On Wednesday, April 29th, conforming with new executive orders from Governor Murphy, Mayor Brennan announced the reopening of Merchantville's public parks on Saturday, May 1st. Playground equipment, public restrooms and athletic facilities will remain closed to minimize the risk of overcrowding in congested areas. "All Residents and Members of our larger community: Thank you for your continued cooperation during this difficult time. The Borough appreciates your efforts and we are pleased to provide some good news. Please see the Borough's statement on Borough park reopening and the extended grace period for tax payments. Stay Safe and continue practicing social distancing, we are helping to flatten the curve!" Residents are expected to continue to follow NJ Covid-19 health regulations including wearing masks and social distancing.

Community Sports Shop, a fixture in town since 1959, provides competitively priced team uniforms, sports apparel, tee shirts and sports equipment to youth and adult athletic programs, schools and corporations and has been part of the Ladik family since 1981. The shop moved from 2 East Maple Avenue - after The Clip Joint fire in August 2013 - to their current location at 21 North Center Street. Although temporarily closed due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, they continue to show support for us on their storefront. Many of the Borough's other small businesses are still able to offer reduced services to residents of Merchantville and neighboring communities. Links to hours and available services in town.

St. Louis Motorcars has been acquired by by Holman Automotive which opened in 1924 as a Ford dealer in Merchantville, NJ. A press release from Brian Bates, President and CEO of Holman Consumer Services, said: “As our Holman Automotive family of dealerships continues to evolve, we remain focused on further diversifying our brand portfolio, strategically expanding our geographic footprint and fostering an exceptional customer experience representative of our long-standing Holman values; and St. Louis Motorcars certainly checks all those boxes.” Today Holman Automotive controls 36 dealerships and many other automotive-related companies in the U.S., Canada, and around the globe. 

The American Community Survey (ACS) from the U.S. Census Bureau helps local officials, community leaders, and businesses understand the changes taking place in their communities. It is the premier source for detailed population and housing information about our nation. As of May 3, 2020, Merchantville's 2020 Census self-response rate is currently 61.1%, Camden County's is 59.9% and NJ's response rate is 58.3%. Completing your Census questionnaire online is easy and takes about 10 minutes. It's safe, secure, and confidential. Your information and privacy are protected. Merchantville wants to get to 100%. "Be Counted - Because YOU Count!" Go to https://my2020census.gov and complete your 2020 Census today.

The Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders recently awarded Merchantville and Pennsauken $100,000 in grant funds for two trail projects. Pennsauken has been awarded $65,000 to extend the multi-use trail along Chestnut Avenue, from Euclid Avenue to the former 130 Railroad bridge, while Merchantville has been awarded $35,000 to realign the existing multi-use trail near Centre Street. Currently, users of the multi-use path are directed to ride their bicycle into the street. The trail realignment project will keep the trail off-road. The project is scheduled to coincide with County led Centre Street reconstruction work slated for this summer.

The Department of Health makes daily announcements about new novel coronavirus cases and deaths in Camden County. Between March 27th - April 24th Merchantville identified sixteen (16) Covid-19 positive cases fortunately, none resulting in death. The breakdown by age of female residents is: 1 in her 30s; 2 in their 40s; 4 in their 50s; and, 2 in their 60s. The breakdown by age of male residents is: 2 in their 40s; 4 in their 50s; and, 1 in his 80s. Given our close proximity to several towns challenged by much higher numbers and greater risk of infection, residents are continuing to do a great job of containing the spread of coronavirus in our community. According to Camden County updates and the State of NJ Covid-19 Dashboard, the city of Camden has identified 622 cases and 39 deaths, Cherry Hill - 385 cases and 10 deaths and, Pennsauken - 246 cases and 2 deaths. Congratulations Merchantville on continuing to do a great job of staying at home to stop the spread and flatten the curve!

"Artists in the time of Coronavirus" is an ongoing virtual exhibition published by Artblog - an independent online publication that fosters dialog and community through commentary and discussion about art and culture. Their primary focus is on the Philadelphia region and they have received over 200 submissions. Their twentieth post of the series included artists, Gerri Spilka and Laura Lyn Stern, both currently on exhibit at Eilandarts in Merchantville, NJ. If you want to participate, send your statement (250 words max) and 2 photos to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. More details here. Stay safe and stay positive, and come back in the days to come for more art!

Ernest Penn Wellford of Richmond, VA died Tuesday, April 14, 2020, following a brief illness and hospitalization. He is survived by his spouse of 67 years, Rebecca Pilcher Wellford of Richmond; daughters Kathryn Wellford Stewart of Merchantville, N.J., Nancy Wellford Markon (John) of Midlothian, Rebecca Pilcher Wellford of Doswell, and Laura Simmons Chicklo (Jay) of Midlothian; and grandchildren Michael Ernest Turner of Glen Allen, Elizabeth Markon Oakland (Milo) of Charlottesville, and Tyler James Chicklo of Midlothian. Private burial in Westhampton Memorial Park, 2 p.m., May 13. Live stream video is available for those kept at home by the COVID-19 health emergency. Full obituary.

Father Alfred J. Hewett, a priest of the Diocese of Camden for more than 60 years, died April 18 at the age of 95. Father Hewett graduated from Collingswood High School, served in the U.S. Navy Air Corps and the U.S. Army Air Corps then, attended Saint Joseph’s University. His first assignment was in Merchantville, as parochial vicar at Saint Peter Parish from 1956-63. Due to current restrictions, interment at Calvary Cemetery in Cherry Hill will be held privately for his family.  A memorial Mass will be held when the current restrictions are lifted.  Donations may be made to Madonna House or Catholic Relief Services.

Camden County's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will be delivering approximately 25,000 pieces of assorted personal protective equipment (PPE) - including protective gowns, N-95 masks, surgical masks, protective gloves, face shields, and hand sanitizer - from its inventory to local OEMs who will then distribute directly to 18 long-term care facilities in Camden County. According to Freeholder Jon Young, last week the County Health Department took over inspections of 56 long-term care facilities from the state in order to audit and inspect operations. "One of the first things to become clear upon our initial audits was a severe shortage of PPE."