CNBNews September 2025 Cheers and Jeers
Monday, September 22, 2025
William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News
**CHEER** – With the arrival of each new season, the anticipation builds as we eagerly check the enchanting displays in the store windows of ESTI Jewelers. The creativity of the decorator never ceases to amaze us, whether it’s the festive decorations for the Christmas holidays, twinkling with lights and cheer, or the vibrant red, white, and blue themes for the Fourth of July celebration. Each window adds a splash of joy to our day. Owners Esti and his wife greet every customer with warm smiles and a genuine eagerness to help, making every visit feel personal. You can find them brightening the corner of South Broadway and Kohler Street in Gloucester City, or you can give them a call at 856-456-4113.
**CHEER** – This season, the Gloucester City Youth Soccer League has taken a significant step by dedicating its activities to Mental Health Awareness. In today’s society, an increasing number of individuals are navigating the challenges posed by mental illnesses, whether they stem from personal struggles or the hardships faced by loved ones. This surge leads us to ponder the escalating prevalence of these issues. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the percentage of adults in the United States suffering from any mental disorder grew from 18.1% in 2009 to a concerning 20.6% in 2019. This troubling trend has been particularly noticeable among young adults, with the rate of mental illness jumping from 29.4% to 34.2% in those aged 18 to 25 during the same timeframe.
**CHEER** – Exciting news has arrived! The Camden County Commissioners have proudly announced the completion of the long-awaited repaving project along Kings Highway, which stretches from Market Street in Mount Ephraim to Hopkins Road in Haddon Heights. This $10 million renovation, a blend of local and federal funding, has been a highly anticipated improvement for all who travel this historic route. Residents from Audubon, Mt. Ephraim, and Haddon Heights have expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Commissioner Board for their commitment to preserving and enhancing this important roadway.
**JEER** – It baffles us as to why the Camden County Commissioner Board continues to overlook the persistent flooding issues along Camden County Route 551, further known as New Broadway in Brooklawn and Broadway in Gloucester City. Each time severe weather strikes, the roads become impassable, creating dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike. Back in 2012, the board assured the public that after spending $5 million to repair the bridge over Little Timber Creek that the road that connects those two communities would also be repaired to alleviate this flooding. Yet, after thirteen long years, that promise remains unfulfilled. With the November 3 election fast approaching, it’s time for voters to hold the incumbent Democratic Commissioners accountable, particularly William F. Moen Jr. and William W. Spearman, who have not delivered on their commitments. Consider supporting Republican candidates Constance Ditzel, Nilsa Gonsalez, or Independent Robin Brownfield. The Democrats have had ample time—13 years—to address these urgent issues. It’s high time to demand action and show displeasure by voting them out, continuing the trend in every upcoming election until real, lasting solutions are implemented.
**CHEER** – The Brooklawn American Legion Post 72 is thrilled to announce an exciting golf outing on Monday, October 6, at the picturesque Westwood Golf Course. For just $100 per golfer, attendees can enjoy a day of sport while supporting a noble cause. The proceeds from this event will directly benefit veterans in need, making every swing count towards a greater purpose. For further details or to sign up, please reach out to the Post at 856-456-9847.
**CHEER** – In a generous display of support, the Camden County Board of Commissioners has allocated Enhancement Funds of $25,000 each to 32 communities throughout the county. Among the notable projects benefitting from this fund are a new fence for the playground at Proprietors Park in Gloucester City, much-needed upgrades to the Brooklawn Legion field, and the creation of a vibrant pickleball court in Mt. Ephraim. The grand total distributed within this initiative amounts to an impressive $799,000, aimed at enhancing community spaces.
**JEER** – It is crucial to remember that the government does not generate its own finances. Those $25,000 grants awarded to 32 Camden County communities, totaling a staggering $800,000, ultimately come from your tax dollars. Each election cycle seems to bring the same narrative: politicians find ways to showcase generous funding using your money just ahead of the November election. Each time, the public is lured into supporting these incumbents, often forgetting the previous promises made in their campaigns. One particularly notable instance from the past was the Gloucester Vista debacle in 2005. Incumbent Democrats held a grand rally in October, loading residents onto buses to showcase the promised construction sites in Southport. They were fully aware of the hazardous pollution that rendered the area un-buildable, yet they chose to mislead the public. When the new wave of Democrats took office, the truth was unveiled. Fast-forward two decades, and that area remains vacant due to toxic substances. The elected officials of that era swore they would eliminate nepotism—a promise that has proved hollow. Just look at the list of individuals they hired after taking office; many remain employed today.
**CHEER** – At long last, after countless traffic accidents and heartbreaking pedestrian fatalities, the State of New Jersey is taking meaningful action regarding the perilous stretch of U.S. Route 130 and Market Street in Gloucester City. A public meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, from 6 PM to 8 PM at Gloucester High School, offering community members a chance to voice their concerns and ideas. The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has emphasized in a press release, “Your input matters, and we encourage you to share your thoughts with us during the meeting or later via mail.” This is an essential opportunity for residents to make their voices heard in the quest for safer roads and a more secure community.