From Gesher’s February Newsletter:

It has come to our attention that there is a dangerous scam going around,  where the scammer is posing as a Medicaid case worker. The scammer will validate the call by identifying the last four digits of the victims social security number and ask that you return the call to 800-640-6446. The correct County Medicaid hotline is 844– 640-6446. If any of our clients feel that they may have been affected by this, please give us a call.

Printable version of the Vaad Hatzedakos letter

Dear Members of the Cleveland Community,

An individual from Israel recently received a letter from the Vaad Hatzedakos to raise funds in Cleveland. It has come to our attention that upon a review of their accounts, a member of the community noticed that a check given to this individual and written to Chasdie Tovim Meoros was used to create a dummy (fake) check, which was then deposited. While we cannot be sure if this individual was responsible, the individual was flagged in the database that we share with a number of cities around the country.

We are notifying you so that you can review your accounts.

In light of this incident, it is worth reiterating that individuals raising funds in Cleveland should be encouraged to obtain a certificate from the Vaad Hatzedakos. The Vaad is available every day and is easy to contact. Participation in this program helps prevent questionable activity and ensures that members of the community can have confidence in their philanthropic activities.

Thank you,
Rabbi Mordechai Mandel
Vaad Hatzedakos of Ohio

The Luach Davar B’Ito reminds all that Purim costumes (especially hats from Eastern Europe) may contain Shatnez, and accordingly should be checked in advance of Purim to make sure that the costume is usable. Renting a costume may prove difficult if one is not able  to partially open it up to inspect for shatnez. The Luach also advises against costumes that can scare others and also reminds parents to double-check the wearability of a child’s costume to avoid last minute disappointment that the costume does not fit or falls apart.

(Image from chabad.org)

Trash pickup this week for Beachwood, Cleveland Heights, and University Heights is delayed by one day due to MLK Day.

From prnewswire.com via a tip from a reader.

Duncan Hines Classic White, Classic Butter Golden, Signature Confetti And Classic Yellow Cake Mixes Recalled Due To Potential Presence Of Salmonella

As of now this is a voluntary recall. The products affected are the following:

Consumers who have purchased these items are advised not to consume them and to return them to the store where originally purchased.  Conagra Brands is cooperating with the FDA on this recall and is working with customers to ensure the packages are removed from store shelves and are no longer distributed. Consumers with questions should call our Consumer Care team at 1-888-299-7646, open 9 am through 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday or visit www.duncanhines.com.

In the past few days, there have been multiple instances of heat-related medical emergencies in the local frum community.

These tips from CDC’s Extreme Heat Media Kit can help you prevent heat-related illnesses,
injuries, and deaths during hot weather.

Stay cool. Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
• Find an air-conditioned shelter.
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Check on those most at-risk twice a day.

Stay hydrated. Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become
dehydrated during times of extreme heat.

• Drink more water than usual.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
• Remind others to drink enough water.

Stay informed. Stay updated on local weather forecasts so you can plan activities
safely when it’s hot outside.

• Check local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips.
• Learn the symptoms of heat illness.
• For more information, please click here.

(For those of you that don’t have internet access, please email info@localjewishnews.com and we’ll email you the pdf.)

Chaverim of Cleveland Yom Tov Fire and Safety Guide

Chaverim wants to remind you that on all yomim tovim–but especially when there are three days of yom tov–there are many increased risks from extra cooking, leaving stoves and ovens on, increased use of fire and more.

Please download and print the following guide to help identify potential safety problems and work to avoid or mitigate them. Of primary importance, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives. Please make sure yours are healthy. Never ignore a detector’s alarm.

For more information, please contact Rabbi A. Miller at 440-465- 1063 (call or text).

Reminder!

Do not leave children unattended in cars for even a second, tragedy can strike.

Today two young children were left in a running car with the keys in it right outside of one of the local kosher food establishments. It only takes one second for someone to jump in and take off with the children inside. There have been a rash of stolen cars, never leave children unattended in a car, not even for one second while you are “running in”.

From University Heights Councilmembers Michele Weiss and Mark Wiseman:

To all residents.  Since the beginning of November there have been 6 auto thefts and most recently a member of our community has been robbed at gunpoint and car stolen.  The local police departments are looking into suspects and are taking steps to insure our safety.  Please take the following preventative measures:

1. Always lock your car door
2. Do not leave valuables in the car
3. Do not leave your car while at a gas station unlocked or running

Thank you

Michele Weiss & Mark Wiseman

From Jim Hartnett, Federation’s Director of Community-Wide Security:

Beachwood, University Heights and surrounding communities have been experiencing an increase in stolen autos, thefts from vehicles and in one recent instance an armed carjacking. Our area police are working in close coordination with each other to combat this type activity. Last year around the holiday season there were several instances where criminals used a vehicle to “Bump and Rob” a victim including one at Menorah Park. This is a common method criminals use to steal a car. It works like this: a car, usually with a driver and at least one passenger, bumps the rear of your car in traffic. You stop; get out to check for damage and exchange information. Then either the driver or one of the passengers (partners) jumps into your car and drives off. Women seem to be targeted more often than men for this type of crime.

Area police departments are recommending community members remember the following:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Lock your vehicles at ALL times
• Secure your home and garage at ALL times and do not leave valuables outside
• Do not leave keys in unattended vehicles while warming them up or otherwise
• If you are confronted by a carjacker who is armed or if the criminal is violently agitated, excited or angry give up your car keys and car and leave the scene (you can get another car but not another life). If in the auto, get out quickly; leave the keys, pocketbook, etc., and leave the area immediately.
• Be on the lookout for, and REPORT ANY SUSPICIOUS PERSONS OR ACTIVITIES IMMEDIATELY

Criminal or suspicious activity should immediately be reported by dialing 9-1-1.

Sign the ADL petition at http://action.adl.org/amazon-costume/.

(For those of you that don’t have internet access, please email info@localjewishnews.com and we’ll email you the pdf.)

Chaverim of Cleveland Yom Tov Fire and Safety Guide

Chaverim wants to remind you that on all yomim tovim–but especially this year since there are many three-day yomim tovim–there are many increased risks from extra cooking, leaving stoves and ovens on, increased use of fire and more.

Please download and print the following guide to help identify potential safety problems and work to avoid or mitigate them. Of primary importance, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives. Please make sure yours are healthy. Never ignore a detector’s alarm.

(For those of you that don’t have internet access, please email info@localjewishnews.com and we’ll email you the pdf.)

Chaverim of Cleveland Yom Tov Fire and Safety Guide

Chaverim wants to remind you that on all yomim tovim–but especially this year since there are many three-day yomim tovim–there are many increased risks from extra cooking, leaving stoves and ovens on, increased use of fire and more.

Please download and print the following guide to help identify potential safety problems and work to avoid or mitigate them. Of primary importance, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives. Please make sure yours are healthy. Never ignore a detector’s alarm.

If you’ve received phone calls or communications recently that seemed suspicious, please let us know. A couple of people have told us about calls from callers who seemed to be fishing for information about the Jewish community.

Also, if you’ve had your credit checked recently without authorization please let us know. You should also file a complaint with your local police department.