Mayor Gattinelli also discusses the upcoming Toni and RJ 5K
Back to School Safety News
With the start of a new school year, there is excitement in the air for a fresh start.
In an effort to keep our children, teachers and all residents safe as we start the new school year, I have worked with Chief Patrick Gurcsik and Councilwoman Angela Donato to improve safety on the roads that are near Washington Township schools.
Police presence has been increased at the crosswalk at Orchard Valley Middle School, at Hurffville-Crosskeys Road at Newtown Commons, at Greentree Road at TLC Childcare and at Greentree Road near Bells School, which we feel will help deter people from speeding.
I ask that all drivers pay special attention when you see school buses stopping and children walking, so our children can get to and from school safely.
Please allow extra time for travel between the hours of 7–9 a.m. and 2–4 p.m., during which time the buses will be transporting children to and from school. Remember to always stop behind a bus if the flashers are on, as it is illegal to pass a bus when flashers and stop sign are out. Also, please do not text and drive at any time.
We want our roads as safe as possible and are committed to bringing this to our community’s attention.
Toni and RJ 5K
Not only has Donato helped with our back-to-school safety measures, but she has helped organize the Toni and RJ 5K Run/Walk to race against distracted driving.
The run/walk will take place in Washington Lake Park on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 9 to 10 a.m.
The Toni Donato-Bolis and Baby RJ Foundation works to educate drivers on the dangers of distracted driving.
I am glad to have such an important issue highlighted in our community, to help people understand that something as “small” as a text can warrant a terrible consequence if done while driving.
Hurricane Harvey
I want to take a moment to recognize those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Houston. I know some of our residents may have family and friends affected by the storm and we are saddened to learn of the devastation that has occurred in Houston.
Two members of the Washington Township Fire Department are assigned to the New Jersey Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team, and are on stand-by to give assistance if additional resources are requested.
During their potential and likely deployment, those firefighters will most likely be assigned to a water rescue and/or search component. Washington Township is keeping the residents, volunteers and rescue teams in Houston in our thoughts and prayers.
Joann Gattinelli is the Mayor of Washington Township. She can be reached at mayorgattinelli@twp.washington.nj.us.
