As its second anniversary approaches, Ryan’s Pub and Sports Bar, located at 299 Spotswood Englishtown Road in Monroe, has announced the arrival of chef Dave Niekratko, of Culinary Classics. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in 1991, Niekratko has cultivated his craft by owning and running kitchens at all ends of the spectrum, from the Sayerville Bar & Grill to the Toms River Country Club. Since opening in a building that was once an eye sore and source of complaints, Ryan’s has been a fundraising source for local organizations including PTOs, a sponsor to local teams and deserving students; and a location known for fundraising benefits. This winter, pajamas were collected for needy children and non-perishables for Monroe’s own food bank. While Ryan’s offers fresh and homemade recipes including house favorite corned beef, Niekratko, with his Portuguese & Polish heritage, offers different delectable specials for lunch and dinner daily. Due to Niekratko ownership in Culinary

Classics, Ryan’s can now offer an extensive catering menu and services for all catering needs on-site or off; personal or corporate from an intimate dinner for two to events for thousands. For more information including a calendar events that lists live entertainment, visit www.ryansnj.com or call 732-251-1709.

Dr. Sunil Thacker of Seaview Orthopaedics presented a scholarship award of $1,000 to Ameer Ali on Jan. 17. Ameer won the scholarship after submitting his essay on “Why Do You Think You Should Receive a Scholarship?” Ameer is a resident ofMonroe and is currently attending Rutgers University. Seaview Orthopaedics has been offering scholarships to local primary care physicians and their staff and dependents for over six years. Seaview also offers this award to its employees and their dependents. This year’s Seaview scholarship winner is Zenon Quiles, who is currently attending Brookdale Community College. Seaview Orthopaedics has offices in Monroe, Freehold, Brick and Ocean Township.

Wells Fargo Advisors, a national brokerage firm based in St. Louis, recently announced that Joseph Xerri, AAMS, vice president-investment officer, has once again received the Five Star Wealth ManagerSM award. Xerri is a financial advisor in the firm’s East Brunswick office. A graduate of Brooklyn College, and formerly a CPA, Xerri has been a financial advisor for over 25 years. He joined A.G. Edwards & Sons Inc., a predecessor firm of Wells Fargo Advisors, in 1994. Xerri is president-elect of the Rotary Club of South River-East Brunswick. He and his wife Connie, reside in Freehold. Less than 1 percent of wealth managers in the New Jersey area have received this honor for 2012 from the Five Star Wealth ManagerSM Award Program. The program relies on a range of sources, including firms, peers, regulatory authorities and consumers, in order to identify wealth managers who provide quality services to their clients.