During the month of July Incredible Edible Merchantville added two gardens to our Sustainable Landscape Registry. We welcomed the Bouvier Family's garden on July 16th. They have a plot at the Community Center and are growing a variety of tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers, and some flowers for pollinators. At home they also grow herbs, green onions, and flowers, including milkweed for monarchs. On July 27th, Mary-Noelle at sent pictures of her garden at 48 Volan Street. She and her neighbor, Sam, at 54 Volan Street share their gardens. Mare is full sun and she’s part shade, so she does things like lettuces and leafy greens and I do peppers, tomatoes and eggplant. Sharing the garden is a lot of fun since we get to plan, shop, dig and plant together and the kids get into it too, plus there’s always someone to water if you’re away! Sustainable landscaping is a goal of our program. Send pictures and a description of your garden to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to join!

On Sunday, July 26th, Mike Billig and his wife Kerri were involved in a tragic accident. Kerri sustained many injuries, impeding her ability to walk. Mike did not survive the crash. Kerri is one the stylist at The Clip Joint in Merchantville and is in need of help. Kerri is not only trying to heal physically and emotionally but, suddenly finds herself a widow, unable to work, with two children to care for and a home she can not afford on her own. Please consider making a contribution the Billig Family Go Fund Me campaign. Any monies donated will go directly to the Billig family to help them during these unexpected and difficult times. Let’s show some town love and support, big or small anything would help.

On July 24, 2020, age 33, of Merchantville, NJ. He was the loving son of William J. and Darcy (nee Menzer) Harrison and loving bother of Nichole Harrison and Mark C. Harrison. He is also survived by 3 nephews Gray and Sam Howell and Brody Youngs; his uncle Michael (Robin) Menzer; many loving cousins; and his dog Jerry. Bill graduated from Holy Cross High School in 2002 and was an Eagle Scout. He worked at A-1 Searches in Merchantville and enjoyed cooking, music and festivals. He was also an avid Philadelphia Union Soccer fan. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.

As of 7/28/20, travelers from 36 states and two territories who are arriving in New Jersey are asked to self-quarantine and/or get a COVID-19 test. The list includes frequently visited states like Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. People arriving in New Jersey from a state with a COVID-19 positive test rate higher than 10 infected people per 100,000 residents, or a state with a 10-percent-or-higher positivity rate over a seven-day rolling average, are asked to self-quarantine for 14 days or get a COVID-19 test when they arrive, and self-quarantine until they get the results. The travel advisory does not apply to people briefly passing through states on the list (stopping at highway rest stops; layovers for air, bus, or train travel). Complete information available here.

All 50 states have moved to reopen their economies, at least partially, after shutting down businesses and gatherings in response to the coronavirus pandemic but, only 3 states meet these basic criteria to reopen and stay safe. They need to ensure the SARS-CoV-2 virus is no longer spreading unabated, the testing capacity to track and isolate the sick and their contacts and, the hospital capacity to handle a potential surge in Covid-19 cases. A Vox analysis suggests that most states haven’t made the preparations needed to contain outbreaks putting themselves at risk for a rise in Covid-19 cases and deaths should they continue to reopen. As of July 22nd, just three states, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, met four or five of the goals, which demonstrates strong progress. Twenty-two states and Washington, DC, hit two or three of the benchmarks. The other 25 achieved zero or one.

Need a ride, need a hand, need a truck? I have you covered! My name is Christian Laufer and I'm a Merchantville local looking for summer side jobs. I can help you with delivery/driving gigs to the airport, grocery store, designated driving and, pick up, delivery or round trips - including extended layover periods of time. I have 2008 F150 Lariat and a trailer to take care of your needs so, I can help with picking up large items from local stores that your car won't accommodate. I also specialize in light mechanical work - motorcycles, trucks, and cars, if needed. Detailing, brakes, oil changes, A/C charges, wheel bearings, header gaskets, etc. Finally, if you need help moving or doing a haul out Vinny DiLoreto and I have done numerous jobs over the past few weeks in the local area with 100% satisfaction. Just call or text me 856-383-8094.

It's the perfect time to become a member of the Shade Tree Commission! A Street tree inventory will soon be underway by a Tree Professional (pursuant to a DEP grant) to assess tree conditions, risks, and tree/sidewalk conflicts. The tree inventory will serve as the foundation for developing a plan for future tree maintenance, planting, and removal. Great way to begin your time on the Commission! Our Shade Tree volunteers plant and maintain all curbside trees in the Borough. Other responsibilities include: removal and/or trimming of curbside and public trees, reporting tree related problems to other Borough agencies, maintaining Tree City USA status, conducting Arbor Day ceremonies, providing tips to the public on general tree maintenance, providing guidelines for dealing with tree damaged sidewalks and, managing the Affiliated memorial tree and plaque program. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to volunteer to help this effort today.

On Thursday Gov. Murphy announced additional steps to take pressure off the overburdened Motor Vehicle Commission, once again extending deadlines and expiration dates. Since MVC offices reopened Tuesday, the locations have become more crowded and chaotic, with fights breaking out and people camping overnight on line. Criticism of the MVC and the governor has been building from lawmakers and public. All standard driver’s licenses, permits, IDs, vehicle registrations, inspections and temporary tags that expired between March 13th and May 31st have now been extended until September 30th. Drivers with licenses, permits, registrations, inspection stickers and temporary tags expiring between June 1st and August 31st have been extended until December 31st.

The Office of the Camden County Health Officer has issued a Heat Advisory for Camden County effective Sunday, July 19, from noon until 7 p.m. Monday, July 20. During a Heat Advisory, the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. “It is critical that everyone remember to check on elderly relatives, friends, and neighbors during days like these when there is extreme heat to combat,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. “When temperatures rise to dangerous levels, remember to stay inside as much as possible, drink plenty of water, and contact a physician if you or a loved one is showing signs of heat stress.”

On July 14th, Kate Holden, owner of Soulflower Yoga, announced the closing of her brick and mortar location at 20A South Centre Street. "Wow, what an amazing year and half it’s been here in Merchantville. The community we built, the fun we had and just getting to know and serve every single one of you was a true honor. COVID-19 has hit so many of us so hard, both as individuals and the small business community. Just because we won’t have our peaceful place to gather doesn’t mean we’re leaving Merchantville or the yoga community!" Kate will still be hosting outdoor classes and provide special, and fun local yoga events to keep in touch. Not knowing what the future may bring, she hopes one day to be able to hold space with you and have regular classes again. Kate thanked the community for all their love and support and reminded everyone that, "It'snot good bye - it’s see you later. Keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming outdoor classes and events on social media.