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For Release: Immediate

New Jersey Jaycees President Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. announces formation of Hudson County Chapter

Orange Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr., State President of the New Jersey Jaycees also known as the Junior Chamber of Commerce, today announced the launching of a new local chapter, the Hudson County Jaycees.

The new chapter was incorporated on Friday, December 4^th, and its first meeting was held on Monday, December 7^th at 7:00pm at 84 Washington Street, Room 84 in Hoboken. 40 people attended.

The President of the new organization is Zach Edelman, 34, a Hoboken resident and Director of Business Development for Fairview Insurance Agency Associates.

Hudson County Jaycees are committed to giving back to the community. In their first charity event, the chapter is sponsoring a Toys for Tots Program to provide holiday gifts for disadvantaged children.  They will be collecting unwrapped toys, gift cards and donations throughout December and will be giving them to children chosen by the Hoboken Housing Authority.

To join the Hudson County Jaycees or for more information about the chapter, contact Zach Edelman, (973) 857 – 0870,  zedelman@fairviewinsurance.com.

For more information about the New Jersey Jaycees, visit www.njjaycees.com

Statement by Eldridge Hawkins, Jr., State President of the New Jersey Jaycees

“The formation of a Hudson County Chapter is a milestone in the growth of the New Jersey Jaycees. Coupled with our recently created partnership with the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, it is an example of the new energy and enthusiasm in our historic organization. Hudson County is a fast growing business center, and the Hudson County Jaycees will be a magnet for young business professionals seeking to network and expand their community involvement.”

Statement by Zach Edelman, President, Hudson County Jaycees

“The new generation of Hudson County was in need of a vehicle to unite and bring like minded individuals together.  That vehicle is the Hudson County Jaycees.  There are endless opportunities for involvement in the areas of philanthropy, business and social networking and personal development countywide.  Our mission is to offer value to the communities of Hudson County and its members.“

Statement by Carmelo Garcia, “Executive Director of the Hoboken Housing Authority”

“Our new chapter is an exciting and potentially powerful network for elected leaders, entrepreneurs and young executives who want to build bridges of service and business with other professionals.“

Statement by Steve Fulop, 32, Jersey City Councilman

“The launching of the Hudson County Jaycees was well attended with some really dynamic people. The new organization provides an excellent opportunity for Hudson County’s young business and political leaders to get to know each other and work together for the good of our community.“

Statement by Ravi Bhalla, Hoboken Councilman

“I am proud to be a founding member of the Hudson County Jaycees and look forward to working with my public and private sector colleagues in the coming years.”

About the Jaycees

Historically the JAYCEES, composed of people between the ages of 18 and 41, has been very influential in our country. Jaycees helped establish Airmail services in America with Jaycee Charles Lindbergh and have raised millions of dollars for organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes to name just a few.  The purpose is to give young adults the tools they need to build success in business development, management skills, individual training, community service, and networking.  In short the Jaycees teach leadership skills through service to others.

Dignitaries in attendance

City of Orange Township, Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.

Hudson County Freeholder, Anthony Romano

Hoboken Councilman, Ravi Bhalla

Borough of Roselle Council President, Jamel Holley

Jersey City Councilman, Steve Fulop

Pictured left to right: President Jason Solowsky, Orange-Essex Jaycees; State President Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.of Orange; Jaycee Steve Lenox; Hudson County Jaycees Founding President Zach Edelman; and Jaycee members Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Romano, Executive Director Hoboken Housing Authority Carmelo Garcia, Joe Branco, Jersey City Coucilman Steve Fulop; and Borough of Roselle Counsel President Jamel Holley

Weather holds for eighth annual Westfield Downtown 5K and Pizza Extravaganza

by By David Lazarus, Cranford Chronicle

With a wary eye to the turbulent skies -- and an attentive ear for distant thunder -- more than 2,000 runners and 500 race volunteers breathed a collective sigh of relief when the gun went off and the eighth annual Westfield Downtown 5K and Pizza Extravaganza commenced.

The event has enjoyed an eight-year run of success, interrupted a year ago by a vicious weather front that passed through the area at race time and caused police to cancel the race.

 
Warm and humid but clear weather convinced a huge walkup crowd to swell the overall registration to a record 2,519, causing the race to start 10 minutes late as the crowd overwhelmed the signup volunteers.

When the event was ready to start, Mark Zenobia of On Your Mark Productions said what the runners were longing to hear: "No thunder, no lightning, no rain. Now go out and enjoy yourselves."

While late July weather is always dicey in north central New Jersey, it wasn't until last year that runners realized that a storm really could force the race to be canceled. The successful completion of this year's race left Sherry Cronin, executive director of the Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC), relieved and beaming.

"The aftermath to this year will obviously be much better than a year ago, which was everybody's worst nightmare," said Cronin.

This year's huge turnout presented its own challenges, as with such a large crowd in a constricted area, safety became a major consideration.

"We wanted to ensure that all of the runners are safe on the course, and a larger crowd means more volunteers and staff to monitor the race," said Cronin. "We have also communicated with the residents along the race route, as we do every year, to ensure that they know when the race will occur in front of their home."

"The logistical issues are enormous for a race of that size, Everything is harder including setting up water stops, getting all runners to the start and making sure the registration lines move quickly," noted Zenobia, who has been the chief race organizer for all eight years and has seen the race grow from its initial field of 950.

"It was great night for Westfield and a fantastic chance for us to show off our beautiful town. I am sorry I had to miss this year for the first time," said Mayor Andy Skibitsky. "I am really proud of the all the Westfield people who helped to pull off such a fantastic event."

Almost forgotten in the hoopla was the race, which featured a close finish between two recently-graduated high school stars, both who represented The Running Company of Westfield. Brain Guterl, a 2007 Union Catholic graduate, held off the hard finishing charge of Jeffrey Perella, a 2006 Westfield star to win in 15:40. Guterl, who runs for St. Joseph's of Philadelphia, was content to run with a group that completed the first mile in 5:05 and the second in 10:10. Guterl made his move in the final mile of the race and, as he hit the downhill portion of Elm Street near the finish, he went into his finishing kick, which proved just enough to hold off Perella.

"I knew he was getting close because I heard a lot of people yelling his name. I am happy to win the race and to run an even pace," said Guterl.

"I ran relaxed and within myself -- and almost won the race -- so I am pretty happy," said Perella, who competes for Yale.

Eddie Baker, a 2007 Cranford High School graduate, edged Erik Donohue by two seconds to finish as first Cranford male. Fellow 2007 graduate Laura Gallo matched her effort at the Firecracker 4 Mile when she also finished second in the women's division with a time of 18:46.

The race included a large Cranford contingent including Amy and John Montuori, who ran the race together. When asked what drew them to run the race, John was quick to answer, "Pizza."

Margaret McHale of Cranford has participated in the race for all eight years, and said she was there "to keep the tradition going."

A race so large could not succeed without dedicated sponsors and volunteers.
"Our race sponsors enable the event to take place, since registrations alone do not cover the cost of running the event," noted Cronin.

Pacing a wide and varied sponsorship list was Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, returning once again to be a Silver Sponsor. Cronin also was pleased that more than 75% of the sponsors were located in Westfield's Special Improvement District (the district managed by the Downtown Westfield Corporation).

Bronze sponsors included Westfield Pediatric Dental Group; Overlook Hospital Atlantic Health; Acquaviva delle fonti; Williams Nursery; Drew & Rogers; Verizon Wireless; ShopRite; Greco Steam Carpet Cleaning Company; Stop & Shop; Elegant Homes; New Jersey Life Magazine; REI, and Keith Loughlin.

Contributing sponsors for the event included PSE&G. Supporting sponsors included State Farm Insurance - Christine Consenza, agent; Creative Dental Care; Redco Engineering & Construction Corp, and Capital One. Downtown Westfield businesses also provided special promotions and giveaways at the event.

At any race, the unsung heroes are the volunteers who work tirelessly at numerous tasks to assure a good race experience. The Westfield Jaycees handed out the pizza and cookies and Girl Scouts handled the water stops. The Westfield Y brought a crew of volunteers to assist with many jobs. The Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce helped with course marshals.

Many volunteers who already serve on the Downtown Westfield Corporation Board of Directors and Committees also assisted. Manny of Westfield Coastal brought his 1957 three-wheeled BMW and Vespa motorcycle for the race beginning, and dressed as the Cosimo's chef. David Martone, the DWC chairman and proprietor of Classic Thyme, dressed as the Ferraro's chef.

Cosimo's Restaurant & Pizzeria and Ferraro's made 550 pizzas for the night. Shop-Rite of Garwood, Xocolatz and Stop & Shop provided cookies. The Flower Zone provided the flowers for the female winners. TSS Maintenance provided the clean-up crew during the event.

 
The Michael Craig Band and Night Moves DJ provided entertainment. Trader Joe's stocked the water stops. Brooks Crandall, Tiger Paw Images and DWC Design Committee Chairperson Karrie Hanson took photographs.

The Town of Westfield provided the stage, garbage removal, chairs and barricades. The Westfield Police handled traffic control and road closures during the event.

The Westfield Fire Department provided hose-down areas for runners on the course.

Many Westfield businesses provided goodies for runners in promotional products and offers.

By 8:30 p.m., traffic was flowing smoothly again on Elm Street as the town returned to normal.

Orange mayor elected president of NJ Jaycees

by New Jersey Local News Service

ORANGE -- Last week Orange Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. was elected president of the New Jersey Junior Chamber of Commerce, a city spokesman announced this week.

Hawkins is founder of the Orange Essex chapter of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. He will remain president of the local chapter until his position is filled.

The Junior Chamber of Commerce, colloquially known as the Jaycees, is a nationwide non-profit that supports young entrepreneurs and encourages volunteerism. Hawkins, 29, also works as a full-time West Orange police officer.