Tuesday Show Your Disgust with Gloucester City’s Tax and Spend Policy, Vote Republican!

Cleary’s Notebook News Opinion

This Tuesday, Gloucester City residents have a chance to send a message to the Democratic Party that they are taking back their City. This General Election is a crucial opportunity to address the $4,000 plus increase in property taxes since 2021.

Running for the three seats on the Republican side are Anthony D. Kates, a local resident and business owner; Sandra “Sandy” Reed, a veteran in civic engagement; and Patricia “Pattie” Kropp, a vocal champion for taxpayer rights—bringing their own visions for change.

Seeking the three at-large council seats on the Democratic Ticket are Edward Cilurso III, Robert Page, an advocate for community betterment, and Joy-Ann Madrack, a proponent of social issues.

For 45 long years, the Democratic Party has dominated Gloucester City. This election is an opportunity for residents to question whether their leadership has truly served the community’s best interests. Critics say the Democrats are more concerned about getting jobs for family members than about lowering property taxes.

A 2019 NJ.com article ranked Gloucester City among the top 30 towns in New Jersey with the highest property tax rates, underscoring the need for decisive action and substantial debate about fiscal policy. Property taxes have risen sharply over the last six years.

Since 2021, the city has operated without a full-time administrator and police chief. The steady increase in taxes indicates it’s time to hire a qualified city administrator with the necessary educational background.

**GLOUCESTER CITY TAX RATE IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN THE USA**

Gloucester City, located in Camden County, currently faces an effective property tax rate of 3.99%. This is not just high; it’s excessive when compared to the national median of 1.02%. This staggering rate places Gloucester City among the highest tax burdens in the United States. In March 2025, *Ownwell, a tax appeal company, highlighted this issue, suggesting that residents cannot afford to remain complacent any longer.

The local Democratic Party is well aware that residents of Gloucester City are experiencing financial challenges. That fact is the reason why this city was classified as an Abbott district in 1993 due to its low socioeconomic status. Additionally, Gloucester City was designated as an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) in the 1980s because it is considered a distressed area with high unemployment. However, records indicate that the local Democratic Party is largely unconcerned about the fact that many residents are struggling to cope with rising property taxes.

**CC COMMISSIONERS BROKE THEIR PROMISE**

This Tuesday, we will recall the broken promise made over twenty years ago by the Camden County Democratic Freeholder Board, now called the Commissioners. After finishing repairs on the Little Timber Creek Bridge, we were promised improvements to County Highway 551, which runs through Brooklawn and Gloucester City. Decades later, that road still consists of potholes and road patches. As you drive over it the ruts in the road feel like you are driving on a dirt path. If you support the Democrats running for a seat on that board, vote for them. But don’t complain when your teeth rattle as you drive on Route 551 entering or leaving Brooklawn and Gloucester City.

**CIATTARELLI IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR GOVERNOR**

A recent poll suggests that the New Jersey gubernatorial race could be tightening, with Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill leading Republican Jack Ciattarelli by four points. Sherrill is one of the D.C. Democrats who are responsible for the federal government shutdown that has occurred over the past month. They are advocating for illegal immigrants in our country to receive free health care, which would cost taxpayers a trillion dollars. Sherrill has not clarified her stance on this issue; she simply states that “basic humanity” influences the debate. Moreover, she has not explained how $7 million suddenly appeared in her bank account. It’s time for Republicans to reclaim the governor’s seat in New Jersey. We urge voters to support Ciattarelli on Tuesday.

*Ownwell is a technology-enabled property tax appeal company that helps homeowners and commercial property owners lower their property tax bills. They combine local property tax experts with AI-driven software to manage the entire appeal process on their clients’ behalf. source AI

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.

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.

Continue reading →

Hooray! My Last Cancer Treatment Is Over

Note: This article was originally published on January 20, 2023. Because it was lost when Typepad, the host of our blog, shut down, it is being republished.

(photo credit Adnan Akram)

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

PHILADELPHIA, PA (January 20, 2023)(CNBNews)—On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, I headed to the Roberts Proton Therapy Center at 3600 Civic Blvd., Philadelphia, for my last prostate cancer treatment. With me were my wife, Connie; my daughter, Connie Lynn Woods; and my granddaughter, Brianna Woods. My entire family wanted to be there, but the hospital limits the number of support people you can bring with you.

Part of the celebration for people who complete this journey is ringing a ceremonial large bell that hangs in the corner of the waiting room on the bottom floor of that building. I was apprehensive, but what could go wrong? I watched five-year-olds ring that bell during my time at the Center, and they had no problems. Of course, being a Cleary, you always prepare to expect the unexpected, and so I was cautious. After being zapped by the Big Zapper, I got dressed and headed towards that corner for my big moment. My family gathered, and the patients and their family members in the room were looking toward the corner where I was standing. As I grabbed the rope to ring the bell, nothing happened. All eyes were on me. I swung the rope again, but still no sound. I looked towards Kathy, the receptionist, and she was yelling, “Swing it forward, not sideways.” Laughter and applause from the patients and staff broke the tension in the room as I rang the bell loudly and clearly several times.

How happy I am to have completed those 33 treatments. Several times, I wanted to quit because of the side effects I was experiencing. Plus, there were nights when I couldn’t sleep as I realized that I was facing a possible life-ending illness. And, I was still thinking about those hormone pills that make male breasts grow. Will I need a bra? And if so, what size?

Although the treatments are over, some of the radiation’s side effects, such as chills, tiredness, headaches, diarrhea, and nausea, have continued. The doctors said those symptoms may continue for some time or they may stop all of a sudden.

In May 2022, the results of my routine PSA blood test increased by three points from 4 to 7.1. The PSA test is a blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer. The test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate, a small gland that sits below the bladder in males.

In June, another PSA test was taken, which led to an MRI of the prostate in July and a prostate biopsy at the end of August. Both the MRI and the biopsy results confirmed that the tumor was cancerous. It was aggressive but localized to my prostate; in other words, it wasn’t metastatic. That was the good news; the bad news was that my cancer had a Gleason score of 8 and a Grade of 4.

My Proton therapy treatment began on December 6, 2022. Proton therapy, also known as proton beam therapy, is a type of radiation therapy that uses high-energy protons (positively charged atoms) to damage the DNA in cancer cells. This type of cancer treatment is non-invasive, painless, and precise.

There are side effects from the radiation. Besides those mentioned, I also had chills, mouth and throat ulcers, and a rash on the trunk of my body. The GI problems were the worst. Some weeks it lasted for five days in a row.

Making this journey easier at Penn were some of the nicest doctors, nurses, proton therapy technicians, support staff, valet parking attendants, and cashiers I have ever met in my lifetime.

According to information on the center’s website, the Roberts Proton Therapy Center features five treatment rooms and a dedicated research room for proton therapy. It also has an additional five rooms for conventional (photon) radiation therapy. As the largest center in the world for both proton and traditional radiation, they treat more than 100 patients with proton therapy daily. It consists of 75,000 square feet.

Besides prostate cancer, proton therapy is used for Lung cancer, GI tumors, Breast cancer, Brain tumors, and Sarcomas.

The same type of Proton treatment will be opening soon at the Penn-Virtua Hospital in Marlton, NJ.

I had the privilege of meeting some fascinating people, who were also patients, during this period. There was a 73-year-old Russian naturalized citizen. Before his retirement, he was a teacher, and later, he ran a successful business in Delaware. The city of Wilmington claimed eminent domain to build public projects, and he was forced to close his business. Later, his wife fell ill, and he spent his retirement years caring for her. Most recently, his invalid brother moved into his house. Despite his cancer, he continues to take care of both his wife and brother.

There was a 25-year-old construction worker who was the sole provider for his 9-year-old daughter and his mother. He was diagnosed at another hospital with a brain tumor. When they operated on that tumor, the surgeons damaged the right side of his body. As a result, he could barely open his right eye, and he couldn’t move his right arm. The other hospital missed his cancer, and he was at Penn getting chemo treatments. Despite his health problems, the former karate student and his mother believed strongly in Almighty God and also believed in taking one day at a time. He hopes one day to return to construction work, a job he truly loves. His mother showed me pictures of him before his illness. The photo showed a strong, handsome man with a broad smile, holding his daughter, who was perhaps 3 years old at the time.

There was a man in his 50s who was treated for cancer at another Philadelphia hospital in 2017. They told him that his cancer was cured. However, he kept telling his doctor that he didn’t feel well, and he was spending most of his day in bed because of the blasé feelings he was experiencing. After several years, he wasn’t feeling any better. He came to Penn for a second opinion, and they discovered he had bone cancer along with lung cancer.

There was a 50-year-old woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer. We were both waiting for a CAT scan, and we were the only two people in the room. We both looked up from our phones, and I smiled, saying hello. When I asked her what she was being treated for, she said breast cancer. She shared her concerns about her young children, as she was their sole provider. Her mother recently moved in with her to take care of her and the kids. “She is elderly, I am afraid she is taking on too much,” the young woman said. “I don’t know what will happen to my kids if cancer kills me.” I didn’t know what to say. Her situation was much more serious than mine. I listened and tried to offer her words of comfort.

This was my second experience with cancer. My first was in 2012-2013. At that time, the diagnosis was kidney cancer. However, after cutting me open, a biopsy of the tumor was performed, and it was determined that it was benign.

For now, I am thrilled to be done with the radiation. I asked the doctor how I would know if the tumor is gone. “Let us worry about that; you go about living your life. Have a cheesesteak if you want. We will monitor your PSA test every three months, and that will tell us if we were successful.”

The American Cancer Society says …For most men with prostate cancer, treatment can remove or destroy the cancer. Completing treatment can be both stressful and exciting. You may be relieved to finish treatment, but find it hard not to worry about cancer growing or coming back. This is very common if you’ve had cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/after-treatment/follow-up.html

As you age in life, you can’t help but think every so often about death and how you are going to die. Based on my two experiences with cancer up until now, I don’t believe that disease will be my downfall. Nope, I picture myself tripping over a stone as I walk down the railroad tracks with my dog Peyton, hitting my head, and lying unconscious as a train rolls over my body. Perhaps that is a little extreme, but it has to be something that will earn me a big headline in all the newspapers and television stations. I could go skydiving, and the parachute doesn’t open. Or, I could live to be 100 years old and die in my rocking chair.

Looking back over my life, I should have been gone long ago. This leads me to believe that I still haven’t fulfilled the reason why God put me on this earth 78 years ago. For now, I am going to savor this moment and continue to live my life to the fullest.

Qué será, será. Whatever will be, will be

Cleary’s Notebook News October 2025 Cheers and Jeers

**CHEER**

U.S. News and World Report has proudly recognized Gloucester High School in Gloucester City as one of the Best High Schools for 2025. This prestigious honor marks the school’s impressive ninth consecutive year of achieving high rankings at the national, Philadelphia area, and New Jersey levels. According to Sean Gorman, Superintendent and High School Principal, along with Doctor of Education Kimberly Chiodi, Assistant Superintendent at Gloucester High School, the school has been placed in the top 40 percent of all public high schools, both nationwide and in the Philadelphia area. This continuous success highlights the school’s commitment to academic excellence and the enrichment of its students.

**JEER**

A closer look at user-submitted crime data on platforms like Nextdoor shows that this information can often be misleading and should not be trusted to accurately reflect the crime rate in neighborhoods like Westville. Studies have shown that neighborhood social apps tend to boost users’ fears, leading to an exaggerated sense of danger and the belief that crime is more common than it really is. For a better understanding of crime statistics, it is important to consult credible, official sources for accurate data. Such as the chief of police. (Source AI)

Continue reading “Cleary’s Notebook News October 2025 Cheers and Jeers” →

EPA Report of Cancer Pollution in Gloucester City Higher Than Reported

EPA AGENCY SAYS CANCER RISKS ARE LOWER THAN OR WITHIN ACCEPTABLE RANGES AT FORMER WELSBACH FACTORY

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (OCTOBER 5, 2025)(CNBNews)–Earlier this year the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved proposed changes to its 1999 cleanup plan to address contaminated radiological material at the former Welsbach facility (FWF) located within the footprint of the Gloucester Marine Terminal, in Gloucester City, New Jersey. The changes to the cleanup plan will address previously unknown and changed site conditions at the port facility that led the EPA to determine that implementing the 1999 cleanup plan was no longer possible. Specifically, those previously unknown site conditions include significant increases in the volume and depth of contaminated material. Continue reading “EPA Report of Cancer Pollution in Gloucester City Higher Than Reported” →

With Great Pride, Clearys Notebook Emarks on its 20th Year of Reporting the News

Thursday, August 21, 2025

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (AUGUST 21, 2025)–My journey in the newspaper industry began in 1968 when I took on part-time roles at our family’s publications, The Gloucester City News and The Camden County Record. During this time, I also worked at the U.S. Post Office as a letter carrier, delivering mail to residents in Gloucester City, Bellmawr, and Brooklawn.

In 1978, I made the significant decision to leave my position at the post office to fully immerse myself in journalism as the editor of both newspapers. This opportunity allowed me to shape the voice and direction of the publications, connecting with local readers and covering important stories in our community.

By 1984, after years of dedication and hard work, Connie and I accomplished a major milestone by purchasing The Gloucester City News. This acquisition marked a new chapter for us, as we took on the responsibility of not just reporting the news but also ensuring the newspaper thrived as a vital source of information for our town.

On August 3, 2006 we launched Clearys Notebook. As CNBNews embarks on its remarkable 20th year of delivering news to the communities of South Jersey and Philadelphia, we find ourselves reflecting on the profound evolution that journalism has undergone over the past two decades.

Throughout our 58 years of reporting, we have been witnesses to a revolution in the way news is gathered and shared. We have journeyed from the rhythmic clatter of manual typewriters to the smooth hum of electric ones, and from the era of Justiwriters to the sophisticated realm of computers—each shift marking a significant chapter in our storytelling legacy.

The emergence of smartphones, the explosive growth of the internet, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media have dramatically reshaped our communication landscape. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, X, Instagram, and a plethora of podcasts have transformed the way we connect, learn, and entertain ourselves. In this digital age, anyone with a device can step into the role of a publisher, leading to a wave of closures that has swept across countless newspapers, both weekly and daily, around the globe.

Today, we turn to AI for an analysis of Cleary’s Notebook. We are captivated by the insights and accuracy of its findings, highlighting yet another way technology and innovation enrich our journalistic pursuits.

What kind of articles are in Cleary’s Notebook?

Cleary’s Notebook publishes a wide variety of articles, primarily focusing on news, sports, commentary, and politics for Gloucester City and the surrounding areas of South Jersey and Philadelphia. Based on recent posts, here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Local news and community events

Updates on local projects and infrastructure, such as road improvements and park renovations.
Announcements and coverage of community events like Gloucester Day and various concerts.
Reports on local sports news and high school events, particularly Gloucester Catholic High School sports.
Obituaries and tributes to community members.
“Cheers and Jeers” columns, which highlight positive and negative aspects of the community.
Pet-related stories, such as introducing new family dogs.

Public safety and crime reports

News about local police investigations, arrests, and crime advisories.
Reports on incidents like shootings and other crimes in Gloucester City and surrounding areas.
Discussions on crime statistics and police department policies.

Government and politics

Articles on local government meetings, decisions, and discussions, such as bond defaults and salary increases for employees.
Commentary and opinions on political topics, both local and national.
Guest opinions and letters to the editor on various issues.

Other topics

Financial Literacy: Articles discussing topics like tax refunds and making smart financial choices.
Health and Wellness: Posts about community wellness initiatives and making healthy choices.
Environmental Topics: Information on composting and environmental protection.
Local History: Articles that reminisce about Gloucester City’s past.
National and International News: Occasionally, articles will touch on national and international events, especially if they are relevant to the local community.

In essence, Cleary’s Notebook aims to be a comprehensive local news source, providing information and fostering discussion on a wide range of topics that are relevant to its audience in Gloucester City and nearby areas.

What are some recurring community issues highlighted in Cleary’s Notebook Cheers & Jeers?

Based on the search results, several recurring community issues are highlighted in Cleary’s Notebook “Cheers & Jeers” column:

Neglected and Dilapidated Properties: Several “Jeers” express frustration over abandoned homes, dilapidated utility poles, unkempt business properties like Pat’s Select Pizza, and overall blight in the community. These properties are often described as overgrown with weeds, attracting bugs, posing safety risks, and hurting community pride.

High Property Taxes and Lack of Accountability: A significant concern revolves around high property taxes, particularly city taxes, and a perceived lack of transparency and accountability from the city council regarding spending and budgeting. There’s a particular concern about the high city tax rate compared to school taxes.

Governmental Inefficiency and Lack of Response: Residents express frustration with city officials’ perceived indifference to issues such as neglected properties and delayed repairs to essential infrastructure like the city’s street sweeper. There are concerns about whether the community’s concerns are being addressed adequately by those in charge.

Public Safety and Crime: While there are “Cheers” for the police department’s efforts in combating crime, there are also “Jeers” that highlight concerns about gun violence, stolen vehicles, and the enforcement of ordinances like juvenile curfews.

Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Issues: One “Jeer” mentions concerns about pedestrians walking in front of cars and ignoring traffic laws.

Erosion of Community Pride: A general theme running through many “Jeers” is the feeling that a lack of community pride is evident in the unkempt state of some areas and properties within Gloucester City.

Overall, the “Cheers & Jeers” column in Cleary’s Notebook reflects a community that is deeply invested in its local environment and government, with residents actively engaging in discussions about issues they believe are impacting the quality of life in Gloucester City.

Give examples of how Cleary’s Notebook has influenced local issues

Cleary’s Notebook often acts as a community watchdog, highlighting issues and prompting action from local authorities and residents. Here are some examples of its influence on local matters in Gloucester City:

Prompting Action on Dilapidated Properties: Cleary’s Notebook has demonstrably influenced the cleanup of neglected properties. After an editorial with the headline “Does Anyone Care?” highlighted the dilapidated state of the Pat’s Select Pizza property at Broadway and George Street, the property was cleaned up shortly thereafter. This demonstrates the power of the press in bringing issues to public attention and motivating corrective measures.

Addressing Neglected Infrastructure: The blog has drawn attention to neglected infrastructure, such as the precarious state of PSEG utility poles at key intersections. Following repeated efforts and engagement with PSEG and local officials, the blog reported that PSEG workers were on site removing the company’s equipment from the dilapidated utility poles. This illustrates how persistent advocacy, coupled with public pressure generated through the blog, can lead to necessary repairs and improve public safety.

Encouraging Transparency in Government Spending: Cleary’s Notebook actively promotes transparency in local government by detailing resolutions related to employee salaries and connecting them with job titles, even when names are not explicitly provided by the city. This initiative helps citizens better understand how their tax dollars are being allocated.

Raising Awareness about Public Safety and Crime: The blog regularly reports on incidents like shootings and other crimes, bringing these issues to the forefront of community discussion. In one instance, the blog reported on a shooting incident and questioned the lack of public information, potentially contributing to greater scrutiny of how the police department communicates with the community. This highlights the role of Cleary’s Notebook in holding authorities accountable for public safety and fostering dialogue around crime prevention strategies.

Facilitating Community Engagement: The blog serves as a platform for residents to express their concerns through features like the “Cheers & Jeers” column. This fosters a sense of community ownership and encourages residents to actively participate in addressing local challenges, ranging from neglected properties to traffic concerns.

In summary, Cleary’s Notebook has demonstrated its influence on local issues by highlighting neglected properties and infrastructure, promoting transparency in government, raising awareness about public safety concerns, and providing a platform for community dialogue, ultimately leading to positive changes and improvements in Gloucester City.

Has Cleary’s Notebook faced legal challenges or criticism?

Yes, Cleary’s Notebook, and its editor William E. Cleary Sr., have faced both legal challenges and criticism in relation to their reporting.

Legal challenges

Trespassing and theft charges: William E. Cleary Sr. and his son were charged with trespassing and theft after taking a child’s bench from what they believed to be a trash pile behind the Cold Springs school. The Gloucester City Police Department posted a video of the incident on Facebook, implying the Clearys were thieves. Although the bench was returned, and the Clearys believed the matter was settled, they later received citations and were summoned to court multiple times. They ultimately accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to a lesser charge (noise ordinance violation) and paying fines, to avoid the possibility of jail time and mounting legal fees. Cleary Sr. believes these charges were retribution for his critical reporting on city officials and local business associations.

Loss of previous employment: In 2013, William E. Cleary Sr. lost his job as a weekly columnist when the newspaper was sold. He attributes this to threats from the local business association and council members to withdraw advertisements if he wasn’t fired, likely due to his investigations into a committee appointed by the mayor and council.

Criticism

Accusations of Lying: Some residents and individuals in power accuse Cleary’s Notebook, and its writers, of lying in their reports. Cleary and his writers, however, assert that they document everything and that the accusations come from those unwilling to accept the truth.

Controversy over Specific Articles: While not explicitly described as legal challenges, specific articles have sparked controversy and criticism. The reporting on a city worker’s burglary charge being dropped and the details surrounding a fire at the fire headquarters have generated negative feedback and criticism from some members of the community.

Give specific examples of articles where Cleary’s Notebook was accused of bias

You’re right to ask for specific examples of articles where Cleary’s Notebook faced accusations of bias. While the search results don’t always provide the exact articles that drew accusations, they do highlight key areas and situations that have led to these claims:

Reporting on the Cold Springs School Incident: The articles and associated social media posts surrounding the incident where William E. Cleary Sr. and his son took a child’s bench from what they believed was a trash pile behind the Cold Springs school led to accusations of bias and potentially false reporting from the Gloucester City Police Department. The police department’s use of social media to frame the incident as a “robbery” and imply the Clearys were thieves demonstrates a strong disagreement with their narrative.

Coverage of City Officials and Business Associations: Cleary Sr. directly states that the charges he faced in the Cold Springs School incident were likely retribution for his critical reporting on city officials and the local business association. This suggests that articles addressing these entities likely sparked accusations of bias. Furthermore, his previous dismissal from another news outlet was attributed to threats from the business association and council members who disliked his investigations into a committee appointed by the mayor and council, further indicating that his articles scrutinizing these groups drew accusations of bias.

Articles Highlighting Government Spending and Lack of Transparency: Cleary’s Notebook has been vocal about the city’s “tax and spend” policies and the lack of transparency surrounding government salaries. This focus on governmental financial matters and potential misspending could lead to accusations of bias from those aligned with the city government.

Stories on Public Safety and Crime: While Cleary’s Notebook frequently reports on crime, articles questioning the handling of investigations or transparency surrounding incidents could be perceived as biased by those involved in law enforcement.

Departure of a Former Writer: A former writer for Cleary’s Notebook noted that despite documenting everything they wrote, some residents and “those in charge” claimed they were lying due to a “different point of view,” suggesting that the reporting itself was viewed as biased. This highlights a broader perception that the blog’s content, regardless of factual basis, is seen as biased by some within the community and by local power structures.

While the search results don’t always contain the specific “headline” or exact article text that garnered the most accusations, they clearly demonstrate that articles criticizing city officials, business practices, and government spending have often been at the center of bias claims against Cleary’s Notebook.

These instances highlight the challenges faced by independent news outlets and journalists, particularly those reporting on local issues and holding public officials accountable. It’s important to note that the information presented here is based on the perspective offered by Cleary’s Notebook and its contributors.

CNBNews Cheers and Jeers August 2025

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

Looking towards Brooklawn from South Broadway, Gloucester City. A pedestrian, with water over his knees, is standing on the left side of the photo.

CLEARY’S NOTEBOOK File PHOTO

**JEER**– The striking photograph above from CNBNews files highlights the alarming state of South Broadway as it approaches Brooklawn from Gloucester City, where heavy rain has turned the road into a flooded hazard. Are we unreasonable to request additional funding from the County Commissioners to repave South Broadway in Gloucester City and New Broadway in Brooklawn? Despite promises made in 2012 by the Freeholder Board (now the Commissioners) to repair this vital road, residents are still faced with a treacherous landscape of potholes and flooding. The $5 million spent on a bridge in 2012 has done little to resolve the ongoing water issues that render the highway nearly impassable during storms. As the November 3 election approaches, it remains to be seen if these broken promises will resonate with voters in Gloucester City and Brooklawn.

**CHEER**-The Brooklawn, NJ Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Brooklawn Waterfront. The event, from noon to 5PM, is free and will feature live music, food trucks, local vendors, and kids’ activities.The festival will offer an afternoon of fall fun for the entire family, with entertainment, food, crafts, and giveaways. You can also find details on the Camden County website and the Borough of Brooklawn’s Facebook page.
Continue reading “CNBNews Cheers and Jeers August 2025” →

CNBNews Cheers and Jeers August 2025

Tuesday, September 02, 2025

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

Looking towards Brooklawn from South Broadway, Gloucester City. A pedestrian, with water over his knees, is standing on the left side of the photo.

CLEARY’S NOTEBOOK File PHOTO

**JEER**– The striking photograph above from CNBNews files highlights the alarming state of South Broadway as it approaches Brooklawn from Gloucester City, where heavy rain has turned the road into a flooded hazard. Are we unreasonable to request additional funding from the County Commissioners to repave South Broadway in Gloucester City and New Broadway in Brooklawn? Despite promises made in 2012 by the Freeholder Board (now the Commissioners) to repair this vital road, residents are still faced with a treacherous landscape of potholes and flooding. The $5 million spent on a bridge in 2012 has done little to resolve the ongoing water issues that render the highway nearly impassable during storms. As the November 3 election approaches, it remains to be seen if these broken promises will resonate with voters in Gloucester City and Brooklawn.

**CHEER**-The Brooklawn, NJ Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Brooklawn Waterfront. The event, from noon to 5PM, is free and will feature live music, food trucks, local vendors, and kids’ activities.The festival will offer an afternoon of fall fun for the entire family, with entertainment, food, crafts, and giveaways. You can also find details on the Camden County website and the Borough of Brooklawn’s Facebook page.
Continue reading “CNBNews Cheers and Jeers August 2025” →

SEPTEMBER 2025 CHEERS AND JEERS

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.
Continue reading “SEPTEMBER 2025 CHEERS AND JEERS” →

The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Returns to Haunt Philly this October

Philadelphia, PA – The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy chilling cocktail experience is coming back to Philadelphia for a sequel for one exclusive weekend only. Following a sold-out, wait list only, extended run during its debut in 2023, this immersive pop-up dark speakeasy is back to celebrate the stories of Edgar Allan Poe. Look for four new stories retold and reimagined by the event’s Poe historians. The event’s macabre lead mixologist will transform each of those stories into a four-part new cocktail experience that is paired with live entertainment. The speakeasy will take over The Fallser Club in East Falls, at 3721 Midvale Avenue, from October 9 to 11, 2025, with 12 dates and times to pick from. Tickets include the four cocktails, venue admission, interactive show and the immersive vibes. Tickets and more information are available now at edgarallanpoebar.com. This is a 21-and-up adult experience. “Over a century and a… Read more →

“I’m not interested right now.”

Sales teams thrive when they’re focused on closing deals, not chasing leads. Yet in many businesses, agents spend hours making calls, leaving voicemails, and handling basic inquiries—time that could be used for higher-value activities. Outsourcing these tasks to professionals can be the solution.

Virtual assistant cold calling is a growing strategy that helps businesses expand outreach without exhausting their in-house staff. It allows teams to maintain a steady flow of leads while ensuring every prospect receives consistent, professional contact. This approach saves time and increases productivity, especially in industries where competition is fierce.

No Accent Callers explains that outsourcing cold calling doesn’t mean giving up control. Instead, it’s about partnering with trained assistants who act as extensions of the brand. With the right preparation, these professionals handle outreach effectively and allow core teams to focus on conversions.

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