The Hammonton Gazette 03/23/16 Edition | Página 2

Easter services for local churches p. 23 A look back at the centennial celebration in 1966 p. 27-42 The truth behind one of Tom Hanks’ films p. 51 Wednesday, March 23, 2016 $1M DONATION TO ST. JOE Volume 20 • Issue 12 by Gabe Donio GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—Jeff Umosella, a 1988 graduate of St. Joseph High School, discussed the reason behind his $1,000,000 gift www.hammontongazette.com Jeff Umosella’s gift largest in high school’s 76-year history to his alma mater while speaking in front of students, parents, faculty and board members gathered for a press conference in the school’s media center at the corner of Central Avenue and Vine Street Variety of local arrests made by Gabe Donio GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—Police made a number of local arrests last week, including the following, Hammonton Police Captain Nick Salvatore said. in downtown Hammonton on the afternoon of March 21. School officials called Umosella’s gift “transformational.” Umosella is the COO of USLBM Holdings and president of Universal Supply Company. His donation of $1,000,000 is the largest single donation in the school’s 76-year history, St. Joseph High School Chairman of the Board of Trustees Paul Ordille said. Umosella said he learned many life lessons at the school in addition to academic ones. He said he was following his father, Joseph Sesquicentennial Gala, a smash See UMOSELLA, Page 4 • On March 15 at 7 p.m. on the White Horse Pike (Route 30), Hector Rosado, 22, of Hammonton, was arrested and charged with burglary and aggravated assault, Salvatore said. Rosado was lodged in the Atlantic County Jail in lieu of pay- Town welcomes 2 new police officers by Kevin Troilo GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—Council met on March 21 at town hall for their monthly meeting. The evening began with an Oath of Office ceremony for Hammonton Police Of- See ARRESTS, Page 4 ficer Kyle Ambrozaitis. Members of the Hammonton Police Department were present to support Ambrozaitis and welcome him as a police officer. He had previously served as a Class II officer. Renzo Pablete-Mendoza will be sworn in at April’s council meet- Volunteers come to clean park See COUNCIL, Page 10 New civic group for town proposed THG/Joseph Bruno. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. June Wrobleski, Johanna Johnson, Judge Nelson Johnson and Dr. Donna Pherribo at the Sesquicentennial Gala on March 19 at Tomasello Winery. For more pictures, see Pages 15-22. by Kevin Troilo GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—The Hammonton Parks and Recreation Commission gathered on March 15 at town hall for their monthly meeting. The commission began the meeting by listening to a pro- posal by Tiffany Travia and Lauren Grasso. The women presented their ideas for a new civic group in town. The group will be known as Citizen Staging Acting Company. While they plan to present theatrical shows throughout the year, their goals stretch far beyond just Planning board reviews waivers by Kevin Troilo GAZETTE STAFF WRITER THG/Kevin Troilo. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. The Hammonton Lake Cleanup drew more than 125 volunteers including Gary, Ben, Ashlyn and Gina Silvesti. See related article on Page 12. SUBSCRIBE TO The HAMMONTON—The Hammonton Planning Board gathered at town hall on March 16 to review two waivers of curb and sidewalk codes. The first was presented by Robert D’Agostino for See PARKS, Page 3 Block 2601, Lot 11, Zone R-2 at 226 Price St. D’Agostino was represented by Patricia Hydock of Jersey Coast Modular Homes. After briefly introducing herself and informing the board why she was present, Hammonton Town Engineer Robert Vettese explained further exactly what the applicant Gazette • $20 FOR 52 WEEKS • CALL 609-704-1939 See PLANNING, Page 12