Good morning, Cherry Hill,
We spoke with a local woman who shared her mother’s story of surviving Auschwitz in a recently published memoir.
Also in the headlines, The Children’s Place plans to close its Cherry Hill location and other New Jersey stores as it files for bankruptcy protection, proposed state legislation could bring more anti-bullying measures to private and parochial schools, and nearby Collingswood is saying goodbye to its dry town status.
— Laura Smythe (cherryhill@inquirer.com)
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Nina Langsam Jay grew up hesitant to ask her parents, both Auschwitz survivors, about their Holocaust experiences. Now, she’s teamed up with author Leah Grisham to chronicle the story of her mother, Dora Bursztajn Langsam.
Jay, who’s now 77 and has lived in Cherry Hill for more than four decades, spent years recounting Langsam’s personal history to Grisham for the recently published book “The World Has Caught Fire.”
Langsam, who died in 2017, had shared her story publicly at local schools, community programs, and even a prison. She went on to provide testimony to Steven Spielberg’s USC Shoah Foundation, a worldwide oral history project for Holocaust survivors.
“It was like a cathartic happening for her,” Jay said.
Read more from Jay about what it means to be the steward of her family’s story, and what makes the memoir unique.
💡 Community news
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Over the weekend, Mayor Dave Fleisher and township council issued a joint statement condemning a Sunday bike ride protesting Jewish-owned businesses in Rittenhouse Square, calling it “an act of antisemitism.” Hundreds of people turned out to support the six targeted Philadelphia businesses in solidarity.
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Former longtime Cherry Hill resident Julian A. Brodsky died last week at 93. Brodsky cofounded telecommunications giant Comcast, helping grow it from a small cable venture in the South to one of the nation’s largest companies. He was remembered as “an extraordinary leader, a brilliant financial mind, and one of the architects of cable television.”
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North Jersey-based kids’ clothing chain The Children’s Place has filed for bankruptcy protection and will shutter its 24 locations across the state, including its Cherry Hill Mall store, The Inquirer’s Erin McCarthy reports. The move will result in 732 layoffs statewide.
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After months of anticipation, Dick’s House of Sport will make its debut at the mall this weekend, with grand opening events taking place Friday through Sunday. In addition to sports apparel and gear, the 120,000-square-foot, two-story store features a climbing wall, golf bays and simulators, a running track, and batting and soccer cages.
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Several other businesses have recently opened at the mall: custom clothing retailer Indochino, denim-forward brand True Religion, and baby and kids apparel company Carter’s.
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The Bunker Fitness recently opened its Cherry Hill outpost at 1360 Brace Rd. It’s one of a number of gyms taking over former Rite Aid spaces.
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The fire department is hosting a child safety seat check event Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Deer Park Station.
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Starting Dec. 1, the Cherry Hill Police Department will transition to a new community alerts system to keep residents in the loop about weather advisories, road closures, and public safety notifications. Here’s how to sign up for Rave Alert.
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The Cherry Hill Environmental Board is looking for volunteers to join community tree plantings this weekend, at Bunker Hill White Trail on Saturday and Chestnut Terrace Open Space on Sunday. Both events run from 9 a.m. to noon, and registration is requested.
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Municipal offices in the township are closed today for Veterans Day.
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The average Camden County resident will see a $1.83 increase in their taxes next year after voters backed a measure to protect local natural areas.
🗺️ Other nearby news
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Collingswood voters last week overturned the borough’s dry town status that has been in place for more than a century.
🏫 Schools briefing
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An anti-bullying bill that has been cleared by the Education Committees in both the state Senate and Assembly would strengthen protections for students at New Jersey private and parochial schools.
🍽️ On our plate
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The Farm and Fisherman Tavern has one of the best Sunday brunches in South Jersey, according to Best of NJ.com. The outlet lauded its selection of French toast and omelet offerings, as well as its dessert choices.
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Getting ready for Thanksgiving? New Jersey Monthly has rounded up eateries offering to-go meals and dine-in service, including Randall’s Restaurant.
🎳 Things to do
🇺🇸 Padre Peter Molnar Veteran Appreciation Breakfast: The Camden County Board of Commissioners and the Camden County Veterans Advisory Committee will show their appreciation for the nation’s service members at this brunch, which features a keynote from Air Force veteran and occupational therapist Emily J. Balog. ⏰ Wednesday, Nov. 11, 8-11 a.m. 💵 Free, registration encouraged 📍Collingswood Grand Ballroom
🏈 Men’s Health and Sports Trivia Night: Test your knowledge alongside Mayor Fleisher and town council members at this event hosted by Cherry Hill resident and retired sports agent Richard Glazer. ⏰ Thursday, Nov. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 💵 Free, registration encouraged 📍 Carman Tilelli Community Center
🐈⬛ Shibu’s Tail Story Time: Join fellow bookworms for an activity and reading with New Jersey-based author Tess Thomas, creator of the furry-tailed cat character Shibu. Registration is required for the reading, but not for the meet-and-greet. ⏰ Sunday, Nov. 15, 2:30-3:30 p.m. 💵 Free, books available for purchase 📍 Cherry Hill Public Library
😂 Look Man Art x Comedy Showcase: Have a laugh and a cold one at this adults-only night of standup. ⏰ Sunday, Nov. 15, 7-9 p.m. 💵 $12.51-$23.18 📍 Mechanical Brewery
🏡 On the market
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home was built in 1956 and is a few minutes’ drive away from the Barclay Farmstead. It has vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, a den, and several skylights. There’s a gas fireplace, an attached one-car garage, and a backyard with a deck.
See more photos of the home here.
Price: $475,000 | Size: 1,570 SF | Acreage: 0.26
🗞️ What other Cherry Hill residents are reading this week:
Staff writer Lisa Dukart contributed to this newsletter.
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