The Turning Point restaurants will host a weekend fundraiser on Nov. 4-5 to benefit LADACIN Network. The Turning Point in the Epicentre, Route 9, Manalapan, will participate in the fundraiser. This will be the 12th event hosted by the Turning Point. Last year’s event raised $20,800 to support LADACIN Network’s educational, therapeutic, social, residential and support services. In return for a donation of $20 or more to LADACIN, the Turning Point offers guests gift cards for free entrees on a future visit. For more information, visit www.theturningpoint.biz
OceanFirst Foundation of Toms River has awarded $43,000 in grants to 13 charities from central and southern New Jersey that serve members of the military through its Home Runs for Heroes Program. The program, now in its ninth year, is a partnership between OceanFirst Foundation, Townsquare Media and the Lakewood BlueClaws. The following organizations each received a grant: American Recreational Military Services, $1,000; American Red Cross, $8,000; Army Emergency Relief, $1,000; Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton (Emergency Services), $5,000; Chariot Riders (Horses for Heroes), $4,000; Citizens Veterans Advisory Committee, $1,000; GI Go Fund, $4,000; Jewish Federation/Take the Wheel, $4,000; Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund, $3,000; Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society/Lakehurst, $4,000; New Jersey National Guard State Family Readiness Council, $1,000; Operation First Response, $2,000; and VetGroup, $5,000.
Chik Chak has opened at 2 Jackson St., Freehold, and offers vintage and gently used estate items. Merchandise ranges from furniture to specialty items such as vintage Pyrex and depression glass. Chik Chak is in the former terminus of the defunct Freehold branch of the Central Railroad Company of New Jersey. The depot was designed by 19th century “starchitect” Henry Hobson Richardson, whose iconic medieval style was dubbed “Richardson Romanesque.” Daily hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Catherine’s Cottage Daycare, an early childhood education center, has opened at 50 Main St., Englishtown. The executive director is Joya Godfrey Brown. Enrichment programs include dance, music, kiddie soccer, cooking and yoga. Catherine’s Cottage Daycare will host a harvest festival that is open to the community from noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 11. There will be games, activities, crafts and refreshments. For more information or to schedule a tour of the facility, visit www.CatherinesCottageDaycare.com
The First Financial Federal Credit Union Foundation recently awarded a $500 scholarship to Juliana DiGiacomo of Freehold, who graduated from Biotechnology High School, Freehold Township. She is now attending the Rutgers University
School of Arts and Sciences Honors College. Juliana submitted an essay in which she explained that it is important “to develop good credit because it shows banks, credit unions, employers, landlords, utility providers or really anyone, that
you can be trusted, not only financially, but in many other respects as well.” She ended her essay with the assertion that “being in debt and paying bills seems scary to us right now, but it’s part of becoming an adult.”
The Colts Neck Business Association supports and promotes the DECA program at Colts Neck High School. This business oriented national association fosters business acumen and holds events and competitions on regional, state and national levels. Many CNBA members have volunteered as judges in these competitions. Any business operator who would like more to get involved may contact Greg Calderaro at 732-637-8652. The CNBA recently announced that its membership roster now stands at 199.