Dear Community Friends,
With the recent crispness in the morning air, and the leaves dropping more rapidly, it certainly turned quickly to fall weather overnight in our area. I love breaking out the sweats and long pants and enjoying the beauty that surrounds our community this time of year. Please take advantage of the refreshing chill in the air before it turns frigid, and if you haven’t done so already, take a brisk walk or bike ride at Chestnut Branch Park on the surrounding pathways. It’s breathtaking this time of year.
On Monday, Oct. 30 the Gloucester County Mayors Association held its monthly meeting and dinner at Terra Nova in Washington Township. Our special guests were each community’s respective Fire Chiefs and Command Staff. I attended along with Mantua Township Fire Department’s Chief, Brian Hauss. The guest speaker for the evening was Harrison Township Fire District Chief and Gloucester County Fire Chiefs Association President, Matt Cardile. This was another great opportunity to network and share valuable information between mayors and fire department leadership across the county.
Halloween was celebrated this past Tuesday, Oct. 31. It appeared as though everyone had a spooktacular time trick-or-treating throughout our Mantua neighborhoods. According to our police department’s leadership team we had no issues relative to trick-or-treat safety. Halloween season is always a very enjoyable time in our community, and this year seemed to be no different.
You have a constitutional right to vote, and it’s certainly your civic duty. We encourage everyone who’s legally registered to vote for this coming General Election to find the most convenient way to cast your vote. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Polling locations are open from 6 am until 8 pm on Election Day. Another great option is early voting. Early voting will continue daily through this Sunday, Nov. 5. You can vote any weekday and this Saturday (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and this Sunday (10 a.m. until 6 p.m.). The closest location is Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) at the Behavioral Science Center located at 1400 Tanyard Rd. in Sewell, NJ.
The Mantua Township Committee and our veteran’s commission will be hosting the annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. The program will take place in front of the Municipal Building at the Veterans Monument on Main Street. We invite you to join us as we honor and celebrate those who have served our country in the United States Military.
We’re currently planning a township wide Holiday Decorating Contest. Our thinking is to create a fun and friendly competition for those who dedicate long hours in preparation for the holiday season by lighting-up the exterior of their homes. This is still in the preliminary stages as we’re currently working on some of the logistics. In gist, residents who’d like to participate will be able to register through the township by a certain date. We’ll have some various categories, rules, and eventually will judge the winners. The winners will be recognized by the township committee. Stay tuned, as more information will be forthcoming.
Please mark your calendars and save the date of Thursday, Nov. 30 at 5:00 p.m. for this year’s Winter Festival at Chestnut Branch Park. Plan on visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoying a fun filled evening with inflatable rides, food and entertainment for all. The night will be capped-off with a fireworks display.
We are extremely saddened to learn of the recent passing of Mantua Township’s long time Municipal Court Administrator, Marie Kennedy. Marie served our community for many years and was instrumental in helping to initiate shared services in a joint-court agreement with neighboring town(s) which has since led to our current regional municipal court system. Marie retired about three years ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marie’s family during this most difficult time.
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
- Thursday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. is the next Historical Commission meeting to be held at the Historical Museum.
- Thursday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. is the next Fire District meeting to be held at the Sewell Fire Station.
- Bulk Trash Week is Monday, Nov. 6 through Friday, Nov.10 during your normal trash removal day.
- Friday, Nov. 10 is the last day to pay 4th quarter property taxes without a late fee.
- Thursday, Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. is the Winter Festival and Fireworks at Chestnut Branch Park.
Our beloved Philadelphia Eagles at 7-1 face our arch rival the Dallas Cowboys at 5-2 this coming Sunday at home. Sorry Dallas fans, but I’m a home team guy and will be wholeheartedly cheering on the Birds.
On behalf of Deputy Mayor Pete Scirrotto and 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
