Merchantville Diversity Committee's next meeting is in Wellwood Park July 22, 2021 at 6:30. The group is promoting a program called "One Book One Borough" to address a broad range of topics that impact communities. Their first issue is a book on Autism. The Committee’s mission is to promote an atmosphere of respect, understanding, and acceptance, ensuring the Borough is an exceptional place to live, work, and grow. We will work together with neighbors, businesses, and institutions to shape Merchantville into a community of greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. Meeting agenda.

The PSEG Foundation has contributed $2.5 million dollars in funding to the Sustainable Jersey grants program for municipalities and schools. Merchantville Borough was awarded one of fourteen $2,000 grants for promoting food security through Edible Landscapes.Randall Solomon, executive director for Sustainable Jersey congratulated the municipalities that received grant funding today, stating, "I continue to be amazed by what is possible when elected officials, municipal staff, green teams and community members work together to create vibrant and sustainable communities.” Sustainable Jersey grants are intended to help municipalities make progress toward a sustainable future in general, and specifically toward Sustainable Jersey certification.

The Camden County RECOVERS Rental Assistance Program, which draws $15 million from funding provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury, is aimed at supporting low income renters at risk of losing their homes or facing an eviction threat due to lost employment or income caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Camden County Rental Assistance Program now makes available up to 12 months of back rent (capped at the Fair Market Rent) and utilities. While tenants will apply to take part in the program, payments will be made directly to landlords and utility companies. In order to qualify for Rental Assistance Program, tenants must meet eligibility and rules. Applications for the program will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Deadline for Applications is October 30, 2021.

Congratulations to Judge Oren Thomas III on his retirement as Municipal Court Judge, a position he has held since 1996. While Judge Thomas officially retired on December 31, 2020, the Borough finally got to fete him and celebrate his 23 years of service to Merchantville at the Community Center on Thursday evening, June 24th. Many in attendance, including the mayor, Ted Brennan, court administrator, Maureen Finnegan and current judge, Brian K. Herman, expressed their appreciation for his dedication to public service, gratitude for his legal competence and mentorship and, his fair and impartial application of the law.

For National Cannoli Day, The Philadelphia Inquirer went behind the scenes for a deep dive into cannoli making. Merchantville resident and third-generation owner of Isgro Pasteries, Gus Sarno, narrates and demonstrates the handmade art of the cannolis they've been making since 1904 in this video. Located at 1009 Christian Street, right off of the Italian Market in Philadelphia, this award-winning bakery produces an abundance of goodies using recipes to make traditional Italian pastries and cookies by hand. Their cannoli recipe has kept customers lining up for decades. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Follow them on Facebook.

Official results for Merchantville's Primary Election 2021 were certified on June 24th. Initial Vote by Mail and voting machine ballots were counted on June 8, 2021, shortly after close of polls. Subsequent Vote by Mail Ballots (postmarked timely on or before Election Day are counted daily through June 14th, provisional ballot beginning on or about June 15th. These unofficial results last updated on June 18, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. may be checked daily and currently show the following: Merchantville Borough Council (Democrat) Cindy Morales-Butts (416) and Daniel Sperrazza (404) Write-In (10). Merchantville Borough Council (Republican) No petition filed. Merchantville County Committee Man (Democrat) Joseph Bouvier (247), Louis Fiume (235), Chester Hicks (233) and Daniel Sperrazza (229). Merchantville County Committee Woman (Democrat) Angela Waldron (259), Maria Nina Scarpa (245), Maureen Higgins (231) and Danette Strader (231). No Republican county committee petitions filed.

Meet Nicola and David Yoon, bestselling authors of "The Sun is Also a Star", "Everything, Everything", and "Frankly in Love", while they discuss book insights, characters, and their love of YA fiction on Wednesday, June 30th at 4:00 p.m. Baker & Taylor, a premier provider of books, digital content and technology solutions that help public libraries improve community outcomes through literacy and learning, is providing a series of exclusive, engaging virtual author events for libraries and their communities all summer long. You can register for this and other events on the Camden County Library website and a Zoom link will be emailed to you prior to the event. Merchantville Public library is part of the county library system.