Summer is a time to enjoy the nice weather and outdoors, and we’re hopeful that you’ll take advantage of our beautiful park system here in Mantua. Thought that I’d mention a couple things park related that may be appealing.
We are partnering with Gloucester County and are hosting Family Fun Shows at Chestnut Branch Park. On July 18 the show is “Captain Bluejay’s Pirate Everything,” and on August 8 the show is “Big Bug Party.” These are perfect events for parents and children to sing-along and dance-along to the music. All shows start at 10:30 a.m. and are free. Each program lasts about 45 minutes and is suitable for children up-to about 8 years of age.
Ceres Park is a beautiful landscape of natural growth, hosting a thriving community of animal life that includes mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and many bird species. From the parking lot located off of Main Street, a mile-long path through the forest is crisscrossed by many less-defined trails. The trails lead through a diverse selection of plant life to beautiful views of Emerald and Cedar Lakes. Ceres Park is a great place to explore and a nice alternative for walking dogs. We ask you to obey the posted rules at the Ceres Park entrance, and if you’re exploring the area with your dog or dogs, please understand that leashes are a requirement.
Warmer weather seems to create an influx of face-to-face sales through online services such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc. Did you know that we have a “Project Safe Deal Zone” at the Mantua Police Department parking lot off-of Main Street? The police department offers 24 hours a day, well-lit surveillance zones for your protection when meeting a buyer or seller in-person to make a transaction. These spots are clearly marked with signage. Officers can be available via dispatch at 856-468-1920 for added security if you still feel uneasy. Your safety is a priority – so please take advantage of this program.
We’ve been receiving inquiries about when third quarter property tax bills will be mailed to residents. As mentioned previously, our municipal budget hearing and final adoption will be at the next township committee meeting on July 10. Tax bills will be mailed sometime after this meeting, most likely in early August. We also anticipate that the due date for this payment period will be extended to Sept. 1 or 8. Please be patient, as there are logistical issues that limit our control of providing a hard timeline.
We are extremely saddened to learn about the untimely passing of long-time friend and township resident John Hughes. John was a former member of the Clearview Board of Education and was an icon with Clearview Wrestling. Most importantly, John was incredibly generous and was just an all-around great human being. John and I both had open heart surgery, and we shared this unfortunate commonality. John helped me to spread awareness of heart disease after his ordeal back in December 2016. Mantua Township is truly a better place because of John. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Annette and his entire family.
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
- Bulk Trash pick-up is scheduled for the week of July 3 through July 7 during your normal trash day.
- Tuesday, July 4 (Independence Day) Municipal Offices will be closed for the holiday. Trash will be picked-up on July 5 – Please expect delays.
- Thursday, July 6 at 7 p.m. is the next historical commission meeting to be held at the historical museum.
- Thursday, July 6 at 7 p.m. is the next fire district meeting to be held at the Sewell Fire Station.
- Saturday, July 8 is the next Convenience Center Drop Off at our public works facility between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Saturday, July 8 is the next Car Seat Safety Program held at the Sewell Firehouse from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Our blood drive at the Mantua Township Municipal Building on Main Street will be held on Tuesday, July 11th from 9 am until 7 pm. To schedule an appointment to donate please call 1-800-REDCROSS or go to RedCrossBlood.org. In the “Find a Blood Drive” box at the top right, enter the code: Mantuatownship.
We’d like to wish everyone a very enjoyable and relaxing July 4 holiday weekend. Please be safe and celebrate the birth of America’s Independence while making good choices, obeying the law and being considerate of others within our community.
On behalf of Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto and myself, and the entire Township Committee – we look forward to continuing our service with honesty, integrity and trustful leadership.
