The Hammonton Gazette 07/01/15 Edition | Page 2

18th Photos from the 88-Page Anniversary Edition Blueberry Fest Pics from local Blueberry Farms Announcing the winners..... BENT, NOT BROKEN p. 27-38 p. 39-50 p. 70-72 Wednesday, July 1, 2015 Volume 19 • Issue 26 www.hammontongazette.com by Gabe Donio & Gina Rullo GAZETTE STAFF WRITER Town recovering from major June 23 storm of more than 280,000 outages in southern New Jersey, about 60,000 more than seen after Hurricane Sandy, officials from Atlantic City Electric said on June 24. Damage occurred at many properties throughout town, often from felled branches or entire trees, including 100-year-oldplus shade trees. Roadways were blocked throughout town by downed trees, their massive root balls upending concrete. According to a release from Atlantic City Electric issued June 28, the severe storm on as Innova and Greenbriar has a June 23 created straight-line new administrator in Hershy Alter, winds in excess of 70 mph 30, and a new direction, one that throughout many parts of the AtAlter said has already led to signif- lantic City Electric service terriicant improvements in patient care. tory. In Gloucester County, The next step, he said, is renova- where some of the worst damage tions to the nearly-30-year-old fa- occurred, a macroburst of apSee HEALTHCARE, Page 2 proximately 85 mph lasted between five and 20 minutes. The National Weather Service said strong macrobursts can cause tornado-force damage. This one brought down trees and power lines, which caused significant damage to Atlantic City Electhe six days. Cover bands and DJs tric’s electric system infrastruchighlight entertainment at the St. ture. Crews found countless Joseph Church parking lot and the utility poles and wires down Italian Gardens at the Mt. Carmel across the system, the release Society Hall. The Sons of Italy, lo- said. Published and broadcast recated on Third Street, also plans entertainment on July 16 and July ports stated that the line of See STORM, Page 3 17. Photo Courtesy of Rocco DeLaurentis St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish The flag pole Penza’s Pies at the Red Barn Cafe was bent during the storm of June 23. For more photos showcasing Business Administrator Eileen HAMMONTON—The town experienced its worst storm in memory — and perhaps one of the worst in its history — on the evening of Tuesday, June 23. Widespread power outages that were part Hammonton Center: an upward direction by Gabe Donio GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—Hammonton Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare on the White Horse Pike (Route 30), previously known Entertaining week planned for Feast by Paul J. Macrie IV GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—From Monday, July 13 to Saturday, July 18, the 140th Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel will be held. St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society will have plenty of entertainment to offer to the festival attendees throughout Perfect weather for Chamber’s Blueberry Fest See MT. CARMEL, Page 12 the damage from the storm, see Pages 17 and 18. by Paul J. Macrie IV GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—On June 28, the 29th Annual Red, White and Blueberry Festival, a Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce event, was held at the Hammonton High School grounds on Old Forks Road. It was another successful festival, as thousands attended the annual staple where there were plenty of activities and entertainment for everyone, plus food, drink, and arts and crafts vendors. Hammonton Kiwanis Club held their annual blueberry pancake breakfast and the local Lions Club sold pies, muffins and turnovers. One of the other annual features at the event is the classic car show, hosted by the Cruisin’ Classics Auto Club in Hammonton. There were 261 classic cars that were on Zoning board meets, addresses application by Paul J. Macrie IV GAZETTE STAFF WRITER THG/Joseph Bruno. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. Miss New Jersey Lindsey Giannini was one of the guests at the Red, White & Blueberry Festival. Right: The pie eating contest was a messy success. For more photos, see Pages 27-38. SUBSCRIBE TO The HAMMONTON—On June 25, the Hammonton Zoning Board of Adjustment held its regular meeting to address one application. A hardship variance was presented to members of the board and board professionals during the session. John and Alexandra Jenkins of See FESTIVAL, Page 10 239 Lakeshore Drive were seeking a variance to permit a porch at the side yard location. The property is in an R-1 (residential) zone, and it was considered a hardship variance. Alexandra Jenkins provided testimony to the board on the application, stating they are seeking to install a wraparound porch at their Gazette • $20 FOR 52 WEEKS • CALL 609-704-1939 See ZONING, Page 14