The Jersey Shore Public Relations and Advertising Association, Red Bank, will hold a development and networking luncheon meeting April 1 at 11:30 a.m. at Palumbo’s Restaurant, Tinton Falls. Tom DeSanto, executive vice president of creative services at Aloysius, Butler & Clark, will discuss health-care marketing. The cost is $30 for nonmembers and $25 for members, if reserved before March 29, and $35 thereafter. To register or for more information, call (732) 842-3311.
Paul Dement, Middletown, was recently selected by Monmouth University, West Long Branch, as its new director of community and government relations. Prior to joining the university, he worked at Congressman Frank Pallone’s office for more than a decade, most recently as district director. His responsibilities will include community relations efforts in West Long Branch, Long Branch and Ocean Township, and assisting in the day-to-day activities related to government relations. Dement received his bachelor of arts degree in political science from Penn State University.
Penelope Marzec, Lincroft section of Middletown, recently received an Eppie Award for her book “Heaven’s Blue” released by Awe-Struck E-Books. The book was voted “Best Inspirational Novel 2005,” and Marzec was presented with a trophy at the Eppie banquet held in Long Beach, Calif. The awards honor the finest electronically published books of the year. Marzec also won an Eppie in 2002 for “Sea Of Hope.” Both were inspirational books. She also writes paranormal romances, and is working on her third inspirational romance, “A Rush Of Light.”
Patrick M. Gillespie, Matawan, was recently appointed to the New Jersey State Planning Commission by Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey.
Middletown Deputy Mayor Rosemarie D. Peters was recently named “Resident of the Year” by the American Institute of Architects Jersey Shore Chapter in recognition of her efforts “to attain balance between economic development, historic preservation and excellence in architectural aesthetics.” She was lauded for her work on the conversion of a former warehouse located in the Middletown historic district into the Middletown Cultural and Arts Center now under construction. Peters, a 16-year Township Committee member, has spent endless hours working with architects and township volunteers to develop and execute an adaptive reuse plan to transform the warehouse into the township’s first new indoor recreational facility since 1981. Her other achievements include establishing the township’s Open Space Preservation Program and voter-approved Open Space Trust Fund, and serving on the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment. Peters has also worked as an executive board member and on the Legislative Review Committee of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, and is a former president of the Middletown Township League of Women Voters.
The law firm of Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla, Middletown, has announced Timothy J. Dengler has joined the firm as an officer and shareholder in the its trusts and estates practice. His practice encompasses trust and estate planning, estate administration, estate litigation and taxation. He also serves as the administrator and/or trustee of wills, trusts and estates, and advises principals in closely held businesses with regard to business succession strategies, the disposition of business interests and asset protection. Dengler is a member of both the New Jersey Bar and the Pennsylvania Bar.