The Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce will conduct a Business After Hours networking event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 24 at Branning Auto Body, 98 Crow Hill Road, Freehold Township. All are welcome to attend and bring business cards to distribute. Cost to attend: $10 for chamber members, $15 for nonmembers (includes refreshments). Details and registration: 732-462-3030.
For the 17th year, Rita’s Italian Ice will celebrate the first day of spring and hold “Spring FREEver” from noon to 1 p.m. March 20, during which each guest will receive a free 10-ounce cup of Italian ice. The event will take place at all Rita’s locations. For locations, visit www.ritasice.com.
Wegmans’ cooking experts have put together a cooking demonstration video library to help consumers visualize recipes. The video collection is available free of charge by visiting www.wegmans.com. Each video shows exactly what to do in the kitchen. The grocery store chain’s comprehensive collection contains more than 90 videos.
Wegmans’ demonstration video collection includes:
• Common cooking methods such as pan searing, grilling, steaming, roasting and braising for meat, poultry, seafood and vegetables.
• Basic cooking skills including using a knife, cutting up a whole chicken and carving a turkey or ham.
• Helpful tips about fruits and vegetables ranging from peeling an avocado to getting pomegranate seeds out of the fruit.
• An array of step-by-step recipe videos illustrating Wegmans’ favorite dishes.
Dr. Kenneth Lipkowitz, a Howell internist for 30 years, took part in a Rare Disease Day event held recently at Amicus Therapeutics in Cranbury. Lipkowitz gives piano concerts and sells his CDs to raise funds for a rare disease group, the National Gaucher Foundation.
Lipkowitz was among the experts who spoke to employees at Amicus Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company developing treatments for several rare disorders. Lipkowitz shared moving and motivational personal stories along with Karen Ball or Mount Freedom and Annette Bourhill of East Rutherford, in recognition of Rare Disease Day.
Amicus Therapeutics coordinated the event as part of its ongoing effort to educate employees about the community within which they work. The company also wanted to promote the day’s goal — raising awareness among the general public about rare diseases.
Vicky DeRosa, the owner and creator of Studio V Mind Body & Soul, a new health facility at 265 Route 34, Colts Neck, is celebrating the grand opening of the facility. The staff of more than 25 professionals includes instructors, nutritionists, counselors, estheticians and others who are devoted to helping members who want to make a difference in their lives. The goal of the Studio V team is to help clients experience stronger (perhaps longer) and healthier lives.
Joe Pignataro, seven-time U.S. world champion cyclist and Olympic class coach, is a trainer at the studio. As part of Studio V’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of future generations, Pignataro will be providing sports and agility training through the studio for schools throughout Monmouth County.
The Studio V grand opening celebration will be held March 21. Gifts will be provided to those who attend. Details: 732- 431-2030.
Varsity Sports Group’s regional Northeast office has been opened by Marlboro resident Joe Gersbeck on Route 9 in Sayreville. Varsity Sports Group is a nationwide company that helps talented high school student-athletes find college scholarship opportunities. Student athletes and their families receive guidance about the college athletic recruiting process and exposure to college coaches. Gersbeck is an MBA and former NCAA athlete and has worked with college-bound students from 2001-2008 as a regional scouting director for Collegiate Sports of America. He has been a regular contributor to PrepStar magazine and has twice been a guest speaker on WFAN’s “Sports Edge” with Rick Wolff to discuss college recruiting. Details: Visit the Internet website at www.govarsitysports.com.
Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center has announced that a new procedure called Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments is available locally at the office of Dr Hal Ornstein, Dr. Jason Langley, Dr. Jessica Addeo and Dr. Alison DeWaters at 4645 Route 9 north, Howell.
The experimental procedure, which gained attention after being done on Pittsburgh Steelers wide receive Hines Ward, consists of drawing one’s own blood, concentrating the growth factors and platelets and then injecting them into the injury site.
PRP is said to regenerate tendon and ligament fibers without any chance of rejection, since the plasma comes from the patient’s own body. Healing is known to occur faster after the treatment.
Other conditions that have shown healing with the injection include patellar tendonitis, partially torn rotator cuff, plantar fasciitis and carpal tunnel. Details: 732-905- 1110.
The Hobby Shop, in the Strathmore shopping center, Route 34, Aberdeen, will hold a toy party for expectant and new moms from 10:30 a.m. to noon or from 6- 7:30 p.m. March 25. Registration is required by March 20. The event will include demonstrations, discussions, door prizes, giveaways, light snacks and a shopper’s discount. Space is limited. To register, call 732-583-0505, ext. 0 or visit www.hobbyshopnj. com.