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Chamber Events       Community Events

CHAMBER EVENTS

2/23 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: Center for Sight ( www.center-for-sight.com )
Location: Center for Sight, 1565 North Main St , Fall River, MA
More Info: contact Jay Pateakos, 508-676-8226, jpateakos@fallriverchamber.com

2/28 TUES 8AM, State Of The City
Registration/Breakfast begins at 8:00AM, Program begins at 9:00AM
Location: McGovern’s Wedding & Banquet Facilities, 310 Shove Street, Fall River, MA
Sponsorship Opportunities: $20 for Chamber Members, $25 for Non Members, $200 per table of 10, $250 per Corporate Table Sponsor

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.

3/17 SAT, 2nd Annual Bristol County Home & Garden Show
More information coming soon!
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: TBS
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, WED, 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.

5/9 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.

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

2/16 THURS SCORE Counseling 9 AM - 12 noon (by appointment)
2/17 FRI Government Affairs 8 AM
2/23 THURS FREE Fall River Executive Exchange 8 - 9 AM
2/23 THURS Business After Hours 5 - 7 PM
2/27 MON Executive Committee 12 noon
2/29 WED Board Meeting 11:45 AM
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


COMMUNITY EVENTS

2/11 SAT, 4-7PM, Opening Reception at Greater Fall River Art Association for its "Valentine's Day Art Exhibit"
Original art from local South Coast artists on exhibit and for sale starting at $25. Open to the public. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages while viewing work by young and experienced artists, including GFRAA’s resident artists. Oil and acrylic painting, photography, basketry, and more! Some works depict local scenes. Greater Fall River Art Association. 508-673-7212. First floor exhibit with additional artist studio work on 2nd and 3rd floors. Curator: Sheila Oliveira. 80 Belmont Street, Fall River. As seen here www.greaterfallriverartassoc.org

2/11 SAT, 8AM-12PM, Indoor Winter Market
Come one come all, to our indoor winter market at CD Recreation. We will be selling local produce, wine, cheese, crafts and much more. For more information contact CD Rec @ 508-679-0922 or check us out online at www.cdrec.org. Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook. The indoor Market will be continuing its great service on Saturday: March 10th, April 14th and May 12th. Hope you can make, and bring a friend! Be well, from your friends at CD Rec! Location: 72 Bank St. Fall River, MA

2/11 SAT, 12-2PM & 3-5PM, Dartmouth YMCA to host Teddy Bear Tea at The Wamsutta Club of New Bedford
The Dartmouth YMCA will host a Valentine’s themed Teddy Bear Tea at the Wamsutta Club of New Bedford on Saturday, February 11, 2012 with two seatings. One from 12:00pm-2:00pm and one from 3:00pm-5:00pm. The young and young at heart will enjoy a special Valentine menu of tea-time treats and sweets, homemade finger sandwiches along with an assortment of teas, hot chocolate and other beverages. Children will be able to create a variety of Valentine crafts and have their picture taken with a life-sized teddy bear. In addition, there will be several raffle prizes. Tickets to the Teddy Bear Tea are $15 for children and $25 for adults and must be purchased in advance. Children are encouraged to bring a new stuffed bear or other stuffed animal to the tea, which in turn will be donated to various Southcoast children’s charities. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Dartmouth YMCA YCares Annual Support Fund. For more information on any of these events, please contact the Dartmouth YMCA at 508.993.3361 or visit www.ymcasouthcoast.org .

2/11 SAT, Kids Decorate a Cookie for your Special Valentine at Swansea Mall
Kids, here’s a fun and delicious way to show your Valentine how special they are. Decorate a Valentine cookie with frosting and candies for a sweet treat that is sure to make your Valentine smile. Join us on Saturday, February 11 from 12 p.m. to2 p.m. for the Valentine Cookie Creation. This event is open to the first 100 kids who sign up in advance – online at visitswanseamall.com, by calling 508-679-2543 or in person at the Mall Office. 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 at the Mall Office or call us at (508) 679-2543. Visit us on the web at www.visitswanseamall.com or Like Us on Facebook to find out more about upcoming Swansea Mall events.

2/14 TUES, Cardio Pulmonary Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation Crawford Cares About Your Heart Health
Come to Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation Crawford, 273 Oak Grove Avenue, Fall River and see our deluxe private suites for you to rehabilitate in should you be a heart attack or a stroke.  See our thoroughly updated Rehabilitation Gyms with all of the most modern cardio-pulmonary equipment.  An open house will take place on February 14, 2012 to educate the public on how to STAY OUT OF OUR Cardio-Pulmonary UNIT.  From 2 – 4 PM we invite you to join us for free demonstrations of Heart Smart Cooking, Healthy Life Style Choices and an explanation of your cardiac medications.  Refreshments will be served.  This is open to all women AND men to learn more about your heart health on what better day than Valentine’s Day!  Be your own Valentine!  The Mayor of Fall River, Will Flanagan will be present to crown the Crawford Annual Valentine’s King and Queen.  Wear Your Red for Go Red for Women.  Contribute $1 for the American Heart Association (voluntary) and help us all work toward a cure and to avoidable cardiac occurrences. Executive Director of Crawford, Louise Merrick stated, “My mother Antoinette Merrick, a New Bedford native, died of the silent killer of cardiac disease, so this effort is especially close to my ‘heart’ each year”. Please call 508-679-4866 for more information on You and Your Heart!

2/14 TUES, 2-3PM,
“Crisis Communications Planning—The Keystone of Disaster Recovery Response” by Bob Boyd
Get Tips on Disaster Planning During Free SBA/Agility Webinar. Because it’s easy for even the best leader to be overwhelmed when a crisis hits and misinformation shows up in a twitter feed, managing the flow of information about your company is crucial when an emergency occurs. Get tips on how to plan a communications strategy that will eliminate confusion and support your recovery efforts during a free webinar on February 14, hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery Solutions. The discussion will help you assess your company’s needs, identify a good spokesperson and develop fact sheets and talking points.  SBA has partnered with Agility to offer business continuity strategies through its “PrepareMyBusiness” website. Visit www.preparemybusiness.org to access past webinars and get additional preparedness tips. The SBA provides disaster recovery assistance in the form of low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, private nonprofits and businesses of all sizes. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov/disaster. Space is limited. Register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/421917136

2/18 SAT 10AM-2PM, Paw Sox Idol Singing Auditions Coming to Swansea Mall
Do you think you have what it takes to be the next Paw Sox Idol? The Pawtucket Red Sox will hold open auditions at Swansea Mall on Saturday, February 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contestants must be at least 15 years old and must register prior to the audition date. Detailed information and a registration form can be found on the Paw Sox’s website at www.pawsox.com, click on Promotions. Contestants will have approximately 60-90 seconds to sing a song of their choice at their audition. All songs must be family-friendly. Contestants will be notified the Monday after their audition if they have been selected to participate in the season-long promotion. Decisions of the judges and the Pawtucket Red Sox will be final. Families and friends are welcome to attend the auditions to show their support and cheer on the contestants. If selected to participate in the contest, contestants will have approximately 60 seconds and will perform their song during a half inning of a Paw Sox game.

2/18 SAT, 8:30AM-1PM, Maple Sugaring Project Returns to Dartmouth YMCA
The Sweet Science of Maple Sugaring program will run from 10:00am-1:00pm. A donation of $10.00 per family is appreciated. Activities will include a hands-on program including tree identification, hay rides, sap collection, tapping, tasting and sugaring off. The event is held rain or shine. Don’t miss the Sap to Syrup Farmer’s Breakfast as the kick-off of the event with a Sap to Syrup Farmers Breakfast including pancakes, roasted potatoes, sausage and breakfast beverages. Tickets for the breakfast are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. The breakfast is from 8:30am-10:00am on the 18th. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The $10.00 donation for the sugaring tour is waived with participation in the breakfast. To purchase tickets for the breakfast contact the Dartmouth YMCA at 508.993.3361 or campmetacomet@ymcasouthcoast.org

2/18 SAT, 10th Annual Newport Bridal Show
Whether you are recently engaged or just need a few final details to complete your wedding planning, the 10th Annual Newport Bridal Show, presented by Newport Wedding Magazine on Saturday February 18th, is the event brides-to-be, and grooms alike, won’t want to miss. Eighty top professionals will be on exhibit, covering categories ranging from bridal fashions, to photo booth rentals, and honeymoon travel. With such a wide range of vendors present, the Bridal Show is a valuable resource for all brides-to-be. Mary Walsh, a bride from Newport, RI commented on last year’s event, “ It was nice to meet local vendors in person, rather than just over the phone or through the Internet, and the atmosphere was great!” The atmosphere is an upbeat one, with delicious food and tasty drinks to sample, giveaways to enter, and live entertainment to keep the energy going throughout the day. Last year’s attendance was up 28 percent from the previous year, with more than 750 attendees. With the show celebrating it’s tenth anniversary this year, an even larger turn out is expected. Brides near and far from Newport can register in advance at NewportBridalShow.net for discount tickets and hotel deals. Make your stay in Newport a weekend getaway, by visiting NewportRI.com for information on the Newport Winter Fest, and the abundance of winter themed activities happening the week of the show!

2/18 SAT, 6PM, 9th Annual Tribute to George Harrison
Beginning at 6:00 (Doors open at 5:45). The annual event is a night filled with music from the 60’s, focusing around George Harrison and the Beatles. The event includes Beatles memorabilia and artwork available for purchase and a Chinese raffle. This is a fun fundraiser and is a great family event, suitable for all ages. All proceeds from the event are donated to St. Jude’s Hospital and Bristol County Hospice for cancer research and support. This year’s line up includes: the Cryers, the Mockers, Sherman and the Waybacks, British Yankees, the Psychedelic Relics and the OH NOS! a plastic sporko band. Whites of Westport, 66 State Rd Westport, MA. Includes free parking, on-site restaurants, and adjacent hotel, the Hampton Inn. Food and drinks are available for purchase at venue. Advanced tickets ($10.00) are available for purchase beginning January 17, 2012 at Whites of Westport box office or by mailing a check and self-addressed/stamped envelope to “George Harrison Tribute/Rachel Cabral, P.O. Box 1466. Westport, MA 02790”. Tickets ($15.00) will be available at the door the night of the show. Please send any questions by email to GHTribute@aol.com. For more information check out the Harrison Tribute page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/#!/groups/109452272470640

2/18 SAT, 9AM-4PM, Antiques Discovery & Appraisal Show
Ever wonder how much that “attic heirloom” of yours might be worth? Wonder no more! Bring it to the professional appraisers at the Antiques Discovery and Appraisal Show and find out. Your ticket entitles you to bring one item for one written appraisal by an accredited appraiser. Those two features – written appraisal by accredited appraisers – set this event apart from other antiques appraisal shows. And if your item really is a treasure, you may be on TV! Appraisers will be in the crowd searching for “hidden” treasures. Will yours be one of them? Location: Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick Airport Hotel, 801 Greenwich Ave (Route 5), Warwick, RI. Event Contact: Jeff Hartley jhartley@ripbs.org 401-222-3636, ext 327, Web site: www.ripbs.org/antiques.

2/20-24, Battleship Cove has Special Programs & Reduced Prices During Vacation Week!
Special Activities include: “The Pearl Harbor Experience” Our newest exhibit. Shows at 11 am, 1 pm, & 3 pm, “Talking Flags” - Signal flag workshop – write your name in signal flags, Scavenger Hunt - Explore the ships & win free prizes, Flag Etiquette - Learn the proper way to fold the American Flag, Knot Know How - Learn to tie nautical knots, Letters to Heroes - Write letters to our service men and women, Orientation video and WWII Cartoons will be shown throughout the day. Come see how sailors lived and fought for the freedoms we enjoy today and discover how the ship was like a floating city with a post office, laundry room, brig, soda fountain, to name a few. Explore gun turrets, engine rooms, & view officer’s & crew’s quarters. “This is a great opportunity for families to come on board and have some fun exploring the ships, with more than 500,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor exhibit space, Battleship Cove is the perfect recreation destination, rain or shine.” said Executive Director, Brad King. Battleship Cove will be open all vacation week from 9am until 4:30pm. Rates: Adult $12, Children 6-12 $7, Children under five are free. Active duty military with ID $7, in uniform FREE. Visit our website for more information on Birthday Parties, Family Nautical Nights and Carousel events including Birthday Parties, Princess Party (March 12th) and Carousel rentals. www.battleshipcove.org.

2/23 THURS, Kids Crew School Vacation Fun at Swansea Mall
Get out of the cold and into some fun during school vacation week at Swansea Mall. As part of Swansea Mall’s Kids Crew, these free, fun and educational shows are sure to wow all who attend. On Tuesday, February 21 at 1 p.m., Kids Crew members will meet lots of cute and cuddly animals in the informative Fuzzy & Furry Animals Show for all ages. Bring your camera to get photos of a hamster, rabbit, birds, chinchilla, ferret and more. The fun continues on Thursday, February 23 at 1 p.m. with an awesome Reptiles Show, where you can check out all kinds of reptiles including snakes, frogs, salamanders, lizards and more – a must-see for those creepy, crawly fans. Both events will be held at Center Court. These fun and educational events are 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 right on our website at http://www.visitswanseamall.com/swansea-malls-kids-crew/ or call us at (508) 679-2543. Like Us on Facebook to find out more about Swansea Mall events.

3/3 & 3/10, 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.

3/3 SAT, 5-7PM, 8th Annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake to benefit Child & Family Services’ Big Brothers Big Sisters program
Put in your own team of 4 bowlers. Individual bowlers will be assigned to a team. Be creative with your team “attire” and name. All bowlers receive pizza, drinks and snacks. Win trophies for best score, most pledges, top team, and most team spirit! Not a Bowler? Sign up to be a sponsor or pledge someone who is. For more info call CFS at 508-996-8572 or visit: www.child-familyservices.org/whats-happening. Location: Wonder Bowl, 66 Hathaway Rd., New Bedford

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

3/24, 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.

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 - 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.

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! (e20120903)
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.

BCC Bristol Community College: "Bring a Friend for Free!" (e021812)

Take any classes in the following non-credit categories and you can bring a friend for free You can find these categories at www.bristolcc.edu/noncredit : Arts, Crafts & Music, Culinary Arts, Dance & Fitness, Deaf Studies ToGo, Health and Wellness, Family & Parenting, Home & Garden, Life After 50. Please register three weeks prior to the start date of the class to get the deal! Please note that you must pay in full at registration. Please call 508.678.2811 ext. 2154 with any questions.