas in Puerto Rico. There has not been a Christmas I can remember without this creamy coconut drink; it is similar to eggnog. Just thinking of the cheering of my very large family when someone shows up with the coquito always warms my heart. They are always on my mind each time I make a batch.

Arlene Reyes, Publisher

Coquito

Pumpkin Pie Cake

INGREDIENTS: 20 Cinnamon Sticks Handful of Cloves 1 Cup of Water 12 Egg Yolks 4 Cans of Evaporated Milk 4 Cans of Coconut Milk 3 Cans of Sweet Condensed Milk 2 Cream of Coconut 3 Tbs of Coconut Extract 1 tsp of Vanilla Extract Cinnamon & Nutmeg to taste 4 Cups of White Rum (optional)

FOR THE CRUST: 1 Box Yellow Cake Mix 1 Egg 1/2 cup Butter, melted FOR THE FILLING: 1 Large Can Pumpkin (3 cups) 3 Eggs 2 tsp. Cinnamon 1/2 cup Brown Sugar 3/4 cup Evaporated Milk

DIRECTIONS: Boil cup of water. Add cinnamon sticks and cloves while water is boiling.

Cook egg yolks and evaporated milk, stirring constantly, until it reaches 160ยบ F or coats the back of the spoon.

Move to a large mixing bowl (so that the egg mixture does not continue to cook) and combine the remaining ingredients including the cinnamon-clove water.

Add additional spices to taste and rum (optional).

FOR THE TOPPING: 1/2 cup Sugar 1 cup Cake Mix 1/4 cup Butter Nuts, chopped (Pecans preferred)

DIRECTIONS: For the crust, first reserve one cup of cake mix and set aside for the topping. Combine the rest of the mix with the egg and melted butter. Press into a greased 9x13 inch pan.

For the filling, mix all ingredients and pour over the crust.

For the topping, mix the sugar, reserved cake mix and butter to make crumbs. Top cake with this mixture. Sprinkle with chopped nuts. Bake at 350ยบ F for one hour.

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A look at

LOCAL HISTORY

Liquor – or the lack thereof – has long history in borough

I

n the thriving suburban town of Collingswood, residents and guests can stroll the beautiful tree-lined streets, browse through unique shops and drink their favorite wines at some of the best restaurants in South Jersey.

However, enjoying an alcoholic beverage with a meal has not always been possible in this quaint town.

From the days of the first settlers, strong religious feelings were held, ultimately leading to the citizens of the Collingswood section of what was still Haddon Township to vote on excluding liquor in 1873.

“Prohibition is thought to be related to Collingswood becoming a resort area for people with strong religious beliefs,” said Ginny Brown, Reference Assistant at the Collingswood Library. “Citizens wanted a more wholesome family environment.”

However, as in most communities, there were those who challenged authority and it is believed a country club and race track both served spirits at the turn of the century, causing them to close their doors.

“Collingswood was not always dry,” Brown explained, adding a tavern was known to WINTER 2020

exist in the late 1800’s.

More than 200 years later, Collingswood is officially dry no more – although that change occurred only about a decade ago.

“Alcohol was only permitted in restaurants in the last 10 years or so,” said Bonny Beth Elwell, Library Director for the Camden County Historical Society.

Diners can now enjoy BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) and ordering from wine menus at some of their favorite dinner spots. Rules still apply, though, such as restaurants only permitted to offer wines made in New Jersey.

And while there is still no liquor store in town, Collingswood is now home to its first brewery. Located in the heart of town on Main Street, Devil’s Creek Brewery opened in 2016. With the capacity to brew 1,000 barrels per year which (as the website says) is “pretty good for a town that’s been dry for over 200 years.”

The brewery features a 900-square-foot tasting room with a pallet-wood wall featuring a rendition of the Jersey Devil (the brewery’s namesake). The tasting room also includes a 19-foot bar that serves 12 beers on tap ranging in styles and changing with the 20

seasons. This time of year, guests can enjoy ales including Sweet Potato Pie, Cordially Yours Chocolate Cherry Stout and Caramel Apple Brown.

So, next time you’re in Collingswood or you’re looking for a great way to imbibe during the holidays, stop by the brewery (masks are a must) and delight in the tastes of the season. Don’t forget to make holiday dinner reservations at some of the best BYOB restaurants around. Serving up cuisine from around the globe, it won’t be hard to find a perfect pairing with your favorite drink. ■

COURTESY COLLINGSWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY

In this 1888 photo at the corner of Haddon and Woodlawn avenues, the HalfWay House – built in 1828 and the only tavern in Collingswood – can be seen in the background. In 1873, the town voted to ban the sale of alcohol. The Half-Way House owner, Mahlon Van Booskirk, did not comply and was fined several times later for violating the law.

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Keeping up with

Collingswood It’s all in the details

holiday season, and children are welcome to drop off their letters for direct delivery to Christmas town.

Free parking for the holidays

p.m.; Hotsy Totsy from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 18; Hot Totsy from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 19, followed by Hampton Brass Quartet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

nues.

Monday, Nov. 30

That’s a Wrap: Thomas Sharp School PTA’s Charleston Wrap fundraiser deadlines, so be sure to log in at www.charlestonwrapstore. com with organization ID 19257 to check off your gift-giving list with an expansive list of more than 2,500 items to choose from. Or maybe you just need a lot of festive wrapping paper and bows? They’ve got that, too. Learn more at www.facebook.com/ ThomasSharpPTA.

When it comes to your social calendar, change is … not Caroling, Caroling Wednesday, Dec. 16 Enjoy holiday caroling every Friday and Collingswood Reads: Keep Collingswood always good. But sometimes Saturday in December. The following groups Public Library’s book club conversation will carol at Collingswood’s Millennium going online. From 7 to 8 p.m., readers will it’s inevitable. In the event of at Haddon and Irvin avenues: Hotsy discuss “Funny in Farsi” by Firoozeh Dumas. cancelations and postponements, clock Totsy from 6:30 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 4 and 5; Learn more, including how to get in on the Hotsy Totsy from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. virtual chat, at www.collingswoodlib.org. be sure to double check the 11, followed by Cherokee Concert Choir from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Hot Totsy from status of the following events 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 12, followed by before attending.

Send us your calendar listings!

Hampton Brass Quartet from 7:30 to 8:30

Merry and Bright

Pick up a holiday light tour map from Borough Hall and play tour guide for the family as you cruise the borough’s streets and take in the beautifully decorated homes and businesses. Like every year, there should be some amazing homes to check out – the borough’s annual resident holiday home decorating contest returns once again.

Frosted Window Panes

The borough brings back its storefront decorating contest, bigger and better than ever!

More than 50 businesses are taking part, creating a perfect festive backdrop to an evening of shopping and dining.

Zoom with Santa

Have a special wish to share with Santa Claus? Or maybe you just want to find out how he can eat all of those cookies on Christmas Eve? Whatever the reason, book an appointment for a live, one-on-one Zoom chat with the Jolly Old Elf. Pre-registration is required at collingswood.com.

Special Delivery

If your kids are worried about their letters making it to the North Pole, tell them to relax. A special Letters to Santa mailbox will be available outside Borough Hall during the 08108

Friday, Nov. 27

Virtual Tree Lighting: The tradition continues! Hop on Collingswood’s YouTube Channel at 7 p.m. to see Santa Claus descend from Borough Hall’s roof down a Collingswood Fire Department ladder truck in time to light the borough’s tree! The magic is only online – this is a pre-recorded event.

Learn more at collingswood.com.

Record Store Day: Stop by Grooveground Coffeebar for this annual Black Friday celebration of all that is vinyl, with exclusive releases, as well as the shop’s biggest CD and DVD sale of the year. Check out the unique selection of gifts and stocking stuffers, too.

Learn more at grooveground.com.

On & Off Site Workshops Holiday Take-Home Kits Open House Sales

Saturday, Nov. 28

Small Business Saturday: Shop small to have a big impact on Collingswood! This annual shopping event encourages everyone to #shoplocal and #shopsmall, and that adds up to great sales and promotions at borough businesses. Don’t forget to tag @collingswoodnj in your Small Business Saturday shopping and dining photos on Instagram and Facebook for a chance to win $50 in Collingswood cash! Get all the details at collingswood.com.

Hotsy Totsy at the Clock: Hear the sounds of the season from 2 to 3 p.m. when this Collingswood-based indie-pop trio of Jenny Pilong, Diana Carino and Amanda Brizzi kick off the caroling season at Collingswood’s Millennium clock at Haddon and Irvin ave21

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Parking is free throughout the downtown during December! Stores will also offer extended hours every Friday and Saturday.

What better way to get your holiday shopping done?

Please include all critical information: Who, what, where, when, and how to register or get tickets (if applicable), as well as a few lines of description.

Email your listings to 08108@ newspapermediagroup.com.

24 Haddon Ave. Haddon Township, NJ 08108

856-214-9514

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HOLIDAY PARADE PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

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