Dear Community Friends,
On Thursday, Aug. 8, I had the pleasure of filming Mayor’s Message #22 with longtime resident and breast cancer survivor, Ashley Levinson. Ashley discusses her incredible journey behind a sudden cancer diagnosis last year, and her passion for educating others and spreading awareness. We talk about some exciting events that Ashley has in store for our community with Paint Mantua Pink Week beginning with a kick-off event at Chestnut Branch Park on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. Look for this video in the coming weeks on the township’s social media platforms and our website at mantuatownship.com/mayors-message.
On Monday, Aug. 12 the township committee held its monthly meeting. It was Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto’s birthday. I bring this up because Deputy Mayor Scirrotto has never missed a township committee meeting in his 33 years of serving as an elected official for our community. Of course, tonight was no different as he spent his 71st birthday sitting at the dais at the township building. This is just another small sampling of Pete’s long-standing dedication and commitment to our residents. Happy birthday and thank you for your service, my friend.
At the township committee meeting, we also paid special tribute to Casey Power and stood in support of the Casey Power Foundation. The meeting honored Casey Power who lost her life during an act of domestic violence back in April 2021. Casey was a Mantua resident and a 2014 graduate of Clearview High School. The Casey Power Foundation honors Casey and raises the voices of victims of domestic violence by providing assistance to victims and encourages public awareness. We stand with Casey’s mom, Maryanne and Casey’s sister, Jessica in every way possible.
On Tuesday, Aug. 13, I was honored to attend the first Coffee with a Vet hosted at the Lawson Cox Mantua VFW Post 7679. It was a great opportunity for me to meet with our local veterans and support this great event. According to the VFW, “This hour-long meet-up is a relaxed opportunity for veterans and their families to share stories, discuss life experiences, and connect with others who understand their journey. Feel free to stay longer than the allotted hour and enjoy the camaraderie.”
Mark your calendars for the coming months and spread the word to anyone who might be interested. “Coffee With a Vet” occurs on the second Tuesday of every month starting at 11 a.m. The next one is Tuesday, Sept. 10. Great job Commander Martin Valdez and Vice Commander, Charles Thorp.
Many residents in the Sewell section of our township do not receive the printed version of the Mantua Sun newspaper by USPS delivery. Regardless of where you live, you can sign up and have the Mantua newspaper emailed to you each week at no cost at thesunpapers.com/subscribe. This is a great way to stay in-touch with our community.
Bowman & Company LLP, who are the township’s certified public accountants and consultants recently completed the 2023 annual audit report. We are happy to report that all records were in order and that there were no findings to report in this audit.
We are currently working with a website designer and manager in order to upgrade our township’s website. Our existing site is ten years old and is in drastic need of various improvements. Our main goal is to make the website more user friendly and interactive for residents. We expect to have our more modernized page up and running in 6-8 weeks.
We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of resident and retired Woolwich Township Police Officer, William R. Gunning, Jr. William passed peacefully at his home in Mantua surrounded by family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Marcy and the entire Gunning family. Rest in peace, sir.
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
- Saturday, Aug. 24 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
