What draws the 55+ population to Cherry Hill? | Inquirer Cherry Hill
Plus, Randy Fenoli of ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ fame is visiting a Cherry Hill bridal shop.
Hello, Cherry Hill! 👋
First up this week, a $70,000 grant from the state will help the township explore a key question: What makes Cherry Hill such a desirable place to live for people 55 and older? Also this week, a Say Yes to the Dress star is coming to town, and we explain why the library is experiencing disruptions.
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One-third of Cherry Hill’s residents are 55 or older. As the township’s population continues to grow, local leaders want to understand what makes its older residents stick around.
“For those that have the means, it’s a conscious decision to stay,” said Mayor Dave Fleisher. “They want to stay close to their kids, close to their grandkids.”
Cherry Hill will be using a $70,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services to do a needs assessment, including focus groups, listening sessions, and a survey. The goal of the grant, given to 17 communities in total, is to “make communities more welcoming and livable for people of all ages.”
Read more about what Cherry Hill leaders hope to learn.
💡 Community News
In case you missed it yesterday: The owner of the shuttered Bistro in the Cherry Hill Mall was indicted on charges of tax fraud for allegedly failing to send the state more than $270,000 in sales tax paid by customers in 2021 and 2022.
The Cherry Hill Public Library is facing “disruptions” after one of the largest library book distributors in the country announced it’s shutting down operations. CHPL used Baker & Taylor almost exclusively as its vendor for books, audiobooks, and DVDs, and while some of those orders have been canceled, librarians said they are working with another provider to get new inventory.
Randy Fenoli of Say Yes to the Dress fame will be in town this weekend for the grand opening of bridal and formalwear shop Dress 2 Impress’ second location on Route 38. Started in Linwood, the shop is hosting an appointment-only trunk show featuring a selection of Fenoli’s “Keepsake Collection” gowns.
Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital maintained its “A” rating in the fall 2025 Leapfrog safety grades report released last week. The organization releases safety ratings twice a year, grading hospitals on 22 safety metrics, including infection rates and preventable errors.
Still in search of a fresh turkey for Thanksgiving? We’ve rounded up where you can buy them locally, including Arnie’s Gourmet Butcher Shop & Culinaria. The Haddonfield-Berlin Road store sells farm-raised whole turkeys, turkey breast, and even turducken. For kosher options, Ravitz Family Markets’ ShopRites in Garden State Pavilions and on Evesham Road have birds that meet Glatt Kosher standards.
🏫 Schools Briefing
In case you missed it, last week, Cherry Hill Public Schools Superintendent Kwame Morton assured parents that the district will not ban or censor library books. The clarification came after an internal memo suggested that students would need parental permission to check out “sensitive” books.
Morton also last week released a report on the first quarter of the school year. It outlined key actions, currents challenges, and next steps across five areas, including academic achievement, the school’s climate, and staffing.
The district will hold its final meeting about elementary school enrollment “balancing” tomorrow at 7 p.m. over Zoom.
Reminder to families: There will be an early dismissal next Wednesday to kick off Thanksgiving break. See the district’s full calendar here.
Inspire A Learner, a new Islamic youth education and daycare center, has received zoning approval to operate in a converted office building on Marlkress Road. (70 and 73)
🍽️ On our Plate
The owners of Cherry Hill’s Old World-style Italian restaurant Il Villaggio have an agreement to buy popular Haddon Township pub Keg & Kitchen. It will remain a pub, but undergo a few changes, including to its name, menu, and decor.
Bombay Express, an Indian restaurant that recently closed its Marlton location, is heading to Cherry Hill. The eatery, which offers chicken, lamb, and vegetable dishes, in addition to biryanis and tandoori, will open in the Centrum Shoppes on Haddonfield-Berlin Road, though an exact timeline has not yet been shared.
Umai Ramen is one of the 20 best ramen shops in the Garden State, according to BestofNJ.com. The food outlet noted the Brace Road restaurant “brings a taste of authentic Japanese street food to Cherry Hill,” suggesting diners try the classic miso, tonkotsu, or the black garlic ramen.
🎳 Things to Do
🎅🏻 Coca‑Cola Holiday Caravan: The bright red touring truck is making a stop in Cherry Hill tonight, where you can take photos with Santa, enjoy seasonal activities, and purchase Coca-Cola-themed gifts. ⏰ Wednesday, Nov. 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Roy Rogers
🛍️ Eyez on U Pop-Up Market: Beat the Black Friday rush and shop local businesses at the mall’s Grand Court. ⏰ Friday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Nov. 23, times vary 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Cherry Hill Mall
🎄 Holiday House: See Barclay Farmstead decked out for the holidays. ⏰ Friday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Nov. 23, times vary 💵 $5.49 for adults, $3.49 for children 10 and under📍 Barclay Farmstead
🤖 Philcon 2025: Science fiction, fantasy, and horror buffs will gather to celebrate the genres in books, film, television, and more. This year’s principal speaker is writer Charles Gannon, who is known for his Caine Riordan series. ⏰ Friday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Nov. 23, times vary 💵 $35-$75 📍 DoubleTree by Hilton
🎧 R&B Night: Drinksgiving: Three DJs will play tunes during this R&B-themed event. ⏰ Friday, Nov. 21, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 💵 $13.34 📍 Vera
💎 Holiday Gift Bazaar: Over 40 vendors will be selling everything from accessories and beauty products to home goods at this event. ⏰ Sunday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Congregation Kol Ami
🎁 Holiday Craft Fair: Browse an array of vendors selling items like jewelry, scrapbooking supplies, and pottery. ⏰ Sunday, Nov. 23, 1-4 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Cherry Hill Public Library
🏡 On the Market
Built in 1999, this spacious brick-fronted Short Hills home has a variety of unique features. Its first floor features a two-story foyer; a living room; an office; a family room with a fireplace set into a stone accent wall and vaulted ceilings; a dining room with a quartz waterfall island in lieu of a table; and a kitchen with granite countertops and high-end appliances. It has four bedrooms, including a primary suite, with a massive walk-in closet, a fireplace, a spa-like bathroom, and a balcony. The finished basement has a full bathroom and a home gym. Outside, there’s a heated covered patio and a saltwater fiberglass pool with a rock waterfall.
See more photos of the property here.
Price: $1.165M | Size: 5,100 SF | Acreage: 0.38
🗞️ What other Cherry Hill residents are reading this week:
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