Preferred Home Health Care Announces Winner of Its Student Nursing Scholarship
Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services (PHHC), Eatontown, with offices in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, has announced the winner of its Student Nursing Scholarship, a $500 award given twice a year for current student nurses living or going to school in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Delaware.
The winner is Briana Nelson, Burlington, New Jersey, a nursing student who attends Lincoln Tech, Moorestown, N.J. Nelson’s passion to pursue a career in nursing started when her mom adopted a baby who was extremely ill. She helped her mom, asking many questions and learning about medications and medical treatment.
Nelson later volunteered at Aria Jefferson Hospital, working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. She also participated in the Young Scholars Program at the University of Pennsylvania. After high school, Nelson attended the Nursing Program at Neumann University and then decided to become a licensed practical nurse with certifications in the LPN program at Lincoln Tech.
Nelson said, “The type of nurse that I can envision myself working as is a licensed practical nurse. I just want to do something in my career that is challenging, interesting, and makes a difference in people’s lives daily.”
Jonathan Herman, COO of Preferred, said, “During our current health care crisis, it is especially important to help our future nurses. We are so proud to continue offering student nursing scholarships at Preferred.”
Applicants at any educational level, such as first-year, LPN, or RN programs, among others, can apply online at PreferredCares.com/careers/scholarship.
For more information about Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, career opportunities or training programs, contact Lisa Gallicchio, director of community relations, at lisa@preferredcares.com or visit PreferredCares.com
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 in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. PHHC is accredited by CHAP (Community Health Accreditation Partner), 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. PHHC, named a 2022 Great Place to Work®, offers industry-leading pay rates, weekly pay, flexible hours, benefits, and paid time off. PHHC has 15 locations.
PHHC has 15 locations. New Jersey locations include corporate headquarters in Eatontown; and branches in Elmwood Park; Galloway; Jersey City; Mt. Laurel; Neptune; North Brunswick; Robbinsville; South Orange; and Toms River. Pennsylvania locations include Allentown, Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, and Pittsburgh. Delaware location: Claymont. Visit Preferred at PreferredCares.com for more information.
Rob Sickel Nominated a National Finalist of 2022 TIME Dealer of the Year
Rob Sickel, third-generation owner of Pine Belt Cars, Lakewood, who was named New Jersey’s 2022 Time Dealer of the Year, was recently nominated as one of only four national finalists from more than 16,000 dealers nationwide for the 2022 TIME Dealer of the Year award.
Jim Appleton, president of the N.J. Coalition of Automotive Retailers, nominated Sickel for this award, one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious honors, recognizing vehicle dealers for their exceptional industry accomplishments and their commitment to community service.
Among other community contributions, Sickel has served on the board of trustees, and the medical policy and community action committees of Monmouth Medical Center and the Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus Foundation (MMCSC). When the COVID-19 vaccines became available but the vaccination rates among minority members of his community low, Sickel organized a Minority Vaccination Program with MMCSC that focused on vaccine education and access for those who did not have online technology. His team also met with leaders of various local churches and community organizations, which resulted in a substantial rise of vaccination rates among the local minority community.
In 2012, following devastating Superstorm Sandy, Sickel helped launch the Restore the Shore campaign through his ERGO clothing company, selling T-shirts with all proceeds going to storm victims. Sickel said. “We were able to donate $300,000 directly to local families and spearheaded efforts to collect, organize, and ship out $5 million worth of donated goods to families in need.”
Sickel and Pine Belt dealerships also support a wide variety of organizations that serve the community’s health, educational, social, and recovery needs. Sickel is very proud of his company’s sponsorship of the Toms River Field of Dreams, a playground and sports complex designed for children and adults with disabilities.
“Rob is the latest example of the exceptional neighborhood new car dealers that call New Jersey home,” said Jim Appleton, President of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR). “I am not surprised that Rob was one of only four finalists out of more than 16,000 dealers nationwide and he should be proud of this incredible honor.”
For more information call 888-3-PineBelt or 732-363-6244 or visit www.pinebeltcars.com
About Pine Belt Cars: Pine Belt Cars, 1088 Route 88, Lakewood, NJ 08701, is a family-owned and operated New Jersey car dealer representing Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram Subaru, and Mazda brands. Pine Belt is very committed to philanthropically to supporting its local community, including local Little Leagues United Way of Ocean County, Lakewood Police Department, Jewish Federation, and the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council, among others.
Pine Belt Cars was founded in 1937 by Leon Sickel. After graduating Franklin & Marshall and serving in the U.S. Naval Reserve, his son David Sickel joined the family business and became the dealer in 1975. When David retired in 2019, his son Robert Sickel became the current president and CEO of Pine Belt Cars, a third-generation dealer. For more information visit www.pinebeltcars.com.
About The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers: The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR) was founded in 1918 and is a non-profit organization serving more than 500 franchised new car and truck retailers throughout New Jersey. NJ CAR educates its members on a variety of business matters, practices, trends, and legislation and works to ensure they are aware of all State and federal regulatory compliance requirements.
JSAHR Legal Seminar Via Webinar April 14 – Employment Law Updates
The Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources (JSAHR) is hosting a half-day legal interactive Webinar sponsored and presented by the employment law firm of Jackson Lewis on April 14 from 8:15 a.m. to Noon. The seminar will cover critical issues facing employers today, and present strategies and solutions.
The seminar led by attorneys Luke Breslin, Bianca Olivadoti, Pooja Bhutani, and Darran St. Ange will provide the latest information on employment issues impacting organizations on a federal and state level. The presentation will include discussion on the New Jersey Equal Pay Act, including related claims, decisions, developments; review of COVID-19 related litigation and decisions; review of other noteworthy litigation and decisions; discussion of the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021, and related issues pertaining to arbitration agreements; discussion regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Workplace; discussion of proposed Build Back Better Act; and discussion of Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act (CROWN Act) and its relation to recent amendments to NJ LAD.
The registration fee is $20 for JSAHR members; $40 for non-members; and free for students and those in-transition. Register online at jsahr.shrm.org/events or email Christine Higgins at admin@jsahr.org or call JSAHR at 732-701-7155. Prepaid registrants will receive a webinar link.
This program is pending approval for 3.0 SHRM PDC (Professional Development Credits) recertification credit and 3.0 HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) General recertification credit.
About the Jackson Lewis Speakers: Luke P. Breslin is a Principal in the Berkeley Heights, N.J., and Monmouth County offices. He represents employers in workplace law matters in federal and state courts, and administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights. Bianca M. Olivadoti is an Associate in the Berkeley Heights, N.J. office. Olivadoti regularly litigates a wide range of employment matters, including cases involving discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as cases involving compliance with federal and state regulations on pay equity and employee leave. Pooja Bhutani is an Associate in the Monmouth County office. Bhutani represents employers in a wide range of litigation issues, including discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, and wage and hour matters in state and federal courts, and administrative agencies. Darran E. St. Ange is an Associate in the Berkeley Heights, N.J. office. St. Ange focuses his practice on representing employers in workplace law matters, including preventive advice and counseling, litigation, and administrative matters.
About Jackson Lewis, P.C.: Jackson Lewis P.C. is among the largest firms in the country dedicated to representing management in labor, employment and benefits law, and related litigation. With 58 offices across the country, the firm has both a national perspective and keen understanding of the nuances of regional business environments. Jackson Lewis represents employers before state and federal courts on a wide range of issues, including discrimination, wrongful discharge, retaliation, whistleblower, health, safety, wage/hour, pension, and benefits. The firm’s attorneys negotiate collective bargaining before the NLRB, OSHA, and other federal and state agencies.
Brick Little League’s Premier Field Now Known as the “Pine Belt Cars Majors Field”
Rob Sickel, owner of Pine Belt Cars, Lakewood, just announced that as a main sponsor, the Brick Little League Majors Field, 238 Cherry Quay Road, Brick, also known as the Brick Little League Complex, will be called Pine Belt Cars Majors Field for the next three years.
Brick Little League, established 2007, offers baseball for more than 600 Brick Township youths, ranging in age from four to 16 and includes Tee Ball, Farm, Minor, Major, Junior, Senior leagues.
Rob Sickel, said, “We are proud to sponsor Brick Little League as its Majors Field sponsor. Strengthening our local communities has been a major part of our mission since 1937 and building a strong foundation through youth sports is a great way to do this.”
According to Mike Desmond, president of Brick Little League, Majors Field is a premier field in the League. “Because of Rob Sickel and Pine Belt’s donation to the League and became one of our title sponsors, there has been an enormous outpouring of congratulations and thankfulness from the Brick Community. The Pine Belt sponsorship is huge for us – a very big marriage!”
Brick Little League is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. Tax-deductible donations and sponsorships help offset the costs of equipment, player insurance, volunteer umpire training, and operational expenses, among others. The league provides physical facilities, volunteer services, and resources for children’s programs. The goal of Brick Little League is to have participants learn sportsmanship, realize their potential, and embrace the great game of baseball.
Brick Little League won the New Jersey Little League State Championship as the 2022 NJ Little League Intermediate 50/70 State Championship, a follow up to their Little League State Championship in 2020 as 12-year-olds. This same core group of players and coaches led by Manager George Cavanaugh over the past four years have won four NJ District 18 Championships, three NJ Section 3 Championships, and now two NJ State Championships.
When Brick Little League opens their 2022 spring Majors season Tuesday, April 4, Sickel will participate in a special ceremonies and throw out the first pitch. Also during the League’s Opening Day ceremonies as a title sponsor, Pine Belt Cars will have a display table with promotions and a car on display.
About Pine Belt Cars: Pine Belt Cars, 1088 Route 88, Lakewood, NJ 08701, is a family-owned and operated New Jersey car dealer that offers new or pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs. Pine Belt Cars specializes in Chevy, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Subaru cars. The dealership employs a professional team of service technicians with the skills and equipment to handle all manner of maintenance and repairs, and has a full stock of authentic parts.
Pine Belt Cars 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
Jersey Shore Chamber to Host Educational Seminar
The Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce (JSCC), Wall Township, is hosting an educational seminar March 30 at the Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune, NJ 07753 from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. A breakfast buffet is included and limited exhibitor tables at $50 each are available. The program begins at 8:30 a.m., and includes a question and answer session.
Pat Mayer, Diane Turton Realtors; Chris Whalen, CPA at Chris Whalen CPA; James Vaccaro, Commercial Real Estate at Manasquan Bank; and Mike Carafa, Vice President and commercial lender will present topics that include Commercial Real Estate- a Market Analysis of Various Sectors in Industrial, Office, Retail Multi-Family Areas; the Basics of Financing a Commercial Property; and Residential Real Estate. The speakers will also discuss emerging economic factors entering into 2022, such as interest rates, inflation, and first-time buyers’ affordability.
The registration fee is $30.00 for members and $40.00 for non-members. For more information, call Danielle Kidney, assistant director of JSCC, at 732-280-8800 or email Evelyn Mars executivedirector@jsccnj.com. Visit www.JerseyShoreChamberNJ.com.
April 13 Online Meeting of the N.J. Health Care Networking Group
The N.J. Health Care Networking Group is a chance to network and meet others in the health care industry, including those who provide ancillary products and services. Join the Zoom meeting of The N.J. Health Care Networking Group Wednesday, April 13 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Raritan Valley Community College is hosting the online April meeting.
To register, visit www.njhcnet.com and you will receive the Zoom code to join the meeting. Sponsorship opportunities to showcase your business as a VIP Sponsor are available. For more information about the N.J. Health Care Networking Group, contact Lisa Gallicchio, director of community relations for Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, Eatontown, the group’s premier sponsor, at lisa@preferredcares.com. or visit www.njhcnet.com.
Once you register to become a member, you can post health care and marketing events, news, training information, and location of meetings on the website of the N.J. Health Care Networking Group. All registrants also have access to the N.J. Health Care Network member directory.
For more than 30 years Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services has been providing medical and non-medical home health care services to infants, children, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
About Raritan Valley Community College: Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg, New Jersey, is nationally recognized for its educational excellence, innovative programming, dedicated service to the community, and environmental leadership both online and on its campus. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 20 different fields. Popular programs include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies. The diversity found on the campus enriches everyone, and the educational opportunities offered extend far beyond the classroom.
Schedule for Hazardous Materials Disposal Announced for Lakewood Residents
Phil Roux, the Lakewood Township director of Public Works, has announced the date of the 2022 residential household hazardous waste disposal program, sponsored by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners and the Department of Solid Waste Management.
Lakewood residents can dispose of household hazardous waste in Lakewood, Sunday, April 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Lakewood Public Works, 1 America Way only by registering online. Visit co.ocean.nj.us/recycle online to register for a time slot.
Other locations in Stafford and Manchester townships also available to Ocean County residents. Proof of residency—driver’s license or tax bill–is required.
Household hazardous waste in their original containers except for oil and gasoline includes aerosols, auto products, cleaning products, chemicals/pool chemicals, fire extinguishers, gasoline, herbicides and pesticides, mercury-containing devices, paint thinners, polyurethanes and polishes, propane tanks, strains and varnishes.
The limit is 200 lbs. of dry materials and 20 liquid gallons. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.
Materials that are NOT acceptable this April are asbestos, *batteries, construction debris, *electronics, explosives including boat flares, infectious waste, *motor oil, medication, needles, syringes, oxygen tanks, *paint and paint cans, radioactive materials, smoke detectors, unidentifiable chemicals.
*Starred materials will be accepted in a special waste program Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For other household hazardous waste disposal dates and locations, visit co.ocean.nj.us/recycle (right side). For more information, call Lakewood Public Works at 732-905-3405 or 732-506-5047. Email ocrecycles@co.ocean.nj.us.
Lakewood Chamber to Host Webinar about Small Business Funding Options
Funding for small businesses is available. But what are the options? Find out at a free webinar “Small Business Funding Options,” open to the public, hosted by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and the LCSC (The Lakewood Community Services Corp.), Tuesday, March 22 at 11:00 a.m.
Melanie Willoughby, executive director of NJBAC (N.J. Business Action Center) and Alex Lowinger, managing director of Small Business Services for the LCSC, will present guidance on all resources, best practices, and solutions to help small businesses.
This event is sponsored by the Lakewood Development Corporation, New Jersey Natural Gas, and the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA). To register for the webinar and Zoom link or for more information, contact the Lakewood Chamber at staff@mylakewoodchamber.com or www.lakewoodchamber.org.
Fundraiser to Support Ukraine to Be Held at The Strand Theater March 27
Gary Schiavone, Strand Theater executive director, several Strand board members, and Kasia Pawka from Polish School, Lakewood, will be holding “Voices for Ukraine,” a fundraiser at the Strand Theater on March 27 from Noon to 6:00 p.m. to help raise money and goods for the people of Ukraine
Many local volunteer artists, volunteer Strand staff, community groups, and schools have agreed to participate. All money and goods raised will be donated to reputable charities, providing relief to the people of Ukraine.
To-date, Father Waldermar Latkowski will conduct the opening prayer and the Ukrainian Church Choir will sing Ukrainian National Anthem. Performances have been scheduled for The Wags; Killer Joe Band; Artist Collective Troupe; the Ball Haunis Irish Band; Irish Dancers from the Daly Irish Dance; the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Pipe Band; Godspell by the Howell PAL organization; Kasia Pawka and the Polish School; the Portuguese Dance Group; and two bands from the Red House Studio N.J.
The Lakewood Police Department will form an honor guard and the Lakewood Fire Department will display the USA Flag from an aerial fire truck. Concessions, the Strand bar, and food trucks will be available throughout the day.
All money collected will be donated to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, Province of Lviv, Ukraine; the Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund; and Agudath Israel of America.
Tickets are $20 online, at The Strand Box office with $2 service fee; and $20 cash at the door the day of the show. Donations, designated specifically for “Voices for Ukraine,” will also be accepted via the Strand website.
The committee for “Voices for Ukraine” includes Strand Theater board members Gary Schiavone, executive director; Amy Freeman, board president; Karen Stafford-Smith, board, treasurer; Dee Fullam Front of House manager; Caitlyn Jones, technical director; Cindy Zwicker, bar manager; and Greg Stafford-Smith, member of the Lakewood Industrial Commission; and Kasia Pawka of the Polish School.
For more information, call Schiavone at 848-702-9031 or email Gary@Strand.org.
Comprehensive IT Company Created to Help Business Owners
It’s obvious that technology, the internet, and your network are becoming more complicated each day! Eli Zentman, Lakewood, who holds a master’s in Information Systems from NJIT (New Jersey Institute of Technology), Newark, and has more than 13 years of experience in network management and IT, has created EZNETUP to help business owners with effective management solutions.
EZNETUP provides on-site IT support, maintenance, consultation, and advice; managed IT services; network security; remote access solutions; Wi-Fi installation and optimization; network installation; data backup solutions; data recovery; hardware sales; installation and relocations; and office equipment; among other services.
Before creating EZNETUP, Zentman was the IT manager and network administrator for 10 years at Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood, N.J. Later he provided Level 3 Support for Tech Master’s PCs, Lakewood, for four years, where he reviewed new and existing customer network infrastructures; and implemented new and upgraded infrastructures, among others.
Zentman also has certifications in MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator), CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Administrator), and MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) from Compunets Computer School, Toms River, N.J.
For more information about EZNETUP, call Zentman at 732-812-0832 or email him at info@enetup.com.