NEWS, SPORTS, COMMENTARY, POLITICS for Gloucester City and the Surrounding Areas of South Jersey and Philadelphia

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December 2009

College Sports Thursday PM Report: Steven, Kean, Rutgers, DeSales, Holy Family

Men's Basketball Wins Seventh Straight; Ducks Down Kean in OT, 77-71Files associated with this release: Box Score vs. Kean - December 30, 2009 HOBOKEN, N.J. (December 30, 2009) – The Stevens Institute of Technology men’s basketball team won its seventh-straight game on Wednesday night at the Canavan Arena in Hoboken, N.J. as the Ducks defeated Kean University, 77-71, in overtime. Stevens was able to overcome a 35-foot game-tying buzzer-beater from senior guard Vinnie Darpino (Colonia, N.J.) and outscored the Cougars 8-2 in the extra period en route to the victory. Senior guard George Greco led four Ducks in double figures... Read more →


College Sports Thursday Report: Holy Family, Stone Hill U., TCNJ, Kean

Swidowski Leads Holy Family University Men’s Basketball in 76-55 Loss (12/29/2009) PHILADELPHIA – Forward Justin Swidowski (so. Cinnaminson, N.J./Holy Cross) recorded 22 points and 11 rebounds, both game highs, in a losing effort as the Holy Family University men’s basketball team fell to Stonehill, 76-55, in a non-conference game on Tuesday afternoon at the Campus Center. The Tigers came out of the gates fighting, keeping the game close in the opening 10:44. Swidowski scored 10 points, while guard Taylor Papion (fr. Lafayette, La./Tuerlings Catholic) had five of his career-best eight points during the opening stretch, which had Holy Family (0-9)... Read more →


Derek J. Drach, Age 30 of National Park, Member of the Greater Kensington String Band

Derek J. Drach, National Park, NJ on December 28, 2009, aged 30 years. Derek will be remembered as an outgoing man, who loved spending time with his family and friends. A Graduate of the University of Tennessee, Derek received his bachelor's degree in Psychology. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Lambda Chapter. Marching and playing the sax for the Greater Kensington String Band and cheering on Tennessee or New Orleans Saints football games, and playing soccer was some of Derek's favorite things in life. Beloved son of Joseph Drach, Jr and the late Mary Ellen (nee Stanton)... Read more →


College Sports Wednesday Report for Rutgers, TCNJ, Rider, Holy Family

Rutgers Women's Basketball Travels to George Washington For Wednesday Contest Scarlet Knights look for fifth-straight win against the Colonials Posted on 12/29/2009 12:10:01 PM WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rutgers women’s basketball heads to the nation’s capital to take on George Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 30 at the Charles E. Smith Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on the Rutgers Radio Network, WCTC 1450 AM in New Brunswick with Ed Cohen providing the commentary. In addition, WRSU will call the game on 88.7 FM. Wednesday’s contest marks the 14th in the first two calendar months for... Read more →


Henry P. Jablonowski, WWII Army Veteran, VFW Post 3620 Member, 40 Year Food Fair Employee

Surrounded by his loving family, on December 28, 2009. Age 90. Of Woodbury Hts. Formerly of Gloucester City. Devoted and loving husband of 62 years to Mary E. (nee Cooney). Loving Father of John (Peggy) Jablonowski, Patricia (John) Wilson, Maryellen (Michael) Kidd and Lisa (John) Orsino. Loving grandfather of Michael Jablonowski, Amy Petrillo, John and Alicia Wilson, Dana, Karen and Michael Kidd, Daniel, Nicholas and Joshua Orsino. Loving great-grandfather of Sara, Molly, Emily, Dominic, Jack, Ashley, Alex and Jacob. Henry proudly served our country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a lifetime member of the Townsend... Read more →


Gloucester City Council Lauds Art and Poetry Winners; Pay Monthly Bills Totaling $1,428,053

By Sara Martino NEWS Correspondent “Gloucester City has the greatest luck. Most of the time we have peace and no havoc. We as people don’t recognize how great we got it.” By Kaitlyn Gurcik. Parents and family members at last week’s City Council meeting watched as Mayor William James and Councilman Bruce Parry presented proclamations to the student Art and Poetry Contest winners. Gloucester City sponsored the contest for grades 1-12, and students expressed their thoughts about their town. Celebration Committee organizers included Councilmen Bruce Parry and Nick Marchese, and Councilwoman Kellie Ferry. . Kaitlyn Gurcik, ninth grade, and Sienna... Read more →


OPEN LETTER OF APPECIATION

We all should realize that taxes are a must and death is a certainty. With death there are details that require attention; these are one’s final arrangements. This obligation falls to the immediate family. These final arrangements do not have to be an emotional or financial burden placed upon the shoulders of our loved ones during their time of need. Let’s face facts, a decedent is at rest. However, life goes on, and these obligations must be addressed. The professional and devoted staff at McCann-Healey has helped me take charge of the reality of passing. Recently, my children and I... Read more →


DRPA Takes Step to Terminate Swap Agreements

The Delaware River Port Authority Board of Commissioners today took further action to terminate the use of swap agreements. The Board announced it would not approve any future debt-related swap agreements. The Board also directed that staff evaluate existing swap agreements and make recommendations to the Board regarding options for terminating the Authority’s current swap agreements. PHOTO BEN FRANKLIN BRIDGE Today’s Board action will minimize the negative impact of swaps on the Authority’s debt portfolio and protect the Authority from entering into alternative investments in the future. “We recognize the serious financial impact that swaps have had and could continue... Read more →


Obits: Della Auletto, Cherie L. Jacurak, Stella Mary Falconiero, Jeanne Riley, Edward K. Boyson II

Source 12/24/09 Gloucester City News DELLA B. AULETTO A Funeral Mass was held at Saint Agnes Church, Blackwood, for Della B. Auletto, (nee Scarpinato), 90, of Gloucester Township, formerly of Mount Ephraim, who died December 10, 2009. Beloved wife of the late Joseph D. Auletto. Devoted mother of Anna Marino (Joseph) and Daniel (Maureen). Loving grandmother of Anthony (Becky), Nicholas (Jill) and Daniel Marino and Danielle Hennessey (John), Renee Byrd (George) and Nicole Auletto. Dear great grandmother of Evan, Luke, Giada, Desiree, Brittanee, Johnny, Danny, Georgia, and Jaidyn Renee. Also survived by her sister Paula Roddy and many nieces, nephews... Read more →


Gloucester City News Headlines for Dec. 31 Issue

The Gloucester City News Year In Review, Part 1 Planning Board Chairman Dan Spencer Jr. Steps Down To Take Seat On Gloucester City Council Mount Ephraim Schools Will Host Student Teachers From Three Universities Bellmawr’s Christmas In The Park A Success Bellmawr School Board Honors Students For Participating In Locks Of Love Related articles by Zemanta Wanted Your Cheers and Jeers (gloucestercitynews.net) Made in Gloucester City: The way out of our Financial Crisis (gloucestercitynews.net) TIPS AND SNIPPETS: Medicare Cuts, ABBOTT Districts, Rams, Girl Scouts, Speak Up, Help St. Mary (gloucestercitynews.net) Daily Newspaper Gives Some Ink to Municipal Clerk Being Fired... Read more →


Funeral Services Tuesday for Volunteer Firefighter Clair Pierce, of Wellsboro, PA.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality: Name: Clair Melvin Pierce, age 68 Rank: Firefighter Date of Death: 12/26/2009 Fire Department: Wellsboro Fire Department Address: PO Box 81, 21 Pearl ST, Wellsboro, PA 16901 Fire Department Chief: Lonnie W. Campbell Fire Department Website: http://www.wellsborofire.com/ Incident Description: Firefighter Pierce passed away at home after responding to a series of EMS and fire calls. The cause and nature of Firefighter Pierce’s fatal injury are still to be reported. Funeral Arrangements: Friends and family are invited to Clair's Life Celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 29, from 2... Read more →


Worth Reading: U.N. poised for a gun grab

Saturday, December 26, 2009 By Tom Tancredo If you think the Obama administration doesn't need help in dreaming up new schemes to reinterpret the Constitution and add new restrictions on our freedom, think again. Arms-control bureaucrats at the United Nations and dozens of allied NGOs (that's non-governmental organizations in non-bureaucratic lingo) have been busy for two decades talking and negotiating among themselves to produce an international treaty regulating the sale of small arms. A U.N. resolution adopted in October calls upon member nations to negotiate the matter and finish writing a treaty by 2012. The United States voted for the... Read more →


Francis V. Molloy Sr., Youth Football and Baseball Coach, Texaco/Eagle Point Refinery Retiree

Francis V. Molloy, Sr., of West Deptford, died on December 23, 2009 at the age of 74. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Fran graduated from West Catholic High School for Boys. Fran was a very passionate man who strived to make those around him the very best they could be. Frank; as he was known to his co workers gave 30 years of service to Texaco/Coastal Eagle Point Refinery. He retired from there in1999. Fran has resided in the West Deptford community for more than 40 years. During that time he has raised four sons and a daughter. He coached... Read more →


Caution to Pet Owners – Pet Treats and Toys May Cause Problems for Your Pet

Related Category Pets are the Best With the holiday season upon us, many pets will receive gifts such as pet treats and toys including chew toys. Each year FDA receives a small number of reports of adverse events associated with pet treats. Pet owners should be aware that occasionally, pet treats and chew toys may cause choking or blockage problems for their pets and may want to monitor their pets for signs of potential problems. Photo Riley Woods Pet treats that are meant to be consumed are most digestible (edible) when chewed into small pieces. It may be harder for... Read more →


So I Adopted a Puppy: NOW What?

Pet Tip of the Week By Dawn Watson Related Category Pets are the Best The presents are all opened and that one ‘special’ gift, the one that the kids all cried, begged, and petitioned for, is sleeping angelically underneath the tree. Yep, you broke down and got a puppy. Ah, sweet peace. The perfect gift. Kids are happy, life is good. Photo Darby Tussey But wait! What’s that on the bottom of my slipper?! Eewww! And, hey! What happened to the leg of the coffee table? Why, it looks like it’s been chewed! Now Baby Fido has to be walked... Read more →


Singer Vic Chesnutt Dies at 45 -

Vic Chesnutt via last.fm The Daily Beast Singer-songwriter Vic Chesnutt is dead at 45 after an overdose of prescription muscle relaxants, the Los Angeles Times reports. Chesnutt was paralyzed in a car accident in 1983 and despite being confined to a wheelchair and having only limited use of his arms, he fashioned a career as a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, and guitarist after being discovered by REM singer Michael Stipe in the late 1980s. Chesnutt struggled with his health problems, however, and was frustrated by difficulties maintaining adequate health insurance and paying off his extensive medical bills. In 1996, a... Read more →


Bill Sutherland, former Gloucester City Firefighter, Brooklawn Police Officer, American Legion Commander

William John Sutherland Funeral services were held at the Budd Funeral Home, Woodbury for John Sutherland, age 71 who died on December 15, 2009 after a courageous battle. Born in Haddonfield, he was raised in Gloucester City, NJ and attended Gloucester City High School. He formerly lived in Pitman and West Deptford and has lived in Westville for the past 8 years. He served in the US Army and the National Guard with a combined 17 years of service. Bill began his career with the Brooklawn Police Department, he worked for the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Department and for Conrail as... Read more →


Chuckles;TWO WOMEN FROM NEWFOUNDLAND

Two women were sitting next to each other at a bar. After a while one looks at the other and says, 'I can't help but think, from listening to you, that you're from Newfoundland. The other woman responds proudly, 'Yes, I sure am!' The first one says, 'So am I! And where about in Newfoundland are ya from? The other woman answers, 'I'm from St.John's , I am.' The first one responds, 'So, am I!! And what street did you live in Newfoundland ?' The other woman says, 'A lovely little area it was in the west end. I lived... Read more →


Habitat loss threatens wild quail

Image via Wikipedia - NJ.com "When I was 10 years old, I used to hear them as my grandfather and I sat on the front porch on a glider, one of those big old metal porch swings," said Joe Matter, 59, who grew up hunting quail in the Thorofare section of Gloucester County. "Those were the days of hunting with side-by-sides (shotguns) and Woolrich shirts. We also had more than just a few dogs underfoot. It was nothing to kick up 20 to 50 coveys of quail in a day, with 20 to 25 birds in each covey." Matter, a... Read more →


MERRY CHRISTMAS!

"Among the many gifts that we buy and receive, let us not forget the true gift: To give each other something of ourselves, to give each other something of our time, to open our time to God. In this way Anxiety disappears, Joy is born, and the Feast is created. During the festive meals of these days, let us remember the Lord's words: "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite those who will invite you in return, but invite those whom no one invited and who are able to invite you. Luke 14:12-14. Also this means:... Read more →


A Soldier's Wish, Part 4 | The American Legion

Brendan Marrocco wanted to join the Army long before he enlisted in January 2008. His reservation was waiting until he was 21: “I didn’t think I had the ability,” he says. Related Content Part 1: The Reunion Part II: Ambush at Bayji Part III: The Easter Phone Call Part IV: A New Man Video: US soldier recovers after losing all four limbs Friends and family say the Staten Island, N.Y., native – once a model of laid-back behavior and an attitude of just getting by – found his calling as a soldier. “He loves the Army,” says Lt. Rich Kilcoyne,... Read more →


Local Kennels to Close, Leaving Dogs Homeless | NBC Philadelphia

At the end of the month, more than 100 commercial kennels will be forced to close leaving many dogs out in the cold. While area shelters will take many of the dogs, space is extremely limited and some may need to be turned away. That means a whole lot of pups are in need of homes. ”We had 21 one day and nine another day," humane police officer Janine Choplick of Pottstown, Pa.'s Hillside SPCA told the Morning Call. "I think every shelter is scrambling right now, knowing there are going to be closings." continue to read via www.nbcphiladelphia.com Read more →


Hunter Takes Whitetail Monster Buck

RELATED CATEGORY HUNTING AND FISHING By Gary Devine This Kansas Whitetail Monster Buck has 18 points and the gross score is 175 Boone and Crocket. My youngest brother Joseph bagged this monster in Kansas near the Missouri border. Joe also bagged a 11 point monster buck in Saskatchewan Canada and another 11 point buck in Iowa with a muzzleloader. Three different plane flights, with three different 2009 fall hunting trips, with a week break in between each, and three monster bucks at the taxidermist. Joe will run out of wall space soon with all the trophy monster mounted heads. Five... Read more →


Why Are Catholic Schools Around the State Disappearing?

RELATED CATEGORY ST.MARYS GRAMMAR/PARISH by Jen A. Miller The Forsatz children, one in first grade and one in pre-K, are not having exactly the same experience as their mom. That’s because her elementary school, St. Paul’s in Clifton, and her high school, Newman Prep in Wayne, no longer exist. Nor do Pope John II School in Clifton, St. Christopher’s in Parsippany, Blessed Sacrament in Margate, St. Bridget in Glassboro, St. Aedan School in Jersey City, All Saints School in Burlington, Blessed Sacrament in Newark, Holy Assumption School in Roebling, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Highlands. Since 2001,... Read more →


MT. EPHRAIM PUBLIC SCHOOLS JANUARY REMINDERS

Press Release HAPPY NEW YEAR! JANUARY 4th – School Reopens 5th - PTO Meeting 7 PM Mary Bray Media Center 7th - PTO Burger King Cashola 11th – B.O.E. Meeting 7:30 R. W. Kershaw Media Center 12th – Special Ed. Parent Advisory Mtg. 6:30 Mary Bray Media Center 18th – Schools Closed – Martin Luther King Day 22nd – Second Marking Period Ends 29th - Report Cards Issued Kershaw School Midterm Schedule Gr. 5, 6, 7, & 8: Tuesday – 1/12/10 Wednesday – 1/13/10 Thursday – 1/14/10 5th Gr. –Soc. Studies 5th Gr. – Language 5th Gr. – Science 6th... Read more →


Memories from the Past "The Pond Gang"

MEMORIES FROM THE PAST(CNBNews.net)--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 Shaffer, Jake Burkardt, Bill "Wibby" Yeager, Frank "Reds" Grandizio, Jim Clements, Stanley Schellcroft. Do you have a photo to share? Send it to [email protected] Read more →


Corbett analyzing constitutionality of "Nebraska Compromise" in health care bill

Image via Wikipedia Press release December 23, 2009 HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett said today that his office is conducting a legal analysis of the constitutionality of the provision granting Nebraska a permanent exemption from paying Medicaid expenses that all other states, including Pennsylvania, are required to pay. Corbett said that Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson secured this special provision for Nebraska in exchange for his support of the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act. Corbett said, "The result of the Nelson amendment, which the media has dubbed 'The Nebraska Compromise,' could have dire financial consequences for Pennsylvania taxpayers, forcing... Read more →


Letters: Merry Christmas and thank you for all you do

I just wanted to wish you and all your family a Blessed Christmas and a prosperous, happy and healthy New Year. I don’t remember how I found your ClearysNotebook site, but I am so glad I did. I grew up in Mt. Ephraim (1951 til 1976) and love to read about the area and keep up with it. It brings back lots of nice memories for me. Thank you so much for all the work you do to keep people in touch with their hometowns. Again, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Very sincerely, Patricia Rainey Junkins Read more →


A Soldier's Wish: Part III | The American Legion |

Alex Marrocco hung up on the first person who called his phone at about noon, Easter Sunday. He thought it was a telemarketer. Thirty seconds later, it rang again. On the other end was a U.S. Army major from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. “I’m sorry to tell you, Brendan has been involved in an explosion,” the major said when Alex demanded to know what happened to his son. “He lost his legs. He lost both his arms.” The elder Marrocco’s knees buckled, and he dropped to the kitchen floor of his Staten Island, N.Y., home. When Mike Marrocco – Brendan’s brother... Read more →


James B., Jr. “Jim” Harris, of Haddon Township, Korean War Veteran, Retired Sun Oil Employee

On December 21, 2009. Age 81. Of Haddon Township. Formerly of Barrington for over 50 years. Devoted and loving husband of 49 years to Virginia A. (nee Marnie) Loving father of Mark (Margaret) Harris and Karen (William) Hosey. Loving grandfather of Brian, Scott and Kathryn Harris and Lauren and Katelyn Hosey. Dear brother of Jean Hoffman. Jim was raised in Oaklyn and graduated from Collingswood High School. He proudly served our Country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Jim retired after 36 years as an accountant for Sun Oil Company in Philadelphia. After retirement, he worked as a... Read more →


Pheasant and Bobwhite Quail Stocking Planned for Central and Southern Region WMAs

Image via Wikipedia The NJDEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife has decided that pheasants will be stocked for Thursday, December 24 on central and southern region Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). The 1,160 pheasants that were not stocked for December 22 on central and southern region WMAs will be evenly distributed amongst the last 3 stocking days in those regions for December 24, 29 and 31. The pheasant stocking allocations for northern region WMAs remain as originally scheduled for December 24, 29 and 31. Progress on the road and parking area snow clearing in the southern and central regions will be... Read more →


Letter: Dear Senator, Your Actions are Revolting

December 22, 2009 Dear Senator: Your recent vote on the healthcare bill will go down in history. In fact, all sixty of you will go down in historical fashion. You will lose re‐election bids. You will become the scourge of freedom loving Americans across the nation. In the long‐run, history will anoint you as villains that attempted to sack free enterprise in America and doomed your own constituents to substandard healthcare at premium cost. All under the guise of putting a few people that do not have coverage on insurance, you have created an untenable entitlement. It will do the... Read more →


Letters: Regarding Donations for Fire Victims

See Related Letter Fund Drive Underway Hello everyone, Thank you all for your response to a call for help. The generosity was so heartfelt by the families and they wish to extend a very humbling and gracious thank you to all. Also I have been asked by many who did not have clothing or toys how they could make a donation that my help them purchase things like diapers baby formula and other items needed. We attempted to setup a foundation but the timing and costs outweighed the productivity of doing this so we are asking if anyone wishes to... Read more →


Daily Newspaper Gives Some Ink to Municipal Clerk Being Fired

By Bill Cleary The story about Gloucester City’s Municipal Clerk Paul Kain being fired was published in today’s Courier Post. Mayor and Council terminated his employment at the December 7th work session. Three days later ClearysNotebook reported that Kain was no longer employed by the City of Gloucester City. Likewise the story appeared in the December 17th Gloucester City News. The story in the Courier and the one posted on CNB are basically the same. Although the Courier does have a quote from Mayor William James, who said, "He ran out of his sick and vacation time, and also his... Read more →


ONCE AGAIN: State Says $66 Million Middle School Will Be Built in Gloucester City

By Linda Boker-Angelo NEWS Correspondent Representatives from the NJ Schools Development Authority (SDA) last week presented the Gloucester City Board of Education (BOE) with a status update on plans for the proposed new middle school. Senior Project Manager David Markunas said the $66 million project has been revised to allow for construction of a 129,400 square foot building which would accommodate up to 869 students. Photo: Former Gloucester City School Superintendent Mary Stansky posing at the proposed site for the new middle school three years ago. Related: Middle School Just a Pipe Dream He said the SDA has decided to... Read more →


Letters: NJ Outdoor Alliance Thanks Supporters

I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to all of you for your involvement and support in helping to reestablish conservation and an outdoor culture in New Jersey. Since 2007 the anglers, hunters, trappers, foresters, divers, hikers and bikers have made tremendous strides in educating others about the environmental benefits of conservation. Collectively we have helped to create the state's first angling and hunting conservation caucus, successfully pushed to have Sunday Bowhunting signed into law, held rallies to publicize our cause at Mullica Hill, Clarksburg and New Egypt, helped to elect or reelect seven outdoor minded legislators and have... Read more →


Garden State Deer Classic

Winners of the 2009 Deer Classic The Garden State Deer Classic is presented each year to feature the outstanding white-tailed deer harvested during the previous year's hunting seasons and recognize the hunters who took them. In recent years it has been held at the Garden State Outdoor Sportsmen's Show at the New Jersey Convention & Expo Center in Edison. The 2010 show and Deer Classic will be held Thursday, January 14 through Sunday, January 17 - an event ideal both for sportsmen and women and for exhibitors, drawing 40,000 sporting enthusiasts. The Deer Classic is jointly sponsored by the Division... Read more →


Obituaries: Rose Oister, John M. Russo Jr., Viola H. Przybyszewski

ROSE OISTER Catholic prayer services were held at Etherington-Creran Funeral Home, Gloucester City for Rose Oister, (nee Cinalli), 81, of North Wildwood formerly of Gloucester City who passed away on December 11, 2009. She was the beloved wife of the late William D. Oister. Loving mother of Evelyn Foley (Jim), Donna Callahan (Larry) and Georgette Oister (Fred). Dear grandmother of nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her two brothers Pat and Jerry Cinalli, her sister Gloria House and many loving nieces and nephews. Mrs. Oister was a Life Member of Townsend C. Young VFW Post... Read more →


CHUCKLES: The Power of a Badge

DEA officer stops at a ranch in Texas , and talks with an old rancher. He tells the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs." The rancher says, "Okay , but do not go in that field over there," as he points out the location. The DEA officer verbally explodes saying, " Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me." Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removes his badge and proudly displays it to the rancher. "See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish.... On any... Read more →


American Legion Baseball enters the digital era

Image via Wikipedia Beginning Jan. 1, coaches across the country will put down their pens and power-up their computers to complete team registration online for the first time in American Legion Baseball history. The digital, step-by-step process will tighten administrative communication efforts and result in an additional value for players and fans. No longer will it be necessary for coaches to collect, complete and mail registration forms, insurance forms and payments to various locations for processing. Instead, coaches with Internet access will have the luxury of performing all of these responsibilities online, using their credit or debit card from the... Read more →


N.J. eyes expanded school choice; Alice Costello School Staff Praised

| Philadelphia Inquirer | 12/20/2009 By Rita Giordano Inquirer Staff Writer One Camden mother who has sent two daughters to an elementary school in Brooklawn couldn't say enough about the program. "I absolutely love it," said Jovana Gibson. Her 12-year-old daughter, Justice, is a high-achieving sixth grader at the Alice Costello School in Brooklawn. Her older daughter, Jemai, 18, is a freshman at Rutgers-Camden and a graduate of Camden's Creative Arts High School. Gibson sent her to Brooklawn in the fifth grade after reading a news article about the program. Jemai had attended a Camden public school and, briefly, a... Read more →


More Snow Photos

Photo: Danny & Patrick in the igloo, Panzer is our dog. Submitted by Coleen Pittman of Gloucester City How about a photo of the snow in your backyard. Share your photo of the kids on their sled or making a snowman. Your pets playing in the snow. How deep is the white stuff in your area. How about a picture of the snow falling. All the photos of the storm will be displayed in a photo album . Don't be left out; send yours to [email protected] See Send In Your Snow Photos Read more →


This Year’s Reports for Three Raptor Species Now Available

Image via Wikipedia The 2009 reports for three raptor species actively managed by the NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife's Endangered and Nongame Species Program are now available online. The reports for Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon and Osprey summarize management efforts, species status and results of this year's nesting season. This year, there was a record number of 84 Bald Eagle pairs, which resulted in 69 active nests producing 99 eagle fledglings. The number of Osprey nesting pairs recorded was 485; a 14% increase since the 2006 survey. Peregrine Falcons increased also to 24 nesting pairs in 2009. Visit... Read more →


UEZ SPOTLIGHT ON Erin’s Secret Garden

603 Monmouth Street Gloucester City, NJ 08030 856-456-0527 Christmas floral arrangements, centerpieces, grave blankets and wreaths at reasonable prices are available at the specialty florist shop that is run by Dee and Tom MacAdams and is named for their daughter Erin. Round “kissing balls” decorated with greens and holly, poinsettia plants, dish gardens and plants are arranged for sale in the shop that once many years ago was a barber shop. Special items such as Irish jewelry, picture frames with memory verses, plush animals, garden flags are also on display. The flower designer initially opened Dee’s Silk design in 1983... Read more →


UEZ Spotlight on Dog House Sports Bar

GLOUCESTER CITY-The site of this historic building on King Street has been home to several types of religious and commercial uses. At one time the building was purchased from the Security Trust Bank by a group of people who became organized as the Beth El Synagogue. At various times, the building housed an art museum, coffee shop and a tavern. It is not clear whether the beautiful stained glass windows were installed by the bank or the synagogue. At the present time, two of the five 51 inch large screen television sets are placed between some of the stained glass... Read more →


UEZ SPOTLIGHT ON Boyer Indoor Gardening

57 Rt. 130 South Gloucester City, NJ 08030 856-456-5000 456-5015 Mon. thru Sat. 10:30 am to 7 pm “Would you like to clone your favorite type of tomato? Or how about a piece of cloned lemon basil for your chicken recipes or salads? These ideas could be unique gifts of knowledge to give as Christmas presents to your favorite ecco-conscious person. According to Seth Boyer, owner of the Indoor Gardening shop, he claims that the cloned products taste much better than store bought. The cloning process includes cutting off a piece of a plant, placing the piece in a hormone... Read more →