Norma Pofsky, president of Collaborative Design Group, 393 W. Main St., Freehold, announced that the business is celebrating its 25th anniversary. In honor of the anniversary, New Jersey board-certified interior designer Norma Pofsky will be offering free consultations from noon to 3 p.m. on Dec. 4 and Dec. 12. People can bring their construction plans, paint options, fabrics and/or questions for review by a professional. Appointments are recommended. Call 732-308-4423 to schedule or visit the store for anniversary sale discounts.
Western Monmouth Habitat for Humanity has been awarded $2,500 for the creation of affordable housing by Ocean- First Foundation of Toms River. The grant will provide funds in support of Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building decent, affordable housing for low-income working families.
Western Monmouth Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization composed of people of all faiths who are joined by the common goal of eliminating poverty housing and making decent shelter a matter of conscience. It depends on private donations and volunteer labor to finance its projects.
In addition to the work of volunteers at its construction sites, volunteers assist at the Habitat for Humanity Resale Store on Throckmorton Street in Freehold, where donations of “gently used” furniture are accepted. The funds raised by this store help Habitat for Humanity offer good quality, low-cost home furnishings and other household items to low-income families in the area.
Over the years Habitat for Humanity has received a total of $30,000 in grants from OceanFirst Foundation. This has enabled the organization to complete 26 projects in the Freehold area, providing housing for 43 adults and 56 children.
The A.K. Bhattacharya Foundation awarded its annual scholarship to medical student Nikil Thaker, class of 2011, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Since 2001, the A.K. Bhattacharya Foundation Annual Award for Medical Excellence and Community Service has honored a medical student of UMDNJ who has shown excellence in academic studies and commitment to community service.
The A.K. Bhattacharya Foundation annual scholarship award was presented to Thaker at a dinner hosted by the UMDNJ Alumni Association on Oct. 26.
The A.K. Bhattacharya scholarship award honors the work of Professor A.K. Bhattacharya of India, grandfather of A.K. Bhattacharya, M.D., F.A.C.S. of Freehold.
The senior Bhattacharya was the founder of Sagar University in India, where he was also dean of science. His life’s work was dedicated to furthering the cause of equal educational opportunities for all people, and of community service.
Bhattacharya, of Plastic Surgery Plus MediSpa of Freehold, is a double-boardcertified plastic surgeon specializing in breast enhancement, body contouring and facial aesthetic surgeries. Bhattacharya is section chief of plastic surgery at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township.
The Investors Savings Bank Foundation, which provides charitable funding to nonprofit organizations that enrich the communities the bank serves, has awarded $10,000 in support of Christian Brothers Academy’s Project 50th campaign.
The capital campaign, launched to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the private Catholic boys preparatory school in the Lincroft section of Middletown, is currently in Phase II of a $10 million renovation and construction project that will include the addition of a new library and science wing. Groundbreaking on the project was held in June.
A Breakfast Bonanza networking event will be presented by the Howell Chamber of Commerce from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Dec. 10 at the Chapter House, 1454 Route 9 south, Howell. Admission is free to chamber members, $5 for prospective chamber members. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Details: 732-363-4114.
The Freehold BNI, Business Networking International, meets every Wednesday from 7:15-8:30 a.m. in the All Seasons II Diner, Route 9 north, Freehold Township. BNI is an international networking organization specializing in the exchange of qualified business referrals among its members. Only one person per profession is permitted to join. According to Marcia Presman, president of Freehold BNI, the chapter of 36 local business members has generated more than $500,000 in business among its members. Interested business professionals are invited to attend the next chapter meeting in Freehold. Call 732-431-8066 or send an email to [email protected] for more information.
The Goddard School, 50 Route 520, Morganville section of Marlboro, will be a drop-off location for Toys for Tots. Carol Varga, Goddard School of Morganville owner, welcomes members of the community to drop off unwrapped toys that will be distributed to needy children by Toys for Tots. Details: 732-617-8181.
The Winning Colts chapter of BNI invites business people to join the group for a complimentary breakfast and networking every Thursday at 7 a.m. at the All Seasons Diner, Route 9 north, Freehold Township.
Central Jersey Business Partners is a local networking group actively seeking members. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. and the third Tuesday of each month at 8 a.m. at Zebu Forno, Freehold Borough. Details: 732-804- 3083.
Business Leads Networking of Manalapan is an independent networking group that accepts one person per occupation/category. Members meet Tuesday mornings at 7:30 a.m. in Manalapan. Details: 732-598- 7004.
Le Tip of Manalapan, a business networking group, meets at Katy’s Kafe, 460 Route 520, in the A&P shopping center, Marlboro, at 7 a.m. every Thursday. Details: 732-890-0885.