Reimagining How We Think about Benefits-Join HR Professionals for a Virtual Program May 30
As health care costs continue to rise, employers are always looking for creative ways to lower their medical costs without the traditional cost shifting. The ICHRA is a creative alternative, growing rapidly for organizations, to replace their traditional group program with a platform that provides employees with the choice of several different medical insurance carriers, provider networks, and plan levels to best meet the specific need of their family.
Join the virtual meeting of JSAHR (Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources) professionals, open to the public, on Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. for an informative way to think about benefits.
Barry Fields, a partner, Employee Benefits at JGS Insurance, will discuss what an ICHRA is; how organizations can benefit by implementing an ICHRA for their employees; and the pros and cons of implementing an ICHRA.
Register at: http://jsahr.shrm.org/events or admin@jsahr.org or call JSAHR at 732-701-7155. Registration is $10 for JSAHR members; $15 for non-members. Each registrant will also receive a $10 Dunkin gift card.
JSAHR is a SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) affiliated chapter. This program is pending one (1) SHRM PDC and one (1) HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) recertification credit.
About Barry Fields: Barry Fields, who joined JGS in 2013, has 29 years of employee benefits experience, representing insurance companies (8 years) and consulting firms (21 years). He has advised clients with up to 5,000 employees in a wide range of industries, professional and industrial, public and private, non-profit organizations, etc. throughout the United States and worldwide.
Fields specializes in all aspects of providing full-service benefits consulting to clients, including program design, compliance, plan funding, underwriting, wellness programs, employee communications, benefits administration, employee advocacy, and the use of effective strategies in benefits management.
The Lakewood Chamber to Host Finance Networking Breakfast May 7
Find out about gaining smarter finance, and stronger business credit and repair at a free Finance and Networking Breakfast, Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. at Harrogate, 400 Locust Street, Lakewood, N.J.
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is hosting the complimentary breakfast during which guests will learn about gaining smarter finance and stronger business credit and repair at Ocean Inc. Community Action Partnership, S.T.E.P.S., the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, and Wells Fargo who are the sponsors of this event.
Paralee Knight, Vice President and Senior Social Impact and Sustainability Specialist at Wells Fargo, said, “As the Bank of Doing, Wells Fargo is truly committed to our communities, our people and making a real impact through action. One of our key areas of focus is financial education and economic empowerment. Wells Fargo is proud to support O.C.E.A.N. Inc. and the Credit Series, which helps residents succeed financially and build better lives.”
Through funding from Wells Fargo, the O.C.E.A.N., Inc. Credit & Repair Program assists eligible residents in applying for the free 8-week Credit Repair Workshops to be conducted at the ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood and addresses one of the major barriers to homeownership or starting a business: Poor credit history due to ineffective debt management. The Ocean Inc. cohort into this eight-week program will begin on May 15, 2024 though the program’s conclusion on July 3, 2024.
To register and learn more about this program email mylakewoodchamber.com/register/financenetworkingbreakfast or call 732-363-0012.
Lakewood Fire Commissioners Announce Chametz Burning Sites and Fire Safety Reminders
The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners, Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr, Chaplain Rabbi Moshe Rotberg¸ members of the Lakewood Fire Department, and the Office of the Ocean County Fire Marshall remind the community to be aware of the hazards involved in a Chametz Burning experience.
Only the following sites, open Monday April 22 from 7:00 a.m. to Noon, have authorized by the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office:
1. Parking Lot of Jersey Shore BlueClaws Stadium;
2. Patrick Park – 1000 Vine Street;
3. D’zio Park – New Hampshire Avenue & Locust Street;
4. 175 Sunset Road – Khal Zichron Yaakov;
5. Private Way and 7th Street – BMG;
6. Clifton Avenue and 10th Street – BMG;
7. Frank Bartolf Park – Brook Road; and
8. Pine Park.
Be mindful of the following hazards in the Chametz Burning experience:
1. Only plan to burn Chametz, not anything else. Throwing garbage into the fires contributes to larger than necessary fires that increase the risk of injury.
2. DO NOT throw any flammable or combustible items into the fire or any bottles, both glass and plastic, because these may explode and lead to glass and metal shards being spewed into the crowd.
3. DO NOT throw any cans (i.e., baked beans, soups, etc.) into the fire because these may explode and lead to hot liquid being sprayed into the crowd.
4. DO NOT wrap your bread in silver foil because it will not burn.
5. Maintain a safe distance of at least 15 feet to avoid the risk of injury or exposure to flames. A sudden wind direction change can result in the fire changing direction.
6. Children should always remain supervised to prevent accidents or burns.
7. Follow the instructions from the firefighters and police officers, move away from the fire once items have been thrown in to keep the area close to the fire from overcrowding.
The Fire Department reminds everyone that unauthorized burns are illegal; however, if you must burn the Chometz on your own, only use a portable, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay, or other noncombustible material. Fireplaces (i.e., fire pits, chimneys, charcoal barbecue grill, etc.) shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be placed within 15 feet of a structure (i.e.: house, shed, deck, etc.) or combustible material.
Do not leave barbecue grills unattended and keep children as well as pets away. Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing when igniting and using a fireplace. Make sure fireplaces are extinguished before leaving.
In case of a burn injury, cool the burn with cool running water for 3-5 minutes and seek medical attention. In case of Emergency Dial 911.
For more information about the Lakewood Fire Department please visit www.lakewoodfd.org. For more information, contact Yehuda Beer, Fire District Administrator, at 732-364-5151
The Lakewood Fire Department wishes all a Happy, Healthy, Safe and Peaceful Holiday.
Immortal HR — Join HR Professionals May 9, 2024
Ms. Harriet Rose Job, a once dismissed HR professional, rose to critical importance during the COVID pandemic. Learn why at the breakfast meeting of JSAHR (Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources) professionals, open to the public, on Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 8:00 to 12:00 a.m. at Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune.
Marc S. Miller of Marc S. Miller Associates, will help participants discover the events leading to her dismissal; and identify upcoming trends and technology, and actionable steps for HR professionals to achieve immortality within their organizations.
The sponsor of this meeting is UKG. Register at: http://jsahr.shrm.org/events or admin@jsahr.org or call JSAHR at 732-701-7155. Registration including breakfast is $35 for JSAHR members; $50 for non-members; $25 for a first-time guest and those in-transition; and free for students with a valid ID.
Networking and breakfast is at 8:00 a.m.; announcements and introductions at 8:30 a.m.; and the program speaker at 9:00 a.m. The Career Transformation Group will meet at 10:00 a.m.
JSAHR is a SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) affiliated chapter. This program is pending one (1) SHRM PDC and one (1) HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) recertification credit.
About Marc S. Miller: Marc S Miller, President and Founder of Marc S. Miller Associates for 38 years, is known throughout the HR Technology industry as a nationally known consultant, keynote speaker, workshop and breakout session leader, and author.
Since 1984, Miller has addressed more than 400 audiences on HR Technology topics, ranging from basic features of a “model” HRIS/HRMS/HCMS system, software vendor evaluation techniques, and HR’s use of technology. Among his entertaining presentations are: “Leveraging Technology or How to Avoid the ‘Dirty Harry’ Syndrome”; “Increasing the Visibility of an HRIS”; “People on Projects – Why Projects Fail, the Project Sociology and Its Impact on Success”; and “Emerging Technologies for the function of HR,” among others.
Miller is the author of HeroicHR (2012, 2015), The Death of HR: Who Killed H. (Harriet) R. (Rose) Job? – A Cautionary Tale and a Detective Story (2018), IMMORTAL HR: The Death and Resurrection of Ms. H. (Harriet) R.(Rose) Job: How Covid and Workforce Issues made HRJOB Critical and Indispensable (if not Immortal) (2024) (BOOK WEBSITE = IMMORTALHR.COM)
He is an Adjunct Professor teaching HR Management and HR Systems for the MBA programs at NYU – Tandon School of Engineering and Manhattan College. Overall – Professor Miller has taught HRM, HR Technology and Talent Management courses at the College/University Master’s level for over 10 years.
For more information, visit MarcSMillerAssociates.com
Dr. Avinash Gupta Elected Regional Director of the National AAPI
Dr. Avinash Gupta, a cardiologist practicing in New Jersey since 1994, was recently elected the Regional Director of the National AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin). With Board certifications in Cardiology, Nuclear Cardiology, and Clinical Lipidology. Dr. Gupta is the Chief of Cardiology and medical staff president at Monmouth Medical Center – Southern Campus (MMC-SC).
He is dedicated to various charitable endeavors, locally and in India, through the PRAN-BJANA Charitable Clinics, where he holds the position of Director. Driven by his passion for helping others and mentoring the next generation, Dr. Gupta actively participates in professional organizations, such as the American College of Cardiology and the Monmouth-Ocean Medical Society.
Recognized for his outstanding contributions, he was appointed Ocean County Board of Health member in 2023 and currently serves as the President of FIA for 2024. Additionally, Dr. Gupta is Chairman of the Siddhivinayak Temple USA and the Indian Cultural Center in Toms River, NJ.
Dr. Gupta believes in the power of teamwork and exemplifies strong leadership qualities. He has previously served as the President of MOCAAPI, a local chapter of AAPI, and has been actively involved in the membership and liaison committee of AAPI. Dr. Gupta’s contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Humanitarian Gala Award by MMC-SC and the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas award by CGI, NY.
Dr. Gupta is deeply committed to advancing shared goals within the AAPI community, including increasing membership, fostering unity, prioritizing education and advocacy for practicing physicians, and collaborating with legislators to address healthcare challenges. With the support of his colleagues, Dr. Gupta is confident in achieving these objectives and seeks continued collaboration as they work towards progress and excellence in the region.
MODC Announces Its Silver Gull Sponsors
Monmouth-Ocean Development Council (MODC), Wall Township, N.J., will hold its 59th Annual Silver Gull Awards Dinner on May 2, 2024, at Eagle Oaks Country Club, 20 Shore Oaks Drive, Farmingdale, N.J. Individuals, corporations, and organizations that have contributed to enhancing the quality of life and business environment in Monmouth and Ocean counties will be recognized.
A very important part of this event are the sponsors. The Silver Gull Sponsors to-date are Asbury Park Press, Dinner Sponsor; Red Carpet Sponsors, a new category, are N.J. Natural Gas, Mayor Perry of Middletown Twp, Henderson Promos LLC, and Manasquan Bank; The Honoree Award Sponsor is Hackensack Meridian Health; The Signature Cocktail Sponsors are Provident Bank, Bayshore Recycling, Monmouth County Tourism, Jersey Shore BlueClaws, and Mid City Management; The Silver Sponsors are Ocean County Vocational Technical School, HABcore; UMH Properties, Inc., Preferred Behavioral Health Group, Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, PCS, Ocean County Business Development and Tourism, Jersey Shore Partnership, and Smolin; the Shore Supporter includes Jersey Coast Family Law, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, and Lakewood Township.
A new addition to the event will be entertainment. The Zzak G. AOK Performance Group will be performing.
Jodi Grinwald, the CEO of the MODC (Monmouth-Ocean Development Council, said, “The MODC takes great pride in recognizing businesses and individuals within our community who exemplify impactful contributions, fostering positive change, and bolstering economic development. We are honored to celebrate their achievements, which are instrumental in nurturing a thriving business environment and strengthening the MODC membership family.”
The 2024 Silver Gull honorees are Emerging Change-maker, 40 and younger: Bart Henderson, Henderson Promos and Bob McLane, Jersey Shore Blue Claws; Change-maker: Duvi Honig, Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce, and Susan Tellone, Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide; Tourism Achievement: Jersey Shore Partnership; Economic Development: Tony Perry, Middletown Township Mayor, and Frank Sadhegi, Founder Morgan Engineering and Ocean County Commissioner; Community Service Award: Marta Quinn, Habcore; Nonprofit of the Year: Preferred Behavioral Health Group; and President’s Award: Tom Gilmour.
Tickets cost $210. Sponsorships ranging from $5000 to $2000, and ad journal space from $500 to $150 are available. Contact Jodi Grinwald, MODC’s chief executive officer, at jodi@modc.com for any questions. Visit https://modc.com. to learn more about MODC.
About the Silver Gull Awards: For over fifty years, MODC has presented the Silver Gull Award to deserving recipients around the region who have made a difference in the way we do business at the Jersey Shore. This event has become recognized as the pinnacle of awards, recognizing individual and corporate accomplishments in the area of economic development, community service, and tourism. The event is attended by more than 300 business and community leaders. Senator Robert W. Singer is the Silver Gull Awards Chairman; and Stacey Kavanagh, Vice President/Market Manager of Provident Bank, is the Co-chairwoman.
Lakewood Township to Honor All Soldiers May 27
On Monday, May 27, 2024, members of the Lakewood Township community are honoring the heroic actions of men and women who have served and are now serving in the military with a parade and services at the All War Memorial Amphitheater at Lake Carasaljo, North Lake Drive, Lakewood.
Participants are requested to be at their assigned location no later than 10:30 a.m. The Memorial Day ceremony will begin with a raising of the flag at 11:00 a.m. The parade will pass by the Review Stand in Town Square, Third Street and Clifton Avenue; and then proceed down Clifton Avenue, making a right onto Main Street (Route 88), crossing Route 9 South, and proceeding to North Lake Drive to the All War Memorial Amphitheater for the Memorial Day program.
Bus transportation will be available to transport marchers from the lake back to the starting point of the parade.
To register your organization, visit https://lakewoodpd.seamlessdocs.com/f/memorialdayparade or for questions or concerns, contact Sarah Kay in the Mayor’s office at 732-364-2500 Ext. 5973 or email parade@lakewoodnj.gov. Those who submit the participating form with the contact person’s name and address, will receive pertinent information.
Return the form to Menashe Miller, Deputy Mayor, Liaison Veterans Advisory Committee Municipal Building, 231 Third Street, Lakewood NJ 08701 or Fax: 732-994-4568 Attention Sarah Kay Email: parade@lakewoodnj.gov
Pine Belt Cars, Lakewood, Named 2024 Dealer of Excellence
Because Pine Belt Cars, 1088 Route 88, Lakewood, including Pine Belt Chevrolet, Pine Belt Mazda, and Pine Belt Subaru have demonstrated their commitment to exceeding customer expectations and have provided excellent customer service, Pine Belt Cars has been certified as a J.D. Power U.S. Dealer of Excellence, an outstanding achievement, in the J.D. Power Program,.
Rob Sickel, Brick, owner of Pine Belt Cars, said, “This certification sets us apart, especially from such an authority as J.D. Power. I feel that everyone in this dealership contributes to making our customers happy, so every member here shares in this achievement.”
J.D. Power 2024 Dealer of Excellence Program recognition is based on achievement of high scores from automotive manufacturer customer research and completion of an in-dealership best practices verification visit. For more information, visit jdpower.com/us-doe. Pine Belt will receive a trophy, lapel pins, and window stickers, among other promotional items for its designation.
For more information, contact Joe Pagano, director of business development and marketing, Pine Belt Enterprises at 973-652-0656.
About the Dealer of Excellence Program: Dealer of Excellence is an exclusive program and not all dealerships can qualify. Those that do must pass a three-step process: As the first qualification criterion, J.D. Power limits the percentage of eligible dealerships by nameplate based on each brand’s performance in the most recent J.D. Power U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study. SM Thus, proportionally more dealerships from top-performing brands can become a J.D. Power Dealer of Excellence.
Second, dealerships must rank among their brand’s top performers in key customer satisfaction areas consistent with measurements found in the SSI Study. Finally, qualifying dealers must pass an audit to show they meet or exceed J.D. Power sales best practices. Those best practices include, but are not limited to, listing vehicle inventory and pricing on the dealership website; negotiating in an efficient and transparent manner; offering a fair trade-in value; and presenting a clear and easy-to-understand menu of finance and insurance products.
About Pine Belt Cars: Pine Belt Cars, 1088 Route 88, Lakewood, NJ 08701, is a family-owned and operated New Jersey car dealer that offers new or pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs. Pine Belt Cars specializes in Chevy, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Subaru cars. The dealership employs a professional team of service technicians with the skills and equipment to handle all manner of maintenance and repairs, and has a full stock of authentic parts.
Pine Belt Cars has four dealerships in Lakewood, N.J., and is very committed philanthropically to local communities. Some of Pine Belt’s philanthropic affiliations include sponsoring the Pine Belt Arena, Lakewood Little League, United Way of Ocean County, Lakewood Police Department, Jewish Federation, and the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council.
Pine Belt Cars was founded in 1937 by Leon Sickel. His son, president and CEO David Sickel, is a lifelong Lakewood resident who graduated from Franklin & Marshall College. He joined the family business in 1970 after attending the General Motors Institute in Detroit, Michigan, and serving in the U.S. Naval Reserve. When his father retired in 1975, David assumed his current role.
Auditions Open for AOK Performance Group
Talented vocalists from ages 7 to 22 are encouraged to audition Sunday, April 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Lakehouse Music Academy, 619 Lake Avenue, Asbury Park, N.J. for a place in the AOK Performance Group, which has performed at Feinstein’s/54 Below, JBJ Soul Kitchen, galas, fundraisers, tree lightings, and non-profit events, among others.
Applicants should prepare a verse and a chorus of two contrasting songs, and may audition with their instrument. A pianist will NOT be on hand, so backtracks will be needed. Applicants should also arrive early to complete registration forms.
The judges to-date are Deborah Dutcher, Bob McLynn, and Nick Ditri. Deborah Dutcher, a professional actress and classically trained soprano, is one of the producers of Back to the Future on Broadway, West End, and the up-coming national tour of Back to the Future.
Bob McLynn partnered with Jonathan Daniel in 2002 to form Crush Music. In 2003, Crush Music signed Fall Out Boy and now includes Green Day, Miley Cyrus, Lorde, Weezer and Train. Nick Ditri, globally known and platinum selling dance music duo Disco Fries, has had more than 500 thousand streams across releases, productions, and remixes on Spotify and Apple. Ditri has also served as a Grammy-U-Mentor this year of the Grammy student educational division.
Email jodi@applaudourkids.org for a scheduled audition time.
Congregation B’nai Israel Observes a Holocaust Remembrance Service
Congregation B’nai Israel (CBI), 1488 Old Freehold Road, Toms River, is hosting a community Yom HaShoah, A Service of Remembrance, open to the public, Sunday, May 5 at 5:00 p.m., featuring interviews of Holocaust survivors. Beth Am Shalom, Congregation Ahavat Olam, Temple Beth Or, and the Jewish Federation of Ocean County are co-sponsoring this event.
Journalist Mary Ann Giordano, who edited for The New York Times, other New York-based publications, and taught journalism at Columbia University, will conduct interviews of Holocaust survivors Gela Buchbinder and Arthur Spielman. Before and during the service, names of Holocaust victims will be read. Survivors and their families will have the opportunity to light candles in memory of those who perished.
Mike Falk, who is coordinating the event, said, “We hope the program expresses our solidarity and provides more understanding about what the survivors went through and how they maintained hope during that time.”
Additional speakers, including community rabbis, will participate. “Stamp Out Hate” pins will be distributed to attendees.
For more information, contact the CBI office at (732) 349-1244 or visit cbitr.org