The Borough Business Spotlight is on Merchantville's Antiques and Salvage this month, owned by Michael and Jaclyn Ricci. He, a mechanic by trade and antiques lover, she, a promoter of downtown businesses and the the Green Team. Michael's family has deep roots in Merchantville - over 100 years. He carries vintage electronics, salvaged pieces, furniture, kitchen housewares, vintage and antique lamps, replacement pieces, chandeliers, desk, floor, pendant, and ceiling lighting. And, as a bonus, he can repair any broken lighting. Often a destination shop for day trippers from as far away as Massachusetts the store also has a loyal base of residents and neighbors. Stop in for a visit: Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.; Wednesday 1:00-7:00 p.m.; Friday 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. and, Saturday 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Bradley, Rosemary C. (nee Conover), passed away peacefully, on March 15, 2021. She was 82 years old. Rosemary was a true "South Jersey Girl", raised in Kramer Hill and Merchantville where she was a majorette and graduate of the Merchantville High School Class of 1956. She always remained involved in the high school alumni association and reunion planning, with most recently her 65th reunion coming up. She was a longtime employee with New Jersey Bell then AT&T and retired after managing the Cherry Hill and Burlington Phone Center Stores. Rosemary was the cherished daughter of the late James and Rose (nee Hewitt) Conover, daughter-in-law to the late Mason E. Sr. and Anne G. Bradley and former wife of Mason E. Bradley, Jr. (Marlene). Loving mother of Michelle A. Bradley, Mason E. Bradley III and his wife, Tracey and Sandra L. Bradley. Predeceased by her beloved grandson Richard James 'RJ' Vogel. Loving grandmother of Connor Harris, Madison and Nora Bradley and dear great-grandmother of Rjay Michael Vogel. Dearly loved sister of Elmer Conover (the late Bunny), the late James Conover (the late Adella, Jean), the late Ronald Conover (Barbara), and aunt to many nieces and nephews as well as grand & great nieces and nephews. Full obituary.

The Merchantville School District is hiring a Basic Skills Instructor (Anticipated Grades K – 5).This is a one to two year position to assist in accelerating learning starting September, 2021. Proper certification required: Elementary School Teacher in Grades K-6 or Teacher of Supplemental Instruction in Reading and Math Grades K-8. All candidates need to have full proper certification in order to be considered for the position. All full-time positions include benefits.  For consideration, forward a cover letter, resume and copy of certification(s) by April 11, 2021 to: J. Scott Strong - Chief School Administrator, Merchantville School, 130 S Centre Street, Merchantville, NJ 08109, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (preferred).

Aradia's Treasure Metaphysical Shop will host an Ostara Circle Gathering to celebrate the Vernal Equinox on Saturday, March 21st from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Woven throughout this sacred gathering is the theme of Return of the Light half of the year and self-renewal. This event includes a Circle Gathering, Meditation, and Mantra. Ostara is the Goddess of Spring and the Dawn, and takes its name after the Germanic goddess, Eostre/Ostara, who was traditionally honored in the month of April with festivals to celebrate fertility, renewal and re-birth. It was from Eostre that the Christian celebration of Easter evolved. Suggested donation: $5.00

Join Erin Chambers from Real Girl Method for a socially-distanced all-levels Pilates Mat class outdoors at Eclipse Brewing, 25 East Park Avenue, Merchantville, on Saturday, April 24th from 11:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m. Ticket price includes a one hour class and your first pour or flight. Attendees must be 21 or older to participate. No refunds. Please bring your own fitness mat, water bottle and you will be required to wear a face mask at all times unless you are on your mat, or at your table. Erin Chambers is a certified Pilates and Barre instructor in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area blending a style of the latest exercise science, meditation, movement, Lotte Berk Method, ballet, dance, pilates, yoga and strength training. Register here.

Merchantville Mayor Ted Brennan and Pennsauken Mayor Marco DiBattista were the guest speakers at a virtual meeting of the Pennsauken-Merchantville Area Chamber of Commerce (PMAC), held on Wednesday, March 10, via Zoom at noon. Tim Ellis moderated the event with updates from both municipalities about the past year. Mayor Brennan thanked PMAC and gave an overview on meeting the business challenges, in 2020-21, when most of the borough's resources were allocated to fighting the pandemic at the government level. Merchantville has responded to needs of residents and businesses by reassigning municipal personnel and appointing an Executive Order czar to repackage and disseminate information about federal and state grant and loan funding opportunities through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Mayor Brennan underscored the unique nature and bond between government and businesses, and commended Merchantville's residents for their response and support of businesses during the past 12 months. Mayor Brennan shared the Borough's successful drive to break down digital barriers to get seniors registered and took the opportunity to encourage all to get vaccinated. Mayor Brennan ended his remarks underscoring the promise of 2021 and sharing his desire to capture the potential and energy that an influx of new residents from Philadelphia hold. He also spoke about plans for a less intense redevelopment featuring a pedestrian walkway with arts and entertainment area  connecting Merchantville's multi-use path with anchor businesses like Eclipse Brewing and The Station Coffee. Mayor DiBattista showcased improvements to outside spaces in the township including upgrades to pickle ball courts and a 49th street park.

The scheduled 4th Monday of the month Borough Council Caucus meeting will be held on Monday, March 22, 2021, at 7:30pm. The Agenda includes approval of the e Employee Handbook and Manual and an ordinance to amend 83A on Tobacco Products. Please join the meeting via Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88289929355?pwd=YlBwZHpuczVWMHZWOFJsU21TYXdpZz09. Meeting ID: 882 8992 9355 Passcode: 070207. Municipal Codes are available online here.

Boston University earned a pair of this week’s Patriot League Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving awards when the League office announced winners on Tuesday. Lehigh and Loyola Maryland both received one award. Greyhounds’ junior Jonathan Brooks earned Patriot League Male Swimmer of the Week, while Lehigh senior Ann Foley, from Merchantville, was named female swimmer of the week. Ann notched four wins on the day - two individual and two relays - as the senior was key to the Mountain Hawks' win over Rider, 84-38. She took first in the 100 freestyle (54.31) and the 200 free with a time of 1:57.53. and was a member of the winning 4x50 relay (1:39.95) and 4x100 relay (3:40.91). 
 

Merchantville was among top NJ towns recognized at the Annual Sustainable Jersey Awards on Thursday, March 11th. Sustainable Jersey announced the recipients of the 2020 municipal annual awards, which celebrate sustainability excellence, innovation and leadership at a live stream the event on its Facebook page. Merchantville Borough completed required actions to earn 155 points, reaching their goal of Bronze certification and was recognized for its innovation and creativity initiative: Incredible Edible Merchantville. Motivated by climate change and a TED Talk on "How We Can Eat Our Landscapes," two residents realized that securing future sustainability in Merchantville would require inventive community efforts. In July 2018, their proposal for Incredible Edible Merchantville was approved by the Borough Council under the municipal green team with the goals of promoting sustainable living, food justice and environmental education to encourage healthy communities. Since then, participants have been working to create food forests in public and private spaces to grow local food and support the local food economy. Though their work has just begun, IE Merchantville has already developed a vibrant outreach program with more than 30 registered gardens and donating over 200 pounds of fresh produce this summer to supplement local food pantry demands brought on by the pandemic. During this pandemic, municipalities that received Sustainable Jersey’s highest recognition awards set a new bar and aspirational example for other communities to meet as they pursue sustainability goals.