Dear Community Friends,
On Thursday, Jan. 4, the reorganization meeting was held for the township committee. Committeeman John Legge was sworn-in to a new three year term. I was sworn-in as mayor, and Pete Scirrotto was sworn-in as deputy mayor. This is primarily a ceremonial meeting. The township committee makes various appointments for the upcoming calendar year, however, we do not conduct other business at this meeting.
Tuesday, Jan. 9 was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. The township committee and I would like to thank Chief Darren White and the entire Mantua Township Police Department for keeping our community safe. We appreciate the PD’s dedication and professionalism.
As you know, we experienced a significant storm that brought heavy rain and high winds into the area on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 9 into the overnight hours of Wednesday morning, Jan. 10. Our public safety personnel were busy tending to a multitude of issues including downed wires and trees, and motor vehicle accidents resulting from the storm. Our police department handled 93 calls for service, and our fire department handled 43 calls for service around the community between 4 p.m. on Tuesday and 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported.
This Saturday, Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. the Mantua Police Department will host the first car seat safety technician class of 2024. Buckle up for free instruction on child safety and car seat protection, and learn how to safely and adequately secure your child’s seat in your car. This class will be held at the Sewell Fire House, located at 155 East Union Ave.
The Mantua Township Historical Commission (MTHC) recently reported these most recent accomplishments. This is just a small sampling of many tasks handled by Chairman Jeff Gellenthin, Vice Chairman Herb Hood and this group of MTHC dedicated volunteers who help to keep the history of our community alive. We are sincerely grateful for their hard work and dedication.
A 238 page book about 20 Mantua Township Servicemen who did not return from war was written.
Research work continues on a database of veterans who lived at some point in their lives in Mantua Township and served in the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War through the year 2000. The results so far are stunning as many of these veterans are buried in military cemeteries including two who now rest for eternity in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.
Artifact donations to the MTHC museum continue to grow. One of the most recent artifacts was a chair from the 1874 school house that is at least 100 years old and has an estimated value in excess of $500.00.
Plans are being discussed and formulated to have the MTHC museum ready to offer to the visitors of the Fossil Park Museum, when it opens in the spring. Since the MTHC museum is in the center of Mantua, any increased traffic to the museum will offer visitors a chance to visit some of Mantua’s eating establishments. The MTHC fully embraces Mayor Zimmerman’s position on the Fossil Park Museum as helping the local economy.
MTHC Chairman Jeff Gellenthin continues to increase, maintain and open lines of communication with other historic societies and commissions, etc. This communication may lead to the formation of another historical society / commission and potentially a county history fair.
The grounds of the Union Graveyard, the MTHC museum, the Jesse Chew Cemetery and the Driver Family Cemetery continue to be cared for and monitored in preparation for spring cleanup.
The official 2024 township calendar is available on our website at www.mantuatownship.com. The printed version is expected to hit mailboxes any day. The delays are out of our control. We apologize for any inconvenience – please be patient.
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
- Monday, Jan. 15 is Martin Luther King Day. This is a holiday and our municipal offices will be closed.
- Tuesday, Jan. 16 through Friday, Jan. 19 is Christmas Tree Pick Up.
- Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 5 p.m. is the next Municipal Utilities Authority Meeting at the Municipal Building.
- Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. is the next Land Use Board Meeting at the Municipal Building.
- Thursday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. is the next Fire District Meeting at the Sewell Fire Station.
On behalf of Deputy Mayor Pete 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
