Dr. Montalbano caring
for patients in town
Chamber Awards
Dinner Section
Bend and snap!
Legally Blonde is in Philly
0¢ TOWN TAX INCREASE
p. 9
p. 25-40
p. 49
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Volume 23 • Issue 22
by Joseph F. Berenato
G AZETTE C ONTRIBUTING W RITER
HAMMONTON—During the
town council meeting on May 20,
council voted unanimously Mon-
day night to approve Resolution
www.hammontongazette.com
Council introduced municipal budget May 20
#079-2019, introducing the 2019
municipal budget. The budget is
scheduled to be published in the
June 5, 2019 edition of The Ham-
Motorcyclist killed
in Rt. 206 accident
by Gabe Donio
G AZETTE S TAFF W RITER
HAMMONTON—The Ham-
monton Police Department re-
ceived a call of a motor vehicle
crash involving a motorcycle at
monton Gazette, and will be open
to the public for debate on June
17, 2019.
The budget, as examined and
introduced by mayor and council,
will include a $3 million surplus,
and will not present a tax increase
to residents.
“There’s no gimmicks in the
budget. There’s no one-time rev-
enues, there’s [nothing] fabricated
M.L. Ruberton Agency, Marinelli honored
See COUNCIL, Page 3
6:15 p.m. on May 25, Hammon-
ton Police Lt. Kevin Friel said.
The motorcyclist, Jeffrey Hafrel,
63, of Maple Shade, was pro-
nounced dead at the scene after he
struck another vehicle and was
ejected from his motorcycle, Friel
On Memorial Day,
parade, ceremony
honors the fallen
See POLICE, Page 2
by Stephen Pistone
G AZETTE S TAFF W RITER
HAMMONTON—The Tri-Vets of Hammonton honored the men and
women who died while serving their country during its Memorial Day
parade and ceremony on May 27.
A large crowd of local residents downtown on a sunny Monday morn-
See MEMORIAL, Page 12
THG/Betsey Karl. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940.
The Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce held its annual Installation and Awards Banquet at Kathedral Event
Center on May 19. New Chamber President Benjamin Ott, Treasurer Lisa Varesio, M.L. Ruberton Agency’s PJ Pullia
and Chamber out going President Carl Powell. M.L. Ruberton Agency received the Business of the Year Award and for-
mer Mayor Ed Marinelli received the “Nice Going” Award. Special section inside beginning on page 25.
Camp options for
the town’s youngest
by Stephen Pistone
G AZETTE S TAFF W RITER
HAMMONTON—With the
summer months and the end of the
school year fast approaching,
local children will soon have
plenty of downtime. However,
this will leave many working par-
ents looking for childcare oppor-
tunities. In Hammonton, there are
multiple camps being offered that
will provide children with an
eventful and memorable summer
break, while providing peace of
mind to the parents who can’t be
home with them during the day.
READ Preschool’s Camp
Tuscaloosa has been a local main-
Students’ talents on
display at art show
G AZETTE S TAFF W RITER
THG/Stephen Pistone. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940.
VFW Post No. 1026 Commander John Griffee (left) read the names of local veterans who have died in the past year as
Past Commander of American Legion Post No. 186 Arthur Orsi performed the ceremonial tolling of the bell for each
person named during the Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Park on May 27. More pictures on Page 10.
SUBSCRIBE TO The
HAMMONTON—The high en-
ergy level and excitement in the
Samuel A. Donio Memorial Li-
brary at Hammonton High School
was obvious to anyone who at-
tended the annual HHS Art Show.
A large crowd of administrators,
Gazette • SUBSCRIBE NOW! • CALL 609-704-1939
students, parents and teachers
were on hand for the premiere
evening of the show on May 16.
“This is certainly an event I look
forward to every year. I’m amazed
at the creativity of our students.
How can you not be impressed
when you see this?” HHS Princi-
pal Tom Ramsay said.
HHS Vice Principal Kim Rud-
See ART, Page 8
by Gabe Donio
See CAMPS, Page 4