The weekly message from Mayor Joann Gattinelli
Budget meetings
I would like to remind residents that there are still some dates left for small group budget meetings for residents to ask any questions they have or to offer any constructive ideas they may have regarding the 2019 municipal budget. Our business administrator, along with our chief financial officer, and assistant chief financial officer, will be hosting these small group meetings. For your convenience, we are offering a variety of dates and times for these budget meetings. We ask that you contact the business administrator’s administrative assistant, Lori Morello to register for your preferred meeting date. Lori can be reached at lmorello@twp.washington.nj.us. You can visit our website at www.TownshipNJ.com for the meeting dates; they will be listed under the “calendar” section. Also listed on the calendar, you will find two open public budget meetings for all residents to attend. Sign ups are not necessary for these two meetings. We look forward to hearing some constructive ideas from the residents of Washington Township.
‘Battle of the Badges’ blood drive
For the second year in a row, the Washington Township Police and Fire Departments will be hosting a ‘Battle of the Badges’ blood drive on Tuesday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the council room of the municipal building. This friendly competition is back by popular demand. Blood donors must choose which department they would like to “donate” for: team police or team fire. The winner will claim the winners’ plaque, as well as bragging rights for the year. Last year, team police took the win, along with the plaque. Let’s see if team fire can bring home a win this year. If you’re eligible to donate blood, please consider signing up to donate at www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: Washington Township BOB. To find out if you’re eligible, you may visit the Red Cross website, or call 1-(866) 236–3276. One blood donation can save up to three lives. I look forward to seeing residents stopping in to make a difference in people’s lives at Washington Township’s second ‘Battle of the Badges.’ May the best department win!
Roofing updates
In addition to new paint and landscaping at the end of last year, the Washington Township Senior Citizen Center has also received a new roof that looks tremendous. It is my priority to make sure that all residents, including our senior citizens are heard with their concerns. We are mindful that all of our buildings are well maintained.
Along with the Senior Citizen Center, there were also two pavilions and one gazebo in Washington Lake Park that also received new roofs. It is quite important that we continue to maintain our park as it attracts many people and is one of the largest parks in the state of New Jersey. I would like to thank our director of public works Ernie D’Orazio and his crew for their dedication in making these improvements happen within a timely manner. I would also like to thank our parks department supervisor Nick Fiorentino and his crew for continuing to keep Washington Lake Park looking beautiful and clean.
Joann Gattinelli is the Mayor of Washington Township. She can be reached at mayorgattinelli@twp.washington.nj.us.
