In 2006, my career path had me managing NJ Transits Bus Terminals in the agencys Southern Region. I was extremely honored when contacted to do an interview with NJ Transits Enroute newspaper. The legendary Ken Miller and his team do a fantastic job putting this noteworthy publication together. It offers insight that helps NJ Transit employees and others learn and appreciate the inner workings of the agency. None of what the article discusses would have been possible without the incredible loyalty and support of the women and men of NJ Transits Atlantic City and Wildwood Bus Terminals and Local 880 of the Amalgamated Transportation Union. I miss my former staff dearly. I think about the fun times often. Incredible people like Michael Mays, Rick Bucci, Vivian Manderville, John Curtis, Tyrone You Aint Right Newman, Midnight Victor, Phyllis, Anne Duble-Dancy (Fancy Pantsy Duble Dancy) The late Al The Voice of Atlantic City Brown, Paul Dixon, Jenny Payne, Platform Patty, Diane - a/k/a The Wild Woman of Wildwood and a man who was called to Heaven decades ahead of his time, Carl Leggio (the only man who could eat more pizza than me). Of course there were the legions of professional bus operators from both NJ Transit and Greyhound. Incredible people like Patricia Caizza Wiggins, Tony Stelacio, Steve Van Sant, Marge Hodges and scores of others. Civilians rarely realize the skills and achievements of these hard-working Road Warriors. And never to forget the Atlantic City Division of the NJ Transit Police under the command of a gentleman whom I deeply admire and respect, now-Deputy Chief Kevin Amberg. We had a legion of great cops, brave, hearty souls many of whom I enjoy enduring friendships with, Julio J Arocho, Vinny Damato, Mike Kolesar, Bill J., Abe Hamilton, Joey I.. And heres one strictly off the record (I will not reveal names even under torture) - I used to own a souped-up 2002 Red VW Bug. Driving in one day on the Atlantic City Expressway (deserted at that hour) I got into an unofficial race with an NJ Transit Police Car. I left him in the dust! Yes, Ron Mandato, it really happened. One day I had enough of the bland elevator music being piped throughout the terminal. So, with the unwavering support of Vincent Giammusso (a/k/a BIG Vinnie G.) we changed it to a blend of oldies, soft soul and the like. Hell, even our unoffical mascots of homeless people got into it. One guy, whom we called The Shredder got up and started to boogie for all to see. Another prank was to take to the public address system and announce swimming lessons in the fictitious terminal rooftop pool - we did this on the coldest days of winter. It was always good for a few laughs. I love those wonderful guys and dolls who stood shoulder-to-shoulder. The day they made my eyes well-up with tears was at the Christmas Party. Of course, we always ran the obligatory Company Party (one damn fine catered affair funded out of our own pockets). Then there was the REAL party at Carl Leggios home. I was flabbergasted when they invited me - the boss! My people presented me with an expensive bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue - which we promptly poured into glasses and toasted one anothers good health. It was a grand time. A truly grand time!
Posted on: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 12:09:11 +0000
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