Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project Gives Back to U.S. Military Veterans
Marylou Keefer, wife of late U.S. Navy veteran, William Keefer, will receive a new roof on Tuesday, March 17, 2026,from Veterans Roofing, an Owens Corning Platinum Roofing Contractor, as part of the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project.
Through a partnership with Purple Heart Homes, Mrs. Keefer was selected and approved as the recipient for the roof replacement.
Continue reading “Widow of Veteran to Receive New Roof”
On Monday, March 9, at 7:00 p.m., Chief Anthony Minosse will present members of the Gloucester Township Police Department to Mayor David Mayer and Township Council during a ceremonial promotion and swearing-in ceremony. The ceremony will include the promotion of one officer to the rank of sergeant and the swearing-in of two new Gloucester Township police officers.
Ceremonially Promoted to the Rank of Sergeant:
• Sgt. Craig Walsh #252
Ceremonially Sworn In as Police Officers:
• Ptl. Tyler Shrader #351
• Ptl. William Franz #352
The ceremony will take place during the regularly scheduled Gloucester Township Municipal Council meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Council Room.
Gloucester City Mayor and Council recently acknowledged Jim Waters for his steady dedication and the countless hours he puts into organizing the Summer Concert Series each year. Jim is one of those behind‑the‑scenes community members whose reliability, hard work, and modest nature make a real difference. He has long been a trusted voice in Gloucester City, contributing through volunteer service and participation on key community committees.
Jim’s commitment to the Summer Concert Series has helped shape it into one of Gloucester City’s most beloved seasonal traditions. His organization, attention to detail, and willingness to pitch in wherever needed ensure that residents enjoy smooth, lively, and well‑run concerts along the waterfront…events that bring families together and showcase local and national talent.
Mayor and Council were pleased to highlight Jim’s ongoing contributions and his dedication to making Gloucester City a welcoming, vibrant place to live, gather, and celebrate with the Volunteer of the Year award.
Burlington Township High School alumna Shannon Daly has been nominated for the Television Academy Foundation’s 45th College Television Awards. The annual awards show recognizes and rewards excellence in student-produced programs from colleges nationwide. Winners in the competition will be announced by television stars at the red carpet awards ceremony on March 28, 2026, at the Television Academy in North Hollywood, California.
Daly received a nomination in the News category, along with fellow classmates at Montclair State University, for her work as a producer and writer on a project titled San Francisco: On the Edge.
San Francisco: On the Edge is a special edition of Montclair NewsLab. In the spring of 2025 students traveled to San Francisco to report on the urgent issues impacting the city including the Fentanyl crisis, LGBTQ rights, the homelessness epidemic and climate change’s effect on local fishing. They spoke to people living with addiction on the streets of the Tenderloin, a fisherman facing disappearing seasons, and volunteers providing aid to undocumented immigrants.
William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNEWS
PHILADELPHIA, PA (February 14, 2026) — An MSC cargo ship departed the Port of Philadelphia on Saturday morning as three tugboats worked in unison to turn the massive vessel around in the ice‑covered Delaware River. Two tugs pulled from the bow while a third pushed from the stern, slowly rotating the ship through sheets of broken ice created by the recent cold snap.
The dramatic maneuver underscored both the scale of modern container vessels and the skill required to navigate them through winter river conditions.
Read more: MSC Cargo Ship Departs Philadelphia Port Amid Icy River Conditions—
The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has steadily expanded its relationship with the Port of Philadelphia in recent years. Its maiden call at the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal occurred on April 27, 2022, when the MSC Michaela, a 6,730‑TEU container ship, arrived as part of MSC’s Indus 2 service.
The Indus 2 route provides Philadelphia shippers with direct connections to India, Italy, Spain, and Portugal — a significant advantage for regional importers and exporters seeking faster, more efficient access to global markets.
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Members of the Holt Family, operators of the Holt Marine Terminal in Gloucester City, were onboard during the 2022 inaugural visit of the MSC Michaela. Their involvement reflects the long-standing partnership between Holt Logistics, PhilaPort, and international carriers seeking dependable East Coast gateways.
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“Shippers want more efficient options and this new India/Med service fits perfectly into our wheelhouse,” said Jeff Theobald, Executive Director and CEO of PhilaPort.
Sean Mahoney, PhilaPort’s Director of Marketing, noted that securing the Indus 2 service was years in the making. “We have been working on attracting a service like Indus 2 for a while. Our terminal operator, Holt Logistics, has really done a great job with the customer base and made this service a reality.”
Officials say Philadelphia continues to play a major role in helping international supply chains adapt to global logistics challenges, offering shippers alternative routes and reliable port performance.
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Photo caption: On the Bridge of M/V MSC Michaela Voy#: 211A – Pictured (L to R) CBP Inspt Damiani, Sean Mahoney – PhilaPort, James Walsh – PhilaPort, Tom Holt – Holt Logistics, MSC – Capt. Carlo Fortuna, Christian Holt – Holt Logistics, Phillip Holt – Holt Logistics, CBP Inspt Mason
For more information on this service, contact: marketing@philaport.com
Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion
_________________________
Dear brothers and sisters,
Lent is a time in which the Church, guided by a sense of maternal care, invites us to place the mystery of God back in the center of our lives, in order to find renewal in our faith and keep our hearts from being consumed by the anxieties and distractions of daily life.
Every path towards conversion begins by allowing the word of God to touch our hearts and welcoming it with a docile spirit. There is a relationship between the word, our acceptance of it and the transformation it brings about. For this reason, the Lenten journey is a welcome opportunity to heed the voice of the Lord and renew our commitment to following Christ, accompanying him on the road to Jerusalem, where the mystery of his passion, death and resurrection will be fulfilled.
Read more: Pope Leo’s Lenten Message to ChristiansListening
This year, I would first like to consider the importance of making room for the word through listening. The willingness to listen is the first way we demonstrate our desire to enter into relationship with someone.
In revealing himself to Moses in the burning bush, God himself teaches us that listening is one of his defining characteristics: “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry” (Ex 3:7). Hearing the cry of the oppressed is the beginning of a story of liberation in which the Lord calls Moses, sending him to open a path of salvation for his children who have been reduced to slavery.
Our God is one who seeks to involve us. Even today he shares with us what is in his heart. Because of this, listening to the word in the liturgy teaches us to listen to the truth of reality. In the midst of the many voices present in our personal lives and in society, Sacred Scripture helps us to recognize and respond to the cry of those who are anguished and suffering. In order to foster this inner openness to listening, we must allow God to teach us how to listen as he does. We must recognize that “the condition of the poor is a cry that, throughout human history, constantly challenges our lives, societies, political and economic systems, and, not least, the Church.” [1]
Fasting
If Lent is a time for listening, fasting is a concrete way to prepare ourselves to receive the word of God. Abstaining from food is an ancient ascetic practice that is essential on the path of conversion. Precisely because it involves the body, fasting makes it easier to recognize what we “hunger” for and what we deem necessary for our sustenance. Moreover, it helps us to identify and order our “appetites,” keeping our hunger and thirst for justice alive and freeing us from complacency. Thus, it teaches us to pray and act responsibly towards our neighbor.
With spiritual insight, Saint Augustine helps us to understand the tension between the present moment and the future fulfilment that characterizes this custody of the heart. He observes that: “In the course of earthly life, it is incumbent upon men and women to hunger and thirst for justice, but to be satisfied belongs to the next life. Angels are satisfied with this bread, this food. The human race, on the other hand, hungers for it; we are all drawn to it in our desire. This reaching out in desire expands the soul and increases its capacity.” [2] Understood in this way, fasting not only permits us to govern our desire, purifying it and making it freer, but also to expand it, so that it is directed towards God and doing good.
However, in order to practice fasting in accordance with its evangelical character and avoid the temptation that leads to pride, it must be lived in faith and humility. It must be grounded in communion with the Lord, because “those who are unable to nourish themselves with the word of God do not fast properly.” [3] As a visible sign of our inner commitment to turn away from sin and evil with the help of grace, fasting must also include other forms of self-denial aimed at helping us to acquire a more sober lifestyle, since “austerity alone makes the Christian life strong and authentic.” [4]
In this regard, I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities. In this way, words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace.
Together
Finally, Lent emphasizes the communal aspect of listening to the word and fasting. The Bible itself underlines this dimension in multiple ways. For example, the Book of Nehemiah recounts how the people gathered to listen to the public reading of the Law, preparing to profess their faith and worship through fasting, so as to renew the covenant with God (cf. 9:1-3).
Likewise, our parishes, families, ecclesial groups and religious communities are called to undertake a shared journey during Lent, in which listening to the word of God, as well as to the cry of the poor and of the earth, becomes part of our community life, and fasting a foundation for sincere repentance. In this context, conversion refers not only to one’s conscience, but also to the quality of our relationships and dialogue. It means allowing ourselves to be challenged by reality and recognizing what truly guides our desires — both within our ecclesial communities and as regards humanity’s thirst for justice and reconciliation.
Dear friends, let us ask for the grace of a Lent that leads us to greater attentiveness to God and to the least among us. Let us ask for the strength that comes from the type of fasting that also extends to our use of language, so that hurtful words may diminish and give way to a greater space for the voice of others. Let us strive to make our communities places where the cry of those who suffer finds welcome, and listening opens paths towards liberation, making us ready and eager to contribute to building a civilization of love.
I impart my heartfelt blessing upon all of you and your Lenten journey.
From the Vatican, 5 February 2026, Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr
LEO PP. XIV
WILLIAM E. CLEARY SR. l CLEARY’S NOTEBOOK NEW
ASKING PRICE FOR STITES AVENUE HOME: $500,000
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ {CNBNEWS} FEBRUARY 9, 2025.–A new single‑family home is rising in the Riverview Heights section of Gloucester City—on a lot that has been vacant for decades. The property at 16 Stites Avenue sits on a 5,001‑square‑foot lot, and the two‑story home with an attached garage will span 2,986 square feet when completed. The asking price is $500,000.
The Zillow listing promotes the house as a modern build with three bedrooms, two and a half baths, a finished basement, and a deck overlooking the backyard. Buyers are offered the option to customize finishes. Taxes, the listing notes, are “TBD.”
The half‑million‑dollar price tag raises a larger question: Is Gloucester City’s housing market now out of sync with the community’s economic reality?
Read more: Gloucester City’s Housing Market Shows Signs of Strain as Prices Outpace RealityAbout a year ago, Zillow identified Gloucester City as one of the communities “dangerously close to a housing price correction.” At the time, prices were rising faster than local incomes, investor activity was increasing, and distressed properties were piling up. A year later, many of those warning signs remain.
Recent data shows the city’s median home value hovering between $240,000 and $270,000, depending on the source. Prices have risen modestly, but homes are taking longer to sell—an average of 46 days on the market, compared to just 18 days the year before. Price cuts are becoming more common, and public records show hundreds of liens and dozens of pre‑foreclosures over the past year.
Compared with neighboring towns, Gloucester City remains one of the least expensive markets in the region—yet also one of the most strained. Bellmawr, Westville, and Gloucester Township all have higher home values and stronger demand. Even Brooklawn, the closest comparison, sees homes selling faster and with fewer signs of distress.
So how did Gloucester City end up with rising prices but a weakening foundation?
A major factor is investor pressure. Out‑of‑town buyers, flippers, and cash purchasers have been active in the city for years, pushing prices upward based on profit potential rather than local wages. At the same time, Gloucester City’s housing stock is old—much of it 80 to 100 years old—and expensive to maintain. New construction is rare, and when it does appear, it’s priced according to regional standards, not neighborhood norms.
High property taxes and long‑standing municipal challenges add another layer. Aging infrastructure, limited commercial growth, and persistent code issues have left the city without the stability needed to support sustained price increases.
Correcting the imbalance will require a coordinated effort. Stronger code enforcement, incentives for owner‑occupied rehabilitation, and policies that encourage residents—not investors—to buy homes could help stabilize neighborhoods. A clearer long‑term housing strategy from city leadership, along with a tax structure that reflects the realities of the market, would also move the city in the right direction.
The new home on Stites Avenue is not the cause of Gloucester City’s housing problems. It is a signpost. Prices continue to rise, but the fundamentals beneath them remain uneven. Whether the market corrects itself or continues drifting upward will depend on whether the city confronts the forces shaping its future—or allows them to continue unchecked.
This comparison shows a clear pattern: Gloucester City remains one of the least expensive towns in the region — yet also one of the most economically strained. Neighboring towns with higher prices have stronger demand, newer housing stock, and fewer signs of distress. Even Brooklawn, the closest match, sees homes selling far more quickly.From the Zillow advertisement:
What’s special
Welcome to 16 Stites Avenue, a thoughtfully designed new construction home offering modern comfort, flexible living spaces, and refined finishes throughout. This impressive residence features three spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms and one half bath, a fully finished basement, and an attached one-car garage, delivering an ideal balance of functionality and contemporary design. Buyers have the opportunity to customize select finishes—please inquire for details.
The main level showcases a bright, open-concept layout that is perfectly suited for both everyday living and entertaining. Abundant natural light fills the living and dining areas and flows seamlessly into the well-appointed kitchen, designed to serve as the true heart of the home. Modern finishes and an efficient floor plan provide both style and practicality. The fully finished basement offers valuable additional living space, ideal for a family room, home office, fitness area, or entertainment space. Upstairs, the private bedroom level features generously sized bedroom
s, including a primary suite with ample closet space and a private en-suite bathroom. Outdoor living is enhanced by a spacious deck overlooking the backyard—perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. Additional highlights include quality craftsmanship throughout and a layout designed to complement today’s lifestyle needs.
Situated in one of Gloucester City’s most desirable neighborhoods, the home is conveniently located near parks, shopping, dining, and major commuter routes, including Route 130 and Route 295, with easy access to Philadelphia bridges—placing Center City Philadelphia just 15 minutes away. This is a unique opportunity to personalize and own an exceptional new construction home. Schedule your private showing today. “Taxes are not $1 and are TBD. Taxes and square footage are the responsibility of the buyer to have verified.”
So how did Gloucester City end up with rising prices but a weakening foundation?
A major factor is investor pressure. Out‑of‑town buyers, flippers, and cash purchasers have been active in the city for years, pushing prices upward based on profit potential rather than local wages. At the same time, Gloucester City’s housing stock is old—much of it 80 to 100 years old—and expensive to maintain. New construction is rare, and when it does appear, it’s priced according to regional standards, not neighborhood norms.
High property taxes and long‑standing municipal challenges add another layer. Aging infrastructure, limited commercial growth, and persistent code issues have left the city without the stability needed to support sustained price increases.
Correcting the imbalance will require a coordinated effort. Stronger code enforcement, incentives for owner‑occupied rehabilitation, and policies that encourage residents—not investors—to buy homes could help stabilize neighborhoods. A clearer long‑term housing strategy from city leadership, along with a tax structure that reflects the realities of the market, would also move the city in the right direction.
The new home on Stites Avenue is not the cause of Gloucester City’s housing problems. It is a signpost. Prices continue to rise, but the fundamentals beneath them remain uneven. Whether the market corrects itself or continues drifting upward will depend on whether the city confronts the forces shaping its future—or allows them to continue unchecked.
Source of Graff AI
New Jersey American Water today announced the opening of its 2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program, providing funding for volunteer fire departments and emergency response organizations across its service area. Now in its 16 th year, the program underscores New Jersey American Water’s ongoing commitment to supporting the firefighters and EMS professionals who protect their communities every day. Eligible organizations include volunteer fire departments, ambulance squads and fire aid units located within the company’s service areas. “As firefighters and EMS professionals, these men and women are on the front lines daily, and it’s essential that they have the equipment and training necessary to keep our communities safe,” said Edward J. Scanlon, Utility Mechanic for New Jersey American Water, member of the company’s Fire Grant Committee and Deputy Chief of the Strathmere Fire and Rescue. In his role with the company, Scanlon works closely with field operations and infrastructure maintenance, giving him a firsthand understanding of the critical partnership between water utilities and emergency responders. “Their unwavering dedication inspires us to continue strengthening local emergency response capabilities through this grant program.”
Applications are open beginning today and will be accepted through April 10, 2026, allowing departments additional time to align requests with budgeting and equipment needs. A committee composed of New Jersey American Water employees—many of whom also serve as volunteer emergency responders—will review submissions to help ensure funding supports real‑world needs in the field. Since the program’s launch in 2011, New Jersey American Water has awarded 332 grants totaling more than $451,000 to 207 volunteer fire departments and emergency response units.
Grants of up to $2,500 may be used for personal protective gear, communications equipment, first aid supplies, firefighting tools, vehicle maintenance and other operational needs. Reimbursement for specific training courses, including the costs of training manuals and instructional materials, is also eligible.
Organizations can apply online at www.newjerseyamwater.com/community under News & Community > Community Involvement. Departments selected for funding will receive notification in early May, and New Jersey American Water will announce the full list of awardees later in the month.
Washington Township High School alumna Ava Scott has been nominated for the Television Academy Foundation’s 45th College Television Awards. The annual awards show recognizes and rewards excellence in student-produced programs from colleges nationwide. Winners in the competition will be announced by television stars at the red carpet awards ceremony on March 28, 2026, at the Television Academy in North Hollywood, California.
Scott, along with classmates at Montclair State University, received a nomination in the News category for her work as a director, producer and writer on a project titled FOCUS: Our Mental Health.
FOCUS: Our Mental Health, a 30-minute special from Montclair’s FOCUS team, explores practical approaches to mental wellness, including music, physical activity and mindful eating. The project focused on how Gen Z is tackling mental health wellness on campus. The episode also highlights campus resources for students needing support. It premiered April 23, 2025, on Montclair State’s official streaming platform, Hawk Plus.
Continue reading “Washington Township High School Alumna Nominated for College Television Awards”
South Jersey Gas, a subsidiary of SJI, today announced the kick-off of its annual First Responders Grant Program. Grants will be awarded to provide critical support for operations conducted by first responder departments.
The First Responders Grant Program supports the critical safety training and lifesaving efforts conducted by local fire, police and EMS first responders. These grants are used by first responders to support necessary purchases including combustible gas detectors, turn out gear, fire hoses, medical supplies and other equipment.
All paid or volunteer fire, emergency medical services and police departments serving at least one of the municipalities in the South Jersey Gas service area are eligible to apply.
Continue reading “South Jersey Gas Announces 2026 First Responders Grant Program”