The Observer has published their last issue of 2019. It includes articles about Merchantville's BOE discussion on School Choice and keeping the current maximum level of 44 School Choice students from other public school districts; the closure and loss of McFarlans Market after a nine year run in the downtown; the appointment of Officer James Burkhardt as LEAD job at school due to Officer Talarico stepping down; welcome to two new businesses - A Milli Little Things and La Guadalapana Restaurant; and, reviews of the Turkey Trot and MES Talent Show.

Last evening the Merchantville Community Center was rededicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Organizations that use the center regularly, as well as friends of the center, were in attendance as Mayor Brennan gave a special thanks to the Camden County Improvement Authority for their support through funding and management of this project which included major structural repairs to the drainage system, accessible bathroom facilities, basement storage and the addition of an expansive terrace. In January the Borough announced that the Community Center would undergo extensive renovations over the next several months. The project will began around the third week of January and and was completed in the summer. During renovations the back section of the building as well as the playground area will not be accessible during this entire period.

Attendees at the 6th annual 2019 Merchantville Music Fest were treated to some fun during a 45 minute set with the colorful performers from Candy Volcano. This band features festive tributes to the music of the 1970's glam rock era brought to you by an extensive group of members - over 20! They performed songs by David Bowie, Sweet, T-Rex, Mott The Hoople, The Velvet Underground, Lou Reed and many more. Other bands at the fest included: Accessories of Yesterday, Strayaway Saints, Fair Use, The Not Fur Longs, Arsenal NJ and Sugar Rush Rocks. Fortunately the rain held off long enough to not dampen spirits so everyone could enjoy great music, food and community! 

Wind Symphony of Southern New Jersey will perform a holiday concert at the First Presbyterian Church of Merchantville, 10 West Maple Avenue, on Saturday, December 14th from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. The concert will begin with a musical tribute to Leon DeLoach, a thirty-year member of The Wind Symphony who passed away in September of this year. The program will include Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and traditional Christmas music as performed by Mannheim Steamroller, the Canadian Brass, and the United States Marine Band. A free will offering will be taken before the concert. Free parking is available behind the church, and an elevator provides handicapped access to the church.

During the Council meeting on Monday, November 11th, Mayor Brennan and Council extended their thanks to the Borough employees who have served our Country. Kevin Patti - Fire Chief of the Merchantville Fire Department, John Queen - Merchantville Police Patrolman and Municipal Humane Law Enforcement Officer,  and Steven Morrone Jr. - Merchantville Police Patrolman were honored with commemorative plaques during the Veterans Day meeting. Other items for discussion during the regular meeting included an updates on Police Collective Bargaining, the Redevelopment area, the status of Gold Medal Environmental and the Community Center.

The September and October issues of the Merchantville Observer have been posted online. The next issue is expected to be published and distributed in December. The Observer covers topics like monthly meetings, local events and human interest stories. Featured in October is the Music Fest on the 26th, an interview with Council candidates Ray Woods and Anthony Perno, a possible ban on single-use plastic bags at retail establishments in the Borough and Public Library offerings. They also feature advertisements from local businesses. You can read .pdf versions on their FB page.