Dec. 31 will conclude Committeeman Shawn Layton’s valued service on the township committee. Shawn chose to not run for reelection this past November and has decided to devote his time to his career and other life aspirations.
Committeeman Layton spent the last seven and a half years serving the residents with a strong passion and love for his hometown. Everyone knows Shawn as he was born and raised here in Mantua and went through the Mantua K-6 and Clearview Regional school systems. He has been devoted to our community from volunteering on our recreation committee as a young man to serving many years as a volunteer firefighter with the Mantua Township Fire Department.
Shawn has done everything else in between and was elevated to a member on township committee in his early 20s. Most importantly, Committeeman Layton is selfless and probably one of the hardest-working young men in our community. He exemplifies the true meaning of a public servant.
On behalf of the township committee, I want to wish our very good friend and colleague the best of luck with his future endeavors. We’re going to miss his experience and valued public sector knowledge, especially from a public safety perspective.
We plan on recognizing Committeeman Layton’s years of service at our Feb. 10 committee meeting.Â
Former mayor and Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto was honored at the Dec. 18 Gloucester County Mayors’ Association (GCMA) meeting – along with Mayor Lou Manzo of Harrison Township and Mayor Dale Archer of East Greenwich Township – for their many years of dedicated service to their respective communities and our county.
These three gentlemen have over 60 years of combined service as local elected officials, and almost 40 years combined service as mayors. As president of the GCMA, I was privileged to present each honoree with a crystal award recognizing their exceptional leadership as mayors who served the residents of Gloucester County. Committeewoman Eileen Lukens attended to support her long-time friend and former colleague on township committee.
It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the 2024 Deck the House contest winners. Each family decorated their home with incredible holiday spirit, creativity and passion and is deserving of this year’s recognition. Awesome job by the Capate Family, especially Michelle Connolly-Capate, who is our overall winner this year. Her husband, Jim, admitted that Michelle does all the incredible decorating at their property and that she deserves all the accolades.
The winners:
Most colorful display: Carelli Family of 23 Brookview Drive
Most classic display: Furfari Family of 637 Topeka Ave.
Best inflatables display: Campi Family of 140 Norris St.
Most original display and overall best decorated: Capate Family of 865 Bridgeton Pike
On Dec. 19, Santa and I visited the winners, compliments of the Mantua Township Fire District, and provided each with a township proclamation, a crystal award and a yard sign announcing their victories. This was a fun and exciting time in the community for the winners and for myself. Thanks to everyone who participated. We look forward to doing this again next year during the holiday season.
Mantua’s Lawson-Cox Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7679 hosted its annual Christmas luncheon on Dec. 22. The VFW hall was packed with Mantua families and children from around our community who hung out with Santa, enjoyed a disc jockey and dancing and ate great food.
I attended and addressed the crowd and enjoyed helping the VFW members with spreading some holiday cheer.
I’d like to thank Ernie Martino, Will Foltz, Commander Martin Valdez, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and all those who organized this wonderful Christmas party. Our VFW Post 7679 is the absolute best. They’re always giving back to our community and doing for others – especially during the Christmas season.
Upcoming township meetings and events:
- Monday, Jan. 6 through Friday, Jan. 10, is the regularly scheduled bulk week pickup.
As we close out this year, I’d like to thank everyone for allowing me to serve as your mayor. It’s truly an honor and privilege to lead what I consider to be the best community in South Jersey.
I’d like to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2025. On behalf of the entire township committee, we look forward to continuing our service with honesty, integrity and trustful leadership. Â
