We’ve been experiencing our first few snowfalls and some exceedingly frigid temperatures this month. Overall, I’m happy to announce that we have not had any major problems or serious weather-related accidents reported thus far in the township.
Our public works department has continued to do an outstanding job plowing and salting our municipal roadways throughout the municipality. Sledding and other winter activities are being enjoyed at our beautiful Chestnut Branch Park by kids and families.
We’re glad everyone is having a wonderful time, but please remember to keep all motor vehicles off Main Street where temporary no-parking signs are posted by police. There is plenty of parking within the confines of our park, so there is no excuse to park along the main thoroughfare. The Mantua police department will issue tickets to illegally parked vehicles, as this is an extreme safety concern during snowy weather conditions.
We will be amending our township code chapter 338-14 as it relates to trash receptacles. We will continue to provide single trash, recycling and green carts to each household free of charge moving forward. However, beginning April 1, there will be a one-time $75 fee for any resident requesting an additional cart of each category. This will pass these costs along to those wanting additional carts, rather than continuing to burden the taxpayers as whole.
On Jan. 11, I had the distinct honor of attending the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for township resident Ethan Bardsley. Ethan has advanced through the ranks of Scouting in our community and is currently a member of Venturing Crew 7022 in Mantua. He was officially awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at this ceremony. Ethan has earned an astonishing 89 merit badges and his Eagle Scout project involved making 46 no-sew blankets distributed to the sick and homeless.
It was my privilege to represent the township committee and to present Ethan with a proclamation for his well deserved and earned promotion to the rank of Eagle Scout. Ethan certainly has the proven leadership skills that exemplify that of a future leader. We wish him the very best and congratulate him on this very prestigious accomplishment.
On Jan. 12, Committeewoman Eileen Lukens, Committeeman Jack Steen, Committeeman Jay Snyder and I attended a ceremonial event at the VFW Post 7679 to honor Pete Scirrotto for is long-standing service to our community. VFW Commander Martin Valdez mentioned that Pete was most supportive of veterans and the VFW post during his 33 years of service.
The township committee and I were thrilled and honored to be on hand and to be able to help honor our great friend. There is no one more supportive of our veterans, our police and the youth of this community than Pete. His passion for service has been second to none.
On Jan. 19, Mantua Girl Scouts Isla and Margot of Troop 60854 were selling cookies at the Heritage’s Dairy Store on Woodbury-Glassboro Road. The two 6-year-old residents and their moms were out on this snowy day raising money for Scouting and other important causes of their choice.
I saw the girls in my travels and purchased my favorite, peanut butter patties. The township committee and I encourage our community to support our local Girl Scouts this time of year, and to purchase a box or two if you see them stationed outside your favorite local business.
Mantua American Legion Post 305 is actively seeking new members who want to serve the community and country through impactful programs and events. Led by Commander Robert Andersen – who proudly upholds a family tradition of service – post 305 plays a role in events like the Patriot Day and Memorial Day ceremonies, along with numerous community initiatives.
Commander Andersen is committed to growing this legacy and welcomes veterans from all backgrounds to join. If you’re ready to be part of a mission-driven group making a difference, please reach out to post 305 via email at mantua305@hotmail.com or contact Andersen directly at (321) 216-0639.
During the month of December, the Mantua Township Police Department handled 2,513 calls for service, made 50 arrests, issued 147 motor-vehicle summonses, conducted 145 investigation reports and investigated 56 motor-vehicle crashes.
MTPD’s Lt. Drew Hayes, Lt. Brian Hauss, Det. Jeff Krieger, Inv. Alex Stewart, Ptl. Greg Sweeney and Ptl. Andrew Glaser will all be participating in this year’s Police Unity Tour. This 300-mile bike tour raises awareness for those law-enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and provides financial support for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum in Washington, DC. If you’d like to support Mantua’s team for this most worthy cause, contact Lt. Hauss at bhauss@mantuatownship.com.
On behalf of the entire township committee and I, we look forward to continuing our service with honesty, integrity and trustful leadership.
