CHEERS AND JEERS FOR AUGUST 2010

CHEER-It is nice to see a new community sign has been erected in front of the Gloucester City Municipal Building. Anytime local government reaches out to improve communications with the people they serve is a good thing.

JEER-(No Flashing Neon Signs Allowed) However, the Municipal Building is located inside the City’s Historic District. It isn’t right that the City of Gloucester City is allowed to bypass rules governing that area just because they are the government. If residents living in that area have to abide by the law so should the City.

CHEER-Brooklawn American Legion Post 72 beat Gibbsboro last month to win their 24th state title. That win took them to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament in Westlawn PA. Fighting out of the looser bracket they were one win away from going to the World Series but loss to Chesapeake, VA. A big thumbs up too Gibbsboro also. They ended their season with a 31-13 record.

JEER-A contributor writes, \”With all of the talk lately of community pride, I would like to state a jeer for those who feel it necessary to throw all manner of refuse onto Cold Springs School Avenue. I\’ve taken to picking up the trash on my walk to work because I just can\’t stand walking past it every day. Come on folks, the easiest thing to do is not litter.\”

CHEER-Brooklawn Councilman Tom MacAdams retired in August after serving the residents for 17 years. Hats off to you Tom! And thank you for your dedication.

CHEER-Richie Bonczak, of Mount Ephraim, took first place for the second year consecutively at the Regional Finals of the Phillies Home Run Derby Competition August 6, at his home field in Mount Ephraim. Richie put on a stellar hitting performance earning 35 of 50 possible points. Richie plays for both Mount Ephraim Little League and Audubon Avalanche of the Tri State Elite League Baseball Teams.

 JEER–The residents of Swathmore Avenue have been waiting for days for work crews from Public Service Gas and Electric to come and repair a utility pole that was hit and knocked into the street. This is not a third world country; why does it always take the utilities companies so long to repair a pole or down wire. Because they are a monopoly they can get away with poor service.

CHEER-Employees of the Bellmawr Highway Department laid new asphalt on St. Mary’s Street last month as part of a reciprocal work agreement the Borough has with the City of Gloucester City. In return the City lends highway department equipment, such as backhoes, street sweeper, front end loader, along with the operator to Bellmawr when needed. Kudos to both towns for finding ways to save taxpayers money.

JEER-Nothing is more ignorant then a person talking on the telephone telling the girl at the deli counter to wait why she finishes her phone call. This was happening on a busy day at Shop Rite, Brooklawn with others waiting in line to have their orders filled. Rudeness is becoming the norm because of society’s cell phone fixation.

CHEER-In August citizens joined together to form the new Gloucester City Gardening & Beautification Association. Approximately 45 people came out to discuss the Corner Curb Appeal Project and to ask for volunteers to keep the project alive. Joyce Calzonetti, Mickie Glassman and John Schmidt are just some of the people who were instrumental in getting this project started.

JEER- Cashiers who wait on customer\’s while talking on their cell phones, and talking to other customer\’s when ringing up their purchases and making mistakes. Such as ringing items up twice, and or over charging sales.

CHEER-This year the Mount Ephraim Senior League All-Stars accomplished something that no other team has ever done in District 14 history, winning four titles in a row. Team highlights for the year: 45 doubles in 24 games; 21 home runs by eight players; seven players with batting averages over .400; team average of .368.

JEER-A Camden City Police Detective writes, \”The Camden PD has investigated 137 shootings, 457 robberies, 23 homicides and 100 gun arrests as of August 27. Yet the Mayor and Council are going to lay off as many as 140 police officers, plus the City plans to demote 40 officers and not replace 12 officers who are retiring. God Bless remaining men in Blue and the residents of Camden.\”

THIS MONTHS CONTRIBUTORS in no particular order, Michael Kazmar, Mildred Stubbs, Connie Cleary, Eric Black, Dawn Watson, Joe Sloan and several anonymous people.