Dear Community Friends,
This past weekend, I had the distinct honor of meeting a young resident and future entrepreneur, Charlie Bowen-Ashwin. Charlie, who is 9 years of age, is a Girl Scout at the junior level in Troop 61468. She was born and raised in Mantua and is in her fifth year of scouting.
The past four years, Charlie has sold the most Girl Scout cookies in her troop. This year alone, she has sold over 1100 boxes and has raised over $250.00 to donate to her 11-year-old cousin battling cancer. Her work is not done yet, as she continues to sell her inventory to raise money for Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey.
I must say, I’m a better person for crossing paths with Charlie who evidently has a heart of gold and a passion and conviction for sales.
On a side note, Charlie kept saying that she recognized me. Hopefully, it’s just from being mayor of our amazing community, and not from seeing my picture on a wanted poster. All kidding aside, it’s wonderful to see Charlie and so many other youngsters doing great things around the township. It’s just another reason why Mantua is truly the best place to live and raise our families.
This past week, I sat down with Jack Steen, the President of Mantua Little League (MLL), and PJ Nerozzi, the President of the Sewell Raildogs Baseball and Softball on separate occasions. The two leaders will be my next guests on Mayor Message Videos #19 and #20. Learn about both programs and what each has to offer to our children and community. Opening Day for both is slated for Saturday, April 6. Raildogs have a 9 a.m. parade followed by a 9:30 a.m. opening day ceremony. MLL has its first pitch for opening day at 10 a.m. Look for both these videos sometime after the opening day ceremonies on our social media platforms and on our township website at https://mantuatownship.com/mayors-message/.
On Tuesday, March 26 we hosted the township’s first senior dinner of the year at the community center on E. Mercer Avenue. We had over 120 guests who enjoyed a delicious dinner provided by Santini’s Restaurant. Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto, Committeewoman Eileen Lukens, Chief Darren White, Captain Bill Murphy, Lt. Brian Hauss of the MTPD and I attended and really enjoyed chatting and hanging-out with our senior friends. If you’re a senior, we have been a model for excellence for senior services. To learn more and to get on our mailing list for the monthly senior calendars, and to join us for the free dinners, please contact Pam at 856-468-1500, ex. 113 or plevine@mantuatownship.com.
On Wednesday, March 27 the Gloucester County Mayor’s Association hosted a meeting in Glassboro with dinner provided by LaScala’s at Bone Saw Brewery. This meeting was designed to honor and recognize the hardworking clerks and administrators of our respective communities. On behalf of the township committee, I’d like to commend our own Clerk/Administrator, Jennica Bileci for her ongoing work efforts. Jennica is the backbone of our leadership team at the operational level. I’m truly grateful for her hard word and dedication to the community and our residents.
Paleontologist Dr. Kenneth Lacovara of the Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park & Museum at Rowan University is now rescheduled for our May 13 township committee meeting where he will provide insight and updates on the anticipated mid-summer opening.
The Township Committee and I would like to wish those who celebrate a very Happy Easter. Please have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend surrounded by loved ones.
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
- Easter Monday, April 1 – Township Offices are open for business.
- Bulk Trash Week is Monday, April 1 through Friday, April 5 during your normal trash removal day.
- Thursday, April 4 at 7 p.m. is the next Fire District Meeting at the Sewell Fire Station.
- Thursday, April 4 at 7 p.m. is the next Historical Commission Meeting at the Historical Museum.
On behalf of Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto, 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
