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CHAMBER EVENTS

3/13 TUES, 9-11AM, Franchising: Is it right for you? by SCORE
Pre-registration required Business franchising offers many opportunities; this form of ownership has helped many entrepreneurs get started in business and succeed. A well-known brand name, a clear business model to follow and mentors on hand to give advice may be that franchising is an ideal solution for you. Learn from SCORE franchising industry expert Mr. John Rogozenski, who has helped hundreds of individuals in evaluating the franchise industry. He has been associated with the franchise industry for more than 35 years and has worked for national retail concepts including Dunkin Donuts and Baskin- Robbins. He was personally responsible for developing over 300 new facilities and was a senior development executive for many years. Workshop leader is John Rogozenski, a SCORE volunteer and business mentor.  SCORE provides free counseling sessions on at the Chamber offices every other Thursdays. Seminars are sponsored by BankFive and are free and open to Chamber members or non-members. Preregistration is required by calling Jay Pateakos at 508-676-8226. Second floor Chamber Boardroom, 200 Pocasset Street, Fall River.

3/15 THURS, 7:30-8:30AM, Selling on eBay: How to make it pay and how to price your items right! by Cliff Lander
Plenty of people sell or attempt to sell on eBay, with some never making a nickel.  Like everything, in the end, it all comes down to pricing and 14-year eBay Specialist Cliff Lander will show you how to research your item and find a price that will make it sell! The seminar is free of charge and open to Chamber members and non-members. Lander will also field questions afterward. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call Jay Pateakos at the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce, 508-676-8226. Sponsored by BankFive. Second floor Chamber Boardroom, 200 Pocasset Street, Fall River.

3/16 FRI, 11:15AM, 2012 Annual Meeting with U.S Senator John Kerry, sponsored bySouthCoast Hospitals Group
Registration & Lunch begins at 11:15 a.m.  $35 for members, $45 for non members, $325 per table of 10 $550 per Corporate Table Sponsor (includes full page ad in program book & table sign). Location: White's of Westport, 66 State Road, Westport, MA

3/17 SAT, 2nd Annual Bristol County Home & Garden Show
Location: Diman Regional High School, 251 Stonehaven Road, Fall River, MA
Presented by The Herald News, Taunton Daily Gazette amd the Fall River Area Area Chamber of Commerce
For more information contact the Chamber at 508-676-8226.

3/22 THURS, 5-7PM - Business After Hours
You're invited to attend our Business After Hours where you can network with other Chamber Members and area business affiliates!
* Chamber Members Free of Charge
* Non-Chamber Members $15 or FREE if accompanied by a Chamber Member.
* Complimentary hors d'oeuvres & beverages provided.
Sponsored by: ABC Disposal ( www.abcdisposal.com )
Location: Eagle Event Center, 35 North Main St, Fall River, MA
More Info: contact Jay Pateakos, 508-676-8226, jpateakos@fallriverchamber.com

4/5 THURS, 7:30-9AM, Let’s start at the beginning: how to buy on eBay and why you aren’t doing it but should!
There are millions of people that have used eBay as a way to find a great deal.  In this seminar, 14-year eBay Specialist Cliff Lander will help you start from scratch and learn what many already know: eBay is a safe and quick way to find things you need. Attendants will learn how to register on eBay and how to use PayPal to pay for your purchases.  Handouts will be provided. The seminar is free of charge and open to Chamber members and non-members. Lander will also field questions afterward. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call Jay Pateakos at the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce, 508-676-8226. Sponsored by BankFive. Second floor Chamber Boardroom, 200 Pocasset Street, Fall River.

4/11, 6/13, 8/8, 10/10, 12/12, 9-11AM, The SBA Advantage: What programs are available to prospective or current business owners
This workshop will help you gain a better understanding of the various SBA programs and services that are available to prospective or current entrepreneurs who need assistance in starting or expanding their businesses.  General information will be provided on the following programs and services:  SCORE – Counselors to America’s Small Business; Mass. Small Business Development Centers; Business Resource Centers; SBA Guaranty Loan Programs:  7(a),  Micro Loans, Patriot & SBA Express Loans & 504 – Project Loan Development; Government Contracting Opportunities:   8(a) business Development,  HUBZones (Historically Underutilized Business Zones),  Small Disadvantaged Business, and Surety Bonding.  For more information, call Jay Pateakos at the Fall River Area Chamber  of Commerce, 508-676-8226. Sponsored by BankFive. Second floor Chamber Boardroom, 200 Pocasset Street, Fall River.

5/8 TUES, 9AM-12NOON, Professional Portrait Day by Jack Darmody

With values of upwards of $125, Photographer Jack Darmody will take a professional headshot-at a fraction of the average cost-providing the person with a disk containing the black and white and color version of the chosen shot.  All pictures taken will be emailed for the person to select the best representation that will then go on the disk.  A new headshot is recommended once every four years.  Members: $50  Non-Members: $60.  Fall River Chamber, 200 Pocasset Street, second floor boardroom.  For more information, call Jay Pateakos at 508-676-8226.

5/9 WED, 9-11AM, Starting your own business-the first steps by SCORE
This workshop focuses on initial startup business concepts and provides guidance in:How to research your idea; Define your market; Define your competition; Forms of business ownership  The workshop will also briefly review the various forms of business ownership and the benefits of each. At the conclusion of the workshop you will be able to identify your target markets, describe your products and services, and begin to collect competitive information.You will have an initial feasibility plan to determine if your concept is viable or not.   Bring your ideas and any information you have collected for your startup business to this workshop.  Workshop leader is John Rogozenski, a SCORE volunteer and business mentor.  SCORE provides free counseling sessions on at the Chamber offices every other Thursdays. Sponsored by BankFive. Free and open to Chamber members or non-members. Preregistration is required by calling Jay Pateakos at 508-676-8226. Second floor Chamber Boardroom, 200 Pocasset Street, Fall River.

5/15 TUES, 7:30-8:30AM, Become an eBay Trading Assistant: How to sell for others and get commission by Cliff Lander
You know how to sell on eBay. You are buying items to sell and you are selling things from your closet, basement or attic. What now? eBay has a program called Trading Assistant. Sell for others and earn a commission. How do you get started? Cliff will give you the blueprint for starting a successful Trading Assistant business. The seminar is free of charge and open to Chamber members and non-members. Lander will also field questions afterward. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call Jay Pateakos at the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce, 508-676-8226. Sponsored by BankFive.

May 29 TUES, 7:30-8:30AM, The perfect eBay picture by Cliff Lander
If a pictures worth a thousand words, how come you can’t get your picture right to sell on eBay?  Having trouble with pictures for your auctions and can’t get your items sold?  Cliff will show you some tricks of the trade to help you take and upload great pictures to ebay that will help promote your products and sell them everytime! . The seminar is free of charge and open to Chamber members and non-members. Lander will also field questions afterward. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call Jay Pateakos at the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce, 508-676-8226. Sponsored by BankFive.

6/21 THURS, Recognition Banquet
More information coming soon.
Location: Venus de Milo Restaurant, 75 Grand Army Highway, Swansea, MA

July, Taste of the Region
More information coming soon.

10/17 WED, Southeastern Business Expo
More information coming soon.
Location: Whites of Westport, 66 State Road, Westport, MA

11/8 THURS, Outstanding Citizen
More information coming soon.
Location: Venus de Milo Restaurant, 75 Grand Army Highway, Swansea, MA

CHAMBER BUSINESS CALENDAR

3/8 THURS Education Committee 9:30 AM
3/16 FRI Government Affairs 8 AM
3/22 THURS Business After Hours 5 - 7 PM
3/26 MON Executive Committee 12 noon
3/28 WED Board Meeting 11:45 AM
4/12 THURS Education Committee 9:30 AM
4/16    MON    Business After Hours         5 - 7 PM
4/20    FRI    Government Affairs         8 AM
4/23    MON    Finance Committee         11:45 AM
4/23    MON    Executive Committee         12 noon
4/25    WED    Board Meeting         11:45 AM


COMMUNITY EVENTS

3/8 THURS, First-Ever LINDT GOLD BUNNY Day to Be Held on March 8
The Lindt & Sprungli store at Seekonk Square, 43 Commerce Way, Seekonk MA is participating in a very special celebration of our iconic Lindt Gold Bunny.  On March 8th the first 500 visitors to our store will receive a FREE 3.5oz LINDT GOLD BUNNY. I have included a link to the official press release which includes lots of information and details, please feel free to share this exciting news and opportunity for your community. For questions or additional information please contact Sarah-Marie Cole at smcole@lindt.com or visit www.lindtusa.com.

3/8 THURS, 8:50-11:30AM, Career Day at B.M.C. Durfee High School

Career Day is an informational career fair where students can meet with professionals in their careers of interest. Students will research careers that they are interested in learning more about and will do a research project as part of their academic coursework. Guidance staff will prepare students for Career Day, giving tips on how to present themselves and interview professionals. As part of this preparation, the students will be given an interview questionnaire and will be required to select 2-4 professionals they would like to interview. Between 8:50am and 11:30am approximately 600 students (200 students every 50 minutes) will come through the fair. Students will have approximately 45 minutes to interview the professionals they have pre-selected, each interview will be no more than 5 minutes.  The Bristol Workforce Investment Board and B.M.C. Durfee High School are looking for volunteers who would be interested in talking to students about their profession, career field, experience and education. Every career field is welcomed! Check-in and a continental breakfast from 8:15am – 8:45am.  Volunteers are asked to arrive at B.M.C. Durfee’s Field House by 8:15am to set up. A luncheon will be offered courtesy of the guidance department to volunteers (by rsvp only). If you have questions about Career Day or would like to register please contact Kate Politano at 508-675-1165 or kpolitano@detma.org

3/8 THURS, 5:30-8PM, "Financing Options for Start-Ups" by SNEEF

The Southern New England Entrepreneurial Forum (SNEEF) will present “Financing Options for Start-Ups” on Thursday, March 8th, 2012, 5:30-8:00 p.m., at the Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Center, 151 Martine Street, Fall River.The principal speaker will be Martin Omansky, Managing Partner of Crucible Advisors, and a former venture fund manager and investment professional who also established an entrepreneurial operating company and a business consultancy.  He has more than 25 years experience as an entrepreneur, inventor, investment banker, and venture capital fund manager.  Since closing his Boston-based venture fund, Crucible Ventures, he has been advising growth companies in the Eastern United States, and has been active as a panel member in venture forums and a judge in business plan competitions in the Boston area.Panelists will be Grafton “Cap” Willey, CPA, a prominent accountant and nationally-recognized authority on small business finance, and Daniel Guglielmo, J.D., a lawyer specializing in tax and estate matters.  Willey is the Managing Director in Charge of CBIZ Tofias' Newport Office and a member of the Tax Group, with more than 30 years of experience as a tax accountant and consultant to privately-held business owners.  Guglielmo has written widely on the subject and has advised hundreds of clients in the selling of businesses and the management of retirement assets.This Forum will be a detailed session, with a view toward educating attendees in the arcane, mysterious, and frustrating world of early-stage financing.  The speakers will also address the realities of institutional and bank financing, and the financial and tax implications of early action when business owners and investors liquidate their interests.Become an annual member of SNEEF at UMass Dartmouth for only $75, and attend the forum free.  Event non-member cost is $20 in advance, $25 at the door, includes light supper.  Register at www.SNEEF.org.

3/10 SAT, 8:30AM-1:30PM, Fall River Adult Basic Education Program: Volunteer Tutor Training
Description: 15-hour training to prepare volunteers to assist learners in the Adult Basic Education Program. Tutors will gain the knowledge necessary to work one-on-one with students or as classroom assistants alongside instructors. The tutor training will cover topics such as effective ways to work with adults, learning styles, and techniques and strategies for addressing learner needs in the areas of reading, writing, math and learning differences. Tutor requirements: No prior teaching experience is required. Must be eighteen years or older, possess a minimum of a high school diploma or GED, and have the ability to work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds. Must pass a CORI review. Tutors must make a minimum of a 6 month commitment to work with a learner one hour each week.Location: Bristol Community College, Elsbree Street Campus. For more information and/or register for a slot, please contact Peggy O’Neill, Coordinator of Volunteer Tutors, of Adult Basic Education at (508)678-2811 x 2042. This service is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education.


3/14 WED, 12:00-1:30 PM, “Globalizing Your Business” By: Toby Stapleton
While the global economy is threatening many small to medium sized firms, it is also creating tremendous opportunities.  And, with the right tools, it has never been easier to find international customers for your product. However, in today’s market, it is not enough to simply have a website in place to attract overseas buyers.  You must systemize your export efforts and customize your marketing in order to quickly react to market challenges and pursue customers, wherever in the world they may be. For RSVP to this FREE event please contact: Amit Basnet abasnet@umassd.edu or508-910-9872. Event held @ 151 Martine St. Fall River MA 02723. Presented by The Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Center (ATMC) of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

3/17 SAT, 10AM, Kids, Sign up for an Egg-cellent Adventure…Swansea Mall’s Easter Treasure Hunt
Swansea Mall’s annual Easter Treasure Hunt will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 10 a.m.  The event is open to the first 150 children who sign up in advance – online at www.visitswanseamall.com, by calling 508-679-2543 or in person at the Mall Office.  On March 17th, children will receive their clues and a springtime bag to gather their treats in and will then hop along to participating stores throughout the mall while unscrambling Easter riddles in order to find awesome Easter goodies.  So stop by Swansea Mall or call today to reserve your spot in this egg-citing event!  Please note that goodies may not be suitable for children under age 3. This fun event is part of Swansea Mall’s Kids Crew, a fun-filled club for kids ages 4 to 12 featuring FREE events!  Members receive a Membership Card and flyers with information on upcoming activities emailed directly to them. Membership is FREE – Sign up TODAY online at www.visitswanseamall.com or stop by the Mall Office.  Like us on Facebook to find out more about upcoming Swansea Mall events.

3/18 SUN, 3PM, Bristol Elder Services Emergency Assistance Fundraiser
You are invited to an afternoon of Irish music with the world class Makem and Spain Brothers (www.makem.com.) Not in the past 30 years has a group taken the international stage with such vocal power and stage presence, capturing the essence of their genre, while standing out as something truly unique. A host of various instruments and five male vocals, using precise three-part harmonies blend perfectly for what many have described as a wall of sound. The Makem and Spain Brothers are at their best onstage where their talent and enthusiasm draw in fans that have never experienced the joy of folk music. All proceeds benefit local elders in need through the Bristol Elder Services Emergency Assistance Fund. *Tickets $25 each, groups of 10 or more $20 each (send check payable to Bristol Elder Services, 1 Father DeValles Blvd, Unit 8, Fall River, MA 02723). Sponsored by: BankFive (www.bankfive.com) and Senior Whole Health (www.seniorwholehealth.com). Location: Bristol Community College Jackson Arts Center (Bldg H) 777 Elsbree Street, Fall River, MA. More info contact: Bristol Elder Services, 508-675-2101, www.bristolelder.org

3/22 & 23, 9AM-3:30PM, Mechanics Cooperative Bank & RDA Insurance Announce the 2012 SouthCoast Blood Bank Challenge
In an effort to support the Southcoast Blood Bank, the region’s only local blood donor program, Joseph T. Baptista Jr., President and CEO of Mechanics Cooperative Bank, and Jason Rua, President of Rua-Dumont-Audet Insurance, have created a little friendly competition. These two community business leaders have encouraged their employees and neighboring businesses to give blood for the sake of the community through the Southcoast Health Van. The challenge, again in 2012, is to see which blood drive - the one at Mechanics Cooperative Bank - or the one at Rua-Dumont-Audet Insurance, can bring in the most pints. Mr. Baptista and Mr. Rua held their last Blood Bank Challenge in March 2011 with Mechanics Cooperative Bank taking the title by a very slim margin.   As a result of the tremendous success, Mr. Baptista challenged Mr. Rua to a “rematch” for the 3rd time in 2012.  This rematch will once again encompass 2 whole days, 1 full day at each location.  The Blood Bank Challenge details are as follows:
- 3/22 THURS 9AM-3:30PM, Mechanics Cooperative Bank, 60 Bedford St, Fall River, MA
- 3/23 FRI 9AM-3:30PM, Rua-Dumont-Audet Insurance Agency, Inc, 155 North Main St, Fall River, MA

3/24, SAT, 7PM B.M.C. Durfee High School of Fall River proudly presents a night of comedy and music
Featuring Jimmy Tingle with special guests Rebecca Correia and Friends. All proceeds to benefit ongoing renovation of the Nagle Auditorium. Location: B.M.C. Durfee High School of Fall River, Nagle Auditorium. Tickets $20, Call 508.675.8100 x1173 or visit www.jimmytingle.com.

3/30 FRI, 12-4 PM, UMass Dartmouth eCommerce Network presents on Cyber Security
Please join us and learn how to protect yourself or your business against cyber attacks in the UMass Dartmouth, Charlton College of Business, Room 115. Fee: $30 includes lunch and coffee break. To Register, please click here or copy and paste the following link on to your web browser's URL area https://webapps.umassd.edu/events/campus/?ek=141. Contact: Dr. Fahri Karakaya  ecommerce@umassd.edu (508-999-8745). Free parking is available on Lots # 13 and 14 .

4/18 WED, 9AM-9PM, Business Knowledge Forum - Entrepreneurship at UMass
Save the date for the Charlton College of Business Knowledge Forum - Entrepreneurship at UMass Dartmouth Wednesday, April 18, 2012.Taking place in Woodland Commons on the UMass Dartmouth main campus, the day will feature several speakers, panels, networking and activities focused on small business and entrepreneurship between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Alumni, students, faculty, staff and the community are encouraged to participate and attend! For more information, or if you are a alumni entrepreneur or small business owner and are interested in how to attend or contribute, please email or call: Kaisa Holloway Cripps, kaisa.hollowaycripps@umassd.edu , (508) 990-9670, Twitter @kaisahc.

4/19 THURS Due Date, Affordable Housing Lottery, Stonegate Landing in Dighton, MA
Delphic Associates wish to announce an “Affordable Housing Lottery” opportunity to purchase new Single Family Homes at the initial sales price of $173,180. Stonegate Landing is situated on approximately 40.2 acres on the westerly side of Route 138, Somerset Avenue, near the Dighton Town Hall. There are two entrances: one on Somerset Avenue, the other off of Center Street. The Center Street entrance has a common area on Parcel 6 and will have a school bus turn-around and a gazebo. Parcel 5 will be a common playground. The homes will have 2 bedrooms w/den, one (1) bath and a full basement. Living area is approximately 1,080 to 1,144 square feet. The gas range, built in microwave and dishwasher will be provided by the developer/builder. Flooring will consist of wall to wall carpeting in all rooms except for the kitchen and bathrooms which will have vinyl flooring. The development will be serviced with town water and sewer and will have underground phone, cable and electric. For more information and applications visit our website and click on “Active” lotteries. www.delphicassociates.com. Applications can also be obtained from www.massaccesshousingregistry.org, www.massaffordablehomes.org or picked up at Dighton Town Hall (979 Somerset Ave, Dighton, MA) or Dighton Public Library (395 Main St, Dighton, MA). Application can be mailed upon request by contacting our office at: 508-994-4100.

4/25 WED, 6-9PM, UMass Dartmouth Ctr for Marketing Research 12th Annual Celebrity/Scholarship Dinner with Dennis Eckersley
This is an exceptional opportunity to get up close and personal with a true baseball legend. Guests will enjoy a full-course dinner and straight baseball talk with Eckersley and Boston Globe sports writer, Bob Ryan as he talks with Eckersley on stage! Come be a part of this exciting event and hear Dennis Eckersley speak about his life and career experiences. Pictures will be available for purchase and autographed by Eckersley. There will be a silent auction of autographed Eckersley baseball memorabilia. Tickets: $75 per person/Tables of 10 ($750). Location: Venus de Milo, 75 Grand Army Highway, Swansea, MA. More Info: Contact Ava Lescault, 508-910-6435, alescault@umassd.edu

4/25 WED, 6-9PM - 12th Annual Celebrity/Scholarship Dinner
The Center for Marketing Research is pleased to announce former Red Sox pitcher, Hall of Famer, Dennis Eckersley will be the celebrity speaker at our 12th Annual Celebrity/Scholarship Dinner. This is an exceptional opportunity to get up close and personal with a true baseball legend. Guests will enjoy a full-course dinner, scholarships presented by Dennis, and straight baseball talk with Dennis and Boston Globe sports writer, Bob Ryan as he talks with Eckersley on stage! Come be a part of this exciting event and hear Dennis Eckersley speak about his life and career experiences. Pictures/posters will be available for purchase at both events. There will be a silent auction of Eckersley's baseball memorabilia at the dinner. You can be a part of this unique event. Admission: $75. Location: Venus de Milo Restaurant, 75 Gar Hwy, Swansea, MA. More Info: contact Ava Lescault, 508-910-6435, alescault@umassd.edu.

4/26 THURS, 4-8PM, The 5th ACE Entrepreneurship Awards Ceremony & Reception
The Academic Center for Entrepreneurship (ACE) at Bristol Community College is pleased to announce that the 2012 Entrepreneurship Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 26, 2012 from 4:00-8:00pm. 4:00-5:30pm  Business Panel with Q&A. 5:30-8pm Awards/Reception in the Commonwealth Center (G Bldg) of the Fall River campus. RSVP is required but no charge to attend. All are welcome to attend this celebration of Entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs are individuals who are key components to the economic engine of the local and global economies. The Academic Center for Entrepreneurship seeks to award them for their efforts in this free, community-oriented event. The event will be capped off by an awards ceremony and reception. Awards will be given that evening to individuals of businesses in the following categories; Developing, Cornerstone, and Benevolent Entrepreneur. These awards are an important part of recognizing those who portray the true spirit of entrepreneurialism. The Academic Center for Entrepreneurship provides a number of services to entrepreneurs and small business owners. To nominate a business please visit the ACE website at www.bristolcc.edu/Community_Education/ace/Expo.cfm to download the nomination form. Online registration is preferred at: www.bristol.mass.edu/Community_Education/ace/eventcalendar.cfm  or call 508.678.2811 ext. 2695, or e-mail  jeanne.girard@bristolcc.edu.

4/26 THURS, 9AM-12PM, Social Media & E-Mail Marketing Success with Constant Contact and Truventis Social Media
Event will be presented by Corissa St. Laurent of Constant Contact and John Theriault, CEO of Truventis Social Media and Host of the "Digital Insider Radio Show" on WSAR 1480-AM. What You'll Learn: Best practices for building your database and creating content, How to integrate social media and your e-mail marketing, Building a Fanbase on Facebook, How to engage customers and prospects on Facebook, Why video can improve your social media and internet search strategy, Linkedin tips for professionals and B2B promotion, Managing social media risk and employee policy development, And more! Location: Whites of Westport. Seating is Limited! Reserve Your Space Today. For questions regarding this event, please call 617-674-2488 or info@truventis.com

5/20 SUN, “Shires of Vermont Marathon”
The second annual “Shires of Vermont Marathon,” a classic point-to-point 26.2 mile road race connecting the southern Vermont towns of Bennington and Manchester, has been scheduled for Sunday May 20, 2012.  Race applications and online registration are available at www.shiresofvermontmarathon.com. Runners who register by Feb. 29 will receive a $10 discount. The race is organized by the Batten Kill Valley Runners. The race begins at 9:00 am at the beautiful Bennington Center for the Arts, just outside historic Old Bennington. Runners will follow a scenic route along secondary and back roads through North Bennington, Shaftsbury, Arlington, and Sunderland before finishing at Hildene Meadows in Manchester. The marathon is sponsored by Southern Vermont Health Care, The Vermont Country Store, and the Vermont Department of Tourism. All proceeds benefit the Children and Family Services program of United Counseling Service of Bennington County. Last year’s inaugural event—southern Vermont’s first full-length marathon—attracted over 300 runners and hand-cyclists. The race earned consistently high marks from participants for its scenic course, smooth organization and enthusiastic volunteers. New this year is post-race shuttle bus service back to the start for runners who prefer to leave their cars in Bennington. Runners also can park at the finish and take a pre-race shuttle in the morning. Bennington County has the unusual distinction of retaining two county seats, or “shire towns.” Manchester (the “Northshire”) and Bennington (the “Southshire”) are separated by 26 miles, making them an ideal start and finish for a full marathon.

5/26 SAT, 6PM, Diman Centennial Gala planned for May
For its 100th birthday celebration, Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School is planning a variety of activities and events. Here's one of them: The Diman Alumni Association has set up a special Facebook page (100 Years of Memories from Diman) and is asking graduates and retired faculty members to submit their special memories of Diman. The anniversary festivities will conclude in the spring with plans under way for the grand Centennial Celebration Gala to be held at the Venus de Milo on Saturday, May 26. Deadline to order tickets is May 12 and more information will be released at a later date. For more on the centennial, call the school at (508)678-2891 or visit www.dimanregional.org and click on the Centennial Celebration link on the homepage. $35/person. $325/table of 10.

7/28-29, 8:30AM-4:30PM, Camp Angel Wings accepting registrations for summer 2012
Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association, known in the community as Southcoast VNA, will be hosting its annual bereavement camp, “Camp Angel Wings,” in July. This is an exciting, fun-filled, two-day camp experience for children and teens, ages 6 through 17, who are grieving the death of someone close to them. The camp will be held on July 28 and 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Cathedral Camp for Boys & Girls, 167 Middleboro Road in East Freetown. Camp Angel Wings provides interactive activities that include music, swimming, arts and crafts, and activities that memorialize loved ones and help to share their loss. All of the activities are designed to reduce the sense of isolation while improving self-esteem for children and teens who share like experiences in grief. Registrations are now being accepted. For more information, or to register, please call 508-973-3219 or visit http://www.southcoast.org/vna/camp.html .


DISCOVER YOUR COMMUNITY

Recycle your inkjet and laser cartridges, keep them out of the landfill and help plant trees in Fall River! (e20120309)
The Fall River Street Tree Planting Program, Inc. (FRSTPP) has been planting trees in Fall River since 1996.  One of the many ways that we raise money to purchase trees is to recycle used inkjet and laser cartridges from businesses and individuals that do not currently either recycle or return the cartridges for credit. Members of the FRSTPP will pick up used inkjet and laser cartridges, box and ship to RECYCLE FIRST for cash.  RECYCLE FIRST has a list of cartridges that they will accept for cash; that list can be accessed at www.recyclefirst.com. Arrangements for pickup of acceptable cartridges can be made by notifying Torrey Adams at tlaedit@hotmail.com or 508-673-5510.