Live Music, Fundraisers, Kids' Events in Collingswood this Week

Tuesday, Sept. 17, the Collingswood Junior Women's Club meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Peter Childs Room of the Collingswood Library. Learn about the group and its charitable efforts, and see what you can do to support them.

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, the First Baptist Church of Collingswood will sponsor an all-day kids' clothing and toy swap. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., stop by and pick out something your children might need.

The event is free, open to the public—and you don't have to donate anything to take something home. If you're bringing some of your own outgrown clothes and toys, (sizes infant to middle school), drop them off by Tuesday. 

Wednesday is also back to school night for parents of students at William P. Tatem Elementary School from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

On Thursday, Sept. 19, there's a 10 a.m. story hour for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds at the Collingswood Public Library. Stop by for stories, songs, finger plays, snack, and a take-home craft (with coffee for adults). Call Carol or Dot at 856-858-0649 to register.

It's also back to school night for parents of students at Thomas Sharp Elementary School, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Then at 7 p.m. Thursday, stop by the library again for the monthly meeting of GMO-Free NJ, as the organization dedicated to battling genetically modified foods organizes its seasonal campaigns for the fall and winter.

While you're downtown don't miss the next-to-last Cruise Night of the season. From 6 to 9 p.m., the borough downtown is alive with classic cars and motorcycles.

On Friday, Sept. 20, the library also offers a 10 a.m. story time for 18-to-35-month-old kids. It's limited to 12 participants, and includes stories, plays, songs, and playtime. Register by calling Dot or Carol at 856.858.0649.

Then, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Symphony in C cellist David Finckel performs at the Collingswood Community Center.

The event includes a performance, open lesson for young musicians, and remarks from Finckel, the Artistic Director of New York’s Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and a former member of the legendary Emerson String Quartet. Call 856-963-6683 or visit www.symphonyinc.org for more details.

Then, from 7 to 9 p.m., join the Proud Neighbors of Collingswood at 125 Harvard Ave. for an organizational meeting.

Civic-minded volunteers are needed to help the group tackle a number of projects, including the town-wide yard sale, porch brunch and house tour, Fourth of July celebrations, old house workshops and welcoming outreach for new neighbors.

Bring an appetizer or dessert to share. RSVP: Info@ProudNeighborsOfCollingswood.org

Later that night, it's man about town John Falco appearing at Grooveground, playing an eclectic mix of covers and originals with a rotating cast of local faces.

Saturday, Sept. 21, you can support the Collingswood travel soccer club with a pancake breakfast at Applebees in Audubon from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and younger.

After that, you've got time to head over to the award-winning Collingswood farmers market, and then the Collingswood High School PTA chrysanthemum sale. Plants are $6 each or 3 for $15, and all proceeds benefit the school.

At either the Farmers Market or the high school, bring your wearable and usable clothing, accessories, shoes, linens, handbags, hard toys and stuffed animals to the toy and clothing drive that will benefir the 2013-14 Collingswood High School marching band.

Then, from 2 to 5 p.m., the Collingswood Education Foundation is hosting a free seminar to teach high school students how to write "a stellar college essay," with advice from admissions counselors and college. Register at collingswoodsat@gmail.com.

Sunday, Sept. 22 brings with it an open house for Cub Scout Pack 3001, which is open to boys in the first through fifth grades. From 6 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Church, scouts and their parents can stop by and learn about scouting activities. Contact Samantha Creitz at samantha.creitz@yahoo.com for more info.