Dear Community Friends,
The youth of our community are the future leaders, innovators and change-makers of tomorrow. This is evidently going to be the case with Andrew Glaser, Julian Koza, Lydia Connell-Breen and Haylee Cain who all hit milestones in their young lives this past week.
On Friday, June 21, lifelong resident Andrew Glaser (24 years old) graduated from the 64th Basic Class of the Gloucester County Police Academy. Officer Glaser graduated from the grueling 22-week police academy as the recipient of the Academic Award, which is an honor bestowed upon the recruit with the highest academic GPA in the class.
This is historic and monumental for the MTPD and our community, as Andrew is following in the footsteps of his father, Retired-Corporal Jay Glaser and grandfather, Retired-Lieutenant John Glaser who both had long and fulfilling careers as police officers with the MTPD. The Glaser trio of Andrew, Jay and John are the very first to have three generations of family serving in our police department.
The township committee and I want to congratulate Officer Glaser on graduating at the top of his academy class. Let’s be clear. Our department has a rigorous screening process, and our leadership team of the MTPD selects the very best-of-the-best. Andrew may be third generational to serve, however, it’s also obvious that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree with the Glasers, who all reside in Mantua.
On Saturday, June 22, Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto and I attended the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for 19-year-old resident, Julian Koza at the Mantua VFW Post 7679. We presented Julian with a township proclamation on behalf of the township committee.
Julian, who attended Centre City and JMT Schools began his scouting journey with Troop 7083 after crossing over from Webelos in 2015. He advanced through the ranks and successfully achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, earning numerous merit badges along the way. Julian also held various leadership positions while scouting and dedicated his Eagle Scout Project to building burial flag cases for families of deceased veterans.
Only four percent attain the rank of Eagle Scout – the highest rank. We want to congratulate Julian and the entire Koza family for this very significant accomplishment.
On Saturday, June 22, I also had the distinct pleasure of meeting two lovely young residents of Mantua Township, Lydia Connell-Breen and Haylee Cain both 10 years of age. The girls are best friends and attend JMT School together. These two future business entrepreneurs recently began a “Make and Create” pen stand and can be found setting-up shop in the Bellemeade neighborhood. You can stop by their fun little crafting stand on the main thoroughfare of Hollybrook Drive and build your own pen while grabbing some fresh lemonade for a small fee.
I was honored as both Lydia and Haylee each made me a special personalized “Mayor’s Pen.” Both pens are red, white and blue and are created with unique patriotic designs. Of course, I was thrilled to contribute toward the pens in order to help inspire this little neighborhood venture. I plan on using the pens at meetings and to sign township legislative documents, etc.
Lidia’s mom, Dawn explained, “We hope this is the beginning of their journey of being successful entrepreneurs. Learning the value of a dollar through hard work is very important.”
On Wednesday, June 26, the Gloucester County Mayor’s Association held its monthly meeting in Harrison Township at Heritage Winery. Our special guests were our public works superintendents. It was an honor to attend with our Public Works Leader, Glenn DeMers. He’s truly the very best, and I can’t thank him enough for all his hard work and dedication to our residents.
I’d like to wish everyone a very safe and enjoyable Independence Day. As a reminder, July 4, 1776, was the historic date when the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, severing political connections to the thirteen North American colonies from Great Britain. While enjoying the BBQ’s, beach and fireworks, etc. please remember this holiday commemorates the freedom of our great country.
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
- Monday, July 1 thru Friday, July 5 (Bulk Trash Week: Except July 4)
- Thursday, July 4 (Holiday, Municipal Offices Closed)
- Saturday, July 6 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.): Convenience Drop Off Center
- Mantua Township Historic Museum and Library. Open Saturday July 6 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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
