The township committee and I established the Patricia Peterson Colorectal Cancer Awareness Proclamation to be presented every March in remembrance of a long-time resident and friend who passed away earlier this year after a long-fought battle with the cancer.
Deputy Mayor Eileen Lukens, Committeeman Jack Steen and I recently presented the inaugural proclamation to Mantua resident Lisa Issa, who was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer in 2012. She was diagnosed at just 26 years young, and the cancer had metastasized to her lymph nodes and liver. She was given an estimated 5% chance of survival.
Lisa’s treatment plan included chemotherapy, radiation and multiple surgeries to remove tumors. She was also given a temporary colostomy bag, which she wore for six years. After more than a year of treatment, her cancer returned, requiring her to begin a new course of chemo and undergo additional surgeries.
At 40 today, Lisa is in remission and is spreading awareness about this horrific disease and the importance of early detection. Her doctors estimate that she could have had this typically slow-progressing cancer for 10 years prior to her diagnosis. She now admits that she ignored tell-tale symptoms in college that could have cost her gravely.
Lisa is involved with a fundraising event, Booty Ball, slated for Saturday, April 18, at the Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia from 6 to 10 p.m. To learn more about this important fundraiser, to buy tickets, or to donate, please go to ColonCancerCoalition.org/Philadelphia.
And stay tuned for Mayor’s Message No. 35 as Lisa tells her incredible story. You will be able to view the video by the end of the month on our social media platforms and our website, mantuatownship.com/mayors-message.
- – On March 11, Capt. Bill Murphy, Lt. Brian Hauss and I attended a ceremony at Rowan University with its president Ali Houshmand, County Commissioner Director Frank DiMarco and Commissioner Matt Weng to accept $1.9 million in Community Project Funding from Congressman Donald Norcross.
The sum of $850,000 is being allocated through the county to Mantua’s jurisdiction at Rowan’s west campus. It will supplement state Department of Transportation funding to continue construction of the extension of Gilbreth Parkway to Lambs Road, which runs parallel to Route 55 in Mantua Township.
- – It’s a privilege to be able to take our dogs to Chestnut Branch Park. Those who don’t follow the rules could eventually spoil this privilege for everyone else. You must clean up dog waste, keep your dog on a leash and be compliant with pet licensing and rabies vaccinations, etc. Please police yourselves! If you see someone in violation, please notify park staff or police by calling the non-emergency number, (856) 589-0911.
Also at Chestnut Branch, we took delivery of a new 20-to-22-foot Norwegian Spruce Christmas tree on March 23. It replaced the existing one at the circle and was purchased for $3,800.00 through our tree trust fund, at no cost to taxpayers. We anticipate showcasing the tree at our upcoming winter festival this holiday season.
We expect to begin construction of the six state-of-the-art pickleball courts at the park on Monday. The first phase of the project is to remove all fencing and prepare the site. After that, the surface will be milled, paved and coated, and the actual installation of the courts will mean reconfiguring two remaining basketball courts. Please be patient as we apologize, in advance, for any inconveniences this may create.
- – The Gloucester County Improvement Authority has announced spring household special waste collection for county residents on the following dates and locations from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.: Saturday, April 18, at the county road department, 1200 North Delsea Drive in Clayton; and Saturday, May 9,at the county Solid Waste Complex at 493 Monroeville Road in South Harrison Township.
For more information and a comprehensive list of waste materials accepted, please contact the authority at (856) 478-6045 or visit its website at gcianj.com.
- – The Casey Power Foundation will host its annual 5K walk and run on Saturday, April 25, at 9 a.m. in Chestnut Branch Park to raise awareness and to support survivors of domestic violence. To learn more and to support this worthy cause, please go to the foundation website at thecaseypowerfoundation.com.
