Dear Community Friends,
On Wednesday, Aug. 7, I had the honor of meeting 16-year-old Mantua Township resident, Hannah D’Aquila. Hannah helped form the BeeKind Theater Company, a youth-led theater troupe founded by teens passionate about the arts. Hannah is the first legitimate teen entrepreneur that I’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths-with since being mayor.
“BeeKind Theater aims to provide a platform for emerging talent in the theater world,” said Hannah. “We have a commitment to inclusivity and creativity and seek to breathe new life into classic works while fostering a supportive community for aspiring actors, directors and designers.”
Hannah and Chris Tighe from Woodstown are slated to direct their theater company with a William Shakespeare production, “Much Ado About Nothing” on Saturday, August 10 at the Blue Moon Theatre located at 13 West Ave. in Woodstown. This is a timeless comedy and begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free.
I’ve had the opportunity to meet many young future entrepreneurs over the summer, and now Hannah, who’s a bona fide young entrepreneur in the theater world. Parents throughout our community have been teaching their kids how to earn money and the value of having a strong work ethic. Hanna’s mom, Danielle, is a community friend and a proven leader herself. There’s no doubt that she’s a driving force and an inspirational role model for Hannah and her friends.
I was personally blessed to be raised by extremely hard-working parents. Teaching me the value of a dollar was one of my parents’ greatest life lessons. It’s had a profound impact on me throughout my lifetime, and I’m forever grateful. I love seeing those same values instilled in our youth today.
Throughout the month of July, the Mantua Township Police Department received 3,183 calls for service, made 64 arrests, issued 218 motor vehicle summons, handled 244 investigation reports and investigated 22 motor vehicle crashes. Our beloved MTPD continue to do a phenomenal job.
To encourage our township employees to drink more water, we have partnered with the BURLCO and TRICO-JIF to offer employees a fruit-flavored water once a week on Thursdays in August. The water will be available each week at our Hydration Station in the Clerk’s Office of the Mantua Township Administration Building. This is a great way to boost spirits and for a good healthy purpose.
Mr. D’s Kids Fun Magic Show was held at Chestnut Branch Park on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 10:30 a.m. and was hosted by Currier’s Magical Mania. This was another great event sponsored by the Gloucester County Parks and Recreation. I had an opportunity to stop by and enjoyed the great entertainment along with many families from Mantua and surrounding communities.
Mantua Township’s next Shredding Event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept/ 14 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the municipal building complex located at 401 Main St.
Our free shredding events have been hosted by the township for several years now and are typically twice annually in both the spring and fall. The shredding event is great for Mantua residents, however, it is open to Gloucester County residents too. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our residents to rid themselves of old paper documents in a secure and convenient fashion. We bring a mobile shredding unit to our site. You actually witness the documents being shredded in your presence. I love attending, and usually bring some household documents myself to be safely destroyed.
Again, our shredding event on Sept. 14 is free and at no expense to the local taxpayer. The overall expense for each event is estimated to be about $800.00 and is paid for by a recycling grant.
Material to be shredded is limited to paper only. No plastic, plastic bags, card board or binder clips. Paper clips and staples are acceptable.
I recently came across this quote by an unknown author. We obviously can’t change the world today, but something to think about for our little slice of greatness that’s within our own control.
“Ignore the drama. Ignore the hatred. Ignore the pain. Find peace. Find happiness. Find yourself.”
Upcoming township meetings and events:
- Thursday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m.: Fire District Meeting
- Saturday, Aug. 17 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, 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
