Dear Community Friends,
On Saturday, Oct. 5, we kicked-off Gloucester County Goes Pink Week at Chestnut Branch Park. This event was organized almost single handedly by breast cancer survivor and long-time Mantua resident, Ashley Levinson.
Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto and I presented Ms. Levinson with a township proclamation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. I also recognized Ashley for her recent fight against cancer, and for her willingness to help others by raising money and spreading awareness about this horrible disease.
As a heart disease and “widow maker” survivor myself, I can relate firsthand to Ms. Levinson’s health challenges. Anyone who has gone through a life-threatening health experience and has been faced with their own mortality at a fairly young age, can certainly understand both the physical and emotional challenges. I commend Ashley for her proactive efforts in saving lives through the educational process.
The township committee and I are very passionate about efforts of this kind, and we want to thank Ms. Levinson for her commitment to helping others through her own personal experience as a recent breast cancer survivor. She has put herself in the forefront for the betterment of others and our community, and we are truly grateful.
On Sunday, Oct. 6, Scirrotto, Committeeman John Legge (Veterans Commission Liaison) and I were on hand to support Mantua’s Lawson Cox VFW 5K Running for Vets.
Scirrotto helped start the run, and Legge participated in the run/walk with his son, Kevin. Committeeman Legge and I both spoke at the luncheon and awards ceremony afterwards. We thanked and congratulated those who participated. We stand with our Veterans and any fundraising efforts to support them. Our Veterans Commission Chairman, Joe Heitman does a phenomenal job, and we always have his back.
I recently welcomed new resident and Clearview 7th Grader, Nathan Cunningham to Mantua Township. Nathan and his mom, Theresa Devine are fanatical about decorating for Halloween. They moved to town in early September, and a major priority for them was getting their house all decked-out for a spooktacular fall season.
Nathan was eager to show me how he helped to turn their front yard into a lighted display of giant skeletons, scary inflatables and frightful spiders, ghosts and ghouls, etc.
Awesome job by Nathan and Theresa. If you’re out and about, check out their incredible display on Linden Avenue. It’s a must see.
At the Oct. 7 Township Committee Meeting, we passed a resolution establishing an 8 p.m. curfew for juveniles on Wednesday, Oct. 30 and Thursday, Oct. 31 (Halloween). Trick or treat hours for Halloween are from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. throughout the township.
At the Township Committee Meeting on Oct. 7, we also authorized the hiring of a park foreman, Joseph L. Anderson III. Mr. Anderson has extensive field management and lead groundskeeper experience and is a member of the Philadelphia Phillies, “Game Day Grounds Crew” at Citizens Bank Park. He will be overseeing Chestnut Branch Park and will be primarily focused on the improvement of our soccer fields, etc. Mr. Anderson will begin employment with the township on Oct. 21. We’d like to welcome him to our team.
The Township’s Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA) Executive Director, Charles M. Jones has informed me that there has been no water/sewer rate increase in the past 11 years. Therefore, if your recent MUA bill is higher than normal, it is most likely due to water usage increases, and not rate increases. Remember, we’re coming-off a very dry summer season, and increased irrigation usage will obviously increase your water fees. Potential leaks can also be the culprit causing a bill increase.
If you’ve noticed a significant increase to your bill this past quarter, please call the MUA at (856) 468-1111 or email cjones@mantuamua.com and he will gladly assist with attempting to identify your issue. This applies to anyone who has received an abnormally high water and sewer bill from the MUA.
- Thursday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.: Fire District Meeting
On behalf of Scirrotto, myself and the entire township committee – we look forward to continuing our service with honesty, integrity and trustful leadership.
Respectfully,
Mayor Robert T. Zimmerman, MAS