Stephen M. Holmes, Sr.
At the age of 79, Steve was called to glory surrounded by his children and loved ones. He was one of 7 children born to the late Stanley E. Holmes, Sr. and the late Naomi Cream Holmes. He graduated from Merchantville High School, Merchantville, NJ. Along with his three brothers, S&S Holmes Inc. was established. A host of Holmes businesses were created in the Camden area and spanned almost four decades. Steve is survived by his son Stephen M. Jr, daughters, Kimberly, Natalie, Tara and Stephanie; brother, Vaughn B. Holmes, Sr; sisters, Valerie B. Holmes and Loretta Saunders; sisters-in-laws, Sylvia and Donna; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Kroc Center Full obituary.
Sister Armida, 75
Sister Maria Armida Fabela, MDPVM, 75, of Kingsville, Texas, passed away February 13th. She served in Catholic education in the Diocese of Camden for more than 20 years, including Saint Peter School, Merchantville. She was born on November 16, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, to Hector M. and Enriqueta Fabela. She was a member of Missionary Daughters of Pure Virgin Mary for 56 years and a former principal and teacher. She was a graduate from Texas A&M University, earning a master of administration degree. In 2015, Sr. Armida penned an article in the Star Herald about her choice to make the religious life her vocation. In the Diocese of Camden, a Mass for Sister Armida will be celebrated 7 p.m. on March 24th at the Parish of All Saints, Millville, NJ.
Spring Bourse Meetings
Join us for the MSC Saturday Stamp Bourse on April 2nd and May 7th, hosted by the Merchantville Stamp Club, Martin Luther Chapel school gym, 4100 Terrace Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ. Bourse Hours: 9:00 am to 3:00 p.m. While COVID-19 is still active please wear a mask to protect yourself and others. The following dealers committed to the MSC Saturday Bourse are Kevin Custis (Stamp Man), Bob Heaton/Fisch Stamps, Denne Keller/Bruce Lord, Richard Marolda, Sid Morginstin (Button Stamp Co.), Eric Rosenbaum, Ryan Terlecky, Ross Wiessmann and Drew Wintringham. The entrance to the gym is off of Baker Ave., in the back of the building. Parking is in the playground lot, inside of the gate near the dumpsters. For further information, please call: Carol Anne Visalli, President, 856-768-1127 or Bruce Lord 610-356-0867.
Art Walk 2022
Community Roundup
Get involved and help Merchantville GROW! Are you looking for new ways to lend a hand in the community? Merchantville is home to dozens of volunteer organizations from the Task Force, to the Green Team, the Scouts, Incredible Edible, the Women’s Club and many more. Run “job fair” style, the Round Up lets you explore different groups at your own pace, ask questions and learn about all there is to be a part of in Merchantville. The Borough is gathering all these fantastic organizations under one roof for a volunteer roundup. Come out to learn more, ask questions and maybe find a new way to be active in Merchantville. This family-friendly event includes activities for the kids, Eclipse brews for the adults and snacks for all. Come on out, hang with your neighbors and get involved. The Volunteer Roundup will take place on March 23, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Merchantville Community Center, 212 Somerset Ave. This event is FREE and open to all.
Buy Some Brotherly Love
Welcome Brotherly Love Creations to 23 North Centre Street, Merchantville. The Brotherly Love team started when Mike, the founder, lit a one of a kind candle that was shared between him and his late friend on one of his most difficult days during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. It immediately cheered him up and even better - sparked an idea - that lead him to want to share this special and personal experience with others. His grass-roots start quickly picked up momentum from doing local pop up shops around Philadelphia. Their products, which bring the best of Philly to you, are clean, cruelty-free & vegan. Their soy wax candles are created with care for our customers and the environment. Shop hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Two Eateries Coming Soon
It's going to be a delicious spring in Downtown Merchantville! Two new restaurants will be opening in our the downtown next month. Chef Omega Ellis will bring Omega’s to the McFarlan's Market space, at the corner of Park and N. Centre Streets in the borough. Before becoming the specialty chef at McFarlan's, Omega honed her skills as the store/deli manager at Costa's Market and Corinne’s Place, one of six restaurants in the country to receive the prestigious "America's Classics" award this year from the James Beard Foundation. The Shake Seafood, a fast-casual cajun seafood chain with two Philadelphia locations, will open in the former Merchantville Diner space. Thanks to the Courier-Post in listing Omega's, at 27 S. Centre, and The Shake Seafood, at 24 S. Centre Street, on its up-and-coming restaurant list.
Seeking Camp Directors
Looking for summer employment? Enjoy creating engaging activities for kids? Are you patient, creative and passionate about learning? The Borough of Merchantville, is hiring co-directors for the summer parks and playgrounds program. Responsible for administrative duties as well as daily supervisor duties for the Borough of Merchantville summer program that runs five weeks, half days from June 27th through July 29th. Please submit resume and application to: Denise Brouse, 1 West Maple Avenue, Merchantville, NJ 08109, 856.662.2474, ext. 303, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. More information and employment application available here.
Mayor's Message 3/17/22
Get to know the businesses in your neighborhood. Shop Merchantville offers a single place to find all the great places to visit, eat and shop, along with town events. Support your independently-owned businesses and restaurants by staying local. Grab some Irish potatoes at Aunt Charlotte's, or maybe a stout and enjoy this week’s St. Patrick’s Day inspired Ted Talk from the best brewery around, Eclipse Brewing. All about events, bag bans and Shop Merchantville!
Covid Update, 2/24/22
The Camden County Department of Health is announcing 68 new positive cases of COVID-19 which occurred on Thursday, 2/24. Additionally, there were 27 cases detected through antigen testing, bringing the total number of cases to 95. The aggregate number of confirmed positive cases in Camden County to 103,741 and 1,586 total fatalities. “It’s reassuring to see these numbers continually remain low,” said Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. “But even with this progress, we can’t get too comfortable. It’s still important that you get tested if you’re feeling symptomatic and that you’re getting vaccinated and boosted. You can make an appointment for your first or second dose or your booster shot at the Camden County Health Hub by visiting www.CamdenCountyVaccine.com.