Dear Community Friends,
We’re constantly working proactively behind the scenes to better serve our community. The summer months, however, are typically less active around the township with residents vacationing and families being preoccupied with recreational and kid’s sports activities, etc. With that being said, my weekly reports may be less comprehensive over the next few weeks as there isn’t as much to pass along this time of year.
Remember, local businesses not only build a stronger economy, but they also build a stronger community. We truly cherish our hometown small businesses and encourage you to shop local here in Mantua Township whenever possible.
The 27th annual “Best of Gloucester County” sponsored by the G.C. Board of Commissioners and the G.C. The Chamber of Commerce is open for voting through July 28. We ask you to consider supporting Mantua Township businesses by voting at www.gcbestof.com for your favorite Mantua stores and restaurants, etc. Help us to continue to make Mantua Township proud as we always have many winners here for the “Best of.”
Our Director of Parks, Scott Hellerman reported that he’s in the process of refurbishing the volleyball courts at Chestnut Branch Park. Our park staff will be replacing the sand and putting-up new nets as part of this project.
Our Superintendent of Public Works, Glenn DeMers announced that we received our new brush crane on July 13. It’s a 2023, International Truck and Chassis with a Brush Hawk Crane with a 20 cubic yard container. This equipment replaces our 2002 brush crane which was in disrepair.
The brush crane is an extremely valuable tool for our public works department, as it can be operated by just one employee, as opposed to a chipper which requires more manpower and is more time consuming to operate. The brush crane is utilized daily, and picks-up on average, 2-3 full loads of brush and logs a day. The brush crane is also a vital piece of equipment during severe storms and inclement weather when clearing our roads of downed trees and debris.
Superintendent DeMers explains, “Our brush crane is definitely one of the ‘workhorses’ for our public works department. This new piece of equipment will definitely help us better serve the residents of Mantua.”
Did you know that our police department participates in Project Medicine Drop? This is a program where prescription drug boxes are installed at participating police departments throughout New Jersey. Residents can safely, securely and anonymously dispose of any unused and/or expired medications. At the Mantua Police Department lobby on Main Street is a ground mounted, locked metal mailbox with the project medicine drop logo. The drop box is accessible 365 days a year for your disposal needs.
We’re happy to see the proactive policing efforts coming from some of our more recent hires within the Mantua Township Police Department. This is evident through the monthly crime log reports, as many of our younger officers are repeatedly making some really nice arrests. As a retired police chief, this gives me a great deal of satisfaction and confidence in our hiring process. I’d like to commend Chief Darren White, Lieutenant Bill Murphy, Lieutenant Brian Hauss and Lieutenant Drew Hayes for setting the bar high and for seeking-out the best available candidates to patrol our community.
We are saddened to learn of the recent passing of long-time resident Joanne Praise Kursewicz. Joanne passed away on July 6 after a prolonged illness. Joann and her husband, Kurt raised their daughter, Christina in the Carriage Hill development here in the township. Our community mourns the loss of Joanne, and our thoughts and prayers are with her entire family during this most difficult time.
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
- Thursday, July 27 at 7 p.m. is the next Veterans Commission meeting to be held at the Township Municipal Building.
- Saturday, July 29 is the next Convenience Center Drop Off at our Public Works facility between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
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!
Respectfully,
Mayor Robert T. Zimmerman, MAS
