Volunteer Firefighter Sworn In Recently
The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners and Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr announced the appointment of volunteer firefighter, Emily M. Komsa. This appointment was confirmed recently at the Board of Fire Commissioners’ meeting at Fire Headquarters, 733 Cedar Bridge Avenue, Lakewood, New Jersey, where she was sworn in with honor and commitment.
Emily Komsa is the daughter of Lakewood Township COO Patricia Komsa and dad Jim Komsa, Retired Captain of the Manchester Police Department and owner of Advanced Drone Consultants. Her brother James M. Komsa is a patrolman in the Lakewood Police Department. She is a granddaughter of former Lakewood Fire Chief and Township Committeeman Mike D’Elia Sr., and niece of Former Lakewood Fire Chief Mike D’Elia Jr.
The Lakewood Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners and Lakewood Fire Department Fire Chief Yahr, continue to seek individuals who have a desire to serve the Lakewood Community. Individuals interested in becoming volunteer firefighters are encouraged to visit the Fire Department website at www.lakewoodfd.org and submit the requested information at “Join / Apply Today” link https://lakewoodfd.org/join/.
For more information, contact Yehuda Beer, Fire District Administrator, at 732-364-5151 ext. 6102 or Ybeer@Lakewoodfd.org.
Photos (Courtesy of Lakewood Twp): #1Fire Chief Jonathan T. Yahr, Deputy Chief David M. Wolf, and Emily Komsa #2 Komsa Family at Swearing In Ceremony- Mom Trish Komsa, Emily, Dad James J., and brother James M. #3 Deputy Chief Wolf and Emily Komsa
The Future of Work: Designing Work for Humans-Join HR Professionals Dec 12
Work is broken. Two thirds of employees are disengaged. Voluntary turnover has more than doubled over the last decade. Find out why this is happening at the breakfast meeting of JSAHR (Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources), open to the public, on Thursday, December 12 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune.
Besides the speaker, JSAHR is sponsoring two contests. Wear your ugliest holiday sweater to win a prize! Also, enter the business card drawing. Bring a branded item from your business or another item to raffle off, and bring your business cards to take part in the drawing to win a prize.
Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m., followed by announcements at 8:30 a.m. Thomas Bertels, president and founder of Purpose Works Consulting LLC, will begin speaking at 9:00 a.m.
Registration including breakfast is $40 for JSAHR members; $55 for non-members; $30 for each first-time guest and those in-transition; and $15 for students with a valid ID; Walk-in member is $50 and walk-in nonmember is $65. Registration is online at: http://jsahr.shrm.org/events or admin@jsahr.org or call JSAHR at 732-701-7155.
Attendees will understand how job design impacts individual and organization performance; learn how to utilize work design principles to create intrinsically motivating work; and evaluate whether work design is an appropriate intervention in the organizational context. This information should will improve employee engagement, productivity, and agility, and provide a better customer experience.
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 SThomas Bertels: Thomas Bertels is a business transformation expert on a mission to make work more productive, valuable, meaningful, and impactful. He has three decades of experience helping companies from start-ups to Fortune 5 transform how work gets done. Thinkers360 has recognized Thomas as a Top 50 Thought Leader on the Future of Work and Design Thinking. He has written several books and numerous articles. His latest book is the award-winning business fable ‘Fixing Work: Designing Jobs Employees Love’. He also hosts the Work Matters podcast, where he explores in conversations with thought leaders and executives what leaders can do to fix work.
December Shows at the Strand Theater
The Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, is featuring several shows this December. Don’t miss A Medium Gallery Show with Linda Shields, The Jersey Shore Medium on December 6. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; the show begins at 7:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $30.00 for the Orchestra and ADA Handicap.
At just eight years old, Linda Shields discovered her gift, which would later on turn into a lifelong career. Now, 54 years later, the Jersey Shore Medium is touring around the country, surrounded by spirits in her day-to-day work.
It was the summer of 1990 when Shields received a phone call to do a reading. Shields’ grandmother was also a psychic who taught her how to turn off and on her senses as well as understand them. “There has never been a time where I could not connect with someone,” says Shields. “It’s the readings that when I can give closure or hope, that’s what keeps me going.
“I like being the Jersey Shore Medium. I just want in the years to come to have the health to keep doing what I’m doing. As long as I have the energy and the blessings to do it, I’ll do it as long as I can.”
Shields offers private medium readings, medium gallery parties, private tarot card readings, lectures, and fundraising events. In addition, the Jersey Shore native is also the published author of Angel Inspirations for Serenity and Love, Crystal Power, and 12,000 Dreams Interpreted.
To learn more about Linda Shields: The Jersey Shore Medium, visit: https://www.thejerseyshoremedium.com/.
James D’Amico’s Sun Concerts and the Strand Theater present The Machine Performs Pink Floyd on December 7. Doors at 6:30 p.m. The show begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets cost Orchestra and Loge: $51.00; The Mezzanine: $46.00; The Tier and Ada (Handicap) $41.00.
The Machine focuses on making every show an authentic Floydian experience for fans. Known for performing a diverse mix of Pink Floyd’s extensive 16-album repertoire
(complete with faithful renditions of popular hits as well as obscure gems), The
Machine’s stellar musicianship, dramatic lighting, and video, and their passionate
delivery sets them above and beyond the rest.
On December 14 enjoy The Wag’s Christmas Spectacular. Doors at 6:00 p.m. The show begins at 7:00 p.m. Ticket prices are Orchestra, Loge, Mezzanine. Tier, and Ada (handicap): $20.00. Children under 18 and Seniors arev$15.00.
The Wag’s Christmas is steeped in the traditions of holiday TV shows of the past, and brings back the memories of these specials. This show has all of the holiday songs that you know and love, plus dance numbers, costume changes, and comedy sketches, along with some fun surprises – including a few original Christmas/Holiday songs! The show also features a running theme of “Christmas Around the World,” including holiday songs and sketches from Ireland, Germany, Spain, and more! The Wag’s Christmas Spectacular is sure to please the entire family.
The Atlantic City Ballet’s The Nutcracker is scheduled for December 21. Doors at 6:00 p.m., Show begins at 7:00. Ticket Prices are Orchestra and Loge: $35.00; Mezzanine: $25.00; Tier: $15.00; ADA (HANDICAP) $35.00; Children under 18 are $15.00; Seniors $20.00.
The Nutcracker, one of ballet’s treasured classics, tells the story of a little girl named Clara who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. Embarking on a wondrous journey through the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of Sweets, Clara encounters many unforgettable and timeless characters. Young and old alike will experience the many magical moments of this beloved holiday ballet.
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.
New Improved Roads, Signals, and More: Infrastructure Improvements Completed in Lakewood
Regardless of where you live or drive through in Lakewood, you have likely encountered newly improved roads and/or sidewalks in recent weeks. Infrastructure improvements were recently completed in all corners of Lakewood, including new streets; new signals; new sidewalks; new pavement; and drainage improvements.
At the same time, preparation work has also advanced for several infrastructure projects to be completed in the near future. These diverse projects were completed within a relatively short span of several weeks, which encompassed the holiday season of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkos, during which there are a number of days with minimal traffic. During the time when there was high traffic, such as Erev Yom Tov, there was little or no roadwork done in high traffic locations.
This entailed complex planning and coordination on the part of local officials with Lakewood Township, Ocean County, and the State of New Jersey governments – each of whom was responsible for some of these projects – as well as engineers, contractors, and law enforcement agencies.
Lakewood Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein said, “During the hectic Yom Tov season, we kept on getting calls from both residents and business owners, who were amazed at how smooth the traffic flow was for them and their customers, even as all these projects were underway. I would like to thank our partners at all levels for working with us so efficiently to improve Lakewood’s infrastructure with minimal disruption.”
Lakewood Fire Department Deploys RAC Unit to Support State Forest Fire Response in Jackson Wildfire
The Lakewood Fire Department is actively assisting in the response to the Jackson wildfire, a major forest fire impacting the Jackson, N.J., area. In collaboration with regional fire services, the Lakewood Fire Department has deployed its RAC (Rehab and Care) Unit, operated by Lakewood EMS, to provide critical support to firefighters on the front lines.
The RAC Unit, staffed by experienced Lakewood EMS personnel, plays a vital role in ensuring the health and safety of those involved in firefighting efforts. As crews battle the wildfire in challenging conditions, the RAC Unit provides essential medical support, hydration, rest, and care to first responders, helping them remain safe and effective in their mission.
Lakewood Fire Chief Jon Yahr said, “Our RAC Unit allows us to extend critical support to our fellow firefighters as they work tirelessly to contain this wildfire. The health and welfare of our responders is paramount, and we’re proud to be able to support their needs in these challenging conditions.”
The Lakewood Fire Department remains fully committed to its role in the regional emergency response network, supporting both local and neighboring communities in times of need.
For more information about the Lakewood Fire Department please visit www.LakewoodFD.org. or contact Yehuda Beer, Fire District Administrator, at 732-364-5151 Ext. 6102.
Change Your Clocks – Change Your Batteries
“Test Your Smoke Alarm” Competition
One way keep yourself and your family safe is to follow the rule: When you change your clocks on November 3, change the batteries in your smoke detectors.
On Daylight Saving Time November 3, 2024, The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners, Fire Chief Jonathan T. Yahr, Fire Prevention Specialist Sima Clapman, and the members of the Lakewood Fire Department are encouraging residents to change the batteries in their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms when changing their clocks.
The “Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery” campaign emphasizes the importance of maintaining functioning smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in homes. The campaign encourages residents to use the transition to Daylight Saving Time as a cue to replace the batteries in their devices, ensuring all devices remain in optimal working condition.
Fire Prevention Specialist Clapman of the Lakewood Fire Department highlights the critical role these devices play in home safety, stating, “Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are essential components of home safety. Regularly changing the batteries ensures these devices are ready to provide early warnings in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide presence, potentially saving lives.”
Key Messages of the Campaign:
1. Life-Saving Reminder: Changing the clocks is not just a routine task. It serves as a life-saving reminder to also change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
2. Optimal Performance: Regular maintenance, including battery replacement, ensures these devices operate at peak performance, offering timely alerts in case of emergencies.
3. Simple Action, Significant Impact: A few minutes spent changing batteries can have a significant impact on the safety of your home and loved ones.
4. Community-wide Commitment: The Lakewood Fire Department encourages the entire community to participate in the “Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery” campaign, fostering a collective commitment to home safety.
Residents are urged to take a few extra minutes during the time change weekend to replace the batteries in their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. It’s a small effort that can yield life-saving results.
In addition, the Lakewood Fire Department has also announced a “Test Your Smoke Alarm” competition. Submit a picture of yourself creatively testing smoke alarms and changing their batteries for a chance to win a great prize. To enter, simply email your picture with your name, phone number, and address to fireprevention@lakewoodfd.org or drop off your picture and information at 733 Cedar Bridge Ave, Lakewood, NJ. Submissions must be submitted by November 30, 2024.
The Lakewood Fire Department is known for and dedicated to serving and safeguarding the community through proactive education, responsive emergency services, and continuous efforts to enhance public safety. Committed to fostering a safer living environment, the department encourages residents to actively participate in initiatives that contribute to the well-being of the community.
Additional Fire Safety Information for parents, children and educators can be found at the Lakewood Fire Department website at www.lakewoodfd.org and clicking on the Safety Page.
Lakewood Fire Department among the Top Fire Departments in the Nation
Contact insurance brokers or providers to discuss potential reductions in property insurance premiums
The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners and Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr announced that effective November 1, 2024, the Lakewood Fire District will achieve a significant improvement in its Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating, moving from a rating of a Class 5 to a Class 3 rating (Class 1 is the highest rating; Class 10 is the lowest). The independent ISO rating system is the nation’s preeminent indicator of a Fire Department’s effectiveness.
This rating places the Lakewood Fire Department among the top fire departments in the nation, reflecting its ongoing commitment in providing exceptional fire protection services to the community; and confirms the Lakewood Fire Department’s superior service, quicker response times, and comprehensive fire prevention strategies.
Chief Yahr said he attributes this accomplishment to the department’s dedicated team and the community’s ongoing support. “This reclassification is the result of years of hard work and a commitment to excellence. It reflects not only the capabilities of our firefighters but also the investment our community has made in fire protection infrastructure and resources.”
In recent years, the Lakewood Fire Department has substantially increased its numbers of full-time career firefighters; enhanced its equipment and training; improved its administrative and communication systems; updated its fleet; and instituted a number of innovative community outreach programs.
An improved ISO rating often translates to lower insurance rates, which can result in substantial savings for property owners. A better ISO rating, a key factor for insurance companies to calculate premiums in individual municipalities, is also expected to reduce home insurance costs for Lakewood’s property owners. The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners encourages all homeowners and business owners to contact their insurance brokers or providers to discuss potential reductions in their property insurance premiums.
The Board of Fire Commissioners and Chief Yahr extend their gratitude to Mayor Ray Coles; Township Committeeman and Emergency Services Liaison Meir Lichtenstein; and the entire Township Committee, local businesses, and the whole community for their support, which has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.
For more information about the ISO rating or to learn more about fire safety and prevention, visit www.LakewoodFD.org. or contact Yehuda Beer, Fire District Administrator, at 732-364-5151.
November Shows at the Strand Theater
The Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, is featuring its November shows. On November 8, local favorites The Legion of Prog- A Celebration of 70s & 80s Progressive Rock will present faithful recreations of classic 1970s and ’80s progressive rock music – music by great bands like Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Rush, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Jethro Tull, King Crimson, and others. Top-quality musicianship, vintage equipment, and stunning visuals are all part of the memorable experience that Legion of Prog delivers on stage.Each member of the band has over thirty years of experience playing to area audiences. Legion of Prog knows how to put on a show! Come experience a great progressive rock cover band in a beautiful setting.
Doors Open at 7:00 p.m.; the show begins at 8:00 p.m. Ticket Prices are Orchestra: $55.00; Loge: $45.00; Mezzanine: $36.00; Tier: $31.00; and ADA (Handicap): $31.00.
November 9, Meet Loaf: The Ultimate Tribute to Meat Loaf. The “Meet Loaf” tribute show epitomizes the Meat Loaf experience in a look-a-like and sound-a-like event that leaves audiences awestruck. A world-class show that delivers the powerful wide-ranging male and female operatic lead vocals, and the epic theatrical elements that Meat Loaf fans have come to love, in an unforgettable evening of smash hits. If you love the music of Meat Loaf, get revved up, because Meet Loaf really ignites!
Doors Open at 6:30 p.m.; the show begins at 8:00 p.m. Ticket prices are the Orchestra and Loge: $42.00; Mezzanine and Tier: $20.00; and ADA (Handicap): $20.00
November 16, enjoy A Golden Oldies Extravaganza, presented by James D’Amico’s Sun Concerts; produced and directed by Pete Mastropaolo and The Famous Coda Band; and hosted by hosted by WABC NY 77 Radio’s Own Vinnie Medugno and featuring The Brooklyn Bridge, The Grass Roots, The Vogues, The Cyrkle, The Chiclettes, and Comedian TBA
Doors Open at 6:30 p.m.; the show begins at 8:00 p.m. Ticket prices are the Orchestra and Loge: $79.00; Mezzanine: $69.00; Tier: $59.00; and ADA (Handicap): $59.00
The Rush Experience is scheduled for November 22. Hailing from the Baltimore/Washington Metropolitan Area, The Rush Experience is a true – RUSH Tribute Act in that the band is a TRIO (3 musicians) fulfilling the traditional roles of Geddy, Alex and Neil… Vince Tricarico is on drums and percussion; Burke Hunn on guitars and synthesizer pedals; and David Kidd on bass, vocals, keyboards and pedals. The band’s repertoire spans RUSH’s entire career from their 1974 debut album through 2012’s epic swan song, Clockwork Angels. The Rush Experience will focus on RUSH’s entire 40 Year Career; covering their hey-day 70’s and 80’s material thru the 90’s and ending at band’s retirement from touring in 2015.
The band performs many of their greatest hits with a wealth of surprising deep cuts that perhaps only Rush performed themselves throughout their celebrated career.
Doors Open at 7:00 p.m.; the show begins at 8:00 p.m. Ticket prices are the Orchestra; $45.00; Loge: $35.00; Mezzanine: $25.00; Tier: $15.00; and ADA (Handicap): $45.00
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.
Getting the Most Out of Medicare’s 2024 Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment for Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans begins October 15 and runs through December 7. During these 53 days, seniors are given an opportunity to reassess their coverage, and find and sign-up for better options for the coming year.
Toby Stark, an agent with Stark Associates Insurance Agency, Tinton Falls, NJ, says, “Even if you are happy with your current Medicare plan, it generally pays to review your plan during Open Enrollment. Getting better Medicare plan coverage and possibly lowering costs are the primary reasons to take advantage of the yearly reassessment opportunity. If you miss an Open Enrollment deadline, you’ll most likely have to wait a full year before you can make changes to your plan.”
“Maybe you started taking a new prescription medication or your Medicare plan’s coverage for 2025 will change,” says Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance, a national industry organization. “Act early because local Medicare insurance professionals are busiest during this time of the year.”
The two important things every Medicare beneficiary can do during Open Enrollment are:
1.Review Your Plan Notice. Be sure to read any notices you receive from your Medicare plan about changes for next year. Review for any changes that could impact drugs you take or the doctors and specialists you prefer.
2.Review 2024 and Think Ahead for 2025 Needs. Consider any health changes that happened in 2024. Think ahead about health conditions that might need addressing in the year ahead. Will another Medicare plan offer better options? You may be able to get better coverage or reduce costs by choosing another plan.
“Medicare’s Annual Enrollment only lasts 53 days, a vital time to review and make decisions that last a full year,” says Stark. For more information contact Toby Stark, Stark Associates Insurance Agency, toby@stark-associates.com or call 732-747-0411 or 1-800-430-1322.
Employment Law Update- Legal Seminar – Join HR Professionals Nov. 14
Learn about Federal and state-level critical issues facing employers, and the latest strategies and solutions for them at a three-hour legal seminar during the breakfast meeting of JSAHR (Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources), open to the public, on Thursday, November 14 from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. at Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune.
Breakfast begins at 8:00 a.m., followed by announcements at 8:30 a.m. The speakers from Jackson Lewis law firm, Tinton Falls, N.J., at 9:00 a.m., are associates Cody Hubbs and Darran St. Ange; and principals Bianca Olivadoti and Luke Breslin.
A raffle benefitting the SHRM Foundation will be available. Registration including breakfast is $70 for JSAHR members; $100 for non-members; $55 for each first-time guest and those in-transition; and no charge for students with a valid ID; a Walk-in member is $80 and walk-in nonmember is $110. 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 pending N.J. legislation about pay transparency, the Federal Trade Commission’s final rule banning non-competes, updates on N.J. Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights, and final rules on pregnant workers Bill of Rights, among other employment law updates.
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 Jackson Lewis Law Firm: Jackson Lewis P.C. is an American law firm that specializes in labor and employment law and assisting companies in facilitating immigration. It has a reputation as one of the top U.S. union-busting practices. Jackson Lewis is organized into 20 practice groups and 19 industry groups. The majority of these groups are focused on labor and employment law, but the firm also has expertise in healthcare and collegiate and professional sports law. Practice and industry group members are spread across all of the firm’s offices. The firm has over 950 attorneys and 61 offices, including its Puerto Rico office. The firm is a founding member of L&E Global Employers’ Counsel Worldwide, an alliance of workplace law firms in 20 countries.