As your mayor, I believe leadership is about more than policies and decision making. It’s also about trust, transparency and connection. That’s why it’s important to me that you know who I really am, not just as an elected official, but as a person.
I went through 12 years of parochial school and am a proud graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School. Recently, I had the honor of recognizing Mantua resident Thomas F. Iacovone, who’s had a profound impact on my life and many other lives he’s touched. Iacovone was not just my high-school football coach, he was a mentor, a guide and a true example of leadership and integrity.
On April 15, he was inducted into the Gloucester Catholic hall of fame. This was the most recent of his many awards and accomplishments in life.
However, sometimes the most valued and impactful attributes go unrecognized and unrewarded. For me, it’s that Coach Iacovone taught his players how to lead, how to persevere, how to grow through failure, and how to carry themselves with purpose and mental toughness throughout life.
The lessons I’ve learned from Coach Iacovone, both on and off the field under his tutelage, have continued to shape who I am today. For this reason, it was my distinct pleasure to recently present him with a mayoral proclamation expressing my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation on behalf of our residents and the many Gloucester Catholic family members who reside here in Mantua.
On May 31, Committeeman Jay Snyder and I attended the Sign and Monument Unveiling Ceremony at the Union Graveyard on Norris Street. The Union Graveyard and United Association was founded on Feb. 13, 1804. In existence for more than 220 years, the graveyard was one of the first public burial sites in the area.
The graveyard is approximately one-third of an acre in size, and is said to have as many as 450 residents – including 11 known veterans – buried there. To date, 125 grave markers are accounted for. The last known burial at the Union Graveyard is believed to have been more than 100 years ago.
We are truly grateful for the dedication of our incredible istorical commission, led by Chairman Jeff Gellenthin and Vice Chairman Herb Hood. This small sign and monument serve with a powerful purpose. It’s a landmark reminder of the history of the Union Graveyard and helps to keep the stories of those buried here alive for future generations to come. It allows for us all to honor our past, enrich the present, and educate our residents for a better Mantua future.
The Gloucester County Mayor’s Association held its monthly dinner meeting on May 28 at Cecil Creek Farm in East Greenwich Township. Our special guests were the municipal police chiefs and their command staffs from around the county.
Committeeman Snyder and I attended along with Mayor Jessica Doheny and Council President Jaclyn Graves from Wenonah. Chief Darren White, Captain Bill Murphy and Lt. Brian Hauss were our honorary guests.
This is always a great opportunity to acknowledge the everyday efforts of our chief and his command staff, and to recognize their unwavering commitment to public safety, leadership excellence, and dedicated service to the Mantua and Wenonah residents.
Our leadership team embodies the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and community engagement. We have one of the finest police agencies in New Jersey and are truly grateful for their effective policing of our communities.
On May 26th, we held our annual Veterans Commission Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Plaza on Main Street. Committeewoman Eileen Lukens, Committeeman Jack Steen, Committeeman Snyder and I attended to pay our respects for those who served in the armed forces and made the ultimate sacrifice.
Committeeman Steen was the keynote speaker and represented the township committee, and I presented the family of John George Forsman Sr. with a township proclamation for his service in the U.S. Army.
We recognized the following winners of the bicycle decorating contest: Jefro Salmons, Emerson Joslin, Hudson Joslin, Leandra Salmons, Amelia McCauley, Arietta Salmons, Jude McCauley, Cameron Rosauer and Alaira Parris.
We’d like to thank everyone who attended the ceremony, and recognize chairman Joe Heitman and the members of the Veterans Commission for putting this program together each year. Our community never disappoints when it comes to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
May God bless our fallen soldiers and their families every day.
On May 22, I presented a township proclamation and recognized Mantua Cub Scout Pack 7045 for their meaningful and lasting contributions to our community over the past 50 years. Pack 7045 is celebrating its 50th anniversary. They were founded in 1975 and have played a positive role in the lives of local youth.
Originally sponsored by the Mantua Lions Club, Pack 7045 has continued its work under the sponsorship of the Masonic Lodge since 2013 and has stayed true to the mission of Cub Scouting by helping young people grow in character, citizenship, leadership and personal fitness.
For 50 years, young leaders have developed important skills, built friendships and learned the value of working together toward shared goals. Their Scouting experiences have shaped these youngsters over the years into capable, respectful individuals. Cub Scout Pack 7045’s focus on goal orientation, leadership, and preparedness has benefited both the Scouts and the Mantua Township community.
I’d be remiss if we didn’t recognize the dedication of the many volunteers, leaders, families and Scouts who have helped sustain Pack 7045 over the last 50 years. I’d like to personally commend all those impactful Scout leaders over the years, and recognize today’s leaders such as Scout master Glenn Booth, along with Den Leaders, Joe Matchett and Chris Schanbacher.
We thank them and look forward to supporting their continued success for many years to come.
On behalf of the entire township committee and myself, we look forward to continuing our service with honesty, integrity and trustful leadership.
