Business Briefs

Susan S. Brasefield, of Howell, an associate and department manager for utilities at the engineering firm of Maser Consulting, P.A., Red Bank, has been promoted to senior associate. Brasefield has extensive experience in various aspects of civil engineering including the planning, design, permitting and contract administration for sanitary sewer collection systems, pumping stations, sanitary sewer rehabilitation, water supply wells, potable water distribution systems, water storage tanks, irrigation systems and roadway improvements. She is a licensed professional engineer, a licensed planner and a certified municipal engineer. In addition Brasefield is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, Industrial Commercial Real Estate Women, and the American Water Works Association. She earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.

The Outback Steakhouse of Brick, 2270 Hooper Ave., in association with the Ocean County Freeholders and Sheriff’s Department, will sponsor a Toy and Food Drive, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa will be in attendance. Compli-mentary cookies, coffee and hot chocolate will be available. Free appetizer cards will be given to all who participate in donating. Details: (732) 920-1222.

Bev’s Hallmark, in Jackson Plaza on County Line Road, will offer free photos with Santa, balloons, candy, face painting, and a coloring contest for children Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Jackson Premium Outlets, Route 537, Jackson, will host special events for the holiday season. Beginning Nov. 25, Santa will be strolling the sidewalks every weekend from 2 to 6 p.m. until Christmas. The Ocean County Girl Scouts will help celebrate the holiday season by singing holiday carols from 2 to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Christmas.

The New Jersey Shore Builders Association’s Fabulous Achievement in Marketing Excellence (FAME) awards, themed “A Night with the Stars,” will be held Feb. 23 at the Grand Marquis, Old Bridge. A portion of the sponsorship proceeds from year’s event will go to Dottie’s House, a transitional housing facility in Ocean County for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Several levels of sponsorship are available. In addition to sponsorship commitments, FAME award submissions are due on or before Dec. 1. Shore Builders members should make sure to organize and submit marketing materials for FAME in the coming weeks. Details: (732) 364-2828.

Six Flags Charitable Foundation Inc. has partnered with area businesses to raise more than $250,000 in scholarships since 1999. The foundation recently presented $52,000 to outstanding employees attending college, and $2,000 to noteworthy Jackson Memorial High School students who headed to college this fall. This year’s “Scholarship Shootout” event, which took place Sept. 27, raised more than $50,000 for 2006 scholarships with the help of local businesses. Dozens of area businesses supported the scholarship fund through silent auction donations and program book ads.

Lucille Famulary, Long Branch, has been named director of business development at AcuteCare Health System (ACHS) Specialty Hospitals, Lakewood. She will be responsible for establishing new partnerships with physicians and other health care providers, developing business strategies, and identifying new opportunities for growth. ACHS, a provider of hospital-based, long-term acute-care services, operates facilities at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, and Kimball Medical Center, Lakewood.

Prior to joining ACHS, Famulary was manager of the department of patient satisfaction at Monmouth Medical Center, and before that she was employed at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township, where she spearheaded the creation of its patient advocacy program.

Shahida M. Abbas, M.D., a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, has joined the medical staff of Kimball Medical Center, Lakewood. Dr. Abbas’ practice is at 1530 Highway 88, Suite B in Brick, at the corner of Route 88 and Jack Martin Boulevard.

Abbas earned her medical degree from Dow Medical College in Pakistan. She completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair, an affiliate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), where she is a preceptor for medical students. The doctor has been in practice for more than 20 years and is a member of the American College of Physicians.

Abbas offers full management of cardiac conditions, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and thyroid problems for men and women. She conducts electrocardiograms, pulmonary function testing and Holter monitoring for her patients. In addition, she offers complete gynecological exams including routine Pap tests and breast exams, acne treatment and microdermabrasion, a nonsurgical procedure that helps eliminate fine lines, brown spots, mild acne scars and age spots for men and women.

Lawrence Mandel, Lakewood, an attorney with Mandel and Peslak, Free-hold, was a guest lecturer at La Salle University, School of Business, German-town, Pa. He spoke about “The Day-to-Day Practice of Intellectual Property Law.”

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar is inviting children, their friends and families to enjoy Breakfast With Santa on Dec. 3, 8:30-10:30 am. With the $10 per person donation to Toys for Tots, guests get breakfast compliments of Applebee’s and receive goodies. Children under 2 are admitted free. Raffle prizes will be awarded. All of the proceeds will benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program. Advance reservations are required. Local participating Applebee’s locations are at Brick Plaza, Route 70 and Chambers Bridge Road, Brick, (732) 262-9876; and Route 9 at Locust Road, in Howell, (732) 961-9400.

OceanFirst Bank is sponsoring its annual holiday food drive to meet the growing demand at local food banks. Residents may donate nonperishable Thanksgiving foods at the Jackson branch, 260 North County Line Road.

Suited for Success Boutique has moved to 521 Princeton Ave., Lakewood. The program, funded by Ocean County Private Industries Council and sponsored by the Lakewood Board of Education, provides career clothing for qualified women entering the workforce. For shopping or donating information, call (732) 905-3685.