Brookdale Community College will host “Carefree Saturday” Oct. 2 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Brookdale campus, Newman Springs Road, Lincroft section of Middletown. Morning class offerings are “ABCs of Decorating,” “Intro to Zen Meditation,” “Intro to Self-defense,” “Hematite Magnetic Necklace,” “Spring Bulb Garden,” “Journal Writing for Travelers,” “Illustrating a Travel Journal.” and “Charisma 101.” A complimentary coffee and bagel snack will be served prior to the morning classes. Full-day classes are “Fiction Writing: Getting Started,” and “Video Scrapbooking.” For fees or more information, call business and community development at (732) 224-2315.
Central Jersey Consultation Center, Matawan, will present a free seminar, “Understanding Your Life Through Modern Psychoanalysis,” Sept. 23 from 4-4:50 p.m. at room MAN 209 at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft section of Middletown. For more information, call (732) 583-2211.
Regency Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 3325 Route 35, Hazlet, will hold its first “Labor of Love Day” barbecue to honor caregivers Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The barbecue is free and open to local residents responsible for caring for elderly individuals. It will also feature free services, entertainment by local bands, gifts, and advice on senior-care issues. Reservations are required and may be made by calling Harriet at (732) 264-5800.
The Northern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce, Navesink section of Middletown, will sponsor a business seminar and expo, “Commit to Success,” Oct. 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Robert B. Meyner Reception Center, PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel. The event will feature exhibits from several local businesses, as well as speakers addressing topics such as presentation skills, marketing and sales. The panel includes Sylvia Allen of Allen Consulting, Larry Bailin of Single Throw, Eric Taylor of The Empowerment Group, Chris Ruisi of Action International, and Brian Rechten of Omega Promotional Products. Bill Henry of In-Touch Chiropractic will be the master of ceremonies. Admission is $40 per person, and reservations are required. For reservations, call the Chamber at (732) 291-7870.
The Middletown office of Weichert, Realtors announced that Kathy See, Terence Fitzpatrick, Graeme Atkinson and Patrick Demech were recognized for industry accomplishments during the month of August. See led the office in listings, while Fitzpatrick led the office in sales. Atkinson led the office in sold listings and dollar volume, and Demech led the office in marketed listings.
The Provident Bank recently held a grand opening celebration for its new Hazlet branch located at 765 Poole Ave., just off Highway 36. Provident officials presented Mayor Paul Coughlin a $500 check from The Provident Bank Foundation for the Veterans Park Restoration Fund. With more than $6 billion in assets and $4 billion in deposits, the Provident Bank serves customers throughout northern and central New Jersey.
The Monmouth/Ocean Chapter of the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners is seeking gift donations for its annual holiday auction Nov. 18 at the Sheraton Eatontown. Needed are spa and wellness packages, business services (consultations, etc.), restaurant gift certificates, home improvement packages, pet-related gifts, gift baskets, and sports tickets. Auction proceeds benefit the chapter’s education and legislative activities. For more information, call Stephanie at (732) 583-7674, or Kristine (732) 451-0433.
We Care Adult Care, 500 Route 35 south, Middletown, and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office will offer the free “Ident-Adult” program Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. (preregistration is required by Sept. 17). Live entertainment by DJ Jimmy and dancing will be featured Sept. 24 at 11 a.m. For more information or to preregister, call We Care at (732) 741-7363.
Laurence M. Downes, chairman and CEO of New Jersey Natural Gas, Wall Township, has been chosen to chair the American Heart Association’s 2004 Monmouth-Ocean Shoreline Heart Walk, “Step Out, Save Lives! Exercise Your Heart!” The walk will take place Sept. 26 at the boardwalk in Belmar. Downes has overseen the recruitment and organizational activities for the walk, in which teams from NJNG are taking part. For more information, call the Heart Association at (732) 821-2610.
The Northern Monmouth Chamber of Commerce, Navesink section of Middletown, in conjunction with Eric Taylor’s Empowerment Group, Diane Turton Realtors, and the Lakewood BlueClaws, will present “Empower NJ” Sept. 29 at the BlueClaws’ stadium, Lakewood. The cost for the business expo and seminar is $45 per ticket, and gates will open at 3 p.m. The guest speaker will be Christopher Reeve, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. For more information or tickets, call the Chamber at (732) 291-7870.
The American Association of University Women, Northern Monmouth County Branch, is seeking new members. Its current members are from areas as far south as Sea Girt, north to Aberdeen, and west to Colts Neck. Meetings are held the first Monday of each month at the Eatontown Community Center, 58 Broad St., or at the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center, 128 Ocean Ave. For more information, call (732) 747-3635.
Petco, with stores in Eatontown and Freehold Township, has announced its “Howl-O-Ween” pet photo contest, and will accept entries through Oct. 10. Pet owners may submit photos of pets in costume and may also attend the Halloween celebration Oct. 31 at either Petco location. The four top photo entries will be judged by online voters Oct. 18-31. For submission information, call Petco.