On May 27, 2020, Pope Francis announced that the Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, will become beatified on October 31st. The ceremony will occur during a special Mass at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, CT. This exciting news was welcomed by Knights of Columbus councils worldwide including George Pierlott, Grand Knight of Council 6735 out of Merchantville’s Saint Peter Parish. “It’s a great group of men, always willing to help,” he said. A Grand Knight since July 1st, and a member of the council since 2006, Pierlott has joined his brothers in assisting the parish during COVID-19.  Their work has included setting up the parish’s live-streaming of Masses; organizing a drive-up and drop-off to fill the pantry of the parish’s local Saint Vincent de Paul Chapter, and help feed over 50 families each month; and providing funds for the church’s sanitizing supply. 

With the country reeling from a global pandemic and tensions rising with protests against racial injustice, The Courier-Post covered Merchantville Little League Coach Vince Martinez as he looked for a way to bring his team of 8-, 9- and 10-year-olds together. “With everything that was happening in the world and with Black Lives Matter movement, I thought we needed to unify the team and we could do that with all of the kids wearing the same number,” Martinez said. And in baseball, where numbers mean everything, there’s only one numeral that could achieve his goal - Jackie Robinson's No. 42. Martinez, who played baseball at Pennsauken High School and Camden County College, was applauded by MLL parents for celebrating the life and values of a true sports hero.

Exciting news! MLL is offering a Fall Baseball Clinic to both Merchantville Little League and Pennsauken Little League baseball players ages 9-12. This clinic is being run by Coach Eric Newell of Haddon Heights High School and Coach Gautier of Pennsauken. Over the years, MLL has fed players to both high schools and the coaching staff at both schools are eager to develop future players. All participants will receive a clinic tee shirt and participate in 3 days of baseball. Clinic dates: October 2nd through 4th. Friday, October 2nd: 5:30-7:00 p.m. with Coach Newell of the Haddon Heights Garnets; Saturday, October 3rd: 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. with Coach Rolando of PHS Indians. Sunday, October 4th: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. with Coach Mike Stallone of PMS Indians and Coach Rolando. Registration fee is $25 + tax for all three days and is open until 19th of September. Location TBD.

Cindy Hertneck, member of Merchantville's Garden Club & Incredible Edible, will often be seen elbow deep in vegetation spots around town working hard to keep our community sustainable and beautiful. Every year Garden Club volunteers plant, weed and water an abundance of foliage around town including planters throughout the downtown, at Borough Hall, along the bike path, the Merchantville Circle garden, Morrissey Park, and adjacent to Cigar Alley. Please consider contributing your time to helping the Garden Club keep our town beautiful during this busy time of year. Contact Cindy Hertneck at (609) 472-4626 if you would like to join the Garden Club.