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

Relax and rejuvenate on Sindoni Lane p. 9 Gazette’s First Annual How-To Guide is 12 pages p. 27-38 Playground opens in Atlantic City p. 49 Wednesday, July 15, 2015 GOV. SEEKS FED. DISASTER AID Volume 19 • Issue 28 by Brittany Mauro GAZETTE STAFF WRITER TRENTON—Governor Chris Christie announced July 13 that the state is seeking a Major Disaster Declaration under the federal Stafford Act for four southern New Jersey counties that sustained in excess of $15 million in damages as a result of severe thunderstorms www.hammontongazette.com Town included in four-county FEMA funding request and straight-line winds on June 23, 2015. A letter outlining the state’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties was sent to President Barack Obama through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Hammonton, which Hawks 1 step away from Capella Field by Brittany Mauro GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—At the monthly Hammonton Board of Education meeting on July 9, the board approved the first reading of a resolution for the use of school facilities, including William T. town officials said sustained $960,000 worth of damage due to the storm, is included in the Atlantic County portion of the request. According to the governor, high winds and heavy rain downed trees, power-poles and electric wires and caused 330,100 power outages. The macroburst damaged buildings, roadways and infrastructure, and left a trail of debris. These storms also damaged businesses and thousands of homes. “Based on the information that has been collected and provided through extensive reviews of the damage, I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and the affected county and local governments, and that federal assistance is necessary to supplement the efforts and available resources of the state, county and Mass held on Pine Road for 140th Feast See TOWN, Page 4 Capella Field. “I want to thank the board and thank the Hawks organization for working with us. We are proud to make some amendments to the board policy to provide a framework to the Hawks to hopefully play some home games and bring People share their Mt. Carmel memories by Paul J. Macrie IV GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—The Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel has begun, and people throughout the area are celebrating a tradition that dates back to 1875, the longest running Italian festival in the nation. In the midst of the 140th Feast Week, The Gazette spoke to See BOARD, Page 10 six individuals who participate in Feast Week each year. They spoke about the significance of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and their devotion to religion, tradition, community and fun. St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Pastor the Rev. Thomas Donio said the 140th anniversary of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Feast, in addition to THG/Jim Tretick. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. Farmers’ markets offer a wide variety to customers See CARMEL, Page 10 On July 11, a special Mass was held at the Mt. Carmel Society’s Pine Road monument for the 140th Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. It was followed by an Italian music concert and fireworks. For more Mass photos see Page 39. by Paul J. Macrie IV GAZETTE STAFF WRITER HAMMONTON—As the summer continues, local produce continues to be the focal point of the farm markets in Hammonton. Blueberries are the staple crop in town, and farmers are about a month into the season. Customers can continue to buy blueberries at local farm markets, and some of the markets are offering home- grown varieties. Meanwhile, peaches are underway in New Jersey as well, and are being offered at farm markets such as Pastore Orchards roadside market. Ron’s Gardens moved to its 14th Street location in the early spring. At the new location, annuals, perennials, and shrubs are offered to customers. Though most of the items are past peak at this point, zinnias remain a popular flower, and begonias will be avail- Lake park prepping for baseball tourney by Paul J. Macrie IV GAZETTE STAFF WRITER THG/Paul J. Macrie IV. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940. Shaira Vazquez, Ron Fisher Sr., Juan Carlos and David Piccari at Ron’s Gardens on 14th Street. SUBSCRIBE TO The HAMMONTON—On July 15, the Hammonton Environmental Commission held its monthly meeting to discuss updates on See MARKETS, Page 14 other local committees and commissions, beginning stages of planning for the annual Green Day Festival on Sunday, September 20 and a tree removal application that was approved. Vice chairperson Terri Caruso- Gazette • $20 FOR 52 WEEKS • CALL 609-704-1939 See COMMISSION, Page 3