MONTVILLE, NJ – Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, State Senator Joseph Pennacchio, the Morris County Freeholders and Sheriff James Gannon were among the first to congratulate residents of Montville Township and its committee members on its sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary, at a ceremony held on Jan. 1.
Although the Congressman was unable to attend, Pennacchio read a letter with greetings and congratulations from him.
“The Congressman had to go back to Washington to do the people’s business,” Pennacchio said.
Frelinghuysen included a framed Congressional Record statement from December 2016.
“Mister Speaker,” it begins, “I rise today to honor the Township of Montville, New Jersey on its 150th anniversary.”
Frelinghuysen’s statement describes the township and its history, and he calls the township an “active, vibrant community” which has been “consistently ranked among the best places to live both in New Jersey and across the country.”
“Mister Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in congratulating Montville Township on its Sesquicentennial Anniversary,” the statement concludes.
Frelinghuysen also gave the township a flag that flew over the Capitol building in Washington D.C. on Dec. 6.
Pennacchio offered his congratulations on behalf of Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce and Assemblyman Jay Weber.
Freeholder Douglas Cabana introduced the Morris County Freeholders. John Cesaro, Christine Myers, Deb Smith, and Montville Township residents Hank Lyon and Tom Mastrangelo attended, as well as County Clerk Ann Grassi and newly sworn in Sheriff James Gannon.
Cabana said the group was proud to be at the ceremony and asked Lyon and Mastrangelo to present the county’s proclamation.
The proclamation discusses Montville’s history and formation, and reads in part:
“Whereas, many dramatic changes have taken place over the last 150 years, from the days of its first mayor, John Blowers, to the Montville of today, which is an active, vibrant community of some 22,000 residents, with a modern, effective local government, excellent public school system, and first-rate public library, while retaining beautiful open spaces and preserving its rich architectural heritage;
“Now, therefore, be it resolved, the Board of Chosen Freeholders, Morris County, congratulates Montville Township on its 150th anniversary, and offer best wishes to its residents and governing body during this celebratory year.”
To see video of the Senator and Freeholders, click:
