As a neighboring community, Merchantville appreciates the residents of Camden, Chief Joseph Wysocki, the Camden Police Department for the leadership they demonstrated by marching peacefully in solidarity to protest the killing of George Floyd this past Saturday. Since Camden’s police force disbanded and reformed in 2013 as a county agency, officers there have been hyper-focused on community policing. You will often see them walking beats or attending neighborhood block parties grilling up hamburgers and hot dogs. “We know that together we are stronger, we know that together, in the city of Camden, we can create a space where policing is focused on deescalation and dialogue,” Wysocki said. May 30th's peaceful protest and march in Camden was another example of their ongoing community engagement, and the very real dialogue that they are having with residents throughout Camden.

Please join the NJ Irish Society as we celebrate Irish Month in Gloucester City. First up is the 5th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 1, 2020 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Camden County Board of Freeholders, the parade begins at Martin's Lake (Baynes Ave and Johnson Blvd) and proceeds down Monmouth featuring String Bands, Bagpipes, Irish Dancers, Irish Music Bands, Community Groups and more. On Saturday, March 7th from 1:00-2:00 p.m. come down to Main Street in Mount Holly, New Jersey and join in the Saint Patricks' parade festivities. Bagpipes, kilts, floats, and Batman. And, Sea Isle City will celebrate its rich Irish heritage and culture all day long on Saturday March 14th with a parade including wearing of the green, live pipe-and-drum music, Irish residents, Municipal and County officials, Sea Isle’s “Irish Royal Family” and many other participants. Parade 83rd and 63rd St. & Landis Avenue begins at 3:30 p.m.

Gov. Phil Murphy allowed golf courses and parks to reopen Saturday, with some minor adjustments for safety, and golfers flocked back to the tees and greens in droves. Clubs throughout the region were packed to their newly reduced capacities, honoring pandemic safeguards while accommodating players. At the 127-year-old Merchantville Country Club reservations had sold out in about an hour, according to Bill Goodrich, president of the board. The fact that the club used scheduled tee times at all was an adjustment. At only nine holes, the course is played quickly, and members usually rely on WhatsApp to coordinate when to arrive and whom to play with, he said. “We’ve been given this great opportunity, allowing us to reopen,” Goodrich said. “Whatever guidelines we need to follow, we’ll follow. Our goal is to get back to full operation, but in a safe way.”

Gather your family and friends and join the fun with The Cherry Hill African-American Civic Association at a New Year Cabaret at the Merchantville Community Center on Sunday, January 5, 2020 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. The Association was organized in 1978 to provide a vehicle for the participation of minority residents in community life in Cherry Hill. To provide a collective voice for residents to exercise their rights and responsibilities as African American citizens. To ensure the welfare of African American youth in the home, school and community. To serve as a platform to encourage the appointment and election of African Americans to positions of leadership. To provide the African American community with information on important political issues, although the organization itself is non-partisan. All Proceeds Benefit CHAACA Annual Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $20 per person through www.PayPal.me/CHAACAORG or call 215-432-3774.

Children and adults alike will enjoy the opportunity to ride the train with Santa on Saturday, December 7, 2019. Specially decorated PATCO trains will make three trips, leaving the Lindenwold station at 9:10 a.m., 10:40 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. and picking up passengers at all stops along the way. After enjoying their ride with Santa and his elves, complete with seasonal music, Santa’s Sleigh passengers can shop at Christmas Village in Love Park, check out the light show and “Christmas Carol” display at Macy’s or strap on their ice skates at the Rothman Rink at City Hall, among many other family-friendly activities. To travel in style with Santa, be ready to board the Silver Sleigh at special departure times that are in addition to the normal Saturday schedule. Regular fares apply for all customers aged five and older; children four and under ride free. For more information, call (856) 772-6968/6905. Westmont – 9:18 a.m., 10:48 a.m. or 12:18 p.m.; Collingswood – 9:20 a.m., 10:50 a.m. or 12:20 p.m.; Ferry Avenue – 9:22 a.m., 10:52 a.m. or 12:22 p.m.