The Hammonton Gazette 01/08/2014 | Page 2

Learn more about the PRCA p. 23 Check out our new Hollywood column Start the new year off on a healthy note p. 15-22 p. 31 DIDONATO TAKES OFFICE Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Volume 18 • Issue 2 www.hammontongazette.com by Gabe Donio GAzeTTe STAff WRiTeR HAMMONTON—Mayor Stephen DiDonato was sworn into office as the first two-time fouryear-term mayor in town history with his family by his side at the annual reorganization meeting of town council held at noon on Janu- Councilman Thomas Gribbin named deputy mayor for 2014 ary 1. Three members of town council were also sworn in as their families looked on: edward Wuillermin, Michael Pullia and Thomas Gribbin, whom DiDonato appointed deputy mayor during the meeting. Two people steal 10-year-old’s wallet by Gabe Donio GAzeTTe STAff WRiTeR HAMMONTON—Police are searching for two people in their 20s who are wanted in connection for stealing a 10-year-old’s wallet with $60 of Christmas money inside it, Hammonton Police Cap- See COUNCIL, Page 12 tain Nick Salvatore said. The theft occurred at the 12th Street Wawa on December 28 at 2:20 p.m., where a 10-year-old customer took a Wawa gift card out of his wallet, put the wallet on the counter after making his purchase, and left the wallet on the Food pantries in need of donations by Paul J. Macrie IV GAzeTTe STAff WRiTeR HAMMONTON—As a new year begins and the Christmas season concludes, some question whether residents who have donated food items during the holidays will stop giving to local food pantries, such as the St. Vincent de See WALLET, Page 10 Paul food Pantry. Several individuals in the area continue to stress to people that donating food items to the less fortunate is something that should persist throughout the winter months, especially during the between time period of Christmas and easter. The Rev. Thomas Donio of the St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish said THG/Gina Rullo. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. DiDonato, Bagliani’s to be honored New Jersey Superior Court Judge Nelson Johnson shakes Councilman Thomas Gribbin’s hand after swearing him into office. Gribbin is pictured with his wife Sara and daughters Grace (holding the Bible) and Brynn. HAMMONTON—On January 6, the Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce announced it will honor longtime volunteer Dominic “Tip” DiDonato and Bagliani’s Market at its awards banquet on May 20. DiDonato is a well-respected community volunteer See FOOD, Page 10 and the former owner of DiDonato’s Bowling Center. He will be receiving the Chamber’s “Nice Going” Award. Bagliani’s Market will be receiving the Business of the Year Award. “Hammonton is lucky to have individuals and businesses who care deeply about our town; and we are proud to honor them,” Chamber President Kelly Raso said. Byrnes joins board; school board reorganizes too by Lauren Bucci GAzeTTe STAff WRiTeR HAMMONTON—The Hammonton Board of education held its reorganization meeting on January 1, 2014 at noon. Board member eric Weiss and folsom Board of education representative Lisa O’Toole were absent. Three board members were sworn in based on the results of the November 2013 election. Current board members John Lyons and Barbara Berenato were joined by their families and sworn in for another term. Both Berenato and Lyons are eager to continue their service to the district especially since they have family members attending, or entering into, the Hammonton School system. “As you saw when i was sworn in, i have five very good reasons for wanting the school district to Merchants discuss ‘13 holiday season by Paul J. Macrie IV GAzeTTe STAff WRiTeR THG/Lauren Bucci. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. Linda Byrnes was sworn into office on January 1 at the reorganization meeting of the Hammonton Board of Education. Her daughter Kristyn Byrnes-Frankel officiated and her husband H. Stewart “Skip” Byrnes held the Bible. SUBSCRIBE TO HAMMONTON—The holiday shopping season has concluded, and local retail business owners offered their perspective on how sales went during the latter month The Gazette! ONLY $20 FOR 52 WEEKS! CALL: (609) 704-1940 See BOARD, Page 3 of November into December. Most were relatively pleased with sales, despite a shorter shopping time period due to the Thanksgiving holiday falling on November 28. Rob and Danielle Thornwell, the co-owners of Sears on the See  BUSINESS, Page 4