While November and December are times of great thanks, appreciation and celebration, 2022 brings new hope and at least the possibility of life returning to normal.
With new COVID-19 variants still mutating and trying to figure out how to evade the three approved vaccines, we must remain vigilant but also recognize this virus is likely something we will have to contend with for many years to come.
Thank you to all of our local pharmacies, Mercer County, The State of New Jersey and the West Windsor Health Department, led by the tireless Jill Swanson, for the massive effort of vaccinating our community over the past year.
I once again want to express how thankful I am for the opportunity to serve as your mayor for another four years. I am eternally grateful to the residents, businesses and civic organizations, which do so much to ensure that Robbinsville continues to personify the very meaning of community. You step up for each other time after time, and please believe me when I say other towns have taken notice and have stepped up their game as a result.
We said goodbye to two important members of that community on Dec. 31, when Councilman Vince Calcagno and Police Chief Chris Nitti retired after faithfully serving Washington, then Robbinsville Township for 22 and 28 years, respectively.
I learned so much about being mayor and the many intricacies of public safety from both Chris and his predecessor, Marty Masseroni, that I likely would not still be in office to write this column had it not been for each of those gentlemen.
Councilman Calcagno has been a mentor and a friend, whose legendary contributions to our town are far too numerous to list here—so we just went ahead and named the Senior Center after him—the Vincent J. Calcagno Senior Center!
Without Vince, I probably would not be in the realm of public service to tell these tales.
Both the RTPD and Vince’s council seat are in exceptional hands with Lt. Mike Polaski promoted to chief effective Jan. 1, 2022, and Debbie Blakely moving over from Dan Schuberth’s unexpired two-year term and taking the oath of office for Mr. Calcagno’s four-year term at the Township Council reorganization meeting Jan. 6.
Bittersweet times, for sure.
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Speaking of our police department and PBA Local 344, led by Officer Allison Ricci, just an incredible job raising over $8,200 for the JillyBean Foundation as part of “No Shave November” and presenting that check to Kevin Lecorchick in memory of his beloved late wife.
Jill Lecorchick passed away at the far-too-young age of 32 after battling Stage 4 breast cancer and is dearly missed by her friends and family. Since 2015, No Shave November events have raised over $25,000 for various research and cancer-related charities and causes. Well done, everyone!
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Don’t forget the fee rabies clinic on Thursday, Jan. 13, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Public Works garage, located at 56 Robbinsville-Allentown Road. Preregistration is required at tinyurl.com/ppthpckv.
All standard COVID-19 protocols are in place. One person and one pet per customer, and please use leashes and/or pet carriers for your furry ones.
Wishing everyone a safe, happy and healthy New Year from all of us in Robbinsville Township!
Dave Fried is the Mayor of Robbinsville Township
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