Arbor Day Ceremony Beautifies the Grounds of the Lakewood MUA
This May, Lakewood celebrated Arbor Day and its 35 consecutive year of being designated a Tree City USA by planting a 10-foot Japanese Stewartia tree (Stewartia pseudocamilia) on the grounds of the Lakewood, MUA (Municipal Utilities Authority), 390 New Hampshire Avenue, Lakewood. The Arbor Day planting was sponsored by the Lakewood Shade Tree Commission and Lakewood Township, with help from the Lakewood Public Works Department.
Lakewood Mayor Menashe Miller read a proclamation in honor of Arbor Day and presented it to Stanley Crnobori, Chairman of Shade Tree Commission, at the planting. Craig Theibault, vice chairman of the Shade Tree Commission; Virginia Demeo, member of Shade Tree Commission; Committeemen Meir Lichtenstein and Michael D’Elia; Justin Flancbaum, executive director of the MUA (Municipal Utilities Authority); and Yaakov Wenger, publisher of The Lakewood Shopper, also attended the ceremony.
In past years, trees have been planted at township fire companies, EMS, Lakewood Public Works and the BlueClaws’ stadium. Four years ago, the Arbor Day ceremony took place at the Clarke School; three years it was at the Oak Street School; two years ago it was at the Spruce Street School.
The first celebration of Arbor Day in the United States took place in 1872. The holiday, held on the last Friday in April, was created to encourage individuals and groups to plant trees and realize their importance.
Lakewood has embraced that concept, holding Arbor Day ceremonies and planting hundreds of trees over the years. Craig J. Theibault, vice chairman of the Lakewood Shade Tree Commission said, “You know what they say, ‘The best time to plant a tree is 30 years ago; the second best time is today.’”
Crnobori is a retired corporate executive whose career spanned 40 years with several prominent Fortune 100 companies operating within the global food manufacturing industry, one of which was The Coca-Cola Company. He was a member of the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command and became a Licensed Master/Captain under a civilian status with the U.S. Merchant Marine/U.S.Coast Guard, part of our Homeland Security operation. In 2012 he completed the Master Gardener curriculum, offered through Rutgers University Agricultural extension office.
Crnobori said, “My desire to be a part of the Lakewood Shade Tree Commission stems from being a member of the Arbor Day Foundation coupled with a life-long love of trees and a compelling drive to protect them for the sake of our environment and generations to follow.”
Theibault, who holds a B. S. degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture, has been a member of the Ocean County Shade Tree Commission since 1992. Besides serving on the Shade Tree Commission locally, Theibault has also served as a member of the N.J. Community Forestry Council, a 20-member advisory board to the State Forester, since 1999.
Harmony Bank Announces Redemption of SBLF Preferred Shares
Jackson, NJ- May 10, 2016. Harmony Bank (OTCPink: HRMB) (the 11Bank”) today announced it had redeemed all of the 3,500 shares of the Company’s Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, liquidation amount $1,000 per share (the ({Series B Preferred Stock”) issued to the United States Secretary of the Treasury (the ({Treasury”) in September 2011 pursuant to the Small Business Lending Fund Program ( 11SBLF”). The Series B Preferred Stock was redeemed from the Company’s existing available funds. The redemption terminates the Bank’s participation in the SBLF Program.
Michael A. Schutzer, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, said, “The SBLF program provided our Bank with a great opportunity to enhance our strong capital position and help ensure we could continue to meet the credit needs of businesses in the communities we serve. During our four and half years participating in the program, we provided financing to our small business customers, and paid the lowest dividend rate available under the SBLF until March 15, 2016. During our participation, we continued to grow and strengthen our balance sheet through strong earnings, maintain exemplary asset quality, and conduct a successful capital raise.”
After the redemption, the Bank continues to have capital in excess of levels necessary to be deemed well-capitalized under current regulatory standards.
About Harmony Bank
Harmony Bank is a state chartered FDIC insured commercial bank that opened for business in September 2008. The headquarters is located in Jackson, N.J. and additional branch offices are located in Lakewood and Toms River. Harmony Bank common stock shares are listed on the OTCPink market under the symbol HRMB. Visit http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/HRMB/quote for a current quote.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains certain ({forward-looking statements” about Harmony Bank, which, to the extent applicable, are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided under the Federal securities laws; and, regardless of such coverage, you are cautioned about. Such statements are not historical facts and involve certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements.
Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
• A severe decline in the general economic conditions of New Jersey;
• higher than expected increases in our allowance for loan losses;
• higher than expected increases in loan losses or in the level of nonperforming loans;
• unexpected changes in interest rates;
• a continued or unexpected decline in real estate values within our market areas;
• lack of liquidity to fund our various cash obligations;
• unanticipated reduction in our deposit base; and
• other unexpected material adverse changes in our operations or earnings.
We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in our expectations. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.
Contacts at Harmony Bank:
Michael A. Schutzer, President and CEO mschutzer@myharmonybank.com Michael J. Gormley, EVP/ CFO mgormley@myharmonybank.com
Visit OHI at New Egypt Day Festival and Street Fair, May 14
The bilingual outreach and enrollment team of Ocean Health Initiatives (OHI), a federally qualified health center with locations in Ocean County, will be available at the New Egypt Day 2016 celebration Saturday, May 14, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at historic downtown New Egypt, 121 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, N.J., to provide guidance about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), answer questions, explain any changes, and discuss options under Medicaid and NJ Family Care.
The OHI team will also provide education and information about OHI’s medical services for insured, uninsured and underinsured people of Ocean County, and veterans can get information about OHI’s participation in the Veterans Choice Program. At OHI’s tent, the public can get free blood pressure and glucose screenings.
New Egypt Day is a traditional street fair that includes food, music, vendors and lots of fun for kids, including inflatables, face painting, pony rides, and a petting zoo.
For more information about OHI, contact Kimberly Tozzi, community relations coordinator, at 732-719-9016.
About Ocean Health Initiatives
OHI is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) federally qualified health center (FQHC) with locations at 101 Second Street, Lakewood; 301 Lakehurst Road, Toms River; 333 Haywood Road, Manahawkin; Lakehurst Circle Center II, 686 Route 70 Lakehurst; a health center within the Clifton Avenue Elementary School, 625 Clifton Avenue, and Lakewood High School, 855 Somerset Avenue, Lakewood; and a Mobile Medical Unit. The Lakewood and Manchester sites have pharmacies.
OHI provides comprehensive preventative and primary health and dental care to Ocean County’s insured, uninsured and underinsured populations. A sliding-fee scale is available, based on an individual’s or family’s ability to pay. Services include pediatrics, maternal and child health, prenatal, WIC, universal immunizations, behavioral health, dental, family medicine, internal medicine, OB/GYN, podiatry and social services.
OHI has a bilingual staff available to assist patients and callers. To become a patient of OHI, call 732-363-6655. Visit www.ohinj.org for further information.
Veterans Can Gain Access to Health Care Services at OHI
OHI (Ocean Health Initiatives) a federally qualified health center with locations in Ocean County, has been named an eligible provider in The Veterans Choice Program.
The Veterans Choice Program provides eligible veterans with the option to receive non-VA health care services from approved community health care providers, such as OHI, in their communities. Using this program will not have any impact on existing VA health care or any other VA benefit.
Some qualifying situations for veterans include waiting more than 30 days for VA medical care, or having to travel 40 miles or more to a VA medical facility, among others. Veterans can call 866-606-8198 to find out if they qualify or visit http://www.va.gov/opa/choiceact/ and schedule an appointment at OHI.
Those Veterans who do qualify should use their Veterans Choice Card, which will allow them to request OHI as their community-based primary health care provider. The Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, located on the first floor of the Ocean County One-Stop Center, 1027 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, can provide additional assistance to veterans about obtaining and using their Veterans Choice Card.
For more information about OHI, contact Kimberly Tozzi, community relations coordinator, at 732-719-9016.
About Ocean Health Initiatives
OHI is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) federally qualified health center (FQHC) with locations at 101 Second Street, Lakewood; 301 Lakehurst Road, Toms River; 333 Haywood Road, Manahawkin; Lakehurst Circle Center II, 686 Route 70 Lakehurst; a health center within the Clifton Avenue Elementary School, 625 Clifton Avenue, and Lakewood High School, 855 Somerset Avenue, Lakewood; and a Mobile Medical Unit. The Lakewood and Manchester sites have pharmacies.
OHI provides comprehensive preventative and primary health and dental care to Ocean County’s insured, uninsured and underinsured populations. A sliding-fee scale is available, based on an individual’s or family’s ability to pay. Services include pediatrics, maternal and child health, prenatal, WIC, universal immunizations, behavioral health, dental, family medicine, internal medicine, OB/GYN, podiatry and social services.
OHI has a bilingual staff available to assist patients and callers. To become a patient of OHI, call 732-363-6655. Visit www.ohinj.org for further information.
ELC Meeting to Feature Senator Robert W. Singer
Senator Robert W. Singer, Legislative District 30 of the N.J. State Legislature, is the featured speaker at the Ocean County ELC (Employees Legislative Committee) meeting and breakfast on Friday, May 20, 2016, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 815 Route 37 West, Toms River, N.J.
ELC meetings, open to the public, are designed to inform the business community about important legislation, provide face-to-face opportunities with key government officials, and encourage dialogue between business and government.
The registration fee, including a buffet breakfast, is $20.00. R.S.V.P. to Elizabeth Cahill at ecahill@firstenergycorp.com or call 609-656-2600. Pay at the door or mail checks, payable to Ocean ELC, to Julie Holman, Chairwoman of Ocean ELC, 150 West State Street, Trenton, N.J. 08608. Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m. The program begins at 8:30 a.m.
The Ocean County ELC is sponsored by Holman Frenia Allison, PC and New Jersey Natural Gas.
More about Senator Singer: Senator Singer has devoted his life to public service. Locally, he served on the Lakewood Township Committee from 1980-2010, 1983, 1994, 1985-86, and was mayor in 2009. Currently he is on the Board of Directors of the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council (2001-present); the chairman of the Lakewood Municipal Utility Authority (1999-present); and vice chairman of Ocean County Board of Health (1999-present). Senator Singer’s legislative services include serving in the Senate (1993-present) as Conference Leader (2008-present), Co-Republican Majority Leader (2002-03), and Assistant Majority Leader (1997-2001). He served in the General Assembly from 1992-93, 1986-89 and was Majority Whip (1992-93). Senator Singer served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves from 1966-72.
About ELC: Employer Legislative Committees: The ELCs, established by NJBIA in 1959, are independent, local organizations representing all 21 counties. At each meeting, legislators, cabinet members or local officials will discuss important issues pertinent to business. Attendees also receive a briefing from one of NJBIA’s government affairs experts on legislative and regulatory issues affecting employers.
About NJBIA: The New Jersey Business & Industry Association, Trenton, N.J., provides information, services and advocacy to its member companies in order to build a more prosperous New Jersey. NJBIA is the nation’s largest statewide employer association. Its members, as a group, employ more than one million people and represents every industry in the state, including contractors, manufacturers, retail and wholesale businesses, and service providers of every kind. Visit www.njbia.org for more information.
Harmony Bank Reports 1st Quarter 2016 Results – Quarterly Earnings Up 48%
Harmony Bank {OTCPink: HRMB) {the “Bank”) today reported financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.
For the quarter ended March 31, 2016, the Bank reported net income of $362,435 or $0.15 per share, compared to $245,186 or $0.10 per share, for the same period in 2015, an increase of $117,249 or 47.8 percent
As of March 31, 2016, the total assets of Harmony Bank were $304.9 million, an increase of 13.3 percent over the $269.1million reported March 31, 2015. Total loans were $248.3 million as of March 31, 2016, compared to $207.7 million as of March 31, 2015, an increase of 19.6 percent. Total deposits of the Bank increased 14.4 percent to $266.4 million at March 31, 2016, compared to $232.8 million at March 31, 2015.
The Bank’s non-performing assets were $2.8 million as of March 31, 2016, compared to $246,567 as of March 31, 2015. The increase non-performing assets was due to one multi-family loan where the Bank is actively pursuing collection. The Bank has recently completed a loss analysis based on recent appraisals and believes the loan is adequately reserved for based on the appraisal and analysis. At March 31, 2016, the Bank’s allowance for loan losses totaled $3.3 million or 1.32 percent of total loans.
Michael A. Schutzer, president and CEO of the Bank, stated, “The first quarter results are highly reflective of our performance since becoming profitable in the 2rd quarter of 2011. We have continued to grow the balance sheet, the loan and deposit portfolio, and enhance our earnings.”
At March 31, 2016, Harmony Bank continued to maintain capital levels that exceed those to be considered a well-capitalized institution under Federal guidelines. Total risk-based capital was 12.35 percent; tier 1risk-based capital was 11.10 percent; tier 11everage ratio was 9.51 percent and common equity tier 1capital was 9.72 percent.
About Harmony Bank
Harmony Bank is a state chartered FDIC insured commercial bank that opened for business in September 2008. The headquarters is located in Jackson, N.J. and additional branch offices are located in Lakewood and Toms River. Harmony Bank common stock shares are listed on the OTCPink market under the symbol HRMB.
Visit http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/HRMB/quote for a current quote.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains certain ((forward-looking statements” about Harmony Bank, which, to the extent applicable, are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided under the Federal securities laws; and, regardless of such coverage, you are cautioned about. Such statements are not historical facts and involve certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward looking statements include, but are not limited to:
• A severe decline in the general economic conditions of New Jersey;
• higher than expected increases in our allowance for loan losses;
• higher than expected increases in loan losses or in the level of nonperforming
loans;
• unexpected changes in interest rates;
• a continued or unexpected decline in real estate values within our market
areas;
• lack of liquidity to fund our various cash obligations;
• unanticipated reduction in our deposit base; and
• other unexpected material adverse changes in our operations or earnings.
We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in our expectations. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.
Contacts at Harmony Bank:
Michael A. Schutzer, President and CEO; mschutzer@myharmonybank.com
Michael J. Gormley, EVP/ CFO mgormley@myharmonybank.com
Now This Is Something to Yap About! Greater Media Hosts Annual Bark in the Park
Why shouldn’t YOUR dog have his day? Take your pet to the annual “Bark in the Park,” hosted by Greater Media radio stations 100.1 WJRZ and 95.9 the WRAT, at FirstEnergy Park, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood, N.J., Saturday, May 14, 2016, from noon to 4:00 p.m., rain or shine.
Before the game begins, pets can enjoy a variety of free activities, such as Silly Pet Tricks and a Pet Parade, which takes place on the field. The winner of 100.1 WJRZ’s Cutest Pet Contest will be crowned on-site at Bark in the Park. The Paw-parazzi will take pictures of you and your dog. Watering stations are available. All animals must be on a leash and have up-to-date shots.
Local animal shelters, rescue groups, and humane societies will also be on site to help you choose the right dog for you to adopt.
With the purchase of lawn seats for $10.00 and a Pooch-Pass for $2.00, leashed dogs and their owners can also enjoy special seating area for the baseball game that day at 4:05 between the Lakewood BlueClaws and the West Virginia Power.
Each radio station will be broadcasting live from FirstEnergy Park: Christy Springfield for 100.1 WJRZ and Jimmy Steal for 95.9 WRAT. Bark in the Park sponsors include Lucky’s Bed and Biscuit, Manahawkin; Ocean County Veterinarian Hospital, Brick; and Meridian Health. Toyota World of Lakewood is the WJRZ sponsor and Pine Belt Auto Group is the WRAT sponsor.
For ticket information, game times, and up-to-date information, call 732-901-7000 or visit www.blueclaws.com. For questions, contact Jackie Farago, regional events coordinator of Greater Media New Jersey at 732-681-3800, Ext. 330.
About Great Media
WRAT-FM (95.9) and 100.1 WJRZ are radio stations that are owned and operated by Greater Media New Jersey, a subsidiary of Greater Media, Inc. Greater Media, Inc. is the parent company of twenty-three AM and FM radio stations in the Boston, Charlotte, Detroit, New Jersey, and Philadelphia markets. Greater Media also owns a modern printing plant and a group of weekly papers in central New Jersey, as well as several telecommunications towers, located throughout the United States.
Ever Been Bullied? Children’s Book Explores How Being Different Can Be an Asset
One in four school children last year reported being bullied. This national problem was not lost on New Jersey native Josephine DeFeis. Instead of simply sitting back and watching reports about bullying on the news, the Ocean County resident decided to do something about it.
In the midst of writing a children’s book about horses, DeFeis, a social worker by profession, chose bullying as a theme around which to tell a story. The result is “Pinky,” a fable she wrote to teach youngsters of all ages to embrace what makes them different, to use their unique qualities to shine in the face of bullies, and to realize their dreams.
“Pinky” is set on Pickles Farm, an idyllic place where a wide variety of animals happily lived together; that is, until a black foal with pink spots was born. Her parents believed their foal to be the most beautiful ever born and named her Pinky after the spots that dotted her coat. But when Pinky grew large enough to join the other animals on the farm, instead of welcoming her, they shunned her because she was different. Pinky was stared at, called names, and bullied.
By the end of the book, however, Pinky realized that what her parents had told her all along was true – being different really was a gift, and that she should never give up on her dreams – a good lesson for children and adults alike.
DeFeis, herself, knows what it’s like to be different and to struggle. The Paterson native grew up decades ago in a single-parent home when that was far from the norm. She only went as far as the eighth grade, but later returned to school to get her GED thanks to the Paterson Neighborhood Youth Corps, a program for inner-city kids that provided an opportunity to work part time and take educational courses leading to a GED. DeFeis eventually earned her Bachelor of Social Work, from Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah.
The divorced mother and grandmother said she has seen many people picked on over the years, and she has always been the one to stick up for those being bullied. “Kids get picked on all the time because they don’t have the best shoes or the best clothes or the best address,” DeFeis said. “That doesn’t mean you don’t matter. Everybody has dreams and goals, and nobody has the right to take that away from you.”
“Pinky” is a story about overcoming obstacles, and it has a message for people of all ages, DeFeis said. That is, “It’s okay to have dreams; and if somebody doesn’t like them, you shouldn’t let that stop you. You can’t let rejection stop you because you don’t know what you could have accomplished otherwise. Not everyone has to be like you, but you are important and you do matter.”
Although “Pinky” is DeFeis’ first book, she is a published poet. Her hobbies are acting, voice-overs, poetry writing, commercial print, and continuing her passion to advocate for others. DeFeis hopes to have “Pinky” published in Spanish. Richard Hinton, who will be earning a B.A. in Fine Arts with a concentration in animation at Monmouth University, Long Branch, this May is assisting DeFeis in animating the “Pinky” for YouTube.
“Pinky,” published by Outskirts Press Inc., is available on amazon.com, on Kindle through Amazon, and barnesandnoble.com. For more information, call DeFeis at 732-854-2750 or email josephinedefeis.com.
OHI Associates to Participate in Annual Baby & Children’s Fair
OHI (Ocean Health Initiatives), a federally qualified health center in Ocean County and a community partner of Community Medical Center, will be participating in the Annual Baby & Children’s Fair at Community Medical Center, 99 Highway 37 West, Toms River, Sunday, April 24, 2016, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
At the Fair, OHI’s outreach associates will provide guidance to attendees about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), answer questions, explain any changes, and discuss options under Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare. OHI will also give attendees information on its women’s health services and its affiliation with the hospital.
The Fair includes drawings, refreshments, and giveaways. Organizations and agencies will provide information about services available in the community.
The Toms River Police Department will check children’s car seats for safety.
Admission and parking are free, but registration is requested. Call 1-888-724-7123 to register or for more information.
For more information about OHI, contact Kimberly Tozzi, community relations coordinator, at 732-719-9016.
About Ocean Health Initiatives
OHI is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) federally qualified health center (FQHC) with locations at 101 Second Street, Lakewood; 301 Lakehurst Road, Toms River; 333 Haywood Road, Manahawkin; Lakehurst Circle Center II, 686 Route 70 Lakehurst; a health center within the Clifton Avenue Elementary School, 625 Clifton Avenue, and Lakewood High School, 855 Somerset Avenue, Lakewood; and a Mobile Medical Unit. The Lakewood and Manchester sites have pharmacies.
OHI provides comprehensive preventative and primary health and dental care to Ocean County’s insured, uninsured and underinsured populations. A sliding-fee scale is available, based on an individual’s or family’s ability to pay. Services include pediatrics, maternal and child health, prenatal, WIC, universal immunizations, behavioral health, dental, family medicine, internal medicine, OB/GYN, podiatry and social services.
OHI has a bilingual staff available to assist patients and callers. To become a patient of OHI, call 732-363-6655. Visit www.ohinj.org for further information.
What Will Recruiting Look Like in 2025? May HR Meeting
It’s only nine years away, but recruiting strategies will be completely different in 2025. How will social media and cloud-based services change recruiting? How will HR professionals attract and retain the workforce of the future?
Attendees of the monthly meeting of JSAHR (The Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources), open to the public, will explore new trends and the future of recruiting on Thursday, May 12, 2016, from 7:45 to 10:00 a.m., at the Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune, N.J.
The registration fee, including a full buffet breakfast, is $30.00 for JSAHR members; $40.00 for nonmembers; $25.00 for guests and those in-transition, and $10.00 for full-time students. Register online at jsahr.shrm.org/events or email jsahr.shrm@gmail.com or call Christine Higgins, JSAHR chapter administrator, at 732-701-7155.
JSAHR, a SHRM affiliated chapter, is a Gold Excel award winner of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management.) The Heritage Group of Companies, Toms River, is sponsoring the meeting. This program is pending one (1) SHRM and HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) recertification credit. www.hrci.org
About the Speaker: Marcia Zaruba O’Connor, who has more than 23 years in the areas of recruiting and human resources, is the president and CEO of The O’Connor Group where she provides talent acquisition consulting and human resource outsourcing services to clients. She is the past president of the Philadelphia chapter of SHRM, and the Philadelphia Society of People and Strategy. Zaruba O’Connor has spoken at local SHRM chapters, including at the Garden State Council’s annual conference in Atlantic City. She earned a B.S. in accounting from Widener University and an M.S. in human organizational development from Villanova University.