BUONA FESTA , HAMMONTON !

149th Feast of Lady of Mt . Carmel begins

Photo Courtesy of Liz Pantalone / Elizabeth Grace Photography

The 149th Feast of Our Lady of Mt . Carmel began on July 15 and will run through Saturday , July 20 . See the July 24 edition of The Gazette for more photos from the week .

Board of Ed . dives into possibility of HHS swim team

BY KRISTIN GUGLIETTI GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

HAMMONTON — The Hammonton Board of Education discussed bringing back the Hammonton High School swim team during the July 11 board of education meeting .

Board President John Lyons called the meeting to order and all board members were present at the Samuel A . Donio Memorial Library except for Waterford Representative Roe Hunter .

Board of Education Vice President Luke Coia said while visiting the Hammonton Swim Club several parents and swim team

‘ Tree-mendous ’ discussion at Env . Comm . meeting

BY DONALD YAMASAKI FOR THE GAZETTE

HAMMONTON — At their July meeting , the Environmental Commission discussed a potential new draft of the tree ordinance for the town of Hammonton that could drastically change the duties and jurisdiction of the Environmental Commission .

The new ordinance draft has been a point of contention at prior Commission meetings . The Commission has stated at their meetings during the past few months that they are worried about the changes that are being added to the new ordinance .

The Commission had a lengthy discussion , yet again at this month ’ s meeting . They discussed how the new ordinance representatives expressed interest in bringing back the swim team to Hammonton High School , however , the high school currently doesn ’ t have a swimming pool .

After visiting the Swim Club , Coia said there was discussion with neighboring schools with swim teams specifically Buena and Athletic Director Chris Sacco is getting involved to bring back the swim team .

“ Looks like the Hammonton kids could possibly practice with Buena kids this winter season and may begin competition for the ‘ 24 , ‘ 25 , ‘ 26 school year . This would be a co-op situation where we cost share with the Buena School District . Apparently this co-op format seems to be a new innovative trend , and the NJSIAA allows it with certain conditions , so we are in the preliminary stages but it does look good and we will keep everybody updated to the new Hammonton swim team ,” Coia said .

Lyons said there ’ s definitely a need in the community for a swim team .

“ Mr . Coia talked about the conversations with the Hammonton Swim Club and the Stingray Swim Team . We had a swim team in Hammonton then we didn ’ t then we had one then we didn ’ t . And I think there ’ s definitely a need in the community . There ’ s lots of kids who swim and lots of kids who would swim in the winter if they had a chance , so we ’ re going to do what we can do make that happen with in concert with the athletic department and some of the stakeholders in the community to see if we can get something started there ,” Lyons said .

Thomas Ramsay , the new Superintendent of Schools , also visited the Swim Club with Coia . Ramsay was previously the principal of Hammonton High School and this meeting was his first as superin-

See BOE , Page 8

New Servant Leadership Institute at SJA

BY KRISTIN GUGLIETTI GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

HAMMONTON — St . Joseph Academy President and Head of School Stephen Cappuccio announced on June 27 the new Servant Leadership Institute at St . Joseph Academy , which will start in the 2024-2025 school year .

“ We ’ re thrilled to unveil our new initiative dedicated to fostering leadership skills grounded in service and compassion . With the Servant Leadership Institute , students will embark on a journey of personal growth , learning to lead with integrity and empathy in their communities and beyond . Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to empower the leaders of tomorrow !” St . Joseph Academy ’ s Instagram post read .

The idea for the Servant Leadership Institute started before Cappuccio came to St . Joseph Academy .

“ Some of the most meaningful experiences I ’ ve had were service trips and service experiences in different capacities , so I wanted to pass that on to our students ,” Cappuccio said .

Students will be presented with service opportunities throughout the school year includ-

See SJA , Page 4

Kristin Guglietti / THG

Jennifer LaRosa is the new director of St . Joseph Academy ’ s Servant Leadership Institute .

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would require trees on developed lots be 24 inches in diameter at four and a half feet tall rather than the 20 inch requirement that is currently in place .

“ A majority of the trees we ’ ve reviewed are actually under 20 inches . The public is thinking , they look at a tree and say , ‘ That ’ s a big tree , I need to get a permit .’ So , the public is already thinking in terms of , ‘ I ’ d like to get a permit and do the right thing ,’” Commission member Chris Bethmann said .

Trees being under the required diameter for required permits has been a recurring conversation at the Environmental Commission meetings . Many applications have had trees listed that are smaller than the 20-inch diameter needed to require a permit from the Com-

See ENV , Page 3

one dollar

The Hammonton Gazette 07/17/24 Edition

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Hammy Award Finalists Announced