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.

Dear Friends of Almost Home Animal Shelter: As you may recall, at the end of December 2015, Almost Home was scheduled to close our doors and discontinue helping the animals and people in the community that we have cherished since we began as a “temporary” shelter in 2006. Many of you contacted us and pleaded with us to find a way to remain open. Our municipal funding has ended and we now rely soley on the generosity of folks like you. Thanks to your support and generosity, we devised a plan to do just that.

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!

A highlight for staff in the Office of Catholic Schools is taking part in the events and activities in our schools across the diocese. The week was an affirmation of our work and the work of our schools to be “communities of faith, knowledge and service.” At Saint Peter's in Merchantville, third graders and seniors competed in a spirited times table challenge. They played multiplication and division bingo with the seniors, too. Young and old were helping to keep each other’s minds sharp. Bishop Sullivan led a prayer service and the school choir sang at Sacred Heart School in Camden. Camden City Mayor Dana Redd and Msgr. Michael Doyle, who has dedicated his life to the school and kids in Camden, attended the event. http://bit.ly/2ke2Ggn