Officials said the cause of the five alarm fire is suspicious in origin.

\”The fire is being investigated,\” the mayor said.

Council approved a resolution in connection with the City’s Southport Redevelopment Project, Phase 1.

Surrounded by his family, Lewis was sworn in by Public Safety Director John Bollinger, with Chief William Walsh watching.

All Council members and Mayor Frank Filipek Sr., congratulated Mr. Lewis.

Borough Clerk Chuck Sauter read \”Thank You\” notes from recent food basket recipients, along with a note from Bellmawr School Superintendent Annette Castiglione thanking the Borough for their assistance with snow removal, following the December 19, 2009, 23-inch blizzard.

Under committee reports, Bollinger thanked the Borough workers involved in the massive snow removal.

Council President Peter Di Giambattista stated the 2010 budget being worked on is austere, but fair.

Councilman Jim D’Angelo said all eight recent water main breaks have been repaired.

Councilman Steve Sauter said the Building and Lands Department is doing well.

Councilman Lou Di Angelo congratulated the Bellmawr Board of Educ-ation, on their award during School Board Recognition Month in New Jersey.

Also, he discussed the ongoing shared services with the Highway Depart-ment, and said there will be meeting soon to discuss the ball field assignments for the 2010 seasons.

Councilwoman Regina Pi-ontkowski congratulated John Lewis’ family.

Filipek told Lewis he would be an asset to the Police Department and the Borough.

As for this year’s budget, he said it would not be as bad as other towns. He also discussed the continuing redevelopment project.

During the public forum, School Board President Jody Mangus said the Board appreciated the assistance the Borough has rendered, adding they are thrilled with the help.

Pastor Vincent Kovlak of Bellmawr Baptist Church thanked the Borough for all of its services to residents.

All business on the evening’s agenda was unanimously approved, with the following of note:

Piontkowski read a proclamation declaring January 2010 as School Board Recognition Month, and presented the proclamation to Mangus and Board members Jeff Brickner, Carla Salas and Mike Williams.

You fall in love with a dog. Oh, he’s just the most perfect dog ever and you’re absolutely sure your husband/wife/girlfriend/boyfriend will feel the same. What happens when you’re wrong?

Many dogs are returned to shelters or hit Craig’s List because they can’t please everyone in the household. Possibly, the dog you love has been abused by a male and shows guarding behavior whenever a male is in the room. Or, perhaps Fido shows no respect toward the female in the house and tries to assert dominance over her. The reasons for your partner’s distaste can be varied but the bottom line is you need a cure quickly!

If your partner is willing to work with the dog you’re half-way there. Have your partner feed the dog, walk the dog, and take the dog to a park. Plan ahead so that you’re both on the same page with rewards and praise. Give Fido enough time to adapt to the household and set limits on the amount of unacceptable behavior you will tolerate. (For example: if he lunges at you be ready with a, \”NO!\” but if he bites you seek professional training).

Next week’s topic will be entitled: Don’t Rule Out the Special Needs Dog. As always, Cleary’s notebook encourages dialogue so your comments are welcome!

Wado, udohiyu, (thank you very much, in the Cherokee language)

Dawn Watson

Brother of the Wolf, LLC

700 Market St, Gloucester City NJ 08030

Another feature is the Friendship/\”Lunch Bunch\” Groups for students having difficulty in social settings.

Other elements include \”Caught Doing Good,\” which rewards schoolchildren for acts of kindness, as well as the \”Purple Hands Pledge,\” which takes steps toward violence prevention, and the \”Character Club,\” which recognizes students for demonstrating a featured character trait.

Several program students took to the front of the Bell Oaks Media Center, making their own written remarks on how these programs have helped them.

In other business, President Jody Mangus presented the monthly Board Award to both Bellmawr School District Custodian Glenn Cook and the Borough of Bellmawr Public Works Department for their exemplary work on snow removal, following a 23-inch blizzard on December 19, 2009.

Several members of the Public Works Department were on hand for the presentation, which reflected their combined ability to allow the District to open two hours late on December 21, a feat not matched in other area districts. Many were closed entirely.

Superintendent Annette Castiglione then presented the