Carol Abaya of Marlboro, a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist and journalist, will teach writing and critical reading courses for the new SAT, beginning in January at the JEI Learning Center, Marlboro. Abaya is a former newspaper reporter, foreign correspondent, and editor of award-winning magazines, according to Stephanie Lew, director of JEI. She has been a substitute teacher at Marlboro High School for the past three years and has been a guest lecturer at the Rutgers Graduate School of Social Work. She also has taught several seminars at Brookdale Community College.
Both the writing and critical reading classes will be held on nine Sundays for a total of 19 hours. JEI will also offer an SAT math program. The math component has also been changed and will include questions on higher math, including Algebra II. For more information or to register, call JEI, (732) 866-9099.
Adria M. Retacco of Freehold Township, a plumber in the Plant Maintenance Department at Community Medical Center, Toms River, was recently awarded a $450 tuition scholarship to the plumbing apprenticeship program at the Ocean County Vocational Technical School. The scholarship check was presented by Rosemary Terzi of Toms River, in memory of her husband, Nick, a plumbing instructor in the vocational school’s Adult Education Division for five years before his death in May.
National Association of Women Business Owners, Central Jersey Chapter, will hold an interactive workshop Jan. 11 beginning at 6 p.m. The program, “Guerrilla Marketing,” will be facilitated by Ellen Silverman, owner of ESA Marketing and a certified guerrilla marketing coach. She will discuss marketing plans, the need to update them, and the guerrilla marketing approach that was developed for small businesses.
Silverman will donate her fee to the American Cancer Society in the chapter’s name.
The meeting will be held at Brookdale Community College’s Western Monmouth campus, Route 9 south, Freehold Township, in room 003, basement level. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers. Reservations are required by Jan. 6. Seating is limited to 25. For reservations, call Jackie Rutberg, (732) 291-4613. Attendees should bring their own snack or refreshment.
Weichert, Realtors’ Marlboro office held a toy drive to benefit local children. Collected toys were donated to the Marine Corps for distribution. Kathy Kwaak and Dolores Jenkins chaired the drive.
The Marlboro office also participated in several other community programs throughout the year, including a drive to raise funds for the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, chaired by Barbara Chasser; donating Thanksgiving baskets to nine local families, chaired by Brenda Klauber; adopting several local children in need to give holiday gifts to, chaired by Lori Ragovin; and a 50/50 fund-raiser to benefit the Valerie Fund, chaired by Elaine Stumer.
Century 21 Mack-Morris Iris Lurie, Marlboro, announced that its top sales associates enjoyed a one-week stay at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino, with their spouses, in appreciation for their sales achievements.
Gloria Bernstein, Florence and Steven Cataneo, Martin and Ruth Cole, Fran Krumholz, Marcy Leder, Sharon Marks and Marcia Sokal, along with their spouses, attended. Top producers Garry A. Klein and Christine Lundberg were also awarded the trip but were unable to attend.
Sales associates Aris Maniotis and Susan “Penny” Kornblum were recognized as the sales associates of the month for heading the office in listing and sales.
Owner/broker Iris Lurie also announced that Betty Laboska, an award-winning sales associate, has joined the Marlboro office. Laboska is a recipient of the Circle of Excellence and Centurion awards.
Diane Bindler, a sales associate at Weichert, Realtors’ Marlboro office, was recognized with a regional award in November. The region is comprised of 20 offices in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties. Bindler led the region in the category of new home dollar volume. A licensed real estate professional, Bindler earned a master of business administration degree from Rutgers University.
Also, the Marlboro office led the region in new home dollar volume.
The Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce will hold its 76th annual meeting and installation of officers and directors Jan. 12 at the Colts Neck Golf Club, 50 Flock Road, Colts Neck. Networking will begin at 11:30 a.m., and the luncheon and program will begin at noon. The installation ceremony will be conducted by Monmouth County Freeholder Theodore J. Narozanick. The cost is $40 per person, and reservations are due by Jan. 7. For reservations and information, call the Chamber, (732) 462-3030; fax (732) 462-2123; or e-mail [email protected].