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 honoring those who gave all for our freedoms. Throughout the region veterans, their families and supporters paused to remember those who gave their lives in the battle in defense of America. Among those ceremonies, it was noted that Salem County, the New Jersey county with the smallest population of all, has had 213 brave soliders die in defense of their country since World War I. As was noted at Memorial Day ceremonies, it is a heavy price, but one that ensured that we enjoy the freedoms we have today.
CHEERS: To expanding our shopping choices. Word has come that the German supermarket chain Lidl is eyeing South Jersey for potential new store sites. Competition and variety among the stores where we shop is always welcome and can help save some of those hard-earned dollars. We're told that Upper Deerfield, Vineland and Millville are potential sites in Cumberland County. The variety for shoppers is welcome.
JEERS: To setting a poor example. Pennsville Memorial High School's wrestling coach has resigned after being found in a vehicle with an open beer, according to authorities. What's worse, the vehicle was being driven by a juvenile and there was a juvenile passenger. Coaches are supposed to set an example for youth not lead them the wrong way. Kids look up to authority figures such as coaches and often follow their example. This was a poor example for an adult to set.
CHEERS to pulling out all the stops. "Bodies" strewn about, a destroyed car, DUI arrest and funeral home's response. When the Cherry Hill police and fire departments decided to recently show township high school students what could happen if they drink and drive on prom night, they left no life-altering possibility out of the picture. We've been photographing proms across South Jersey for more than a month now and it's clear that this is a joyous night to remember. Let's leave it that way by leaving booze out of the equation.
JEERS to window dressings. At the very least, it would have been entertaining to watch Congressman Donald Norcross and his progressive challenger, 25-year-old Alex Law, go at it during a scheduled debate. At most, the two would have aired their stances on issues important to minorities at the event hosted by the Gloucester County NAACP branch. Unfortunately for local voters, neither of those possibilities will come to pass as the event was cancelled at the 11th hour after the NAACP butted heads with Law over venue, capacity, recording and a handful of other minute details that have nothing to do with political stances. We want a re-match and so should South Jersey voters.
CHEERS: To an effort to provide housing for combat veterans making the transition back to civilian life. Donnie Davis and his Amazing Grace Ministries wants to build small houses for veterans at an old campground in Franklin Township. He's launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise half a million bucks to cover the many expenses associated with this important project. Davis understands post-traumatic stress disorder and the struggle many of our men and women in the military face as they come home and try to resume their lives. Veterans deserve our respect and our support once they return from war. Lip service -- merely thanking our veterans -- isn't enough. Projects like these help turn words into action.
https://www.gofundme.com/23bjhjbb
JEERS: To a disturbing report from Harrison Township, where police charged a Vineland women with driving drunk with a child in the car. The incident occurred early last Saturday morning. The child was the driver's 7-year-old nephew, authorities reported. In addition to the obvious implications of this alleged act, the driver was also cited for failure to property restrain the child in the vehicle. Sadly, the message about the clear dangers of drunken driving still eludes some motorists. Thankfully a vigilant police officer intervened before something tragic occurred.
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