The Hammonton Gazette 04/15/20 Hammonton Gazette Digital Edition

Giorno returns to the airwaves p. 37 Take self-guided Ideas for a trip to historic walk Switzerland Scaltrito turns 102 p. 18 p. 19-34 p. 41 Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Volume 24 • Issue 16 www.hammontongazette.com FIGHTING MAN ARRESTED by Gabe Donio Charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest G AZETTE S TAFF W RITER HAMMONTON—Police arrested Juan Lopez-Perez, 50, of Hammonton on April 10 on the 1400 block of Applefield Loop, Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said. “He was found to have been in a physical altercation with an unknown male subject, was advised to return to his residence and became combative with other parties who were out at the scene,” Friel said. Police were called to the scene and Lopez-Perez also became combative with the officers, Friel said. Lopez-Perez was taken into custody, transported to headquarters, processed and charged with disorderly conduct and resist- ing arrest, Friel said. He was released to family members pending a court date, Friel said. Easter Bunny comes to town Small businesses See POLICE, Page 2 endure restrictions by Joseph F. Berenato G AZETTE S TAFF W RITER novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many local small business owners have been struggling to find ways to cope with the ensuing hardships. “We’re surviving, but it’s awful. It’s really just trying to keep it to- gether for everybody, but you only have so much time before it’s Keeping Easter traditions alive HAMMONTON—Since the mandatory closure of non-essential businesses due to Governor Phil Murphy’s Executive Order No. 107 (2020) as a way to combat the by Joseph F. Berenato G AZETTE S TAFF W RITER Courtesy Photo/David Reustle The Easter Bunny rode by the homes of Hammontonians on April 11 on a fire truck waving to the people of the town. Above, Lucas, Melissa and Gavin Zbikowski wave the Easter Bunny. The Hammonton Police Department helped provide an escort for the rabbit. Funeral homes & families persevere by Joseph F. Berenato G AZETTE S TAFF W RITER HAMMONTON—Ever since the issuance of Governor Phil Murphy’s Executive Order No. 107 (2020) in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the fu- neral industry has had to adjust to HAMMONTON—This past Sunday was the first Easter in liv- ing memory when churches were not open to the public to celebrate the occasion. In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), See BUSINESS, Page 10 gatherings of all kinds were can- celed, and families had to find new and creative ways to observe the holiday. The Gazette spoke with a num- ber of residents in advance of the holiday to learn how they were planning to keep their Easter tradi- tions alive. See EASTER, Page 3 the restrictions on gathering and what it means for mourners. “With the restrictions, we’ve been able to conduct our services; however, it’s been with limited at- tendance. The restrictions are only allowing 10 people to attend. The other thing is, we’ve been having services right at the cemetery. Council held mtg. on March 30 G AZETTE S TAFF W RITER HAMMONTON—On March 30 at 4 p.m., town council held its monthly meeting through the use of Zoom videoconferencing soft- ware after a one-week postpone- ment due to social distancing guidelines in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-2019). During the meeting, Mayor Stephen DiDonato expressed his gratitude to town clerk Frank Zuber and communications man- ager Denise Mazzeo. SUBSCRIBE TO The See COUNCIL, Page 8 Melissa Durham shows off a finished ham pie. Gazette • SUBSCRIBE NOW! • CALL 609-704-1939 Courtesy Photo by Joseph F. Berenato See FUNERAL, Page 12

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