For some of us, the advent of a new school year is exciting. School shopping is the absolute best – bouquets of pencils delight us. We just can’t wait to organize our new assignment planners. For others, a new school year brings nothing but trepidation and an onslaught of anxious questions. Will I like my new teacher? What if my best friend isn’t in my class? What if I get a bad grade?... don’t make the varsity team? No matter where your kids fall in this spectrum, they will most likely carry a backpack to and from school. These backpacks may be mostly empty or crammed full of books and papers. No matter how full they are of stuff, they will contain hopes, dreams, fears, and questions for each new season and each new day of this academic year. We would like to invite you to bring those backpacks to Trinity Church, 36 Maple Avenue, on September 8th at 10:45 a.m. Bring them empty or full. Invite a friend! Adults, if you’d like in on this, bring your briefcases, tote bags, or backpacks as well. The priests will bless the bags during the announcements in the middle of the service, to honor all the hopes, dreams, and fears that accompany the new school year, and to ask for God to strengthen, sustain, and encourage all our children as they learn and grow throughout the year. 

PSE&G crews will be repairing a gas main on Chapel Avenue in Merchantville, on Monday, Aug. 19. While crews are at work, Chapel Avenue will be closed to all traffic between Clayton Avenue and Stanley Street. On Monday, Aug. 19, crews will close the affected stretch of roadway from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Motorists will be directed along a posted detour route to circumvent the affected area. The project is expected to be completed by the end of work hours on Monday, Aug. 19. Scheduling and project timing is dependent on weather and may be adjusted due to unforeseen events. Please use extra caution when driving near construction crews and vehicles.

2019 Merchantville Music Fest was approved by Borough Council last night, which means we are set to rock this town on Saturday, October 26th from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. along North Centre and Chestnut streets. We're bringing Music Fest back to the street with the support of The Merchantville Task Force. There will be two stages, at least 8 bands, food trucks and street vendors. More info will be out soon so keep checking back here to find out who and what you can expect to see. The Merchantville Task Force depends on support from local businesses and organizations to bring this free event to the community. Large and small sponsor contributions are welcome. Sponsorship levels for this year.

The Merchantville School District is located in Camden County, New Jersey.  The district is committed to the students of Merchantville and ensuring their success in the 21^st century.  All candidates need to have full proper certification in order to be considered for the following positions. Substitute Teacher: Must have NJ Substitute Certificate or the minimum requirements to obtain it; substitutes for our Pre-K to 8th grade teacher and aides on a daily basis; candidates will work directly for the Merchantville School District; candidates should be well–organized and able to follow teacher instructions; candidates should possess a love for children and desire to help them succeed. Positions are available starting September 1, 2019. For consideration, forward a cover letter and resume (Internal candidates need only submit a letter of interest) by August 31, 2019 to: J. Scott Strong - Chief School Administrator, Merchantville School. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Preferred) or Mail:130 S Centre Street, Merchantville, NJ 08109. For more information about the district, please visit our website www.merchantvilleschool.org

John Brouse, commander of Merchantville's American Legion F.W. Grigg Post 68, presented an American flag to Roger Grigg, nephew of the World War I soldier for whom the post is named, in a ceremony at Borough Hall on August 11, 2019. F.W. Grigg was in the U.S. Army artillery and died on October 12, 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne offensive. Three generations of the Grigg family attended the gathering, which marked the centennial of the post's founding meeting on August 11, 1919. The family heard of their connection to the Merchantville post after the dedication of a street sign honoring Corp. Grigg in May. Roger Grigg is 87 years old, a resident of Toms River, and a retired teacher and school principal. He is a Navy veteran of the Korean conflict.