Every year on September 11th, we remember those who have fallen as a result of the horrific terrorist attacks against the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A national moment of silence is observed every year to correspond with the terrorist attacks at 8:46 a.m. EST, which is the time American Airlines Flight 11 hit the north tower of the World Trade Center. The south tower, along with the Pentagon were also attacked that day. The U.S. Capitol was targeted, but the hijacked flight crashed in Pennsylvania before it reached that destination. There were a total of 2,977 victims who perished as a result of the attacks. More than 58,000 survivors and first responders enrolled in the WTC Health Program have wrestled with 9/11’s after-effects: respiratory problems, pulmonary disease and a higher rate of cancer than the general population, according to program statistics. Thousands have also died due to 9/11 related illnesses, at least 42 from Covid-19.
Police Department Position
The Merchantville Police Department is accepting applications for a full-time Police Officer position. Candidates must possess a valid PTC Certificate or a waivable Class II Certificate. Spanish language fluency is a plus. Applications may be picked up Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at police headquarters, 1 West Maple Avenue, Merchantville NJ, 08109. The Borough of Merchantville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
High Place Buys D&Q
A Merchantville congregation, High Place Church, has purchased the former Danzeizen & Quigley store, a landmark building that’s been vacant since last year. The church plans to make significant renovations to both the façade and interior of the 33,000-square-foot building on Route 70, according to WCRE, a commercial real estate firm. High Place, a non-denominational church, currently occupies a traditional stone church at North Centre Street and Walnut Avenue in town. At the start of 2019, High Place undertook an "Uncommon Campaign" - an effort to raise $300,000 in pledged funds - to realize their journey to move to this uncommon place in Cherry Hill, NJ. We wish them well.
Get in the Swim at Woodbine
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.
Citizens Organize for Legislation
On Sunday, August 30th, residents from our community met at Wellwood Park before walking around Merchantville to distribute postcards on behalf of Citizen Organization for a Local Legislative Agenda for the Black Community (C.O.L.L.A.B.), a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating tangible cultural change and advancing local legislation that clarifies and amplifies the interests of the Black community. C.O.L.L.A.B. seeks to engage with regional communities, and their leadership, to help them institute concrete, sustainable solutions to the ongoing problems of prejudice and racial discrimination. We strive to harness the energy of recent protests and use that energy to create lasting social, cultural, and legislative change, so our next generation will not be stuck in the same cycle, fighting the same battles to defend the human and civil rights of Black people in America. Their mission - to change the culture and create legislative change to correct systemic racism and inequality. Help out by taking their short survey.
Weekend Heat Advisory
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.”
Father's Day 2020
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.