AdvantageNew Jersey Natural Gas

AdvantageNew Jersey Natural Gas

AdvantageNew Jersey Natural Gas

September 2019in this issue

Three Decades of Our Mentoring ProgramPoster and Video Contests Have Started!Paying Your Bill in Person

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30 Years Young:

The NJNG Youth Mentorship Program For more than 30 years, NJNG employees have been working with Big Brothers Big Sisters organization to provide middle school students from Asbury Park and Lakewood with invaluable insights into the business world and life skills as part of the company’s Project Venture mentoring program.

Through a series of hands-on programs and learning experiences, Project Venture helps build confidence and shows how success in the classroom translates into success in the workplace. Since its inception in 1988, more than 300 students have graduated from the program and gone on to attend elite high schools, been the first in their family to graduate college, had successful careers and started their own businesses.

Waldo Sainvilus was barely into his teens in 1999 when he joined Project Venture. One project involved interviewing ‘anyone of their choice,’ and Waldo knew right away who he wanted to chat with.

“Of course, I chose the person who ran the place, Larry Downes. I was extremely proud to present to my Project Venture class the amazing experience I had interviewing the CEO of the company,” Waldo remembers. From that point on, Downes became a mentor to him – a bond that continues today.

“We created Project Venture to help students unlock the promise of their potential in school and beyond,” said Larry Downes, chairman and CEO of New Jersey Resources. “Waldo is a great example of what you can achieve when you make learning a lifelong skill that drives success.”

Now living in Australia, Sainvilus is a successful business development manager for a leading entertainment/sports travel company. He credits Project Venture for teaching him “the importance of effective communication, including writing techniques and key tips when addressing senior leadership. I've learned to be aware of resources available to you and tap into them.”

Beyond skills he can use in his professional life, he remembers Downes for his lasting encouragement: “Larry taught me one of the biggest lessons of my life – unconditional kindness. His only agenda is to help others succeed. Because of him, I've made the conscious effort to help those around me and to give back whenever I can.”

Giving back is also why NJNG employees decide to become mentors to local teens. “It’s very rewarding to experience what the students learn – and we also learn so much from them,” adds NJNG payment processing supervisor Debora West, a long-time Project Venture mentor.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Cheesequake State Park

300 Gordon Road

Matawan

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Plenty of parking!

Join NJNG, Earth Share New Jersey

and environmental and conservation

organizations to celebrate our

environment with a day of Free fun

activities, hands-on learning and more!

Deb West has mentored more than one dozen teens. Waldo Sainvilus, Project Venture Class of 2000.

How To Reach Us Report a natural gas leak: 800-GAS-LEAK (800-427-5325) | Call before you dig: 811 or 800-272-1000

E-mail us: customerservice@njng.com | Call us: Toll-free: 800-221-0051 | People with hearing and speech impairments (TTY/TDD): 800-223-0024 Visit our Web site: www.njng.com | Write us: New Jersey Natural Gas, 1415 Wyckoff Road, P.O. Box 1464, Wall, NJ 07719

FREE College Planning WorkshopThe college admissions process can be stressful and time consuming!

That’s why we’re bringing admissions expert Peter Van Buskirk to several College Planning Workshops to share secrets he’s learned from decades of working at top colleges. Parents – and students – will gain the inside scoop

on making their applications stand out.

• Finding the best college ‘fit’ • The application and selection process • Financial aid guidance and tips • Writing a winning essay • Social media do’s and don’ts

Reservations suggested. Kindly RSVP to ccannon@njng.com or 732-938-1035.

NJNG offers free programs designed to provide education and entertainment for community groups and classrooms.

Themes can be customized to fit your group’s interests. We even have interactive games like Family Feud, Plinko

and a spinning wheel activity! Topics in our Speakers’ Bureau include:

Energy Efficiency Conservation

Carbon Monoxide SafetyNatural Gas Safety

Work at a school? The Energy Hog and his nemesis, the Energy Hog Buster, can give a free, 30-minute skit for students about energy efficiency and making wise

energy decisions. To schedule any presentation, contact us at 732-938-1035 or speakers@njng.com.

Shop online for new products – like shower heads and smart power strips – in the NJNG Marketplace!

njng.com/marketplace

Want to Pay your NJNG Bill in Person? Our Customer Service offices are open

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.633 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park

1415 Wyckoff Road, Wall 775 Vassar Avenue, Lakewood 201 Roundhill Drive, Rockaway

Be Our Partner in SafetyDon’t miss the important natural gas safety tips in our fall edition of the Pipeline Press, enclosed. Share it

with the entire family!

Poster Contest for Fifth Grade StudentsCalling all teachers! Gather your fifth graders and let their creativity shine in our 13th annual Conserve to Preserve®

(CTP) Kids and Conservation Poster Contest.

Students can illustrate an energy-saving tip for a chance to win one of three tablets. Each winning student’s school

will get $1,000 toward an energy-conservation or environmental project and their teacher will

receive a $100.

*Open to all fifth graders within NJNG’s service area.

Video Contest for High School StudentsAttention future Hollywood directors! Shoot and edit a

short video showing us how you save energy.

Students can submit individual or group efforts – with the individual video winner receiving $500 and the group

winners receiving $2,500. In addition, the winning students’ schools will receive a $1,000 toward an

energy-conservation or environmental project.

*Our ninth annual CTP Kids and Conservation Video Contest is open to high school students (13 and older) within our service area.

For both the poster and video contests, NO PURCHASE NECESSARY and VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Open to legal residents of NJ only. Poster contest begins on September 1, 2019, and ends on November 22, 2019. Video contest begins

on September 1, 2019, and ends on November 22, 2019. Visit the Energy for Education section of the Community tab on njng.com for rules,

terms and conditions.

October 29, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.Brookdale Community College

765 Newman Springs RoadLincroft, NJ 07738

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