On Monday, June 30th, Park Place Café & Restaurant owner, Phil Manganaro, posted a message on it's Facebook page personally thanking everyone for their support over their 3 years in town, especially the support of old and new friends at the Drive Thru. It really helped carry Park Place through a tough time and was truly appreciated. "I chose to close the Drive Thru and bring a dining situation so unique and exclusive on its heels, but with dine-in being cancelled (by Governor Murphy) again today, I regret to inform you that Park Place will be closed until further notice and could be closed for good given the uncertainty of these times and trying to run a small BYOB." Park Place will still be posting pictures of foraging and our AT HOME dinners for those who love what we do. If you would like to schedule an "AT HOME" dinner please contact us at 856-662-2200 to do so. Thank you for helping me build Park Place into what it was and encouraging me to keep digging deeper. 

On First Friday July 3rd, our "Market Off Center" returns from 5:00-8:00 p.m. along the trail and Ryan's Retail will be holding their first pop-up event since reopening. Ryan's will have 10 vendors - six inside and four outdoors to create extra spacing. Pop-Up vendors include: Scentsy, Royelleblu Fashions, Varsha's Art, Positive Strong Beautiful You, Hopes Head Wrap, Bear Soaps, Laly Fashioon, Memom's Crafts, MoRi Handmade Soap & Bonsai Bling. Come out and support everyone as we try to pick back up from where we left off. As an added feature STRENGTH will be performing at 7:00 p.m. outside on the dock, followed by some distance jamming from Disco Gerald at 8:00 p.m.

Donald L. Graff of Haddon Heights, formerly of Merchantville, passed away on May 9, 2020, at the age of 87. Beloved father of Lisa M. Cornely (Frank), Andrea D. Racobaldo (Dominic) and Mark L. Graff (Katie). Loving grandfather of Frank, William, Maureen, Matthew, Thomas and Alaina Cornely; Laura, Dominic, Andrew, Cara and Abbie Racobaldo; Mark, Maura and Emma Graff. Devoted great grandfather of Caroline Cornely. Don's family moved to Merchantville when he was a child.  He attended Merchantville Elementary School and then graduated from Merchantville High School.  He enjoyed music and was an accomplished clarinet player.  He also played football at Merchantville High School. Full obituary.

Exciting news! Woodbine Swim Club plans on opening on July 1st, provided all required inspections are done. Kids have been missing sports, exercise, and teammates and while this season may be a little different, fun and friendships will continue. Woodbine Swim Club has been a summer home for families in our community since 1952. Dues may be paid by check to Woodbine Swim Club, P.O. Box 1054, Merchantville, NJ 08109 or through Venmo to JOHN-WALKER-11997. Our swim program offers the opportunity to learn to swim, exercise in the water, and spend time with friends. The club welcomes Ann Foley as our 2020 Manager and Lizann Ward as swimming coach.

Would you like to be on the November ballot for Merchantville School's Board of Education? There are three (3) BOE positions that expire this year. If you are considering serving on your school board, take advantage of NJSBA’s online briefings that provide details about the responsibilities of serving on a local board of education. NJSBA’s online briefings include three videos that address leadership, legal issues, and the role of a board member. Candidates can also listen to a recorded online radio broadcast, “What Board Members Need to Know When They’re Elected.” The BOE petition to get on the ballot is due by Monday, July 27th.  Please read over the information and contact the Camden County Office of the Clerk with any questions.  

Happy Fathers Day to all Dads, Grand Dads, Great Grand Dads, Uncles, Godfathers and Foster Dads! Father's Day is a day of honoring fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society. In Catholic countries of Europe, it has been celebrated on March 19 as Saint Joseph's Day since the Middle Ages. In America, Father's Day was founded by Sonora Smart Dodd, and celebrated on the third Sunday of June for the first time in 1910. It is held on various days in many parts of the world all throughout the year, often in the months of March, May and June.

Roll up your sleeves with Merchantville resident and pizzaiolo, Thomas Woltjen, of Mercer Cafe. You're welcome to collect your own ingredients, purchase a pizza kit from Mercer, or just watch & learn. Contact Mercer Cafe to purchase $25 pizza kits that include two (2) 14 ounce dough balls, cheese, sauce, flour, and instructions. Mercer cafe is family owned and operated since 2000. Serving breakfast, lunch, brick oven pizza and dinner - also featuring a coffee bar and grab and go market. Call 267-457-5585 to order your pizza kit. Follow us on Instagram.

The Borough will host another American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Merchantville Community Center, 212 Somerset Avenue, on Tuesday, July 14th from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Appointments are preferred. To make an appointment online sign up at www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: "Merchantville Community". Save time on the day of the donation and visit www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to check donor eligibility guidelines, donation tips and tips to boost your iron. Area hospital patients are counting on you so, don’t forget to hydrate and bring your ID.