Category: CONSUMER NEWS

Southbound Route 42 Ramp/Lane Closures Tonight for Bridges over Timber Creek

Bridge girders to be erected tonight

(Trenton)

– New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today announced overnight lane and ramp closures on Route 42 southbound as the Bridges over Timber Creek and Lower Landing Road project advances between Gloucester, Camden County and Deptford, Gloucester County.

Beginning at 10 p.m., tonight, Friday, November 22 until 6 a.m. Saturday, November 23, NJDOT’s contractor, Richard E. Pierson Construction Company, will close the right and center lanes on Route 42 southbound, along with the ramp from Route 41 to Route 42 southbound. The closures are necessary to allow for the installation of eight new girders on the bridge over Big Timber Creek and Lower Landing Road.

The current southbound traffic configuration of two lanes of traffic shifted to the left and the left lane traveling on the northbound side of Route 42 will remain in place. This configuration will be in place through the spring of 2020. Route 42 northbound will continue to have three lanes of travel open. The following overnight ramp detours will be in place:

Deptford Center Road to Route 42 southbound

detour:

Motorists traveling on Deptford Center Road wishing to take Route 42 southbound will be directed to turn left onto Route 41 northbound

Take the ramp to Route 42 northbound

Take Route 42 northbound to Exit 14/Creek Road

Turn left onto Edgewood Avenue

Turn left onto Creek Road

Turn left onto Harding Avenue

Turn left onto Leaf Avenue to Route 42 southbound

Route 41/Hurffville Road northbound ramp to Route 42 southbound

detour:

Motorists traveling on Route 41/Hurffville Road northbound wishing to take Route 42 southbound will be directed to the next exit for Route 42 northbound

Take Route 42 northbound to Exit 14/Creek Road

Turn left onto Edgewood Avenue

Turn left onto Creek Road

Turn left onto Harding Avenue

Turn left onto Leaf Avenue to Route 42 southbound

Route 41/Hurffville Road southbound ramp to Route 42 northbound

detour:

Motorists traveling on Route 41/Hurffville Road southbound wishing to take Route 42 southbound will be directed to turn right onto Superior Way

Turn left through the parking lot

Turn left onto Deptford Center Road

Turn left onto Route 41 northbound

Take the ramp to Route 42 northbound

Take Route 42 northbound to Exit 14/Creek Road

Turn left onto Edgewood Avenue

Turn left onto Creek Road

Turn left onto Harding Avenue

Turn left onto Leaf Avenue to Route 42 southbound

The $9.6 million federally-funded project, which began in September 2017 will demolish and replace the two bridge deck spans on the Route 42 Bridges over Timber Creek and Lower Landing Road and make repairs to the piers and abutments. The project has been designed in stages with the bridge deck replaced one side at a time to reduce the impact to motorists. Work will begin on the southbound bridge. The estimated completion date is fall 2020.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website

www.511nj.org

for construction updates and real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter

@NJDOT_info

or on the

NJDOT Facebook page

.

Salaries for Pennsylvania and New Jersey Governors are among the Highest in the Country

The Center Square

Nov 19, 2019

The governor of Pennsylvania now draws a yearly salary of $194,850, the fourth-highest salary among the governors of the 50 states, according to recently reported financial

Gloucester City News blog files

data and media reports.

Based on the most recent numbers, the average U.S. governor’s salary stands at $144,046.

Either state constitutions or statutes determine the governors’ salaries, according to

Ballotpeda.com

. But salaries are only one part of the compensation provided to states’ chief executives since other benefits can include an official residence, insurance and travel subsidies.

In some states, salaries rise automatically every year based on the rate of inflation or a previously determined percentage. In other states, however, legislatures must approve pay hikes before they can take effect.

—

Governor Salaries Among the 50 States, 2018-19

State

2018 Salary

2018 Rank

California *

$210,000

1

New York

$200,000

2

Massachusetts

$195,970

3

Pennsylvania

$194,850

4

Tennessee

$194,112

5

Washington

$183,072

6

Vermont

$178,274

7

Illinois

$177,412

8

Georgia

$175,000

9

New Jersey

$175,000

10

Virginia

$175,000

11

Delaware

$171,000

12

Maryland

$170,000

13

Nevada

$163,474

14

Michigan

$159,300

15

Hawaii

$158,700

16

Texas

$153,750

17

Ohio

$153,650

18

Wisconsin

$152,756

19

Connecticut

$150,000

20

Utah

$150,000

21

West Virginia

$150,000

22

Kentucky

$148,781

23

Arkansas

$148,134

24

Oklahoma

$147,000

25

Rhode Island

$145,755

26

Alaska

$145,000

27

North Carolina

$144,349

28

Idaho

$138,302

29

New Hampshire

$134,581

30

Missouri

$133,821

31

Florida

$130,273

32

Iowa

$130,000

33

Louisiana

$130,000

34

North Dakota

$129,096

35

Minnesota

$127,629

36

Mississippi

$122,160

37

Indiana

$121,331

38

Alabama

$120,395

39

Montana

$118,397

40

South Dakota

$113,961

41

New Mexico

$110,000

42

South Carolina

$106,078

43

Nebraska

$105,000

44

Wyoming

$105,000

45

Kansas

$99,636

46

Oregon

$98,600

47

Arizona

$95,000

48

Colorado

$92,700

49

Maine

$70,000

50

U.S. average

$144,046

—

* as of December 2019

Source:

Ballotpedia.org

; media reports

published here with permission of

The Center Square

$90 Million Powerball Jackpot; Next Drawing Saturday

Thousands of New Jersey Players Win Prizes

TRENTON (Nov. 21, 2019) – The Powerball jackpot has rolled to $90 million! Although no one won the jackpot in the Nov. 20, drawing, 17,725 New Jersey players took home an estimated $92,092 in prizes ranging from $4 to $200, according to Lottery Acting Executive Director James Carey.

The winning numbers for the Wednesday, Nov. 20, drawing were: 07, 15, 39, 40 and 57. The Red Power Ball number was 12. The Multiplier number was 02. The Powerball jackpot rolls to $90,000,000 for the next drawing to be held Saturday Nov. 23, at 10:59 pm.

Jefferson Health New Jersey Using MyChart for Patient Medical Records

On September 28, Jefferson Health in New Jersey transitioned to a new patient portal called MyChart. The innovative, user-friendly platform will enhance the safety and security of the organization of medical records, as well as offer unique benefits to

patients.

MyChart allows patients to access real-time results, right at their fingertips, explains Brenda Gorman, oncology assistant at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township.

“It’s one chart – everywhere you go,” said Gorman. “That’s what we are so excited about! All of the patient’s information will be comprehensive, in one spot, to help us provide the best possible care.”

If you’re a Jefferson Health patient using MyChart through a secure, internet connection, you can:

Schedule medical appointments during or after office hours.

Swap your appointment for an earlier one.

Message your provider directly (*note: not meant for urgent matters).

Schedule video visits with Jefferson Health doctors.

View test results electronically – no more waiting for a phone call or letter in the mail.

Request prescription refills at Jefferson pharmacies.

View your health information while you\’re in the hospital, with

MyChart Bedside

, a 24/7 tool that provides you with safe and secure access to your medical record, treatment plan, test results and more.

If you or a loved one requires additional assistance in managing and navigating medical care, you can also

assign a Proxy

through MyChart. If you are a parent, legal guardian or other designated adult, you might be eligible to become a designated proxy.

Gorman and all other clinical employees at Jefferson Health in New Jersey have received extensive training in MyChart and Epic (the new internal electronic medical record system).

“It’s our priority to have complete accuracy in each patient’s chart,” continued Gorman. “In addition, no one can access patient records without a proper, credential login, and we can see everyone who views a chart. We want these records to be as safe as our patients.”

With this transition, you’ll be able to manage your healthcare information like never before. You can sign-up for MyChart at your next Jefferson Health visit.

To learn more about MyChart, including how to login, schedule an appointment, pay your bill online, and more, click

HERE

.

Check out Jefferson Health in New Jersey\’s journey to implementing Epic and MyChart by watching the video below!

Atlantic City Electric Alert: Be Aware of Scams During the Holiday Season

MAYS LANDING, N.J.

(Nov. 20, 2019) – With the holiday season quickly approaching, Atlantic City Electric is reminding customers to always be on alert for potential payment scams targeting customers. Scams occur throughout the year, but the company generally sees an increase in scam reports during the holiday season. With holiday shopping and family gatherings planned, scammers are using the holiday season to trick customers into providing their personal or financial information and making false payments under the pretense of keeping their service active.

Atlantic City Electric is joining more than 100 utility companies across the United States and Canada in an effort to protect customers from scams targeting customers of electric, natural gas, water, and other utilities. Collaborating companies have joined together for a fourth year and designated Nov. 20 as “Utilities United Against Scams Day.” Utility Scam Awareness Day is part of the week-long National Scam Awareness Week, an advocacy and awareness campaign focused on educating customers and exposing the tactics used by scammers. Atlantic City Electric and its sister Exelon companies, BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO and Pepco are committed to educating customers and putting a stop to scamming.

“The safety and well-being of our customers and the communities we serve is our top priority,” said Morlon Bell-Izzard, vice president of Customer Operations for Pepco Holdings, which includes Atlantic City Electric. “Coordinated initiatives, such as this, are important in our efforts and our partners’ efforts to educate and protect our customers. By understanding the many tips and tactics associated with these scam attempts, customers will have the power to protect themselves and those in their community.”

When scams occur, a customer typically receives an unsolicited phone call from an individual, who falsely claims to be a company representative. The scammer warns that the customer’s service will be terminated if they fail to make a payment – usually within a short timeframe through a prepaid debit card or other direct payment method.

Scammers have even duplicated the telephone systems of some companies, so when customers call the number provided by the scammer, it sounds like a legitimate business. Some scammers also use caller ID “spoofing” to replicate a company’s phone number.

Red flags for scam activity

The scammer often becomes angry and tells a customer his or her account is past due and service will be shut off if a large payment isn’t made – usually within less than an hour.

The scammer instructs the customer to purchase a prepaid debit or credit card – widely available at most retail stores – then call him or her back to make a payment.

The scammer asks the customer for the prepaid card’s receipt number and PIN number, which grants instant access to the funds loaded to the card.

How to protect yourself

Atlantic City Electric representatives will never ask or require a customer with a past due balance to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection.

Customers can make payments online, by phone, automatic bank withdrawal, mail, or in person.

Customers with a past due balance will receive multiple shut off notifications – never a single notification one hour before disconnection.

If a customer ever questions the legitimacy of the call, hang up and call Atlantic City Electric at 800-642-3780.

Don’t Get Scammed: Customers can avoid being scammed by taking a few precautions:

Never provide your social security number or personal information

to anyone initiating contact with you claiming to be a company representative or requesting you to send money to another person or entity other than Atlantic City Electric.

Always ask to see a company photo ID

before allowing any Atlantic City Electric worker into your home or business.

Never make a payment for services to anyone coming to your door.

Any customer who believes he or she has been a target of a scam is urged to contact their local police and call Atlantic City Electric immediately at 800-642-3780 to report the situation.

Readers are encouraged to visit

The Source

,

Atlantic City Electric’s online news room. For more information about Atlantic City Electric, visit

atlanticcityelectric.com

. Follow the company on Facebook at

facebook.com/atlanticcityelectric

and on Twitter at

twitter.com/acelecconnect

.

Our mobile app is available at

atlanticcityelectric.com/mobileapp

.

###

Atlantic City Electric is a unit of Exelon Corporation (Nasdaq: EXC), the nation’s leading energy provider, with approximately 10 million customers. Atlantic City Electric provides safe and reliable energy service to approximately 556,000 customers in southern New Jersey.

NJBIA Hires Christopher Emigholz as  VP of Government Affairs

Christopher Emigholz, a state budget expert with nearly 20 years of legislative experience, will join the New Jersey Business & Industry Association as vice president of Government Affairs in Taxation and Economic Development, NJBIA President & CEO Michele Siekerka said Thursday.

Emigholz, who is currently the associate executive director/budget director for the Senate Republican Office, will lead NJBIA\’s advocacy efforts on economic development and taxation issues affecting the business community, effective Dec. 9, Siekerka said.

\”Christopher\’s career has been focused on improving New Jersey\’s business climate and making our state more affordable,\” said NJBIA President & CEO Michele Siekerka.

\”His legislative experience, including the past eight years he has spent working on tax, budget and economic development policy in the Senate, will make him a tremendous resource to the businesses whose interests NJBIA fights for every day,\” she said.

Emigholz joins a distinguished and respected NJBIA Government Affairs team that includes Chief of Government Affairs Chrissy Buteas, Vice Presidents of Government Affairs Frank Robinson, Michael Wallace and Ray Cantor, and Director of Economic Policy Research Nicole Sandelier.

Prior to joining the Senate staff in 2012, Emigholz served as director of the state Department of Education\’s Office of Legislative Affairs (2010-2012) and as NJBIA\’s associate vice president of Education & Workforce Development Policy (2005-2010).

\”I have worked to support the needs of New Jersey\’s business community in every job I have had for nearly two decades in Trenton,\” Emigholz said. \”I am very excited about this opportunity to return to NJBIA and to serve its mission of advocating for the best interests of New Jersey business.\”

A resident of Robbinsville Township, where he is currently a member of the Board of Education, Emigholz has also held positions on the boards of numerous other municipal and community organizations. He has been a board member of a Trenton charter school, served on the Hightstown Planning/Zoning Board, and was on the Robbinsville Economic Development Advisory Committee.

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Emigholz earned his masters\’ degree in Public Policy from Rutgers

THE TECH TIME

Tech times

is a platform that provides vital reviews and information about the product that are in daily use. On this platform, you will find reviews about different companies and products written by different authors. Moreover, the platform is not restricted for single-use it provides reviews and blogs on many different topics like science, health and many more.

Giving the author its own section to publish on any topic. A few of the post reviews are about different products, some regarding the new inventions and many other kinds of items.

The main goal or ambition of Tech Times is to deliver about the latest information and happenings occurring in the field of science, technology and health industries. The team of Tech times analyzes the strategies applied to different businesses and technologies that help in impacting different markets and industries.

The company is not only focused on the production of technology, innovation, and business blogging and reviews but also focuses on the cultures that are connected with it. The company says that they majorly focus on the news and insights that are informative and unique in nature. Furthermore, there is a team that analyzes reviews and present opinions on a wide spectrum.

As the Tech Time is based in New York, the City that never sleeps and it is governed by the Tech Time LLC. Due to this factor and as New York is popular that this city never sleeps so the people work 24/7 not only in the city but also in this company. The team of Tech Time LLC is highly organized and is able to work round the clock by creating some purposeful and useful information.

THE EDITORIAL AND REPORTERS TEAM:

For extracting pure information from each area Tech Times works in a proper way first taking news from the reporters and then the team of editors starts giving it a final finished shape. The job of the reporters is to collect the information and shape it in the form where its reality never fades off. Whereas the editorial team works all round the clock by making the article proofread before publishing. The team consists of experts that are based in Europe, the US, and Asia. Having high command in their fields they are capable of producing realistic news. The key feature of the Tech Time team is this that they are able to work round the clock in different domains like science, technology and many other where no lack in the analyses or any other step is being affected.

DIFFERENT SECTIONS ON TECH TIME:

The website consist of many different kinds of sections that fall in different domain. Either you want to search by the author\’s name you will find the respected article. Or either you search with the name of the category that it might be the result will be the same. The topics in these sections are covered with full knowledge and fun that will provide you a bundle of information once you get done with your reading. So, Tech Time is a full package that helps you in getting the latest news, information, reviews, and blogs on a single platform.

NJ Department of Health Awards $2.3 Million To Local Health Agencies

To Strengthen Communicable Disease Response

The New Jersey Department of Health today announced $2.3 million in funding to local health departments to detect and respond to communicable disease outbreaks.

Department of Health Acting Commissioner Judith Persichilli announced the grants during the annual “State of Health” Address to county and local health officials at the League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City.

The funding, included in the budget Governor Phil Murphy proposed, includes nearly $2 million in grants of $95,000 each to 21 local health departments. Letters announcing the grants were sent to local health departments earlier this month. In addition, $350,000 in state funds will be made available to 73 local health departments through training scholarships. Each of the 73 local health departments will receive $3,000. The funding will be distributed to by the New Jersey Association for County and City Health Officials.

“When there is an outbreak of a communicable disease like measles or Hepatitis A, local health departments provide the front-line public health response. They notify residents who have been potentially exposed, set up vaccination clinics, and respond to local public health concerns,” said Acting Commissioner Persichilli. “These grants will help our local health agencies better prepare for and respond to outbreaks in their communities.”

Twelve county health departments received grants: Camden, Bergen, Burlington, Cumberland, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset and Sussex. Three regional health commissions received grants in Essex, Hudson and Monmouth. Six towns also received funding: Trenton, Montgomery, Paterson, Jersey City, North Bergen, and Westfield.

\’An act of faith and kindness\’: How Buddy Checks make a difference

<div class=\”entry-body\”>
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<article aria-label=\”\’An act of faith and kindness\’: How Buddy Checks make a difference\” class=\”post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry node node-web-content node-promoted\” id=\”node-247693\”>
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<img alt=\”\’An act of faith and kindness\’: How Buddy Checks make a difference\” class=\”attachment-post-thumbnail\” height=\”300\” src=\”https://www.legion.org/sites/legion.org/files/styles/scalecrop800x479/public/Post%2018%20Buddy%20Check.jpg?itok=4l5IaQAB\” style=\”display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\” typeof=\”foaf:Image\” width=\”501\”/>
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(Photo by Steven B. Brooks)
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<strong>
<a href=\”https://www.legion.org/\”>
T
<span style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
he American Legion
</span>
</a>
</strong>
</div>
<div class=\”up clearfix\”>
<span class=\”post-meta-info posted-on gray-icon\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
<time class=\”entry-date published\” datetime=\”2019-11-20 14:00:00\”>
NOV 20, 2019
</time>
</span>
<div class=\”addthis_inline_share_toolbox\” data-description=\”Legionnaires reach out to fellow veterans around Veterans Day, create programs to ensure effort is ongoing. \” data-media=\”https://www.legion.org/sites/legion.org/files/styles/scalecrop800x479/public/Post%2018%20Buddy%20Check.jpg?itok=4l5IaQAB\” data-title=\”\’An act of faith and kindness\’: How Buddy Checks make a difference\” data-url=\”https://www.legion.org/membership/247693/act-faith-and-kindness-how-buddy-checks-make-difference\”>
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<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
Prior to Veterans Day, American Legion National Commander Bill Oxford
<a href=\”https://www.legion.org/commander/247461/time-check-our-battle-buddies\” target=\”_self\”>
called on Legionnaires
</a>
to follow up on the inaugural Buddy Checks to fellow veterans that debuted last March and received National Executive Committee support the following spring.
</span>
</p>
<p class=\”para para_body\”>
<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
During the 2019 Spring Meetings, the NEC passed Resolution 18, which calls for the twice-annual Buddy Checks to be conducted Legion-wide on the weeks of The American Legion’s birthday and Veterans Day.
</span>
</p>
<p class=\”para para_body\”>
<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
American Legion posts again stepped up. In Weehawken, N.J., members of Post 18
<a href=\”https://www.legion.org/veteransday/247626/just-right-thing-do\” target=\”_self\”>
took to the streets
</a>
to connect with members of the post who haven’t been active in recent years, including one 91-year-old World War II widower.
</span>
</p>
<p class=\”para para_body\”>
<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
“That’s what (non-commissioned officers) do in the service. You’re supposed to check up on your troops,” Post 18 Commander Chris Page said. “We’re charged … with the health and welfare of our troops. What we like to do is check up on our members and make sure they’re OK. We also check in on their families as well. It goes back to helping out with the community.”
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And in Fort Gibson, Okla., members of Frank Gladd Post 20 were conducting Buddy Checks and came into contact with an 87-year-old Korean War veteran who hadn’t paid his membership dues in two years. Past Post and District Commander Jim Quinn said the veteran told the post he could no longer make it to post meetings and that his membership in the Legion was no longer important to anyone.
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<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
“I was dispatched to the veteran\’s house with his membership card,” Quinn said. “When I arrived at the veteran’s house, he invited me in and we had about a half-hour conversation about the current weather and our time in service. I asked him about his welfare and if there was anything we at the post could do for him. He replied that he was fine but he had trouble driving.”
</span>
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<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
Quinn left the veteran’s membership card with him and “told him if he needed any help with going places to call the post and we would arrange to take him where he needed to go. He told me he was not in that bad of shape but if he needed help he would call.”
</span>
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<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
The post processed the veteran’s membership with “Pay It Forward” funds. Two weeks later the veteran called the post and requested Quinn return to his house. “When I arrived he presented me with a check for his 2019 and 2020 dues,” Quinn said. “The moral of this story is cast your bread upon the waters, and it will be returned to you tenfold. An act of faith and kindness shown to this veteran convinced him that his post stands for the ideals of The American Legion and not just to collect dues.”
</span>
</p>
<p class=\”para para_body\”>
<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
The following are a few more examples of what posts did on Veterans Day or have developed as programs to follow the Buddy Check philosophy.
</span>
</p>
<p class=\”para para_body\”>
<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
• In St. James, N.C., American Legion Post 543 had a busy Veterans Day weekend that included distributing poppies that Saturday, and taking part in a parade and a Veterans Day picnic. A Buddy Check also was performed on Veterans Day, when the post’s honor guard and officers visited the Carillion Assisted Living where – after the colors were presented and the national anthem played – veteran residents were given a challenge coin from the Post 543 Commander George Freeman, and widows of veterans were given U.S. flags representing their loved ones’ service. Post 543 Service Officer Steve Muir said the post also has 70 active programs that regularly reach out to veterans in need in the community. “I must say that what Post 543 does in the Brunswick County, North Carolina community goes way beyond Buddy Checks,” said Muir.
</span>
</p>
<p class=\”para para_body\”>
<span class=\”char char_$ID/[No_character_style]\” style=\”font-family: verdana, geneva;\”>
• In Blue Ash, Ohio, American Legion Post 630 has initiated a “Never Alone” program. Coordinating with the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, the post receives notice whenever a veteran with no known family passes away. The post ensures there are veterans graveside to give their fellow veteran the proper farewell. The program was the idea of Post 630 member Pat Buschman.
</span>
</p>
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\’An act of faith and kindness\’: How Buddy Checks make a difference

(Photo by Steven B. Brooks)

T

he American Legion

NOV 20, 2019

Prior to Veterans Day, American Legion National Commander Bill Oxford

called on Legionnaires

to follow up on the inaugural Buddy Checks to fellow veterans that debuted last March and received National Executive Committee support the following spring.

During the 2019 Spring Meetings, the NEC passed Resolution 18, which calls for the twice-annual Buddy Checks to be conducted Legion-wide on the weeks of The American Legion’s birthday and Veterans Day.

American Legion posts again stepped up. In Weehawken, N.J., members of Post 18

took to the streets

to connect with members of the post who haven’t been active in recent years, including one 91-year-old World War II widower.

“That’s what (non-commissioned officers) do in the service. You’re supposed to check up on your troops,” Post 18 Commander Chris Page said. “We’re charged … with the health and welfare of our troops. What we like to do is check up on our members and make sure they’re OK. We also check in on their families as well. It goes back to helping out with the community.”

And in Fort Gibson, Okla., members of Frank Gladd Post 20 were conducting Buddy Checks and came into contact with an 87-year-old Korean War veteran who hadn’t paid his membership dues in two years. Past Post and District Commander Jim Quinn said the veteran told the post he could no longer make it to post meetings and that his membership in the Legion was no longer important to anyone.

“I was dispatched to the veteran\’s house with his membership card,” Quinn said. “When I arrived at the veteran’s house, he invited me in and we had about a half-hour conversation about the current weather and our time in service. I asked him about his welfare and if there was anything we at the post could do for him. He replied that he was fine but he had trouble driving.”

Quinn left the veteran’s membership card with him and “told him if he needed any help with going places to call the post and we would arrange to take him where he needed to go. He told me he was not in that bad of shape but if he needed help he would call.”

The post processed the veteran’s membership with “Pay It Forward” funds. Two weeks later the veteran called the post and requested Quinn return to his house. “When I arrived he presented me with a check for his 2019 and 2020 dues,” Quinn said. “The moral of this story is cast your bread upon the waters, and it will be returned to you tenfold. An act of faith and kindness shown to this veteran convinced him that his post stands for the ideals of The American Legion and not just to collect dues.”

The following are a few more examples of what posts did on Veterans Day or have developed as programs to follow the Buddy Check philosophy.

• In St. James, N.C., American Legion Post 543 had a busy Veterans Day weekend that included distributing poppies that Saturday, and taking part in a parade and a Veterans Day picnic. A Buddy Check also was performed on Veterans Day, when the post’s honor guard and officers visited the Carillion Assisted Living where – after the colors were presented and the national anthem played – veteran residents were given a challenge coin from the Post 543 Commander George Freeman, and widows of veterans were given U.S. flags representing their loved ones’ service. Post 543 Service Officer Steve Muir said the post also has 70 active programs that regularly reach out to veterans in need in the community. “I must say that what Post 543 does in the Brunswick County, North Carolina community goes way beyond Buddy Checks,” said Muir.

• In Blue Ash, Ohio, American Legion Post 630 has initiated a “Never Alone” program. Coordinating with the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, the post receives notice whenever a veteran with no known family passes away. The post ensures there are veterans graveside to give their fellow veteran the proper farewell. The program was the idea of Post 630 member Pat Buschman.