On Tuesday evening, more than 100 Borough officials, faith based leaders, school representatives and residents came together at a forum in Wellwood Park to discuss, listen and speak about our town and the issue of racism before us in the current social movement. Borough and school officials, many residents, neighbors and faith based leaders and groups shared their stories, feelings, concerns and praise. The School of Light Church, dedicated to empowering a generation for purpose by developing gifts and basic skills through education, resources and training, posted a video recording most of this event on their Facebook page. Thanks for capturing and sharing this significant event.

Happy Mother's Day 2020 to moms, grandmoms and great-grandmoms. Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, yet most commonly in March, April, or May. In most countries Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, among them the USA, Canada, most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, India, China, Japan, the Philippines and South Africa. One notable exception to this rule are the UK and Ireland, which celebrate Mother's Day on the fourth Sunday in Lent. Most Arab countries celebrate Mother's Day on March 21st - The Vernal Equinox - and East European countries celebrate Mother's Day on March 8th. 

On First Friday July 3rd, our "Market Off Center" returns from 5:00-8:00 p.m. along the trail and Ryan's Retail will be holding their first pop-up event since reopening. Ryan's will have 10 vendors - six inside and four outdoors to create extra spacing. Pop-Up vendors include: Scentsy, Royelleblu Fashions, Varsha's Art, Positive Strong Beautiful You, Hopes Head Wrap, Bear Soaps, Laly Fashioon, Memom's Crafts, MoRi Handmade Soap & Bonsai Bling. Come out and support everyone as we try to pick back up from where we left off. As an added feature STRENGTH will be performing at 7:00 p.m. outside on the dock, followed by some distance jamming from Disco Gerald at 8:00 p.m.

June is the month we celebrate Merchantville's birth in 1874! While current circumstances have caused states to ban public gatherings, such as parties and celebrations, let's toast the founding of our small but strong borough 146 years ago and, honor the efforts of the many public servants, volunteers and business owners who have helped to strengthen and sustain our community. As we start planning for the Borough's Sesquicentennial, Mayor Brennan and Council want you to know that they are committed to continuing their work on your behalf and moving initiatives forward that will promote progress and secure a vital and prosperous future for residents and businesses. Merchantville's history.

Mayor Brennan provided an update to the community about the Covid-19 status in the Borough. He reminded residents that Merchantville's parks, sports fields and the multi-use path are all closed at this time and while he feels and understands the frustration with these closures and desire to exercise it continues to be necessary. He thanked everyone for their cooperation. He noted that additional testing sites are now available and this has lead to a corresponding increase in positive cases in our neighboring communities of Cherry Hill and Camden. The mayor informed residents that the Primary election has been moved to July 7th and encouraged  anyone concerned about on-site voting to apply for vote by mail through the county. He assured residents that he and Council are working with their partners in government, faith based groups and our schools to support businesses and obtain the resources that our community needs.