published Atlantic Highlands Herald 18 February 2006

story and photos
by Allan Dean

KEANSBURG, NJ - Volunteers from the Associated Professional Painters and Decorating Contractors of New Jersey worked early Saturday morning painting the sanctuary of the Keansburg United Methodist Church. 

Rev. Barbara Novick said it was a true blessing.  "Sometimes your prayers are answered before you pray them," said the pastor.

Harold E. Stone, of H.E.S. Painting, Belford, helped organize the event with his fellow painting professionals. The APPDC is a 28-year-old organization, currently with 34 members which meets monthly to introduce members to new products, paints, wallcoverings and equipment. The educational meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Court Jester restaurant on Rte 34 in Matawan.

Bob McMillan paints the wall around a stained glass window in the narthex of the church. The window reads, Faith, Hope, Charity.

With rollers and brushes and other supplies provided by Sherwin Williams of Middletown and paint supplied by Benjamin Moore through House of Paint in Matawan, the APPDC put together a work party of more than a dozen professional contractors to get the job done. Stone put the monetary value of this project at $2,000 but the kindness of the organization was priceless according to the pastor.

"We didn't have any money to do this," said Rev Novick. "It is just a blessing."

The congregation, made up primarily of older people, puts a lot of time and effort into the upkeep of the church said the pastor. The church has a ministry of outreach to the community, recently offering space in their community room for the Keansburg Recreation Committee to hold dances and other activities.

"It is unbelievable," said Rev. Novick of the speed with which the 14 painting contractors accomplished their mission. "Many skilled hands make light work."

Rev Barbara Novick and organizer Harold E. Stone

The group had been seeking a project to offer their assistance to, when Stone became aware of the church's need at a holiday party with friends and relatives, one of whom is a parishioner at the church. Fifteen years ago, Stone had been hired to paint the walls of the church and now they were in need of a fresh coat.

"Our goal is to promote painters as businessmen, rather than sideline painters or moonlighters," said Stone.

Tom Perry, of T&B Decorator, West Keansburg, has been painting for 30 years. "Painting is a lot of problems to get out of," said Perry. The group shares ideas at each monthly meeting during a session called, "It Works For Me" that help them get out of such problems. "Years ago, painters didn't talk to each other," said Perry. "Now we share with each other and with the paint suppliers" giving feedback and sharing tricks of the trade.

Among the contractors helping out on Saturday morning were: (front row l-r) Stu Penn, Pastor Barbara Novick, Tom Perry, Nelson Roman, David Morgan, (second row) Chris Schwenk, Jim Murray, Tom Hackett, Steve Podracky, Harold Stone, (third row) Paul Marcy, Bob McMillan, Ben McMillan, Bob Crane, and Jule Acquila.

Contractors vans converged on the First United Methodist Church of Keansburg.