Gloucester City News

Gloucester City News Community Newspaper The newspaper covers local news, including town meetings, community events, sports and obituaries.

THe Gloucester City News is a 3,800 paid circulation weekly newspaper serving the towns of Gloucester City, Bellmawr, Brooklawn, Westville, Mount Ephraim and Southern Camden County.

08/27/2024

Gloucester City schools open Tuesday, Sept. 3
High School one of 10 best in South Jersey

By ALBERT J. COUNTRYMAN Jr.
Gloucester City News

Summer vacations for Gloucester City families are over as parents and students scrambled around last week to get ready for the new school year.
On Tuesday, Sept. 3, the doors will open at Cold Springs Elementary School, Gloucester City Middle School and Gloucester City High School, which has been named a top 10 high school in South Jersey by USA Today for the past three years.
Education is the key to a better future for students, whether to prepare them for college or a trade so they can earn a good living, fulfill their dreams and contribute to society.
Despite the obstacle of being an Abbott District, the teachers, students and administrative staff in Gloucester City work hard, study hard and continue to improve academic standards.
Recently, more students than ever have passed Advanced Placement exams and earned college credits while still in high school – and their pictures are posted each day on the GHS Meta page.
And for those students not inclined to go to college, the two-year old Industrial Arts program continues to grow and gives students an opportunity to learn a trade.
It all starts with the Cold Springs Childhood Center, which provides a free, state-funded, high quality preschool program for children ages 3 and 4 plus after school day care for working parents. From there, students attend Cold Springs for grades K-3, the new Gloucester City Middle School for grades 4-8 and then go to the high school.
The quality education, plus excellent sports teams and extracurricular activities, prepare the students for future careers and keeps them physically and mentally healthy.
The new millennium has been kind to the Gloucester City School District, thanks to the dedication of the teachers and the ambition of the students.
Although it is sad that summer vacation is over, the doors are now open for students to learn, grow as human beings and go after their hopes and dreams.

06/30/2022

Mosquito spraying throughout Camden County Friday
Early Friday morning, July 1, the Mosquito Control Commission will be in the community spraying and surveilling areas throughout Camden County. The summer weather has created an ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed.
With rain in the forecast for the weekend, Commissioner Jeff Nash, liaison to the Camden County Mosquito Commission, talked about being cognizant of standing water.
“It’s important to remember that after any rainfall, homeowners should check their yard and remove any standing water to help eliminate the threat of mosquitos,” Nash said. “Mosquitos need standing water to breed, so you can help keep them off your property by removing water from places like flowerpots and containers. This helps us reduce the pest population in your neighborhood, and it assists the efforts of the Camden County Mosquito Control Commission.”

The Camden County Mosquito Commission will be conducting ULV “spraying” operations on Friday, July 1 between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. in the following locations:
Mount Ephraim
Lowell Ave
Baird Ave
Grant Ave
Liberty Ave
Lincoln Ave
Davis Ave
Garfield Ave
Winthrop Ave
Harding Ave
Linwood Ave
S Oak Ave
Northmont Ave
Green Ave
Gaskill Ave
Lambert Ave
Cedar Ave
Hartka Ave
Myrtle Ave
N Oak Ave
Bellmawr
Creek Rd
S Bell Rd
Cornelia Dr
Meyner Dr
Thomas Ave
W Browning Rd
Forrest Dr
Peach Rd
Gloucester City
Hunter St
Powell St
6th St
Market St
7th St
Barrington
Erie Ave
2nd Ave
Haines Ave
Barrington Ave
Trenton Ave
Haddon Heights
Narbeth Ave
Wynnefield Ave
Wayne Ave
New Jersey Ave
Brooklawn
Nansen Ave
Noreg Pl
Maude Ave
Christiana St
Haakon Rd

05/20/2022

Road work to cause road closure in Mt. Ephraim
PSE&G will be continuing work at 141 Bell Road in Mt. Ephraim on Monday, May 23 and Tuesday, May 24. There will be a full road closure of Bell Road between Warrington Avenue and James Street for the duration of the project.
“Drivers should plan ahead to take another route to avoid any potential delays,” said Commissioner Al Dyer, liaison to the Department of Public Works. “Also, remember that when you’re traveling through a construction area, please slow down and stay alert for crew members and debris.”
Work hours will run from 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The Camden County Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining over 1,200 miles of county roadway and 50 bridges. They are dedicated to making our area safer for motorists and pedestrians through county highway construction projects and road maintenance, including pothole repairs, street sweeping, grass cutting and storm drainage upkeep. The Public Works Department is located in Lindenwold where personnel are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to serve the residents of Camden County.
To report concerns on Camden County roadways, call (856) 566-2980.

Shredding event in Bellmawr
05/09/2022

Shredding event in Bellmawr

04/18/2022

The Gloucester Lakes Association will be having their Annual Fishing Derby on Saturday, April 23, 2022.
Registration is from 8:00 am- 9:30 am, derby is done at 12:00 pm, ages 4-16 years old. This is a Catch and Release Contest, and you must bring your own rods. Event is rain or shine.

03/15/2022

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to our readers
Dreams of a united Ireland permeate celebration

By ALBERT J. COUNTRYMAN Jr.
Gloucester City News

On Thursday, March 17, in school and at work, many people will be wearing the green.
Later local taverns and restaurants will be full of revelers celebrating what has become an unofficial holiday all over the world.
The Gloucester City News wishes all our readers a fun, and safe, Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
In Gloucester City it has become a month-long event, beginning with the awesome, seventh annual parade on March 6. Philadelphia held its 250th St. Patrick’s Day parade this past Sunday, March 13. This Thursday, along 5th Avenue, will be the huge parade in New York City.
Yet, with all the festivities, there is still a longing and an ache in the hearts of many Irish-Americans for a free, united Ireland, after 850 years of British rule.
That dream is now in reach, just waiting for the United Kingdom to call for a referendum allowing the people of the North to decide their future.
The Good Friday Agreement of 1998, signed by the UK, Ireland and the United States, allows for a vote on unifying Ireland. The time for that vote is now.
So, while enjoying this great holiday today, take a moment to dream what a united Ireland would be like. It has been a long time coming.

03/09/2022

Congratulations to the Gloucester City High boys basketball team, who defeated Salem, 51-41, last night to win the Lions' first NJSIAA South Jersey Group 1 championship in 51 years.

03/01/2022

Travel and parking restrictions for the 2022 St. Patrick's Parade. Please plan accordingly.

03/01/2022

Pipes and Drums bands, String Bands will delight the crowd
At St. Patrick’s Day Parade this Sunday in Gloucester City

By ALBERT J. COUNTRYMAN Jr.
Gloucester City News

Aye, it will be a grand day to be Irish this Sunday, March 6, at 1 p.m. for the seventh annual St. Mary’s/Gloucester City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Playing great traditional music will be six Pipes and Drums bands from New Jersey: the Trenton Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Gloucester City Irish Society, the Camden County Emerald Society, Brian Boru, and the Atlantic City Sandpipers
Playing great Mummers music with a Philadelphia flavor will be some 10 String Bands. There will be Irish dancers and community groups also participating in the festivities.
Hundreds of people are expected to gather along Johnson Boulevard and Monmouth Street to watch the parade, which will be held rain or shine.
Msgr. William Hodge organized the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Gloucester City, and now it has grown into one of the best parades in South Jersey.
“The parade will have the same excitement and pageantry you have become accustomed to as we celebrate our deep Irish heritage in Gloucester City,” said former mayor Daniel Spencer, a member of the Mummers Hall of Fame who has helped the parade to grow over the years.
Msgr. Hodge, who was the originator and organizer of the first St. Patrick’s parade in the history of Gloucester City, said, “I am very excited and happy to be able to host the parade once again in its seventh year. The plan is for a full schedule of Irish events in the next few weeks.”
The pastor there will be an Irish Mass at 9:30 a.m. on March 6, preceding the parade. During Mass the 2022 Grand Marshall, Mary Boyle, retired Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Camden, will be presented with her Grand Marshall sash.
“Then it is off to the parade as we line Johnson Boulevard and Monmouth Street in a sea of green,” Spencer said.
Mayor Dayl Baile said Gloucester City is ready to host this great parade. “I am excited to have so many come in to our city from the surrounding area to see what Gloucester City has to offer. We are rolling out the welcome mat for one of Gloucester City’s premier parades and month of fun, green events and celebrations.”
The parade will certainly life the spirits of Irish-Americans, many of whom are hoping for a united Ireland in the next few years.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians is pressuring the British Government to for a referendum to united Ireland as agreed to by the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and the United States in the Good Friday peace agreement in 1998.
Voters in the north of Ireland would be able to vote for unification, thereby ending 850 years of British rule.
That will be a celebration when it does happen. But, there will be a celebration of Irish culture during the parade this Sunday, March 6 – a time to celebrate Irish roots in Gloucester City and have some fun.

02/12/2022

St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be March 6
Gloucester City gets ready for Irish celebration

By ALBERT J. COUNTRYMAN Jr.
Gloucester City News

In 2016 a small group of volunteers led by Msgr. William Hodge organized the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Gloucester City, and now it has grown into one of the best parades in South Jersey.
Thousands of people each year gather along Johnson Boulevard and Monmouth Street to watch the Irish bands, the string bands, the dancers and the floats of community organizations during the parade in the predominantly Irish-American town.
“The parade will have the same excitement and pageantry you have become accustomed to as we celebrate our deep Irish heritage in Gloucester City,” said former mayor Daniel Spencer, a member of the Mummers Hall of Fame who helped the parade to grow over the years.
Last week Msgr. Hodge, pastor of St. Mary Parish; Charlie Kain, president of the New Jersey Irish Society; and Mayor Dayl Baile announced plans for the seventh annual St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday, March 6, at 1 p.m.
Sponsored by the Camden County Board of Commissioners, New Jersey Irish Society, St. Mary Parish and the City of Gloucester City, the parade will feature Mummers string bands, Pipes and Drums bands, Irish Bands, Irish Dance Schools, and “our great Celebrity Marshall Bob Kelly, everyone’s favorite traffic guy -- JAMO!” Spencer said.
Msgr. Hodge, who was the originator and organizer of the first St. Patrick’s parade in the history of Gloucester City, said, “I am very excited and happy to be able to host the parade once again in its seventh year. The plan is for a full schedule of Irish events starting with the Shamrock Celebration taking place on Friday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m. in Elizabeth Ballroom.”
It will feature an Irish Dance Band, Beef and Beer, the Jordan Hunt Irish Dancers and an Irish Basket Auction. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Sunshine Flowers, Carr’s Hardware, and the parish offices at St. Mary’s Church.
The pastor also said there will be an Irish Mass at 9:30 a.m. on March 6, preceding the parade. During Mass the 2022 Grand Marshall, Mary Boyle, retired Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Camden, will be presented with her Grand Marshall sash.
“Then it is off to the parade as we line Johnson Boulevard and Monmouth Street in a sea of green,” Spencer said.
Charlie Kain said the Annual Irish Decorating Contest will be held again this year. “Let’s light up Gloucester Green for cash prizes to the best decorated. Winners will be announced sometime during the month of March,” he said.
Mayor Dayl Baile said Gloucester City is ready to host this great parade. “I am excited to have so many come in to our city from the surrounding area to see what Gloucester City has to offer. We are rolling out the welcome mat for one of Gloucester City’s premier parades and month of fun, green events and celebrations.”
The parade will certainly life the spirits of Irish-Americans, especially after the sad, 50-year commemoration of Bloody Sunday in Derry City on Jan. 30. Back on January 30, 1972, British soldiers opened fire on a peaceful civil rights march – killing 14 people and wounding 15 more who were protesting interment without trial.
On a positive note, there is hope that the British Government will soon call for a referendum on a United Ireland as agreed to by the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and the United States in the Good Friday peace agreement in 1998.
Voters in the north of Ireland would be able to vote for unification, thereby ending 850 years of British rule.
But despite all this, Sunday, March 6, will be a time to celebrate Irish roots in Gloucester City and have some fun.

12/23/2021

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
Santa Claus expected to arrive on Christmas Eve

By ALBERT J. COUNTRYMAN Jr.
Gloucester City News

The Gloucester City News would like to wish its readers and advertisers a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to those of all faiths.
As of presstime Santa Claus and his elves were loading up the sleigh and the reindeers were eating a lot so they would be ready for the long flight on Christmas Eve – a flight that will bring joy and delight to youngsters and adults alike.
Many families hope to get together and celebrate with each other, after missing festivities last year due to the pandemic.
Yet, for all the excitement, it is good to remember that 2,000 years ago a child was born in a manger – humble circumstances indeed.
From there, Jesus became a preacher who challenged religious leaders of his time by feeding the poor, giving sight to the blind, and delivering a message of peace, love and forgiveness.
He was crucified by the Roman Empire for his efforts, but his message has lived on for two millennia.
As we celebrate Christmas in 2021, there is a lot of stress and anxiety due to COVID-19 and the many problems facing the world.
But there is always hope, thanks to the teachings of Jesus.
We hope everyone gets the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with their families. For those alone, know people are thinking you.
And, to all the youngsters, never lose the excitement of seeing all the presents under the tree on Christmas morning.

10/28/2021

The Gloucester City trick or treat hours are Sunday, Oct. 31, from 3 to 7 p.m. Happy Halloween!

09/14/2021

St. Patrick’s Day parade this Sunday

By ALBERT J. COUNTRYMAN Jr.
Gloucester City News

Six years ago newly-arrived pastor at St. Mary’s Church, Msgr. William Hodge, decided the parish and Gloucester City should celebrate its Irish heritage with a St. Patrick’s Day parade.
With a small group of volunteers, the first parade was held the first Sunday in March, 2016. A seed was planted, and now it has grown into one of the best and popular St. Patrick’s Day parades in South Jersey – featuring Irish pipe and drum bands, awesome string bands, Irish dancing troupes and community organization floats.
This Sunday, Sept. 19, the sixth annual St. Mary’s/Gloucester City St. Patrick’s Day Parade will proceed down Monmouth Street from Johnson Boulevard to King Street beginning at 1 p.m.
Upon arrival at the reviewing stand outside St. Mary’s Church, guest singer Timmy Kelly will perform “Danny Boy,” which will be sure to bring a tear to the eyes of all those watching.
The weather forecast as of press-time is sunny and 80 degrees, and residents are looking forward to hearing the Gloucester City Irish Society Pipe and Drum band and the Ancient Order of Hibernians Pipe and Drum band from Trenton, being entertained by Celebrity Parade Marshal Bob “Jammo” Kelly from Fox 29, seeing all the floats, and enjoying a day of fun, music and dancing.
This year’s parade is being held Sunday, halfway to St. Patrick’s Day, because of the pandemic which had postponed the original March date. In 2020, the parade was held one week before the nation shut down due to COVID-19. The seventh annual parade will be held in March 2022.
The Gloucester City Police have issued the following parking guidelines for the big day:
There will be no parking along the following streets on Sunday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Both sides of Klemm Ave. from Rosiland Ave. to Johnson Blvd.
Both sides of Highland Blvd. from Greenwood Ave. to Johnson Blvd.
Both sides of Sparks Ave. from Bayes Ave. to Little Ridgeway St.
Both sides of E. Brown St. from Sparks Ave. to Francis St.
Both sides of Francis St. from E. Brown St. to Johnson Blvd.
Both sides of Johnson Blvd. from Baynes Ave. to Monmouth St.
Both sides of Monmouth St. from Johnson Blvd. to King St.
Both sides of King St. from Monmouth St. to Cumberland St.
“The Highway Department will post ‘no parking’ signs along the above listed streets on Sept. 17,” police said.
Back in the homeland, the chance for a referendum to unite Ireland, once and for all, is getting closer to being a reality.
There has been peace in Derry and Belfast since 1998, but the 30 years previous there was war on the streets of the two biggest cities in Northern Ireland. Now, Brexit has exposed the artificial border separating six of the 32 counties in the beautiful, green island.
Under the Good Friday agreement, the British government has the power to call for a vote on unification, and the agreement is signed by the Republic of Ireland and the United States of American.
It is time for the vote.
But, this Sunday is about celebrating being Irish-American and enjoying a great parade in Gloucester City. Everyone is welcome.

Michael T. Hopkins, age 52 of Gloucester City, NJ. Peacefully entered the next phase of his life on September 1, 2021 at...
09/07/2021

Michael T. Hopkins, age 52 of Gloucester City, NJ. Peacefully entered the next phase of his life on September 1, 2021 at home with his devoted family by his side. Beloved husband of Victoria (nee: Alden). Devoted dad to Faith and Erin. Loving pop to his grandson, George. Mike was the owner of Hopkins Tax Service for over 20 years. He was member of NJAPA for many years where he served as a vice president for a number of years for the South Jersey Division. Some of the things he enjoyed doing were: serving at the soup kitchen at St. Bart’s Church, serving hospitality on Sundays at Sacred Heart Church and also serving on their Financial Counsel and Finance Committee. He especially loved decorating St. Joan of Arc Church for Christmas, playing Santa at Cold Springs School and serving on the PTO. Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation Saturday, September 11,2021 from 10-12 noon at St. Mary’s Church, 426 Monmouth St. Gloucester City. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated 12 noon. Burial will follow at New St. Mary Cemetery, Bellmawr, NJ. Memorial donations in his memory can be made to St. Jude Research Hospital for Children (501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105). To express online condolences, go to: www.murphyruffenachfuneralhomeinc.com.

08/12/2021

BROOKLAWN BOARD OF EDUCATION

MEETING NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Brooklawn School District Board of Education will meet on August 17, 2021, commencing at 7:00 pm, in the ACES gymnasium.

The meeting is being convened for the purpose of conducting the business of the Board of Education. The agenda to the extent known is as follows:

- Scheduling for the 2021-2022 school year
- Any other items presented to the Board of Education

Formal action will be taken by the Board of Education.

Samuel L. Dutkin
School Business Administrator
Brooklawn Board of Education

03/16/2021

Gloucester City Irish Society calls for United Ireland vote
Dream still alive despite subdued St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

By ALBERT J. COUNTRYMAN Jr.
Gloucester City News

It will be a subdued St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Gloucester City Wednesday, March 17, with bars and restaurants at 35 percent capacity.
Normally, the town honors the patron saint of Ireland with a month of activities, including a parade, St. Mary’s Irish Night, and pub crawls.
Still, many residents in this predominantly Irish-American town will fondly share and remember stories of Ireland, and their relatives still living there.
Across the pond in Northern Ireland there will also be subdued celebrations due to the pandemic. Many people there are focusing on the future, when they will get a chance to vote for a United Ireland.
Mike Baehr, the president of the Gloucester City Irish Society, said, “This call for the reunification of the island of Ireland has been echoed across the Atlantic Ocean for decades. There is yet hope though, as the Good Friday Agreement laid the groundwork for an open call to be decided by citizens on the fate of their own country.
“These Irishmen and Irishwomen have the chance to fully sever the British crown from Irish life for the first time since 1061 A.D. The need to enact the referendum for unification is today!” Baehr said.
“After 30 years of fighting during the Troubles we have waited another 23 years for a national vote to be called. Nearly 3/4 of the population of all Ireland agreed on the Good Friday Agreement, and now it is time for a United Ireland today!” he said.
Throughout the United States, Irish organizations are putting pressure on England and Ireland to call for the vote on a united Ireland.
Full page ads in the Washington Post and New York Times stated “A United Ireland. Let the people have their say. We appeal to the Irish Government to promote and plan for Unity. As Americans, we call upon our government and public representatives to urge the British Government to set the date for the Unity Referendum.”
The ads were sponsored by Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Brehon Law Society, the Irish American Unity Conference, Friends of Sinn Fein USA, and the James Connelly Irish American Labor Coalition.
This year St. Patrick’s Day will seem quiet in Gloucester City, yet thoughts will turn to the “old sod.”
Ironically, Gov. Phil Murphy has decided to increase capacity at indoor venues, including bars and restaurants, to 50 percent capacity on March 19. Last year, bars and taverns closed on March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gloucester City did have its fifth annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade early in March 2020, and, adapting to the current restrictions, will have its sixth annual parade on Sunday, Sept. 19, at 1 p.m. – six months until St. Patrick’s Day 2022.
Yet, there will be subdued celebrations this week, and dreams of a united Ireland.

01/20/2021

In my opinion the vote to unite Ireland, guaranteed by the Good Friday Agreement, should be held Saturday, December 4, 2021 -- some 100 years after the Anglo-Irish treaty that gave 26 counties their first taste of independence in 800 years. Sadly, that treaty drew an artificial boundary and split the island -- six counties in the north became a separate country, Northern Ireland. In the 100 years since Michael Collins singed the treaty, and in his words "signed my death warrant," blood has spilled in Derry, Belfast and across the north. It is now time to end this horrible partition, and give the people of Ireland the chance to vote for a united Ireland -- once and for all. Some 100 years of bloodshed is way too long. Those in charge of calling for the united Ireland vote should start working now to make the referendum a reality, and give the children a chance for a better future.
Albert J. Countryman Jr.

04/22/2020

Nearly one in 100 New Jersey residents infected by COVID-19

BY ALBERT J. COUNTRYMAN Jr.
Gloucester City News

More Revolutionary War battles were fought in New Jersey than in any other colony, and the blood of rebels spilled on the battlefields of Gloucester, Monmouth and Princeton.
George Washington’s surprise attack on the Hessian barracks in Trenton turned the tide in the battle for independence from England.
Now, Garden State residents face the battle of their lives, as COVID-19 wreaks havoc and death on the most vulnerable.
As of Sunday, April 19, some 85,301 people in the state have been infected by the worldwide pandemic. By the time the Gloucester City News arrives at the stores this week, it will be close to, or more than, 90,000.
That is about one of every 100 residents.
Deaths from the novel coronavirus increase also. On April 19 Gov. Phil Murphy reported that 4,202 residents had perished, many taking their last breathe hooked up to a ventilator.
That number is close to one of every 2,000 residents, which New Jersey surely will reach this week.
Grieving families cannot even have normal funeral services, or even see their loved ones before they pass away, due to social distancing.
People cannot visit sick relatives in nursing homes – an environment that COVID-19 feasts on during its morbid journey across the globe.
In less than two months, life has utterly changed. As part of the lockdown to break the curve, businesses have been closed, people have lost their jobs, and everyone has to wear a face mask.
Parents have become teachers, often working at home and then helping their children study remotely as all schools are closed indefinitely.
Locally, the cases of COVID-19 continue to rise.
As of press time Bellmawr reported 27 cases, and in Brooklawn there are six cases. Gloucester City now has 22 cases and one death, Mount Ephraim has eight cases, Runnemede has 23, and Westville has two cases.
“We have one case to report today (April 19) in Gloucester City; a male in his 40s,” Gloucester City Mayor Dan Spencer said. “The total number of cases in our town is 22.
“Camden County reports 107 new cases since yesterday (April 18) for a total of 2,015. There were no new deaths since yesterday, thank God. So, the total remains at 80 deaths in Camden County. Stay well,” Mayor Spencer said.
As for the United States, the nation now has 755,533 cases, with 41,379 deaths. President Donald Trump said it will be up to the individual governors to decide when to re-open for business. Some states will ease lockdowns beginning this week, but unfortunately it will be awhile for New Jersey.
“We are fighting a war,” Gov. Murphy said. “We have to flatten the curve first.”
Meanwhile, another New Jersey resident gasps for one final breathe as COVID-19 claims another victim in the Garden State.

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