Principals of Local Investment Advisory Firm Join Shapiro Financial Security Group
William C. Stratton and James D. Jackson, principal owners of Nova Financial Consulting, LLC, Manasquan, recently joined the Shapiro Financial Security Group, Hazlet, N.J., a tax, financial planning, and investment advisory firm.
Before joining Shapiro Financial Security Group, William Stratton, Avon, was a founding partner of Nova Financial Consulting. Prior to that, he had been a financial advisor with American Express Financial Advisors, and held various positions in finance and engineering with Verizon and Bell Communications Research. Stratton currently serves as Government Relations director of the New Jersey Chapter of the Financial Planning Association. He is a past recipient of the Financial Planning Association of NJ (FPANJ®) Distinguished Service Award and the National FPA’s Heart of Financial Planning Distinguished Service Award. He is also past president of the Estate and Financial Planning Council of Central New Jersey.
Active in civic affairs, Stratton serves as a trustee and past treasurer of the Toms River Student Loan Fund, a trustee and past chairman of the Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce Educational Foundation, and a trustee of the Avon-by-the-Sea Library. He received a B.S. in Engineering Technology and an M.B.A. in Management at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Stratton earned a certificate in Financial Planning from the College of Financial Planning and a certificate in Philanthropic and Fundraising Administration from New York University.
James Jackson, Manasquan, who was associated with several financial firms, specializes in providing investment management and estate planning services. Before joining Nova Financial Consulting as a partner, Jackson received a B.S. in Military Science and Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. After completing his military service, Jackson had a career in telecommunication with Verizon where he held various executive positions in operations and human resources.
Jackson holds professional designations as a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Chartered Mutual Fund Consultant (CMFC), and New Jersey Life and Health licenses. He is a member of the Estate and Financial Planning Council of Central N.J. He is a member of the Board of Governors for the West Point Society of N.J. and is the statewide coordinator for the Eisenhower Leadership of Character award for high school juniors. Jackson received a M.B.A. from Rutgers, The State University, Newark, N.J.
Kenneth B. Shapiro, President of Shapiro Financial Security Group, Inc in Hazlet, N.J., said, “I am pleased to welcome our newest members because they possess a high degree of professionalism and experience in financial planning, which will prove valuable in servicing our firm’s strategic planning and investment committees.”
About Shapiro Financial Security Group: Founded in 1982, Shapiro Financial Security Group, Inc (SFSG), 1 Bethany Rd, Building 6, Suite 90, Hazlet, N.J., specializes in providing individualized tax, financial planning, and investment services to pre-retirement and retirement aged clients, in New Jersey and throughout the United States. Staffed by CPA’s and Certified Financial Planners®, SFSG places a high priority on client education, including alternatives for developing prudent and tax efficient planning strategies. SFSG does not receive commissions or sell any investment products. Visit SFSG at www.ShapiroFSG.com or call 732-739-8991 for more information.
Harmony Bank Announces Record 1st Quarter Earnings
Harmony Bank (the “Bank”), Jackson, N.J., today reported record earnings for the 1st quarter, ending March 31, 2013.
For the three months, which ended March 31, 2013, the Bank reported net income of $242,014 or $0.16 per share, an increase of $89,555 or 59 percent over the $152,459 or $0.10 per share reported for the same period in 2012.
As of March 31, 2013, the total assets of Harmony Bank were $156.6 million, an increase of 17 percent over the $134.4 million reported at March 31, 2012. Total loans have increased $25.7 million or 27 percent to $121.7.0 million as of March 31, 2013 compared to $96.0 million as of March 31, 2012. Total deposits at Harmony Bank increased 18 percent to $138.8 million at March 31, 2013, compared to $117.8 million at March 31, 2012.
“Our balance sheet growth continues to be strong and exceeds most of our community bank peers. This growth, accompanied by superior asset quality, good expense management, and acceptable margins, has resulted in a continued positive earnings trend,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Michael A. Schutzer. “We continue to hire high quality bankers, recognizing that our future success depends upon the talent and depth of our employees.”
Schutzer also announced the June opening of a new office in Toms River, N.J., at 104 Route 37 East. “We are excited about the opportunities to serve this marketplace with our exceptional customer service, and we are confident that this location will help us to continue to grow our balance sheet and provide a strong return to our shareholders.”
At March 31, 2013, Harmony Bank continued to maintain capital at levels which are in excess of the required levels to be considered “well-capitalized” with Tier 1 leverage, Tier 1 risk-based capital and total risk-based capital ratios of 11.27 percent, 14.19 percent and 15.45 percent, respectively.
The Bank’s common shares are listed on the OTCQB market under the symbol HRMB. Visit http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/HRMB/quote for a link to the 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 one branch office located in Lakewood, N.J.
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) and Michael J. Gormley, EVP/ CFO (mgormley@myharmonybank.com)
Understanding Your Behavior and Your Coworkers–May HR Meeting
Need a manual to deal with your manager and coworkers? A simple four-style model of behavior known as DISC teaches people how to understand themselves and their coworkers.
Merrick Rosenberg, cofounder of Team Builders Plus, will help participants discover their own behavioral styles and those of their coworkers through four characters: the Office Eagle, Office Parrot, Office Dove, and Office Owl on Thursday, May 9, 2013, at the monthly meeting of The Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources (JSAHR), a Silver Excel award winner of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., 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 those in-transition, and $10.00 for full-time students. This program is pending HRCI credits. To register, call Kathi Evans, JSAHR administrator, at 732-270-5204 email jsahr.shrm@gmail.com.
About Merrick Rosenberg
Merrick Rosenberg, an experienced speaker, facilitator, performance coach, author, and entrepreneur, co-founded Team Builders Plus in 1991. He has worked with people at all levels, from line staff to senior managers. Merrick co-authored Taking Flight: Master the DISC Styles and Transform Your Career, Your Relationships…Your Life.
As president and chief learning officer of Team Builders Plus, he has led his organization to be selected by the Philadelphia Business Journal as one of the Fastest Growing Companies and Best Places to Work in the Philadelphia region. Under his leadership, Team Builders Plus was recently selected as the New Jersey Business of the Year by NJ Biz magazine. Merrick has worked with more than half of the Fortune 100 companies in 44 states and around the world.
OHI to Participate in Sixth Annual Week of the Young Child Fun Fair
In recognition of The Week of the Young Child, a national celebration, OHI (Ocean Health Initiatives), is participating in the sixth annual Week of the Young Child Fun Fair, Saturday, April 20 at the George J. Mitchell Elementary School, 950 Route 539, Little Egg Harbor, N.J., from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The 2013 Week of the Young Child™ is April 14–20, and the theme is Early Years Are Learning Years®.
Staff from OHI, a federally qualified health center (FQHC) with locations in Lakewood, Toms River, and Manahawkin, will distribute child-themed materials and brochures describing pediatric and general services available to children and families. OHI has several bilingual pediatricians and nurse practitioners.
According to its website, The Week of the Young Child™ is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The purpose of the Week of the Young Child™ is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.
Dr. Theresa Berger, CEO of OHI, said, “A healthy adult starts with a healthy child. We have long recognized the need to provide education and healthcare to the medically underserved population, and especially to the children.”
Visit www.ohinj.org for more information or contact Douglas Clark, marketing coordinator, at 732-363-6655 or promotionsdept@ohinj.org.
About Ocean Health Initiatives
OHI, a federally qualified health center (FQHC), with locations at 101 Second Street, Lakewood; and 301 Lakehurst Road, Toms River; and 333 Haywood Road Manahawkin, provides comprehensive preventative and primary care, including pediatrics, maternal and child health, prenatal, WIC, universal immunizations, and dental health to the area’s uninsured, underinsured, and undocumented residents on a sliding-fee scale, based on an individual’s or family’s ability to pay. OHI has a bilingual staff available to assist patients and callers. To become a patient of OHI, call a representative in the Call Center at either 732-552-0377, Toms River, or 732-363-6655, Lakewood. Visit www.ohinj.org. for further information.
Jackson Mayor Announces Grant to Rehab 46 Township Housing and Rental Units
Jackson Township Mayor Michael Reina and the Jackson Township Committee have announced a grant, made possible through the township’s affordable housing funds, that will bring 46 Jackson Township substandard housing or rental units up to code.
Rehabco, Inc., the designated administrative agency for the Jackson Township Housing Rehabilitation Program, said grants up to $25,000 per owner-occupied or renter-occupied unit are available on a first-come-first-serve basis to income eligible individuals who provide a completed application and supporting material.
The occupants of the units must have incomes that fall within the (2011) income guidelines established for Ocean County by the N.J. Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and/or Council on Affordable Housing (COAH). Income limits are $51,179 for a family of one; $58,490 for a family of two; $65,802 for a family of three; $73,113 for a family of four; $78,962 for a family of five; $84,811 for a family of six; $90,660 for a family of seven; and $96,509 for a family of eight.
Rehabco, an experienced company that has provided rehabilitation services for more than 20 years, reported that rehabilitation funds may be used only for repairs or system replacements necessary to bring a substandard housing units into compliance with municipal health, safety and building codes, applicable code violations, as well as any other cosmetic work that is reasonable and deemed necessary or is related to the necessary repairs.
A 10-year mortgage/lien will be placed on the property in the amount of the rehabilitation contract. That contract amount will only have to be repaid to the program IF the property is sold within 10 years. At the completion of the rehabilitation, all code deficiencies must be corrected and the units must be in compliance with New Jersey State Housing Code N.J.A.C. 5:23-6, among others.
The contractor will file all required permits. Once Rehabco has evidence of this, Rehabco will authorize the project to begin and monitor it to its conclusion. Township officials and Rehabco will perform all final inspections.
Substandard units are those units requiring repair or replacement of at least one major system. A major system is any one of the following: the roof; plumbing, including wells; heating, electrical, sanitary plumbing, including septic systems; load bearing structural systems, lead paint abatement; weatherization (building insulation for attic, exterior walls and crawl space, siding to improve energy efficiency, replacement storm windows and storm doors and replacement windows and doors).
Interested property owners may submit preliminary applications to the program staff. If after the program staff reviews a preliminary application and the owner-occupant appears to be income eligible, an interview will be arranged with the applicant to make a formal application to the program. At the time of the interview, the applicant must present required documentation.
To determine income eligibility and program certification, the following documentation is required. All wage earners in a household, 18 years of age or older, will be required to prove household income. Property owners must include a copy of the deed to the property; proof that property taxes and water and sewer bills are current; proof of property insurance, including liability, fire and flood insurance where necessary; and signed copies of the previous year’s federal and state income tax returns.
Also required are documentation of all taxable and non-taxable income received by all household members. This includes wages (pay stubs), pension, annuity, disability, unemployment, Social Security & Supplemental, interest, dividends, Welfare, alimony, child support, capital gains, business income, rental property income, public assistance, income received from child care or home cleaning, etc. Income documentation for household minors and full-time students is required, but will be waived in determining household gross annual income.
Applicants for rental rehabilitation funding must provide a list of tenants and the rents paid by each. The program staff will contact the tenants to provide evidence of income eligibility of the occupants of the units.
Interested property owners may submit preliminary applications to the program staff. If after the program staff reviews a preliminary application and an owner-occupant appears to be income eligible, an interview will be arranged with the applicant for a formal application to the program. At the time of the interview, the applicant must present required documentation.
After the initial interview and the program staff has substantiated that the occupant is income-eligible, a Letter of Eligibility will be forwarded to the applicant.
Applications are available at the Jackson Township Planning Department, Jackson Town Hall, 95 W. Veterans Highway, Jackson N.J. or from Rehabco, Inc. Office, 470 Mantoloking Road, Brick N.J. Interested parties may also call Rehabco for applications at 732-477-7750.
Local Jewelry Merchant Donates “Gems” to Lakewood Historical Museum
Tom Calabro, the owner of Twin City Jewelers, 36 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, has donated ten oak jewelry display cases, a significant donation, to Lakewood’s developing historical museum.
Calabro said, “When I heard that they (the Lakewood Historical Society) finally had a location for the museum and that they needed help, I thought that since we were renovating the store that our showcases, which were still in great shape, would be a ‘gem’ of a donation for the museum. And it would facilitate getting my collection displayed there as well.”
Calabro’s collection started with his uncle Joseph Sgro, who owned Twin City Jewelers in the 70s until he died in 1993. Although Sgro’s primary interest was jewelry, he was an avid collector of Lakewood memorabilia, some of which he displayed in his store along with the jewelry he sold.
Calabro says, “He’s the one who really got me started. My uncle collected Lakewood memorabilia and artifacts for as long as I can remember.”
Calabro, who started working in Twin City when he was 13 years old, eventually became a master goldsmith and stone-setter. But even while earning a degree in chemistry from Georgian Court University and later attending dental school at UMDNJ, Calabro always held dear his uncle’s deep love of Lakewood. When his uncle died, Calabro bought the store and continued to collect Lakewood memorabilia and artifacts.
“All through the years,” Calabro said, “I have very actively sought out Lakewood antiques. You name it, I have every high school yearbook going back to the 30s, glassware, really amazing things. When that museum opens, I am going to fill a very large portion of it with my collection.”
Right now the collection has to wait for the museum to open. “It’s all packed away in my basement just waiting to see the light of day in that museum,” exclaims Calabro.
To make financial donations or to donate Lakewood memorabilia or artifacts, call the museum at 732-920-4550.
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Home Health Care with Feeling Keeps Centenarian Positive and Happy at 106
Helen Graham Turner, Linwood, N.J., turned 106 on April 1. Her secret? Have a positive attitude and surround yourself with happy people and positive thoughts.
Many of Turner’s positive thoughts come from the relationships she has developed with caregivers from Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, which has provided care to her for several years at Brandywine Senior Living, Brandall Estates, Linwood, N.J.
However, a lot of that happy, positive attitude comes from Turner, herself. At 106, Turner is an avid Rummikub (also known as Rummy-O) player who teaches fellow residents how to play at Brandywine Senior Living. She also crochets blankets for premature babies at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center.
“Helen is an amazing person,” said Craig Hoffer, manager of Preferred’s Galloway, N.J., office, which oversees Turner’s care. “She is smart, charming, articulate and a great inspiration for all of us.”
Turner reports that she rode to high school in a horse and buggy, lived through both World Wars, the Depression, and traveled around the world. She graduated from Towson University, Maryland, Class of 1926, and was an elementary school teacher in Margate, N.J., for 38 years. Turner belongs to the Children’s Seashore House Auxiliary, for which she volunteered for years, and the Northfield Garden Club.
For more information about Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, contact Lisa Gallicchio, 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.
OHI to Participate in Children’s Festival Saturday, April 13
OHI (Ocean Health Initiatives), a federally qualified health center (FQHC) with locations in Lakewood, Toms River, and Manahawkin, will be participating in the Children’s Festival, at the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington Street, Toms River, Saturday, April 13, from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.
The Children’s Festival, sponsored by the N.J. Association for the Education of Young Children (NJAEYC), is especially designed for children ages three through six and their families. Admission is free. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m.
OHI, which has several bilingual pediatricians and nurse practitioners, will have Rebecca Roberts, LPN, (Licensed Practical Nurse) on hand to answer parents’ questions about children’s health care. OHI will also hand out materials about its pediatric and general services at a resource table.
At the Children’s Festival, children can participate in many activities, including sand art, planting seeds, bubble cups, bird feeders, music and movement, story time, art discovery, and the Budding Artist Gallery, among others. Parents will want to see Where Do the Children Play?, a 55-minute award-winning documentary film at 1:00, depicting the vital importance of open-ended creative play for the healthy development of children.
Theresa Berger, CEO of OHI, said, “We have long recognized the need to provide education and healthcare to the medically underserved and especially children.”
Michelle Keenan, president of the Ocean affiliate of NJAEYC and the director and co-owner of Beachwood Nursery School, said the idea behind the children’s festival is to kick off the National Week of the Young Child, and to raise awareness for early childhood education and the importance of investing in the early years.
Keenan says, “NJAEYC’s and other nursery schools’ reason for participating is their way of giving back to the community, provide developmentally age-appropriate activities for the children, and raise awareness for the non-profit group (NJAEYC). Providing good professional development to all early childhood educators, the best quality across the board for all of the centers, is the organization’s goal.”
The Ocean County Family Success Center, a part of the Children’s Home Society, opened in April 2012. Susan O’Leary, coordinator, said at least one center exists in each county throughout the state. Family Success Center schools, funded by the state, are community-based, family-centered neighborhood places where any community resident can come for support, information, and services. Services are free and confidential. Services include parent education classes, parent support groups, financial literacy workshops, stress management workshops, life skill workshops, and parent/child activities.
Visit www.ohinj.org for more information or contact Douglas Clark, marketing coordinator, at 732-363-6655 or promotionsdept@ohinj.org.
About Ocean Health Initiatives
OHI, a federally qualified health center (FQHC), with locations at 101 Second Street, Lakewood; and 301 Lakehurst Road, Toms River; and 333 Haywood Road Manahawkin, provides comprehensive preventative and primary care, including pediatrics, maternal and child health, prenatal, WIC, universal immunizations, and dental health to the area’s uninsured, underinsured, and undocumented residents on a sliding-fee scale, based on an individual’s or family’s ability to pay. OHI has a bilingual staff available to assist patients and callers. To become a patient of OHI, call a representative in the Call Center at either 732-552-0377, Toms River, or 732-363-6655, Lakewood. Visit www.ohinj.org. for further information.
N.J. Conference for Individuals with Disabilities Focuses on Recreation, April 17
How would YOU include individuals with disabilities in recreational activities? No matter how young or old you are, everyone wants to be accepted. But what if you were disabled? What if you had autism? What if you were blind? Would you be accepted and included in recreational activities?
“Leisure 4 Life,” the 31st Conference on Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities, Wednesday, April 17, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 4:20 p.m., Crowne Plaza Monroe, 309 Forsgate Drive, Monroe, N.J. 08831, is an educational symposium designed for family members and professionals who work with the disabled, and for individuals with disabilities. Registration and Continental breakfast begin at 8:00 a.m.. The Conference includes keynote speaker Steven Eidelman, educational sessions, vendor exhibits, sit down lunch, an awards ceremony and entertainment.
Steven M. Eidelman, the H. Rodney Sharp Professor of Human Services Policy and Leadership, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, at the University of Delaware will present, “How Recreation Fosters Inclusion.” Find out about the importance and benefits of recreation in advancing the goals of including people with disabilities in their communities, as well as supporting their families. Learn trends and predictions for the future, and the role recreation professionals and programs play, among other topics.
Educational sessions include Cooperative Games, Part A; Making Friends with Autism – Let’s Have Fun Together; Music Intervention; Dealing with Difficult People; Importance of Universal Design; Cooperative Games, Part B; Preparing a Therapeutic Sensory Environment; Horticultural Therapy; Young Athlete Program; Leadership Skills for Art Activities; Yoga; Recreation and Leisure Activities for Young Children; Making Connections – Helping Families Understand Moderate and Late Stage Dementia; Adaptable Aquatics; and Doing More with Less Cost: Effective Creative Activity Solutions.
The Conference is supported by the Aronow Family Foundation in memory of Evelyn N. Aronow, and is co-sponsored by the New Jersey Commission on Recreation for Registration forms are available at www.NJCRID.org (Events) Registration fee is $75.00. Registration is limited. CEU and PDU (educators) credits, A.S.L. interpreters, and signed English interpreters are available. For more information, contact Bobbi Bach Freedman, commission program chairwoman, at Freedman2@aol.com or Karen Bourque-Scott, commission chairwoman, at njcom4id@aol.com.
Little Mad Scientists to Meet at Brick Rainbow Kids Open House
Dress as “mad scientists” and have fun doing experiments at Brick Rainbow Kids, 1823 Route 88, Brick, N.J., Saturday, April 13, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Besides scientific activities, the public and their families can enjoy a book fair, bounce house and playground time (weather permitting) at no cost.
The staff will be available to present detailed information and answer questions about its state accredited curriculum-based programs, including its 9:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. full-day kindergarten, with free before and after school care from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Brick Rainbow Kids will also be announcing details of its 2013 summer camp program, which includes field trips for children ages four and up, special visitors, and daily activities for all age groups.
Besides programs that meet all N.J. state requirements and feature small group instruction, enrichment programs, and extracurricular clubs and classes, Brick Rainbow Kids is a daycare and learning center for children ages six weeks to 13 years.
Among other specials features, parents and grandparents can see their child via an EZCAM Live, a secure Internet monitoring service.
For more information, contact Donna or Dana at 732-202-1635; or Donna@brickrainbowkids.com or Dana@brickrainbowkids.com