Built around the theme “Pause • Reconnect • Pour Back Into You,” the retreat is designed to provide a dedicated space for women to focus on their minds, bodies and spirits while taking a break from the demands of everyday life.

Participants can enjoy a variety of wellness experiences, including gentle yoga, chair massage, creative writing and nourishment with light refreshments. The activities are intended to help attendees relax, feel grounded and leave feeling refreshed and renewed.

The Wellness Sanctuary Collective encourages women to attend, regardless of where they are on their wellness journey. The event also supports the organization’s broader mission of making healing and wellness experiences accessible to the community.

Registration and donations are available online at thewellness-sanctuary.org. For more information, call (484) 441-3177.

The 2026 New Jersey General Election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

For those voting by mail, ballots were mailed out to eligible residents beginning in September. They must be postmarked no later than November 3, 2026. In addition to using the U.S. Mail, voters can also place their completed ballots in the drop box located outside of the Pennsauken Municipal Building and Free Public Library, 2400 Merchantville Ave., by 8:00 p.m. on Nov. 3.

The registration deadline to vote in the 2026 New Jersey General Election is Tuesday, Oct. 13. For more information or to register online, visit https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/voter-registration.shtml.

Below is a list of polling locations for the upcoming election. IMPORTANT: Those residents who previously voted in person at Temple Lutheran Church will continue to vote at the Pennsauken Free Public Library, 2400 Merchantville Ave. Residents who have voted by mail in the past and wish to cast their votes in person at a polling place must do so via a provisional ballot.

Should residents have any questions, please feel free to contact the Pennsauken Clerk’s Office at (856) 665-1000 x1200 or x1201.

Comic book artist Mike Hawthorne has strong Philly roots. A graduate of Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, he’s done work for both the Philadelphia Eagles and the 76ers (he does want to illustrate something for either the Phillies or Flyers so he can a “hat trick”). The Central Pennsylvania resident is best known for his work on DC titles “Batman” and “Wonder Woman,” as well as Marvel’s “Amazing Spider-Man” and “Deadpool.” And during New York Comic Con, which opened today, he’ll be announcing a new series for another major comic book publisher, Image Comics.

We met Mike at Fan Expo Philadelphia earlier this year. During our conversation he shared his introduction into comics, his upcoming series, and his thoughts on AI.

“I think all of us probably had [newspaper strips] as our intro to comics in some way. At our age, comics were not as ubiquitous as they are now, right? They weren’t everywhere. They weren’t in the movies. They weren’t on every TV channel. So, we had to seek them out,” explained Hawthorne. “The first thing I remember drawing was copying stuff from comic strips, from Superman and Spider-Man coloring books, and things like that. I was taken with the idea of just like someone draws, and that’s their job.”

Mike remembers an issue of “X-Men” drawn by Marc Silvestri – one of Hawthrone’s art heroes – as “the first one I bought with my big boy money.” He also inherited a diverse lot of comics from his godbrother, where he was introduced to indie titles like Judge Dredd and larger magazine format comics like “The Savage Sword of Conan.”

He self-published his own title, “Hysteria,” through ThinkTank Comics before doing work for both DC Comics and Marvel, before moving over to Image, which was founded by several iconic artists including Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee, Rob Liefeld, and Silvestri.

“There’s always the giddy excitement of ‘Oh my God, I’m working for Marvel, I’m working for DC.’ And I’ve been lucky in that I got to draw all the characters I wanted to draw. But it’s more of a job. You’ve got to meet deadlines. You’ve got to hand in your book on time. You’ve got to make sure that your work is done so that the next guy in the production line has work,” said Hawthorne. “When those guys left Marvel to create Image, they did it for creative freedom, but also to own what they were making. So, at Image, you don’t necessarily work for them as much as you should start your own little business within the Image umbrella. So, everything has to get handled by us internally.”

Mike’s yet to be announced title – which should hit stands in 2027 – is truly a solo creative work.

“I’m writing and drawing a series at Image,” said Hawthorne. “I figured if it’s good enough for [McFarlan, Lee, et al.], I might as well give it a shot.”

AI continues to be a well-discussed topic in a variety of industries, particularly when it comes to creative pursuits. But Hawthorne isn’t worried.

“I’ve decided that I’m not going to sweat it. Technology’s been threatening art forever,” explained Hawthorne. “I still teach in college, and students are kind of always worried about this. I remind them that they’re still potters. They’re still people that make hand-thrown pots. And people still want those things. We don’t need pots. Industrialized pottery making is cheaper, it’s faster, there’s no need for a potter; and yet, we still want it. So, I think there will always be a place for art and artists.

“I have been lucky that I get to work with all these young artists. They’re all in love with physical media. They’re collecting records. My middle daughter stole all my CDs. She is actively looking for all her favorite movies on DVD. So much in entertainment is made into rental. They don’t want you to own the media that you’re consuming. And the kids are figuring out that they have to buy the physical stuff. So, I’m noticing more and more 20-somethings that are really into comics. There’s a wide range who are reading these comics and want to own the actual thing not just some personal vision of it.”

You can follow Mike Hawthorne on both Facebook and Instagram.

Friday, September 11, 2026, marked 25 years since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pa. In observance of this somber anniversary, Pennsauken Township, its first responders, and the local community came together for both the annual flag placement at the town’s 9/11 Memorial and a special noontime ceremony.

American Flag Placement At 9/11 Memorial

On the evening of Sept. 10, the local community came together to place over 2,000 American flags across Pennsauken’s 9/11 Memorial, a tradition that has lasted for 23 years.

“On behalf of Township Committee, I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight,” said Pennsauken Mayor Patrick Olivo. “As I was putting the flags out tonight, I’ve been talking to a lot of people, and I see a lot of familiar faces. But I see a lot of young faces. And that gives me hope. That gives me hope because this is about remembrance. It’s also about Pennsauken keeping its promise and that we’ll never forget.”

Located at the corner of Merchantville Ave. and Rt. 130, Pennsauken’s 9/11 Memorial was first dedicated on September 11, 2003, as a tribute to the heroes of 9/11 and the dedicated first responders — police, fire, and EMS — who serve every day to protect residents and businesses in the communities where they work and live. In remembrance of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a steel beam from the World Trade Center North Tower was dedicated as a permanent part of the memorial.

The American flags remained at Pennsauken’s 9/11 Memorial until the following evening, with volunteers returning to the site to remove and prepare them for storage until next year’s ceremony on the evening of September 10, 2027.

Commemorating 25th Anniversary Of 9/11

On Sept. 11, Pennsauken Township held a moving ceremony at the town’s 9/11 Memorial that honored the lives lost in the attacks, reflected on the heroism of first responders, and emphasized the importance of remembering 9/11 for future generations, especially younger people who will only know this tragic day through history.

“It is difficult to believe that a quarter century has passed since that September morning that forever changed our nation. For many of us, the memories remain incredibly vivid,” said Pennsauken Mayor Patrick Olivo. “For younger people, September 11 is something they only know through history books, photographs, videos, and the stories that we have passed down to them.

“Today, we remember the 2,977 innocent lives taken from us in New York City, at the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We remember the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, military personnel, and ordinary citizens who ran toward danger when others were running away. We remember those who survived. We remember the families who lost someone they loved. And we remember the first responders and recovery workers who carry the physical and emotional consequences of that day for years after. We also remember what happened in the days that followed. In one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history, Americans came together. We looked after our neighbors. We thanked our first responders. We flew our flag proudly. And the things that divide us suddenly seem much smaller than the things that unite us. Twenty-five years later, that lesson remains just as important.”

Pennsauken Township Committeewoman Jessica Rafeh, who serves as the town’s public safety director, spoke of the bravery of the community’s first responders.

“It is one of the greatest privileges of my life to stand alongside our first responders and to serve this community with them. As I look out and see these fine men and women today, I’m filled with tremendous gratitude. Maya Angelou once said, ‘Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.’ On Sept. 11, we saw exactly what she meant. Every rescue, every act of compassion, every life saved that day began with someone choosing courage first. That is the legacy our fire, police, and EMS departments carry forward. Not as a single extraordinary moment, but as a quiet daily commitment that never wavers. Pennsauken is incredibly fortunate to have public safety teams as devoted as ours. To our fire, police, and EMS departments, you are second to none. And it is my privilege to honor you today for the invaluable service you give this community every single day. Your courage does not go unnoticed. It does not go unappreciated, and it will never be forgotten.”

The event’s special guest speaker was Oscar Phillip Benjamin, a longtime Pennsauken resident and survivor of the attack on the Pentagon. Mr. Benjamin was an Army officer and chief of police intelligence for the U.S. Army’s Antiterrorism Operations Intelligence Cell at the Pentagon and the officer in charge on the morning of September 11, 2001. He sounded the first alarm that a plane was going to strike the facility.

“Tuesday, Sept. 11 started out like any other day. I was at my desk in my office; there were monitors all around me, and I saw the news saying that a small plane hit the North Tower. It didn’t look small to me. I shot down the hall to see General Peter Chiarelli in operations. I ran in and said, ‘We’re going to get hit right here!’ and desk. We ordered all civilians to evacuate the Army Operations Center and the military to man their stations. They missed the Pentagon on their first run. We didn’t find that out until later. If they had hit the first time, I probably wouldn’t be here to talk to you today.

“It was surreal to watch on TV as the building burned around us. We stayed there. I don’t remember how late I got outside, but the building collapsed; the ring had collapsed; police and firefighters were all over the place; rescue vehicles; all sorts of first responders.”

In the weeks that followed the attacks, Mr. Benjamin spoke about the kindness and generosity of others, from extra items in fast food orders to handwritten notes of encouragement from young children, that helped him through some challenging days.

“All of the civilian support had just a tremendous impact. It helped us get through.”

“I was so proud to be a part of that effort, as I’m honored to relate it here today,” said Benjamin. “What a magnificent show of strength and resilience among the military and first responders and the absolute compassion and empathy bonding the citizens of America. My God, I hope we get there again without another tragedy.”

“Mr. Benjamin, on behalf of Pennsauken Township and everyone that is here today, we want to thank you for your service and thank you for sharing a snippet of what you went through,” said Mayor Olivo.

Recognizing Bill Orth

Before the ceremony’s conclusion, former Pennsauken Mayor Bill Orth was recognized for his efforts to create
the town’s 9/11 Memorial in 2003.

“The Pennsauken Proud Award is presented to Bill Orth in grateful recognition of your extraordinary vision, dedication, and service to the Pennsauken community, for bringing Pennsauken’s 9/11 Memorial to life, for securing a steel beam from Ground Zero, and for establishing the annual flag placement ceremony that has become a cherished tradition in this remembrance,” said Township Committeeman Marco DiBattista. “Through your vision and perseverance, Pennsauken has a place to remember, a tradition to carry forward, and a lasting connection to the heroes and victims of September 2001. Your legacy, remembrance, and patriotism will endure for generations to come.”

“Thanks to everyone for being here this afternoon: my friends, some of my family, my lovely wife,” said a very grateful Orth. “I didn’t wear a fireman’s hat, never wore a gun. I never performed CPR on anyone either. But the people of our community, just like the people of 9/11, deserve all the credit in the world. They deserve all the plaques, all the awards. May God continue to bless you and bring you safety every single day. And may God protect our community and our people.”

As the ceremony concluded, Mayor Olivo reflected on the importance of remembering those who lost their lives, while honoring the courage and service demonstrated in the years since the attacks.

“Twenty-five years later, we remember those we lost and honor those who continue to serve. May we carry forward the courage, compassion, service, and unity that define our nation. And may we never forget.”

Please note that prior to the event, sections of Bethel Ave. will be closed at Rt. 130, as well as the intersections of Madison Ave. and Wyndam Rd., among others, for the safety of participants.

Individuals, community groups, and businesses wishing to participate or donate to the event can contact Sgt. Craig Adair at cadair@pennsaukenpolice.org. Please include how many spaces you need next to each other or if you need spaces back-to-back due to a larger vehicle. Trophies will be awarded to the top trunks.

This month’s theme, “Fall Harvest & Colonial Folklore,” will explore how families prepared their homes and harvests for the approaching winter — and some of the old stories, customs, and superstitions that were passed from one generation to the next.

Visitors can discover how autumn foods such as apples, corn, beans, squash, root vegetables, and herbs could be stored or preserved for the colder months ahead. A special apple preservation demonstration will show how apples could be sliced and dried, allowing families to enjoy part of the fall harvest long after fresh fruit was gone. But autumn wasn’t only a season of work. As daylight grew shorter and families gathered around the hearth, stories and folk beliefs were also part of everyday life. Visitors will have an opportunity to discover some of the folklore and superstitions associated with the season, including old traditions involving apples, harvests, weather, good luck, and everyday life. Children and families can enjoy hands-on activities inspired by the season.

Throughout the afternoon, visitors are invited to tour the Griffith Morgan Homestead and imagine an October nearly 250 years ago: apples drying for winter, herbs hanging near the hearth, the year’s harvest being stored away, and stories being shared as darkness arrived a little earlier each evening.

Come experience autumn the colonial way and discover how the changing seasons shaped the food, work, traditions, and stories of those who came before us.

This free, family-friendly event is open to the general public and parking is also free.  Memberships to Pennsauken Historical Society and volunteer opportunities are always available for you!  Donations to support our work in local history and preservation are always appreciated as well.

Griffith Morgan Homestead is located at 243 Griffith Morgan Lane off River Rd. between Delair and Rt. 73.

Visit the Griffith Morgan Homestead or Pennsauken Historical Society pages or the group “Pennsauken History Forum” on Facebook or e-mail pennsaukenhistoricalsociety@gmail.com for more details and directions.

Earlier today, Pennsauken Township announced that this year’s Fall Festival will now be held on the rain date of Sunday, Oct. 18.

“Due to the weather forecasted for October 17, the Fall Festival has been moved to Sunday, October 18,” the Township wrote in a social media post.

Held from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Pennsauken Community Recreation Complex at the corner of Bethel and Westfield avenues, the town’s annual Fall Festival brings the Township community together with fun activities.

“The Fall Festival is one of our town’s biggest events, with thousands of people coming out to enjoy a great afternoon of food, music, and entertainment,” said Pennsauken Mayor Patrick Olivo. “This is a great family event, and we can’t wait to welcome our residents to the Pennsauken Community Recreation Complex.”

As the country continues to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, Pennsauken’s Fall Festival will be taking on a more patriotic theme. The Pennsauken Community Recreation Complex will be decorated with American flags. The town’s first responders will be out in full force at the event with vehicles on display, as well as holding several demonstrations. And those looking for some unique photo opportunities can take selfies with a stilt walker dressed as Uncle Sam, as well as a variety of costumed characters, including a certain “sentinel of liberty,” everyone’s favorite “wall crawler,” and a “wonderful” woman.

There will also be a variety of family-friendly activities that guests attending the Fall Festival have come to expect. Children will be able to laugh and jump around in bounce houses, get their faces painted with a colorful design, or line up to get a fun balloon creation. In addition, families can take a short hayride to a “pumpkin patch,” where kids can pick out a small pumpkin to decorate (one per child).

The Fall Festival will also feature amusements perfect for some of the event’s younger guests. Festival favorites, the giant slide and Dragon Wagon, will be joined by two new rides sure to entertain guests.

The ever-popular DJ Nitro is returning to provide the Fall Festival’s high-energy soundtrack. And attendees hungry for lunch, an early dinner, or just a snack, will be able to purchase items from several food trucks that will be on-site.

For easy and convenient access to this year’s Fall Festival, attendees can take advantage of the free parking and shuttle at World Harvest Christian Center, 7201 Westfield Ave. The shuttle runs from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. the day of the event and drops off at the Pennsauken Community Recreation Complex. Those using the shuttle are asked to park in the church’s parking lot that faces Westfield Ave., as they will be holding Sunday services.

“There will be so much to do and enjoy at Pennsauken’s Fall Festival,” said Mayor Olivo. “It’s going to be an amazing time for our families. Come out and join us!”

There are three judging categories:

• All-Hallows Award (Best Traditionally Decorated Home)
• Creepy Chronicle Award (Best Overall Theme)
• Goosebumps Award (Scariest/Spookiest Home)

There will also be the “Pumpkin King” Award, given out to the best decorated home overall.

Prior to Halloween, a list of participating homes will be shared via the Township’s official social media channels.

In order for decorated homes in Pennsauken to be considered for this year’s contest, addresses must be submitted using an online form on the Township’s website. This link can be accessed at PennsaukenEvents.com. Registration runs through Friday, Oct. 16.

Residents can nominate a neighbor, family member or friend from Pennsauken by emailing the decorated home’s address, along with any available homeowner contact information, to jvazquez@pennsauken.gov. Parks and Recreation will reach out to the homeowner directly to gauge their interest in participating.

Help cause some friendly frights throughout our neighborhoods by decorating your home or visiting those who do! For more information, contact Pennsauken’s Parks and Recreation Department at jvazquez@pennsauken.gov.

From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Food for Good Fest features food truck fare for purchase, a pay-what-you-can farmers market, live cooking demos, and free preventive screenings and health resources.

Food Trucks For Today

• Corson’s Steaks
• DumpNRoll
• FishFry Wright
• Mister Softee

Produce available for purchase is from Fairgrown Farm and Pinelands Alliance/Rancocas Creek Farms.

FBSJ wellness partners like Cooper University Health Care will be on-site offering free health screenings and education.

Please note that this is not a free food distribution.

September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide awareness campaign that brings food insecurity in local communities to the forefront, along with the everyday actions people can take to make an impact. As part of its Hunger Action Month activations, the Food Bank of South Jersey is bringing neighbors together for Food for Good Fest to highlight the connection between food and health.

Detectives are investigating a murder/suicide involving family members that occurred this morning in Pennsauken, announced Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Pennsauken Police Chief Phil Olivo.

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at approximately 9:01 a.m., officers from the Pennsauken Police Department responded to a residence on the 4400 block of Bethel Avenue in Pennsauken in reference to a shooting. Additionally, police were notified that a male suspect armed with a handgun was present at the residence. Upon arrival, officers located a gunshot victim, identified as 59-year-old Janet Camacho of Pennsauken, on the front steps of the residence. The victim was transported to Cooper University Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased at approximately 9:38 a.m.

A perimeter was established around the residence and members of the Camden County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team responded. At approximately 10:37 a.m., police located the male suspect deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the residence. The suspect was identified as the victim’s brother Daniel Lopez, 60, of Pennsauken. He was pronounced deceased at approximately 10:41 a.m.

The investigation is active and ongoing at this time. No further information will be released at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jake Siegfried of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit at (856) 225-5086 and Detective Thalia Aviles of the Pennsauken Police Department at (856) 488-0080. Tips may also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS.