Santa Claus Is Coming to Lakewood December 6
Strike up the band! Santa is coming to Lakewood! As part of Lakewood’s annual holiday festivities, Santa Claus will be marching down Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, Sunday December 6, 2015, at 1:00 p.m.
The Lakewood High School marching band will lead the holiday parade, followed by choruses from the Lakewood elementary schools; Lakewood High School sports teams and cheerleaders; and Lakewood Township recreation sports teams, and more.
Santa’s elves (students in the Lakewood High School PALS program), the Lakewood Fire Department, and the Lakewood Police Department, will be delivering Santa to Town Square where the elves will assist Santa in distributing gifts, donated by the Lakewood Recreation Department, to the first 2,000 children age 10 and under.
Children in the elementary school choruses will be singing, among many surprises. The Christmas tree lighting will take place about 4:15 p.m. Students in the Lakewood High School Fine Arts Department will be filming this very special event.
For further information, call Jeff Shapiro, Supervisor of Recreation and Special Events for the Township of Lakewood, 732-905-3405, Ext. 6017.
2015 Lakewood Rehab Program Accepting Applications
HUD, CDBG (Community Development Block Grants), and the Housing and Rehabilitation program (Rehabco) have received their yearly federal financial allotment, about $300,000, to rehab approximately 20-25 housing units for income qualified and eligible Lakewood home owners to improve the health and safety, and correct code violations of their units.
Qualified Lakewood home owners who are income are eligible can download an application at www.rehabconj.com or call Rehabco, the company that administers the program for Lakewood, at 732-477-7750.
To be eligible for 2015, the applicant must be the owner of the property and the property must be the applicant’s principal place of residence. Property taxes must be current.
In order to receive assistance from the program, a family must earn less than $46,100 for a family of one; $52,650 for a family of two; $59,250 for a family of three; $65,800 for a family of four; $71,100 for a family of five; $76,350 for a family of six; $81,600 for a family of seven; and $86,900 for a family of eight.
Township Committeeman Ray Coles, a liaison to the Housing Authority and the CDBG program, said, “This is an extremely valuable program. It allows people who are currently in their homes facing financial problems, to maintain their homes and stay in them.”
According to HUD guidelines, the housing rehabilitation program provides grants (deferred loans) for the rehabilitation and improvement of low and moderate-income single family and rental housing in Lakewood Township. Grants (deferred loans) cover 100 percent of the cost of rehabilitation, not to exceed a maximum of $20,000. In cases of health, safety and code violations, however, this maximum can be exceeded at the discretion of program officials.
An applicant preference will be given to 25 percent of all applicants slated for rehabilitation in one program year (based on the availability of funds) who are 65 years of age or older; and 25 percent of all applicants with very low income as set for in HUD Section 8 Income Guidelines and COAH Regional Income Limits, whichever is lower.
Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove, 9th Legislative District, Featured ELC Speaker
Assemblywoman and Policy Co-chairwoman DiAnne Gove, representing the 9th Legislative District (Ocean, Atlantic, and Burlington counties) will be the featured speaker at the Friday, November 20 meeting and breakfast of Ocean County ELC (Employees Legislative Committee), 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 by October 13, 2015. 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.
The Ocean County ELC is sponsored by Holman Frenia Allison, PC and New Jersey Natural Gas in partnership with the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.
About Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove: Assemblywoman Gove, a life-long resident of Long Beach Township, was asked to fill the vacancy created by the death of Mayor and Commissioner James Mancini in 2003. In 2004, she was elected to a full four-year term as Commissioner and Mayor and re-elected in 2008.
During this time, she also served as President of the Ocean County Mayor’s Association. She was selected to fill a vacant General Assembly seat in the 9th Legislative District in 2009. She was subsequently elected to a full term in the Assembly.
Gove continued to serve her community as Eucharistic Minister and Lector at St. Francis parish, and as a member of the Southern Ocean County Hospital (SOCH) Board of Trustees, chair of the Ocean County Advisory Committee on the Status of Women, as a member of the St. Francis Community Center Board and the Long Beach Island Rotary, where she received the Paul Harris award in 1998.
Assemblywoman Gove graduated from Southern Regional High School. She earned a B.A. in social science at Cabrini College, Radnor, Penn., and an M.A. in social science at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, N.J. Gove taught American History and Government for 32 years, served as mentor and class advisor to eight graduating classes, and was named High School Teacher of the Year in 1992.
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.
Comedy Night at the Strand Theater This Friday Raises Funds for Charities
The Brick Kiwanis is hosting a Night of Comedy, Friday, November 13, 2015, at 8:00 p.m. at the Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood. All proceeds will benefit Kiwanis youth charities and local children’s charities. General admission tickets are $30.00, including all fees. Cash bar will be open in the Strand Gallery and on stage, and all attendees can meet the comedians after the show.
Comedians include “Hilarious Doug Karpf,” who has performed across the country at clubs, casinos, and the U.S. Armed Forces; Andy Hayward, a New York City comic, who performed at the Friars Club; and Brick native Mollie Sperduto, a finalist at the comedy competition at the Tropicana Casino.
Purchase tickets at Strand.org or at the door. For more information contact Jeffrey Gerstenblatt at 732-987-7038.
Kiwanis, established in 1915, is a service organization, serving communities in more than 80 countries! Brick Kiwanis Club, chartered in 1958, has been serving Brick and surrounding communities for more than half a century. The objectives of Kiwanis are to form enduring friendships, provide altruistic services, and to build better communities. The Brick Kiwanis meets the first and third Thursdays of month at Tuscany Bar and Restaurant, Brick, N.J. New members are always welcome.
Preferred Home Health Care Aides Receive Awards at the 2015 Home Health Aide Recognition Day
Home Health Aides from Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services (PHHC), Eatontown, a company that provides home care for individuals in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, recently received awards at the 2015 Home Health Aide Recognition Day, sponsored by the Home Care & Hospice Association of N.J., at Gibbs Hall, Suneagles Golf Course, Eatontown, New Jersey.
The Home Health Aide of the Year is awarded to certified home health aides (CHHAs) who have demonstrated excellence, leadership and compassion throughout their careers at their individual branch office locations. The CHHAs of the Year from Preferred are Gertrude Armstrong, Brick, 10+ years of service; Brenda Dundas, South Orange; Onee Ellis, Eatontown; Marie Foster, North Brunswick, 15+ years; Dexter Holmes, Galloway Township; Denise Langston, Mount Laurel, 15+ years; and Aurora Palmer, Mount Laurel, 12+ years.
Rookie of the Year awards are given to individuals who have been certified home health aides for less than two years but have already exhibited excellence and growth in the role. PHHC’s Rookie of the Year awards went to Rey Gomez, Galloway; Robin Jackson, Mount Laurel; Joan Mann, North Brunswick; Francisca Pizarro-Espinoza, North Brunswick; Charmone Johnson, South Orange; Marlene Portillo, Brick; Charo Torres, South Orange; and Joyce Winn, Eatontown.
Jonathan Herman, Chief Operating Officer of PHHC, said, “We are all very proud to recognize our hard-working and caring home health aides, who represent Preferred so well in the community. They provide quality care to many clients and families in need.”
Each honoree received an award and a keepsake book with tributes about the contributions home health aides make to the care and safety of their clients.
Home health aides provide support and personal services, such as helping clients with bathing, dressing, and eating. They adhere to professional standards and maintain a safe, secure, and healthy client environment by following federal, state, and local requirements.
For more information about Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, contact Lisa Gallicchio, director of community relations, at 732-840-5566.
About Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services: Since 1987, Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services (PHHC), 45 Main Street, Eatontown, N.J., has provided a wide range of medical and non-medical home health care services from pediatric to geriatric care throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. PHHC is accredited by CHAP (Community Health Accreditation Program), an accrediting organization for the home health care industry.
Preferred works collaboratively with physicians, hospitals, nursing homes and facilities to ensure a smooth transition to one’s home. In-house services include skilled nursing care for infants, children, adults, and seniors; personal care services, including bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, etc.; private duty nursing services; and at-home physical therapy, among others. All of the care can be provided in-house and is coordinated by registered nurses, with clinical supervision available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit Preferred at PreferredCares.com for more information.
Realtor Pat Mayer Receive Business Excellence Award
Patricia Mayer, Sea Girt, a realtor with Diane Turton Realtors since 2006, was recently named a 2015 Golden Osprey Award winner by the Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce (JSCC) and received the Business Excellence Award for her outstanding business practices and contributions to the community. Mayer specializes in residential homes, and investment and commercial properties in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
Before becoming a licensed realtor, Mayer was director of operations at AT&T, Bell Labs. She was graduated from Taylor Business School, Plainfield, N.J. with paralegal degree and attended Rutgers University and Fairleigh Dickinson, taking courses in Human Resources.
As a realtor, Mayer’s awards include being named a FIVE STAR Realtor by NJ Magazine each year from 2011 to 2015. Of 80,000 New Jersey realtors, Mayer is one of only 82 award winners to have received this award for the 5th consecutive year. Mayer also received the NJAR Circle of Excellence Award (in 2010 and 2012 through 2014), which recognizes members for excellence in salesmanship; and the 2012 Community Service Award given by Diane Turton, Realtors.
Drew Anlas, division manager of NJ Lenders Corporation and 1st vice president of JSCC, said, “The JSCC Business Excellence Award went to the right person. Pat shows amazing ingenuity in her business practices, going above and beyond in dealing with her clients. Pat not only excels in her business, she excels in life!”
Mayer is actively involved in the community, especially Monmouth County where she has lived in for more than 30 years. A cancer survivor since 2008, she is a member of Leadership Council of the American Cancer Society and a proponent for Mary’s Place by the Sea, Ocean Grove, whose mission is to support women during and after cancer treatment.
Mayer is also on the Advisory Council of Investors Bank, and an active member of the MODC (Monmouth Ocean Development Council). She serves on the board of directors of the JSCC where she in second in line for the presidency; and the Women of Irish Heritage Jersey Shore (WOIHJS).
As a licensed, professional realtor, Mayer is a certified Accredited Staging Professional ®. She recently received her Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation (SRES) awarded to realtors qualified to specialize in the age 50+ buyers and sellers markets. Mayer is a member of the Monmouth County Association of Realtors; the New Jersey Association of Realtors; and National Association of Realtors.
Harmony Bank Reports Results for 3rd Quarter 2015
Harmony Bank (OTCPink:HRMB)(the “Bank”) today reported the results for the quarter and the nine months ending September 30, 2015.
For the quarter ending September 30, 2015, the Bank reported net income of $381,917 or $0.16 per share, compared to $297,864 or $0.12 per share for the same period in 2014, an increase of $84,053 or 28.2 percent.
For the nine months ending September 30, 2015, the Bank reported net income of $1,020,042 $0.42 per share, compared to $653,489 or $0.27 per share for the same period in 2014. This represents an increase of $366,553 or 56.1 percent.
As of September 30, 2015, the total assets of Harmony Bank were $280.1 million, an increase of 14.3 percent over the $245.2 million reported September 30, 2014. Total loans were $227 million as of September 30, 2015, compared to $186.9 million as of September 30, 2014, an increase of $21.4 percent. Total deposits of the Bank increased 16 percent to $242.6 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $209.2 million at September 30, 2014.
The Bank’s asset quality continues to demonstrate strength as non-performing assets were $246,567 as of September 30, 2015, compared to no non-performing loans for the same period in 2014. At September 30, 2015, the reserve for loan losses totaled $3.0 million or 1.34 percent of total loans.
Michael A. Schutzer, president and CEO of the Bank, said, “In September, we began our eighth year as a local community bank and the success of our strategic plan to provide superior service to small businesses and consumers in our primary markets has resulted in meaningful financial results for our loyal shareholders. The bank continues to grow in a conservative and sustainable manner even during these uncertain times. Our increase in net income of over 50 percent from the prior year’s comparable period, while maintaining excellent credit quality is attributable to our attentive staff of dedicated employees and a loyal customer base.”
At September 30, 2015, 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 12.76 percent; Tier 1 risk-based
capital was 11.51 percent; Tier 1 leverage ratio was 9.76 percent, and Common Equity Tier1 capital was 10.02 percent.
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.
About Harmony Bank
Harmony Bank is a state chartered FDIC insured commercial bank that opened for business in September 2008. Its headquarters are located in Jackson, N.J., with branches in Lakewood and Toms River, N.J.
Contacts at Harmony Bank:
Michael A. Schutzer, President and CEO
mschutzer@myharmonybank.com
Michael J. Gormley, EVP/ CFO
mgormley@myharmonybank.com
Outreach and Enrollment Team at OHI Is Scheduling Appointments for Open Enrollment
Do you need health insurance? The Outreach and Enrollment team at (Ocean Health Initiatives), a federally qualified health center, are scheduling appointments to help the general public and its patients with enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace, which begins November 1, 2015, and ends January 31, 2016.
Sasha Andino and Carmen E. Lopez, associates of the Outreach and Enrollment Department, and other qualified OHI staff will answer questions, explain any changes, and help individuals sign up for health insurance. Bilingual certified application counselors are available by appointment only.
Appointments can be made at four OHI sites: Lakewood Health Center, 101 Second Street, Lakewood; Toms River Health Center, 301 Lakehurst Road, Toms River; Manahawkin Health Center, 333 Haywood Road, Manahawkin; Manchester Health Center, Lakehurst Circle Center II, 686 Route 70, Lakehurst.
To sign up for health insurance at the time of their appointment, enrollees should bring their social security card; proof of income, such as pay stubs, W-2 forms, or other income information; their employer’s information; and their date of birth. Eligible immigrants who want health coverage should bring their documents.
For Open Enrollment appointments, and questions and information about OHI’s services, call Ocean Health Initiatives at 732-363-6655. For more information, contact Sasha Andino, outreach and enrollment associate, 848-210-0970 or Carmen Lopez at 732-966-3749.
Important Dates for 2016 Enrollment: December 15, 2015, is the last day to enroll in or change plans for new coverage that begins January 1, 2016. On January 1, 2016, coverage starts for those who enroll or change plans by December 15. January 15, 2016, is the last day to enroll in or change plans for new coverage to start February 1, 2016. Open Enrollment ends January 31, 2016. Enrollments or changes between January 16 and January 31 take effect March 1, 2016. If you don’t enroll in a 2016 plan by January 31, 2016, you cannot enroll in a health insurance plan for 2016 unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
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, Lakewood; and a Mobile Medical Unit. The Lakewood and Manchester sites have pharmacies.
OHI provides comprehensive primary and preventative health 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.
Visit OHI at the 2015 Elderfest Expo – Free Glucose Testing and Outreach and Enrollment Information
Ocean Health Initiatives (OHI), a federally qualified health center, is participating in the Elderfest Expo hosted by Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, Thursday, November 5, 2015, at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 815 Route 37, Toms River, N.J., from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Mobile Medical Unit of OHI, staff, and members from the Outreach and Enrollment Department will provide free glucose testing and education about its medical services in Ocean County.
Certified navigators from the Health Insurance Marketplace of OHI will be available to answer questions about upcoming open enrollment, and to assist the public with outreach and enrollment information.
For same day appointments or to schedule an appointment with our Outreach and Enrollment Associates, call 732-363-6655. For more information, contact Sasha Andino, outreach and enrollment associate, 848-210-0970.
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, Lakewood; and a Mobile Medical Unit. The Lakewood and Manchester sites have pharmacies.
OHI provides comprehensive primary and preventative health 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.
OHI to Provide Flu Shots for Lakewood Township Preschool Students
Ocean Health Initiatives (OHI), a federally qualified health center, will be providing flu shots to Lakewood preschool students on Tuesday, November 3 and Tuesday, November 10 from Noon to 2:30 p.m. at the OHI Mobile Medical Unit, parked at the Lakewood Early Childhood Center, 100 Linden Avenue, Lakewood, N.J. Dr. Gilbert Fleischer, CMO, will be administering the shots.
To receive a flu shot at no out of pocket cost, children must have a completed OHI registration form and a consent form available at school the child attends in addition to their parents’ insurance card or a copy of their insurance card at the time of the visit.
Children can receive their flu shot at no cost through the Vaccines for Children* program offered at all OHI Health Centers if they do not have insurance, are self-pay patients, or are recipients of Medicaid Plan A. Parents of Lakewood preschool students can also receive a flu shot for $20 if they complete the registration and consent forms at the event.
If parents or students are unable to attend the scheduled events, they can call Keila Alvarado, practice director, at 732-363-6655 Ext. 8316 to schedule a flu shot at the Lakewood OHI Health Center, 101 Second Street.
To schedule a same day appointment at OHI, please call 732-363-6655. For more information, contact Kimberly Tozzi, community relations liaison, 732-719-9016.
* The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay.
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, Lakewood; and a Mobile Medical Unit. The Lakewood and Manchester sites have pharmacies.
OHI provides comprehensive primary and preventative health 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.