There have been some recent rumblings and the spreading of misinformation on social media relative to Megan’s Law, which requires sex offenders to register in New Jersey.
To be perfectly clear, there are protocols under the law that are handled solely by law enforcement, which trickle down from the state attorney general’s office and state police through the Gloucester County prosecutor’s office to local law enforcement. The township committee and my office have no involvement in this process or legal authority to get involved.
No township official – whether it be the chief of police or a local government official – can relay more information to the public than is required under the law, based on the tiering of a sex offender. Nor can a registered sex offender be prohibited from living within a particular community or be restricted from residing within certain areas of a community.
In 2009, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled these types of restrictions to be unconstitutional for municipalities.
This law was designed to enhance public safety and awareness. To better educate yourselves locally, you can start by going to mantuatownship.com/departments/police/megans-law or email the Mantua police department with specific questions pertaining to our community, at meganslaw@mantuatownship.com.
The police department recently implemented a Special Needs Registration program in the township in partnership with other county agencies. The Gloucester County Special Needs Registry is a joint collaboration between the county Police Chiefs Association and the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office to give police quick access to critical information about a person with special needs in an emergency.
To learn more and to get the special needs packet and special needs registry house decal, visit mantuatownship.com/departments/police/special-needs-registry.
On Tuesday, Feb. 18, I met with resident Lily Pederson, a member of Smiles4Cures, to learn more about their inspiring mission. Smiles4Cures is a student-led team from Clearview Regional High School participating in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Visionaries of the Year campaign. Their goal is to raise $50,000 for blood cancer research, patient advocacy and support.
I’m encouraging local businesses to get involved and to help with this ambitious fundraising goal. For more information on donating or to contribute in some other way, email inquires to smiles4cures24@gmail.com.
On Thursday, Feb.20, Committeewoman Eileen Lukens and I welcomed Revive and Renew Massage Therapy – the newest small business in our community – with a small ribbon-cutting ceremony and presentation of a township proclamation.
Revive and Renew Massage Therapy, located at 570 Bridgeton Pike, No. 4, is dedicated to enhancing clients’ well-being through personalized care and is owned by Megan Waterbury, a massage therapist with 10 years of professional experience. The business offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support clients in achieving greater comfort and well-being.
The township committee and I proudly welcome Revive and Renew Massage Therapy to our community, and extend our heartfelt wishes to Mrs. Waterbury for a successful business venture here in Mantua Township.
On Friday, Feb. 21, Deputy Mayor John Legge, Committeeman Jack Steen and I attended the Arrow of Light Ceremony for Cub Scout Pack 7045 at the Mantua United Methodist Church. Cub Scouting is a unique program that encourages not only personal growth, but also strong family involvement. We celebrated not just this incredible achievement, but the core values that these Scouts learned, such as leadership, responsibility, respect, trustworthiness and kindness.
These values will continue to guide them as they transition into the next phase of their Scouting journey with Troop 7083 and throughout life. The Arrow of Light is not just a badge, it is a symbol of what these young Scouts have accomplished, and it will forever shine brightly into their future endeavors.
I’d like to personally congratulate Colin Gorman, Thomas Booth, Lucy Matchett, Matthew Croge, Leonardo Grigioni, William Tenerelli, Noah Golden, Maxwell Denham and Xinyi Yang for this astonishing accomplishment. It was an honor to present each scout with a township proclamation and be a part of the ceremonial activities. (See related story on the Arrow of Light ceremony on page …. )
The Edelman Fossil Park and Museum will officially open its doors on Saturday, March 29. Travel back in time and discover lifesize dinosaurs, interactive exhibits and hands-on fossil digs. You can purchase tickets now by visiting www.rowan.edu/fossils.
We have all felt the ill effects of increasingly higher electricity bills and the township is not immune. Therefore, we will be implementing some proactive initiatives at the township level to try and mitigate the potential adverse impacts to the taxpayer.
The field lights at Chestnut Branch Park have typically been illuminated until 10 p.m. daily. We will begin shutting some of these lights off earlier and will be developing a more economically sound and regular schedule for the lighting beginning in the upcoming fall and winter months. The goal will be to find a balance between providing adequate lighting for sports, activities and visitors, while managing resources more efficiently.
Please note that there will be sufficient lighting in the parking lots and on the walking trails, and safety will not be compromised during these efforts. We ask for your patience and cooperation, and apologize for any inconveniences as we navigate through these changes for the betterment of the community as a whole.
