Marc Fiorilli, of Sharper Images by Marc LLC, has been accepted as a member of the Professional Photographers’ Association of New Jersey. His business, based in Freehold, deals with weddings, sweet sixteens, anniversaries, portraits and evidence photography. He has taught photography classes for six years, ranging from basic to advanced. He recently attended the association’s annual convention in Atlantic City, where photographers from the tri-state area heard internationally known speakers on topics from marketing and lighting to portrait techniques. Classes were also offered on subjects from digital labs to the latest in photographic technologies.
Turtle Creek Learning Academy, Marlboro, has opened enrollment for the 2009-10 school year to the general public. Parents wishing to place their children in preschool, prekindergarten, full-day kindergarten or kindergarten enrichment classes may do so by calling 732-780-9656 and scheduling a tour of the school. Turtle Creek Learning Academy was established in 1998 by Virginia McDonald, a teacher of gifted students at the Marlboro Elementary School with more than 25 years experience.
Jaclyn Gammon, a kindergarten teacher at The Goddard School, Route 520, Marlboro, received the “Teacher of the Year Award” for the entire Northeast Region of the United States. Each year, Goddard Systems Inc., the franchisor of more than 320 schools in the United States, recognizes four early childhood educators during Teacher Appreciation Week, one from each region of the country.
The Teacher of the Year must be compassionate toward the students’ and colleagues’ needs, must offer to collaborate and share ideas with co-workers, differentiate lessons and activities for all children, and create engaging and motivating activities.
Gammon was inspired to brighten the days of sick children after one of the school’s own pre-K children was diagnosed with cancer. She taught the children about compassion and brightening the lives of others, in a simple and selfless way. Gammon has her class draw pictures and write letters to the children at St. Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick and she personally delivers the cards to the nurses’ station. She calls this program “Help a Friend in Need.”
The Howell Pointe Swim Club recently held an open house for residents to see the grounds of the new facility at 22 Howell Road, Howell. Howell Pointe has been designed to provide members with a “resortlike” atmosphere. The swim club features three heated pools, a large deck area with chaise lounges, tables, chairs and umbrellas. The recreation area includes a basketball court, volleyball court, wall ball and Wiffle ball park. The 4,200-square-foot airconditioned clubhouse includes a game room, TV lounge area and full kitchen to provide an indoor/outdoor café with table service on weekends. The clubhouse will be available for parties and other special events throughout the year. Details: www.howellpointeswimclub. com.
The Allstate agency owned by Michael Antenucci of Marlboro, an Exclusive Agent with Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company (Allstate New Jersey), has been recognized by Allstate Insurance Company for high standards in customer satisfaction, customer retention and profitability. In addition, Ari Horowitz, an Allstate personal financial representative with Allstate New Jersey, who works with Antenucci at the agency, was also named a Chairman’s Conference Award winner. The Antenucci agency is now among the top Allstate agencies in sales for auto, property, commercial insurance and financial services in the nation.
Dressbarn, Route 9, Howell, will be raising funds for the Relay For Life campaign for cancer victims by donating proceeds from the sale of heart bracelets sold at the store to the American Cancer Society. In addition to the company’s sales associate and community involvement in the Relay For Life events nationwide, Dressbarn of Howell will sell the heart bracelets for $5 now through Aug. 31 or while supplies last. Dressbarn will contribute the entire net profit of $2.50 to the American Cancer Society.
In 2008, more than 250 dressbarn inc. teams, comprised of customers, executives and store associates, participated in Relay For Life events and raised nearly $700,000 through team fundraising, in-store promotions and the Dressbarn Inc. Foundation donation. To date, Dressbarn Inc. has given $5 million to the American Cancer Society to support local and national cancer initiatives.
Ocean First Foundation recently presented Allaire Village Inc. of Farmingdale with a $10,000 arts and cultural grant. Allaire Village at Allaire State Park, Wall Township, presents educational programs concerning life in the 1830s. Starting several years ago Allaire Village began a new series of concerts and cultural programs for visitors to Allaire Village to enjoy.