By Albert J. Countryman

Gloucester City News 

GLOUCESTER CITY NEWS: U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler ruled last week that Cheerleaders on Route 130 in Gloucester City can temporarily stay open.

During its February meeting, the Gloucester City Planning Board had ruled against the gentlemen’s club, saying it was no longer grandfathered under the zoning law change in 1997 that banned go-go bars in the town.

Attorneys for the club filed an appeal after the Board’s decision.

The judge said there will be a formal hearing this June involving Gloucester City and Cheerleaders, but for now it can stay open as a \”bring your own\” establishment.

Since the N.J. Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control stripped Cheerleaders of its liquor license in January, patrons have been bringing their own beer or wine with them to enjoy while watching the dancers.

Planning Board members felt this way of operating did not meet the criteria to be considered a \”pre-existing, non-conforming use.\”

On April 16, 2000, a patron, Humberto Herrara, then 23, of Woodbury was flagged for being drunk, and Cheerleaders’ staff called him a taxi.

Instead, he got into his car and made a left – the wrong way on Route 130.

About 53 feet south of the Little Timber Creek Bridge, his car collided with a vehicle driving in the correct direction, killing Patricia and Robert Reed of Gloucester City.

After a lengthy legal battle, the club had its liquor license revoked early this year by the state.

Business Owner Frank Antico had told the Planning Board he planned to shift the bar to a \”bring your own bottle\” set up, which would allow patrons to bring in their own beer and wine, purchased elsewhere, and the club’s wait staff would then serve it back to them while they took in the entertainment.

Last month, attorneys had submitted copies of deeds showing that the property has been home to a go-go bar since 1976.

Testimony was given to the Planning Board by individuals who have patronized the establishment, under different ownerships, from that time to the present, as to the kind of entertainment, food and drink that was offered.

Club representatives said the nature of the business has been consistent, with the exception that food is no longer prepared on site.

Patrons have the option of ordering in food from several local restaurants, which is then served to them by Cheerleaders’ employees.

3-15-2010 CATEGORY FIRE RELATED Great Photos

824-822 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City NJ Dispatch time 1109 hrs

Off Duty Battalion Chief Williams came upon a fire at 824 Monmouth Street an reported heavy smoke from the 3rd floor, Chief Williams evacuated the residents from the home.

Firefighters from Headquarters arrived and battled the fire which extended to 822 Monmouth Street, no injuries were reported.

Firefighters from Gloucester City, Mt Ephraim,Collingswood and Bellmawr operated on scene. EMS units from Camden City ( UMDNJ EMS) and Haddon Heights were also on scene.

The Camden County Fire Marshal is investigating.

Steve Skipton
PhillyFireNews.com
NJ Editor/Photographer

GENEVIEVE L. LEHMAN

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, Mount Ephraim, for Genevieve L. Lehman, 92, of Mount Ephraim, who died February 23, 2010.

Mrs. Lehman was a member of the Polish American Women Citizens Club.

Loving mother of Raymond (Marcella) Lehman of Barrington, Richard (Micheline) Lehman of West Virginia and Nancy (Frank) Romeo of Mount Ephraim. Proud grandmother of six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Interment was at New St. Mary’s Cemetary, Bellmawr.

LILLIAN AUGUSTA PAYNE

Funeral Services were held for Lillian Augusta Payne, 92, of Bellmawr, who died February 25, 2010.

Beloved wife of the late Paul A. Payne. Loving mother of Paul C. Payne (Kitty) of Fayetteville, NC; William E. Deck (Barbara) of Oaklyn and Jo-Ann Regan (Michael) of Bellmawr. Devoted step mother of Fred Payne of Ventnor; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Interment was held privately.

GLORIA DePRINCE

A Funeral Mass was held at Sacred Heart Church, Camden, for Gloria DePrince, \”Chickie,\” (nee Adriano) 82, who passed away on March 4, 2010.

A longtime resident of Camden, she worked for many years at Sacred Heart School cafeteria.

Chickie is the beloved wife of 61 years of Anthony. She is the devoted mother of Anthony (the late Kathleen), Charlene (Frank), Wayne (Elaine) and the late, Sandra (Michael) Koverchick. She is lovingly survived by 10 granchildren; 9 great grandchildren; her siblings, Mary, Larry, Dewey, Rosalie, Josie and Pat as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Angelo and her sister Delores.

Interment was in New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.

HELEN J. \”SWEETIE\” WERBANY

Funeral Services were held for Helen J. \”Sweetie\” Werbany, (nee Lasky) 86, of Bellmawr, who passed away on March 1, 2010.

Beloved wife of the late John, Jr. Devoted mother of Nancy Colloton and her husband Jeffrey and William J. Werbany. Loving grandmother of Jennifer (John) and Jason (Nicole) and great-grandmother of Cody. Dear sister of Dorothy, Mary, Jean, Frank, John and the late Margaret, Alec and Teddy. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and her dear dog Crystal.

Interment Saint Joseph’s Cemetery, Chews Landing.

JOSE L. ESTREMERA

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Williamstown for Jose L. Estremera, 28, of Gloucester City, who passed away on March 4, 2010.

Born in Camden, formerly of Bellmawr and Collingswood, Jose lived most of his life in Franklinville. Jose enjoyed fishing, riding his quad, playing and coaching hockey, building shelves with his sons and spending time with his family. He was employed as a well driller.

Beloved husband of Michelle (nee Ashmen). Devoted father of Vincent, Brittany, Danielle, Joseph Russo, Justin and Jordan Estremera. Loving grandfather to Meadow. Loving son of Elizabeth Hughes and Elvin Estremera Sr. Loving grandson of Elizabeth and Benjamin McDowell. Dear brother of Elvin Jr., Erik, Jesse and Ashley Estremera. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, nephews and cousins.

Interment New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Jose L. Estremera Memorial Fund, c/o Bank of America, 1 N. Broadway, Gloucester City, NJ 08030, to help benefit his children.

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Gloucester City Board Of Education Remembers The Late Joseph Cospito

One Gun a Month Litigation Update

Just one day after being sworn in, the newly appointed state Attorney General took the most aggressive legal posture available to defend former Governor Corzine\’s one-gun-a-month handgun rationing law, moving to dismiss ANJRPC\’s lawsuit to overturn the law, and later vigorously opposing ANJRPC\’s motion for a preliminary injunction in the case. The U.S. District Court could hear argument on these motions as soon as April.