The Hammonton Gazette 04/29/15 Edition | Page 2

HHS Chorus wins first place in California p. 40 A look back at prom pictures from the past p. 25-36 Fun festivals to attend in Wilmington, Del. p. 43 Wednesday, April 29, 2015 STOLEN CAR LEADS TO ARRESTS Volume 19 • Issue 17 by Gabe Donio Gazette Staff Writer HaMMONtON—three local men – Joseph ferry Jr., 19, Jonathan Parker, 21 and Christopher Santora, 23, were arrested in the days following a report of a stolen vehicle made to police at 7 www.hammontongazette.com also charged with arson by Hamilton twp. p.m. on april 1, Hammonton Police Captain Nick Salvatore said. “a Chesilhurst resident reported that her vehicle was stolen and someone used her credit card,” Salvatore said. Officer Jared Baglivo initiated the investigation, Salvatore said. Detective Peter Hagerty and Hamilton twp. Police Department later became involved in the investigation, Salvatore said. On april 4, the vehicle was recovered after it was found burned in a field in Hamilton township, Salvatore said. Subsequently, Hagerty conducted interviews which ultimately led to the following charges: Joseph ferry Jr., 19, of Hammonton, was charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, theft and conspiracy to commit theft and credit card fraud, Salvatore said. He was placed in the atlantic County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail set by Hammonton Municipal Court Judge frank raso, Salvatore said. Jonathan Parker, 21, of Hammonton was charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, theft and conspiracy to commit Hawks plan move Boutique Week a stylish success to Capella Field by Paul J. Macrie iV Gazette Staff Writer HaMMONtON—During the april 20 Hammonton town Council meeting, mayor Stephen DiDonato discussed some of the items that would be included in the $130,000 allocated to the budget See CriME, Page 2 for recreation and culture, which included lights at William t. Capella field behind Hammonton Middle School. it was the first reading of the proposal, while the second reading will take place during the May 18 council meeting, and the new budget for recreation and culture will become a reality if 2015 growing season outlook by Paul J. Macrie iV Gazette Staff Writer HaMMONtON—Despite the slow transition into spring thus far, the local growing season is rapidly approaching. By June and July, Hammonton farmers will be offering homegrown fruits and See HAwKS, Page 4 vegetables to consumers, locally, and around the country. But as is the case during all growing seasons, weather preseason and inseason, has a tremendous effect on the growth and quality of the crop. New Jersey State Climatologist Dr. David a. robinson spoke NAPA Car Show held uptown See GrowinG, Page 3 THG/Paul J. Macrie IV. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. Plein air artists paint town’s beauty Sharon and Catherine Duble hold up Alex and Ani bracelets as they shop at SaDee’s Clothing Boutique on April 25. It was the final day of Boutique Week known as the “Wrap Up Party.” For more photos, see Page 38. by Paul J. Macrie iV Gazette Staff Writer HaMMONtON—the annual Hammonton Plein air Competition, which has been taking place in the spring each year, will he held on May 9. the outdoor painting event has drawn numerous participants throughout the region, who are en- thusiastic about the arts. these artists are stationed throughout the town, whether it is the farmland areas, downtown district or the Hammonton Lake Park. artwork featuring local landscapes and buildings has become a big part of the local art scene, and this event contributes to it. Marie Natale of egg Harbor Parks & rec has a full slate of projects by Paul J. Macrie iV Gazette Staff Writer THG/Paul J. Macrie IV. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. The Rev. Charles Conaty and Byron Gummoe next to their 1976 Mercury Comet during the NAPA Car Show on April 26. Hundreds of classic cars were on display at the event For more photos, see Page 39. SUBSCRIBE TO The HaMMONtON—On april 21, the Hammonton Parks and recreation Commission held its regular meeting, which is held the third tuesday of each month. the commission discussed updates from the See PAinT, Page 16 Hammonton Lake Park and preparations for the New Jersey State Little League tournament beginning on July 30, the Kiwanis Club pavilion revitalization project, park reports, a Hammonton Lake Water Quality Committee report and town council happenings. in the public portion of the meet- Gazette • $20 FOR 52 WEEKS • CALL 609-704-1939 See PArKS, Page 14