08071 Pitman | Spring 2023

Letter from the EDITOR:

Hello 08071! Hope you are enjoying the beautiful weather. I am excited for you to check out our Spring edition magazine dedicated to the lifestyle and community of Pitman. In this issue, readers will meet Hometown Hero - Pitman native - U.S. Air Force Technical (USA T) Sgt. Derek S. Brown, who is a weapons loader and mechanic. Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey hosted a Welcome Back Hero event for Brown and his family. Read about Brown’s welcome home and learn about what Operation Yellow Ribbon does for those on the frontlines on page 4.

Meet the Cottinghams, Ruth and Jim. They met at Millersville University and the love of the arts drew them together. The love of teaching led to teaching the arts at their home through Soli Deo Arts. While they consider themselves retired, teaching of the arts has never stopped. The Cottinghams offer classes, workshops and summer camps for individuals of all ages and skill levels, with Ruth teaching primarily elementary and middle school-aged children and Jim teaching high school students and adults. Classes include drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking. Learn about the Cottinghams on page 7.

Get ready to “crave” at Crave Pitman. Located at 9 S. Broadway, the bakery offers large, fun “soft and gooey” cookies and cookie bars. Owners Kathleen Bianco and her husband, Mike opened the bakery in 2020 essentially for fun. As longtime bakers, they were looking for a change from their mundane 9 to 5. Surviving COVID-19, the business has grown into a second location, the Pink Crave Cottage in Mullica Hill and

its sister store Crazy Kat next door in Pitman. Get your crave on page 8.

Pitman’s annual Craft Shows in May and September have been going on for 50 years. In 2022, there were 260 vendors and a record attendance of about 10,000 attendees. The show is named after Lori Poisker, who passed away in 2017. She was the owner of Lori’s Loft in Uptown Pitman and was the coordinator of the Pitman Craft Shows for over 10 years and a member of the Pitman Chamber of Commerce. Learn about the magic of Pitman on page 10.

The Pitman Grove Auditorium offers “the closest thing to a time machine” for history buffs, according to Jane McCausland, chair of the Pitman Historical Museum. For over two centuries, the Pitman Grove Auditorium has hosted many of the town’s most important meetings and events. A prominent part of Pitman Grove lives on for future generations to experience by way of concerts, weddings and tours. The preservation of the structure stands as a symbol of unity and innovation that resembles much of the town’s spirit courtesy of the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the Pitman Historical Museum. Learn all about the history on page 12.

All of this and more awaits on the pages ahead! Happy reading!

SPRING 2023 ISSUE

VP OF SALES

ARLENE REYES

PUBLISHER

BRITTANY ROUGHT

MANAGING EDITOR

KATHY CHANG

ACCOUNT MANAGER

TATIANA TABILE

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

BORIS CARDENAS

MADELYN GOLDFIELD

LAYOUT & DESIGN

KIMBERLY KRAUSS

SPRING 2023 CONTRIBUTORS

SPRING 2023

Kathy Chang EDITOR

Dante Long

Ellen Kershner

Jamie Giambrone

Mindy Toran

COVER PHOTO BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE Ruth and Jim Cottingham owners of Soli Deo Arts

Kathy Chang

HEROWelcome Home

BY NICK BUTLER

Its mission is relatively simple, yet profound for those involved.

Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey is a non-profit organization consisting of all volunteers who support U.S. troops by collecting donated supplies and goodies to send to the “brave heroes deployed in harm’s way in the Middle East including Iraq, Afghanistan and those supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve.”

And to help “promote, coordinate, and facilitate welcoming home events for local

veterans in the South Jersey area by partnering with the Warriors Watch Riders and other patriotic organizations to bring our local heroes home in Rock Star Fashion.”

In April, Operation Yellow Ribbon hosted a Welcome Back Hero event in West Deptford at the Verga VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) to welcome Pitman native U.S. Air Force Technical (USAF T) Sgt. Derek S. Brown home.

Brown is a weapons loader and mechanic for the U.S. Air Force and has served in multiple campaigns, including being deployed to Afghanistan and stationed in Korea and Japan. Currently, Brown is stationed in Levittown, Pa., where he is an Air Force

please see HERO, page 5

Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey continues its support for U.S troops.

Recently, the group welcomed home a Pitman native.

HERO

continued from page 4

recruiter.

Brown grew up in Pitman and graduated from Pitman High School. In 2005, Brown joined the Air Force.

While not all service life is glamorous, being able to “see the world” is a perk.

Brown is also a family man. He is a husband to Jieun Yun. He is a father of two – Leona and Jaxon - with a third due in May.

During his free time, Brown enjoys gardening and growing indoor plants.

Alongside having a green thumb, Brown enjoys creating awards for his fellow service members. He makes the awards out of recyclables and other reclamation materials.

Dave Silver, of Operation Yellow Ribbon, spearheaded the Welcome Back Hero event. While the rainy weather dampened the celebration, Silver was glad he was still able to

put something together for Brown and his family.

“With the weather, we weren’t able to have all the bells and whistles we normally get to have,” Silver said. “We would have loved to have done more for TSgt. Brown, but the inclement kept some of the usual supporters out of commission. Hopefully the next one will have all the stops.”

The Welcome Home event started at

Brown’s residence with a surprise arrival from members of the community.

During the ride from his residence to the Verga VFW, there was a parade of cars and members of the community lined up down the street holding American flags showing support for Brown.

At the VFW, members of Operation Yellow Ribbon, the community and Brown’s family enjoyed comradery, food, speeches,

For more information about Operation Yellow Ribbon visit OperationYellowRibbon. org. You can also follow Operation Yellow Ribbon on

Last year, some 49,107 pounds of goodies were sent to U.S. troops all around the world. To date, close to 13,000 pounds of goodies

You can also reach out to Dave Silver of Operation Yellow Ribbon by emailing him at OYRofSJ@Gmail.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF OPERATION YELLOW RIBBON Operation Yellow Ribbon of South Jersey held a Welcome Home Hero event for Pitman native U.S. Air Force Technical (USAF T) Sgt. Derek S. Brown.

Deposits are FDIC-insured up to $2.5 million ($5 million for joint accounts of two or more people). Amounts that exceed the program’s FDIC coverage limits will be removed from the program and invested in the Edward Jones Money Market Fund, unless you opt instead to deposit such amounts in an Excess Bank as outlined in the program disclosure. More information about the Insured Bank Deposit Program, including the program disclosure, is available from your financial advisor or at edwardjones.com/ bankdeposit. For more information about FDIC insurance, go to fdic.gov.

A PASSION FOR THE ARTS &

EACH OTHER

The Cottinghams:

It started with a ballpoint pen and a girl with beautiful long hair

BY MINDY TORAN

For five decades, a love for art and frankly each other has fueled the passion of Pitman-based artists Ruth and Jim “J.H.” Cottingham. From the moment they met in a drawing class at Millersville University - where they both were studying art education - they were destined to create beautiful portfolios together.

ating art together and loving every minute.”

After graduating from Millersville, both with a bachelor’s degree in art education, Jim and Ruth went on to careers teaching art, eventually getting married and raising a family of seven children, all the while continuing their own artistic endeavors.

With a background as an oil painter, Jim mainly works with oil pastels and oil stick, adding graphite or colored pencil for effect. He frequently commissions paintings of cars and enjoys painting abstracts and portraits. Ruth does mainly mixed media paintings, including watercolors and graphite. She enjoys abstract work and loves to do paintings of people and nature.

point pen, so

Jim recalls vividly the first time he laid eyes on Ruth. “When I went to my very first class in college on a Tuesday morning at 9 a.m., the professor asked us to draw anything in the room using a ball point pen, so it couldn’t be erased. I looked across the room and saw this girl sitting at her easel with beautiful long hair, so I drew her,” says Jim. “Fifty years later, we’re still cre-

“We learned early on how to coexist as artists,” says Ruth. “We offer each other advice and critiques but have always honored each other’s space.” And both share a profound love of teaching and inspiring others’ creative abilities.

“We started teaching in our own home more than 25 years ago,” says Ruth. “At the time we were home schooling our kids and decided if we wanted them to learn art, we please see ART, page 15

For five decades, a love for art and frankly each other has fueled the passion of Pitman-based artists Ruth and Jim “J.H.” Cottingham.

PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

BY KATHY CHANG

The smell of fresh baked cookies straight out of the oven wafts from South Broadway’s Crave Pitman daily. And to be honest, it’s hard to miss.

“We have some people that confess they come in every day,” owner Kathleen Bianco said with a smile. “And it’s ‘OK.’”

Bianco and her husband, Mike, officially opened Crave Pitman, a bakery that offers a variety of large, fun “soft and gooey” cookies and cookie bars, on Aug. 8, 2020, initially as a hobby.

In 2019, we just decided it was time to have some fun,” Bianco said. “We knew a lot about baking cookies since we have baked our whole lives. [Mike] with his grandmother. I baked with my mother, and we figured it was something fun to do.”

For Bianco and her mom Jenny BeckmanMcGarry, baking “a lot of cookies” started on Black Friday into the Christmas season.

So, for the Biancos, opening up Crave takes them away from their mundane “office responsibilities from their other business [of selling security alarm systems]” because let’s face it, “security alarm systems are not nearly as much fun as cookies.”

“People don’t call me and tell me how much they love their alarms, but they do tell me how much they love their cookies,” Bianco said.

In 2019, the couple, who are from Vineland in Cumberland County, started scoping out places.

please see BITES, page 16

Kathleen and Mike Bianco opened Crave Pitman Aug. 8. 2020 offering “comfort” cookies ever since. Their sister store, Crazy Kat, opened next door offering even more delectable desserts.

PHOTOS BY KATHY CHANG

The magic of Pitman

BY ELLEN KERSHNER

Pitman’s Uptown on Broadway could be the most intriguing downtown area in all of South Jersey. One of the best times to experience it is the annual Lori Poisker Memorial Spring Craft Show.

It is held on the third Saturday in May and it happened this year on May 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain date was May 21). It’s been going on for 50 years and has blossomed into a major undertaking: organizing this event requires logistical planning, vendor and volunteer coordination, and finalizing sponsorships. The pandemic canceled the show in 2020 and 2021 but in 2022, there were 260 vendors and a record attendance of about 10,000 attendees.

The show is named after Poisker, who passed away in 2017. She was the owner of Lori’s Loft in Uptown Pitman and was the coordinator of the Pitman Craft Shows for over 10 years and a member of the Pitman Chamber of Commerce.

“When I was growing up in Mantua, Pitman wasn’t the destination it is today. It’s thriving,” said Pitman Craft Show coordinator and longtime Pitman resident Kara Knauss, who has worked in event planning since 2018.

Knauss collaborates with current Greater Pitman Chamber of Commerce President Jenny Mazzola and Councilperson Vanessa James. She also aligns her efforts with a team of dedicated volunteers from the Pitman Craft Show Committee, who show up at 5:30 a.m. on the day of the show.

“We have an incredible group of people that help with this historic event,” she said. This kind of crowd creates a need for additional parking and since the area must be closed to traffic, Knauss worked with Pitman Police Department’s Sergeant Jon Streater. There was free off-location parking, plus a free shuttle running from First and East Avenues that operated continuously during the show. Handicapped parking will also be available.

The Pitman Craft show is always a dynamic show, with shops that opened their doors and vendors on the sidewalks and streets. Handcrafted items, upcycled goods, and a mix of new and seasoned vendors were on hand.

“This year we are grateful for our Platinum 08071

please see CRAFT, page 11

Pitman’s annual Craft Shows in May and September have been going on for 50 years

Level Sponsors – The Pitman Pharmacy and Uptown Antiques; and our Gold Level Sponsors Fahrenheit Ceramic Studio and Words Matter Bookstore,” Knauss pointed out before the show. The show included non-profits, costumed characters, high school sports club participants, and of course, food for every taste imaginable.

“It always feels like a huge celebration,” Knauss said. “It’s a block-party vibe with a spirit of camaraderie. And once the show ends, local high school students pitch in to help with the breakdown.”

Most of the businesses remained open for visitors. Some enjoyed dinner and/or enjoyed a show at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman afterward.

Pitman’s Craft Shows are the lifeblood of the Greater Pitman Chamber of Commerce. The show helps fund grants for businesses, and last year’s success allowed the Chamber to provide one to every single business that applied. It also benefits the Pitman Bucks Program and community events like Fourth Fridays. The Greater Pitman Chamber of Commerce also sponsors the Fall Craft Show each year, on the third Saturday in September. That one is even bigger, with approximately 350 vendors.

Both shows are important for Pitman because they attract vendors and guests from throughout Gloucester County, neighboring counties, and further out.

“All of our localized events introduce people to the vibrant spirit of Pitman,” said Knauss. “And many visitors connect with the unique architecture, businesses, historic district, and friendly people. It’s not unusual for people to attend Chamber shows and to move here to be part of the Pitman magic.”

For more information about the Pitman Craft Shows and other GPCC events, visit www.uptownpitman.com or find them on Uptown Pitman on Facebook and Instagram.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PITMAN CRAFT SHOW COMMITTEE

The faces of those involved in making Pitman’s annual Craft Shows a success.

Two&Counting Centuries

Pitman Grove Auditorium continues to host spring and summer events

BY DANTE LONG

Every town has a past. When admiring the present, it’s worth stepping back in time to learn the origin of various landmarks that help shape the community you call home. Residents of Pitman interested in learning fascinating stories have the New Jersey Register of Historic Places to thank for the preservation of its richest history. The Pitman Grove Auditorium is one of the main structures of the historic district known as the Pitman Grove and shares the same importance to history buffs as it did when it was first constructed.

Before exploring the Pitman Grove Auditorium, one must understand the significance of the trapezoid-shaped area that surrounds it known as the Pitman Grove. A large square with four blocks on a side comprises the central portion of the district. The center of the square has 12 pedestrian pathways with small, wood frame cottages of one, one and a half, and two stories. In the southwestern corner of the square, there is one intrusion among many demolished buildingsa two-story fire house.

please see HISTORY, page 18

Spring Forward To Love

ARCHIVED PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

needed to have an official class, so we started offering some classes in our home. We had a very large house that we designed and built ourselves and could teach 14 to 16 kids at a time. The classes became very popular in our community and led to the creation of our teaching studio, Soli Deo Arts.”

While they consider themselves retired now, Ruth and Jim have never stopped teaching. They downsized their home and moved to Pitman about six years ago, after falling in love with the town when they were driving through one day.

“We loved the downtown area and were excited to find the Pitman Gallery & Art Center, where Jim eventually volunteered and we showcased some of our artwork, before it closed down during the pandemic,” says Ruth. “This is our dream, and we’re happy to be able to share our love of art and teaching with the Pitman community. I feel like we’re especially filling a need for the children.”

The Cottinghams offer classes, workshops and summer camps for individuals of all ages and skill levels, with Ruth teaching primarily elementary and middle schoolaged children and Jim teaching high school students and adults. Classes include drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking.

In addition to hands-on learning, the Cottinghams teach students the elements of

art and principles of design, along with techniques to develop and improve their creative skills. They also encourage art appreciation and incorporate art history into their lessons.

“It’s great when you’re able to share your passion and ignite it in somebody else,” says Jim. “I love seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces when we take a picture of them holding their own artwork, and the excitement of the parents when they see what their children have created. It brings joy to both of us when we’re able to teach students and see how they can grab hold of an idea and learn to express it in art.”

Adds Ruth, “Art should be enjoyable as well as a learning experience. We try to help children learn and understand using words and vocabulary that relate to art, as well as having fun. Helping students with the creative process, finding their self-expression, building their self-esteem and self-confidence is so rewarding.”

For more information on Soli Deo Arts or the Cottingham’s artwork, visit www. SoliDeoArts or jhcottingham.com.

PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

Ruth and Jim Cottingham owners of Soli Deo Arts.

“We kinda came to Pitman to just to see what was here and we fell in love with the town,” Bianco said. “It was the week between Christmas and New Years and [the borough] was decorated beautifully for the holidays. There was garland and wreaths all over the place. People were walking. This is a walking town, which is completely opposite from where we live. It was very nice and refreshing.”

The location – 9 S. Broadway – happened to be vacant.

“We made phone calls with the landlord [of the storefront property] on that day just to find more information on it,” Bianco recalled. “Sure enough, she answered.”

The couple started testing recipes at Crave on March 1, 2020. And the rest was history. Happily, baking ever after. Not quite

The world shut down mid-March due to COVID-19. Literally.

What luck, right.

Despite the obstacle of many unknowns, the Biancos did not let that deter their goal of opening Crave.

“We’re food so we considered ourselves essential,” Bianco said. “We were already under construction, so we kept moving. The construction of the building completed, and we opened on Aug. 8, 2020.

“Who knew that people would be waiting around the block to come in on opening day. It was amazing, really amazing.”

In summer 2020, Bianco said she believes people were not only excited that it

was the middle of summer, but excited to “get out” and were essentially looking for comfort.

“Cookies are definitely comfort foods,” she said.

Crave Pitman offers “comfort” year-round with cookies and cookie bars that change “constantly” with the holidays and seasons.

Yes, Crave has their set cookies/cookie bars that they opened with. Some are still the original recipes of Bianco’s mom.

Cookies: chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, snickerdoodle, sugar, peanut butter, chocolaty chocolate chip, cinnamon bon, thin lizzy, chocolate oatmeal, lemon ricotta, M&M, and cookies and cream.

Cookie Bars: OMG original recipe – rich moist brownie base layered with fluffy peanut butter frosting topped with chocolate ganache, blueberry crumbnie – short bread base, layered with juicy blueberries and topped with a short bread crumble, and classic brownie – a classic rich and moist chocolate brownie.

“When we first opened, my husband and I planned to do all the baking,” Bianco said. “But it was very clear within a couple of days that we would not be able keep up with the demand.”

Entering their third year, they have 10 to 15 employees including full-time bakers, who help the Bianco’s continuously come up with “cool, fresh, eclectic” ideas for cookies and cookie bars from cookie monster, strawberry matcha, Suzie Q, and peanut butter cup cookies to sugar dough cheesecake, cinnamon toast crunch

oreo cheesecake and circus animal cookie bars. Hence, the ever-changing menu.

All baking is done on site and the bakery offers vegan and gluten-free options.

Not only does Crave follow almost every holiday, but they also follow special events such as the Kentucky Derby and the recent coronation of King Charles III.

“It’s not something I thought about, but a customer requested it,” Bianco said of coronation day cookies. “I thought it would be fun … I like to do fun things.”

One of her favorite special events is National Dr. Seuss Read Across America Day in March.

“It’s something I believe in and am very

please see BITES, page 17

continued from page 16

passionate about with kids and reading,” she said. “I always come out with a special cookie for Dr. Seuss Day.”

Bianco said they try to participate in as many community functions as they can from giving out cookies during the annual Halloween parade to giving out cookies to the senior outreach center for their monthly luncheons. More recently, they donated cookies for a blood drive.

“It’s important to give back,” Bianco said. “While we are in business, it’s more important for us to serve the community. Serving the community is most important to us.”

Crazy Kat

So, if you have been to Crave Pitman, it’s hard not to be curious about Crazy Kat next door at 11 S. Broadway. Well, there is an opening to walk right through. And the neon pink sign Life is Short Eat Dessert First is definitely a draw into the opening.

It’s Crave Pitman’s sister store.

The space happened to open up in January 2022 and “here we are,” Bianco said, adding the want for the space essentially started out because her husband wanted an ice cream machine. The menu of items started as a build out from the machine.

“We wanted to do a little bit more upscale desserts over here,” Bianco said. “So, of

course we have ice cream cones, ice cream sandwiches, cakes, all of that. We also have all of our shooters; moose bombs are one of our main selling items. We always have cheesecakes, and we also have pre-decorated cakes. They are always ready. We bake cupcakes, right now mini bundt cakes are in.”

Add ons

As the businesses grow, Bianco said their vision continues to serve the community. More catering and a venture into customized wedding cakes are on the future menu, but their motto of “baking the world a better place” remains.

“We want people to come [to Crave] for the experience,” Bianco said. “Not just for whatever it is they are going to be eating.”

Wagonhouse Winery

There are two locations of Crave – Pitman and now the Pink Crave Cottage in Mullica Hill, which will feature the baked goods from the Crave Pitman location.

Crave Pitman is open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information follow the aroma to www.cravepitman.com or call (856) 680-1111. 

From L-R Danielle Harrell, Kathleen Bianco, Kendall Rooks, and Leah Heaney. Harrell and Rooks are bakers and Heaney is a lead shift at Crave Pitman.

FARMERS MARKETS ARE NOW OPEN! OUR WINES CAN BE FOUND AT:

Grassa Girls Farm Market

MULLICA HILL MARKET | 353 WOLFERT STATION RD, MULLICA HILL, NJ 08062

WEST DEPTFORD MARKET | 221 OGDEN STATION RD, WEST DEPTFORD, NJ 08086

Rosie’s Farm Market

317 SWEDESBORO RD, MULLICA HILL, NJ 08062 856-408-1401

Inquire@WagonhouseWinery.com | www.WagonhouseWinery.com

GIVE A RIDE, CHANGE A LIFE.

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.

VOLUNTEER SCAN using your smartphone camera

CALL 800-227-2345

VISIT cancer.org/drive

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.

Road To Recovery is a free program.

Visit cancer.org/drive

©2021, American Cancer Society, Inc. No. 0317.89 Models used for illustrative purposes only.

PHOTOS BY KATHY CHANG

Pitman Grove has a religious origin dating back to the 19th century and held many community events at the time. An example of similar communities in the state includes Island Heights, Mount Taber and Ocean Grove. In July 1976, Pitman Grove was entered into the New Jersey Register of Historic Places.

The Pitman Grove Auditorium is of basilica structure from the 19th century with an entrance facing 1st Avenue. Originally a preacher’s stand, the building eventually turned into a 12-sided pavilion, roughly 50 feet in diameter, covered by a cupola. Twenty-four-foot aisles were added at the north and south ends in 1911 and saw many new additions into the 1960s where a modern style was adopted. The first camp meeting held at the auditorium was in August 1871. Six hundred tents were

as well.

“Third graders always come to the museum and also the auditorium,” McCausland said, reflecting on the tours the Pitman Historical Museum often hold for the youngsters.

A trip to the Pitman Grove Auditorium is rarely left off the itinerary. The unique exterior of the auditorium attracts many, but the interior to those who never visited remains somewhat of a mystery.

“Visitors can see original benches and framework,” McCausland said, noting it is the closest thing to a time machine a local history buff

buff

NAVIGATING MEDICARE INSURANCE SUPPLEMENTS

Brian Zimmerman has been in the Insurance business since 1989, helping small business owners, Individuals and seniors get Health and Life Insurance. Purchasing a Medicare plan can be extremely confusing. Every time you turn on the TV there’s a Medicare commercial or your mailbox is full of advertisements. If you’re turning 65 It’s almost impossible to figure out what plan to go with. Some of you may need help picking up Part B. I’ve been doing this for over 32 years and I represent all the carriers. I’ll make sure your doctors, Hospitals are in network and your prescriptions are covered. I listen to what your needs are like Dental, Vision, hearing aids and gym membership . If your income is low you may be eligible for extra help on RX or Medicare part B. I get paid by the insurance company so my help costs you nothing. After you’re enrolled I’m there to answer all your questions. In addition to that many of my clients need life insurance, long term care Insurance or have to roll over a 401k. I can help navigate that as well. Call Brian Zimmerman 609-238-2911 or go to http://www.medicarenj.net

You may be eligible for PAAD and Prescription assistance if you meet the following requirements:

• You are a New Jersey resident;

• You are age 65 or older or between ages 18 and 64 and receiving Social Security Title II Disability benefits; and

• Your income for 2023 is less than $42,142 if single or less than $49,209 if married.

Dr. Joseph P. DiRenzo Jr. | Dr. Marc Matozzo | Kimberly English NP

Pool or Beach?

Stacee and Dave Roff. They prefer a pool. “I like to know what is in the water and their parents just got an in ground pool. Also they do not like the sand.”

PHOTO 2: (L-R) Adrienne Harrje and her mother Jennifer Harrje prefer a pool because “we are not ocean people. It is pretty to look at but

prefer to get into a pool.”

PHOTO 3: Paige Manamaker prefers the beach. “I just love the ocean and hearing the ocean and lying on the beach.”

PHOTO 4: Andrea Lampe prefers the beach. “It’s where I grew up and reminds me of my childhood.”

PHOTO 5: Anthony Lewis prefers the beach. “It is more natural. You got the sand and a great view of the ocean.”

PHOTO 6: Lexi Leash prefers the pool. “Because the sand can’t get on you and stick to you. I still do like the beach though.”

PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

Planning in Pitman

June 23rd

Fourth Friday

(6pm - 9pm Ballard Avenue) Spend Fourth Fridays in Uptown Pitman! Farm Market • Vendors • Food trucks • Live Music • Face Painting • Balloon Art • Games • And More!

July 4th

Annual Fourth of July Race, Parade and Fireworks

(8:45am, Broadway/10am, Broadway/Dusk, Alcyon Lake) There’s no holiday like Fourth of July in Pitman! Join over 1,000 runners as they take to the streets of Pitman for the annual Freedom Four Miler. Not a runner? Start your day with the parade down Broadway as the Pitman Hobo Band famously plays its way through town. After your picnic, set up your blanket or chairs around Alcyon Lake and take in the timehonored fireworks display.

July 6, 13, 20 and 27

Pop Up Park

July 28th

Fourth Friday

(6pm - 9pm Ballard Avenue) Spend Fourth Fridays in Uptown Pitman! Farm Market • Vendors • Food trucks • Live Music • Face Painting • Balloon Art • Games • And More!

August 3, 10 and 17th

Pop Up Park

(6pm - 8pm, Ballard Park) Bring the family Uptown every Thursday evening in the summer and enjoy FREE summer fun! Each Pop Up Park will be sponsored by a local nonprofit organization and will include games and activities for our youngest residents!

August 25th

Fourth Friday

(6pm - 9pm Ballard Avenue) Spend Fourth Fridays in Uptown Pitman! Farm Market • Vendors • Food trucks • Live Music • Face Painting • Balloon Art • Games • And More!

June 3rd

Town Wide Yard Sale

(9am - 1pm, throughout town) 75+ residents open their yard for your shopping pleasure. Would you like to join the sale? Register your yard for the Town Wide Yard Sale!

June 14th

Pitman High School

Graduation

(7pm) Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

June 22nd and 29th

Pop Up Park

(6pm - 8pm, Ballard Park) Bring the family Uptown every Thursday evening in the summer and enjoy FREE summer fun! Each Pop Up Park will be sponsored by a local nonprofit organization and will include games and activities for our youngest residents!

(6pm - 8pm, Ballard Park) Bring the family Uptown every Thursday evening in the summer and enjoy FREE summer fun! Each Pop Up Park will be sponsored by a local nonprofit organization and will include games and activities for our youngest residents!

July 7th

Grease

(The Broadway Theatre, show closes July 30th) It’s 1959, and Rydell High School’s senior class is in rare form. The too-coolfor-school “Burger Palace Boys” are stealing hub-caps and acting tough and their gumsnapping, chain-smoking “Pink Ladies” are looking hot in bobby sox and pedal pushers. The 1950s high school dream is about to explode in this rollicking musical that is both an homage to the idealism of the fifties and a satire of high schoolers’ age-old desire to be rebellious, provocative and rebellious. Starting off with an eight-year Broadway run, Grease is among the world’s most popular musicals and has a cult-like following, especially among teens!

August 26th

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.

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.

It’s all in the details. 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.

LADIES SOUTH JERSEY

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

5:30 PM — 8:30 PM

Come out for Ladies Night, hosted by the Sun Newspapers and the Community House of Moorestown!

Pre-registration is requested. Discount tickets available until August 15. More information on activities and vendors coming soon!

If you have any questions about this event or would be interested in being a vendor, email michelle@newspapermediagroup.com.

PRESENTED BY NEWSPAPER MEDIA GROUP