Multi‑Million‑Dollar Upgrade for Alice Costello Elementary School

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

BROOKLAWN, NJ (CNBNews) (June 13, 2026) — Groundbreaking ceremonies for the multi‑million‑dollar enhancement project at Alice Costello School were held Friday, June 12, on the school grounds at 301 Haakon Avenue. Dr. Samuel A. Rosetti, Superintendent of Schools, served as host for the event.

Dignitaries in attendance included State Assemblyman William F. Moen Jr., Camden County Commissioner Jonathan L. Young Sr., Mayor Jerry “Skip” Grandstrom, School Board President Michele Cecilio, and Architect Bob Garrison.

Two seventh‑grade students, Geoffrey Gettings and JJ Meehan, also participated in the program. Gettings led the Pledge of Allegiance, while Meehan delivered the student address. His comments are below.

The facilities improvement and modernization project is being funded through a strategic partnership utilizing the Camden County Improvement Authority’s Borough‑Guaranteed Lease Revenue Bonds (Series 2025).

“This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our students, families, and community,” Dr. Rosetti said. “The facility upgrades will allow our school to continue serving as a place of learning, growth, and opportunity for generations to come.”

The Brooklawn Borough School District has officially launched a $6,290,000 modernization initiative scheduled throughout 2026 at Alice Costello School. Supported through the CCIA financing program, the project reflects the district’s commitment to providing a safer, more sustainable, and high‑performance learning environment.

Critical infrastructure upgrades will address essential components of the school’s physical plant, including advanced building automation systems (BAS), comprehensive electrical improvements, and modern architectural design‑build enhancements. District officials say these improvements will deliver immediate benefits in environmental quality, operational efficiency, and updated safety protocol

Good afternoon, everyone! I’d like to welcome our school board members, teachers, parents, neighbors, and fellow classmates.

My name is J.J. Meehan, and I am a 7th grader here at Alice Costello School. It is an absolute honor to stand here today as we break ground on a massive upgrade for our school.

When you’re in 7th grade, you spend a lot of time thinking about the future—high school, sports, and what you want to be when you grow up. But today, our town is investing $6.3 million directly into our future right here in these classrooms.

We aren’t just getting a few cosmetic fixes. This project is bringing top-tier technology to ACES. We’re talking about smart building automation systems that control the climate, flat LED lighting that helps our planet save energy, and high-tech air purifiers in our classrooms to keep us all healthy and focused.

As students, our school is like a second home. When our community invests in making it safer, cleaner, and more modern, it tells us that our education matters. It inspires us to work harder.

Even though I’ll be graduating soon, I am so proud that this project will leave a lasting legacy for the younger grades and the future students of Brooklawn.

Thank you to the Brooklawn Board of Education, the Camden County Improvement Authority, Dr. Rosetti, ACES staff, and everyone in our community who made this historic day possible. Now let’s dig in!

Community Activist Bruce Darrow Charged With Alleged Theft of over $6,000

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

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (MAY 20, 2026)(CNBNews)—The Gloucester City Police Department has charged longtime community activist Bruce Darrow of Brooklawn with the alleged theft of over $6,000 from the Carmen Paliero Basketball League. According to the press release, Darrow supposedly took the money between September 2016 and March 2026 during the time he was serving as president of the organization. The charge was placed on a summons pending a Central Judicial Processing Court Hearing.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING CENTRAL JUDICIAL PROCESSING?

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CNBNews Digital Files: January 2012 Cheers and Jeers

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

Cheer –Newly appointed Superintendent of School Paul Spaventa found out that not all video tapes of school board meetings were being given to the Local cable Channel 19 for public viewing. Someone either in the administration and/or on the school board was choosing what tapes the public got to view. As soon as it was brought to his attention the superintendent corrected the problem. Thanks Mr. Spaventa for righting a wrong.

JEER-To shoppers and staff members that smoke directly outside the entrance to a store or business. Smokers certainly have the right to engage in this activity, but more consideration needs to be given to where you smoke so that individuals do not have to walk through a cloud of smoke to enter. CVS often has a smoky entrance due to some of their own employees

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John “Rocky” Gianvito, One of Rutgers ‘ Greatest Baseball Players; formerly of Brooklawn

John Gianvito, age 86, passed away on May 1, surrounded by his family at home. He was born on October 24, 1939 in Punxsutawney, PA, and later moved with his family to West Philadelphia, before settling in Brooklawn, NJ. He proudly served his country in the United States military, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to duty and service. Following his military service, he built a long and successful career in administration with the Haddon Township School District,

A graduate of Gloucester High School, he attended Rutgers University–Camden and was later inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame, an honor that reflected his talent, dedication, and athletic achievement.

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Joan Gianvito, of Medford, formerly of Brooklawn

CNBNEWS DIGITAL ARCHIVES:

(CNBNews)(May 4, 2026)–Joan G. Gianvito (nee Lane) passed away peacefully on Monday, January 10, 2022. Born at Cooper Hospital to John A. and Grace M. Lane, Joan was 79 years old. She was a resident of Medford for the past 47 years and a former resident of Brooklawn, NJ

Beloved wife of 58 years to John R. Gianvito. Loving mother of Todd (Nicole) Gianvito, Lori Coffey and Brian (Donna) Gianvito. Cherished grandmother of Nolan Coffey, Ty Gianvito, Brynn Coffey, Ryan Gianvito, Austin Gianvito and Addison Gianvito.

Joan enjoyed trips to the beach, traveling the country and the world with her husband John, spending time with friends, especially spending time with her grandchildren and of course Johnny Mathis.

A gathering of family and friends will be held this Friday, January 14, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Givnish of Marlton Funeral Home, 398 East Main St., Marlton.
Her funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m.

Entombment was at Park View Cemetery at Kirby’s Mill, 25 Fostertown Rd., Medford.

Memorial donations may be made to: The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

To share your fondest memories of Joan, please visit www.givnish.com.

Brooklawn Police Department Announce National Night Out

The Brooklawn Police Department is excited for our 3rd National Night Out, and we hope you are too!

National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

If you would like to get involved or be a food vendor, please email Detective Amber Nicholas at anicholas@brooklawnpolice.com.

Brooklawn Police Department Bowling Night Fundraiser

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Wanted For Shoplifiting By Brooklawn Police

The individual pictured is wanted for questioning in connection with a shoplifting that occurred at the Petco on 04/25/26.

If you recognize her or have any information regarding this incident, please contact the Brooklawn Police Department at 856-456-0750 ext. 110.

You can also provide anonymous tips by emailing tips@brooklawnpolice.com or calling 856-456-0750 ext. 112.

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Maryfrances E. Ellis, 72, of Brooklawn

Maryfrances E. Ellis, (nee Scheib) Age 72, of Brooklawn, New Jersey, passed away on April 1, 2026, at Cooper University Hospital in Camden. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Maryfrances earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Temple University, a path that reflected her lifelong dedication to helping others.

Maryfrances devoted over 25 years as a Special Education teacher in New Jersey, where she made a lasting impact on countless students and families before her retirement. She was known for her patience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to all children in her care.

She was also a volunteer firewoman for many years in the 1980s thru 1990s with the Glendora Fire Department, demonstrating her deep sense of service and community involvement.

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Gloucester City Little League to Induct Inagural Wall of Fame Class April 24

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

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ(CNBNews)(April 23, 2026)–The Gloucester City Little League (GCLL) will celebrate a major milestone on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., when it inducts the inaugural class into its newly created Wall of Fame. The ceremony will take place at the Johnson Boulevard and Nicholson Road complex and will honor five longtime contributors whose dedication shaped the league and the community it serves.