Business Briefs

Rider University’s College of Continuing Studies and Quantum Services of Howell, a nonprofit organization, have formed an educational partnership that will enable Rider to offer its bachelor of liberal studies degree program to working adults across the state.

Working with specific employers, Quantum’s College Partners Program provides academic degree programs that are delivered to workers at the work site at times that are conducive to the work schedule, all in cooperation with the employer.

The first New Jersey employer to be a part of the College Partners Program is the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC). Starting this summer, the first group of 80 corrections professionals will take Rider University courses offered at NJDOC headquarters facilities in Ewing.

This three-way collaboration has been made possible via Craig Donovan, Ph.D., executive director of Quantum Services, who has served as the catalyst for these new academic opportunities.

Verizon Wireless has opened its newest communications store in Howell. The company also owns and operates five other stores in Monmouth County in West Long Branch, Manalapan, Hazlet and at Monmouth Mall and Freehold Raceway Mall.

Located in the Lanes Mill Market Place on Route 9 south, next to Barnes and Noble, the new store is open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Jackson Center, 11 History Lane, Jackson, welcomes the opening of an outpatient rehabilitation department with an open house celebration April 28. The new rehabilitation department, run by licensed physical, occupational and speech therapists, has of state of the art equipment and a spacious therapy gym. The center provides rehabilitation to all age groups.

Jim and Stacey Volek announce the grand opening of Full Spectrum, 316 Main St., Lakewood, formerly Ralyn Art Center. The Voleks have renovated the second-floor gallery and Jim, a general contractor, is in the process of giving the 150-year-old building a complete renovation.

Stacey attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia where she studied illustration and fine art. She was an employee of the previous owners prior to purchasing the business.

Full Spectrum carries a full line of art and drafting supplies and offers custom framing. The store caters to all levels, from student to professional. They offer art classes for children and adults, taught by Elizabeth Ryan and Lorraine Rosato. Sculpting is instructed by Mira Welnowska.

Every month there will be a different exhibit on display. The month of April will feature the work of Lise Masson, Howell. She paints local landscapes and still-lifes in watercolor and oil. During the month of May, Leslie Merke will exhibit her oil paintings. In June, the work of Liz and Abbey Ryan will be on display. The gallery is currently booked through January 2005. The public is welcome to visit the gallery during store hours, Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Details: (732) 363-7500.

Faith C. Liguori, Director of Ocean County’s Department of Human Services, has been cited by the state for advancing the well-being of women and will receive the State of New Jersey’s Wynona M. Lipman Award.

Liguori was nominated for the award by the Ocean County Advisory Commission on the Status of Women. She received the award during a ceremony at Drumthwacket in Princeton March 30.

This competitive award is named in honor of the late Sen. Wynona M. Lipman, who was the first African American woman elected to the New Jersey State Senate and known to be a champion of causes for women, minorities and children while serving in the Legislature.

This award is presented to women who have demonstrated a commitment to women’s rights in their local community, and as a result improved the quality of life for local women.

The Advisory Commission throughout the year holds a host of programs including Women’s Health Month activities in October and Women’s History Month in March.

In addition to the Advisory Commission, Liguori has oversight of Board of Freeholder appointed boards including the Human Services Advisory Council, Mental Health Board, Handicapped Commission, Americans with Disabilities Act and the Ocean County Workforce Investment Board.

Liguori also is certified by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health Services as the county’s mental health administrator.

In January 1998, she was also named director of the Ocean County Workforce Investment Board, a statewide initiative bringing together the business community, educators, child-care providers, transportation agencies, social and human service providers, along with other agencies, to develop a coordinated plan to build a work force for the 21st Century.

Liguori was recognized in 1993 as the Ocean County Mental Health Advocate of the Year, and in 1996 as the Ocean County ARC Community Advocate. She was awarded the United Cerebral Palsy Community Service Award in 1997 and was instrumental in having Ocean County receive two awards from the National Organization for Disabilities for programs for the disabled. She resides in Seaside Heights.

Mary Vinnedge, editor of Design NJ magazine, will team up with Caroline Sebone, author of "Great Houses and Gardens in New Jersey," April 14 at Barnes & Noble, Freehold Township.

Design NJ magazine is published by Hobby Publications, Inc., based in Marl­boro. The bimonthly magazine features homes from Bergen County to Cape May.

Vinnedge, a Holmdel resident, will share insights and tips about remodeling in New Jersey. Her presentation will in­clude photos from remodeled homes from throughout New Jersey as seen through the eyes of Design NJ editors.

Primerica Financial Services, Freehold Township, in conjunction with Weichert, Realtors, will conduct a free seminar for prospective home buyers April 22, 7 p.m., at the Woman’s Club of Point Pleasant, 513 St. Louis Ave. The seminar will take attendees step-by-step through the process of buying a home, including the benefits of home ownership, financing a home, affordable financing al­ternatives, the application process and other topics. Reservations are requested; call Sandy Franco at (732) 863-9955.

The Monmouth-Ocean Chapter of the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners will hold its monthly meeting April 23 at noon at the Mansion at Georgian Court University, Lakewood.

Ellen DeRosa, deputy executive direc­tor for the New Jersey Individual and Small Employer Health Coverage pro­grams, will present "Understanding Health Coverage and Benefits."

The cost is $35 for members and $40 for nonmembers. Reservations are re­quired; call Chrissy Reinhard at (732) 528-1172.

NJAWBO is a statewide organization that encourages and supports business ownership by women, enables women business owners to network, provides a legislative voice for the interests of women-owned businesses, and provides entrepreneurial training and assistance. Classes, seminars and informational events are offered to members and aspir­ing entrepreneurs through NJAWBO and its Women’s Business Center. For more information, call the state headquarters at (609) 581-2121, e-mail njawbo@njawbo.org, or visit the Web site www.njawbo.org.

Professional and Business Singles Network will host an "Experiential Sem­inar and Grand Opening Dance Social" April 24 at the Doral Forrestal Confer­ence Center, 4100 College Road east at Route 1, Princeton. The seminar will be held at 7 p.m., followed by the social at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $25 for the semi­nar and social, or $15 for just the social. "The Art of Flirting" will be presented by Bernadette M. Smith, coach and motiva­tional speaker. There will be a cash bar. Membership is not required; walk-ins are welcome. Details: (800) 537-3859 or www.PBSNinfo.com.