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CORRECTION/UPDATED William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews CNBNews photo credit CNBNews believes that the structure has never been maintained based on its appearance. The washed-out white oval on the right depicts a cub lion sitting before books. This sign is just a few feet from Market Street a main route for people coming in and out of the city. What impression do those people have of the school district and the City of Gloucester City when they view this dilapidated structure? A view of the same sign reveals the rotting plywood and pieces of concrete that broke away from the damaged structure. The school opened in the mid-1990s and cost taxpayers of Gloucester City and the state of New Jersey an estimated $20 million to build. The preschool addition, which opened in 2004, cost $11 million. ***** GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (March 21, 2025)(CNBNews)--Anyone passing by the concrete signs welcoming students... Read more →

Editor CNBNews is gathering information for our CHEERS AND JEERS column, which we plan to publish the first week of January. You don’t have to be from Gloucester City to submit your remarks. And your opinion can be on any topic or about any public figure. Today’s technology opens up the entire world, meaning you can target anything or any public figure for a Cheer or a Jeer. We reserve all rights to edit your submission. And we reserve the right not to publish it if we feel it is slanderous or libelous. Send your opinion to [email protected] or post it below as a comment. If you don't want your name published, please let us know. The author of the above quote was Edward Everett Hale, (April 3, 1822 – June 10, 1909) was an American author, historian, and Unitarian minister, best known for his writings such as "The Man... Read more →

UPDATED WITH NEW INFORMATION “Journalism should not be a crime anywhere on Earth. On World Press Freedom Day, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of journalists and media workers worldwide, risking everything in pursuit of truth. “ ~President Joe Biden BY William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews Editor GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (November 13,2024)--In 1993, the United Nations declared a special day to highlight the significance of journalism in free societies. It was named World Press Freedom Day, celebrated every year on May 3rd. Its purpose is to emphasize the essential role of journalism in promoting transparency and democracy. However, The Guardian reports a new study finds political attacks on press freedom, including the detention of journalists, suppression of independent media outlets, and widespread dissemination of misinformation, are on the rise. The findings stem from the annual World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders. On the occasion of World... Read more →

By William E. Cleary | CNBNewsnet DANTE'S INFERNO- An aerial view of the fires burning during the Newark riots in 1967. The first thing we noticed as we drove down the turnpike ramp into the largest city in the state was the thick smoke that blocked the sun and purged our nostrils. In the distance, we saw buildings burning. The sounds of sirens from fire engines and police cars could be heard echoing from every direction. (Photo courtesy of NJ.com) +++++ NEGRO STORE owners wrote SOUL BROTHER on their windows with the hope that the rioters wouldn't loot their businesses. Newark police officers were seen early in the morning before sunrise walking down the business center, shooting out those windows with a shotgun. (Pinterest photo) +++++ NEWARK, NJ (August 1, 2024)(CNBNews)--Although the Newark riot in 1967 happened 57 years ago, the memory of that time is still fresh in my... Read more →

CNBNEWS OPINION The NEVER TRUMPSTERS are still lamenting Kamala's defeat to Donald J. Trump. Not only did she lose the election, but the margin by which she was defeated was staggering, leaving her supporters disheartened and frustrated. This hatred of him is endless. And, it is bemusing that some of these individuals are unable to give a reason for their hatred. Recently, a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) worker in Florida directed her staff who were helping hurricane survivorsnot to go to homes with yard signs supporting President-elect Donald Trump. The Daily Wire reported that the supervisor, Marn'i Washington, 38, told workers to avoid homes advertising 'Trump'. Whoopi Goldberg, who rose to prominence as a comic, was chosen for The View in 2006. Over her 18 seasons, she went from being a comedian to somehow becoming an expert in all things social and political. She echoed resentment towards Trump throughout... Read more →

UPDATED WITH NEW PHOTOS/Oct. 19, 2024/7 PM William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews Bull Elk, October 2, 2024 (CNBNews photo, camera Apple Pro Max 15) SEE VIDEO BELOW GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (October 18, 2024)(CNBNews)--In the warm month of July, the anticipation for my upcoming 80th birthday in October began to build. Picturing myself trying to blow out 80 candles on the top of the cake didn't excite me. It had to be something different from how I celebrated my birth in the past. Reflecting on previous years, I reminisced about the exciting experiences I had undertaken to celebrate those occasions. Some I remember include sitting in the press box watching the Phillies win the 1980 World Series, soaring through the skies in a blimp with my wife, and gazing down upon the Philadelphia City Hall and the iconic statue of Billy Penn, embarking on a breathtaking flight in a floatplane... Read more →

SPEAK OUT! Every month, CNBNews publishes a list of different topics and people who deserve either a Cheer or a Jeer. If you wish to contribute, we will publish your submissions without your name, but you must provide us with that information along with your phone number and email address. This information will not be made public. If you would like to contribute to the column, please send your comments to [email protected]. Written by CNBNews Staff CNBNews graphic file CHEER/JEER(you decide)—Recently, a man who owns many pit-bull-type dogs at his home on EAST Thompson Avenue in the Riverview Heights section of the city was bitten numerous times as he crossed the street by one of his animals. His two dogs were allegedly trying to reach a woman walking by on the sidewalk. The two dogs knocked him to the ground. One of his dogs bit him several times on his... Read more →

Studies indicate that firearms are used more than 2 million times a year for personal protection and that the presence of a firearm, without a shot being fired, prevents crime in many instances. (source NRA) Armed Citizen® Archives https://judge.me/ A Grayson County, Va., man is dead after allegedly breaking into a house and attacking an armed homeowner early in the morning on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022. According to police, the 41-year-old alleged intruder broke a bedroom window and entered the house while the homeowner was asleep. The resident quickly grabbed for a handgun that was in the room, when the burglar grabbed the man from behind. A struggle ensued, with both men falling to the floor. The homeowner retained control of his handgun and fired twice, striking the invader and killing him. Police say that early investigations indicate the homeowner acted within the law. (WDBJ7 News, Roanoke, Va., 12/6/22) From... Read more →

If you’ve ever dipped your toes into online casinos, you’ve likely encountered a bewildering array of casino bonuses. They seem like a sweet deal, right? Free money to play with, extra spins, cashback – it’s like the casino is rolling out the red carpet just for you. But, as with anything that seems too good to be true, there’s much more beneath the surface. Casino bonuses are designed to entice you, but they also come with rules and quirks that either enhance your gaming experience or leave you feeling shortchanged. So, how do you navigate these waters and make the most of what’s offered? In this article, we will demystify casino bonuses, explore how they work, and give you some tips on maximizing your gaming experience without getting lost in the fine print. Understanding the Different Types of Casino Bonuses First things first – not all casino bonuses are created... Read more →

In a previous CNBNews editorial, we strongly condemned the Mayor and Council for their failure to hire a full-time City Administrator, a crucial position in any administration. We vehemently criticized the governing body for paying the current part-time City Administrator and part-time Police Chief, Brian Morrell, an excessively high salary of over $225,000. After our editorial was published Morrell lashed out at us in a telephone conversation. His tirade was filled with innuendos, screaming, personal attacks, and foul language. At the time, we wondered whether he was in immediate need of anger management. To be fair, Chief Brian Morrell's treatment of us paralleled the behavior of former Police Chief George Berglund before he retired. We published an article about a member of Berglund's family that first appeared in the Gloucester County Times, which triggered an irate response from him. He sent a letter of admonishment to the CNBNews Editor for... Read more →

With the disbandment of the Woodlynne Police Department on Thursday the responsibility of policing the community now falls on the Camden County Police. This change is not unique, as other communities may soon undergo similar transformations. The rising costs, including excessive salaries and benefits, are becoming too much for taxpayers to sustain. For instance, the Gloucester City Police Department is located in one of the poorest communities in the state of New Jersey. Yet, police officers in that city receive an average salary of $127,000, making it the third highest-paid police department in Camden County. The community of Gloucester City qualifies as an ABBOTT district and a UEZ Zone due to its low-income levels. Residents have recently received their property tax bills, which have increased every year on average by $1000 per household since 2018. This has contributed to the city being one of the top 30 communities in the... Read more →

Feeling crazy with all the demands of a kicking, thriving life? Do you find it challenging to balance work, family, and personal time? How do you keep your mental wellness when you are running non-stop? Mental wellness is a precondition of living a full life in today's fast-moving world, but it can often be very elusive. We consider some practical ways in which you could nurture your mental health, even when that schedule seems crazy. Understanding mental wellness Mental wellness is described as emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects one's thinking, and feeling, and hence leads to acting; it determines how one handles stress, relates to others, and makes decisions. It is not merely the absence of mental illness but rather thriving in most spheres of life. Conversely, poor mental health can significantly increase the risk of addiction. When individuals struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression,... Read more →

Corey D. Comperatore, aged 50, of Sarver, PA, passed away on Saturday, July 13th, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and courage. Born on June 16, 1974, in Natrona Heights, PA, he was the son of Karen Bird and the late Carl L. Comperatore. Corey was a proud graduate of Freeport High School, class of 1992, and went on to honor his country as a dedicated 10-year veteran of the US Army Reserves. His commitment to excellence continued in his professional life, where he excelled as a project and tooling engineer at JSP. Corey's passion for his community shone brightly through his active membership at the Cabot Church and his lifelong service at the Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department, where he notably served as chief in the early 2000s. But above all, Corey was the quintessential family man and the best girl dad. His love for his wife Helen (Scott)... Read more →

EDITOR'S NOTE--We apologize to anyone who has left us a message on our Facebook accounts and are waiting for our response. On May 28, 2024, Facebook blocked our CNBNews account and our personal account for allegedly abusing its login process. They provided no specific details about the violation. Presently, we have 560 notifications and numerous messages waiting for us to review. We created our Facebook accounts 16 years ago, in 2008, and have never encountered any issues with Facebook until recently. Our accounts have been blocked three other times since January 1, 2024. The account reopening process they require is extremely frustrating. For example, despite us turning off the two-step authentication requirement, they keep turning it back on. At this point, we are contemplating permanently closing our Facebook accounts. If we decide to go forward with that step, we will notify you. In the meantime, you can find all of... Read more →

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews Editor This week, Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr., a prominent political figure in Camden County, strongly opposed two rulings of the United States Supreme Court. One concerned a homeless issue in an Oregon community, and the other pertaining to the Court's decision on the immunity of Presidents of the United States. I am seeking more information on Commissioner Cappelli Jr.'s track record in addressing homelessness during his 21 years in office. I distinctly recall instances where homeless encampments in Camden City were forcibly removed, and I'm interested in hearing about the specific initiatives and programs aimed at assisting the homeless population in Camden County . He stated that the County has made progress but gave no details. Additionally, I am curious about the financial resources allocated by Camden County to provide shelter for undocumented immigrants who have arrived in the region during... Read more →

Rep. Van Drew Questions Secretary Buttigieg on Offshore Wind This week, I had the opportunity to question Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg at a House Transportation and Infrastructure hearing. I questioned him on whether the Department of Transportation (DOT) was doing enough to ensure safety is a priority in areas where offshore wind farms are being constructed. Despite major concerns over maritime and aerial safety, these projects are being pushed forward before adequate safety impact studies have been conducted. I pressed Secretary Buttigieg to ensure safety is prioritized before proceeding with further construction. These projects will result in the permanent industrialization of our shores, so it is crucial that their impacts are thoroughly studied before any construction begins. Click here to watch my full line of questioning. This week, I voted in favor of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. This bill will have a major impact in... Read more →

"Wake up, America! We are being invaded." ~CNBNews Border Patrol agents inspect a potential landing spot for illegal immigrants along the Rio Grande River in Texas. U.S. Customs and Border Protection By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor Jun 21, 2024 (The Center Square) – More than 12 million people have illegally crossed the border into the U.S. since 2021, data obtained and analyzed by The Center Square show. That includes the more than 241,000 apprehensions of illegal border crossers in May. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, the total number who’ve illegally entered the U.S. nationwide in fiscal 2024 through May is more than 2.2 million. The majority of illegal border crossers are overwhelmingly single adults. In fiscal 2024 through May, they totaled over 1.35 million. CBP’s fiscal year goes from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. Under the current administration, each fiscal year breaks a new... Read more →

Andy Rooney was one in a million. At the end of '60 Minutes' he usually had Andy Rooney his own 10-minute segment that, unbelievably, was never censored by CBS. He's probably the only one who could have gotten away with this. Andy Rooney once said . . . “I don't think being a minority makes you a victim of anything except numbers. The only things I can think of that are truly discriminatory are things like the United Negro College Fund, Jet Magazine, Black Entertainment Television, and Miss Black America. Try to have things like the United Caucasian College Fund, Cloud Magazine, White Entertainment Television, or Miss White America; and see what happens....Jesse Jackson will be knocking down your door. Guns do not make you a killer. I think killing makes you a killer. You can kill someone with a baseball bat or a car, but no one is trying... Read more →

PENNSAUKEN TOWNSHIP, NJ (June 9, 2024)(CNBNews)--Several fights Saturday night among a large crowd of teenagers and young adults resulted in the early closure of the Township's annual Summer Kickoff Event. Similar mob fights between teens and adults have occurred recently in Gloucester City and Gloucester Township. Camden County authorities have not said the disturbances were connected in any way. There have also been similar brawls at New Jersey shore towns. READ: CNBNEWS REPORT HERE In a prepared statement, Pennsauken Police Chief James Olivio said, On Saturday, June 8, 2024, the Township of Pennsauken hosted the annual Summer Kickoff event at the Soccer Complex. During the event, multiple large crowds started to form outside of the community members who were trying to enjoy this event. These crowds started to become unruly, which prompted the event to be shut down before the situation deteriorated further. Police Officers throughout Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews Columnist GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (May 27, 2024): This is just a reminder that every year for the past several decades, the City of Gloucester City has hired several city "kids" for summer employment at minimum wage. Traditionally, "kids" meant boys, and minimum wage decades ago was in the $7.00 to $8.50 per hour range. CNBNews graphic file Last summer, 2023, the minimum wage had increased to $14.13 per hour. Kids still meant boys, but instead of the jobs going to those whose families could benefit from the jobs and salaries, everyone hired had a relative in a high position on the city payroll. There were two Morrells', one Obey, and one Gorman. Question, could your child, boy or girl, have benefited from making $14.13 per hour? Did your child know where, when, and how to apply for these jobs? This is a reminder - after decades... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews We all know that our dollar buys fewer groceries and less gas, but can you still afford to take your family out for an occasional dinner treat? Parking lots of restaurants are full so some people can afford to eat out, or maybe they are living on credit cards. Here is a list of restaurants and fast-food places which are now on the "too expensive for what you get" list. OPINION The following pizzerias all got the same comment, that being "find a mom-and-pop pizza." Domino's Pizza Hut Sbarro's (Additional comment - it takes a lot to ruin a pizza) Papa John's - greasy pizza Traditional "Fast Food" McDonald's (they are releasing new $5 specials but for one month only) Kentucky Fried Chicken - boring Burger King - food taste like it was under the lights too long Chic-Fil-a - chicken is dry and boring Arby's... Read more →

CNBNews contacted Kevin D. Walsh, the Acting State Comptroller in September 2023. We asked Mr. Walsh if some actions taken in 2023 and 2024 by the mayor, council, and the upper echelon of the police department were legal. The following month, the CNBNews Editor, William E. Cleary Sr., was cited for theft and trespassing at Cold Springs Elementary School. The two charges were never proven. Was it just a coincidence? Most likely. But we will never know. Related: JUSTICE FOR ALL, NOT JUST FOR SOME Posted by the New Jersey Comptroller on - 05/21/2024 TRENTON—Key policies and processes that were put in place to address and prevent discriminatory policing by New Jersey State Police (NJSP) have been “largely performative,” and oversight has been ineffective for years, the Office of the State Comptroller finds. The NJSP spent ten years under federal supervision, due to allegations of racial profiling on state highways.... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews Correspondent GLOUESTER CITY, NJ (APRIL 28, 2024)Over the past year two out of three Gloucester City banks have closed their local branches. There is now only one bank in Gloucester City, that being TD Bank. Many Gloucester City residents have no choice but to bank locally, but others have the option of going out of town to do their banking. THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY One of those out of town, banks is/was Republic First. There are several branches in the area but for those people who go to the Deptford Mall/Walmart area, there is/was one branch opposite Longhorn in front and Outback on the left. Notice the word "was" in almost every sentence. It was announced that at the close of business on Friday, April 26, 2024, Republic First "went under." The good news is that all deposits are insured by the FDIC (Federal Deposit... Read more →

Recently, William E. Cleary Sr. CNBNews Editor and Publisher, and his son, William E. Cleary Jr., had to endure such a stressful situation due to false charges brought against them by the Gloucester City Police Department. Over several months they were summoned to court six times to answered charges of trespassing and theft that were never proven. Not knowning how many more times they would have to appear in court they pleaded guilty to a plea agreeement and each had to pay a $500 fine. It is even more disheartening to know that some of the people responsible for this are none other than the judge and the prosecutor who were supposed to uphold justice in Gloucester City. Those responsible not only harmed the reputation of the Cleary family but also undermined the integrity of the court system. And their actions reflected poorly on the community of Gloucester City. The... Read more →

"Never pick a fight with people who buy ink by the barrel." ~Mark Twain UPDATED/CORRECTED William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews Editor As some of you may already know, my son and I were charged with trespassing on the Cold Springs School property and accused of stealing a small child's bench last October. The bench in question was actually broken and discarded in a trash pile next to a dumpster. If I had managed to fix it successfully, I would have given it to one of my great-grandchildren. On October 10, a video of the two of us behind the Cold Springs school placing the bench in my car appeared on the City Police Department's Facebook page. The caption that was published with the video implied that the two of us were thieves. It read, "The GCPD is investigating a robbery from Cold Springs School; if you recognize the individuals... Read more →

DOROTHY PHILBIN | CNBNews The "most American" products, most of which we knew were American aren't American anymore. Here are a few that are hard to believe are no longer from the ole Red, White and Blue. Budweiser - Originally from St. Louis, Missouri Founded in 1850 Sold to a Belgian company in 2008 for $52 billion but the receipt has not changed. Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream - two friends opened an ice cream parlor in Vermont. Founded in 1978 Sold to Unilever, an English company in 2000 for $326 million. Burger King - Original Headquarters in Miami, FL Founded in 1954 Sold to Restaurant Brands International of Canada (the company has been sold many times over the years but still gets financial backing from the United States company.) Trader Joe's - Original Headquarters Monrovia, CA Founded 1967 Sold to Theo Albrecht of Germany. Albrecht is also the owner... Read more →

updated Cleary's Trial Postponed...Once Again! William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews editor “Are you sure you want to become a reporter? If you are looking for a job that will make you renowned, you have chosen the wrong field." ~George F. Cleary Sr. Gloucester City News & Camden County Record publisher / Editor Emeritus GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (February 11, 2024)—As you know, on October 10, my son and I were charged by the Cold Springs School Resource Officer Brian Green with stealing a child’s bench, which we thought was trash. It had been lying on the asphalt behind the school with other trash for several weeks. When we learned it wasn’t trash, we contacted the police and spoke with Officer Bennett. Shortly after explaining our mistake, we returned the bench to the school. We were also charged with trespassing for walking around the school grounds on a weekend. Our most... Read more →

By William E. Cleary Sr. CNBNews Staff GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (January 29, 2024)--The Cleary’s appearance in Gloucester City Municipal Court on Tuesday, January 30, has been postponed. The father, William E. Cleary Sr., and his son, William E. Cleary Jr., were charged with theft and trespassing for taking a children’s bench that was lying in a trash pile behind the Cold Springs school complex. When they learned it was not trash, Cleary Sr. called the police, and the item was returned. Cleary Sr., 79, is the former editor of the Gloucester City News and Camden Country Record. Presently, he is the owner and editor of CNBNews, a daily news blog founded in 2006, https://www.gloucestercitynews.net/clearysnotebook. The January 30 court date was supposed to be for Discovery. However, last Friday, the Cleary’s attorney, Justin Moore, whose office is in Collingswood, received an email from Gloucester City Prosecutor, Andrew Viola, offering the duo... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin CNBNews Columnist No tinted windows on cars in the United Arab Emirates. Most states have some version of the same law but are rarely enforced. No right-hand drive vehicles in Russia for safety reason. Right-hand drive vehicles are common in the British Isles and Ireland. No dirty cars in Russia. Specifically, the concern is the license plates. Again, most states have some version of the same law. No cup holders between the front seats of a car. This applies to France and the fine is 75 Euros or $81.39 American. No Bluetooth headsets or headphones in Spain. The fine is 200 Euros or $217.04 American. No more than 110 pounds of potatoes in a car in Australia and a fine of $1,700 for an unlocked car. Running a red light will get you six months in jail if you drive in Bahrain. Driving while under the influence in... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin CNBNews Columnist GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ(January 28, 2024)(CNBNews)--The average IQ for a "normal" person is between 80 and 120. Genius is usually defined as having an IQ of 150 or higher. Where do your favorite stars score? Cortney Cox ...........................122 Vladimir Putin ........................127 Jodie Fister ............................132 Tom Brady .............................135 Arnold Schwarzenegger .........135 Oprah .....................................136 Bill Clinton ............................137 Madonna .............................. 140 Steve Martin ........................... 142 Meryl Streep ............................ 143 Lisa Kudrow.............................. 154 Sharon Stone ..........................154 Cindy Crawford ........................154 Matt Damon ............................160 Ashton Kutcher ........................160 Bill Gates .................................160 Albert Einstein .........................160 Quentino Taratino ....................160 RELATED: THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY Columnist/Investigative Reporter DOROTHY PHILBIN Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews A few days ago Clearysnotebook printed a column about the number of out-of-town landlords and the effect these owners and their properties have on the city. There were addresses provided by the city's Custodian of Records. Many of the landlords' names were redacted with a big black line hiding the owners' names. The redaction is amusing if you have any computer skills at all. Property owners, city employees and salaries, city retirees and pension amount, even Postal Service employees are paid with your tax dollars and you have the right to know. CNBNews graphic file Datauniverse.com* is where you will find all this information. The data site also provides the average property value ($107,898) and the average property tax ($5,025) for Gloucester City. The average property value looks about right but there is something that just doesn't feel right about the average property tax. If you... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin l CNBNewsnet Columnist Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures How many shipwrecks are there on the ocean floor? It might be a strange question but take a minute and think about it. How many ships can you name which are sitting at the bottom of the ocean? Everyone knows about the Titanic, "Remember The Maine" (Spanish-American War,) The Hood (WW II British ship sunk by the German ship The Bismark,) then there is the German ship The Bismark, sunk by the British. As the saying goes, revenge is a dish better served cold. Now finding sunken ships is easier than before. SONAR, digital archives, and Remotely-Operated Vehicles have all made traveling to the ocean's floor much less dangerous. So, if you can find the money - you can find a shipwreck. Don't forget all those ships from the 1400s, 1500s and 1600s believed to be filled with gold and... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin l CNBNewsnet Columnist There are men who wait all year for the bathing suit edition of Sports Illustrated. Sadly, the last edition you saw is the last edition you will see. Friday, January 19, 2024 all of Sports Illustration employees were given their pink slips. Every last one is gone. It seems that a company which has a contractual agreement to allow Sports Illustration to publish is due $3.75 million each quarter (three months.) They have not been this quarter and they are invoking their contract which permits them to shut down the magazine. Will Sports Illustrated come back? That is a maybe, but probably not. The magazine has to find a bank or very rich person to lend them the $3.75 million plus any other bills they owe and then have an additional $3.75 million ready for this quarter. Never say never, but it isn't likely. _____________________... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews Monday, January 16 - Martin Luther King's Birthday - federal holiday/Three-day weekend. Wednesday, January 24 - National Peanut Butter Day (Note: At Walmart this week, Smucker's Uncrustibles cost $4.18 for four sandwiches, or about $1.04 each. At that price make sure your kids eat them at school.) CNBNews graphic file Friday, February 2 - We learn if winter will end soon or be extended by six more weeks. It is Groundhog Day. Monday, February 19 - Presidental Day/Three-day weekend (kids today get cheated out of a day off from school. Before Congress moved all federal holidays to either a Monday or a Friday, we used to get off from school on February 12th for President Lincoln's Birthday and February 22 for President Washington's Birthday.) Saturday, February 10 - Chinese (Lunar) New Year. This is the year of the dragon. Wednesday, February 14 - Valentine's Day. Wednesday,... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (December 28, 2023)--Sometimes being at the end of the list isn't a bad thing. This time, New Jersey comes in near the end of the list and that is a good thing. The list is the states with the Highest Concentration of Hate Crimes. Here is where New Jersey and neighboring states rate: Number 43 - New Jersey 39 - New York 26 - Maryland 24 - Vermont* 13 - Pennsylvania 7 - Delaware 1 - Wyoming * Two states that seem to be out of place are Vermont. Senior citizens tend to think of Vermont as being populated by former peace-loving hippies along with cows, Norman Rockwell, and Grandma Moses. The most startling state is Wyoming as number one. Again, the stereotype of that state The Marlboro Man, horses, cattle and mountains. What's to hate? _______________________ Source: 24/7 Wall St. http://www.msn.com/en.us/news/us/us-state-with-the-highest-concentration-of-hate-groups/ Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews Columnist GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (December 19, 2023)--We have been hearing for a few years now that issuing the police/fire blotters to the public is "too much work" even though there are more employees on the city's payroll than at any prior time. This week I began to wonder if this is the reason. Living near Broadway I see a lot of emergency vehicles drive up and down the street. There are not always sirens to catch my attention but always lights beaming into my windows. Over the years I've learned to determine the difference among police, fire and ambulance sirens. The Carpenter's Square Apartments at Gorman Manor, on South Broadway shares space with Cooper Hospital's Urgent Care Center, so there is a lot of activity in this area. Friday, around dinner time, I was getting ready to go out when I heard a police car, with... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews NJSpotlight News announced on December 12, 2023, the results of the 2023 school year standardized testing. This year's results were also compared to last year (2022) and 2019, the last year before COVID. Gloucester City's results were embarrassing. High School - no results reported for 11th grade ELA (English Language Arts) or Math. Of the 160 students who took the Science test, only 10.7% scored passing or proficient in 2023. In 2022, 16.0% scored passing or proficient; in 2019, it was 4.5%. The good news is that about 2.5 times as many of our students scored well, but if the 11th grade scored 4.5%, there is no way to go but up. Middle School - the 142 8th-grade students almost scored well in ELA. There were 60.6% who scored passing or proficient in 2023. This is an improvement over last year (2022) when the number was... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews Columnist There are two No Parking Handicap signs in front of the CVS Store located on South Broadway. According to CNBNews columnist Dorothy Philbin, a few months ago on Labor Day, a Gloucester City Police SUV was parked in a way that blocked the handicapped parking spots, as well as prevented an elderly man from exiting his car. This image of the site was obtained from Google Street View. GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (December 11, 2023)--On Labor Day, I went to the CVS on South Broadway but couldn't park in either of the two handicapped parking spots. There was a police SUV parked caddy-corner blocking the handicap parking spots and blocking an elderly man from exiting his car. I noticed that the SUV was marked "SCHOOL RESOURCE." This was Labor Day, the school year had not started yet so there was no reason for this man to... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews Columnist Trace Gallagher, a Fox News anchor, presented a story on December 5, 2023, in which the reporter presented evidence that our (America) students' math scores are now the lowest ever. It has been known for years that our students' English/Reading scores have been declining. Yet, we in New Jersey continue to pay extremely high school taxes. What are we getting for those tax dollars? CNBNews graphic file The state mandates much of the curriculum based on political ideologies. Here's an idea. Let's teach our students to read before we teach them pornography. Senator John Kennedy (R - LA) read aloud, in the Senate Chambers, from a lower elementary-level book mandated by the state of California. The television stations had to "beep" two out of three words to get passed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations. Finally, another senator asked him to stop reading but he... Read more →

"The man was so strong he broke the handcuffs in half," ~said One Neighbor William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ -December 1, 2023--Around 9:30 PM Thursday this reporter was sitting in the back room of our house writing an article about an upcoming trial. The room was quiet, but I heard a muffled sound coming from the direction of nearby North Harley Avenue, which is the street behind us. My best friend, Peyton was lying on the floor in front of me snoring. Suddenly, she jumped up and ran towards our back patio door; undoubtedly, she heard the same sound I did. Once the door was opened, she bolted down the steps towards our fence, barking. In the distance, more clearly now that I am outside, I hear someone yelling, "Help me!" "Help me!" I couldn't see anyone. I yell back several times. "Where are you?" This... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews columnist BELLMAWR, NJ (November 18, 2023)(CNBNews)--If you have reason to drive south on Route 42/Freeway, just before you get to where the former Harrison-Hugg house had been, look to your right. You can't miss graffiti with letters and symbols about five feet high. If you have reason to drive south on Route 42/Freeway on another day at about the same place, look to your left. It is new, but it appears that one graffiti "artist" became jealous of the former so now there is graffiti on both sides of the road. Again, it is about five feet tall so you can't miss it. These walls are new and have cost us many millions of dollars. What prompts someone to ruin what took us so long to finally get? A better question is, regardless of whether this was done during the day or night, could no one... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (November 12, 2023)(CNBnews)--Back in the day, there were no fast food "restaurants." Mcdonald's, Wendy's, and others were in their infant stage and locally owned. If someone wanted to go out for dinner, it was usually on a Saturday night; a couple wore their best clothes and got a babysitter for their kids. Where did those days go? CNBNews graphic file Today, we have very few locally-owned restaurants; they are mostly chains. If you travel anywhere, you are pretty sure you will find a Walmart, Target, an Olive Garden, Longhorn, and a few more well-known chains. Now, people don't get dressed, they don't get babysitters, and, sadly, that means they bring their little darlings with them. However, not everyone in the restaurant loves your little darlings as much as you do, and the restaurants are starting to make that known to parents. A Georgia... Read more →

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews MOUNT EPHRAIM, NJ --The Black Horse Tavern at 13 Black Horse Pike, Mount Ephraim, owned by Bobby Ray Harris, is now open to the public. In 2019, Harris acquired the former Guiseppi's Restaurant. From late 2019, when he purchased it, up until this year, he has faced several challenges that have hindered him from opening the tavern. One of the challenges Harris faced was the deteriorating condition of the building that housed the old restaurant, built back in 1922. The situation was so bad that Harris had to demolish the building and rebuild it from scratch. Harris also owns a similar business in Pennsauken. Image courtesy of Bobby Rays Black Horse Tavern On the Bobby Ray Facebook page, Michelle DiCrecchio, granddaughter and niece of the former owners, John and Tony Guiseppi, shared her memories of growing up and working at Guiseppi's. DiCrecchio commented, "That... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (October 16, 2023)--You have to have a lot of gray hair, or no hair at all, to remember when a Philadelphia-based department store opened a branch in Camden City. It was a very big store, 128,000 sq. feet over four stories. At about the same time, a Parkade was opened next door. Stores in those days were not open seven days a week as they are today. The only nights Lit's was open were Wednesday and Friday nights. All stores were closed on Sunday. It was a big deal to go shopping at Lit's, having parked in the adjacent arcade and walked over to the store. They also had a restaurant for a bite to eat before or after the chore of shopping. A historic building is being demolished in Camden City. (Photo above courtesy of The Courier Post). Lit Brothers opened in... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (October 12, 2023)(CNBNews)Whenever an American goes to another country we always find things a little different. Some things are minor (eating a late dinner) and other things just can't be tolerated (warm beer!) Well, let's see if you could drive overseas. Here are a few things that are just not accepted in foreign countries: CNBNews graphic files Red cars are forbidden in Shanghai, China (they attract more accidents.) Radar detectors are forbidden in Switzerland. Fines are based on a person's income and prison is possible. Loud music emanating from a car in Australia (can be heard 50 meters or 164 feet) warrants a $200 AUD fine ($128 USD.) We have a similar law which is rarely enforced. Driving with one hand is forbidden in Cyprus. Running out of gas will get you a $75 fine in Germany. If you live in Thailand you... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews Columnist GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (October 6, 2023)(CNBNews)--A few days ago (10/4/2023 at 2:09 pm) Senator John Kennedy (no relation to President Kennedy) was asked during a Fox interview what he thinks the average American feels about our politicians. In his usual Southern drawl, he replied "The average American wonders how a politician found his way out of the birth canal." So true. These feelings don't apply only to federal politicians. Every now and then a politician comes along - local, county and state included who actually makes sense and seems to have something greater than himself at heart. Well, someday we might see that here in Gloucester City and if or when that happens, Cleary's Notebook will be the first to let you know. We will do so very loudly! But that time has not come yet. As a matter of fact, we seem to be... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBnews GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (October 3, 2023)--A nationwide test of the emergency and wireless alert systems will be conducted Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 2:20 Eastern Daylight Time, when a message will be sent to all cellphones, televisions, and radios, according to NBCNews.com. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a news release titled "THIS IS A TEST of a National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed." A similar message will be sent to all televisions and radios between 2:20 and 2:50 Eastern Daylight Time. The test is a joint effort between FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission with the purpose of ensuring that the systems are and continue to be effective on the nationwide level. The system is used for severe weather, emergencies, and Amber Alerts. Once again, this is only a test, but usually, the system alert is a piercing signal. If you... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews Columnist Each month, the Gloucester City Council and other officials hold a caucus meeting to plan what needs to be discussed at the regular Council meeting the following week. The caucus meeting this month will be Monday, September 18th, and the regular Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 25th. Here is the agenda for this month. CNBNews graphic file Proposed Update to Personnel Policies (city employees) Employee Rights and Responsibilities Workplace Policies Paid and Unpaid Time Off Compensation and Employee Benefit Policies Additional Policies Returned checks. This is public information so it appears in both the caucus and council agenda but will not be shown here. What is important is that usually there are 3 or 4 returned checks. This month, there are 12. That is four times usual. We know that taxes have increased by as much as $1,000 per year. Add to that... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews CAMDEN CITY, NJ (September 15, 2023)(CNBNews)--Our Lady of Lourdes/Virtua Hospital is planning an expansion. The hospital announced to the Courier Post on August 20, 2023 that it has plans to construct a six-story tower addition amounting to 254,155 square feet. The expansion will not include any new patient rooms but will include new elevators and renovations to the existing hospital to be completed in two phases. The tower will include new operating suites for cardiac and neurosurgical procedures and for organ transplants. The helipad, which is currently at ground level will be raised to the rooftop level. Our Lady of Lourdes is the only hospital in Southern New Jersey that performs kidney, liver, and pancreas transplants. At night, Mary's crown is lit if there has been a successful transplant that day. As of August 20, 2023, the plans had been submitted to the city's Planning Commission.... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin | CNBNews Columnist It appears that some people think that handicapped parking spots are "suggestions." They are not. Here in Gloucester City, it was brought to the attention of the Dollar Tree that they have no parking spaces reserved for handicapped drivers. Now the problem has been sent to the corporate offices. Let's see if the problem is addressed. In Deptford, the Walmart (Clement's Bridge Road) employees use handicapped parking spots during their entire shift. We all know that not all disabilities are visible but on two occasions cars, without a placard or HC license plate, were parked in the reserved spots. On each occasion the employee came out to either put something into the car or take something from the car and then return to work. Walmart's management has been notified. Just today in a senior citizen's complex in Clementon, a man blocked the handicapped spots by... Read more →