Day: October 24, 2025

Sweetie and I Could Have Been Hurt By Woman Texting and Driving

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (CNBNEWS)Oct. 24, 2025)—Sweetie and I were walking in the field across from the Cold Springs today. It was around 8 AM. She was off lead and was healing on my left side. A vehicle came out of nowhere and brushed my right side leg.. When Sweetie saw the car, she ran towards Cold Springs Drive. Fortunately, she came when I called her. I hooked her to her lead and approached the woman, who was still on her computer, and knocked gently on her window. When I explained to her what had happened, she apologized several times. 

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Despite being so close to me that her car brushed my right leg, the woman said she never saw me.

Neither Sweetie nor I was hurt. Things could have been much worse. During my walks along Cold Springs Drive, I have noticed numerous people texting while driving on that street. 

Thank you, God! For protecting both of us. 

Sweetie, a 2-year-old female yellow Labrador retriever, is AKC registered. Connie and I adopted her on July 5, 2025.
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COMMISSIONER LATOURETTE INVITES FEEDBACK 

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection invites the public and the regulated community to provide feedback on its newly launched NJDEP DocMiner online tool, which provides greater access to public records and complements digitized records found through DEP’s existing DataMiner online database.

“The launch of the NJDEP DocMiner tool is an important component of our overall work to modernize information tools, improve transparency and allow our many stakeholders to access information more quickly and reliably,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “We invite the public, regulated community and stakeholders to provide insights as we continue to add documents to our database and look for ways to make this product as user-friendly as possible.”

NJDEP DocMiner organizes DEP’s available electronic documents and automates the records request process through an online, self-service tool that features search capabilities to quickly locate environmental public records by regulated entity (both present and past names), specific DEP identification numbers, or by address. Users will be able to view publicly available documents such as site remediation records and air, water and land use permit records.

The tool complements DEP’s DataMiner online application and, in some cases, may help the public avoid filing Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests, especially in cases where information is needed prior to digitization of records within the NJDEP DataMiner platform. NJDEP DataMiner is a robust tool that has been available for years to provide access to information on facilities and sites regulated by DEP.

The public is encouraged to start using the NJDEP DocMiner tool and provide feedback on ease of use, accuracy of results, and the content provided by the tool at https://dep.nj.gov/docminer/provide-feedback/. The NJDEP DocMiner site also includes training videos and FAQs.

NJDEP DocMiner’s electronic repository is growing daily through a continuous effort to scan older records and process newly submitted records. However, it may not contain all the records that DEP maintains for sites or facilities with a long remedial, permitting, compliance, or enforcement history. Additionally, DEP program areas conduct initial reviews for potentially sensitive information.

The various file types (pdf, Excel, Word, email) a search produces can be displayed within the tool itself. The application also contains extensive export capabilities, as well as the ability for users to easily share links to entire document collection sets or specific individual documents.

Several DEP mapping tools are integrated into the tool, allowing users to search for items of interest and easily toggle between mapping information, such as regulated areas, and the documents stored within NJDEP DocMiner. In addition, NJDEP DataMiner is integrated into the tool, allowing users to switch between environmental data reports and the associated environmental public records stored within NJDEP DocMiner.

Board of Commissioners celebrate one million meals delivered to local seniors

(Gloucester Township, NJ) – The Camden County Board of Commissioners marked a major milestone in its Home Delivered Meal program this week with the delivery of the one-millionth meal through its partnership with the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA). Since 2017, the County has worked with SJTA to expand delivery services using the Authority’s specialized delivery vehicles equipped with hot and cold storage, ensuring food safety and proper temperature for every meal delivered.

“This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring food security for our senior residents,” said Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services. “The Home Delivered Meals program provides a sense of dignity and independence to our seniors, and every meal delivered is a reminder that they are not alone.”

Gloucester Township resident Dolores Hilferty was the recipient of the one-millionth meal. Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, Commissioner Jennifer Fleisher, Surrogate Michelle Gentek-Mayer, Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer, Gloucester Township Councilwoman Helen Albright Troxell, and Gloucester Township Councilman Ciri Castro Jr., were joined by representatives from the SJTA and the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Congressman Donald Norcross credited the Older Americans Act for the impact the program has had in Camden County and other areas of his district.

“This week, we celebrate one million meals delivered to seniors in our community, a major milestone for our Home Delivered Meal program and the goal of combating food insecurity,” Norcross said. “This program, made possible through the Older Americans Act, ensures that no senior is left hungry or forgotten. During a time when the Trump Administration has slashed food assistance programs, we need programs made possible through the Older Americans Act now more than ever before. Everyone deserves access to a nutritious meal, and I’m honored to say that we’ve delivered that to one million individuals in South Jersey.”

The Camden County Home Delivered Meals program provides over 400 Camden County seniors with one ready-to-eat meal, delivered every weekday, at no cost to the participants. There is currently no wait list for Home Delivered Meals.

To be eligible for the Home Delivered Meals program, an individual must:

•        Reside in Camden County and be age 60 years or older

•        Be unable to leave home without the assistance of another person

•        Be unable to prepare a nutritious meal for themselves

•        Not be a recipient of Medicaid Managed Long Term Support Services (MLTSS)

If you or a senior you know needs meal assistance, please call 856-374-MEAL (6325) to get started.

Senator Andy Kim Convenes Bipartisan Group to Urge Gateway Project Reinstatement

On October 22, 2025, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) convened a bipartisan group of leaders from across New Jersey to urge the reinstatement of funding for the Gateway Project.

Participants of the conversation included:

·         Congressman Robert Menendez (NJ-08) 

·         Congresswoman Nellie Pou (NJ-09) 

·         Mayor Jason Cilento, Dunnellen 

·         Mayor Janice Kovach, Clinton 

·         Mayor Colleen Mahr, Fanwood 

·         Mayor Nick Carra, Raritan  

·         Mayor Kathleen Prunty, Cranford 

·         Somerset Commissioner and Deputy Director, Melanie Marano

·         Mike Hellstrom, International Vice President & Eastern Regional Manager, LiUNA

“This isn’t a Democratic or Republican project, it’s one that helps all New Jerseyans, and it’s why we’ve come together to call for this funding to be reinstated immediately,” said Senator Andy Kim. “The consequences of canceling this project are bigger than partisanship; and we’ll keep fighting together to get people back to work and fix our broken transit systems.”

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“We have made real progress on Gateway, with major milestones reached on schedule and on budget,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “Yet the Trump Administration wants to terminate good-paying jobs and turn back the clock on our region’s growth. We won’t let that happen. I’m proud to stand with Senator Kim, Congresswoman Pou, and our local leaders to defend this bipartisan project and deliver the safe, reliable, modern transit our communities deserve.”

“Gateway isn’t just a tunnel, but a lifeline for New Jersey,” said Congresswoman Nellie Pou. “The project will increase safety, it will reduce congestion, and it will solidify the economic backbone of the entire Northeast region. Gateway will also provide good-paying jobs, including for our building trades. We will keep fighting to move this project forward toward completion.”

“The potential termination of the Gateway Tunnel project directly harms Raritan Boro’s economic development efforts. Years of planning have focused on building up the area around our train station and the town has been working to connect the station to our main street to help support our family-owned small businesses,” said Raritan Mayor, Nicolas Carra. “This also harms our ability to attract new young families who look to purchase a home or rent in Raritan and may work across the Hudson River. Lastly, being in my late 20’s I have seen family and friends in my age group who are choosing to live closer to the city and leave their childhood town because of the inconvenience of traveling four hours round trip for work.”

“The Gateway Tunnel is a critical artery for New Jersey, connecting communities like Clinton to opportunity and growth. Delays in this project stifle economic progress, prolong commuter hardships, and hinder job creation, threatening the prosperity and connectivity our region desperately needs,” said Clinton Mayor, Janice Kovach.

“Republican, Democrat, or Independent, mayors have to be pragmatic leaders. We don’t have time for partisan politics when our residents expect us to get the job done,” said Dunellen Mayor, Jason Cilento. “Our communities deserve clarity on the future of the Gateway Tunnel. In Dunellen, a designated Transit Village, more than $270 million has been invested in housing, mixed-use, and commercial projects around our train station because the Raritan Valley Line is one of our greatest assets. That investment represents hope and confidence in the line’s future. Delaying or denying support for Gateway and regional rail threatens not only that progress, but the economic revival of Main Streets across towns like ours, and the property values that so many families have invested their life savings in.”

“We stand united in our opposition to any attempt to defund, delay or terminate the Gateway Program. Gateway is not just a Manhattan project, it’s a New Jersey project, it’s a Raritan Valley Line project and it’s the single most important investment we can make to secure the future of our communities. Our residents are the actual backbone of this region’s workforce who already pay the price with the constant stress of aging, fragile system of rail tunnels beneath the Hudson River. Gateway is not just a construction project it’s a promise of safety, economic stability and basic dignity for millions who rely on this critical corridor to get to work, care for their families and keep our regional economy moving,” said the RVLMA in a joint statement.

“Now is not the time to play around with the 200,000 rail passengers who rely on our Trans-Hudson rail tunnel each day. It is not the time to risk our safety and our economic health by relying on a 114-year old piece of aging infrastructure. And, most certainly, now is not the time to play around with people’s livelihoods and the ability to put food on the table and care for their families,” said Michael E. Hellstrom, International Vice President & Eastern Regional Manager, LiUNA. “The Gateway Program needs neither new funding nor approvals. It is a job in progress and should not be stopped for political gamesmanship. We need to put more Americans to work building the safe, modern, and efficient transportation system that this country needs and deserves.”

This meeting comes after the recent surprise announcement by President Trump officially terminating the $18 billion in funding needed for The Gateway Project, a long-term transit development project that was set to modernize the Tri-State area’s transit infrastructure. Senator Kim lead a joint statement opposing this announcement, as this would cancel all improvements and upgrades, as well as cancel the plans to create a new tunnel that would have added another commuter option into Manhattan for New Jersey commuters and would ease the burden and commute times of those traveling in and out of New Jersey. Senator Kim also put out a joint statement with Senator Cory Booker(D-NJ).

Early in-person voting begins this weekend

(Gloucester Township, NJ) – Early voting for registered voters in Camden County will begin on October 25. Early voting allows all registered voters to cast their ballot in person, prior to Election Day. No matter where you live in Camden County, you can vote for your specific ballot on a voting machine at any of Camden County’s seven designated in-person early voting locations. The County’s seven locations will be open for registered voters from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. from October 25 to November 2, 2025.

“Early voting offers residents greater flexibility to cast their ballot at a time that best fits their schedule,” said Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. “It’s an excellent option for those with busy lives who still value the experience of voting in-person.”

Camden County Early Voting Locations:

Camden CityRowan University129 N. Broadway, Camden
Cherry HillCherry Hill Community Center820 Mercer Street
CollingswoodCollingswood Senior Center30 W. Collings Ave, Collingswood
Gloucester TownshipElections & Archive Center100 University Court, Blackwood
RunnemedeHarry Williams Community Center2 Broadway, Runnemede
WinslowBud Duble Community Center33 Cooper Folly Rd, Atco
VoorheesLion’s Lake Community Center101 Dutchtown Rd., Voorhees

‘Puerto Rican Rambo’ Jorge Otero-Barreto passes away

Honor & Remembrance

Otero-Barreto received multiple Silver Stars, took part in more than 200 missions during Vietnam War, and later served as an American Legion post service officer.

Army veteran Jorge Otero-Barreto – nicknamed the “Puerto Rican Rambo” — received multiple Silver Stars, volunteered for five tours in Vietnam, engaged in more than 200 combat and aerial missions, and was wounded five times. He died Oct. 14 at age 87.

Otero-Barreto was a platoon sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne, serving from 1959 to 1970. 

Later, he joined The American Legion and was post commander and service officer for many years at Vega Baja American Legion Post 14, about 30 miles west of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

In 2016, American Legion Magazine ran this profile of Otero-Barreto. He will be remembered as many things to many people: honorable warrior, community leader, veterans advocate.

“I want to be remembered as a good father,” he said during the interview, bowing his head and pausing. “A good grandpa. A good father. A good husband. I want them to remember me.”  

Family celebrates legacy of Texas sailor killed during Pearl Harbor attack

By Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes

Robert Stillman Garcia- laid to rest after being identified eight days after being killed while serving on the USS California.

Robert Stillman Garcia may have gone missing in action during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, but his legacy of service held strong in his family during the eight decades it took for him to return home.

“I never thought this day would come,” said Navy Lt. Allison Ledesma, his great grand niece.

She knew Garcia primarily from the portrait of him that hung in her childhood living room alongside the telegram informing the family he was missing. Garcia was 23 and serving as storekeeper 3rd class on the USS California — his first duty assignment — when the Japanese attacked.

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Real-Time Action from the Comfort of Your Home with Live Dealer Casino Games

Over the past decade, the online gaming industry has made significant strides, but few of these developments have been able to equal the thrill of live dealer casino games and casinos. With real-time contact, expert dealers, and high-definition video streaming, players can now experience actual casinos from the comfort of their own homes.  Live dealer Chơi casino tại AALIVE platforms connect online and physical casinos by fusing state-of-the-art technology with genuine human interaction.  Players’ interactions with casino entertainment have been altered by this fusion of convenience and realism, which has revolutionized the global online gaming market. 

The Development of Gaming with Live Dealers

In the early 2000s, live dealer gambling was created to fill this gap by enabling players to communicate with actual dealers through live video broadcasting. The ability to mimic the casino experience online with extraordinary realism was made feasible by technological advancements in broadband internet, camera quality, and streaming speed. Live dealer games are already a common feature of online casinos, drawing in millions of players who want to experience the thrill of live gambling without ever leaving their homes.

The Operation of Live Dealer Casino Games

Specialized studios or, occasionally, real casino floors broadcast the games. Professional dealers use actual cards, wheels, and tables to oversee the games, just like they would in a real casino. Every element, including the dealer’s actions and the roulette wheel’s spin, is captured by high-definition cameras and streamed to players in real time. Through an internet interface, players place wagers, and real actions—rather than random number generators—determine the outcomes. During gameplay, players can converse with the dealer or other players thanks to sophisticated software that guarantees seamless interaction. 

The Human Aspect of Play in Real Time

Players compete against algorithms in typical digital casino games, which can seem impersonal. Live dealer services, which employ real dealers to welcome players, go over game rules, and answer questions via live chat, bring back the social element of gaming. By simulating the ambiance of a real casino, this interaction makes the encounter feel cozier and thrilling. Because players can watch every shuffle, deal, or spin happen in front of them, the presence of a human dealer also increases trust and fosters a sense of fair play.

Well-liked Live Dealer Games

A range of games is available at live dealer casinos to accommodate players of all skill levels and interests. Classic games featuring tables and stakes to suit different players, including baccarat, roulette, and blackjack, are the most played. Live poker has also gained popularity because versions like Casino Hold’em and Three Card Poker provide an exciting blend of skill and chance. Game-show-style live casino games, which blend traditional gambling with television-style presenting, have created a new level of excitement in recent years. By bringing originality and individuality to the typical casino experience, these cutting-edge games appeal to a larger audience.

Comfort Without Sacrifice

Without having to go to a physical site, players may access real-time casino action at any time and from any location. Because the games are optimized for both desktop and mobile devices, users may play them at home or on the go. The experience is nonetheless immersive despite this flexibility, featuring all of the sounds, sights, and business etiquette of an actual casino. The availability of live gaming has made it accessible to players, creating a vibrant and diverse gaming community where players from different countries can assemble at the same virtual table.

Behind-the-scenes technology

While optical character recognition (OCR) software transforms the dealer’s physical motions into digital data that the system can process rapidly, high-definition video streaming guarantees clear views. Even users with poorer connections can enjoy coordinated and fluid gameplay thanks to low-latency networks. To make the experience even more captivating, certain Chơi casino tại AALIVE platforms now use theatrical effects and different camera viewpoints. The quickness and quality of live dealer games are improving as 5G and higher internet speeds become accessible, providing players worldwide with greater immersion.

Safety and Equity

For live dealer casinos to succeed, fairness and trust are crucial. Reputable operators safeguard user information and financial transactions with cutting-edge encryption technologies. There are fewer questions regarding randomness or manipulation because the games are run by actual dealers with tangible equipment, making the results obvious and provable. Gaming authorities license and regulate the majority of platforms, guaranteeing adherence to global norms. Frequent testing and audits provide an additional degree of legitimacy. And reassure players that they are taking part in a safe and equitable environment.

The Social Aspect of Gaming at Live Casinos

Playing live dealer games is about more than just placing bets; it’s about building relationships. Players can interact with dealers and other players at the table by using the integrated chat feature. This social component fosters friendly rivalry and shared excitement by simulating the communal element of land-based casinos. These conversations foster a sense of community among gamers, whether they are about tactics or celebrating a win.