08071 Pitman | Winter 2023

LONG WINTER OR EARLY SPRING! WHICH DO YOU PREFER? WE ASKED OUR NEIGHBORS, HERE’S WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY!

New job, new retirement account options

Changing jobs? Consider these 401(k) options:

• Leave the money in your previous employer’s plan

• Move it to your new employer’s plan

• Roll it over to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

• Cash out the account subject to early withdrawal penalties

Christian - Early Spring! Everyone kinda itching for the spring. With the warm weather we been having, definitely anticipating an early spring.

Sydarra - Early Spring!

Carlos - Early Spring!

Amilee - Early Spring!

Khalil - Early Spring!

Kathy Chang EDITOR

Hello 08071!

Oh winter, you are still here! Snow has already fallen and we’re are anxiously waiting for that spring weather. I am excited for you to check out our Winter edition magazine dedicated to the lifestyle and community of Pitman. We start our issue with everything about the Pitman Golf Course. “The Pitman Golf Course has a fantastic story to tell,” stated Orist Wells, golf course manager and PGA Golf Professional. It is one of South New Jersey’s oldest golf courses located at 501 Pitman Road, Sewell. What began as a nine-hole course in 1927 on a humble 187 acres of property has grown into a destination for more than simply golf. The Gloucester County Board of Commissioners purchased the course in 1994. In preparation for any golf game on the course, one can

visit The Pro Shop, which sells golf balls, gloves, and hats. After the game, there is also Bogey’s Club and Cafe, where you can eat, drink, and socialize. The cafe also offers live entertainment. Learn all about the Pitman Golf Course starting on page 7.

Next we experience “a little slice of America.” The Inn on Holly Avenue in Pitman is a gorgeous turn of the century Victorian built in 1906 conveniently located two blocks from the heart of Historic Pitman. Come in through the glass-paned doors, and the meticulousness of owners Yvonne and Victor “Jake” Jacobs becomes apparent. It’s in the tidy furnishings, the welcoming décor, and the gleaming floors. The Inn on Holly is a labor of love and the beginning of a dream come true. After admiring the home for several years, it went up for sale and Yvonne and Jake felt destined to buy it. They made settlement in June 2009 and have since worked tirelessly to turn it into a beautiful Bed and Breakfast, according to its website. The Inn on Holly has 15 wineries within 15 miles, is 12 miles out of Philly, and is close to Atlantic City, too. “It’s a little slice of America, tucked away, yet so close,”

Yvonne states. Come and enjoy starting on page 10.

We round our issue with the members of the Pride Alliance of Pitman. Since its inception before the pandemic, members have brought Pride to Broadway from the distribution of the rainbow flags, Pride banners and Rainbow Window Walk to the Pride Festival, Pride Prom and Pride billboard. Nothing is as important as having the young generation feel safe, member Mike Grillo said. “My goal is to say, ‘Hey man, you are welcome, you are loved, this is a safe place,’” he said, adding his goal is the reason he is part of the Pride Alliance. Pitman 08071 caught up with members of the Pride Alliance of Pitman to see what they have in store for 2024. Check it all out starting on page 12.

Also check out our Planning in Pitman on page 9 for future community events. All of this and more awaits on the pages ahead!

Enjoy!

Kathy Chang Editor

PITMAN GOLF COURSE: ‘A g d value golf co se’

THE GLOUCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PURCHASED THE COURSE IN 1994

By Asha Brodie

Golf is rapidly gaining popularity to the point where it is no longer thought of as a favorite pastime reserved for a particular older generation.

“The Pitman Golf Course has a fantastic story to tell,” stated Orist Wells, golf course manager and PGA Golf Professional.

The Pitman Golf Club opened at its original location at Kincaid and Loughran Farms. Alexandar Findlay, a golf pioneer and course architect, oversaw the construction of the course, according to history of the course.

Findlay’s “nine-hole masterpiece” as he called it, quickly grew to an 18-hole course by 1931.

After being turned into a clubhouse, the Robert Kincaid barn featured a large ballroom that served as a social focus for the elites and their families.

Private gatherings were frequently conducted there, and the Glenn Miller Band’s performance before Miller left for World War II in Europe will be remembered as the clubhouse’s most memorable moment of the time.

The club disbanded in 1942 due to World War II expenses and thereafter became a location for hay and peach plants. Twelve years later in 1954, Robert and Dorothy Venables purchased the land and reopened the course. During their time, they were able to form the Pitman Women’s Golf Association and the Pitman Men’s Golf Association, both of which are still in existence.

In 1958, Ralph Cornell, Harry R. Halloran, William Raynor, and Thomas A. Bruder purchased the land from the Venables and later expanded the course by 65 acres in 1959 with the purchase of two tracts from J. Wilmer Zee Jr. and Jean R. Zee.

For the next 35 years, the Pitman Country Club was a popular destination of area golfers as a place to play a round of golf or a hand of gin in the locker room. Two of the most memorable events that occurred during this era were a golf exhibition by Sam Snead in September 1960, who still holds the PGA record for tour victories, and an incredible round played by a 13 year old. Snead, playing a match with golf professionals Al Besselink, Charlie LePre, and Paul Midiri, shot a 67, but is also remembered for refusing a dinner invitation unless paid an additional appearance fee of 0, according to the history of the course.

On July 6, 1976, Doug Beechler shot a 13-under-par 58 while playing in a junior competition and for years was in the Guinness Book of World Records for posting the lowest

GOLF COURSE 08071

from page 7

round ever shot on a regulation course by someone as young. He had a breathtaking 10-under-25 on the back nine.

During the first two decades after the course reopened, there were many changes of administrative personnel. Horace Smith was the first professional, followed by Midge Kupsik, Dave McCleary, Paul Midiri and Danny Gaskill. The first manager of the new era was “Beetle” Bierne followed by Eddie Coach. In the early 1970s, the course was leased to Nick Carbo who served as course manager and Charlie LePre who served as professional. Former Philadelphia Eagle quarterback Ron Jaworski leased the course from 1992 through 1994.

Many great players emerged from Pitman including Bernie Dunne, who would beat Fuzzy Zoeller to win the National JUCO (junior college) championship when he played for Gloucester County College; Greg Farrow, who would become one of the top tournament winners in the Philadelphia Section of the PGA; Ed Anton Jr., who would win seven Gloucester County Amateur titles; and Leo Glutting, who after a sparkling amateur career served as Jaworski’s head pro.

Pitman also was a popular stop for Al Besselink, a successful touring pro from the mid-20th century who was a close friend of Bierne, and George Low, one of golf’s true characters. Known as “America’s Guest,” Low was a putting marvel who gave lessons to Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus and had his own putter models manufactured.

According to Wells, Pitman Golf Course is currently renowned as a “good value golf course” with an economical price structure and consistent playing conditions.

WHAT DISTINGUISHES THE PITMAN GOLF COURSE FROM OTHERS?

Wells stated that golfers who frequent the course consider it “golfer friendly.”

“You have the chance to score a good round and it’s not going to take forever to play or beat you up to the point where you lose a lot of golf balls.”

Wells stated that because the course is older, golfers will find the play shorter and less tough than on a modern-day design

golf course.

Golfers vary in age, and prior to the pandemic, the Pitman Junior Golf Association (PJGA) provided a summer program for experienced players aged 13 to 17.

The pandemic halted not just the junior golf event, but also golf classes.

Since then, “the golf industry has boomed and we find ourselves extremely busy with daily play and finding support (seasonal) staff,” said Wells, adding they hope to resume with PJGA and golf classes this summer.

During the course of the year, aside from open public play, the site hosts “a few tournaments.”

One of the headlining events is the Honoring Sandrino Sacrifice event. The event was named after former Pitman High School alum and Sgt. Alessandro L. Plutino.

Affectionately known as Sandrino, he was killed while on tour during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2011.

The Honoring Sandrino Sacrifice golf event is in its 13th year and will be held on May 10 this year. There will be morning and afternoon tournaments, followed by an awards presentation, lunch, and dinner.

The earnings from the event will be donated to a variety of organizations.

In preparation for any golf game on the course, one can visit The Pro Shop, which sells golf balls, gloves, and hats.

After the game, there is also Bogey’s Club and Cafe, where you can eat, drink, and socialize. The cafe also offers live entertainment.

Wells praised the County of Gloucester and the Board of Chosen Commissioners for the years of support of the golf course.

In 1994, the commissioners purchased 233 acres – the “Venables Tract” and the “Zee Tract” – from the “Pitman Country Club” corporation. The county received “Green Acres” funding from the state to aid in the purchase. The county began operating the course Jan. 1, 1995. John Borrell served as the first golf professional/ manager during the new era and Wells replaced him in 1998.

“They have maintained an unwavering vision to see Pitman Golf Course as an affordable and fun option for public golfers of all abilities,” Wells said. — 08071

vision to see Pitman Golf Course as an affordable and fun option for public golfers

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS.

When it comes to your social calendar change is ... not always good. But sometimes it’s inevitable. Check each organization’s website for updated event information.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

The Pride Alliance of Pitman is holding their second annual Pride Prom at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post on Oakcrest Avenue.

MONDAY, MARCH 25

The Greater Pitman Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Pitman Business Mixer from 5:30-7 p.m., 115 W. Jersey Ave. All Pitman businesses are welcome.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

The Lori Poisker Memorial Pitman Spring Craft Show is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rain Date May 19. The fall craft show is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21 with a rain date

Planning in Pitman

Sept. 22. The crafts shows have been a tradition for more than 30 years. The festivals boast more than 200 crafters, all displaying their handmade wares, and attracts upwards of 10,000 shoppers.

THURSDAY, JULY 4

The 43rd annual Pitman Freedom Four Mile Road Race will be held rain or shine.

THE BROADWAY THEATRE OF PITMAN

The historic theatre, which opened in May 1926, is located at 43 S. Broadway. For more information visit www.thebroadwaytheatre.org.

Main Stage:

Through March 24 – Ghost The Musical

April 19 to May 12 – Ragtime The Musical

July 5-28 – The Prom The Musical

Sept. 6-29 – 9 TO 5 The Musical

Oct. 25 to Nov. 17 – Kinky Boots

Upcoming Shows:

March 29 – Just Like Janis!

March 30 – Dancing Dream ABBA Tribute Show

April 5 – Sal Valentinetti

April 6 – The New York Bee Gees

April 7 – Golden Gays: The Golden Games!

April 12 – Almost Queen

April 13 – Vicki Lawrence and Mama, A Two Woman Show

May 17 – Stella Blue’s Band

May 18 – The Hotel California Album Show by Winslow – An Evening of the Eagles Tribute

May 19 – A Man Named Gash, with Jonny, June and Carl Perkins

May 25 – The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience

May 31 to June 2 – The Calamari Sisters Sausagefest

June 15 – Van Halen Nation

June 20 – Italian Comedy Night with Mike Marino from The Tonight Show

‘It’s a little slice of America, tucked away yet so close’

OVER THE YEARS, THE INN ON HOLLY AVENUE HAS WELCOMED COMPOSER DICK HYMAN AND ACTOR AND SINGER FRANKIE AVALON AND HIS BAND

By N.J. Ackermann

The Inn on Holly Avenue in Pitman is a gorgeous turn of the century Victorian built in 1906 conveniently located two blocks from the heart of Historic Pitman. Come in through the glass-paned doors, and the meticulousness of owners Yvonne and Victor “Jake” Jacobs becomes apparent. It’s in the tidy furnishings, the welcoming décor, and the gleaming floors.

“There’s a level of accountability; Jake and I really care about everything,” Yvonne says. “… The beds are perfect and the sheets are bright white and smell good, because that’s our standard.”

“And I live with a paintbrush in my pocket,” Jake jokes.

The Inn on Holly is a labor of love and the beginning of a dream come true. After admiring the home for several years, it went up for sale and Yvonne and Jake felt destined to buy it. They made settlement in June 2009 and have since worked tirelessly to turn it into a beautiful Bed and Breakfast, according to its website.

Look up through the center of the polished wood staircase, and you can see all the way to the third level. But rather than leading to numerous, plainly furnished rooms, it leads to two bright and airy bedrooms and a larger suite, all of which are decorated with the glitz and glamour of the Victorian age. As a former makeup artist, Yvonne has the flair needed to mix gold and glass with silk brocade and fancy wallpaper, and take inspiration from the bedrooms of French royalty to blend six-foot-long clawfoot tubs with modern showers.

“This was just an idea in our heads,” says Yvonne, “when we bought the property. It wasn’t even zoned right; we had to get a variance.”

“There’ve only been four or five owners, and they all took care of it over the years,” added Jake.

Now, at 120 years old, the house still has the original clapboard siding. Having recently acquired more property, they have added a large outdoor patio to the many other amenities the inn offers. They keep the inn updated and beautifully decorated for holidays – including Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and especially Christmas.

“Every year, the town has a Christmas parade,” Yvonne says. “And there are two craft fairs where they close the streets. On the fourth of July, there’ll be fireworks down at the lake, and we hire Woody the Stilt-Walker and play Americana Music.”

Pitman is a quaint town that has experienced quite a resurgence, so it can be difficult to find a parking space. But the Inn on Holly has its own parking and is a two-block walk to the main street, the hub of shopping outlets, restaurants, and the renowned Broadway Theatre.

“A lot of their talent stay here,” Yvonne noted, of those who perform at the Broadway Theatre. “You just never know who [will be] staying here. One day a guest was playing the piano, and when he finished, he told me I needed to get it tuned. I looked him up, and it was Dick Hyman, the composer of the soundtrack from the film Moonstruck.”

Other people of interest who have stayed at the Inn include actor and singer Frankie Avalon and his band, musician Steve Forbert, and the wife of actor George C. Scott, who shared she helped him rehearse his lines so that he could win an Oscar.

“We had a geography professor who sailed around the world without instrumentation and had received an award from Rowan (College of South Jersey), which is just around the corner,” Jake added.

Their hospitality has won them Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellency, the best of Gloucester County (three times), and this year, the 2024 booking.com Traveler Award.

“We’ve been featured in Forbes Magazine, and we’ve never had a bad review,” Yvonne said, knocking on wood.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Jake says, “and we’ve made many friends who invite us to stay at their houses. I joke with them,

‘You do realize we charge you to stay here?’”

These innkeepers provide the pampering and personal service you can’t find staying at a hotel. “We treat our guests like royalty,” Yvonne emphasized.

“When you’re traveling and weary, and you pull off the road into a nice quiet place, and the parking lot’s right there, it’s so easy,” Jake says.

“And you know it’s just two floors, and you’re going to get a good night’s rest and have a wonderful breakfast. You’re thankful for that,” Yvonne continued, adding, “We get a lot of single women travelers who feel safe here.”

Weekend fare is a full gourmet breakfast which, from May to October, Yvonne serves on the veranda, while her guests enjoy nice weather and the lush greenery of the grounds. In addition to the quiet common rooms, there’s a wraparound porch and the carriage house they call The Red Rail, after Jake’s background in the railroad industry. A BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) space to gather, unwind, listen to music, or watch a game, it has ambient lighting and a bar with six comfy bar stools.

“Our guests really enjoy the carriage house,” Jake says. “And also sitting outside under the shade of this beautiful maple tree we have.”

Because of the personal service and extra-special touches provided by bed and breakfast establishments, they are usually priced higher than hotels. However, owners Yvonne and Jake have maintained their low pricing in spite of the inflation of the last few years.

“We like to keep it affordable,” says Jake.

At under $200, Yvonne points out that their prices often beat their competitors. “And, it’s just the better way to stay,” she says.

And better it is. The Inn on Holly has 15 wineries within 15 miles, is 12 miles out of Philly, and is close to Atlantic City, too.

“It’s a little slice of America, tucked away, yet so close,” Yvonne states.

Visit theinnonholly.com to stay at this fabulous B&B and book a long stay or just one night. — 08071

‘You are welcome, you are loved, you are in a safe place’

PRIDE ALLIANCE OF PITMAN CONTINUES ITS EFFORTS IN SUPPORTING THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY WITH VARIOUS EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

By Kathy Chang

The word “comfort” means a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint, according to the Oxford Dictionary.

That is the ultimate goal of what members of the Pride Alliance of Pitman wish for their community as they continue to meet, discuss, create and bring various Pride events to Pitman to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.

Since its inception before the pandemic, members have brought Pride to Broadway from the distribution of the rainbow flags, Pride banners and Rainbow Window Walk to the Pride Festival, Pride Prom and Pride billboard.

For Mike Grillo, “as an old head” (his words), he saw the distribution of the rain-

bow flags as his goal “to give young people the comfort that I didn’t have growing up in the town (of Pitman)” where he has lived his entire life.

“I’ve had people knock on the door of my house and say, ‘Hey thanks for the flag you have hanging up,’” he relayed. “This generation of young folk are in a little bit of a struggle bus. I thought we were past all of it, but they are targets again.”

Nothing is as important as having the young generation feel safe, Grillo emphasized.

“My goal is to say, ‘Hey man, you are welcome, you are loved, this is a safe place,’” he said, adding his goal is the reason he is part of the Pride Alliance.

Pitman 08071 caught up with members of the Pride Alliance of Pitman to see what they have in store for 2024.

And boy do they have a lot in the works.

One of the two big fundraising events they organize is coming up on March 23 – the Pride Prom, which is expected to be bigger than its inaugural year.

“It’s the prom that you wanted to go to,” explained Alex Oasin, noting the prom had everyone from 21 to 70 years old on the dance floor.

Oh and who can forget the toiletries in the bathroom.

“Everyone was hanging out in the bathroom … like a prom, that high school prom,” Jennifer Trumpheller recalled.

And that’s what alliance members wanted the Pride Prom to be.

“It’s your prom,” Oasin said, adding people came with dates, solo and/or with friends.

Provided photos by Jennifer Trumpheller, owner/operator of Imagine Photography Pride Alliance of Pitman continues its efforts in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community throughout the year including the upcoming Pride Prom in March and Pride Month in June.

PRIDE ALLIANCE OF PITMAN

“We were so happy that the first year went so well because people felt comfortable.”

From complimenting on each other’s wardrobe to dancing the night away, those who attended had that prom “they wanted to go to.”

HOW PRIDE PROM BEGAN?

“Weirdly enough we were at a wedding,” Grillo explained. “One of our board members got married. We danced the night away and had a blast.

“During the course of that, we all decided ‘Hey we can do this, but in town and just have a Pride prom.’”

And so the idea of a Pride Prom was born. Held at the hall of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post on Oakcrest Avenue, members recalled a very successful first year.

“This is where the Pride Alliance becomes really effective with the dynamic of people that we have,” Grillo said. “We have the dreamers and then we have the people that come up with great ideas and then we have the pragmatic people that can kind of help turn [those ideas] into something we can implement.”

The theme was starry night – a night under the stars.

“We got there at 8 a.m. and set up to mid-afternoon,” Trumpheller relayed.

“And stayed to one in the morning,” Oasin continued. “We had lots of volunteers. People who came and assisted in decorations, tons of businesses in town that just donated whether the DJ booth, goods and services and gift cards.”

Prom goers were able to take traditional prom photos with Trumpheller, who is a professional photographer, and each person received a ticket for a door prize.

For Grillo, to see the success of the Pride Prom was really rewarding on so many levels.

“I had a friend of mine who I invited and it was the first time they were comfortable wearing a dress in public,” he said. “It’s an amazing [fundraising] event that really helped us upgrade the banners.”

The banners that Grillo is speaking of are Pride banners the alliance installs along Broadway Avenue in June for Pride Month.

Members are gearing up for another successful Pride Prom for its second year with the theme enchanted forest.

So now let’s talk about Pride Month in June.

Thanks to Patrick Rumaker, the committee’s master of ceremonies for events, the committee has secured permits to hang their banners again along Broadway Avenue in June.

The Pride Alliance partners with the Pitman’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for the approval to install the banners in June, which goes to the Pitman Borough Council for final approval.

“Everyone comes and helps put up the flags,” Oasin said, noting when they take their flags down, they help the borough put up the Fourth of July flag banners. “We all try to work together.”

see PRIDE ALLIANCE page 14

end of my hair. I’ve had people come up, teenagers say, ‘Thank you, seeing that just made my day.’

“I just love it and enjoy it.”

To further show her support, Trumpheller is getting a tattoo with the ally flag.

“Who cares who you love or what you are doing, you are not hurting anyone … I don’t see how that’s anyone’s business and why people care so much,” she said.

Oasin said she learned about Pride Alliance after booking Trumpheller for photographs of her son.

“I was really nervous because I didn’t know anyone except for Jennifer,” she said of the first meeting she attended. “It was right before Pride Month, I didn’t know anyone, but I immediately felt comfortable.”

Oasin explained her wife grew up in Pitman and they live in the same house that she grew up in.

Along the same lines of Trumpheller, Oasin said as a person of Filipino and Black descent, there was some hesitation about moving to the area due to the lack of diversity.

“I was nervous, my family was nervous,” she said. “It was important for me to be around like-minded people or to know people if there was an issue so I would know the right people to talk to.”

With the Pride Alliance, she has found that support. She has found some of her best friends.

“I think that led me to be involved,” she said. “I immediately felt at home, there was no adjustment period. We have a group chat that we constantly chat all day.

“It’s nice to have a group where you are not alone. There is strength in comfort and being part of this group provides that.”

Oasin said many people have relayed they wish there was a group like the alliance around in previous years to provide that support and help for themselves and family members.

As the Pride Alliance moves forward, they will continue waving the rainbow flags letting people know they are not alone anymore and people can get the support they need. — 08071

For more information visit prideallianceofpitman.org