The Hammonton Gazette 06/10/15 Edition | Page 2

Hammonton students receive many awards p. 23 16-page Sports Year in Review for HHS and SJHS Time to vote for the p. 27-42 p. 22 ST. JOE GRADUATES 89 Wednesday, June 10, 2015 Volume 19 • Issue 23 by Paul J. Macrie IV GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—On June 4, St. Joseph High School held its graduation ceremony at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel St. Joseph Church, bidding a final farewell to the 89 sen- www.hammontongazette.com DiRenzo, Ordille top 2; Tropicana’s Tony Rodio addresses students iors. It was the 76th commencement exercise at the local Catholic high school. Dana DiRenzo was the valedictorian of the class; Rocco Ordille was the salutatorian. Dean of Students Robert Mc- Surgicare OK’d Closkey introduced the class of 2015 salutatorian, Rocco Ordille. Ordille is heading to Bucknell University in the fall where he plans to major in finance. He will also be playing football. Ordille began his salutatorian address by thanking his parents, Paul and Joanne, and retelling how he received the news of earning the distinction. “I was summoned to Mr. Matt’s [Christopher Matarazzo, Vice Principal] office. I took a seat; he congratulated me and asked me a few questions so I’d have somewhere to start working on this speech. It See SJHS, Page 3 Sub-acute beds wanted at former Kessler by Gabe Donio GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—More details of the continuing plan to redevelop the former Kessler Memorial Hospital, now known as Kessler Medical Arts Complex, were detailed by Stephen Kirby, managing partner of Community Healthcare As- sociates, the owners of the former hospital, at a special meeting of the town council held on June 8. Kirby went before the council, which voted to approve a letter of support on behalf of the town for adding 60 sub-acute beds for patients of any age, such as those who have received a hip replacement or need transitional care, to Distillery, breweries plans move ahead by Paul J. Macrie IV GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—Hammonton continues to seek ways to draw tourists to the town, and at the same time, create a more diverse marketplace. Councilman Thomas Gribbin and Tourism and Development Committee Chairman Ryan See COUNCIL, Page 12 Mayer are two individuals who have spearheaded this initiative. The potential openings of two local breweries and a distillery could be one way to fulfill this mission. Lou Giansante, and his brother, Joe, are seeking to open a distillery called Pineland Distillers LLC on South Egg Harbor Road Cancer Foundation walk raises more than $12K See BREWERIES, Page 4 THG/Lauren Crescenzo. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. Jessica Bergbauer, Gabrielle Bekisz, Dominique Ostermueller and Lucia Petrongolo carrying the St. Joseph High School banner on their way into graduation on June 4. by Paul J. Macrie IV GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—On June 6, the Hammonton Cancer Foundation held its Third Annual “Walk for our Neighbors” at the Hammonton Middle School William T. Capella complex. All proceeds are donated to the South Jersey Cancer Fund. Last year, the local cancer foundation raised $30,000 for the fund with the two events, in- cluding the annual fundraising dinner in October. Participants of the event were walking in honor of family and friends who have either survived or died of cancer. Brian and Andrea George of Shamong were two of the attendees of the event that walked the track in honor of several individuals, including David Mauriello, the president of the Hammonton Cancer Foundation who is a cancer Tractor Supply app. postponed until Jun. 17 by Paul J. Macrie IV GAZETTE STAFF WRITER THG/Paul J. Macrie IV. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. Andrea and Brian George walking on the track at the Hammonton Middle School during the event. SUBSCRIBE TO The HAMMONTON—On June 3, the Hammonton Planning Board held its regular meeting with one application on the agenda. According to board solicitor Michael Malinsky, the application for com- See WALK, Page 10 pleteness, preliminary and final major site plan from applicant Primax Properties, LLC was postponed until the June 17 planning board session. There will be no new notices posted in regard to the application, which is for approval to permit a Tractor Supply Com- Gazette • $20 FOR 52 WEEKS • CALL 609-704-1939 See PLANNING, Page 14