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Volume 28 • Issue 1

The blueberry lights up as the clock strikes 12 to ring in the new year .

by Mohammed Fuad

HAMMONTON — Hundreds camped outside the town hall and Central Avenue for the annual New Year ’ s Eve Bash . People in the community kept themselves warm as they waited in the parking lot . As the big blueberry hung above the town hall , live music filled the air with spectators anxiously awaiting the countdown to

Staff Report THE HAMMONTON GAZETTE

GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

HAMMONTON — Twenty-eightyear Hammonton Gazette veteran , Dan Russoman will be adding to his role at the newspaper . Russoman will be merging a new role of News Director into his current Sports Editor ’ s duties . Fellow Gazette teammates will also be expanding their roles .

The move , designed to increase the paper ’ s hyper local focus , includes tapping into the current staff ’ s extensive knowledge of the community while simultaneously increasing “ boots on the ground ” improving coverage in the area .

While Russoman will be more active in newsroom leadership , Mohammed Fuad will be stepping down from the Editor ’ s role at The Gazette to take on the position of full-time reporter . The decision reflects a growing trend among journalists who seek a hands-on approach to community reporting . Fuad believes that by immersing himself in the day-to-day experiences of the community , he can better understand and report on the community .

“ While editing allowed me to shape the direction of the paper , reporting lets me live it . I want to be more engaged with the community , listening to the voices of our community and bringing their stories to light in a more personal way ,” Fuad said .

As Russoman adds the responsibilities of the News Director to his plate , he remains dedicated to continuing in his role as Sports Editor – a role that has been pivotal in fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment both inside the office and in the community . The move allows him to share that same passion , insight , and commitment to The Gazette ’ s news coverage as well .

Incoming Publisher Craig Richards said that community journalism requires a lifestyle committed to immersing yourself in your community .

“ With Mohammed dedicating himself to full-time reporting and

Mohammed Fuad / THG

2024 .

While people anticipated the clock counting down to the new year , many people reflected on what they liked about 2023 and what they are looking forward to in 2024 .

Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce President Ben Ott attended the event with his family . What both Ben and Laurie Ott liked about 2023 was the success of their game store , Cardboard Arena .

See BLUEBERRY , Page 2

Dan taking on more leadership responsibilities , The Gazette team is stronger .”

“ While few journalists know this community better than Dan Russoman , I have found The Gazette possesses another gem as well ,” Richards added . “ I was immediately impressed with the professionalism , skill and knowledge possessed by the entire team here at Hammonton . Jaime Wuillermin , MarySusan Hoffman and Kristin Guglietti , along with a stable of freelancers , have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the community . And while Dan will help steer the ship , The Gazette will be employing a news by committee format of sorts .” Collectively the team discusses weekly news coverage for the upcoming issues .

Team input into coverage is a testament to the evolving nature of journalism , a commitment to a richer , more immersive storytelling experience for the readers of The Gazette . This new alignment of the staff took place on January 1st of this year .

Wednesday , January 3 , 2024 hammontongazette . com

by Mohammed Fuad GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

As 2023 wraps up , The Gazette is highlighting the top stories and photos from the calendar year . Here are the top stories that happened in 2023 from each issue .

Jan . 4

‘ Tip ’ DiDonato Dies at 91 : Longtime DiDonato Family Fun Center owner and Nice Going Award winner Dominic “ Tip ” DiDonato died at 91 . Friends and family remembered DiDonato ’ s positive impact and influence on the community , as well as his accomplishments .

Jan . 11

Karl Frantz recalled fondly : Longtime Hammonton High School ( HHS ) coach and teacher Karl Frantz was remembered fondly by friends , family , colleagues and former students and players .

Jan . 18

Rodio earns 1,000th win : St . Augustine Prep basketball coach Paul Rodio notched his 1000th career win as head coach . Rodio was surrounded by friends , family and former players and reflected on his journey to the big milestone .

Jan . 25

Stockton University ’ s Kramer Hall honors Dr . King : Kramer Hall honors Dr . Martin Luther King Jr with a day of service , taking t-shirts and making them into reusable bags .

Feb . 1

NHS Inductions at Hammonton High School : Hammonton High School students were inducted into the National Honor Society during a ceremony at the high school .

See 2023 , Page 10

by Kristin Guglietti GAZETTE STAFF WRITER

HAMMONTON — People celebrated Noon Year ’ s Eve on Dec . 31 from 11 a . m . to 1 p . m . at town hall . The third annual event was in collaboration with the Hammonton Drug Alliance and Groovy Kids .

Several families attend Noon Year ’ s Eve , so the children can celebrate the New Year before their bedtime .

Dana Strain of Medford N . J . brought her daughter Madeline Strain to Noon Year ’ s Eve for the first time .

“ We wanted to have a fun family event for our

See NOON , Page 3

Kristin Guglietti / THG

Children enjoyed lollipops from the Hammonton Fire Department ’ s table at the Noon Year ’ s Eve celebration . one dollar