First off, I agree with Stephen Roche about changing the names of the streets. There is nothing wrong with the names they have. Are these people looking at all the work and tax dollars it will take to make such a \”stupid\” move?

Gloucester has had many heroes, so how come all at once we have a few important ones?

My husband about lost his life in the \”real\” war in the 1940s. That war was declared on the United States – it was not one man\’s war because someone took a pot shot at his dad.

My dad served in the Navy, too. He also is a hero – he raised seven girls in Gloucester. They all turned out good and have good husbands. That took some doing, too.

Maybe we could at least get the 400 block of Powell Street named John B. Spence.

I do feel for these moms, dads and families that lost a loved one in Bush\’s war. It is really bad, but for the life of us – we cannot bring them back. This is sad.

I wonder how these other families feel that lost their kids in the 40s. No one seems to remember \”that\” war and those heroes. So, I say no to my hometown to change street names. It is a big mistake.

This money would be \”better spent\” just cleaning up all the trashy yards and homes these outsider\’s cause.

Jackie Sorensen, Odebolt, IA

 

Paul Spaventa, short in stature, faced an awesome dilemma.

He had to search his soul and answer the following question: Do I dance with the devil or serve the people?

Spaventa, the superintendent of Mount Holly schools, chose the latter, knowing there would be hell to pay.

He persevered and within the span of two short years proved his worth by:

 

1. Mandating that all who serve the taxpayers of Mount Holly adopt the necessary mindset to ensure educational growth.

2. Establishing a bond — not superficial link — between home, school and community.

3. Functioning as a superintendent with a vision and driven purpose.

Spaventa\’s resolve created discord among leaders of the Mount Holly Educational Association and some community representatives who traditionally ruled supreme. Mean-spirited tactics ate away at his soul.

 

The Gloucester City Board of Education realized he was a godsend and provided him with an offer he couldn\’t refuse.

He agonized over the opportunity to serve the people without dancing with the devil.

Unfortunately, Spaventa will be leaving Mount Holly in mid-November. Journey onward those that put the children first — we\’ll miss you.

 

Paul Bracy

Mount Holly

When the Camden County park was built in 1929, it was dedicated to the six soldiers killed in World War I.

They planted cherry blossom trees, and a small stone marker with each soldiers name on it.

On Memorial Day, the veterans marched to the park and placed a floral float in the Delaware River.

The Park Commission deeded the ground back to the City in 1979 for $1. Because of the significance of a few men of the West Jersey Proprietors meeting under a Buttonwood tree for 299 years, City Council changed the name to \”Proprietor\’s Park.\” How many people knew what the Proprietors were for?

It is up to Gloucester City Council to decide to make the change, not the Historical Society.

Why doesn\’t Council stand up and dedicate the park to all of our veterans, and return it to what it was?

John A. Berry, Gloucester City

Bill\’s Point of View …………………category Bills Point of View

 

The old Sports Corner Bar, at 4^th and Jersey Avenue, Gloucester City is being demolished to make way for a restaurant. The bar has been closed for nearly 20 years and soon the building will be non-existent. JK Venture Enterprises, LLC, the current property owners, have been working diligently to demolish and clean up the site in order to get it ready for their newest endeavor. A family style restaurant.

JK Venture is a UEZ business trading as Tavern on the Edge.

Recently approved at the June Gloucester City Planning/Zoning Board meeting, JK Venture Enterprises, LLC t/a Tavern on the Edge plans to erect a two-story restaurant/bar with outdoor dining to be completed by winter 2008.  

Just the mention of the name brings back some fond memories about the guys who use to hang out at the Sports Corner as it was known back in the 50\’s, 60\’s and 70\’s. Remember when Jackie Schules owned it? Closing time would come at 2 AM the doors would be locked and anyone still inside would stay around and have a couple beers. Sometimes we watch the sun come up.

On Saturday night before heading out to \”crash\” a wedding reception you meet there to kill sometime. Thinking back to that period I can see some of the familiar faces. After all the laughter how can you forget hanging out at \”The Corner\” with guys like Nipper Nazar, Frank McCully, Ron Raube, Jim Quinn, Sam Long, Sprinkle and Walt Ashe, Jack the Rat, Joe Murphy, John Azzari, Gary Belfiglio, Warren Theckston, Rocky Icavone, Bozo Sharp, Bill Rettig, Budgie O\’Hara, Jack Persichette, Chris Gallagher, Koz, Mongo, Buddy Myers, JukeBox Joe DiGiacomo, Jim Hubbard. 

Also, Harry Ferry, Joe Stiles, Aldie DiGiacomo, Marty Sherry, Bill Ozark Underwood, brother Geo, Bill and Gary Gross, Dempsey, Ron Henefer, Billy McFredericks, Bob Bevan, John Newcome, Choo Choo Murphy, Albie Brandt, John Hindsley, Bill Tourtual, Jan Ferry, Joe Brandt, Joe Battersby, Earl Kaighn, Butch Shaeffer, Corkie McNutt, Reds and Skippy Grandizio, OneEye Sharp are just some of the names that come to mind when thinking about this once popular watering hole.

Well the building may be gone but the memories can never be erased. Gloucester City continues to make progress. I for one can\’t wait for the new restaurant to open, the plans for it look great. It certainly will be a welcome addition to the neighborhood. To view the site plan of the restaurant, click here.