Dear Community Friends,
You may recall, township employee Leah Clemenson organized our recent Red Cross Blood Drive on July 11. Leah was honored to help lead this initiative, which was motivated by her younger brother, Matthew’s June 2022 diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. We are extremely saddened to learn that Matthew lost his battle with all, and unfortunately passed away earlier this week at the very young age of just twelve years old. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Leah, her parents and her entire family during this most difficult time.
At our township committee meeting on Aug. 14, we anticipate the hiring of four new police officers as a result of attrition within the Mantua Township Police Department. We look forward to swearing-in Matthew Germscheid, Joseph Craig, Jacob Jowett and Arthur Ettore and welcoming each officer who brings prior LE experience to our police department.
During our August meeting, we will also be administering the oath of office and promoting Sergeant Robert Layton, Corporal Bruce Shaw and Corporal Stephen Wolfsgruber to these newly respective ranking positions within the Mantua Township Police Department.
Lastly at the August meeting, we will be promoting Edward Hollingsworth to the rank of Park Foreman in our Mantua Township Parks Department.
On Tuesday, Aug. 8 from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., Gloucester County will host their next Family Show at Chestnut Branch Park, “The Big Bug Party.” This free and fun event will exhibit bugs galore that the kids are bound to enjoy. Learn more about these unique creatures, which may include a giant spider, intriguing stick bugs, and many more.
I received a construction update on the progress of our disc golf course at Chestnut Branch Park from organizer and township resident, Jim Kiel.
Mr. Kiel has been actively working at the park since early May clearing the disc golf fairways as per the design. His partner, Jason Moore has been providing the surveying and drawings, plus weekend help when he’s available. Our park staff (Scott Hellerman and Ed Hollingsworth) have also been instrumental with the progress of this project. According to Mr. Kiel, the job has been a little more difficult than anticipated due to all the fallen trees in the wooded areas. Therefore, it has been decided to initially open as a nine-hole course this October, followed by an additional nine holes in 2024 (around September).
Mr. Kiel explained that the course will be ready for play by the first week in October. The initial 9 holes will have temporary signs by each tee box installed on reused four inches by four-inch ground posts. Permanent metal signs will be installed after all 18 holes are ready. A temporary sign at the entrance will have a large map of the 9 initial holes, the additional 9 future holes and PDGA rules of play. A four foot by eight-foot permanent sign will be designed next year showing the entire 18-hole course, the course name and the rules of play. An old park repurposed mailbox will be painted and used to deposit found discs.
Mayor’s Message Volume #11 will feature our township administrator, Jennica Bileci. Mrs. Bileci will discuss the recent property reassessments and will provide some invaluable information for our residents regarding property tax bills and the potential tax impact in our community resulting from the revaluation process. Look for this video over the next few weeks on our social media platforms and on our township website at mantuatownship.com
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
Monday, Aug. 7 through Friday, Aug. 11 is bulk trash week. Bulk trash is picked-up on your regularly scheduled trash day.
Saturday, Aug. 12 is the next Convenience Center Drop Off at our Public Works facility between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Saturday, August 12th is the next Car Seat Safety Program at the Sewell Fire House between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
On behalf of Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto and 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
