Committeewoman Eileen Lukens and I attended the Township’s Rabies Clinic and then the Cub Scout Pack 7045 Annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday morning, March 4. Both events were crowded, and as always, we enjoyed interacting with community members for two great causes.
On Monday afternoon, March 6, I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Kenneth Lacovara. Dr. Lacovara is a world-renowned paleontologist and the Founding Dean of the Earth and Environment Department at Rowan University. He provided a personal tour of the Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park, which by the way, will be a world class museum bringing in visitors from around the world. The museum and park are expected to get approximately 200,000 visitors annually and will bring in jobs for residents and help to boost our local economy. It’s slated to open its door in the spring of 2024. Look for my next Mayor’s Video Update where Dr. Lacovara will explain some important facts about what’s to be expected with the park and museum which is located right here in the Sewell section of Mantua.
On Thursday, March 9, I had the honor of meeting with a young leader of our community, Emily Cooney. Emily is a twenty-year-old resident of Mantua who is participating in this year’s Miss New Jersey Pageant. For the past twelve years, she has done a lot of work for military veterans. Emily is now interested-in beginning a transition program for local veterans from our community who are recently coming out of the military. I was happy to meet with her in an effort to help promote this awesome cause.
Casey Power lost her life due to domestic violence. To honor her, her family created “The Casey Power Foundation,” which is a foundation that fights against domestic violence, while helping victims and survivors. In a little over one year, Casey’s family has been able to raise thousands of dollars to support local shelters and give to victims and survivors of domestic violence. They have also been able to give out three $1,000.00 scholarships to graduating seniors, two being from Clearview Regional High School and one from Our Lady of Mercy Academy.
On April 1, the family will be honoring Casey with the 2nd Annual Casey Power Memorial 5K Run and Walk to raise money and awareness at Chestnut Branch Park. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9 a.m. The cost is $30.00 per person which includes a t-shirt, water and treat.
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
- Our police department will have car seat safety technicians at the Sewell Firehouse @ Union Avenue on Saturday, March 11 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Our Public Works Department will begin to pick-up green carts (grass and vegetative waste) beginning on March 20 through to Oct. 27. This is only for grass and leaves. Please don’t place dirt, mulch, branches or sticks inside green carts.
- Our Spring Leaf Pick-Up this year is from Monday, April 17 through Friday, April 21. It’s just this one week in the Spring and is essentially the same service that we provide in the Fall beginning at the end of October. It’s to help our residents out who missed the Fall leaf season, etc. We ask that residents place their leaves curbside as we use our “Leafer” truck to remove the leaves. We ask that residents not place the leaves in plastic bags – leaves won’t be picked-up if in bags. We also ask that residents not mix sticks or branches or any other debris in with the leaves that are raked curbside.
- Our next Township Committee Meeting is Monday, March 13th at 6 p.m. at the Township Administration Building on Main Street.
- The Fire District’s next meeting is Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m. at the Sewell Fire House on Union Avenue.
- Don’t forget that Daylight Savings begins on Sunday, March 12 and to move your clocks an hour forward.
- We want to wish everyone a very happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day on Friday, March 17. Please remember to celebrate responsibly.
On behalf of myself, Deputy-Mayor Pete Scirrotto and the entire Township Committee, we look forward to serving you with honesty, integrity and trustful leadership.
