And the Winner Is…..WRAT Crowns the Rat Rock Calendar Girl
She never modeled before but that didn’t stop Odette Brenner, age 23, Oceanport, N.J., from winning the cover spot on the 2015 Rat Rock Calendar and $5,000. Greater Media radio station, 95.9 WRAT, Lake Como, recently announced the winner of its Rat Rock Calendar Cover Girl Search at the Headliner, 1401 Route 35, Neptune City, N.J.
Since September, the WRAT has been searching for its 2015 Rat Rock Calendar Cover Girl and accepting submissions of professional or amateur photos. From all submissions, the top 40 were selected for the next round of voting, conducted by the listeners at wrat.com.
The result of that voting narrowed the field to the top 12 female contestants who each received $500 and a place in the 2015 calendar, representing a month. The final round of voting decided who the cover girl would be.
All finalists appeared at the Headliner and signed copies of the 2015 Rat Rock Girl calendars, which were distributed for free. Sponsors of the Rat Rock Girl Calendar include Shore Point Distributing, Nutrishop, Builders General and Elite Smoke Shop.
For more information, contact Doug Sjonvall, Marketing Director Greater Media New Jersey, WRAT/WJRZ, 732-681-3800 Ext. 306 or visit promorat@greatermedianj.com.
WRAT-FM is a radio station of Greater Media, Inc. Greater Media, Inc. is the parent company of twenty-one AM and FM radio stations in the Boston, Detroit, Charlotte, New Jersey, and Philadelphia markets. Greater Media also owns a group of weekly newspapers in central New Jersey and several telecommunications towers, located throughout the United States.
Meet the Union – January JSAHR Meeting
Is your company vulnerable to union activity? What do employers need to know right now? Keith Peraino from National Labor Consultants (NLC), a professional association directing Human Resources Leadership Teams in preventing union organizing in the workplace, will present Meet the Union Thursday, January 8, 2015, at the monthly meeting of JSAHR (The Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources), from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune, N.J.
Keith Peraino will cover topics, such as signs of Union activity, behind the scenes of a Union organizing drive, how union organizers operate to accomplish their goals, and union avoidance.
The registration fee, including a full buffet breakfast, is $30.00 for JSAHR members; $40.00 for nonmembers; $25.00 for those in-transition, and $10.00 for full-time students. This program has been approved for HRCI 1.25 recertification credits. JSAHR is a Gold Excel award winner of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management).
To register, email jsahr.shrm@gmail.com or call Christine Higgins, JSAHR chapter administrator at 732-701-7155.
About Keith Peraino: Keith Peraino earned a MS in Healthcare Administration from Lehigh University, and holds a Certificate in Human Resources Management from Villanova. He has wide-spread campaign experience and was a senior human resources official for the largest health care system in New Jersey. He spent years directing extensive organizing campaigns by working in conjunction with many of the major unions that exist. His experience with the union, organizing, negotiating, and handling contract administration and arbitrations provides rare insight into the methodology currently used by the nation’s largest unions.
Throughout his tenure, however, it became more apparent to him that as workers organized, there was little to no gain for them and nothing was being accomplished through collective bargaining. Since then he has been involved with campaigns against unions, such as the Teamsters, UFCW, and IBEW, and many others. Peraino provides management training in all industries and speaks at many SHRM meetings throughout the country.
Business Link Networking and Program Draws a Crowd in Lakewood
“Don’t think of it as rejection of you, personally.” “Rejection is just a delaying tactic because people may not want to make decisions right then and there.” “Businesses offer features and benefits. Most people don’t buy features; they want the benefits—what’s in it for them. ”
Adam Lieberman, a nationally renowned sales trainer, executive coach and business consultant, recently offered such insights to more than 80 attendees at the Lakewood Business Link Initiative in the Strand Theater Gallery, Lakewood, during his talk, “WE are ALL in Sales.”
Patricia Komsa, executive director of the LDC and UEZ coordinator, said, “We are thrilled Mr. Lieberman was able to join us. His entire method of delivering his presentation was such that it met one of our goals for the networking program, which is to encourage open, friendly dialogue in an informal, roundtable setting. The feedback we received was very good and serves to encourage more of these networking events.”
Alex Lowinger, director of Small Business services for the LCSC, said, “The purpose of this event is to encourage open dialogue, brainstorm ideas and build relationships. The feedback we’re getting is extremely positive. People are seeing real results both in terms of building relationships and in actual sales generated through these events.”
Rabbi Moshe Weisberg, LDC treasurer/treasurer and president of LCSC, said, “It is wonderful to see so many different businesses from all segments of Lakewood’s business community here tonight. Events, such as this one, create opportunities for long-term business growth and development.”
The next business networking event is scheduled for late January.
The networking event and program, sponsored by the Lakewood UEZ, an arm of the LDC (Lakewood Development Corporation), and co-hosted by the LCSC (The Lakewood Community Services Corporation), focuses on local entrepreneurs and business people, giving them an opportunity to network and learn about relevant business topics.
The UEZ (Urban Enterprise Zone) is designed to foster economic growth and revitalization. The UEZ encourages businesses to create private sector jobs through public and private investment. More than 540 Lakewood UEZ businesses benefit from tax and financial incentives. For more information about the UEZ and small business loans, contact Patricia Komsa, UEZ coordinator, at 732-364-2500 Ext6 5257 or pkomsa@lakewoodnj.gov.
The LCSC, a nonprofit organization, acts as an umbrella organization for more than 20 agencies, supporting and assisting residents and businesses. It is the lead agency in applying for funding in many social service and community agencies. For more information about the LCSC, contact Ari Rosenblum at 732-901-6001 Ext. 7 or arosenblum@thelcsc.org.
Two Franchises Help Revitalize Lakewood Strip Mall – Dunkin’ Donuts and Jimmy John’s Open
Two of Lakewood Township’s newest businesses held their grand openings recently – a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise owned by Ram Hegde and his family, and a Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches franchise, the first in Ocean County, owned by Garrett and Courtney Hogan.
Steven Reinman, the director of economic development for Lakewood, said, “We are pleased to see more commercial development along the Rt. 70 corridor. These businesses will serve the local population and the many companies in our industrial parks, the second largest in New Jersey. We are happy to welcome these businesses to the community.”
“This is part of the efforts to boost business in Lakewood and it is part of the continuing goal to revitalize and rejuvenate existing commercial areas throughout the township,” said David Nicola, executive director of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held December 12 at both businesses, which are located next to each other in the strip mall Shore Plaza at 700 Route 70.
Throughout the day, customers stopped by for a free cup of medium coffee that Ram Hegde’s employees were serving up or for a snack-size portion of turkey, roast beef, or ham and cheese subs that Hogan was handing out.
Hogan, a Point Pleasant resident who grew up in Brick, said it took two years to go through the process of deciding to become a business owner and opening up a franchise. Robert B. Goodyear, chairman of the Ocean County Chapter of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and a member of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, said he assisted Hogan, who is a friend, through the process.
“We chose this location because we thought there was a need for a sandwich shop in the area that delivers to businesses in the Lakewood Industrial Park and to the senior communities. Plus, it gives us the opportunity to introduce a new brand,” said Hogan, who has 18 employees working in the sandwich shop, open 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week.
Jimmy John’s offers catering, bakes its own bread, offers free delivery of all orders “so fast you’ll freak,” and purchases its produce locally. The Lakewood Jimmy John’s is the 10th shop to open in New Jersey, said Hogan, who has future plans to open additional locations in Ocean County. Thirty-one years ago, the chain was started by then 19-year-old Jimmy John Liautaud in a converted Illinois garage. It grew into a chain that has 2,000 locations in 43 states.
Meanwhile, this is the third Dunkin’ Donuts that Hegde, of Edison, has opened in Lakewood. Hegde and his family also own and operate two Dunkin Donuts in Brick, two in Jackson, and one in Howell. He said 12 to 15 employees will be working at the newest location, which has a drive-through lane.
“We have 150 employees working at all of our Dunkin’ Donuts stores in Ocean County, and we also have a kitchen in Lakewood to bake our products,” he said.
About the Lakewood Industrial Commission (LIC): For more information about opportunities for commercial business in Lakewood or the Lakewood Industrial Park, contact Executive Director Steven Reinman, 732-364-2500 Ext. 5333. Offices of the LIC are in the Lakewood Municipal Building, 231Third Street, Lakewood, N.J. 08701
About the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce: The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary nonprofit organization made up of New Jersey businesses and professionals who are working together to build a healthy economy and improve life in the community. The Lakewood Chamber has been active since 1917. For more information about the chamber, call 732-363-0012 or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lakewood-Chamber-of-Commerce/63388488203, or their website at http://ourlakewoodchamber.com/#features.
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Publicize or Perish! ™
New Dermatology Practice Opens in Tinton Falls
Dr. Maria Ann Kolarsick, DNP APN FNP-BC DCNP*, Fair Haven, has opened Dermatology Health Center, a dermatology practice, at 43 Gilbert Street North, Suite 2, Tinton Falls, New Jersey 07701.
*DNP: Doctor of Nursing Practice; APN: Advanced Practice Nurse; FNP-BC: Family Nurse
Practitioner-Board Certified; DCNP: Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner
As a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Board-certified Dermatology and Family Nurse Practitioner (DCNP), Dr. Kolarsick diagnoses and treats such conditions as acne, moles (nevi), skin cancers, rashes, warts, psoriasis, and rosacea, among others. She performs comprehensive skin exams and provides medical, cosmetic, and minor surgical care. The scope of her practice includes the entire family.
Before opening her practice, Dr. Kolarsick worked as a DNP and a DCNP with a Mohs surgeon, in Tinton Falls. She worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with the Central VNA of NJ in the Red Bank, Asbury Park, and Keyport clinics. She also volunteered offering dermatology health care at Parker Health Center, Red Bank, N.J., a facility for the underserved and underprivileged population.
Dr. Kolarsick, a graduate of Mater Dei Prep High School, New Monmouth, New Jersey, received a B.S. with a major in nursing from Salve Regina University, Newport, Rhode Island. She began her M.S.N. (Master of Science in Nursing) at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, finishing that degree at Monmouth University in 2001 where she also became a FNP. Dr. Kolarsick earned her DNP in 2011 from UMDNJ (University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey), Newark, N.J.
Kolarsick has published in journals and co-authored Site Specific Skin Cancer and Melanoma, a book sponsored by the Oncology Nurses Society.
She is a member of the National Academy of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners; American Nurses Association; New Jersey State Nurses Association; Dermatology Nurses Association (DNA), Sigma Theta Tau; Doctor of Nursing Practice, and has served on national executive committees, such as the Dermatology Nurses Association and the American College of Nurse Practitioners.
Dr. Kolarsick is also a volunteer of the Medical Reserve Corps, Freehold, an organization that meets public health needs by responding to national and international disasters, such as 911, the earthquake in Dominican Republic, and Katrina.
Dr. Kolarsick, a lifelong resident of Monmouth County, and her husband Paul are the parents of five children, ages 25 to 33, and grandparents of twins.
For more information, contact Dr. Kolarsick at 732-747-3376 or visit www.dermatologyhealthcenter.com.
Tractor-Trailer Filled to Help the Needy – Greater Media Radio the WRAT’s Broadcast for the People a Success
In just two days, employees of Greater Media radio station the WRAT (95.9), Lake Como, filled a 40-foot tractor-trailer, its 18th trailer in 16 years, with food and non-perishable items to help local New Jersey residents as part of its annual Broadcast for the People drive.
They filled the trailer with food for the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean counties; new and gently used clothing for Family Resource Associates; and toiletries (soap, tooth brushes, tooth paste) for Holiday Express.
Among the donations were almost 2,000 tooth brushes, 350 tubes of toothpaste, 9,123 pounds of clothes (up from last year’s 7068 pounds); 15,622 pounds of food (up from last year’s 15,345 pounds) and 268 frozen turkeys. Monetary donations and gift cards totaled $1700.
Doug Sjonvall, promotions director for WRAT, remarked that some notable donations included a high school that came in two school busses. One bus had 40 students, and the other was stuffed with donations for the trailer. A local fire department came at night, with sirens and lights blaring, each vehicle packed with donations they collected. One donor arrived with a food-filled shopping cart on the back of his flatbed tow truck. One donor mentioned how this is his 12th year donating, including one year when they had to live in a hotel for a while because they had nowhere else to go. Their thought was that somewhere there are always people worse off than they are.
“It’s events and stories like this that makes us appreciate our listeners even more from year to year,” said Sjonvall. “Don’t forget that after Sandy in 2012, we collected the equivalent of three trailer-trucks that year!”
Sjonvall said, “Listeners too far away to come to our location at Shop Rite, Neptune, made donations at satellite locations, such Brave New World, Toms River, and Verizon Wireless, Manalapan. We sent the promo team and on-air personality Gotts with a WRAT van to collect the donations. Each time the van came back stuffed to the roof with clothes, food and turkeys.”
Helping the Rat Pack unload the trailer were FoodBank volunteers, 10 McGuire Air Force Base volunteer cadets, and seven people from the local Pepsi distributor.
Sjonvall said, “The FoodBank informed us that for every dollar donated, that is the equivalent of three meals, and every 1.2 pounds of food is equivalent to one meal. With everything we collected this year we were able to provide Monmouth and Ocean County people with approximately 15,000 meals.”
Broadcast for the People is sponsored by Pepsi, Mini of Monmouth, Surf Taco, Major Tool, Coors Light/Shore Point Distributing, and NJ Lottery. For further information, contact Doug Sjonvall 732-681-3800 x-306.
WRAT-FM is a radio station of Greater Media, Inc. Greater Media, Inc. is the parent company of twenty-one AM and FM radio stations in the Boston, Detroit, Charlotte, New Jersey, and Philadelphia markets. Greater Media also owns a group of weekly newspapers in central New Jersey and several telecommunications towers, located throughout the United States.
“Share the Joy” Did Just That! Three Local Charities Benefited from WJRZ’s Charity Drive
Three local charities benefited from “Share the Joy,” the annual live radio broadcast drive hosted by Greater Media radio station WJRZ 100.1. On November 21 and 22, the public helped fill a 53-foot tractor-trailer at Perlmutter Family ShopRite of Bayville, Bayville, N.J., with donations of food, clothing, and toys for Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BBBS) of Ocean County, the Jersey Shore Animal Center, and Ocean County Hunger Relief.
Sue Sedivic, the executive director of BBBS said, “We received $680 in monetary donations, $100 Toys R Us gift cards, and approximately 250 toys. That’s great! Despite the cold weather, it was a great event. Our kids will be so happy! Our holiday party is December 20, and that’s where we will distribute the gifts.”
Pat Wallace of the Jersey Shore Animal Center was touched by the generosity of everyone. She said, “We received monetary donations of $630 and a $100 Shop Rite Gift Card. We counted 22 boxes of items along with a very expensive orthopedic pet bed and car harnesses. Someone also donated medications for the animals. Best of all, we estimate we received more than 1000 lbs. of pet food. Whatever food we do not use will be donated to local charities to help people in need feed their pets. Thank you for always keeping our pets and our shelter in your hearts.”
WJRZ 100.1 Promotions Director Marie Senkeleski said, “Ocean County Hunger Relief received more than 15 pallets filled with food and clothing donations. They also received hundreds of dollars in monetary donations! It is heart-warming to know how much people are willing to give to help others.”
“Share the Joy,” a charity collection drive sponsored by Pepsi, New Jersey Lottery, and Michael’s Furniture of Brick.
For more information, contact Marie Senkeleski at 609-597-1100 Ext. 204.
WJRZ-FM is a radio station of Greater Media, Inc. Greater Media, Inc. is the parent company of twenty-one AM and FM radio stations in the Boston, Detroit, Charlotte, New Jersey, and Philadelphia markets. Greater Media also owns a group of weekly newspapers in central New Jersey and several telecommunications towers, located throughout the United States.
Infinite Possibilities Moves to Tinton Falls
Infinite Possibilities, with headquarters in Westchester, N.Y., has moved its Manasquan office from Wall Township to a larger office in Tinton Falls, 615 Hope Road, N.J. Since the 12-year old business expanded its operation into New Jersey ten years ago, initially in Lakewood, it has grown to five offices. Three years ago, the company opened its fourth office in Cherry Hill, N.J.
Infinite Possibilities assists women and men in losing 30 lbs. in 30 days. Infinite Possibilities has also expanded its programs to include three additional plans: “Squeaky Clean” designed for those who want to cleanse but have little or no weight to lose; “Sprouting Possibilities” for children and young adults who are overweight; and “Infinitely Young” for those over 70 years of age. All programs are tailored to the needs of the individual.
Shima Chayvet, president, said, “This business is so successful in reaching this weight loss goal that it has sustained continued growth solely by word of mouth from clients.”
The company’s approach is holistic with no meds or gimmicks, no strenuous exercise routines, and no special foods to order or measure. The company offers a free, no obligation orientation to provide information about its programs.
For further information, contact Eileen M. Connolly, COO, at 908-410-1419 or visit www.iploseweight.com.
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Director of Health and Human Services Visits CHEMED
Jackie Cornell-Bechelli, New Jersey director of Health and Human Services, Region II, recently met with officials at CHEMED, (The Center for Health Education, Medicine and Dentistry), a federally qualified health care center, 1771 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, to tour the facility and gather information about the health care issues facing Lakewood residents.
Dr. Dovid Friedman, CEO of CHEMED, said, “Our meeting with Jackie Cornell-Bechelli was very productive. She seemed focused on helping us solve issues and working together as a team to better service the entire patient.”
Other officials present to answer questions included Senator Robert W. Singer, Lakewood Mayor Menashe Miller, and CHEMED officials Dr. Aryeh Farkas, CMO; Mark Berkowitz, COO; Chedva Werblowsky, director of strategic planning and compliance; Yaacov Schwartz, project manager; and Daniel Meltzer, special programs and social services for CHEMED and the LRRC (Lakewood Resource and Referral Center).
Dr. Tonya Pagan Raggio-Ashley, chief medical officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and Jo-Ann Ayres, RN, M.Ed., and Linda Barren from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services also attended.
Dr. Friedman noted that CHEMED doctors and staff pride themselves on being a one-stop center for health and medical issues that also focuses on education and prevention. It is significant that CHEMED has grown along with the surge in population to service all population groups.
The departments, all in one building, include a pharmacy, internal medicine, pediatrics and pediatric specialty, dental, psychiatric services, specialty cares such as endocrinology, behavioral health, women’s health, social services, and ob-gyn, which recently opened. The radiology department will be opening in the coming months.
Dr. Friedman said, “Since the last census, Lakewood, the youngest municipality in the state, has jumped from 23rd place to become the seventh largest municipality in the state, with about 5,000 births a year. We are striving to cover the uninsured, but a lot of education and services are necessary.”
Senator Singer also pointed out that 26,000 children attend school in Lakewood – 20,000 in private schools and 6,000 in public schools. About 26,000 undocumented individuals reside in Lakewood, necessitating a lot of charity care.
One of the major problems facing CHEMED and other health care providers are backlogs on the state and national levels. Director Cornell-Bechelli is optimistic that both are moving forward.
Cornell-Bechelli said, “Last year in New Jersey, we had 161,000 individuals in Marketplace plans; over 400,000 individuals on FamilyCare, the extension of Medicaid. We’re optimistic that will keep increasing this go-around. In the first eight hours when healthcare.gov went live, 23,000 people across the country purchased plans between 1:00 a.m. to 9:00 in the morning.
“Think about that—in the middle of the night 23,000 of people across the country purchased plans. It shows you the desire, and we have the benefit of knowing that seven million people are happy with it and are re-enrolling, getting their family and their friends involved. So we’re optimistic we are going to have a good enrollment. There are a lot more options, a lot more competition, and a lot more plans. The website is working as are the new window-shopping tool that lets people see what is available.”
Cornell-Bechelli said, “I am grateful to have you (CHEMED) as a partner. You are a trusted provider when someone gets sick, when someone has a confusing or complicated decision to make. Having that relationship is really key.”
Dr. Friedman said, “We all have a common goal at the end of day – encompassing health care and easy access.”
About CHEMED: CHEMED provides comprehensive health and medical services, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health, and dentistry, among other fields, all in one building. Uninsured and underinsured patients will be seen on a sliding-fee scale. To make an appointment, call 732-364-6666.
CHEMED Mission Statement: To provide a comprehensive, integrated system of health care to optimize the physical and mental well-being of individuals and families in our community by delivering outstanding health education, preventative, and treatment services.
The Kinesthetic Approach to HR: Movement in Learning – December JSAHR Meeting and Holiday Bazaar
The brain/body relationship plays a crucial role in everyone’s life, including work. This critical recognition can grow one’s personal effectiveness on the job and in the company’s business.
Mike Kuczala, an acclaimed keynote speaker and author of The Kinesthetic Classroom – Teaching and Learning through Movement, will take attendees through an action-oriented experience using proven tools and cutting-edge insights to demonstrate the importance of kinesthetic learning Thursday, December 11, 2014, at the monthly meeting of JSAHR (The Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources), from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune, N.J.
Kuczala will show, in an interactive session, how movement enhances the training and learning process, what role movement plays in corporate wellness, and how it affects the bottom line.
The December meeting will also feature JSAHR’s annual Holiday Bazaar, a chance to buy holiday gifts, stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, or presents for co-workers. Vendors include Avon, Breath of Isis, Charmed and Dangerous, Embellish, Emma’s Creative Designs, Entertries Enterprises, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Thirty-One, and Tupperware.
Attendees are encouraged to bring prizes, such as baskets or gift cards, for the annual holiday business card and gift exchange. In addition, JSAHR is accepting nonperishable food items for the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean counties.
The registration fee, including a full buffet breakfast, is $30.00 for JSAHR members; $40.00 for nonmembers; $25.00 for those in-transition, and $10.00 for full-time students. This program has been approved for HRCI 1.25 re-certification credits. Pereless Systems, a recruiting software company (http://power.pereless.com/about-us), is sponsoring the December program. JSAHR is a Gold Excel award winner of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management).
To register, email jsahr.shrm@gmail.com or call Christine Higgins, JSAHR chapter administrator at 732-701-7155.
About Mike Kuczala: Mike Kuczala is a thought leader on using movement and understanding the brain/body connection in both educational and corporate settings. He is the director of instruction for the Regional Training Center, an educational consulting firm based in Randolph, New Jersey, and president of Kuczala Consulting, Kuczala. The Association of Educational Publishers’ Distinguished Achievement Award nominated Kuczala’s book The Kinesthetic Classroom: Teaching and Learning through Movement.