During the second half, when her Lenape High School girls basketball team put an exclamation point on its 18th win of the season by outscoring a talented Washington Township team by 19 points, it seemed like senior Shannon Mulroy couldn’t miss.

Little jump shot here, tear drop in the lane there, aggressively driving toward the hoop and through defenders for a basket, whatever it took, really. She was scoring at will.

But when the final buzzer sounded, two facts became abundantly clear to Mulroy: she had 999 career points and the next game on the Indians schedule was against their biggest rival, Cherokee.

“Yeah, it’s alright,” Mulroy, who celebrated her 18th birthday a day earlier, said of coming one point away from two celebrations in two days. “I just wanted to win, honestly. We’re 18–2 now so the ultimate goal always is to win, so I’ll just let it come when it happens.”

Any letdown was temporary. Because now the possibility exists of reaching 1,000 points and beating the Chiefs, ranked among the top 10 teams in the state, on the same night (this Thursday, Feb. 7, at Cherokee).

“They’re our biggest rival so we really get up for every game, especially with them being in conference, we’re always playing for a conference championship,” said Mulroy, who scored 22 points in a 55–32 win over Washington Township. “It’s huge. (Cherokee) has a good record again, too, especially in conference, so once again we’re playing for the conference championship, basically.”

The two Lenape School District foes and South Jersey powers could see each other a third time this season at some point in the next month, too. In each of the last five years, either one or the other has played in the South Jersey Group 4 championship game.

Two years ago, en route to a sectional championship, the Chiefs took the rubber match with the Indians (winning the season series) in the SJ Group 4 semifinals. Last year, Cherokee swept all three games between the two teams, again ending Lenape’s season in the playoffs.

But the rivalry, at least as the current seniors remember it, began three years ago in 2016, when Lenape not only beat Cherokee in the playoffs but also went onto win the only state championship any Lenape School District team has ever won.

So how does Lenape feel like its current team stacks up?

“It’s reminding me of my freshman year when we won states, we ended up 31–3, I think, which was a big year,” said fellow senior Nevaeh Sutton, who also scored 22 points in the win over Washington Township. “So we’re definitely looking long term (this season). … I feel like when we play well, it’s when we all score. So when we’re all putting forth that effort, we tend to win games. So I think that’s the key to winning.”

Earlier this season, the Indians snapped a five-game losing skid in the rivalry series (Lenape’s first win over Cherokee since December of 2016) when their defense held strong against the Chiefs formidable sister duo of Ava and Alexa Therien and they got a balanced attack from their offense, too. Mulroy led the way with nine points, but Sutton was right behind her with eight and both Kiana Gosnell and Dyonna Wess had six in a 35–33 win.

Perhaps Sutton’s analysis was dead-on: the Indians are at their best when they’re sharing the ball.

“We’re definitely looking forward to playing them,” Sutton, who will play at Fairleigh Dickinson next year, said of the latest Indians-Chiefs matchup. “It’d be a big win, especially after losing three times in a row to them last year. So it would be nice to beat them two times in a row.”

And if history is any indicator, it might not be the last time Lenape’s seniors see Cherokee before their final high school season ends.

“It’s been back and forth for a few years now,” Lenape head coach Rob Hummel said. “Last year, Cherokee had our number, three times we couldn’t get past them. It’s just a different season, it’s a different look. We’re definitely a little more gritty this year. We have girls that, I don’t want to say we didn’t play tough before, but, man, they step across the line and they really play hard.”

Maybe it was fate that Mulroy, who will play at Cornell next year, had to wait to reach the 1,000-point milestone against Cherokee.

After tasting a state championship as a freshman, though, Mulroy definitely has eyes on a bigger prize. And she likes the look of her team.

“I just think we’re really gelling as a group,” she said, “we get along on the court and off the court. We’re sharing the ball really well.”

Lenape girls eager for another date with Cherokee, postseason run was originally published in The Mt. Laurel Sun on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

On Saturday, Dec. 8, the Alice Paul Institute at Paulsdale in Mt. Laurel will kick off the holiday season with its annual Holiday Open House for the local community. The event is from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Alice Paul Institute, 128 Hooton Road, Mt. Laurel.

The Mt. Laurel Garden Club has beautifully decorated the house and grounds in the Quaker tradition. There will be music, holiday shopping in the gift shop, festive refreshments and free guided tours of the ancestral home of Alice Paul.

The Mt. Laurel Garden Club volunteers its time and expertise as part of its mission is to be committed to civic and community projects such as beautifying community spaces in New Jersey.

This event is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and help support the local nonprofit that educates and empowers area women and girls.

Learn more about the Alice Paul Institute at www.AlicePaul.org.

Alice Paul Institute Holiday Open House is Dec. 8 was originally published in The Mt. Laurel Sun on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The Lenape Regional High School District will showcase the musical talents of students at all four district high schools throughout December.

In addition to various instrumental and choral concerts at Cherokee, Lenape, Seneca and Shawnee high schools, the district will host a holiday concert to bring together students from all of the schools for one powerful performance.

Following the series of performances this December, the district will soon announce additional winter performances in January and February 2019.

All performances are open to the public.

The schedule is as follows:

• Cherokee Instrumental Concert, Lenape Regional PAC, Thursday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.

• Cherokee Choral Concert, Lenape Regional PAC, Thursday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.

• Lenape Instrumental Concert, Lenape auditorium, Thursday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.

• Shawnee Choral Concert, Shawnee auditorium, Thursday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.

• District Holiday Choral Concert, Lenape Regional PAC, Monday, Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m.

• Shawnee Instrumental Concert, Shawnee auditorium, Thursday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m.

• Lenape Choral Concert, Lenape auditorium, Tuesday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m.

• Seneca Winter Concert, Seneca auditorium, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m.

The Lenape Regional PAC is located at 130 Tomlinson Mill Road, Marlton. Shawnee High School is located at 600 Tabernacle Road, Medford. Lenape High School is located at 235 Hartford Road, Medford. Seneca High School is located at 110 Carranza Road, Tabernacle.

LRHSD winter concerts announced was originally published in The Mt. Laurel Sun on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

It’s no secret Santa Claus needs to be in tip-top shape for Christmas Eve. After all, he has just one night to deliver trillions of presents to billions of children around the world, all the while enjoying milk and cookies at every stop along the way.

And you thought your job was demanding.

Luckily for Santa, the doctors with Rowan Medicine are going to ensure the jolly old elf is pre-flight ready with a check-up at the South Jersey Kids Expo on Saturday, Nov. 17. At the free family event, set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Rec Center at St. Matthew’s in Williamstown, the Rowan doctors will make a list — they’ll check it twice — to see that Santa is healthy for his big night.

Of course, it’s not just St. Nick who needs to stay healthy for the holidays; from kids to grandparents, everyone hopes to keep the jingle in their bells throughout the season. And while it’s easy for healthy habits to fall to the wayside, family physician Dr. Adarsh Gupta took time out of his busy schedule as director of the Rowan Medicine Center for Medical Weight Loss and Metabolic Control to discuss how prioritizing health this holiday is just as important as compiling that perfect holiday playlist.

Holidays, Gupta said, are all about social activities with food involved.

“Stay focused on socializing and less on food,” Gupta said. “Talking is calorie-free.”

Of course, it’s OK to indulge sometimes.

“It’s not about cutting out the food that you really like. I think when you start doing that, you start increasing your craving,” Gupta said. “The best thing to do is to watch your portion size and eat it very slowly, so the craving won’t be there and you don’t take in too much calorie.”

Also, eat your veggies, Gupta said. Even Santa’s belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly needs its vegetables.

No matter how busy you are, skipping meals is another no-no. It’s important kids are eating all of their meals, too.

“They should not skip their breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hunger builds up in time,” Gupta said, “and when they’re super hungry, whatever they see first is in their mouths.”

To balance out those extra sweet treats, staying active is key. For many people, however, getting to the gym is not so easy in November and December. According to Gupta, though, it’s not as hard as one may think to get in a workout.

“My focus is remain active,” Gupta said. “Everything is activity, whether it’s a program for physical activity like a treadmill or running, or a lifestyle activity like walking a dog or housework — they all are activity and burn calories.”

Need to do some Christmas shopping? Park farther from the store entrance to get in those extra steps. Stroll the mall. Take steps, not elevators or escalators.

“Try to track your steps. If you can reach 10,000 steps, that is great,” Gupta said.

Another important aspect of a healthy lifestyle is sleep. Santa may stay up all night on Christmas, but that doesn’t mean anyone else should. Sleep, Gupta explained, is important, and seven to nine hours is optimal. Children need more sleep than adults, and less than five hours of sleep is not recommended for anyone.

Even though not everyone is delivering trillions (that’s 12 zeros!) of toys on Christmas Eve, it’s no secret that stress can go hand-in-hand with the holidays. The best way to minimize this stress, according to Gupta, is by making time for yourself.

“Give some time for your mind to think. Ten to 15 minutes a day for yourself,” Gupta said.

He also advises people not to go for perfection.

“The most important thing, I feel, is to be realistic about what you can achieve. Don’t overcommit yourself. It’s OK to skip some (gatherings). That way, you can enjoy the time at the gatherings you do go to.”

Register for the free South Jersey Kids Expo, set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 17 at The Rec Center at St. Matthew’s in Williamstown, by visiting nmg.ticketleap.com/2018kids/.

Healthy for the holidays: It’s important to stay on track was originally published in The Mt. Laurel Sun on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The leaves are still just changing to fall colors, but it’s never too early to make sure Santa Claus knows what you want for Christmas — he’s got an awful long list of people to get to on Christmas Eve.

The one and only Santa Claus is arriving at the Cherry Hill Mall for the start of his six-week-plus stay on Nov. 10. The mall’s SantaFest event is free but does require tickets, which can be purchased at cherryhillmall.com.

Personalized photos with Santa from SantaFest can be purchased, too, and you can take care of that ahead of time as well: https://www.santasfastpass.com/view/5809. If you are a member of the mall’s PREIT Perks program you can get in the Fast Pass line to see Santa, receive complimentary face painting, and receive a $10 shopping reward.

This year’s theme at SantaFest is the movie “A Christmas Story.” Before they sit on Santa’s lap, children can tour Ralphie Parker’s house. (Just don’t shoot your eye out, kids).

Tony Johnson on Twitter

Just saw the A Christmas Story house replica yesterday while shopping @CherryHillMall - be sure to catch it before it goes away!

SantaFest also includes holiday treats, games, crafts and appearances by other characters, including Rudolph, the Nutcracker, Raggedy Ann, a snowman and the Thanksgiving Turkey.

A couple of weeks before arriving at SantaFest, while he was still in the North Pole preparing for trick or treaters, Santa Claus himself took out some time for a One-one-One with The Sun.

The Sun: You’ve got a lot going on in the next few months. Is that exciting or stressful?

Santa Claus: Oh, very exciting.

The Sun: But when you say that, it still is a lot of work, isn’t it?

Santa Claus: A lot of work. It is a little bit stressful, but it’s always exciting ready to go into the season.

The Sun: What’s your advice for kids who are just starting to put their wish lists together?

Santa Claus: I have a lot of kids that tell me that they have just about everything they need and (they tell me) to give whatever gift I was going to give to them to some needy kid. So I tell all of them to keep in mind that there are kids less fortunate than them.

The Sun: That’s great advice. Because for every family that celebrates Christmas and takes for granted how great it is, there are surely kids that didn’t grow up with that experience or kids that don’t have that experience. So that’s smart advice.

Inquiring minds want to know: what is your favorite Christmas cookie?

Santa Claus: Well my favorite is chocolate chip. And/or whatever the current child’s favorite is.

The Sun: OK. That’s a politician’s answer, that’s not Santa’s answer!

Santa Claus: [Laughs for a while]. But they love it when you love the same cookie that they do.

The Sun: That’s smart. But then again I guess Santa knows kids pretty well.

Which reindeer have you had the longest?

Santa Claus: That would be Dasher.

The Sun: And is Dasher your favorite then or are you not allowed to have favorites?

Santa Claus: They’re all my favorite.

The Sun: [Laughs] What can you tell me about Dasher that not all kids might know.

Santa Claus: He’s very intelligent.

The Sun: OK. Is that kind of the older they are the wiser they are kind of thing?

Santa Claus: That seems to be the case. He is a very intelligent reindeer.

The Sun: Do you have a favorite Christmas movie or holiday TV special. It seems like everyone has a favorite. How about yourself?

Santa Claus: Well, of course I like the classics like “Miracle on 34th Street.” But of the new ones, there is one called “Christmas Angel” that I particularly like.

The Sun: “Christmas Angel” [writing it down], huh. OK, cool. That title reminds me of one I remember watching as a kid, “One Magic Christmas.” There’s an angel in that one, I enjoyed that movie.

Santa Claus: This one would have been title Secret Santa if there hadn’t already been a “Secret Santa.” Because that’s what he is. They’d already made one called “Secret Santa” so they called this one “Christmas Angel.” And it fit. If you ever get a chance to watch it, you’ll love it. It’s a great movie.

The Sun: I’m putting it on my list for sure.

Santa Claus: Alright.

The Sun: Do you have a favorite Christmas song?

Santa Claus: “Joy to the World.”

The Sun: “Joy to the World,” why do you say that?

Santa Claus: Well because that’s what we’re trying to do, bring joy to the world.

The Sun: Smart, and a good message. There is a lot of Christmas music and, man, you didn’t waste any time, picked that right off the top, didn’t have to think about it. I like that.

What’s your favorite non-Christmas holiday?

Santa Claus: Easter.

The Sun: Why is that?

Santa Claus: Well, we’re still on the same theme of unconditional love to all of the kids.

The Sun: Yea, that’s smart. And the weather is always a little nicer than Christmas.

What does Santa get up to on New Year’s Eve?

Santa Claus: Oh, the beginning of an exciting new year.

The Sun: Oh yeah? Do you have any special party with Mrs. Claus, or anything you guys do?

Santa Claus: We usually bring in the new year and then take a long nap.

The Sun: Do you stay up until midnight at least?

Santa Claus: Oh yes. Always see the new year in and listen to all the bells and the firecrackers and fireworks. When the ball drops, we snuggle down and go to sleep.

The Sun: OK, that makes sense. My next question goes back to those holiday specials. One of the ones I liked as a kid, I think it was called “Christmas Eve on Sesame Street.” It’s a good one, they do the Gift of the Magi story with Bert and Ernie, it’s really good. But one of the subplots is Oscar, you know, the Grouch, he keeps wondering how Santa is going to do this, and how he’s going to do that, and one of the questions he asks is [mimics Oscar’s tone] “How’s he going to get into the house without a chimney?” So my question to you: are houses without chimneys more troubling?

Santa Claus: They’re not troubling at all. I have a magic key.

The Sun: Oh. So those kids don’t have to worry is what you’re saying.

Santa Claus: Yep, I have a magic key so I can get in without a problem.

The Sun: I have a chimney but it hasn’t worked in a while.

Santa Claus: Right.

The Sun: What’s your all-time favorite Christmas gift? I know you give quite a few out, but is there any particular one you received that you liked?

Santa Claus: Absolutely. Mrs. Claus.

The Sun: [Laughs]. That’s smart! What does Mrs. Claus do on Christmas Eve and Christmas? Because we all know what you’re doing and have going on, but what is she doing behind the scenes?

Santa Claus: Well, cooking.

The Sun: Cooking, huh?

Santa Claus: Lots of cookies. And I’m very hungry when I get back so she has a nice big meal for me.

The Sun: That’s great. What’s your favorite thing to eat besides cookies?

Santa Claus: Turkey.

The Sun: That’s good, always a good holiday staple.

Santa Claus: Oh yeah. Love turkey.

The Sun: Me too. My last question for you is a broad one and you may have answered it before but you can elaborate a little, the question is, what is the true meaning of Christmas?

Santa Claus: Well, it’s teaching the kids, all of us, about unconditional love. It’s sharing that with one another.

The Sun: And what’s the best way people can do that? Is it the small things?

Santa Claus: Oh, yes, absolutely. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the most impact in my experience. It’s the little things that count.

The Sun: OK, great. This is your platform here, so before I go, anything else Santa wants to share before we begin the holiday season?

Santa Claus: Well I just want everyone to have a Merry Christmas this year.

Happy Holidays: ‘SantaFest’ is coming to town was originally published in The Mt. Laurel Sun on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Newspaper Media Group, publisher of The Sun Newspapers, is excited to announce it is holding its second annual holiday food drive!

In conjunction with the Food Bank of South Jersey, Newspaper Media Group has coordinated a list of local businesses throughout Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties where you can drop off food for those in need this holiday season.

The Newspaper Media Group food drive will last the entire month of November, and all donations collected will be given to the Food Bank of South Jersey, which will then distribute the items throughout the South Jersey community!

Donation bins will be set up at a number of businesses throughout South Jersey.

Among the most needed items for the Food Bank are high protein foods such as peanut butter, canned tuna or salmon, canned chicken or ham, canned or dried beans, peanuts, sunflower seeds or almonds; canned vegetables and fruit, fruit cups, applesauce or dried fruit, macaroni and cheese, canned soups, canned stews or chili, canned spaghetti or granola bars; shelf-stable milk; oatmeal, breakfast cereals, pancake mix, rice or pasta,
and stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, canned gravy, instant mashed potatoes and canned pie fillings.

The Food Bank cannot accept previously opened containers, repackaged and homemade items, outdated products, or perishables — i.e. breads, pies, cakes, produce, meat (fresh or frozen) or baby items. When choosing foods to donate, kindly consider the nutrient value so that our South Jersey children, adults and seniors are receiving healthy and nutritious meals year round.

Any donation, big or small, is much appreciated. Help us make the holiday season a little brighter for those in need in our community!

If you own a business and would like to be considered as a drop-off spot for our food drive, please email Angela Smith at asmith@newspapermediagroup.com.

Burlington County

• Lion Self Storage, 691 Main Street, Lumberton
• Fashions by Penina, 11 E. Main Street, Marlton
• Health Via Pharmacy, 300 E. Greentree Road, Suite 8, Marlton
• MindBytes, 300 E. Greentree Road, Ste. 205 & 206, 2nd Floor Meetinghouse Sq., Marlton
• The Promenade — Concierge Services, 500 Route 73 South, Suite E1, Marlton
• Big League Dreams, 15 Fostertown Road, Medford
• Fabrix Dry Cleaner, 185 Route 70, Medford
• Flying W Airport — Patty Wagon Area, 60 Fostertown Road, Medford
• The ARTery Studio, 31 S. Main St., Medford
• Edward Jones Investments, 67 East Main Street, Moorestown
• Moorestown Hardware, 300 Mill St., Moorestown
• Moorestown Orthodontics, 110 Marter Ave., Ste. 404, Moorestown
• Spavia Day Spa, 1670 Nixon Drive, Moorestown
• Fabrix Dry Cleaner, 1155 Route 73, Mount Laurel
• Larchmont Pharmacy, 200 Larchmont Blvd., Mount Laurel
• Mount Laurel Animal Hospital, 220 Mount Laurel Road, Mount Laurel
• The Max Challenge, 300 S. Lenola Road, Maple Shade
• Lion Self Storage, 124 Eayrestown Road, Southampton
• Upper Crust Pizza & Italian Restaurant, 1576 Route 206, Yates Plaza, Tabernacle
• Alloway Associates Realtors, 2 Retreat Road, Route 206, Vincentown
• Medford Municipal Center (Township Building), 18 N. Main St., Medford
• Medford Arts Center, 8 N. Main St., Medford
• Lower Forge Brewery, 14 S. Main St., Medford
• Wonder World Toys, 23 S. Main St., Medford

Camden County

• Rosenblatt Roofing, 249 South White Horse Pike, Berlin
• AristaCare at Cherry Hill, 1399 Chapel Ave., Cherry Hill
• Cherry Hill Volvo, 1810 Route 70 West, Cherry Hill
• Holiday Inn, 2175 West Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill
• Mathnasium, 1892 Marlton Pike East, Cherry Hill
• Newspaper Media Group (Sun Newspapers), 2 Executive Campus, Ste. 400, Cherry Hill
• Wild Birds Unlimited, 1619 Kings Hwy., Cherry Hill
• Yoga for Living, 1926 Greentree Road, Cherry Hill
• Westmont Diner, 317 N. Haddon Avenue, Haddon Township
• Dr. Shari Saluck, 212 N. Haddon Ave., Haddonfield
• Haddonfield Information Center, 2 Kings Court, Haddonfield
• Inkwood Books, 31 Kings Hwy., Haddonfield
• Interfaith Caregivers, 242 Kings Highway E., Haddonfield
• Lisa Wolschina & Associates, Keller Williams Realty, 224 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield
• Mathnasium, 676 West Cuthbert Blvd., Haddon Township
• Davis CPA Group, 1400 Chews Landing Road, Ste. 5, Laurel Springs
• PDQ Restaurant, 610 Cross Keys Road, Sicklerville
• Ristorante Fieni’s, 800 S. Burnt Mill Road, Voorhees
• Sal Vito Pizza, 910 Haddonfield-Berlin Road, Voorhees

Gloucester County

• Colony Travel, 1647 Almonesson Road, Deptford
• Noelle’s Dance Academy, 570 Bridgeton Pike, Mantua
• Bloomers, 344 Hurffville-Cross Keys Road, Sewell
• Dolores “Dee” Wood, Century 21 Rauh & Johns, 508 Huffville Cross Keys Road, Ste. 2, Sewell

To find additional locations near you, visit newspapermedia group.com.

NMG launches holiday food drive was originally published in The Mt. Laurel Sun on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The South Jersey Wedding Reception and Bridal Show will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Moorestown Mall

There’s a wedding in Moorestown, and everyone’s invited!

The South Jersey Wedding Reception and Bridal Show comes to the Moorestown Mall from 5 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10. The free event will be staged similar to an actual wedding, and guests can expect an interactive and informative evening filled with fun, games and, of course, wedding cake.

“Planning a wedding can be overwhelming — there are seemingly endless options for every detail, from floral arrangements to officiants, linen colors to invitations and everything in between. Bridal shows are the perfect opportunity for brides to understand what their options are, meet vendors personally, and, most importantly, have fun!” said Jennie Morton Able, wedding specialist with the South Jersey Wedding Reception and Bridal Show sponsor The Grove at Centerton. “With all the hustle and bustle that happens leading up to your big day, it’s so important for brides — and grooms — to take time to soak in this special time.”

The event begins with a cocktail reception from 5 to 7 p.m., giving guests the opportunity to check out an array of bridal show vendors while enjoying DJ music from Xplosive Entertainment and sampling cocktails and light appetizers courtesy of Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar. Vendors include Formal Expressions, GFit Women, All Nite Limo LLC, Shaun Reilly Photography, DiBartolo Bakery, Mary Kay, Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski, Amanda Goodwin of Happily Nourished Nutrition Counseling, Pure Romance, HelloFresh, The Business, and many more. The Grove at Centerton will also showcase its venue, which is based in Pittsgrove Township.

“Since our grand opening this past July, we’ve found that couples are drawn to The Grove’s simple, yet elegant design, accented with rustic farmhouse style,” The Grove at Centerton General Manager Will Arabea said. “Offering over 15,000 square feet of newly renovated space, contemporary cuisine, and a collection of reasonable catering menus within an hour’s drive of Philadelphia, The Grove at Centerton is the perfect woodland wedding destination for couples in the Southern New Jersey region.”

The bride and groom’s first dance will commence at 7 p.m., followed by guest participation in a dance lesson by KN Entertainment.

Thinking about a five-tiered, marzipan-clad masterpiece of a cake for the big day? Or maybe a simple yet elegant display of buttercream-topped cupcakes? Whatever your sweet tooth
style, guests can enjoy cake samples when the bride and groom cut their cake from 8 to 8:30
p.m.

The evening is capped with a chance to win prizes with a bouquet and garter toss. Brides-to-be can win a gift card by catching a bouquet courtesy of Flowers By Elizabeth, and grooms-to-be can catch a garter for a $100 Yard House gift card.

If all that wasn’t enough to keep guests busy, Tumbling Dice will provide table games in a Groom’s Room throughout the evening, and officiant Donna Mount will offer free vow renewals. And those envisioning a fairy tale wedding can get some tips from Cinderella herself, who will visit the bridal show courtesy of Laura’s Princess Appearances. Flower girls are encouraged to wear their Cinderella gowns!

While the South Jersey Wedding Reception and Bridal Show and all activities are is free, registration is requested at www.nmg.ticketleap.com/sj-bridal.

The Moorestown Mall is located at 400 Rt. 38, Moorestown.

There’s a wedding on Oct. 10 — and everyone is invited! was originally published in The Mt. Laurel Sun on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.

These words by prominent social activist Frederick Douglass unquestionably ring true, but they still beg the question: what are the best ways, then, to build up those strong children?

“You’re going to know that your child is doing well because they’re going to feel good about themselves,” Camden County Freeholder Carmen G. Rodriguez said. “They’re going to be balanced. They’re going to feel better in different environments.”

As the liaison to the county’s Department of Children’s Services and a former teacher and administrator of 21 years, it’s safe to say Rodriguez knows a thing or two about child development. She also understands a healthy child isn’t one who is only physically well; mental, emotional and social health are just as important.

“It’s all tied together,” Rodriguez said. “A physically healthy child is one that is totally healthy, one that is getting exercise, which is very important for mental development … it makes you feel good when you’re up and moving and getting around. And usually when you’re doing some type of physical activity, you’re also given the opportunity to interact socially. That social interaction is very important also.”

Dr. G. Lee Lerch of Advocare Lerch & Amato Pediatrics echoes these sentiments. Throughout his nearly 40-year career, Lerch said he discovered fairly early on that the emotional needs of the family unit were, many times, more important than the physical needs. Over the last decade, he has seen well care visits revolve around social issues much more than physical ones.

“Dealing with these issues helps the child and family cope and grow as the pressures are much more intense than (they were) a generation ago,” Lerch said. “Family values and the integrity of the family has been under attack, as I see it, in recent years. Spending time helping families bond and strengthen as one has been very rewarding.”

Helping parents understand how much a child changes as they age is key to supporting a healthy child, too. Physically, children change rapidly, and they will respond differently at different ages, Lerch explained.

Annual well exams are important. Lerch, who has practices in Gibbsboro and Sewell, said children don’t only change yearly, but day-to-day.

“For example, a 5-year-old entering kindergarten is so different with unique needs than the 6-year-old entering first grade,” Lerch said. “A 10-to-12-year-old is so different than a 13-year-old. That is very obvious to us all. There are more subtle changes, but no less important at preceding and following years.”

As far as mental and emotional health, these needs are ever-changing as well.

“Every child has different needs. Some children need more physical help. He or she may not be athletic and needs more time practicing their chosen activity,” Lerch said. “Some may need encouragement in social situations. One may need more mentoring when dealing with difficult friends. I think all of us can understand dealing with difficult people.”

The “drama” for some children can cause them to shut down, which can cause them to be socially isolated, Lerch explained.

“We need to bolster their egos, give strategies and encouragement when necessary,” Lerch said.

Rodriguez noted that it’s important for children to learn how to negotiate a situation and problem-solve. It’s also important for a child to fail.

“When there’s failure, they’re also learning. Failure isn’t the end all. Failure is just another chance to try again. It strengthens them as well,” she said.

A healthy child also needs to play; this is how a child learns.

“Play is the work of the child. The most important learning that happens is through play,” Rodriguez said. “Every child must play. That’s how you learn how to act socially. Language begins with play.”

And a child at play, according to Lerch, is not only learning.

“Play is the way the child can express themselves, relieve their stress, show their interests in certain activities, demonstrate their abilities and show their insecurities — and so much more,” Lerch said.

Remembering every child is different is key to helping them grow. It’s important to know a child’s strengths and weaknesses, Rodriguez noted, and be able to elevate them.

“When we see a weakness,” she said, “give them opportunities that are fun and exciting and teach them to continue to get better.”

The bottom line? A parent needs to interact with their children, to do their best to understand their children to help them develop and maintain their health.

“We as parents need to learn about our children by listening, playing, watching our children, especially our teens and adult children,” Lerch said. “The job of parenting never stops.”

Editor’s note: Want to explore what local businesses and organizations have to offer to support the whole health of your child? Check out the free South Jersey Kids Expo on Wednesday, Aug. 22, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Cooper River Park between LaScala Birra and the Camden County Boathouse. The event, hosted by The Sun Newspapers and the Camden County Parks Department, will be filled with fun for kids, including carnival games and blow-ups, character appearances, face painting and crafts, as well as great learning opportunities for parents and guardians. Pre-registration for this free expo is requested at www.nmg.ticketleap.com/cckids.

The keys to raising a healthy child was originally published in The Mt. Laurel Sun on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

From moon bounces to face painting, vendor tables to crafting, families can sign up for an afternoon of free fun when the South Jersey Kids Expo comes to Cooper River Park on Wednesday, Aug. 22. The event, hosted by The Sun Newspapers and co-sponsored by the Camden County Department of Parks, will run from 3 to 7 p.m. between LaScala Birra and the Camden County Boathouse.

“It’s a nice way to spend an afternoon. There’s no pressure. There’s no admission fee,” The Sun Newspapers Director of Marketing and Events Angela Smith said. “You can come in, enjoy and go at your own pace.”

Vendors will have tables at the expo, educating and sharing information on companies offering services for families and children. Kids can jump on moon bounces and try their hand at carnival games by J-Dogs Catering & Amusements, fictional characters will come to life compliments of Laura’s Princess Appearances, and there will be face painting and crafts.

This is the fourth Kids Expo for The Sun Newspapers, and each event has been well-attended, according to Smith.

Camden County was eager to come on board as co-sponsor, providing a great spot for the expo at Cooper River Park.

“I think residents and visitors will find one of the secrets of county government here at the expo, which is to say the information that both the Health Department and the Department of Children’s Services provide on a range of different issues,” Camden County Freeholder Jeffrey L. Nash said. “If I had to guess I would say that a majority of people wouldn’t even know that the Department of Children’s Services exists, so this expo will provide us with an excellent opportunity to showcase these very important functions and the ease to gain access to these services. In short, this allows the public to put a face with a name when it comes to services offered by the Freeholder Board and provides us with the ability to bridge the gap and communicate directly with residents to learn and educate them about the hundreds of services we offer.”

Sister Donna Minster of the Department of Children’s Services is eager to show what the department offers.

“As a community member ourselves, Children’s Services is always on the lookout for resources for children and families. Many of my colleagues are looking for resources, too. An expo is a great vehicle to bring us all together,” Minster said. “Parents are the best advocate for their children. Engaging with them at expos like this on family and childcare needs is conducive to a better overall family dynamic. And there is no greater or more valuable asset in our community than our children and families.”

While the South Jersey Kids Expo is free, pre-registration is requested at www.nmg.ticketleap.com/cckids. A vendor list is available on the website.

South Jersey Kids Expo is Aug. 22 was originally published in The Mt. Laurel Sun on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Dr. Mehmet Oz wants people to lead the good life. For the last decade, he has devoted “The Dr. Oz Show” to teaching people how to do just that, and on Aug. 25, he’s coming to Cherry Hill to spread the word that health and happiness are within reach.

“The good life, just to define it, is what you really want out of life, which I would argue is to be a little better every day than you were the day before,” Oz said.

Oz will host a panel with Centria Autism Services and Jefferson Health of New Jersey as part of a Health & Wellness Expo taking place at the Cherry Hill Mall. With his show celebrating a decade on air, Oz said the expo marks the kickoff event to launch the 10th season.

The title of Oz’s discussion is “The Good Life,” and he’ll speak about how to tackle life’s imperfections. From weight loss to dealing with anxiety, Oz said his goal is for attendees to leave with concrete information they can share with their friends and family that same day.

Oz said he utilizes video clips, and he often brings audience members on stage to interact with him during portions of his speech. He said taking questions from local people is a critical part of any speech he gives because it allows him to understand what health concerns are on people’s minds.

“It keeps me connected to my audience,” Oz said. “If I sit in my studio in New York City and pontificate about things that are important to me, I miss the target.”

In the last 10 years, Oz said the most important lesson he’s learned is taking the time to listen. He said the biggest problem in medicine is doctors often know the right response, but they don’t always hear what patients are saying. He said it often takes time for patients to fully express a problem, and unless they are given the room to do so, he can’t fix the issue.

His goal in travelling to give public talks is to hear what issues people tackle in their daily lives. He said he feels his sensitivity to the challenges people face is improved when he gives these talks. Oz said, for instance, while the health sector emphasizes fresh, organic produce, but in his talk he hears the cost is an obstacle, then he knows it’s important to emphasize frozen vegetables provide these same nutrients. He said his talks are free on purpose because he doesn’t want money to be an obstacle to these insights.

His talks focus on breaking down information in a straightforward and simple way. He said life has gotten more complex, so his goal is to break down topics like weight loss or stress in simple ways that give people the tools to get started.

“It’s news you can use and that you can tell your friends about that day,” Oz said.

Oz’s team of medical experts continually stays on top of the latest developments in medicine. He said he receives a 10-page summary of the most important medical insights every day.

For Oz, his goal is sharing information, and he said giving these public talks are often a head rush for him because people are so eager to receive the information he has to give.

“If your purpose in life is to lighten the load for the people around you, this is exactly what this does,” Oz said. “I feel as good about this as the people who attended.”

Oz will appear from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the “Centria Autism Services Presents: Health & Wellness Expo with Dr. Oz.” The event is sponsored by: The Sun Newspapers, Jefferson Health of South Jersey and Horizon Connect of New Jersey. The expo is free and open to the public, and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.To find out more about the event, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-oz-at-cherry-hill-mall-tickets-48694034167.

Dr. Oz brings ‘The Good Life’ to Cherry Hill was originally published in The Mt. Laurel Sun on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.