Pennsauken’s First Ever Autism Awareness Expo On April 24
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Editor’s Note: Due to the ongoing construction at the Pennsauken Country Club, the Autism Awareness Expo has been moved to a new location: Eden Gardens, formerly The Regal, 1444 Rt. 73, in Pennsauken.
In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, a special event is being organized to support and empower families with special needs. Scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, the town’s inaugural Autism Awareness Expo will take place at Eden Gardens, formerly The Regal, 1444 Rt. 73, in Pennsauken, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Open to the public, this free event aims to shine a light on the challenges faced by individuals with special needs, like autism spectrum disorder, and their families. It also serves as a platform to showcase the various resources available to support these families in their journey.
Pennsauken Native To Appear In Upcoming Amazon Prime Film
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Pennsauken native Bryan Parks, a local actor and voiceover talent, will be appearing in La Salle Productions Inc.’s upcoming film, “Oculus,” on Amazon Prime, where will be playing the role of Doctor Walker.
“Oculus” tells the story of Zia Lainey; shattered by the loss of her son, she awakens inside the afterlife of the Oculus, transforming her into Zylah, Leader of the Suits. As she navigates this enigmatic realm, Zylah grapples with her new-found identity and desire for revenge, all while seeking solace and understanding for her own grief.
A graduate of Pennsauken High School’s Class of 2004 who grew up on Highland Ave., Bryan always had an interest in acting, but was initially unable to pursue it as a career.
“It came to a point where I was unable to afford to go to acting school,” explained Parks, who is also set to appear in the film “The Security Guard” next year. “I worked various odd jobs, got my associate degree from Camden County College, auditioned for various TV and movie roles, only to be picked over. In 2023, I met director Will La Salle, who cast me in his film. I’m so thankful that I never gave up on my mission to get into acting, and hope my story inspires others to continue their dreams.”
“Oculus” is available on Amazon Prime beginning on April 30.
Camden County Announces Acts For 2024 Summer Parks Concert Series
Information Provided By The Camden County Board of Commissioners
The Camden County Board of Commissioners is excited to announce the return of the Summer Parks Concert Series for 2024. The concert series will enliven and amplify the green spaces throughout the 2,700 acres of parkland in the county and provide something for everyone.
Andy Kubert, Geoff Johns, Jason Fabok, Bryan Hitch Headline Talented Comic Creators Attending FAN EXPO Philadelphia
Manapul, Tomasi, Ottley, Cho, Lee, Platt, Wos Also Among Top Artists, Writers Populating Artist Alley at Pennsylvania Convention Center, May 3-5
A vast array of talented comics artists and writers, spanning more than a half century of work and encompassing dozens of the most popular franchises in the history of the medium through the present, will be on hand as FAN EXPO Philadelphia today announced the Artist Alley headliners for the convention, set for May 3-5 at the Pennsyvlavnia Convention Center. Among the superstar writers and artists are Andy Kubert (“Batman: The Dark Knight III,” “X-Men”), Geoff Johns (“Geiger,” “Junkyard Joe”), Jason Fabok (“Rook: Exodus,” “Batman: Three Jokers”), Bryan Hitch (“Redcoat,” “The Ultimates”), Francis Manapul (“The Rocketfellers,” “The Flash”), Peter Tomasi (“The Rocketfellers,” “Hornsby and Halo”), Ryan Ottley (“Invincible,” “Amazing Spider-Man”), Frank Cho (“Liberty Meadows,” “Wolverine”), Jae Lee (“Seven Sons,” “Stephen King’s Dark Tower”), Stephen Platt (“Moon Knight,” “Wolverine”), and Joe Wos (“Mazetoons,” “Charlie the Tuna”).
Just about every franchise imaginable will be well represented, and comics fans will revel in meeting the creators who have made them possible. Q&A’s, interactive demonstration sessions, autographs, commission opportunities, and more make the experience a can’t-miss for comics lovers.
Annual Pennsauken Shredding Event On April 13
The Pennsauken Environmental Commission is hosting its annual shredding event at the Park Avenue School Campus, 8201 Park Ave., on Saturday, April 13, from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
This paper-only shredding event is solely for Pennsauken and Merchantville residents, not businesses; those who attend must bring an I.D. Items for shredding should be placed in the rear of the vehicle, such as a trunk, truck bed, or an unoccupied back seat.
Things that can be shredded include anything that has your signature, account number, social security number, etc., as well as any type of medical or legal information; documents can range from bank statements and credit card offers to tax forms and utility bills. No commercial paperwork, please.
This is not a recycling event; also, items such as hardcover books, magazines, etc. will not be accepted.
These events are extremely well attended; residents are encouraged not to wait until the last minute to arrive. For more information, visit “Pennsauken Township Environmental Commission” on Facebook.
Focusing On Three Hundred And Sixty-Five “Unbirthdays”
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Put away the party hats, leave the streamers at home, and pop the balloons. I’m officially skipping my birthday this year.
I turn 50 this month. FIFTY! And I am not a happy camper. Generally, 50 of something is pretty good. Fifty bucks? Great! Fifty baby sea otters? Totes adorbs. But 50 birthdays? KILL IT! KILL IT WITH FIRE!
New Owners Of Meadowbrook Food Center Keep Family Tradition Alive
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
With a deep-rooted family tradition that got its start at Philadelphia’s iconic Italian Market, DiPascale’s, more commonly known as Meadowbrook Deli, made its home in Pennsauken in 1959 along Union Ave., converting a warehouse by peach orchards into a series of stores. Run by Bobby and Stephen DiPascale in 2000, the deli opened a complementary produce market in the same shopping center. And while there have been a variety of changes over the past five years, the Meadowbrook brand continues to thrive. Today, another family with Pennsauken roots is the brand new custodian of this local institution.
Partial Solar Eclipse Viewable On April 8
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
On Monday, April 8, Pennsauken residents will be able to experience a partial solar eclipse, an event where the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking a portion of the sun’s light. With the right weather conditions, you’ll be able to experience this celestial happening. Here are the details.
Next month’s partial solar eclipse will begin on April 8 at 2:08 p.m. The maximum view – the moment when the largest area of the moon is blocking the sun – occurs at 3:23 p.m. The whole event wraps up at 4:35 p.m. From start to finish, this eclipse lasts for 2 hours, 27 minutes.
Lions Pancake Breakfast On April 7
Editor’s Note: In the April 2024 print edition of All Around Pennsauken, we incorrectly printed the date of the event. The actual date is accurately stated in the article below.
Pennsauken Lions Annual Ned Davis Pancake Breakfast will Sunday, April 7, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Temple Lutheran Church, 5600 N. Crescent Blvd. The cost is $10 per person and includes pancakes, French toast, sausage, fruit, juice, and coffee. In addition, there will raffle baskets for attendees to win an assortment of items.
All proceeds benefit the Lions eye screening program, school scholarships, residents in need, and much more.
Tickets are available at the door or from any Lions Club member. For more information, contact us at pennsaukenlionsclub1@gmail.com or (609) 468-8921.
Celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Day: Embracing Diversity and Strength
March 21 marks a special day on the calendar—Down Syndrome Awareness Day. This day is not only about raising awareness but also about celebrating the unique abilities and strengths of individuals with Down syndrome. It’s essential to highlight the significance of this day and the importance of promoting understanding and acceptance.
