ClearysNoteBook

The House Dog's Grave

I've changed my ways a little, I cannot now
Run with you in the evenings along the shore,
Except in a kind of dream;

and you, if you dream a moment
You see me there.

So leave awhile the paw-marks on the front door
Where I used to scratch to go out or in,
And you'd soon open; leave on the kitchen floor
The marks of my drinking-pan.

I cannot lie by your fire as I used to do
On the warm stone,
Nor at the foot your bed; no, all the nights through
I lie alone.

But your kind thought has laid me less than six feet
Outside your window where firelight so often plays,
And where you sit to read –

and I fear often grieving for me --
Every night your lamplight lies on my place.

You, man and woman, live so long, it is hard
To think of you ever dying.
A little dog would get tired, living so long.

I hope that you when you are lying
Under the ground like me your lives will appear
As good and joyful as mine.

No, dears, that's too much hope:

you are not so well cared for
As I have been.
And never have known the passionate undivided
Fidelities that I knew.

Your minds are perhaps too active, too many-sided . . . .
But to me you were true.

You were never masters, but friends.

I was your friend.
I loved you well, and was loved.

Deep love endures
To the end and far past the end.

If this is my end,
I am not lonely.

I am not afraid.

I am still yours.

Love, Nikki

By Lacey and Erica

How to Socialize Your Dog

1. Socialize your dog thoroughly with other dogs; for puppies, choose playmates of a similar age and adults who have been well socialized themselves. This means off-lead socialization, not sniffing noses at the end of the lead. The more experien  ce a dog has with other dogs, the more refined his judgment will become about what constitutes rude or foolish behavior and how best to deal with it. He'll also learn how to be a polite dog himself.

If a dog has not or cannot be well socialized, be realistic about what you can expect from him in his dealings with other dogs. This may mean altering your training or competition goals to be fair to a dog who may not be able to cope with the stresses of these situations.

2. When socializing your dog under someone else's instruction or guidance, be careful. Some instructors and trainers are appalling ignorant about basic behavior, and unable to set up a positive socialization situation. If you feel uncomfortable with a situation, remove your dog. It only takes a few seconds for a bad experience to leave a lasting impression, particularly on a young dog.

Just turning dogs loose together to play is not socialization. There has to be supervision, and intervention when the potential for a problem appears. The instructor must pay attention to each individual dog as well as the pairings or subsets within the whole play group. If one dog is getting overly excited, it's time to gently capture him, take him out of the play group and calm him down before letting him play again. If a fearful dog has reached his limit, it's time to remove him from the group and give him time to relax and build his courage before putting him back in. If a particular dog or dogs begins to gang up on another dog, time to break up the brat pack.

Instructors need to carefully assess groups and not pair dogs inappropriately. For example, a rambunctious Labrador puppy should not be paired with a timid Sheltie pup. Since Lab puppies often resemble a cannonball crossed with a Sumo wrestler on drugs and consequently like heavy duty physical contact (preferably in mid-air, at great speed), the more sensitive Sheltie may be quickly overwhelmed and quite possibly hurt by the Lab pup. Not only might this leave a very bad impression on the Sheltie but it can also teach the Lab puppy that rudeness is acceptable.

3. Watch your dog. Your dog will tell you all you need to know about his perception of the world. When you're with him, really be with him. Pay attention to his behavior.
Position yourself and/or the dog so that the dog is always in your peripheral vision. Practice checking on your dog often. If he appears to be concerned, find out why. And then help him. Protect him.

Teach yourself to recognize the small, subtle signs that he's shifted out of a perfectly relaxed state of mind. These may be as simple as the tilt of an ear, a raised eyebrow, a slight holding of the breath or tensing of the muscles. Each dog is different - learn to read your own dog.

If you can't watch your dog in a situation where there are potential problems, put him somewhere safe. I've seen far too many incidents occur unnecessarily because a handler was engrossed in a conversation or fascinated by what was happening in the ring and ignoring the dog at their side.

When a handler's attention is elsewhere, I call this handling by Braille - meaning, knowing nothing more than that there was still pressure on the lead and thus the dog was still present. Unbeknownst to you, the dog could be acting rudely himself or trying to avoid a rude dog. Handle your dog with awareness, not by the length of your lead.

4. Be pro-active in protecting your dog. If you see a fool and his rude dog headed your way, do your best to protect your dog. If possible, walk away, lightly and quietly asking your dog to come with you. Be sure you are breathing and relaxed - don't let your apprehension about a possible altercation impact negatively on your dog.

If you can't walk away, try to get the fool to stop. Position yourself between the fool and your dog. If necessary, loudly & firmly tell the approaching person that your dog is not good with other dogs.

In close quarters where there really aren't any options for moving away, shield your dog with your own body. (Remember, stepping between dogs is an act of protective leadership.)

If you need to, sharply tell the fool to "please control your rude dog." You'll probably get a dirty look (fools rarely believe they or their dogs are rude and are shocked when spoken to sharply) but chances are good they'll at least make a show at controlling their dog or move huffily away from you.

DOs & DON'Ts

DON'T bring an intolerant or undersocialized dog to a puppy kindergarten or other concentrations of rudeness & stupidity when you know he can't handle puppies, stupidity, or rudeness!
DON'T put your dog in a situation you or he are not prepared to handle.
DON'T turn a rude puppy or dog loose with an intolerant adult.
DON'T expect your dog to like every dog he meets (at least until you like every person you meet.)
DON'T allow your dog to become overexcited or rude - help him find a more appropriate behavior or remove him briefly from the triggering situation
DON'T allow other people to allow their dogs to be rude to your dog.
DON'T ignore your dog or what your dog tells you about his feelings.
DON'T punish a dog for telling another dog to get the hell out of his face.
DON'T punish an adult for reminding a puppy to mind his manners.
DON'T let your training or competition goals overwhelm your good sense - always be fair to your dog.

DO respect the fact that your dog has a need for & a right to his personal space.
DO socialize your dog so that he's wise in the ways of other dogs.
DO accept the inexplicable disliking that your dog may have for another dog.
DO build your dog's tolerance levels through repeated, positive experiences.
DO continually educate yourself regarding normal and appropriate canine behavior in any given situation.
DO plan ahead to how you will handle difficult situations, people or dogs.
DO earn your dog's trust by keeping your promise to protect him.
DO pay attention to your dog when you are with him.
DO insist that your dog behave politely.
DO respect that your dog's individual needs may or may not be in line with your training or competition goals.
DO put your dog first - all your hopes, dreams, titles & goals all mean nothing if you ignore the needs, fears and realities of who your dog is.
DO honor & respect your dog's concerns, whether or not you share them. (Remember how your mom left the light in the hall on at night when you were a kid? It probably wasn't because she was afraid of the dark.)

Commentary

CLEARING THE RECORD

By William E. Cleary

Re: October 12 Gloucester City News;  City Police Respond To Columnist's Views.

When I was editor of the City News each Monday I or someone from the paper would pick up the police report at police headquarters. There were also, occasions when an officer would hand deliver the report to the City News office.

The intent of my original article (click on link Heard On The Street October 5 NEWS) was to find out why we were spending UEZs monies and tax dollars to pay police overtime. Was there and increase in crimes occurring in the City?

I asked the present Editor, Albert Countryman, if he had received any crime reports in recent weeks and was told no.  In addition, Countryman added he had called the Police as recently as Monday, October 2, and asked for a report but was told there was none.

In the meantime, I talked to some business owners who were against spending the UEZ money on overtime for the police. I also knew of two people who had their houses robbed recently and heard rumors about other crimes.

In this week's (October 12) Gloucester City News, a police spokesman took the time to go into great detail on why and how the UEZ monies and  your tax dollars will be spent.  Not everyone belongs to the  City's Small Business Association so it was nice the Deputy Chief finally explained to the public how their tax dollars were being disbursed.

The writer also took a couple of "cheap shots" at me for asking questions.  After 40 years of reporting the news, you get use to it.

Yet if you look further in the paper you will notice the City Police Department did not submit a crime report.  I guess it was a dull week to be a policeman. 

By the way, in the beginning of his book/statement the Deputy Chief says the city has no crime problem. And my Heard on the Street article was filled with rumors. And I had inferred there was a conspiracy to hide the crimes occurring.

Yet at the very end of the article he says there were five burglaries in the month of September. One was a residence, three were businesses, and one  was a car. Why the  public was never told about those crimes is a puzzle.

Is it any wonder why rumors were circulating throughout our city about a crime problem.

For those keeping count the  last time the police published a crime report in the Gloucester City News was September 14, 2006. And for the record there was not one mention of any burglaries in that report.

Lions Record 2-3

Gloucester High School 19, Glassboro High 28

Gloucester High's Josh Porter rushed for two touchdowns in Friday nights' 28-19 lost to Glassboro. The Bulldogs Tim Hagerty tossed a pair of touchdown passes and Ralph Carr gained 167 yards on 22 carries. The Lions Tri-County Classic Division record is 2-3 while Glassboro remains undefeated with a record 5-0. Pictured #20 Scott Loughlin flying high to make a nice reception.

Next week (October 21) the Lions play at Pennsville. Kickoff 2 p.m.

Photo to By Bruce Darrow

The Big Fires

MEANDERING

WITH JOHN CORCORAN

THE FIRST ELECTRIC FIRE ALARM SOUNDED

By ROY NOBLE (courtesy of "GATEWAY NEWS")

Although Gloucester City's first fire company was organized in 1875, it was not the first one to be organized in this area. Never-the-less the City can be proud of the fact it was in Gloucester Town that the first Company in this section of New Jersey g ot started.

March 3, 1799, a group of men met in Huggs Tavern, on Gloucester Point, to talk over the need of an organized fire compa­ny in this area. The following week subscriptions were taken to encourage the group to establish the company in Woodbury.

Two schools in Woodbury at that time subscribed $40 each and donated a number of fire buckets. On July 8, 1799, sufficient funds had been collected to purchase a hand-Pumper on wheels. With such backing, the Friendship Fire Company of Woodbury was organized and that first hand-Pumper is today a highly prized relic of their possession.

In 1879, Gloucester City's first firehouse was built. It was con­structed of wood, on the lot at the rear of the City Hall, near the site of the present house of Number 1 Company on Bergen Street.

There was considerable talk among many prominent businessmen of the town of petitioning Council to place an alarm fire bell in the cupola of the firehouse. It appears several fires took place without the knowledge of some of the firemen, due to lack of an alarm bell.

City Council went "all out" on the installation of a fire-alarm system. A huge bell that could be heard in all sections of the town and sounded by electricity was purchased for mounting in the City Hall tower.

According to newspaper reports, everyone was well pleased with the purchase. One account read: "The bell for the fire alarm has arrived and is pronounced as a "daisy" by the firemen”,

Installation of the bell was an outstanding event into he town accompanied by appropriate celebration. From the news account of christening ceremonies, it was so noted that the bell was a female!

September 8, 1891: the fire alarm was successfully placed in position in the tower of the City Hall, noon yesterday. In the after­noon, the ceremony of christening the bell was performed by Martin Coyle, who broke the bottle of champagne on it and named it Mary.

While all of this was taking place workmen from the Gamewell Fire Alarm System were stringing wires about the town from the City Hall to alarm boxes in various sections of the town.

At 9 o'clock on the evening of November 16, 1891, there was great excitement in town as the fire alarm sounded for the first time for a fire on Ridgeway St. This fire was in the house of Richard Batezel and Thomas Popland. Several streams of water soon brought the fire under control. The damage amounted to $1000.

The pictures are of the Monmouth Street School which was destroyed by fire in March 1960. The school caught fire and the sparks from the fire spread across the street to the steeple on top of St. Mary's Church. The steeple was also destroyed.

Today The Bank of America is located on the site where the school once stood.

Obit (Williamson)

Horace Williamson Services Saturday

At Etherington- Creran Funeral Home

Horace A. Williamson passed away on October 11, 2006 at the age of 86.  He was born and raised in Gloucester City, and a resident of Williamstown, since 1971. 

Beloved companion for 35 years of Ruth Jaroch. Also survived by his daughter Darlene Douglas of Davie, FL, stepdaughter Margie Eveland of Toano, VA, Horace A. Williamson, Jr., of Westville, seven grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren. 

Relatives and friends are invited to meet Saturday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the ETHERINGTON-CRERAN FUNERAL HOME, 700 Powell St. in Gloucester City.  Funeral services will be held at 8:00 pm. Interment to be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial donations in his memory be made to the Piney Hollow Methodist Church, c/o Clarence Johnson, 3094 Dutch Mill Rd., Newfield, NJ 08344.

Fishing Report

Captain Bob's Fishing Report (October 13)

THEY'RE BACK!  Stripers are back in the Delaware Bay.

Tip: Early Fall 8' - 12' water, bunker, no chunking.  Area from Villas to Reeds Beach. RIP FISHING: Best during weekdays.  Buck tail, fish the tides. WEAK FISH—Bigger weakies are showing at the mouth of Dennisville Creek.  All the Croakers you want off Cape May Point.  FLOUNDER SEASON is over!  We'll have to wait and see about new regulations for 2007—Keep your fingers crossed. Still have available dates for "striper fishing".  Hoping to get some 50" fish this year. To book a charter call 856-456-5511.  Captain Bob Bevan; Fishing Guide, Scott Bevan. Reporting from THE "GRACIE”; Docked at Harbor View Marina, Cape May

Darrow Always Fines The Time To Help Others

Bruce Darrow Continues To Give To The Community

(Courier Post)Bruce Darrow does it all. Somehow he makes time for coaching, officiating, administrating and civic volunteering.

(How does he do it all?

(Photo) Bruce Darrow (right) poses with sons Brett (left) and Austin.

Devereaux Leaving....again

City School Board Administrator Heading To Camden

(Courier Post)The Camden City school district has reached a tentative agreement to hire  Gloucester City's School Board business administrator.

The hiring of Jim Devereaux, 51, who has worked in Gloucester City for 3 1/2 years, will be up for board approval at a special meeting Wednesday, said interim Superintendent Leonard Fitts.

Camden has been without a permanent board administrator since

Devereaux started his political career in the late 70's early  80's when he was elected to Gloucester City Council running on the Republican ticket. Part way through his three year term on council he changed his party affilation to Democrat.

Over his many years of public service he has held the position of Gloucester City Administrator, Washington Township Administrator and  held a job in Trenton for four years under the Florio administration.

Introduction Continued

Renewal of Friendship

Gloucester’s Game, By G.J. Ferguson

The games between 1955 and 1960 were especially memorable, as they were played on Thanksgiving Day.  Thanksgiving has always been the one holiday that most evokes a sense of the family among us.  It provided a perfect setting for the series.  In addition, it was the final game of the season for both teams.  Before the large families get together, for many, it was a short walk or ride to the stadium on Charles St. to watch the annual clash between the two rivals.

In 1961 an estimated 5,500 fans, the largest crowd of the series, jammed the aging city stadium.  They witnessed the greatest defensive struggle of the series, a 6-0 squeaker won be Gloucester High.  It is only fitting that this game drew the largest crowd, for it was to be the last one played at Charles St.  With the completion of the new high school at Route 130 and Market St., the game moved cross-town to the new Gloucester High stadium the following year.

The location may have changed, but the series continued as hotly contested as ever.  In 1962, the up-start Lions battled the highly favored Rams to the only tie game of the series 12-12.

The next two years belonged to Gloucester Catholic.  In 1963, it was convincing 18-6 victory, their first at the new stadium.  However, there was more than that.  Who could forget the long victory march to tell the "sisters" the score?  With a police, escort and the Belles of St. Mary's leading the way the G.C.H.S. students made their triumphant parade down the middle of Market St.  Of course they had company, the public school kids making their way back into town on the sidewalks, jeered them every step of the way.

The 1964 game was one of the most memorable games of the series, (for Gloucester Catholic, anyway).  Trailing by 12-0 entering the fourth quarter, the Rams stormed back with fourteen unanswered points to shock the Lions 14-12.  The loss ruined a perfect season for the eventual Tri-County and Group II Champs.

If 1964 was one of Gloucester Catholic's greatest victories, then 1965 was one for the Blue and Gold. With "Finale For McNally" taped to their uniforms, a fired up Gloucester High squad completely dismantled the Parochial "B" Champs by a score of 19-2. Perhaps one of the best stories of the City-Series occurred before the 1965 game even started.

Anyone who was there will never forget the scene in the Lions locker-room just before the kickoff.  An emotional, Coach Steve Shimkus gave the pep talk of his life.  He told us the story of Jim McNally.  Not the stern-faced vice-principal with the fiery Irish temper.  But, the other Jim McNally, the true "Gloucester man". Who, never hesitated to help those less fortunate than himself, and his love for the City-Series.

The final record, after eighteen years, showed the Rams leading the series, nine games to eight with one tie.

A whole generation has gone by since the last game was played.  A generation that has no first-hand experience of the series. They have probably heard some of the stories.  Perhaps they have seen the old yearbook pictures, or read the yellowed newspaper clippings.  Nevertheless, they have never known it, until today.

Today's game will not be a new beginning.  The series has already had it's beginning.  Rather, it will be the start of a new chapter in the series.  A chapter that will be written by our children and grandchildren. As the years go by, new stories will be added.  The stories of the first chapter are already old.  Many will be forgotten, but some like the City-Series itself, will become legendary.

I have been told by a few people that the series will never be like it used to.  That times have changed too much, that kids are not like they use to be.  I suppose this is possible.  Nevertheless, on the other hand it reminds me of two old sayings; the first is, "the more things change, the more they stay the same”; the second, "what goes around, comes around”.

I prefer to believe that Gloucester's name has come around again.

(To be Continued)

Note: this is a continual series from the Renewal of Friendship booklet about the Gloucester High vs Gloucester Catholic City Series football games.  It was published in 1993.  ClearysNotebook will try to print as many of the stories from the booklet from now up to this years game between the two schools on Nov. 23).

Sports (Fishing)

FISHING REPORT

SALTWATER

Point Pleasant: Capt. John Brackett of the Queen Mary (732-899-3766) Boat sailed for the first time in five days on Sunday and caught plenty of bluefish on the south end of the Mud Hole…most fish caught on bait, but a few also took jigs…Sandra Sharpe of Allentown was the pool winner with a 13-pound blue…no albacore caught during the trip…boat will sail for blues until Oct. 28, when focus switches to striped bass.

North Jersey: The Tackle Box in Hazlet (732-264-7711) Striped bass fishing is excellent, and anglers are killing them using clams off the beaches…fish in the 16-18-pound range are common…a 47-pound striper was weighed early last week…fish took a live bunker fishes off Sandy Hook…boaters are catching stripers on worms and eels…weakfishing was good prior to recent storm but has been slow since.

Little Egg Inlet: Scott's Bait & Tackle (609-296-1300) Scottie says weather was horrible last week, but striped bass were caught in the area on Monday, including a 14-pound, 35-incher taken on clams in the middle of Little Egg Inlet…shop anticipates striper action will improve as weather improves and more fish move into the area.

Seaside Park: Betty & Nicks Bait & Tackle (732-793-2708) Lots of small stripers caught Monday on the oceanfront…a 331/2-pound striper was caught from the Manasquan River Saturday on live bunker…plenty of other stripers in the 8-12-pound range also taken recently…there are still large schools of baitfish in the area, including pods of peanut bunker.

Rehoboth Beach, Del.: Old Inlet Bait & Tackle (302-227-7974) says weekend storm has made water dirty and angling action was slow…lots of mullet and bluefish in the area, but water is still a bit warm for large, migratory stripers to show up…croakers have disappeared

Commentary

Bills Opinion:

A Visit To 1999 ; The subject Gloucester City's Waterfront

Albert Countryman first worked for the Gloucester City News in 1991.  One of his first assignments was to write an article about the development of the City’s Waterfront.  When he returned to work for the paper in 1999, I asked him to do another article about the same topic.  The purpose was see what progress had been made with the redevelopment plans in the eights years he was away.

That article was sent to me recently.  There was no name just the article.  After reading his story, I felt it bears repeating.  I won’t comment on it, I think it speaks for itself.

A Flashback to August 1, 1991, when a then young reporter published a story on the front page of the Gloucester City News with the headline "Waterfront Development Plan Controversial”.

In it, city officials were quoted as saying "private devel­opment of the Coast Guard building is not feasible”.

The sixth paragraph stated: "Developing Gloucester City's waterfront has been discussed since the early 1980s."

Fast forward to the August 21 edition of the Gloucester County Times, with the headline reading "West Deptford Seeks Proposals For Hotel Along River."

One paragraph reads, "In addition to the hotel, the area around the cove would include a community center, a pub-he marina, shops, restaurants and a waterfront board­walk”.

Ironically, West Deptford first started talking about waterfront development a few years ago. The time to get something done along the Gloucester City waterfront is now.

There has been some action, as pointed out by Eric Fetterolf, the Gloucester City project coordinator for rede­velopment.  Definite things that will happen soon are

A fishing pier will be built from the northern point of Proprietor's Park out into the Delaware River. Some five trees will be replanted to increase parking at the existing lot twofold - cars will face the river and King Street.

A new paved parking lot will take the place of the exist­ing ball field with access diagonally from Water Street, Jersey Avenue, and King Street.  A concrete boat launch ramp with the appropriate barri­er walls will be built.

Tentative projects that should happen soon are:

The installation of 22 slip marina along the Delaware River.

The extension of the pedestrian walkway past the Over the Hill Gang table, toward the ball field parking lot, and then back toward King Street.  The extension of the walkway north through Gloucester Towne, with a gate in place during the evening to protect residents.

These are positive improvements and, to the credit of the current Mayor and Council, they have tried to speed things along. "We are very happy with the progress we are making," Mayor Robert Gorman said.

But, where is the restaurant? Where is the ferry?  What is taking the Holt Company so long to develop the Coast Guard building?

Progress is being made, but will Gloucester City be sur­passed by West Deptford?  I hope not.

Let's get the waterfront developed so 1 do not have to write another column about it in eight more years.

Westville

Westville Gives Okay to Recycle Bank

By Sara Martino

Recycle BANK received the go-ahead to bring their recycling incentive program to the borough.  Mayor William Packer and members of council approved an agreement with company during the Wednesday, September 27 work session.

  The governing body agreed with Donna Domico, Public Works Manager that the system would be beneficial to the residents and would help increase the amount of recycling thereby lessening the loads to go to the incinerator.

  According to the Recycle BANK literature, rewards will be given to residents depending on the amount of paper, cardboard, cans, glass, etc. that is placed in the container that will be provided free by the company.  Domico said some arrangements still have to be worked our such as the contacting of restaurant and shops that would be involved in the rebate rewards to the homeowners.

  “Borough trucks would have to be refitted to pick up and weigh the containers,” she said.  The containers vary in size, from 35, 64, or 96 gallons and will have a barcode that would be read to show the amount of recycling within.

  Recycle BANK will provide a comprehensive community outreach program that will support a focus on the environment.  The company will have a web site available to residents to view their accounts to see what they recycled and how many Recycle BANK dollars they earned to shop at participating stores.  Domico is hoping for the program to begin early next year.

  In other business, council passed an ordinance on first reading approving the redevelopment plan for the Big Timber redevelopment area as previously found by the borough to be an area in need of redevelopment.

  The ordinance was approved in a roll call vote of 5 to 1 with Councilwoman Susan Rodgers voting “no,” as she also voted in a previous session on the same subject of the redevelopment plan.  A public hearing on the ordinance will take place next month.

  Council discussed a communication from the Borough of Clayton regarding the extension of a proposed PATCO train service to Clayton.  “I would like to ensure that if possible, our borough would be included in any train station stops if the service becomes a reality,” said Council president Michael Galbraith.

October is Fire Prevention

Meandering

with John Corcoran

October is Fire Prevention Month, And along with everyone else, heed your fire chief and fire­men's warnings, and check now to PREVENT devastating fires from happening!

I was trying to determine what spectacular fires we've have in Gloucester City over the years. In addition, I imagine, to most people, the first one that comes to mind is the big Ferry fire in the early twenties, probably because the Gloucester Ferry was a landmark of the area and its destruction could be said, "to end an era”.

However, there were others besides. Perhaps the most cru­cial fire, though not that spec­tacular, was the little store that was destroyed in March of 1875. This fire could have been very disastrous for the city if it were not for the men and equip­ment from Washington Mills (with water pumped from he mill). You see, Gloucester City had yet to have its own fire department.

This fire aroused the citizens of the town to action and at that time, the Gloucester City Fire Department was organized!

There were some real "big­gies" that some real "old-timers" might remember as spectacular conflagrations: the paper mill at Jersey ave. and Ann st. (where was that?) in the early "teens"; the old ice plant on Fifth St. during the same year, with ammonia flakes from the blaze shooting like fireworks over the area; the aircraft warehouses at the old Bleachery, Morris St. at the river, during World War I.

Their have been several throughout the years, and prob­ably most of our firemen could suggest one or two they would consider "spectacular”. Here are some of my selections.

"Tops" on my list is the Monmouth St. School fire and the burning of the steeple of the St. Mary's R.C. Church across the street in March, 1960. It destroyed the ele­mentary school, but I think, the tragic part was the flames spread across Monmouth st. and destroyed the church steeple landmark that could be seen for miles. I understand that fire companies came from as far away as Swedesboro that day!

Another spectacular confla­gration was the destruction of Quigley's and Stinson & Dickensheet's lumber ware­houses, Johnson blvd, and Nicholson rd. At 5:30 a.m. on July 13, 1962, the alarm sound­ed and for that day firemen from nine companies, including the Coast Guard stationed in Gloucester City, fought the "general alarmer," with flames shooting 150 feet in the air and houses across the street being flamed-scarred but saved (that fire was HOT!).

There were others I could include on my list, the Mansion House, and the South Yard of N.Y. Ship, which took days to distinguish, and Lightman Motors on South Broadway.

Every alarm is dangerous and could be disastrous, from the "false" alarm, to grass fires, kitchen fires and garage fires, house fires and buildings. When that fire horn goes off it means dangerous work for the firemen, possible tragedy for victims and destruction of valuable property!

Heed the warnings...observe Fire Prevention Week by pro­tecting yourself and your loved ones!

One month into Marine Corps training in San Diego, Calif., we were preparing for a ten-mile march in 100-degree weather when a jeep drove up with a large radio in the back. "Who knows anything about radios?" our drill instructor asked. Several hands went up, and anticipating a ride in the jeep, recruits began listing their credentials. Everything from a degree in communications to a part-time job in a repair shop was declared. The DI listened to all the contenders, then pointed to the most qualified. "You," he barked. "Carry the radio."

Pet Stuff

Paws for Pets Puppy Tips

Selecting a puppy:
Select your new family member with your lifestyle and living situation in mind. Primary considerations in addition to personality include temperatment, size, and coat. Some breeds have traits that may be objectionable in certain circumstances, such as hyperexcitability or a tendency to bark. Dogs originally bred for specific purposes tend to retain these characteristics and may require additional training and patience. Your veterinarian is a valuable resource and should be consulted before you acquire a puppy (or a pet of any kind).

Before bringing your puppy home:
Prepare your house for your puppy's arrival. A special place should be designated for it to eat, sleep, and eliminate. Obtain any necessary accessories (eg, collar, leash, ID tag, crate, and dishes) before you bring your puppy home. You will need to puppy-proof your home just as you would child-proof your home to avoid accidents. Harmful cleansers, plants, electrical cords, and breakable objects should be kept out of reach. Open windows should be screened.

Housing:
A crate is a combined sleeping area, housebreaker, and preventer of bad habits; basically, it's one of the best investments you'll ever make for your puppy. Select a crate that is large enough to house the dog when fully grown, and insert a divider to make it smaller for housebreaking. The reduced area should be small enough so that the puppy can't eliminate in one end and sit/sleep in the other. To make the crate a friendly place, appropriate bones (choose carefully and consult your veterinarian) can be placed within it and the puppy can be fed inside of it. Puppies should only be left in their crates for short periods initially, so that they learn that they will not be confined in them permanently.

Housebreaking:
Begin as soon as the puppy arrives in your home. Young puppies should be taken out immediately upon waking and just before retiring, as well as multiple times during the day. Most puppies cannot "hold it" for long periods so it will be necessary to take the puppy out almost every hour at first (especially after periods of play, naps, and mealtimes), and then gradually increase the amount of time between visits to the "bathroom." Take the puppy to the same area each time and praise it immediately and enthusiastically when it eliminates. Do not play with, or talk to, the puppy until after it has eliminated. Remember, if the puppy doesn't eliminate outside, its urine and feces are being saved for deposit inside your house!

Meals:
Feed a high quality diet designed for puppies. A wide variety of diets and formulations are available and your veterinarian should be your primary source of information as to the best choice for your puppy. The amount fed will vary with the type of food and the individual dog, but in general, should only be as much as the puppy can consume in 5 to 10 minutes at a given meal. Puppies are usually fed 3 times daily when between 6 and 12 weeks old, 2 times daily when 12 weeks to 6 months old, and may be fed 1 or 2 times daily when older than 6 months. For certain large breeds of dogs, your veterinarian may recommend that several smaller meals be fed rather than 1 large meal (even when your dog becomes an adult) because an association has been suggested between the consumption of large meals and a serious medical condition called gastric dilatation/volvulus or "bloat."

Health Exam/Vaccinations:
You will want to have your new puppy examined by a veterinarian to ensure that it has no major health problems and is started on a program of preventive care. Your puppy's health care plan includes a series of vaccinations against distemper, parvovirus and coronavirus (gastrointestinal diseases), infectious hepatitis, and respiratory infections (adenovirus, parainfluenza, and bordetella). Vaccination protocols are designed on the basis of your puppy's risk of infection and may vary depending upon your puppy's age, breed, and environmental exposures (eg, in certain locales, vaccinations for Lyme disease and leptospirosis may be considered standard parts of the protocol). Vaccinations are usually given at 3 week intervals from 6 to 16 weeks of age. At 15 to 16 weeks of age, the puppy receives its first rabies vaccination. Puppies should be checked for intestinal parasites (usually 2 stool samples 3 weeks apart), fleas, and heartworm disease (depending on age), and appropriate treatment or preventatives administered.

Grooming:
Regular brushing, bathing, and nail care are essential. Protect your puppy's eyes and ears when bathing, and don't allow the puppy to become chilled after bathing. Your veterinarian may recommend that you do not bathe your puppy when it is younger than 10 to 12 weeks unless absolutely necessary (especially if your puppy is one of the smaller breeds).

Obedience Training and Socialization:
A MUST for every good family dog, regardless of size or breed! Puppies may start classes when they are as young as 8 weeks old. Check with your veterinarian for class recommendations.

Spaying/Neutering:
If you don't plan to breed, spay or neuter your puppy. Letting children see the miracle of birth is NOT a good reason to breed your dog; only serious breeders who have the desire, expertise, and time to breed well should breed at all. Spaying your female dog can help to prevent cancers of the reproductive tract, including breast cancer, and will decrease the incidence of reproductive infections. Neutering your male dog will prevent testicular cancer and can decrease the incidence of prostate problems. The incidence of certain behavioral problems has also been shown to be reduced when dogs are spayed or neutered. The decision to spay or neuter your puppy is one of the best decisions you can make for its well-being. Your veterinarian can discuss with you its benefits and the best time to schedule the procedure.

Pet

Halloween Safety Tips for your Pet

Halloween can be fun and festive for people, but for pets it can also be dangerous. Here are some tips from the AVMA to help you ensure that your pet has a happy and safe Halloween...

Don't leave your pet outside unattended on Halloween (or on the days preceding or following this holiday). Halloween pranks committed against pets can be vicious, and black cats are particularly at risk.

Halloween treats are for people, not pets. Candy wrappers and lollipop sticks can be hazardous if swallowed and chocolate can be poisonous for some types of pets.

Keep pumpkins out of reach of curious noses and paws. Pets may knock over a lit pumpkin and cause a fire.

Despite how much fun it is for people, many pets don't enjoy getting dressed up for Halloween. If you do dress your pet, be sure that its costume doesn't interfere with the pet's ability to breathe, see, hear, move, or bark.

Consider keeping your pet in a separate room, away from the door, when trick-or-treaters arrive. Strange people in even stranger clothes can frighten some pets.

When you do answer the door for visitors, make sure that your pet doesn't suddenly head for the great outdoors. In case your pet does escape, make sure that it is wearing proper identification. Pets with identification are much more likely to be returned to their owners.

For more information and tips about holiday safety for pets, call or visit your family veterinarian. Remember, your veterinarian is your very best source for advice on keeping your pet safe, healthy, and happy!

Local Sports (GHS)

Porter Gains 168 Yards against Pitman

Senior fullback Josh Porter made the most of his eight carries, accumulating  163 yard and four touchdowns, as Gloucester pounded out a 46-7 home win against Pitman.

Porter ripped off runs of 14, 13, 9, and 48 yards.

Gloucester piled up 386 yards on the ground. Brandon McElwee ran for 79 yards and a tourchdown and Anthony Lewis rushed for 65 yards.

Sports

Biggest heart on Lions is in smallest player

(Courier Post)The loudest cheer from the crowd in the Gloucester High School bleachers came when the Lions were already ahead by 33 points late in the third quarter.

That is when senior Michael Pantalone made a tackle on his first play of the game. Actually, he assisted on the tackle with senior Ryan Wyatt.

Still, senior Anthony Lewis came over and tapped Pantalone on his shoulder pads after the play.

And, still, junior Dan Burrows gave Pantalone a pat on the back as he got off the ball carrier.

That is when Pantalone's name was announced on the tackle. That is when he got the loudest ovation.

However, the biggest cheer from the crowd didn't just come for being the smallest player on the field.

It came for so much more than Pantalone being 4-foot-9.

Obit (Esworthy)

DOROTHY C. ESWORTHY AGE 95  SERVICES THURSDAY

Dorothy C. Esworthy age 95 of Audubon passed away on October 6, 2006. She was a former resident of Gloucester City, Somerdale and Egg Harbor.

She is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. She was born in Gloucester City and lived in Gloucester City for many years before moving to the Audubon Towers Apartments on Nicholson Road. She was a parishioner of Holy Maternity R.C. Church in Audubon.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday at 11 am at Holy Maternity R.C. Church: 431 West Nicholson Road, Audubon. Interment New Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr. There will be no viewing.

Family would prefer Mass cards in Dorothy’s memory.  Expressions of sympathy can be e-mailed to the family through the funeral home website www.mccannhealey.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the  McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City.

Commentary(Re: Election)

Bills Opinion:

Is There An Election In Gloucester City?

By William E. Cleary

Residents in Gloucester City are being asked to choose between two sets of candidates running for council in the November 7 statewide election.  Yet, for some strange reason neither side has publicized the reasons we should vote for either slate of candidates.  In past years when there was a contest the election spin would start the week after Labor Day and continue right up to the November’s election.

One has to assume that the Keating ticket is running on its present record, which if that is the case, I am not that impressed with the way the city has been managed in recent years.

Why?  For the past seven years or longer our taxes have increased.  That seems to be the answer when there isn’t enough money.  Go to the people and ask for more.  Just once, I would like to see a consorted effort to reduce our taxes.  Between the state and local government, we are being taxed out of homes. 

  If the City was run like any other business cuts would be made in the work force, which makes up the biggest expenditure in operating a business or a government. 

A recent editorial in the Courier Post urged N.J. voters to force cuts in state and local governments.  “Voters have the power to force it by voting out the politicians who don’t vote to cut the payroll and the size of the government workforce” Courier Post October 5.

 

After reviewing the 2006 Budget Statement the financial outlook for the City is bleak.  The fact that the City lost $1.4 million in tax ratable as the result of the 70 residential properties being demolished to make way for a new middle school hasn’t helped the situation either.  (Source 2006 City budget statement).

Also contributing to the City’s financial problems are the *tax ratable being lost from properties being acquired by the EPA’s cleanup program; plus the city’s acquisition of the AMSPEC property resulted in reducing the assessments on the tax roles by $5.3 million; along with the increase in salaries and benefits for city employees as the result of contract negotiations with the seven major unions.  (Source 2006 budget statement).

According to the recent report Cities in Transition: New Jersey’s Urban Paradox, “A low property tax base means a municipality must increase its tax rate significantly to provide services for its residents, become dependent on state aid to fill the gap, or—as in many New Jersey cities—both.  While state aid has been generous in recent years, it cannot be relied upon to continue to provide a sustainable long-term revenue source.”

Those running for council need to address this problem.  Yet, we hear not a peep from either side on how they are going to maintain services without continually raising our taxes.

The medium household income for Gloucester City is *$36,855, and the per capita is  *$15,912.  Because of those figures, our city qualifies to be labeled an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ).  It also has the unique distinction of being labeled an Abbott district.  (Source 2006 budget statement). You should realize our poor economic situation is the reason we have been labeled as such.  It is not a mark of honor one should be proud of.

Yet, despite this unique classification we have more department assistants then most nearby affluent communities.  Why for example does our part-time mayor need a full-time confidential aide making $40,000 a year?

There are tough times ahead.  Who ever are elected will have to make unpopular decisions.  The present incumbents suggest the savior for our future lies in the development of the South Port area.  Moreover, they give the impression they will continue with the status quo; raise our taxes to keep the government a float. Incidentally, the incumbents don’t broadcast the fact that development of the South Port area could take as long as 10 years to become a reality.  What do we do in the mean time?

In addition, I like to know if Mr. Keating is elected, does he plan to fulfill the four-year term, or will he step down in mid-term like former Mayor Billingham and former Mayor Gorman?

I will conclude by asking all the candidates running for council in November.  What separates you from your opponent?  What new ideas do you Mr. James, Mr. Brophy, and Mr. Marchese bring to the table that will change the status quo?  The same question for you Mr. Keating, Mr. Hagan, Mr. Pollander, and Mr. Coxe?  Why should any taxpayer or I give you our vote?

Note: The opinion expressed is mine.  My views do not necessarily represent the views of the Gloucester City News or its owner, Albert Countryman.