The Hammonton Gazette
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Local homes beautifully
decorated for the holidays
p. 31
Celebrating Philadelphia
favorite Ben Franklin
p. 45
SOCCER GAMES APPROVED
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Volume 18 • Issue 52
by Paul J. Macrie IV
GAZETTE STAFF WRITER
HAMMONTON—On December 17, the Hammonton Planning
Board had its regularly scheduled
meeting as there was one major
application on the agenda. Tucka-
www.hammontongazette.com
Planning bd. OKs conditional preliminary and major site plan
hoe Turf Farms, LLC. was seeking
preliminary and major site plan
approval to permit soccer tournaments on its site, located on Myrtle Street, off of Route 206 and
near Basin and Union Roads. It is
Jason Koenig
pleads guilty
by Gina Rullo
GAZETTE STAFF WRITER
MAYS LANDING—On December 16, a Hammonton man
formerly employed as the high
school’s marching band director
pled guilty to the sexual assault of
a 16-year-old student, Atlantic
County Prosecutor Jim McClain
in an AP (Agricultural Production)
Zone District. After more than two
hours of testimony and questions
from the board and board professionals, it was decided, with several waivers and conditions set
forth to approve the application.
Attorney William F. Harrison of
Genova Burns Attorneys-At-Law
represented Tuckahoe Turf Farms,
LLC, while John Timothy Kernan
of Kernan Consulting Engineers
Associates provided testimony on
planning concerns. Allen Carter
Jr., a consultant for Tuckahoe Turf
Farms, LLC. since 1986 who
helps with sales, educational tours
Looking eye-to-eye with Santa Claus
See SOCCER, Page 10
announced.
Jason Koenig, 27, of the 600
block of Wilbur Avenue, Hammonton, pled guilty before Atlantic County Superior Court
Judge Michael A. Donio, to sexual
assault and official misconduct—
both Second degree crimes, a release from the county prosecutor
Blachford offers
renovation update
by Paul J. Macrie IV
GAZETTE STAFF WRITER
HAMMONTON—Hammonton
School District Superintendent Dr.
C. Dan Blachford provided an update on the ongoing Hammonton
Middle School renovation project,
which included replacing windows
See KOENIG, Page 12
in the building.
As of December 9, Blachford
said the window replacement
phase of the renovations at the
school was nearly complete.
“They look great. There is some
sealing that they are still working
on. They are putting a piece by the
DiMeo looks forward to decorating every Christmas
See MIDDLE, Page 3
THG/Paul J. Macrie IV. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940.
Cole Dessicino sits on Santa Claus’ lap during Hammonton Family Success Center’s holiday party on December 18.
by Paul J. Macrie IV
GAZETTE STAFF WRITER
HAMMONTON—The Christmas season is alive and well at the
DiMeo residence on Middle
Road. Bill DiMeo, along with his
close family friend Randy Sarlo,
have worked together to decorate
for Christmas inside and outside
for years now. It has become a tradition for DiMeo, 71, who said his
house has been decked with
Christmas decorations, ornaments
and other holiday paraphernalia
for more than 60 years.
Reminiscing on past Christmas
holidays, DiMeo said it was the
only time of the year his family
would settle down and enjoy each
other’s company.
“My father, with the blueberry
farm, was a workaholic and it
caused a lot of dysfunction in the
Commission approves
adopt-a-park applicant
by Zack Brown
GAZETTE STAFF WRITER
THG/Paul J. Macrie IV. To purchase photos in The Gazette, call (609) 704-1940.
Bill DiMeo’s home on Middle Road is festively decorated for the Chirstmas season.
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HAMMONTON—The Hammonton Parks and Recreation
Commission approved one of the
first applicants to its adopt-a-park
program during its regular
monthly meeting at town hall on
December 16.
See DIMEO, Page 4
Catherine Duble, a representative of St. Joseph’s National
Honor Society, attended the meeting to make a formal request to
adopt the memorial portion of Veterans Park, which borders the
school between Bellevue Avenue
and Vine Street.
Councilman Dan Bachalis, who
drafted much of the adopt-a-park
ONLY $20 FOR 52 WEEKS! CALL (609) 704-1940
See PARKS, Page 2