For Effective Snow Removal, Lakewood Twp Urges Residents to Move Cars and Clear Roads
With a snowstorm expected in the Lakewood area Sunday afternoon through Monday morning hours, the Lakewood Township Department of Public Works (DPW) urges residents to move all parked vehicles; bulk trash; and anything else – where possible – off the roads in order to enable the snow removal process to proceed as quickly and effectively as possible.
Tomorrow, Monday, January 20, in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday, there will be no regular trash/recycling pickup. There is no need for any trash or recycling cans to be put out onto the road until Tuesday morning.
DPW Director Phil Roux explains that vehicles and other impediments should be moved onto driveways, lawns, or any other private property that do not get plowed by DPW. The Police and Code Enforcement Departments will not issue any tickets or fines due to vehicles being parked on private property for the duration of the snow clearing process.
Lakewood Township has a DPW snow clearing crew and fleet; and additional crews and fleets hired by the Township as independent contractors, on the roads around the clock during snowstorms. It is imperative that they have clear access to the roads so they can do their jobs as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“As any resident can attest, Lakewood’s snow clearing service has exponentially improved in recent years into a true, top-notch process,” said Mayor Ray Coles. “We thank residents for their continued cooperation throughout the process, so that we can efficiently get life back to normal and improve road safety to best of our ability.”
Lakewood Fire Depart. Establishes New Rescue Company
The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners and Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr announced the recent creation of a new Rescue Company designed to enhance the Fire Department’s emergency response capabilities and provide specialized rescue services to the community. The addition of the Rescue Company is a testament to the Lakewood Fire Department’s commitment to innovation, community safety, and the ongoing development of its members.
This highly trained and dedicated unit will address some of the most challenging and complex emergencies, including hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incidents, structural collapses, trench rescues, high-angle and low-angle rescues, and confined space operations. The Rescue Company will be staffed by a skilled team of both career and volunteer members, exemplifying the department’s commitment to collaboration and excellence.
The company is expected to begin responding to emergencies in the third quarter of this year. In preparation, team members are currently undergoing the necessary training to ensure readiness for the diverse and complex scenarios they may encounter.
Chief of Department Jonathan Yahr said, “Our new Rescue Company represents a significant step forward in our mission to protect life and property. By combining the expertise and dedication of our career and volunteer firefighters, we’re building a team that is prepared to respond to the most critical and complex emergencies.”
The Fire Department is well-positioned to launch this specialized unit since it currently employs:
– 11 members trained in Rope Rescue;
– 10 members trained in Confined Space Rescue;
– 7 members trained in Trench Rescue;
– 10 Structural Collapse Specialists; and
– 16 Hazmat Technicians.
The Rescue Company will utilize state-of-the-art equipment and comprehensive training to ensure readiness for a wide range of technical rescue scenarios. Team members have undergone and continue to undergo rigorous training in accordance with national standards, ensuring the highest level of preparedness and professionalism.
Township Committeeman and Emergency Services Liaison Meir Lichtenstein said, “We’re incredibly proud of the collaboration that went into forming this unit. The creation of the Fire Department’s Rescue Company not only strengthens our emergency response capabilities but also underscores the vital role that both career and volunteer firefighters play in our community.”
The Lakewood Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners and Lakewood Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr are seeking individuals who have a desire to serve the Lakewood Community. Individuals interested in becoming volunteer firefighters are encouraged to visit the Fire Department’s website www.LakewoodFD.org and submit the requested information expressing their interest through the “Join / Apply Today” link https://lakewoodfd.org/join/. For more information about the Lakewood Fire Department visit www.LakewoodFD.org.
Snowstorm Reminders for Efficient Snow Removal
The Lakewood Township Department of Public Works (DPW) urges residents to move all parked vehicles, bulk trash, and anything else on or in the roads to enable the snow removal process to proceed as quickly and effectively as possible.
Residents in Zone 1, whose trash pickup is on Monday, should leave their trash cans out as usual but remove them from the road as soon as possible once the trash has been picked up.
DPW Director Phil Roux explains that vehicles and other impediments should be moved onto driveways, lawns, or any other private property that do not get plowed by DPW. The Police and Code Enforcement Departments will not issue any tickets or fines due to vehicles being parked on private property through Monday afternoon.
Lakewood Township has both a DPW snow clearing crew and fleet; and additional crews and fleets hired by the Township as independent contractors, on the roads around the clock during snowstorms. It is imperative that they have clear access to the roads so that they can do their jobs as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“As any resident can attest, Lakewood’s snow clearing service has exponentially improved in recent years into a true, top-notch process,” says Mayor Ray Coles. “We thank residents for their continued cooperation throughout the process, so that we can efficiently get life back to normal and improve road safety to best of our ability.”
A Special January Show at the Strand Theater
The Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, is featuring a special January show. On January 11, James D’Amico’s Sun Concerts and the Strand Theater will present the most authentic QUEEN live show since the days of QUEEN themselves. A four-piece band, will deliver a live show consisting of signature four-part harmonies and genuine costumes while recapturing the live energy that is the ultimate Queen experience.
Doors Open at 6:30 p.m.; the show begins at 8:00 p.m. Ticket Prices are Orchestra and Loge: $67.00; Mezzanine: $57.00; Tier: $47.00; and ADA (Handicap): $47.00.
About the Strand Theater: The historic Strand Theater, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit at 400 Clifton Ave., Lakewood, was designed by world-renowned theater architect Thomas Lamb in 1922 and is listed on the N.J. and National Register of Historic Places. The Strand offers year-round entertainment in plush, air-conditioned surroundings. It is a perfect venue to showcase comedians, musicals, dinner theater, stars from television and movies, and legendary musical entertainers. The reception gallery includes a catering facility for 80 people, a dance floor, and restrooms. It is ideal for theater-in-the-round, smaller events and receptions.
Tips on Holiday Fire Safety
The Lakewood Fire Department is urging residents to take note of fire safety practices to ensure a joyful and accident-free holiday season for everyone during the celebrations of Chanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners, Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr, Fire Prevention Specialist Sima Clapman, and the members of the Lakewood Fire Department, have listed fire safey tips (below). Whether lighting the menorah for Chanukah, decorating the Christmas tree, or celebrating Kwanzaa, it is crucial to stay mindful of fire safety.
The Lakewood Fire Department offers the following safety tips for all three holidays:
Chanukah Fire Safety Tips:
1. Menorah Placement:
o Place Chanukah Menorahs on sturdy, noncombustible surfaces, keeping them at least three feet away from combustible materials.
o Be mindful when placing lit candles in windows or near exits to ensure a clear escape route.
o Never leave a lit Menorah unattended and keep matches, lighters, and other fire-starting items out of reach of children.
o Never leave your menorah unattended, such as when leaving your house or going to bed, before all the candles or oil has stopped burning and the fire is extinguished.
2. Cooking Safety:
o Roll up sleeves and avoid loose clothing that can catch fire while cooking.
o Keep combustible items, such as dish towels and bags at least three feet away from the stovetop.
o Always stay in the kitchen when cooking to avoid unattended cooking fires.
3. Frying Precautions:
o Keep children away from hot cooking surfaces and oil during frying.
o Exercise caution when reheating fried foods, as hot oil can cause severe burns.
4. Appliance Safety:
o Keep all appliances away from the edge of counters, especially when children are present.
o Ensure proper air circulation around appliances and check that they are in good working condition.
Christmas Fire Safety Tips:
1. Christmas Tree Safety:
o Choose a fresh tree and keep it watered to prevent it from drying out.
o Place trees away from heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces, and candles.
o Check lights for damaged wires and use only U.L. approved lights.
2. Holiday Decoration Safety:
o Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
o Always turn off Christmas lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
o Use flame-resistant decorations and avoid placing them near open flames.
3. Candle Safety:
o If using candles for decorations, keep them on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from flammable materials.
o Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Kwanzaa Fire Safety Tips:
1. Candle Placement (Mishumaa Saba):
o Place the Kinara (candle holder) on a stable surface, away from flammable materials like curtains or paper.
o Never leave the candles unattended and ensure they are extinguished before sleeping or leaving the room.
2. Cooking and Meal Preparation:
o As with other holiday meals, stay in the kitchen when cooking and avoid distractions.
o Keep hot surfaces, stovetops, and ovens clear of flammable items.
3. General Fire Safety:
o Ensure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
o Keep fire extinguishers nearby in case of emergencies.
Emergency Response:
• Never hesitate to call the fire department if you suspect a fire hazard or emergency. Fire Department Chaplain Rabbi Moshe Rotberg and local rabbinical authorities stress that it is crucial not to delay when it comes to safety. What may appear to be a minor issue can quickly escalate into something dangerous.
• Ensure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed in your home, with alarms outside each sleeping area and on every floor.
The Lakewood Fire Department encourages all residents to make fire safety an integral part of their holiday traditions, whether celebrating Chanukah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa. By being proactive, we can all contribute to a safer and more joyous holiday season for our community. For more information and additional fire safety resources, please visit our website at www.lakewoodfd.org or contact the Lakewood Fire Department at (732) 364-5151.
Virtual Meeting: Ten Mistakes Managers Make & What to Do – Join HR Professionals Dec. 18
Learn about the Top 10 Mistakes Managers Make, and How to Prevent and Fix Them from Mack Munro, the founder and CEO of Boss Builders, during the virtual meeting of JSAHR (Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources), open to the public, on Wednesday, December 18.
Announcements will start at 11:45a.m. and the speaker is scheduled from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. A link will be sent the day prior to the meeting for those who register.
The registration fee is $10 for JSAHR members and $15 for non-members Registration is online at: http://jsahr.shrm.org/events or admin@jsahr.org or call JSAHR at 732-701-7155.
Attendees will gain insights into unraveling the common pitfalls that hinder managerial success and will explore effective strategies to avoid them. Through storytelling, practical examples, and actionable insights, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the crucial role HR technical expertise play in managerial decision-making and problem-solving.
Attendees will also become aware of the significance of consultation and the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and relationship building skills. Participants will learn how to engage stakeholders, seek input, and leverage diverse perspectives to drive optimal outcome.
JSAHR is a SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) affiliated chapter. This program is pending one (1) SHRM PDC and one (1) HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) recertification credit.
About Mack Munro: Mack Munro, the founder and CEO of Boss Builders, has a mission together with his team to create the next generation of great bosses. He is considered an expert in the supervisory development business. Munro is the author of several books on management and has provided management training to clients in most of the USA and abroad. He’s the author of How to Build Better Bosses and How to Win at Performance Management, and the creator of numerous personality and behavioral assessments. He has a popular podcast, HR Oxygen, can be found on all major podcast apps and at HROxygen.com.
An Evening of Unity, Appreciation, and Community
Lakewood Community Coalition recently hosted its fourth quarterly meeting at the Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, featuring keynote speaker Reverend William Simmons, Assistant Pastor at Sixth Street Baptist Church, Lakewood. The event was co-chaired by Captain Steve Allaire and Dr. Cori Scotti.
Reverend Simmons presented a powerful message on the “Say Hello” campaign, an initiative launched in collaboration with Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer Human Relations Commission. This campaign emphasizes the importance of fostering meaningful conversations and genuine community connections.
Speaking on behalf of Prosecutor Billhimer, Michael Colwell highlighted the importance of the “Say Hello” campaign and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Lakewood Community Coalition for its outstanding contributions to the community. He commended Lakewood for its continued efforts to make a positive difference.
One of the highlights of the evening was when Lakewood Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer announced winners in the drawing of lucky tickets for the much-anticipated “Harvest Baskets.” These beautifully decorated baskets, crafted by June D’Elia, were generously donated by Herbert Cellar, Tommy Calabro of Twin City Jewelers, and Nick’s Farm Market. Food was provided by Iron Recovery and Wellness.
Chief Meyer also presented a retirement plaque to Sergeant Kenneth Burdge, honoring his 30 years of dedicated service. The farewell celebrated his contributions and commitment to the community.
The Lakewood Community Coalition extended its gratitude to the Strand Theater for hosting the fourth quarterly event at its beautiful venue, which provided the perfect backdrop for this inspiring evening.
Distinguished guests included Ocean County Freeholder Virginia Haines, and Ocean County College President Dr. Pamela Monaco, whose presence underscored the collaborative spirit of the gathering.
LPD Community Resource Unit Team members, including Sgt. Kenneth Burdge, Community Resource Officers Jason Yahr, Kevin Bell, Jeffrey Emmons, and Joseph Soriano shared their quarterly statistics and highlighted the positive impact of their outreach efforts. Additional acknowledgment goes to D/Sgt. Jeannette Shimonovich, and Sgt. Peter LaRosa for their contributions to the team and the community. *Special thanks to Patrick Sample from Traffic Safety.
Organizations that attended and are part of the Lakewood Community Coalition are Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish of Lakewood; St. Vincent De Paul; Attorney General’s Office, Yolanda Melville; Ocean County Prosecutors Office; Ocean County Sheriff’s Office; Lakewood Fire Department; Rabbi Charles Pinter; NJ OHSP; Iron Recovery and Wellness; WellPoint; National Chaplains Association; Andrei Jackamets, Photographer; Sixth Street Baptist Church; Just Believe; Vida City Church; St. John’s AME Zion Church; Ocean County College, Dr. Pamela Monaco; Lakewood EMS; Arrive Together; Bright Harbor; Ocean County Fire Marshall; NJSP Operation Rise; Solutions To End Poverty Soon; Habcore AHA; Food Angels; Hope Sheds Light; Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus; Community Non-profit; Family Promise Jersey Shore; All Saints Episcopal Church; Ocean County Health Department; Ocean Academy Charter School, Valerie Smith; OHI, Warren Sherard; and Lakewood Board of Education, Moshe Bender.
(Photos courtesy of Yaakov Wenger and Jeannette Shimonovich) Photo #1 CRO Jeffrey Emmons; D/Sgt. Jeannette Shimonovich; Dr. Cori Scotti; Chief Gregory H. Meyer; Captain Steve Allaire; CRO Jason Yahr Back row: CRO Joseph Soriano; CRO Kevin Bell; Sgt. Peter LaRosa; Sgt. Kenneth Burdge.
Photo #2 CRO Jeffrey Emmons; CRO Joseph Soriano; Chief Gregory H. Meyer; Sgt. Kenneth Burdge; Captain Steve Allaire; CRO Jason Yahr; D/Sgt. Jeannette Shimonovich Rear: CRO Kevin Bell; Sgt. Peter LarRosa
Thanksgiving Fire Safety
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners, Fire Chief Jonathan T. Yahr, Fire Prevention Specialist Sima Clapman, and the members of the Lakewood Fire Department remind the community about the importance of Thanksgiving fire safety. While Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, celebration, and gathering with loved ones, it’s also a period when fire-related incidents can increase.
To help families and individuals stay safe during this festive time, the Lakewood Fire Department offers the following Thanksgiving fire safety tips to enjoy a safe and joyous Thanksgiving season.
1. Safe Cooking Practices: Ensure that someone is always present in the kitchen while cooking. Keep flammable items, such as dish towels and oven mitts, away from the stovetop. Use a timer as a reminder when cooking dishes that require longer preparation.
2. Deep-Frying Turkey: If you plan to deep-fry a turkey, do so outdoors and keep the fryer a safe distance away from the house and other structures. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed (even the cavity) and dry before submerging it in hot oil.
3. Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide: Ensure your smoke alarms and CO alarms are in working order. Test them before the holiday and change the batteries if necessary.
4. Candles: If you use candles as part of your Thanksgiving decorations, keep them away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
5. Fireplace Safety: If you have a fireplace, use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from escaping. Dispose of ashes in a metal container and store it outdoors.
6. Escape Plan: Discuss a fire escape plan with your family, including two ways to exit each room. Make sure everyone knows where to meet outside in case of a fire.
Chief Yahr of the Lakewood Fire Department stresses the importance of Thanksgiving fire safety, “We want everyone in our community to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday without the worry of fire-related incidents. By following these safety tips, we can reduce the risk and ensure a safe and memorable celebration.”
The Lakewood Fire Department encourages all residents and visitors to prioritize safety during the Thanksgiving holiday and make it a tradition to practice fire safety. By taking these precautions, we can all contribute to a safer and happier holiday season.
For more information and additional fire safety resources, visit www.lakewoodfd.org or contact Sima Clapman, Fire Prevention Specialist, at (732) 364-5151.
Model Railroaders Winter Open House
The Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, at 502 Country Club Road, Pine Park, Lakewood, N.J., is holding its Winter Open House, Saturday, December 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; and Sunday, December 15, Noon to 5:00 p.m. The Model Railroaders are located in the basement of the Lakewood Historical Museum also known as the Sheldon Wolpin Historical Museum. A chair lift that goes to and from the basement is available. Admission is free but donations are always gladly accepted.
Visitors to the Open House will see both modern and traditional trains running continuously on two large operating layouts. Ted Bertiger, president of The Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders, said, “We will have trains running for all ages. Come see our model train club in action!”
For more information, contact Ted Bertiger, 732-363-7799 or at captnkraft@aol.com. Also visit https://ocsmr.com.
About The Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders: The Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, open Tuesdays and Fridays from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m.
Rizco Honored as a Winner of the NJBIZ Empowering Women – Companies Leading the Way Awards
Rizco, a woman-owned, brand-led marketing agency, Spring Lake, New Jersey, announced it was recently an honoree in the NJBIZ Empowering Women – Companies Leading the Way awards program at The DoubleTree by Hilton, Somerset, NJ. Now in its second year, this award celebrates over 40 New Jersey-based organizations actively promoting women’s empowerment and advancement through strategic and impactful initiatives.
“We are honored to receive the NJBIZ Empowering Women award and proud to be part of a community that promotes women’s advancement,” said Debra Rizzi, co-founder and president of Rizco. “The Rizco MOVEment and our professional development initiatives are expressions of our belief in creating environments where women can thrive personally and professionally.”
The NJBIZ Empowering Women award program recognizes organizations for achievements in: Recruiting, hiring, and promoting women; providing mentoring programs for women; advocating for systemic change to combat inequality, and engaging in philanthropic and community efforts that support women. Rizco and other honorees will be featured in an upcoming NJBIZ issue.
Rizco’s growth-oriented culture is founded on a deep commitment to advancing women and fostering a sense of ownership and innovation among all team members. Employees are encouraged to approach the business as their own, empowering them to make bold, impactful decisions that contribute to Rizco’s success. To support this, Rizco provides each team member with an annual $500 professional development stipend and continuous industry training, fostering personal and professional growth.
Two of Rizco’s standout female leaders, Michelle Mazur and Alexa Rafael, were honored in 2021 and 2022, respectively, as part of the NJ Ad Club’s Jersey’s Best Professionals Under 40—a testament to their professional excellence and leadership.
Rizco also actively supports association engagement and community leadership with many female team members holding or having held roles in influential New Jersey organizations. These include the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council, Professional Women in Construction, Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce, Wall High School Business & Finance Academy, and Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce. Rizco’s network also includes the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce and NJBIA.
In New Jersey’s construction sector, where women make up just 9 percent of the workforce, Rizco is actively driving change. Led by VP of Sales Jill Nappi, a Professional Women in Construction (PWC) board member, PWC membership has tripled and mentorship programs have grown. Nappi mentors new female professionals every six months; serves on the scholarship committee awarding $30,000 annually to women in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC); and volunteers at vocational schools—furthering Rizco’s commitment to advancing women in underrepresented fields.
In October 2024, Rizco launched the Rizco MOVEment, a wellness initiative aimed to bolster health, work-life balance, and personal wellness, which is particularly critical as half of Rizco’s female team members navigate motherhood. The Rizco MOVEment, spearheaded by Director of Strategy & Content Alicia Shepherd, includes quarterly sessions with New Jersey’s top women in health, nutrition, and education, demonstrating Rizco’s commitment to a culture of holistic support.
Visit rizco.com for more information.
About Rizco: Founded at the turn of the new millennium, Rizco is an award-winning, woman-owned, brand-led marketing agency based in Spring Lake, New Jersey. Melding strategic thinking and creative expertise seamlessly, Rizco focuses on building brands and growing companies through all aspects of branding, design, and communication strategies. An integrated approach to brand building allows Rizco to help clients creatively engage with their audiences and deliver results through their customized, six-step, research-based process. Rizco has implemented campaigns for some of the nation’s top brands that span across many verticals. For more information, visit www.Rizco.com.
Photos Courtesy of Rizco: #1 NJBIZ Rep; Debra Rizzi, President and Partner; and Keith Rizzi, Partner and Creative Director at Rizco, accept the NJBIZ 2024 Empowering Women Honoree award. Photo #2 Rizco Team – Sean Healey, Sara Turner, Alicia Shepherd, Keith Rizzi, Debra Rizzi, Michelle Mazur, Jill Rizzi, and Jill Nappi