Pine Belt Subaru and Rob Sickel Receive Community Champion Award
Megan O’Keefe, Executive Director of Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey (CVCJ), recently presented Pine Belt Enterprises, Lakewood, and owner Rob Sickel with its Community Champion Award at Eagle Oaks Country Club, Farmingdale. Pine Belt has been supporting Caregiver Volunteers since 2015 with monetary donations, most recently more than $19,000 via the “Share the Love” grant for the Caregiver’s Canine Pet Therapy Program.
O’Keefe said, “CVCJ also partners with Subaru to bring pet therapy dogs to their events, such as the most recent Trunk or Treat and the grand opening of their new showroom 2021. Jack Boylan, Rob Sickel’s brother, who is a long time trusted volunteer of CVCJ, volunteers in Caregiver’s Alzheimer’s Respite Program.”
Pine Belt Enterprises, nationally recognized for its dedication to their customers and community, teamed up with Caregiver Canines to bring a visiting dog therapy program to the elderly in Ocean and Monmouth counties for the fourth year in a row. The Caregiver Canines pet therapy program has 40 certified pet therapy dogs who make 1000 visits to homebound seniors annually. This program eases the burden of isolation for many seniors who no longer can own a pet. Visits with furry volunteers have shown to decrease heart rate and blood pressure, and promotes a sense of calm and wellbeing. It also helps people suffering from dementia by improving their speech and triggering memories.
Bob Scott, Emcee, said, “The Community Champion Award is a prestigious recognition for businesses that have demonstrated a profound commitment to their community through significant philanthropic investments. These exceptional businesses stand out as champions, making a tangible and lasting impact across non-profit healthcare and social service sectors. Their unwavering support and generosity have transformed the lives of countless individuals and bolstered the well-being of the entire community.”
Dena Glynn, Director of Outreach & Community Relations for CVCJ, said, “We chose Rob Sickel and Pine Belt Enterprises for our Community Champion Award not just because of their incredible generosity to Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey, but because of the immense support they give to others in our community as a whole.”
To learn more about CVCJ, visit www.caregivervolunteers.org
Photo #1-Rob Sickel, owner Pine Belt Cars; Ryan Concord General Manager Pine Belt; Megan O’Keefe Executive Dir. CVCJ; Danielle Maley Program Mgr./Caregiver Canine Coordinator; Dena Glynn Dir. of Outreach & Community Relations CVCJ
Photo #2: Megan O’Keefe Executive Dir. CVCJ; Adeeyah Pettis, Sales Mgr Pine Belt Subaru; Michael Marquand, General Mgr Pine Belt Subaru; Danielle Maley Program Manager CVCJ; Dena Glynn, Dir. of Outreach & Community Relations CVCJ
About Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey (CVCJ): CVCJ provides vital assistance to seniors, the elderly disabled, veterans, individuals with dementia, and caregivers of loved ones with chronic illness to allow them to remain independent in their own homes. All services are free of charge and delivered by 1,200 volunteers to over 2,500 Ocean and Monmouth County residents over the age of 60, who no longer drive. Volunteers provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, reassuring phone calls, friendly visits, and relief for family caregivers.
About Pine Belt Cars: Pine Belt Cars, 1088 Route 88, Lakewood, NJ 08701, has four dealerships in Lakewood, N.J., and is very committed philanthropically to local communities. Some of Pine Belt’s philanthropic affiliations include sponsoring the Pine Belt Arena, Lakewood Little League, United Way of Ocean County, Lakewood Police Department, Jewish Federation, and the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council.
Pine Belt Cars was founded in 1937 by Leon Sickel. His son, president and CEO David Sickel, is a lifelong Lakewood resident who graduated from Franklin & Marshall College. He joined the family business in 1970 after attending the General Motors Institute in Detroit, Michigan, and serving in the U.S. Naval Reserve. When his father retired in 1975, David assumed his current role.
For more information call 888-3-PineBelt or 732-363-6244 or visit www.pinebeltcars.com
Atlantic City Nutcracker Ballet at the Strand December 10
The Nutcracker, one of ballet’s treasured holiday classics for both the young and old, tells the story of a little girl named Clara who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. Clara encounters many unforgettable and timeless characters in her journey through the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of Sweets.
Enjoy Atlantic City Ballet of the Nutcracker with family and friends at the Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, N.J. on December 10 at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
The Atlantic City Ballet, a professional ballet company based in Atlantic City, has called The Strand its Ocean County home since first performing there in 2013. The historic theater, considered one of the most majestic in New Jersey, is the perfect backdrop for the Nutcracker.
Tickets are range from $15 to $35. For tickets or more information, visit www.Strand.org. or call 732-367-7789. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; show begins at 7:00 p.m.
COVID POLICY: The Strand has continued to monitor local, county and state COVID-19 metrics and guidelines with the goal of reducing risk and maintaining the health and well-being of our audiences, artists, and staff. Proof of vaccination or a negative test will no longer be required; and masks will no longer be mandatory although STRONGLY recommended.
Many staff and volunteers may continue to remain masked, as will patrons. Please respect the choices of others no matter their decision. We, at The Strand, will continue to monitor recommendations from the State of New Jersey, the CDC, and local boards of health and will adjust our COVID policy, as necessary.
About the Atlantic City Ballet: 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 but Ms. Papa 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. For more information go to: www.acballet.org
About the Strand Theater: The historic Strand Theater, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit at 400 Clifton Ave., Lakewood, was designed by world-renowned theater architect Thomas Lamb in 1922 and is listed on the N.J. and National Register of Historic Places. The Strand offers year-round entertainment in plush, air-conditioned surroundings. It is a perfect venue to showcase comedians, musicals, dinner theater, stars from television and movies, and legendary musical entertainers. Nationally renowned acts, including Milton Berle, Loudon Wainwright, George Burns, Don McLean, Louie CK, Taylor Swift, Charlie Daniels, George Carlin, and many more have all taken the state at the Strand Theater. The reception gallery includes a catering facility for 80 people, a dance floor, and restrooms. It is ideal for theater-in-the-round, smaller events and receptions.
Commissioner Steinberg Deploys to Israel 2023
The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners and Fire Chief Jonathan T. Yahr extend its heartfelt support and best wishes to Commissioner Yakov Steinberg, a dedicated member of the Board of Fire Commissioners, serving as its chairman for the past three years, as he bravely deploys for a tour of duty with the IDF Reserves.
“We are proud to be sending one of our best to help protect the people and land of Israel,” said Commissioner Larry Loigman, vice chairman of the board. “Yakov never flinches in the face of danger, but we hope and pray that he will successfully complete his mission without encountering the brutal, vicious evil represented by Israel’s enemies in the present war,” he said.
“The Board expressed its deepest gratitude for Commissioner Steinberg’s unwavering commitment to serving both our local community and the global community in times of need. Commissioner Steinberg has been an invaluable member of our Board of Fire Commissioners, demonstrating exceptional dedication, bravery, and leadership throughout his tenure.
“The Board recognizes the sacrifices made not only by Commissioner Steinberg but also by his family and loved ones, who stand by him during this challenging time. As he prepares to leave for his deployment, our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and all the brave men and women serving alongside him.
“Commissioner Steinberg’s selfless commitment to duty exemplifies the core values of our fire department, including honor, integrity, and courage. The entire community stands united in supporting him and all service members involved in ensuring the safety and well-being of others abroad.
“The Board of Fire Commissioners wishes Commissioner Steinberg a safe and successful deployment. We are confident that his training, expertise, and dedication will make a significant positive impact during his mission. We eagerly await his return and look forward to welcoming him home with open arms.”
Fire Chief Jon Yahr and Fire District Administrator Yehuda Beer of the Lakewood Fire District held an impromptu send-off for Commissioner Steinberg. For more information, contact Yehuda Beer, Fire District Administrator at 732-364-5151
Photo: (Left to Rt.) Yehuda Beer, Fire District Administrator; Fire Commissioners Yehuda L. Gold, Dovid Bender, Yakov Steinberg, Harrison Pfeffer, and Larry S. Loigman Esq.; Jonathan T. Yahr, Fire Chief
Road Dedication to Honor Fallen Lakewood Police Officer Nicklas Shimonovich
Thompson Bridge Road, Jackson, will be dedicated to Nicklas Shimonovich #392 and a memorial sign will be displayed at Thompson Bridge Road and W. Veterans Highway on November 30 at 11:00 a.m. to honor the 23 year-old fallen Lakewood Police Officer.
Nicklas Shimonovich #392, Shimonovich, who was off-duty, was fatally injured when his motorcycle struck a mailbox and utility trailer parked off Thompson Bridge Road.
Shimonovich was a graduate of Jackson Memorial High School, where he competed at the Varsity level for both Football and Wrestling. Lt. Robert Shimonovich said his son always wanted to be a Lakewood policeman, noting that his son turned down a college wrestling scholarship to become a law enforcement officer.
“Nick didn’t just want to be a cop. He was set on being a Lakewood cop like his parents,” he said. “Nick loved serving the Lakewood community. He didn’t only protect, but he made a point to stop and talk to Lakewood residents.”
Nicklas Shimonovich, a graduate of both the New Jersey State Corrections Academy and the Monmouth County Police Academy, joined the Lakewood Police Force in 2018 and worked for three years as a Police Officer. He was assigned to the Lakewood department’s patrol division on the evening shift.
He is survived by his parents, both Lakewood Police Officers, Det. Sgt. Jeannette and Lt. Robert Shimonovich, and his brother, Leonardo Shimonovich, also a Lakewood Police Officer.
The dedication ceremony will include a Pledge of Allegiance; “God Bless America” performed by Cori Scotti; a keynote address by Robert Shimonovich; a Proclamation by Ocean County Commissioner Gary Quinn; a Presentation of Resolution; Closing Remarks by Chief Matthew Kunz, Jackson Police; and “America the Beautiful” performed by Cori Scotti.
For more information, contact Jeannette Shimonovich at jshimonovich@lakewoodpolicenj.com or call her at 732-363-0200, Ext. 5393
JBIZ EXPO & CONFERENCE 2023 – Using Commerce to Bring Communities Closer Together
The 2023 JBIZ EXPO & CONFERENCE with its mission of “Uniting Communities via Commerce” will be take place December 18-19, 2023, in the Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The welcoming ceremony will start with an exclusive VIP reception the evening of December 18, followed by the Expo and Conference opening December 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Nationally and Internationally renowned business service provider exhibitors and solutions- based services are some of the exhibitors, providing a platform for businesses to promote themselves, network, and connect with decision-makers from around the world, including Partnership with Choose NJ, ROI-NJ, and the NJ Chamber of Commerce.
The Conference and Expo floor will open all day December 19 to host a HIGHER LEVEL OF NETWORKING for the general public and C level leaders. J-BIZ will feature a wide range of programs, including conferences, presentations by business leaders, workshops, and speed networking sessions.
Notable speakers, among others, include Gilberto Peralta, CEO of Airbus Group Latin America; Thomas A. Bracken, President and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce; Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey, Inc.; Tenavil T. Thomas, Port Director of US Customs & Border Control – NY/NJ US Director of Homeland Security; and Tom Hughes, CEO of ROI-NJ. A special innovation panel will be held by Peter DeNagy, former General Manager SAMSUNG USA.
The JBIZ Expo also has a special emphasis on empowering women in the workforce, offering coaching and networking opportunities specifically tailored to women and acknowledging their crucial role in the business world. By providing a supportive environment for women to connect and share experiences, the Expo aims to break down barriers and promote gender equality within the business community.
Duvi Honig, founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber, said, “With its diverse lineup of speakers, emphasis on empowering women, and the opportunity for businesses to connect and grow, this event promises to foster collaboration, understanding, and innovation. By building bridges between communities and countries, the JBIZ Expo aims to make the world feel smaller and create a more interconnected and harmonious global community.”
For those interested in participating, exhibiting, or sponsoring this event, call 212-659-5270 x122; email Sales@OjChamber.com or call 732-987-7704 Ext. 103. For more information, visit www.JBizexpo.com
Wag’s Christmas Spectacular at the Strand, Lakewood, December 9
The Wag’s Christmas Spectacular will be held at the Strand Theater on December 9, 2023. The Wag’s Christmas Spectacular is a good old-fashioned holiday special, steeped in the traditions of holiday TV shows of the past for the entire family. Their show has all of the holiday songs everyone knows and loves, plus dance numbers, costume changes, and comedy sketches, and some fun surprises – including a few original Christmas/Holiday songs! The show also features a running theme of “Christmas Around the World.” There will be holiday songs and sketches from Ireland, Germany, Spain, and more!
From the Bayshore area of New Jersey, this four-piece unit has been entertaining audiences for 25 years with pop/rock, featuring four alternating lead vocalists, catchy melodies, and sophisticated harmonies. The Wag’s just celebrated 25 years as a performing and recording band.
Tickets cost $20.00. For tickets or more information, visit www.Strand.org. or call 732-367-7789. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; shows begin at 7:00 p.m.
COVID POLICY: The Strand has continued to monitor local, county and state COVID-19 metrics and guidelines with the goal of reducing risk and maintaining the health and well-being of our audiences, artists, and staff. Proof of vaccination or a negative test will no longer be required; and masks will no longer be mandatory although STRONGLY recommended. Many staff and volunteers may continue to remain masked, as will patrons. Please respect the choices of others no matter their decision. We, at The Strand, will continue to monitor recommendations from the State of New Jersey, the CDC, and local boards of health and will adjust our COVID policy, as necessary.
About the Strand Theater: The historic Strand Theater, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit at 400 Clifton Ave., Lakewood, was designed by world-renowned theater architect Thomas Lamb in 1922 and is listed on the N.J. and National Register of Historic Places. The Strand offers year-round entertainment in plush, air-conditioned surroundings. It is a perfect venue to showcase comedians, musicals, dinner theater, stars from television and movies, and legendary musical entertainers. Nationally renowned acts, including Milton Berle, Loudon Wainwright, George Burns, Don McLean, Louie CK, Taylor Swift, Charlie Daniels, George Carlin, and many more have all taken the state at the Strand Theater. The reception gallery includes a catering facility for 80 people, a dance floor, and restrooms. It is ideal for theater-in-the-round, smaller events and receptions.
Lakewood Twp PBA 2nd Annual Car Show a Success!
It looked like rain but that didn’t stop the cars and people from coming to the Lakewood Township PBA, Local 71, 2nd annual auto show “Cars for a Cause” to benefit Ocean of Love for Children with Cancer and Bikur Cholim of Lakewood on October 29, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Jersey Shore BlueClaws Stadium, Lakewood, N.J.
The parking lot was filled with more than 80 cars, a wide variety of makes and models, all showing off their exquisite curves, lines, and details. Although there was some light rain at the start of the event, the sun came out. Two of the cars that won awards included BEST IN SHOW – a 1967 Buick GS; and CHIEF’S CHOICE – a 1964 Cheville SS.
The Community Relations Unit, dedicated to understanding of multicultural differences in the community, and establishing respect and trust of the community, helped put on the car show.
Lakewood Police Chief Gregory Meyer said, “With so many amazing automobiles on display, it was difficult to pick the ‘Chief’s Choice.’ I had to take a few laps around the lot before I decided. This event was a resounding success, with everything being run professionally, a great turnout, and lots of help. We are already looking forward to future CARS FOR A CAUSE events.”
The PBA and SOA (Superior Officer Association) members put together goodie bags filled with the merchandise, donated by the donors who helped make the event a success. (A photo list of donors is attached).
All proceeds (to be determined) will be donated to Ocean of Love, Toms River, and Bikur Cholim of Lakewood, for children with cancer. For more information call Detective Sgt. Jeannette Shimonovich at 732-363-0200 Ext. 5393; or Officer Jason Yahr at 732-363-0200 Ext. 5198, or jyahr@lakewoodpolicenj.com
132 Years Old, about to Be Lit and Splashing Around
After years of being hauled around, a 132 year-old Lakewood fountain has a secure location in front of the Sheldon Wolpin Historical Museum in Pine Park. The fountain faced an uncertain future when the Lakewood post office building was sold to a private investor in 2018. Lifelong residents Steve Wexler, chairman of the Lakewood Heritage Commission, VP of the Lakewood Historical Society, and a retired Lakewood police detective; and Bob Kirschner, chairman of the LIC (Lakewood Industrial Commission) decided to relocate the fountain to the Lakewood Historical Museum in Pine Park. A crane truck from the Arnold Steel Company moved the fountain to its new home in front of the museum.
In 2022, with the help of Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles and Block Grant Coordinator Ervin Oross, funding was secured to restore the fountain. Work began in October of 2023 to restore the fountain with lighting and flowing water. Victor Sevcenko. Owner of VKS Welding LLC, Jackson, and his crew fabricated a custom metal bracket to hang heavy lights on the fountain.
The fountain had its origin in 1891 when about 75 Lakewood citizens donated around $550.00 to create and install a water fountain on Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, N.J., near Main Street, for the use of horses and dogs as they traveled up and down the avenue during the day.
That year, Captain Albert Bradshaw, the postmaster who owned the post office building on the Southeastern corner of Main and Clifton Avenues, and William Harrison, who owned a drugstore at the corner of Main Street and Clifton Avenue, commissioned the J. L. Mott Iron Works Company of New York City to manufacture a fountain.
The completed project was shipped in 1891 at no charge to Lakewood via the Central Jersey Railroad and unloaded at Main Street. The fountain was then hauled by horse and wagon to the corner of Main and Clifton and positioned on Clifton Avenue on the West side of the Laurel House Hotel next to the curb.
In 1938, as horseless carriages took over the roads and the need for the watering trough disappeared, the fountain was then moved by the Lakewood Public Works Department to a location on Main Street across from St. Mary’s Church, commonly referred to as Campbell Park.
In 1983, when Clifton Avenue was rebuilt including lighting, repaving, and new brick sidewalks, architect Mark Pavliv, Spring Lake, who was born in Lakewood and working on restoring the Strand Theater, helped in getting the fountain relocated through the Department of Transportation to the corner of Clifton Avenue and Main Street near the curb, close to the fountain’s original place.
Wexler and Kirschner are hoping to have the fountain fully operational with lighting and flowing water by 2024. For more information, call Steve Wexler at 732-300-7881.
About the Sheldon Wolpin Historical Museum: Kuser Hall, the last remaining building of five that made up the Newman School, an exclusive preparatory boarding school for boys, closed in 1942. The building, which the township acquired in 1964 through Green Acres Funding, was the math and science center of the school.
Through the volunteer efforts of members in the Historical Society and the Heritage Commission, Kuser Hall has been transformed into a showcase, featuring Lakewood memorabilia and artifacts. The Township gave both groups a long-term lease in 2012 and it has taken four years to create six galleries on the first floor and a main hallway, depicting scenes of “old” Lakewood.
Some of the renovations include power washing and painting the building; installing handicap ramps, interior and exterior lighting, a security system, and restroom facilities; and replacing 550 plus panes of glass. A fountain from 1891 originally commissioned by a group of Lakewood residents was moved from Clifton Avenue to the front of the museum. The museum also boasts a mono-wing airplane in the southeastern outside corner of the building as part of some hands-on exhibits.
The Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders has relocated from downtown Lakewood to the lower level of the museum where members have built exhibits, one for O Gauge and the other of HO Gauge model trains.
Congregation B’nai Israel (CBI) Gathers Supplies and Sends Them to Israeli Soldiers
Under the leadership of Congregant Penny Leifer, Congregation B’nai Israel, 1488 Old Freehold Road, Toms River, N.J., has collected supplies for Israeli soldiers. Rose Valentine, JCC (Jewish Community Center) of Long Beach Island; Melissa Segall, of Jackson Orthodontics; Laurie Salka, Holocaust Survivor Services Coordinator; Jewish Family and Children’s Service; many, many B’nai Israel congregants; and a multitude of people who left voice mail messages on the synagogue phone wanting to help, participated in the donations.
Dozens of duffel bags and cartons are ready to ship. Items received, among others, included two bulletproof vests with ceramic plates, sleeping bag, backpacks, tourniquets, first aid kits, knit caps and socks, phone cables, compression bandages, and nonperishable protein bars.
Penny Leifer, Membership VP and Social Action Chairwoman at B’nai Israel, said, “Everyone dropped off their donation with a smile and a thank you. I am proud to have been a part of this massive effort. I only planted the seed. The donors made it grow. We are glad to be able to help our brothers and sisters on the front lines.”
For more information, contact Penny Leifer at pmleifer@aol.com
Jersey Shore Medium at the Strand Theater, Lakewood
The Strand Center for the Arts, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, N.J., is featuring The Medium Gallery Show with Linda Shields, The Jersey Shore Medium, on December 2.
At just eight years old, Linda Shields discovered her gift, which would later on turn into a lifelong career. Her career into becoming the Jersey Shore Medium started in her early twenties when someone approached her with tarot cards. Shields’ grandmother was also a psychic who taught her how to turn off and on her senses as well as understand them. Shields is able to use the psychic senses of hearing (Clairaudience), tasting/smelling (Clairsentient), and physical feeling or being an Empath during a reading. She was never afraid of her spirits due to the fact that she was always surrounded by them. The Jersey Shore Medium admits that she favors Clairaudience because it’s like having a personal dialogue in her head.
“There has never been a time where I could not connect with someone,” says Shields. “It’s the readings that when I can give closure or hope, that’s what keeps me going.”
Shields offers private medium readings, medium gallery parties, private tarot card readings, lectures, and fundraising events. In addition, the Jersey Shore native is also the published author of Angel Inspirations for Serenity and Love, Crystal Power, and 12,000 Dreams Interpreted. To learn more about Linda Shields: The Jersey Shore Medium, visit: https://www.thejerseyshoremedium.com/.
Tickets cost $30.00 each. For tickets or more information, visit www.Strand.org. or call 732-367-7789. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; shows begin at 7:00 p.m. ###
COVID POLICY: The Strand has continued to monitor local, county and state COVID-19 metrics and guidelines with the goal of reducing risk and maintaining the health and well-being of our audiences, artists, and staff. Proof of vaccination or a negative test will no longer be required; and masks will no longer be mandatory although STRONGLY recommended.
Many staff and volunteers may continue to remain masked, as will patrons. Please respect the choices of others no matter their decision. We, at The Strand, will continue to monitor recommendations from the State of New Jersey, the CDC, and local boards of health and will adjust our COVID policy, as necessary.
About the Strand Theater: The historic Strand Theater, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit at 400 Clifton Ave., Lakewood, was designed by world-renowned theater architect Thomas Lamb in 1922 and is listed on the N.J. and National Register of Historic Places. The Strand offers year-round entertainment in plush, air-conditioned surroundings. It is a perfect venue to showcase comedians, musicals, dinner theater, stars from television and movies, and legendary musical entertainers. Nationally renowned acts, including Milton Berle, Loudon Wainwright, George Burns, Don McLean, Louie CK, Taylor Swift, Charlie Daniels, George Carlin, and many more have all taken the state at the Strand Theater. The reception gallery includes a catering facility for 80 people, a dance floor, and restrooms. It is ideal for theater-in-the-round, smaller events and receptions.