Build-A-Bear Workshop will hold a special program May 20, Stuffed With Hugs: Hugs Away From Home, when approximately 50,000 teddy bears will be made and given to children at Ronald McDonald Houses around the world.
Build-A-Bear Workshop is inviting the first 200 guests in each of its stores to make a bear for free, and through its partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities, all the bears will be donated to children staying at Ronald McDonald Houses and Ronald McDonald Family Rooms who are in need of extra TLC (teddy loving care).
Additionally, for their participation, each attendee will receive a Build-A-Bear Workshop coupon worth $3 off a $15 purchase. The Build-A-Bear Workshop in the local area is in Freehold Raceway Mall, Route 9, Freehold Township. For more information, visit www.buildabear.com.
Wegmans Food Markets, Route 9 south, Manalapan, will celebrate its fifth anniversary May 20 with food samples, guest speakers and slices of cake from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, James Wasas, the New Jersey resident who created a best-selling new tropical fruit liqueur while living in South America, will be in the Wine and Sprit Shop providing samples of Espiritu del Ecuador, and orchid expert Tony Liu from The Orchid Place in New York will discuss orchids and their care in the floral department.
JEI Learning Center, Marlboro, will celebrate its third anniversary and the grand opening at its new location May 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The new location is at 45 N. Main St. (Route 79), Marlboro. The ribbon cutting will be held at noon, and the public is invited to attend. JEI provides regular programs for all grades in all levels of English and math, a problem solving curriculum, SAT preparation classes, and one-on-one tutoring in English and math.
Kinderdance, a nationwide dance, motor development, music, gymnastics and fitness program in combination with academic readiness skills designed for children ages 2-8, is now available in Freehold Township at The Goddard School on Schanck Road. Jacqueline Neglio is the franchisee of Kinderdance of Freehold. In recognition of its new location, Kinderdance of Freehold is offering free dance and fitness demonstrations. In addition to this new location, Neglio serves eight other locations in the area. For more information, call Neglio at (908) 770-6628.
Norkus Foodtown will host its first Summer Kickoff Family Fun Days May 20-21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its Park Avenue, Freehold, location. The event will feature a fire truck from the Freehold Fire Department, bicycle safety lessons from the Freehold Borough Police Department, information on alcohol awareness, prizes and giveaways, a radio broadcast, face painting, hot dogs and Italian sausage sandwiches, soda and water, and 25-foot inflatable slides for the children.
Central Jersey Business Profes-sionals is an independent, formal networking group that meets in Freehold every Tuesday at 8 a.m. The organization accepts one person per occupation and is currently looking to grow its membership. Details: Aaron Niederman, (732) 922-6300, ext. 35.