Jackson business recognized by Mayor and township council
By Staff Report
At last night’s Jackson Township municipal council meeting, Council President Ken Bressi presented a proclamation from Mayor Mike Reina to Eric and Paul Alders, both of Toms River, the father son team and owners of the Karate Dojo, located on South Hope Chapel Road in Jackson.
The school was given a proclamation for their years of service to the Jackson and Ocean County Community. Bressi pointed out in particular, the school’s annual Thanksgiving Basket Brigades where the Alders, along with their students and families at the Karate Dojo raise money, seek donations and prepare over 400 fully complete Thanksgiving Day dinners to hundreds of local families in need. In addition, they also provide dinners to the families of U.S. service men and women from the Joint Base NJ who are serving overseas.
Each year, the Karate Dojo highlights community service and giving with their school curriculum and students, both young and old. They arrange annual community service events including a Red Cross Blood Drive, School back pack drive, a Kick-a-thon for St. Jude Hospital and for their continued dedication to sponsoring youth sports. Alders also offers free seminars to regional schools and families on topics such as bullying, abuse prevention and self defense. The school also offers a program for families who cannot afford to pay for martial arts and self defense training.
Alders said it was a great experience for his family. “It was an honor and bigger than we thought it would be. It’s nice to have somebody acknowledge it.” Eric Alders said “We do it because we care and want to give back to the community.”
Alders, A Toms River resident said he chose the Jackson Crossing location because he used to pass it on his way to and from work. “I live in Toms River, but just down the road off of Whitesville Road and when I travelled to Howell, I would see the coming soon signs for Jackson Crossing.” he said “I always dreamed of opening my own karate school and we looked around for different locations in the area.”
Alders said one of the contributing factors in coming to Jackson was that the building owner, Vito Cardinale of Cardinale Enterprises saw something in Alders and his vision that other landlords did not. “I was a 29 year old with a dream and a vision to open a karate school. I had an idea and after meeting with Vito, he believed in me and the idea too and took a risk and we signed the lease.” he said “I also saw some great anchors for this plaza including Surf Taco and McDonalds and thought it would be a great place for a school. It’s right in the middle of everything with Howell, Toms River, Lakewood and Manchester all nearby.”
Jackson Township Council Vice President and Vietnam combat veteran Ken Bressi also took notice commenting in his public comments session about Alder’s support of the local troops. “It’s nice when you hear all the stuff that goes on and then you hear a story of a local business giving back to the community and the troops.”
The Karate Dojo has been serving the Jackson community for 5 years.
Posted by Staff Report
on Aug 10 2011. Filed under Business, Community News, Featured News.
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