Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto and I have been invited to attend the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for three outstanding scouts on April 2. We are thrilled to represent the township and to be able to present each with a township proclamation recognizing this incredible achievement. Congratulations to Evan Kizer, Nathan Roberts and Nicholas Elentrio, Jr. on a job well done.
Kizer advanced through the ranks and now has attained his Eagle Scout. Evan held various leadership positions while in Boy Scouts such as Senior Patrol Leader and Outdoor Ethics Guide. Evan focused his Eagle Scout Project on building animal cages for South Jersey Wildlife Rehabilitation, which had extensive damage to their site from the tornado that went through Mantua in September of 2021. The new cages will be used for injured or abandoned wildlife brought to the rehabilitation center.
Roberts advanced through the ranks and now has attained his Eagle Scout. Nathan held various leadership positions such as Patrol Leader, Scribe, and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Nathan focused his Eagle Scout Project on designing and building an animal hutch for the South Jersey Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, which had extensive damage to their site from the tornado that went through Mantua in September of 2021. After hearing about their storm damage in the Mantua Sun, Nathan took the initiative to reach out to the South Jersey Wildlife Rehabilitation Center to see if he could use his Eagle Project as a way to help the non-profit get back on their feet.
Elentrio, Jr. advanced through the ranks and now has attained his Eagle Scout. Nicholas held various leadership positions such as quartermaster, assistant patrol leader, and chaplain’s aide. For his Eagle Scout Project, Nicholas worked with the East Greenwich Police Department (EGPD) to plan, design and construct a shelving system to aid in the proper storage of different types of property and equipment. In constructing this shelving, Nicholas has helped the police department in reaching the first-ever Accreditation with the NJ State Chiefs of Police as well as assisting the EGPD with being more effective in organizing a multitude of needs to better serve the community.
I previously reported that Mantua Township received CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) monies for ADA upgrades to the existing bathrooms, and for the installation of a new family ADA compliant bathroom at Chestnut Branch Park. This project has been completed and the bathrooms are now open to the public.
CDBG monies were used to install a new roof and fix some structural issues at our Senior / Community Center on Mercer Avenue. This project is also almost finalized, and we anticipate that the building will be reopened very shortly.
In my most recent Mayor’s Message Vol. 4 video released this week, I had the pleasure of interviewing world-renowned Paleontologist Dr. Kenneth Lacovara to discuss the construction of the 44,000 sq ft., 72-million-dollar Rowan University Jean and Ric Edelman Fossil Park and Museum which is set to open in spring of 2024. This must-watch video will be found exclusively on YouTube and is linked to our website and social media sites.
Our Mantua Township Historical Commission (MTHC), under the leadership of Chairman Jeffrey Gellenthin and Vice Chairman Herb Hood have been instrumental in preserving and sharing the rich history of Mantua Township. The Spring 2023 Quarterly Bulletin is now available. Join the MTHC’s emailing list in order to receive a pdf copy of the bulletin by emailing mthc1977@gmail com. The museum is open on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. until noon. The museum is located at 145 Mantua Blvd. in Mantua. We are grateful for the many volunteer members of the MTHC who are a vital part of the on-going process of preserving and educating our community of its incredible past.
As the liaison to our recreation committee, I had the opportunity to attend this month’s meeting. Our volunteers are working hard to potentially incorporate a couple new events and activities. As things become finalized, we’ll be sure to announce the specifics. Mantua Township residents, Jim Kiel and Jason Moore attended our recreation meeting and provided a presentation on the proposed eighteen-hole Disc Golf Course to be constructed on the undeveloped 50-acre portion of the Chestnut Branch Park.
On behalf of myself, Deputy-Mayor Pete Scirrotto and the entire Township Committee, we look forward to serving you with honesty, integrity and trustful leadership.
