Despite the Pandemic, Harrogate Found a Way to Create the Holiday Spirit for Its Residents
The holiday season can be tough on senior citizens, but this year is more complicated because of COVID. COVID has made many feel isolated and lonely during this time of year in which family is often the focal point. The staff at Harrogate, a Life Plan Community, 400 Locust Street, Lakewood, realized that many of their residents would be spending this holiday season alone without anyone.
Gianna Garrow, director of health center activities, envisioned Winter Wonderland, a way to capture the spirit of the season. Staff members from every department transformed Harrogate into a holiday escape that would make Buddy the elf proud. Staff members from activities, nursing, environmental services, dining services, grounds grew, maintenance, and marketing created a magical experience for their residents, focusing on ensuring COVID regulations and social distancing. Sharon Budde, assistant activities director, came up with the idea to create a path through the dining room with stops along the way.
Although the entire facility is decorated inside, many feel the shining star is the dining room. As residents walk through the path, they can experience joyful displays, created by the staff and their families. Andy Budde, the husband of Sharon Budde, built some of the displays. Joe Alonzo, director of dining services, created a gingerbread Time’s Square, and Annie from housekeeping, created a cozy “fire pit” for holiday favorites like Santa, elves, and snowmen.
While the pandemic has kept many apart, Harrogate found a way to bring everyone together during the season of giving. Trees were donated by friends and families, and each department created its own section. Because of COVID regulations, the Winter Wonderland Tour is only open to residents; however, the public can take a virtual tour through January on Harrogate’s Facebook page and see how it all came together at www.facebook.com/Harrogate.NJ.Retirement.Community.
Gloria Walsh, associate executive director, said, “We may be apart this holiday season, but at Harrogate the holiday spirit is alive and thriving for our residents with help from caring staff and families.”
For more information, contact Keenan Masterson, marketing assistant, kmasterson@hgate.org 732-608-4080.
About Harrogate: The 52-acre, not-for-profit senior retirement community Harrogate, 400 Locust Street, Lakewood offers 253 apartment homes with styles that range from studios to two bedrooms with two baths, a spacious patio or balcony, fully equipped kitchens, individual storage areas, ample parking, private garages, and gardening areas. A percentage of the one-time entrance fee is refundable to you or to your estate.
The pet-welcoming community with independent living, life care, and health services, such as skilled nursing or rehab, provides comprehensive services and amenities, including housekeeping, cooking, maintenance, most utilities, Wi-Fi, onsite banking, a convenience store, fitness center with a certified personal trainer, a woodworking shop, walking trails, bocce courts, putting greens, shuffleboard, an arts and crafts studio, and activities with classes, events, speakers, concerts, and trips. For more information call 732-905-7070 or email harrogatelifecare.org.
Howell Man Grew Up Fighting before COVID!
Thomas Gallicchio, who grew up in Howell, N.J., has devoted his life to fighting. On January 1, 2021, he will open his own academy Militia Mixed Martial Arts and American Jiu-Jitsu in East Ridge, Tennessee, for men, women, and children in Mixed Martial Arts, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, No-Gi Grappling, Wrestling, Boxing, Kickboxing, Kids MMA, Women’s and Kids Jiu-Jitsu, Self Defense, and Fitness.
Gallicchio started his career in grammar school as a wrestler for the Howell Predators, and continued wrestling at Freehold Township High School, from where he graduated in 2005. After high school, Gallicchio began his Pro career in Mixed Martial Arts.
Today Tom Gallicchio aka Tom da Tank, aka Toothless Tom is a World Class MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter. His professional career spans more than 12 years in three countries. He is a UFC (The Ultimate Fighting Championship) veteran, and was twice featured on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF)!
He has won world titles in many organizations, including MFC (Maximum Fighting Championship), M-1 Global, USKBA (United States Kick-Boxing Association), and Ring of Combat in both welterweight and lightweight classes. Gallicchio is Combat Jiu-Jitsu veteran and was Head Grappling Coach at the Legendary Team Quest home of Dan Henderson.
Gallicchio is second-degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that combines wrestling and Catch Wrestling in a martial art that will work in the ring as well as in real life. He is also CrossFit Certified and has fought in professional K-1 Kickboxing. Gallicchio is a MMA recorded holder of the second most Rear Naked Choke Holds!
The gym is located on 3920 Ringgold Road, East Ridge, Tennessee, with a pre-opening sale of $99 per month, with no contract, and no signup fee. For more information, call 732-664-1003 or visit MilitiaMixedMartialArts.com.
Sam Wood Appointed Pittsburgh Hospital Liaison for Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services
Sam Wood, Sarver, Pennsylvania, has been appointed the Pittsburgh area hospital liaison for Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services (PHHC), with offices in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. As hospital liaison, Wood will serve as a child and family advocate for current and prospective clients; and be responsible for the overall marketing and growth of the Pittsburgh office.
Prior to joining Preferred, Wood worked for Aveanna Healthcare, formerly PSA Healthcare, where he was responsible for the development and implementation of quarterly marketing referral goals; and coordinated and oversaw weekly case referral analysis meetings with Pittsburgh area offices.
Wood holds a B.S. in Rehabilitation Education from Penn State University. He is a member of the Brain Injury Association of America and Autism Speaks of Pennsylvania.
Preferred Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Herman said, “We are delighted to welcome Sam Wood and we’re excited for him to help our excellent team in Pittsburgh grow further in that region.”
For more information about Wood or Preferred, contact Lisa Gallicchio, director of community relations, at lisa@preferredcares.com or visit PreferredCares.com for more information.
About Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, Inc.: 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 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.
Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services Designated Great Place to Work™
Jonathan Herman, chief operating officer (COO) of Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services (PHHC), with offices in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, announced that PHHC received certification as a Great Place to Work™, a significant achievement. PHHC has received this certification since 2016.
Great Place to Work™ is considered the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors that deliver market-leading revenue and increased innovation. The determination for certification uses validated employee feedback gathered from rigorous, data-driven methodology, and confirms that seven out of 10 employees have had a consistently positive experience at PHHC.
Herman said, “We are thrilled to achieve the designation Great Place to Work-Certified™. We make employee experience a priority every day and it means a lot that our employees have reported a consistently positive experience with their coworkers, their leaders, and with their jobs. This is important to us because we know that when our employees have a high-trust experience every day, they are more productive, drive better business results, and make a difference to our clients.
“This honor is a testament to what we’re building at Preferred/Acelleron and the empathetic culture that we’re cultivating, which continues to strengthen and gain wide recognition in our ever-expanding geographic footprint.”
Preferred is always looking for candidates who have contributed to society in meaningful ways, including putting more back into their communities than they take out. For example, Preferred seeks employees who have volunteered at local charities, nonprofits, or other community-based organizations.
For more information about Preferred, contact Lisa Gallicchio, director of community relations, at lisa@preferredcares.com or visit PreferredCares.com for more information.
About Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, Inc.: 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 2020 Great Place to Work®, offers industry-leading pay rates, weekly pay, flexible hours, benefits, and paid time off. 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.
About Great Place to Work®: Great Place to Work® is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, including Best Workplaces lists and workplace reviews, Great Place to Work® provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures. In the United States, Great Place to Work® produces the annual Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work For®” and a series of Great Place to Work® Best Workplaces lists, including lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small and Medium Companies, and over a half dozen different industries.
December 10 HR Meeting Explores “The Need to Push Pause” and Other Questions About Wellness
What does it mean to live a healthy, happy life during a pandemic; and why even try? Join JSAHR (Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources) professionals for a Zoom meeting, open to the public, December 10 from 8:45 to 10:00 a.m. Because of this challenging time, JSAHR is offering this session as complimentary.
Lauren Yellin Weinberg, MS, NBC-HWC (National Board of Health & Wellness Coaching), will conduct an interactive workshop about living well in body, mind and spirit; and staying engaged, happy, and productive in one’s personal and professional life in spite of this year’s challenges to resilience, increased stress, and health issues. This session will also explore the effects of working remotely, and juggling obligations in new and challenging ways.
Please consider making a donation to the SHRM Foundation before December 10. Anyone making a donation will be entered into a drawing for a chance to wind a gift basket from Suzi’s Sweet Shop, Route 35, Middletown, or a ticket to JSAHR’s virtual Wine & Cheese Pairing Event, December 17, 2020.
To make a donation and to receive the Zoom link, register online at jsahr.shrm.org/events or email admin@jsahr.org or call JSAHR at 732-701-7155.
JSAHR, a SHRM affiliated chapter, is a Platinum Excel award winner of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management.) This program is pending one (1) SHRM and one (1) HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) recertification credit. www.hrci.org.
About the Speaker: Lauren Yellin Weinberg refers to herself as a life architect because she partners with busy professionals to design a life that integrates their needs with life’s challenging demands. As a wellness coach with a background as a psychologist and family therapist, she recognizes the power of healthy habits to fuel both personal and business success. Contact Lauren through lastingchangewellness.com.
Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services Joins ECF to Deliver Thanksgiving Food
Since 2007, Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services (PHHC), with offices in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, has delivered or shipped traditional Thanksgiving food to families involved with the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation (ECF). The unprepared holiday food includes turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and milk, among other items.
ECF is a not-for-profit organization that provides specialized services, at no charge, to any N.J. family who is caring for a child with cancer. ECF services include counseling; emergency financial aid; and material support, such as food, for families in crisis.
Joann Passantino, ECF executive director, said, “The goal of ECF is to help families handle the enormous demands of caring for a child with cancer and to provide support to everyone in the household, for as long as they need us, whether one month or ten years. In each of the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation’s 37 years, we have heard heart-breaking stories of fear and suffering, and heart-warming messages of gratitude for our assistance; this confirms the need for our services and inspires us every day to make sure we have the resources to continue our vital work.”
For more information about Preferred, contact Lisa Gallicchio, director of community relations, at lisa@preferredcares.com or visit PreferredCares.com for more information.
Photo: (Courtesy of Jaeden Prince’s mom) Thirteen-year-old Jaeden Prince, North Plainfield, enjoys a holiday meal from ECF and Preferred. Jaeden has brain cancer and suffers many side effects.
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 2020 Great Place to Work®, offers industry-leading pay rates, weekly pay, flexible hours, benefits, and paid time off. 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.
Great, Great-grandson of Charles Dickens Streams a Christmas Carol as a Fundraiser for The Strand Theater
The great-great grandson of literary icon Charles Dickens will be performing and streaming his captivating rendition of A Christmas Carol, a heartwarming holiday tale, November 26 through December 31 as a fundraiser and holiday show for the historic Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, N.J.
This unforgettable one-man show, a great family tradition and a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season, has recently been captured on film for all of his fans to enjoy – streaming exclusively on Vimeo.com.
Gerald will take you on the magical journey of Ebenezer Scrooge’s heartfelt transformation by acting out all 26 characters in this favorite holiday tale. He has created different postures and voices for each character, achieving this so adeptly that the audience has no doubt about “who is who,” so to speak.
Gerald Dickens bears more than a passing resemblance to his famous ancestor, who originally toured the U.S. in 1867, reading his literary works before spellbound audiences. The historians report that A Christmas Carol was his favorite piece to perform.
According to Gerald, his great-great grandfather adored theater and initially wanted to be an actor but pursued writing as a career for practical purposes. For many years Gerald says that he himself “avoided anything to do with Dickens like the plague.” But in 1993 when a friend asked him to do a reading of A Christmas Carol on its 150th anniversary of publication to help raise money for a historical restoration project, he couldn’t turn him down. To his surprise, he enjoyed doing it and has been delighting audiences around the world with his rendition ever since.
Tickets that will benefit the Strand are $20 and are available at www.strand.org. Rent this inspirational performance in the comfort of your home — Available on any internet-connected device that is compatible with Vimeo. Contact Ray Coles at 732.691.9989 for more information.
December 9 Online Meeting of the N.J. Health Care Networking Group
Join N.J. Health Care Networking Group for the December 9 Zoom meeting from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. N.J. Health Care Networking Group is a free organization for anyone in the health care industry, including those who provide ancillary products and services. The Adler Aphasia Center is hosting the December virtual meeting.
The N.J. Health Care Networking Group provides an opportunity to build relationships among health care professionals, market events, and promote business. Membership is free; however, register to take advantage of member benefits, such as posting to N.J. Health Care Networking Group’s website, all health care and marketing events, training information, employment listings, and access to a member directory.
The Adler Aphasia Center, Maywood, N.J., provides a comprehensive therapeutic environment of innovative programs for people with aphasia, difficulty in communicating because of brain damage, such as a stroke, head injury, tumor, or disease. The Adler Aphasia Center is staffed by licensed speech language pathologists and trained professionals. Through life skill activities that focus on conversation and communication, the arts, fitness, technology and more, our program helps our members improve their communication skills; exercise their cognitive skills; build their self-esteem and confidence; make new social connections; and enhance their quality of life.
To register, email Lisa@PreferredCares.com and you will receive the Zoom code to join the December 9 meeting. For more information about N.J. Health Care Networking Group, contact Lisa Gallicchio, director of community relations for Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, Eatontown, the premier sponsor of N.J. Health Care Networking Group, at lisa@preferredcares.com. or visit www.njhcnet.com for the monthly location and member events. Meetings take place once a month.
Lakewood Middle School Students Donate $850 to the Strand
Students from the Lakewood Middle School (LMS) donated $850 to the Strand Center for the Arts, 400 Clifton Avenue, as their way of expressing their thanks to the Strand for its continued support of their middle school band, orchestra, choral concerts; and dramatic performances.
To raise money, students decided to “dress down” on a designated day and pay a $1.00 donation. Students usually wear a navy polo and khaki pants each day to school, according to dress code policy of the Lakewood school district.
Richard Goldstein, the principal of the Lakewood Middle School, said that the dress code policy is one that students and their parents feel is important. “When I first became principal,” Goldstein said, “the survey I sent to parents and students was overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the dress code policy because it eliminates clothing competition among the students.”
According to Goldstein, students wanted to donate to the Strand because they have an interest in the performing arts. The Strand has always been generous in donating space for student
performances. Students and staff members also recognize that the Strand is a National Historic Landmark right here in Lakewood, and they feel strongly about supporting it.”
Glenn Harrison, president of the board of directors of Strand Ventures, said, “We are extremely grateful to the Lakewood Middle School students and staff members for their support. The members of the board send their heartfelt thanks for their donation. It means a lot to everyone and to the town.”
The Strand is a not-for-profit organization and relies on the generosity of the community and patrons to offset expenses to keep this National Historic Landmark open, especially during this difficult time. To make a tax-deductible donation, visit www. strand.org. and click the donate button on the left, or go to the drop-down menu. Also, donors can make out a check to Strand Ventures and mail it to Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701.
President of Shore Creative Group Appointed to the Board of MODC
Mike Ciavolino, the CEO of the marketing agency Shore Creative Group, Oceanport, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of MODC (Monmouth Ocean Development Council), Wall Township, for a three-year term.
Ciavolino, the president Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources (JSAHR) for the past two years, also serves on the social media committee of the National Association of Healthcare Recruitment (NAHCR). With more than 30 years of experience in recruitment branding and marketing on a national level, Ciavolino has conducted symposiums and workshops for HR leaders on such topics as employer branding and recruitment marketing, and has spoken at the conferences of Garden State SHRM and NAHCR.
He is the author of a weekly blog that provides recruitment solutions for hospitals and health systems. He also co-hosts The Talent Brand Show, a weekly podcast dedicated to healthcare recruitment and talent acquisition for hospitals and health systems. (https://talentbrandshow.com).
He is a member of NAHCR, SHRM, and CRA (Corporate Resource Alliance). He and his wife Laura are parents of 15-year-old triplets. Ciavolino is about to release his book Autastic, which is written for parents of special needs children.
About Shore Creative Group: Shore Creative Group is an advertising and marketing firm whose services include advertising, branding, search engine marketing, social media, email marketing, Web design, and video marketing. Visit shorecreativegroup.com or call 908-675-1146 for more information, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.