Kathy Cleary Underwood | Cleary’s Notebook News
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNews) (November 18, 2025)—In a startling incident this morning, a pickup truck and a car crashed in the 500 block of South Broadway, close to Kohler Street. According to a resident, the car ended up on its roof. The cause of the accident is unknown. It is unclear if the driver of either vehicle was hurt. Or, if there were any other injuries.
Continue reading “Startling Two-Car Collision in Gloucester City”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.
Continue reading “My Journey in the Newspaper Industry”William E. Cleary Sr. | Clearys News Journal
Slam Dunk Upgrades at Burlington & Middlesex Streets
The basketball court at Burlington and Middlesex just got another round of improvements! The blacktop has been resurfaced and painted, and new netting has been added above the fencing to keep the game going strong. The whole 3 Corner Park area is really coming together—it’s looking better than ever and adds a nice boost to the neighborhood. As activity continues to grow west of Broadway, these upgrades help set the stage for even more good things to come.
ANGELS PLAYGROUND–In January 2007, the playground located at Three Corner Park in Gloucester City was refurbished and renamed Angels Playground in honor of the three Slack children who tragically perished in a fire on July 4, 2002, at the intersection of Broadway and Mercer Street. Regrettably, the area has experienced acts of vandalism, including the destruction of the Angels’ Welcome sign and the defacement of playground equipment with graffiti. The reasons for the failure to replace the sign remain unclear.
Continue reading “New Basketball Court for Three Corner Park ; A Look Back at the Playground’s History”This past September, I was walking our new dog, Sweetie, in the old industrial area of the city, and we had the incredible fortune of spotting four American bald eagles perched majestically in two trees. As we got closer to their location, two of the mature eagles flew over our heads. At the same time, the other two took off in the opposite direction. We were in awe at their beauty. It felt like such a special gift from nature, filling our hearts with awe and wonder as we soaked in the beauty of these incredible creatures. Sweetie, our two-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever whom we recently adopted, seemed to share in our excitement.
Continue reading “THE AMERICAN BALD EAGLE VISITS GLOUCESTER CITY”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
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (March 11, 2020)–Gloucester City Mayor Daniel Spencer has released the following statement regarding the City\’s response to the Corona Virus crisis.
City of Gloucester officials have been in constant contact with representatives of the Camden County Health Department and Office of Emergency Management on the ever-widening Corona Virus crisis.
The City and its various departments have been meeting on this issue and are doing everything in their power to help educate the citizens of Gloucester City and to do their part in containing this virus.
There are several simple steps to protect yourself regarding the Corona Virus
Clean your hands often with soap and water
Avoid close contact
Stay home if your sick
Cover coughs and sneezes
Wear a face mask if you are sick
Clean and Disinfect at least twice a day for high traffic areas such as phones, doorknobs, light switches
Seek Medical advice if symptomatic
Additional information can be viewed on the State of New Jersey website at state.nj.us and the Centers for Disease Control website at cdc.gov
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by CNBNews Staff
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (March 3, 2020)–This year\’s parade, held Sunday, March 1, was \”much bigger than last year\”, said Mayor Dan Spencer. \”Between all the marchers and spectators it was estimated upwards of 5,000 people in town.\’\”
Spencer said, \”I would like to extend my appreciation to all of our parade sponsors especially the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders, all of our great city employees from the Public Works Department, Police and Fire Departments, Camden County Special Events Department, Msgr. William Hodge from St. Mary’s, Charlie Kain, President of the New Jersey Irish Society, Tom Gurick our MC, Bob Kelly from Fox 29 News, Principal Ed Beckett our Grand Marshall from Gloucester Catholic High School, Dr. Dennis Vespe and Principal Sean Gorman from the Gloucester City School District for all their support, Members of City Council, my friends from the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association for their help and support in organizing things on parade day, and all of those who had anything to do with making this a bigger and better event for putting Gloucester City in the spotlight. We are happy for the many people who visited our businesses that day, especially those who visited our taverns and restaurants. I apologize for anyone I forgot, so a GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE, Especially the great citizens of Gloucester City for being so humble and hospitable. See you next year for an even bigger and better parade.\”
( photos courtesy of Heidi Weaver heidiho7272@gmail.com )
The opening ceremony of the parade began in front of the church with Sheila McGirl singing the anthems as the flags for the United States and Ireland were raised by Assemblyman Bill Moen. Grand Marshall Ed Beckett and Deputy Consul General from Ireland Sean O\’Hageon look on
The Brian Boru Pipes and Drums Band with Kevin Flatley Drum Major parades by St. Mary\’s Church
Several thousand people attended this year\’s parade. Gloucester City Mayor Dan Spencer was decked out in his Irish scarf, tie and carried his Irish shillelagh
Gloucester City Mayor Dan Spencer and Monsignor Bill Hodge do their impression of the mummer strut with one of the string band captains in front of St. Mary\’s Church
Monsignor Bill Hodge enjoyed the day. Being the Irishman that he is he couldn\’t contain himself when the music starting playing he had this urge to strut his stuff.
Celebrity Parade Marshall Bob Kelly from Fox 29 was dressed out in his finery including his shamrock sports coat which he only wears, hopefully, at St. Patrick\’s celebrations. Where do you buy something like that Bob?
Mary Blackiston just couldn\’t help herself. She showed everyone that you can\’t keep a Gloucester City girl down when the string band starts playing you have to dance!
Honor guest Deputy Consul General from Ireland Sean O’Hageon
Ladies AOH State Officers Roseann Michel and Maread Gallagher
CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE
( photos courtesy of Heidi Weaver heidiho7272@gmail.com )
by CNBNews Staff
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (February 29, 2020)—-The annual St. Mary\’s Parish/Gloucester City St. Patrick\’s Day Parade is scheduled to begin at 1 PM sharp rain or shine. The parade will take the same route as last year, forming and staging at the Martin’s Lake area, at Johnson Blvd. and Baynes Ave. marching on Johnson Blvd. to Monmouth Street, up Monmouth Street to King, and dispersing at the former Coast Guard Base parking lot, King and Cumberland Streets.
It will begin at Johnson Blvd and Baynes Avenue, north to Monmouth and Johnson Blvd., move west on Monmouth Street to King Street and south on King Street to Proprietors Park.
The following bands and marching units will be in the line of march:
South Philadelphia, Quaker City, Fralinger, Woodland, Avalon, Aqua, Uptown, Duffy, Durning, and the Gloucester City String Band.
The Camden County Emerald Society, Second Street Irish Society, Trenton AOH, ACFD Sand Pipers, and Brian Boru Pipes and Drums Bands.
The Misty Dewers and The Broken Shillelaghs Irish Bands.
The Two Street Stompers Comic Brigade. The Jordan-Hunt and the Emerald Isle Irish Dance Schools.
The parade\’s Grand Marshall is Ed Beckett, principal of Gloucester Catholic High School and the Celebrity Parade Marshall is Bob Kelly from Fox 29 News. Honor guest is the Deputy Consul General from Ireland Sean O’Hay
Gloucester City’s own radio disc jockey Kathy Townsend Suckiel from the B101.1 radio station will be present with the B101 mascot,
Buzzbee!
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Below is the parade line-up set for 12 noon at the staging area
Camden County Emerald Society (Gloucestercitynews.net file photo)
LINE-UP IS AT 12:00 NOON IN THE STAGING AREA
POSITIONS #A-#G LINE UP IS ON JOHNSON BLVD. BETWEEN FRANCIS ST. & BAYNES AVE.
POSITION “A”-VFW & AMERICAN LEGION COLOR GUARD & ROTC COLOR GUARD FROM GLOUCESTER HIGH SCHOOL WITH USMC MARINES BRETT & DALTON KENNEY
POSITION “B” CELEBRITY PARADE MARSHAL BOB KELLY AND QUAKER CITY STRING BAND WITH MSGR. HODGE, DEPUTY CONSUL GENERAL FROM IRELAND, MAYOR DAN SPENCER
POSITION “C”-2020 GRAND MARSHAL ED BECKETT AND GLOUCESTER CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS
POSITION “D”-KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS WITH ST. PATRICK’S STATUE
POSITION “E”-DURNING STRING BAND
POSITION “F” CITY COUNCIL, COUNTY FREEHOLDERS, STATE LEGISLATORS, OTHER DIGNITARIES AND ELECTED OFFICIALS, CAMDEN COUNTY MASCOTS
POSITION “G” THE MISTY DEWERS
POSITIONS #1-#5-Francis Street and East Brown Street
SOUTH JERSEY MOBILE BILLBOARD TRUCK
ANYZEK FUELS ANTIQUE TRUCKS/CARS-JIM PARENT, 1939 GREEN BUICK
GARDEN STATE CORVETTE CLUB ON FRANCIS STREET
GLOUCESTER CITY OLDTIMERS STRING BAND
ANTIQUE CARS/TRUCKS-JIM PARENT IN HIS 1939 GREEN BUICK
-DONNELLY-GATTO FUNERAL HOME ROLLS ROYCE HEARSE & STAFF
POSITIONS #6–#21-HIGHLAND BLVD DOWN TO GREENWOOD AVENUE
PUBLIC WORKS TRAILER WITH LADIES AOH, CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA’S, AND LITTLE MISS/MR. GLOUCESTER CITY
TRENTON AOH BAGPIPE BAND
GLOUCESTER CITY FIRE DEPT COLOR GUARD & MARCHERS
GLOUCESTER CITY FIRE DEPT. APPARATUS
DUFFY STRING BAND
GLOUCESTER CITY IRISH SOCIETY
GLOUCESTER CITY HIGH SCHOOL COLOR GUARD, MARCHING BAND, & SCHOOL CLUBS
UPTOWN STRING BAND
GLOUCESTER CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL & COLD SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
IRISH SETTAR CLUB OF SOUTH JERSEY
CAMDEN COUNTY EMERALD SOCIETY
CAIRDEAS IRISH BIRGADE (JOHN SCILLIG-SCHILEEN’S TAVERN-WESTVILLE, NJ)
MARK’S ANTIQUE FIRE TRUCK???? AND/OR FOUR LEAF RESTORATION COMPANY
AQUA STRING BAND
AOH GLOUCESTER COUNTY DIVISION I-COMMODORE JOHN BARRY-LARRY PRELLE, DIRECTOR
BRIAN BORU PIPES AND DRUMS BAND-KEVIN FLATLEY DRUM MAJOR
POSITIONS #22-#38 KLEMM AVENUE TO SYLVAN AVENUE
AVALON STRING BAND
GLOUCESTER CITY YOUTH SOCCER
JORDAN HUNT SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE
GLOUCESTER CITY LITTLE LEAGUE
SECOND STREET IRISH SOCIETY PIPES & DRUMS
MINI HORSE’S PONY CLUB-LONG ACRES FARM-MARY LEDGER
WOODLAND STRING BAND
CUB SCOUTS TROOP OF GLOUCESTER CITY???/ QUINN FAMILY WITH IRISH WOLFHOUND SEAMUS
FRALINGER STRING BAND
COMMUNITY ROCKS CORP.-ERIN OSLER/SARA O’BRIEN
ATLANTIC CITY FIREFIGHTERS SAND PIPERS
EPIPHANY CHURCH OF GLOUCESTER CITY-PASTOR JOE MARLIN
SOUTH PHILADELPHIA STRING BAND
HIGHLAND TAVERN FLOAT WITH BIG DADDY
EMERALD ISLE ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCE
TWO STREET STOMPERS COMIC BRIGADE CHAMPIONS
TAVERN ON THE EDGE PRESENTS “THE BROKEN SHILELLEGHS”
Gov. Phil Murphy hugging Brooklawn Mayor Teri Branella at the 2018 parade
Written by Carl Peters/
Diocese of Camden
After years of civil war, Abraham Lincoln was under pressure to drop the abolition of slavery as a condition for peace with the confederate forces. He refused, saying, “The world shall know that I will keep my faith to friends and enemies, come what may.”
“When Lincoln said this, he fully expected to lose the election in November,” the Civil War historian James M. McPherson noted. But a couple of major military victories helped sweep him to victory. (New Jersey was one of only three Union states he did not carry.) He took the oath of office for his second term as president on March 4, 1865.
Lincoln was never a member of a church, so political opponents had often accused him of being an atheist. In the election of 1860, when he was first elected president, 21 of the 24 ministers in Springfield — his home — voted against him “in large part because they considered him an infidel,” noted Stephen B. Oates, one of his biographers.
Yet Lincoln knew the Bible well, and he was convinced both of God’s existence and of humanity’s inability to fully comprehend or explain divine providence. He avoided the pious theatrics of Andrew Johnson — his vice president, a political compromise candidate — who waved a Bible in the air at his own swearing in and then gave it a passionate kiss, but Lincoln’s second inaugural was deeply religious.
People are seen visiting the Lincoln Memorial in Washington Dec. 15, 2019. Dedicated in 1922, the monument honors Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. Presidents Day, a federal holiday celebrating all U.S. presidents, is observed Feb. 17 in 2020. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)
The speech was also different – strikingly so — from what Americans now expect to hear from a politician. With the end of the war in sight, the president did not claim vindication for his leadership or for his party. Instead, he acknowledged that neither side expected the war to last as long as it had, or for the fighting to be as intense as it was.
At a time when the country was more fractured than ever before or since — when regional and political differences had the most serious consequences for the country’s citizens — he noted that both sides “read the same Bible, and pray to the same God.”
“The prayers of both could not be answered; that of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has his own purposes,” he said.
In addition to the Bible, Lincoln knew a great deal of Shakespeare. A man who was aware of his own driving political ambition, his favorite play was “Macbeth,” the story of a nobleman who believes he is destined to be king.
Yet Lincoln was utterly unlike Macbeth, who becomes increasingly ruthless in trying to hold on to his own political power and prestige. “For my own good, all causes shall give way,” the king declares.
In contrast, and despite political pressure, Lincoln held fast to the causes he believed were worth fighting for — the preservation of the Union and, when it became a realistic goal, the total abolition of slavery. He also held fast to his concern for all people of the United States, including his many opponents and those who lived in this country but were not citizens and thus did not have the right to vote.
Refusing to exploit the divisions that were continuing to tear the country apart, Lincoln began his second term in office with humility, expressing concerns that sound like they could have been voiced by Isaiah, Martin Luther King, Jr., or Pope Francis:
“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan — to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.”
Afterward, Lincoln asked Frederick Douglass, the former slave and abolitionist, what he thought of the speech. “There is no man in the country whose opinion I value more than yours,” Lincoln said to him.
“Mr. Lincoln, that was a sacred effort,” Douglass answered.
Carl Peters is managing editor of the Catholic Star Herald.
source
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By CNBNews Staff
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (February 11, 2020)(CNBNewsnet)
—Bob Kotter, who was born and raised in Gloucester City, needs some help from his friends and residents of the community. Bob is battling stage 4 prostate cancer. A U.S. Marine, Bob fought in the Vietnam War. He believes his cancer was caused by Agent Orange which was dropped on the jungles of Vietnam by U.S. planes and helicopters to kill the heavy vegetation.
Bob Kotter (2018 CNBNews photo)
Recently his chemotherapy was increased to four times a week as cancer has spread to his bones.
For a decade or more Bob lived in the family home in the 400 block of Market Street taking care of his elderly parents. He cooked their meals, kept them and the house cleaned, and made sure they got to the doctors and received their medications. After his mother died the house was sold and he was left without a roof over his head.
\”A community activist,
I first met Bob in 2006-07 when he was trying to get the City of Gloucester City to clean up their parking lot at Fifth and Powell Street,\” said Bill Cleary Sr., editor of CNBNews. \”The lot was being used by junkies to shoot up. Empty needles and glassine bags were thrown around the lot in plain view. It was also an eyesore as a result of the trash and broken down cars on the lot.\”
From the 2007 article:
The city property was once the site of the Quaker Food store and the former Sand Bar. The City tore down the properties in the 1980s, paved it with asphalt, and put up an 8-foot high cyclone fence.
Kotter said during the interview,“that was the last time we saw the City. The fence has been decaying for the past several years. People used the vacant property to store their unlicensed vehicles and for changing the oil in their cars.”
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In 2016 Bob fought against the terrible odor that was coming from the Blueknight Energy Partners asphalt plant on Water Street, home to eight million barrels of asphalt. Kotter told the Philadelphia Inquirer, \”Sometimes the fumes burn your eyes,\” he said. \”My elderly parents who lived four blocks from the plant have been putting up with it for years. But nobody does anything about it even though I have complained to numerous environmental agencies.\”
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Bob loved to walk through the city. He wore a wide brim light green hat with a US Marine emblem. You could tell by his walk he was military. He would start from his parent\’s home on Market Street head west to the riverfront and cover the entire city ending back at Market and Powell Streets. When he saw that the old GAF power plant was being demolished he was concerned that the property wasn\’t properly sealed, and, was worried the asbestos inside would spread to the nearby residential neighborhood.
\”As a result of his tip, we discovered some interesting history about the GAF power plant that we and the public would never have known if it wasn\’t for him,\” said Cleary.
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He loved Gloucester City and it upset him to see what was happening to certain neighborhoods in the community. He was quick to point out faults in the hopes by doing so improvements would be made. Take for example in 2018 when he wrote a letter to CNBNews about the condition of the entrance to the city on South Broadway, along with the pot holes on Jersey Avenue, two main highways coming in and out of the city.
\”I have attached some photos showing the deplorable road conditions on South Broadway when you enter Gloucester City from Brooklawn and the pot holes on Jersey Avenue from South Broadway to King Street,\” said Kotter.
\”These streets are so bad that if you hit some of the bumps doing the speed limit it will throw you right out of your vehicle\’s seat. I can\’t imagine what it does to the front end of your car/truck. Year in and year out these conditions have been allowed to exist. It is a disgrace. I give the person a thumbs up for the nice job he/she did in painting the new yellow lines on the street. However, painting dividing lines in the street before you repair the potholes is just plain stupid. \”
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\”Bob\’s heart was always in the right place\”, said Cleary.
\”He had no ulterior motive. He wasn\’t running for any political office. Nor did he have an ax to grind. If he saw something wrong he tried his best to fix it because of his love for Gloucester City. Please keep him in your prayers as he needs our help now both spiritually and financially.\”
Send your check to Runnemede VFW,
℅ Tim Salamatin, 13 East Sixth Street, Runnemede, NJ 08087. Make the check payable to Bob Kotter.
You can also send a Get Well card to Bob at the same address.
(published Feb. 11, 2020) https://www.gloucestercitynews.net
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