D.A.R.E. graduation
On May 1, I attended the D.A.R.E. graduation ceremonies for the elementary schools. I was pleased to attend this event along with Council President Joe Perry. It is so important for our children to be educated on how to make the best choices in life. The children are taught to choose the best decision to avoid any negative or harmful consequences. I would like to thank Chief Pat Gurcsik and Officer Gary Egizi, our D.A.R.E. instructor and coordinator for their support in helping me bring back this program.
New business in town
I am happy to announce two new businesses have opened in Washington Township: All American Assisted Living and COMB Hair Salon. On May 2, I was pleased to be a part of the All American Assisted Living ribbon cutting ceremony along with Perry and Washington Township chamber members Nicole Lannutti and Brian Bailey. On May 10, I was also happy to welcome COMB Hair Salon to Washington Township. I would like to wish All American Assisted Living and COMB Hair Salon much success here in Washington Township.
Women owned businesses and women entrepreneurs’ event
On May 6, the second women’s entrepreneurs and women owned businesses event that was hosted by our economic development consultant, Nancy Mozzachio at the business incubator space building at Rowan University. The purpose of this event was to promote women empowerment and help businesswomen network with other businesswomen. There were several accomplished guest speakers that shared insightful and inspiring information about themselves and their careers. If you or someone you know is interested in attending another women’s event or being a guest speaker, you can contact Nancy Mozzachio at nmozzachio@twp.washington.nj.us or at (856) 589-0520 ext. 261.
‘Battle of the Badges Blood Drive’
I am pleased to report the 2nd annual ‘Battle of the Badges Blood Drive’ in Washington Township was another huge success. Due to the generosity of our 143 blood donors, there were 429 recipients of these blood donations. I would like to acknowledge the American Red Cross for helping us to organize this event; their representatives worked extremely hard in advertising and coordinating the event. I would also like to acknowledge Fire Chief Pat Dolgos and Police Chief Gurcsik for their competitive, yet friendly nature during this event; I believe it made a difference in gathering blood donors. In the end, the police department pulled in more blood donation votes and retained the plaque that was generously donated by Frank DiNote who is a past recipient of blood donation from the American Red Cross. Again, I would like to thank all who were a part of putting this successful event together and I look forward to seeing if the fire department can win the plaque next year!
Joann Gattinelli is the Mayor of Washington Township. She can be reached at mayorgattinelli@twp.washington.nj.us.
