Volume 26 • Issue 24

by Kristin Guglietti GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

HAMMONTON — Superintendent of Schools Robin Chieco discussed the recent school shooting tragedy in

Uvalde , Texas on May 24 and the Hammonton School District ’ s safety precautions during the June 2 board of education meeting .

Board president Sam Mento III called the meeting to order and all board members were present at the Samuel A . Donio Memorial Library except for Board Member Thomas Attanasi and Waterford Representative Al Pangia who were ab-

See SCHOOLS , Page 12

HAMMONTON — A medical stroller was stolen on the 100 block of Bellevue Avenue downtown at 7:11 p . m . on May 10 and reported to police on May 17 , Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said .

The subject was arrested on June 8 , Friel said .

“ It was a red pediatric medical stroller taken from behind a business on the 100 www . hammontongazette . com

by Gabe Donio

GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

block of Bellevue Avenue ,” Friel said .

Based on surveillance cameras , the subject was identified as Michael Petersen , 49 , of Hammonton , Friel said .

“ He was charged with the theft and re-

See POLICE , Page 2

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

Dr . Michael Nolan ( third from right ) cuts the ceremonial ribbon while standing beside board vice president Linda Byrnes ( second from left ) and Robert Capoferri ( left ), opening the Hammonton Middle School track on June 11 at the Hammonton Cancer Foundation walk . Other board members were in attendance including Barbara Berenato ( next to Nolan ) See related story below .

by Joseph F . Berenato GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

HAMMONTON — At the June 8 meeting of the Hammonton Environmental Commission , Chairperson Dan Bachalis said that

by Sean Friel GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

HAMMONTON — Soroptimist International was formed in Oakland , California in 1921 , in a time when women could not join many service organizations . The Soroptimist International states on their website that they are a global organization that provides women and girls alike the opportunity to grow and access the education and training they need to achieve success .

When it comes to Hammonton , the local chapter of Soroptimist International exceeds expectations , as the club helps women , as well as families regularly in the community . Lynne Comunale discussed how the club was brought to Hammonton , and how the organization and its more than 25 members engage with its there has been no progress on the green building and environmental sustainability element of the town ’ s master plan .

“ At this point , it ’ s just a draft . We haven ’ t met in a month ,” Bachalis said .

Councilman Jonathan Oliva said

community .

“ It was brought to Hammonton by Marie Macrie . Originally it was a club for that he has communicated with Stuart Wiser of Adams , Rehmann and Heggan Associates ( ARH ) about convening a meeting .

“ I want to share a document that we ’ ve added comments to , and I want to get everybody back together , confirm everyone has

by Sean Friel GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

HAMMONTON — On Sunday , June 26 , the Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce will be holding the 36th annual

added their comments and thus be able to clean them up ,” Oliva said .

Bachalis asked if there was “ a reason for the hold-up ,” and Oliva replied .

“ Honestly , that is on me . I didn ’ t get a chance to schedule for us all to meet . I know I ’ ve added my

Red , White and Blueberry Festival . The festival will take place on the grounds of Hammonton High School from 10 a . m . to 4 p . m ., with multiple vendors , crafters , food vendors as well as performers , coming out

See BLUEBERRY , Page 4

See SOROPTIMIST , Page 10

by Sean Friel GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

HAMMONTON — On June 11 , the Hammonton Cancer Foundation hosted Walk for Our Neighbors on the Hammonton Middle School track , located on Liberty Street . With registration opening at 8 a . m .,

See WALK , Page 16

comments ; I know others have added their comments as well , so I ’ ll send one other email just to remind everybody —‘ Hey , you have one week to add your final comments ’— then we ’ re going to set up a meeting for review . I ’ ll take

See COMMISSION , Page 3

Courtesy Photo

April Cushinotto ( Soroptimist Vice President ), Lynne Comunale ( President ), Kristie Privitera ( Secretary ) and Emily Dellinger ( Treasurer ) in front of the Soroptimist Peace Garden located at Hammonton Lake Park .

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