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 Cinnaminson resident Mark Rohrback Jr. who walked away unscathed after his pickup truck was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver on Interstate 295 on Monday morning in West Deptford. Can you imagine the frightening site of another vehicle barreling toward you on an interstate? We still don't know why Eileen Dougherty, 26, of Boothwyn was driving north in the southbound lanes but we're happy to report that no one died in the wreck. She was charged with DWI. Following the collision, Rohrback's truck burst into flames, but he escaped uninjured. This is hardly the first time we've had a case of someone driving the wrong way on I-295. Perhaps transportation officials should review signage and traffic patterns to ensure motorist have all of the guides they need to keep moving in the right direction.
JEERS: To preying on the most vulnerable. We often hear of the elderly begin targets of scams, but police in Pennsville Township recently investigated a story that is much worse. An 81-year-old woman was asleep when during the overnight hours a man forced his way into her mobile home, beat her and took money and jewelry. Police didn't let up and soon arrested Robert P. Day of Pittsgrove Township who is now facing numerous charges for his alleged role in the incident. It's a shame that even in one's own home they can no longer feel truly safe.
CHEERS to street smarts. The New Jersey License Beverage Association, the John R. Elliot HERO Campaign and Uber are teaming up this holiday season to help curb drunken driving. In 2013, 542 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. Of the 164 deadly accidents, alcohol was a factor in 143 of them. It makes perfect sense then that 800 bars across the state are getting on board with the program. Those who sign up for the HERO Campaign -- in memory of a Navy Ensign killed in a South Jersey head-on car crash with a drunk driver -- will be in line for a number of perks. Kudos to those who thought this up. It's about time.
JEERS to an immovable feat. E-Z Pass users from New Jersey who make more than 18 trips per month across Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) bridges will see $18 refunded into their accounts. The DRPA also runs the PATCO rail line, which is financed by a port authority subsidy, and was unable to extend a discount to their non-driving customers. The reason being that changes to the current fiscal plan would affect bond ratings and interest rates on improvement projects the DRPA takes on. PATCO users have been sounding off and rightly so; some trips between Lindenwold and Center City cost more than any of the four DRPA bridges. Unfortunately it doesn't look like the port authority policy will be changing any time soon.
CHEERS: To a new concept for Habitat for Humanity that will mean more houses for those working to earn them. Gloucester County Habitat has helped put more than 30 families in houses that were built on site from the ground up. It's a process that has always involved plenty of "sweat equity" for the buyers of these discounted properties. For the first time in its history, the county group is working on a modular project. After building a foundation on Allen Street in Woodbury, Habitat took delivery of a modular home on Tuesday. Delivered in two giant parts, the future owners will work with volunteers to install siding and finish the interior of the house. The family of four hopes to move in come February. The modular approach means a more cost-effective build in less time, organizers noted. If that means this great organization can help more people realize the dream of home ownership, we are all for it.
CHEERS: To a move to save Cumberland County taxpayers money. The seven-member board of chosen freeholders Tuesday night voted unanimously to dissolve the current Board of Social Services and, as of Jan. 1, create a new Department of Social Services. The move will do away with duplication of services and should save Cumberland County $250,000 a year, officials say. They also stressed there will be no loss of jobs or, most importantly, no reduction in client services. Some have questioned the move, but as officials said it will help remove a layer of bureaucracy.
If you know of someone or something you would like to nominate for a cheer or a jeer, please send the information to letters@southjerseymedia.com.