“A picture is worth a thousand words”
Now, more than ever, does this quote ring true in our very digitial world. Â Everyone is snapping and sharing and uploading pictures at an unbelieviabel rate.
Add KMM to this list 🙂
KMM is now sharing and liking on Instagram.
Follow us. Â Share with us and together, we can make our commutes happier and safer!
See on there mgpharmacie.com!
With the weather slowly (very slowly) warming up, Â everyone is spending more and more time outside walking, playing or just enjoying the fresh air.
Here in New Jersey, we are very lucky to have some of the most beautiful parks to explore  and we also have many communities that boast hiking trails and fun parks.
But before you lace up your sneakers, here are some walking safety tips.
Not sure how to get to your destination by train or bus in Middlesex County?
Check out KMM’s  interactive map on kmm.org. The map allows users to pinpoint their location and the mass transit available in the area. In addition, the map also provides direct access to scheduling and fare information.
The map is designed to direct users to mass transit and the many connections available to a commuter. For example, a commuter who may live in the southern area of Middlesex County and commutes to North Jersey can find that instead of driving the turnpike or parkway alone, can park at the Exit 8a park and ride lot and take one of the many buses that travels into Newark and then connect to the Northeast Corridor Train line in Secaucus Junction.
In addition to mass transit, the map also provides bike locker, bike baths, municipal centers and all libraries located in the county. The KMM interactive map is a commuter’s friend.
Visit the site today and get started on easier commute.
There are a lot of obvious distractions while driving like phones, iPods, CDs, food, and drinks.
However most people overlook that cute furry distraction that is present in the cars of 1 in 5 pet-owning Americans. Sure a floppy eared dog with his cute little head out the window is adorable, but also very dangerous for both the passengers and the dog himself.
Having an unrestrained pet in the car can be a bigger distraction than a cell phone or other inanimate object, because a pet has a mind of its own and if it’s not restrained, it can roam freely in the car.
While it isn’t a law in New Jersey yet, driving with pets is pretty common and statistics say that 31% of drivers who transported a pet said it was a distraction no matter where it was in the car.
So the next time you take Spot to the beach, “buckle” him up, because seat belts save lives-even of puppies.
(reposted from previous blog)
KMM is located in the heart of vibrant New Brunswick, NJ where banks, the post office, all sorts of stores, and even the State Theater are within walking distance. Our staff relishes all this convenience, especially at lunch time when the city is our oyster.
American, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Caribbean, and Ethiopian cuisine as well as the Hyatt’s Glasswoods Tavern offer attractive eat in options. For something fast, New Brunswick boasts barbeque, burgers, soups, salads, hot dogs, subs, and sandwiches. And, if we just can’t decide, we head over to the new supermarket which has an abundant take out menu. We frequent delightful ice cream and yogurt shops guilt free because we are walking to and from the yummy establishments.
Admittedly, winter has curtailed our lunchtime outdoor activities somewhat. For now, we’re mostly brown bagging around our conference table.
Despite the cold, wind, snow, and ice, we do get out, waiting for the “perfect” day, defined loosely as one with temperatures above 20 degrees and no precipitation. Lacing up our boots, putting on our mittens, and wrapping up in scarves, and hats, we’re ready to brave the elements. Walking gingerly to avoid ice, we mince our way down the sidewalk to a nearby eatery for something hot to eat-in or take out.
Sadly, we’ve haven’t enjoyed too many of these excursions. When it comes to walking in winter, we use common sense. If it’s cold, if it’s slippery, if the snow is piled high at intersections, we stay in the office and look longingly at our sneakers sitting untouched in the corner waiting, like us, for Spring.
Well, the week we have all been waiting for is finally here!
Super Bowl XLVIII is in full swing and in a few short days, the Seattle Seahawks will meet the Denver Broncos right here in Jersey!
For commuters, this week can be a little more hectic than normal. But since we are #jerseystrong, we don’t mind the extra traffic or people on our commute. In fact, the more the merrier!
Here is what you need to know:
Highways – Most of the Route 3, Route 17, Route 21, Route 120, NJ Turnpike area will see increased traffic up until game day. Additionally, Route 80, Route 46 and the bridges and tunnels will see increases too! If you can, avoid driving through the area and try to find an alternate route.  Sign up for 511nj.org alerts (you can register for just this week too) and you will receive all the alerts you need. Also, check with coworkers and neighbors and make the commute with a friend and carpool!
Mass Transit users – Expect company on the trains this week. As the week progresses, consider telecommuting to avoid the crowds, if telecommuting is an option. If not, accept that trains will be more crowded and show our new friends how great Jersey can be. For those of you with the super saver passes, remember you can also show that pass to a host of eateries across NJ for discounts on your meals! For complete info, visit the #njtransit website.
Game Day – If you are one of the lucky people with tickets, keep in mind fan screenings begin at 2pm on game day. Expect various check points to ensure everyone’s safety. For a complete list of do’s and don’ts, check out the NJ State Police’s informative post!
Jersey House Party – Yes, we Jersey folks know how to put on a party and since we encourage everyone to stay off the roads, check out theses terrific party ideas from New Jersey’s very own Party Bluprints.
Now let’s just hope the weather cooperates……
The weather outside is certainly frightful and Winter 2014 is turning out to be memorable –  if nothing else. So the staff at KMM decided that we need to help make the winter commute brighter and warmer.
Beginning this month and running until supplies last, KMM will send every commuter who submits a photo of their winter commute (either via our Facebook page or via wintercommute@kmm,org) a packet of delicious hot chocolate! Once the photos are submitted, fellow commuters and Facebook fans can vote on their favorite photo. The photo with the most votes at the end of the program will receive the Grand Prize Gift Basket filled with winter goodies.
As for the photos?
Be creative. Whether you carpool, vanpool, take mass transit, ride a bike or drive alone – take a picture of what you winter commute looks like.
There is a delicious hot cup of chocolate waiting to be sent just to you!
Happy and Safe Commute!
We do remind everyone, to exercise safety and common sense when taking their photos. Please do not take photos while driving.
The Big Apple during the Holiday Season is truly magical – especially through the eyes of a child experiencing it for the very first time.
Recently, I took a day off from keeping Middlesex moving (no worries, Middlesex kept moving because of our terrific staff) and IÂ practiced what I preached.
Together with my husband and two absolutely delighted children, we drove to our local train station. And because we were commuting with children, we raced to grab the NJ TRANSIT Northeast Corridor train bound for the Big Apple just in the nick of time.
The train ride into NYC was filled with late morning commuters who I swore, cracked a smile when they noticed my gleeful children asking the train agent if she had hot chocolate to share , “You know, like on the Polar Express!”
Soon we pulled into New York Penn Station and we tightly gripped the children’s hands and headed up to the busy Manhattan streets, that under the gray skies truly looked like they were paved with glitter.
On foot, we navigated the Avenues pointing out landmarks the children had either seen on tv or read about – until we reached our destination –  Rockefeller Center.
Despite the complaints about the long, fast paced walk, the pay-off was priceless.
After completing the obligatory holiday stops: the Christmas Spectacular, visiting the Lego, American Girl and FAO Schwartz stores and a quick prayer in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, we piled into a bona fide yellow NYC cab at rush hour to meet with friends for dinner in Tribeca. “No seatbelts!?!??!” cried the kids in glee.
Dinner was splendid and filled with much laughter and smiles despite the trip being almost over. But the trip would not be complete without a ride down under – that is, the subway. So as the night came to close, we hoped on the 2 express and grabbed the only available seat and huddled together as we swayed along the bumps and jerks of the New York Subway.
As we waited for the NJ TRANSIT train home in the nicely decorated waiting area, the children were still smiling ear to ear.
“Thank you Mommy and Daddy. I wish we could do this every year!”
We saw New York City by four with four and created memories that I hope, they will enjoy for a long time!
It’s that time….Tis the season to travel over the rive and through the woods for…..
Seasonal dinners.
Visits to family and friends.
Shopping and sightseeing.
Ice Skating and a tree lighting.
Yes, the 2013 Holiday season is here! This year, enjoy comfort and convenience and avoid the hassles of traffic and parking by taking mass transit trains or buses this season. Let KMM’s interactive map help plan your trip and while you are online, register for the new INN – Information Notification Network traffic alerts.
From our families to yours, a safe and joyous holiday season!