By Joe Rafferty

The author is the superintendent of Mt. Ephraim Public Schools. A resident of Gloucester City, he is a former Gloucester City Public School teacher, a former assistant principal at Mary Ethel Costello School and a past Gloucester City councilman. 

For many years when someone would ask me where I was from I would tell them that I was from Gloucester City – \”The Holy City\”. As the person would look at me trying to understand what I meant by \”The Holy City\” I would try to give them a reasonable explanation of why Gloucester City had this classification. Where did it come from, who first applied the label, when should it be used, what are the characteristics that come with the label and how come Gloucester City?

The first time I heard the use of the classification of \”Holy City\” was many years ago when I was in the company of several senior political leaders the late state senator Walter Rand , the late state assembly Francis Gorman, the late councilwoman Pat McNutt , and the current United States Congressmen Robert Andrews. They would refer to Gloucester City in a respectful and compassionate way as \”The Holy City\”.

A few weeks ago a retired teacher and former political figure of Mt. Ephraim Mr. Al Kershaw had invited me to come to the Mt. Ephraim Rotary, when he introduced me he stated that I was from the \”Holy City\”. It made me fill up with a special pride for all the people of Gloucester City.

They saw in Gloucester City residence unique qualities that allow the city to be recognized as a city that had compassion for the underdog and the needy, respect for the working people and their families and a competitive spirit that would fight for every opportunity for success be it in athletics, academics, economic improvement or helping others.

As a person has physical side, which they are, always trying to improve so has the city tried to improve the infrastructure and physical surroundings. Nevertheless, Gloucester City has something far better than just a pretty face; it has a soul of compassion for others. In addition, I believe that compassionate city soul is why Gloucester City is the \”Holy City\”.

Yes, the city needs many improvements and there are times we act in ways that are not in any terms classifiable holy. But under the outward appearance is one of the greatest treasures in South Jersey. Just as a diamond has physical flaws that bring to it value, so that of Gloucester City. We can sit around and find plenty that we should improve upon. Nevertheless, the diamond only gets its most worth when it is place in a setting that lets it shine and sparkle so that you can see its unique beauty.

There are plenty of people, who look at Gloucester City for only its imperfections and never see the magnificence and its uniqueness. What make this truly a \”Holy City\” are the everyday heroes who are the role models that make the city so special. The people who make it their personal business to help others. There is truly too long a list to place every name on it those of the past and the current day. But when a person is in need or find themselves in some type of hardship the people of Gloucester City stand tall ready to help and assist without wanting and type of recognition.

Therefore, in the spirit of the \”Holy City\” as we work through each day let Gloucester City shine so that everyone can see its unique beauty, which is its compassion for others. Mother Teresa stated, \”We can do no great things; only small things with great love\”. Take the time a share with someone a story about the common day heroes so that they themselves can see them as role models to follow.

Remember that next time someone asks you were you are from you tell them Gloucester City the \”Holy City\” and say it with a smile.

Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. 
Mother Teresa

On Tuesday, July 3, 2007, Gloucester City will celebrate their annual Independence Day parade to start at 7:00 p.m.

In respect of the Blue Mass sponsored by FMBA Locals 51 and 251, which is being held in memory of fallen firefighters at St. Mary\’s Roman Catholic Church at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 4, 2007, the Celebrations Committee has decided to eliminate the July 4^th festivities.

Therefore, the Annual Baby Contest will be held Tuesday, July 3, with registration starting at 6:00 pm and judging to take place by 6:30 pm at Gorman Manor for the 0-6 month, 7-12 months, and 13-18 months age brackets. All Gloucester City babies are gladly welcome to participate in this contest and then to walk/ride in the parade. Various prizes will be distributed for the prettiest girl, cutest boy, healthiest, prettiest eyes, most hair, most patriotic, and cutest smile.

For those interested in participating in the parade, registration forms can be downloaded via the City\’s website at http://www.cityofgloucester.org/events.php
or you can contact Gina Dunphy, UEZ Coordinator/Director of Community Development no later than June 15, 2007 at the Municipal Building, 512 Monmouth Street or by phone at (856) 456-6075 or via email at [email protected] .

By Bill Cleary

I stopped at the Ft. Nassau playground at the Johnson Boulevard Jogging Track today, Friday. Several residents have complained to me about the safety condition of the facility and I wanted to get a firsthand look.

  I last visited the site in March when the Parks and Playgrounds workers began the project to demolish some of the Fort and re-build other sections of it.

 The public is upset that some the sections of the Fort that were taken down in March are still laying on the sides of the facility. As for inside the Fort there is so much debris, some of it dangerous, (in some areas metal rods are sticking up through the ground). Paper and plastic bottles are thrown all about. The ground under the swings and in other areas is all un-even. A child running could easily trip and fall.

The photo appeared on ClearysNotebook last week. It was taken by a Concerned Parent. After that post appeared some of the items were taken away by the City I presume. But much still remains. see story

see more stories on Ft. Nassau

 I don\’t know what is taking so long? From what I understand the City was going to put up some play equipment and tear down the fence. The ground needs to be level, and new mulch or sand has to be spread about. Put the equipment in place and it should be finished. Apparently though there is more that needs to be done then I am aware of.

 If I can be so bold to make a suggestion to those in charge, be it Mayor and Council or Street Superintendent James Johnson…..erect a sign reading (Danger Stay Out) or something like that and hang it at the entrance of the Fort. Also place some kind of barrier up at the front. Two- by- fours crisscrossed across the front with the sign.

  If the Street Superintendent could spare a couple of men for an hour one day to get rid of the broken boards and old cement on the side of the Fort. Plus put up the barrier and sign I think it would help until the project is completed.

Don’t forget there are people who visit our community during the day and stop at the Fort. They are not aware of the changes the City intends to make. What they see are the deplorable conditions. They leave our community with the wrong impression.

article written by Phillyist

National Park, NJ (Population 3223), is a small borough on the Delaware River with a deceptive name. It\’s a normal town in Gloucester County, completely enclosed by West Deptford Township and the river, that has no affiliation with the National Park Service.

Before National Park was formally incorporated in 1902, its land was the site of Fort Mercer. Along with Fort Mifflin, directly across the river in South Philly, Fort Mercer was created to protect the city from British attack during the Revolutionary War. The famous Battle of Red Bank, a decisive Continental Army victory, took place at the current location of the Red Bank Battlefield County Park.

(Information Source: Wikipedia)

The park is a great place to take a walk along the isolated shoreline and feel completely alone, despite the city in full view, large container ships passing on the river, and low-flying planes landing right across the river at Philadelphia International. My experience at the park was pleasant, but then turned pretty strange.

More photos and the strange story in the continuation.

I arrived at the park at about 8:30 on a Sunday morning, looking for new angles from which to photograph the Philly skyline. I was joined mostly by families, dog walkers, and especially early-bird retirees, all quietly enjoying the good weather after a mercilessly wintry April.

My camera was still away in its case as I walked along the shoreline, getting a feel for the park and trying to decide where to begin. I said good morning to a small older man enjoying the view of the river (shown on the left in this photo), and he started to speak to me. He was soft-spoken at first, but eventually I figured out what he was saying: \”There\’s a heart over there.\” HUH? He was pointing about ten yards away at a red object that had washed onto the sand a few feet from where the waves were breaking.
story continues