Business Beat

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Rutgers’ Home Gardeners School Features Local Business Owner
 
MIDDLETOWN – For gardeners, it’s never too early to think spring and this month, those with a passion for plants will have the chance to learn and grow their green skills at Rutgers – with a local Middletown business owner among the 25 expert instructors.
Bob Dobson, owner of Middletown Sprinkler Co. in Middletown, will present a workshop on Saturday, March 23, about drip irrigation during the Rutgers 37th Annual Home Gardeners School.
During his workshop, “Easy Drip Irrigation for Your Garden,” Dobson will cover the basics of drip irrigation, an efficient method for watering a garden while conserving water at the same time. The 90-minute workshop will help home gardeners discover how to use this irrigation technique to keep their gardens green throughout the spring and summer.
Dobson joins 25 of the state’s top home horticulture experts who will present 35 interactive workshops on diverse topics ranging from canning fruits and vegetables to water gardens and tree care.
The program will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Cook/Douglass campus at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.
Additional information and registration for the Home Gardeners School are available by calling the Office of Continuing Professional Education at 732-932-9271 or visiting www.cpe.rutgers.edu/hgs.
 
Brown Joins Colonial American Bank as Sr. V.P.
 
SHREWSBURY – Colonial American Bank (“CAB”) has announced that Jim Brown of Neptune Township has joined the bank as senior vice president, residential mortgage.
Brown’s responsibilities include overseeing the residential mortgage department and its loan officers as well as expanding the bank’s visibility and reach in the marketplace.

Jim Brown
Jim Brown

He brings more than 30 years of industry experience in mortgage banking and a wealth of local knowledge of the real estate community. Prior to joining the CAB team, Brown worked with various financial institutions over the years. He has been recognized as a top performer throughout his career.
“We are delighted that Jim has become a part of the bank’s senior management team and will utilize his expertise in growing our residential mortgage department and product offerings,” said Anthony Giordano, III, president and CEO of Colonial American Bank. “We know the mortgage process can be confusing and frustrating for consumers, and with Jim’s leadership, we strive to simplify the process by providing transparency, flexibility, and the personalized customer service that only a local community bank can offer.”
Additional information about residential mortgages is available by contacting Brown at 732-245-5121, emailing to jbrown@colonialamericanbank.com or visiting www.colonialamericanbank.com.
 
Oyster Point Hotel Celebrates Reopening with Benefit for Boondocks
 
RED BANK – The Oyster Point Hotel has announced its proud support of the community-centered charitable event, All Hands on Deck, in support of The Boondocks Fishery in Red Bank.
The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at the reopening celebration of The Oyster Point Hotel.
The Navesink Business Group and Red Bank Flavour Restaurants have joined forces with The Oyster Point to help Boondocks’ owner Kelly Ryan rebuild her business.
The popular lobster shack was heavily damaged on Oct. 29 when Super Storm Sandy slammed into the area. Not only did Red Bank lose power, many businesses suffered extreme physical damage. The Boondocks Fishery, Molly Pitcher Inn and The Oyster Point Hotel are all located on the banks on the Navesink River. The Oyster Point, which was closed when Sandy hit, reopened on Feb. 15.
“It is a great feeling to see the community and the town of Red Bank helping one of its fellow business owners,” said Kevin Barry, operations manager at The Oyster Point Hotel.
Many of the Red Bank Flavour restaurants will be offering an array of menu samplings, complemented by entertainment from Gary Philips and his Steele Drum Band.
Tickets for the event are $50 in advance or $60 at the door. Tickets are available by visiting www.allhandsondecknjeentbrite.com.
Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Ken Scaggs at 732-610-4587 or emailing to ken@thekerragency.com or Rob Lowe at 973-449-7702 or emailing to rlowenj@comcast.net.
Parties interested in supporting Kelly Ryan of The Boondocks can visit www.indiegogo.com/boondocks.
Additional information is available by visiting www.theoysterpointhotel.com or calling The Oyster Point Hotel at 732-530-8200, ext.155.
 
Broad Street Firm Winner of National Design Award
 
RED BANK – Elliot Laniado was the winner of this year’s Valerie Bursten design award for exceptional window treatment design.
Laniado, owner of Window Treats, a member of Exciting Windows!, was awarded the highest design honor from more than 100 window fashions designers. The award was given by the Exciting Windows! national network at its annual awards banquet in Washington, D.C., earlier this year.
Laniado has more than 18 years in the custom drapery and window coverings business and recently opened a Hunter Douglas Gallery location at 80 Broad St. The business has been a member of the Exciting Windows! network for more than eight years.
The award is a memorial to Valerie Bursten, a nationally recognized designer who appeared on HGTV. The award was created by her husband, the co-founder of Exciting Windows!
“It was a close call, but Elliot’s design showed extra creativity and attention to detail that simply put his entry a notch above all others,” commented Susan Day, vice president of member support.
The window treatment design was created for a family in Bay Ridge, N.Y. The client asked for classic yet elegant window treatments to complement the extensive mill work in their dining room and living room. In addition to the living room, dining room, and master bedroom, Laniado also completed a home-theater system for the client.
Additional information is available by calling 732-219-0303 or visiting the website at www.windowtreatsinc.hdspd.com.
 
New Salon Opens on Monmouth Street
RED BANK – Crystal Diebold is pleased to announce the opening of her new hair salon, 2 Dye 4, at 140 Monmouth St.
biz-newsalon3.8While the salon is already open for business, 2 Dye 4’s grand opening celebration will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 23.
The salon provides a wide range of custom services suited to each client’s personal needs, preferences and desires.
“The range of services we offer is designed to make every client the best they can be,” Diebold said.
She and stylist Shelly Holland bring more than 40 years experience to 2 Dye 4, where they provide custom cuts, blow-outs and formal styling services. They can also offer expert hair-color services including highlights, low lights, ombre hair color and touch-ups. Japanese straightening, keratin treatments, waxing and makeup are a few of 2 Dye 4’s other services.
2 Dye 4 offers a comprehensive line of Schwartzkopf hair care products. Founded 111 years ago in Berlin, Germany, Schwartzkopf has gained international recognition for its consistent level of excellence.
“The customer always comes first at 2 Dye 4. We’re happy to offer special services for special occasions, including weddings and other parties,” Diebold said.
Although 2 Dye 4 is open Tuesday through Saturday, the salon caters to wedding and other parties by providing styling, coloring and other services for these parties at their convenience.
“We look forward to providing the best in custom salon services to the Red Bank community,” said Diebold, who may be contacted at the shop, at 732-842-4641.
 
Dilworth Paxson Elects Two New Partners
 
RED BANK – The law firm of Dilworth Paxson LLP has announced that Meghan Bennett Clark and Fenita Moore have been elected to the partnership.
The firm’s chairman, Joseph H. Jacovini, commented, “It is a privilege to welcome such fine attorneys into their new and expanded roles within the firm. We know that Fenita and Meghan will carry on the finest traditions of the Dilworth firm as outstanding lawyers dedicated to public service,” said Joseph H. Jacovini, the firm’s chairman.
Clark of Little Silver focuses her practice on public finance, corporate law and municipal law. She has the primary responsibility for the firm’s representation of its New Jersey public finance clients, including municipalities, boards of education, and utility authorities, assisting them with their issuance of general obligation and revenue bonds. Clark also serves as trustee and underwriter’s counsel in public finance transactions.
Clark served as first assistant special county counsel for Monmouth County, and as a law clerk to the Honorable Daniel J. O’Hern of the state Supreme Court. She is based in Red Bank.
Clark earned her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1998 and a Bachelor of Arts in 1995 from Bucknell University.
Moore concentrates her practice on business, finance and corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, commercial loan transactions, private equity offerings, entity formation and corporate governance issues. She is based in the firm’s Philadelphia office and is currently a member of Dilworth Paxson’s Hiring Committee and Diversity Committee.
“These individuals represent the finest traditions of Dilworth and we wish them continued success and good fortune,” Jacovini said.
 
Talk on Understanding the Medicaid Application Slated for April 2
 
MIDDLETOWN – Judith S. Parnes. founder and executive director of Elder Life Management, will present a workshop on the financial concerns of older adults and their families at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, at We Care Adult Care, Inc., 500 Highway 35, in the Union Square Mall.
The presentation is free, and open to the public.
The workshop, called “Financing Long-term Care,” will provide information on what Medicare covers and does not cover in long-term care, the guidelines – both physical and financial – to qualify for Medicaid and common mistakes when planning the Medicaid application process.
Parnes is a gerontologist, holding advanced graduate degrees, certification and course work in social work, Aging and Public Health
Reservations and additional information is available by calling 732-741-7363.
 
VNA Health Group Elects New Trustees and Officers
 
RED BANK – Visiting Nurse Association Health Group (VNA Health Group) has elected new members to its VNA of Central Jersey Foundation Board of Trustees.
The foundation board of trustees is responsible for building philanthropic fundraising and community awareness in support of the organization.
New board members are:

Ann Gargano
Ann Gargano

Ann Gargano is a chartered property casualty underwriter and personal lines marketing specialist with Chubb Group of Insurance Cos. Gargano is an active supporter of VNA Health Group and served as co-chairman of the VNA Health Group Centennial Gala held in June 2012 in celebration of 100 years of service to the community. She lives in Warren.
 

Mary Patricia Magee
Mary Patricia Magee

Mary Patricia Magee is an attorney with Neff, Aguilar, LLC dealing with estate planning and trust administration and litigation. Formerly, Magee was counsel at Pitney Hardin. She is a member of the Board of Consultors, NJK Bar Association, served as trustee of the Monmouth Bar Association and member of the Estate Planning Council of Central New Jersey. She is an avid lecturer and presenter at educational seminars for the public and at seminars for new lawyers. Magee received her law degree at Seton Hall University School of Law. Magee is a resident of Spring Lake.

Jeane Shanley
Jeane Shanley

Jeanne Shanley was formerly the group director of marketing communication and promotions for The New York Times and employed as chief operating officer of The Two River TimesTM. Prior to joining VNA as a trustee, she was a longtime supporter and volunteer with VNA Health Group, serving most recently as the centennial gala commemorative book chairwoman. Among her many volunteer and board positions, Shanley served as the former president and member of the Rumson Garden Club and former president of Rumson school board. A lifelong resident of Monmouth County, she lives in Rumson.
In addition to new trustees, several new officers were elected to the foundation board:

Elizabeth C. Thees
Elizabeth C. Thees

Elizabeth C. Thees of Rumson will serve as vice chairman along with Vice Chairman Louanne Pillsbury Christie. Thees is a longtime volunteer with VNA Health Group having served as a board member since 2008, and assisting with special events including house tour chairwoman, 2007 show house chairwoman of operations, 2009-2011 show house chairwoman, centennial gala catering and decoration chairwoman, and as host of VNAHG’s annual Children’s Day event. Thees has served on various community initiatives including as a founding board member of the Rumson Education Foundation, as a member of Monmouth Medical Center Women’s Council and board member of Monmouth County Historical Association. She formerly was employed in the hotel industry for Hilton and Marriott hotels.

Lynn Spector
Lynn Spector

Lynn Spector of Rumson is newly appointed as secretary of VNA’s Foundation Board of Trustees. Spector operates a private practice, Bereavement and Life Transitions Center, and is a licensed clinical social worker. She also serves on the board of the Monmouth County Historical Association and is a member of the Literacy Volunteers of Monmouth County Fundraising Committee. Spector is a longtime volunteer for VNA Health Group, assisting with many special events most recently as co-chairman of VNA’s Centennial Gala.
The Visiting Nurse Association Health Group, serving the community for more than 100 years, is New Jersey’s largest nonprofit community health provider of home health care, hospice and community services. The organization cares for 120,000 individuals each year.
Visiting Nurse Association Health Group members include VNA of Central Jersey, Cape VNA, Robert Wood Johnson Visiting Nurses, and VNA of Englewood.
Additional information about VNA Health Group is available by calling 800-326-3330 or visiting www.vnahg.org.