To the Editor:
As my tenure on Pennington Borough Council comes to an end, I would like to thank everyone who supported me over the past 12 years. I ran for council hoping to help preserve the small town where I grew up and raised my family.
A lot has changed over the 70 years I’ve lived here — some for the better, some for the worse — but Pennington remains one of the best little towns to call home. Many traditions that define our community are still going strong. We still have the Memorial Day parade, with kids riding decorated bikes and the volunteer fire company marching through town with their trucks. We still hold July 4th races where everyone wins a ribbon, and Easter egg hunts with a full-size bunny delighting the kids.
Over time, new traditions have joined the old. Today we have the Pennington Christmas Walk with Santa, concerts at 51 South Main Street, and community events that bring neighbors together. This past September’s concert on Main Street drew more than 200 people — the largest turnout in its history. Neighbors met new neighbors, and people did what a small town should do: enjoy their community together.
Even small moments reflect Pennington’s spirit. While only a few residents formally entered the recent Christmas light contest, more than 50 homes across the borough were decorated, sharing the season’s joy. That kind of quiet participation speaks volumes about the pride people take in this town.
I want to tip my hat to the Parks and Recreation Department for the tremendous amount of work they do behind the scenes, as well as to the many committees and volunteers who help make Pennington the special place it is.
There are a few things I wish I could have completed before leaving office. I hope that in the near future, the council will find the resources to bring back the Pennington First Aid Squad, an essential part of our community. I also hope that someday the old clock currently stored in the Public Works garage will be installed in the center of town. It would be a fitting finishing touch to downtown.
Thank you again to everyone who has supported me over the years.
-Chico
Charles Marciante, Pennington
P.S. My new “office” is at Deli on a Bagel most mornings from 6 to 7. Stop by and say hello.
