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Politics & Government

Capture a Classic Collingswood Photo, Win $500

The Judges' Prize in the "I Love Classic Towns" photo contest from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission is $500; a $300 prize and seven $100 prizes are also up for grabs.

“Classic” is an adjective that is called upon to do a lot of work.

Its basic definition: a standard against which others are judged.

Historians tell us Greek and Roman cultures are classic; beautiful people that remind us of these forms are also called classic. Rock n’ roll music from the 1950’s and 1960’s, the guitars that made it, and the cars in which the musicians rode have all been known as classic.

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To the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), a town like Collingswood belongs in the discussion as well. The borough has been named one of 20 subjects in its inaugural “I Love Classic Towns” photo contest.

Classic Towns is a DVRPC marketing strategy for older suburban communities and neighborhoods within the Philadelphia area. Alison Hastings, Senior Environmental planner with DVRPC described the contest as “a way for us to promote these classic towns as a place you want to be.”

“Classic communities are often at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to attracting new businesses and residents,” reads the Classic Towns press kit. “At present, only a very small number of the region’s classic communities have undertaken comprehensive promotional campaigns.”

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The contest will showcase the history of communities within the DVRPC Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia program, which include places like Glassboro, Haddon Heights, Moorestown, Media, New Hope, and West Chester.

Sponsor has roots in the classic towns of Moorestown and Collingswood, and its associate curator Karen Chigounis is one of the contest judges.

“It made total sense to be involved in this project,” said Perkins executive director Alan Willoughby. “[The contest] is a great connection to history.”

The other judges are Philadelphia Inquirer staff photographer David Maialetti, and Meredith Edlow, visual assets manager for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.

The trio will select winners in each of seven categories:

  • Community
  • Local History
  • Main Street
  • Parks and Recreation
  • People
  • Residential
  • Seasonal

Each category winner will receive $100. Top prize is a $500 Judge’s Award, and the photo that gets the most votes from the general public will win a $300 Viewer’s Choice Award. Selected entries will be featured in a traveling exhibition that includes a stop at Perkins.

All photographs must have been taken on or after January 1, 2010 and must be submitted by April 14, 2012. Online voting will take place April 15 to May 14. Winners will be announced by July 31.

For detailed rules and a look at the competition, visit the contest website.   

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