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
CHEERS: To the cops, EMTs, nurses, parents and friends serving on the frontline in the battle against drug addiction. As of this writing, 52 people have died of drug overdoses in Gloucester County so far this year. That compares to a total of 60 OD deaths for all of 2015. Everyone seems to know someone either addicted or dead as a result of drug abuse. It's been a slow process to recognize addiction as a disease, but people are learning. Police officers and EMTs regularly administer an opiate overdose antidote to save lives and give addicts a chance at a fresh start. Families and friends try to find help for their struggling loved ones, but that help often comes too late. Heroin and other opioids are destroying lives and devastating families. We thank those trying to make a difference for their efforts.
CHEERS: To a step ahead for students at Cumberland County Technical Education Center. Incoming engineering students will be guaranteed a seat in the Rowan University engineering program thanks to a new agreement between the schools. CCTEC's new 200,000-square-foot facility which opens this fall in Vineland has space specifically to teach engineering. Rowan helped in designing the classrooms and curriculum. This is just one more advantage that students attending the new CCTEC will benefit from this fall.
JEERS: To the fools who still cling to the notion that addicts get what they deserve. This outdated attitude can be found in various corners of social media and in comment sections of news stories about the destructive impact of addiction. Some are miserable enough to say these things to those who have lost family members to this disease. The "get tough," Darwinian approach to addiction isn't the answer. Treatment is. Many don't seem to understand that until addiction affects someone they know personally. If that's the case, then understanding and compassion should be spreading like wildfire at this point.
CHEERS: To moving on. ShopRite isn't coming to Admiral Wilson Boulevard after all. Three years after announcing plans to build an anchor store atop a still-vacant lot, the company confirmed Wednesday it had moved on. So be it. Let's take down that huge billboard advertising its arrival, lament what could have been and move on. Fortunately, ACTEGA North America Inc. plans to build on the very same site and Goldenberg Developments said Wednesday that it isn't giving up on plans for the Admiral Wilson Plaza. Did Camden City need a supermarket? Yes. Would it have provided much-needed jobs? Yes. Should we start a petition to convince ShopRite to change its mind? No -- there's plenty more land to be had in Camden City. This isn't a setback, just a bump in the road to recovery.
CHEERS: To another successful year at the Salem County Fair. The exhibits and the crowds both grew larger at the annual event which stays true to its roots and focuses strictly on agriculture. Once again, old friendships were renewed and new ones were made and new generations learned how important agriculture is to not only Salem County, but America itself. Cheers go out not only to all of the visitors and participants, but just as importantly to all of the volunteers with the Salem County Fair Association who work year 'round in planning and fund-raising to make the fair the success that it is.
JEERS: To being taken too soon. The only person who truly knew what Ruben Johnson Jr. was going through was Ruben Johnson Jr. The Burlington Township man who killed his wife and 10-year-old son in a murder-suicide Monday night was struggling with health, relationship and financial concerns. Neighbors said there were no outward signs of trouble, and that should come as no surprise. However, if you personally know someone who is struggling, talk to them. You don't have to ask pointed questions, but provide an avenue for an outlet. Don't be afraid. You could save a life. And in this case, three.
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