business briefs 

Dr. Kristen E. Cardamone, a boardcertified interventional physiatrist at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute of Freehold Township and Monroe Township, has launched a new program for pregnant women titled “Integrative Healing and Wellness for Women.” Cardamone and other doctors from AOSMI will be available for the public to meet and to learn about this new program on May 20 from noon to 2 p.m. at the offices of AOSMI, 301 Professional View Drive, Freehold Township. Light refreshments will be served. Integrative Healing and Wellness for Women promotes wellness and pain management during pregnancy and during the postpartum period by focusing on many aspects, such as evaluation and feedback by a pain management physician, podiatry care, breath awareness, home exercises, and integrative yoga workshops, among others. Details: 732-720-2555.

Paula Garrett, president of the Tradeshow Connector in Manalapan, has announced the release of “Volume 2, Minute toMiracle Recipes.” Volume 1 sold out, and Volume 2 contains 100-plus new healthy, low-cost, simple recipes. A portion of the proceeds for each book sold will be donated to charity. Contact [email protected] for further info.

Dr. Alan Nasar, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute who is fellowship trained in joint replacement, will present “Let’s Talk About Your Knees,” a free seminar for the public about the advances in the treatment of knee pain and arthritis, from 7-8 p.m. May 26 in the Conference Center, Room B, of the Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus of CentraState Medical Center, 901 W. Main St., Freehold Township. Nasar will explain minimally invasive knee replacement, gender-specific options, and patient-specific custom knee technology. A question-and-answer period will follow. Registration is required. Call 732-308-0570 to register and for more information.

The Howell Chamber of Commerce will host a business presentation and networking event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 23 at the Chapter House, 1454 Route 9, Howell. Dr. Mark J. Schwitz will present “Secrets of the Power Practices: Creating Excellence in Your Office” with networking opportunities before and after. The cost is $20 for chamber members, $30 for prospective members, and will include light food. RSVP at 732-363-4114.

Anthony Mazzola of Figaro 2 Barber Shop, Manalapan, is celebrating the grand opening of his own shop, Anthony’s Figaro Barber Shop, at 163 Texas Road in Old Bridge. Mazzola worked at his father’s barbershop, Figaro 2, on Union Hill Road in Manalapan for the past six years. After graduating from Manalapan High School and attending DeVry University, Mazzola studied to become a licensed barber. His goal is to keep alive the traditional barbershop. Details: 732-561-3305.

MOCEANS Center for Independent Living Inc. is a nonprofit organization that offers a variety of programs and services to people with all types of disabilities in Monmouth and Ocean counties. The organization’s mission is to support and promote choice, independence and self-determination in the lives of all people with disabilities. Consumer services and programs include, but are not limited to advocacy (individual and systems); independent living skills training; information and referral; and peer support.

The organization offers personal assistance services to people with a permanent physical disability who need assistance with personal care, light housekeeping, meal preparation and shopping.

The organization’s self-advocacy program assists special education students with transitioning and preparing for a productive life after graduation.

Anyone with a disability may take advantage of the organization’s programs and services. In addition, directors are reaching out to the Hispanic population. Staff members are available to assist individuals who speak Spanish. For more information, call the Monmouth County office 732-571-4884 or the Ocean County office at 732-505- 2310, or visit www.moceanscil.org.

J.C. Penney recently presented Sharon Kurak with the company’s Champion Award. As the leader of the J.C. Penney Salon at Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township, Kurak was recognized for the salon’s outstanding performance in 2010.

ChampionAwards were presented to the leaders of 65 top-performing J.C. Penney salons at an awards ceremony held on April 15 in Carlsbad, Calif. Only the elite performers among J.C. Penney’s nearly 1,000 salons qualify for this honor, which is based on their performance for the previous year.

J.C. Penney operates a department store salon chain with nearly 1,000 salon locations and more than 18,000 skilled salon professionals. These full-service salons offer an array of professional hair and beauty services, as well as products from leading salon brands.

Allstate Insurance Co. has recognized Allstate New Jersey exclusive agency owner Mary Urbano with the Chairman’s Inner Circle Conference award for high standards in customer satisfaction, customer retention, and profitable business growth. The UrbanoAgency is one of only 2 percent of insurance agencies and personal financial representatives for Allstate nationally to reach this level of achievement, based on sales for auto, property, commercial, power sports insurance and financial services in the country. The Urbano Agency is at 35 N. Main St., Marlboro, and can be reached at 732-761-0380.