Hometown Pool Supply has announced the grand opening of its second location, at 1380 West Veterans Highway (Route 528), Jackson, near the intersection with Hawkin Road. The company's first location is in Old Bridge. Hometown Pools is a member of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals and maintains certified technicians on staff for swimming pool service, especially for in-ground vinyl liner replacements and renovations. The new location has a full line of swimming pool chemicals and supplies, ladders, and pool cleaners, filter, pump, and heater products, safety covers and safety fencing. The store also carries ceramic grills and composting toilets as well as chimneas and landscape lighting. The Jackson store offers free water testing for those who bring samples to the store, and free delivery. The Jackson store manager is Jennifer Shaver of New Egypt. Hometown Pool Supply is open seven days a week. Details: 732-833-SWIM (7946).

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce invites all members and nonmembers to its general membership/industrial luncheon meeting on May 6 at the Ramada Inn, Toms River. Guest speaker Stephen Reed, a CPA and director of the Manufacturing and Distribution Services Group, will discuss the current economic climate and provide information that can be useful to sustain and increase business. Reservations are necessary. Call 732-363-0012.

Kessler Rehabilitation Center has announced the opening of its newest outpatient physical therapy facility, at 2290 West County Line Road, Suite 215, Jackson. The center is part of the outpatient division of Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, a provider of comprehensive medical rehabilitation services for more than 60 years. The new center offers comprehensive physical therapy services for individuals with orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, including specialized treatment for sportsand work-related injuries. Kessler Rehabilitation Center offers same-day appointments, evening hours and flexible scheduling, and accepts most insurance plans, including Medicare. Details: 732- 363-3900.

The Investors Savings Bank Charitable Foundation provided a grant of $66,000 to the School for Hidden Intelligence (SCHI), Lakewood. Funds from the grant were used to purchase a specially equipped bus to take students on outings and field trips. SCHI is a not-for-profit, fully accredited private school that provides special-education services for underprivileged, multiply handicapped children in the tri-state area. The school has 200 students who range in age from 3 to 21.

Free comics will be available at comic book stores throughout the world on May 2. The Comics Professional Retail Organization, the independent comic book retailers trade association, encourages readers of all ages to experience the diversity of entertainment found in comics by visiting a participating member store on Free Comic Book Day. About 2 million free comic books are expected to be given away at more than 2,000 participating locations. Local participants include The Record Store, 6299 Route 9 north, Howell. Details: 732-905-9056.

The Provident Bank recently collected more than $10,000 in donations for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey through its efforts with Deposit $1 of Hope, a fundraising drive in Provident's 82 branches throughout the state. The $10,000 raised through the Deposit of Hope drive resulted in approximately $100,000 worth of food and groceries for local food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, day care centers, homeless shelters and residential programs in New Jersey.

Dressbarn, Route 9, Howell, will be raising funds for the Relay For Life campaign for cancer victims by donating proceeds from the sale of heart bracelets sold at the store to the American Cancer Society. In addition to the company's sales associate and community involvement in the Relay For Life events nationwide, Dressbarn of Howell will sell the heart bracelets for $5 from May 1 through Aug. 31 or while supplies last. Dressbarn will contribute the entire net profit of $2.50 to the American Cancer Society.

In 2008, more than 250 Dressbarn Inc. teams, composed of customers, executives and store associates, participated in Relay For Life events and raised nearly $700,000 through team fundraising, in-store promotions and the Dressbarn Inc. Foundation donation. To date, Dressbarn Inc. has given $5 million to the American Cancer Society to support local and national cancer initiatives.

Ocean First Foundation recently presented Allaire Village Inc. of Farmingdale with a $10,000 arts and cultural grant. Allaire Village at Allaire State Park, Wall Township, presents educational programs concerning life in the 1830s. Starting several years ago, Allaire Village began a new series of concerts and cultural programs for visitors to Allaire Village to enjoy.

Lia sophia recently announced top honors for its Excellent Beginnings Program Achievers for their outstanding sales accomplishments and professionalism. Having just joined the fashion jewelry business, Angela Greco of Freehold and Kristina Cosco Cataldo of Howell have earned this accomplishment in their first 15 weeks by attaining certain sales levels and by sharing Lia sophia with other new advisers. Lia sophia offers fashion jewelry through personalized in-home demonstrations. Details: www.liasophia.com or 800-487-3323.

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce will hold its 17th annual golf outing at 11:30 a.m. May 18 at the Jumping Brook Country Club, Neptune. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Reservations are required to attend. Details: 732-363-0012.