Two Lawrence businesses professionals have joined the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association staff.

Caroline Trowbridge.

Two Lawrence businesses professionals have joined the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association staff. Caroline Trowbridge is the planned giving specialist. Trowbridge is a Kansas University Journalism School graduate, worked for 30 years at the Journal-World, most recently as managing editor. Earl Reineman, vice president of Weaver’s Department Store, will act as the major gifts specialist. Reineman began his career at Weaver’s in 1989 and has been active in numerous community organizations, including Leadership Lawrence, United Way of Douglas County and Downtown Lawrence Inc.

Earl Reineman.

The Lawrence Apartments Association is partnering with Just Food to collect food for disadvantaged families. The drive, which began Oct. 1 and will continue until Oct. 22, stationed bins at several apartment complexes throughout Lawrence to gather non-perishable items. The food will be given to Just Food for distribution.

The Lawrence Chamber Board of Directors will welcome 10 new members in 2014. The new members are: Allen Belot, Allen Belot Architects; Kirsten Flory, Colliers International; Michele Hammann, SS&C Solutions; Rick Hird, Petefish, Immel, Heeb & Hird, L.L.P.; Tom Karasek, CEK Insurance; Jim Moore, Wells Fargo Advisors; Gary Rexroad, Rexroad Foods/Love Grub; Sharon Spratt, Cottonwood, Inc.; Tim Stultz, Highland Construction, Inc.; and Debbie Van Saun, KU Athletics, Inc. More than 60 members were nominated for the 10 spots.

Kansas University’s Director of Legal Services for Students, Jo Hardesty, received the Elizabeth Berg Streeter Award at the National Legal Aid & Defender Association’s Student Legal Services Section Annual Conference this summer in Las Vegas. The award recognizes individuals with outstanding leadership and professional excellence. Hardesty manages a staff of four attorneys and up to nine legal interns.

Lawrence’s AesthetiCare Medical Spa, 3510 Clinton Place, is offering the Vanquish nonsurgical fat-removal treatment. It uses radio frequencies to kill fat cells and is almost pain free, the clinic reports.

Terry Platz.

Stephens Real Estate in Lawrence recognized Terry Platz with a Realtor Emeritus honor. Platz served on the Lawrence Board of Realtors as a director and treasurer for five years. The status is reserved for those who retain membership in the National Association of Realtors for 40 years.

Matt Llewellyn.

Matt Llewellyn, the owner and operator of 23rd Street Brewery, received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Leadership Lawrence at its annual alumni luncheon in September. Llewellyn earned the award for his community service and leadership development in Lawrence. He is an active member of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and several other local organizations.

TherapyWorks, 1311 Wakarusa Drive, is holding a free seminar on back pair on Oct. 29. The seminar will have two physical therapists on hand for instruction on treating and preventing back pain. It begins at 7 p.m.

The United Way of Douglas County earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, an independent nonprofit that evaluates charities all over the country. A four-star rating is the highest a charity can receive. The organization conducts data-driven analysis, reviews ethical practices and measures commitment to transparency to derive its rating.