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Provident Bank 20th Street, Bayonne branch employees: Emeleen Saenz, Michelle Robinson, Heidi William, Alyssa Blanchard, Sha-lynn Andrews and Sofia Estrada celebrate the Provident tradition as Money Bees recalling Provident Bank as the “Old Beehive Bank

The Provident Savings Institution was the first bank in Jersey City and Hudson County and is New Jersey’s oldest mutual savings bank.
Provident formally referred to itself as “The Beehive Bank” and then “The Old Beehive.”

According to historian Barbara Petrick, “A beehive, symbolize[ed] the thrift and industry of many humble workers . . . .” (Petrick 30). In 1843 a local newspaper, the Jersey City Advertiser, described the purpose of the savings bank: “We expect to see deposits made by mechanics, and artisans, laborers, and servants, shopkeepers and apprentices, men and women, boys and girls . . . these will be the proprietors of the beehives” (quoted in Petrick 30). The bank’s earlier association with the local Temperance Society also seems to affirm Gregory’s belief that together the bank and the temperance movement could influence the behavior of the city’s working poor.

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Employees of Provident Bank recently took part in a Go Red for Women fundraising campaign at the bankâ€s administrative office and branch locations throughout New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania to benefit the American Heart Association. 

Employees were encouraged to show their support for the campaign and raise awareness of womenâ€s heart disease by wearing red and making a contribution to the American Heart Association.  Employees who supported the campaign were able to wear jeans to work for the day.

 Provident Bank employees raised more than $3,600, all of which was donated to the American Heart Association.

Pictured left to right in photo: Daphne Higgins, Heide Calhoun, Khalida Shah, Provident Bank; Catherine Metzendorf, bank customer; Michele Bilicki , Melanie Rodriguez, Provident Bank.

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“Shopping for new pencils, backpacks and notebooks is exciting for children. Because they have an interest in the things they are purchasing, itâ€s a great time to educate children about financial responsibility,” said Chris Martin, president and CEO of The Provident Bank.

Starting with lessons about how to make change, parents can work through many stages of money management with their kids, including budgeting as well as handling allowances, savings accounts, checking accounts and eventually even investments.

“Itâ€s about helping children understand the costs associated with their activities and teaching them the value of spending and saving wisely,” said Martin.

As back-to-school items add up, parents can teach children how to manage money with these six money lessons from Provident:

1. Start early

Research has shown that kids learn attitudes about money at any early age. Therefore, as soon as your child can count, introduce them to money. Begin teaching the value of dollars and cents by using regular shopping trips as opportunities to teach children the value of money.

2. Be a good example

Children do watch our example, so itâ€s important to be careful of your spending behavior. To help them learn to be smart with money, set good examples that sink, such as “Iâ€m going to wait for the sale.”

3. Make a list and check it twice

Once you provide your children with money through an allowance or for doing chores around the house, give them the freedom to decide what to do with it. Help them create and prioritize a list for the upcoming school year based on a budget. Itâ€s a good opportunity to go over which new items they want versus items they need and discuss it together.

4. Bargain shop together

Get your kids involved in checking out those penny saver ads! Have them clip out coupons for school supplies and compare prices. While shopping, choose an item that has price variations and point out the differences. This will help children get into the habit of being mindful of how to spend money.

5. Encourage savings

A child as young as 10 years old can and should have a bank account to gain a sense of financial responsibility and learn the basics of making deposits and earning interest. When giving children allowances, distribute it in quantities that encourage saving. For example, if the amount is $10, give them 10 one-dollar bills and encourage that at least $1 be set aside in savings. Banks like Provident offers savings accounts at no additional charge.

6. Set goals and spending limits

The key to success in teaching your child about money is establishing spending limits and sticking to them. Certain back-to-school items children ask parents to buy them can become a goal to work toward. Goal-setting helps children learn to become smart spenders.

More information about Provident is available at www.ProvidentNJ.com or at www.Facebook.com/ProvidentNJ.

About The Provident Bank

With $5.2 billion in deposits, The Provident Bank (www.ProvidentNJ.com) serves its customers via a network of full-service branches throughout northern and central New Jersey. The Provident Bank is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS), which reported assets of $7.1 billion as of June 30, 2012.

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 Tips for organizing your money from The Provident Bank

When spring fever hits, remember itâ€s not just your home that needs cleaning up. Spring is also an ideal time to organize and refresh your finances.

“With tax season upon us, weâ€re already organizing important financial documents. But before filing them away again, itâ€s a good time to review personal finances and make adjustments for the future,” said Chris Martin, chairman, president and CEO of The Provident Bank.

These seven tips from Provident will help consumers get started:

1. Clear the clutter: To reduce the paperwork pileup, sign-up for online statements and bill pay. And if the receipts and paper statements you have in your filing cabinet are more than three years old, you should sort and shred them.

2. Consolidate accounts: Instead of juggling multiple credit card bills and statements from several checking and savings accounts, see which ones can be closed or consolidated. It makes it easier to monitor activity and it could bump you up to a higher interest rate. However, you may want to hold onto your oldest credit card because the history of your credit impacts your credit score.

3. Consider refinancing: If youâ€re a homeowner and you havenâ€t already done so, take advantage of record low mortgage rates to reduce your mortgage loan rate or payment. Or another way to save on interest and accelerate loan pay off is to convert to a bi-weekly mortgage.

4. Save important documents: Life insurance policies, savings bonds, deeds and property titles should be stored in a safe place – preferably not your home in case of emergencies. Talk to your bank about opening a safe deposit box so your important documents are protected and secured.

5. Asses your investments: The spring is a good time to set up an annual review of your investments, particularly since you can consider investments with your taxes. If you have a financial adviser, schedule a time to meet with them to go over your investment accounts.

6. Build your retirement: Check out the status of your retirement savings, both for 2011 and for 2012. For example, you can make contributions to your IRA for 2011 through April 16, 2012.

7. Review checking accounts: Some big banks are adding or increasing fees for checking accounts. Make sure you understand your account requirements to see if itâ€s still a good fit for you.

More information about Provident is available at www.ProvidentNJ.com or by calling 1-888-534-8979.

About The Provident Bank

With $5.1 billion in deposits, The Provident Bank (www.ProvidentNJ.com) serves its customers via a network of more than 80 branches throughout northern and central New Jersey. The Provident Bank is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS), which reported assets of $7.1 billion as of December 31, 2011.

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Local Residents Raise Thousands of Dollars for the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a 24-hour event that gives people across the globe the chance to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Each year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the U.S., along with communities in 20 other countries, take part in Relay for Life to raise funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.

 

On Friday, June 17, beginning at 6 pm 84 Relay teams will gather at the Don Ahern Veterans Stadium on the Bayonne High School campus for the American Cancer Societyâ€s annual fundraising event that will continue overnight and into Saturday. Throughout the event, teams – which have raised more than $84,000 so far, will be walking and/or running the stadiumâ€s track in support of friends and loved ones affected by cancer.

 

Sponsors for the Bayonne Relay for Life are McCabe Ambulance Service, ShopRite of Bayonne, Provident Bank and the City of Bayonne.

 

Celebrate – The Survivors Lap
Relay for Life starts with a Survivors Lap – an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories achieved fighting cancer. The Survivors Lap is an emotional example of how Relay for Life participants are ensuring that more lives are saved each year – like those of each individual on the track. Relay for Life also recognizes and celebrates caregivers, individuals who give their time, love, and support to friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers affected by cancer.

 

Remember – The Luminaria Ceremony
After dark, Relay for Life will honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.

 

Fight Back – The Fight Back Ceremony
For the finale, thereâ€s the Fight Back Ceremony, where Relayers make a personal commitment to save lives by taking up the fight against cancer. That personal commitment may be to do something as simple as getting a cancer screening, quitting smoking or talking to elected officials about cancer issues.

 

At Relay for Life, every step you take helps the American Cancer Society save lives.

 

American Cancer Societyâ€s Relay for Life

Fri, June 17, starting at 6 pm – Sat, June 18, ending at 7 pm

Don Ahern Veterans Stadium

On the Campus of Bayonne High School

667 Avenue “A”

Bayonne, NJ

 

For more info, go to www.relayforlife.org or www.acsevents.org.

For more information about the event and the work of the American Cancer Society, contact Christina Andrascik at (908) 354-7373 Ext. 212.

 

 

 

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“River View Observer Best Pick Developers for Jersey City.” 

Brothers Eric Silverman and Paul Silverman have been developing real estate in Jersey City since 1981, but they are not ordinary developers. While others are making a splash building modern skyscrapers and luxury condos on the waterfront, the Silverman brothers have spent the last three decades quietly transforming former warehouses into mixed-use buildings, schools into residences and abandoned storefronts into fashionable shops throughout Jersey City.

The brothers founded SILVERMAN, now the foremost developer of mixed-use residential buildings, historic landmarks and creative retail destinations in Jersey City, and today serve as a major engine behind the city’s revitalization. The company provides affordable and market-rate housing options to the greater community of Jersey City while building family oriented neighborhoods and supporting local retailers.

 “We are very proud to have witnessed the growth of Jersey City through our residential, commercial and retail developments,” said Paul Silverman, a principal at SILVERMAN. “We are committed to further restoring and advancing Jersey City while preserving its history and unique charm.”

A prime example of SILVERMAN’s development style is Hamilton Square (www.livingonthepark.com), a 124-unit premier adaptive reuse and new construction loft and condo development in the historic Hamilton Park neighborhood.  Hamilton Square is designed to combine a modern and industrial aesthetic, while offering luxurious loft living spaces with exquisite views of the Manhattan skyline and greenery of Hamilton Park. 

 To accommodate the needs of Hamilton Square residents, SILVERMAN sought out a strong balance of retailers to occupy the commercial spaces. SILVERMAN takes pride in addressing the wants and needs of buyers today and builds amenity-oriented neighborhoods to fit their residents’ lifestyles.

RETAIL AT HAMILTON SQUARE INCLUDES:

• Antheia Floral Design (www.antheia.net) provides beautiful floral design for weddings, events and parties of all budgets and tastes.

 Art House Productions (www.arthouseproductions.org) inspires, nurtures, and promotes the arts in Jersey City’s community through events and programming.

 Downtown Coop (www.downtowncoop.com) is a supermarket that will feature affordable, high-quality, sustainable, locally sourced food products. It is slated to open in 2011.

 Hamilton Health and Fitness (www.hamiltonhealthandfitness.com) features an indoor lap pool, the newest in cardio and weight training equipment, diverse group classes ranging from yoga to spinning, sauna and steam rooms, a children’s center, and a fully equipped Pilates studio. The fitness club has also been designed and constructed to be as environmentally responsible as possible by using bamboo flooring, high efficiency heating and cooling, low water usage plumbing design, LED and CFL efficient lighting, and recycled materials and furnishings.

 

• Hamilton Park Montessori (www.hamiltonparkmontessorischool.com) is a school that was founded by a team of educators interested in creating a positive learning community where the best practices in Montessori and early childhood education are implemented.

 Hound About Town is a boutique focusing on a wholesome life for pets.  It will include organic foods and treats as well as sustainable toys and accessories and is slated to open in 2011.

 

• Madame Claude Wine (www.madameclaudewine.com) is a European styled wine shop owned by a local Jersey City husband and wife couple of French origin. The focus is on French wines and spirits, with a selection of French food products including pate, cheese, dried sausages, pickles, Dijon mustard and baguettes.

 

• Newport Pharmacy (www.newportpharmacy.com) is an independently owned local pharmacy that has been serving the neighborhood since 1986 and has found a new home at Hamilton Square.

 Next Step Broadway (www.nextstepbroadway.com) is a dance studio owned and operated by Amy Burnette, a former Radio City Rockette, which provides kids and adults with the skills they need to get to Broadway including dance, singing, acting, music and more.

 Provident Bank (www.providentnj.com) has a convenient ATM branch location at the development.

 Smith & Chang General Goods (www.smithchang.com) is a general store with an eco- twist and vintage vibe featuring quality goods that are essential to everyday life.

 Sophie Sophia (www.sophiesophia.com/) a cake studio and bakery that produces the highest quality wedding cakes, specialty cakes and baked goods in New Jersey. 

 Tribeca Pediatrics (www.tribecapediatrics.com) has been helping New York families raise happy, healthy babies and kids since 1994, and is opening their first New Jersey office next year at Hamilton Square.  

 “It’s not just about building top-quality housing in Jersey City,” said Eric Silverman, principal at SILVERMAN. “We’ve enhanced the community by creating retail components, allowing for affordable, convenient and dynamic living in Jersey City.”

 Other prominent developments in Jersey City by SILVERMAN include: Schroeder Lofts (http://www.schroederlofts.com/), Majestic Theatre Condominiums (http://www.majesticjerseycity.com/), and Park Foundry (http://www.parkfoundry.com/).

SILVERMAN also focuses on creating a sustainable community by supporting a number of local charities and organizing neighborhood events.

 SILVERMAN supports Hudson County Child Abuse Prevention Center, Hudson County Community College Foundation, Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, Hamilton Park Conservancy, City Kids Church, City Sail, as well as Art House Productions, Jersey City Museum, Garden Preschool Cooperative, Women Rising, Jersey City Boys and Girls Club and Hudson Perinatal Consortium.

 The company organized the Hamilton Park BBQ Festival, which drew more than 3,000 attendees and benefited the Hamilton Park Conservancy; the Fifth Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade and Fiesta, the Fifth Annual Oktoberfest Parade and Festival; and a Pumpkin Patch for area schoolchildren.

For more information regarding the on-site sales office at Hamilton Square or to schedule an appointment please contact Sawyer Smith at sawyer@livingonthepark.com or 201-434-1000.

For more information on SILVERMAN, please visit: www.silvermanbuilding.com.

 

Follow us on Twitter: @LivingOnThePark

Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/hamiltonsquare -or- Search for us on Facebook: Hamilton Square Jersey City

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“We are grateful to The Provident Bank Foundation for contributing to our community of families who are trying to move from welfare to work and achieve self sufficiency,” said Crystal Jones, executive director of Urban Angels. “Without their help, we could not continue the work that we do.”

Urban Angels offers a variety of supervised group programs and services to working families and single and teenage parent households, including child care, life skills training, mentoring and crisis intervention. The organization works with social services and other agencies to assist families in all areas of growth, focusing on leadership and career training leading to economic independence.

 “Urban Angels provides vital opportunities to empower men and women seeking financial independence,” said Kendall Warsaw, executive director of The Provident Bank Foundation. “This organization is a critical resource for single- and working-parent families trying to achieve economic stability, and we are proud to support it.”

For more information about Urban Angels, call (201) 434-6500.

 

About The Provident Bank Foundation

The Provident Bank Foundation was established by New Jersey’s oldest bank in 2003 to enhance the quality of life in New Jersey through support of not-for-profit groups, institutions, schools and other organizations that provide services in communities served by The Provident Bank. Since its founding, the Foundation has provided more than $13 million in grants for programs focusing on education, health, wellness, recreation, the arts and social and civic services.

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