Author: William Cleary Sr.

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.

12-Year-Old Seriously Injured Playing Baseball, Hit in the Face

MAPLE SHADE, NJ (CNBNews)(May 29, 2026)–Xavier Taylor, a 12-year-old Maple Shade boy (photo above), was injured on Tuesday, May 26, while playing baseball in town. According to ESPN, he was hit by an errant throw in the face and collapsed. His injury was so serious that he had to be airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in Camden City. He remains in the hospital.

On Thursday night, a prayer vigil was held for Xavier. There is a link to help the family that has been set up by the Maple Shade community. They are asking the public to come together and support them. As of today, Friday, $81,337 has been raised of the $2,500 goal from 1108 people.

Members of the family published Xavier’s photo along with the following message on their Facebook page,

“We are calling on a worldwide prayer and rally for our brother Xavier Taylor who is 12. He was in a freak accident was airlifted to Cooper Hospital in Camden, NJ. Help us and our family speak life over Xavier and pray for a miracle of full brain function. Stand with us as we believe for Xavier’s life!! Xavier is an avid Phillies fan and Yankees fan. Please like, share and repost. Make this go viral, we need all the prayers we can get. If you’d like to support our family and us as we believe for Xavier, you can go to this link: https://mealtrain.com/2rrnvq. #miracle #healing #makethisgoviral“

At this time, the Maple Shade Cal Ripken League is getting great support from Cal Ripken League offices, the local authorities, the mayor’s office, the Township managers, and the Maple Shade Police Department chaplain.

https://98de1d3936762b703274201fa55c9daa.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-45/html/container.html

Read More: Maple Shade Baseball Player Injured: How To Help | https://973espn.com/maple-shade-baseball-player-injured/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Wildwood Teenager Reported Missing Was Found

Missing Juvenile Safely Recovered Following Multi-Agency Investigation

Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Chief Joseph Murphy of the Wildwood Police Department announce the successful recovery of a missing 16-year-old juvenile following a coordinated multi-agency investigation spanning multiple states.

On May 26, 2026, the Wildwood Police Department received a report of a missing juvenile female from Wildwood, New Jersey. An immediate investigation was initiated by the Wildwood Police Department and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Child Abduction Response Team (CART), with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, Monroe Township Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police.

During the course of the investigation, authorities developed information indicating the juvenile had traveled from Cape May County to Gloucester County, New Jersey. Through coordinated investigative efforts by local, county, state, and federal agencies, authorities were able to continue tracking the juvenile’s whereabouts, ultimately leading investigators to Bedford County, Pennsylvania.

On May 27, 2026, the juvenile was safely located in Bedford County and placed into protective custody, and arrangements were made for her safe return to New Jersey. Detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office coordinated the reunification with the juvenile’s family. An adult male, identified as Demar Rojas-Hernandez, of Santa Ana, California, was taken into custody by the Pennsylvania State Police and charged with Interference with Custody of Children. Additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.

Sutherland praised the coordinated efforts of all agencies involved in the investigation.

“This case highlights the critical importance of rapid interagency cooperation and the advanced investigative resources available to protect vulnerable juveniles. Due to the swift actions of law enforcement personnel across multiple jurisdictions, this young victim was safely recovered before further harm could occur. We remain committed to aggressively investigating crimes involving the exploitation and endangerment of children.”

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135, or submit anonymous tips through the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office website at cmcpo.tips.

CNBNEWS Tips & Snippets: Looking Good, Creepy Snakes, New Signs

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNews)(May 25, 2026)–The owner of the BluLight marijuana dispensary, North Broadway and Warren Street, had a mural drawn on the Warren Street side of the building. Included is a sketch of the Walt Whitman Bridge. A portion of the bridge, which spans the Delaware River, connecting New Jersey to Philadelphia, PA, and beyond, can be seen on the horizon at a distance. The number 1868, which is the year the City of Gloucester was incorporated, is also inscribed. The mural was created by Lord Henry, a talented artist whose work you can check out at drol.com.co or on Instagram at @lordhenry_05. According to the artist, the piece is inspired by South Jersey and the local community, including elements like the Walt Whitman Bridge to represent the connection between Gloucester City, Philadelphia, and the people who pass through the area every day. Our goal was to create something visually impactful that would help brighten up the neighborhood and add a creative landmark to the area.

Continue reading →

Brooklawn American Legion Post 72 Memorial Service, Monday, May 25

BROOKLAWN, NJ (May 24, 2026)(CNBNews)–The Brooklawn Memorial American Legion Post 72 will be hosting their annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25 at 10:00 AM at Veterans Park.

The Brooklawn Police Department proudly encourages residents, families, and community members to attend as we come together to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Please take time this Memorial Day to support our local veterans and reflect on the true meaning of the holiday.

Memorial Day Weather Forecast

SOURCE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

A wet Memorial Day weekend is in store for the East, with widespread rainfall of 1 to more than 2 inches expected from the Gulf Coast to southern New England. Well above normal temperatures are forecast to build across the northern Plains. Another round of heavy to excessive rainfall is expected to impact the western Gulf Coast this weekend with Flood Watches in effect. Read More >

Wet and Cool in the East this Memorial Day Weekend; Well Above Normal Temperatures in the Northern Plains

Weather.gov > Marine, Tropical and Tsunami Services Branch > Experimental Beach Forecast Webpage

The map below is color-coded to indicate the forecast rip current risk level. Click on the beach area of your choice for more information, or click a beach umbrella for the detailed, beach forecast.View the product description document for more information on the rip current graphic. Comments are currently being accepted.

National Weather Service
Philadelphia-Mt Holly
RIP CURRENT RISK for 5/22/2026
Valid as of 401 PM EDTEXPERIMENTAL

Zoom
Out

Risk Level	Description
Low	The risk of rip currents is low, however, life threatening rip currents may still occur especially near groins, jetties, reefs, and piers. Always swim near a lifeguard and remember to heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems.
Moderate	Life threatening rip currents are possible. Always swim near a lifeguard and remember to heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems.
High	Life threatening rip currents are likely. The surf zone is dangerous for all levels of swimmers. Stay out of the water. Remember to heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems.
The Danger of Rip Currents Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. They typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves.En EspanolIf you become caught in a rip current, yell for help and remain calm. Do not exhaust yourself and stay afloat while waiting for help. If you have to swim out of a rip current, swim parallel to shore and back toward the beach when possible. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current as you will tire quickly.Never assume the ocean is safe, even if the weather is nice. Hurricanes that are far away can still create deadly rip currents and waves. For maximum safety, swim near a lifeguard.View rip current safety videos at the National Weather Service YouTube channel.
Additional ResourcesUV Index Scale2 or lessLowLow danger from the sun’s UV rays for the average person.Wear sunglasses on bright days. If you burn easily, cover up and use sunscreen.3 – 5ModerateModerate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.Take precautions, such as covering up, if you will be outside. Stay in shade near midday when the sun is strongest.6 – 7HighHigh risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.Protection against sunburn is needed. Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.8 – 10Very HighVery high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.Take extra precautions. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly. Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Otherwise, seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.11+ExtremeExtreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.Take all precautions. Unprotected skin can burn in minutes. Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and will increase UV exposure. Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen. Thunderstorm Potential (definition)Waterspout Risk (definition)NoneNo thunderstorms are expectedNoneNo risk of waterspout developmentLowThunderstorms are only expected to be isolated in coverageLowLow risk of waterspout developmentModerateThunderstorms are forecast to be scattered in coverageModerateModerate risk of waterspout developmentHighThunderstorms are forecast to be numerous or widespread in coverageHighHigh risk of waterspout development.

Weather Hazard Information

Air Quality

Air Quality
▪ Forecast Information
▪ Safety Information
▪ Materials For Use

Beach Hazards

Beach Hazards
▪ Forecast Information
▪ Safety Information
▪ Materials For Use

Heat

Heat
▪ Forecast Information
▪ Safety Information
▪ Materials For Use

Hurricanes

Hurricanes
▪ Forecast Information
▪ Safety Information
▪ Materials For Use

Lightning

Lightning
▪ Forecast Information
▪ Safety Information
▪ Materials For Use

Rip Currents

Rip Currents
▪ Forecast Information
▪ Safety Information
▪ Materials For Use

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms
▪ Forecast Information
▪ Safety Information
▪ Materials For Use

Tornado

Tornado
▪ Forecast Information
▪ Safety Information
▪ Materials For Use

Tsunamis

Tsunamis
▪ Forecast Information
▪ Safety Information
▪ Materials For Use

Wildfire

Wildfire
▪ Forecast Information
▪ Safety Information
▪ Materials For Use

Wind

Wind
▪ Forecast Information
▪ Safety Information
▪ Materials For Use

SOURCE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Flying a torn, tattered American Flag, you disrepect Soldiers Who Fought & Died for it

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (Cleary’s Notebook News)–Anyone who is a regular viewer of Cleary’s Notebook News knows by now that one of my biggest pet peeves is seeing a torn, ragged American Flag flying on a flagpole, or any other type of pole. The flag on the left is located in front of 637 Division Street. The other flag is located at the Johnson Blvd. sports complex near the Gloucester City Water Works. Memorial Day is not just the time to eat hamburgers and hot dogs. It is also the time to remember those who fought and died for you and I. The flag should be displayed with respect and care. It is typically flown from sunrise to sunset, but can be displayed 24 hours a day if properly illuminated. The flag should never touch the ground and should be replaced if it becomes tattered.

Flying the American flag is a meaningful way to show respect for the nation and its values, while also commemorating the sacrifices made by those who have served. By now, everyone knows that we will celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, May 31. Hopefully, by then, the torn flag near the Water Works property and the tattered flag at the 637 Division Street will be replaced with new ones.

Community Activist Bruce Darrow Charged With Alleged Theft of over $6,000

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (MAY 20, 2026)(CNBNews)—The Gloucester City Police Department has charged longtime community activist Bruce Darrow of Brooklawn with the alleged theft of over $6,000 from the Carmen Paliero Basketball League. According to the press release, Darrow supposedly took the money between September 2016 and March 2026 during the time he was serving as president of the organization. The charge was placed on a summons pending a Central Judicial Processing Court Hearing.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING CENTRAL JUDICIAL PROCESSING?

Continue reading →

Jefferson Recognizes Nurses for Extraordinary Patient Care

Jefferson Health has announced its latest New Jersey recipients of the DAISY Award, an international recognition program that honors nurses for their extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care. Recipients are selected by Jefferson’s Clinical Recognition Committee in New Jersey in order to celebrate team members who go “above and beyond” in delivering compassionate, patient-centered care.

“The compassionate and patient-centered approach of these honorees exemplifies the purpose of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, which recognizes nurses who combine exceptional clinical skill with extraordinary human connection,” said Kim Edson, DNP, MBA, MS, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, Chief Nursing Officer, Jefferson Health–East Region.

DAISY Award Honorees:

Deborah Dominy, BSN, RN, CCRN, an Intensive Care Unit nurse at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital and a resident of Wenonah, New Jersey, received the DAISY Award after being nominated by a grateful patient who praised her calm presence and attentiveness during a frightening cardiac episode.

According to the nomination, Deborah listened closely to the patient and family, carefully reviewed physician orders, adjusted the patient’s intravenous medication, and helped to stabilize their heart rhythm and significantly improved their physical well-being. She also provided the patient with a copy of their electrocardiogram printout to share with their doctor closer to home. Deborah’s actions left a lasting impact on the patient and family, who described her as someone who saw “a person with a monitor attached, not a monitor with a person attached.”

Jane Dauito, BSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, an MS-4 Unit nurse at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital and a resident of Vineland, New Jersey, also received the DAISY Award after being recognized by a grateful patient for the compassionate care she provided during a 10-day hospital stay.

The patient shared that Jane consistently informed them about their condition, answered questions with patience, and clarity, and took time to engage thoughtfully with the patient’s daughter throughout the hospitalization. Jane’s attentiveness, positivity, and dedication helped create a supportive environment during a physically and emotionally challenging experience. The nomination highlighted Jane’s ability to combine strong clinical care with meaningful human connection, helping ease anxiety and foster trust throughout the patient’s recovery process.

As part of an international recognition program, DAISY honorees are nominated by patients, family members and colleagues, then selected by Jefferson’s Clinical Recognition Committee in New Jersey following a review of the nominations. The nonprofit DAISY Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died in 1999 from complications of an autoimmune disease. For more information, visit www.daisyfoundation.org.

PPD Response Regarding Increased Patrol

The Philadelphia Police Department is closely monitoring the situation involving the deadly attack at a mosque in San Diego. At this time, there is no known nexus to Philadelphia. However, out of an abundance of caution, PPD has increased patrols around local mosques and will continue to monitor for any potential threats or concerns.

We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all houses of worship and the communities they serve.

ARA ROTTERDAM Arrives at Holt Terminal

William E. Cleary Sr. | Cleary’s Notebook News

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNews)(May 17, 2026)–ARA ROTTERDAM arrived at the Holt Marine Terminal, Gloucester City, NJ, on May 15. The vessel is a General Cargo Ship built in 2012 (14 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Portugal (Madeira). The general cargo ship ARA Rotterdam has a length overall (LOA) of 146.25 meters (480 feet) and a breadth (width) of 20.2 meters (66 feet). Before arriving in Gloucester City, it was in Fenit, Ireland, located in County Kerry.

The ARA Rotterdam is a multi-purpose general cargo ship operated by Ocean7 Projects. It typically carries breakbulk, project cargo, and various dry goods (such as grain, metals, and industrial equipment) rather than standard containerized freight.