08037 Hammonton | Winter 2023

Letter from the PUBLISHER:

Welcome to our first issue of the New Year 08037 readers!

We hope you enjoyed your holidays! We are so happy to be back bringing you one-of-a-kind stories on the people and businesses in the community. The winter months are still upon us, and although spring seems to be quickly approaching, there is plenty to see and do during this unpredictable weather season.

One site in particular is the beloved town clock. We take a look into the background of this local gem and its new “facelift” (Page 4). Come explore The Noyes Museum of Art in our Take a Look at Local History feature (Page 14). Read about the inspirations for past and future exhibits and be sure to catch their current exhibit on Mother Nature vs. Human Nature: The Inequality of Climate Resilience. The cover features a delectable spread offered at one of Hammonton’s newer wineries, Kennedy Cellars. The perfect setting to take the chill off this

winter, see how this vision was brought to life by owner, Jack Kennedy, in this issue’s Wine With Us (Page 8).

Take a Bite with Mannino’s Cannoli Express (Page 6). From a food truck to a well-known pastry shop, get an inside glimpse of how owner Gabriella Mannino Tomasello’s dream turned into a reality.

Planning out spring events? Don’t forget to check out what’s coming soon in Hammonton Happenings (Page 18) to fill up your calendar. This and more awaits in this edition of 08037. Remember to follow us on Instagram at 08037_hammonton. Happy reading, and we will see you

in the spring!

Brittany Rought Publisher

Winter 2023 CONTRIBUTORS:

Editor, Kathy Chang

Dante Long

Louis Washington

Drew Matson

NJ Ackermann

COVER PHOTO: KENNEDY CELLARS BY SIXZERO MEDIA

BEST-LOVED Clock in Town

BY NJ ACKERMANN

Ahundred years ago, an ornate, electrically-lighted Seth Thomas clock was installed on a street corner in front of a bank. Ticking along using the gravitational pull of weights, this clock simultaneously began a tug on the heartstrings of the townsfolk of Hammonton.

Day and night, it sent its greetings in its dapper green suit from the intersection of Central and Bellevue Avenues. No matter which direction it was viewed from, one of its wide four faces would shine back.

People saw it every time they waited at the traffic light, or when they walked by it on their way into the bank. It didn’t mind being stared at, climbed on, or if little fingers traced its decorations. One day a man ran it down with his truck and it was gone. The picture in the paper showed men in their 1928 baker-boy caps standing around the big fella all in pieces on the ground.

Soon, the People’s Bank & Trust Co., with assistance from the town jeweler, installed an identical twin on the same spot. The local painter added some bronze paint, and the corner had returned to normal with a new clock, just as green and a little more dandy.

For decades thereafter, mamas wheeled their babies past it in carriages, children ran by with their penny candy, and grownups counted on it to keep them on time. It became a focal point for celebrations, like the 1941 Diamond Jubilee, and a participant in many photos where it can be seen standing proudly in the background.

In 1957, there were rumors that it was going to be taken down. True or not, it was never removed, but was updated to an all-electric operation. No more pullies and weights. But the bank changed hands and in 1963 it was donated as a historical exhibit. The townspeople of Hammonton objected; they wanted it as their own. So, ownership of the clock was returned and it was, instead, gifted to the town.

Renting a crane, they found a new home for it where it now stands. However, when a cable snapped it fell and its cast-iron dome was cracked. Local business owner Fred DeClements came to the rescue by welding it, and by 1965 the repaired clock was keeping time in its new home one block away. Still on Central

please see CLOCK, page 5

Avenue, it was now bordered by Vine and Third Streets in a neat little triangle all its own.

Once again, the clock happily ticked on for many decades, receiving a few new coats of paint along the way. Sometime after its 82nd birthday it stopped keeping time, and its suit grew ragged. They moved its hands to twelve o’clock and the dapper chap took a nap. For its Sesquicentennial celebration in 2016, Hammonton chose the grand old clock as its icon. After the celebration, surplus funds were earmarked for restoration, and a committee of seven members was formed. The whole town pulled together for their beloved clock. Committee co-chairs Bob Schenk and John Runfolo spearheaded the planning, designing and raising of funds to bring it back to grandeur. From the mayor to the mechanic to the townsfolk, everyone was on board and gave what they could.

“There are usually opposers to any project; rarely do you get 100 percent approval,” says Runfolo, a former advertising executive.

“Sometimes we received five dollars accompanied by a note,” Schenk says. “Whether it was five or five thousand, everyone got recognized.” He says

they were either named in the newspaper or on the plaque now hanging in the town hall. “Over five hundred individuals donated and, believe it or not, we spelled everybody’s name right.”

And then there were those who donated in other ways. Local construction company ML Ruberton provided labor and materials to replace the rusted base. Green Giant Nursery reset and replaced broken pavers while Roof Wizard performed the power washing. Massarelli’s donated the stone planters and Ron’s Gardens the flowers. Electri-Tech hooked up the clock to make it run again, Action Auto Body advised on the gold leaf and paint, and the Hammonton Gazette generated publicity, all free of charge.

For a century, this town has kept their street clock in their hearts. Through disaster, destruction, damage and donation, they’ve rescued it. Now, after its facelift, costing about $100,000, it is reported to be one of only two functioning Seth Thomas street clocks left in the United States. More handsome than ever, its new dark green suit sets off permanent 14k gold leaf accents on scrolls, fleur-de-lis, and lion-faced gargoyles with gold rings in their mouths. Reinforced with steel, and with brighter lights and all new inner mechanisms, Hammonton’s grand street clock should stand for another 100 years. What a lucky clock.

BiteTake a

Mannino’s Cannoli Express

BY DANTE LONG

From the confines of her father’s pizzeria, the girlhood dream of Gabriella Mannino

Tomasello to one day run a restaurant of her own manifested in the creation of one of the most delicious destinations in all of Hammonton—Mannino’s Cannoli Express. Covering South Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York, customers

can purchase a variety of pastries from cookies to cannolis, all of which can be ordered in bulk in either mini or large boxes. The culinary graduate’s pastries have become a seasonal sensation with many unique flavors, and this winter brings out the best the menu has to offer. Making blueberry cannolis with her father as a culinary student at the Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce’s Blueberry Festival turned out to be a

please see MANNINO’S, page 11

WINE with us

BY DREW MATSON

“Iwould rather die of thirst than drink a single sip from a cup of mediocrity.”

These are the bold words from Jack Kennedy, owner of Kennedy Cellars Winery and School of Wine located at 839 13th Street in Hammonton. It has been said for time immemorial that fortune favors the bold, and in this case, certainly favors Jack and his team at Kennedy Cellars, as they have developed something truly special.

The winery’s entrance can be found on a rural stretch of 13th Street, easily spotted as it is flanked by a pair of golden

please see WINE, page 12

MANNINO’S

launching pad for showcasing her skills to a large crowd. “In 2014, I created the business with my husband,” says Mannino Tomasello. “I did food trucks and private parties,” she recalled of her mobile venture that literally opened the doors to her storefront located on 220 Bellevue Avenue. Events include Italian festivals, weddings and birthdays. She can also be found at many wineries on the east coast. Feeding the families of Hammonton is a pleasant callback to the restaurant business Mannino Tomasello has known since childhood. It’s one thing to have it, but another to have her very own family assist with the day-to-day operations. “My daughters help in the kitchen and with events,” says Mannino Tomasello, “they’re also on the phones,” she added, proud to implement her kids the same way her father did with her. Despite cannolis being the main pastry at Mannino’s Cannoli Express, customers would be delighted to know they aren’t limited to just that. Cookies such as Italian shortbread, chocolate chip, lemon ricotta and peanut butter kiss are available to warm up winter nights. Eight different flavors of gelatos, cakes and even macarons are included, flavors include caramel, raspberry and chocolate. When it comes to cannolis, a wide range of options await customers. All shells are imported from Sicily. “Original chocolate chip is the most popular,” reveals Mannino Tomasello. An item that can be found yearly, much like Pistachio & Birthday Cake. A cannoli with almonds on fresh pistachios folded into vanilla ricotta and dusted at the end of the shells. It’s hard to work around food and not have a favorite. Mannino Tomasello is no different than most cooks when it comes to that.

“Nutella is my favorite,” she says. “The perfect hazelnut spread mixed into vanilla ricotta,” the website describes the cannoli she enjoys most. The winter exclusive cannolis are about as tasty as the ones available during spring, summer and fall and make the winter that much more interesting for customers eager to get their hands on these pastries. “Mint chocolate chip & Amarena Cherry are the most popular,” says Mannino Tomasello. This cannoli is sold between November and February and leaves many smiles on custom-

ers’ faces. When February hits, it signifies the essence of love. For Hammonton residents who have eaten at the store, that love transfers over to a Valentine’s Day exclusive treat—a fresh strawberry dip cannoli. A perfect way to warm up this winter.

From food trucks and trailers in the South Jersey region to a prosperous storefront in Hammonton, Gabriella Mannino Tomasello’s family business can be considered the cannoli capital of New Jersey. Those looking for delicious, seasonal, Italian treats of various flavors will be excited by the options that await them this winter. Whether there’s a taste for cookies or the

popular mint chocolate chip & Amarena Cherry cannoli. “We’re one of a kind,” says Mannino Tomasello, “we’re a destination for a lot of people in Hammonton,” she says when recalling the importance of Mannino’s Cannoli Express. As always, she welcomes new faces interested in seeing what all the fuss is about. 

vanilla ricotta the

PHOTOS BY LOUIS WASHINGTON

bull statues. Beyond the long driveway, visitors are greeted with the sight of seven acres of blueberry fields with parking in front of the tasting room and school buildings. Inside the tasting room awaits an inviting atmosphere that is both thoughtfully rustic and comfortably cozy.

Behind the tasting room is the production area that houses several 1,000 liter tanks, imported from Italy, all temperature controlled by an impressive custom glycol chiller setup that was fabricated in-house. The other side of the room is occupied by large wooden barrels, all resting on their side, stacked from floor to ceiling while the liquid inside matures.

The tasting room and production areas are great, but how is the wine? Simply: unique and remarkable. Jack has sought out the perfect grapes locally and from around the world to produce his visions in Hammonton. Their blueberry wine is bursting with berry flavor that is harvested from the surrounding fields. An employee from the winery accurately described the blueberry as, “nice and articulate in the front, a lot of acidity, bloomin’-boomin’… don’t want it to be candy sweet… we want that fruit to deliver.”

continued from page 8 not 2004. was “teaching” his

Coming soon is a Moscato that swims on the palete, with just a touch of sweet, to create harmony in your mouth. A heavy favorite is a white pinotage made from South African dark red grapes that have all the tannins

stripped out, and pours as a white wine. It is a red wine made white, and never done before. The concept is fascinating but more importantly the taste is incomparable.

The entire enterprise of Kennedy Cellars and the School of Wine would not have happened if it wasn’t for a horrific accident in 2004. Jack was “teaching” his brother-in-law how to properly ride a dirt bike in his home town of Deptford when he went headover-handlebars. A result of the wreck was a severed artery, and eight days later Jack suffered three strokes. He was admitted into an intensive care unit, and upon discharge was told he would never be able to do simple tasks that most take for granted such as tie his shoes,

please see WINE, page 13

drive, or even walk. Thankfully that is not the case today, and Jack is able to live life with appreciation to have those abilities back. However, during his recovery a serious blood clot was discovered, and doctors were concerned about increasing any medication to lower blood pressure as it would likely lead to organ failure. A neurologist wrote a prescription instructing Jack to have a glass of wine every night as a natural remedy to lower his blood pressure. Jack expressed, “had I not had the accident, had I not almost died, and had he not written the prescription, none of this would have happened.”

This prescription was taken with earnestness and began his exploration into the world of wine, which eventually led to Jack becoming a student at the Pinto School of Wine. An opportunity arose to purchase the Pinto School, and Jack approached those involved with the school with a bigger vision. This vision was to keep the school running but also open a retail winery with the best grapes from around the world.

With everyone on board, the long road to realizing this dream began. For four years they could only operate the school while navigating the arduous process of gaining various approvals through all required agencies. The journey was worth it, for the two years the winery has been in operation they have blown away all internal expectations. Last year Kennedy Cellars produced 63,000 bottles of wine, and this year they plan on almost doubling their production to 100,000 bottles, maxing out their existing capacity. Aside from the tasting room, you can currently purchase their wines from 18 restaurants in New Jersey. For a full listing of supporting retail outlets go to kennedycellarswine.com.

the they their New

If you visit the winery today you’ll be welcomed by friendly staff and delighted customers. When asked to describe Kennedy Cellars, one such customer replied with a smile and, “great wine, great people.”

you’ll be welcomed by friendly staff and

The Kennedy Cellars mission statement is, “to build relationships that reciprocate value, gratitude, and appreciation in an environment that is authentic, genuine, and sincere. That is our mission, our meaningful purpose, it’s how we serve our customers but also how we treat each other.” This approach not only brings a great product to New Jersey, but is a point of pride for the city of Hammonton. 

reciprocate value, gratitude, sincere.

A LOOK AT LOCAL HISTORY

The Noyes Museum of Art

Stockton University continues the Noyes’ vision 40 years later

BY KATHY CHANG

The Noyes Museum of Art Stockton University certainly meets its mission and vision.

Just take a look at its longevity as a staple of the fine arts in the southern New Jersey region. This year marks 40 years since the vision of the founders and chief benefactors – Fred W. Noyes Jr. and his wife Ethel – came to life with the completion of the museum building and its inaugural exhibitions in June 1983.

The vision of the museum is “building upon the core of [the Noyes’] collection” and the mission is “be recognized for creating a thriving cultural environment for experiencing the arts in the southern New Jersey region.”

Certainly, the museum meets its mission and vision. The curators over the years have continued the vision of the couple even after the passing of Mrs. Noyes in January 1979 and Mr. Noyes in 1987.

Michael Cagno is the current executive director of the museum. A role he has held for 16 years overseeing the museum’s current two sites – The Noyes Galleries at Kramer Hall, 30 Front St., Hammonton, and The Noyes Arts Garage, 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City.

“We curate 24 exhibits a year at the two locations,” he said, noting the exhibits are not limited to specific genres and cover a wide variety including hot button topics of immigration, social justice and climate change.

Exhibits typically stay up for two to three months at a time. Cagno noted two exhibits that have been very powerful.

During the forefront of the social justice movements, after the killing of George Floyd who died under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020, the museum held an exhibit on the Green Book, which provided African Americans a listing of Blackfriendly businesses in the 1960s.

And more recently, in a partnership with the Smithsonian Institute, the museum held an exhibit of 100 face portraits of U.S. military veterans, capturing the psychological and emotional effects of war.

Behind the scenes, Cagno called curating the exhibits an “organic process” among his staff, the museum’s advisory committee and the different partnerships. The process usually begins a year ahead.

As for this year, the museum is gearing up

for the 2023 New Jersey Arts Annual, which will showcase 105 different pieces of art from 105 different artists from all over New Jersey.

The theme of the exhibit is Mother Nature versus Human Nature: The Inequality of Climate Resilience that began in February and runs through June 24.

An opening reception was held at The Noyes Arts Garage in February and a closing reception will be held from 1 p.m. through 4 p.m. on June 3 at the Hammonton location.

After the New Jersey Arts Annual, the Hammonton site plans to feature artist Fred Staloff from July 10 to Sept. 29. An opening reception is scheduled from 5 p.m. through 7 p.m. on July 20.

And artist Gary Erbe from Oct. 12 to Jan. 26, 2024. An opening reception is scheduled

the Sparta Historical Society are coming soon.

History

In 2010, the Noyes partnership with Stockton University began as a natural extension of Stockton’s commitment to the area’s cultural scene. The Noyes Museum formally became a part of Stockton University in 2016, the same year it closed its former building in Oceanville, Galloway Township.

area’s cultural scene. The Noyes Museum

Cagno said the museum partners with various organizations to offer hundreds of different programs in the arts from film festivals to classes and workshops.

please see HISTORY, page 15

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Today, The Noyes Museum maintains its founders’ dedication to “preserving, highlighting, interpreting and celebrating the arts” through its dynamic locations across southern New Jersey.

The Noyes’ were best known as the developers of the Historic Smithville Inn and the Towne of Historic Smithville and were also developers of the Ram’s Head Inn restaurant in Absecon, both in Atlantic County, according to the museum’s website.

Fred Noyes was also an academically trained

artist. His art and personal collection of vintage bird decoys are part of the museum’s vast permanent collection of 19th to 21st century fine and folk art, according to the museum’s social media page.

“Art was the heartbeat of Fred Winslow Noyes, Jr. and he painted until he could no longer hold a paintbrush,” according to the museum’s website.

“His paintings reveal the joy he found in life and the delight he took in the natural landscapes of southern New Jersey. No matter what other demands there were in his life, he found the time to paint. His legacy is a body of work and an art museum that continue to inspire us to this day.”

General funding for the museum is provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Arts; the Mr. and Mrs. Fred Winslow Noyes Foundation; Stockton University; the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation; and the ShopRite LPGA Classic.

The Noyes Museum also received funding through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel & Tourism.

&

For more information about the Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University visit noyesmuseum.org.

PHOTOS BY LOUIS WASHINGTON

Favorite winter activity?

PHOTOS

the tree lighting and all the Christmas activities.”

I love when it

and we get a big group together to go out into the woods and find some hills to sled on.” Mallaidh Duffy Right - “Lately my favorite winter activity has been coming back to Hammonton for the holidays. I go away to school, so when I come home in the winter I get to see my friends and my family and it’s nice.”

BY LOUIS WASHINGTON

PHOTO 1: Aiden Hart - “My favorite winter activity has got to be snowboarding. It’s fun and once you fall, it’s easy to go back up the hill and back down again if you don’t fall too hard.”

PHOTO 2: Michael Schwika“Definitely baking cookies. It just doesn’t feel right when it’s hot outside, but when it’s nice and cold and you bake a fresh batch of cookies it really hits the spot!”

PHOTO 3: Keith Titus - “Downtown Hammonton during Christmas. I love

PHOTO 4: Sophia Bova Left - “I really like sledding, I think it’s really fun.

snows

Hammonton Happenings

It’s all in the details

567-9014. www.downtownhammonton.com

WILD GAME DINNER: March 16 – 6 PM at Victory Bible Church. Enjoy a free dinner with vendors, door prizes, competitions and special guest speaker Steve Sorensen “The Everyday Hunter,” an award-winning magazine and book author. www.vbchammonton. com

EASTER EGGSPRESS: March 18 to April 8 (Select dates and times.) at DiDonato Family Fun Center. Hop aboard a train ride through a Spring Village, meet the Easter Bunny, go on an egg hunt, and giggle through the Spring Hedge maze, enjoy am Easter prize and free snack, along with endless fun on the giant slide and more. 609561-3040. www.didonatofuncenter.com

ily event is hosted by Hammonton Lions Club and READ Preschool and all proceeds benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Featuring an Easter Egg Hunt at 11:15 AM for children ages 2 to 12 with a bag provided by the event organizers, along with a visit from the Easter Bunny, face painting, art and gift raffle, flower bulb painting, food trucks and more. (Rain date April 2) 443799-1816. e-clubhouse.org/sites/hammontonnj/

ART EXHIBIT “MOTHER NATURE VS. HUMAN NATURE”: Now through June 24 at the Noyes Museum Gallery at Stockton Kramer Hall. The inequality of climate resilience is explored in this innovative exhibit featuring a wide variety of different artwork from sculpture and ink drawings to multimedia, photographs and oil and watercolor painting from artists who either live or work in New Jersey. This is the Arts Annual Exhibition for 2023 and is a co-sponsored project with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. www.noyesmuseum.org

MARCH

COMMUNITY-WIDE CLEANUP: March 4 from 10 AM to 1 PM. Volunteer with your team, your friends, your group, your family, or on your own and make a positive impact on your town. Meet at the Canoe Club at Hammonton Lake Park to pick up supplies and given instructions. www.hammontongreencommittee.com

MAMMA MIA: March 9 to 11 - 7 PM at Hammonton High School Performing Arts Center. Enjoy the talented student-performers in this fun musical theatre production. The story of a young bride-to-be trying to find her real father told using the hit songs by the popular 1970s group ABBA. For tickets visit bluedevils.booktix.com

THIRD THURSDAY “ARTS ON THE AVE”: March 16 from 5 PM to 8 PM in the Downtown Hammonton Art District. Honoring women in the Arts, selected shops, eateries and art venues feature the works of female visual and performing artists. 609-

SOURDOUGH WORKSHOP: March 23

- 7 PM at Kitchen 19. Fermented Food & Beverage Supply Shop will lead the process of making sourdough bread from scratch with opportunity for questions during the class. Samples of homemade sourdough will be served during the class. Detailed recipe and instructions emailed after the class. www.fermentednj.com

NEW WORKS DEVELOPMENT SERIES: March 25 - 2 PM at Eagle Theatre. Allies in Caring partners with Eagle Theatre to present the very first “It’s Our Story,” empowering community voices through theatrical storytelling. A group of Hammontonbased adult non-professional “actors” will learn and use the tools of the theater to explore body, voice, and artistic expression to build confidence, friendships, and a deeper sense of self. The program will culminate in a free public presentation of the participants’ time and work together. Sponsored by the New Jersey Theatre Alliance as part of the 2023 Stages Festival. 609-704-5012. www.eagletheatre.org

FISH FRY: March 31 from 5 PM to 8 PM at Hammonton Independent Fire Company Station 2. This take-out only fundraiser has become an annual tradition featuring delicious food to help raise funds for a good cause. 609-567-4330. Hammontonfire2@ gmail.com

APRIL

SPRING FEST: April 1 from 11 AM to 2 PM at READ Preschool. This fun, fam-

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA: April 7 from 1 PM to 3 PM in Downtown Hammonton. Hop along through Downtown Hammonton and fill your Easter baskets with goodies. Meet the Easter Bunny. Enjoy games & giveaways, including the Great Egg Drop at Toy Market. 609-567-9014. www. downtownhammonton.com

THIRD THURSDAY “SHOW YOUR CREATIVE SIDE”: April 20 from 5 PM to 8 PM in Downtown Hammonton Art District. An evening of self-expression showcasing interactive art experiences, shopping, dining and more. 609-567-9014. www.downtownhammonton.com

MAY

INDOOR YARD SALE & CAR SHOW: May 6 from 8 AM to 12 PM at Victory Bible Church in Hammonton. Stop by to search out the perfect treasure from among the donated items that are on display, enjoy an outdoor car show and more. Proceeds go to a local charity.

ATLANTIC COUNTY TEEN ARTS

FESTIVAL: May 10 from 8 AM to 3 PM in the Downtown Hammonton Art District. Schools throughout Atlantic County are invited to display their talent, meet with professionals in the field and attend handson workshops or master classes. Area artists and teachers of visual and performing arts are welcome to connect and participate too. Held in various arts venues and on the streets of the Art District. 609-646-8699, Ext. 6314. www.aclink.org/culturalaffairs/teenarts

Send us your calendar listings!

Please include all critical information: Who, what, where, when, and how to register or get tickets (if applicable), as well as a few lines of description. Email your listings to brought@newspapermediagroup.com.

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When it comes to your social calendar, change is … not always good. But sometimes it’s inevitable. In the event of cancelations and postponements, be sure to double check the status of the following events before attending.