The photo shows my brother George and his first wife, Barb with the twins. I hadn’t seen Barb in decades, and when I learned that she and her daughter, Barb (when she was younger, she was called Bobbie, were in a nursing home, Connie and I decided to visit them. We took Peyton, our trained therapy dog, with us. She was an immediate star with the patients in the home. Young Barb was 53 and had ALS. In the photo, she is the baby on the right. When we arrived, we found them both sitting in the day room. Young Barb looked at me and asked her mom, “Do you know who this is, Mom?” After a few minutes of contemplating, Barb looked at me and said, “Billy!” She had Alzheimer’s disease. Like you, I am very familiar with that illness; my mom had it, and now my sister, Dolores, is affected by it too.
Continue reading “MY BROTHER GEORGE & Barbara Gianvito Cleary”Category: CNB NEWS TIPS & SNIPPETS
MY CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN HAVE MADE US PROUD
Dear Family,
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNEWS)–Today, at St. Mary’s Church, I looked at all of you. I was struck by the powerful lyrics of a Darius Rucker song that capture our family’s essence. I’ve included a verse from that song along with the link below—make time to listen. (photo courtesy of St. Mary’s Facebook)
It won’t be like this for long
One day soon, that girl is gonna be
All grown up and gone
Yeah, this phase is gonna fly by
So, he’s tryin to hold on
Cause it won’t be like this for long
It won’t be like this for long.
, Preform by Darius Rucker
Reflecting on this song brought vivid memories of each of your births—Kelly Ann, Connie Lynn, and Billy. Your bright blonde hair and radiant smiles were undeniable gifts from heaven. Yes, you tested our patience at times, but the joy you brought into our lives far outweighed any challenges. Your mother and I felt young and vibrant, and I wouldn’t trade those days for anything. Watching you grow into a strong woman and a remarkable man fills me with pride, especially as you now bless us with wonderful grandchildren who are continuing this legacy of love.
Sitting in church this past Sunday, I reminisced about my time as a young altar boy, serving alongside the priest while my father sat in his customary spot, lost in prayer. Those moments reminded me of my life journey, from childhood to the present, and how swiftly the years have flown by.
You deserve to know about the simplicity of your mom’s and my upbringing. Life back then was straightforward, and we often took our good fortune for granted. I am genuinely concerned about the challenges you face today. Growing up in today’s world is undoubtedly difficult, and I want you all to understand that you have my unwavering support.
I often think of my parents and the time I would have loved to spend with them. Watching them age was painful, as they became almost childlike in their needs. Many nights, I cried in silence, wishing for their peace. I miss my brother and the invaluable conversations we shared.
Now, I fully grasp my father’s tears while listening to music in his final days. He was likely reflecting on his own life, as I do now.
I stand firm in saying that I have been blessed with a wonderful life, and a significant part of that comes from each of you. My only regret is not expressing my love for you more often—I know your mother would feel the same way.
You each make me proud in your own unique way, and I want you to know that we could not ask for a better family.
With all our Love,
Dad, Grandfather, Mom, Grandmom
Our Best Friends Happen to be Our 9 Labrador Retrievers
Lacey, the black Labrador, and Erica, the yellow Labrador. Friends from the first day they met at the Seeing Eye Campus.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ—We have been very fortunate to own many excellent Labrador retrievers for over 60 years of marriage. Three of our eight Labdores were therapy dogs. Today, Peyton holds down that title. Before her, the two pictured, Lacey and Erica, performed those duties. Seeing the faces of senior citizens and hospital patients brighten when we walk into their room with our dog is very rewarding.
Continue reading “Our Best Friends Happen to be Our 9 Labrador Retrievers”Was the Retainer Wall Built to Stop Flooding
DON’T MESS WITH MOTHER NATURE – The contractor for the New Jersey Department of Transportation is taking an innovative approach to address the flooding issue at Brooklawn’s east and west traffic circles by constructing retaining walls. However, as indicated by the arrows in the photo, it seems that water is still making its way onto New Broadway. I suggest considering a six or eight-foot-high retaining wall, which could also provide opportunities for advertising space—just a joke, of course! In all the times we’ve seen various contractors attempt to stop the flooding, this is the first instance where we have witnessed the erection of retaining walls.
From The CNBNews Archives, Year 2006
When winter was really winter
DECEMBER 1914
(PhillyHistory)(December 2006)–Local meteorologists forecast an exceptionally snowy winter for Philadelphia in 2006-07. As this prediction looms in the minds of the city’s residents, the thought of snow is likely the last thing they want to contemplate. This sentiment probably echoed through the streets of Philadelphia in 1914, especially with the promise of spring just around the corner.
Yet, on the evening of March 2, 1914, and stretching into the early hours of March 3, the snow became the sole focus of conversation among locals. A powerful storm rolled in from the Atlantic Coast, bringing with it a blanket of white that transformed the city. The storm wreaked havoc in New York and Camden and blanketed Philadelphia in heavy, wet snow, creating a picturesque but challenging winter scene. As the snow continued to fall, it became clear that both the beauty and difficulties of winter had once again taken center stage in the lives of Philadelphians.
Read more: From The CNBNews Archives, Year 2006PIRATES DEN DESTROYED BY FIRE
North Broadway and Essex Street, Gloucester City, NJ
(December 13, 2006)
The above photo shows the fire, while the bottom photo reveals the damage.
GLOUCESTER CITY, N.J. (December 13, 2006) -A Gloucester City seafood restaurant and bar stands in ruins this morning after a devastating fire swept through it overnight, leaving two individuals hospitalized. The inferno ignited at the Pirates Den shortly after 12:30 a.m., engulfing the structure located on the bustling 300 block of North Broadway. This establishment, owned by Brian Cohan, was previously known as Ferry’s Seafood Restaurant.
Firefighters bravely battled the intense flames during a challenging three-alarm response. The inferno caused substantial damage to the restaurant and resulted in one firefighter requiring hospitalization for injuries sustained while combating the fire. Additionally, a patron trapped inside the building was rushed to the hospital due to smoke inhalation. Despite the valiant efforts of emergency crews, who worked tirelessly for over two hours to bring the fire under control, the cause of the blaze remains a mystery. The scene is one of heartbreak for the community that fondly remembers the restaurant’s warm atmosphere and delicious seafood dishes.
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BELIEVE IT OR NOT…
In early January 2024, I underwent a medical procedure at Cooper University Hospital in Camden City. I was administered sedation, and the next thing I remember, I was waking up in the recovery room. Once the sedation wore off, I was released.
While waiting in the hallway for someone to push my wheelchair to valet parking downstairs, my wife Connie handed me my wedding ring She had been holding it since jewelry was prohibited in the room during the surgery.
As she hands me the ring, it slips out of my hand and falls to the floor, rolling down the hallway and out of sight. I got up to look for it, but a nurse warned me to get back in the wheelchair to avoid falling. I explained the situation, and several medical staff members soon joined the search. More joined when they learned we would celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary this year on April 18. All sorts of thoughts were running through my mind. I couldn’t bear to lose that ring after all these years; it holds too much sentimental value. Why didn’t I leave it at home? I kept asking myself. To make the ring even more special, Connie’s wedding band was soldered to mine. Due to severe arthritis, she is unable to wear her wedding ring.
Continue reading “BELIEVE IT OR NOT…”Burkhardt Breaks Dad’s Record
William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews
GHS 400-MEET RECORD BROKEN–Steven Burkhardt, (inset) a senior at Gloucester High School, a star student- athlete at the school broke the outdoor track program’s 400-meet record during the Fast-Times meet at Cherokee High recently. That two decade plus record was held by his father former City Police Lt. Steve Burkhardt, and GHS alum. The lieutenant retired from the department last year.
According to Sun Papers, Burkhardt has already cemented his own Lions’ legacy, following a historic 2021-’22 football season in which he led the state with 33 rushing touchdowns while racking up 2,034 rushing yards, good for the second most in the state. Those touchdowns tied the single-season school record, and helped lead the program to its first playoff victory since 2014 with a 21-14 victory over New Egypt in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 1 sectional playoffs. read more
Help Stop Bird Flu-Remove Your Bird Feeder
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has warned poultry owners to be alert for signs of Avian Influenzq -the-bird flu, appearing in their flocks. It can infect chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and a variety of other birds, including migratory waterfowl and pet birds such as parrots. Just like in the human flu season, each year there is a flu season affecting different birds in varying ways. NJ.com has reported that experts say the bird feeder and bird bath in your yard should be removed. They say bird feeders and baths that encourage birds to congregate in your backyard allow the virus to spread.
The risk of people catching the bird flu is low, with no cases reported in humans, according to officials.
Your bird feeder is helping spread it. If you really care about them you’ll take away your bird feeders until the all clear is given.
ONE OF THE LARGEST SHOPRITE STORES COMING TO WOOLWICH
With a store (see rendering above) slated to open in March 2023, Zallie-Somerset currently owns and operates 11 ShopRite Supermarkets, 10 in South Jersey, and one in Philadelphia, according to the company’s website.
Zallie-Somerset Inc. will begin construction on the newest and one of the largest ShopRite stores in New Jersey’s Gloucester County in the next few weeks. The future store, located at the corner of Center Square Road and Auburn Road in an area of high population growth, will measure more than 75,000 square feet. Westville based general contractor Lynmar Builders, and Blackwood, based refrigeration, HVAC, and lighting provider Cold Technology have teamed with Zallie-Somerset to build and equip the new store.
Besides the Woolwich Township project, Zaillie-Somerset Inc. is planning a complete renovation of its store in Glassboro. Tentative plans call for a Grand Reopening in November at ShopRite of Glassboro. And, the Wine Shop that has been within the ShopRite of West Berlin is expanding to the former Hallmark store.
PROPERTY TAXES-Gloucester City in the Top 30 with the Highest; Brooklawn in the Top 30 with the Lowest
William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews
The Top 30 Communities in New Jersey with the Highest Property Taxes
NJ Advance Media released an article recently regarding the 30 communities in the state of New Jersey with the highest property tax rate. Keep in mind that there are 565 towns/cities in the entire state. So to be listed in the top 30, in this case, is not something to brag about.
Residents living in any of those 30 communities should call their mayor and city council/commissioners and demand they explain why they are paying more in taxes than 500 plus other communities in this state.
Continue reading “PROPERTY TAXES-Gloucester City in the Top 30 with the Highest; Brooklawn in the Top 30 with the Lowest”