Gibson Named Operations Manager for the Lakewood Branch of Harmony Bank
Sarah Gibson, Beach Haven, N.J., has been named operations manager for the Lakewood branch of Harmony Bank, with headquarters in Jackson. Her main responsibility will be to manage the Lakewood branch of Harmony Bank at 500 River Avenue.
Gibson has worked in the banking industry for 17 years. Prior to joining Harmony Bank, Gibson worked at the corporate offices of Sterling National Bank, Montebello, N.Y., where she managed the services and execution of day-to-day processes; and did the maintenance and troubleshooting of business online banking, wire transfers, and armored car services, among other responsibilities.
Gibson holds an A.A. degree in Humanities and Social Sciences from Rockland Community College, Suffern, N.Y. She is a member of Rotary International and is licensed by the state of New York to sell life insurance and annuities. Before moving to New Jersey, Gibson was a trustee and board member of the Edward Hopper House Art Center in Nyack, New York, a nonprofit organization that supports the work local artists, among whom is the painter Edward Hopper, known for such famous works as Nighthawks, Chop Suey, and Automat.
For more information, contact Gibson at 732-276-1295.
About Harmony Bank: Harmony Bank, 2120 West County Line Road, Jackson, was founded in 2008 to provide consumers and small to moderate-sized businesses with banking services in Ocean County and Monmouth County. Harmony opened its second branch at 500 River Avenue, Route 9, Lakewood, in 2010; and a Toms River Branch at 104 Route 37 this May 2013.
Harmony Bank offers a full range of personal banking services, including direct deposit, overdraft protection, remote deposit capture, IRAs and certificates of deposit. Lines of credit, letters of credit, commercial mortgages, construction loans and term loans are also available to business customers.
Are You Ready to Get Dirty? Your First Mud Run Is This Sunday!
The Foundation of Specialty Hospitals, 500 River Avenue, Lakewood, is sponsoring Your First Mud Run, a family event (ages six and up) and obstacle race with a little mud thrown in, on Sunday, May 17 at 1075 Stephenson Avenue, Oceanport (formerly Ft. Monmouth). Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m. and the first Run Waves begin at 11:00 a.m.
Register online at www.shnjf.org. Click on Events and then Registration. The fee is $55.00 until May 17 with a $5.00 discount for online registration. Winners will receive medals.
Contact Lisa McGowan, the marketing and communications coordinator for Acute Care Health System, at 732-778-5907 for more information.
About AcuteCare Health System: AcuteCare Health System is considered the leader in developing long term acute care hospitals, known as LTACHs. Specialty Hospital of Central Jersey, an affiliate of AcuteCare Health System, is a “hospital-within-a-hospital,” designed to provide long term acute care to patients with complex medical conditions whose average length of stay is usually 25 days or more. All proceeds will benefit patients’ families and loved ones with expenses not associated with insurance, such as lodging, transportation, and food, among other necessities.
Board members of Specialty Hospitals of New Jersey Foundation are Rose Widdis, Leonard Allen, Susan Zambrano, Mary Pat Napolitano, Deacon Eugene Somma, Margaret Penta, Annmarie Lisa, Peggi Shader, Dina Wegrzyniak, Lisa McGowan and ad hoc member Violeta Peters.
Lakewood Township to Honor All Soldiers May 21 and May 25
Members of the Lakewood Township community are honoring the heroic actions of those men and women who have served in the military and are now serving in the military on Monday, May 25, 2015, with a parade and services at the All War Memorial Amphitheater at Lake Carasaljo, North Lake Drive.
A special observance in honor of Memorial Day will also take place at the Township Committee meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 21.
The Memorial Day ceremony will begin in Town Square at 10:00 a.m. with the raising of the flag and an Invocation. The Memorial Day Parade will start at 10:15 a.m., beginning with the Lakewood High School Marching Band stopping to play at the Review Stand, Third Street and Clifton Avenue.
The Memorial Day Parade will then pass the Review Stand, proceed down Clifton Avenue, making a right onto Main Street (Route 88), crossing Route 9 South, and proceeding the All War Memorial Amphitheater where the Memorial Day program will take place.
Some participants in the Memorial Day parade include the Lakewood Police Department, the Lakewood Police Color Guards, the Lakewood High School JROTC Color Guards, Lakewood American Legion Post #166, Lakewood Elks Lodge #1432, PRAB (Puerto Rican Action Board), Reporte Hispano, Lakewood High School Marching Band, New Life Christian Center, the Lakewood Civilian Safety Watch, the Lakewood Fire Department, Lakewood First Aid Squad, Lakewood EMS, Bethel Pentecostal Church, and the Civil Air Patrol.
Participants are requested to be at their assigned location no later than 9:30 a.m. In case of inclement weather, call 732-363-0200 Ext. 8401 for any weather updated. For questions or concerns, contact the Mayor’s office at 732-364-2500 Ext. 5200.
Visit OHI at the Jersey Shore Festival
Ocean Health Initiatives (OHI), a federally qualified health care center, will be participating in the Jersey Shore Festival at the Seaside Heights boardwalk, between Hancock and Fremont avenues, Saturday, May 16 from noon to 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, May 17, from noon to 5:00 p.m., with free blood pressure screenings, giveaways, health education, and outreach and enrollment information from OHI’s Marketplace. Certified navigators in the Health Insurance Marketplace of OHI will be available to assist the public.
The Jersey Shore Festival is a free admission music and arts festival that kicks off the summer festival season with exhibits by vendors, dealers, and nonprofits; and performances by more than 250 artists from around the world.
For more information, contact Kimberly Tozzi, Community Relations Liaison for OHI, at 732-719-9015.
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.
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.
OHI Sponsors Events for National Women’s Health Week
OHI (Ocean Health Initiatives, Inc.), a federally qualified health center, is recognizing National Women’s Health Week with several events and information about the expansion of its OB/GYN program.
Visit OHI’s tent for information about women’s health, the Marketplace and special enrollment situations, and OHI’s expansion of its OB/GYN services. Enjoy small giveaways, light refreshments and door prize of a women’s health and beauty-themed basket at no charge.
Tuesday, May 12, noon to 4:00 p.m. at 333 Haywood Road, Manahawkin
Wednesday, May 13, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Lakehurst Circle Center II, 686 Route 70, Lakehurst
Friday, May 15, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 101 Second Street, Lakewood
National Women’s Health Week, May 10 – 16, 2015, honors the women – mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, cousins, friends and colleagues – and encourages them to make their own health a priority.
To learn more about National Women’s Health Week visit womenshealth.gov/nwhw/ or contact Kimberly Tozzi, Community Relations Liaison for OHI, 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, Lakewood; and a Mobile Medical Unit.
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.
Allen Promoted to VP/Business Development Officer of Harmony Bank
Leonard Allen, West Long Branch, N.J., has been promoted to vice president and business development officer for Harmony Bank, with headquarters in Jackson. His main responsibility includes building, expanding and enhancing business and customer relationships in the Lakewood community.
Before his promotion, Allen was the vice president and branch manager of Harmony Bank, 500 River Avenue, Lakewood. Allen had served as the second vice president and community banking manager for Investors Saving Bank for 14 years prior to joining Harmony Bank.
Michael Schutzer, president and CEO of Harmony Bank, said, “Since our opening in 2008, we have developed excellent relationships in the Lakewood community. Because of the continued growth in the community, we decided to have Len focus solely on enhancing and growing those relationships. Len’s experience, background, skills, and knowledge of the market make him the perfect candidate for this position while reporting directly to the CEO.”
Allen, a 1986 graduate of Wall Township High School, is dedicated to helping the local community. He is the vice president of Special Hospitals of New Jersey Foundation, Oceanport; immediate past president of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce; a member of the board of directors of Strand Ventures, Inc.; and a volunteer for Girl Scouts of Ocean County.
Among his honors, Allen was named a 2009 and 2010 Business Person of the Month, and the 2007 Citizen of the Year by the Lakewood Chamber. Investors named him Best Business Banker as well as Best Community Banker in 2009.
About Harmony Bank: Harmony Bank, 2120 West County Line Road, Jackson, was founded in 2008 to provide consumers and small to moderate-sized businesses with banking services in Ocean County and Monmouth County. Harmony opened its second branch at 500 River Avenue, Route 9, Lakewood, in 2010; and a Toms River Branch at 104 Route 37 in May 2013.
Harmony Bank offers a full range of personal banking services, including direct deposit, overdraft protection, remote deposit capture, IRAs and certificates of deposit. Lines of credit, letters of credit, commercial mortgages, construction loans and term loans are also available to business customers.
Caregiver Volunteers Sponsor Super 50/50 Raffle to Benefit the Elderly
Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey (CVCJ) is sponsoring a super 50/50 raffle. Only 200 tickets will be sold at $100.00 each. If all tickets are sold, the winner will receive a grand prize of $10,000. Feel free to share the cost of a ticket with friends, family or co-workers! The drawing will take place the evening of May 30, but the winner does not have to be present.
Purchase super 50/50 raffle tickets from Linda Conroy at 732-505-2273, Ext. 203 or email lindac@caregivervolunteers.org. All proceeds will benefit CVCJ.
CVCJ is a nonprofit interfaith agency serving 23 municipalities in Ocean County. All assistance is provided completely free of charge. CVCJ relies on donations to continue its mission, which is to assist the frail and homebound elderly with everyday tasks enabling them to remain independent in their own homes.
About Caregiver Volunteers: More than 1000 volunteers assist over 2000 senior citizens each month with transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, relief for Alzheimer’s disease caregivers, reassuring telephone calls, and friendly pet visits. For more information and to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 732-505-2273; or visit www.caregivervolunteers.org. You can “LIKE” Caregivers on Facebook at facebook.com/caregivervolunteers.
Eat, Drink and Donate at McDonald’s to Help Fund the Lakewood Museum
Bring your appetite and the attached voucher to McDonald’s Proceeds Fundraiser on Thursday, May 21, 2015, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at McDonald’s 6771 Route 9 North, Howell, N.J., just north of the former Regent Diner. Present a special voucher and 25 percent of all purchases will be donated to the Lakewood Historical Society.
The Lakewood Historical Society, the Lakewood Heritage Commission, and the McDonald’s Corporation are co-hosting this fundraiser to benefit the renovations of Kuser Hall, home of the Sheldon Wolpin Historical Museum, Country Club Drive, Lakewood Pine Park, Lakewood, N.J.
Meet several members of the Lakewood Historical Society, who will be helping during the fundraiser: Jimmy Givens, the “Dr. of Musicology” and chairman of fundraising committee; Dr. Stan Liptzin, president; Eileen Liptzin; Robin Taylor-Wellet, president of the Justin E. Taylor/Gilbert Agency; Richard Wolpin; Agnes “Cis” Mayer; and Sister Helen Neder, among others.
The Lakewood Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Visit lakewoodnjhistoricalsociety.org. Donations are always welcome.
For a voucher and more information, contact Jimmy Givens, at jimmygivens.com. or call 732-245-6831.
About Kuser Hall and the Lakewood Historical Society: Kuser Hall, a two-story, 16,000 square-foot math and science classroom building was built in 1927. It is the last remaining building of five that was once the Newman School for Boys, a private boys’ high school from 1920-1942.
The first floor of Kuser Hall, now the Sheldon Wolpin Historical Museum, has been restored to include six galleries that will display some of the vast museum collection of memorabilia and artifacts. Some of the current projects include renovating the bathrooms, building a handicapped ramp, installing a HVAC system, and landscaping.
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Publicize or Perish! ™
Assemblyman Kean Proposes Secure Schools for All Children Act
How much would you pay to make sure children are safe in school? Assemblymen Sean T. Kean (District 30) is sponsoring “Secure Schools for All Children Act” (A-4288), a bill that provides $25.00 per pupil to help ensure security measures for nonpublic school children.
Public school students already receive about $75.00 per pupil for security aid, with an additional amount for the number of low income students enrolled in school.
Because of recent national incidents, all schools have been focusing on increased prevention and preparedness. The money allocated for The Secure Schools for All Children Act would be used to provide security services, equipment, and technology to help ensure a safe and secure school environment for nonpublic school children.
Assemblyman Kean feels it is equally important that nonpublic schools also receive funding to provide for student safety and security measures. “With new school security procedures and advances in technology, we can provide increased protection that includes all our children.”
Because Lakewood is not classified as an Abbott school district, Lakewood does not receive as much funding as the Abbotts. Many Lakewood residents feel the school district has been short-changed in terms of education funding.
Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D) and Assemblyman Sean Kean (R) are the prime sponsors of A-4288, which has bipartisan support.
About Assemblyman Sean T. Kean: Assemblyman Kean is serving his second tenure in the New Jersey General Assembly. He served from October 2002 when he was chosen to fill a vacancy to January 2008 when he started a four-year term in the State Senate. Following redistricting in 2011, he returned to the General Assembly on January 10, 2012. Assemblyman Kean served on the Monmouth County Environmental Council from 1999-2001. He previously served on the Wall Township Planning Board and is a member of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh of the Jersey Shore.
Legislation: Assemblyman Kean has sponsored legislation to mandate that carbon monoxide sensors be installed in all residences. He also sponsored legislation requiring zero emission vehicle technology be made available in the state, and a bill to increase penalties for persons convicted of kidnapping a child under the age of 16. He also authored the law creating the Gold Star license plates for family members of fallen soldiers. In addition, he sponsored legislation that revised alimony laws by providing grounds for modification and termination when the alimony payer retires, loses a job, or when the alimony recipient cohabitates with another person.
Assemblyman Kean, born May 21, 1963, grew up in Deal, N.J. He is a graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School. He graduated from Seton Hall University in 1988, received a master’s degree from Columbia University, and earned a law degree from Seton Hall University Law School. He has a private law practice. He resides in Wall Township with his wife Bridget, and three children.
Atlantic City Ballet Returns to the Strand Theater with Carmen
After a two year absence, the Atlantic City Ballet is returning to The Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, N.J., with its sexy performance of Bizet’s Carmen on Saturday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m. The Strand Theater has hosted the ballet in the past with performances of Dracula and Nutcracker and the original premier of Carmen.
“We were disappointed that these last two years, we could not include The Strand in our touring dates,” said Phyllis Papa, artistic director of the Atlantic City Ballet, “but we are so excited to be back and to have the opportunity to build an audience in this area of the state.”
The ballet is planning to perform at the Strand at least three times during its season. In September, they will bring Ballet Goes Broadway; December will bring back The Nutcracker; and in March they will perform Visions.
“We are always excited to present at The Strand. It’s such a majestic theater and it really showcases the company. All of our ballets look beautiful on that stage.” remarked Papa.
The Atlantic City Ballet will set the stage this Saturday, April 25 for this classic tale of seduction, passion, betrayal and murder with Carmen. Featuring the original, breathtaking choreography of Artistic Director Phyllis Papa, backdrop design by Broadway scenic artist David Esler, and an enthralling score by Georges Bizet, Carmen tells the story of a beautiful seductress, the two lovers who vie for her affection and the tragic outcome of their tangled affair. Ms. Papa’s imaginative staging creates a world where gypsies, smugglers and toreadors pack all the sizzle of Spanish culture into an irresistible theatrical event.
Founded in 1982, by International Ballerina Phyllis Papa, the Atlantic City Ballet is made up of professional dancers from around the world, who have earned national acclaim for their technical expertise and exuberant stage presence. Although their home base is in Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, the Ballet has performed in theaters all along the East coast.
Their repertoire of original works includes such classics as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. Papa, however, is most known for her innovative works, such as Dracula, Caught Up in The Swing and her full length Carmen. Since its inception, the Atlantic City Ballet has served as one of the cultural treasures of New Jersey and continues a tradition of dance excellence for future generations of ballet audiences.
The Atlantic City Ballet will be performing Carmen, SATURDAY April 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the The Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, N.J.
Tickets: $35-Adult Orchestra/Loge; $25-Adult Mezz/Tier; $20-Senior, All seats; $15-Student/Child, All seats
Group discounts available
Purchased tickets by calling the Strand Box Office at 732-730-5925 or visit www.strand.org
For more information, visit www.acballet.org or call 609-348-7201
Photographs and additional information are available upon request at 609-348-7201.