Dear Community Friends,
At our September 9 township committee meeting, I was honored to administer the oath of office to Mantua Township Police Department’s newest full-time patrol officer, Andrew “AJ” Glaser.
You may recall, Officer Glaser is 24 years old and is a lifelong resident of our community. He is also the son of Retired-Corporal Jay Glaser, and the grandson of Retired-Lieutenant John Glaser who both had long and rewarding careers with the MTPD. This hiring is historical and monumental for the MTPD and our community as the Glaser trio of AJ, Jay and John are the very first to have three generations of family serving in our police department as full-time police officers.
On June 21 of this year, Officer Glaser graduated from Gloucester County’s 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.
The township committee and I want to congratulate Officer Glaser on this promotion to full-time status. 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 the third generation to serve, however, it’s also obvious that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree with his exemplary credentials.
Also, at the township committee meeting, I presented a proclamation to Ashley Levinson honoring her and recognizing September as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month in our Township.
Ashley is a long-time resident and has been a dedicated educator and advocate for PCOS for the last twenty-five years.
Ashley was diagnosed with PCOS in 1999, a complex hormonal, metabolic and reproductive disorder, which is recognized as the most common endocrine condition among women and a leading cause of infertility.
PCOS affects 21% of individuals worldwide. In Gloucester County alone, it’s estimated that over 30,000 live with PCOS, including 1600 women in Mantua Township.
The Township Committee and I want to thank Ashley for her commitment to better health, and for using her own diagnosis to educate and help others in our community.
On the morning of Sept. 11, the annual Patriot Day Ceremony was held at our beautiful Place of Reflection at Chestnut Branch Park.
Every year we gather to remember the nearly 3,000 people who perished during the horrific attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. For Mantua, it’s an opportunity for us to personally reflect on the loss of resident John Rodak, and to support our good friends, Joyce (John’s widow) and his daughters, Devon and Chelsea.
This year was extra special as we were blessed to have Joyce’s granddaughter, Angelina in attendance. Angelina was born on Sept. 11, 2023, and joined her family at this year’s ceremony. It was baby Angelina’s first birthday which also happens to be the 23rd anniversary of her grandfather, John’s tragic passing.
When born last year, Angelina weighed nine pounds and three ounces. On Sept. 11, 2001, Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center at 9:03 am. Her grandfather, John was working in the south tower when he was tragically killed.
After baby Angelina’s birth and naming last year, her family discovered that she had a great, great aunt who was also named, Angelina. And get this, she was also born on Sept. 11.
Coincidental, highly unlikely. Undoubtedly, divine intervention, and baby Angelina is a very special gift who will continue to keep John’s legacy alive. John is our hometown Patriot, and the Rodak’s will always be a huge part of our Mantua family.
Upcoming township meetings and events:
- Thursday, Sept. 19 @ 7 p.m. – Fire District Meeting
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
