Merchantville | Holiday 2022

This holiday season, Merchantville has so much to offer locals and visitors alike. Our Holiday edition of the Merchantville magazine will touch on all the food, fun and festive offerings for all to enjoy.

Nothing gets people excited like the thought of holiday shopping for others, or themselves. Our holiday gift guide visits all of the different shops around Merchantville to help you find the perfect gift for all the people on your list. From candies to designer bags, Merchantville has so much to offer. (See more on page 6).

All of the shopping is sure to end with a grumbling stomach. One of the more interesting eats in Merchantville is Park Place. Although the menu might only offer small tastings of delicious delicacies, the place is not one to miss out on. See more about how they create their iconic and ever changing menu on page 12.

If you would like to spend some time getting to know Merchantville better this season, our magazine delves into the history of the Blue Monkey Tavern. Previously known as the Collins-Pancoast Hall, its history has deep roots throughout the borough. You can learn more about

ries behind it on page 10.

While the season is full of fun and festivities, it is also about giving back to your community. The churches of Merchantville have many ways of helping those in need during this holiday season and they are always looking for local residents to help them. To find the best way for you to give back this year, see page 4.

Merchantville has so much to offer all year round, but they really know how to bring in some holiday spirit and our magazine wants to capture it all. We hope you enjoy this holiday edition of the Merchantville Magazine.

Yours Truly, Mackenzie Fitchett Editor

MERCHANTVILLE is a publication of Newspaper Media Group, 130 Twinbridge Drive Pennsauken, NJ 08110 (856)779-3800 x6920

Dante Long Kathy Chang

NJ Ackermann

Louis Washington

in Merchantville Miracles

BY DANTE LONG

The holiday season is synonymous with uplifting spirits, giving thanks and presenting gifts that keep on giving. As much excitement as this brings, there’s a growing number of Americans unable to get in the holiday spirit while drowning in debt, finding themselves faced with layoffs and inflation cut-

food and clothing. There’s no shame in turning to the church and is highly recommended with an increase of people relying on food pantries due to the pandemic. Administrative assistant and a member of Grace Episcopal Church her whole life, Julia McGraw experienced the shift. “We’re affiliated with the South Jersey food bank,” she says. “Over 250 to 500 meals were served for Thanksgiving,” McGraw states, an expected increase from their

other you may find quite unique for both children and adults—the Angel Tree. This concept offers churchgoers an opportunity to pick an anonymous ornament with instructions on the type of gift to buy a lucky person. Gift cards, toys or a bill paid are a few popular examples of the fruits one can expect from the Angel Tree. If you were impressed by that, perhaps you’d see equal value in the Mittens Tree. A place where everyone from the homeless to the unemployed can find hats, scarves and

coats too. “All new stuff, tags still on them,” boasts McGraw. “Items are given to our sister church in Camden,” she adds. An additional location where residents can find everything needed to stay warm.

On the other side of Camden County, St. Peter Roman Catholic Church led by Father Tim Byerley shares similar plans for those in need. “We have more requests coming in,” he reflects the higher turnout for food this holiday season. A position that’s hard to accept, but easy to assist running their monthly food pantry. Other opportunities to eat courtesy, of St. Peter Roman Catholic Church come from an event called Christmas Bizarre. “It’s held in the church’s auditorium,” he says and explains the event serves baked goods and sandwiches. Much like the Angel Tree from Grace Episcopal Church, St. Peter Roman Catholic Church has a tree of their own— The Giving Tree. “We had hundreds of gifts last year,” Byerley says. Those gifts given to the church are as constant as the ones given out thanks to the generosity of the Giving Tree. “Little tags say boy or girl. A member of the church buys a gift for that gender, wraps it up and puts it under the tree,” he explains. Another tree on the premises extends its branches to the deceased. “It’s a chance to light candles and sing Christmas carols for loved ones for the remainder of the holidays,” says Byerley.

An honorable mention of churches eager to help the community include Trinity United Methodist Church. “We don’t have

any special drives scheduled for this year, but we are always collecting donations for our food pantry,” says Pastor Jacqueline Pillot with the highest of hopes. The memo to Merchantville is clear—church doors are open besides Sundays. You’re always encouraged to donate goods for the benefit of someone who could really use it or collect from the many services provided, whether it be a Giving Tree or an Angel Tree. 

PHOTOS

Left: Grace Episcopal Church. Center: St. Peter Methodist Church. Right: Trinity United Methodist Church

Hand Poured Candles

PRADA

attached sells for $125 here, where “Everything is a label.” Gritsenko does all the hard work for you by carefully choosing what designer goods are included at her store.

“I love wearing a $1,600 watch I bought for $400,” Gritsenko says. “I am a strong believer of this business, it’s a smart way to shop.”

With “merry” meaning different things to different people, some might not think of cigars for the holidays. Others might delight in humidors, fancy lighters and perfectly wrapped tobacco.

“It was called the News Nook,” explains Sam Al Jobeh, owner of Cigar Alley. “I fixed up the alley, and [the name] took over.” For a fun and novel gift, he offers an advent calendar that provides a stogie-a-day behind each window. Or, give a gift card and include

a ticket from Cigar Alley’s lucky old lottery machine.

“This was one of the original machines installed in New Jersey,” says co-owner, Rachelle Al Jobeh, who recalls many bigwinning tickets, including one worth over a million dollars from the recent Powerball jackpot. A relaxing smoke in the quiet lounge while daydreaming of winning the lottery could be a very merry gift indeed.

“because everybody likes something different. If you look, there’s nothing in here that’s the same.” She also carries jewelry, crystal and something for every price point. “I want it to be a place that’s comfortable for anybody to come in, whether they have deep pockets or not.” With her giveaways and fundraising for education, Nikolaus is making her dreams, and the dreams of others, a reality.

Supporting the growing trend towards mental health and meditation, Aradia’s Treasure carries tools for the soul and offers classes on how to use them.

predominantly from local artists and

In the Hunter Gallery, my eyes were met with an astounding array of shape and color. Drawings, giclee prints, watercolors and embroidered paintings filled the walls. The owner is Dr. Sharon Hunter Nikolaus, a disabled veteran who obtains the artwork predominantly from local artists and works hard to be inclusive.

“I really don’t turn people away,” she says,

ranging. Perhaps choose something in one of her holiday dessert flavors like sugar cookie or gingerbread, and wrap it up in a little box with twine.

On this shopping trip, I found all things merry and bright—for all types— in Merchantville. 

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.

800-227-2345

cancer.org/drive

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.

Road To Recovery is a free program.

Visit cancer.org/drive ©2021, American Cancer Society, Inc. No. 0317.89 Models used for illustrative purposes only.

A LOOK AT LOCAL HISTORY

The

Collins _Pancoast Hall Continues to Thrive in Present Day

BY KATHY CHANG

The vision of developer John S. Collins - for what is referred to as the Collins-Pancoast Hall at the intersection of South Center Street and West Chestnut Avenue - has thrived for more than a century.

The historic marker, which was placed outside the building in 2018, says it best. “Thus, this building was an architecturally imposing commercial structure that caps the most active generation of Merchantville’s growth, representing the maturing of the community as it evolved towards one that sustained the arts and was unified by various social and fraternal organizations.”

There’s so much history about the grand hall, which was entered onto the National Register of Historic Places on Feb. 16, 1984.

The deep storied history of the CollinsPancoast Hall essentially begins on Sept. 6, 1886, when Collins acquired land from state Senator Alexander G. Cattell. The state senator moved to Merchantville in 1863 and served in the Senate from 1866 to 1871.

The Merchantville Historical Society has a wealth of information on the CollinsPancoast Hall from photos to newspaper clippings. Just ask Society president Maureen McLoone.

She is the author of “Images of America Merchantville,” published by Arcadia Publishing in 2001.

A price for a lot on West Chestnut Avenue in the mid-1880s cost between $350 and $500, according to the Merchantville Historical Society.

The building’s namesake is inspired by Collins, a Quaker and sixth generation of the Collins family to farm the family’s western New Jersey homestead dating back to 1678 and Collins’ son-in-law, Thomas Pancoast.

In 1887, carpenters built a lumber yard complex on the site and in 1892, a fire destroyed the existing main structure. The large hall building with a Queen Anne façade and overtones of Germanic Victorian brickwork was erected in 1893, according to the Merchantville Historical Society.

Collins and Pancoast developed a successful coal and lumber business they later called J. Collins & Sons where they sold coal, lumber, paints and varnishes on the first floor of the hall.

Side note – Collins went out to develop Miami Beach, Fla. Yes, that Miami Beach.

Collins and his family’s investment in the Miami area during the 20th century ultimately resulted in a building and tourism boom that helped the area grow into the urban community it is today.

And even though Collins himself left for Florida, the Collins family continued to operate the hall that not only served the business, but also the entire community as a civic and cultural center for numerous decades.

The first entertainment there was by the St. Agnes Guild of the Grace Episcopal Church. It was largely used for fashionable entertainment around the beginning of the 20th century. The Merchantville Lodge of Free Masons No. 119 held its first meeting the second Friday of every month from its 1893 opening until the 1970s.

The U.S. Post Office was also located at the site from 1900 to 1909. The MerchantvillePennsauken Water Commission had its beginnings when a group of citizens met to discuss the water famine of 1909. The Merchantville Playcrafters used Collins Hall from 1937 until 1976 and dancing classes for young girls and boys were conducted in the auditorium, according to the Merchantville Historical Society.

Eateries have come and gone such as Craig’s Ice Cream Parlor in the late 1970s, Tavern on the Square, which opened in March 1998 and The Collins House in 2004.

Since 2008, the Blue Monkey Tavern has occupied the first-floor space where the Collins House Restaurant used to be. The tavern features a 20-foot-square mahogany bar as the room’s centerpiece and a variety of seating types throughout for groups big and small, and larger more private areas to accommodate small gatherings, according to the Blue Monkey Tavern website.

For some time, “The Collins House” had relocated to the second floor and served

as a catering hall until the pandemic. “The stately decor and high ceilings make it one of the most grand facilities in southern New Jersey. The second floor can seat up to 100 people and offers a full-service bar and catering packages from full-service dining to sit-down dinners,” according to the Blue Monkey website.

Remo Croce, his wife Lindsay and Michael Chapman and his wife Marci have put new life into the Blue Monkey Tavern since becoming new owners of the restaurant in August. Croce said he grew up in the area and they decided to keep the name.

Work to update the second floor began on Dec. 6 for small party gatherings. Croce said they hope to have the second floor up

and running by Super Bowl weekend in February 2023.

Currently, Croce said there are no plans in the works for the third floor. As of right now, the restaurant owners are using the space for storage.

Twice annually the Blue Monkey Tavern holds a Beer Festival. The restaurant closes down Chestnut Street and invites 70-plus beer vendors and multiple food trucks. Craft beer enthusiasts gather from 5 through 9 p.m. and get the chance to sample whatever they wish. Proceeds benefit Merchantville’s Fire Co.

MAIN PHOTO BY LOUIS WASHINGTON. HISTORIC PHOTO COURTESY OF MAUREEN MCLOONE

Tasting Park Place

BY NJ ACKERMANN

The last destination on the left, a red lamp shines brightly onto the street. I pull open the door to find no podium or waitstaff. As a turntable spins out melodies near the door, I am approached by Josh Dambrowski, Front Of House Manager. He takes me to meet Philip Manganaro, chef and owner of Park Place Café & Restaurant.

“I only serve a tasting menu,” he says. “It’s been around for a very long time but lately is gaining a lot of attraction.” He speaks easily while he chops, whisks and flips something on the grill that looks a lot like tentacles.

A tasting menu utilizes rare and prized ingredients in smaller servings. A foodie’s

delight, it provides the opportunity to sample ingredients never experienced before. Moreover, it is a creation of a luxurious event, wherein the chef must display culinary proficiency, and the manager the ultimate level of hospitality. What sets Manganaro apart from the competition is that he doesn’t dictate what will be eaten. “People want their choices, and I want people to enjoy themselves,” he says.

A two-person operation, their six-course tasting menu consists of two meats, two fishes, a pasta or risotto and a dessert. “Josh does the front of the house, reservations and all the serving,” explains Manganaro. Sending the menu prior to the reservation, Dambrowski then discusses it with the customer and provides feedback. “If there’s something the guest doesn’t want, I’ll make other suggestions,” says Manganaro.

Influenced by nature, the food revolves around what Manganaro can find in the wild, locally or in his travels. Utilizing the art and craft of foraging, he even incorporates seaweed from Maine. Combining these natural flavors with his culinary innovation, he creates original dishes. “People really love that about the place. I’ve got a ton of unique ingredients here, because what I find you can’t buy at the shops, it’s just not commercially available.”

At the height of the flower season in spring, he’ll devise a six-course menu using a different wildflower for each serving. “There’s no way to create that unless you go and get it yourself,” he says. And he loves to use New Jersey Pine Barren needles and the pine mushrooms that grow under them, known as matsutake mushrooms. Burning the needles with other ingredients, he makes what he calls “forest fire ash.” Then, he’ll sear venison loin in the ash, and serve it with the mushrooms and perhaps some charred pine needle oil.

A BYOB with only four tables, Park Place has the feel of dining with extended family. Seating is carefully spaced so each table can receive personalized attention. Dambrowski brings a course for you to enjoy, then obtains your feedback. If ready for the next plate, he’ll notify Manganaro, who begins preparing the next course. It is carefully orchestrated teamwork. And, as Manganaro is not interested in a high turnover, the table is yours for the night.

“I opened this place originally just to be an extension of my home. I believe in good food and good times. We have all walks of life here at the same time, having a great time. Some people finish the meal in two hours, some people like to stay four or five hours, drink wine, talk, relax and just leave the world behind.” When I mention the record player, he chuckles. “We have a great collection.

Three records are mine; the rest have been donated.”

For the holidays he offers cookies, cakes and eggnog, and gives out chocolate-covered torrone. On alternate years he offers New Year’s Eve fare and fireworks. Want to gift a dining experience? “We’ll make it happen,” he says.

While Park Place celebrates the holidays, it shares a deep relationship with the changing seasons and a tie to ecology.

One year, June berries were scarce, forcing Manganaro to search for something else. Additionally, finding ways to preserve his harvest is one of Manganaro’s challenges. In April, he collects a hundred pounds of wild onions, called ramps. Having discovered a way to preserve them, he can now serve this spring flavor all year.

In fact, an idea of his is to do a “Summer in the Dead of Winter” menu, preserving summer harvests and presenting them six months later. This way, guests can experi-

ence flavors even after they are long gone. The Park Place dining program is a good way to experience the full range of seasonal dishes, and gives you priority seating no matter how frequently you dine. Now in its sixth year, Park Place is booked three months in advance. According to reviews, it should be. The food is exceptional, the atmosphere is different and the experience is unforgettable. 

Park Place presents guests with a sixcourse tasting menu consisting of two meats, two fishes, a pasta or risotto and a dessert.

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PHOTOS BY KEARA R. GIANNOTTI‘

1

Hot Chocolate or Egg Nog?

PHOTO 1: Kat - “Hot Chocolate is more of an introverted drink, it’s something I want to drink while I cuddle and bundle up. Eggnog seems like the party version of Eggnog, I can easily slip a little whiskey in there. Depends on the mood I’m in.”

PHOTO 2: Mark Warburg - “I love them both, but I definitely like Hot Chocolate more, because if we’re being honest, who doesn’t love chocolate?!.”

PHOTO 3: Anne Felten with Husband Barry Felton - “Hot Chocolate; it brings back childhood memories and now as an adult I can add some “holiday cheer” if I want.”

PHOTO 4: Sue Quinn - “I love hot chocolate. I can have it with marshmallows and they go together perfectly. Also, my daughter is having her Baby Shower in January and we’re having a hot chocolate bar which she wanted and I’m so excited because this is my first grandchild. I’m excited to be a “Grammy”.”

Merchantville on the Move

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.

JANUARY

1/16: MLK Day of Service: Join your neighbors for a day of service in the Borough. The Merchantville Diversity Committee offers several projects for neighbors to join.

FEBRUARY

2/10: S’more to Love in Merchantville: There’s S’more to love in Merchantville! Enjoy an evening in the heart of downtown Merchantville complete with tasty treats, shopping and FUN! Shop the downtown for last minute Valentine’s Day gifts, enjoy a FREE S’more by the fire and get creative with a Valentine’s Day craft.

MARCH

3/22: Community Round Up: Meet Merchantville volunteer groups and organizations to learn how you can be involved in town and help grow the Borough Beautiful.

APRIL

4/1: Easter Egg Hunt

4/30: Borough Beautiful Tea

MAY

5/5: Merchantville Art Walk

5/20: Mystical May

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 brought@newspapermediagroup.com.

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