The staff of the Figaro II Barber Shop of Manalapan is hosting a Cut-A-Thon on March 6 from10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to benefit the Ashley Lauren Foundation, a nonprofit in Colts Neck that assists children with cancer and their families through financial, material and emotional support. The Cut-A-Thon will take place at the Marlboro Recreation Community Center, Wyncrest Road, Marlboro. Donations will be accepted at the event. In addition, event sponsors will provide everyone receiving a haircut with a coupon for a free mini cheese steak at the Philly Cheese Steak Factory of Matawan or a lunch special at Paco’s Tacos in Marlboro.
The Learning Experience at Freehold is hosting a Greater Monmouth Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event on Feb. 22 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 3538 Route 9 south, Freehold. Cost is $10 per chamber member; $15 for nonmembers, and includes refreshments. Register at www.greatermonmouthchamber.com.
Panera Bread has expanded its contributions to the fight against cancer by selecting the Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) Foundation as its Community Breadbox Partner for 2011. Now through year’s end, funds collected through coin boxes near the registers at Panera Bread bakery-cafés in the central and northern regions of the state will benefit treatment, research, prevention and education efforts at CINJ, a Center of Excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Panera will also match a portion of the donations.
The Community Breadbox initiative is part of Panera’s Operation Dough-Nation Program, which has a concentrated focus on giving back to patrons and the communities in which Panera’s bakery-cafés are located. Contributions generated through the program have provided basic necessities and other vital support for those in need.
Stella and Dot will host an informal meeting from10 a.m. to noon Feb. 25 at Panera Bread, 4715 Route 9, Howell, for those interested in career opportunities in the homebased business. Stella and Dot is a new boutique style, high-fashion, affordable jewelry. The jewelry was featured in a number of woman’s fashion magazines last year. Stella and Dot was featured on “Good Morning America” as one of Tory Johnson’s favorite companies. Territories are available in Monmouth County. Details: www.stelladot.com/ obrien.
Caddy Cads Public Relations (CCPR), based in Manalapan and founded by Robert Catalano and Michael E. Fromm in 2010, is celebrating the official launch of its Internet website, www.caddycadspr.com. Caddy Cads is a public relations company that serves artists of all types, including filmmakers, writers, actors, models, craft-makers, designers and artisans who are looking to brand themselves and their trade. The website is filled with easy access information regarding the message and services of CCPR. Included on the website are the amenities offered through print, video and social media, frequently asked questions about public relations, samples of the company’s previous work, contact information and a blog about the ever-changing marketing world. As artists themselves, Catalano and Fromm understand the challenges that exist for artists to get recognized. They use brand recognition, digital strategies, website and collateral design, social media expansion and project management in addition to strategic messaging with visual appeal to help artisans create a plan to expand their business and outreach and stay ahead of the curve.
The Hispanic Business Council Scholarship Foundation of New Jersey is accepting applications for the annual scholarship and book stipend awards for current college and college-bound Hispanic students for the 2011-12 school term. The HBCSF, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, has a mission to advance the educational aspirations of Hispanic students to become professionals, leaders and valued citizens of the community.
Open to all New Jersey residents of Hispanic heritage, the current application can be accessed through www.hbcsf.org. Applications and all required information must be postmarked by Feb. 28. Scholarships of up to $4,000 each will be disbursed directly to the college or university of the student’s choice during the 2011-12 school term.
Interviews and the final award selection will be completed by the end of March and the scholarships will be presented at the foundation’s 20th annual scholarship gala to be held May 12. For further information email [email protected] or visit the Internet website at www.hbcsf.org.
Small business owners can meet New Jersey Assemblywoman Amy Handlin, the author of “Be Your Own Lobbyist: How to Give Your Small Business Big Clout with State and Local Government,” at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan, at 2 p.m. Feb. 27. Handlin represents the 13th Legislative District in the state Assembly (parts of Monmouth and Middlesex counties). The book contains tools and techniques for the smallbusiness owner who needs or wants help from his local politicians. It describes the strategies and message tactics that will help the small business owner be most effective in getting problems heard and addressed. Details: 732-431-7220 or visit www.monmouthcountylib.org.
Marc C. Fiorilli, photographer at Sharper Images by Marc LLC, Freehold, was elected as treasurer of the Professional Photographers’Association of New Jersey’s central region. The association offers its members educational seminars and workshops in order to uphold the professional character and standards of the professional photographers of New Jersey. Sharper Images by Marc provides photography for all occasions as well as portraits, evidence photography and instructional camera classes. For more information, call 848-459-6347 or www.sharperimagesbymarc.com.