Mayor Joann Gattinelli welcomes new business, announces concerts in the park and celebrates youth making a difference
Concert in the Park
I was happy to attend the “Lights Out: A Tribute to the Jersey Boys” concert at Washington Lake Park on Sept. 8. This is the first time that Washington Township has offered two free concerts in the park during the month of September. There was a large crowd enjoying the music and atmosphere in Washington Lake Park. The environment and weather during this time of year set the perfect tone for fall. If you missed this concert, make sure to mark your calendars for the next Concert in the Park on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m., where “Tramps Like Us,” the number one Bruce Springsteen cover band, will be performing.
The Craft Room opens in Washington Township
I was pleased to be present at the grand opening of The Craft Room in Washington Township on Sept. 9. Craft lover Nicole Lannutti created the do-it-yourself craft business. In 2014, Lannutti turned her passion for do-it-yourself crafting into her own business when she opened her home business Made of Paper. This business invites people to craft their own invitations, which will be part of The Craft Room space. Lannutti welcomes patrons of all ages and skill-sets to come to The Craft Room to design something creative. The Craft Room is giving people an innovative, yet therapeutic outlet, and I think this is a wonderful idea as the do-it-yourself crafting has become quite popular. The Craft Room is located at 508 Hurffville Crosskeys Road. I wish Lannutti and her family all of the best and much success in their new business.
Children raise funds for Hurricane Harvey
I was proud to meet four young children in the Washington Township community who wanted to make a difference in the lives of those who were affected by Hurricane Harvey. Theresa Antell’s daughter Faith, and Kelly Ridgeway’s children, Luke, Kit and Becca originally came up with the idea to donate their toys and clothes to children who lost theirs in the storm. After some more thought, they came up with the idea to set up a stand to sell baked goods and lemonade. They were determined to raise the funds, so they went out for three days, for three hours each day on Sept. 8, 9 and 10. Their efforts spread across social media with the help of their parents, and many from the community came together to support the cause. PostNet also donated the signs for the big sale. When I heard young residents in our community were devoting so much time to helping, I wanted to meet them and support them as well. Washington Township schoolteachers, fire department, EMS, police department and other first responders, along with Chief of Police Pat Gurcsik and Chief of Fire Pat Dolgos also supported this cause. These phenomenal kids ended up raising more than $1,400 to donate to the Red Cross. I am extremely proud to have such thoughtful residents in Washington Township. They demonstrated no matter how old or young, anyone can make a difference if you think big and act on an idea to make a difference in the lives of others.
Joann Gattinelli is the mayor of Washington Township. She can be reached at mayorgattinelli@twp.washington.nj.us.
