Projects on Camden County roads in Voorhees Township

Monday, November 3 & Wednesday, November 5 through Friday, November 7, 2025
Cooper Road – 7:00am to 5:00pm. Utility Line Services, on behalf of South Jersey Gas, will continue installing the gas main, there will be a full road closure between Route 73 in Voorhees and East Taunton Road in Berlin Township.

Wednesday, November 5, 2025
801 Evesham Road – 8:30am to 3:30pm. New Jersey American Water will be replacing a fire hydrant; there will be alternating traffic with flaggers at the intersection with Camden Avenue.

Wednesday, November 5 through Friday, November 7, 2025
Cropwell Road & Kresson Road– 7:00am to 5:00pm. Kiely Civil, on behalf of South Jersey Gas, will continue renewing the gas main. There will be a full road closure of Cropwell Road between Kresson Road & County Walk and a partial road closure southbound on Kresson Road between Cropwell Road & Centennial Boulevard.

Schedules are subject to change. Should you have any questions, please call Camden County at 856-225-5372.

Karen Ruth Maston, 73, of Clayton

Karen R. Maston, age 73, (nee Gassler), of Clayton, went home to be with the Lord on October 20, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Brian E. Maston. Survived by her daughters, Karrie Lamb (Jeff) and Kimberly Maston; grandchildren, Joey Dementri and Kyle Hemple; siblings, Karl W. Gassler, Jr., Robert Gassler and Barbara Bowers; her companion, George Dougherty and her beloved cat, Mr. Gray.

A devoted Christian woman, she found great joy in her faith and in listening to Christian music. For more than 25 years, Karen worked as a Certified Home Health Aide for Cardinal Village in Sewell, NJ, where she cared deeply for her patients and formed many lifelong friendships. She was known for her kind heart, her gentle spirit, and her willingness to serve others.

In her free time, Karen, enjoyed Bible study, working on puzzles, and coloring. Her quiet strength and compassion touched everyone who knew her.

At the family’s request, cremation was held privately. Interment will be held at a later date in Gloucester County Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Karen Ruth Maston. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home, Gloucester City. Ph: 856-456-1142

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Karen Ruth Maston, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

Meet Fern — Our Pet of the Week!

Fern is a beautiful 5-month-old dilute tortoiseshell kitten looking for her forever home!

She came to the Gloucester County Animal Shelter after suffering a broken pelvis, and has shown amazing strength and resilience during her recovery.

Now, this playful, curious, and affectionate little girl is ready to start the next chapter of her life — hopefully with you!

Gloucester County Animal Shelter, 856-881-2828. Apply to adopt: gloucestercountynj.gov/223/Our-Pet-List

Congratulations to Gloucester County’s Own Public Health Nurse of the Year

On October 16, Gloucester County Department of Health’s Director of Nursing, Dittymae Jankauskas, was honored as the 2025 NJ Local Boards of Health Association Public Health Nurse of the Year!

For the past 19 years, Ditty has been dedicated to promoting nursing excellence and advancing public health across all 24 municipalities in Gloucester County. Her leadership, compassion, and commitment to community wellness have made a lasting impact on residents and colleagues alike.

Let’s celebrate Ditty’s outstanding achievement and thank her for her years of service to the health and well-being of our community!

ClearysNoteBook Rated Number 1 by BlogNetNews

BlogNetNews weekly ratings released October 4th ranks ClearysNoteBook as the number one Most Influential Political blog in the state of New Jersey for the week of September 27 through October 3.

Only the top 20 blogs are ranked, and each week a new list is published. ClearysNoteBook has remained among the top 20 blogs in the state of New Jersey since joining BlogNetNews two years ago. The blog editor is Bill Cleary, Gloucester City News Publisher Emeritus.

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All NJMVC Facilities to Close for the State Holiday on Tuesday, November 4th

TRENTON — All New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) facilities, including agencies, road test sites, and inspection stations, will be closed Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in observance of the state holiday.

The Commission’s website at NJMVC.gov is open 24/7, allowing most motor vehicle business to be completed online at the customers’ convenience. Over 25 online services are available, including driver license renewals and replacements, vehicle registration renewals and replacements, address changes, fee and surcharge payments, specialty plate requests, driver record requests, and more.

New Jerseyans seeking motor vehicle services should always visit the NJMVC website first to utilize online services, schedule required appointments for in-person services and driver testing, and resolve the most common NJMVC-related customer concerns.

Joan E. Hamilton, 83, of Bellmawr

On October 19, 2025, at the age of 83. Of Bellmawr, NJ. Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was daughter of the late, Charles and Dorothy (Campbell) Renn. Joan is survived by her loving children, William Hamilton, Jacqueline Hamilton, Jennifer Nuss, Kelly Hamilton; cherished grandchildren, Nicole Hamilton, Ashley Scott, Amanda Bowman, James Nuss Jr., Samantha Nuss; great grandchildren, Eric, Gabriella, Melina, Xavier, Garrett, Jonathan, Ayla; her brother, Larrry Renn, and son in law, James Bowman. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Teresa Bowman in May of 2025.

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Tuesday Show Your Disgust with Gloucester City’s Tax and Spend Policy, Vote Republican!

Cleary’s Notebook News Opinion

This Tuesday, Gloucester City residents have a chance to send a message to the Democratic Party that they are taking back their City. This General Election is a crucial opportunity to address the $4,000 plus increase in property taxes since 2021.

Running for the three seats on the Republican side are Anthony D. Kates, a local resident and business owner; Sandra “Sandy” Reed, a veteran in civic engagement; and Patricia “Pattie” Kropp, a vocal champion for taxpayer rights—bringing their own visions for change.

Seeking the three at-large council seats on the Democratic Ticket are Edward Cilurso III, Robert Page, an advocate for community betterment, and Joy-Ann Madrack, a proponent of social issues.

For 45 long years, the Democratic Party has dominated Gloucester City. This election is an opportunity for residents to question whether their leadership has truly served the community’s best interests. Critics say the Democrats are more concerned about getting jobs for family members than about lowering property taxes.

A 2019 NJ.com article ranked Gloucester City among the top 30 towns in New Jersey with the highest property tax rates, underscoring the need for decisive action and substantial debate about fiscal policy. Property taxes have risen sharply over the last six years.

Since 2021, the city has operated without a full-time administrator and police chief. The steady increase in taxes indicates it’s time to hire a qualified city administrator with the necessary educational background.

**GLOUCESTER CITY TAX RATE IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN THE USA**

Gloucester City, located in Camden County, currently faces an effective property tax rate of 3.99%. This is not just high; it’s excessive when compared to the national median of 1.02%. This staggering rate places Gloucester City among the highest tax burdens in the United States. In March 2025, *Ownwell, a tax appeal company, highlighted this issue, suggesting that residents cannot afford to remain complacent any longer.

The local Democratic Party is well aware that residents of Gloucester City are experiencing financial challenges. That fact is the reason why this city was classified as an Abbott district in 1993 due to its low socioeconomic status. Additionally, Gloucester City was designated as an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) in the 1980s because it is considered a distressed area with high unemployment. However, records indicate that the local Democratic Party is largely unconcerned about the fact that many residents are struggling to cope with rising property taxes.

**CC COMMISSIONERS BROKE THEIR PROMISE**

This Tuesday, we will recall the broken promise made over twenty years ago by the Camden County Democratic Freeholder Board, now called the Commissioners. After finishing repairs on the Little Timber Creek Bridge, we were promised improvements to County Highway 551, which runs through Brooklawn and Gloucester City. Decades later, that road still consists of potholes and road patches. As you drive over it the ruts in the road feel like you are driving on a dirt path. If you support the Democrats running for a seat on that board, vote for them. But don’t complain when your teeth rattle as you drive on Route 551 entering or leaving Brooklawn and Gloucester City.

**CIATTARELLI IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR GOVERNOR**

A recent poll suggests that the New Jersey gubernatorial race could be tightening, with Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill leading Republican Jack Ciattarelli by four points. Sherrill is one of the D.C. Democrats who are responsible for the federal government shutdown that has occurred over the past month. They are advocating for illegal immigrants in our country to receive free health care, which would cost taxpayers a trillion dollars. Sherrill has not clarified her stance on this issue; she simply states that “basic humanity” influences the debate. Moreover, she has not explained how $7 million suddenly appeared in her bank account. It’s time for Republicans to reclaim the governor’s seat in New Jersey. We urge voters to support Ciattarelli on Tuesday.

*Ownwell is a technology-enabled property tax appeal company that helps homeowners and commercial property owners lower their property tax bills. They combine local property tax experts with AI-driven software to manage the entire appeal process on their clients’ behalf. source AI

Enjoy Camping in Delaware State Parks

Photo by Delaware State Parks

Delaware offers many opportunities for overnight stays in the great outdoors — including sleeping under the stars in tents or yurts, traveling with a recreational vehicle, discovering a cozy cabin in the woods or even visiting the beach in the off-season in a cottage or waterfront house.

Camping is available year-round in Delaware State Parks, and fall is a popular time to visit its five campground parks — Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore, Killens Pond, Lums Pond and Trap Pond — and the unique and diverse programs, events or activities offered at each site. The parks system also has cottages and houses for rent along the coast for special occasions. All told, the state park system offers more than 900 sites from which to choose.

“Camping in our state parks is a great way to create lasting memories and new traditions,” said Matthew Ritter, Director of DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation. “There is something about a campfire that seems to quiet the world around us and allow people to reconnect with each other.”

Tent or Yurt
Get back to the basics with a tent or yurt in the woods or at the beach and immerse yourself in nature. The five campground parks as well as Brandywine Creek, Holts Landing and White Clay Creek State Parks, have areas that can be reserved for groups, including Girl or Boy Scouts or other other organizations.

Campsites are available at many parks for people with mobility challenges, designed with accessible pathways, restrooms and parking, to ensure a comfortable outdoor experience for all.

Recreational Vehicles
Delaware State Parks offers RV camping at five locations, including Killens Pond, Lums Pond, Trap Pond, Cape Henlopen and the Delaware Seashore State Parks. The sites have all the comforts of home in picture-perfect surroundings.
Cabins

Three of the campgrounds feature cabins, including Cape Henlopen, Killens Pond and Trap Pond, and can sleep 4-6 people depending on the location. Lums Pond will add a new 14-cabin complex, with two and three bedrooms, with two cabins expected to open in 2026 and the remaining 12 in 2027, adding even more options for people looking to spend the night in the great outdoors in the First State.

Cottages and Rental Houses
The Delaware parks system also has three waterfront locations for lodging along the coast, including 12 cottages at the Indian River Inlet that sleep six; Assawoman Canal house in Ocean View that sleeps 7 and the Oceanfront House off Coastal Highway at the northern boundary of Delaware Seashore State Park that sleeps six.

Leashed pets are welcome at campgrounds but must be attended at all times, and there are designated cabins and cottages for animals so check reservation details at the time of booking.

For more information on camping at Delaware State Parks, visit the destateparks.com/overnight-accommodations/ website.

Commissioner Frank J. DiMarco Reminds Residents About Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Commissioner Frank J. DiMarco would like to remind residents that Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) often increases during this time of year. Although this illness can occur year-round, outbreaks are most common in the summer and early fall.

The New Jersey Department of Health has reported an increase in cases at this time. A Few Key Points to Remember:

HFMD is a common viral illness, usually affecting infants and young children, and is characterized by a rash and blisters on the hands, feet, and in or around the mouth.

It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or contact with blister fluid or feces of an infected person. A person with HFMD is most contagious in the first week, though the virus may be shed for weeks to months.

There is no specific treatment — symptoms like fever and pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications, but always consult your physician first.