A question was asked today in a comment if the Gloucester City School District advertised teacher positions in the Gloucester City News in the past month.

According to the publisher of the Gloucester City News, Albert Countryman, there have been no advertisements for any positions placed in the Gloucester City News by the School District in three months. The Gloucester City News is designated as one of the District’s legal newspapers.

The question that comes immediately to mind is where has the Gloucester City School District been advertising for help? And why haven’t the ads been placed in the local newspaper? The other legal newspaper is the Courier Post.

By now everyone knows that the City School District recently hired an English teacher. From what I have been able to find out one local resident, David Knecht, did submit a resume for the position in late May early June. However he was told by \”people in the know\” that the job went to someone else. As such he applied elsewhere and was hired. Mr. Knecht graduated in 2004 from Gloucester City High School with honors. And he recently graduated from The College of New Jersey also with honors.

~Bill Cleary

PS. It doesn\’t mean the District did anything illegal just because the legal notice for job opening (s) were not placed in the Gloucester City News. The advertisement (s) may have been placed in the Courier Post. And if so one would have to ask the question why not place the legal notice also in the local paper.

Tuesday\’s Tips and Snippets

Related: Tips and Snippets

Related: Site Gives Details on Gloucester City

Link: The Progress > Sports > Knights garner first Legion title\”>Recorder Community Newspapers

NORTH CALDWELL – Originally known as the Suburban Knights, the contingent now known as the Summer Knights has posted an outstanding 18-2 mark in its first score of Essex County American Legion Baseball League outings and, in doing so, clinched the Essex/National Division championship.

That feat has earned the West Essex Regional-based locals a berth in the county’s championship game on Saturday, July 19, and their first ever trip to the New Jersey District Tournaments.

Heading into Tuesday’s games, the Essex/National Division standings showed the Summer Knights on top at 18-2, followed by Livingston at 16-5, South Orange at 12-7, Caldwell Post 185 at 12-8, Vailsburg (a/k/a Seton Hall Prep) at 12-10, Millburn at 6-14, Verona at 6-15 and Montclair at 4-16.

The last independent pharmacy in Gloucester City will be closing its doors on Tuesday, July 22. RxD Pharmacy at 525 Monmouth Street has been located at that address for 25 years. Kings Pharmacy at Market and Broadway closed a few years ago after serving the community for over 50 years.

City residents will still have a choice between CVS Pharmacy at 417 South Broadway or Lipkins Pharmacy in nearby Brooklawn.

It is sad to see the \”Mom and Pop\” stores get eaten up by the big chains.

No matter how hard the CVS, Walgreens and other corporations try they will never compare with the personal touch you receive when you walk into a privately own business where everyone knows your name.

Thanks Steve for the TIP

At long last the environmental cleanup at the Klemm Avenue and Highland Blvd. intersection in Gloucester City has been completed. The work to remove contaminants dumped their many years ago by the defunct Welsbach Gas Mantle Co began in 2005. Both roads are now open to traffic.

RE: OPRA REQUEST submitted by the Gloucester City News

Dear Mr. Countryman, \”The information requested in your OPRA dated June 27, 2008, refers to confidential, inter-agency, intra-agency advisory, consultative, and or deliberative material and is therefore exempted from the Open Public Records Act.\”

Paul Kain, City Administrator/Municipal Clerk

I am told The City News plans to file a request with the NJ Government Records Council to decide the matter. Related City News files OPRA request

 

The last few days I have been overwhelmed with all the comments. Yesterday for example 61 comments were received. Most are criticizing the City School Board and Administration for not hiring local candidates for teaching positions in the District. Thanks to everyone for sharing your views.

Once again I urge you to stay away from name calling, no profanity, along with making accusations without proof. To those submitting 300 words essays; most people are going to skim over those long boring remarks or not read them at all. You can make your point in less words if you try. And finally if you see something that is untrue or out of line DO NOT POST A COMMENT, instead contact me via Email [email protected]

TODAY’S BLOG NEWS

 

ShapTalk.com has a comment on a study completed recently on the business climate in New Jersey. The results of the Study are a troubling sign for New Jersey’s economic future.

Please click on the link below to read the full column…

Link: http://shaptalk.blogspot.com/2008/07/troubling-sign-for-new-jerseys-economic.html

Corzine Wrong on Offshore Drilling

The SaveJersey.com Blog condemns Governor Corzine and his Democrat cohorts for blocking offshore drilling for oil. They write, \” Next time you pull up to the gas station and notice that the prices have increased since your last visit, you can blame Jon Corzine and all of the other \”no drilling in my backyard\” politicians who are opposed to drilling for oil in the outer continental shelf along America\’s coast.

READ MORE

If you have a TIP you would like to share send it to [email protected]

Related: Bill\’s Tips and Snippets …………………..

 

By Lois Staas NEWS Correspondent

 Superintendent Annette Castiglione presented the results of the 2007-2008 Bellmawr Public Schools Community Survey during the recent Board of Education meeting.

The survey was distributed to all district families and had 345 respondents.

Printed results were distributed as Castiglione highlighted the assessment.

The ongoing controversy over the length of the spring break was put into perspective.

Survey results indicate that 254 are in favor of a break as it was scheduled this year (one week); 75 were opposed, and 16 had no opinion.

\”We agree,\” Castiglione said to the 16 respondents who offered opinions that the teachers and principals are doing an excellent job.

As to the two respondents who expressed concerns over the changes to the middle school curriculum, the superintendent replied, \”We are planning a parent meeting to explain how this schedule will work to benefit students.

\”Also I believe in a rigorous program. To the respondent who expressed a need for less homework and fewer project-based learning activities, we try to give students multiple opportunities for learning and for assessment. Projects are an enjoyable way for students to demonstrate what they have learned.\”

Board Member Betty Sheppard said, \”Welcome back to Mr. Beail after his leave from surgery.\”

\”Thank you. I am looking forward to September,\” Beail said.

Castiglione acknowledged the resignation and service of Spanish teacher Ms. Susan Page, who has \”accepted a position at another district.\”

In his committee report Board Member Ron Henry assured everyone, \”The buildings are sound and are basically in very good shape with few problems.\”

Regina Andrews-Collette, president of the Bellmawr Education Association, asked for clarification concerning the roof repairs to the Bellmawr Park and Ethel Burke schools.

\”Some roof repairs need to be taken care of, as well as the carpets at Burke and Bellmawr Park,\” Henry said. \”As a matter of fact the air quality has been tested the past two years.\”

Mr. Beail requested and received confirmation that the needed work would be completed by school opening so that the buildings would be safe for employees, as well as students.

A special highlight of the evening occurred as Ethel Burke School student Anjali Patel, a fourth grader, accepted an award for placing fourth in the Camden County Poster Contest.

Presenter Ron Henry applauded Anjali, \”an enthusiastic student who is always willing to share ideas and is creative in all of her work, especially art.\”

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Belmawr BOE will be Tuesday, August 24, and the Board will go into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.

 Submitted by Bernadette Gorman

On Jeopardy the other night, the final question was… How many steps does the guard take during his walk across The Tomb of the Unknowns —- All three missed it –

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the Tomb of the Unknowns and why?

· Twenty-one steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.

2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and

· Why? Twenty-one seconds for the same reason as answer number one.

3. Why are his gloves wet?

· His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.

4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time and if not, why not?

· He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.

5. How often are the guards changed?

· Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?

· For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb he must be between 5\’ 10\’ and 6\’ 2\’ tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30\’. Other requirements of the Guard:

They must commit two years of their lives to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way.

After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 wreath pins presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.

The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.

There are no wrinkles, folds, or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror. The first six months of duty, a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery…

A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred.

Among the notables are President Taft, Joe E.Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy {the most decorated soldier of WWII}, of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our US Senate/House took two days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They respectfully declined the offer, \’No way, Sir!\’

Soaked to the skin, marching in the > pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding the Tomb was not just an assignment; it was the highest honor that can be afforded to a service person. The Tomb has been patrolled continuously, 24/7,since 1930.

God Bless and keep them.

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/

Source Gloucester City\’s website

After much discussion on the appropriate way to honor those whom made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States, the Mayor\’s Advisory Committee has a recommendation that should please the families of the 68 individuals and the present residents of the City. The 68 persons were as follows: three from the Civil War, five from World War I, forty-nine from World War II, two from the Korean War and one from the War on Terror.

The committee has selected a 2 foot by 4 foot banner with a picture or a symbol, when a photo is not available, and name, the date and location of death and the war. The banners will be flown from the existing poles along Broadway during the months of May and November.

The committee needs the help of family members to supply a photo and the specific information on the individuals to be honored. The names that information is needed are as follows:

Civil War – William Bernard Campbell, William Groves, Sergeant Patrick Reilly

World War I – David Barnaby, Fredrick Baynes, Amon Lane, John Sheldon, Townsend Young

World War II – Robert Anderson, Joseph Barron, Ralph Batzel, William Boddingham, Daniel Booth, Samuel Burns, Alden Cochran, Thomas Costello, Albert Crabtree, Edward Crouthamel, Frank Dickinson, Joseph DiSantis, John Elliot, Albert Godalla, Fredrick Gehrig, Davis Ginsberg, Samuel Goldy, Joseph Harrison, Albert Harvey, John Hegener Jr., Albert Hobbs, Harold Holloway, Ross Hunt, Joseph Johnson, Thomas Joseph, Edward Keenan, Joseph Kobby, Gerald Lyons, Jack McDermott, Paul Mailley, James Myles Jr., Francis Newcombe, Albert Parker, John Pletkin, Edward Rogers, Joseph Scheurich, Thomas Sheridan, Hyman Small, William Spencer, Walter Springer, John Stainker, James Stinsman, Walter Stuhl, Fred Walker, Walter Walker, Joseph Wessell, James Wilkie, William Williams, Walter Williamson

Korean War – C. Richard Eppleman, Frank Sullivan

Vietnam War – Ronald Bates, Harry Brannon, Wayne Colantuono, Christopher Daniels, Paul Flaherty, William Hamacher, William Ridge, John Rodgers, Micheal Walters

War on Terror – Sgt. Mark Ryan

All information on the above can be sent to Ted Howarth at 315 Orlando Ave., Gloucester City, NJ 08030.

Chairman Howarth states that with the help of family and friends of our decreased veterans, plans are to have the banners on Broadway in November.

A sample of the banner will be on display at the Municipal Building for the next few weeks.

 

By John P. Schmidt NEWS Correspondent

The Gloucester City Board of Education held an emergency meeting last Monday (June 30) to accept a bid to renovate the auditorium in the Gloucester City High School for $525,200.

Superintendent Paul Spaventa said the district had money in its Capital Improvement Fund, which is used to improve and upgrade facilities. The auditorium renovation had been on a list of projects deemed important.

The vote was held last week in hopes that construction can start in August, when school is not in session, because there is espestise glue underneath the floor.

Spaventa said the district had received money from the former NJ School Construction Corporation, which had been responsible for building schools in Abbott Districts.

However, due to mismanagement, the state closed it down, and now has a new organization to oversee building and construction.

Spaventa said that there was leftover money the district received for three projects deemed to be emergencies.

They are fixing the roof of Mary Ethel Costello School, the playground at Cold Springs School, and lighting at the High School.

The board also approved personnel for different positions in the district from teachers to support staff.

Also approved was a student teaching program in conjunction with Farleigh Dickinson University.

Board Member Jacqueline Borger, who runs the Municipal Alliance program, asked if it could utilize space somewhere in the district.

She said the Alliance has a record number of kids signing up for camps throughout the summer, and that the PAL Building may not be large enough.

Borger also said more than 100 children signed up for the basketball camp, which was held in June.

The board approved Borger\’s request, 6-0-1, with Borger abstaining.

It was okayed on condition that space was available. John Kenney, director of Facilities, will have to approve the request as well.

The next meeting for the Board of Education will be July 29 at 7 p.m. in the High School Media Center.

 

Link: | Philadelphia Inquirer | 07/16/2008.

High schools

Gloucester Catholic announced the hiring of Todd Powers, 30, as boys\’ basketball coach and Joe Matranga, 50, as softball coach.

*Note: At the time this article went to print the Gloucester City News could not clearly verify the legality whether or not the Superindent could act as president of the Board of Education meeting. There have been conflicting answers and as of present time the News is waiting for a response from the Office of the Interim Camden County Superintendent of Schools H. Mark Stanwood.

 

–John Schmidt

 

 

By John P. Schmidt NEWS Correspondent

As Gloucester City Mayor William P. James played the bagpipes on the Delaware River, the Schooner North Wind sailed into port Saturday evening, July 5.

It docked at the old Coast Guard Pier, which has been renamed Freedom Pier, under the direction of Captain Charles Reed.

Reed has more than 40 years of maritime experience and is volunteering his time to help the City.

\”It\’s a beginning,\” Councilman Jay Brophy said. \”The King Street Theater went down, the Coast Guard Base closed down, and all this property closed down. Now, it\’s alive. It\’s absolutely a benefit to everybody, it\’s unbelievable.\”

The Schooner was followed up the river by the Flagship IV, which also docks at Freedom Pier.

Reed said the schooner departed its dry-dock in Greenwich at 9:40 a.m.

The schooner, which will be renamed Saoirse Ceallaigh (the Gaelic for \”freedom from strife\”), and it will be the gem of the Gloucester City River Front revitalization.

The goal is to turn the waterfront into an Irish Village dubbed, \”Dublin on the Delaware.\”

According to the 2000 Census, 34.2 percent of the City\’s population has Irish ancestry, which makes Gloucester City the ninth-highest percentage of all municipalities in the United States with Irish ancestry, and the third highest among municipalities with a population above 1,000.

\”When you sit back and you don\’t do anything and stand in stagnant water, you sink,\” Mayor James said. \”You got to move your feet, and all we did was move our feet onto this pier so we can create the future. No more sitting back doing studies. Governments stall themselves doing that all the time.\”

James added, \”Let\’s start moving forward. Let\’s start doing things and making things happen.\”

The City plans to utilize the ship as a classroom and use it as a charter vessel.

Community Relations Specialist Bob Bevan said the next step is for the City to form a successful program to relate the boat to the youth of the city.

Reed said the inside of the ship will be stripped to set it up to act as a school, along with sleeping quarters.

\”Volunteers are going to be working on it, mostly volunteers will be doing the whole program,\” Reed said. \”[We] will be getting involved with teachers and environmental groups to tie it into the river and ecology as much as we can.\”

Mayor James said he hopes the ship will act as a billboard for the City and that the estimated 140,000 cars which cross the Walt Whitman Bridge each day will take notice of it.

\”We\’re thinking by bringing this here and giving Gloucester pride, having people see it coming across the bridge [that it] is going to be a great thing,\” James said.

source Gloucester City News July 10