Our Memorial Day Ceremony was this past Monday, May 29. We had a large crowd in attendance and are extremely thankful to all those who took time from their holiday weekend to mourn military personnel who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto and Committeeman Shawn Layton led the parade that began at 8:45 a.m. in Wenonah and ended at the Township Administration Building at our Veteran’s Plaza. Scirrotto, Layton, Committeewoman Eileen Lukens and I participated in the Memorial Day Service. We were honored to have had Commissioner Denice DiCarlo as our Keynote Speaker and Air Force Veteran Taylor Montgomery as our Guest Speaker.
Scirrotto, Lukens and Layton presented awards to our school children who participated in this year’s Memorial Day Parade bicycle decorating contest. All the kids involved did an outstanding job with displaying their patriotism. It’s always a welcoming aspect to this somber day of remembrance.
I had the distinct honor of presenting a township proclamation to the family of James Joseph Thornton. Thornton served three years defending his country’s freedom in the United States Army. Thornton served nine months in the European Theater of World War II. Thornton received incredible recognition, awards, and medals due to his service in the United States Amy. He was honorably discharged from the Army on April 10, 1946. Thornton moved to Mantua in 1966 with his wife Catherine where they raised their five children. Thornton was active with the VFW Post throughout his lifetime.
Our small community always does an incredible job reminding us of the true meaning of Memorial Day. We’d like to relay our heartfelt thanks to VFW Post 7679 Chairman Joe Heitman for his year-round efforts in spearheading the organization of such an insightful and memorable program. We’d also like to express our extreme gratitude to everyone else who helped to make another year so special.
This past Wednesday, May 31, Mantua Township hosted the Gloucester County Mayors Association Meeting at the Carolina Blue Smokehouse Restaurant. Our special guests were police chiefs from around the county and their respective staff. Chief Darren White, Lt. Bill Murphy, Lt. Drew Hayes and Lt. Brian Hauss all attended from our department. Scirrotto, Committeeman John Legge, Lukens, Administrator Jennica Bileci and I represented the Township. The main goal of this evening was to focus on the importance of communication between governing bodies and their respective police departments and understanding and respecting everyone’s roles and responsibilities. We’d like to thank West Deptford Mayor Jim Mehaffey and Chief John Chambers who’s also the G.C. Police Chiefs Association President for being our guest speakers and for offering their insight on this very important topic.
This was a great opportunity for other mayors and chiefs from around the county to visit Mantua Township. We look forward to hosting other future meetings at various restaurants within our community, to further showcase the great eateries in town.
On Wednesday, May 31, our recreation committee held their monthly meeting. We’d like to thank co-chair Kathy Shryock, Secretary Deb Baldasarre and the entire group of volunteers for their dedication and hard work. Their main focus at their meeting was preparing for the June 8th, “Big Night Out.” Please stop by and visit their table this coming Thursday at Chestnut Branch Park to learn more about this year’s township events. I’m told that I may have some give-a-ways too.
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
- Thursday, June 1 at 7 p.m. is the next Historical Commission meeting to be held at the Historical Museum.
- Thursday, June 1 at 7 p.m. is the next fire district meeting to be held at Sewell Fire Station.
- Saturday, June 3 and June 10 are the next Convenience Center Drop Off at our Public Works facility between 10 a.m.and 2 p.m.
- Bulk Trash pick-up is scheduled for the week of June 5 through June 9 on your normal trash day.
- June 10 is the next Car Seat Safety Program held at the Sewell Firehouse from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Big Night Out is scheduled for Thursday, June 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Chestnut Branch Park.
On behalf of Scirrotto, myself and the entire Township Committee – we look forward to continuing our service with honesty, integrity and trustful leadership.
