Dear Community Friends,
As part of our duties as a township committee, and certainly in my role as your mayor, it’s extremely important to advocate for the youth of our community. Sometimes this means stepping outside of our comfort zone. Fun fact, I previously served as a ”novice judge” for Miss Gloucester County pageants. Yes, I was completely oblivious and way out of my comfort zone of ball sports, nevertheless, it was still a very rewarding experience to help the local pageantry world.
Most recently, I’ve had the opportunity to support Mantua resident Emily Cooney as a local titleholder in preparation for last year’s and this year’s Miss New Jersey Pageants. On Monday, April 22, I was an interviewer during a mock interview session to help prepare Emily for this year’s Miss New Jersey pageant.
Emily currently holds the title of Miss Avalon and will be participating in the 91st Miss New Jersey Pageant on June 15 at the Resorts Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City.
Emily will be graduating from Saint Joseph’s University in a couple weeks with a degree in business administration and has aspirations of eventually pursuing law school. Her community service initiative is helping military veterans through her program, “Serving Those Who Serve.” Please join us in wishing our hometown contestant, Emily Cooney much success in this year’s Miss New Jersey pageant.
The world recognized Monday, April 22 as Earth Day. As many know, “Earth Day brings awareness to environmental causes, educates others on the importance of creating a more sustainable planet, encourages advocacy, and works to conserve the planet’s biodiversity to promote living a clean lifestyle and protecting our planet.”
Mantua is a beautiful place to live and we can certainly make a difference both as individuals and as a community. Let’s continue to strive for a healthier community through education and through our own actions, all year round.
On Tuesday, April 23 the Gloucester County Mayor’s Association met for our monthly meeting in Washington Township at the Luna Rossa Restaurant. United Advocacy’s Ignite Hope was our guest speaker who spoke about domestic violence and human trafficking. I’d like to thank Director Danielle Brown and Nicole Reinders for their very informative presentation.
On Saturday, April 27 at 9 a.m. we will officially welcome Blended Joe’s as a partner at the Pizza Tower located at 745 Woodbury-Glassboro Road in the Sewell section of our community. We encourage you to stop by and join the welcoming celebration.
Speaking of small businesses, please consider supporting local business in Mantua Township by voting in this year’s 28th annual “Best of Gloucester County” at www.gcbestof.com.
The township received a CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) in the amount of $75,000.00. This grant money will be used to assist with road improvements in the area of 280 Berkley Road. This certainly helps to reduce costs through our annual road program and saves taxpayer dollars.
Mantua Township presents Pups in the Park. This event is a celebration of our lovely Chestnut Branch Park becoming dog-friendly. All Mantua Township residents are invited, along with their furry friends.
It will take place at the park on Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., residents may register their pets for the pup parade that will start at 10 a.m.
The event will also feature local special guests including Emily Cooney, also known as Miss Avalon, Daminger’s Natural Pet Foods, Earthwise Pet Supply, and our very own Mantua Township Police Department’s K-9 Unit.
Please remember that all dogs must be on leashes at all times, cleaned up after, and properly registered and licensed. We hope to see you there.
For our Jewish friends and neighbors throughout the community, we’d like to wish you a very Happy Passover, Chag Pesach Sameach.
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
- Fire Hydrant flushing will occur throughout the township on Monday, April 29 through Friday, May 4.
- 2nd Quarter Property Taxes are due Wednesday, May 1st.
- Fire District Meeting is Thursday, May 2 at 7 p.m. at the Sewell Fire Station.
- Historical Commission Meeting is Thursday, May 2 at 7 p.m. at Norris Street School.
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
