Community mourns principal’s death | Inquirer Cherry Hill
Plus, the township adopts an antisemitism definition and a local hospital boosts its safety grade.
Hello, Cherry Hill! 👋
Our school community is mourning the loss of Joyce Kilmer Elementary Principal LaVonda Daniels, who died last week at the age of 45. We reflect on the impact she had inside and outside the classroom. Also this week, U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross continues his recovery after a gallbladder infection and we look at the township’s recently passed language regarding antisemitism.
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Cherry Hill school community members are mourning the death of Joyce Kilmer Elementary School Principal LaVonda Daniels, who died last week. She was 45.
A longtime educator, Daniels had been principal of the school since July 2023. Prior to that, the Pennsauken resident worked at a number of other schools in the region, both as an educator and administrator.
“Mrs. Daniels was more than just a leader at Kilmer — she was a constant source of encouragement, kindness, and strength for our entire school community,” the elementary school’s Parent Teacher Association said.
Daniels was passionate about working with kids, and at the time of her death, she was pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership and administration at Gwynedd Mercy University, The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner reports.
A visitation will be held on Monday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Victory in Christ Christian Center in Westville. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m.
Read more about Daniels’ legacy here.
💡 Community News
Township Council last week passed a resolution to define antisemitism, using the definition from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Cherry Hill joins a dozen other New Jersey municipalities to define the term as communities increase calls to tackle anti-Jewish harassment.
The Camden Diocese has changed its years-long stance opposing a statewide investigation of sex abuse by clergy, new Bishop Joseph A. Williams said Monday. Williams, who became the diocese’s sole leader in March, said it’s critical to support those who had been harmed by the church.
U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross was released from Cooper University Hospital on Thursday after spending several weeks there, including in intensive care, for treatment of a gallbladder infection that progressed to sepsis.
Cherry Hill’s lone remaining Rite Aid on Cooper Landing Road will likely close along with all of the chain’s other pharmacies after it announced a second bankruptcy filing on Monday.
Locustwood neighbors have expressed concerns about cars speeding on the residential Mercer Street in an effort to avoid the congestion on Haddonfield Road. Mayor Dave Fleisher said traffic enforcement is in place, but “clearly we need to do more.” (70 and 73)
In a new report from watchdog Leapfrog, Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital increased its safety rating from a B grade to an A.
South Jersey continues to be a draw for those in the housing market, and in Camden County, Cherry Hill is among the hottest areas. (Courier Post)
A new ranking has found that Merchantville Country Club is among the largest nonprofit country clubs in the metro area, ranking No. 42 for its $2.79 million in revenue. (Philadelphia Business Journal)
NJ Transit has put a contingency plan in place should engineers go on strike later this month, including added bus service. The strike could begin as early as May 16 as the union and the transit authority continue contract negotiations. (WHYY)
🏫 Schools Briefing
Cherry Hill East coach Dave Allen is leading two basketball clinics this month. The first is for ages 7 to 14 of all skill levels and the second is for advanced individuals ages 10 to 14. The clinics will take place May 8, 15, 22, and 29 and are $110.
🍽️ On our Plate
Counting down the days until Wonder opens its Cherry Hill food hall later this month? Inquirer reporter Beatrice Forman paid a visit to the new location in Ardmore to review some of the food and explain how it works.
La Cita Authentic Mexican Food ranked No. 10 on a new list of the best Mexican eateries in the state. (NJ.com)
🎳 Things to Do
👜 Designer Bag Bingo: Win designer bags and enjoy a selection of food at this benefit for Every Mother Counts. ⏰ Thursday, May 8, 5:30 p.m. 💵 $30 📍 Marian House
🪻 Mommy & Me Lavender and Lemonade Soiree: Ahead of Mother’s Day, children ages 5 to 11 and the special women in their lives can make their own lavender bath salts and enjoy refreshments. ⏰ Thursday, May 8, 6-7:30 p.m. 💵 $50 📍 Croft Farm Arts Center
👠 Rowan College at Burlington County Student Fashion Show: Catch local rising designers as they send their looks down the runway. ⏰ Friday, May 9, 6-8 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Cherry Hill Mall Grand Court
🥞 Mother’s Day Drag Brunch: Vinchelle headlines this afternoon event. ⏰ Sunday, May 11, 2:30-5:30 p.m. 💵 $15 general admission 📍 Vera
🎭 Broadway Live!: Catch Broadway performances and participate in an auction to benefit disability inclusion at JCC Camps. ⏰ Monday, May 12, 7 p.m. 💵 $30-$60 📍 Katz JCC
🏡 On the Market
Situated on a lot that backs up to woods, this five-bedroom Barclay Forest home will hit the market on May 13. Out back, it has a patio to enjoy the serene surrounds. Inside is equally tranquil thanks to ample windows, custom architectural details, and a modern French country aesthetic. Spanning over 2,700 square feet, the home has two primary suites, both on the upper level. Other features include original parquet floors and a living room with a fireplace.
Have you seen an interesting listing in or around Cherry Hill? Share it with us in an email to cherryhill@inquirer.com.
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