Mayor Joann Gattinelli reflects on recent holiday events, community service and township beautification
Happy holidays from Mayor Joann Gattinelli
As I reflect back on all of the wonderful events and initiatives I have had the pleasure to be part of, I am very proud of the Washington Township community as a whole. With charitable groups such as Mother’s Cupboard, the COW Project, Future Acts, Mothers Matter, Friends Are By Your Side, the Toni and Baby RJ Foundation, Kathy McGee Memorial Holiday Meals Program and many more, I see our community making a difference in others’ lives, which embodies the spirit of giving in the holiday season. Thank you to all of the volunteers who offer their time and services. I look forward to participating in the many inspiring, upcoming events and causes in 2018. On that note, the Washington Township administration and I would like to wish all the residents of Washington Township a safe and happy holiday season.
Sponsoring families in need
I am proud to participate in one of the numerous gift donation opportunities in Washington Township during this holiday season. I would like to express the importance of giving to others, especially during this time of the year when it can be difficult for families in need. I would like to commend the many residents that continue to come together to donate to and organize programs such as Shop with a Cop and the Gobble Up Hunger Food Drive. Washington Township’s Business Administrator Jason Gonter, along with his family, is a great example of generosity and decided to sponsor a few families in need for the holidays, along with many other Washington Township employees. Through Mother’s Cupboard, Gonter and his family sponsored a family for which they purchased clothing and toys for the holiday season. You may have also seen the Giving Tree in the lobby of the Municipal Building, from which many Washington Township employees could choose a child to donate toys and clothing to. I am very proud of the employees who have given generously and selflessly. Thank you, to all of the residents and employees of Washington Township who have given back to the community so everyone can enjoy the holidays.
Litter Patrol
To strengthen our “Clean Communities” initiative, I was happy to present a new Litter Patrol truck to allow our wonderful Clean Communities employees to properly collect and dispose of litter and debris around the township. This truck was paid for with monies from the Clean Communities Grant. Since the Washington Township Clean Communities program started in 2015, employees have been using old trucks handed down from public works. We were happy to receive grant money to utilize this new truck to help clean up the roadways and open space. In November alone, approximately 280 bags of trash and 121 bags of recycling were picked up. Clean Communities also holds educational events, such as the Recycling Event at Bells Elementary School in September. I am proud of what the Clean Communities initiative has done for Washington Township and I am happy they now have the equipment they need to continue beautifying the township.
Welcome To Washington Township sign
You may have noticed our new township sign located on Route 42 as you drive into Washington Township from Route 295. We will continue improving the image of Washington Township and focusing on economic development. Be sure to keep an eye out for our Shop Washington Township program signs that will be displayed very soon.
Joann Gattinelli is the mayor of Washington Township. She can be reached at mayorgattinelli@twp.washington.nj.us.
