Hello 08037! Oh winter, you are still here! Snow has already fallen and we’re either gearing up for six more weeks of winter or an early spring. Depends on if you believe that popular groundhog superstition! Well, in any case, I am excited for you to check out our Winter edition magazine dedicated to the lifestyle and community of Hammonton.
We start our issue with the DiDonato family. John DiDonato and his son Zach have transformed the Pinelands Golf Club since they purchased it in 2020. Nestled on the outskirts of Wharton State Forest in Hammonton about a half hour from Philadelphia, Pinelands Golf Club at 887 S. Mays Landing Road is home to one of the area’s most authentic and challenging 18-hole golf courses. “People come from the city, come and spend the day here, golf, eat dinner, and once we have the lodges they can stay the night, and spend the weekend,” according to John. Learn all about how the DiDonato’s transformed the Pinelands Golf Club, which started at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to now on page 5.
Next we meet Jim Sacco, who opened Vinyl Brewing in September 2017 with his aunt and uncle, Susan and Tom Puentes. Sacco was a longtime home brewer and when discussion about opening a brewery came about, downtown Hammonton was the place to do it. “We are all from Hammonton,” he said. “Our families are from here. We felt what better place to open a brewery than in a town that we have lived all our lives.” And it just so happened, they found the right location at 300 12th St. Sacco said their style offerings change with the seasons. All the beer is made onsite and “one of the things we have become known for since our opening is our sour beer.” Grab a seat at the bar and learn about their story on page 8.
Downtown Hammonton is the place to be every third Thursday of each month. MainStreet Hammonton hosts the night from 5-8 p.m. with a theme for each month. The event lineup is discussed and planned at the beginning of the year and each month is paired with an art component, according to Mica McCullough, executive director of MainStreet Hammonton. January’s Third Thursday was titled “To New Beginnings” celebrating the new year. Shoppers were able to enjoy new products and specials from the shops and eateries. The third Thursday in February falls a day after Valentine’s Day, Feb. 15. Hence the title “Amore-Love is in the air!” March is Ladies Night Out – a celebration of women. Learn all about it starting on page 12.
Also check out our Hammonton Happenings on page 14 for future community events. All of this and more awaits on the pages ahead!
Enjoy!
Kathy Chang
Editor
