Also, Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik reflects on 2017 and looks ahead to 2018 with plans for the Washington Township Police Department —

Mayor Joann Gattinelli talks Super Bowl Hoagie Sale, Shop Washington Township, community calendars and more — Helping Hands Hoagie Sale successful I was honored to be a part of the Helping Hands Hoagie Sale this past Sunday, Feb. 4. Joining me at this event was Councilwoman Angela Donato, Council President Joe Perry and my Administrative Assistant Alicia Rotella. I would like to acknowledge the hard work…

Williamstown resident Debbie Savigliano found peace in helping others through non-profit in memory of her late niece Bianca Yodice — Debbie Savigliano is no stranger to loss, but when her 21-year-old niece Bianca Yodice was struck and killed by a car while walking to work in August 2010, something changed within her. Savigliano said she fell into a deep, dark depression she struggled to climb out of, and it wasn’t…

Maselek performed powerful renditions of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You” and Etta James’ “At Last” — With back-to-back powerful performances, Orchard Valley Middle School eighth-grader Alison Maselek bested 27 other singers and would-be pop stars to claim the title in the sixth annual Washington Township Middle School Idol contest on Feb. 2 at OVMS. …

Fourth-grade students in the Read 180 program at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School recently surpassed a major goal — Fourth-grade students in the Read 180 program at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School recently surpassed a major goal, and they did it before the school year was even halfway complete. The TJ fourth-graders recently soared past the 1,000,000-words-read mark. Read 180 is a multimedia program that is designed to meet the specific needs of students to improve reading levels. The program blends instruction from the teacher with innovative computer software that tracks a child’s progress and customizes instruction to meet their needs.

Also, Washington Township snow removal procedures were discussed — Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik presented a State of the Police Department Address at the Wednesday, Feb. 7, council meeting, looking forward to continued improvements and community outreach in 2018. …

Through an assembly of skits, speeches, dance and more, students spread awareness on prejudice and injustice within the school and nation — They wanted to make a difference, they wanted their voices to be heard, and they felt now was the time to do it. On Wednesday, Feb. 7, students and staff from the Washington Township High School Students in Action, Changing Our World Project, African American Culture Club and Project Unify…

Ellen Parry Lewis, known for her published fiction novels, will release first nonfiction piece “Smarty Pants: How to Become a Valedictorian” in April. — Everything ordinary can be made extraordinary in Ellen Parry Lewis’ mind. As a kid, her pencils transformed to rockets and toys came to life in the creative corners of her imagination. …

Check out what events are happening around your neighborhood this weekend — From a car show in Atlantic City to theater performances in Philadelphia, there are tons of activities to do this weekend. Check out what events are happening around your neighborhood. In Williamstown On Friday, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., local community service group Lead the Way will be hosting…