Spring Forward To Love

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.

“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.

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;

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