Shared interests lead friends to new business

LINWOOD – Alexandra Conover and Lauren Barrett grew up in Egg Harbor Township, Conover in Northfield Estates and Barrett along Somers Point-Mays Landing Road. They both graduated from Egg Harbor Township High School; Conover in 2003 and Barrett in 1999. Although their paths diverged for a time – Conover worked in Washington, D.C., as director of an esthetician school, and studied nutrition in New York – the longtime friends are once again on the same course, as business partners at the Bee Well Boutique in Linwood.

Alexandra Conover and Lauren Barrett take a momentary break from preparations for the grand opening of the Bee Well Boutique in Linwood. The two are girlhood friends.

Opening set for Friday, Dec. 9

NORTHFIELD – Therapy and Living Consultants has expanded its services to include a wellness center with a brand new name, TLC Rehab and Wellness.

Rachael Lodgek of Northfield and her son Jake consult with Karen Martinez of Karen’s Kreations and Uniforms Plus, a fabric and notions store on Route 9 near Tilton Road. Photo by Marjorie Preston

NORTHFIELD – Needle bar, free arm, feed dog, bobbin … The parts of a sewing machine were once known to generations of women. Now fabric store owner Karen Martinez, of Karen’s Kreations and Uniforms Plus in Northfield, says sewing is making a comeback.

“I don’t know if it’s the economy, but people are starting to sew again, and they’re teaching their children and grandchildren,” said Martinez. “I know I am.”

The Mays Landing resident started sewing when she was 8.

ATLANTIC CITY – Tropicana Casino and Resort has the appointment of Alan J. Rivin of Linwood vice president of hotel operations responsible for supervising all existing hotel operations and upcoming developments at Tropicana.

Rivin served as vice president of hotel operations at Trump Taj Mahal for five years and senior vice president of hotel operations at Resorts Atlantic City Hotel/Casino for six years where he built a reputation for developing effective executive teams, improving customer service and operational efficiencies, driving organizational changes and leading major construction projects.

Jodie Serago and his wife Christy with the Leaf Folder
By SUZANNE MARINO
Staff Writer

NORTHFIELD – There are plenty of aching backs in the fall, thanks to hours spent raking leaves, and putting them into trash cans or eco bags so the municipality can haul them away.

While Jodie and Christy Serago of Northfield don't claim that their new product will result in fewer leaves this fall; what they do say is that the "Leaf Folder" will make the job of raking those leaves not only faster, but also less stressful on your back.