08108 Collingswood | Holiday 2022

Letter from the EDITOR:

The holiday season is quickly approaching and Collingswood is getting ready to celebrate. From tree lightings and ice carvings to gift guides and places to grab a bite, 08108 has it all covered.

Get a first hand look at the kick-off of the holiday season, the annual tree lighting. Not only is this event full of carols and good cheer, but Santa himself also makes an appearance with the help of the Collingswood Fire Department. (Page 20) If that isn’t entertaining enough, Collingswood also brings in an ice carver every year to wow the community with this fascinating art form. (Page 22)

For those who celebrate the festival of lights, or might be interested in a special kind of community gathering, a menorah lighting will also be held on Dec. 22 by the Chabad of Camden and Burlington County at the Lumberyard Garden. (Page 6)

While the holidays are mostly about celebrating together, it is also the time for giving. Collingswood has many dif-

ferent avenues to explore when it comes to finding the best gift for a loved one. Our contributor NJ Ackermann took time to discover all things Collingswood has to offer in the gift giving department and lays it all out in her Gift Guide on Page (10) .

After all the fun and games are over, residents can’t forget to fill their bellies. In this edition’s Borough Bites piece we jump into Nunzio’s by Chef Michael DeLone. Between their normal menu of italian dishes, they also offer holiday menu items and a special ingredient that happens to be the most popular menu item. See page (16) for more details.

The 08108 magazine is excited to let you in on all of the exciting things Collingswood has to offer during the holiday season. We can’t wait to see what’s next.

Mackenzie Fitchett Editor

Winter Programs at the Collingswood Public Library

Join Miss Renee for storytime for ages 3-5! Registration required.

Children

Art Club (Mondays monthly from 3:304:30pm)

Learn about famous artists, look at some of their work, and create a project inspired by the artist and their techniques. Ages 7-11. Registration required.

LEGO Junior (Select Thursdays from 4-5pm)

Calling all LEGO fans ages 5-7!  Come to the library and complete fun LEGO challenges!  Registration required.

Giving Tree

This year’s Giving Tree donations will help with purchasing items for our STEAM Cart programs. If you would like to donate, look for the Giving Tree on the first floor of the library, beginning in mid-November.

Early Literacy

Bouncing Babies Storytime (Wednesdays from 10-10:30am)

Come to the library for a fun lapsit for babies ages 0-17 months! Registration required.

Building Blocks Storytime (Fridays from 10-10:30am at the Scottish Rite)

Join Miss Melissa and Miss Renee for storytime for children ages 18-35 months! Registration required.

Read to Read Storytime (Saturdays monthly from 10-10:30am)

STEAM Cart (Wednesdays & Thursdays Weekly from 3-5pm in Youth Services) Stop in and visit our new STEAM cart during Creation Station hours. Create, make, invent, and problem solve using the challenge cards or instructions in the bin. Ages 6-11. No registration.

Winter Wonderland Party (December 28th) Need a break from Winter Break? Stop by between 10am-1pm for an afternoon of Winter-themed games and activities at the library! For grades 1-5.

Cozy Sweaters (December)

Help us create a collaborative collection of coziness! Stop by the library to design and color the paper sweater of your dreams. Finished sweaters will be put on display and you can vote for your favorite!

Tweens

Get Crafty (Select Tuesdays from 3:304:30pm)

Get creative and learn to make the project of the month.  All supplies are provided and all skill levels are welcome. Ages 8-13. Registration required.

Roll for Adventure: Tween Dungeons & Dragons (Select Wednesdays from 4-6pm) Discover treasure, slay a dragon, & discover your inner hero.  No experience necessary.  Ages 10-13. Registration required.

LEGO Club (Select Thursdays from 4-5pm) Calling all LEGO fans! Come to the library and complete fun LEGO challenges! Ages 8-12. Registration required.

Teens

Teen Dungeons and Dragons (Tuesdays monthly from 5-8pm) Slay, loot, charm and cast your way to legendary status! Ages 13-18. Registration required.

Adults

Collingswood Reads Book Club (Third or Fourth Wednesday from 7-8pm) Join our monthly community book discussion! See our website for titles and dates.

Wrapping Gifts with Fabric: A Furoshiki Workshop (December 7 from 7-8pm) Learn the Japanese art and practice of Furoshiki! Registration required.

Menorah Lighting

ANNUAL

BY MINDY TORAN

The joy of the holidays and the importance of community will once again be highlighted at the annual Chanukah menorah lighting ceremony in downtown Collingswood, sponsored by Chabad of Camden and Burlington County.

The event, which will be held on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 6 p.m. in the Lumberyard Garden, has been an important part of the town’s holiday festivities since the first menorah lighting was held in 2018.

“This event has been such a gift to the community,” says Sharon Ritz, a Collingswood resident who was instrumental in bringing the program to Collingswood. “It’s lovely to see all the young families and longtime members of the community come out to celebrate the joy of the holiday together.”

Ritz heard about menorah lighting celebrations in neighboring towns and thought it would be a wonderful addition to Collingswood’s holiday programs. She did some research and was eventually connected with Rabbi Yitzchok Kahan of Chabad of Camden and Burlington Counties, which hosts Chanukah festivities in communities throughout South Jersey. Ritz worked with Collingswood Mayor Jim Maley and Commissioners Rob Lewandowski and

please see MENORAH, page 8

Joan Leonard, along with Borough administrator Cass Duffey and community resident Sandi Kelly to bring the event to town.

“The Lumberyard Condominiums dedicated the space in their garden, right in the middle of town, for the first menorah lighting ceremony and celebration,” says Ritz. “We expected a modest turnout, but had about 60 to 70 people come out that first year. Now it’s an annual tradition, and more and more people come out because it’s so much fun. The residents of our community truly enjoy getting together to celebrate the beautiful traditions of the holidays,” she says.

“We were happy to introduce this wonderful program to the residents of Collingswood,” says Rabbi Lazier Mangel of Chabad of Camden and Burlington County. “We try to add a menorah lighting in a new location every year, and we had an incredible turnout from the community. People of all faiths came out in a beautiful show of support for the holiday.”

The non-profit Chabad of Camden and Burlington County, which oversees Chabad programs in Cherry Hill, Medford and Florence, NJ, Chabad Israeli Community, as well as the Friendship Circle, Chabad Hebrew School, Chabad Men’s Club, Women of Chabad, Camp Gan Israel and Mei Shifra Family Mikvah, offers all of its programming at no or low cost to participants.

“Our success over the years has been made possible by the many people in the community who have chosen to partner with us and support our many activities and community please see MENORAH,

services, sharing the rewards for all we do,” says Mangel. “All of our programs are 100 percent funded by community donors, helping to bring love and joy to the community.” Chabad centers focus on education and Jewish welfare, serving as spiritual outposts and organizing a network of schools and social centers throughout the world.

“We love seeing communities come out to gather for the holidays,” says Mangel. “These events promote messages of hope and resilience and help raise the spirits of the community. By coming together to light the candles of the menorah, we bring

light over darkness, promote religious freedom and highlight acts of kindness, one light at a time.”

The Community Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration will be held at the Lumberyard Garden, Collings and North Atlantic Ave., Thursday, Dec. 22 at 6 p.m., featuring music, latkes, donuts, dreidels and chocolate gelt.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CHABAD LUBAVITCH Chabad of Camden/Burlington County menorah lighting

Collingswood Gifting

BY NJ ACKERMANN

It’s hard to choose gifts. Some have a knack for it, some do not. My kid consistently picks amazingly thoughtful gifts that aren’t necessarily expensive, just perfect for the giftee. Try as I might, I can never think of a thing I have confidence in. I’m always thankful for the person who has wants. Like my brother who, when I was sixteen, told me he wanted headers for his car. He detailed exactly which ones to get and where to buy them. To this day, I am unclear

please see GIFTING, page 13

what headers even are, but headers are what he got, and everyone was happy.

Occasionally, great gift ideas jump out in front of you. This was my experience while shopping in Collingswood. I came upon Extraordinary ED, touting “Games, puzzles and toys for every brain,” with windows chock full of fascinations. The door was locked. I pulled and rattled the handle, but they were closed. For a moment I pouted, then I peered through the windows. Candy Chemistry, Cauldron Quest, Pick Your Poison and Murder Mystery. Too much fun. Looking back, I realized I had left my fingerprints all over the glass and rushed off as if I had committed a crime. But oh, I must return.

Next, I entered the Arts Plus Gallery. So many unique items, I perused the vast array of mosaics, artistic clocks, blown glass, handforged jewelry, scarves and sweaters, green glass bowls, vases, menorahs, kitchenware, keychains, wood block art…phew. Easy to find a gift here. For starters, I purchased two shot glasses with heavyweight metal bases, one for a strong woman in my world and the other for a music teacher friend. But with a focus on local and fair trade items, this was a place I could not seem to leave. I lingered so long I almost became a fixture myself.

Another place that impressed me was East Coast Calligraphy where poems, lyrics

and meaningful words are framed and decorated with sweeping pen strokes, colors and gilt. Here, thoughtful, unique gifts become treasures. On the wall was a tambourine adorned with a sweet message in delicately scrolled letters. And, their calligraphy lessons are a lifetime gift.

There are many other “Do-it” gifts for all ages in Collingswood. At Songbird Karaoke, everything is provided for an awesome experience. I can vouch for this one, as I used it to throw a 90th birthday party for my Dad, who is a shower singer. It was so much fun. I invited all the grandkids and greatgrandkids and even got my brother to do a duet with me. His own family watched with gaping mouths. Apparently, a private room coaxes even the shyer virtuosos.

A Private Escape Room is something I have heard is exciting and fun. Exit 4 provides different experiences with Wizarding, Time Machine, Wiseguy and T-Rex. Gift cards range from $30 to $280, so you can gift individuals or entire families. Collingswood was their first home, but Exit 4 is doing something right, because their success is taking them nationwide.

please see GIFTING, page 14

BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE 1: Exit 4’a Private Escape Rooms. 2: Arts Plus Gallery. 3-6: All Fired Up. 7-9: ExtraordinaryED

PHOTOS

Another “Do-it” gift is All Fired Up, where your giftee chooses a pottery piece ranging from $15 to $90, then spends an hour or all day completing it. “Some people bring lunch,” said Sydney Cannatella, the artist on duty. She explained how they dip, glaze and fire the pieces so they’re water and microwave-safe. Here, you can spend a little or a lot to gift a fun keepsake or a fine piece of pottery. This is both a “Do-it” and a “Get-it” gift.

Collingswood is known for its restaurants, so there are plenty of places to break for lunch or dinner, but as a BYOB town, I was surprised to find a bit of ale. Where Haddon Avenue meets Powell Lane is Devil’s Creek Brewery. Their flavors are not distributed, explained the bartender Terrence Owens, so they can only be found here. Snickerdoodle is the seasonal favorite, but he likes No Sleep Till Brooklyn, with a caffeine boost to start his shift. He offered me a taste, and I chose Bloody Mary Lager—loved it.

When asked, many businesses can construct a gift basket around a gift card. For instance, Songbird Karaoke can surround it with fun snacks and beverages, and Devil’s Creek can add tankards, T-shirts and growlers of brew.

So, Collingswood made gifting easy for the getters on my list, but it also surprised me with fresh ideas for the doers on my list. And, it’s such a fun town with so much going on that I will visit more than once during the holidays. 

1-4: ExtraordinaryED. 5-9: East Coast Calligraphy.

PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

Nunzio’s

by Chef Michael DeLone

BY DANTE LONG

Roaming through Collingswood with an empty stomach can best be addressed by an inquiry into one of the most popular Italian restaurants in town—Nunzio’s by Chef Michael DeLone. Earning a 4-star reputation in its 18 years of existence, the prosperous establishment once owned by Nunzio Patruno is under new ownership. Not just any old ownership...but in good hands with former protégée Chef Michael DeLone, who spent most of his career in Philadelphia and has big plans for both the menu and the venue that customers would be delighted to know.

Owning your own business is a dream come true for most. For DeLone, not only did he achieve that dream, but in one of the most unique and opportune ways imaginable. A call from his mentor Patruno would change the trajectory of his career.

“[Patruno] asked if I knew anyone who wanted to buy a restaurant,” DeLone recalled. “I had the funds and bought it.”

Having worked with his mentor, Patruno, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, it was please see BITES, page 18

BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

an honor for DeLone to acquire his mentor’s business. The newly passed torched motivated DeLone to create a hybrid mold that started by keeping the name of the restaurant and adding to the “refined cooking style” Nunzio’s was known for while putting his unique twist on the popular Italian restaurant.

Nunzio’s by Chef Michael DeLone has a wide variety of classic Italian dishes such as Parmigiana and prosciutto, as well as rabbit, which is one of the most popular items on the menu. Another very popular item happens to be the personal favorite of DeLone—octopus. As tasty as the year-round items are, perhaps the most dynamic dishes can be found during the holidays. Food compliments any holiday and Nunzio’s by Chef Michael DeLone knows how to prepare for such an important occasion. Thanksgiving centers around food and family, which means your family can take advantage of a delicious turkey scallopini dish available for take-out, a special created in 2021. The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a four-course meal that’s only available in-house for $75. Customers can expect to be served this meal during the Christmas holiday, Wednesday, Dec. 21 and Saturday, Christmas Eve. If that sounded good, wait—there’s more. On Christmas Day, families will be able to enjoy braised short ribs.

The future of Nunzio’s by Chef Michael DeLone is as important as its past. Big plans are on the horizon, according to the chef, eager to continue the success of his mentor. “I’m a humble servant,” he considers himself regarding his legacy. “I just want to cook good food.”

His goals for the direction of the business are not only ambitious, but immediate. Although the menu is appealing to most, DeLone would like to stir the pot and add much more. “I want it to be more seafood driven,” he proudly declared with seafood being one of his favorite types of food. The change is expected to attract fellow seafood lovers who don’t shy away from exotic dishes like octopus. “I want more cuts of meat and home cooked pastas too,” he says. The biggest change to come being one that brings on renovations and even a new name in 2023. No name has made the cut yet, but one thing is for certain, Chef Michael DeLone has a lot on his plate and like most things he creates they end up a success loved by many. 

PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

LEFT: Nunzio Chef Michael DeLone.

RIGHT: Roasted pork shoulder, prosciutto, broccoli Rabe, parmigiana

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

BY CHRIS ISAAC

As Halloween wraps up, people’s attention quickly begins to turn to Christmas. And in Collingswood, the preparations for Santa to usher in the season are already well underway. Continuing a

tradition that has existed in the town since the ‘80s, the day after Thanksgiving will be celebrated with the official tree lighting ceremony, where Santa himself will make his grand entrance for the holidays.

The event is sponsored by the borough, and Lindsey Ferguson, Collingswood’s Director of Community and Business Development, is the one who coordinates

events for the borough. Though she is new to the role, having just started in September, Ferguson is well-acquainted with the beloved tradition and is excited to help make the first tree lighting she works on, in this position, a success. According to Ferguson, the itinerary for the big night is already laid out.

“All of our residents and neighbors gather around Borough Hall,” said Ferguson as she explained the atmosphere from past years. “Everybody gathers on Haddon Avenue. Everybody gets all excited. There are local choral groups, carolers, some of our local school choruses, so there is holiday music beforehand. People are doing hot chocolate, stuff like that. It’s really a family friendly event.”

And, of course, the big highlight of the night is getting to see the Christmas tree lit up. To complete the atmosphere of the winter time vibes, the event also guarantees a “first snow” regardless of what the weather looks like in November. A snow machine is used to create flurries and blanket Haddon Avenue. It creates the perfect backdrop for

when Santa arrives to do the honors of making the tree shine.

“Right as it gets dark out,” said Ferguson, “we have a fire truck that pulls up, and Santa comes out on top of Borough Hall and then comes down the ladder and then they light the tree.” But the fun does not end there. Santa will be around afterwards for anyone looking to say hi and meet him in person. The event actually marks the first night of Santa being around Collingswood for the whole season. After the tree lighting on Nov. 25, the people of Collingswood will have many more opportunities to catch Santa, as he is hosted at a variety of local businesses on subsequent nights, such as at the toy shop ExtraordinaryED where he will be available for pictures.

However, there are still more festivities on the night of the tree lighting itself. The ceremony starts at 7 p.m., but after the 35-foot tree is fully illuminated, there will also be a live ice carving demonstration from Sculpted Ice Works starting at 7:30. Mayor Jim Maley will also be on hand to usher in the fun with a season’s greetings. And after the spectacles, attendees can also get a jumpstart on their holiday shopping in the downtown area of Collingswood.

Residents should also return the next day, because Nov. 26 is the town’s holiday parade starting at 10:00 a.m. “We always have a couple Mummers groups,” Ferguson said, explaining what attendees can expect. “We generally have marching bands from the surrounding schools, from Collingswood, from Camden, Haddon Pike, Pennsauken. Lots of local businesses will participate as well, some sponsors. Boy scout troops, girl scout troops, holiday characters, sports mascots. Always a good time. It was voted the best Main Street experience in the last couple years as well.” The parade starts at Zane and Haddon avenues.

The whole event has plenty to offer for everyone and usually sees hundreds in attendance for the whole thing. For those who can’t make it out, there is ample opportunity to admire the twinkling holiday lights, with the Christmas tree staying up until the end of January. But the town is expecting as big a turnout as ever, especially with this being the big return to form after the health restrictions of the last two years.

“I think this is the first full year of partial normalcy,” said Ferguson. “So we’re even more excited for this year. It’s tradition, it’s very family friendly, but it also really helps support our downtown businesses which have done so much to survive these last couple years and worked so hard. So we’re also just really happy to bring more people downtown to see what there is to offer here, because there’s a lot.” 

FROM

Cooking TO

Carving

BY SAM DONNELLON

The next time you watch someone carving an ice sculpture, consider this: They may have prepared a meal for you at some point.

“They’re trained in the culinary arts and that’s where they get their first taste of it,” says Sam Foster of Sculpted Ice Works. “It’s a course you have to take.”

Sculpted Ice Works will be in Collingswood again this year on Nov. 25, to carve a sculpture after the Holiday Tree Lighting, at 7 p.m. As in past years, Santa will descend from atop Borough Hall by way of the Collingswood Fire Department’s ladder truck – just in time for the Borough’s official Tree Lighting. The event also includes carol singing by local choral groups and comments from Mayor Jim Maley and Commissioners Rob Lewandowski and Morgan Robinson. Then, one of the several artists from Ice Works (yet to be assigned at press time) will set up at the Millennium Clock/Zane Schoolhouse at Irvin Ave at 7:30 p.m. This year’s theme will be a reindeer, says Lindsey Fergusson, Director of Community and Business Development for the Borough.

Based in Lakeville, Pa. (about 30 miles from Scranton), Sculpted Ice Works employs a dozen or so sculptors. While many of the sculptors come from a culinary background, that is not always the case.

“We deal with a lot of people that do wood carving too,” says Foster. “And every time I’ve ever talked to a wood carver, they say it’s harder to carve ice…We do have a couple guys that are very, very artistic and they do all kinds of mediums -- drawing, sculpting with clay, stuff like that. But personally, I just like to carve ice.”

The sculptor begins with a block of ice 40 inches tall, 20 inches wide and 10 inches deep. They are produced by something

called a Clinebell Machine. After being shaved down and smoothed, they are placed inside a plastic liner and put in a cardboard box, on top of pallets, and transported that day to the site inside of a refrigerated truck.

“We cut what would be the fronts of them off so that they’re nice and flat,” says Foster. “And then we cut off all the impurities, like water beads, that have formed.”

It takes about one to two hours to carve a figure, depending on the complexities. Animals tend to be more difficult than inanimate objects because of the vagaries of dimension.

The busiest seasons for carving are in the spring, due to weddings, and the winter season. Besides the many local events such

as that in Collingswood, Ice Works sculpts for colleges and a slew of winter festivals throughout the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware area.

Some events, like the Clarks Summit Festival of Ice and the Scranton Festival of Ice, center around numerous sculptures and require an army of sculptors.

“Those are just three of the ones that we do,” says Foster. “And I’d say on average we do probably 40 to 50 sculptures for each one of them. And we go and we line them up all around the towns and outside of businesses and stuff like that. So we’re pretty busy in the wintertime. But I would say that wedding seasons are actually even busier!. 

Keeping up with Collingswood

It’s all in the details

When it comes to your social calendar, change is … not always good. But sometimes it’s inevitable. In the event of cancelations and postponements, be sure to double check the status of the following events before attending.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

5PM to 8PM: Visit with Santa FREE at Extraordinary ED!

6PM to 7PM: CAROLING! Collingswood Madrigals at the Clock.

7PM to 8PM: CAROLING! Collingswood Community Chorus at the Clock.

6:30 PM: Parade of Lights - Fire Trucks and floats strung in glittering lights at Knight Park.

8 PM: Will Downing, Scottish Rite Auditorium

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

1PM to 3PM: Visit with Santa FREE at Extraordinary ED!

5PM to 8PM: Visit with Santa FREE at Extraordinary ED!

5 PM to 8PM: DecemberFest Pop-UpFAMily Night at Haddon and Woodlawn

6:30PM to 7:15PM: CAROLING! Cherokee High School Girls Ensemble at the Clock.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4

9AM to NOON: Sensory Santa at Upcycle Fitness

1PM to 3PM: Visit with Santa FREE at Extraordinary ED!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8

7:30 PM: First Thursday Jazz. Guitarist Patricio Acevedo, Collingswood Community Center

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9

5PM to 8PM: Visit with Santa FREE at Extraordinary ED!

6PM to 7:30PM: CAROLING! HAMpton Brass Quartet at the Clock Saturday, December 10: 2nd Saturdayfeaturing artists, crafters and musicians!

1PM to 3PM: Visit with Santa FREE at Extraordinary ED!

5PM to 8PM: Visit with Santa FREE at Extraordinary ED!

5 PM to 8PM: DecemberFest Pop-UpHandmade Holidays Night at Haddon and Woodlawn

6PM to 8PM: CAROLING! Jersey Sound Chorus at the Clock

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11

9AM to NOON: Sensory Santa at Upcycle Fitness

1PM to 3PM: Visit with Santa FREE at Extraordinary ED!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16

5PM to 8PM: Visit with Santa FREE at Extraordinary ED!

6PM to 7PM: CAROLING! Luminance Flute Quartet at the Clock

7PM to 8PM: CAROLING! Collingswood Community Chorus at the Clock

7PM: The Nutcracker presented by Tricia Sloan Dance Center at the Scottish Rite

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17

10AM: 92.5 XTU Toy Truck Parade

1PM to 3PM: Visit with Santa FREE at Extraordinary ED!

5PM to 8PM: Visit with Santa FREE at Extraordinary ED!

6PM to 8PM: CAROLING! Penn Pipers at the Clock and strolling Haddon Avenue

2PM and 7PM: The Nutcracker presented by Tricia Sloan Dance Center at the Scottish Rite

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18

1PM to 3PM: Visit with Santa FREE at Extraordinary ED!

2PM: The Nutcracker presented by Tricia Sloan Dance Center at the Scottish Rite Thursday, December 22

6PM: Community Menorah Lighting, Collings & N. Atlantic Avenues

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23

6PM to 9PM: Visit with Santa FREE at Extraordinary ED!

6:30PM to 7:15PM: CAROLING! Cherokee High School Concert Choir at the Clock 7:30-8PM: CAROLING! Collingswood Sound at the Clock

*Santa’s House is located at Extraordinary ED (808 Haddon Ave)

*Events at “the Clock” refer to the Millennium Clock at Haddon & Irvin Aves

*Sensory Santa is located at Upcycle Fitness (716 Haddon Ave)

2023 EVENTS

JANUARY 7-14

Various showtimes

Collingswood Community Theater presents Nickelodeon: The Spongebob Musical

SAURDAY, JANUARY 28

7PM: Collingswood “Snowball” Gala to benefit the Collingswood Foundation for the Arts

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4

8PM: Patty Griffin and Raul Malo at the Scottish Rite Auditorium

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11

8PM: THE FAB FOUR: The Ultimate Tribute to the Beatles at the Scottish Rite Auditorium

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 & 18

8PM: AMERICA – Two AMazing Nights

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED FOR ROAD TO RECOVERY

The American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program gives cancer patients free transportation for cancer-related medical appointments. As a trained volunteer driver, you’ll join cancer patients on a crucial part of their journey to recovery, transporting them to and from their appointments and ensuring their access to care isn’t prevented or delayed because of lack of transportation.

A few hours of your day could make a lifesaving difference. Connect with us to learn more about Road To Recovery volunteer opportunities in your area.

The American Cancer Society takes your safety seriously and has implemented new guidelines to minimize COVID-19 risks to patients and volunteer drivers. Volunteer drivers are required to certify that they are fully vaccinated and will continue to maintain that status during their service to the program.

is a

program.

Hot Chocolate or Egg Nog?

PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

PHOTO 1: (L-R) Megan Migioia and Kenny Jones. Both say “Hot Chocolate for sure!” Megan also says “I’ve never had egg nog because it seemed like an adult beverage. Now that I am an adult I never switched over.”

PHOTO 2: Tom Lineman, when asked if he prefers hot chocolate or egg nog he says: “neither, but I drink hot chocolate once in a while. As I get older sugar doesn’t site well in the stomach.”

PHOTO 3: Tom and Janice Ladik. Both prefer hot chocolate because they are “not a big fan of egg nog”.

PHOTO 4: (L-R daughter and mother) Greta Mathiesen and Kate Mathiesen. Greta says “Hot Chocolate. I’ve never had egg nog. Hot chocolate is sweet, rich, not too thich and gives me good vibes.” Kate says “Egg nog because it’s a once a year treat and I like the spices. It’s creamy and you can throw in rum if you want!”

PHOTO 5: Connie Doto prefers hot chocolate. “I’m a chocolate lover!”

PHOTO 6: Scott Goodfellow, right, says: “Egg nog cause I put a little extra in it.” Leo Antonopoulos, left, prefers hot chocolate. “I like the Christmas spirit and not fan of egg nog.”