The township committee and I are thrilled to announce that we are being awarded a New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) $2.8-million grant to make intersection improvements at Bridgeton Pike (NJ-45) and Mount Royal Road/Harrison Avenue.
As most are aware, these intersection improvements are warranted, especially with the proposed Super Wawa coming to this area in the future. This grant funding will help with the reconfiguration of this intersection and alleviate the current traffic concerns.
I’d like to thank our New Jersey District 3 legislators, state Sen. John J. Burzichelli and assembly members Heather Simmons and David Bailey Jr., for their efforts in helping to get this money allocated to Mantua Township for this purpose. We are truly grateful for their ongoing commitment to the welfare of our community.
On Wednesday, Nov. 20, a certified crisis response team including two trained assistance dogs named Jolene and Lincoln visited with staff at our administration and regional court offices. The crisis response canines were part of a wellness day focused on the power of animal-assisted support in the workplace.
According to our wellness organizer Leah Clemenson, “Studies show that just 10 minutes of interaction with a dog or cat can significantly reduce cortisol levels. With that in mind, we encouraged everyone to take part in this unique opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of interacting with friendly, trained support dogs.”
Mantua Township partnered with the Total Experience Foundation (TEF) for this year’s free Thanksgiving Turkey and Trimmings dinners. On Saturday morning, Nov. 23, we brought this program to Mantua Township to help those within our community. We delivered the free turkey and trimmings dinners to the homes of about 10 senior citizens who didn’t have transportation, and had a distribution location set up at the township administration building, where another 40-plus senior friends picked up their dinners.
I’d like to thank Jerry McGough and Michael Lloyd from the Total Experience Foundation (TEF) for including Mantua this year. Jerry is one of the founders of the Total Turf Experience (TTE) on Lambs Road in Mantua Township (a first-class sports and entertainment facility), and he has started the TEF which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating out of the Total Turf Experience facility at 614 Lambs Road.
Deputy Clerk Pam LeVine and our bus driver, Rhonda Tusevicus, spearheaded the efforts at the township level. Alivia LeVine and I participated in the distribution of the meals. It was extremely gratifying to help those in the community during this Thanksgiving season. The recipients were extremely grateful and appreciative.
On Thursday, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., the township will be hosting our annual winter festival at Chestnut Branch Park. This is a great family event that is organized by our recreation committee. We encourage you to come join in the fun and take advantage of our beautiful park as it’s decorated like a winter wonderland for the Christmas season.
We have a host of activities including a disc jockey, photo booth, rides, inflatables, food trucks and we will be capping-off the evening with a fireworks display. We have special guest appearances by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, along with Mantua’s own, Miss Cape Resort 2025, Emily Cooney.
Upcoming township meetings and events:
- Through Friday: bulk trash week
- Thursday at 7 p.m.: fire district meeting
- Thursday at 7 p.m.: Historical commission meeting
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.
