Mayor Joann Gattinelli reminds residents to participate in budget forums, thanks community for patience and assistance in past week’s storm.
On Saturday, March 11, I attended a fantastic event called the Mother’s Day Project. This project was hosted by the Lauren Rose Albert Foundation Board Members and Mothers Matter Committee Members. The Lauren Rose Albert Foundation touches the lives of thousands of women each year. I was so happy to be a part of this heartening ceremony, which honored mothers everywhere. Volunteers assembled 2,500 gift bags for mothers who need extra help in their lives. The volunteers take time out of their busy schedules to help these mothers who are struggling in difficult situations. I would like to thank their passionate founder, Susan Rose, their dedicated board and committee members, and the wonderful volunteers for their efforts and time spent organizing this program. Being a mother myself, this foundation truly inspires me and warms my heart. For additional information about this foundation and this event, please visit the Mothers Matter website at www.mothersmatter.org.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank our residents for their patience and cooperation during our storm occurrence on March 13 and March 14. The safety of Washington Township residents is our primary concern. We understand that it can be frustrating waiting at home for the weather to subside and the streets to be fully treated, so we appreciate everyone’s cooperation in staying off the roads and making sure streets were clear of cars and other items. Also, the phone calls we received with updates were helpful in guiding us to the areas where additional help was needed. I would also like to thank our dedicated public works staff for working diligently and efficiently to make sure our roads were safe.
Washington Township is happy to have Atlantic City Electric as our primary energy provider. For Arbor Day, ACE is providing one free, one-gallon, four-foot potted tree to each of its customers on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a fantastic way to promote environmental consciousness in our town. I am an advocate for savings and efforts to “go green.” These “shade trees” can help residents save energy in their homes and decrease heating and cooling costs. There are several different varieties, including American Beech, Bald Cypress, River Birch and White Dogwood trees, which can also add some beauty to our town. If you would like to reserve your tree, you may call the Arbor Day Foundation at (855) 670–2773, or visit its website at www.arborday.org/ace.
Lastly, I would like to remind residents of the resident budget workshop meetings, 45 minutes to one hour in duration, where residents can express their ideas relative to the 2017 budget for Washington Township, as announced last week. Meetings will be held by Business Administrator Jason Gonter and CFO James D’Auria, and are limited to a maximum of five residents to keep the small group setting. We are looking for constructive, positive ideas to discuss so we can continue improvements within our valued community. All budget topics are open for discussion. I encourage residents to submit one or two questions, ideas or topics that we will gather data and information for, to discuss at your scheduled meeting. Please sign up by emailing mtahan@twp.washington.nj.us, or call (856) 589–0520, ext. 287. The deadline to sign up for a meeting is noon on the day before the requested meeting to give reasonable time to prepare information in response to your questions. We are looking forward to hearing from you! Meetings will be held in the Flag Room of the Municipal Building at 11 a.m. on March 23 and 30; April 6, 13, 20 and 27.
Joann Gattinelli is the mayor of Washington Township. She can be reached at mayorgattinelli@twp.washington.nj.us.
