Holmes To Retire From Freeholder Board

RAHWAY—Citing increased demands on his private security business, Freeholder Chester Holmes announced he would not seek re-election to a fifth term on the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Holmes, a popular Rahway resident who will have served more than 49 years in the public sector as a former police officer, former Rahway Councilman, former Council Chairman, and Union County Freeholder, said that while he plans to leave the board at the end of his fourth term on Dec. 31st, he plans to continue to doing what he has done his entire life, being an advocate for Union County.

“I may be leaving elected office, but I will continue to serve my community in any way I can,” Holmes said, with a smile. “I have been fortunate to meet so many wonderful people in public life over the years. It has been a pleasure serving all our residents throughout this time. I would like to thank all for their support. I tried my best to provide you with the type of dignified, responsible leadership that you deserve. Public service is a privilege, and one I’ve never taken for granted.”

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Wrestling Team Takes Third

Wrestling Team Takes Third—The Middlesex County College wrestling team boasted a great season, finishing third at the national tournament in the Division III category for two-year colleges. The tournament, held in Rochester, MN, was held Feb. 26-28. The squad also finished third in the Garden State Conference Tournament held at Gloucester County College in February. With the trophy from the national tournament are, kneeling, from left: Gabriel Roman, Jr. (Perth Amboy), J.C. Francobandiero (Edison), Ezequiel Flores (Lakewood). Standing, from left: Assistant Coach Gene Lezark (East Brunswick), Assistant Coach Donny Carruth (Burlingon Township), Justin Persico (Middletown), Jason Fonzi (California), Matt Ellery (Middlesex), Mike Conway (Old Bridge), and Head Coach Mike Malinconico (Edison). Justin Persico was named all-American. (Photo courtesy of Middlesex County College)

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Soccer Champs

Soccer Champs—The Thunder soccer team won first place in the junior boys division. Pictured are the winning team with coach Jose Monroy, Jr. and Mayor Richard Gerbounka. (Photo courtesy of the Linden Department of Public Property and Community Services)

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Clerk Hosts Passport Fair

NEW BRUNSWICK—The Middlesex County Clerk’s Office is hosting a passport fair in New Brunswick on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to provide passport information to U.S. citizens and to accept passport applications.  

The Middlesex County Clerk’s Office is joining the Department of State in celebrating “Passport Day in the USA”, a national passport acceptance and outreach event. 

On June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens must present a passport book, passport card, or other travel documents approved by the U.S. government to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry. 

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Free Job Training Course

CRANFORD – During the month of April, Union County College offer a free job training course to all Union County residents. All residents over the age of 18 are eligible to participate in this program. The career training course will be available to those who need to support a family, are a recent high school graduate looking for work, or a retiree who wants to earn a small income.

The course “Customer Service and Sales” will be offered from April 6 to May 4 at the Plainfield Family Success Center at Plainfield High School. The course will run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This course will prepare attendees for jobs in sales and customer service related positions. As well, the course will help attendees identify their personal skills, improve their resume, and set career goals. Union County College certificates will be distributed at the completion of the course.

To learn more about these free courses or to register, contact Vanessa Torres-Holmes or Joe Oliver at (908) 355-4444. The Plainfield Family Success Center at Plainfield High School is located at 925 Arlington Avenue.

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Five Mistakes That Can Bust Your Budget

Making — and sticking to — a household budget can help you conserve cash and limit your credit needs in tough economic times. There are some traps, however, that can bust your budget quickly, despite your best intentions. The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA) offers the following advice to avoid making these mistakes:

Mistake #1: Not Having a Budget

When you create a budget, you add up the amount of net salary and other money you expect to receive during the month then total what you need to spend on necessities, such as rent or mortgage, food, transportation, savings and other costs. Once you subtract your expenses from your income, you can save or spend whatever remains. Just remember not to spend more than what is left. If you do, you’ll have to borrow from next month’s budget to cover the overage, setting you back in the future.

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