Hello 08071! Oh summer, you are here! Are you ready for those cookouts and/or amusement parks? I sure am! And I am excited for you to check out our Summer edition magazine dedicated to the lifestyle and community of Pitman.
We start our issue with a look at the ‘high priestess of punk poetry.’ Patti Smith’s journey from New Jersey to the forefront of the punk rock scene with her debut album release of “Horses” in the 1970s includes Pitman. She is a 1964 graduate of Deptford High School who lived at a time in an apartment building in Pitman Grove and Woodbury Gardens as a youngster. Smith, who is in her late 70s, continues to create through music, poetry and writing books. Her journey has been displayed at Gloucester County Historical Society’s Museum’s “Movers, Shakers, and History Makers” exhibit, which went up in March in celebration of Women’s History Month. Learn all about Smith’s journey starting on page 6.
Next “Splash” at the Paintground on South Broadway. Have you ever gotten so frustrated that all you wanted to do was throw something at the wall? Well now you can, thanks to the creative genius of Brandie Timmers. The PaintGround encourages kids … and adults, to “get messy and do art,” while releasing tension and stress and fostering creativity and connection with others. The concept originated as a result of Timmers’ own “ah ha” moment during the pandemic. It began in her basement and has continued in a small storefront on South Broadway. The PaintGround offers five private splatter suites that people can reserve for their own private groups. Various classes are offered for kids and families throughout the week, including sensory play groups for kids on the Autism spectrum. Check it all out starting on page 8.
We round out our summer edition with Creative Pitman, which is a community group made of “creatives” dedicated to exploring, enhancing, and enriching the arts and cultural opportunities for the entire community. Since their inception in February 2019, they have come together to do just that from creating a Creative Assets Inventory of Pitman Creatives and hosting Radio Pitman to Pitman Porchfest. The group’s recent mural project at Shertel Park is one example of what they do. Go check out the mural and learn all about the “creatives,” starting on page 11.
Also check out our Planning in Pitman on page 14 for future community events. All of this and more awaits on the pages ahead!
Enjoy!
