Crowning Collingswood's Hippest Citizen

One woman's quest to create a haven for like-minded, artistic, free-thinking Collingswood residents has evolved into what's likely the hippest local Facebook group on the web.

And 8-year Collingswood resident Diane Fornbacher, 34, is the face of hip—she's the reason Facebook group Hip Citizens of Collingswood (HCC) exists.

"I created the (HCC) Facebook group in 2005, at a time when MySpace was still a viable social network. At that time, I was using sites like Craigslist, and I belonged to the Collingswood Parents Yahoo group," said Fornbacher, a mother of two. "But as I increasingly became more active on Facebook, I saw a need for Collingswood's artistic presence there."

And creating a group for free-thinking locals came easy for Fornbacher, who—in addition to being a magazine managing editor—is a 15-year drug policy reform activist.

"When I created (HCC), I added people to the group who were artists, creative types, eccentric individuals," she said. "Collingswood is a place to which many young families migrate. There's a good school district, it's a safe place to raise a family—but we still have this edge.

"While being artsy and environmentally-friendly, we also have a great mix of suburban activity," Fornbacher said. "I wanted a place where residents could talk about interesting things, meet other like-minded parents. Like myself, (many HCC members) are not considered typical, mainstream parents. We're citizen activists; and (HCC) gives us a place to commiserate."

After seven years, HCC has evolved, extending beyond what Fornbacher's initial platform suggested.

"I used to list more events on the page, straight from the borough website. Now it's more organic. Members post that information on their own," she said. "I rarely ever interfere in the group, other than to address spamming or complaints."

From 'I'm new in town, anyone know a good plumber?' to 'what's with all the police lights at the park?' HCC members cover every angle of their community. Local businesses even use the forum to post about in-store sales and specials.

Haddon Twp., Oaklyn, Audubon and surrounding towns are also an important part of the group, said Fornbacher, and boost "the artistic vibrancy as well as the economy of Collingswood."

HCC member Kevin Monko, 56, a photographer, musician—and 15-year borough resident—was one of the group's very first members.

"After creating (HCC), Diane called to ask if I'd join," said Monko. "And I discovered a community network for people doing interesting things. If a gallery is showing my photos, or if my band has a gig, I post details. You find out about local items of interest. The closest thing I can equate it to is a group of friends. (HCC) is just like that; you hear things through the grapevine, via a circle of friends."

In seven years, Fornbacher has given group administration access to one other individual, Rob Lewandowski, who can also approve members.

Of her own character, Fornbacher makes an unapologetic admission of individuality.

"I'm probably one of the most eccentric citizens in this town," she says, silencing a charmingly maniacal, witchy giggle with a flutter of dainty fingers at her mouth. "I've always been a person who can't help but notice things. I believe I was a born observer, incapable of not seeing, understanding, or making sense of things. But I'm not just a seer; I'm a doer."

Because of the group, Fornbacher's activism and eccentricity are met with respect—by a total of 580 Hip Citizens of Collingswood members.

"I really appreciate being in Collingswood, and having access to so many interesting people who are also parents. It's encouraging, knowing that our future generations are being shaped by such interesting, free-thinking people," she said. "My biggest trip in this world is to grow my soul, and I'm proud to be doing it here. A lot of towns should really try to be more like Collingswood."

Visit Hip Citizens of Collingswood here. After clicking the request to join button, users must wait for Fornbacher's approval before access to the Facebook group is granted.