Cleary’s Notebook Presents

APRIL CHEERS AND JEERS

Gloucester City Firefighter Settles Lawsuit for $45K

Written by William E. Cleary Sr.

JEER — To the ongoing dysfunction inside the Gloucester City Fire Department

A recently settled lawsuit revealed allegations of harassment, retaliation, and hostility toward an injured firefighter, ending in a $45,000 payout by the city. The details paint a picture of leadership problems that taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for.

The source for the $45,000 payout by Gloucester City is a March 27, 2026, report by Transparency NJ, written by open‑government advocate John Paff. The article details the settlement of a lawsuit filed by firefighter Kyle Jeffries, (photo) who alleged disability discrimination, harassment, and retaliation within the Gloucester City Fire Department. The city agreed to pay $45,000 to resolve the case — $23,804 to Jeffries for emotional distress and $21,196 for attorney fees.

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Key points from the documented settlement

The lawsuit stemmed from a June 2023 training injury and the firefighter’s subsequent treatment while on light duty. In his lawsuit, Kyle Jeffries, who began working for the department in 2014, alleged that he sustained a ruptured nerve in his spine leading to his left leg during a swift water training exercise in June 2023. He alleged that after reporting the injury and seeking medical treatment, he was placed on light-duty status but faced hostility from both supervisors and coworkers.

Allegations included hostility from supervisors, delayed workers’ comp paperwork, and retaliatory shift changes.

The settlement was finalized in August 2025, but publicly reported in March 2026.

The city did not admit wrongdoing, but paid the settlement to close the case. The mayor and council never said a word to the taxpayers who footed the bill for this case.

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Made in Philadelphia Spring Market to Debut in Dilworth Park

The Made in Philadelphia Market Series returns to Dilworth Park in 2026, kicking off with a new three-day spring showcase of all things local. Organizers of the Christmas Village in Philadelphia, in partnership with the Center City District, announced the new Made in Philadelphia Spring Market, taking place Friday, April 10th, Saturday, April 11th and Sunday, April 12th. The three-day open-air market will feature over 60 vendors, designers, artists, makers and food purveyors at Dilworth Park, outside City Hall. Set against the backdrop of returning fountains and spring tulips, this event will be the perfect place for seasonal shopping and a weekend outing into Center City. The market is no charge, family friendly and rain or shine. For more info, visit www.madeinphila.com

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Jake Schurmann Named New Jersey Circle K District Governor

New Jersey District Circle K Governor Jake Schurmann, New Jersey District Kiwanis International Governor Frank Cahill, and Circle K Immediate Past Governor Dylan Caraballo.

At the annual New Jersey Circle K District Convention, held at the Sheraton Hotel, Raritan Center, Jake Schurmann was selected to serve as the organization’s 2026–2027 District Governor.

A Freehold resident and current student at Rutgers University studying Psychology and Statistics, Jake brings a strong commitment to service, leadership, and growth within Circle K International (CKI). Over the past year, he has served as Lieutenant Governor of the Seabreeze Division, where he dedicated countless hours visiting clubs, mentoring executive boards, and supporting overall divisional growth.

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‘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.

Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival’s 20th Anniversary

2026 marks an impactful year for the craft beer industry as the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival returns for its 20th anniversary and its last year! Join us on April 11, to celebrate a full day of craft beer, live entertainment, and nonstop shenanigans.

TIPS AND SNIPPETS: Growing Up In Gcity, Cleanup of Junk Yard? Train Blocks Traffic

By William E. Cleary Sr.

REMEMBERING THE “GOOD OLD DAYS” — Howard “Butch” Shaffer rolled up from Hilton Head, South Carolina, to meet a few of his childhood buddies at the Brooklawn Diner on Thursday, April 2. For a moment, it felt like Gloucester City in the 1940s and ’50s all over again — a town where everyone knew your name, your father’s nickname, and which streetlight you were supposed to be home by.

Back then, our little community ran on corner stores, church bells, and the kind of front‑porch gossip that traveled faster than any newspaper. World War II was winding down, the Korean War was starting up on the other side of the world, and kids like us were more worried about stickball games, jukebox music, and whether we had enough change for a Coke.

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Peak Cherry Blossoms: Top Spots to Peep the Blooms

Philly’s 26 Best Cherry Blossom Spots — Just in Time for Peak Bloom

Stop and smell the sakura at these picture-perfect locales …

BLOOMING NOW

Kathleen “Kass” A. Maass, 87, of Brooklawn

On March 28, 2026, at the age of 87. (nee Stockman) Longtime resident of Brooklawn. Loving wife of the late Jesse S. Maass, Sr. Loving mother of Kellie Kessler and Jesse S. Maass, Jr. Cherished grandmother of Katelynne Maass, Gabby Maass, Colton Kessler (Alyssia Richards), Brant Kessler and Sawyer Kessler and great-grandmother of Logan Maurer, Alex Kessler and Nicholas Kessler. Predeceased by her sisters, Leona Hoffman and Flora Maloy. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Kass was a graduate of Camden High School class of 1957. Kass was deeply committed to her community and dedicated much of her life to service. She served as past president of the Brooklawn PTA and was a devoted member of the Brooklawn Board of Education for over 30 years, including 18 years as its president. She was also actively involved in several civic and fraternal organizations. Kass served as Past Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Fairview Chapter; Past Mother Advisor for Rainbow for Girls; and was a member of the DeMolay International Mothers’ Club.

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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

Yards Brewing Hosts ‘Real Ale Invitational’

The Yards Real Ale Invitational returns later this month at Yards Brewing Company. Discover and sample over forty unique beers from the Mid-Atlantic’s finest brewing establishments at the region’s only cask-conditioned beer festival on April 12th from 12:30pm to 4:00pm. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Yards brewing facility, surrounded by towering walls of kegs, cans, and bottles, all while indulging in truly historic brews and enjoying live music, good food and even better company.

Real Ale isn’t your typical beerfest. What makes the Real Ale Invitational truly special is that it’s all about Real Ale; beer that is unfiltered, unpasteurized and has been naturally carbonated inside a cask. Yards has played a pivotal role in reviving this brewing method, a tradition that traces back to England, over the last thirty years with their renowned Extra Special Ale (ESA). A beer that they always keep available on cask at their taproom.