
LAURA BARBOSA
Laura Barbosa's paintings have been exhibited in group shows in galleries including The Splash Contemporary Gallery in Asbury Park and The Stover Mill Gallery and Tinicum Arts Festivals in Erinna, PA. Her work also is on permanent display at the Community Medical Center in Toms River.
A native of Belleville, Barbosa hopes to raise awareness for the theraputic role dogs play in healing patients of all ages. Her "Bright and Beautiful" collection, which features three life-sized acrylic paintings depicting a dozen therapy dogs currently working in Ocean County community hospitals, nursing homes, psychiatric facilities and schools, has been purchased by the Community Medical Center and is currently on display there.

"I hope to help the patients heal through my artwork," she says. "The dogs in these paintings are well-known in our local facilities and visit the very patients who are now viewing the collection. They love the dogs dearly and count on them to boost their morale, help them heal, and lower their blood pressure. The "Bright and Beautiful" (collection) will allow those patients to enjoy these wonderful dogs even in their absence."
To contact Laura Barbosa, e-mail her at wardogmastiff@netzero.net.
ALICE WINBERRY

Alice Winberry worked for ten years in the graphic arts department of printing and advertising firms in both New York and New Jersey. She was part of the production team of corporate annual reports, direct mailers, and brochures for such clients as the New York Yankees, Publishers Clearing House, Salesian Missions and the Archdiocese of Newark.
She is an award-winning artist, and her work has been exhibited in both juried and non-juried solo and group shows. Her body of work consists of fine art, design and illustration, house portraits, murals, composite compositions in acrylic and watercolor, portraits, poster design and illustration, stage scenery, cover designs, logos, flyers, brochures and commissioned work.
She has studied at the Ridgewood Art Institute, The Art School of Old Church, William Paterson University, and the School of Visual Arts in New York, among others. She works for art programs for special needs young adults and adults at St. Mary's Parish in Pompton Lakes.
To contact Alice Winberry, e-mail her at awinARTS@optonline.net.
3/19: Restaurant Plan B, 705 Cookman Ave, Asbury Park, will hold its monthly Shabbat dinner. 8 PM; $25. For reservations call 732-807-4710; BYO.
Let’s face it. This “snowicane” sweeping across New Jersey right now is nothing compared to the disastrous earthquake that hit Haiti in January. Last night, at the Benefit for Haiti Relief at the Chandelier Room in the W Hoboken, I was reminded of this. And that’s a good enough reason for me to brave a little snow.
This weekend’s monsoon washed away many of the planned St. Patrick’s Day parades around the state. Check http://www.saintpatricksdayparade.com/nj/index.htm# for re-scheduled marches and upcoming celebrations.
Starting this afternoon, I will be taking part in Get Fit New Jersey, a rigorous, 24-week fitness program at Life Time Athletic in Florham Park. Naturally, I spent the weekend stuffing my face with as much holiday chocolate and other goodies as possible.