The Strand theater, Lakewood, is compiling a commemorative ad journal as part of its 90th anniversary celebration in 2012. The journal will be distributed at all Strand shows and special events during the year, and at other locations throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties. Up to 50,000 patrons visit the Strand each year. Advertising options range from $75 to $1,000. Details: 732-367-7789, ext. 217. Local businesses, patrons of the arts, and the community at large are invited to celebrate the long and fabled history of the Strand.
Dr. Kirti Patel, M.P.H., O.D., a graduate of the State University of New York, College of Optometry, has joined Rummel Eye Care/Low Vision Care Center, Jackson. With a master’s degree in public health, her interest in pediatric and family eye care, and her experience in contact lens care, Patel adds a new dimension to the Jackson practice that is known for its neuro-optometric and eye disease-related areas of special eye care. She is one of the few eye doctors to have received the Ira Gold Memorial Award for Excellence in Low Vision, and is Paragon-certified in corneal refractive therapy (orthokeratology).
Kenny Moore, an executive coach, business consultant, and president of Kenny Moore Consulting, will present “Managing Performance in Ambiguous and Uncertain Times” from 8-10 a.m. Dec. 8 at the monthly meeting of the Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources. The meeting will be held at Jumping Brook Country Club, Neptune. This session will focus on the business theory of performance management and provide practical examples of how HR professionals can assist senior management in understanding and applying these principles.
Prior to coming to corporate life, Moore spent 15 years in a monastic community as a Catholic priest in one of the world’s largest religious orders.
The registration fee and a full buffet breakfast is $25 for JSAHR members, $35 for nonmembers, and an additional $5 for walk-ins. To register, call Kathi Evans at 732-244-8892.
Attendees are encouraged to bring prizes, such as baskets, for the annual holiday business card and gift raffle. In addition, JSAHR is accepting nonperishable food items to be donated to the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
OceanFirst Foundation of Toms River recently announced the recipients of $267,000 in grants to organizations serving patrons on the Jersey Shore. Twenty-three organizations will receive awards ranging from $1,500 to $15,000 for 2011 and 2012. These grants will provide general operating support at a time when many arts and cultural organizations face economic challenges and struggle to maintain programs and services.
Local recipients of the 2011-12 arts and cultural grant are Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan; Axelrod Performing Arts Center Inc., Deal Park; Belmar Arts Council, Belmar; Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank; The Historic Village at Allaire, Wall Township; Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation, Red Bank; Monmouth County Arts Council, Red Bank; Monmouth Museum and Cultural Center, Lincroft; Monroe Township Patrons of the Arts, Monroe Township; New Jersey Repertory Company, Long Branch; Spring Lake Shakespeare in the Park, Spring Lake; Strand Ventures, Lakewood; and Two River Theater Company, Red Bank.
OceanFirst Foundation has awarded nearly $22 million to more than 600 local charities in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties since its inception in 1996.
Charlie Brown’s restaurant has recently emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy under new ownership with new ideas and an eye on expansion. The changes include a menu overhaul with new dishes and an array of choices under 500 calories.
According to Craig Godfrey, Charlie Brown’s executive vice president of operations, the restaurant’s signature steak and prime rib entrées will continue to be part of the offering, but the managers wanted to flex their strong culinary background to add choices that get people excited.
The new owners are investing more than $10 million in the venture. The most immediate impact is that they have saved more than 1,100 jobs. After taking ownership in late summer, they have re-opened and completely renovated the Staten Island, N.Y., location, plan to re-open a new location in East Windsor this spring, and are renovating various locations to bring the total restaurants in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania to 21 locations. Locally, Charlie Brown’s can be found in Lakewood, Edison and Brielle. While the menu and bar offering are consistent, each restaurant has a look and feel all its own. All locations have been upgraded with HD TVs and “NFL Ticket” programming. Locations can be found at www.charliebrowns.com.
Free Motion Rehabilitation Center, 528 New Friendship Road, Howell, is holding a supply drive to benefit the Toms River animal facility. The supply drive runs during November. Some of the requested items are dog treats, leashes/collars, brushes/grooming tools, pooper scoopers, crates, toys, kitten bottles, KMR formula, catnip, litter, and kitten chow. New or gently used towels and blankets are needed, as well as cleaning supplies, including Pine Sol, laundry detergent, paper towels, mops and hand soap. Drop-offs are welcome between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. For a complete list of what is needed and how to donate, or get involved, call 732-901-8844.