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Meet the 3 South Jersey Progressive Democrats | Inquirer Cherry Hill

Plus, a new urgent veterinary care center is opening and demolition continues next to the Cherry Hill Mall.

Rena Margulis is one of three progressive Democrats who won the June 10 primary for county party committee in Cherry Hill.
Rena Margulis is one of three progressive Democrats who won the June 10 primary for county party committee in Cherry Hill.Read moreJOSE F. MORENO / Staff Photographer

Hello, Cherry Hill! 👋

The political battle has continued to unfold between the Camden County Democratic Committee Inc. and the South Jersey Progressive Democrats, who were in court last week over the results of the June 10 election. A judge ruled in favor of the Norcross-backed CCDC, and the progressives now have less than 45 days to appeal. As the power struggle continues, get to know the three progressive winners of the Cherry Hill county committee election. Also this week, a new veterinary urgent care practice is readying to open, and demolition of office building, One Cherry Hill, continues to make way for a new Dick’s House of Sport.

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The names David Stahl, Rena Margulis, and Susan Druckenbrod are likely becoming more familiar to Cherry Hill residents. In a surprise upset last month, the trio, running as South Jersey Progressive Democrats, defeated the 74-person slate from the George Norcross-backed Camden County Democratic Committee Inc.

The CCDC, however, has taken the results to court in a battle over what should happen with the other 71 seats. On Friday, a judge’s ruling in favor of the CCDC upended what seemed to be a straightforward election win.

So, who are these Cherry Hill progressives fighting the Democratic machine? One is a trained actor whose child battles an ultrarare disease. Another is a Stanford University MBA who left the world of finance to become a massage therapist. A third is an educator who has taught ESL (English as a second language).

The Inquirer’s Alfred Lubrano recently caught up with all three. Read more about them here.

💡 Community News

  1. A new urgent care veterinary center is set to open Saturday at The Shoppes at Garden State Park on Route 70. Located next to TJ Maxx, the 4,000-square-foot Epic Veterinary Urgent Care will offer walk-in urgent care services, including in-house diagnostics, emergency surgeries, and echocardiograms.

  2. Late-night PATCO riders will soon have to find a new mode of transportation if they’re traveling between midnight and 4:30 a.m. on weekdays. Starting Sept. 1, all service will be suspended during those hours Mondays through Fridays, including at the Woodcrest Station, as part of a six-month pilot program. PATCO is also in the process of cleaning stations overnight. (Patch)

  3. Demolition of office tower, One Cherry Hill, continues to make way for the future home of a Dick’s House of Sport. The Courier-Post documented the progress this week.

  4. Eagles cornerback and Super Bowl champion Cooper DeJean will host a fan meet-and-greet this Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Ulta Beauty on Haddonfield Road. His appearance at the store is part of his partnership with Korean skincare brand, belif. He will take photos with the first 100 fans who pre-register online. Meet-and-greet spots are $35, plus fees, and can be purchased here.

  5. The Cherry Hill Mall is collecting school supplies for Project Backpack, which provides items for kids in need. Drop off donations of new backpacks and school supplies at the mall’s management office weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Aug. 31.

  6. The Cherry Hill chapter of Art Goes to School of Delaware Valley, a nonprofit providing art education to students with limited access to such programs, was recently profiled by South Jersey Local News. The organization’s grant manager likens the program to a traveling museum, where kids develop skills and an appreciation for art.

🏫 Schools Briefing

  1. Last week, Gov. Phil Murphy signed several bills into law aimed at making preschool and kindergarten free for families throughout New Jersey. In case you missed it, Cherry Hill is in the process of expanding its preschool offerings, with a goal of accommodating an estimated 1,700 students by the 2027-28 academic year. (Patch)

🍽️ On our Plate

  1. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao is one of the best dim sum spots in the region, according to a recent report from The Infatuation. The website noted that the Haddonfield Road eatery has great dumplings and buns, and suggested ordering the “Lucky 6,” which includes dumplings stuffed with black truffle, scallops, and chicken.

🎳 Things to Do

🖼️ Van Gogh: The Portraits: A master’s of art student at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art will lead a discussion about the evolution of the renowned painter’s works. ⏰ Wednesday, July 16, 7-8:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Cherry Hill Library

📖 Pop Up Story Time in the Park: A Cherry Hill Public Library librarian will read to kids outdoors, weather permitting. ⏰ Friday, July 18, 10-10:30 a.m. 💵 Free 📍 Barclay Farmstead

Kelsey’s Kaleidoscope 6th Annual Golf Outing: Hit the links to benefit the Cherry Hill charity on a mission to raise awareness and money for polyarteritis nodosa. ⏰ Monday, July 21, noon 💵 $215 📍 The Legacy Club

🚀 Fly Me to the Moon: The 2024 historical rom-com starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum headlines next week’s Movie Monday. ⏰ Monday, July 21, 2-4:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Cherry Hill Library

🎸 B Street Band: The Bruce Springsteen tribute band headlines next week’s Music Under the Stars. There will also be food trucks and a beer garden. Parking and a shuttle are available at Trinity Presbyterian Church. ⏰ Tuesday, July 22, 7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Barclay Farmstead

🛝 FUNBOX: It’s your last chance to experience the massive bounce house at the Cherry Hill Mall. ⏰ Through Sunday, July 20, hours vary 💵 Varies 📍 Cherry Hill Mall

🏡 On the Market

Located in the Barclay section of Cherry Hill, the main floor of this 1959 home features a formal living room with an original fireplace, a dining room, and an updated eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. There are four bedrooms on the upper levels, as well as a walk-up attic. A finished lower level is currently used as a family room and also has a half-bathroom and a laundry room. Outside, there’s a deck overlooking a fenced yard, as well as a storage shed.

Price: $560,000 | Size: 2,474 SF

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