Business Briefs

A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts, 7 Route 9 south, Manalapan, invites crafters of all ages to join in the festivities on Oct. 3 in celebration of the company’s 24th anniversary. Events will begin at 11 a.m. with birthday cake, followed by a Pumpkin Decorating Make and Take from 1-3 p.m. Attendees may purchase a pumpkin and decorate it at the store for free. From 3-5 p.m. there will be a free “Papercrafting and Scrapbooking Tool Time Make and Take.” Drawings for free classes, birthday parties, and gift cards will take place throughout the day.

Walgreens at 3247 Route 9 near Route 524, Freehold Township, celebrated its official grand opening Sept. 14. “We are very excited to make Walgreens a part of this community,” said store manager Gordon Bartolomei. “We have hired an outstanding staff whose focus is delivering exceptional customer service. We believe customers will appreciate the level of convenience they will find in features like our drive-thru pharmacy, automatic prescription refills and nationwide network of pharmacies.”

Dressbarn, 4747 Route 9 north, Howell, will participate in a program to raise funds for breast cancer research in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month beginning Oct. 1. A portion ($2) of proceeds from limited time sale of Biscuit stuffed animals will be donated to the American Cancer Society. The cost of the dog is $5. Details: 732-363- 2887.

Monmouth Legal Secretaries Association will hold its monthly dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Sheraton Hotel, Route 35, Eatontown. The guest speaker will be attorney Stephanie C. Hunnell and the topic will be “Domestic Partnerships.” All are welcome to attend. For reservations or more information, call Debbie at 732- 517-0720.

Central Jersey Business Partners, a local networking group, is actively seeking members. The group meets every Tuesday at 8 a.m., except for the first Tuesday of the month which meets at 7 p.m., at Café 360, 34 E. Main St., Freehold. Details: 732-804- 3083 or www.centraljerseybusinesspartners. com.

A.K. Bhattacharya M.D., FACS, of Plastic Surgery Plus, was selected for the 2009 Best of Freehold Award in the Plastic Surgeon category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies local companies that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category and enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Dr. Bhattacharya is a double board-certified plastic surgeon in practice for more than 13 years in Freehold. In addition, he is the medical director of the JR MediSpa at the Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus of CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township.

Dr. Bhattacharya is chief of plastic surgery at CentraState Medical Center, clinical professor of surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and the State University of New York.

Marc S. Standig, enrolled agent, joined other federally authorized tax practitioners from many parts of the country for a comprehensive conference on the advanced aspects of representing clients before the IRS on Aug. 9 at the American Academy of Tax Practice Annual Conference on Advanced Taxpayer Representation and IRS Procedure in Baltimore. Federally authorized tax practitioners are regulated by the IRS and are permitted to represent taxpayers at all levels of the IRS in addition to preparing tax returns that meet exacting standards. Enrolled agents are licensed by the federal government and must demonstrate professional competence and meet annual professional education requirements in federal tax matters.