Every Saturday on its editorial page, 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 on its editorial page, 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 a fresh start. The new year brings a chance for everyone to start off with a clean slate and a set of new goals. In the past few days we've seen government leaders -- at the county and local level -- hold their reorganization meetings and choose their new leaders and lay out goals. School boards, took, have met and reorganized, welcoming in new members, selecting their own leaders and looking ahead to how best serve students in this ever-changing world. We wish them all the best. The pay is little or none and the decisions are momentous. We ask all to do what they believe is best for their constituents and check politics or personal agendas at the door. Those who elected you will be watching.
CHEERS: To Monroe Township Police for saving a local family's Christmas. A woman reported on Christmas Eve morning that someone stole more than $200 in unopened Christmas gifts from her car and returned them to a store for cash. After an investigation, police charged her boyfriend, Michael R. Jefferson II, 33, of Williamstown, with the crime. Some of these gifts were for her child. Officers working on Christmas Eve wanted to lend a hand, so Monroe Township FOP Lodge 125 bought this mom a $200 gift card from Walmart and presented it to her that day. The woman reported that the card was put to good use, according to Detective Kevin Bielski. What an outstanding gesture following a heartbreaking crime.
CHEERS: To welcoming a disabled veteran to the neighborhood. Timothy Birckhead currently lives in Philly, but a non-profit group that provides houses for vets with disabilities plans to build him a new, handicapped-accessible home in Gloucester County. Homes for Our Troops has built around 230 houses around the nation and will officially welcome him to his new community with an event this Saturday morning in Glassboro. Homes for Our Troops is an important organization making a real difference in the lives of the men and woman who serve our country. If you have time this weekend, stop out at Masso's on Delsea Drive around 9:30 a.m. and help welcome him to our community.
JEERS: To a troubling coincidence. We've received word that a house was shot at in Millville just before the end of year. While such an action is a cause for concern, it's even more so now that we learn the home is where a city police officer formerly lived. The house is empty now and no one was hurt, but was this a coincidence or something more sinister? Police put their lives on the line every day when they put on their uniforms and head out on duty to protect us. They face enough danger on duty, especially with the lack of respect for authority many people show them.
CHEERS: To befriending felines. Exactly one year ago, we accompanied an animal rescue organization's nighttime trip into Camden City to, of all things, feed stray cats. We believed in the mission so we went along for the ride and walked away with deep remorse for these unloved creatures born into an uncaring world. Earlier this week, the Camden County Animal Shelter announced it had received a $30,000 grant from the Petco Foundation that will help it treat cats -- particularly the ones living outside in Camden City. We've been to the shelter many times and can't think of a more deserving organization nor noble cause. If you own a pet, please spay and neuter them. The exponential increase of offspring is what forces shelters across the country to euthanize animals at an alarming rate. If you do your part, shelters like Camden County's will keep doing theirs.
JEERS: To the opioid epidemic. Out of all New Jersey counties, Camden County saw the highest number of fatal heroin and fentanyl overdoses in 2015. At 191 people dead, county officials and medical professionals all recognized the need to offer resources for those deep in addiction. Earlier this week, the Camden County Police Department said it has saved the lives of 260 drug overdose victims with the anti-opioid medication Narcan. Conversely, the department revealed it encountered 40 fatal overdose victims in 2016. We've worked with the county's addiction awareness task force and know the good they do. If you know someone who needs help, visit addictions.camdencounty.com for more information.
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