CNBNews March 2025 Cheers and Jeers
Monday, March 31, 2025
William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews
gloucestercitynews.net graphic files
**CHEER** – We often discuss the lack of community pride in Gloucester City, but we have not acknowledged the two individuals who consistently contribute to the community, such as Patty Heiser and Joyce Calzonetti. Recently, at Market and Baynes Avenue, we witnessed Patty picking up litter while pushing a baby carriage. A young child was walking alongside her, holding onto the carriage as she collected trash in a plastic bag.
Several years ago, we were driving into Gloucester City from Brooklawn early on a Saturday morning when we spotted Joyce Calzonetti collecting litter and placing it in a bag in the trunk of her car. When we stopped to ask Joyce why she was spending her time picking up trash, she simply shrugged and replied, "It's just something I do." Today Joyce is active in the Gloucester City Tree Commission and other volunteer organizations.
We greatly appreciate the invaluable contributions you both make to our community. If you know someone who truly embodies the spirit of Community Pride, we would love to hear from you. Please share their name along with a brief description of their achievements or actions that you believe deserve recognition. Your insights will help us honor those who inspire and uplift our community!
**CHEER**The 4th Annual Strides for Autism Fun Run and Walk will be held on Wednesday, April 2, at the Gloucester City Middle School (Rain date April 3) from 5 PM to 7 PM. Register on Line.
**CHEER** – We recently tried the chocolate chip cookies from Mario’s Famous Cookies and Pound Cakes, located at 824 Haddon Avenue in Collingswood. The bakery opened on March 1 and offers a full menu of cookies to choose from, including peanut butter, snickerdoodle, white chip walnut, black and white, and more. Website here https://mariosfamouscookies.com/.
**CHEER**- Calling all volunteers! The Gloucester City Community Clean-Up Day is Saturday, April 5 from 9AM to 1PM. This event is a great chance to show your Community Pride. To register, contact Alex Tedesco, Superintendent of Public Works, [email protected]
**CHEER** – The Trump administration has formally initiated the dissolution of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), notifying its remaining personnel that their employment will be terminated as the agency's functions are transferred to the State Department. This strategic rearrangement will result in the complete integration of USAID’s operational framework into the State Department by July 1. As of March 30, 2025, DOGE has saved taxpayers $130 billion, and the amount saved per taxpayer is $807.45.
**JEER**-Currently, DOGE has identified 15 million names of dead people over the age of 120 receiving Social Security. This figure was first reported in 2008, and nothing has been done to rectify the issue, according to Elon Musk, the head of DOGE. When asked by Fox News reporter Brett Baier if DOGE would complete its work by the 130-day deadline, Musk replied affirmatively. Considering the money being saved by DOGE, it is difficult to understand the extent of the animosity toward Musk. Congressional Democrats frequently claim that Musk and President Trump are attempting to shut down Social Security and Medicare. Musk stated that Social Security recipients will receive more money once his team completes its audit. He told Braier that it was going to happen and for him to fact-check his statement. Website here.
**JEER**-In 1995, or 30 years ago, Broadway, a major highway in Gloucester City, was resurfaced from Linden Street south to Koehler Street. For some reason, the stretch of highway between Koehler Street south to Stinsman Avenue wasn’t addressed. Driving on this part of Broadway feels like riding a roller coaster, with numerous bumps and ruts. Residents in this area report that when a truck hits one of those bumps, their houses shake. The Camden County Commissioners Board (since Broadway is a county road) should be ashamed for allowing this condition to persist for so long. This highway condition wouldn’t be tolerated in Haddonfield; why is Gloucester City permitted to suffer treated differently?
**JEER** – Some pedestrians walk in front of your car expecting you to stop automatically simply because of NJ traffic laws that give pedestrians the right of way when crossing a street within a designated pedestrian crossing lane. There are no designated walkways at Ollies in Deptford. But that didn't stop this man and his female companion from walking in front of me while reading something on their phones. When I beep my horn, they never look up but they give me the middle finger and keep on walking.
CNBNews photo
**JEER** – The six covers for the lights at the Cold Springs Preschool sign, located where Cold Springs Drive meets Thompson Avenue, are still lying on the ground. Ten days ago, we published an article about this sign and the one at the entrance to the complex, both in deplorable condition. Why hasn't someone in authority at the school instructed the maintenance department to pick them up and store them inside the school building? Why hasn't a school custodian taken it upon themselves to address this issue? Surprisingly, no one has stolen them.
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