business briefs 

The Howell Chamber of Commerce will host the Fabulous Fall Medical Mixer, a complimentary after-hours networking event, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Brandywine Assisted Living, Howell. The event seeks to draw all chamber members and nonmembers in the medical community who are interested in networking with other local medical professionals. Light refreshments will be served. To RSVP, call 732- 363-4114.

Mary B. Wesley of Freehold, an occupational therapist and certified hand therapist since 1991, has joined the medical practice of Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute, Freehold Township. Wesley specializes in orthopedic injuries to the hands, such as fractures, nerve compressions, tendonitis, strains and sprains, and other sports-related problems; and conditions that include carpal tunnel, arthritis, trigger finger and Dupytrens.

Sarah Portilla of Marlboro, associate director for new initiatives at Rutgers University Hillel, has received a Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence Award, bestowed for outstanding commitment to fulfilling Hillel’s mission of service to Jewish students around the globe.

The highest honor awarded professionals by Hillel International, Portilla, who is a licensed social worker and has a Master of Social Work degree, was recognized as an Exemplar of Excellence at the annual Hillel Institute held recently at Washington University, St. Louis, Mo.

Hillel International President Wayne L. Firestone presented the award. Portilla’s colleague, Senior Associate Director Rabbi Esther Reed is a previous recipient of the Exemplar of Excellence Award, making Rutgers University Hillel one of the few in the world with two staff professionals so honored.

Commercial real estate development association NAIOP N.J. will hold a chapter meeting focusing on post-Panamax prosperity on Sept. 12 at the Woodbridge Hilton Hotel, Iselin.

The meeting will focus on the expansion of the Panama Canal and its impact on New Jersey’s economy. The expansion will enable larger vessels to traverse the canal and call on East Coast ports, which has triggered a project to raise the Bayonne Bridge in order to admit Panamax vessels into state ports. This development has been actively supported by NAIOP N.J.

The discussion will focus on the impact of the canal widening on the global supply chain, as well as the related growth opportunities for New Jersey and the world in general. This program kicks off an ongoing series presented by NAIOP N.J., “Returning New Jersey to a State of Industry.” Networking and cocktails will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the presentation. Tickets range from $145 to $195. To register, call 732-729-9900.

Jersey Central Power & Light is offering education grants of up to $500 for creative classroom projects planned for the 2012-13 school year. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Classroom Grants are awarded for creative individual classroom projects for grades pre-kindergarten through 12. The grants are available to educators and youth group leaders in communities served by FirstEnergy electric operating companies, or in communities where the company has generating plants or does business. STEM grant applications must be submitted by Sept. 17. The application and more information about grant criteria is available on FirstEnergy’s website: www.firstenergycorp.com/community/ education/educational_ grants.html. Grants will be awarded based on the recommendations of the FirstEnergy Education Advisory Council. Winners will be notified by Oct. 8.

The Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources will host “A Day of HR Learning” from 8-10 a.m. Sept. 13 at the Jumping Brook Country Club, Neptune. The interactive speed-learning workshop, hosted by a panel of human resources experts, will focus on six key areas of human resources knowledge. A question-andanswer period will follow. The registration fee and a full buffet breakfast is $25 for JSAHR members; $40 for nonmembers; and an additional $5 for walk-ins. To register, call Kathi Evans at 732-270-5204.

CRA (Corporate Resource Alliance), a New Jersey contact and referral group for business executives, is hosting a golf outing to benefit the Embrace Kids Foundation on Sept. 13 at Pebble Creek, Colts Neck.

Embrace Kids Foundation supports the non-medical needs of children with cancer or blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease. The foundation provides direct assistance and the resources that would not be available otherwise to help support families and hospital-based programs. All of the services provided are free.

The fee per golfer is $165 ($600 for a foursome) and includes a continental breakfast, a barbecue lunch, golf contests and door prizes. Lunch only is $35. Registration begins at 7 a.m.; shotgun start with scramble format starts at 8 a.m.

Sponsorships are still available. Donations and door prizes are appreciated. To register or for questions, contact Andy at 732-238-8290 or email at [email protected].