ClearysNoteBook

ClearysNotebook Reaches A Milestone; 50,000 Visitors in Just Nine Months!

I have been so preoccupied with other stories I missed the great news about ClearysNotebook hitting the milestone of 50,000 visitors earlier today.

The blog was started in August just as a lark. My knowledge of computers is limited while my familiarity about operating a Blog was zero.  But I thought what the heck I would give it a try.

I never dreamed the popularity of the site would grow as fast as it did. The success of the site is owed to all of you. Your encouraging words have kept me going.   

Looking at the other stats I noticed the site has logged 2, 373 posts in that period of time and  592 people wrote in to post a comment.  Plus there are over 1000 photos available for viewing.

In the beginning ClearysNotebook was receiving on average 500 visitors a week.  But soon after the numbers started to increase and increase. Now on a daily basis the number of visitors average between  500 and 600 a day.  While the number of page views on  a daily basis is 1100.

My goal is to have that number of daily visitors reach  a 1000 a day. I plan to make some more improvements such as adding videos to view (just need to learn how to do it). 

Thank you again for your support. If you see any area where I can improve give me yell.

Bill

UFS MISLED ME, AND MY FAMILY

Ted Morris from Universal Field Services (UFS) said I would receive $28,000 in installments over three and one-half years after the state forced me to move to make room for the new middle school. I had lived at 507 Jersey Ave.

I have lived here in Gloucester City all my life. I moved to another home. My landlord and Mr. Morris discussed my lease and agreements. I moved December 10, 2004.

The state sent me a check for $7,800 that I gave to my landlord for rental assistance. The next year, on December 10, I called Ted Morris and I was told that he no longer works there and Elaine Hathaway took over my case.

I asked her for my check and she said she did deposit the check into my landlord's checking account. On December 10, 2006, I called about my money and they discharged Elaine. Leslie Pachanco took over my case.

My landlord called and said he never received money from UFS this year. I called and called and all I have gotten is the run around. Now my landlord has filed for eviction. I have to go to court on April 26. I need help, my children go to school here, and I cannot afford to lose my home.

The state still owes me $7,800 for this year and $4,600 for the next year.

Michael Burke and Family, Gloucester City

 

THANKS TO THE VOTERS

I would like to take this time to thank the good people of Gloucester City for electing me to the Board of Education. This is an honor for me, and I promise to do whatever I can to help our children get the education that they deserve and need.

I will do my best to push for the new school that we were supposed to get, and never got. I will work with the rest of the board members to find a way to keep the teachers and the rest of the other people working. Together the board needs to get all that is due to Gloucester City.

I would also like to take this time to thank my wife and children for believing in me, and for being patient with me. I would also like to thank my opponents for running.

I will take what they have stated in Cleary's notebook to heart, and try to find a way to do what is best for our children. If at anytime they have a suggestion that could help our kids, please feel free to contact me, I could use all the information I can get.

One last thing, I would like to thank my friends, the seniors from the Tuesday group at the Pine Grove Fire Hall. Thanks for your trust.

Jim Everett Sr., Gloucester City

 

Candidates Say Thank You

THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTE

I would like to thank everyone who voted for me in the recent School Board Election. I was not voted onto the School Board; but I made a strong showing for my first time out. My congratulations to the three incumbents who retained their seats and the two new members of the School Board. I will be a candidate for the 2008 School Board Election, and I hope to have your support to become a member of the School Board at that time.

Kathleen Townsend-Suckiel, Gloucester City

 

CANDIDATE THANKS VOTERS

On April 17, the voters of Gloucester City elected me to a three-year term on the Gloucester City Board of Education. As I said in a past letter to the editor, "I strongly believe that the 'future' of Gloucester sits in our classrooms," I will do anything in my power to make sure that this is the case. I would like to thank my family, friends and Union (FMBA 51 and 251) for their help getting everything out to the citizens of Gloucester and in supporting me. But more importantly, I would like to thank the great citizens of Gloucester in giving me this opportunity to serve our community and children.

A special thanks to my grandfather, William R. Hagan Sr., for being my inspiration and mentor.

Patrick R. Hagan, Gloucester City

School Board Election Results

By Albert J. Countryman Jr.

The Gloucester City Board of Education reorganization meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, April 24, as of press time has been rescheduled to Thursday, April 26, at 7 p.m. in Mary Ethel Costello School.

In the April 17 school election, three candidates were elected to three-year terms, and James Everett won one of the one-year, unexpired terms. However, for the other unexpired term, there is a question about the write-in votes.

"We rescheduled the meeting because the Camden County Board of Elections will not certify the election until Wednesday (April 25)," District Spokeperson Lynda Lathrop said.

Patrick R. Hagan (303 votes), W. Bruce Marks (261) and Kimberly Waddington (204) won three, three-year terms on the Gloucester City Board of Education (BOE) over Robert Bennett Sr. (190 votes) and Kathleen Suckiel (165).

James Everett (174 votes) won an unexpired term. As of presstime, the Gloucester City Board of Education believes Sandra Lynch-Cowgill won the second, one-year unexpired term as a write-in candidate by one vote.

Initially, Shawn Green thought he had won the term. The other write-in candidate, Doug Ziegler, has appealed to the Camden County Board of Elections, as he believes 28 of his votes were disallowed due to being written in the wrong column – for the three-year terms.

"Rushing to determine a winner is not in the best interest of anyone," Ziegler wrote. "A careful review of these results will provide the winner as intended by the voters."

Gloucester City voters approved the $38 million budget, $2.858 million of which will be raised by local taxation, by a vote of 268 to 144. The tax rate on an average assessed home of $70,000 will remain the same, at $689 per year.

Other local election results were:

Bellmawr

Running unopposed, Betty Sheppard and Ron Henry won three-year terms on the BOE and Frank R. Filipek Jr. won a one-year, unexpired term.

Voters defeated the $6.9 million school budget, 414 to 236, which would have raised taxes 5 percent. Now it will go to Borough Council for more cuts.

Brooklawn

Mark Dickerman (86 votes) and Tracy Ann Farrow (85) defeated Dorothy Heade (59) for two, three-year terms on the BOE.

Voters approved the $1 million budget, which keeps the tax rate at $1,052 per year on the average assessed home $80,000.

Mount Ephraim

Running unopposed, Carl J. Ingram, Patricia A. Blaylock and Darlene Alexander won three, three-year terms on the BOE.

Voters defeated the $4.6 million budget, 225 to 196, and it will now go before the Board of Commissioners for more cuts.

Westville

Running unopposed, Lynn Lucas, Robert Shaw and Deborah Eichmann won three, three year terms on the BOE, and Jesse McCullough and Angelo Natoli won two, one-year, unexpired terms.

Voters defeated the $1.7 million budget, 93-81, which would have raised taxes 8.7 percent. Now it will go to Borough Council for more cuts.

COLLEGE BASEBALL/Rutgers knocked out of 1st place/PRINCETON SPLITS

 

sTORY Written by Home News Tribune Online 04/30/07
STAFF REPORT

Notre Dame broke a 4-4 tie with two runs in the ninth inning to defeat the Rutgers baseball team, 6-4, in a see-saw battle in front of a Bainton Field record crowd of 1,024 on Sunday.

The loss dropped Rutgers (25-16, 13-5 in the Big East) out of first place in the Big East standings for the first time in more than a month, a game behind league leader St. John's and into a tie with Louisville.

Tied at 4-4, Notre Dame's Danny Dressman led off the ninth with a slow bouncer between the pitcher's mound and first base for a single and Jeremy Barnes hit a ball to the wall in center field for an RBI triple before scoring on a sacrifice fly to give the Irish (24-19, 8-9 in Big East) a 6-4 lead.

The Scarlet Knights threatened in the bottom of the ninth, putting two of the first three batters on with a Todd Frazier walk and a Ryan Hill single, and moved both into scoring position on a double steal with two outs. Notre Dame lefty reliever Sam Elam came in to face the lefty Tom Edwards and struck out the Scarlet Knight to give Notre Dame the victory.

With the score knotted at 2-2 in the top of the sixth, the Irish put a pair of runners on, but pitcher Casey Gaynor got Matt Weglarz to hit grounder to third base, where Tim Querns picked it up, stepped on third and fired the ball to second baseman Mike Bionde for the force at second and Bionde completed a triple play when he threw to first baseman Tom Edwards to get Weglarz.

Gaynor ended the day with five strikeouts and allowed four runs on five hits in a strong 7.2 innings. Chris Lillis (2-2) was charged with the loss, giving up two runs on two hits and a strikeout in 1.1 innings of relief.

PRINCETON SPLITS: Needing a sweep of the four-game series at Cornell to tie Penn for the Ivy League's Gehrig Division title, Princeton University's baseball team lost the final game of the weekend, 5-4 in 12 innings on Sunday to be eliminated from title contention.

The Tigers won the opener 7-5.

April Meeting of the Breakfast Club

The meeting of the Gloucester City Breakfast Club was held Saturday, April 28 at the Train Station. Guests were Tom "ChooChoo" Murphy, Bill "Wibby" Yeager, Walt Hall. Members present, Bill and George Cleary, Harry and Jim Blymer, Jim Coppola, Joe DiGiacomo, John Hindsley, Joe Miller, Chalie Pitzo, Ron Villanova, Gary Marcucci, Jack Persichette, Ron Raube, Harry Walker.

Winner of the 50-50 Coppola. By the way he was in charge of the numbers bucket; not to say there was anything wrong but..... ! 

The Club meets the fourth Saturday of each month at the Train Station, 9:30 PM. All are welcome. Next meeting Saturday, May 26th. The organization was formed in May 2006 by Chalie Pitzo. Chalie is out of the hospital  and  is able to walk with the assistance of a cane. He like to thank everyone for their prayers and cards.
See the Album 

Philly Magazine Says Gloucester City is a “Community to Watch”; One of the "Next Hot Neighborhoods"

By Bill Cleary

Gloucester City is one of 40 communities to be named by Philadelphia Magazine as  A Community to Watch.  The March magazine article, written by Michael Callahan, looked at hundreds of towns both in the Philadelphia region and in the South Jersey area before picking the next hot neighborhoods.

Some of the guidelines Callahan used to choose the elite 40 towns, included such things as the proximity to center City Philadelphia, big shifts in population and wealth revitalized downtown.

Timothy Haas, Philly Magazine online editor was asked what stood out about Gloucester City. Why did Philly Magazine predict Gloucester City's name will go up in lights in the next 10 years?  Why was it chosen as A Community to Watch?

 Haas said, "The idea wasn't that each of the 40 communities matched each of the trends; just at least one of them.  Gloucester City fits within trend #3 as a town with good bones -- its walk able, it's on the water, it has solid housing stock, and is of course very close to the bridge to Philly. " 

Besides Gloucester City the other communities named as A Community to Watch in Camden County were Collingswood, Haddon Township and Merchantville. 

The Gloucester County communities chosen were Glassboro, Mullica Hill, Pitman and Swedesboro. 

The Burlington County communities, Bordentown City, Burlington City, Palmyra, and Riverton.

Haas said, "we have highlighted towns and neighborhoods we predict will see big popularity gains (and hence price gains) in the next five to 10 years, or least be pretty solid bets. 

For example, in Gloucester City there were 216 homes sold in 2006 with a median price of $119,950, the one year price shift was 22 percent, the three-year price shift was 68 percent. The magazine predicts in 10-years the value of homes in Gloucester City will increase by 50 percent. The non-rush drive time to Center City Philadelphia, 15 minutes.

There were 201 homes sold in Collingswood in 2006 with a median price of $228,000. The one-year price shift increase by 4 percent; the three-year price shift, 41 percent. In 10-years the value of homes will increase by 112 percent. The non-rush drive time to Center City, 15 minutes.

Haddon Township, 201 homes sold in 2006 with a median price of $243,000. One-year price, 2 percent; the three-year price shift, 34 percent. In 10-years the value of homes will increase by 71 percent. The non-rush drive time to Center City, 17 minutes.

Where Are They Now? GHS Alumni Tina Londino has RBI in Montclair State v William Paterson Softball Game

LITTLE FALLS, N.J. – No. 10 Montclair State (32-4, 14-2 NJAC) swept a doubleheader from visiting William Paterson (22-12, 9-7 NJAC), 3-0 and 10-3, in New Jersey Athletic Conference action at the MSU Softball Stadium April 24.

In the second game, Montclair jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings. Jennifer Jimenez (Linden, N.J./Linden) had an RBI single in the first and added a run-scoring double the following inning. William Paterson would tie the game with a run in the third on a RBI double by Jessica Reibis (Jackson, N.J./Jackson) and two in the fourth as April Sardinas-Wyssling (West Windsor, N.J./WW-Plainsboro South) and Tina Londino (photo) (Gloucester City, N.J./Gloucester City) each collected RBIs.

William Paterson College

Softball Links
NCAA
National Fastpitch Coaches Association
New Jersey Athletic Conference

Where Are They Now?/ Rams Alumni Jessica Bonelli Running for the College of New Jersey

Ewing, NJ… Competing at home for the second time this season, members of The College of New Jersey outdoor track and field men’s and women’s programs excelled once again on their own track on Saturday as the Lions collected numerous ECAC qualifying standards to go along with a pair individual winners and one winning relay team.

The 4x100 relay team also placed first as the team of Priscilla Senyah (Sayreville, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial), Kristen Tricocci (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson), Jennifer Caratola (Brigatine, NJ/Atlantic City) and Jessica Bonelli (Sewell, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) combined for a time of 49.31 seconds, which was an ECAC qualifying time.

Penn Relays
TCNJ’s women’s 4x800 relay team broke the school record on the final day at the Penn Relays as the team of Sara Best (High Bridge, NJ/Voorhees), Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley), Angela Tecco (Wildwood Crest, NJ/Lower Cape May) and Jianna Spadaccini (Butler, NJ/Butler) posted a time of 9:13.39.

The Lions will be back at home next weekend as they host the 2007 New Jersey Athletic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
The College of New Jersey

Where Are They Now; Rams Alumni Blake Ortiz Pitching for the College of New Jersey

Gloucester County Times Features Blake Ortiz
Friday, April 27, 2007

By Matt Cosentino

mcosentino@sjnewsco.com

It took a pitcher's mound in Arizona for Blake Ortiz to feel at home again.

As The College of New Jersey baseball team was opening its season in March with a West Coast trip, Ortiz was getting his first chance to be a college starting pitcher after three years in the Lions' bullpen.

While Ortiz had seen pressure situations before notably in TCNJ's postseason runs the last two years there was a certain anxiety that came over him before his start against Springfield.

"I wasn't really nervous, but before my first game our catcher said, Hey, this is your first college start,'" recalled Ortiz, a former Gloucester Catholic High School star. "I hadn't really thought about it like that until he said it. So it was kind of weird, but then I realized it was no different I just had to play the game and pitch the ball like I always did.

"Once I took the time to put it into perspective, I realized I was finally where I wanted to be."

Ortiz's return to starting pitching has gone as smooth as can be expected. After throwing eight strong innings in a win over Rutgers-Camden last Friday, the senior right-hander is 4-1 with a 2.38 ERA in six starts.

He's helped the Lions to a 25-8 overall record and 11-4 mark in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, good for second place in the league.

MORE

Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks created a music video of the Five for Fighting song,
"World", which features images of autistic children and their families.
The band is generously donating $0.49 to Autism Speaks for each time the
video is viewed and the winning charity will receive a special prize
(there are several others on the site).  When you have a moment,
please visit the link below to watch the video and pass it along to
your friends and family. They are aiming for 10,000 hits, but hopefully we
can help them to surpass this goal.

http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/213154

Semi-Pro Football Team Seeking Players

The South Jersey Jaguars, a mens semi pro football team based in Mt Holly, are seeking players for the 2007 season.

The team is in its fourth season. League play begins July 21st, 2007. The squad travels to Lehigh Valley, Conshohocken, Baltimore, York, Pa, Pottstown, & Western Maryland.

Tryouts will be scheduled for the next (4) Saturdays. A full schedule and location details is listed on the calendar page of the website (www.eteamz.com/southjerseyjaguars).

Interested players can email jaguarqb7@yahoo.com for more details, or call 609-915-2005

Must be 18 yrs old or older

Obit Walter L. Smith, Gloucester City; World War II Army Veteran

A lifelong resident of Gloucester City, NJ, age 80, passed away with his family by his bedside on April 26, at the home of his sister and brother in law Edna and Rich Geiser. Survived by his daughter Mary Jane (George) Muncey, grandchildren John Black and Melissa (Colin) Law, and great granchildren Nicole Black and Cameron and Avery Law. Walter was the son of the late Charles P. and Catherine Smith, Sr. Dear brother of Margaret (Tom Schoell) Hargesheimer, Edna (Rich) Geiser, both of Gloucester City, John (Lorraine) Smith and James Smith both of Westville. His God Son Mike Hargesheimer, special friends Kenny and Chrissy Martin of Cape May, and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews also survive him. He was predeceased by his siblings Catherine McCormick, Lena, George, Harry and Charles Smith, Jr.

In his younger days Walter enjoyed roller skating with his sister Lena and going to the casinos with his brother in law Rich. A proud Army Veteran of WWII, Walter was a member of the Townsend C. Young VFW Post #3620, and The American Legion Post #135 of Gloucester City.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet on Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 PM and again on Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the Etherington-Creran Funeral Home, 700 Powell St., Gloucester City, NJ. Walter's funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM. Interment Woodbury Memorial Park, West Deptford, NJ.

 

 

Gloucester City School District Being Audited by the State

If you pick up the Courier Post today you will see the good name of Gloucester City has been splashed across the front page of the paper in banner headlines. As in the past whenever the Courier prints a story about our fair city it isn’t good news. And this time it is no exception. The state Department of Education seized control of spending and hiring of the Gloucester City School district and has demanded reams of documents concerning operations.

Read on

AL SCHELL/Courier-Post
"Everybody's bought into the idea these kids can do well. Now we're going to go right back where we were before, with larger class sizes. . . . All I do is paperwork. I'm a weary person. I'm tired of fighting for these kids," says Mary T. Stansky, Gloucester City's superintendent of schools, seen here on the vacant land where a middle school was supposed to be built.

RELATED

Red tape threatens her blue-ribbon gains

Gloucester City Middle School Just a Pipe Dream it Seems

Millions for Projects that May Never Get Built

 

Memories from the Past "The Pond Gang"

MEMORIES FROM THE PAST-The Gloucester City Pond Gang poses for a photo taken in the 1950's at Martins Lake, Brown Street and Sparks Avenue.

The "Rough & Ready"  guys are (bottom) from left, Jungle Murphy, Pete Coppolla, Bob Grub, Beaver, Butch Schaeffer, Jake Burkardt, Bill "Wiby" Yeager, Frank "Reds" Grandizio, Jim Clements, Stanley Schellcroft and Chalie Pitzo.

Do you have a photo to share? Send it to BillGCN@verizon.net

City Democrat Chairman Coxe Endorses Candidates for Election

After becoming Chairman of the City's Democrat Organization last month, my first order of business was to issue a letter to all registered Democrats in Gloucester City seeking individuals who would be interested in running for either City Council or the City's Democrat Committee. The letter appeared in the GCN and a number of people answered the call. I held discussions with the current members of the Democrat Executive Board, as well as the Independent Mayor and Council. The purpose of these discussions was to ensure that the Democrat Party put forth the best candidates for Gloucester City. As a result, I am pleased to say that the Democrat organization is putting forth a united slate of candidates for Gloucester City's future.

Before I address this year's candidates, I first want to address those individuals who will not be seeking reelection this year. Democrat County Committee members not seeking reelection include: Roseanne Michel, Paul Kormann, Margaret Barr, Jim Rauchut, Jean Kaye and Patrick Keating. These fine individuals have been the backbone of Democrat campaigns for a number of years. They have promoted Democrat values and worked diligently for every Democrat candidate on the ballot. Their service has not only been appreciated by me, but by the entire organization. Their tireless work will not be forgotten, and it is my hope that they will be able to pass some of their experience on to those individuals who will be running this year.

City Council members not seeking reelection include Anthony 'Rocky' Kormann, Elsie Loebell and Jean Kaye. Rocky has served the residents of the 1^st Ward for a number of years with honor and dignity. He has worked to ensure their interests, as well as the interests of all City residents, were met. Elsie replaced my grandfather on City Council, and I still recall stuffing envelopes in her living room. As the senior member of council, she has served on all most all committees and has truly been a voice for the residents of the 2^nd Ward. Jean has led the fight on the housing committee to ensure our City's housing stock is held to the highest standard. She has been a tireless worker for the residents of the 3^rd Ward and she has always been accessible to their needs. Rocky, Elsie and Jean, I thank each of you for your years of service to Gloucester City and the Democrat Organization.

As was mentioned in last week's GCN the endorsed Democrat council candidates for 2007 include: John Hutchinson - 1^st Ward; Bruce Parry - 2^nd Ward; and Kellie Ferry - 3^rd Ward. These individuals have been involved with various organizations for a number of years and I believe that they will continue the tireless work of their predecessors on City Council. The 2007 Democrat Committee candidates include: 1^st Ward - AnnaMarie Smith, Carol Stafford, Patrick Hagan and Robert Saunders; 2^nd Ward - Bernadette Flinn, Vanessa Courant, Raymond W. Coxe and Frank Wunsch; and 3™ Ward - Mary DeFoney, Helen "Lynn" Bucher, Daniel Cosner and Sean Murphy. Again, these fine individuals are not new to Gloucester City. They will continue promoting Democrat values as well as Democrat candidates. They will be there to be YOUR liaison to your respective council persons.

On a personal note, last week's GCN article stated that ".. .the newcomers of the City Democrat organization have won out," and ".. .the New Organization." These statements are truly false and it is a disservice to have these statements printed in the City News. The only winners are the residents of Gloucester City. They will have individuals who are willing to work tirelessly on their behalf to continue economic development, improving our infrastructure, working with our Board of Education and striving to take Gloucester City to that next level. There is no new organization, and an apology should go all too all current and past members of the Gloucester City Democrat Club. Each month the Club advertises its meeting and in the advertisement it states to ".. .bring a friend," so while we may have new members joining, which is a good thing, I can assure you, there is NO new organization.

Raymond W. Coxe Chairman

Gloucester City’s Middle School Just A Pipe Dream It Seems

IN THE LOBBY

BOTTOM OF THE BARREL
Posted on Thursday, April 26  by dailymuse

There's an empty lot where the old Chester A. Redshaw Elementary School used to stand in New Brunswick where we ought to place a sign that reads: "Your tax dollars at work."

Instead of being the home to a brand new school, that lot now stands as a testament to the empty promises that the state has made to its students, and the empty wallets of the taxpayers who have been fleeced as the state continues to squander the money we give it.

Note by Bill: Gloucester City has a similar lot (s). Seventy homes along with one business were demolished to make way for a New Elementary Middle School that was promised several years ago. State and County politicians continue to tell Gloucester City residents  that the school will be built. However, the more you read about what is going on around the state the more it appears this school like others will never be built.  The reason is clear,  there is NO MONEY!

(In The Lobby Continues)

And people wonder why New Jerseyans are cynical when it comes to how government spends their tax dollars.

Here's a perfect example why.

In its infinite wisdom, the Schools Construction Corp. (SCC) has run out of money long before it finished dozens of new school projects that were promised – and in many cases even begun – in the state's poorest school districts.

"We're at the bottom of the barrel in terms of dollars," said Scott A. Weiner, CEO of the SCC.

Yes, we'd agree that the SCC is at the bottom of the barrel – especially when it comes to promising what it delivers, guarding against waste, and making sure that the state's tax dollars are spent wisely.

Mind you, this is not an agency that was poorly funded.  This agency received a staggering $6 billion in order to replace overcrowded and decrepit schools in the state's poorest school districts.

Somehow, they managed to run out of money. Several audits found that weak management and overspending on professional fees had cost the program hundreds of millions of dollars.

Two years ago the SCC had to reduce the list of projects they would fund to 59. Yesterday, they dropped that number to 32.

Who knows what they'll drop it to next year.

So where does the SCC go to fix its troubles – you guessed it, the Legislature, pleading that they need even more money, another $3.25 billion! That's another $3.25 billion, by the way, from us.

"If the Legislature does not act within a number of months, the number of impacted communities will grow," Weiner ominously warned.

Question: why is it the Legislature's responsibility to fix a problem that poor management created? It wasn't the Legislature that went ahead and knocked down the Redshaw School without knowing if it had the money to actually build a new school in its place. For that, we can thank the SCC.

You might be wondering, what has the $6 billion we've already plunked down for this sinking ship brought us so far?  According to the Ledger, we've gotten the following since 2000: 29 completed new school buildings and 55 others either under construction or on the drawing board. In other words, assuming they don't decide next year that they can't fund the 55 currently in the works, our $6 billion will have paid for 77 new schools.

That equals more than $77 million per school.

Quite the price tag, eh?

And, in case you were wondering if the SCC had perhaps learned its lesson, consider this fact: The state already has invested $120 million in the 27 school projects suspended yesterday, and plans to spend another $40 million completing design work so they will be ready to bid for construction if lawmakers approve additional funding.

"The reality is, if the funding isn't forthcoming, these projects don't get built," Weiner said.

The reality is, Mr. Weiner, you're out of cash! So why are you spending $40 million more of our tax dollars on projects that you yourself admit may never be built?

Projects like the Redshaw school, which, as the Ledger tells us, is sitting in the cast aside pile of the 27 schools that the SCC has decided it can't fund. The students who used to go to school at that empty lot are now going to school in a warehouse, with no money to build them a new school, unless the Legislature comes up with more of our money.

Which wouldn't be necessary, had anybody at the SCC been watching how the money was spent in the first place.

Which is why, the SCC says, they need more of our money.

We'd say it was unbelievable, but this is New Jersey.

Strapped SCC pulls the plug on 27 schools

Abbott school projects list pared as SCC funds run out

Obit Margaret Ellen King, Gloucester City

On April 27, 2007. (nee Batten) Age 70. Of Gloucester City. Loving wife of 47 years to Benjamin F. King, Jr. Devoted mother of Benjamin F. King, III (Maura) of Glassboro, Jeanne Snyder (Richard) of Gloucester Heights, Michael T. King (Kathy) of Cherry Hill and Carol Dera (Edward) of East Greenwich Township. Beloved grandmother of Brandon, Jeffrey, Nicholas, Benjamin, Emily, Jill, Laura, Alex, Mark and Bailey.

Margaret was born, raised and lived her entire 70 years in Gloucester City. She was a graduate of Gloucester Catholic High School Class of 1954 and was involved with a lunch group of her classmates to the present day. Margaret was a lifelong and devoted parishioner of Saint Mary's R.C. Church in Gloucester City.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend her viewing on Tuesday Evening from 6 to 8 pm and Wednesday morning from 10 am to 11 am at Saint Mary's R.C. Church: 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 am in the church.

Interment New Saint Mary's Cemetery, Bellmawr. There will be no viewing at the funeral home. Family requests that memorial donations in lieu of flowers be made in Margaret's memory to the American Cancer Society: 1851 Old Cuthbert Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 or to the Dominican Sisters of Hope: 820 Hudson Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Please write in the memo of the check Margaret Ellen King. Expressions of sympathy can be e-mailed to the family through our funeral home website www.mccannhealey.com under online obituaries of Margaret Ellen King.

Chuckles by edthe7thson

It was fun being a baby boomer... until now. Some of the artists of the
60's are revising their hits with new lyrics to accommodate us aging
baby  boomers.

  They include:
  HERMAN'S HERMITS -- Mrs.. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Walker.
  RINGO STARR -- I Get By With a Little Help From Depends.
  THE BEE GEES -- How Can You Mend a Broken Hip.
  BOBBY DARRIN -- Splish, Splash, I Was Havin' a Flash.
  ROBERTA FLACK -- The First Time Ever I Forgot Your Face.
  JOHNNY NASH -- I Can't See Clearly Now
  PAUL SIMON -- Fifty Ways to Lose Your Liver
  THE COMMODORES -- Once, Twice, Three Times to the Bathroom.
  MARVIN GAYE -- Heard It Through the Grape Nuts.
  PROCOL HAREM -- A Whiter Shade of Hair.
  LEO SAYER -- You Make Me Feel Like Napping.
  THE TEMPTATIONS -- Papa's Got a Kidney Stone.
  ABBA -- Denture Queen.
  TONY ORLANDO -- Knock 3 Times On The Ceiling If You Hear Me Fall.
  HELEN REDDY -- I Am Woman, Hear Me Snore.
  LESLIE GORE -- It's My Procedure, and I'll Cry If I Want To.

  And a big favorite:

  WILLIE NELSON -- On the Commode Again

Westville Fire Dept. Responds to Fatal Crash

By WILLIAM RIEGER,III Correspondent
1st Responder Network

Westville, NJ - At approximately 08:30 hrs on Monday April 23, Rescue Company 738 (Westville), Squad 739 (Westville), Life Support 1(Underwood Hospital) and Engine Company 631 (Colonial Manor) were dispatched to Route 295 Northbound in the area of Exit 25 for a Commercial Motor Vehicle Crash with entrapment.

           Squad 739 was responding when Gloucester County Fire Board reported a car and a tractor trailer crash, on the low speed shoulder of the road with numerous calls reporting the vehicle drove into the rear of the tractor trailer at a high rate of speed.

            Squad 739 arrived to a two vehicle crash with one vehicle into the rear of a tractor trailer. Chief Murtaugh arrived on scene to assume Route 295 command, Squad advised command that the patient had expired. Underwood Hospital’s Life Support 1 continued in to the scene for the pronouncement. Command 730 requested the New Jersey State Police for the investigation and the Medical Examinator to the scene.

           Following the investigation and the arrival of the tow company, the vehicle was removed from the rear of the tractor trailer and the Crew from Rescue Company 738 and Engine Company 631 crews began the recovery of the victim with the Jaws of Life along with the Hurst 6ft extend hydraulic ram. Extrication was completed with a difficult door pop and the rolling of what was left of the dash, which was completed 20 minutes after the 2 1/2 hour investigation.
While on scene a second accident occurred at mile marker 26.3 which was taken by Engine Company 631, with minor injuries.
Early reports are that the tractor trailer, carrying large steal I beams, was parked in the slow speed shoulder with a flat tire waiting for the arrival of a replacement tire when the rear of the vehicle was struck by a conversion van.
            The Rescue and Squad were on scene for a little over 3 ½ hours with no firefighter injuries, while out of the borough, the borough was covered by Taskforce 7 and Squad 591.
The accident is being investigated by the New Jersey State Police

On Scene: Command 730 (Chief Murtaugh)
Engine: Colonial Manor 631
Rescue: Westville 738
BLS: Westville 739
Life Support: UMH 1
Other: New Jersey State Police, New Jersey DOT, Medical Examinator

Chenango Valley Pet Foods Issues Nationwide Recall

 

KYW Radio reports-Chenango Valley Pet   Foods has begun voluntarily recalling pet foods manufactured with a certain shipment   of rice protein concentrate, the company said Thursday.   The company, working with the US Food and   Drug Administration, was informed by Wilbur-Ellis that rice protein   concentrate shipped to Chenango Valley Pet Foods may be contaminated with   melamine.   Melamine, an industrial chemical used to   make plastics and fertilizers, may lead to illness or fatalities in animals   if consumed.   The pet foods were sold to customers in   Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, who in turn sold the products to   their customers through catalog mail orders or retail outlets.   The following dry pet foods are involved in   the recall:   Doctors Foster & Smith Chicken &   Brown Rice Formula Adult Lite Dog Food. It was sold in containers with net   weights of 5, 12.5 and   25 lbs. with code dates best used by Jan. 24, 2009, Feb. 8, 2009, Feb. 26,   2009, April 10, 2009, and April 17, 2009.   Doctors Foster & Smith Chicken &   Brown Rice Formula Adult Lite Cat Food. It was sold in containers with net   weights of 3 and 7 lbs. with a code date of best used by March 13, 2009.   Lick Your Chops Lamb Meal, Rice & Egg   Cat Food in packages with a net weight of 4 lbs. and a code date best used by   April 29, 2008.   Bulk Chicken & Brown Rice Formula Adult   Lite Dog Food sold to one consignee, SmartPak, in a 2,000-pound tote with a   ship date of Feb. 9, 2007.   No illnesses or injuries have been reported   to date. Pet owners who purchased the products should immediately discontinue   using them and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund,   company officials said. Pet owners also are advised to consult with a   veterinarian if any health concerns with their pets arise.   Consumers with questions may contact the   company at: 610-821-0608.   (see related stories).

Gloucester City Police Busy; Make Several Arrests

Gloucester City Police report that on Monday, April 23 at 2223 hours officers were dispatched to the area of Broadway and Chambers Avenue for a vehicle burglary.  A suspect description was given and Ptl. Flood did locate the suspect at Broadway and Mercer Street.

It was learned that the victim was following the suspect on foot and contacted police via cell phone.  The victim reported that she had gone to the Coastal Gas Station at Broadway at Broadway and Market Street.  She exited her vehicle to purchase cigarettes.  While outside of her vehicle she observed the suspect reach into her vehicle and removes her pocketbook.  The suspect then fled northbound on Broadway.  After investigating the victim's complaint, the suspect did admit to stealing the pocketbook and dumping it in a trash can on Broadway. 

Officers located the pocketbook with all of the victim's belongings still inside.  The victim did not wish to pursue the matter; however, the suspect was arrested for possessing drug paraphernalia.  He was identified as Andrew Wyatt, age 35, of Glassboro.  He was charged and released.

Police report on Tuesday, April 24 at 1500 hours a male came to headquarters to report that he was robbed of his cellular phone.  The victim was stopped in the area of Broadway and Market Street when he was approached by three males.  The males did begin to assault the victim by punching and kicking him repeatedly.  One of the males then stole the victim's cellular phone before all fled the area.

The victim did identify all of his attackers to police.

Joseph DeFelice, age 39, of Gloucester City and Charles Mader, age 36, of Gloucester City, were charged with simple assault in the matter.  Nicholas Cruz, age 30, of Gloucester City, was charged with strong armed robbery.  He was remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility.  The victim's cellular phone was recovered.

Also on Tuesday at 2015 hours, Ptl. Bryszewski did stop a male operating his bicycle without a head light on Collings Road at Essex Street.  The male, identified as Robert Cordero, age 36, of Gloucester City, was found to have active warrants for his arrest.  Mr. Cordero was placed under arrest for the warrants. 

He was also found to be in possession of (2) bags of crack cocaine.  He was processed, charged with possession of a controlled substance, and remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility.

Those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Cherry Hill, N.J. Firefighters Battle Blaze

Cherry Hill Fire Department
Firehouse.com User-Submitted Photostory

 

At just past 10:40 a.m. on Wednesday, April 12, Cherry Hill, N.J. firefighters responded to a reported house fire.

The fire was called in by two neighbors reporting a severe smoke condition from the dwelling on fire.

Ladder 44, Squad 13 and Squrt 31, who had just taken up from another emergency call in the area, arrived within two minutes from dispatch and reported a heavy smoke condition in the front of the house.

After investigating all sides of the dwelling they also reported that a large volume of fire was discovered in the rear of the dwelling.

The fire -- which originated More

Gloucester City LL Opening Day Ceremonies

PHOTOS BY KAREN JACKSON

Gloucester City Little League Boys and Girls 2007 Baseball Season began on April 14 with a parade and opening day ceremonies held at the Johnson Blvd. fields. The album contains 182 photos, feel free to copy them, no charge. Or E-mail your favorites to grand mom, friends and relatives. If anyone has some photos of any games they like to share send to Bill GCN@verizon.net

View Album

Gloucester City LL Home Page

City Fire Department Weekly Activity Report

The Gloucester City Fire Department released the

following activity report for the period of

Sunday, April 15^th through Saturday, April 21^st

Fire Response: 40

Mutual aid to other communities: 4

Received mutual aid from others: 6 

Ambulance Response: 59

Mutual aid to other communities: 3

Received mutual aid from others: 8

To contact the Fire Department

via E-mail info@gloucestercityfd.org

Web Site www.gloucestercityfd.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letters/Gloucester City School Board Member Reflects Back on His Term in Office

As my three year term has come to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the citizens of Gloucester City for allowing me to serve. I am humbled and honored that you elected me to the Gloucester City School Board.

I truly believe that are administrators, teachers, staff and custodians are the best.  Our children in this community deserve the best and they are given quality education and a safe learning environment. I learned so much about our district and was fortunate to make the best decisions for the children of our district.

 

    My reasons for not running again are because I was recently married in December and want to devote more time to my family and commitment to my families' funeral business in town.

My wife, Colleen and I will be living in Gloucester City and I am always willing to listen to the citizens with any questions, concerns or comments that you might have in the future. I truly mean this and again thank you for allowing me to serve for you the great residents of Gloucester City.

 
Sincerely,

 

    Patrick J. Healey, Gloucester City