Hello 08057! Spring is here! We are excited for you to check out our inaugural edition magazine dedicated to the lifestyle and community of Moorestown. Quarterly, we will bring you the stories from within the community. So, c’mon, who is ready to enjoy the warmer weather and spend some time outdoors?!
We start our issue with Dr. Bonita Best, an eco-chic visionary who’s redefining style with the launch of Runway Recycled, a nonprofit sustainable option whose aim is clear: to transform fashion waste into opportunities through sustainability, education and empowerment for underserved communities beyond the main fashion hubs. “It is a place to empower women and use fashion with a purpose,” she said. Find out why Best loves what she does starting on page 6.
Next we meet Artist Joe McAleer, who tells us that “Failure is always just a brush stroke away.” He’s spent six decades sitting in front of half-finished canvases, learning lessons along the way that have dared him to be different and think outside the box when he’s ready to create something new. After graduating from Rowan University in 1966 with a degree in Fine Art, McAleer spent the next 40 years teaching. Learn about his journey that actually started with basketball on page 15.
We follow the music next as we gear up for the Moorestown Porch Fest, which is set for its second year. It’s an afternoon of live performances featuring local musicians on porches throughout the center of Moorestown. Organizers expect the number of porches to jump from 24 to 30. Last year there were 77 bands, and as many as 100 are expected for this year’s festival. “Porch Fest is an enjoyable family event,” said Ian Thomas, who is the lead organizer and was instrumental in bringing a Porch Fest into town. “It’s all about neighborhood hospitality. Have a listen on page 19.
We round out our inaugural issue at Swede Run Fields, an approximate 140-acre open space, which is by far the largest chunk of open space in Moorestown. Formerly the Benner Farm, today the site houses a dog park, a historic stone building, and a native pollinator garden. In June of 2021, Save the Environment Moorestown, known as STEM, and many volunteers installed a native pollinator garden that surrounds the old stone building. This beautiful garden houses over 1,200 plants made up of 10 native species and covers over 4,000 square feet. Now in its fourth growing season, the field offers spectacular views spring, summer and fall. Follow the beauty on page 22.
Also check out our Expert Contributor piece: “Let’s make your dreams a reality” on page 12. Thumb through Moorestown on the Scene for future community events on page 27 and find out what our neighbors have to say on page 2. All of this and more awaits on the pages ahead!
Enjoy!
