I’m excited to announce that our township committee recently passed a resolution authorizing the public sale of a plenary retail consumption license. This resolution authorizes our only remaining license to be sold at a minimum bid of $500k to the highest qualified bidder.
A primary goal this year is to bring in another restaurant to our community by way of this license. Residents have expressed the need for another restaurant with a liquor license here in Mantua, and we couldn’t agree more with this sentiment. The additional revenue generated by this sale would also help to off-set local property taxes.
Stay tuned as more information is forthcoming. Notice of the public sale and an invitation to bid will be published at least two times in the Courier Post, the official newspaper of the township. To give you an idea of a bidding process starting point, a prospective buyer must be pre-qualified and submit required packets on or before June 17 at 10 a.m.
Our first shredding event of the year was April 12 at the township’s municipal complex. I, Committeewoman Eileen Lukens and Committeeman Jack Steen were on hand to help residents load their documents for destruction.
These events are a great opportunity to rid yourself of confidential paper documents in a safe, secure and convenient manner. Our shredding events are free and are at no expense to the local taxpayer. Our next one will be held on Sept. 13 between 9 a.m. and noon at the same location.
The Auxiliary for Mantua’s Lawson Cox VFW Post 7679 hosted its annual Easter luncheon with the Easter bunny on April 12. I stopped by to support the VFW and to visit with some of the families who attended the program. The children had a great time and enjoyed hot dogs and other foods and desserts at the post.
We’re grateful for the VFW and the auxiliary for their continued community service, especially during this Easter season. This is just another example of how our VFW supports our youth and constantly contributes to the overall well-being of our Mantua community. Special thanks to VFW Commander Martin Valdez, program organizer Ernie Martino and the auxiliary.
Mantua Little League’s opening-day ceremony on April 13 was a grand slam. Committeeman Steen – who also happens to serve as president of the league – paved the way. I addressed the crowd and threw out the first pitch for baseball. Committeewoman Lukens threw out the first pitch for softball.
Deputy Mayor John Legge and Committeeman Jay Snyder were on hand to support the players, coaches and all those in attendance. It was a thrill to be able to throw out the first pitch. It brings back great memories of my playing days, knowing first hand the excitement that these youngsters experience on an opening day. It’s one of the most gratifying things to be a part of as your mayor.
The township committee and I want to wish every player and coach an exciting, safe, and memorable season.
On April 14, Committeeman Snyder and I spent some time supporting Mondays in Mantua, the weekly car show held at the Toll House Plaza on Route 45. This was the group’s first car show of the season at that location. It’s always a great opportunity to support the car enthusiasts who participate, and to patronize our local businesses at the same time. The weekly car shows are every Monday night now through September.
At our April 14 township committee meeting, we recognized April 2025 as Autism Awareness Month and honored a lifelong resident, Caitlin Wilson, who was officially diagnosed with the disorder at 7 years old. The committee and I presented a proclamation to Caitlin in front of her family and a large group of supporters.
Caitlin is not only a trailblazer, but she is also an absolute inspiration to our community. She has overcome so many obstacles in her young life, and is using her personal experiences to spread awareness, and to help others with autism cope with those same obstacles. We are truly grateful for her efforts, and we are here to support her in every way possible.
On April 18, I was thrilled to welcome Cheerful Dragonfly to Mantua at its grand-opening ribbon cutting ceremony. Cheerful Dragonfly, formerly the home of Lavender and Lace, has been a staple in Mantua for over 37 years. Now under the care of Dawn Hill-Hoffman, the shop continues to spread joy through stunning floral arrangements and heartfelt gifts.
On behalf of the entire township committee, I’d like to welcome Cheerful Dragonfly to our community as its newest small business. This beautiful building has been in Mantua since the 1800s, and we’re thrilled that Dawn has decided to preserve the floral business at this historic site.
We wish her much success with her new business venture and congratulate her on today’s official grand opening.
