Over $1500 in prize money in all given out!

Blairstown artist Susan Marie David’s incredible use of vintage stones caught the attention of the judges at the Warren County Arts Festival in late April, which led to her receiving the top prize of $1000 for first place.

Held in Downtown Washington, the Arts Festival was presented by the Washington Business Improvement District, with sponsorship from ComForcare Senior Services,

Rossi Chevrolet Buick GMC, VM Development Group, and PNC Bank of Washington.

Taking second place and a $500 prize was watercolor artist Betty Marchant of Old Bridge. Drew Brown, a potter from New Brunswick, garnered third place and a $250 prize. He is committed to crafting only the finest, unique handmade usable wares, experimental ideas, and collectable art pieces.

Washington Borough's annual tribute to all things cars is pulling double duty this year with the annual Mike Schmidt Memorial Car Show being joined by the first ever WRNJ Adult Soap Box Derby.

A downtown tradition, this year's car-centric festivities will be held Saturday, June 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The rain date is the following day. "Both" events are open to the public to enjoy at no charge.

This year's car show will feature vehicles for every interest, from classics to trucks to motorcycles. But a big draw this year is the brand new WRNJ Adult Soap Box Derby.

As part of the Washington Business Improvement District's recent Warren County Arts Festival, teens from throughout the region were invited to exhibit their works at The Vault youth center in Washington for a chance to win gift card prizes donated by PNC Bank. Kelsey McDonnell of Phillipsburg, third from right, took first place honors while Ashley Buwense of Long Valley (third from left) took second and Robbie Waeschle of Washington, second from right, garnered third place. They are congratulated by, L-R, Pastor Eric Hoke of Faith Discovery Church in Washington, which runs The Vault, Theresa March of PNC Bank, and on far right, Mayor Scott McDonald.

The Washington Business Improvement District's People's Choice business winners are now forever etched in brick as they have become a permanent part of the brick display by the antique clock in the center of Downtown Washington. The bricks were recently laid and the honorees, who were cited at a dinner earlier this year, gather for a celebratory photo. With WBID board member Tracy Fazzolari (standing back second from left), WBID Executive Director Sandi Cerami (center front), and Mayor Scott McDonald (back right) joining in for the unveiling, winners in front are Mr. Music, Lewis Wetherall, front left, and Second Time Around, Chris LaBadie, (front right), and in back, left to right, Coppers Salon, Penny Deemer, Irena Kuciarski, Kaffe Kaprys. Tony's Auto Service, Ed March, and Councilman David Higgins (honored for his time on the WBID board).

features area couple's works

WASHINGTON, N.J. (March 13, 2012) - Lisa Bonforte Harmuth and her husband William Harmuth, longtime residents of Washington Township, have showcased their art throughout the tri-state, but starting on Thursday April 19, they'll be displaying their art close to home as part of the Downtown Washington Art Walk.

Each month, a host of regional artists exhibit their works monthly in mini galleries at businesses throughout the town. An Artists' reception is held at each of the participating businesses from 5-8 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month and the art walk remains on display for about three weeks. The Art Walk is presented by the Washington Borough Business Improvement District in conjunction with the participating businesses.  This Show's sponsors are Home Instead Senior Care, Fliegauf Jewelers, Suburban Consulting Engineers, Inc., and Stuber Insurance Agency.  

WASHINGTON (March 13, 2012) – Four new businesses were “officially” welcomed to Washington Borough when ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremonies were held at each of the locations on Saturday March 10.

With Washington Business Improvement District Executive Director Sandi Cerami, along with representatives from the Washington Borough Council (Jeanine Gleba John Valentine and Rob Torres), on hand, Get A Grip, on E. Washington Avenue (Route 57), Aflac (Star Plaza), Make It Happen Studios and Intuitions (both on Broad Street), opened their doors.

Get A Grip, owned by Dan Rossi, refers to itself as a “Bargain Bloodhound”. The store, at 60 E. Washington Ave., offers an extensive array of tools, electronics, clothing and more, both used and new. In many ways, this shop resembles an old fashioned hardware store. For more information, go to www.getagripandmore.com or call 908-223-1325.

The Washington Business Improvement District welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors at its first meeting in January.

James Messina of Messina Wildlife Management filled the spot formally held by his father Jim, while Washington Borough Councilwoman Jeanine Gleba was named the council's representative on the WBID.