The borough of Keyport and Keyport Business Alliance (KBA) were recently recognized by the nonprofit Downtown New Jersey with an award for “Excellence in Downtown,” to be presented at a ceremony Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Club, Paterson. Keyport was honored for downtown revitalization worthy of emulation statewide. The KBA was recognized for its marketing campaign, which was judged “superior” in the areas of preserving and enhancing the character of Keyport’s downtown environment, contributing to its economic viability, generating pride in the community and drawing individuals to the area.
Waterfield Financial Corp. has announced the opening of its newest branch at 100 Matawan Road, Suite 120, Matawan. The corporation is an independent mortgage banker, in business since 1928. For more information, call Waterfield at (732) 290-7494.
The Monmouth County Republican Committee has unveiled its new Web site. The site, www.MonmouthRepublican.org, features voter registration forms, an e-mail sign-up feature, a calendar of events, a page for volunteers, and other information. The site also features links to the Bush-Cheney campaign. The committee is chaired by Fred Neimann.
The New Jersey School Public Relations Association (NJSPRA) is seeking new members. Membership is open to those who are involved with communications, publications and media relations in New Jersey public, parochial or private schools.
The association hosts four professional workshops each school year and serves as a resource for school public relations practitioners. Recent workshops have covered varied subjects including crisis communications, press relations, budgets and bond referenda, Web site design and the No Child Left Behind Act. The group also provides tip sheets on various communications subjects and has knowledgeable people on call to provide professional advice on any communications subject.
For a membership application, interested persons may contact Ellen Lazer, vice president for membership, Livingston Board of Education, 11 Foxcroft Drive, Livingston 07039 or call (973) 535-8000, ext. 8036, or e-mail elazer@livingston.org.
The Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce, Red Bank, recently voted The Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts Inc., Farmingdale, Nonprofit of the Year. The chamber will hold its 13th annual Spinnaker Awards Dinner, A Celebration of Community Spirit Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. at Branches, Route 71, West Long Branch. Cost is $110 per person for the event to feature cocktails, and dinner choice of prime rib or sole stuffed with crab meat. For reservations, call the Chamber at (732) 741-0055.
The Monmouth/Ocean chapter of the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners will host a breakfast meeting Nov. 4 from 7:30-9 a.m. at Amy’s Omelette House, Ursula Plaza Shopping Center, Ocean Avenue, Long Branch. It will be an open meeting for members and prospective members, and reservations are not required. For more information, call Eileen at (732) 988-7256.
Cyberwize.com will hold a free seminar Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Edison-Raritan Center, Hotel, 125 Raritan Center, Parkway, Edison. The seminar will demonstrate how to start a home-based business through a marketing system. Cyberwize.com has locations in Holmdel, Eatontown, Ocean Township and Tinton Falls. Reservations are required for the event. For reservations, call Christine at (732) 483-0291.
Food Circus Foodtown is taking part in the annual March of Dimes “Pick A Pumpkin” promotion, which runs throughout October. Customers may purchase a paper pumpkins for $1 or $5. The customer’s name is then written on the pumpkin, displayed at the store where purchased. Food Circus and various area businesses will also distribute March of Dimes pamphlets to educate women about premature birth, and its effects on the health of babies. Funds raised support research and programs that address issues such as preterm birth, access to prenatal care, and teen pregnancy. Area Food Circus grocery stores are located in Freehold, Manalapan, Oakhurst section of Ocean Township, Red Bank, Wanamassa section of Ocean Township, and the West End section of Long Branch. Businesses and companies interested in participate in “Pick A Pumpkin” can call the March of Dimes Central Jersey Division at (609) 655-7400.
Matawan/Aberdeen Library, 165 Main St., Matawan, will present “Sending Your Child to College Without Going Broke!” Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. Consumer advocate Chuck Drawbaugh will give the presentation, and reservations are required. Topics to be discussed include applying for scholarships, strategies to afford desired schools, and paying tuition on a tax-favored basis. To make reservations, call (732) 224-1496.
Associates from the Middletown office of Weichert, Realtors, recently raised $400 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) during the “MDA Lockup.” Sales associates Stacey Yelenock, Austin Yang and Robert Giannone agreed to be “arrested” and transported to the MDA “Maximum-appreciation facility” at the Macaroni Grille, Hazlet. The trio was held until it raised $400 in “bail” money to be donated to MDA.
Cost Cutters has announced it will take part in the annual March of Dimes’ “Pick a Pumpkin” campaign to be held during October. Cost Cutters will sell paper pumpkins for $1, $5, or $10 each, write names on the pumpkins, and have the pumpkin displayed at the store where it is purchased. Proceeds will support March of Dimes programs that improve the health of mothers and babies. Area Cost Cutters are located at 1554 Route 35 and 175 Locust Ave., both West Long Branch; Route 35 and Twinbrooks Avenue, Middletown, and 7 Route 9, Manalapan. Businesses and companies interested in taking part in the promotion may call the March of Dimes Central Jersey Division at (609) 655-7400.