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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Collingswood, NJ

Home Care Collingswood, NJ

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Collings-Knight Homestead in Collingswood, NJ gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Collingswood, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Collingswood, NJ

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider My brother is getting service from Always Best Care of Jersey South. So far, they've been good and responsive. The way that we have the care set up, they come two hours in the morning and two hours at night. There aren't many care providers that do the split hours, but it's necessary for our situation and they've done that. The cost is comparable, they all seem to be charging the same amount. In the three weeks, there were two times that the provider came at the last minute. There was a car accident, it happened twice, and in both situations, they found a replacement to come out.”

Louis
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”

No P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very easy to work with and set up care plan for my mother.”

Cathy G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The service is excellent. The staff is really great. I love Working with Always Best Care because they take care of their employees. They work with you to see what hours you could work. When ever I have a emergency and I can not make it they find coverage. They give cases that are most of the time good with you. They work around my schedule. I love Working with ABC.”

NellyDreamer L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Fabulous team to work with. The best care senior service to work with. Especially Kendra, she is always available and always willing to help anyway she can and will go out of her way to make the patient and family’s experience 100x better. When our families are looking for additional care I know I can count on Always Best Care, to always give their very best. Big thank you to Kendra, Kerry and staff.”

Jessica S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care has provided 24 / 7 Live in care for my mother. They have taken very good care of my mother and I look forward to them continuing my mother’s care.”

StevenC
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”

Kaw-Reen A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”

Korrine C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”

Korrine A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is a great co host to a beautiful summer celebration at Artis Senior Living of Evesham”

Korrine B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Fabulous team to work with. The Best of the Best...... We know that when we refer our families to this "Wonderful" Company that they will take exceptional care of our clients.... Thank you Tammi, Kerri, Kendra and staff..”

Lisa C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“They are phenomenal!! Took great care of my not so easy Mom. They have ur back!!”

Rochelle V.
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“Great team to work with!!”

Robert E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I would like to recommend Always Best Care Senior Services of Greater South Jersey.. a Veteran and Woman owned Company.”

Jim H.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Collingswood, NJ?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Collingswood, NJ

Types of Elderly Care in Collingswood, NJ

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Collingswood, NJ
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Collingswood, NJ
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Knight Park Playground in Collingswood, NJ with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Collingswood, NJ
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Hearthside or visit Stokes-Lee House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Collingswood, NJ

Benefits of Home Care in Collingswood, NJ

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Collingswood, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Collingswood, NJ

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NJ's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Collingswood, NJ

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Collingswood, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Collingswood, NJ

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Collingswood, NJ

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • United Methodist Communities at Collingswood
  • Collingswood Manor: Carnes Harry MD
  • Love In Home Care Services
  • How We Roll
Home Care Collingswood, NJ

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Collingswood, NJ

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Collingswood, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Collingswood, NJ

Latest News in Collingswood, NJ

Voters in Collingswood, NJ to decide whether to allow limited liquor licenses

COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. (WPVI) -- Residents of one South Jersey town will vote in November on whether to allow a limited number of liquor licenses in the borough, potentially ending more than a century as a dry town.Known for its downtown shops and restaurants, Collingswood currently requires diners who want alcoholic beverages with their meals to bring their own.Under New Jersey's population-based licensing system, the borough would be eligible for four liquor licenses if voters approve the referendum.Some restaurant owners ...

COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. (WPVI) -- Residents of one South Jersey town will vote in November on whether to allow a limited number of liquor licenses in the borough, potentially ending more than a century as a dry town.

Known for its downtown shops and restaurants, Collingswood currently requires diners who want alcoholic beverages with their meals to bring their own.

Under New Jersey's population-based licensing system, the borough would be eligible for four liquor licenses if voters approve the referendum.

Some restaurant owners are watching the issue closely.

"It's not so much that we want one - we need one to survive," said Franco Lombardo, owner of Sapori Trattoria Italiana on Haddon Avenue.

Lombardo said he would apply for a liquor license if the referendum passes. His restaurant currently operates as a BYOB establishment. He also expressed frustration with New Jersey's liquor licensing system.

"I'm hoping at some point the state law will change, which would allow everybody to get one," Lombardo said.

The ballot question reached voters after residents gathered enough signatures to qualify the measure.

"We cleared the ballot threshold by about seven signatures. It was really close," said Joe Sperlunto, a member of the advocacy group Booze on the Ballot.

Sperlunto said supporters believe allowing alcohol sales could help attract more visitors and support local businesses.

"We fear that if we don't bring something new to the avenue, if we don't breathe some new life into it, allow people to come here, have a drink, walk around, shop at our stores, eat at one of our BYOB's we're going to start to see more business closures," Sperlunto said.

The proposal has divided residents.

"If you go into a restaurant, you almost expect to have a glass of wine or a cocktail. It kind of adds to the ambiance of the place," said Kristina Scallatino of Collingswood.

Others oppose the change and say they prefer the town's current character.

"They're quieter streets when people aren't walking around having had two or three glasses of wine or beer, and I feel safer," said Sue Ellen Raby of Collingswood.

A town hall on the referendum is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the library. Residents will be able to learn how the licensing process would work and ask questions ahead of the November 3 vote.

Collingswood Voters to Decide Future of Century-Old Dry Law

Down at the Jersey Shore, Ocean City is famously a dry town.Now, another South Jersey town, Collingswood, will vote on whether it is ready to allow alcohol sales.A Century-Old Tradition at a CrossroadsCollingswood, in Camden County, has been dry for over a century, but it has allowed residents to bring their own alcohol to dinner, something Ocean City does not allow.Back in 2012, Ocean City voters overwhelmingly rejected restaurant diners bringing their own beer or wine.Ocean City currently bans both liqu...

Down at the Jersey Shore, Ocean City is famously a dry town.

Now, another South Jersey town, Collingswood, will vote on whether it is ready to allow alcohol sales.

A Century-Old Tradition at a Crossroads

Collingswood, in Camden County, has been dry for over a century, but it has allowed residents to bring their own alcohol to dinner, something Ocean City does not allow.

Back in 2012, Ocean City voters overwhelmingly rejected restaurant diners bringing their own beer or wine.

Ocean City currently bans both liquor sales and BYO (Bring your own) in restaurants; Collingswood allows BYO at local restaurants.

What the November 3rd Vote Means for Business

The vote will come this November 3rd to allow a limited number of liquor licenses in the town. If the vote passes, Collingswood would be able to have four liquor licenses.

Many business owners, especially in the downtown along Haddon Avenue, believe that the only way for their bar or restaurant to remain open is to allow alcohol sales. Some believe that adding alcohol sales will not only help the bars and restaurants, but also other businesses in town.

Residents came up with a website, boozeontheballot.com, to try to educate people as Collingswood voters decide whether local businesses can serve alcohol.

"It isn't just about ordering a drink at dinner—it's about giving our local business district the tools to thrive in a changing economic landscape."

Detractors over the years point to safer and quieter streets.

How to Voice Your Opinion: Upcoming Town Hall Details

There will be a town hall on Wednesday, 6 p.m., at the Collinswood Library to ask questions and express concerns.

NJ Pen Small Business Street Fair Comes to Collingswood Nov. 15

The NJ Pen Small Business Street Fair is built on the idea that our local economy has everything it needs — except a day to tie it all together.From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, join us for an outdoor local small business expo at Haddon and Woodlawn Avenues in downtown Collingswood.Proudly presented with Collingswood Partners, the nonprofit management corporation that oversees the Collingswood Business Improvement District, this afternoon of ...

The NJ Pen Small Business Street Fair is built on the idea that our local economy has everything it needs — except a day to tie it all together.

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, join us for an outdoor local small business expo at Haddon and Woodlawn Avenues in downtown Collingswood.

Proudly presented with Collingswood Partners, the nonprofit management corporation that oversees the Collingswood Business Improvement District, this afternoon of programming includes live entertainment, food and drink, employment resources, and conversations with local media.

Who’s invited? Everyone!

Most importantly, it’s a chance for small business owners and service providers of all kinds to meet directly with customers to talk about what they have to offer.

A Bigger Way to Shop Small

Small business coverage is a core component of the work we do at NJ Pen.

For 12 years, we’ve been telling the stories of the people who set up shop in our community, the economic conditions they face, and the impact of policy-making on their livelihoods.

We do it without clickbait, sponsored content, or any of the other things that many media outlets do to meet their bottom lines. Our motto is, “You can buy an ad, but you can’t buy our coverage.”

It’s a business decision — an important one that keeps us editorially independent in service to the readers who support our work.

Local journalism helps build community by understanding the forces that shape it, and right now, cost pressures are having their say everywhere. In every business and every household, almost every dollar is spoken for before it arrives.

When you’re self-employed, it can be hard to tell your story to the people who need to hear it. Most digital advertising funnels cash out of the community to reach an audience who already lives there.

Times are certainly tight. But when resources are scarce, and everybody needs a little bit of help, that’s when people in our community get tighter. Help us cut through the influencers, the algorithm, and the AI slop, and show up for our community.

Mark your calendars for November 15. Let’s showcase the best of South Jersey in a big way, together.

Registration

This event is free to attend, and affordable to vend. Sign up here to secure your spot.

Become a Sponsor

Want to join our sponsors? Drop us a line.

RSVP

Let us know you’re coming! , and follow for more details.

Collingswood elementary school closes with emotional farewell amid budget shortfall

COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. (WPVI) -- Parents, students and teachers marked the final day of school at James Garfield Elementary in Collingswood, New Jersey, with an emotional sendoff as the building prepares to close permanently due to a budget shortfall.Families organized a surprise celebration on the last day, with parents and former students lining the streets dressed in red, showcasing what they called "Garfield Grit."A parade featuring drums, confetti and bubbles greeted students as they left for summer break.&quo...

COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. (WPVI) -- Parents, students and teachers marked the final day of school at James Garfield Elementary in Collingswood, New Jersey, with an emotional sendoff as the building prepares to close permanently due to a budget shortfall.

Families organized a surprise celebration on the last day, with parents and former students lining the streets dressed in red, showcasing what they called "Garfield Grit."

A parade featuring drums, confetti and bubbles greeted students as they left for summer break.

"We just did not want to go quietly," said one parent.

The celebration doubled as a farewell to the school itself, one of the district's oldest elementary buildings.

Former student Raphael Carlson said the moment brought back memories.

"I want to send off my teachers. I really loved Mr. Wiltsey," he said of the school's principal.

Parents said the event was meant to honor teachers and staff who shaped their children's lives.

"We want to make sure everybody in that building who has helped raise my children are going out smiling and knowing they made a difference," said Garfield parent Maryann Davis.

Students reacted with excitement to the surprise.

"Really cool! They just surprised us with this!" said student Ella Munn.

Still, the reality of the closure weighed on many.

"I'm never going to go back in there ever again," said student Charlotte Davis.

Another student, Taylor Dixon, reflected on the experience, saying tearfully, "All the fun stuff that we do - it was just really fun."

Some parents questioned the decision to close the school.

"I absolutely think there's different things they could've cut. I also think if they had given us time - if they had given the community time to know what was going on and not kept it hidden - this community would've rallied," said Mindy Leher.

School officials said the closure comes as the district faces a $3 million deficit. They cited decreased state funding - about $305,000 less next year - along with rising healthcare and transportation costs.

Superintendent Fredrick McDowell said broader systemic issues are at play, saying, "There's a structural problem that has unfortunately not been solved at the state level and local communities are shouldering the burden."

A spokesperson for the governor's office acknowledged ongoing concerns about funding, while highlighting the state's overall investment in education.

"The Governor has been clear that there is still significant work ahead to modernize school funding, which is long overdue. This year's proposed budget delivers a record level of $12.4 billion in funding to support K-12 education while also taking important steps toward strengthening the school funding formula and ensuring resources are distributed fairly, effectively, and in a way that best supports students and taxpayers across all districts," said Maggie Garbarino, deputy press secretary for the Office of the Governor.

The school building will be decommissioned and put up for sale. Students have been reassigned to other elementary schools for the upcoming fall term, marking the end of an era for the Collingswood community.

Rutgers Freshman Anthony Knox Addresses Collingswood Brawl and Lost State Title in First Public Remarks

Anthony Knox, a freshman wrestler at Rutgers University, spoke publicly in Piscataway on Tuesday for the first time since a 2025 brawl in Collingswood, NJ.com reported.Knox told a small group of reporters he is focused on his goal of becoming a four-time national champion.The session at the Rutgers athletic performance center ran a little over 11 minutes, according to the Asbury Park Press. Knox used the word pivoting several times and said he controls only what he can control.The District 25 Tournament Altercation...

Anthony Knox, a freshman wrestler at Rutgers University, spoke publicly in Piscataway on Tuesday for the first time since a 2025 brawl in Collingswood, NJ.com reported.

Knox told a small group of reporters he is focused on his goal of becoming a four-time national champion.

The session at the Rutgers athletic performance center ran a little over 11 minutes, according to the Asbury Park Press. Knox used the word pivoting several times and said he controls only what he can control.

The District 25 Tournament Altercation

NJ.com reported that Knox and his father, Anthony Knox Sr., went into the stands and set off a melee at the 2025 NJSIAA District 25 Tournament in Collingswood. Both were arrested and charged with simple assault.

They each took part in a virtual municipal court hearing on May 14, 2025.

Later, NJ.com reported, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), the governing body for high school sports in the state, disqualified Knox.

The Asbury Park Press reported that the NJSIAA Controversies Committee decided in May to strip him of the 2025 state 126-pound championship.

NJSIAA now lists Knox as a three-time state champion, and the 2025 title is vacant. Knox won it on the mat with an 18-4 major decision over Nathan Braun of Bergen Catholic. The family chose not to appeal, according to the Asbury Park Press.

What Knox Said About the Fallout

Asked whether he will always consider himself a four-time state champion, Knox declined to comment. Many wrestling observers will always count him as one, the Asbury Park Press reported.

Knox was also asked whether he regrets anything from the night of the altercation. He said it is in the past and there is nothing he can change.

He described the stretch before the state tournament as very hard. Referring to his fourth state title, he told reporters he got the moment he wanted. Once he won, he knew that chapter was over and it was time for the next one, NJ.com reported.

Knox was asked whether Cornell had hesitated to pursue him because of what he was going through. He answered that Cornell was not the right fit for him.

Career at St. John Vianney and Move to Rutgers

Knox wrestled at St. John Vianney High School from 2021 to 2025. The Asbury Park Press described him as one of five wrestlers to win four NJSIAA titles on the mat. NJ.com called him one of the greatest wrestlers in New Jersey history.

At the news conference, NJ.com said, Knox detailed the 10 months since his move back to New Jersey and his highly publicized transfer to Rutgers. He is listed as a freshman 125-pounder for the Scarlet Knights, according to the Asbury Park Press.

Its story carried a headline built on Knox's wish that people know he is a good person.

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