Politics & Government

Freeholders Honor Former Community Affairs Director

Collingswood's former Community Affairs Director John Kane was honored by county freeholders Thursday.

Thursday evening, Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders held its monthly meeting in Collingswood, and made time to honor an important borough figure—John Kane.

Kane, Collingswood's former director of community affairs, was presented with a Camden County Proclamation by Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr.

Now retired, Kane was recognized for dedicating 14 years of community service to his hometown of Collingswood. And with freeholders meeting at Thursday, it was a perfect time to recognize Kane. 

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"It's the (board's) policy to hold our meetings in a different place each month, outside (the county seat of) Camden, so that all members of the public have access to our board meetings," said Cappelli. "It is also our tradition (during these meetings) to honor individuals who have served their community. Tonight, we're presenting John Kane with the community award.

"And from firsthand knowledge, I know he's overly deserving. While the mayor and commissioners stand up in this room and take credit for all the good things in Collingswood, it was actually John who created them," said Cappelli, smiling.

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Kane built, shaped and melded the borough from 1996 to 2010, as its community affairs director. He also played a critical part, said Cappelli, in downtown redevelopment.

"This man has influenced such change, from securing preservation grants to redeveloping the old Zane School—which now houses about 100 different employees, who work, eat and do business in town every day," said Cappelli. "But in Collingswood's redevelopment efforts, he was absolutely instrumental."

Kane, who'd risen from his seat in the front row to join Cappelli at the head of the room, graciously accepted an ornately framed proclamation of community service to public applause.

Just as Kane effects everyone in town, his accomplishments moved Cappelli. 

"John also happened to be a neighbor of mine," said Cappelli of his friend. "He does so much, not only for his community, but for the people of South Jersey. He's kind of like an unsung hero.

"And for those who may not know, he is also a father of 10, grandfather of 21," Cappelli said. "He is certainly deserving (of this award), and it's an honor to present him with it."

Lit by a smile, Kane accepted Cappelli's outstretched hand. 

The applause followed him to his seat, and he settled the new proclamation in his lap. Kane was humble about the recognition. 

"They told me yesterday," he said of being chosen as an honoree. "I told them, 'You must've got the wrong guy.' " 

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