Mayor Joann Gattinelli congratulates WTHS graduates, while reflecting on the first annual Addiction Awareness and Remembrance Vigil
Washington Township High School graduation ceremony
On June 15, I was proud to attend the Washington Township High School Graduation. There were several speakers who gave inspiring and encouraging messages for the graduates to take with them as they move on from high school. State Sen. Fred Madden, Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera and Washington Township’s school administration attended the ceremony. Also in attendance were township Councilpersons Angela Donato, Dana Pasqualone and Sean Longfellow. I was happy to have the opportunity to hand my son his diploma as he was graduating, along with the other Washington Township graduates. I am proud of each graduate for the hard work they have put in and wish them the best of luck as they move on to the many different endeavors they will pursue.
Addiction Awareness and Remembrance Vigil
The first annual Addiction Awareness and Remembrance Vigil was held on June 19. There was a sizeable turnout, which brought to light how many people this affects in our township. It was rewarding to see the community come together in support of those fighting addiction and those who have lost loved ones to addiction. There were several emotional and moving moments as people told their stories. Various singers from several of Washington Township’s schools performed inspirational songs and a moment of silence was held. The lanterns made on Senior Service Day and candles were also utilized to help create special moments. We were fortunate enough to present a remembrance bench donated by my administration and the municipal alliance, which will be placed in Washington Lake Park in remembrance of loved ones lost to addiction.
I was moved to see our community there to support each other, especially since most everyone knows someone who has been affected in some way or another by addiction. Dr. Jim Baird, an ER physician from Kennedy Hospital, related there were about 3,000 people who came into the emergency room for drug treatment over the span of a year, which is why this is an important initiative. Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik also gave statistics and informed us many heroin deaths go unreported or misreported because of the stigma. It is important to shed light on this problem so we can all better understand how to provide the necessary support to friends and loved ones. I was thankful to learn of the coaching and support available not only to those struggling with addiction, but to their families and those recovering as well. My heart goes out to those still struggling or recovering from addiction and their families. Thank you to all who were involved in putting this event together, including the many generous sponsors and those who organized the details of the event. We will continue to hold this vigil each year to show support, bring awareness to this problem and remember those lost to addiction.
Joann Gattinelli is the mayor of Washington Township. She can be reached at mayorgattinelli@twp.washington.nj.us.
