Volume 26 • Issue 14

by Joseph F . Berenato GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

by Sean Friel GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

HAMMONTON — Jenna Thibault , winner of the Miss Harbor Shores ’ Outstanding Teen , has a very busy schedule .

by Kristin Guglietti GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

HAMMONTON — Bryan Hymel was a student at the Academy of Vocal Arts ( AVA ) in Philadelphia 15 years ago when he performed at Tomasello Winery during the beginning of his career .

Fifteen years later , the renowned operatic tenor returned to Hammonton to perform at Tomasello Winery during the March 27 Winter Opera Gala .

“ He sang here 15 years ago when he was a student at AVA and then he ’ s become world famous . He sings everywhere . Rome , Paris , London , Metropolitan . Just a phenomenal tenor . And he was just asked to be the Ambassador for AVA . He was in town and said

HAMMONTON — Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel introduced several promotions and new hires within his department at the regular meeting of town council held on March 28 in town hall .

Friel said that it was “ another great day in the story

Between work , going to school , and working out , Thibault also is competing for her next title , Miss New Jersey Outstanding Teen . Her mother , Carol Thibault , has supported Thibault along the way , helping her daughter with whatever is needed .

he ’ d be happy to sing for us , so it ’ s so exciting to have him back ,” winery owner Charlie Tomasello

of the Hammonton Police Department .”

“ We have had some retirements , which did create some vacancies . We have proceeded forward with

See COUNCIL , Page 16

THG / Dan Russoman . To purchase photos in The Gazette , call ( 609 ) 704-1940 .

Kellyanne Conway ( third from left ) was honored by St . Joseph Academy at a fundraiser on April 2 at Tavistock Country Club . She is pictured with the SJA board . Article and photos inside .

HAMMONTON — Cpl . Richard W . Jones # 971 ( Ret .), of Hammonton , who was a member of the Hammonton Police Department ( HPD ) for 21 years , died suddenly on March 31 . Jones was 53 .

Jones , who retired from the HPD in January of 2022 , was publicly honored for his service by the Hammonton Town Council at the council ’ s January meeting .

Miss New Jersey Outstanding Teen is a pageant that is also a part of the Miss America ’ s Outstanding Teen pageant , as whomever wins Miss New Jersey Outstanding Teen will represent the state in Miss America ’ s Outstanding Teen pageant . The pageant is organized to help encourage positive achievement , building scholastic achievement , community involvement and healthy living , according to their Facebook page .

Thibault is currently a junior at Hammonton High School . She is

Jones was born and raised in Hammonton , where he graduated from St . Joseph High School in 1986 . He served his community as a Hammonton Police Officer for 21 years , achieving the rank of Corporal in 2016 . He retired in January as the Hammonton High School Resource Officer ( SRO ), a position he held from 2005- 2009 and 2011-2021 .

Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel remembered Jones ’ public service in an in-

See JONES , Page 2

See TOMASELLO , Page 10

by Kristin Guglietti GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

HAMMONTON — Dr . Johanna Johnson spoke at the March 23 Hammonton Board of Education meeting .

Johnson presented for Hammonton Heart & Soul during the meet-

See SCHOOL , Page 3

www . hammontongazette . com

by Gabe Donio

GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

Retired Cpl . Richard Jones

REPUBLICANS ANNOUNCE 2022 COUNCIL SLATE , P . 14 a varsity cheerleader at the school , and is also the captain of the track team . Thibault said that the pageants help to make new connections , while also helping others . When asked about what she was most passionate about for

See THIBAULT , Page 4

THG / Sean Friel . To purchase photos in The Gazette , call ( 609 ) 704-1940 .

The Hammonton Lions Club raised more than $ 7,000 for JDRF at the first annual Spring Fest . From left to right : Tom Alvino , Sue Milazzo and Lisa Frederico at Spring Fest held on the grounds of READ Preschool . More pics inside .

75 cents