A Wish That Saves Lives! Preferred Home Health Care Donates Equipment to Moorestown Police Department
Seven years ago, Jonathan Herman, the COO of Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, Inc. (PHHC), with headquarters in Eatontown, N.J., started One Wish, a program that has benefited many and saved lives. At the end of the year, PHHC staff members are asked for one wish they would like to see fulfilled in the upcoming year.
This year Allyson Budassi, client services coordinator for Preferred, Mt. Laurel, N.J., asked that Preferred donate money to replace old FRX Heartstart defibrillators used by the Moorestown Police Department. It was this very equipment that Moorestown policemen had used to revive Allyson Budassi’s father-in-law.
On behalf of the Moorestown Police Department, Chief of Police Lee Lieber sent a letter of thanks to Preferred for donating $1500 to purchase a new FRX Heartstart defibrillator that replaced old units in patrol vehicles. Chief Lieber said this donation is particularly significant because a replaced automated external defibrillator (AED) helped revive Allyson Budassi’s father-in-law. “Of all the services we provide in the course of our duties, lifesaving is by far the most important.”
Allyson Budassi said, “Thank you so much for this donation! The Budassi family is so appreciative of Preferred’s generosity and I’m personally so grateful to work for a company that gives back the way Preferred does.”
Herman said, “I’m proud to see that our One Wish program reinforces some of Preferred’s core philosophies – to help our clients, and to strengthen the many towns and communities we service.”
For more information about Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, visit PreferredCares.com. or contact Lisa Gallicchio, director of community relations, at 732-547-9886 or lisa@preferredcares.com.
Photo courtesy of Moorestown Police Department (left to right.): Sergeant Rick Gunning, Corporal Chris Menges, Carl Budassi, Corporal John Rulli
About Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services: Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services (PHHC), 45 Main Street, Eatontown, N.J., 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. In-house services include skilled nursing care for infants, children, adults, and seniors; personal care services, including bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, etc.; private duty nursing services; and at-home physical therapy, among others. All of the care can be provided in-house and is coordinated by registered nurses, with clinical supervision available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
PHHC has 14 locations. New Jersey locations include corporate headquarters, Main Street, Eatontown; Elmwood Park; Galloway; Jersey City; Mt. Laurel; North Brunswick; Robbinsville; South Orange; Toms River; and Neptune. Pennsylvania locations include Allentown, Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, and Pittsburgh. Delaware location: Claymont. Visit Preferred at PreferredCares.com for more information.
Lakewood Housing Authority COVID-19 Update
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact people locally and globally, the Lakewood Housing Authority (LHA) is working to ensure that it does its part to keep residents, participants, and staff members safe and minimizes transmission of the virus. While the Lakewood Housing Authority began taking precautionary measures on March 16, to further protect the safety of residents, participants, and employees, the LHA is taking the following proactive measures:
• Effective Monday, March 23, the Lakewood Housing Authority office will be closed to the public. All communication will be completed via telephone, fax, mail, and email.
• A mail/drop box will be installed in front of the main office on Tuesday, March 24. The mail/drop box will serve to allow receipt of incoming mail and for clients to drop off required
information/paperwork to the LHA.
• Income & Household Change Forms will be placed in the “outgoing mail” portion of the mail/drop box for clients to pick up if needed. A link to the forms will also be placed on the Housing Authority website homepage, www.lakewoodha.org.
• Staff has been split into two groups and will alternate days that they work in the office to provide safe social distancing. Staff has been provided the ability to retrieve voice messages and emails from home. Staff emails and phone extensions are located on website at www.lakewoodha.org/aboutUs.aspx?page=staff.
• HQS inspections are only being completed for initial/new admission purposes and for any exigent health and safety concern.
• Participant moves are suspended with the exception of moves due to health and safety issues.
• The community rooms in our buildings have been closed down and monthly extermination services to our units have been suspended.
• Maintenance staff is only performing emergency work orders (not completing routine work orders) and limiting their exposure by working in vacant units and non-populated areas.
Scott E. Parsons, acting executive director, Lakewood Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, said, “As you may be aware, the World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a global pandemic disease and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the potential public health threat posed by the outbreak to be elevated in the United States. As the number of cases identified in the United States continues to rise and the probability of community spread increases, we must acknowledge the rapidly evolving nature of the situation and be ready to safeguard everyone’s health while simultaneously managing business continuity.
“The Lakewood Housing Authority continues to monitor direction from the state and federal government related to declarations of state emergency orders and are prepared to support those directives as required. The safety and security of our residents/participants and team are our primary concern every day. We remain committed to helping our residents/participants navigate through these stressful and uncertain times. We encourage our residents/participants to reach out to their case worker through telephone or email if in need of any assistance.”
For more information or questions, contact Scott E. Parsons, Acting Executive Director, Lakewood Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, at 732-364-1300 Ext. 109.
Lakewood Chamber Growing! New Website Announced and 2020 Executive Board and Directors Installed
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual retreat and induction ceremony for the 2020 Executive Board and Directors at Harrogate, 400 Locust Street, Lakewood, with a dinner prepared by Harrogate’s Executive Chef Joseph Alonzo.
Jose Fabrizzio Orozco, immediate past president and business development VP for Savoy Bank, welcomed everyone on behalf of 2020 Chamber President Justin Flancbaum, executive director of the Lakewood Township MUA (Municipal Utilities Authority).
Guest speaker Senator Robert W. Singer, New Jersey’s 30th Legislative District, praised the work of the Lakewood Chamber and spoke about future job expansion and benefits for area businesses.
Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles congratulated the Lakewood Chamber for the outstanding job it has done in attracting businesses. Mayor Coles noted that 32 years ago when he began his business, it was the Chamber that reached out to him, helping him succeed.
Menashe Miller, executive director of the Lakewood Chamber, said, “We are proud to represent our thriving business community and to promote the economic growth and development of area businesses.”
Among its many accomplishments, the Chamber now represents 310 businesses and is growing. As of April 1, the Chamber’s new headquarters will be at 1771 Madison Avenue, Lakewood. The Chamber also unveiled its new user friendly website www.mylakewoodchamber.com., where members can upload their information.
The 2020 Lakewood Chamber Executive Board is made up of President Justin Flancbaum, Lakewood Township MUA; 1st Vice President Steven Mertz, Assistant Vice President of Fulton Bank; 2nd Vice President Julie Vanore, Chief Administrative Officer, Preferred Behavioral Health; Treasurer Jason Re, Senior Manager, CG Tax, Audit and Advisory Firm; and Secretary Leonard Allen, Business Banking VP, Lakeland Bank; and Members-at-Large Ben Heinemann, Owner of BP Print Group, and Jose F. Orozco.
2020 Board members, sworn in by Executive Director Miller, are Attorney Jonathan Bender, Jonathan L. Bender, PC; Bruce Canell, Account Executive, Brickforce Staffing; Jill Flynn, Vice President, OceanFirst Bank; Denice Gaffney, Vice President, Foundation, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus; Lisa Gallicchio, Director Of Community Relations, Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services; Jeff Gerstenblatt, Jeffrey Gerstenblatt, Esq.; Ram Hegde, Owner of Dunkin Donuts; Dion Johnson, Managing Partner, Modern Planning Group; Fran Kirschner, President of Frantasy Enterprises, PR Firm; Jan Kirsten, Ocean County College; Patricia Komsa, Lakewood Township HR; David Nicola, Business Development Executive, Maser Consulting; Paul Oster, Better Qualified; Eli Rennert, Senior VP, First Commerce Bank; and Lori Raia Thomas, Assoc. Director Corporate and Foundation Relations, Georgian Court University.
Chamber liaisons are Senator Robert Singer; utilities representatives Bob Gallo, NJ Natural Gas, and John Meehan, JCP&L; and business association representative Ben Waldron, executive director of MODC (Monmouth Ocean Development Council).
For more information, contact Menashe Miller, executive director of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, at 732-363-0012 or visit www. Mylakewoodchamber.com.
The Mission of the Lakewood Chamber: The mission of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is to serve the needs of the business community by advocacy; i.e., representing the voice of the business community; by advancing interaction and relationships among businesses for their collective best interest and that of the community; and by enhancing business growth and success through education, services, and the development of programs for members.
Changing Employment Laws – A Complimentary Seminar
Paid Sick Leave – Equal Pay Act – N.J. Law Against Discrimination, and More…
What you don’t know can and will be held against you! Learn about the changing employment laws and ways to mitigate risk at a complimentary seminar, Friday, March 27 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at C & A Financial Group, LLC, 2111 Route 34 South, Wall, NJ 07719.
The seminar presenters are Melinda Lapan PHR, SHRM-CP, the VP of HR Advantage Advisory Services; and Vanessa Kelly Esq., Clark Hill PLC, Princeton.
To register, call the C&A Financial Group front desk at 732-528-4800.
About C&A Financial Group: C&A Financial Group is an Agency of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America ® (Guardian), New York, N.Y. Securities products and advisory services are offered through Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS), member FINRA, SIPC. PAS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Guardian. C&A Financial Group, Melinda Lapan, HR Advantage Advisory Services, Vanessa Kelly and Clark Hill PLC, Princeton are not affiliates or subsidiaries of PAS. This seminar is for informational purposes only. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advise. Consult your tax, legal or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. 2020-96807 Exp 3/28/2020
All Is Sharp Celebrates 30 Years in Business – “It’s Not just pictures . . . It’s HISTORY!”
All Is Sharp Photography, a full-service photographic business, Farmingdale, N.J., founded in 1990, is celebrating its 30th year in business on April 1.
Joe Sharp started his photography career with his first newspaper printed image in 1973. He received a B.S. in Photographic Science and Instrumentation from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in 1983 that included extensive training into the chemistry, physics and optics of photography. Still and motion picture photography, television production, and aerial reconnaissance training from several U.S. Navy Schools of Photography added to Sharp’s expertise.
After RIT, he spent 10 years as a research chemist, designing and manufacturing photographic film and paper for Polychrome Corporation in Clark, N.J., and Anitec Imaging in Binghamton, N.Y.
For three years, Sharp was a ship’s photographer on the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL where he photographed everything from the 1976 Bicentennial in New York with President Ford to medical autopsies, to aerial photos spending hundreds of hours in helicopters.
April 2002, with the pending birth of their second child, Sharp became a self-employed, full-time photographer. Allyson was born 28 days later with Down Syndrome. A much differently balanced home and work life started. Today, Ally is a happy healthy 27-year-old who won two medals at this year’s Winter Special Olympics.
In 2003 All Is Sharp Photography went digital; and today offers a full range of photo and video services. In December 2006, after five years working as a freelance photographer at Georgian Court University (GCU), Sharp became a photography instructor there. Today, after eight years at GCU, Sharp is an adjunct instructor at Ocean County College. Sharp said, “My photography job is incredible fun . . . teaching it is completely over the top.
In 2015, after decades of aerial photography of real estate and construction sites, All is Sharp added drone photography to its photographic services. Licensed by the FAA, and completely insured for everyone’s safety, All is Sharp offers a full range of photo and video services from the air.
A long-standing relationship with Don Lordi and the Allaire Studio gave Sharp access to a range of clients throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. Lordi’s retirement broadened and deepened Sharp’s relationship with Monmouth County, its people, and businesses. Sharp said, “I will never be able to repay the opportunities and experiences Don gave me, but I try every day!”
For Sharp, every work situation is unique and different. “Human beings are consumed by a desire to remember. That’s what a photographer creates . . . memories for you and future generations. Photography is a tremendously personal activity. It catches people and situations at their best and worst; and, occasionally, simultaneously. A talented photographer must be invisible in the middle of the situation, very sensitive to people and their feelings, and still record that memory for them. I have been very blessed by the level of trust that my clients put in me.”
Sharp’s upbringing in a family of teachers and his time in the Navy taught him that service to others, either individuals or institutions, is satisfying; and in that spirit, Sharp strives to anticipate clients’ needs and meet their every expectation.
Sharp said, “As we approach our 30th anniversary, we’re still asking the same question: ‘What can All Is Sharp shoot for you?’”
For more information, contact Joe Sharp at jmsharp@allissharp.com or call 732-942-9229. Visit www.allissharp.com.
CHEMED Health Center Holds Meeting to Prepare for Coronavirus
CHEMED Health Center, 1771 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, recently held a Coronavirus (COCID-19) preparedness meeting led by CHEMED and the Ocean County Health Department.
Officials from CHEMED, the Ocean County Health Department, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), representatives from Beth Medrash Govoha and the Board of Education, discussed an action plan should there be reported cases of Coronavirus in Lakewood and the surrounding area.
At the present time there is a greater risk of contracting type A or type B flu, prevalent all winter, than of contracting COVID-19. Should COVID-19 become a concern in our area, however, the majority of cases would appear as a mild respiratory illness. The elderly and anyone who is immuno-compromised are most at risk of complications.
The best defense against COVID-19 is to follow the same guidelines offered for preventing the spread of flu.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily
available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick except to get medical care, unless you had exposure to COVID-19, or became sick following travel. In that case call your medical provider before visiting the office because they may
want to place a mask on you before you enter the building to protect other people.
• Masks are only recommended to be used by an infected patient who may come into contact with other people.
• Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily; e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles by using a regular household detergent and water.
• Choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy. Identify a separate bathroom for the sick person to use, if possible. Plan to clean these rooms, as
needed, when someone is sick.
During the H1N1 and measles outbreaks, CHEMED provided mass vaccination, education and community-wide triaging of patients with suspected disease, helping to minimize the spread of these diseases. CHEMED will continue to work with partner organizations and physician practices to coordinate a local response as necessary.
For questions, either contact your healthcare provider or call the NJ Department of Health Hotline at 800 222 1222.
About CHEMED: CHEMED provides comprehensive health and medical services, such as Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Behavioral Health, Dentistry, Women’s Health and Radiology. Uninsured and underinsured patients can be seen on a sliding-fee scale. To make an appointment, call 732-364-6666.
First Lakewood Kensho Dojo Student Earns a Black Belt
In 2010 as part of the Lakewood Township’s gang prevention efforts, Irv Perlman and Bob Goldschlag created Kensho Dojo, 199 Prospect Street, Lakewood, a school funded yearly by Lakewood Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Now the first student, Samuel Salguero, an adult who has been training with his family since the school was created, was recently promoted to Black Belt.
Kensho Dojo provides training in traditional karate, uniforms, and equipment without charge for students. All instructors are black belts who volunteer their time and expertise to serve the community.
Bob Goldschlag said, “One of our primary aims is to teach respect for yourself and others, self-control, and the benefits of hard work. Hence the name ‘Kensho’ which means ‘spirit of enlightenment’.”
Senator Robert Singer, 30th Legislative District, said, ““I want to congratulate Samuel on his accomplishment and applaud his efforts.”
Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles said, “What an accomplishment! We are all so proud of Sam.”
Students primarily are from low and moderate income families from Lakewood’s Hispanic community. “We are somewhat unique because of the extensive involvement of the family: youth and their fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and cousins train side by side. Sam began taking classes along with his wife, daughter and son,” noted Goldschlag.
Classes are held Tuesdays and Saturdays at 199 Prospect Street in space provided without charge by RWJ Barnabas. Anyone interested in training or for more information, contact Sensei Bob Goldschlag at 908 770-4971 or e-mail bobgoldschlag@gmail.com
About Training Schedule: Tuesday classes are reserved for White Belts (beginners, age 7 and up) from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.; Green and Purple Belts train from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Also, on Tuesday a special class, not open to new students, is geared for students who are training to compete and/or demonstrate. Saturday classes are from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. for advanced students (Brown Belts and Black Belts); White Belts train at 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 and Green and Purple Belts from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Just How Solid Is Your HR Knowledge? Find Out at March 19 HR Meeting
HR is depended on for its proficiency in everything from employment law to business strategy. Today, however, the profession is no longer just about what you know—facts and figures—but rather how you effectively implement that knowledge in the workplace each and every day.
Explore your HR knowledge in an interactive, team-based, game-show format at the monthly JSAHR (Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources) breakfast meeting, open to the public, Thursday, March 19, 2020, from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., at Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune, N.J.
This session will review critical best-in-practice information from the SHRM Learning System and include strategic HR competencies, such as how to apply best practices in today’s evolving workplace, and recognize what HR practitioners need to know to be leaders in their organizations and in the profession.
The registration fee, including a full buffet breakfast, is $30.00 for JSAHR members; $50.00 for nonmembers; $25.00 for guests and those in-transition, and $10.00 for full-time students. Sponsorship for this meeting is still available. The business meeting, including a legal update and sponsor presentations, will begin promptly at 8:15; the presentation begins at 9:00 a.m.
Register online at jsahr.shrm.org/events or email admin@jsahr.org or call Christine Higgins, JSAHR chapter administrator, 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. This meeting is sponsored by Autism ™ New Jersey and the Lakewood BlueClaws.
About the Speakers: Mark Kremen and Robert P. Kane founded Training Unlimited in 1999. Together, they have more than 30 years of training, consulting, communications, and human resource management experience. They have provided thousands of participants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to be successful in their jobs.
N.J. Health Care Networking Group to Meet March 11
The monthly meeting of N.J. Health Care Networking Group, a free organization for anyone in the health care industry, including those who provide ancillary products and services, is Wednesday, March 11, 2020, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., hosted by LifeStation, 2 Stahuber Avenue, Union, NJ 07083.
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.
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, at lisa@preferredcares.com, call 732-547-9886, or visit www.njhcnet.com for the monthly location and member events. Meetings take place in a different New Jersey county each month.
Promote Your Business and Find Future Employees–LHS Career Fair on March 20
Free tables are available for the Lakewood High School (LHS) Career Fair, Friday, March 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the John Potts Richardson Gymnasium, Lakewood High School, 855 Somerset Avenue. Promote your business, find future employees, and help students prepare for employment at the LHS Career, sponsored by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.
Menashe Miller, executive director of the Lakewood Chamber, said, “A Career Fair is extremely beneficial to make students aware of the opportunities, careers, and jobs that are available. It helps students think about the educational and skill requirements they need.”
Lisa Gallicchio, chairwoman of the Lakewood Chamber Educational Committee and director of community relations for Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, Eatontown, said, “This is a great chance for the business community to meet future employees. Nothing could be more helpful than to speak to a person face-to-face.”
Gay Huggins-Dickey, the SLE/PALS (Structured Learning Experience/Pupil Assisted Leaning Services) coordinator at LHS who is coordinating the Career Fair with the Lakewood Chamber and the business community, said, “A career or job fair gives students access to local business opportunities and insight about careers, such as police officers, state troopers, administrative assistants, shipping and receiving clerks, any branch of the U.S. military, electricians and plumbers, or customer service representatives, among many others.
“These students are our future and we must do all we can to invest in them now so they may become the productive citizens we will need tomorrow.”
To reserve a free table, call Gay Huggins-Dickey, LHS, at 732-905-3500 Ext. 7402 by February 27. For more information call Menashe Miller, Lakewood Chamber, at 732-363-0012.
About P.A.L.S. (Pupil Assisted Learning Services): P.A.L.S. is an elective class that includes four major components – civic participation, character development, career exploration, and service-learning. Students participate in projects and activities that make a difference by helping others, thus forming a link between school and community.
About SLE (The Structured Learning Experience): SLE is a program that allows high school seniors who are in good academic standing opportunities to participate in supervised educational activities which are designed to provide exposure to the requirements and responsibilities of specific job titles or job groups, and to assist them in gaining employment skills and making career and educational decisions.