Hazlet, Matawan Kiwanis Members Build Ramp For Elderly Couple

HAZLET, NJ — A wheelchair-bound elderly Keyport couple can now more easily get in and out of their home, thanks to the kind work of a few local Matawan and Hazlet residents.

Members of the Holmdel Kiwanis Club, along with Hazlet resident Bill Bechtoldt, came together recently to construct a wheelchair-accessible ramp for an elderly couple who live in Keyport. Also taking part in this project was Anthony Montagna, the owner of Tony’s Mountain Construction in Matawan. Montagna has been a member of the Holmdel Kiwanis Club for years.

The Keyport homeowner, whose wife had become wheelchair-bound, was finding it very difficult to get around. It was especially difficult for him and his wife to get in and out of their home, they told Bechtoldt. Through NJ Work Camp, a non-profit he founded, Bechtoldt purchased the ramp for the couple and contacted Montagna to ask him to help install it.

Thanks to Montagna and two of his employees, the entire project was done in two days. The ramp was installed last Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Founded by Bechtoldt, NJ Work Camp is an organization of youth groups from all over the country, who travel together to New Jersey for two weeks every summer to do repairs, painting and other good deeds for seniors who need it.

The Holmdel Kiwanis is a group of citizens dedicated to changing their community by improving the lives of children and their families. The group works with a variety of non-profits with the same philosophy of serving. Membership in the club is open to anyone in the community that is at least 18 years of age and has a passion for helping others through volunteering to serve.

The Holmdel Kiwanis has been serving the community since 1965 and welcomes people to visit a meeting to find ways they can participate. The Holmdel Kiwanis meets weekly at 7 p.m. at a variety of locations throughout the area. To find future meetings visit www.holmdelkiwanis.org. Please join them for dinner as their guest.