ClearysNoteBook

Monday May 12: Bits and Tidbits by Bill Cleary

A CLARIFICATION

Regarding the column in the May 8, 2008 issue of the Gloucester City News with the heading, Breakfast Club Thrown a Curve

It has come to my attention that the owner of the Dining Car Depot along with some other people believe the story was factual.

To clear up any misunderstanding let me begin by saying Daisy Daily the author of the column is actually yours truly. Yes I am coming out. I will admit that I have written other columns using that pen name. And Daisy will no longer be writing for ClearysNoteBook (www.clearysnotebook.com).

Let me further state:

1. There was never a food fight at the Dining Car Depot. Nor did the members of the Breakfast Club ever partake in a food fight.

2. The restaurant was in fact closed on the day of our meeting. And had been closed for several days. The owner and his wife did have a new baby.

3. There is no such person as Flip Flap Jack.

4. As for the statement that some of the Geezers were carrying protest signs reading Power to the People. That was untrue.

5. As for the statement one of the Geezers took down his pants to show off a new style “Depends”….that didn’t happen either.

6. None of the elderly men fainted. Nor did any of them lie down to take a nap.

7. Lastly there is no one in the group named El Presidente Charlie.

For those who took it seriously, the story was fictitious. Definition of the word fictitious: (according to Roget’s Super Thesaurus) adverb-made up, imaginary, fabricated, concocted, untrue, unreal. 

The 40 plus members of the Breakfast Club were infuriated about not being told beforehand the restaurant would be closed on the day of their meeting. My intention for writing the article was to make light of the incident so those who were angry would see some humor in what occurred.

Related: Read the article

Related: Letter to the Editor

Related: All stories and photos pertaining to Breakfast Club

BEST BLOG OF THE DAY:

THE TAXPAYERS LAMENT
That’s how much spending auditors said was “unnecessary, excessive or lacking documentation” by Abbott school districts. Now, under normal circumstances, learning that the Plainfield school district tried to justify spending $504 on the ...
In The Lobby - http://www.inthelobby.net

BEST CNB COMMENT OF THE DAY

Re: Benefit for Karen Young

To be more specific on why people would sponsor a fundraiser, Karen's newest baby was just born and she was home on maternity leave when she lost her husband.  I believe that they did not have insurance because he had a pre-existing heart condition. She grew up in town and her mother-in-law is a teacher at Cold Springs School.  This is a VERY sad story!

Related: Bits and Tidbets

Wednesday's Bits and Tidbits............

The Best Insider Tip of the Day

In my mail today was a letter written by A Concerned Cop. I need to check out some of the statements he makes but here are a few lines from the first paragraph.

“Bill, at the last couple of (Gloucester) council meetings I’ve heard Councilman Brophy and other councilpersons tell the public that one of the budget problems the city is having is a $600,000 increase in police pensions. I am a police officer and it infuriates me when I see our political leaders intentionally misleading the public like this.”

I will post the remainder of his letter after I look into the matter further. To contact me by snail mail, send your comment to Post Office Box 164, Gloucester City NJ 08030. Or by email BillGCN@verizon.net.

Business News

Gloucester City UEZ Director Howard Clark met last Friday with a business owner from Millville who inquired about available property in Gloucester City. He requires 3000-4000 Sq. Ft of space. Clark was able to find a property that size. Once an agreement is reached further details will be release. Clark said the local UEZ is currently working on 38 projects to improve the City of Gloucester.

The Best Comment Posted Tuesday on CNB

Re: New Stop Sign Ordinance in Gloucester City. Maryann McCann writes, “What a surprise!  16 new "all-way" stop signs and not "one" at Cumberland and Sussex where hundreds of children attend school. But then again...should we be surprised...after all...the only street you can make a right on red is on Market Street at Cold Springs School!”

Today’s Featured Blog: ShapTalk.com

Post: Why Commend Inclan?

During the recent trial of David Delle Donna, the Mayor of Guttenberg, New Jersey, one of Governor Corzine’s deputy chiefs of staff, Javier Inclan, testified that he passed envelopes from a bar owner to the Mayor, which he believed to be filled with illegal cash campaign contributions. The Mayor and his wife were convicted on extortion and tax-related charges after being charged with accepting $40,000 worth of illegal gifts from that bar owner.

Read more: http://shaptalk.blogspot.com/2008/05/why-commend-inclan.html

  

My Book of the week...............

The Soprano State by Bob Ingle and Sandy McClure,

excerpt Page 96…..Norcross was a college freshman dropout who started an insurance brokerage company in 1979 that sold a lot of policies to public agencies and towns, often the ones controlled by Democrats. In 1996, Commerce Bank purchased the business……….Government deposits increased nine fold after Norcross joined the bank.

Excerpt Page 97…..Commerce Bank, along with its founder, Hill and Norcross came under increased federal scrutiny, culminating in Hill’s resignation……..In the five years prior to the shutdown the bank’s political action committee had given $1.6 million to political campaigns.

According to Ingle and McClure no politician in South Jersey can be elected to a city /town council, a county office, the state legislature or a U.S. Senate seat without the blessing of one of the state’s “Political Boss”  In South Jersey the politicians are the puppets and he (Norcross) is the puppeteer pulling their strings and making them dance to his tune. . To purchase it on line go to Amazon.com or visit your local library and borrow a copy.

Related: Bits and Tidbits

 

 

 

Tuesday's Bits and Tidbits by Bill

Two local college players have banner year.

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) - Junior Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester City High School) was named to the NJAC All-Star Baseball Second Team at second base. He boasted a .402 average with 66 hits, including 61 singles, while driving in 28 runs for the Lions as a starter in all 38 games at second. He also leads the team with 158 at bats and has drawn 24 walks and struck out just six times, ranking 20th nationally as the toughest to strikeout. 

And TCNJ Junior Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester City, NJ/Gloucester Catholic High School) batted .346 with 15 extra-base hits including eight doubles and five home runs. He added 42 RBI with a .523 slugging percentage in 38 starts at third. Mazzaccaro was named to the NJAC Honorable mention All-Star squad.

Don't Forget Gloucester City's Environmental Day Saturday

Flagship Charters of Philadelphia will be docking on Saturday at the former Coast Guard Base on King Street and the Delaware River as part of the City's Environmental Day Celebration. The public will be able to board the ship for a ride on the Delaware River for a nominal fee. For more about the ship click http://www.flagshipcharters.net/

New Businesses Coming to Gloucester City

In case you missed my earlier column a Pretzel Factory will be opening a store in one of the former Gloucester Plumbing buildings, at the corner of Broadway and Division Street. Plus in the very near future a new ice cream store will be opening on Johnson Blvd. across from the Little League fields. Tomorrow I will have some information about two more new businesses moving to Gloucester City.

My Book of the week...............

The Soprano State by Bob Ingle and Sandy McClure, excerpt…..Page 26, As a final farewell, Florio billed New Jersey taxpayers for more than a month after leaving office for state troopers who logged in eight hours a day, plus 151 hours of overtime transporting the man who was no longer governor in an unmarked car from his home to a North Jersey law firm halfway across the state.

Chapter 7, excerpt-New Jersey's government authorities are perhaps the biggest boondoggles and burying grounds for deadwood and unemployed relatives. State Inspector General Mary Jane Cooper investigated 45 New Jersey authorities and found perks even overindulged state workers in other officers don't enjoy. Example-Atlantic City Convention Center Authority employees spending up to $125 per person on business dinners.

I highly recommend this book, to purchase it on line go to Amazon.com

Today's Top Blog............Blue Jersey

Lipstick for the Pig

There are ideas that are worthwhile and then there are ideas that are simple windowdressing - designed to make it appear that something is happening when it isn't.  This would be one of the latter:

New Jersey's scandal-bruised $8.6 billion public school construction program today announced plans to set up web cams to allow residents to monitor building sites.

Great.  We can actually watch paint dry in real time!  I bet we manage to save billions of dollars!  read more

RELATED: BITS AND TIDBITS
 

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Sunday's Bits and Tidbits

Wow was it cold yesterday (Saturday) or was just me. So much for Al Gore’s global warming campaign. At Newark’s Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium fans were wrapped in blankets and hooded sweatshirts to keep warm. The double elimination NJAC tournament continues at Bears and Eagles Stadium today. Kean (33-9) advances to the final on Monday at 1 p.m. Kean will face the winner of Sunday's 6 p.m. game featuring Rowan (30-11) and the winner of the 2 p.m. game between second seeded Montclair State University (23-15) and fifth seeded William Paterson University (23-18). 

One of my grandchildren, Adam plays for The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). (I have seven grandchildren. Besides Adam, there is Jessica, Brandie, David, Brianna, BillyIII and Brandon).

Kean University won the game beating TCNJ by a score of 5-4. Even though it was cold (wind chill had to be in the 40’s) it was a great game. The NJAC regionals begin in two weeks, also to be held in Newark. Even though TCNJ was knocked out of the conference tournament (the Lions were beaten by Rowan in the first game of the double elimination tourney) I wouldn’t be surprised to see the LIONS invited to play in the regional’s because of their overall season record of 28-10.. The team was the Third seed in the tournament.

Speaking of Newark, remind to tell you someday about the Battle of Newark in 1967.

Philadelphia Police have captured a second suspect involved in the shooting and murder of a police officer. See CBS3 for further information. What is happening to the City OF BROTHERLY Love?  So much violence.

Rick Gonzales writes, “Michael Kazmar of Gloucester City has a well written article in the Courier-Post today. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with his political leanings or not, he makes some strong and concise points for all readers to consider. I have often wondered who he was and where his place of work might be. Because his writings on CNB have stated he lives and works in Gloucester City.

 It would be great to have a few people like Michael in our governing body in the future, people who can and will articulate their position. We desperately need to improve our communication skills and use of the City website. We can now put a face with the name.

 Michael, congratulations on a job well done."  To read his letter copy and past link in your browser.

http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008805040329

Google Alerts for South Jersey

Diamond Classic has seen changes
Today's Sunbeam - NJ.com - Salem,NJ,USA
The 35h Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic will begin next weekend, pitting 16 of the top high school baseball teams in South Jersey against one another in a ...

Woman's Quick Thinking Helps Nab Possible Serial Rapist
MyFox Philadelphia - Philadelphia,PA,USA
New Jersey State Police have arrested a man who they say could be responsible for a string of rapes in South Jersey . Investigators say at least three women ...

BOB INGLE BLOGSpot......State worker overtime soaring

·As Corzine looks for ways to save money, he might want to read a report by my colleague Jason Method who writes overtime costs for state employees went up $16 million, that's 7 percent, last year from 2006. This happened as the state work force declined 1 percent. Some of read more

 

 

Saturday’s Bits and Tidbits

 

Navy SEAL Wayne Riddell Jr., who grew up in Gloucester City, is now in Iraq assigned to Taskforce 16.

The U.S. military has launched a special operations task force to break up Iranian influence in Iraq, according to U.S. News sources. The special operations mission, known as Task Force 16, was created late last year to target Iranians trafficking arms and training Shiite militia forces. The operation is modeled on Task Force 15, a clandestine cadre of Navy SEALs, Army Delta Force soldiers, and CIA operatives with a mission to capture or kill al Qaeda operatives and Baathist insurgents in Iraq.

His father Wayne Sr., worked for years at Shapes and Forms in Gloucester City, before retiring. He also worked for the Camden County Sheriff's Department.  When you ask God today to watch over our soldiers please include on your list the name of Wayne Riddell Jr.

Rumor 101 circulating throughout Gloucester City in recent days is about the possible resignation of Mayor Bill James. I spoke with the Mayor and he adamantly denies that he is leaving the job. One thing I have learned over my many years as a journalist, men are worst then women when it comes to gossip.

I mention on Friday that Klemm Avenue has reopened to traffic. I forgot to add that the section on Highland Blvd, which runs parallel with The Minnie Hole, is closed to traffic. The work on the Welsbach dumping ground in that area will continue for another couple months.

From the Blog World: Corzine Knew Long Ago by By BullMoose | May 1, 2008

BullMoose states, "Now Johnny boy wants to have some teeth on Abbott District spending?  He knew about the corruption in 2005!  Here is an article published on the 18th of this month by a person I believe is the smartest person in Trenton right now, Dunstan McNichol":

Read more 

Don't forget the City Health Fair today Saturday at Cold Springs School. Sunday the Gloucester City Lions Club is holding its annual Chicken Bar-BQ at Gloucester High School between the hours of 1 PM and 6 PM. For deliveries call 456-906412 or 456-0620

If you haven't read the article posted elsewhere on this blog about the proposed Methadone Clinic to be built on North Broadway near the borderline of Gloucester city and Camden City do so today. Watch the the Fox Undercover Video video about the clinic released in November 2007. The link is attached at the bottom of the article. There are some phone numbers of  people you can call is you are against the building the Clinic in that area. A better location for the Clinic would be at Lakeland which is operated by Camden County.

Friday’s Bits and Tidbits, by Bill

Gloucester City residents will be happy to learn that Kohler Street has finally opened after being closed for several months to makes repairs on a broken pipe.

Also, I received a phone call from a Klemm Avenue resident about the speeding on that street. He is asking police to set up radar to stop the speeders before someone gets killed. As you know Klemm Avenue had been shut down for the past year. As part of the radioactive waste cleanup. There is an interesting story on NBC 10  News that further explains the situation.

Mount Ephraim Commissioners meeting last night was packed with people for and against the proposed construction of a $3 million fire station.

Karen Herman who attended the meeting writes, “I am so happy to see that the meeting went well last night. I am very proud to live in Mt. Ephraim. As far as I am concerned, we have a wonderful police dept. and a wonderful fire dept. I do however feel that there are certain people in town that are trying to start a riff.

These people are nothing but users and losers. They are the people that the firemen help and continue to help. I think everyone knows who I am talking about. It makes me sick that poor Billy (Bates) is being put down for doing his job. Maybe someone that works for the County should do their job when the fireworks are being set off.”

Don’t forget to view the Fox Undercover Video on the methadone clinic in Camden. There is a proposal to move the clinic near the borderline between Gloucester City and Camden City.

Thursday's Bits and Tidbits l

May 1, 2008

Today, I spoke with Mr. Bevan, community relation officer for the city, he explained that the City's UEZ did not purchase the Gloucester Plumbing Supply property.  Joe Kenney the owner of the property could not wait for state approval of his application so he obtained financing on his own for the new building. Incidentally Joe, the building looks great. Thanks for investing in Gloucester City's future. Your new property is certainly a big improvement to the south entrance of our City.

One of the properties that Gloucester Plumbing owns on the corner of Broadway and Division Street has already been sold. It will be opening in the near future selling Pretzels.

As for certain negative remarks about the new UEZ Director, Howard Clark.  I would go to bat for him any day of the week. He truly loves Gloucester City and has volunteered his time and money for 16 years to keep Channel 19 operating.  The reason there are occasional problems with the station it is because the equipment is outdated and the City at this time does not have the funds to replace it.

I believe Howard will continue to be an asset for our community as UEZ director. Based on his educational background he is more than qualified to head that department.

Congratulations Howard on your new job. I am very happy for you.

Regarding the proposed Methadone Clinic to be built at the north entrance of our City.

I called Joe Balzano, South Jersey Port Director to ask him some questions about the Port's involvement with this controversial Clinic, however as of today my call has not been returned. Mr. Balzano is a frequent visitor to St. Mary's Church in Gloucester City attending early mass each day. And I know from personal experience from talking with him in the past he loves the community of Gloucester as much as he loves the community of Camden.

I certainly would like to speak with him so I could understand why he would allow such a deal to be made with the Port Authority and the people who operate this private run clinic. All one has to do is look at the Fox Undercover Video to see the type of people this clinic attracts.

Come on Gloucester and Camden  residents there are phone numbers and email addresses for people   you can contact to voice your opposition to this clinic. Get mad! Now is the time to speak out don't wait for later to complain.

To the people from Mount Ephraim, thanks for the dialogue you have been sharing with all of us about the proposed $3 million fire station.  Both sides are passionate about their views on the subject. Residents who want to know more should attend the Commissioners meeting tonight at 8 PM in the Borough Hall.

Gloucester City: Alleged Food Fight Comes Back to Haunt Breakfast Club

By Daisy Daily
CNB Gossip Columnist

The Gloucester City Breakfast Club was thrown a "curve" this past Saturday morning finding out when they arrived at the Dining Car Depot that their favorite restaurant was closed.  The sign on the restaurant door read, "New Baby, will Re-Open on Tuesday, April 29".

The organization has been meeting at the restaurant for over a year, the last Saturday of each month at 9 AM.

Photo El Presidente Chalie

Now this is where the story gets interesting. I have an inside source who works at the local eatery and he told me the restaurant was open.  Flip Flap Jack said, (not his real name) "several of the elderly Geezers started a "Food Fight" at last month's meeting. When the owner saw them pull into the parking lot on Saturday, he told me "quick lock the door".  As for the posted signs about the baby, "that was just a ruse so they would go away," said Flip Flap.

I stood in the parking lot with "The Geezers" as their numbers continued to grow wondering what they were going to do. There were a few rebels in the crowd, left-over from the 60's no doubt, who pull out these dilapidated signs that read, "Power to the People". They thought it was a sit-in I guess. The others just talked about their ailments and what new medicine they were taking this month. In fact one of them even took down his pants to show off the new style "DEPENDS" he was wearing.

The oldest of the group, a man the other "Geezers" call "El Presidente Chalie" shouts out for everyone to follow him to the Brooklawn Diner.  I notice whenever El Presidente speaks no one pays any attention to him. It was interesting to watch this gentleman drive his pickup truck around and around in circles for several minutes looking for the driveway to exit. Finally someone pointed him in the direction of Brooklawn and The El Presidente headed south. Minutes later the rest of group got in their cars and they drove that way also.

Before he drove off I had asked this man Chalie about the food fight, and he said it never happened. "Someone asked me to pass the toast. It was a long table. So I had to throw it. This happpen a couple of times. It was no fight. We were just passing the toast back and forth.".

Curious I headed to the Brooklawn Diner myself to see how many of the group which numbered about 50 would be able to find their way to the new destination. When I arrived at the Brooklawn Diner, El Presidente was standing outside. Apparently word about last month's suppose food fight at the Dining Car Depot spread to other establishments. El Presidente said the manager of the Diner was unable to accommodate so many people for breakfast.

It was hard to believe the manager since the diner was only half-full.

By this time it was getting late and some of "The Geezers" were either hyperglycemic since they started to faint from not having anything to eat. Or they were tired from all the excitement and decided to take a nap.

Two hours was more than enough time of watching this comical group so I decided to split and head for a nearby Dunkin Donuts. The last I heard "The Geezers" headed further south to a restaurant on Old Crown Point Road in Gloucester County. No doubt the story about the Food Fight had not reached that Diner so they were allowed inside.

As for next month's meeting stay tuned to ClearysNoteBook, I will let you know where and when it will be held.

Related: Breakfast Club articles