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.
Local Musician Writes a Memoir of His Experiences in Lakewood and the Catskills
Jimmy Givens, Manchester, one of the last N.J. hotel musicians from Lakewood’s hey-day, has written a book Memories of the Kentucky Club, a detailed account of his memories growing up in show business in Lakewood and the Catskills with ‘Uncle’ Max, the owner of the Kentucky Club.
Givens and his family moved to Lakewood in 1963. His parents, known as Givens & Sweetie (Jimmy Givens and nee Barbara Quinichette) were very popular and often performed three or four shows in one night either in Lakewood, the Catskills, or Miami Beach, among other places.
Their son, Jimmy Givens, began his career at age 13 when his dad could not emcee a shows and told my “Uncle” Max that “Little” Jimmy was going to emcee until they arrived! Givens said, “By then, it was 2:00 a.m.! The audience erupted when they saw my parents come down the aisle to the stage! My parents closed the show with a standing ovation and the night was over!”
Max Kurtz, his wife Rose, and their son Sheppie, along with the barmaid Enid created a nightlife in the Catskills! Sheppie used to drive all around Sullivan County with a giant speaker on the roof of his car announcing the lineup of shows at The Kentucky Club! It is my understanding that The Kentucky Club was sold and eventually burned down.
Givens said, “Living in the Catskills in the summer afforded me the opportunity to experience a most exciting life: The people, the towns, the ambiance!”
Givens is still available as a drummer any time. His Sunday night radio show Blues Cruise can be heard at 8:00 p.m. only on his website. He is a Life Member of American Federation of Musicians Local #399 Asbury Park, N.J.
His book The Kentucky Club is available for purchase via Amazon.com. For more information contact Jimmy Givens at www.jimmygivens.com.
Photos: #1 Jimmy Givens on the Drums at the Capitol Hotel, Lakewood. Taken by a guest. #2 Givens’ Motto
The MODC Is Presenting Three Events for Business Professionals
The MODC (Monmouth-Ocean Development Council), Wall, N.J., is launching a dedicated Health and Wellness Committee and a series of three events designed to keep business professionals in Monmouth and Ocean Counties and beyond revitalized, rejuvenated, and ready to reach and exceed business and professional goals.
The wellness three-part series begins Thursday, October 24 from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. at Pink Moon Yoga, 1776 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, with Sarah Giberson and easy yoga flow. Immediately following, Jill Garaffa will share the best ways to ‘De-stress at Your Desk’ wherever your desk may be these days.
On Tuesday, November 19 from 8:30–10:30 a.m. join the Financial Wellness seminar with Brian Briggs from Hartford Funds at Life Time at Fitness, 230 Half Mile Road, Red Bank. Gain insight of intentional and unintentional understanding of money.
The three-part series ends with a Mental Resiliency seminar designed to help attendees focus during this holiday season, from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday December 4 at GoMo Health, 619 Lake Avenue, 3rd Floor, Asbury Park. Join Susan Tellone and JD Wilson from the Society of the Prevention of Teen Suicide and Lead U.
Jodi Hope Grinwald, Chief Executive Officer of MODC, said, “Investing in the well-being of your staff is one of the most powerful ways to foster a positive and productive workplace culture. This series offers the perfect opportunity to bring your employees together, not only to promote personal health, but also to build stronger, more cohesive teams. Join us in making wellness a shared journey!”
The MODC Health and Wellness series is sponsored by New Jersey Natural Gas and Jersey Coast Family Law. The MODC Health & Wellness Committee is sponsored by CentraState Medical Center
The entire series costs $90 or $35 for each seminar. Light fare is included. Sign up at www.modc.com. for the seminars or to learn more about becoming a member of MODC. Also contact Jodi Grinwald at jodi@modc.com. or call the Office: 732-751-8696.
Upcoming October Shows at the Strand
The Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, is featuring several shows this October. October 19 will feature So Good Neil Diamond Experience, Starring Robert Neary. Broadway, TV, and film star Robert Neary creates a one-of-a-kind tribute. Neary tells the stories behind some of the classic songs and performs 22 of Neil’s greatest hits, backed by NYC’s premier band, The Mystic.
Doors Open at 6:30 p.m.; the show begins at 8:00 p.m. Ticket Prices are Orchestra and Loge: $47.00; Mezzanine and Tier: $42.00; and ADA (Handicap): $42.00.
October 26 will present The Wag’s Halloween Spectacular. This show includes Halloween-themed songs, dance numbers, costume changes, and comedy sketches, along with some fun surprises. Come dressed in costume; enter the costume contest, and you just may win a prize!
Doors Open at 6:00 p.m.; the show begins at 7:00 p.m. Ticket prices are the Orchestra and Loge: $20.00; Mezzanine and Tier: $20.00; and ADA (Handicap): $20.00
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.
Hiring Practices That Attract and Land Top Candidates- Join HR Professionals October 10
Understanding the challenges job seekers face is critical. Learn the importance of using empathetic hiring strategies to attract and retain top candidates at the breakfast meeting of JSAHR (Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources), open to the public, on Thursday, October 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. 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.; and the speaker Sam Gallucci, VP Northeast, Meridian Resources, at 9:00 a.m. The Career Transformation Group begins at 10:00 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. The sponsor of this meeting is Meridian Resources.
Attendees will gain insights into the current job market from perspective of job seekers; learn about the impact of prolonged job searches and the new norm of job seeker fatigue; and discover effective strategies for enhancing the hiring process with clear communication.
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 Sam Gallucco E.d.D., SPHR: Sam Gallucci is an expert in the human resources consulting. He has served as the Vice President for Meridian Resources, Inc. since 2001, offering talent management solutions to corporate clients covering the full employee life cycle that includes new leader integration, developmental coaching, team building, outplacement, and retirement coaching.