Mayor Joann Gattinelli announces upcoming events and welcomes a new lieutenant to township EMS
Seventh annual Mothers Matter 5K Run & Walk
I would like to announce the seventh annual Mothers Matter 5K Run and Walk on Oct. 15 in Washington Lake Park. The run will begin at 9 a.m. with the walk commencing immediately afterwards. I am honored to have been asked to kick off the start of this wonderful event. There will be a DJ playing music, face painting, a photo booth, and for the first time, there will be a basket raffle. This 5K is a popular race to be a part of because it is has a USATF certified course with CHIP timing, and awards that are given to the top male and female runners in all age groups. Mothers Matter is a fantastic organization that does so much good for mothers in need. If you would like to donate to Mothers Matter, they are always in need of the following items: shampoo and conditioner sets; body lotion; body wash/scrub; nail polish; lipstick; and eye shadow. If you have any questions about the Mothers Matter organization or the 5K Run and Walk, you may visit their website at www.laurenslegacy.org/.
Clean-Up Day
In continued efforts to “go green,” Washington Township’s 14th annual Community Clean-Up Day will take place on Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon in Washington Lake Park. All supplies will be provided, including trash bags, gloves, reflector vests and t-shirts. Volunteers will be assigned a clean-up site and will get to enjoy a barbecue, just in time for the Food Truck and Music Festival. I encourage everyone to help beautify our community, as we do every year. Please see the township Calendar of Events on the homepage of www.townshipnj.com, and click “Annual Clean-Up Day” to register.
EMS swearing-in
I was honored to swear in and welcome a new lieutenant to the Washington Township Ambulance and Rescue Association. Lt. Cindy Grudzinski took the Oath of Allegiance on Oct. 3, with her family there to support and celebrate with her. Also there to witness this event was Business Administrator Jason Gonter and EMS Chief James Connor. I am always proud and grateful to have such dedicated and hardworking emergency personnel in our town. I wish Grudzinski much success in her new position.
Food Truck and Music Festival
An exciting fall event coming up is the Washington Township Food Truck and Music Festival on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Washington Lake Park. It will be hosted by Just Jersey Fest and will offer plenty of fun for the whole family. There will be food, drinks, music and games. Just Jersey Fest is asking attendees to bring a non-perishable canned or boxed item to support the food pantry. This is a great idea to keep others in mind as we come together for this community event.
Joann Gattinelli is the mayor of Washington Township. She can be reached at [email protected].