The upper mid-Atlantic region of Starbucks stores began a month-long program on Oct. 21 to donate approximately 2,000 pounds of coffee to American troops abroad.
The program, in conjunction with the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services, will be conducted by employees in more than 90 stores.
Employees will donate rather than keep the one pound of coffee they receive each week.
"The commitment of the employees of Starbucks toward our service men and women is to be commended," said Bill Murray, CEO of the American Red Cross Jersey Coast Chapter, Tinton Falls.
Through a donation by Federal Express, the coffee will be shipped to deployments in the Balkans and the Middle East.
Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, has announced that Alysa Furniss has received the Dr. Lester A. Barnett Nurse of the Month Award for September. Furniss is a nurse in the center’s surgical and medical unit.
The Long Branch resident was commended by her supervisor for promoting "patient satisfaction and teamwork, and serving as an excellent mentor to all staff."
Furniss has been employed at Monmouth for two years. She earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Messiah College, Grantham, Pa.
Monmouth also named Diane Beckley as its Employee of the Month for September. Beckley, a Neptune resident, is a registered nurse who specializes in case and utilization management.
Beckley joined the center 15 years ago as a nurse and then case manager in the emergency department.
A certified massage therapist, she earned her nursing degree from Idabelle Firestone School of Nursing, Akron, Ohio, and a business degree from Kean University, Union.
The Greater Ocean Township Chamber of Commerce will hold its quarterly luncheon Dec. 17 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Manhattan Steakhouse, 2105 Route 35 north, Oakhurst section of Ocean Township. Admission is $23 for nonmembers and $18 for members. Reservations are required; there will be an additional $5 fee for walk-ins.
For more information or reservations, call (732) 728-1888.