A new principal for East | Inquirer Cherry Hill
Plus, how a luxury retailer could help attract more Gen Z shoppers to the mall.
Hello, Cherry Hill! 👋
Cherry Hill High School East has named a new principal after its former leader resigned a few months ago. Also this week, a luxury brand’s recent opening at the mall could help attract more Gen Z shoppers, readers told us where they think the South Jersey line is, plus the East boys’ basketball team took home a sectional title.
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Cherry Hill High School East has named a new principal after its leadership has been in flux over the past few months. Current Rosa International Middle School Principal John Cafagna will assume the post on July 1.
“I look forward to providing operational stability, being the wellness guardian for our students and staff, honoring our great traditions, and leading us as we move forward together as one East,” he told the school board last month.
Cafagna has spent nearly three decades working in the district, including as an educational technologist, teacher, assistant principal, and principal, The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner reports.
He succeeds former Principal Daniel Finkle, who resigned in September after former assistant principal David Francis-Maurer accused him in a lawsuit of discriminatory behavior, which he denied.
Read more about the incoming East principal.
💡 Community News
Legacy accessories brand Coach opened a store at the Cherry Hill Mall in November, underscoring how some long-established brands are seeing a resurgence. While mall owners wouldn’t comment on the store’s sales, they said they’re happy with how the store is doing, The Inquirer’s Erin McCarthy reports.
Speaking of the mall, popular footwear brand Crocs is planning to open a store, taking over the space currently occupied by Spencer’s. Spencer’s is reportedly relocating to a larger space within the mall. (A View from Evesham)
The township committee approved a zoning change on Monday night that allows for the redevelopment of 3 Executive Campus into residential or mixed-used buildings.
Cherry Hill native Nana Araba Wilmot made it through the first elimination round of Top Chef, which premiered on Monday. The episode kicked off with a team challenge at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina and then contestants were tasked with making a high-end dish featuring sweet potatoes. While Wilmot’s murasaki mpotompoto with collard greens and smoked ham didn’t wow the judges, it got her through to the next round. Catch the episode here and tune in Monday at 9:30 p.m. for the next one.
Drivers should expect delays on Kresson Road between Springdale Road and Cropwell Road over the next few weeks while crews work on a water main replacement. Planned closures will account for school traffic, but police suggest avoiding the area.
A Cherry Hill man was arrested last month for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material. Charles J. Buran, 20, faces multiple charges, including second-degree distribution and possession with intent to distribute the material.
American Heritage Credit Union is closing its branch at 2099 Route 70 East on May 15. The Philadelphia-based credit union added the Cherry Hill outpost last spring when it acquired Linkbancorp, which operated a branch there.
The construction of a $108 million greenway kicked off this week with a groundbreaking in Cherry Hill. The Camden County LINK Trail will run from the Delaware River to the Pine Barrens. (ROI-NJ)
Earlier this year, we asked readers where they thought South Jersey starts — and if there’s such a thing as Central Jersey. Well, submissions varied considerably, with some saying I-95 is a key divider, though cultural factors like NFL team loyalty may also play a role. See where readers said the South Jersey line is and what 74% of respondents consider to be Central Jersey.
🏫 Schools Briefing
It was a big week for Cherry Hill athletes. The East boys’ basketball team won the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 4 championship, defeating Lenape High School 57-52 on Friday. It was a moment of redemption for the top-seeded Cougars, who had lost to Lenape last year, 48-47. They went on to lose the Group 4 state semifinal on Tuesday, falling to Montgomery, 67-37. The West girls’ basketball team fell to Moorestown High School 48-38 in the Group 3 tournament on Saturday.
Registration is open for the school district’s summer music enrichment program for students entering fourth through 12th grades. There are beginner and intermediate band and orchestra programs, as well as a jazz ensemble program for experienced musicians. Learn more here.
🍽️ On our Plate
The owners of Il Villaggio have soft opened their new spot, Duo Restaurant & Bar, in Haddon Township. The bar menu includes burgers, a crab cake sandwich, and raw oysters, while the regular menu has Italian entrees, rib-eye meatballs, and crab cakes.
Cherry Hill is home to eight of the 20 best restaurants in South Jersey, according to The Infatuation. The outlet gave nods to Dolsot House, The Farm and Fisherman Tavern, Indeblue Modern Indian, Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, Norma’s Eastern Mediterranean Cuisine, Radin’s Delicatessen (whose chef recently earned a James Beard nod), Steak 38, and Zushi Dozo.
🎳 Things to Do
🍎 Senior Resource Fair: Seniors can connect with representatives from the township, county, state, and federal governments to learn about healthcare and wellness resources available to them. Registration is encouraged. ⏰ Thursday, March 12, 2-4 p.m. 💵 Free 📍Cherry Hill Public Library
🍽️ Sharing Hope Dinner Dance: Now in its 19th year, this annual semi-formal dinner and dance party raises funds for children battling brain tumors. ⏰ Saturday, March 14, 6:30-11 p.m. 💵 $50-$112, free for kids 5 and under 📍DoubleTree by Hilton Cherry Hill Philadelphia
🍀 Luck of the Queens: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this themed drag show hosted by VinChelle and featuring Sutton Fearce, Tiffany Uma Mascara, and Lucy Moth. ⏰ Sunday, March 15, 2:30-5 p.m. 💵 $19.03 📍Vera
🎞️ Katz JCC Jewish Film Festival: A dozen films about Jewish life will be screened at the festival. ⏰ Monday, March 16-Wednesday, March 25, times vary 💵 $18.63-$31.05 for individual tickets, $170.78-$217.35 for all 12 📍Katz JCC
🏡 On the Market
Located in Woodcrest, this four-bedroom home has undergone a number of updates in recent years, including its roof, siding, and windows. Inside, the kitchen has also been completely renovated and features white cabinetry offset by dark granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. There’s additional cabinetry by the dining area, which opens onto a family room. There’s an additional space on the first floor that could be used as a living room or an office. The bedrooms are upstairs and include a primary suite with two closets and a marble tiled shower. The home has a covered porch out front and a patio and fenced yard out back.
See more photos of the home here.
Price: $585,000 | Size: 2,397 SF | Acreage: 0.29
📈 Cherry Hill market report
Median listing price: $465,000 (up $30,000 from December) 📈
Median sold price: $445,000 (down $47,500 from December) 📉
Median days on the market: 29 (down 23 days from December) 📉
This Cherry Hill market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for January from realtor.com.
🗞️ What other Cherry Hill residents are reading this week:
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