by Mohammed Fuad GAZETTE EDITOR

Rainy weather did not deter residents and guests as they gathered for the 148th Annual Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16 .

The day of the feast concludes the week of the Mount Carmel Festival , which is the world ’ s longest running Italian festival .

The weather brought questions regarding the status of the feast — heavy rain was forecast .

But a good turnout was in front of St . Joseph Church as preparations were made for the procession . People lined up wearing ponchos and umbrellas awaiting the statues to enter the middle of French Street .

The procession began as members of the St . Mary of Mount Carmel Parish moved

See FEAST , Page 8

Betsey Karl / THG

Members of St . Mary of Mount Carmel Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society walk in the procession of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel on July 16 . See Mount Carmel Feast special section beginning on page 25 .

Like the color ? The Hammonton Gazette hopes you enjoy the color presentation on today ’ s front page . The Gazette plans to use color in its coverage on selected dates going forward .

Betsey Karl / THG

Members of the St . Mary of Mount Carmel Parish prepare for the procession outside the parking

lot of St . Joseph Church .

by Mohammed Fuad

GAZETTE EDITOR

The Hammonton Board of Education addressed a controversy regarding hanging the LGBTQ Pride flag in classrooms at its July 13 meeting .

The discussion followed an article published by The Press of Atlantic City on July 1 that said local activists raised concern about possible classroom flag restrictions .

Hammonton Public Schools Superintendent Robin Chieco Chieco said The Press ’ s article and social media posts surrounding the Pride flag controversy , were “ mischaracterized

Betsey Karl / THG

The Scanga family take in the festivites outside in the rain during the procession of the Feast of

Our Lady of Mount Carmel .

internal instructions that were discussed administratively .”

An email was sent to district staff in error and Chieco sent a clarification email to the middle and high school staff members , but not to the public , on June 12 . Chieco shared the clarification email at the BOE meeting to provide accurate information regarding the issue .

Chieco read that as per statute , all public school classrooms must display the American flag and students must recite the pledge of allegiance . The email received was not meant for staff , but for administrative purposes to determine what classrooms had non-curricular items displayed , clarifying that it was not aimed directly at Pride Month .

“ As a public institution , schools shall acknowledge the various months of recognition : Black History , Women ’ s History , Hispanic Heritage , Pride , etc .,” Chieco said . “ Just as you would display relevant infor-

See SCHOOL , Page 3

75 cents