by Bill Cleary

Out of all the articles I write the one that receives the most comments are the Cheers and Jeers. Below you will find a mix assortment of those columns by month for the past year. Thank you to everyone who took the time to send in a remark. If you have a Cheer or Jeer for the upcoming December column send it to [email protected]. Or by mail: Gloucester City News, PO Box 151 (08030).

 

JANUARY & FEBRUARY

· JEERS-To the representative of the City of Gloucester City and the representative of Police Chiefs for not releasing a public statement explaining the turmoil in our Police Department. Is the public\’s safety in jeopardy because of the split between the rank and file and the administration? The Chief\’s (Bill Crothers and Mike Kaye) remain silent, choosing instead to have surrogates write Letters to the Editor/post comments containing cheap jabs. The PBA union president released a statement about the problem but yet our elected leaders and department heads remain silent. The public deserves answers.

· CHEERS-To the two sixth grade Brooklawn students who attend the Alice Costello School for their innovative charitable work. After the 3-year old daughter of one of their teachers was diagnosed with leukemia, Gabryelle Doherty and Sydney Weichmann were inspired to begin to raise money to help seriously ill children.

 

MARCH

· CHEERS–The Haddon Township commissioners introduced ordinances aimed at curbing pay-to-play just days after a resident accused them of awarding professional contracts to campaign contributors. Commissioners unanimously approved introduction of four measures A public hearing and a final vote on the ordinances could be held at the next commission meeting on March 25.The ordinances would ban nepotism in hiring, curb the use of eminent domain for economic development and prohibit the township from doing business or entering into a redevelopment agreement with individuals or companies that contribute to the political campaigns of elected officials here.

· JEERS-The Gloucester City School Superintendent and Board of Education who said no to the idea of holding a Memorial Tribute at the high school for Tom Gurchick, a teacher for 35 years in our school system who passed away recently. One excuse given for not allowing the tribute was because others would also want to use the school for the same purpose. So what if others do. Shame on the Administration and those School Board members who denied the friends, former students and family members of Mr. Gurchick the use of the school facilities to memorialize such a great teacher. 

 

Bill’s Point of View:

JEERS-To former NJ Senator Wayne Bryant. The fact that he along with more than 130 lawmakers in New Jersey have been indicted and found guilty of robbing the taxpayers, this has to be some kind of record for fraud.

CHEERS-To the neighbors and friends of Evan Goldglantz, of Gloucester City, who helped him in his time of need. Evan was burned over 90 percent of his body in an accident that occurred at his home on Division Street. He is being treated at the Crozier-Chester Medical Center, One Medical Center Blvd., Upland PA 19103.

Bill\’s Point of View:

Cheers: To Gloucester City Mayor William P. James, Ted Howarth, Ed Walens and members of the Mayor\’s Executive Committee for their outstanding dedication and work on the \”Hometown Heroes\” Banner Project. The banners look wonderful along Broadway. Thank you, gentlemen, for your community spirit and respect to our fallen citizens and their families. And Kudos to Rick Waddington and Billy Underwood of the Highway Department for the great job they did hanging up the \”Fallen Heroes\” Banners. Their hard work is a credit to the community. Submitted by Rutgers Professor Dr. Joseph Joiner

JEERS– To those people who insist on using the public trash cans on Broadway to dump bags of personal garbage. In doing so they leave no room for litter that people carelessly throw on the sidewalks. These trash bags smell rank. The bags attract vermin including squirrels that jump in, rip apart the bags and distribute it throughout the street when they\’re running away. Is this just another symptom of the decline of owner inhabited properties in Gloucester City that have been replaced with renters who don\’t care about our City? Submitted by Sue Marzolino

CHEERS-To Gloucester City Police Sergeant Steven Burkhardt and his K-9 partner, Eich, for their informative lecture to the Psychology of Adjustment class at Rutgers-Camden. As a result, the students have a better understanding of the life of a police officer, and they have a more accurate view of the City of Gloucester. PS: Folks, you want to book these two for a speaking engagement with your organization. Submitted by Rutgers Professor Dr. Joseph Joiner

JEERS-To people who park unlicensed/unregistered vehicles and trailers on their property, on city parking lots and in the streets. The same goes for people who store trash, junk and debris on their property. These eyesores affect the quality of life in the neighborhoods were they are located. To report a violation (s) call the Housing Office, the department that is responsible for enforcing the law, at 456-7689

CHEERS-To the Phillies on winning the 2008 World Series. At this time in our history it is nice to have a cheerful diversion in our lives.

JEERS-To Chase Utley, \”Profanity is a lazy mine trying to express itself by force,\” Sister Martha Mary OP

JEERS-To the Philadelphia judge who released the thug who shot and killed Philadelphia Police Officer Patrick McDonald in September. God Bless Him and his Family!!! Judges should be held more accountable for releasing these thugs! Submitted by Baby Boy Blue

JEERS-To the City for spending $4 million to house 12 people at the Chatham Square Apartments. Why not demolish the apartments and build small ranchers for the 55- year- old and over group. There isn\’t a decent place in our community for this age group to go if they don\’t want to rent a shoe-box apartment. I don\’t usually complain about our government, but they really blew it this time. Who\’s idea was it to pay this much money for them anyway? Submitted by Paul

 

CHEERS-To the following businesses from the southern end of town who have been in Gloucester City for many years. They keep their properties neat and clean and are an asset to the community. They include:

React Environment, Jack’s Auto Repair, Vitale’s Restaurant, Nellie’s Provisions, Carpenter Reality, Charles Pike Construction Inc., Esti Jewelry, A Little Trim, Industrial Service and Supply, Matt’s Automotive. And the stainless steel fabricator at the end of Brick Street.

It would be nice if some of the city officials (if they haven’t done so already) would visit these businesses to introduce themselves and to see for themselves how well they keep up the appearances of their businesses. Submitted by Connie Wilke

 

If you have a Cheer or Jeer to submit for the November column submit it to [email protected]. Or send it to Bill c/o Gloucester City News, PO Box 151, (08030).The column appears regularly at the end of each month.

~Bill Cleary

By Bill Cleary

CHEERS–Gloucester City resident Bill Waters submitted some photos of graffiti in September along with a letter expressing his concern about this unsightly problem. As a result of his \”citizen journalism\” some of the sites he pointed out have been painted and cleared of the graffiti. Kudos to you Bill for caring enough about our community to get involved.

CHEERS-The Cherry Hill Reform committee who forced their local government to create a register of volunteer commissions and boards with the names and term lengths of all the people serving and all open positions. Members of the reform committee last year were successful in having the council to adopt a tough ordinance designed to limit pay to play — the unethical practice of lawyers, engineers and other professionals donating to candidates\’ election campaigns, then being rewarded with hefty municipal contracts once those candidates are elected. These two examples and the one above is proof that whether alone or with a group you too can make a difference.

CHEERS-To the people who foster unwanted, abandoned or sick animals in their homes until they are adopted? They use their own money, time and give lots of love to these unfortunate creatures. All they ask in return is a GOOD forever homes for the animals they help. And a thank you every once in a while.

CHEERS-To the Gloucester City Irish Society and everyone else involved in putting together this year’s Shamrock Festival. \”There was a great turn out, great food, awesome music and I had a wonderful time,\” writes a person named Tammy. She continues, \”Also Cheers to the people who worked so hard to make the old Billy’s Place tavern, now the Auld Dubliner, (157 S. Burlington Street) an asset to this city\”.

 

CHEERS–\”To the Gloucester City EMT\’s, Fire Department, Police and Paramedics for being on scene within three minutes of the 911 call when my son was struck by car on Market Street last Tuesday evening. I cannot thank you all enough! Also CHEERS to my neighbors, friends and strangers who comforted my son until help arrived. As his mother knowing that people, some that did not even know him, were there to comfort him when I could not, is something that I will always remember. I am eternally grateful\”, signed Patti Schaeffer.

JEERS-Paul Juray of Market Street gives a Big Thumbs Down to a local plumber who charged $142 to plunge a clogged tub drain. \”He was on site 10 minutes at best and he\’s local. I should have known to ask first what the basic service charge is up front…I will from now on.\”

 

JEERS-To the squatters at Chatham Square Apartments for embarrassing our city government with their lies and propaganda.

 

JEERS-To mayor and council for spending $4.1 million to buy this slum and then not knocking down the eyesore as originally proposed.

 

Jerry Sampson writes, \”JEERS to any coward who makes an accusation about a person and doesn’t sign his or her name. If you want to jeer at someone local, have the fortitude to sign your name so that the individual can respond. Otherwise, anyone can accuse a person of any fabrication that their cowardly heart can devise\”.

JEERS-To the senators and congressmen that voted in favor of the $700 billion bailout of Wall Street. \”Forcing each taxpayer to pony up $2,300 of their hard-earned money to bail out Wall Street’s misconduct will not fix the underlying problems,\” said NJ Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (R-2nd) who voted against the bill. Included in the legislation was $110 Billion in \”Pork\”. For example a tax incentive program for the film and television production companies that amounts to $478 million.

If you know of someone or something you would like to nominate for a cheer or a jeer, send the information to Cheers and Jeers, ClearysNoteBook, c/o Gloucester City News, PO Box 151, Gloucester City NJ 08030 or via Email [email protected]

Tips and Snippets

Bill\’s Point of View

 

Related articles by Zemanta

• Vendor Application/A Day in the Park

Related articles by Zemanta

• City, tenants must compromise on rent
• Rams Alumni in the News: David Bakey Wins 104.5 Contest
• Gloucester City: Guardian Angels Step In To Help Tenants At Troubled Complex
• Gloucester City: Give Them an Inch They Want a Yard
• Gloucester City: Volunteers Needed for Farmers Market
• Radio DJ Mike Bowe, Gloucester Catholic Alumni in the News

CHEER- Dorothy Stanaitis, of Gloucester City was recently named Rutgers-Camden\’s First Trustee Emerita for Life. For years she was the \”Story Lady\” for the Gloucester City Library until her retirement in 1994. Since retiring, Stanaitis has juggled her two passions — story-telling career and Rutgers — with consummate skill.

KUDOS TO Gloucester City Library Director Elizabeth Egan who recently received the NJ Library Association President\’s Award for 2008. The honor is given for outstanding public service to the library community.

Theresa Cowgill submitted a CHEER for the Gloucester City Library staff. She writes, \”I can honestly say they are some of the most helpful and friendly people that I have ever come across. I know it is their job, but they always make sure you are taken care of. Whether looking for something or requesting info, they always get back to you when they say they will. Your request is never too much and they never make you feel like it is a bother. I believe they are funded with local and state taxes, not sure, but if they are, I think it is some of the best tax money we are spending\”.

CHEER– Jack Heath writes, \”I would nominate Rob Curtis mayor of Woodbury for a round of applause. Rob is a graduate of GCHS class of ‘77 and has done a lot to improve Woodbury in the time he has been in office. Everything from new businesses, to improving the appearance of the town to a farmers market etc. He has been proactive in office to make it happen\”.

JEER-To the Gloucester City’s Parking Enforcement Officer for ticketing a person who had stopped their car to help an elderly individual into a waiting vehicle. According to Sister Christine, of St. Mary’s Parish, the Good Samaritan drove off and several days later received the motor vehicle ticket in the mail.

JEER-The Delaware River Port Authority has raised the tolls on all area bridges by a $1 effective Sept. 14 along with increasing PATCO train fares by 10 percent. The DPRA could care less about the little guy. They answer to no one. Their fiscal mismanagement includes a payroll of $50.7 million. That works out to an average annual pay of about $61,000 for each of the agency\’s 887 employees.

Barb Birney writes, \”I have two for you; CHEERS to a new business the Pretzel Factory for opening up in Gloucester City recently. And JEERS to the city of Gloucester for allowing a bunch of drunken bums to live on a front porch on North Broadway in plain view. This makes the City look so good!!!\”

 

YOU MAKE THE CALL! The Gloucester City School District Performance Audit complied by state investigators questioned the district for spending $14,900 to hire \”geese chasers\”. Geese as you know are dirty birds. And I’m sure those who play ball on the athletic fields would tell you it was money well spent. On the other hand, spending nearly $15,000 to chase birds seems extravagant. I’ll leave the call up to you, does the School Board/administrators deserve a Cheer or Jeer. By the way the geese have found their way back to the fields. (See Audit Page 28 http://www.state.nj.us/education/finance/kw/GloucesterCity.pdf )

 

If you have a Cheer or Jeer to submit for the September column submit it to [email protected]. The column appears regularly the last week of each month.

 

~Bill Cleary www.clearysnotebook.com

PS: Gloucester City/We are happy to report that the Port-A-Potty at Rt. 130 and Market Street has been removed. Thank you to whoever was responsible for getting rid of this eyesore.
 

Jiglu: ClearysNoteBook: Bill\’s Cheers and Jeers for the Year 2007

CHEERS AND JEERS by William E. Cleary Jeer To corrupt politicians in the State of New Jersey. Since 2002 the US Attorney\’s Office has charged 108 public officials with corruption offenses. Ethics reform in New Jersey……………

• CHEERS–The Tree & Beautification Committee planted twelve spruce (Christmas) trees between the War Memorial and Wing Hing Chinese Restaurant on Saturday, October 20. The trees are a great addition to our Broadway business corridor and will be used for decorating during various yearly holidays, starting with the Christmas event on December 1.
  An additional 20 more trees were planted in various locations throughout the city to complement the existing tree canopy. In addition, this month, a small number of members planted 24 mums at the Iron Lady at Proprietor\’s Park. Big thumbs up to the community volunteers who took time out of their busy schedules to further beautify our City.
• JEERS- To the stores, food distributors and wholesalers who continue to sell Topps frozen hamburgers, recalled more than a month ago because the meat is contaminated with fatal E. coli bacteria strains. New Jersey state inspectors still were finding some of the Topps burgers at stores, including one in Gloucester City. Investigators from the State Division of Consumer Affairs were back in Gloucester City last week and cited another local store for selling toys that were recalled. Both Gloucester City stores were the only two in South Jersey to violate the recall notice. All of the other stores were in North Jersey.
• JEERS–The people of the City of Camden are in an on-going battle to revive their homes and attract new residents and businesses. However, Fox Undercover discovered a problem that could put a damper on those important efforts. They found the drug methadone being openly sold, bought and consumed in the downtown area, just feet from the County Prosecutor\’s Office. Acting Camden County prosecutor Joshua Ottenberg told the Fox News reporter, \”Arrests would not stop this from happening. We arrest one person and another will take his place.\” I never thought of it that way, did you. Why bother to arrest any criminals. Just let them continue to commit crimes. Mr. Ottenburg\’s analysis could be the reason Camden City is rated one of the most dangerous in the country.
• CHEERS–To the Gloucester City Police Department for their continuous effort to control crime in the community. The Uniform Crime Report for Gloucester City reveals there were 28.84 crimes per 1000 people committed in 2006. In 1996, there were 28.30 crimes per 1000 people. Also Kudos to the Police Department for keeping the public informed by issuing Crime Alerts and a weekly Crime Report.
• CHEERS– To the Gloucester Catholic High School football team on winning the Non-Public Group 2 title knocking off St. Joseph 24-21. The Rams play for the state title this weekend against Holy Cross. Also Cheers to the Gloucester Catholic Girls Soccer team on winning the Non-Public A girls\’ soccer state championship by beating the No. 1 team in the nation, Immaculate Heart Academy 3-0. 
• CHEERS –To the student at Alice Costello School, Brooklawn who alerted his teacher about a classmate that had a list of children and staff he wanted to harm. That took a lot of courage to stand up and speak out, especially for a child. Someone is doing something right! An example should be made of that child\’s actions – a positive example. 
• CHEERS- To the members of the Mount Ephraim Celebrations Committee for working diligently with town businesses and organizations to purchase wreaths and holiday banners for the light lanterns on West Kings Highway. Also kudos to the Committee on organizing the Halloween festivities. 
• CHEERS–Sam Conte Sr. and Michelle Orosze of the Mount Ephraim Rotary presented new dictionaries to the third grade students of the Mary Bray School. What a great idea! 
• CHEERS–Finally, there is a movement to alleviate the heavy traffic congestions on the highways in South Jersey. Plans for a possible extension of the PATCO rail line will be the subject of informational open houses in five South Jersey communities over the next two weeks. One of the meetings will be in Gloucester City, Dec. 4 at the ME Costello School. Under consideration are three proposals to run the line deeper into South Jersey and to extend it along Philadelphia\’s growing waterfront. The traffic jams and auto accidents on Route 42 and Route 295 are an everyday occurrence. The construction of a new rail line is long overdue. To those that oppose the idea come up with another suggestion to solve the problem; I am listening! 

Editor\’s Note: I am working on the October Cheers and Jeers column which will be published next Monday, October 29^th and would appreciate some help from all of you.

If you know of someone who should be recognized for their community spirit, or an Act of Kindness, send their name, along with where they reside to [email protected]. Include a brief summary on why you feel they should be acknowledged.

Also if you have someone/ or something that you feel should be given a JEER let me know about that too. I can\’t promise that your suggestion (s) will be used but it will help me with writing my column.

All entries should be sent to [email protected] ——–Thank you, Bill