The Hammonton Gazette 04/20/16 Edition | Page 2

News from around the downtown p. 16-17 p. 27-38 Are you ready for the Cape May music festival? p. 47 TOWN TAXES RISING 3¢ Wednesday, April 20, 2016 Volume 20 • Issue 16 by Kevin Troilo GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—Council met on April 18 at town hall for their regular monthly meeting and passed the first reading of the town’s budget that includes a 3-cent www.hammontongazette.com First reading of budget passes 6-1 tax increase. After approving the minutes from their previous meeting on March 21, Mayor Stephen DiDonato called Hammonton Police Board passes nepotism policy by Tania Rivera GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—The Hammonton Board of Education approved the first reading of the “Instructional Personnel – Nepotism” policy at their regular meet- Captain Nick Salvatore and Hammonton Police Chief Robert Jones to the podium. Salvatore is retiring from his position as captain after more than 30 years of service as a police officer in Hammonton. Jones thanked Salvatore and offered his thanks and praise for all that the captain has done for the community. “I’d like to bring up Captain Salvatore and present him with this plaque on behalf of the members of the Hammonton Police Department for 31 years of service. Congratulations on your retirement. Don’t be a stranger. It’s going to be weird not Lions honor Giannini with award See COUNCIL, Page 14 ing on April 14. Hammonton Board of Education Vice President John E. Lyons was excused from the meeting. The board approved the following amounts, as stated in the agenda: • ratify the purchase order lists for February and March 2016 in Petrongolo’s film showing this month by Kevin Troilo GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—Former Hammonton Councilwoman Tracy Lucca Petrongolo recently finished working on her latest film, The Finders. The political thriller See BOE, Page 4 See The Finders on April 24 & 25 is set in a small town and focuses on the town’s beloved mayor as its main character. Her lifelong goal is to make a difference in other Red & White Celebration is a hit See FILM, Page 2 THG/Kevin Troilo To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. Miss New Jersey 2015 and Hammontonian Lindsey Giannini accepted the Hammonton Lions Club “Citizen of the Year” award at a dinner at Tomasello Winery on April 14. More than 125 people attended. ton history to ever be given this honor. The 2012 Hammonton High by Kevin Troilo School graduate was welcomed GAZETTE STAFF WRITER and recognized by numerous peoHAMMONTON—Hammonto- ple throughout the night, including nians gathered on April 14 at Lions Club President Lisa DeKTomasello Winery for the 27th an- lerk, who began the evening with nual Lions Club “Citizen of the some kind words for Giannini and her family. Year” Dinner. “It’s very special to be able to The ceremony is one of the most anticipated events of the year and present this award in the year of is held to recognize and honor a Hammonton’s Sesquicentennial to local person for his or her contri- someone who serves as a role butions to the town and its greater model for our children,” DeKlerk said. good. The evening was hosted by The 2016 recipient was Miss New Jersey 2015 Lindsey Gian- Lions Club Chairperson Loretta nini. At 22 years old, she became Rehmann. Rehmann thanked many See LIONS, Page 10 the youngest person in Hammon- ‘Creative’ meeting draws 80-plus people by Kevin Troilo GAZETTE STAFF WRITER THG/Joseph Bruno. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. James Rodio (second from left) was honored at the St. Joseph High School (SJHS) Red & White Celebration on April 16. He is pictured with SJHS principal Lynn Domenico, SJHS Chairman of the Board Paul Ordille and SJHS Advancement Director Jodi Domenico-Kollias. For more pictures and article on the event, see Pages 27-38. SUBSCRIBE TO The HAMMONTON—After being cancelled due to a snowstorm, the second installment of Creative Hammonton was held on April 12 at St. Joseph High School. Nearly 80 people gathered in the library to discuss ways they can join together to use creativity and innovation to positively impact the town. The team from Creative New Jersey orchestrates their conferences unlike any other group. At most conferences, the leaders construct an agenda and tell those in Gazette • $20 FOR 52 WEEKS • CALL 609-704-1939 See CREATIVE, Page 12