The Monmouth County Department of Economic Development and Tourism will welcome Sept. 11 widow Virginia Bauer, Middletown, to address attendees at it “Fifth Wednesday Luncheon” March 30 at noon. The luncheon will be at Branches, 123 Monmouth Road, West Long Branch, with reservations due by March 25.
Middletown resident Bauer is the Sept. 11 widow who gained national fame fighting for the victims and families. She is chief executive officer and secretary of the state commerce, economic growth and tourism commission. Her husband David was working for Cantor Fitzgerald on Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center. She worked with Congress to enact legislation in 2002 to give tax relief to victim families. She is also active in creating new development at the Trade Center site. She was also appointed by then-Gov. James McGreevey as director of the New Jersey Lottery. She is also a board member for the Family and Children’s Services, a board member of the Monmouth Children’s Cultural Center, and member of the advisory council of 2nd Floor helpline at 180 Turning Lives Around Inc., Hazlet. Luncheon tickets are $30. For reservations, call the Department of Development and Tourism at (732) 431-7470.
The Monmouth Legal Secretaries Association will hold its annual fashion show April 2 at the Sheraton Hotel, Route 35 and Industrial Way, Eatontown. Doors open at 11 a.m., with the luncheon served at noon. Fashions will be from J.C. Penney. There will also be gift baskets, door prizes and a 50/50. Deadline for reservations is March 24. For reservations. call Ann or Maryjane at (732) 462-7170.
The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, Neptune, will hold its annual “Humanitarian of the Year Dinner-Dance” April 8 at Robert B. Meyner Reception Center at PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel. Honorees will be Tamar and Gary Tolchin and Karen and Anthony Cirillo, owners of The Mill at Spring Lake Heights. Junior humanitarian is Joseph Grabas, 17, Freehold. Grabas, a student at Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, volunteers at the Upper Room Soup Kitchen, Lakewood, and Habitat for Humanity. Master of ceremonies at the black-tie event will be Big Joe Henry, and entertainment will be provide by Tim McLoone and the Atlantic Coast Band. The event will also feature silent and live auctions, and 50/50. For tickets or more information, call (732) 918-2600.
Richard K. Swandby, Middletown, recently retired from Exhibit Surveys Inc., Red Bank, following 42 years’ service. The founder of the firm was the innovator that introduced performance measurement to the exhibition industry. Among his contributions are the development of net buying influences, traffic density, and exhibit efficiency. He is also the author of numerous articles and presentations. His awards include the TSEA Distinguished Service Award, the IAEM Distinguished Service Award, and IAEM William Hunt Eisenman Award. He was also inducted into the Convention Industry Council Hall of Leaders in 2000.
Mike Peragino, Middletown, was recently named director of information
technology and facilities at United Teletech Federal Credit Union (UTFCU), Tinton Falls. He will be responsible for information technology infrastructure, project management and facilities planning. Prior to joining UTFCU, he was president of Peragino Management Consulting Inc., Middletown, senior director of client services at ICI/ADP, New York City, and a Wall Street broker. Peragino holds a bachelor of science degree in finance and economics from City University of New York.
Marc Fogarty, Aberdeen, and Eric Diamond, Old Bridge, were recently promoted to supervisors in the accounting and auditing department at Amper, Politziner & Mattia, Edison. Fogarty has more than four years’ experience providing accounting, auditing and consulting services to midsize clients in the manufacturing, distribution and service industries. He received his bachelor of science degree in accounting at Kean University, Union, and earned the CFE designation from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
Diamond has more than four years’ public accounting experience and represents both public and private companies in various industries including, manufacturing, retail, distribution, nonprofits, telecommunications and technology. He received his bachelor of science degree in accounting at Rutgers College, New Brunswick.
The firm of Edward Jones, 165 Main St., Matawan, will host “Investing Basics” given by John R. Cocozza, of Edward Jones, Freehold, March 16 at 7 p.m. Topics include financial situations, understanding investment basics, controlling taxes, and managing risk. Reservations are required for the free seminar and may be made by calling John at (732) 863-9640.
Keansburg Amusement Park will host a “Golden Egg Hunt” March 20 at 1 p.m. The free event will be at the beach behind the park at 275 Beachway. Attendees should bring baskets for eggs, some of which will be prize-filled. Two bikes will also be awarded in each age group from toddler to age 10. For information, call (732) 495-1400.
Matawan-Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce will host the fourth annual business expo March 22 from 6-9 p.m. at Merri-Makers Magnolia Inn, Route 79, Matawan. Co-sponsors are Columbia Bank and Commerce Bank, both Aberdeen; John R. Cocozza of Edward Jones, Freehold; and Sun National Bank, Matawan. Admission is $3 and there will be a cash bar. The event will feature DJ entertainment by The WRAT 95.9 FM, door prizes, and a light buffet. For more information, call (732) 290-1125.
The National Association of Retired Federal Employees Middletown Chapter No. 1533 will hold its spring luncheon April 13 at noon at Lakeside Manor, Route 36, Hazlet. Guest speaker will be Sen. Joseph Kyrillos. For more information, call Susan at (732) 615-0514.
Tom’s Ford, 200 Route 35, Keyport, recently received the highest honor bestowed by Ford Motor Co., the President’s Award. The award honors Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealerships that lead in exceptional service and is given to only 420 of approximately 5,000 dealerships. The agency is owned by Bob Lyttle.