Category: Public Info

 

ELIZABETH, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to present an exhibit of photography/montage by Leona M. Seufert of Roselle Park in the gallery space at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, located at 633 Pearl Street in Elizabeth. A selection of her work entitled “Discovering New Jersey – Union County” is on display at the Pearl Street Gallery until March 28th.Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

 

“We are pleased to have Ms Seufert’s beautiful images of Union County on display,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “The exhibit demonstrates her mastery of both photography and Photoshop techniques.”

 

Ms. Seufert graduated from the prestigious High School of Art & Design in New York City and holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from the State University College of Arts and Science in Potsdam, NY. She is a board member and webmaster of the Les Malamut Art Gallery in Union and the founder and curator of shows for the Casano Community Center Art Gallery in Roselle Park.

 

“As I travel through this diverse and fascinating state with my digital camera always tucked in my bag, I seek to capture the uniqueness of the cities and towns I visit,” Ms. Seufert said. “I have lived in Union County for 28 years and am enchanted by its architecture both old and new.”

 

Leona’s artwork has appeared in numerous group and solo shows in the metropolitan area and upstate New York. She has exhibited in galleries and museums such as the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton, the Hoboken Historical Museum, The Visual Arts Center of NJ in Summit, The Les Malamut Art Gallery in Union, the Kenny Art Gallery at the High School of Art & Design, the Abracheff School of Art in New York City and the Market St. Gallery in Potsdam. She also lectures and demonstrates the use of Photoshop to manipulate images.

 

To see images of Leona Seufert’s work, visit http://Studio-L.tripod.com/index.htm.

 

Union County artists (whose works can be hung on a wall) interested in exhibiting in the gallery are welcome to apply. For more information about the Pearl Street Gallery or other programs, contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl St., Elizabeth, NJ 07202. Telephone 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users can dial 711. E-mail to: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Union County Baseball Association Also Honors Student Athletes at 78th Annual Dinner to Benefit Youth Baseball Leagues

 

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ – Jake Wood, the former Detroit Tigers second baseman and graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Elizabeth, will be the special guest speaker at the 78th Annual Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner on Sunday, Feb. 9, starting at 1:00 p.m. at the L’Affaire Banquet Center, 1099 Route 22 East, in Mountainside.

The awards dinner is sponsored by the Union County Baseball Association (UCBA), in cooperation with the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. Since 1937, the Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner has been the primary fund-raiser for the UCBA’s summer and fall programs for young ballplayers.

During the afternoon awards ceremonies, the UCBA will induct five new members into the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame: Larry Caroselli of Linden, Al Faella of Elizabeth, Leroy Horn of Summit, Jim Jeskey of Union, and Al Volpe of Linden.

“We’re delighted to welcome Jake Wood to this year’s Hot Stove League Awards Dinner,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “We hope that family members and friends of the Hall of Fame inductees and the very deserving local student honorees will enjoy the Sunday afternoon ceremonies and support youth baseball in Union County.”

Among the students to be honored for their athletic achievements are: Elena Scarano of Westfield, Rob Smorol of Clark, Melissa Tobie of Elizabeth, and Ryan Williamson of Cranford.

The Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner also will honor local American Legion Baseball players and athletes from youth baseball leagues for their achievements in 2013.

Tickets for the dinner can be purchased online by visiting www.ucba-nj.org or by downloading and mailing the table registration form to the Union County Baseball Association, Box 176, Fanwood, New Jersey 07023.

For more information, please call Jim Iozzi at 908-917-2523.

 

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Union County Baseball Association78th
Hot Stove League Annual Baseball Dinner
February 9, 2014 – 1:00 p.m.
L’Affaire Banquet Center, Route 22 East
Mountainside, New Jersey 07092

 

 

GUEST SPEAKER

Jake Wood

 

Jacob “Jake” Wood Jr. played PAL and American Legion baseball in Elizabeth and was a star shortstop for Thomas Jefferson High School. With the assistance of famed Elizabeth-area baseball scout Irving “Rabbit” Jacobson, Jake Wood signed with the Detroit Tigers organization in 1957 when he was a 20-year-old at Delaware State University. Jacobson also was instrumental in signing other local ballplayers, including George Alusik, Norm McRae, Bob Molinaro, Jackson Queen, Richard Jones and William Bennett.

From his start at Erie, in the New York-Penn League, Jake went from one minor league level to another – Lakeland, Durham, Idaho Falls, Knoxville, Appleton, Denver – and hit everywhere he went. His numbers from Triple-A Denver in 1960 stand out even today: a .305 batting average, 24 doubles, 18 triples, 12 home runs and 76 runs batted in.

Jake played four years in the minor leagues before making his debut at second base with Detroit on April 11, 1961. When he took the field, he became the first African American player to advance through the Tigers minor league system and play in the Major Leagues. His first Major League hit that day was a two-run home run to deep left field at old Tiger Stadium.

Jake enjoyed a standout rookie season as an everyday player with 171 hits, 96 runs, 17 doubles, 11 home runs, 69 RBI’s and 30 stolen bases while leading the American League with 14 triples – despite a .258 batting average and a new league record of 141 strikeouts. His playing time decreased in 1962 as he platooned with hard-hitting Dick McAuliffe. Jake got off to a fast start in 1963, with 95 hits and 11 homers in 85 games, but an injury led to season-ending surgery.

After the Tigers acquired veteran second baseman Jerry Lumpe, Jake became a utility player for the rest of his career. He made a bit of a comeback in 1966, appearing in 98 games, but by 1967, at age 30, after appearing in only 14 games, Jake was sent to Triple-A Toledo. On June 23, 1967, his contract was purchased from Detroit by the Cincinnati Reds. He made a dozen pinch-hitting appearances for the Reds that summer before his Major League playing days ended.

Jake Wood and his wife live in Pensacola, Florida. Jake is a member of the Union County Baseball Association Hall of Fame and he can still be found at his local senior softball games and Detroit Tigers reunions. At Comerica Park in 2010, Jake received the Detroit Tigers African American Legacy Award for his profound impact as a trailblazer and mentor for other players.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
(five honorees, listed alphabetically)

Larry Caroselli

 

Lawrence “Larry” Caroselli was born and raised in Linden, New Jersey. His childhood years were spent in the area not far from the Linden PAL fields that were originally built near Linden Airport. He was always interested in baseball and played in the Linden Police Athletic League.

Larry was involved in the PAL as an adult as well. He coached in all levels of PAL baseball for more than 13 years and won championships with both the Clarke Engineering and the Custom Hair Design teams. However, his favorite sport became golf and he regularly played with Vito Giglio and his son Joe Giglio. When Vito became ill and ultimately succumbed to cancer in 1988, Larry decided to organize a golf outing in his memory. He has continued this memorial golf outing for the past 26 years and has donated proceeds from the outing to the Union County Baseball Association for the last 20 years. These donations provide necessary equipment and supplies for the Summer Youth Leagues.

Larry Caroselli is married to his wife Joan and has two sons, Michael and Christopher. He and his wife currently reside in Westfield and he retired in 2011 from the County of Union, where he was employed for 35years, 29 of which were as Director of Finance.

 

 

Alfred Faella

 

Al Faella is a product of the Union County Baseball Association’s Summer Youth Leagues. In 1970, he was the most valuable player of the Teen League. As a center fielder for Coach Kevin Duggan’s baseball team at St. Mary’s High School in Elizabeth, he was selected to the Second Team, All Union County in 1972 and 1973. He holds a high school career batting average of .371 and he stole 44 bases in 45 attempts.

Al was a three-time All Star for the Betsytown VFW team from 1972 to 1974, playing for manager Lenny Green. He also played at Kean College, where he had a .310 batting average.

After Kean, Al stayed involved in baseball by coaching. He led Blessed Sacrament to six consecutive Uptown Division championships. Al served as athletic director and coached at St. Patrick’s in 1980. He also served on the boards of the North Elizabeth and Mountainside little leagues.

Following an 18-year State, Municipal and County government tenure, Alfred Faella was appointed County Manager of Union County in 2011. He and his family live in Mountainside.

 

 

Leroy Horn

 

Leroy Horn was a three-year starter for the Summit High School baseball team. He was selected to the First Team, All Union County squad by the Star-Ledger and the Elizabeth Daily Journal in his sophomore and senior years. In his junior year, he was selected to the Second Team. Leroy was named to the First Team, All-Conference squad all three seasons. In 1984, he earned a Third Team All-State selection in his senior year. He had a .418 batting average in senior year with eight triples, still a Summit High School record.

Leroy moved on to Montclair State University as an outfielder, hitting .326 with 37 doubles, 18 home runs, 172 hits and 139 RBI’s in his three-year career. He was named First Team All-NJAC, All-Mid-Atlantic Region, and Third Team All America. He ranks in the Top 20 in several MSU baseball statistics. He also excelled on the football field as a running back and kick returner as the Red Hawks earned three straight NJAC Championships.

Leroy Horn was recently inducted into Montclair State’s Hall of Fame. He remains active with baseball in Summit, coaching at all levels from Middle School to Junior Varsity.

Jim Jeskey

 

Jim Jeskey played baseball, soccer and basketball at Panzer College before the school merged with Montclair State. He transferred to Seton Hall University and pitched for the Pirates in 1955 and 1956. His catcher was Mike Sheppard, who went on to coach Seton Hall baseball for years.

After a stint in the Army, Jim became assistant baseball coach at Union High School, where he stayed for 36 years, from 1963 through 1999. He also was the coach and player/manager of the semi-pro Livingston Giants in the prestigious Essex County Baseball League from 1969 to 1979, and he coached the Livingston American Legion teams from 1963 to 1968, and again in 1980.

Jim served as head soccer coach at Union High School from 1961 to 2008. He has 500 career wins, four Union County Conference Championships and 11 conference titles. The Union High School soccer field is named in his honor. During his varied athletic career, Jim coached the bowling team and varsity golf, and coached basketball at the junior varsity level. He also coached CYO baseball and basketball teams.

Jim Jeskey has finished a number of major running events including the Marine Corps Shore and the Boston Marathon. He has competed and won medals in ten National Senior Olympic Games.

Al Volpe

 

Al Volpe has served the City of Linden since 1967, when he became Assistant Superintendent, and since 1976 as Superintendent of Linden Recreation. While he has made numerous contributions to all sports in Linden, his contributions to the baseball programs in Linden and Union County are particularly notable.

Al sponsored numerous free baseball clinics for players of all ages and co-sponsored clinics with Ed Flanagan of the Linden PAL that featured major league players and managers such as Jeff Torborg and Roy White. He sponsored teams in all age brackets of the Union County Summer and Fall Youth Baseball Leagues and sponsored three teams annually in the Tri-County League. In addition, he sponsored annual clinics for girls’ softball teams that featured college coaches.

During his tenure, Al Volpe oversaw the construction of one of the first lighted baseball facilities in the county and created a system of baseball fields available for schools, community groups and teams of all ages for practice and games. He also sponsored American Legion baseball teams at all levels, hosted numerous County and State American Legion Baseball tournaments and provided facilities for Union County and State High School tournaments.

Chris Zusi Memorial Award
Outstanding Athlete
Union County

Rob Smorol

Rob Smorol played four years of varsity baseball at Arthur L. Johnson High School in Clark, where he was selected to First Team All-Union County and Group 2 All State squads by the Star Ledger during his junior and senior years. He played for legendary coach Fred Hill for four years at Rutgers University, where he was one of the most accomplished left-handed pitchers in the school’s 144-year baseball history. Rob was a three-time All State selection and he ranks third in Rutgers career and single-season wins and in career strikeouts.

As a Rutgers senior, Rob received the 2013 Ron Kish Academic Award for having the highest GPA on the team. After graduation, he signed with the Boston Red Sox and began his professional career with their Gulf Coast League affiliate. He is the 66th Scarlet Knight to sign a major league contract during Coach Hill’s career. Rob’s success in his first season with the Gulf Coast Red Sox led to a late season promotion to the Greenville Drive, Boston’s Class A affiliate in the South Atlantic League.

Joseph Lombardi Memorial Award
Outstanding Athlete
Union County

Melissa Tobie

Melissa Tobie of Elizabeth was a three-year starter at Roselle Catholic High School, where her 1,016 career points make her the third leading girls basketball scorer in school history. She finished her senior season averaging 19 points and more than eight rebounds per game and led Roselle Catholic to the school’s third straight Union County Tournament championship. Melissa was named Union County Player of the Year for 2010-11 by the Star-Ledger.

At Montclair State University, Melissa had outstanding freshman and sophomore years, starting every game of both basketball seasons. She averaged 18 points per game as a freshman. A year after she earned the New Jersey Athletic Conference’s Rookie-of-the-Year honor, Melissa was named Player of the Year by the league. She also collected her second All-America honor. Under the direction of Coach Karin Harvey, Melissa led the Red Hawks in scoring, free throws, assists and blocked shots. Now in her junior year, she has already reached the elite 1,000-point club for her MSU career.

Edward Cooper Memorial Award
Most Valuable Scholastic Baseball Player

Ryan Williamson

Ryan Williamson had a stellar year leading Cranford High School to its second straight state crown, third in four years, and the Number One spot in the final Star-Ledger Top 20 of 2013. Ryan, a left-handed First Team, All-State selection, finished his senior year with an 11-0 record and a 0.56 ERA. He led the Cougars to every championship they could win – conference, sectional and state. He struck out 88 and walked 22 in 75 innings with a WHIP of 0.90.

When not pitching, Ryan played center field and finished with a .419 batting average with 11 doubles, two triples, 27 runs batted in and an on-base percentage of .457. He was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 28th round of the Major League draft, but he is attending North Carolina State University on a baseball scholarship.

Banyasz Brothers Memorial Award
Most Valuable Scholastic Softball Player

Elena Scarano

Elena Scarano led the Westfield High School Blue Devil Softball Team in 2013 to its first Union County Tournament trophy since 1998. The right-handed pitcher struck out 121 batters and walked just 24 in 142 innings while recording a 1.82 ERA. Elena also had a good season at the plate, finishing with a .314 batting average, 26 hits, seven doubles, 17 RBI’s and 14 runs scored. She was named Union County Softball Player of 2013 by the Star-Ledger.

Under the direction of Coach Caitlin MacDonald, the Westfield Softball Team approaches the 2014 spring season with a talented roster that includes Elena Scarano, seven other seniors and two juniors – and likely will be a contender in Union County and throughout the state. In the “off season,” Elena is a four-year varsity volleyball player and captain of the Westfield team.

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Union County Freeholders Vernell Wright and Mohamed Jalloh (2nd R) joined U.S. Senator Cory Booker, (2nd L) U.S. Congressman Rush Holt (C) and Assemblyman Jerry Green to talk with jobless residents about the impact of the stalled unemployment insurance extension during a roundtable discussion at the Union County One Stop Career Center in Plainfield.  (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents that traffic in the metro area is expected to increase starting on Monday, January 27, as a week of events related to Super Bowl XLVIII builds up to the big game at Met Life Stadium in the Meadowlands on Sunday, February 2.

Area residents are strongly encouraged to use mass transit where available.

“Union County is fortunate to have a strong mass transit infrastructure, so if you are planning to commute or travel in areas affected by Super Bowl traffic there are many opportunities to leave your car at home this week,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak.

To help residents find mass transit routes quickly and easily, the Union County home page at ucnj.orgnow includes a link to three main sources of information.

The All Union County Transit Info link goes to Union County ConneXions, which includes information on transportation in and around Union County.

The NJT Super Bowl Info link goes to a special page at the New Jersey Transit Authority website, for information about getting to the game and related events.

The NY-NJ Regional Super Bowl Info link goes to a special page at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey website. It includes Super Bowl travel as well as all travel information for the region.

“I’d also like to point out that Union County has more than 6,700 acres of parklands and we offer a full slate of winter recreation opportunities, for those who prefer to stay close to home during Super Bowl weekend,” said Hudak.

Cold weather activities in Union County parks include sledding, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, archery (permit required) and outdoor ice skating.

Echo Lake Park is the most popular spot for sledding, as illustrated by a recent photo essay online atnj.com.

For indoor ice skating, Union County’s Warinanco Ice Skating Center is open for the season.

Union County’s Trailside Nature & Science Center is open seven days a week and admission is free. It features many interactive exhibits and a well-stocked reading room. Special programs and activities are available for a modest fee.

For all information on the Skating Center, Trailside, and all winter activities in Union County parks, including designated areas for sledding, cross-country skiing, and outdoor ice skating, visitucnj.org/parks or call the Department of Parks, 908-527-4900.

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Please join the County of Union online at ucnj.org, on Facebook at ucnj.org/facebook, and on Twitter attwitter.com/countyofunionnj.

 

Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak (R) and Freeholders Alexander Mirabella (2nd L) and Linda Carter (2nd R) present certificates to Union County College student athletes congratulating them on achieving high academic honors while participating in UCC’s many sports programs. They are joined by Union County College President Margaret McMenamin (L). (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Union County, NJ – Union County will once again participate in the national Point-in-Time Count of the Homeless, a national census of homeless persons that takes place each January. In Union County, it will be conducted from the night of Tuesday, January 28 to Wednesday morning, January 29.

The count will also be coordinated with two walk-in community outreach events, in Elizabeth and Plainfield, in order to help persons in need connect with the resources available to them in Union County.

“The Point-in-Time Count provides the kind of consistent detail that can help bring about more effective programs to assist people in need,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “With an unusually cold and stormy winter upon us, it is now more important than ever to ensure that every person in Union County can depend on a safe, healthful place to call home.”

The program is mandated nationally by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. In Union County it is a volunteer-assisted effort coordinated by the Union County Department of Human Services.

Personnel from the office of Union County Sheriff Ralph Froehlich also assist. The Union County Police Division provides transportation to shelters as needed and the Plainfield Police Department also assists in Plainfield.

The Elizabeth walk-in outreach event is coordinated by the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless at 119 Division Street, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Tuesday, January 28.

The Plainfield event is coordinated by the Salvation Army at 615 Watchung Avenue, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 28.

In addition, a special Union County initiative called “Union County Street Count” will take place from 3:00 am to 7:00 am on January 29. During these hours, Union County will provide shelter to anyone found homeless on the streets.

Federal regulations require an annual count of homeless persons in conventional shelters and a biannual count of persons sheltering outdoors or in other unconventional locations. In Union County and statewide in New Jersey the program goes beyond that basic requirement to include annual counts for both categories, to help develop improved strategies to prevent homelessness and assist the homeless.

One new program in Union County is the nationally recognized Code Blue Homeless Emergency Shelter Initiative. Launched in 2007, Code Blue puts county and local resources on a coordinated alert during cold weather events to ensure that persons needing shelter are located and can be transported to shelters.

“Code Blue has made an enormous difference in our ability to help homeless people find a safe haven under life threatening conditions, but the ultimate goal is to ensure that this kind of crisis-to-crisis service is needed rarely if ever,” said Hudak.

Homelessness in New Jersey is driven by many factors, including a shortage of rental housing and consequent upward pressure on the cost of renting. Other significant factors include the ongoing foreclosure crisis, a shortage of affordable or supportive housing, a shortage of jobs that pay a living wage, and the continuing effects of housing loss after Superstorm Sandy.

In Union County, the 2013 Point-in-Time Count revealed that a significant majority of homeless persons were members of homeless families.

The count included 371 homeless family households, totaling 1,122 persons. Another 526 individual homeless persons were also counted, for an overall total of 1,648 persons.

Persons interested in volunteering to assist with the 2014 Point-in-Time count in Union County can contact Maureen Segale-Glenn, mglenn@ucnj.org or 908-527-4838.

Union County Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak (2nd L), Vice Chairman Mohamed Jalloh (L) and Freeholders Sergio Granados (R) and Angel G. Estrada (2nd R) presented a check from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders to the 2014 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade General Chairwoman Kathryn Noonan, Adjutant Bernadette Sullivan and Grand Marshal Bobby Jeans during the parade committee’s Celebrity Bartenders fundraiser at the Kenilworth Veterans Center. The 2014 Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 15 on Morris Avenue in Union. For more information please visit www.unioncountystpatricksdayparade.com. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Additional crews and equipment on hand to restore service and keep homes warm

 

(NEWARK, NJ – Jan. 21, 2013) Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest electric and gas utility, is preparing for another round of freezing temperatures and accumulating snow that will affect its service territory beginning today.

Snow, by itself, does not pose a serious problem for utilities, but heavy snow, icing and strong winds can increase the possibility of downed wires and associated power outages. Vehicles striking utility poles can also cause wires to come down. To respond to any electric outages, PSE&G has additional equipment and personnel on hand.

The utility is monitoring its gas system and taking steps to ensure it can meet the demands of customers. These steps include maintaining and adjusting pressure at various points in our system. PSE&G also has extra gas personnel on hand to respond as quickly as possible and handle emergency heating requests.

As low temperatures and snowy conditions blanket the area, PSE&G offers the following tips:

CUSTOMERS WITH INSUFFICIENT OR NO HEAT

In many cases, customers are calling because of insufficient heat – their furnaces are working but are having difficulty handling the lower temperatures.  Although the company is sensitive to customers’ heating inquiries, insufficient heat is not always caused by defective heating equipment. The colder it is outside, the harder the heating system must work to satisfy the same thermostat setting.  The heat loss in a home may exceed the output capacity of the heating system.  At times like these, the room temperature may not reach the thermostat setting, especially if the thermostat is raised to a higher than normal setting.  Customers can comfort themselves by doing the following:

• Seal up openings around and under doors and windows
• Make sure all storm windows are down and tightly closed
• Lower thermostats serving unused rooms
• Close dampers in unused fireplaces
• Move furniture and drapes away from heating registers, radiators, and baseboard element covers
• Open any register or baseboard dampers
• Warm air systems – replace dirty/clogged air filters
• Steam systems – check for sufficient water levels in the sight glass

FOR SAFETY’S SAKE

 

• Be cautious when using space heaters.  Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and heed warning labels. Be sure all members of the household understand how to operate space heaters safely.

• Don’t try to use a gas oven or range to heat a room – the appliance will deplete oxygen from the air, causing asphyxiation or deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) — an invisible, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating gas — is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in the United States.  Natural gas, oil, propane, coal or wood, produces CO.

• The first line of defense against CO poisoning is to make sure all your fuel-burning appliances operate and are maintained properly.  These appliances include gas and oil furnaces, water heaters, gas ranges, space heaters, and gas clothes dryers.  Improperly vented fireplaces and charcoal grills can also give off CO.

• Invest in carbon monoxide detectors as back-up protection, not as a substitute for proper use and maintenance of the fuel-burning appliances.  CO alarms can provide an early warning to consumers before CO builds up to a dangerous level.  The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends placing a carbon monoxide alarm in every area of the house. If just one alarm is installed, it should be placed near the sleeping rooms of the house.  If you already have one, remember to check the batteries regularly.

• If you are calling for service, please make sure that your walkways are clear of snow and ice for safe access by our employees.

KEEP YOUR GAS METER AND APPLIANCE VENTS CLEAR OF SNOW AND ICE

You can help keep your natural gas supply flowing by keeping your meter free of snow and ice. If you are a natural gas customer whose gas meter is on the outside of your home or business, please take the following precautions:

• Clear snowdrifts away from the meter and piping.
• Do not pile snow on top of the gas meter or around its connecting piping when you are shoveling your premises.
• Brush snow from the meter and piping before a thick layer of ice builds up.
• Clear snow from dryer vents to prevent fumes from backing up into your house.

IF YOUR METERS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE READ

While we always try to obtain an actual reading, occasionally it’s necessary to estimate a reading to ensure the safety of our employees. Ways that you can help us keep our employees safe and avoid estimated bills:

• Ensure walkways and entrance ways are cleared of snow and ice.
• Ensure a clear pathway to the meter.
• Secure pets while meters are being read.
• Utilize our Record-a-Reading option or enter your reading on-line via the PSE&G website onwww.pseg.com.

WHEN YOU DRIVE PAST OUR WORKSITES OR VEHICLES

Please slow down and be alert when driving past a PSE&G roadwork jobsite, especially in snowy, icy weather. Driving too fast can endanger employees and hamper their ability to perform important work. PSE&G crews use work area protection – traffic cones, utility work signs and flaggers – to protect them and to allow them to do their jobs safely.  Follow safe driving techniques to prevent fender-benders or more serious collisions that could delay our service technicians as they respond to customer calls or emergencies.

DOWNED POWER LINES

Accumulation of ice and heavy snow may weigh down power lines and as a result cause power lines to come down. Downed wires may appear dead but should always be considered “live.” STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES. Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with. Parents are urged to check for downed wires in areas where their children might play and to remind the children to stay far away from any wires. If a wire falls on a vehicle, passengers should stay in the vehicle until help arrives. To report a downed wire, call 1-800-436-PSEG and tell PSE&G the nearest cross street.

CUSTOMERS WITH LIFE-SUSTAINING EQUIPMENT

Individuals who rely on electricity to operate life-sustaining electronic equipment, such as a respirator or dialysis machine, should pre-register with PSE&G to receive priority attention in the event of an outage. To request the service, call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG. They should also inform their rescue squads and fire departments of their needs, in case of emergency. Even though customers with life-sustaining equipment who have registered with PSE&G will receive priority attention during outages, they should also have emergency back-up equipment on hand, since immediate restoration cannot be guaranteed.

IF YOU LOSE POWER

First check your neighborhood. If you are the only one without power, check your fuse box for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. If that’s not the problem, look outside at the wire between your house and the utility pole. If it is down, report it immediately to PSE&G.

To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSE&G’s Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG. PSE&G uses an automated system to handle customer calls as efficiently as possible. Customers who get an automated response when calling PSE&G are encouraged to use it, as it is designed to route their calls to the right destination quickly. The system also provides the option to speak directly to a customer service representative. If you have specific information regarding damage to wires, transformers or poles, we ask that you speak with a representative to provide that information.

 

Customers with a handheld device, or who are at an alternate location with power, can also report power outages and view the status of their outage by logging in to My Account at pseg.com.

General outage activity throughout our service territory is available online at www.pseg.com/outagecenterand updates are posted on pseg.com during severe weather.

The utility’s Twitter page also keeps the public informed about our restoration progress. Sign up as a follower at http://twitter.com/psegdelivers to monitor restoration progress. Customers also can register for text and email alerts at pseg.com/myaccount

GENERAL TIPS

Mother Nature can be unpredictable. It’s wise to have an emergency kit on hand year round. Here are some things to include:

• A battery powered radio.
• A corded telephone. (Cordless phones will not work if the power is out.)
• Flashlights and extra fresh batteries.
• A first-aid kit.
• Bottled water and an adequate supply of non-perishable food.
• A non-electric can opener.
• Matches and candles with holders.
• Extra blankets and sleeping bags.
• A list of emergency phone numbers, including PSE&G’s Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG. Call this number to report power outages or downed wires.

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey’s oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state’s population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company (www.pseg.com).

Temporary Change in Treatment for
Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset & Union Counties

As part its annual pipeline maintenance program, New Jersey American Water will temporarily change the water treatment process at its Raritan-Millstone Water Treatment Plant in Bridgewater and at its Canal Road Water Treatment Plant in Somerset from a chloramine (a combination of ammonia and chlorine) to free chlorine.

The change will begin on January 21, 2014 and last until through March. During this time period, customers may notice an increase in the taste and smell of chlorine in their water. This is normal and will only be temporary until the system maintenance is complete. New Jersey American Water will continuously monitor water quality to ensure that it meets or exceeds federal and state drinking water standards.

The temporary treatment change applies to New Jersey American Water customers in the following communities:

Bedminster, Belle Meade, Bound Brook, Branchburg, Bridgewater, Chester, Clark, Cranbury, Cranford, Dunellen, Elizabeth, Edison, Fanwood, Flemington, Franklin, Garwood, Green Brook, Hillside, Hillsborough, Jamesburg, Kenilworth, Kingston, Lawrence, Linden, Manville, Martinsville, Middlesex, Millstone, Montgomery, Mountainside, North Plainfield, Peapak/Gladstone, Piscataway, Plainfield, Plainsboro, Pottersville, Princeton, Raritan, Roselle, Roselle Park, Readington, Scotch Plains, Somerville, South Bound Brook, South Brunswick, South Plainfield, Tewksbury, Union, and Westfield.

During the change, customers’ water will continue to meet or exceed state and federal standards, however some may not prefer the taste of chlorine: Here are some helpful tips to remove the taste of chlorine:

• Place water in a glass container in the refrigerator overnight uncovered. This will allow the chlorine to dissipate at a faster pace.
• Bring your water to a rolling boil for five minutes and allow the water to cool.
  This should reduce the chlorine taste and smell in the water.
• Add a lemon slice or a few drops of lemon juice to a glass of drinking water.

For more information visit http://www.amwater.com/alerts/alert17292.html

NEWARK – Union County Freeholder Angel Estrada was elected Second Vice Chairman of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) at today’s Board of Trustees meeting. The NJTPA oversees regional transportation planning and annually authorizes more than $1 billion in federal surface transportation funding for 13 counties in northern and central New Jersey.

“A well-functioning transportation network is essential to our quality of life here in northern New Jersey,” said Estrada, who joined the NJTPA Board of Trustees in 2012 and also serves as Vice Chairman of the NJTPA’s Freight Initiatives Committee. “I look forward to working in my new capacity to improve mobility and infrastructure for residents in Union County and throughout the region.”

At the meeting, the NJTPA Board selected four other members of its Executive Committee. In addition to Estrada, the elected members of the Executive Committee are: Hudson County Executive Thomas DeGise, Chairman; Ocean County Freeholder James F. Lacey, First Vice Chairman; and Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., Secretary. In keeping with the NJTPA bylaws, DeGise appointed Somerset County Freeholder Peter S. Palmer to the position of Third Vice Chairman.

The Executive Committee provides guidance and leadership to the full Board on a wide range of planning, policy and administrative issues. It meets as needed to review financial, personnel and policy matters. Board membership is an uncompensated position.

Estrada was first elected as a freeholder in 1999 and has more than 30 years of business and public service experience. He is currently a Board of Trustees member at Meadowlink, a Transportation Management Association. Freeholder Estrada previously served on the Elizabeth Board of Education, the Elizabeth Housing Authority, and is a former vice president of the National Association of Hispanic County Officials.

Freeholder Estrada emigrated from Cuba to the United States over 50 years ago and has made Elizabeth his home ever since. He earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in history and Spanish from Kean College (now Kean University) in Union.

The NJTPA is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for 13 northern New Jersey counties. Under federal legislation, MPOs provide a forum where local officials, public transportation providers and state agency representatives can come together and cooperatively plan to meet the region’s current and future transportation needs. It establishes the region’s eligibility to receive federal tax dollars for transportation projects.

The NJTPA Board consists of one local elected official from each of the 13 counties in the region (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren), and the cities of Newark and Jersey City. The Board also includes a Governor’s Representative, the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the Executive Director of NJ TRANSIT, and the Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.