08037 Hammonton | Summer 2023

Letter from the EDITOR:

Hello 08037! Summer is here and I am excited for you to check out our Summer edition magazine dedicated to the lifestyle and community of Hammonton.

Meet the ladies of Rise Again Animal Rescue – Danielle McKibban, Ekaterina Sedia, Patty Lafferty and Dana Gregg. They are four likeminded individuals who saw the same need in the animal rescue world: to advocate for those most at risk for euthanasia and premature death. They are entirely foster based and have started with kittens and cats. Learn more on page 3.

Hammonton is known for its blueberries. The Blueberry Capital of the World is displayed proudly on the township’s website. Meet Curtis Perone and his wife Kelly, who opened Hammonton’s first distillery, fittingly named Blue Rascal Distillery. It’s a local craft distillery that focuses on turning the abundant fruit crop surrounding the township into delicious spirits and liqueurs. Yum! Learn all about it starting on page 6.

Along with blueberries, Hammonton is heavy on the art and music scene. The Art Club Hammonton essentially brings the community together collaborating with MainStreet Hammonton, the Hammonton Arts Center, the Eagle Theater, Hammonton Makers, and numerous additional sponsors for a one-day block party called Arts and Music festival. This year marked its third year. Learn more about the festival and how the Art Club Hammonton all started on page 10.

So if you are looking for somewhere unique to enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch after those Blue Rascal “spirits and liqueurs,” look no further than The Café at the Edge of the Runway – Apron Café. It sits at the edge of Hammonton Municipal Airport’s lone runway. With windows for walls, every table is like literally having the best seat in the house as you watch propeller planes fly by – literally. Owners Sal and Nancy Silipino had been patrons of the café before becoming owners. Learn all about their story on page 12.

We go from blueberries, arts and music, hearty meals … and finally history! Learn about the Batsto Village, one of the hidden historic gems in New Jersey, located at 31 Batsto Road in the Wharton State Forest as part of the Pine Barrens in Hammonton. Today, the state oversees the gem. As you journey through the sprawling landscape of this picturesque region, you will find about 30 buildings – yes, that’s right 30 buildings – situated amid tranquil lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams, resulting in breathtaking outdoor experiences. We highlight some of those buildings in this issue. Learn all about the history on page 14.

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

Kathy Chang Editor

Kathy Chang Managing Editor

Jamie Giambrone

NJ Ackermann Asha Brodie

Jennifer Amato Boris Cardenas

ADVOCATING for those Most at Risk

Rise Again Animal Rescue fosters neonate kittens and medically complex cats

BY KATHY CHANG

n Rise Again Animal Rescue’s Together We

Meet the team - Danielle McKibban, Ekaterina Sedia, Patty Lafferty and Dana

They are four likeminded individuals who saw the same need in the animal rescue world: to advocate for those most at risk for euthanasia and premature death — neonate kittens, which need around the clock care,

“Our mission is to basically take those animals, who may have higher medical costs, who are more difficult to adopt out, and get

Rise Again Animal Rescue, based in Hammonton, launched in January. The team’s commitment is to always put animals’ needs first. With over half a century of combined experience, the team is providing necessary care and the best chance of survival for

“We are entirely foster based,” Sedia said, meaning, they take the animals, whether from local animal shelters, or sometimes when owners surrender them, and put them in foster homes. “We don’t have a shelter or central facility. Animals are never in cages, The ladies came together in fall 2022

“It’s difficult to find an organization you agree with 100 percent at all times,” Sedia said, explaining the impetus of starting Rise

Sedia, a professor of biology at Stockton

please see RESCUE, page 5

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University, has two personal cats – Phineas and David Cronenberg - and two dogs – Rory and Cookie. She is currently fostering four cats - one came from ACCT (Animal Care and Control Team) Philly with a broken pelvis; one has diabetes, one is a senior, and one lost most of its hair to allergies but is recovering now.

“I like animals, and don’t like the thought of them dying just because they needed a bit of extra care, or extra time, or got injured,” Sedia said, explaining why she fosters. “As everyone in animal rescue I think, at some point you realize that it’s an opportunity to make a significant difference in animals’ lives.”

And making a significant difference is what these ladies are doing with fosters all over South Jersey.

McKibban is a cardiac nurse, ice hockey mom, and lifelong animal lover. She started her rescue journey 19 years ago with an allcat rescue. From there she moved onto local open intake shelters advocating for one of the most misunderstood breeds, pitbulls

Animal Rescue has always been her heart’s work. Funny enough, she met her husband volunteering at the animal shelter. They now live their happily ever after with their two human kiddos, two dogs, and two cats.

Lafferty is an artist, mom, voracious reader and a total phytophile. Working from home as a painter while raising her children

has provided the perfect environment for fostering with multiple rescues.

Over the past 15 years she has grown a deep passion for neonatal feline care with the last eight years devoted solely to caring for kittens as young as a few hours old. She firmly believes that undertaking even the direst situations is always worth a try.

Lafferty aims to show others that there is a little something we can all do that will make a big impact in the lives of these animals.

Gregg is a local businesswoman, mom, grandmom, and a guardian of many furry family members. She is an experienced foster, having cared for kittens, medically urgent animals, and cats abandoned by their owners.

Rise Again Animal Rescue has seven fosters and are always looking for donations and additional fosters and/or volunteers.

Right now, as all volunteers and needing to stay within budget, they only foster kittens and cats.

As the rescue becomes more established, they will consider taking in dogs.

Sedia explained the team decided to start with cats because they are logistically simpler.

“With dogs, fosters have to be experienced with dog training and there is a higher liability insurance with dogs,” she said.

Sedia said people don’t necessarily need to foster to volunteer with Rise Again. The rescue participates in a number of local events that people and/or groups can volunteer at

as well as help the rescue with their social media and/or bookkeeping.

Love driving? The rescue is always looking for volunteers who can transport kittens and cats for vet appointments and shelter pick-ups.

The rescue holds several fundraisers online from selling T-shirts to flower bulbs. And they are always looking for more events to bring their cats to. They are also looking to partner with local businesses for dine and donate charity events. All proceeds go towards whatever the cats need in foster including food, litter, and medication.

Upcoming events include:

July 9 – Rancocas Woods Farmers Market.

Aug. 20 – Haddon Heights Farmers Market.

Sept. 10 – Haddon Heights Farmers Market.

Sept. 24 – Haddon Heights Farmers Market.

Oct. 14-15 – Fall Fest 2023.

For more information about Rise Again Animal Rescue visit www.riseagainanimalrescue.org, email info@riseagainanimalrescue.com, or call (609) 666-2428. 

Rise Again Animal Rescue advocates for those most at risk for euthanasia and premature death — neonate kittens, which need around the clock care, and medically complex animals.

08037

PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

Labor of Love BlueA

Blue Rascal Distillery turns the area’s blueberries into wine, brandy and gin

BY JENNIFER AMATO

If you have lived in Hammonton, you know it’s known as The Blueberry Capital of the World, which is displayed proudly on the township’s website.

Meet Curtis Perone and his wife Kelly, who opened Hammonton’s first distillery, fittingly named Blue Rascal Distillery. It’s a local craft distillery that focuses on turning the abundant fruit crop surrounding Hammonton into delicious spirits and liqueurs.

Perone was born and raised in Hammonton, and chose the location of the distillery at 8 W. End Ave. to be close to Hammonton’s revitalized downtown area.

“We opened March 2021, but we’ve been working on opening the distillery since 2014,” said Perone, who owns the distillery with his wife Kelly. He said he has always been fascinated with the creative process of distillation.

A distillery is a place where liquor is manufactured.

“As we’ve watched the revitalization of Hammonton and surrounding areas, we sought a way to encourage the town’s growth as a cultural destination,” he said.

The name Blue Rascal gives a signal to their philosophy, Perone said.

“First – community. One of the owners

please see WINE, page 8

PHOTO BY BOCA MEDIA

graduated from Hammonton High School and played football for the Blue Devils,” he explained. “Second – creativity. The process of turning berries to wine and then brandy, of building a brand, and of designing cocktails that showcase the spirits and liqueurs that we make – it’s all highly creative. Third – camaraderie.

“Being the first distillery in Hammonton, alongside three micro-breweries and multiple wineries – ensures that we help make this town a place to visit from far and wide.

Employing great people who are helping us build this brand and on this mission with us also creates camaraderie – from production to the tasting room to sales – we have a great team that we appreciate greatly,” Perone said.

Blue Rascal has a CARL still that was made in Germany. CARL Artisan Distilleries and Brewing Systems has been manufacturing stills for over 145 years and is the oldest manufacturing plant in Germany.

Along with the still they have two large fermenters and various storage vessels for holding low wines and finished spirits.

The production area and the tasting room are equally divided in the warehouse.

Currently there are six different fruit liqueurs and nine crafted unique spirits. Right now, they are in the midst of getting

ready to release an aged gin this summer.

“We feature spirits that use blueberries in their production – making Blueberry Brandy bottled as a non-aged eau de vie and also aged to be our Blueberry Brandy Reserve, bottled at 113 proof,” Perone said. “We also add blueberries to our gin botanicals –which has earned gold in multiple juried competitions. Our goal is to bring tourism to the local area, and to create a unique

please see WINE, page 9

WINE continued from page

American Brandy via Hammonton’s bountiful blueberry crop.

“We have processed tons of blueberries to make our brandy and gin products, and while it’s labor intensive, it also brings great results because the fruit is all grown here, in Hammonton, and we are able to ferment it at its height of flavor and sugar content.”

Blue Rascal’s spirits are available in multiple liquor stores in the area, and bottles are always available in the tasting room for purchase. At this time, shipping is not available.

The tasting room is open Thursdays and Fridays from 5-9 p.m., Saturdays from 1-9

p.m., and Sundays from 1-6 p.m. Kids are allowed. They hold lots of events, such as paint-and-sip, open mic nights, live music and cigar pairings. Their space is available for semi-private and private events, and they’ve hosted weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, birthdays, a retirement celebration, and even just family get-togethers.

They occasionally participate in festivals, primarily with the Wine and Ale Trail of South Jersey, a local not-for-profit they are a member of, alongside micro-breweries and wineries located in and around Hammonton.

“We intentionally are seeking to bring visitors into town from all over southern New Jersey,” Perone said. “When we do, we are sure to recommend visiting downtown, uptown and any one of our fantastic restaurants in the area. It’s a great destination for a day trip, and an even better place to live.”

For more information, follow Blue Rascal Distillery, visit bluerascaldistillery.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram @bluerascalstill. Email bluerascalstill@gmail.com for more information on how to book a party. 

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PHOTOS BY BOCA MEDIA

Blue Rascal Distillery - Hammonton’s first distillery - turns the area’s blueberries into wine, brandy and gin.

Art Club Hammonton brings Community Together through Annual Music festival Art &

BY MINDY TORAN

The Art Club Hammonton was born “to create a social group to attract artists to Hammonton and create more live arts experiences in the area.”

That was the mission, according to founder Don Swenson. It was the beginning of March 2020. BUT, we all know what happened in mid-March of that year. The COVD-19 pandemic essentially shut everything down. Womp womp

Was that the end of the idea for Art Club Hammonton? No, no. Swenson’s art wheels kept on turning.

Enter, an Art Club Live broadcast, which brought art into people’s homes when they couldn’t venture out into the community. And voilá, Art Club Hammonton has stayed alive throughout the pandemic.

The club collaborates with a number of arts organizations and sponsors for the one day block party

“It was great to form a connection with other local artists,” Swenson said.

The Art Club eventually grew to a group of artists focused on building relationships in the community, teaching, marketing, and strategizing for ways to showcase their work. The club now includes visual artists, painters, photographers, a comic book illustrator and a nature printer, among others.

as well as a supportive community, and we’re thrilled to support the growing art scene in Hammonton.”

This year, it was back once again as a mecca for arts and entertainment during its third year on May 20. The rain date was May 21.

The Art Cub Hammonton collaborates with MainStreet Hammonton, the Hammonton Arts Center, the Eagle Theater, Hammonton Makers, and numerous additional sponsors for the one-day block party.

Bethmann, who moved to Hammonton a little over five years ago with her husband, said the Art Club provides “a really great way to connect with other artists in the area.

“We’re a community-based group of artists and hold a variety of events, classes and exhibitions, when we can find alternative spaces where we can host our shows,” she said. “We’ve also received a lot of support from other local arts organizations in town.”

and drew a crowd of

In 2021, the Art Club organized the first Hammonton Arts and Music Festival – a oneday block partywith the help and support of other arts organizations in the community and drew a crowd of 750 people.

“It was a huge source of joy seeing how many people were interested in art and emphasized our goal to help people realize that art is not just something you hang on the wall,” says Swenson.

“By forming the Art Club we’ve built friendships

The party this year featured live music from The Looms, The Chris Rockwell Collective, ZeeLo, and the Honeytunes

Several local artists offered demos of their skills and crafts, including a muralist, nature printing, life drawing, and a live welding demonstration. More than 25 art vendors set up shop along Horton Street to showcase and sell their work.

The Eagle Theater offered improvisational acting workshops and many of Hammonton’s arts organizations hosted open houses. In addition, there were plenty of hands-on, arts-oriented activities and a play zone for kids.

“It’s a great event for the community and helps to highlight the importance of the arts,” says Laura Bethmann, a local artist and member of Art Club Hammonton. “By hosting events like this we’re promoting local artists, supporting local businesses and restaurants, and helping to make Hammonton a destination for the arts.”

Swenson called the Hammonton Arts and Music Festival “a huge source of joy” from “seeing how many people were interested in art” and it “emphasized our goal to help people realize that art is not just something you hang on the wall.

“By forming the Art Club we’ve built friendships as well as a supportive community, and we’re thrilled to support the growing art scene in Hammonton.” 

Sponsors and supporters of the 2023 Hammonton Arts and Music Festival include: MainStreet Hammonton, Hammonton Makers, Chimney Rustic Ales, SherwinWilliams, ARH Associates, READ Preschool, New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and Visit NJ.

The Art Club Hammonton holds an annual Arts and Music Festival, which brings the community together for the arts.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DON SWENSON

The Café Runway

at the Edge of the

Owners Sal and Nancy Silipino welcome visitors from all over as they fly into Hammonton Municipal Airport

BY NJ ACKERMANN

On the outskirts of Wharton State Forest is a small airport –Hammonton Municipal Airport. At the edge of its lone runway sits the Apron Café. With windows for walls, every table is like literally having the best seat in the house as you watch propeller planes fly by.

Sweetwater River, Batsto Village, Paradise Lakes, and downtown Hammonton are all within 15 minutes of its front door. Though a short drive for locals and blueberry festival attendees, people come from all over. Here, the friendliness is contagious, starting with owners, Sal and Nancy Silipino, to the servers, and right down to the diners.

“How are you? How are you feeling?”

Sal pauses our interview to greet one of his regulars. His customer waves back from his window seat. He con-

tinues. “I have regular customers coming in from areas that are not close by. There’s plenty of places in-between to stop, but they’ll drive here, saying, ‘We just like coming out here.’”

And they don’t just drive, they fly. Pilots from Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, Washington, D.C., even Virginia and New Hampshire will come for a hearty breakfast or lunch.

“We have a lot of gatherings and a lot of flying clubs,” Sal says. One fly-in visitor, wolfgangx on www.ourairports.com posts, “The restaurant gave us a bowl of water for our dogs. Very friendly!”

When Sal first found the restaurant, he immediately told Nancy about it.

“We liked it,” Nancy says, “and became patrons. We began to think how the atmosphere sells itself; wouldn’t it be great if we got the chance to own it?”

Well, lo and behold, the couple got that chance. With a good foundation left by the previous owner, they were able to reopen during the pandemic with the limited seating guidelines.

“It got our feet wet and allowed us to move forward,” Nancy says.

Now in its third season, these Hammonton residents are making it happen.

“My wife runs everything,” Sal says. But Nancy disagrees. “WE run it together, I just

please see BITES, page 19

Warren R. Heymann, MD

Steven M. Manders, MD

Justin J. Green, MD

Lacy L. Sommer, MD

Camille E. Introcaso, MD

Donald J. Baker, MD

Patrick J. McMahon, MD

Julianna Jarvis, PA-C

Christina Urday, PA-C

Christina Ponzio, PA-C

SUMMER

PHOTO BY NJ ACKERMANN

Travelers can enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch at Apron Café while also enjoying the views of planes flying in and out of Hammonton Municipal Airport.

A LOOK AT LOCAL HISTORY

Historic Gem A Hidden

One of the hidden historic gems in New Jersey is the Batsto Village. Its rich history and picturesque landscape keeps bringing visitors –thousands of visitors - back to the village on a regular basis.

To be precise, Batsto Village is located at 31 Batsto Road in the Wharton State Forest as part of the Pine Barrens in Hammonton.

The earliest origins of Batsto Village can be traced back to 1766 when Charles Read, who was a resident of Burlington at the time, founded the village. At that time, Batsto Village was known for its Batsto Iron Works as it was located right where all the necessary natural resources were present to produce iron at that time. Also, the city was known as an industrial center for glass making as well.

BY ASHA BRODIE

It was only fitting that Read, who was known as an ironmaster, established the Batsto Iron Works on the property, according to its website.

please see HISTORY, page 15

The site attracts thousands of visitors each year

“Ownership of the ironworks changed hands throughout the 1770s and 1780s, all while Batsto established itself as an important Revolutionary War site, producing iron munitions for the Continental Army,” explained John Hebble, resource interpretive specialist at Batsto Village.

Batsto Iron Works was acquired by Philadelphia-based trader John Cox in 1773, and then later it became the property of Joseph Ball from Philadelphia in 1779.

William Richards became the new owner of Batsto Iron Works in 1784 and his family is credited for constructing most of the buildings that are on the property today, including the Post Office. The post office is said to be one of the four oldest in the United States, according to its website.

After Richards retired to his Mount Holly home in 1809, he passed on the management of the ironworks to his son Jesse, Hebble said.

“Jesse oversaw many notable projects in the village, including the construction of a glass factory in 1846, the establishment of Batsto’s post office in 1852 and multiple expansions to the home now called the Batsto Mansion,” Hebble said.

And so, this was the peak of Batsto Village. It was known as a “thriving South Jersey industrial center.” At the time, the village was home to 700 people.

Jesse’s death in 1854 saw the decline of the village.

“The iron furnace was out of blast by 1858 and the glass factory closed in 1867,” Hebble said, adding that “a major fire in 1874 destroyed approximately one-third of the workers’ homes, effectively punctuating the end of the “Richards era at Batsto.”

Businessman Joseph Wharton bought Batsto Village in 1876 and renovated the mansion to serve as his family’s South Jersey vacation home.

Wharton was a wealthy Philadelphia industrialist and co-founder of Bethlehem Steel, Hebble said. He became the owner of 96,000 acres in the Pine Barrens.

“Initially, Wharton wanted to use the Pinelands’ plentiful underground aquifers to supply Camden and Philadelphia with clean drinking water,” Hebble said. “This plan, however, was never fully realized and Batsto was primarily used as a farm and rural retreat for the Wharton century.”

GIVE A RIDE, CHANGE A LIFE.

VOLUNTEER

please see HISTORY, page 18

PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED FOR ROAD TO RECOVERY

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Road To Recovery is a free program.

HISTORY continued from page 609.561.6222 121 S WHITE HORSE PIKE HAMMONTON, NJ 08037 CUSTOM JEWELRY & REPAIRS ON SITE

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from page

keep all the balls in the air,” she says.

“Regina [Clark] is a great chef, adept and capable; we give her free rein. She’s in sync with us. And we have a dedicated and efficient staff. We couldn’t run it without them.”

The Apron Café is family-friendly. Children watch out the window

to catch a plane taking off or landing - or if they are lucky - both.

Sal says, “On weekends we’ll have [up to] five planes park here and meet for breakfast or lunch. It’s really a neat thing to watch.”

Their daughter, Nicholene, helps out as a server during school breaks.

“We’re always thinking of something,” Sal says. Open all year, at Christmas time they bring in Mr. and Mrs. Claus by helicopter to visit with children in the café. It is such a hit, they flew in the Easter Bunny,

too.

Looking to host many more unique events in the near future, Sal envisions an airplane show much like a car show, with participants displaying their planes for the public to see close up.

They also hope to have a weekend arts and crafts show.

“Hammonton is a cultural town,” Nancy says. “We like to cater to it, to honor family traditions and honor the town ethos. We’re here because of the support of the townspeople.”

Their Wednesday dinners are a nod to the town of Hammonton. With many Italian American residents, it’s often an Italian dinner.

“Or, we’ll have prime rib,” says Sal, noting they had a barbecue feast for Memorial Day.

to they had a barbecue with Mother’s Day and

This year, they have started new traditions with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day brunch buffets.

Open seven days,

please see BITES, page 17

from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., their menu offers familiar foods such as steak and eggs, chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, French toast, wings, fried pickles, nachos, burgers, sandwiches, and specials created by Regina.

“She likes to change it up,” says Sal. “Every week she puts together something different.”

With nice weather coming, they’re upgrading their patio, where patrons can relax and get an even closer look at the planes.

“We got new chairs for our outdoor seating this season, they’re very comfortable,” Sal says.

“And we try to make it a little tropical. I bring in palm trees and date trees—last year I had a banana tree out there. It’s a destination place. You have to want to come here; you have to know about this place.”

It’s true. Special and unique, the Apron Café is like a treasure in the jungle. Find it once, and you’ll keep going back. 

PHOTO BY NJ ACKERMANN

continued from page 15

Batsto is overseen by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Parks & Forestry and considered a historic location in New Jersey.

It offers a never-ending, stressing never-ending, stream of things to do, so you never get bored.

As you journey through the sprawling landscape of this picturesque region, you will find about 30 buildings – yes, that’s right 30 buildings - situated amid tranquil lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams, resulting in a breathtaking outdoor experience.

Here are a few places you can explore on your next trip to Batsto Village.

The Mansion

A visit to the Mansion is a must on your tour to Batsto Village. The mansion has 32 rooms and was once the home of William Richards and his family. Its stunning Italianate architecture is attributed to Wharton who later purchased the property.

Although there are 32 rooms within, the public is only able to tour 14 of those rooms. These rooms include bedrooms, the library, dining room and parlors. The guided tour will provide information about the early inhabitants of the home.

These tours take place from Wednesday to Sunday at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. The cost of the mansion tour is $3 for children ages 12 and upwards. Children 6-11 will be able to tour for $1 while those who are 6 and under are able to get in for free. One is advised to call the village ahead of booking a tour.

Museum

Located in the Visitors Center, the Museum and Exhibit Gallery is a treasure trove of Batsto’s rich history. Each time you visit the museum, you will find exhibits that will be changed frequently so that you will always see something new.

During your visit to Batsto Village Museum Shop, you may be able to take home a little bit of history with you as there is a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs that are available for purchase.

The Gristmill

A visit to Batsto Village is not complete without taking a trip to the Gristmill. There was a Gristmill built in 1828, and while at first this was powered by a wooden water wheel, a water turbine was later installed in the mill to enhance its efficiency.

Outdoor Activities

Batsto Village offers you the opportunity to be one with nature thanks to a wide variety of outdoor activities that you can take part in.

There are several hiking and bike-riding trails to explore. The trails range from easy to difficult, depending on your level of

expertise. Some of the more popular trails include along the Mullica River, Batona trails and the Batsto Lake trail.

The Batsto Lake was essentially used as the source for water and for moving iron to the Iron Service building back in the day. Today, it is the ideal spot for fishing and canoeing and there are also guided nature trips with canoes available.

For those who prefer a quieter tour, horseback riding is also available. There are also fun wagon rides for the children.

Throughout the year, there are other activities planned to include the Civil War reenactments which usually take place in October, which is also the month for the

Country Living Fair.

As part of its Halloween celebrations, the village also hosts The Haunting in October and Winter in the Pines, a Christmas event. For your next historic trip visit, the Batsto Village visit batstovillage.org. 

PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

SUMMER 2023

Pool or Beach?

PHOTOS BY JAMIE GIAMBRONE

PHOTO 1: Leilani Avioes prefers the beach. “I just like watching the ocean.”

PHOTO 2: Sharon Scuorzo and Tom Kennedy “The beach without a doubt! There’s a lot of room and we grew up at the beach!

Nick Voermans “Pools are great, I grew up with a pool but I prefer the beach because thre is more to see and do at the beach.”

(L-R) Helen Viscuglia and Pat Schrieber both prefer the beach. It’s more natural and refreshing and Pat says she was born and raised in Atlantic City!

PHOTO 4:

Hammonton

Happenings

blue and enjoy food and drinks packed with blueberry flavor. Food, music and shopping will make this an evening to remember. Visit the “Green Market” on Horton Street while you are there. www.downtownhammonton. com

OPENING RECEPTION OF ART

EXHIBIT BY FRED STALOFF: July 20 from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Noyes Museum Gallery at Stockton Kramer Hall. Artist Fred Staloff will be featured during this Exhibition which runs from July 10 through September 29. www.noyesmuseum.org

traditional Mexican cuisine and learn a little history along the way. Must book in advance. www.onthetownfoodtours.com

THIRD THURSDAY “GAME NIGHT”: August 17 from 5 PM to 8 PM in the Downtown Hammonton Art District. Have a fun family evening out with your favorite games, food, music, art and friendly competitions. Visit the “Green Market” on Horton Street while you are there. www.downtownhammonton.com

HAMMONTON INDEPENDENCE DAY

PARADE: July 4 – 11 AM in Downtown Hammonton. Celebrate our nation at this patriotic parade down Bellevue Avenue. Kids are invited to decorate their bikes, scooters or wagons with red, white and blue for the Toy Market Bike Parade Contest. www. downtownhammonton.com (Note: There will NOT be Fireworks at Lake Park this year due to planned construction for Phase 1 of the playground improvements this summer.)

KICK OFF THE FEAST WITH THE SONS OF ITALY: July 9 from 1 PM to 7 PM at the at the Giuseppe Garibaldi Lodge. Enjoy spaghetti and meatballs with a cash bar. This event open to the public.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL: July 11 to July 16 at the Festival Grounds on Mt. Carmel Lane and Third Street. Longest running Italian-American festival in the United States, featuring Italian food stands, beer and wine gardens, live music and entertainment, carnival rides, games. Fireworks and a grand procession of saints through the streets of Hammonton on July 16th. www.mountcarmelsociety.org

SON’S OF ITALY OPEN HOUSE: July 14 and 16 from 10 AM to 11 PM at the Giuseppe Garibaldi Lodge. Indoor and outdoor beer gardens, feast traditions like, homemade meatballs, famous red roast beef, and sausage and peppers, along with live music by Stealing Savannah on the 14th from 8 PM to 11 PM and DJ Nicky G on the 16th from 6 PM to 10 PM. Open to the public.

THIRD THURSDAY “BLUEBERRIES”: July 20 from 5 PM to 8 PM in the Downtown Hammonton Art District. Celebrate the Town’s most famous fruit, wear something

JAMES & THE GIANT PEACH: July 20 to 23 at the Eagle Theatre. The Conservatory Summer Camp (performed by students grades 3-7) present this live musical performance. When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that results in a tremendous peach... and launches a journey of enormous proportions. www.eagletheatre. org

CAMP CHAOS WRESTLING: July 22 – 5 PM at Camp Tuscaloosa. A night to remember of live wrestling. Before the show, there will be games and prizes for the kids and a prize wheel. Very limited seating. For information and tickets, visit www.facebook.com/ shorestarwrestling

MAMA MIA: July 27 to 30 at the Eagle Theatre. The Conservatory Summer Camp (performed by students grades 8-12) present this live musical performance. ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. www.eagletheatre.org

HAMMONTON’S NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: August 4 from 6 PM to 9 PM at the Hammonton High School Grounds. Family fun, bounce houses, games, giveaways, live music, food, special appearances, fireworks, and more. Hosted by the Hammonton Police Department and the Hammonton Family Success Center. www.townofhammonton. org

MEXICAN FOOD DISCOVERY TOUR: August 12 - 1 PM in Downtown Hammonton. Enjoy a sampling of some of the Downtown’s

NEW JERSEY FRINGE FESTIVAL: August 18 to 20 in the Downtown Hammonton Art District. An unforgettable weekend curated by the Eagle Theatre celebrating creativity and artistic expression. This fun, eclectic, multi-day festival brings together talented artists and performers from all over to showcase their work in multiple venues throughout downtown. As you explore, you’ll discover art around every corner and shows for every taste. Between performances, head over to “The Hub” and indulge in our Craft Beer and Wine Garden, eat delicious foods from food trucks or local restaurants and jam to the live bands throughout the night. 609-704-5012. www. njfringefestival.com

TOUCH-A-TRUCK EVENT: August 27 from 12 PM to 4 PM in the streets and parking lots surrounding Toy Market in Downtown Hammonton. South Jersey’s largest independent toy store hosts this outdoor event featuring up close encounters with big trucks, bulldozers, tractors and more. Interactive games, music, giveaways and even a photo CDL (Children’s Drivers License.) www.downtownhammonton.com

PUERTO RICAN FESTIVAL: August 27 from 12 PM to 9 PM Mass at St. Joseph Church, Procession and Flag Raising at Town Hall. Authentic food, music, and celebration at PRCA Clubhouse. (The Festival continues on September 1, 2 & 3 with live music, DJ and dishes of Latin cuisine at the PRCA Clubhouse on Old Forks Road.)

(This is a partial listing of events and activities in the Hammonton area compiled by the Eagle Theatre’s Destination Hammonton Initiative, as of this magazine’s print publication deadline. Events are subject to change or cancellation.)

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.

Pool or Beach?

PHOTO 1: Aria, Daniel and Chelsea: Beach

PHOTO 2: John Harrison prefers the pool.

PHOTO 3: Bobby: Prefers the pool.

PHOTO 4: Dan and Debbie Thomas: They prefer the pool in town.

PHOTOS BY BOCA MEDIA