Life long Gloucester City resident, born in 1944. Graduated from Gloucester Catholic High School Class of 1963. Attended Camden County College. Army National Guard 1964 to 1970. Activated in 1967 during the Newark Riots. Worked full-time at the Gloucester City Post Office from 1967 to 1978. Worked part-time at the Gloucester City News from 1965 to 1977. In 1978 I was named editor of the Gloucester City News and Camden County Record. Purchased the City News in 1985. In 2005 the paper was sold. In 2006 I established Cleary's Notebook. At the age of 81 I remain editor of Cleary's Notebook News writing commentary and reporting the news for South Jersey and Philadelphia regions.
Gloucester City, NJ (August 30, 2026)(CNBnews)-Our photo of the day is a butterfly. The butterfly that we saw is on the left. The image on the right was taken from the poster below, “Butterflys of New Jersey
Early Sunday morning around 7 AM I walked Sweetie to our backyard. As we were coming up our steps, I saw a funny shape that looked like it was alive. But it was hard to distinguish what it was. Walking slowly up the steps, I could see it was a butterfly as it spread its wings. The delicate movements of its wings caught my eye, creating a mesmerizing dance in the morning light. While I was filming it, Sweetie came running up the steps, filled with excitement, and the butterfly took off, landing gracefully on the side of our house. It stayed there for a minute, seemingly unbothered, allowing me to appreciate its beauty before it flew away into the vast sky. Doesn’t it look like it has two heads?
This encounter brought back a profound memory of my brother, George. He said on his deathbed in 2014 that he would be back one day as a butterfly. His words resonated with me, as they combined both humor and a sense of hope. He also mentioned that he buried his gold coin collection somewhere behind his old house on Broadway, a little secret he held close. Up until his last breath, he maintained his playful spirit, joking around as he drifted in and out of a deep sleep. I often reflect on those moments and hope I can do the same when my turn comes up, facing the end with laughter and grace.
Intrigued by the butterfly I had seen, I decided to conduct a Google search to try and find out what kind it was. A couple of images caught my attention, showcasing some of the same blue coloring that is shown in the butterfly we saw, which also had some orange coloring. But, they were not a perfect match. The reason for that could be that this butterfly wasn’t fully grown. The variety in butterfly species is astounding, and it felt like a small puzzle I wanted to solve. If anyone knows what type it is, please comment below; I’m eager to learn more about the beautiful creatures that share our world.
The closest that I found was the The spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus) is a common black butterfly native to North America, famous for its unique caterpillar stages and mimicry defense mechanisms. [1, 2]
Appearance and Identification
Adults: Black or dark charcoal wings with a wingspan of 3 to 4 inches. The hind wings feature prominent pale blue or green patches and orange spots. Females often show a brighter blue wash on their upper wings.
Do you have a photo or video you would like to share with our readers? Forward it and a caption to wecleary@gmail.com.
Butterflies of New Jersey Poster Print/Field Guide
JACKSON TOWNSHIP NJ(August 28, 2026)(CNBNews)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on August 28, 2026, Maria CobonGuzman, 20, of Trenton, was charged with Manslaughter, Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Ever Having Possessed or Been Issued a Valid Driver’s License While Involved in a Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash, and two counts of Assault by Auto, all in connection with an incident that occurred in Jackson Township on August 28, 2026. Additionally, Ariadna Lazaro-Flores, 22, of Toms River, was charged with Knowingly Engaging in Conduct Creating a Substantial Risk of Death to Another, in connection with the same incident.
On August 28, 2026, at approximately 11:55 a.m., Officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to the area of the Jackson NPGS grocery store on West County Line Road for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving pedestrians.
Responding Officers discovered that a mother and her two minor children – a five-year-old female and a nine-month-old male – had been struck by a motor vehicle in the store’s parking lot. All three victims were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of their injuries. The mother and her five-year-old daughter remain hospitalized in stable condition; her nine-month-old son was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
A subsequent investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Vehicular Homicide Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad, Jackson Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that CobonGuzman was operating a Ford Fusion in the parking lot of the NPGS grocery store when she struck the mother and her baby carriage carrying both children. Further investigation revealed that CobonGuzman did not possess, nor had she ever possessed, a valid driver’s license in this or any other state. Continuing investigation further revealed that Lazaro-Flores was aware of that fact, but nevertheless permitted CobonGuzman to operate the motor vehicle.
CobonGuzman and Lazaro-Flores were taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where they are presently lodged pending a detention hearing.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit- Vehicular Homicide Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Squad, Jackson Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Under the First Amendment, we the people are given Freedom of Speech. This is a gift from our founding fathers. At Thursday night’s, August 26, Gloucester City Council meeting I proposed installing a CITIZENS
PODIUM equipped with a microphone in order for the public to express their concerns to our elected officials.
This podium will be dedicated in the memory of Theresa Graham. Theresa served as the president of the Gloucester City Board of Education for many years. She was also the president of the Gloucester City Senior Citizens Association. She was a watch dog for our community for many years. And, she attended many council meetings always expressing her opinion on matters pertaining to the operation of the City that she loved dearly.
She told like it was. I know this because she called me out a few times when I was the City’s mayor.
Donations for this citizens podium can be sent to : Theresa’s Freedom Podium, c/o Bob Bevan, 522 Jefferson Avenue, Gloucester City, NJ 08030
Gloucester City, NJ (August 26, 2026)–More and more I am finding it so difficult to deal with businesses, utility companies and those in the medical field online. The wait time to talk with someone can be an
hour or more. In some cases you can’t talk to anyone. Instead you are switched to a chat-line that seems to lead nowhere. The frustration of navigating these systems is overwhelming. Most recently, we wanted to change our cellphone provider. What an ordeal this has become. After countless hours, we still haven’t been able to get that dilemma solved.
We had been with Verizon forever, and although the service was reliable, the cost for our mobile phone plan had become exorbitant. Tired of paying such high bills, we decided to switch to Consumer Cellular based on some recommendations. Unfortunately, the phone reception was abysmal, making it difficult to use the service effectively. Our next choice, based on further research and consumer feedback, was T-Mobile.
BAD MOVE
On June 7, 2026, I spent over an hour applying for a T-Mobile senior citizen 55 and over mobile account for my wife and me. The following day, I printed out the seven-page contract that I signed electronically. As I reviewed it, I was shocked to discover that I was billed $639 for an iPhone 17e that T-Mobile had advertised as being free as part of their promotion for new customers. Katherine the T-Mobile rep that I chatted with the day before emphasize several time that phone was free; “On us,” she wrote.
Image of the proposed container terminal in Edgewood, Delaware.
JEER—Affiliates of Gloucester City-based Holt Logistics Corp. filed a lawsuit last month seeking to block project approvals granted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Delaware’s proposed container terminal in Edgemoor, a working-class community along the Delaware River just northeast of Wilmington. In 2024, Philadelphia port interests successfully persuaded a federal judge to invalidate a Corps permit authorizing the same project. Critics contend that the latest lawsuit is intended primarily to prevent the emergence of a new competitor.
CHEER— Delaware’s taxpayer-owned Diamond State Port Corporation requested new approvals, which the Army Corps granted in April. Massachusetts-based Enstructure has announced it is moving forward with the $669 million Edgemoor container terminal project, located on the site of a former DuPont chemical plant. The development is expected to create thousands of construction, warehouse, and longshore jobs for the region.
JEER— Earlier this year, Holt Marine Terminal successfully blocked a South Korean shipbuilding company from establishing operations at the Paulsboro Marine Terminal. The Paulsboro Marine Terminal is owned by the South Jersey Port Corporation (SJPC), a state entity, and operated by Holt Logistics Corp. through its subsidiaries, Gloucester Terminals LLC and Paulsboro Waterfront Development LLC. The influence the Holt family wields in the shipping industry is undeniable. To many outside observers, that level of power raises serious concerns.
CHEER— According to a 2025 economic impact study by the Shipping Association of New York and New Jersey, the port industry supported nearly 580,000 jobs in 2024, generated approximately $18.1 billion in tax revenue, and accounted for $57.8 billion in personal income and $163.7 billion in business income throughout the region. It would be interesting to see whether an independent organization conducting a similar study would reach the same conclusions.
JEER— Why was the Holt Dynasty placed in charge of the Paulsboro facility? In hindsight, that decision appears misguided. The family has accumulated enormous influence and wealth throughout the region’s port industry. Based on recent events, it seems the Holt Family is intent on controlling port operations along the Delaware River, from Wilmington, Delaware, to the Packer Avenue and Gloucester City terminals.
Critics argue that such dominance stifles competition and free enterprise.
Consider what has happened along the Gloucester City waterfront and in the neighborhoods bordering the massive terminal. Increased noise, pollution, declining property values, and the deterioration of quality of life on the city’s west side are consequences many residents attribute to giving the Holt organization broad authority with limited oversight.
CHEER— It was exciting to see a family of deer last week at Johnson Boulevard Jogging Park. The journey those animals must have made to reach that location without being struck by a car or truck is remarkable. Credit goes to Mother Nature’s resilience and adaptability. (CNBNews photo credit)
JEER— A Barnegat woman accused of operating a boat while intoxicated during a Memorial Day crash that killed her son has been released pending trial. The 59-year-old faces charges including second-degree death by vessel, operating a vessel under the influence, and reckless operation of a vessel stemming from the May 25 incident.
Above architect drawings of the townhouses. Terraces are at the front of the buildings on the fourth floor. Photo Credit: Developer’s plans submitted to the Camden Planning Board
CHEER-George Norcross III, along with his partners, has proposed to build 78 high-end townhouses near the Camden City waterfront. TAP INTO CAMDEN reported that the group is scheduled to go before the City’s planning board next month. Eighteen of the townhouses are projected to sell for about $500,000. possibly mixed-use residential/commercial project could be the development of the former Riverfront State Prison site on the north side of the Ben Franklin Bridge.
JEER-In November the Holt Logistics and Cresmont Limited Partnership filed another civil action against the City of Gloucester and the Gloucester City Planning Board. The Holt and Cresmont lawsuit is an attempt to stop the construction of two large multi-use buildings at the former US Coast Guard property on King Street. The Coast Guard abandoned the property in 1986 and moved into a new base on the Philadelphia side of the river. According to a rumor, Holt is against the development because the buildings would block his office view of the river.
Mark Matthews, editor of the 42 Freeway blog, and former Cleary’s Notebook News reporter, remarked that Holt Logistics, wanted to revoke the redevelopment designation of the property in an effort to invalidate the project’s approvals. This would be their third complaint regarding the Redevelopment Plan.
The Gloucester City project, known as Meridia on the Pier, is proposed for 101 South King Street. The development would transform approximately 4.5 acres of undeveloped waterfront land—extending into the Freedom Pier area—with two large mixed-use buildings.
CHEER—Peggy Grow, a Seeing Eye Trustee, Puppy Raiser, volunteer, and Heritage Society member, has raised 15 puppies with her husband, Steve, since starting as a volunteer in 2003. She also volunteers at the Chester Campus, where the next generation of Seeing Eye puppies are born, and she assists with Town Walks, where puppy raisers can watch the puppy they raised work with an instructor in harness. She stated, “I love being part of an organization that strongly advocates for the rights of people who are blind. The staff is deeply dedicated to this mission, which allows volunteers to feel supported in all ways. It is an honor to be a part of a community that is always teaching, creating, and sharing. If you would like more information about planning a legacy gift to support The Seeing Eye’s future work, you can visit legacy.seeingeye.org or contact Lauren Knolmayer at lknolmayer@seeingeye.org.”
Detectives are investigating a fatal shooting in Lawnside on Friday, reported Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay and Lawnside Police Captain William Plenty.
On Friday, August 21, 2026, at approximately 5:50 p.m., officers from the Lawnside Police Department responded to the unit block of West Hodges Avenue in reference to a shooting. Officers learned that the victim – 25-year-old George Rivera of Lawnside – had been transported in a private vehicle to Cooper University Hospital. The victim was ultimately pronounced deceased at the hospital at approximately 11:27 p.m.
This investigation is active and ongoing. No arrests have been made at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Michael Manning of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit at (856) 365-3246. Tips can also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 20, 2026)–During a Senate hearing held on August 20, 2026, Senator John Kennedy asks Nancy Pelosi how she was able to gain $250 million during her 37 years as a Congresswoman.
Kennedy said, “I counted money for the state of Louisiana. Every bond issue, every disbursement, every dollar that moved through that office had to add up at the end of the day. And when a number did not add up, it was my job to find out why. He looked at her. Ma’am, this number does not add up.”
” Let us be generous,” Kennedy said.
“Using the average salary for a congressmember, $174,000 a year times 37 years. That is about $6.4 million before taxes. Ma’am, you are worth more than $200 million,” he said.
“If a person saved every dollar of salary, ma’am, never ate, never paid rent, never put gas in the car, never turned on a light, that person would need to work for over 1,400 years to reach your net worth.”
+++++
Time and time again, we see corruption in our federal, state, and local governments, but nobody ever goes to jail. According to Spotlight PA, out of 100 Senators, 77 members are millionaires. Out of the 435 members of the House of Represenatives 60 percent are millionaires.
This financial disparity raises serious concerns about how connected elected officials are to average citizens, and it sheds light on why there is so little legislative support for term limits. We need greater transparency and reform to address these systemic issues in our government.
GLOUCESTER CITY NJ (August 20, 2026)–Today, around 1 PM, Connie and I were driving on Klemn Avenue heading towards U.S. Route 130. She yelled, “Look at the deer!”
“Where! Where!” I replied.
I had to back up a couple of feet before I saw them. Two fully grown doe’s and two spotted fawns were walking lazily about like they didn’t have a care in the world.
In recent years it is not that unusual to see deer in the Gloucester City.
Some of those sightings we have reported on include a large buck seen at the Lane Avenue playground. A Hunter Street resident reported that a deer was walking in the street past his house. A buck was hit at the railroad crossing on South Broadway near the Brooklawn border. A fawn that tried to jump the spike cemetery fence on Market Street didn’t make it and died. When walking near the back of GHS there are always deer tracks. Some of those tracks are big. To see these four deer out in the open at 1 PM in the afternoon was a pleasant surprise.
How did they get there?
We suggest they came from Newton Creek, which is on the other side of the trees in the photo. Deer can swim.
Highland Park Volunteer Fire Co. Ends Ambulance Service; Chief Explains Why
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ –Chief Irvin Brown of the Highland Park Volunteer Fire Company announced that the department will discontinue its backup ambulance service, citing a steady decline in volunteer participation and increasing training demands.
For more than 30 years, the company provided vemergency ambulance coverage to Gloucester City residents. But Brown said the organization can no longer maintain the level of service the community deserves.
“Volunteerism just isn’t what it used to be,” Brown explained. “We’ve reached a point where we don’t have enough trained personnel to safely and reliably operate an ambulance.”
He noted that modern emergency medical training requires significantly more time, certification, and ongoing education than in past decades. With fewer volunteers able to commit to those requirements, the department faced mounting challenges in staffing ambulance calls.
Brown emphasized that the decision was not made lightly. “We’ve always taken pride in helping our community,” he said. “But we can’t continue a service we’re no longer able to support at a professional level.”
The chief’s announcement reflects a nationwide trend: volunteer emergency services are struggling to recruit and retain members, leaving many communities dependent on paid or regional EMS providers.
SAN PEDRO, Calif. — The Coast Guard and local partner agencies rescued a 53-year-old man approximately 3 miles south of the Seal Beach Pier Monday morning after an extensive search effort that lasted more than 12 hours.
A Coast Guard Air Station San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew located Paul Anthony Carbullido Jr. alive at approximately 10:48 a.m., while conducting a search pattern south of Seal Beach. The aircrew spotted Carbullido floating on his back while wearing a green life jacket. After recognizing the helicopter overhead, Carbullido raised his head and waved to the aircrew.
