A highlight for staff in the Office of Catholic Schools is taking part in the events and activities in our schools across the diocese. The week was an affirmation of our work and the work of our schools to be “communities of faith, knowledge and service.” At Saint Peter's in Merchantville, third graders and seniors competed in a spirited times table challenge. They played multiplication and division bingo with the seniors, too. Young and old were helping to keep each other’s minds sharp. Bishop Sullivan led a prayer service and the school choir sang at Sacred Heart School in Camden. Camden City Mayor Dana Redd and Msgr. Michael Doyle, who has dedicated his life to the school and kids in Camden, attended the event. http://bit.ly/2ke2Ggn

Art Within Reach is proud to present its annual holiday show featuring an array of handmade items, including books, clay, glass, jewelry, leather, mixed media, painting, photography, and wood. Show hours are Friday, December 11 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 12 from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m. The show will be held at The Factory, located at 13 Fern Avenue in Collingswood.

Merchantville resident Gus Sarno still makes cakes in the basement of the South Philadelphia rowhouse his grandfather bought in 1904 and turned into Isgro Pastries. He still stacks cookies into boxes at the dining room table where his family ate supper 60 years ago when the doorbell to the shop wasn't ringing. Sarno still sells cannolis out of glass cases a few steps from his grandmother's original kitchen. http://bit.ly/1ESid3E

The Camden County Police Department, which for two years has patrolled only the city of Camden, hopes to begin justifying its broader ambition by wooing a second town into its fold - Pennsauken Township. County officials are expected to submit a detailed proposal this month to Pennsauken that would spell out how a county-run department would function in place of the township's current force. http://bit.ly/1HpyFPK

Our next Restaurant Week is right around the corner... March 15th to the 20th! For thousands of years food has been at the forefront of our relationships. We spend our birthdays, holidays and work lunches dining over food and good conversation.

A second McFarlan's Market, originally located in Merchantville, is coming to Collingswood on Haddon Avenue in the shuttered National Market building. "We're excited to take the next step in Collingswood," said Janet Stevens, owner of the McFarlan's Market in Merchantville in a press release. "The support for this project has been nothing less than overwhelming. We've finally buttoned up the financing and we can start moving things along." http://bit.ly/1pAqe8M

CAMDEN — Camden Waterfront Freedom Festival, with live music, military vehicles, armed forces displays and other attractions 11 a.m-6 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday, concluding with fireworks.Camden Waterfront, Riverside Drive. camdencounty.com or (856) 757-9400.

The 2014 Champions of Children Awards honored notable individuals, organizations, and corporations who work tirelessly on behalf of the children and residents of Camden, NJ. Mrs. Dorrance Hamilton was presented with Lifetime Champion of Children Award. Other Champion of Children Award Honorees included: Former Mayor Patrick Brennan of Brennan Abstract Title, LLC, Ben Griffith of South Jersey Credit Union, Morris Smith Esq., Parada San Juan Bautista and the Camden District Council Collaborative Board.

Submit your furry friend to be included in our Top Pet issue! We're looking for your funniest high resolution pet photos to feature in South Jersey Magazine, from your pet's silliest costume or favorite football jersey to a photo that really shows off their lovable, quirky personality. To submit, e-mail photos to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..