08071 Pitman | Winter 2023

Letter from the Editor:

Hello 08071! Hope you are enjoying this relatively mild winter. I am excited for you to check out our Winter edition of our magazine, dedicated to the lifestyle and community of Pitman.

In this issue, readers will meet Alice, a 4-year-old, 125-pound English Mastiff – just a lovable gentle giant. She is the winner of the 2022 Pitman Dog of the Year contest. This local “dog about town” is helping bring attention to the philanthropic efforts of the veterans who are members of Pitman’s American Legion Post, while supporting local businesses and veterans’ causes. Learn about Alice on page 4.

Chickens, chickens, chickens. Did you know you can raise them in your backyard in Pitman? You can! Through Pitman’s Backyard Chicken Pilot Program. Noah Burrows, who helped push for the backyard chicken pilot program, points out chickens are “intelligent animals, have different personalities, will sit on your lap, and like to be petted like cats.” Learn about how you can start raising chickens in your backyard on page 6.

When in Pitman, stop by Martini’s on Broadway where you can enjoy an “unbelievable” coffee-crusted steak, the manager’s favorite, Arancini Di Riso, a traditional fried risotto balls dish stuffed with fresh mozzarella or an “amazing” brussels sprout dish with sriracha, walnuts and cranberries friedup with a bit of bacon. Try all three!

These dishes can be topped off with memorable cocktails including The Jill, named after one of the owners. Learn all about Martini’s on Broadway and why It’s a Wonderful Life plays a big part in our Boro Bites segment on page 8.

We round your reading pleasures with Pitman’s “Sweetest Night” on page 13. Falling a few days before Valentine’s Day, the community was able to come together to peruse cute gift items as well as taste delectable desserts and drink special Valentine’s Day cocktail concoctions. The night was an opportunity for various local businesses to showcase their culinary skills, connect with one another and attract new customers.

All of this and more awaits on the pages ahead!

Kathy Chang Editor

Winter 2023 Contributors:

Ellen Kershner

Dante Long

Louis Washington

Boris Cardenas

Goes Dogs to the

BY MINDY TORAN

Agentle giant named Alice is reminding Pitman residents about the importance of community and how individual acts of kindness can support others. The 4-year-old, 125-pound English Mastiff is the winner of the 2022 Pitman Dog of the Year contest, sponsored by the American Legion, Elwood Kindle Post No. 49.

This local “dog about town” is helping to bring attention to the philanthropic efforts of the veterans who are members of Pitman’s American Legion Post, while supporting local businesses and veterans’ causes. The annual Dog of the Year contest serves as the main fundraiser for Post No. 49, which was founded after World War I in honor of U.S. Army Private Elwood Kindle, Pitman’s first war-time casualty, who died on Aug. 6, 1918 in Thibaut, France.

“Our organization serves in remembrance of the country’s veterans and helps secure any benefits they are entitled to, including providing support to veterans’ families in regard to education, medical assistance, financial services and community support,” says David DeClement, Vice Commander and Adjutant of Post No. 49. Any U.S. service person currently on active duty or who has served honorably during World War I through the Gulf War/War on Terrorism is eligible to join the American Legion.

Post No. 49 supports a number of philanthropic efforts in the local community, including providing two scholarships each year to Pitman High School students, sponsoring a participant in the annual Miss Pitman contest, supporting efforts to restore the Downtown Pitman Veterans Memorial, sending delegates to the annual American Legion Boys State program and providing donations to veterans’ groups and causes including Wreaths Across America, the Vineland Home for Veterans and the Gloucester County Veterans Cemetery.

“We’re proud to support the local Pitman community,” says Jerry Delia, Commander of Post No. 49. “It’s also important to make sure we’re on the minds of high school kids and have them interact with us and understand what it means to be a veteran and how we can work together to support others.”

The Pitman Dog of the Year contest came about as a way to help the American Legion members generate sustainable funds for

their charitable endeavors.

Delia and DeClement, who also happen to be brothers-in-law, were sitting around discussing fundraising ideas one evening when one of their wives came up with the idea for a Dog of the Year contest. Contestants would write a brief synopsis of why their pet deserved to represent Pitman and would collect donations from family members, friends and local businesses to support the veterans’ organization. The contestant that raised the most money would be named Dog of the Year, be awarded with a plaque and a medal, and get to ride in the annual Fourth of July parade.

“We never expected the contest to take off like it did,” says Delia. “We’re now going into our sixth year, and we already have a list of 25 dogs that want to participate.”

Twelve dogs are chosen each year to compete for the title. The call for entries opens in February and the fundraiser kicks off at the Pitman Craft Fair in the Spring. Throughout the course of the contest the dogs and their family members make personal appearances at different events held in the community, including Fourth Fridays and at vendor events. Each dog’s photo and synopsis is posted on a wooden kiosk with donation boxes, as well as on the Legion Post’s Facebook page. The winner is announced in June, with the presentation of a plaque at a special Borough Hall meeting.

“When we entered Alice in the American Legion’s Dog of the Year contest it was never about winning,” says Pitman resident Vince Dacquisto. “My wife and I wanted to show our son what it means to work hard, volunteer and be part of our community by example. In creating this goal, we set out not only to participate on behalf of Post No. 49, Pitman High Schoolers, the Miss Pitman contest and local veterans. We wanted to extend the benefits of this event even further, and we reached out not only for help, but to help our local businesses.”

Dacquisto placed flyers with Alice’s information at a number of local businesses, seeking donations as well as to highlight these establishments that he and his family frequent on their regular dog walks.

“Alice encounters many people on her walks uptown,” he says. “To be able to use those meetings and direct those people into the businesses that housed her flyer would help us achieve our goal of fundraising for the American Legion and direct dollars into

please see ALICE, page 5

our local economy.”

More than 30 local shops supported Alice’s efforts, including Hallowed Grounds Coffee Company, Words Matter Bookstore, Alchemical Sisters, Gem Life + Bar, The Candy Box, Sweet Crumbs and The Corner Press 10, which donated T-shirts to Alice’s campaign.

“Thanks to the generous donations and support from our local businesses, family members and friends, Alice was able to raise over $1,800 for our local American Legion and support both local and veterans’ causes,” Dacquisto

DeClement said they are “extremely fortunate” for the many people who want to

participate and contribute to their contest. “It brings attention to what we’re doing as an organization and to the need to support veterans’ causes, as well as helping to support these charitable causes that are so meaningful and important to our community and ourselves,” he explains. 

Photos Courtesy of the American Legion Post No. 49 Alice, a 4-year-old, 125-pound English Mastiff is just a lovable gentle giant. She is the winner of the 2022 Pitman Dog of the Year contest. This local “dog about town” is helping bring attention to the philanthropic efforts of the veterans who are members of Pitman’s American Legion Post, while supporting local businesses and veterans’ causes.

RULING THE ROOST: Pitman’s Backyard Chicken Pilot Program

BY ELLEN KERSHNER

Since 1967, Pitman has had an ordinance that applies to feathered vertebrate animals (fowl), including chickens: It is Municipal Code chapter 5, section 24 (§ 5-24) for animal control. It stipulates that residents wanting to raise chickens on their properties must have at least one acre of ground, and only three chickens per acre are allowed.

So if you lived in Pitman and had four chickens, that meant you’d need two acres of property to raise them on.

The other rules of § 5-24 focus on locating containment areas 100 feet from property lines, keeping the areas clean and free

of pests and insects, and keeping the chickens healthy. Over the past few years, some residents took steps to change § 5-24’s acreage requirement, and Pitman’s Backyard Chicken Pilot Program was born.

How the Pilot Program Started

Noah Burrows is the chairperson of Pitman’s Backyard Chicken Pilot Program Advisory Board and when he started raising chickens in 2015, he knew that he was breaking the town ordinance.

“The requirements were so restrictive that the average property owner was unable to enjoy the benefits of raising chickens,” he said.

His goal was to change the ordinance and in 2020, he reached out to Gwenne Baile of Haddon Township. She pioneered her town’s

backyard chicken movement and helped Burrows get started. A Facebook Group was started and a year later, Burrows contacted Pitman Councilman John Fitzpatrick. The first reading to the public took place on May 24, 2021; the Pilot Program was adopted on June 28, 2021. The following October, the advisory board was sworn in.

All About the Pilot Program

The Backyard Chicken Pilot Program was passed by Borough Council in November 2021 and opened up to applicants in February 2022, with 10 available licenses. It is set to end in March 2024 unless there is an extension. So far five applications were approved, and others are in the works;

please see CHICKEN, page 7

one application is still available and the council might open up more if there is interest, according to Burrows. The program is open to residents in single-family and twin (row) homes, and the current ordinance is not being enforced. Here’s how the pilot program works: Only four chickens per license; no roosters allowed. There is no property size requirement, but coops and enclosed runs must be set off the property line by 10 feet, and 25 feet away from any habitable portion of a neighbor.

The license must be obtained before the chickens are allowed on the property; licenses cost $30.

Applicants must complete the Chicken Advisory Board-sponsored class on raising backyard chickens.

Applicants must allow Board Members, health inspectors, and code enforcement officers to inspect the property.

Will the Pilot Program Become a Permanent Ordinance?

Ross Millard is the Chicken Advisory Board Secretary tasked with inspecting yards and coops prior to zoning office inspections. He stated that the Borough Council will vote about ending the Pilot Program or mak-

ing it a permanent ordinance at the end of 2023. Program members will be completing questionnaires, and Council members will review those and any complaints that may have come in. If it is passed, the Council will vote to make changes based on participant and community feedback.

The only complaint reported so far was a crowing rooster who was later relocated without incident, according to Millard.

What Can Chickens Do For the Pitman Community?

“Chickens benefit a family the same way other pets do,” Burrows pointed out.  “They are intelligent animals, have different personalities, will sit on your lap, and like to be petted like cats.” He added that chickens can teach children responsibility and show them

where our food comes from. Chickens also eat backyard bugs like ticks and mites earning Pitman “sustainable points.”

Just as importantly, Millard notes “chickens don’t constitute a burden on the [borough].” He said that there are more chickens not in the program than in it, and some people are waiting for the program to become permanent before cooping up.

Of course it may cost money to raise chickens, but chickens can pay their owners back with free organic eggs, and free fertilizer. A plus plus for those thinking of raising chickens.

https://ecode360.com/38614 334?highlight=chicken&search Id=33957036103753784#38614334 

A Bell Rings at Martini’s

BY NJ ACKERMANN

“Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.” So says George’s guardian angel as they sat at Martini’s Bar in the movie It’s a Wonderful Life.

George Bailey had touched people’s lives in Bedford Falls in such a way that it changed them for the good. His community investment in affordable housing helped Mr. Martini, a poor taxi driver, own his own bar. At Martini’s on Broadway in Pitman, both the sign and story resemble that tale of altruistic generosity.

please see BITES, page 10

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARTINI’S ON BROADWAY

Residents Peter and Jill Slack wanted to give back to the neighborhood they love. Having grown up in the borough, Peter had watched the town degrade. Vacant stores were boarded up and the streets became neglected and empty. Finally, when the borough’s theatre closed, the couple decided to purchase it and restore it.

“Peter saw an opportunity to invest in his community. His long-term vision is to create a destination spot,” says Mack McFarland, friend and general manager of Martini’s on Broadway. “Pitman now is completely changed, and it really started with [Peter’s vision]. Ultimately, we had the opportunity to buy this building and put in a restaurant. Martini’s is the fruition of what they started to do 20 years ago.”

“It was a wine bar,” McFarland says. “Two years ago, they bought a liquor license and that’s when Pete said to me, ‘Hey, I want you to come and build me a restaurant.’ The sign outside is an exact replica of the outside of Martini’s in [It’s a Wonderful Life] because we’re all big fans.”

Having worked his way up from bartender to operating partner, McFarland has been in the restaurant business for 25 years.

“My goal with designing the restaurant is to bring city chic into the suburb,” he explains.

Changing every few months, his American Continental menu is prepared by two chefs who have 50 years of experience, collectively.

“We design a cocktail program the same way, so it pairs with our food,” McFarland says, adding Martini’s has an extensive wine list and serves beer selections from the local brewery in addition to having a full bar.

“Something I think is important to express is we’re trying to carry Peter’s vision through the town, so I get coffee and espresso and all my desserts locally, and I partner with any other businesses around town that will partner with me.”

Martini’s hosts New Year’s Eve parties, contests, and movie trivia with gift certificate prizes for their own establishment

and others.

“I think we gave away 32 certificates this year,” McFarland says. “Our goal is to continue to support the community through the growth of this restaurant. My favorite saying is, ‘A rising tide lifts all boats.’”

The menu features fresh fish and light fare in spring, entrées like pork chops and steaks in winter, and favorite dishes prepared in a novel way.

“In my mind, fresh, new, and dynamic creates a destination spot. If you go five times a year and it’s different every time, it gives people a reason to come back,” McFarland explains.

His current favorite is a coffee-crusted steak that’s “unbelievable.” He also recommends Arancini di Riso, traditional fried risotto balls stuffed with fresh mozzarella, and an “amazing” brussels sprouts dish with sriracha, walnuts and cranberries fried-up with a bit of bacon.

“There’s nothing we bring in that’s not prepared here. We filet the fish in-house, make all our own sauces, and actually take the corn off the cob,” he said.

Dishes can be paired with cocktails such as Brown Sugar Bubbly, Maple Old Fashioned, and Ginger Pear Bourbon Smash, and martinis like Candy Apple, Espresso, Black Walnut, and The Jill, named after the owner.

An impressive bar spans the entire right wall, igniting the ambience with mirrors and lights. In spite of its sophistication, Martini’s imparts a comfortable and relaxing feeling.

“What’s kind of cool is we’ve had some really big names performing at the theatre

next door. We get [thousands of] people from out of town and auditions bring people in from all over the country,” McFarland says.

As with all big-city venues that are adjacent to theatres, Martini’s features a special menu prior to shows. This makes the rush manageable for the establishment and gets the patrons quickly on their way. Customers choose a salad, appetizer, entrée and dessert for a set price. “It includes our whole menu,” McFarland says, “except for a few items that

please see BITES, page 11

BITES continued from page 10

take a long time to cook from raw. At the same time, we discount an average savings of 40 percent.”

“My whole goal is to [help Peter] live his dream out,” he says. “To support the growth of other businesses is his motto.”

So, let’s ring some bells at Martini’s Bar for some local angels who deserve their wings. 

CLARKSBORO & PITMAN

175 W Cohawkin Rd., Clarksboro, NJ 08020

T: (856) 423-0535 F: (856) 423-1708

T: (856) 881-1600 F: (856) 881-6860

LAUREL SPRINGS

1400 Chews Landing Rd., Suite 5 Laurel Springs, NJ 08021

T: (856) 627-2100 F: (856) 627-7024

Important

Tax Reminders:

Tax Day is April 18, 2023

Drop O Deadlines: Personal Tax Return: April 7, 2023

Ronald J. Davis Sr.,

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED FOR ROAD TO RECOVERY

The American Cancer Society Road To Recovery program gives cancer patients free transportation for cancer-related medical appointments. As a trained volunteer driver, you’ll join cancer patients on a crucial part of their journey to recovery, transporting them to and from their appointments and ensuring their access to care isn’t prevented or delayed because of lack of transportation. A few hours of your day could make a lifesaving difference. Connect with us to learn more about Road To Recovery volunteer opportunities in your area.

The American Cancer Society takes your safety seriously and has implemented new guidelines to minimize COVID-19 risks to patients and volunteer drivers. Volunteer drivers are required to certify that they are fully vaccinated and will continue to maintain that status during their service to the program. Visit cancer.org/drive Road To Recovery is a free program.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARTINI’S ON BROADWAY

Sweetest Night The

PHOTOS BY SIXZERO MEDIA

Community comes together for annual event

BY DANTE LONG

Any opportunity for a community to come together and celebrate a special occasion is a good thing. For Pitman residents, if there was one time of year to partake in local festivities — The Sweetest Night in Pitman would be it.

Just days before Valentine’s Day, various vendors and dessert makers united to serve desserts – particularly delectable chocolates and cookies - in celebration of the day of love. It was the main theme of the event that captured the hearts of customers who loved all that was offered from 3-7 p.m. that

Saturday evening, Feb. 11, at no cost.

The event was held in multiple locations within blocks of each other. A map key was given to customers to know where the fun began and ended. Those who had passports initiated on the back of their maps had a chance to win $50 at one of the locations marked in red.

Such places included the very first stop, The Artisan Marshmallow, a candy shop on Holly Avenue, Stella & Sage, a boutique home decor market on West Jersey Avenue, Sweet Crumbs, a bakery on 12th Avenue and Words Matter Bookstore on South Broadway.

please see SWEET, page 15

Other establishments set out to leave a lasting impression on visitors they hoped to capture as loyal customers. One collaboration among businesses that participated was Thyme joining Gem Life + Bar. Having teamed up in 2022’s Sweetest Night in Pitman, the two establishments made sure to yet again be one of the standouts of the night.

Fudge flavors such as red velvet and cookie butter (are we salivating yet?) were available to sample along with the return of chocolate covered strawberries with new toppings and the ever so popular crème brûlée dessert. One added item to the 2023 menu was the well-received Nutella in a mason jar. Yum!

Whenever there’s food, drinks aren’t far behind. Merryman’s Pub was another featured business serving Valentine’s Day cocktail concoctions of Raspberry Mimosa, Chocolate covered Strawberry Martini, Passion Fruit Martini and Cupid’s Punch. All were great choices for customers who needed to “quench their thirst” during their embarkment on a love trail of treats.

The Crazy Kat Pitman, located on 11 South Broadway, was number five on the map key and the host of $5 photos taken by Imagine Photography. A red backdrop featuring a row of hearts above falling rose peddles surrounding pink, white and red balloons was set in the front of the store for all to see.

Planning for Imagine Photography to just come in and take some photographs, Gianna, store manager of The Crazy Kat Pitman, said she was proud of the “ton of people” who showed up.

In addition to photography, The Crazy Kat Pitman offered desserts to go along with that love snap — mini heart cakes and trays.

Gianna noted the day before Valentine’s Day is usually a “busier day than normal” for their business. But she credited the fourhour lover excursion for “an even busier day than normal.”

“It was awesome,” she exclaimed.

page Andersen | Atrium | RDI Rail | Thermatru Simpson | Azek | Timbertech | many more!

The Sweetest Night in Pitman was an opportunity for various local businesses to showcase their culinary skills, connect with one another and attract new customers. It was a chance for customers to enjoy delicious desserts, books and have photos taken to remember it all.

The annual love event brought out the best in local businesses and raised the bar for the next Sweetest Night in Pitman event, which could potentially inspire more businesses to participate. If there was one thing the Pitman community loved about the Valentine’s Day event — hands down it was the food. 

PHOTOS BY SIXZERO MEDIA

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Favorite wintertime activity?

under a cozy blanket and watching a movie because I don’t love going outside in the cold.”

favorite winter activity is sitting by the fire and reading.” Becca

“I love sitting by the fire and cuddling with cats or meditating.”

PHOTOS BY LOUIS WASHINGTON

PHOTO 1: Matt Sangiorgio: “Definitely Sledding in the winter is my favorite activity, I have so much fun.”

PHOTO 2: Nicole Fellman: “I love going to concerts in the winter time, they’re awesome.”

PHOTO 3: Jeff Dimarco (LEFT): “I like building snowmen in the front yard so all the passer-byers can see it and enjoy it.” Allison Sherer (RIGHT): “That would be cuddling

PHOTO 4: Sky Waterpeace (LEFT): “My

Waterpeace (RIGHT):

Planning in Pitman

It’s all in

detail!

March 3

- 26th Billy Elliot the Musical @ Broadway Theatre

Billy Elliot tells the story of a young boy from a coal mining village in northeast England who transcends class and circumstance to become a ballet star. To purchase tickets and for more information visit www.thebroadwaytheatre.org

March 20 - Pitman Women in Business Celebration

April 1 - Easter Egg Hunt

Sunset Auditorium and Shertle Park. Join Pitman Parks and Recreation and the Greater Pitman Chamber of Commerce for a morning of fun free activities, including an Egg Hunt, Games, a Garden Craft, Scavenger Hunt, Face Painting & More! Egg hunt at 10

EASTER IN THE PARK SESSIONS ARE BACK!

BOOK YOUR EASTER MINI SESSION!

a.m. for Ages 0 to 8 ONLY. Scavenger Hunt for Kids of All Ages.

April 21 - May 14 In the Heights

@ Broadway Theatre

Over the course of the Tony award-winning musical, In the Heights, we encounter the many colorful residents of Washington Heights — a New York City neighborhood on the brink of change. To purchase tickets and for more information visit www.thebroadwaytheatre.org

April 29 - Sidewalk Sale

The entire Uptown Pitman business community welcomes you to Pitman for a day of shopping and dining! Preview sales and specials spilling onto the sidewalks of all our businesses during this summer-themed day. Event hours correspond to shop and restaurant business hours.

May 20 - Lori Poisker Memorial Pitman Spring Craft Show 9AM - 3PM

mini family sessions at the park for only $100!

BOOK : https://www.imaginemyphotos.com/contact

Starting March 4th to April 2nd | Saturday & Sundays only!! • 25 minute session •

edited images

Over 200 hand craft vendors will line the streets of Uptown Pitman! Many Pitman businesses join in this time-honored tradition! We cannot wait to see you at the show! Interested in being a part of this 40+ year tradition? Vendor information can be found at www.UptownPitman.com/vendors.

2 staged setups • online gallery

$100 INCLUDES Extended family 5+ (additional 3 photos included) add $25 Add on a color bomb!! 1-$15 2-$25 856-979-5674

print release

For all events, readers can refer to Uptown Pitman on Facebook for event times and further information as it becomes available.

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.

the

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.