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Letter from the EDITOR:

Hello 08108! Spring is here! I am excited for you to check out our magazine dedicated to the lifestyle and community of Collingswood.

In this issue, readers will learn about the Chicken Lady of South Jersey, Gwenne Baile, also known as CEO and Chief Coop Cleaner for Camden County Chickens. She has been instrumental in helping communities like Collingswood create backyard chicken programs. Chickens, just like cats and dogs, have individual personalities, she says. They also eat those pesky insects and provide companionship, believe it or not! Learn all about chickens and the backyard chicken program starting on page 4.

Collingswood is leading by example in the state’s electric vehicle movement. New electric vehicle charging stations have opened at the public parking garage at the lumberyard, located at West Collings and North Atlantic avenues. Lindsay Ferguson, who serves as the director of community development for Collingswood, said the borough is also looking to switch its fleet vehicles to electric. Learn all about the electric vehicle craze starting on page 6.

The Collingswood Food Pantry – powered by the goodwill of volunteers and clients alike - continues to serve those in need 25 years later. As Sue Merrill, current coordinator of the food pantry, puts it, “We like to think that what we do makes life a little easier for our clients.” All about their good work begins on page 8.

Looking for something different for your palate without the guilt? Try Healthy Garden Natural Food Café on Haddon Avenue. Len and Larissa Michnik, hailing from Ukraine, have filled a niche offering just that. Healthy Garden’s success lies in their variety, uniqueness, and customizable options. And, of course, their freshness. They cater to every different dietary desire there is. Eating to lose weight? Proteinbulking body builder? Hankering for international? They have something for you. Check them out starting on page 10.

It’s hard not to miss the rich history Collingswood brings when simply taking a stroll through the borough’s residential and commercial historic districts. We dive into each district and learn about the community efforts to help preserve the historical beauty of it all. Learn more starting on page 12. All of this and more awaits on the pages ahead!

Kathy Chang Managing Editor