Volume 27 • Issue 20 www . hammontongazette . com

by Joseph F . Berenato GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

HAMMONTON — At the May 4 meeting of the Hammonton Board of Education , Superintendent of Schools Robin Chieco gave a presentation regarding the 2023-

by Mohammed Fuad GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

HAMMONTON — The Atlantic County Teen Arts Festival was held on May 10 in downtown Hammonton . Art students from schools all throughout Atlantic

by Mohammed Fuad GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

HAMMONTON — Birds are nesting in boxes at Moss Mill Park with spring vastly approaching . Two bird boxes are placed at two ends of Moss Mill Park and are banded by the New Jersey Bluebird Society ( NJBS ) to protect the baby birds from predators . Jennifer Wicks monitors the two bird boxes at the park and a family property as well as a bird box in Winslow Township . Wicks cleans out the boxes , counts the birds , lets someone know when to band the birds , providing updates on the birds ’ conditions .

Wicks was joined by NJBS Board of Director Jim Priest and his wife Priscilla for the banding of the birds . Priest noted that the NJBS places bird boxes so that the

County showcased their many talents throughout the entire downtown area on a cool and breezy sunny day .

Many different activities took place at the festival as various musical performances , feedback sessions , art shows and workshops were in store at various venues .

bluebirds can regain population as they ’ ve lost 60 percent of their population in the last couple of

See BIRDS , Page 16

HAMMONTON — The Hammonton Lake Water Quality Advisory Committee held their monthly committee meeting at the

See LAKE , Page 3

2024 school budget .

As preparations for the 2023-2024 school year begin , we reflect on the previous year , evaluate existing programs and research enhancements for a continuous cycle of school improvement . In order to achieve growth , there must be a cohesive plan and a continu-

See SCHOOL , Page 8

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

Audra Schaivo performs a small vocal performance inside First United Methodist Church of Hammonton during the Atlantic County Teen Arts Festival held downtown on May 10 .

HAMMONTON — A fire that occurred in a house located at 120 Vine Street — on the corner of Second and Vine Streets — and was reported to police at 12:16 p . m . on April 25 was “ not suspicious ” according to

Musical performances included small and large instrumental performances at the M . B . Taylor Masonic Lodge , small and large vocal performances with the choice of MP3 or piano as background music at both Hammonton Presbyterian Church and First United Methodist

mission , chairperson Dan Bachalis gave a recap of the Arbor Day program that was held at Warren E . Sooy Elementary School on April 27 , and was given by both Comby Joseph F . Berenato GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel during an interview with The Gazette on May 15 .

“ Patrol called in a structure fire on Vine Street . The residence at 120 Vine Street appeared to be on fire on the rear of the structure ,”

Church of Hammonton ( First UMC ), along with piano performances at Hammonton Presbyterian Church . The Eagle Theatre hosted a musical theater where students performed a song in the form of a short musical with MP3 and piano music playing . Dance performances took place at

Friel said .

The Hammonton Volunteer Fire Department was called and responded , Friel said .

“ All occupants of the residence were evacuated and accounted for ,” Friel said .

See POLICE , Page 2

HAMMONTON — At the May 10 meeting of the Hammonton Environmental com-

See COMMISSION , Page 12

by Mohammed Fuad GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

by Gabe Donio

GAZETTE STAFF WRITER both Studios A and B at DanceXplosion with a Broadway jazz workshop prior to the scheduled performances . Live music performances were on hand with Zach Runfolo at the Kramer Hall entrance , Jake Gussman and open mic sessions at the stage

See TEEN , Page 4

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

Saint Joseph Academy held its annual fundraiser The Rising on May 13 at Tavistock Country Club . Above : ( L-R ) Matt DeSoto , Wil Donio , SJA President Stephen Cappuccio and Steve Manghenelli .

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