business briefs •••

Marlboro CrossFit, a new high-intensity fitness center, has opened in Marlboro at 2 Timber Lane, Unit 102, Marlboro. Marlboro CrossFit is headed by Rick Buro, Sal D’Alessio, Lisa D’Alessio and Bill Halick, who also serve as coaches. The workouts are varied, intense and functional, according to the owners; for example, a functional movement would be the squat, which improves clients’ ability to lift items in normal day-to-day living, like a heavy grocery bag or a child.

Independently owned CrossFit affiliates are increasing in number around the world. Marlboro CrossFit members recently participated in the worldwide 2012 CrossFit Open. The Open is the first step toward qualifying for the international CrossFit Games.

Since 2007, the CrossFit Games has grown into a major event, which aims to answer the question, Who is the fittest person on earth? Each year the event is a progressively more comprehensive test of fitness, and the athletes raise the level of competition to unprecedented heights.

At the local level, the Marlboro Cross- Fit trainers and clients take pride in offering a supportive, communal and positive environment that helps people achieve their goals.

“It’s not uncommon to see the members who have finished their workout stick around and root on their fellow members until everyone has finished,” said Halick, one of the owners.

Concorde Worldwide Limousine, Freehold, will host an open house for anyone interested in ground transportation for an upcoming wedding, prom or special occasion. Those planning a special event are invited to the facility at 900 Route 33, Freehold, from 1-4 p.m. April 29 to see Concorde’s vehicles and to speak with a customer service specialist to review packages and rates. Details: 732-577-0023.

Ellyn Fisher of Manalapan was among 11 Penn State University alumni recently honored for outstanding professional accomplishment. The honorees were presented with the Penn State Alumni Association’s Alumni Achievement Award at a dinner ceremony held March 30 at the campus. This year’s honorees work for nationally recognized organizations. Fisher, a 1999 Penn State graduate, is vice president of public relations and social media for the Ad Council of New York City. Fisher and the other alumni received the 2012 Alumni Achievement Award for reaching an extraordinary level of professional accomplishment by the age of 35 or younger. Alumni Association Executive Director Roger L. Williams presented each recipient with a commemorative medal.

Martin Dring has opened a new salon, Republic Hair Studio, at 3681 Route 9 north, Freehold Township (in the Freehold Mall, near Burlington Coat Factory) Dring, the former owner of John Martin Hair Company, East Brunswick, is a veteran of the industry with more than 25 years of international experience. He shares his passion and knowledge with the staff and is dedicated to consistent continual education.

Republic Hair Studio’s current employees have worked with Dring for more than 15 years, including Jill Marmurczak, Sara Puchalski and Lisa Hasting, all master colorists; Alexa Ianniello, colorist and certified in Coppola keratin smoothing treatments; Lucia Samaritano, master stylist and makeup artist; Chloe Southcomb-Strunk, master stylist; Josephine Higgins, makeup artist; and Alexandra Barrone, new talent stylist — all formerly of John Martin Hair Company, East Brunswick, and Bella Rose Salon, Freehold. Also part of the team is MelissaAlbro, a senior colorist, certified in hair extensions and Coppola keratin smoothing treatments.

The salon specializes in women, teens and men’s cut and styles, as well as all types of color treatments, Keratin smoothing treatments, hair extensions, special events (such as weddings and proms), make-up and more. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Details: 732-414-6604.

The Goddard School, 50 Route 520, Morganville, will be celebrating the Week of the Young Child from April 23-27. This is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. The theme for 2012 is “Early Years Are Learning Years.” Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik has accepted an invitation to read to a kindergarten class on April 24.

Dr. Larry Arbeitman, founder of Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Monmouth, Marlboro, hosts regular seminars for the public on healthy lifestyles, proper nutrition, osteoporosis care and prevention, stress management, detoxifying and other subjects. The next event, slated for May 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Street Bistro, 30 E. Main St., Freehold, will feature speaker and author James Tomasi discussing his book “What Time Tuesday” and how he says upper cervical chiropractic literally saved his life. There is no entrance fee and dinner will be served. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 732-617-9355.