Fraudsters continue to prey on elderly; Win-Win Housing Program For Students and Seniors; Students Party to Promote Recycling; Poisonous Frogs Spawn at Basel Zoo

We reported a few weeks ago on a pair of 40 year old scammers targeting the elderly and unwitting in Basel with promises of lottery winnings and discounted medications.  Unfortunately, it appears the practice is spreading, likely involving the same gang.  In recent incidents in the region, imposters claiming to represent the interests of creditors calls on victims demanding payment for a long outstanding debt.  After securing the victims address, the criminals send a follow-up letter via certified post demanding payment and providing payment instructions.  In the three reported cases, the demand was for 199 francs which seemed reasonable enough to the victims to pay without much fuss.  The police warn that any unsolicited calls of such a nature which are received should be treated with suspicion.  In addition, any indication of threats or harassment should be regarded as possibly criminal and reported to the police.   ********************************************   A new program intends to take advantage of Swiss demographic trends to solve the high cost of housing problem for both seniors and students.  The elderly often live alone, and in households with unused living areas.  Conversely, student aged adults, find it expensive and often impossible to even find a suitable place to live.  Enter the "living for help" program in Basel, modeled on a successful program that's been operating in Zurich since 2010. The idea is for the elderly to cohabit with pre-screened student applicants who agree to assist with the needs of their hosts.  Instead of being paid, they are provided rent-free housing.  The students are not required to provide any professional or medical care, simply helping with cleaning, shopping, gardening and transportation assistance.  The work requirements are contractually defined, so the expectations of both students and their elderly hosts are clearly elaborated before a living arrangement is started.  Organizers of the project have also pointed out the social benefits above and beyond the economic benefits to both parties, saying: "the coexistance of two generations can be enriching for both parties".  In an attempt to successfully scale the intended project, the promoters have sought the sponsorship of Pro Senectute Basel, the same organization which has sponsored the successful Zurich project.   *********************************************   In an effort to raise awareness of sustainable lifestyles, several Master's Degree program students from the university of basel have organized a recycling party to be held at the Sud nightclub this Thursday night.   The catch is that you'll need to bring recyclable items to gain free admission.  Suggested items include used appliances, kitchenware and household items that might have another life if restored or repaired or turned into art in some cases.  Organizer Catrina Heider said "young people should be made aware of exciting and fun ways that electrical and household equipment doesn't have to end up as waste".  The project is part of a program sponsored by the University of Basel that promotes the development of environmental sustainability ideas.  Winning projects will receive a 5000 franc grant and coaching to scale and implement their ideas throughout basel and switzerland.   ***********************************************   Yet another reason to take a visit to the Basel Zoo this spring, as an unusual spawning of South American poisonous frogs has occurred.  This is the first time in 15 years the frogs have reproduced in captivity, and just in time as the terrarium that they live in was newly rebuilt in June of last year.  Zookeepers announced they observed tadpoles - baby frogs- in their tanks last Thursday.  Interestingly, this species of frog, when hatched will attached themselves to the backs of the father frogs that then deposits them in a safe place to continue their growth.  In the wild, the toxins these frogs secrete from their skins are highly toxic, capable of killing large mammals and humans.  However, in captivity, the frogs are NOT supplied with food sources they'd find in the Central American jungles, which their bodies process into poison, rendering the frogs harmless.