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