Hello 08071! Can you believe it’s that time of year again for a new school year and ALL things Fall? I definitely can’t, but here we are! I am excited for you to check out our Summer into Fall edi- tion magazine dedi- cated to the lifestyle and community of Pitman.
Did you get a chance to pop into the pop-up parks at Ballard Park this summer? The Greater Pitman Cham- ber of Commerce started Pop-Up Park events years back as a way to bring together residents and the local business community through a series of family-friendly activities. This year was no different. Dozens of people at- tended each week, whether they came for fresh produce, live music, yard games, sidewalk chalk for the kids, and other cool summertime activities. Check out the poppin’ good time on page 6.
The significant history of Alcyon Lake Park is well documented through postcard collections, photo- graph albums and other items at the Pitman Memorabilia Museum at 71 Circle Ave. We take a look at what once was of the park area in the 19th century to what it is today from the sawmill days to the amusement park and Alcyon Speedway days on page 8.
In this issue, readers will get to know local artist/teacher Bernadette Perry. She has an eye for what pops. Whether it’s Pitman’s pastel-colored Grove homes; charming storefronts; and/or the iconic, art deco marquee of the Broadway Theater, she sees it. Like many teachers (and parents), Perry lost her way when COVID-19 happened. “I stopped making art that was just for me, and I accidentally gave up on my dream of being a ‘real’ artist.” Learn how Perry revived her dream on page 11.
When in town, stop into Chloe’s Crème Puffs on Holly Avenue and grab yourself a soft, fluffy, doughy “melt in your mouth” crème puff, which are baked daily. Yum! You can choose/try different flavors you want inside. On tap currently are the regu- lar vanilla and chocolate as well as raspberry, pumpkin and/or cookies n’ cream. Alison Lusardi and her “small and mighty” team at Chloe’s Crème Puffs bring you this deliciousness. Open since 2015, Lusardi said she is happy how her business has grown, which now offers so much more baked goods and wedding cakes. Go have a taste on page 14.
We round this issue with a feel- good story. Inside the Lighthouse Community Center, “a beacon of hope” transcends to those who need a helping hand. Run by Pastor Randy Van Osten and housed in the First Baptist Church of Pitman on North Broadway, the center offers a thrift shop, serves hot meals twice a month and provides a safe place for kids to come and hang out. About half of The Lighthouse volunteers are af- filiated with the church, but the other half of the volunteers come from the local community. Learn all about these good deeds on page 19.
All of this and more awaits on the pages ahead!
