CLEARY’S NOTEBOOK: CHEERS & JEERS

Area School District Edition – January 1 to March 13, 2026

For more than 20 years, CNBNews has highlighted the people, institutions, and decisions that shape our local communities. Each week we recognize those who deserve applause — and call out those who fall short — in our continuing effort to keep residents informed and engaged. We welcome your input. If you like to submit a suggestion for our next School Districts Edition, or our regular Cheers and Jeers column, forward it to Editor William E. Cleary Sr., wecleary@gloucestercitynews.net

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Steve Heister Sr., of Gloucester City, age 75

Surrounded by his loving family, Stephen B. “Pop” Heister, Sr., of Gloucester City, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at the age of 75.

Steve will be dearly missed by his beloved wife of 54 years, Lois D. Heister (née Devine) and children Stephen B. Heister, Jr. and his wife, Pam, and Jeanette Shoemaker and her husband Garrett. He was the cherished and proud grandfather of Braydon and Kayla Heister, and Rhya and Grayson Shoemaker, who brought him endless joy.

He was the beloved son of the late Benjamin and Gloria Heister and the dear brother of the late Benjamin E. Heister, Jr. (surviving Hortensia “Honey”). He is also survived by many loving members of the Heister and Devine families.

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2026 Gala Raises More Than $475,000

More than $475,000 was raised through Jefferson Health’s recent New Jersey Gala at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. Some 400 guests attended the event, which featured entertainment by Go Go Gadjet, a nationally touring live band known for its high-energy performances, which blend top musicians, dynamic vocalists and creative medleys of popular hits.

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Widow of Veteran to Receive New Roof

Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project Gives Back to U.S. Military Veterans

Marylou Keefer, wife of late U.S. Navy veteran, William Keefer, will receive a new roof on Tuesday, March 17, 2026,from Veterans Roofing, an Owens Corning Platinum Roofing Contractor, as part of the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project.

Through a partnership with Purple Heart Homes, Mrs. Keefer was selected and approved as the recipient for the roof replacement.

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Millersville University Graduates Nearly 400

Nearly 400 undergraduate and graduate students participated in the Dec. 13 commencement exercises at Millersville University, where former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Tim Mayza, a 2018 graduate, offered the address.

Samantha Johnson of Dorothy, Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Technology

Morgan Klaiss of Mullica Hill, Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Technology

Nicole Lutz of Moorestown, Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary and Special Education

Angelina Saverase of Blackwood, Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education

Marissa Weaver of Carneys Point, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

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Bill Protecting Reproductive Health Privacy Advances

Two bills sponsored by Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis aimed at protecting the privacy and safety of individuals seeking reproductive health care advanced from the Assembly Community Development and Women’s Affairs Committee this week. The bills reflect New Jersey’s continued commitment to safeguarding reproductive freedom while protecting the privacy of patients and providers at a time when laws governing reproductive health care vary widely across the country.

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DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS – DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10 AM to 2 PM at Gloucester Township Police Headquarters!

BUT you don’t have to wait until then to drop off your unwanted/ expired prescription drugs from medicine cabinets, kitchen drawers, and nightstands! Stop by ANYTIME to the Gloucester Township Police Project Medicine Drop Box, located at our Watch Desk downstairs utilizing the front doors located at 1261 Chews Landing Road.

Reminder- we DO NOT accept liquids or syringes. Thank you!

The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. Read more here: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday

New Edition With Boyz II Men & Toni Braxton

Sunday, March 15, 2026 | 7 p.m.

Mr. Telephone, Can You Stand the Rain, If This Isn’t Love: New Edition danced so many a boy band and girl group — New Kids on the Block, N’Sync and (group member Michael Bivins’ personal proteges) Boyz II Men — could fly.

Relive the golden era of R&B with the standard bearers as New Edition joins Philly’s own Boyz II Men and the queen of R&B herself, Toni Braxton, when the New Edition Way Tour hits The Liacouras Center.

Where: The Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA

On March 4th, West Milford, in Passaic County, became the 18th municipality in New Jersey to refund all or substantially all the fees required to obtain a permit to carry. The list now includes towns in eight counties across the Garden State. This joint initiative has been led by NRA, New Jersey Firearm Owners Syndicate, and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.

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PFS 13th Annual Oscar Party

Sunday, March 15, 2026 | 6 p.m.

The Philadelphia Film Society (PFS) rolls out the awards-season red carpet during this glitzy night of Hollywood glamour.

The ticketed PFS Oscars Party features complimentary light bites; an open bar with wine, beer and a specialty cocktail; photo ops and more — along with a live broadcast of the 97th Academy Awards (displayed on Center City’s biggest screen).

Plus, VIP ticketholders get access to a private screening room with live piano accompaniment (fancy!), a full bar and prosecco toast, elevated eats, and exclusive VIP service.

Where: Film Society Center, 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA