‘Somebunny’ Made a Special Visit to Jefferson Health’s NICU Babies

These baby chicks may have hatched early, but they were photo-ready for a special first visit from the Easter Bunny. Babies from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital posed for a heartwarming holiday photo moment — proof that these tiny patients are sweeter than the confections most kids will find in their Easter baskets. The creative shoot, led by NICU staff, is designed to offer a bright moment and keepsake to families who are navigating the ups and downs of their infant’s hospital stay.

Dutch Colonial Preservation Gains Significance for Revolution’s 250th Anniversary

In 1779, as General George Washington was traversing a wintery New Jersey during the Revolutionary War, he paid a visit to the home of Derrick Van Veghten. The Dutch family had not only built an estate along the Raritan River, but also the bridges that allowed Washington and his troops to cross the waterway.
“There was this bridge and the Queens Bridge in Bound Brook Brook and those were the only two places close to New Brunswick where he could cross,” said Frank McGonigle, president of the Somerset County Historical Society.
The Van Veghton House’s location near the river was crucial to its existence as goods back then were transported on waterways. But it has also made the historic structure prone to flooding. The Somerville Historical Society, which is headquartered at the home, is tasked with building a floodwall that could cost more than $2 million.
Dutch Colonial homes are some of the United States oldest remaining historic buildings and preserving them is key to understanding how our nation and its early infrastructure came to be. Unfortunately, we continue to lose many of these homes. In the past few years, the Van Zile House and DeBaun House were both demolished, despite battles to save them. Read Full Story

NJ Dedicates First New Fire Tower in 78 Years Ahead of Wildfire Season

Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak and DEP Forest Fire Service officials today dedicated the Veterans Fire Tower in Jackson Township to enhance wildfire protection in Monmouth and Ocean counties. The dedication of the tower, the first new such new structure in 78 years, comes as the state enters spring wildfire season, and supports the Sherrill Administration’s mission to deliver a government working for its people by protecting lives and property.

DEP Acting Commissioner Potosnak speaking at podium
In addition to the dedication, the Forest Fire Service also conducted a demonstration of its prescribed fire operations, which are critical to reducing forest fuels that increase wildfire dangers in densely populated areas of New Jersey. Prescribed fire operations are underway around the state. Peak wildfire season in New Jersey runs from mid-March through mid-May.

“Veterans Fire Tower will strengthen the Forest Fire Service’s ability to protect an area of Ocean and Monmouth counties especially prone to wildfire,” said Acting Commissioner Potosnak. “DEP is delivering this tower as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce wildfire risk through public education and awareness, and prescribed fire operations as the Forest Fire Service enters peak wildfire season.”

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Deerfield Post Office Wins Fans with Fun Theme

A child walks into the Deerfield Street Post Office, spots Spider-Man on the wall, and immediately points in excitement. Nearby, Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe look on while SpongeBob SquarePants greets customers near the counter.

It’s not the kind of scene most people expect when they stop in to mail a package.

But at the small post office located at 1542 Route 77 in Upper Deerfield, NJ, a routine errand has quietly become something a little more memorable for the local community.

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Coast Guard Rescues Boater 6 Miles Off Three Rooker Island

CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and a Station Sand Key boat crew rescued an overdue boater Friday, approximately six miles west of Three Rooker Island.

Rescued was a 39-year-old male who was transported to Tampa General Hospital in stable condition.

The helicopter crew deployed their rescue swimmer who hoisted the boater after finding him clinging to a fuel can at approximately 4:30 a.m.

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13 Virtua Surgery Centers Earn High-Performing U.S. News 2026 Ranking

U.S. News & World Report recently released its third annual list of “Best Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) 2026.” This year, 13 of Virtua’s 42 Ambulatory Surgery Centers achieved High Performing status in at least one specialty—an increase of seven from last year. Performance strengths were distributed across Orthopedics & Spine, Ophthalmology, Colonoscopy & Endoscopy, and Urology, reflecting system‑wide improvement and depth across service lines. These ratings serve as a vital resource for the millions of Americans opting for same-day surgical care in these specialties.

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A Fond Farewell to Carr’s Hardware

William E. Cleary Sr. | Founder/Editor of Cleary’s Notebook News

Gloucester City News photo, August 29, 1974

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (March 24, 2026)--All good things come to an end, eventually — or so the saying goes. Gloucester City felt the weight of that truth this month when Jean Carr, owner of Carr’s Hardware, announced she was retiring and closing the family business on March 12. With that decision, a remarkable 58‑year chapter in the city’s history quietly came to a close.

The Carr family’s hardware legacy began in 1968, when the family patriarch, Franklin Carr Sr., opened the original store at 520 Monmouth Street in the heart of the Business District. At the time, Garwood’s Hardware stood directly across the street, and several other shops throughout town sold tools, lumber, and supplies. When the business moved to its new location, Frank Jr., owned the business. And, his brothers, Bill and Richard, worked there.

Among them were: Continue reading →

Widow of Veteran to Receive New Roof

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.

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GTPD to Promote Sergeant and Swear In Two New Officers

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.

Honoring Community Contributor Jim Waters

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.