The Hammonton Gazette 10/08/14 Edition | Page 6

Page 6 • Wednesday, October 8, 2014 • The Hammonton Gazette The Hammonton Gazette “The Paper of Record” Gabriel J. donio, Publisher Gina Rullo, Editor-in-Chief dan Russoman, Sports Editor benny mendez, Staff Artist marySusan Hoffman, Paul J. macrie iV, michael Hozik, donna brown, Joseph bruno, Lauren bucci, Lauren Crescenzo, Zack brown, Staff The Hammonton Gazette is located at 233 bellevue ave. To reach a staff member, call 704-1940 or fax at 704-1938. The mailing address is P.o. box 1228, Hammonton, nJ 08037. EdiToRiaLS The Hammonton Gazette is published Wednesdays, by The Hammonton Gazette, Inc. Copyright © 2014. All rights reserved. ISSN 1093-6181 about Grape Street Curb and sidewalk work is moving forward on Packard Street, part of the major project to do infrastructure work on Grape Street, Packard Street, Second Street and eventually, Pratt Street. The work has included replacing extremely old terra cotta pipe as well as upgrading other underground utilities, streetscape improvements, eliminating trees that had either died or were blocking improvements and resurfacing the roadway. As we have in the past, we commend the council for taking on yet another project that was talked about for decades by previous administrations. While the project has taken time and there have been justifiable complaints about leaving the roadway unpaved, causing dust and making it difficult to navigate for residents, it is moving toward completion. A base coat is expected before the winter months, and the final paving will be done in the spring, according to officials. Again, while that is not an ideal situation, a roadway and upgrades to underground infrastructure associated with it are being worked on after decades of neglect by town government. The Gazette lobbied for council to do this project for years. We now see that it was critically important to take action, given the state of the roadway and the utilities. While we look forward to its eventual completion in the spring, we also look forward to the base coat being applied this fall, and we remain convinced that this project was necessary, not only for the residents of the streets impacted, but for every resident who uses those streets on a regular basis. a Halloween tradition One of Hammonton’s most celebrated events — the Hammonton Kiwanis Halloween Parade — will be held on October 29 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. It seems like the entire town comes out for the parade, either as one of the nearly 1,000 participants who walk or ride down Bellevue Avenue, or the several thousand more who watch from the sidewalks downtown. The parade has been held for many decades, and was also once run by the Hammonton Jaycees. During the parade’s long existence, generations have had good old-fashioned Halloween fun, at an event which features people walking in costumes, floats, marching bands, dance groups, fire trucks and many more attractions. What makes the parade special is that it is a true community event, with people from Hammonton enjoying watching their friends, family and neighbors in the parade, or standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them in a packed downtown on a crisp, autumn night before Halloween. This year should have plenty of fun again, as organizer Robert Schenk puts together a full slate of ghosts, witches, zombies and more for the annual Halloween Parade. After so many years, the tradition only becomes more beloved each October. Make sure you and your family are downtown on October 29 to watch one of the best Halloween parades in the state. To the Editor: LETTERS To THE EdiToR Is theft from cemeteries a problem in Hammonton that goes ignored by too many? For the fifth time since my daughter’s passing, items have been stolen from her resting place. Items ranged from benches that were secured using adhesive and boxes containing notes from her children, nieces and nephews. Small mementos that would make her smile in life, all gone now to cause heartache amongst her family and friends. What can be done to remedy these situations and bring to light those not yet known to friends and family? Should we closely monitor the resting spots of our loved ones regularly or do we ask for action from those who control the eternal care funds used to maintain these hallowed grounds? To the Editor: Cathryn mazzeo Folsom It’s been nearly 10 years since the founding of Hammonton First and looking back at all that has been accomplished in that time has made me proud to be a founding member of the group. Hammonton First has moved our town forward because we have never shifted from our founding motto: For the People, Not the Politics. I am a lifelong Hammontonian and I first got involved with Hammonton First because I love this town. Hammonton means family to me, it means friends and neighbors, and it means support. I care about Hammonton, and as a Councilman, I care only about the success of our town. Hammonton First works because we work only for Hammonton. Nobody knows that better than my running mates, Paul Esposito and Dan Bachalis. Their dedication, experience and record of success is unmatched. No matter what happens in Atlantic City or Trenton, we focus on what happens in Hammonton. Together, we answer only to the people of this town. We don’t agree with each other just to agree and we don’t oppose each other just to oppose either. We take every opinion into consideration and, in the end, we always work it out for the benefit of Hammonton. Wouldn’t it be nice if Washington worked that way too? So, whether you’ve been here all your life or you just moved to town … if you care about Hammonton, if you are proud of this town and if you love this town, then you are Hammonton First. With your help, Paul, Dan and I we will continue to keep Hammonton first. Please vote for all three of us on Election Day, November 4th. Quote of the Week: Councilman Sam Rodio Hammonton First “You Can’T buY YouR EnEmiES, buT You Can REnT THEm.” — Buddy Cianci The Hammonton Gazette welcomes letters to the editor that are no more than 800 words long. All letters must include the name of the author and an address and telephone number for verification. Letters should be mailed to The Hammonton Gazette, Editorial Page, P.O. Box 1228, Hammonton, NJ 08037. Letters also will be accepte d via fax. The fax number is 704-1938.  Or by email to [email protected]. Deadline for all submissions is 2 p.m. Monday. The Hammonton Gazette reserves the right to edit any submissions. The opinions expressed in letters, perspectives or in guest columns do not necessarily reflect those of The Hammonton Gazette.  The Gazette is not responsible for factual errors in letters, perspectives or in guest columns. The Gazette retains the right to refuse any submission or advertisement.