Mayor Joann Gattinelli attended an Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony, as well as the grand opening of Stio’s Water Ice and Ice Cream.
Eagle Scout honor of Jason Thorpe and flag burning ceremony
On Sunday, April 23, I was invited to take part in the Eagle Scout Court of Honor Induction Ceremony for Jason Thorpe. I was honored to receive the invitation from Jason’s mother and take part in the festivities. I got the chance to meet Jason and his family, along with some of the younger Boy Scouts present for Jason’s big day, who were eager and willing to share their excitement with me. They look up to Jason as a role model and see what one is able to accomplish with hard work. I enjoyed listening to Jason’s speech and some of the other Scouts’ speeches, which were well thought out and articulate. Jason’s project for the Eagle Scouts was to build a ceremonial fire pit in Washington Lake Park for the Veteran’s Affairs Advisory Board of Washington Township. The fire pit is used to properly dispose of retired American flags. I was happy to hear that this is so important and personal to him, specifically because two of his great uncles were veterans who served in World War II.
On June 10, at 10:30 a.m., there will be a flag burning ceremony at the ceremonial fire pit located in Washington Lake Park. I encourage everyone to attend, as it will be an eye-opening experience in how to respectfully and ceremoniously dispose of retired American flags. Also in attendance at the induction ceremony were Sen. Fred Madden and Bob Abbott, the chair of our Veteran’s Affairs Advisory Board. I would like to thank Jason Thorpe, his family and friends, Abbott, Madden, all the Scouts and the many others who attended this event to make the day special and meaningful for all involved.
Stio’s Water Ice and Ice Cream grand opening
There is yet another business I am happy to welcome to Washington Township, especially as the warm weather approaches. I attended the grand opening of Stio’s Water Ice and Ice Cream on Saturday, April 22, and there was a great turnout of people who are enthusiastic about the business. The Stio family and the employees were welcoming and excited to share this day with me, Councilwoman Angela Donato, Councilman Sean Longfellow and Chamber of Commerce member Bob Timmons. The Stios were even so gracious to invite us to celebrate with lunch at their new neighbor’s restaurant, Luigi’s Pizza City, which is the perfect meal to enjoy before a water ice or ice cream! I enjoyed talking with the Stios and their employees on such a significant day. I would like to thank all of the people who attended this event, as well as the Stio family for inviting me to be a part of their grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. I wish them much luck and success with their new business!
Joann Gattinelli is the mayor of Washington Township. She can be reached at mayorgattinelli@twp.washington.nj.us.
