Every Saturday, the South Jersey Times cheers those who make our area a better place in which to live and jeers those whose actions merit derision.
Every Saturday, the South Jersey Times cheers those who make our area a better place in which to live and jeers those whose actions merit derision.
CHEERS: To the staff, students, families and supporters of Woodbury Child Development Center. This place makes it possible for low-income families to work for better lives for their children and it's a place that needs our help. The center is trying to raise $50,000 to replace roofs at its Carpenter Street home. Heavy rains have led to interior damage and if the center hopes to continue serving the community it needs to raise money pronto. They have several fundraisers planned in the coming months but you can do your part today with a donation. Send a check or money order to the Woodbury Child Development Center, 36 Carpenter St., Woodbury, NJ 08096. Donations are tax-deductible. For more information, call the center at 856-845-2243.
JEERS: To the disturbing claims laid out against a New Jersey man accused of defrauding Medicare by convincing senior citizens that they needed genetic testing. Federal authorities allege that Seth Rehfuss, 41, of Somerset, and others staged gatherings at senior facilities, including Clayton Mews, and duped attendees into believing they needed DNA tests to confirm if they were likely to suffer side effects from medications. They used scare tactics to convince victims to fill out paperwork with personal details and to submit to DNA swabs, officials allege. In collaboration with two medical labs, Medicare was billed about a million dollars for these tests. It's one more sign that fraudsters will try anything, and once again it's the vulnerable senior population that is targeted. What are we doing to protect these citizens from such brazen tactics?
CHEERS: To caring for those who do not have a home this Christmas. For the homeless, their main concern this season isn't finding the perfect tree or glittery bows. Their concern is finding shelter from the elements and decent food to eat. And it might not be just for themselves, but their entire family. On Tuesday the leaders of the Code Blue effort in Bridgeton handed out coats and "care kits" to the homeless. When the bitter cold finally does set in, they will also provide shelter. Code Blue has really taken off in Cumberland County and an effort is afoot in Salem County to offer some of the same services. This all truly shows we have not forgotten the value of aiding others less fortunate than ourselves.
JEERS: To preying on the most vulnerable. Being too trusting of others lead to an elderly Pennsville woman to being robbed of some $900 in cash and jewelry earlier this month. This resident fell for the phony contractor scam. Two guys appeared at her door, convinced her work needed to be done outside her home and while the woman was distracted, one of the "team" slipped indoors and burglarized the home. Police have one simple message: Be suspicious when strangers appear at your door and don't be afraid to call 9-1-1. That's a message that everyone also needs to reinforce with their parents and grandparents.
If you know of someone or something you would like to nominate for a cheer or a jeer, please send the information to sjletters@njadvancemedia.com