Merchantville is Laura Nickollof Panarello's hometown. Her son Connor, who attends Mercahntville School, was diagnosed with Hemifacial Microsomia at birth. In this video Connor and his mom, Laura, talk about growing up with a craniofacial condition and the care they've received at CHOP. Our community is so proud of you and Connor!  http://bit.ly/1S0qigz

Merchantville resident, Brigid Brennan, AHP, CYT, CMT, will be giving a free talk on Ayurvedic Medicine and curbing the aging process at the Haddon Twp. Branch of the Camden County Library System on Wednesday, February 11th, from 10:30 -11:30 a.m. She will discuss herbal remedies as well as lifestyle and dietary practices which encourage the rejuvenative processes of the body and mind.

Autism Speaks, is urging parents to vaccinate their children amid a measles outbreak that has already reached 14 states and infected 102 people last month. Rob Ring, chief science officer of Autism Speaks, released a statement today stressing that vaccines do not cause autism, and parents should vaccinate. "Over the last two decades, extensive research has asked whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and autism. The results of this research are clear: Vaccines do not cause autism. We urge that all children be fully vaccinated." http://abcn.ws/1zSBKTD

Bethany and Ronald Johansen of Merchantville, New Jersey, married for 14 years, know this well. Both love dogs and each grew up with a canine companion — but Ronald’s landed him in the hospital. His childhood asthmatic reactions were so bad that he once spent two months in an oxygen tent, he said. The family didn’t realize until later that his symptoms stemmed from their Irish setter, Kelly. http://bit.ly/1lKji6f

Members of a Well Spouse support group meet at the Cherry Hill Library. Nan Katz of Cherry Hill, Bonnie Haddon of Merchantville, and leader Bob Mastrogiovanni, who has been with the group since 1992. Ilene Triest found the group a decade ago while caring for her husband, who had been seriously disabled in a car crash. http://bit.ly/1782ON2

Gardening at home is a great way to connect with Mother Nature. But the planet-friendly hobby is also fantastic for maintaining a healthy lifestyle – even if your crop comes from containers on the fire escape. Don’t believe us? Read on for five big reasons to get in the garden this season. http://bit.ly/10heJIi