Ocean County Freeholder Ginny Haines to Speak at the October 8 Ocean ELC Meeting
Ocean County Freeholder Virginia E. “Ginny” Haines, a lifelong resident of Ocean County who was sworn into her second three-year term on the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders, is the featured speaker at Ocean County ELC (Employer Legislative Committee) on Thursday, October 8, 2020, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Charlie’s of Bay Head, 72 Bridge Avenue, Bay Head, N.J.
Freeholder Haines will discuss the state of Ocean County and the outlook for 2021.
This event is open only to Ocean County business leaders, business owners, and employees. Ticket are $30.00 per person and registration is required because seating is limited.
For registration and login information, contact Jody Herkloz, Chairwoman of the Ocean ELC, at Jody@northstarstrategiesllc.com.
The Ocean County ELC is sponsored by Holman Frenia Allison, PC; New Jersey Natural Gas, and NorthStar Strategies in partnership with the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. Sponsorships are available for $250.00 each event.
About Freeholder Ginny Haines: Freeholder Virginia “Ginny” Haines is the chairwoman of Parks and Recreation and Natural Lands. Freeholder Haines, Toms River, was first appointed to the Board in 2016, bringing years of public service and leadership experience to the Board of Freeholders. In 2019, she served as Director of the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
She serves as liaison to a host of county departments and agencies, including Ocean County College and the Advisory Commission on the Status of Women. As Chairwoman to the Department of Parks and Recreation, Freeholder Haines works closely with department staff to make certain the County’s 27 different park sites, including two golf courses, continue to provide premiere active and passive recreation areas for all County residents.
Ocean County park facilities range from sports field complexes, to off-leash dog parks, and general recreational areas for all residents. The County also provides an extensive recreation program through its Parks and Recreation Department, offering programs for residents of all ages. The Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund, approved by voters in 1997, has resulted in almost 35,000 acres of environmentally sensitive lands and farmlands being acquired and approved for preservation in the County with many more applications under review. In 2018, Ocean County preserved its largest tract yet purchasing what is known locally as the Forked River Mountains in Lacey Township – about 8,000 acres of open space. In 2019, a 3,000 acre donation was added to the site.
As liaison to Ocean County College, Freeholder Haines is a staunch supporter of quality and affordable education. She closely works with the college on various projects and is a champion of the Ocean County College Foundation, providing scholarships to new students interested in advancing their educations. Freeholder Haines also serves as liaison to the Department of Information Technology, which provides technical support to all County government agencies. Freeholder Haines has served in various capacities on the Ocean County College Foundation Board and currently serves as its chair. She has closely worked with the Jersey Shore Council of Boy Scouts, the Monmouth/Ocean Foodbank, the Ocean County Heart Association, the United Way, and the Local Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse of Ocean County.Freeholder Haines is an active member of the Rotary Club of Toms River, the Toms River Student Loan Fund Board, and the Advisory Council for Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She serves as the Board’s representative to the Southern New Jersey Freeholders Association, an alternate to the New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority and liaison to the LACADA.
Prior to joining the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Freeholder Haines served as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Lottery from July 1994 to February 2002. Freeholder Haines also served as state 10th Legislative District Assemblywoman from 1992 to 1994. She served as the New Jersey General Assembly Assistant Majority Whip. She also served on the Toms River (formerly Dover Township) Township Committee in 2002. She was Clerk of the New Jersey Assembly and also served as a Legislative Aide for state Senator Robert Singer. She also has served as a speaker and mentor for the Christine Todd Whitman Excellence in Public Service Series.
Among her many awards, Freeholder Haines has been recognized with the Distinguished Citizen Award, and the Loyal Buffalo Award from the Jersey Shore Council of Boy Scouts, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ocean County Girls Scouts. She was named a Paul Harris Fellow, a Melvin Jones Fellow, New Jersey Law Enforcement Association Recognition, Citizen of the Year by the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Citizen of the Year by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. Freeholder Haines also is an inductee of the Lakewood High School Hall of Fame. She also is a member of the Joshua Huddy Chapter of the DAR.
Freeholder Haines is the National Republican Committeewoman – New Jersey since 2004 and is co-chair of the Republican National Committee Northeast Region since 2013. She also served as a delegate in 2008, 2012 and 2016 for the Republican National Convention and has represented the state on numerous committees.
About ELC: Employer Legislative Committees: The ELCs, established by NJBIA in 1959, are independent, local organizations representing all 21 counties. At each meeting, legislators, cabinet members or local officials will discuss important issues pertinent to business. Attendees also receive a briefing from one of NJBIA’s government affairs experts on legislative and regulatory issues affecting employers. About NJBIA: The New Jersey Business & Industry Association, Trenton, N.J., provides information, services and advocacy to its member companies in order to build a more prosperous New Jersey. NJBIA is the nation’s largest statewide employer association. Its members, as a group, employ more than one million people and represents every industry in the state, including contractors, manufacturers, retail and wholesale businesses, and service providers of every kind. Visit www.njbia.org for more information.
Congressman Andy Kim to Speak at the September 30 Ocean ELC Meeting
Congressman Andy Kim., who was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018 and represents the Third Congressional District of New Jersey, is the featured speaker at Ocean County ELC (Employer Legislative Committee) on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Virtual Morning Coffee with Congressman Andy Kim is a free event from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., open only to Ocean County business leaders, business owners, and employees. Registration is required.
Congressman Kim will discuss federal efforts to help New Jersey businesses recover from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and ways Congress can help businesses grow and thrive.
For registration and login information, contact Jody Herkloz, Chairwoman of the Ocean ELC, at Jody@northstarstrategiesllc.com.
The Ocean County ELC is sponsored by Holman Frenia Allison, PC; New Jersey Natural Gas, and NorthStar Strategies in partnership with the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.
About Congressman Andy Kim: Congressman Andy Kim was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018. He represents the Third Congressional District of New Jersey, which stretches from the Delaware River to the Atlantic Ocean encompassing most of Burlington County and parts of Ocean County.
Congressman Kim grew up in South Jersey, the proud son of Korean immigrants. His father and mother raised Andy and his sister in South Jersey because of the top notch public school system and safe communities. Andy attended public K-12 schools and credits the quality of his education with helping him become a Rhodes Scholar and leading national security expert.
Andy is a dedicated public servant, who believes service is a way of life. He worked as a career public servant under both Democrats and Republicans; and served at the Pentagon, State Department, the White House National Security Council, and in Afghanistan as an advisor to Generals Petraeus and Allen.
He currently lives in Burlington County with his wife and two baby boys.
About ELC: Employer Legislative Committees: The ELCs, established by NJBIA in 1959, are independent, local organizations representing all 21 counties. At each meeting, legislators, cabinet members or local officials will discuss important issues pertinent to business. Attendees also receive a briefing from one of NJBIA’s government affairs experts on legislative and regulatory issues affecting employers. About NJBIA: The New Jersey Business & Industry Association, Trenton, N.J., provides information, services and advocacy to its member companies in order to build a more prosperous New Jersey. NJBIA is the nation’s largest statewide employer association. Its members, as a group, employ more than one million people and represents every industry in the state, including contractors, manufacturers, retail and wholesale businesses, and service providers of every kind. Visit www.njbia.org for more information.
Understanding Bias in the Workplace – October 8 HR Zoom Meeting
“It’s them, not me!” Many employees believe issues of bias are the result of other people, not themselves. The truth is, we ALL HAVE BIAS. The interest in understanding bias has grown over recent years both in the workplace and in matters of social injustice.
Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources (JSAHR) is hosting Understanding Bias in the Workplace, a free virtual meeting presented by attorney Andy Botwin, who owns Strategy People Culture and EEO Training, Wednesday, October 8, 2020, from 8:30 to 10:0 a.m.
The presentation, with a question and answer session, will cover the foundational groundwork discussion on bias; how bias impacts social situations, attitudes, cultures, and emotional reactions; and the impact of bias on co-workers, clients, job performance, and organizational success.
Members should register at jsahr.shrm.org/events; by emailing Christine Higgins at admin@JSAHR.org.; or call 732-701-7155. Log in details will be sent to registrants. For those who wish to make monetary contributions to Fullfill – Monmouth & Ocean, Hunger Won’t Win Here, JSAHR will match total contributions up to $1,000.
This program is pending 1.0 HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) and SHRM PDC recertification credits. JSAHR is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits.
About the speaker: Andy Botwin owns Strategy People Culture and EEO Training, a combined offering of executive coaching; independent investigations; and training about sexual harassment, discrimination, and unconscious bias. Botwin is a “retired” N.J. attorney who also has more than 25 years of HR-related experience. He was instrumental in getting an organization recognized as a Fortune Best Place to Work in America. Botwin has been both HRCI (SPHR) and SHRM (SCP) certified, has special certification in workplace investigations, and has spoken to countless organizations on the topic of bias.
French Named Regional Manager of Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services
Nicole E. French, Manalapan, New Jersey, has been promoted to regional manager of southern New Jersey for Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services (PHHC), with offices in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. As regional manager, French will oversee the counties of Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester for Preferred’s Mount Laurel branch; and the counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, and Warren for the Robbinsville branch.
French’s responsibilities include streamlining Preferred’s best practices among 250 field nurses and home health aides in the post-COVID environment, and maintaining and growing relationships with clients, facilities, and insurance case managers.
French, who joined Preferred in 2014, started out with Acelleron, Preferred’s durable medical equipment division, before joining the Mount Laurel office in 2016. Before joining PHHC, French worked for 15 years at Goldman Sachs & Co. and Citigroup Inc., where she was vice president of finance.
On Wall Street, she was a member of Goldman Sachs’ Finance Women’s Networking Steering Committee that sponsored, promoted, and retained women in their career advancement, particularly for events geared towards working mothers. She now applies those same principles at Preferred, championing work-life balance and career progression for the female staff.
French, who graduated from Fontbonne Hall Academy, Brooklyn, N.Y., holds a B.S. in accounting from St. Francis College, New York, and an MBA in finance from St. John’s University, New York.
Jonathan Herman, COO of Preferred, said, “We are so happy to promote Nicole to her new role. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and careful cultivation of our reputation perfectly embody the fabric of Preferred’s culture.”
French said, “This opportunity is by far the most important one in my career. I am excited to be supporting our front-line workers. I have this amazing opportunity and responsibility to ensure that the most vulnerable home-bound population, and medically fragile children and adults, are safe and provided for during this unprecedented global pandemic.”
For more information about Preferred, contact Lisa Gallicchio, director of community relations, at lisa@preferredcares.com or call 732-547-9886. Visit PreferredCares.com for more information.
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.
Lakewood Mayor Announces Free Business Expo, Job Fair, and Conference
Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles announced that Lakewood Township and the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a free JBIZ 2020 Business Expo, Job Fair, and Conference at the BlueClaws Stadium, First Energy Park, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood, November 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (The rain date is November 17).
Mayor Coles said that the goal of the Expo is to stimulate economic growth and increase business development. “Many businesses, employees, and employers have been severely affected economically by COVID. It is our hope that this Expo will foster business and create employment for everyone in Lakewood and the surrounding communities.”
Anyone who would like to exhibit; offer workshops, presentations, or seminars should contact Esther at sales@ojchamber.com. or call 732-987-7704 Ext. 104. Visit www.jbizexpo.com. The Expo will follow all COVID-19 guidelines.
Duvi Honig, who sits on the Governor’s Board of the New Jersey Restart and Recovery Council, and is the founder of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber, stresses that the mission of this Expo is to help all businesses, and to foster business development, services, and jobs for everyone in Lakewood, Toms River, and the surrounding areas.
The JBIZ 2020 Expo committee is made up of Senator Robert W. Singer, Deputy Minority Leader; County Commissioner Director Joseph H. Vicari, Chairman of Senior Services and County Operations; Duvi Honig, founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce; and Mayors Carmen F. Amato, Berkeley Township; Raymond G. Coles, Lakewood Township; and Maurice (Mo) B. Hill, Toms River.
To date, the JBIZ 2020 Expo sponsors are the BlueClaws, Lakewood Township, The Lakewood Industrial Commission (LIC), The Lakewood Scoop, Kol Brama Lakewood, and J-Blast Radio 107.9.
October 7 Zoom Meeting of the N.J. Health Care Networking Group
Join N.J. Health Care Networking Group for an October 7 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. Respond Law of Davison, Eastman, Muñoz, Paone, P.A., a full-service law firm, is hosting the October 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.
To register, email Lisa@PreferredCares.com and you will receive the Zoom code to join the October 7 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, call 732-547-9886, or visit www.njhcnet.com for the monthly location and member events. Meetings take place once a month.
Lakewood Companies and Others Can Receive $2000 per Apprenticeship
Lakewood companies and those in surrounding areas can receive $2,000 for apprenticeships. Ocean County College is participating in programs to offer companies an opportunity to train and maintain their best employees with two federally approved public apprenticeship programs.
Each have specific curriculum and National Institute for Metal Working Skills (NIMS) certifications that include 144 hours online training and 2000 hours On-the-Job Training at no cost to employers. Employers receive $2000 from the apprenticeship for On-the-Job Training. The apprenticeships earn 11 and 13 college credits at Camden County College that may be applied to an Associate Degree in Advanced Computerized Manufacturing.
The Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (One year funding of a three-year apprenticeship program) apprenticeship includes Workplace Essentials, Hydraulics and Pneumatics, and Mechanical Systems Maintenance Operations. The CNC, Manual Mill & Lathe (full funding of a one-year apprenticeship program) apprenticeship includes: Safety Training; Shop Math; Blueprint Reading; Inspection, GD&T; Metallurgy; Tools; Setup and Operation of Manual Mill and Lathe; Setup and Operation of Manual and CNC Mill and Lathe; and G&M Code.
These apprenticeship programs are led by the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce & Economic Development and made possible through grant funds.
For more information, contact Michael Forcella, Manager of Business Engagement at Ocean County College, at mforcella@ocean.edu or call 201-320-7595 or Joe Pranzatelli, M.A., NJCCC Program Manager, at 908-340-8459 or jpranzatelli@njworkforce.org
Overcoming Barriers with Practical Solutions for Retention of Diverse Employees — Webinar Sept 10
This program and panel discussion, facilitated by employment attorney Jennifer Meyer-Mahoney will address barriers to the retention of African-American employees at two critical points in the employee life cycle—onboarding and transitioning to a professional or supervisory role.
Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources (JSAHR) is hosting Overcoming Barriers with Practical Solutions for Retention of Diverse Employees, a free virtual webinar on Thursday, September 10, 2020, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
This panel discussion with a question and answer session, will touch on the initial six months of employment, performance expectations from peers and supervisors, and perceived lack of a career path within organizations. Panelists will also discuss how to implement practical solutions. The focus is for diverse hires to feel welcome and see a realistic career path within an organization.
Register by emailing Christine Higgins at admin@JSAHR.org. or http://jsahr.shrm.org/events. Log in details will be sent to registrants. For those who wish to make monetary contributions to Fullfill – Monmouth & Ocean, Hunger Won’t Win Here, JSAHR will match total contributions up to $1,000. Call 732-701-7155.
This program is pending 1.0 HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) and SHRM PDC recertification credits. JSAHR is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits. Publicize or Perish! ™ ###
About the Panelists:
Darryl Clements, Jr. is the Principal and Owner of the (HR) consulting firm DCC Group. Through DCC, Clements provides tailored solutions to help clients in HR operations design diversity strategy development or improve HR talent practices. This includes developing and implementing targeted selection practices for external and internal hiring, and creating a people leadership and management skills program. Prior to DCC, Clements held corporate and business unit HR leadership in roles at Prudential Insurance and Merck-Medco Health Solutions, Inc. where he served as an HR member of Merck’s Global D&I program.
Liesl Griffith, Manager of Corp. HR at Zebra Pen Corporation, has over 30 years of executive management experience in the HR profession. Griffith heads all strategic operational planning, development, and management of Zebra Pen Corp’s human capital. Griffith combines her expert knowledge of all aspects of corporate HR management that includes policy development and implementation to foster workforce excellence, corporate training, recruitment, and EE relations with a dedicated focus on diversity and inclusion.
Danielle M. Jones is the Student Communications & Leadership Development Specialist for the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) at Brookdale Community College. In fall 2019, Jones served as a Graduate Fellow for the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education for the State of New Jersey. In March 2020, Jones was named chairwoman of the Governmental Relations Committee for EOFPANJ. Jones earned her B.A. in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology, from Cabrini University. She has also earned her A.A. in Social Sciences from Brookdale Community College. Jones currently attends Seton Hall University, pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Non-Profit Management.
Jersey Shore Chamber to Host 2020 Biz Expo September 17
The Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce (JSCC) is hosting its 2020 Biz Expo, open to the public at no charge, on Thursday, September 17 from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Pat’s 30 Acres, an outdoor venue, 4103 W. Hurley Pond Road, Wall Township, N.J. 07719.
The Expo, held outdoors under tents, will feature appropriate space between tables and social distancing protocols. The member rate for a six-foot table is $150; for nonmembers the cost is $375 and includes a one-year JSCC membership.
Door prizes include an Apple Watch, courtesy of the Pig & Parrot Sandbar Bar and Grille, Brielle; and a $2500 grand prize advertising package for exhibitors, courtesy of 95.9 the WRAT and 100.1 WJRZ.
To date, BIZ Expo sponsors include Corinne, McCann Trainor, Esq. of Fox Rothschild LLP; Kessler Rehabilitation Center; Kintech, Inc., Printing, Copies, and Direct Mail; Greenbaum Rowe Smith Davis, LLP, Stephanie Reckord, Esq.; Alcoeur Gardens, Alzheimer’s Specialists; Tom Rostron Heating and Air Conditioning; State Farm, Jen Ortiz; BarterPays!; Aspen Tree Expert Co., Inc.; The Rugby School at Woodfield; Manasquan Bank; Shore Business Solutions; Garrow Wellness Center; New Jersey Natural Gas; Club Pilates, Wall Twp.; Brown’s Heating, Cooling and Plumbing; The Pig & Parrot Sandbar; Waypoint 622 Restaurant, Marina, and Patio Bar; and Creative Financial Strategies.
For more information, sponsorships, and table reservations, call Danielle Kidney, assistant director of JSCC, at 732-280-8800 or email info@jsccnj.com.
New Jersey Fire Museum to Hold 5th Annual Open House on September 27
Upper Freehold-The New Jersey Fire Museum and Fallen Firefighters Memorial, 4 Polhemustown Road, Allentown, New Jersey, 08501 is holding its 5th annual Open House to showcase the history of firefighting on Sunday, September 27, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This event is free of charge.
The museum has a collection of fire apparatus dating back to 1814 and as new as the 1970s. The collection is made up of hand-drawn, horse-drawn, and motorized units. A significant part of the 5th Annual Open House will be a Memorial Service dedicated to N.J. firefighters who have suffered Line of Duty Deaths. The service will also recognize all firefighters who have faithfully served their communities.
The Open House will include a free gift for all young people who attend and activities for children. Parents can take pictures of their children in and around the trucks. Visitors will be able to watch a dramatic demonstration by the N.J. division of the National Fire Sprinkler Association that will show the benefit of home fire sprinkler systems.
The winner of the state-sanctioned 50/50 raffle, sold throughout the day, will be chosen at 3:00 p.m. Hope Fire Company, as a food vendor, will offer a variety of lunch items.
Assemblyman Ronald Dancer said, “Each year the Open House event draws more people, more families. It is an opportunity this year, post COVID-19, for families to spend a day outdoors, seeing and learning about the fire service in New Jersey over the last 200 years.”
Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone said, “I am proud to have this incredible museum right here in Monmouth County that honors the heritage and sacrifice of the brave men and women who serve as firefighters. I encourage everyone to attend the New Jersey Fire Museum and Fallen Firefighters Memorial Open House to learn about the history of firefighters and pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving as a firefighter.”
For more information, email President Dave W. Horsnall at presidentjfiremuseum.org.
The Firefighters Memorial is sacred ground established and dedicated to honor those who have given their time and in some circumstances their lives (LODD). The site displays engraved pavers, a steel beam from the 911 World Trade Center Attack, and an annual Memorial Service for all New Jersey residents.
History of the Firefighters’ Museum (taken from the website)
1960s: The Department of Environmental Protection began accepting donations of fire equipment and related material from Mr. Ernest N. Day, Dunellen, a fire equipment dealer and a personal collector of fire equipment and memorabilia. The material was to be exhibited and preserved in a future fire museum. The division continued to accept donations until 1986, by which time Mr. Day had transferred essentially his entire collection, valued at approximately $1 million in 1986.
1970s: Governor William Cahill signed legislation authorizing the establishment of a State Fire Engine and Equipment Museum and provided for an Advisory Commission to select an appropriate site for the museum. A nine-member commission, appointed by Governor Brendan Byrne in March 1975, chose a site in Allaire State Park, in southeastern Monmouth County.
1980s: In 1983, the State appropriated $1 million for the design and construction of the museum. A condition of the use of these funds was that a not-for-profit corporation be created to operate and maintain the completed facility. The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry (NJDPF) commissioned a design of the proposed facility, and a private not-for-profit corporation, the New Jersey Fire Engine and Equipment Museum at Allaire. Inc. was established to operate and maintain the proposed museum.
In 1984, the division hired an architectural firm to design the proposed facility. During the design effort, it was determined that a suitable facility could not be built with the available funds. The project would be delayed until additional funds could be obtained. The non-profit corporation lobbied for the necessary funds and in 1988 Governor Kean signed into law an additional appropriation of $2 million.
In 1989, the architectural firm of Kerht, Shatken Sharon of Princeton was hired to prepare plans and specifications for a larger facility with the additional appropriated funds.
1990s: The design of the new larger facility, a minimum of 18,000 square feet, proved to be too large for the original site in Allaire State Park. The state DEP identified a 14-acre site across County Route 524 from Allaire State Park as a new location. The planning for the new facility was completed in 1991 at an estimated construction cost of $2.5 million.
At the request of the Fire Safety Bureau of the Department of Community Affairs, a monument dedicated to New Jersey firefighters who had fallen in the line of duty was added to the museum plan and endorsed by the NJ State Firemen’s Relief Association.
The project lay dormant for a time. In 1999, the non-profit corporation was conveyed to a new Board of Directors. Executive and Volunteer committees were established. The project’s scope was expanded to include an interactive fire safety learning experience which could be incorporated to grade school curricula and serve to attract corporate sponsorships. A Development Study was prepared and the fund-raising plan was expanded to include an appeal for both public and private support.
2000s: Efforts to provide public funds were made in several legislature sessions since 2000. In 2002, legislation for $7 million in capital construction came close to passage. Efforts to provide private funds have also been underway since 2000. The membership campaign generates “grass roots” support from firefighters. Hundreds of individuals and fire departments currently hold memberships ranging from $25 to $1,000. The memorial paver campaign generates funds for construction of the memorial with over 200 pavers sold to date at prices ranging from $100 to $500. A third campaign targets New Jersey fire equipment vendors. Together these efforts covered operating costs of the non-profit, primarily the quarterly newsletter, and provided a modest growing reserve for construction but they fall far short of the project’s capital construction goals.
In 2003, an Honorary Board of Directors was established with Former Governor Thomas Kean as Chairman to cultivate interest and support for the project among the leaders of N.J. organizations and corporations sharing an interest in family fire safety education and an appreciation for the sacrifices of fire-fighters. For several reasons this Honorary Board was not reappointed and over time became inactive. An updated valuation of the historic Ernest Day collection placed its value at $2M. The state coordinated the long-term loan of a historic hand operated engine to the Trenton Fire Dept Museum from the Ernie Day collection as that particular engine had once served Trenton.
The Fire Museum established a website and Facebook page to maintain and expand visibility of the project to the public. In 2015 the Fire Museum with a three-way agreement among the Fire Museum, Monmouth County, and DEP State Park Service, was granted use of former Princeton Nursery property in Upper Freehold Township near Allentown, N.J. The site included a 20,000 sq. ft. warehouse formerly used to house agricultural equipment and a smaller building formerly used as the sales office. The growing Fire Museum collection of apparatus and memorabilia donated from individuals and fire agencies was relocated to that location. Concurrently, the state released custody of the Ernest Day collection to the Fire Museum and it too was moved to the new storage facility.
In 2016 the NJ Fire Museum hosted its first public open house at the Polhemustown Road location. Personalized memorial pavers that will be part of the NJ Fallen Firefighter Memorial were also placed on temporary display. The event drew a large crowd of interested citizens. Another open house is scheduled for September 2020.
In early 2020 the Upper Freehold Township committee passed a resolution urging the Monmouth County Freeholders to adopt a resolution asking the DEP State Parks Service to expand the size of the area and recognize the Polhemustown Road property as the permanent location for the NJ Fire Museum & Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
Many additional apparatus and items of memorabilia have been donated to the museum. As a result of both public and local government support, the current outlook for a permanent fire museum and memorial is better than it has been in some time. The effort to gain formal acknowledgment of a permanent location at Allentown is a significant step forward. The need for capital funding remains another critical step on the road to establishing a first-class Fire Museum, Interactive Learning Center, and Fallen Firefighter Memorial.