Holiday Small Business Spotlight

Check out these ideas for places to shop to score great local gifts for everyone on your list this season. Follow us on social media and get even more ideas or share your favorite places in Gloucester to shop with us!
Duffy’s Fine Chocolates & Delicious Candy, Award Winning Sweets A hometown favorite for stocking stuffers, candy trays, custom gift boxes, and nostalgic holiday treats. Perfect for teachers, coworkers, hosts, and anyone who appreciates something sweet.
Carr’s Hardware, Practical Gifts for the Home For the DIY enthusiast or new homeowner, Carr’s offers tools, seasonal supplies, and practical items that always come in handy. A Carr’s gift card is a thoughtful choice for anyone on your list.
Sunshine Florist and Gifts, Flowers, Plants, and Seasonal Decor A reliable spot for holiday arrangements, poinsettias, gift items, and home decor. Perfect for hosts, family gatherings, or anyone who enjoys seasonal touches around the home.
Local Restaurants and Pubs, Gift Cards for a Night Out Gloucester City has many great places to eat and relax. Gift cards are an easy and well loved option that support local establishments and make gifting simple and flexible. You can make it even more personal and special with an invitation to go out for a date night, special time with the kids, or fun girls night out.
Gloucester Travel, The Gift of Experience For those dreaming of a future getaway, Gloucester Travel offers planning services and gift certificates. A meaningful option for couples, families, and friends who prefer experiences over traditional gifts.

CNBNEWS POINT OF VIEW: YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING IN YOUR CITY

Monday, July 20, 2015

William E. Cleary Sr | Cleary’s Notebook News

THE SECRETIVE GLOUCESTER CITY COUNCIL—At a recent executive session of the Gloucester City Mayor and Council, City Solicitor Leonard Wood gave an in-depth report on the ongoing negotiations with the NHP Foundation and what they are looking to do with financing the purchase of city-owned property, Chatham Square.

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Grant Funding to Train Women and Minority Residents in the Construction Trades

NJDOL Announces $2.5 Million in Grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TRENTON –(November 12, 2025) The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) Office of Apprenticeship has announced $2.5 million in available funding through the New Jersey Builder’s Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity (NJBUILD) Women and Minorities in Construction Trades grant program to support the training of minority and women residents of New Jersey in the construction trades.

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Startling Two-Car Collision in Gloucester City

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.

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Resume for John P. Driscoll Sr.; Candidate for Gloucester City School Board

June 2015

I am a dedicated and enthusiastic candidate with a Masters of Special Education Degree. I have six years of substitute teaching experience, experience as Gloucester City’s DARE Officer, and I am the current Vice Principal of Holy Name Elementary School in Camden, NJ. I am seeking a position as an advocate for children. I have been lucky enough to have been able to retire from the NJ Police and Fire Pension system. I believe in my second career I am meant to demonstrate and encourage a passion for learning and helping to meet the needs of our exceptional children.

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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

Jacqueline Mary Dimmerman, age 71, Lifelong member/shop steward for Local 54

Surrounded by her daughters, on March 18, 2020, at age 71. (nee Kaluhiokalani) Formerly of Gloucester City and Williamstown. Beloved mother of Thelma Fagan, Sherry Walker Fuss (late James) and John Walker, III. Cherished grandmother of Glenn VanLeer, Jr. and Thomas Fuss and great grandmother of Leah VanLeer. Beloved sister of Joseph Kaluhiokalani (Tina) and the late David Kaluhiokalani (surviving Lynn). Also survived by her former husband, Joseph Dimmerman and her pups, Bella and Raffy.

Jackie will be remembered as a loving, dedicated and compassionate mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and cousin. Her family always came first, no matter what! She enjoyed the 25+ years she worked as a server at various location throughout South Jersey and Atlantic City, including Tropicana, Claridge and Bally’s. She was a lifelong member and shop steward for Local 54 in Atlantic City and a dedicated and active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over 10 years. She will be forever remembered for her talent in the kitchen, cooking the traditional family recipes only from memory.

At her request, cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers to the family, donations may be made in Jackie’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034. Please memo, Jacqueline M. Dimmerman.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of Jacqueline M. Dimmerman. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City. Ph:856-456-1142

SERVICES CANCELLED due to COVID-19:Reba E. Tobin-Wills of Brooklawn; Holcomb Bus Driver, Waitress, Loved Shooting PoolG

Services that were planned for this week have been cancelled. Memorial Services are being planned for a later date.

Brooklawn – On March 9, 2020. Age 71. Beloved wife of Robert Tobin for 26 years, loving mother of Linda Romano, David Coulter, Trudy Riggs, Richard Tobin; grandmother of;

Crystal, Joseph Jr., Karyn, Kevin, Jimmy, Kenny, Ieisha, Jessica and great-grandmother of 9.

Reba worked as a bus driver for 25 years with the Holcomb Bus Company, Bellmawr. She also worked for several years as a waitress. Reba loved being with family, shooting pool. She had a big heart and loved to help everyone.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday, March 19th from 12 to 1 pm at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of Reba E. Tobin-Wills. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through:

McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME

: Ph: 856-456-1142

Services Cancelled due to COVID-19:Lynda Lee Keebler, of Gloucester City, age 51

Lynda’s family will hold a private service in the upcoming days. The public visitation which was originally scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2020 at the funeral home, has been cancelled. Lynda’s family will hold a public memorial later in the summer so all her beloved family and friends can gather, remember and celebrate the impactful life that she lived.

Love, Laughter, Joy, and Light

A magical, spiritual person who made a deep connection with everyone who crossed her path. Lynda had an amazing and genuine ability to make everyone she met feel valued and loved. She made the everyday seem magnificent and never took one moment for granted. She embraced life and surrounded herself with the beauty of nature at her

enchanted lake house. Whether she was enjoying a cup of tea on her deck or a peaceful moment kayaking on the lake, she always found the pretty in every day.

Lynda’s sweet smile lit up a room and her infectious laughter was contagious. Every person blessed to know her has a favorite “Lynda” story to tell, that ends with, “You just can’t make this stuff up”.

This warrior’s strength and courage was curiously paired with her sweet and gentle heart. She exemplified class and poise in the face of adversity.

Her spirit lives on in the hearts of her loving husband and soulmate Shawn Lepley, her adored parents Frank and Darline \”Doll\” Keebler (nee Ternau), beloved sister Karen Hartman (Robert), and her late brother Frankie Keebler, cherished nephews Frankie Willerton and Joseph Hartman, and her precious dog Zenny. Naturally loved by Shawn\’s extended family especially her nieces and nephews Owen, Chloe, Tierney, Clarke, Reece, Conner, and Kellen. Along with many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and endeared friends.

Heaven’s Angel, our once Earth Angel, has truly earned her Wings.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Saturday, March 21st, from 10 AM to 1 PM at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 851 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Prayer service immediately following in the funeral home. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Lynda Lee Keebler Scholarship Fund, c/o Gloucester City High School, 1300 Market St., Gloucester City, NJ 08030.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at

www.mccannhealey.com

under the obituary of Lynda Lee Keebler. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City. Ph:856-456-1142

Michael P. Murphy, of Runnemede, 66; Volunteer Fireman

Michael P. Murphy on March 15, of Runnemede, age 66.

Beloved son of the late Robert C. and May Elinda (nee Lloyd) Murphy Sr. Devoted brother of Agnes Knee (Gerald), Robert C. Murphy Jr. (the late Patricia), Thomas J. Murphy, Richard P. Murphy, Teresa A. Murphy, and David P. Murphy. Dear uncle of 7 and great uncle of 4. Loving nephew of Jack Lloyd

(Ethel) and Mary Lousie Burkhauser.

Michael was a volunteer fire fighter of Runnemede Station 75 for 50 years and an avid fisherman.

There will be a viewing from 7pm to 9pm on Friday and from 9:30am to 11am on Saturday at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Funeral service 11am at the funeral home. Interment St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Blackwood. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society 1851 Old Cuthbert Rd Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.