Affinity Volunteers (L to R) Mark Hagel, Roxanne Hagel, Jessica Gibian, Valerie Latham, Jody Gibian-Miles, Jennifer Latham, Bernadette Molnar, Keli Jones, Matthew Falls, Brittany Molnar, Becky Clark, and Brianna Goncalves

Basking Ridge & Chester, N.J. (Friday, May 3, 2013) – Employees of Affinity Federal Credit Union [AFCU], New Jersey’s largest credit union, recently picked up their hammers and got to work rehabilitating a home in Chester NJ on behalf of Community Hope in partnership with Morris Habitat for Humanity.  Community Hope is supported by the Affinity Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity corporation.

According to Beth Degnan, executive director of the Affinity Federal Credit Union Foundation, “It’s our goal to ‘walk the dollars’, so whenever we support an organization financially, we also like to take it a step further and really try to be part of what they’re doing.”

“Participating in the rehabilitation of the home in Chester, NJ was a rewarding experience,” said Affinity Volunteer Danielle Adams, business solutions officer, AFCU. “Co-workers whose jobs perhaps wouldn’t normally intersect banded together to clear yard debris, insulate windows, and put up sheetrock to name a few projects. Alongside a group of students, we thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to uplift the lives of 3 families who will later live in our ‘creation’”.

The Affinity Foundation serves several local charities including: Matheny Medical and Educational Center; the Midland School; Community Hope, Inc.; Somerset Home for Temporarily Displaced Children; St. Clare’s Hospital and St. Peter’s Healthcare System; Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs; Adult Day Center of Somerset County; Middle Earth; Raritan Valley Community College and the Affinity Scholarship program.

About Affinity Federal Credit Union:

Affinity Federal Credit Union, New Jersey’s largest credit union, is a member-owned, not-for-profit, full-service financial institution with 15 branches throughout New Jersey with more than 133,000 members from more than 2,000 businesses and organizations and total assets in excess of $2 billion.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, Affinity Federal Credit Union has been offering superior financial services with a member-oriented focus since 1935. For more information, visit www.affinityfcu.org.

Money To Help Residents of Union Beach Rebuild

Colts Neck & Union Beach, NJ (Wednesday, April 24, 2013) – (L to R) Ashford & Grace Fine Jewelers Store Manager Fred Kenitz hands over a check for $1,000 to Union Beach Borough Administrator Jennifer Maier and Operation Provide Comfort Volunteer Glen Dalakian.

“I recently attended a luncheon hosted by the Colts Neck Business Association where Ms. Maier showed photos and discussed the devastation that is still affecting the residents of Union Beach,” said Kenitz. “Our owner, Trish Blakenbaker, was so touched by their plight, we felt compelled to help in some way.  We hope this donation will allow those residents to rebuild their homes and their lives.”

After the storm, Colts Neck Mayor Jarrett Engel had a meeting with some of the town’s leaders and officials to discuss what Colts Neck could do to help.  That meeting has now evolved into a special relationship between Colts Neck and Union Beach dubbed Operation Provide Comfort.

The leader of Operation Provide Comfort is local Colts Neck resident Lt. Col. Jim Sfayer, USMC Ret.  Jim is also a member of the Colts Neck Lions Club, which has taken a prominent role alongside the Colts Neck Community Church in helping Union Beach as part of this effort.

The purpose of the effort is to develop a long term relationship between Union Beach and Colts Neck that will endure long after the storm.  Our approach is to leverage the resources of our town to help the residents of Union Beach who suffered the most devastation and to help collect and coordinate donations of money, physical goods and services to aid in the rebuilding effort. One hundred percent of all donations given to Operation Provide Comfort

go directly to the residents of Union Beach.

According to Ms. Maier, “We are so thankful to Operation Provide Comfort and the generous donation from Ashford & Grace.  The money will go a long way to helping the residents of Union Beach.”

For more information on Operation Provide Comfort, please visit the Colts Neck Township website or Operation Provide Comfort’s FaceBook page.

DESPITE THE STORMS, GOD IS STILL SPEAKING ON THE JERSEY SHORE!

Bridgefest Beach Festival Expected to Draw Thousands to Ocean Grove

OLD BRIDGE, NJ (Wednesday, April 24, 2013) – Despite Hurricane Sandy and the storms of life, area Christians continue to find strength, hope and comfort in their faith. That’s why this year’s Bridgefest Beach Festival, hosted by The Bridge Christian Radio, is expected to draw larger crowds than ever before as it returns for the eighth year to beautiful Ocean Grove, New Jersey from Friday, June 21 to Saturday, June 22.

“Faith-based organizations have been a major force in the spiritual, financial and physical rebuilding of the Jersey Shore,” noted Ralph Del Campo, COO, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association.  “We’ve seen an incredible spiritual revival as people look beyond their circumstances and find hope and comfort in the gospel.  That is why we expect this year’s Bridgefest to draw larger crowds than ever before.”

The two-day event, themed “Despite the storms of life, God is still speaking,” is packed with family-friendly activities and tickets start at just $20.  Among the highlights of this event is a special concert at Ocean Grove’s historic Great Auditorium on Friday night, June 21, at 7PM.  This year’s concert features the popular Christian artists Lincoln Brewster and MIKESCHAIR.

Attendees of Bridgefest will also enjoy hearing some of the nation’s most notable bible teachers including Jack Abeelen, John Randall, Jeff Johnson and NJ’s own Lloyd Pulley.  They will also have an opportunity to join discussion groups and share their thoughts with their fellow Christians.

Saturday’s activities include an ocean baptism, Q&A panels, surf clinics, vendors, more teachers and a youth rally.

“This is a wonderful weekend event for families,” noted Kim McCarrick, station manager, The Bridge Christian Radio.  “It also highlights the wonderful Christian heritage that was the basis of Ocean Grove’s foundation.  What an appropriate place to celebrate God’s presence on the Jersey Shore!”

To purchase Bridgefest tickets or learn more about the event, visit www.bridgefest.org, or call 888-861-6100.

About The Bridge Christian Radio:

The Bridge Christian Radio reaches people throughout the tri-state area and beyond through the station’s online streaming and local frequencies:

• 89.7 FM in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, NJ
• 91.9 FM in Southern Middlesex County, NJ
• 103.1 FM in North Jersey and New York City
• 99.7 FM in Sullvian County, NY
• 94.3 FM in Pomona, NY
• 106.9 FM in Poughkeepsie, NY

The Bridge Christian Radio (Bridgelight, LLC) is a radio ministry of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, NJ. For more information about Bridgefest, visit www.bridgefest.org, or call Paul Bohlinger at 732-588-0861. For general information about The Bridge, visit www.bridgefm.org.

HARMONY FOR HEROES COFFEEHOUSE TO SUPPORT THE TROOPS

In Honor of Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II

WHAT: Second Annual Harmony for Heroes to support the troops in honor of Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 1, 2013

7:00 PM

WHERE: Christian Brothers Academy [CBA]

Cafeteria

ADMISSION: $5

WHY:

This special musical event in honor of local fallen hero and alumnus, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II will raise funds for the gift of music to our troops overseas. Please bring donations of new or gently used iPods, headphones, gift cards, money, etc.

Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II grew up in Middletown, NJ and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, where he was a member of the swim team.  He received his nomination to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 2004.  He also completed Airborne School while a student at West Point.

After graduation from Ranger School, he was assigned to the 1/187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) “Rakkasan”.  He deployed with the 101st Airborne Division on September 17, 2005.  Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II died in Iraq on November 19, 2005 as a result of a roadside bombing near Bayji, 155 miles north of Baghdad.  Lt. Zilinski’s medals include: Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Global War on Terror,  Iraq Campaign Service Medal and the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal.

“Dennis’ greatest loves were God, his family, country, friends, swimming and the United States Army. Dennis was a very willing person who would drop everything to help you.   His trademark  was his wonderful smile, always beaming,” said Dennis’ mother Marion Zilinski.

As an act of love, Dennis’ family and friends founded The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund, whose mission is to continue to serve and assist returning men and women who were wounded in service to our nation. The fund also supports scholarships at CBA.

For more information please visit: www.runwithdennis.org or email RunwithDennis@yahoo.com.

Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund

Launches K9 Sgt. Denny Dog Walk

Supporting Military Working Dogs & Service Dogs for Wounded Warriors

WHAT: K9 Sgt. Denny Dog Walk to support military working dogs and service dogs for wounded warriors.

• Demonstrations by military working dogs and police department K9’s
• Special awards for most patriotic costume, biggest, smallest, farthest traveled, most unique.
• Please bring an item or two for our military working dogs and our two-legged warriors!

Pre-event registration is $25 per dog; day-of-event registration is $30 per dog.

WHEN: Saturday, May 11, 2013 (rain or shine)

Registration – 8:30 AM

Opening Ceremony – 9:45 AM

Dog Walk Begins – 10:00 AM

WHERE: NJ Army Guard Training Center

Camp Dr and Sea Girt Ave Sea Girt, NJ 08750-0277

WHO: Presented by the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund & The Middletown Lion’s Club.  Founders Marion & Dennis Zilinski, will be on hand for interviews, as well as Beverly Scarano and Larry Caminiti from the Middletown Lions Club. Soldiers and their companions will also be on hand for interviews.

WHY: The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund is expanding its mission of providing care and support for those serving our country and their families. The new SGT. DENNY PROJECT will provide support for military working dogs and their handlers with hard-to-obtain items to support the training and welfare of these canine heroes. It will also support the training and placement of service dogs for our wounded warriors.

The new program is named for SGT. Denny, a two year old German Shepherd who was stationed in Afghanistan with his handler Michael Brozowski, a Monmouth County native. SGT. Denny is a trained military working dog who can detect chemicals used in the manufacture of bombs and can sniff out 123 different types of explosives.  Military working dogs are also trained trained to sniff out narcotics and/or track humans.

Nearly 600 military dogs are serving today in Afghanistan. Much is made of the bond among soldiers, but the union between soldier and dog in a combat zone is just as tight. Handlers and canines patrol together, day after day, linked by a leash and an innate understanding of each other. Sometimes they sleep side by side on military cots and they face the same dangers together. Military dogs in Afghanistan die as a result of attacks, heat exhaustion and other causes.

For those returning home from combat, the transition back into society can be overwhelming. The hyper-vigilance and hyper-reactivity to situations, sensations, sounds and smells that kept them alive in the war zone often continue despite the peace of civilian life.  These specially trained dogs help wounded warriors with many of the fight or flight reactions and health issues they face upon returning home. Funds raised will go toward purchasing dogs from K9s for Warriors and Canine Companions for Independence.

For more information please visit: www.runwithdennis.org or email RunwithDennis@yahoo.com.

About the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund:

The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial was created and founded in 2006 in order to honor Lt. Zilinski’s memory and spirit for life.  The first Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Run/Walk was held in November of 2006.  All proceeds of the run/walk sponsor programs for injured soldiers and to fund scholarships to Lt. Zilinski’s alma mater, Christian Brothers Academy.  The Fund provides support to improve the morale and welfare of members of the United States Armed Forces and their families.  Additionally, by providing scholarships, the Fund invests in the future of high school students who embody the leadership qualities and community spirit of Lt. Zilinski.

Additional donations may be sent to: Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund, PO Box 35  Holmdel, NJ 07733.

OPERATION PROVIDE COMFORT RAISES OVER $7000 IN COLTS NECK WITH

 “TACK A TEN” FOR UNION BEACH

Fundraising Drive Focused on Need for Materials to Rebuild

Colts Neck & Union Beach, NJ (Friday, April 12, 2013) – As the residents of Union Beach finally begin to rebuild, the need for building materials becomes critical.  That is why Operation Provide Comfort volunteers spread out throughout Colts Neck recently, urging residents to “Tack a Ten” to decorated pieces of drywall as part of their fundraising campaign for building materials.

The dry wall, designed by Cedar Drive Middle School students under the direction of Art Teacher Mr. Walker, were strategically placed throughout town and residents were urged to “Tack a $10” to the wall.  Each piece of dry wall costs approximately $10.  An average size home in Union Beach needs approximately 40 pieces of dry wall to make it livable.

This two day event took place at the opening day festivities for Colts Neck Little League and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dunkin Donuts, Buy-Rite Liquors and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery.

Colts Neck, Township Committee support “Tack a Ten”

Madeleine & Owen “Tack their Ten” at Perkins Restaurant and Bakery

About Operation Provide Comfort:

Operation Provide Comfort is a Colts Neck-based organization born out of empathy for the Hurricane Sandy survivors in Union Beach.

The purpose of the effort is to develop a long term relationship between Union Beach and Colts Neck that will endure long after the storm.  Our approach is to leverage the resources of our town to help the residents of Union Beach who suffered the most devastation and to help collect and coordinate donations of money, physical goods and services to aid in the rebuilding effort.

For more information on Operation Provide Comfort or to make a donation, please visit their website or FaceBook page.

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We are very pleased to be helping Rulon Gardner in his efforts to ensure wrestling remains an Olympic sport!

When Rulon Gardner pulled off the surprise upset of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia to win the gold medal in wrestling, little did he know that 13 years later, his beloved sport would be in jeopardy.  Just last month, the sport of wrestling, the oldest sport in Olympic history, was booted out of future Olympic Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), beginning in 2020.

“That was a black day for the world of wrestling,” said Gardner, who appeared recently on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno.  “Youngsters around the world have been taking up the sport of wrestling for decades, and this decision by the IOC not only tampers with the rich tradition and centuries of the sport, but it also will deprive those young men (and women) from almost two hundred countries, a shot at the Olympic Games – and maybe even an opportunity to change their lives.”

Gardner is referring to the harsh reality that the decision to drop wrestling as an Olympic sport is about the IOC snubbing its nose at a sport that has drawn young people of less than privileged backgrounds, from small towns and villages, with little fancy equipment. “Buy a singlet and start rolling. Sure, there’s training involved, yet that’s true of any sport,” he said.

“Wrestling is an original sport since the dawn of the Olympics and the trickledown effect of the IOC’s decision at the high school and collegiate levels, as well as in countries where wrestling is one of only a few organized sports available to youth, will be shocking,” said Gardner.   “Olympic wrestling has everything to do with keeping our sport healthy, all the way down to the grass-roots level,” he said.  “Young wrestlers deserve to be able to dream of being an Olympic champion.”

But the elimination of wrestling hurts not just young wrestlers but the spirit of the Olympic Games itself.  In wrestling, an Olympic medal actually matters. That is the ultimate dream of young kids, like Gardner was who may be from some dusty village, small town, farm or depressed neighborhood.  Wrestling has often been the ticket for many of these children out of disadvantage to discipline, physical strength, mental toughness, and enough success to be able to live healthy, whole lives.  Wrestling has also been a means for these kids to achieve financial security, as well as even being the proud flag bearer for his or her nation at the Games.

Wrestling also benefits athletes from other sports, including football. According to Hall of Fame football Coach John Madden, who was quoted as saying, “I would have all of my offensive linemen wrestle if I could.”  What Madden was referring to was that those who play football and want to become better at the sport should think about adding wrestling to their athletic resume.  They won’t only have an edge on physical skills, but wrestling teaches self-control, discipline, ambition, perseverance and dedication say many coaches and trainers.

During the London Olympics in 2012, 29 countries won medals in wrestling.  “That’s exactly the kind of broad-based sport that deserves some Olympic stature every four years,” said Gardner.

Gardner is a decorated wrestler who rose to fame in 2000 with his stunning gold-medal upset of Russian Alexander Karelin.  He can attest to physical hardships growing up and financial set-backs in the years since his victory, but he is determined to secure some of his legacy and fight to preserve the sport.  His story is bitter-sweet, and full of lessons-learned about how to dream it and do it.  He is one of the leading figures in the group that has been formed by USA Wrestling to fight the IOC’s decision.  The newly-formed group doesn’t have much time to change the IOC’s mind and is aggressively recruiting leaders from wrestling nations like Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Georgia, Bulgaria, Turkey and Belarus.

“We must form a coalition and work together to direct the energies of wrestling communities to support this common cause to keep wrestling in the Olympics,” said Gardner.  “I would characterize this effort as a ‘call to arms’ to galvanize all wrestling advocates, sports influencers and athletes – on all fronts – to support this movement.”

“This is like the last round of a title match,” he continued.  “If we don’t fight this, we’re going to lose the sport, which would constitute a betrayal of the soul of the Olympics and the future of hundreds of thousands of young wrestlers around the world.”

Wrestling will now join seven other sports in applying for inclusion in 2020. The others are a combined bid from baseball and softball, karate, squash, roller sports, sport climbing, wakeboarding and wushu. They will be vying for a single opening in 2020.

The IOC executive board will meet in May in St. Petersburg, Russia, to decide which sport or sports to propose for 2020 inclusion. The final vote will be made at the IOC session, or general assembly, in September in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

For more information about Rulon Gardner, the IOC ban and wrestling, go to http://rulongardner.com or on Twitter@rulongardner

You can also follow the discussion on Twitter at:

@usawrestling

#keepolympicwrestling

Red Bank, Colts Neck & Union Beach, NJ (date) – Red Bank-based KPI Bridge Oil made a donation of $25,000 to Operation Provide Comfort [OPC] to help the residents of Union Beach, NJ rebuild their homes.

“This donation allowed for soil testing we required before building four prefabricated, solar homes,” said Union Beach Borough Administrator Jennifer Maier.  “The KPI grant also showed the momentum we needed to make our grant to the Robin Hood Foundation more viable.  Ultimately, it netted us an additional $725,000 to build the homes.”

KPI Bridge Oil Managing Director Rob Atkinson, a Fair Haven resident, said the company donated $25K to be used for soil testing and design development of the spec houses with the remaining funds to be used for building materials.

He noted that while the company also donated to good causes after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, Hurricane Sandy hit much closer to home.

“We all live and work on the Jersey Shore,” said Atkinson.  “In fact, one of our employees lost the entire first floor of his building due to the storm!”

Atkinson noted that the company decided to use money initially slated for holiday gifts to vendors, clients and employees for a donation.  His former partner, Ernest Janssen, a resident of Colts Neck, informed him of an opportunity to work with Operation Provide Comfort to help the residents of Union Beach.  This would allow the company to be more directly involved than just giving money.

“It made sense for us to work with Operation Provide Comfort and the Town of Union Beach,” said Atkinson. “After discussions with the town administrator, it became apparent that many of the residents would have trouble bridging the gap between what their insurance would cover and what would be required to get them back into their homes again.  This hit close to home and affected everyone in our company, so we wanted to do something that would make a difference.”

The company and its employees are looking forward to seeing the first of the prefab homes go up, knowing that their contributions will provide a much-needed home for a Union Beach family.

About KPI Bridge Oil:

KPI Bridge Oil is a leading worldwide bunker broking and trading company dating back to 1971 with its head office in London and offices in Istanbul, Miami, New York, Seattle, Singapore and Valparaiso. With a dedicated global team of more than 95 experienced professionals worldwide of which more than 65 are bunker brokers and traders.  KPI Bridge Oil is fulfilling bunker and lube oil requirements in more than 2800 harbors worldwide for the international shipping industry, covering all major time zones 24 hours a day.

The New York office has extensive experience in all aspects of the shipping industry and has become a market leader in the Americas through strong internal growth.  KPI Bridge Oil New York is the main Treasury and Administration center for the Americas and manages the operations for New York, Seattle, Miami, and Valparaiso.

Call today:  +1 732-219-7900 or visit www.kpibridgeoil.com

About Operation Provide Comfort:

Operation Provide Comfort is a Colts Neck-based organization born out of empathy for the Hurricane Sandy survivors in Union Beach.

The purpose of the effort is to develop a long term relationship between Union Beach and Colts Neck that will endure long after the storm.  Our approach is to leverage the resources of our town to help the residents of Union Beach who suffered the most devastation and to help collect and coordinate donations of money, physical goods and services to aid in the rebuilding effort.

For more information on Operation Provide Comfort, please visit their website or FaceBook page.

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OPERATION PROVIDE COMFORT SAYS “TACK A TEN” FOR UNION BEACH

Fundraising Drive to Focus on Need for Materials to Rebuild

Colts Neck & Union Beach, NJ (Tuesday, March 26, 2013) – As the residents of Union Beach finally begin to rebuild, the need for building materials becomes critical.  That is why Operation Provide Comfort is urging Colts Neck residents to “Tack a Ten” as part of their fundraising campaign for building materials.

To illustrate the need, pieces of dry wall, designed by Cedar Drive Middle School students under the direction of Art Teacher Mr. Walker, will be strategically placed throughout town and residents will be urged to “Tack a $10” to the wall.  Each piece of dry wall cost approximately $10.  An average size home in Union Beach needs approximately 40 pieces of dry wall to make it livable.

This two day event will take place on:

WHAT: “Tack A Ten” on Saturday April 6, 2013

WHERE

& WHEN: Opening Day Baseball festivities

Laird Road Field, 8:30am – 4:00pm

Dunkin Donuts from 8:00am – 2:00pm

WHAT: “Tack A Ten” on Sunday, April 7, 2013

WHERE

& WHEN: St. Mary’s Catholic Church

1 Phalanx Road, and Highway 34 – following 8am,10am and 12pm masses.

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

340 Rt-34 & Cr-537 – 8:00am – 2:00pm

About Operation Provide Comfort:

Operation Provide Comfort is a Colts Neck-based organization born out of empathy for the Hurricane Sandy survivors in Union Beach.

The purpose of the effort is to develop a long term relationship between Union Beach and Colts Neck that will endure long after the storm.  Our approach is to leverage the resources of our town to help the residents of Union Beach who suffered the most devastation and to help collect and coordinate donations of money, physical goods and services to aid in the rebuilding effort.

For more information on Operation Provide Comfort or to make a donation, please visit their website or FaceBook page.

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