Lydia B. Stokes, a township resident, was a champion for education and a lover of nature, among many other things. The advocate was active from the 1950s until her passing in the 1980s, according to the Lydia B. Stokes Foundation. Maria Montessori, the Italian founder of the education method that bears her name, believed a school should be a “children’s house.” She opened the first of her non-traditional schools in 1907 and went on to spread her methods internationally over the next 40 years. The two women never met, but if Matthew Simberg’s plans come to fruition, he believes he can honor the legacies of both. Simberg, the owner-operate of the Merchantville, Camden County, Montessori Seeds of Education School, is seeking permission from the township to move his school to Stokes’ Chester Avenue property. http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/news/20180822/montessori-owner-plans-potential-moorestown-move

Cherry Hill police have arrested a Merchantville man who allegedly assaulted and robbed a woman in the Cherry Hill Mall parking lot last week. The incident occurred around 1:40 p.m. Thursday, May 3. Police said a 52-year-old woman was followed to her car by a man who forced her into the back, groped her, and demanded money. The man then reportedly ran off after she handed over some cash. An eyewitness attempted to chase him, then phoned in a description that led to the arrest of Adris R. Parker, 19, according to a statement from Cherry Hill Police Lt. Kirk Williams. Parker faces charges of second-degree robbery, second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact, and third-degree theft. He is in custody at the Camden County Jail awaiting a pretrial hearing.

Residents are invited to shop local for everything they need to begin planting their home gardens at the annual Garden Expo at the Burlington County Agricultural Center in Moorestown. The expo takes place on Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The county is once again partnering with the Rutgers Master Gardener Program of Burlington County to host the event. The popular event features local farmers and nurseries offering a variety of native plants, vegetables, annuals, perennials, and more, as well as gardening workshops, expert advice and live entertainment.

Camilo Penalosa said that Infinite Herbs wanted to come to New Jersey—Vineland, in particular—and the nationwide culinary herb producer based out of Florida is bringing more than 100 jobs with them when they set up shop at 2440 N. Mill Road later this year. “For years we have wanted to be in New Jersey,” Penalosa tells SNJ Today. “The produce production of the region will help us source local production and be in a new market and it will help in freshness and distribution. The managing director of the Miami-based herb producer says that there were several factors that attracted the company to South Jersey. http://www.snjtoday.com/story/38248717/infinite-potential-in-south-jersey

The Merchantville-Pennsauken Water Commission, in conjunction with our local fire departments, is asking our communities to partner with us in our Adopt-A-Hydrant program. In the event of a fire, the Fire Department needs access to water supply via the nearest fire hydrant as quickly as possible so that the fire can be extinguished and prevent minimal loss of property and/or life. By adopting a hydrant, you’ll be helping everyone in your neighborhood, or surrounding businesses and assisting fire crews.  By keeping your adopted hydrant free of weeds and shrubs during warmer months, and clear of snow and ice in winter months, you save the fire fighters precious minutes while fighting fires.  When the hydrants are visible and accessible, everyone benefits.

Individuals can participate by adopting a hydrant nearest their homes.  This is also a great opportunity for scouts, civic groups or individuals looking to earn community service hours. For more information and to apply, please complete the form below.  If you have any questions, you may email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The MPWC and your local fire departments thank you for your support!