Dear Community Friends,
Memorial Day is a federal holiday for honoring and mourning our U.S. military personnel who died while serving in our armed forces.
In our own deep hearted way, our community comes together, and we pay our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice at our annual Veterans Commission Memorial Day Ceremony.
Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto was the keynote speaker, and Committeeman Shawn Layton and I were in attendance.
Each year, we pay special tribute to one of our own hometown heroes by presenting a township proclamation. This year, we recognized the late Donald John Gellenthin for his unwavering commitment in defending the United States of America by dedicating five years of service from 1975 to 1980 in the U.S. Navy.
Donald had strong roots in Mantua Township growing-up here, and attending J. Mason Tomlin School, then Clearview Junior and Senior High School. Donald was the devoted husband to Laura for 27 years, and the father to his daughters, Rhianna, Stephanie and Sarah of Mantua Township.
In 2003, Donald was unfortunately diagnosed with prostate cancer and was eventually found to have a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, a cancer that can be caused by exposure to Agent Orange. He sadly passed away from this disease.
With many family members on hand this past Monday, we remembered Donald as a patriotic man who loved his family and our community. It was my distinct pleasure to be able to present Laura and the entire Gellenthin family with this heartfelt recognition and well deserved honor at this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony.
On Tuesday, May 28 we held our second senior dinner of the year at the community center on E. Mercer Avenue. We had about 105 in attendance. Delicious chicken parmesan was the entree provided by Santini’s Restaurant along with amazing homemade cupcakes for dessert prepared by Tracy’s Treats.
If you’re a senior citizen, and you’d like to attend any of the remaining free dinners scheduled for July 23, Aug. 27, Sept. 24 or Oct. 22 please RSVP in-advance by calling Pam in the township clerk’s office at (856) 468-1500.
We still have available seating at our first senior picnic to be held at the township administration building complex on Wednesday, June 12 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (rain date, Thursday, June 13). If interested in attending, again please RSVP with Pam in the clerk’s office.
On Wednesday, May 29 the Gloucester County Mayors Association’s monthly meeting was hosted in Mantua Township at JG Cook’s Carolina Blue. This meeting brought our county mayors together with our municipal police chiefs and their command staff. Our guest speakers were Acting Prosecutor Christine Hoffman and Chief Ron Cundey from Harrison Township who’s also the VP of the G.C. Police Chiefs Association.
Our township administration building will begin summer hours on Monday June 3. The summer schedule will be in place through Labor Day. As part of the summer schedule, all township municipal building offices will be closed on Fridays.
Our staff will have extended office hours on Mondays through Thursdays during the summer in order to continue to accommodate our residents with efficient and effective services.
Monday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Mantua Regional Court will have the following modified summer schedule:
Monday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 8:30 am to 4:30 am
Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
- Bulk Trash Pick-Up is Monday June 3 to Thursday June 7 on your normal trash day.
- Thursday, June 6 is the next Fire District Meeting at 7 p.m.
- Thursday, June 6 is the next Historical Commission Meeting at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, June 8 is the next MTPD Car Seat Safety Checkpoint at the Sewell Fire House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, June 8 is the next Public Works Convenience Drop-Off between 10 a.m. to 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
