Skylands Ride Drivers receive Safety Awards

NEWTON — Nineteen Skylands Ride drivers received Safety Awards during Senior Day festivities at the New Jersey State Fair, on Aug. 8.

Senator Steven Oroho, Assemblyman Parker Space and Congressman Scott Garrett presented the drivers with a certificate from the State of New Jersey, and Freeholder Director Richard Vohden along with Freeholders Phillip Crabb, George Graham and Dennis Mudrick presented a certificate from the County of Sussex.

Sussex County Department of Human Services Administrator Stephen Gruchacz, Sussex County Social Services Director Carol Novrit, and Transit Citizens Advisory Committee Vice Chairperson Joseph Lashendock were also there to congratulate the recipients.

Skylands Ride provides community paratransit and public bus services to many of the County’s senior citizens, persons with disabilities, workers and the general public. The service is a lifeline for many residents, providing transportation to essential medical appointments, dialysis, and other life saving treatments, in addition to providing transportation to work. More than 113,000 rides on more than 698,000 miles of road were provided to Sussex County residents during 2012.

“It is truly a privilege to acknowledge the exemplary safety standards of the 19 recipients. Our staff provides this vital service to Sussex County citizens in a professional manner. In 2012, staff performed consistently above and beyond expectations during rain, snow and hurricane events,” said Stephen Gruchacz, Administrator for the Sussex County Department of Human Services.

Drivers who were recognized for the safe performance of their duties in 2012, along with the number of years they have been accident free were: Helen Baker, 10 years; Bert Oudshoorn, 8 years; Jeffrey Staple, 7 years; Luis Ortiz, 6 years; Kathleen Hayde, 5 years; Carrie Heiney, 5 years; Darlene Sonvico, 5 years; Mary Ann Warner, 5 years; Janice Wiedeman, 5 years; Mark Azzolino, 4 years; Marie Zangara, 4 years; Deborah Postas, 3 years; Ellen VanDunk, 3 years; Douglas Maull, 2 years; Sharon Blohm, 1 one year; Barbara Fitzmaurice, 1 year; Kevin Gleason, 1 year; Marjorie Healey, 1 year; and Kevin Sherlock, 1 year.

Drivers were part of a countywide safety program.