Business Beat

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Atrium at Navesink Harbor Celebrates Grand Reopening
RED BANK – After seven years of expansion and renovation plans now completed, The Atrium at Navesink Harbor recently celebrated its relaunch as a sophisticated, modern community with appeal for today’s seniors and their new ideas about retirement living.

 The Atrium at Navesink Harbor celebrated its grand reopening during a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony. Joining in the celebration, from left are: Red Bank Councilwoman Sharon Lee; state Senator Joe Kyrillos, R-Monmouth; resident Henry Hohost; Springpoint Senior Living President/Chief Executive Officer Gary T. Puma; and residents Chet Apy, Mignon Crotchfelt, Bonnie Watt and Flo Apy.
The Atrium at Navesink Harbor celebrated its grand reopening during a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony. Joining in the celebration, from left are: Red Bank Councilwoman Sharon Lee; state Senator Joe Kyrillos, R-Monmouth; resident Henry Hohost; Springpoint Senior Living President/Chief Executive Officer Gary T. Puma; and residents Chet Apy, Mignon Crotchfelt, Bonnie Watt and Flo Apy.

 
Guests at the late-September celebration included state Senator Joe Kyrillos, R-Monmouth, and Red Bank Councilwoman Sharon Lee, residents, employees, family members and others.
“We had a goal and a vision when we acquired this property in 2006,” said Gary T. Puma, president and CEO of Princeton-based Springpoint Senior Living, The Atrium’s parent organization.
“I personally knew there was no community anywhere in New Jersey with this outstanding location and potential,” Puma said. “Red Bank is our front yard and the Navesink River is our backyard – it doesn’t get much better than that.”
Because it is New Jersey’s only waterfront continuing-care retirement community, The Atrium team wanted to create high-end appeal to match a dramatic location on the Navesink River. Springpoint’s $35 million investment in the property included a six-story luxury high-rise addition with 60 new apartment homes.
Resident Virginia O’Neill, formerly of Middletown, said she enjoys her views to the Navesink River.
“I love the fact that I can look out at the Molly Pitcher Inn and I can see across the river,” she said.
Dottie Grossman, who moved from Southampton Township, said she takes advantage of The Atrium’s downtown Red Bank location. “I go with my friend to the Count Basie Theatre and the Two River Theater. Sometimes we go shopping or have dinner out.”
The newly transformed Atrium has amenities that include an outdoor atrium garden space, a coffee bar and café with Wi-Fi, full-service beauty spa and a fitness center.
The changes at The Atrium started in late 2006. In addition to constructing the adjoining expansion, the original 12-story structure was renovated and updated as were all common areas that serve residents of both buildings. The two buildings are connected by a central courtyard garden.
To learn more, please visit www.atriumatnavesink.org.
 
 Athena Learning Center Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
MIDDLETOWN – Middletown Mayor Gerard Scharfenber­ger performed a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Oct. 28, to celebrate the grand opening of Athena Learning Center, 1708 Route 35.
CEO and cofounder Mark Mele and Athena Director Mariel Miller were joined by people from local businesses, Northern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce (NMCC) members and Athena staff and students.

Athena Learning Center students Sloane Hutchings (left) and Victoria Miller with teacher Helen Verardi.
Athena Learning Center students Sloane Hutchings (left) and Victoria Miller with teacher Helen Verardi.

 
“Small businesses are the lubricant for the giant wheels that turn the U.S. economy,” says Terrence Biggs, executive director of the NMCC. “This is why NMCC celebrates Athena Learning Center’s grand opening.”
Among the many participants at the opening was Sloane Hutchings, a student at Athena Learning Center who says, “Everyone is so kind, nice and supportive. I love coming here as the place is so bright and cheerful.” Her mother Lisa Hutchings said Sloane did not do as well at other learning centers. Lisa Hutchings takes Sloane to Athena Learning Center for daily homework assistance. Sloane is a straight A student who now enjoys doing homework.
“One of our goals is to encourage students to become lifelong learners with the drive and curiosity to succeed in and out of the classroom,” Miller, the director, says Athena Learning Centers of Middletown is a year-round Learning Center that offers K-12 students solutions for improving their math and reading skills in preparation for success in college and the 21st century workplace. A key differentiator for Athena is that it features the only after-school program curriculum that is directly aligned with the Common Core State Standards.
In addition, Athena Learning Center offers Music & Me by Kindermusik, a research-based early childhood curriculum that uses bundled, thematic 30-minute lessons to help preschoolers from ages 18 months to 4 years old learn the important language, listening, and social skills. Athena Learning Center of Middletown offers subject tutoring homework support and SAT/ACT exam prep services.
Further information about Athena Learning Center and its free monthly SAT test practice sessions is available by calling 732-796-7030 or visiting middletownnj.myathenalearningcenter.com.
 
 
Kinnane to Head up New CIS-Disaster Recovery Division
 
LAWRENCEVILLE – Community Investment Strategies, Inc. (CIS), a leading fully integrated commercial real estate company specializing in multifamily and mixed-use properties, has named Little Silver resident Diane Kinnane the executive vice president of its new CIS-Disaster Recovery (CIS-DR) division.
 

Diane Kinnane
Diane Kinnane

 
As a natural extension of CIS’ community redevelopment work, CIS-DR will assist municipalities with rebuilding efforts in the wake of Super Storm Sandy’s devastation.
“Understandably, municipalities are still struggling to put the fabric of their communities back together after the destruction of Sandy one year ago,” said Christiana Foglio, founder and chief executive officer of CIS. “We are excited to work side by side with municipalities on the challenges they are currently facing and aid them in getting a real sense of community back and retaining their character as they rebuild. Diane is uniquely suited to lead our efforts in this area, and we will draw heavily on our expertise and skill set in redeveloping and stabilizing communities as well.”
Kinnane brings broad expertise in disaster recovery and rebuilding and neighborhood revitalization to her new role at CIS.
Most recently, she served as the state deputy state director of the President Obama Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force. Created by an executive order of the president, the task force involved more than 20 federal agencies and was charged with delivering a blueprint for preparedness and rebuilding stronger and more resiliently to withstand future catastrophic events. Within a six-month timeframe, the task force delivered to the president a rebuilding strategy that outlined 69 specific recommendations as well as a clearly defined implementation plan.
Previously, Kinnane held a multitude of leadership positions within the state Department of Community Affairs (DCA)for more than 34 years, including her role as manager, neighborhood programs. Her responsibilities involved a range of community development and infrastructure efforts including block grants, tax credits and neighborhood stabilization. While at the DCA, Kinnane also created an indoor environmental hazards unit focusing on lead.
Established in 1994 as a woman-owned business enterprise, CIS is a leading developer/owner/manager of a broad spectrum of affordable and market-rate multifamily properties, ranging from multiplex apartments and townhomes to garden-style and mid- and high-rise complexes. The company’s portfolio, which extends from Cape May County to Northern New Jersey, is valued in excess of $350 million.
 
Beacon Hill CC Appoints Meyer as Course Superintendent
 
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – Beacon Hill Country Club appointed Tim Meyer as its golf course superintendent.
Meyer will replace Michael Hocko, who is retiring from his position after being at Beacon Hill, an 18-hole private championship course, for more than 30 years. Meyer will oversee all aspects of agronomy, golf course maintenance, horticulture and ongoing sustainability efforts.

TIM MEYER
TIM MEYER

“Tim emerged from a distinguished group of superintendent candidates. His qualifications are unique for this property due to his keen understanding of golf course agronomy and specifically, the challenge that come from sustaining a course with the unique weather patterns we experience here in New Jersey,” said Michael Rudon, COO and general manager at Beacon Hill, which has operated continuously since 1899. “We are extremely pleased to have Tim join our team and know that he is the perfect individual to create exceptional playing conditions at Beacon Hill, day in and day out, for our members and their guests. Tim has a contagious enthusiasm and passion for his craft. We are all very honored to be part of such an exciting golf club.”
Meyer has served as part of the agronomy teams at preeminent golf facilities in New Jersey for the past nine years. He joins Beacon Hill from Plainfield Country Club where he served as senior assistant golf club superintendent since 2005. During his tenure there he contributed to the improvement of course conditioning resulting in the advancement of the course rating by Golf Digest from 95th in 2005 to 65th in the nation in 2013. Plainfield CC was selected as The Barclays Fed-Ex Cup Playoff Event in 2011 and 2015. Prior To his tenure at Plainfield, Meyer served a similar role at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, and earned his bachelor’s degree in turf grass science from Penn State University in 2004.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the team at Beacon Hill,” Meyer said. “I feel very privileged to be part of this wonderful opportunity and look forward to establishing Beacon Hill as the premier facility in this market. As an avid golfer, I approach agronomy from a golfer’s perspective. I believe in maintaining a visually stunning course that is in a ‘fast and firm,’ tournament-ready state. We look forward to providing those types of superior conditions that allow the club to be a great source of pride for the membership and the community.”
For more information on Beacon Hill Country Club, call 732-291-0533 or visit www.beaconhillcc.org.
 
K. Hovnanian® Invites Homebuyers to ‘Meet the Builder’
 
SHREWSBURY – K. Hovnanian® Homes®, the nation’s sixth largest homebuilder, is inviting the public to get an inside look at how the company builds homes, at a special Meet the Builder event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at The Ivy at Shrewsbury, 166 Patterson Ave.
Potential homebuyers and other interested guests are invited to visit for a unique opportunity to get a “behind the walls” look at various stages of construction and a better understanding of exactly what goes into the building of a K. Hovnanian® home and community.
“Meet the Builder is one of our most important events, because it focuses on educating homebuyers about our commitment to quality construction and energy efficiency in every house we build,” said Barry McCarron, president of K. Hovnanian® Homes® Northeast Division. “Over 50 years ago, Kevork Hovnanian founded this company with a vision to build better homes; homes that will provide lasting advantages for years to come. We have always adhered to that principle and an event like Meet the Builder is a tremendous way to let people see what’s behind the walls, by demonstrating exactly what’s involved when K. Hovnanian® builds the finest homes.”
During the Nov. 9 event, guests can put on a hard hat and take frame walks or tours of new homes that are currently under construction; walk through finished, decorated model homes where available; have questions answered regarding the homebuilding process; and learn much more from members of the K. Hovnanian® team of builders. Refreshments will be served throughout the day, as well.
Additional information on Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., including a summary investment profile and the company’s 2012 annual report, can be accessed through the “Investor Relations” section of the Hovnanian Enterprises’ website at www.khov.com.