The Hammonton Gazette 050620 Digital Edition of The Hammonton Gazette | Page 2

Fenway’s picks of the week Blue ribbons decorate homes p. 41 ‘Spirited’ news p. 19-22 Check your horoscope p. 25-32 p. 48 Wednesday, May 6, 2020 Volume 24 • Issue 19 www.hammontongazette.com BURGLARY, DRUG ARRESTS MADE by Gabe Donio Police arrest 2 men at vacant home on Centennial Drive G AZETTE S TAFF W RITER HAMMONTON—Police were called to the prime block of Centennial Drive at 4:29 p.m. on May 1 in reference to trespassers in a neighboring vacant house, Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said. Friel said police responded and discovered Matthew Gittens, 35, of Mays Landing and Anthony Dalton, 23, of Mays Landing at the residence, which was posted no trespassing with an orange fencing and gate blocking ac- cess. “Police observed Mr. Dalton walking from the rear of the residence upon arrival, and other officers went into the unsecured resi- dence and found the other gentleman, Mr. Gittens. While speaking with Mr. Dalton, Sgt. Rigby observed a glass pipe sticking out from in between the driver and passenger seat. When the door of the vehicle was opened, there was a white powdery sub- stance believed to be cds [controlled danger- ous substance] and a baggie with a clear Demolition work at motel School budget has See POLICE, Page 18 zero tax increase by Franki Rudnesky Gov. Murphy: No school re-opening G AZETTE S TAFF W RITER HAMMONTON—On April 30, Hammonton Board of Education held its 2020-2021 budget hearing and regular monthly meeting virtually, which included discussion of measures the district is taking in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Board president Sam Mento III called the meeting to order. Each board member was present for the by Joseph F. Berenato ment due to social distancing guidelines in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Mayor Stephen DiDonato opened the meeting with a mo- ment of silence for Christine Mas- sarelli, who passed away on April 11. Massarelli was the vice-presi- Town council mtg. held Apr. 27 See BOE, Page 10 G AZETTE S TAFF W RITER Demolition work was being conducted on the former Econo Lodge (originally the Hammonton Motor Inn) on the White Horse Pike (Route 30) last week. This photo shows the extent of the work, which included the complete demolition of the wing on the right side of the motel. See Gabe Donio’s column on page 7 of the Opinion section. Parents guide kids through pandemic by Joseph F. Berenato G AZETTE S TAFF W RITER HAMMONTON—With all schools in New Jersey having been closed since March 15 until at least May 15 in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), parents in Hammonton have been faced with helping their children G AZETTE S TAFF W RITER HAMMONTON—At the meet- ing of town council held on April 27, Councilman Jonathan Oliva informed his colleagues about the Sustainable States Community See COUNCIL, Page 8 Showcase Sports offering local hashtag decal cope with life at home. Some of that comes by way of assisting their children with at- home school instruction, but much of it comes in the form of helping them understand the reasons why they are home instead of in school. Amy Perna-DeLaurentis’s 5- year-old son, Tommy, has been Energy challenge supported by town by Joseph F. Berenato HAMMONTON—On April 27 at 4 p.m., town council held its monthly meeting through the use of Zoom videoconferencing soft- ware after a one-week postpone- See CHILDREN, Page 3 Energy Challenge, which had re- cently been presented to the Ham- monton Environmental Commission. “We are a part of Sustainable Jersey, and Sustainable Jersey is part of a connection of other states ... and the Sustainable States is SUBSCRIBE TO The See MEETING, Page 12 Courtesy Photo Showcase Sports, on 12th Street, is offering a free #HAMMONTON- STRONG decal to all local businesses. Please call the downtown business. For all others, the cost is $2 for a car sized decal and $3 for a regular size. All proceeds are going to the St. Vin- cent de Paul Food Pantry at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish, according to Nicole Silipino (far left). Nicole is pic- tured with her mother Ann Marie in front of their store. For a decal or more information, please call [phone] or email showcasesport- [email protected]. Gazette • SUBSCRIBE NOW! • CALL 609-704-1939 THG/Gabe Donio. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call [phone].