Movers & Shakers in 2004

When reviewing our stack of Jewish Ledger from the year 2004, certain names kept popping out at us - people in our community who are "movers and shakers." Below are profiles of these people who, during the past year, have made a difference in the Jewish community here and abroad.

--Compiled by Stacey Dresner and Judie Jacobson - visit www.jewishledger.com

Cynthia Bercowetz

Consumer advocate and freelance writer Cynthia Bercowetz of Bloomfield has written a consumer column in a variety of newspapers since 1963. She has been honored by the Greater Hartford Business and Professional Women's Club and the Better Business Bureau for her consumer advocacy efforts.

This year she published her first book, "Don't Get Ripped Off!" a consumer survival guide.

"We like to think that consumer issues won't affect us personally, but to the contrary, no one is immune," she says. "We need more consumer advocates."