Dear Community Friends,
Our thoughts and prayers are with the owners of the building that’s home to the Barnsboro 5 Point Family Barber Shop located at 700 Main St. As most already know, the Mantua Township Fire Department was dispatched to this location last Friday evening, Feb. 9 for reported flames coming from the business. According to the MTFD heavy flames were found on the first floor and extended to the second-floor apartments. The fire was fought for about three hours and is currently under investigation.
I’m not sure if Hidden Hill Farm is still a hidden gem here in Mantua Township, as hundreds of visitors flocked to the farm last weekend for their annual Valentine’s Day Kissing Booth Weekend. I joined in the fun and shared the experience with my daughters, Brittany and Ashley who were in their animal glory.
Special thanks to owner, Tara Bauersfeld for bringing joy to our community not just for Valentine’s Day, but all year round. Stop by sometime and visit Violet and Piper and the rest of Tara’s furry friends at Hidden Hill Farm at www.hiddenhillfarmnj.com.
At our Feb. 12 township committee meeting, I was honored to administer the oath of office to newly minted Captain of Police, William Murphy. Captain Murphy will now officially serve as MTPD’s second in command. Captain Murphy has been a member of our police department since 2006, and has served in the ranks as corporal, sergeant, and most recently lieutenant. He holds a master’s degree in public administration and is the assistant commander of the Gloucester County SWAT team. Amongst the many other hats that he wears, Captain Murphy is also a firearms instructor and the township’s deputy emergency management coordinator.
We are truly blessed to have Captain Murphy as part of the leadership team in our community. We congratulate him on this well deserved promotion, and expect nothing but continued success in his new role as captain.
At our Feb. 12 township committee meeting we recognized longtime resident Jim Atkins for heart month by presenting him and his wife, Robin, with a proclamation. Jim survived quadruple bi-pass surgery in 2012, and since that time, he has had four heart attacks, eight stents placed in his heart and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Jim is a heart warrior, and we’re thankful he’s helped us to spread awareness throughout our community.
For me personally, heart disease is something that I’ve been battling for many years. Heart Month in Mantua is very near and dear to my heart.
Also at our Feb. 12 township committee meeting, we recognized the winners of our 2023 inaugural “Deck the House” holiday decorating contest with a proclamation. The first through third winners also received a gift card. We’d like to congratulate the following winners and thank each family for their participation and hard work: Genzel Family – 1st Place; Hauss Family – 2nd Place; Brady Family – 3rd Place; Scirrotto Family and Thurston Family – Honorable Mention.
It was a fun and exciting inaugural competition. We look forward to this year’s holiday event being bigger and better.
We received a recent complaint about dogs being unleashed at Ceres Park, and owners not cleaning-up after their dog’s waste. It is required to have dogs leashed at all times at Ceres Park, and owners must always clean up after their dogs. Please adhere to the rules.
Upcoming Township Meetings and Events:
- Monday, Feb. 19 is President’s Day and Municipal Offices will be closed. Trash removal services will begin this week on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
- The Land Use Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building.
- Veterans Commission Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building.
- Public Works Convenient Drop Off is open on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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
