NEWSLETTER MA

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FUSIONMAY 11, 2018

VIRTU ART SHOWMAY 26 & 27, 2018

2 Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce Newsletter May 2018

NEW MEMBERS

ISLAND MISTISLAND MIST

HANDMADE LOCAL GIFTSHANDMADE LOCAL GIFTS

THE BEST OF EVERYTHING COUNTRY GOURMET214 Flanders Road, Niantic, CT 06357Phone: 860-739-7300Website: tinascountrygourmet.comContact: Tina Anthony

The Best of Everything Country Gourmet offers Gourmet To Go Daily Meals and Catering for any kind of event. Freshly Prepared Foods, Wraps, Grinders and more are among the delicious options we have to offer. We also have freshly baked desserts, cookies and pies. Gluten Free options. We have something for everyone! Let me share my passion of cooking for you and your family

BUDGET BLINDS OF WESTERLYWesterly, RI 02891Phone: 401-213-3539Web: budgetblinds.com/westerlyContact: Anthony Pascetta

Budget Blinds serving Westerly and the RI Seacoast is owned and operated by Anthony Pascetta. Anthony is proud to be serving homeowners and businesses in the RI ocean community by offering complimentary consultations, profes-sional measuring, and precise installation services. Budget Blinds only partners with the most reputable manufacturing com-panies to offer a rich selection of quality window coverings that include shutters, blinds, draperies, shades, and window

film. We have a full range of motorization and automation solutions. We also offer other home décor items such as rugs and bedding. Our goal is simple: to provide you with the best products and services in order to enrich your home environment. Take advantage of our pre-Memorial Day special and get up to 30% off of our retail prices. Call us today to schedule your free in home consultation. We’ll bring you the highest quality and most fashionable window coverings in Westerly and the surrounding areas. Looking forward to helping you beautify your home!

INNERACTIVE 62 Franklin Street, Unit 13, Westerly, RI 02891 Phone: (401) 596-7178Web: inneractivechild.comContact: Kaley Campbell

Inneractive, Indoor activity center is an indoor playscape offering a range of activities for children in the age range of 6 months - 12 years of age. Innerac-tive has many different stations devoted to the physical, emotional and social development of children. In addition to open family play, Inneractive also offers weekly parent drop off times as well as weekly workshops such as music, art and children’s yoga. Inneractive also offers

birthday parties, and private event space.

ISLAND MIST105 Franklin StreetWesterly, Rhode Island 02891Phone: 401-864-5563Contact: Johanna Ross – ownerCaitlin Anderson- Manager

We are a gift shop featuring local, hand made products. Johanna, the owner, of

Founder of Island Mist Natural Bath & Body, based on Block Island. Island Mist is a line of handcrafted herbal products produced in small batches, bottled, and labeled on Block Island. We have a high regard for nature’s gifts and promote a healthy way of living as well as being environmentally friendly. As a small, community based business, the idea for the new store is to give other local artisans a place to showcase their work. We fea-ture unique gifts, all local and handmade including soaps, candles, tea, jewelry, quilts, pottery, clothing, paintings wood and glad work. We will be hosting “meet the artist” parties as well as spa days,

workshops and classes. Come say hi!

LIZARME PHOTOGRAPHYUncasville, CT 06382Phone: 860-701-8733Contact: Manuel Lizarme

Lizarme Photography & Videography helps clients preserve memories and portray themselves in the best light. We thrive on repeat business by developing relationships with our clients and call-ing them with timely reminders for new photos. We make professional quality photographs easily available in a digital format. We do this by using a pricing structure that makes our digital photo-graphs a household staple and by making it fun for them to come here or to have us in their homes. We’re in this business for the enjoyment of photography and having fun with people. We want to keep it simple. Our objectives are: To generate a comfortable net profit by the years. To develop systems of production for each product category that are easy to replicate with new clients to keep it simple and fun. To have a client relationship system and call plan that will keep us on top of

each of our client’s scheduled needs at all times. Target marketing for the gateway products of baby pictures, high school photos and wedding albums. Developing relationships with our clients through personal customer service, to turn one-time customers into lifetime clients. Our system of tracking clients’ ongoing needs for photos and taking the initiative to call them for appointments. Currently pro-ducing a short for a Film Festival.

REREADS BOOKSHOP53 High Street, Westerly, RI 02891Phone: 401-596-4111Web: rereadsbooks.comContact: Jill Chomowicz

ReReads is the New Used Bookshop in downtown Westerly. Owner Jill Chomo-wicz created ReReads to be a new kind of bookstore with a new quality of used books. She carefully selected each ‘as new’ book in the comprehensive inven-tory. “I shop hard to stock many of the latest publications and offer the wide vari-ety of genre and depth of subject matter normally available only in new book-stores”. Upon entering people often ask for confirmation: “Is this (really) a used bookstore?” with many parting comments a version of: “You have a lot of really good books.” ReReads is designed to be a new kind of bookstore where the personal ser-vice and friendly environment encourag-es interaction and conversation. Jill has always had a propensity for connecting books with people and people through books. “Reading books about people, places and ideas foreign to us; and talking with people who live, think and believe differently than us are powerful instru-ments of peace.” ReReads Bookshop grew out of her passion facilitate such connec-

tions. Stop in and shop/talk books.

oceanchamber.org Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 3

On May 5th, 31 brave chamber sup-porters will soar from the 32nd story of the Fox Tower to help raise funds to pay off The Chamber’s mortgage. Please consider sending a tax deduct-ible donation check to sponsor any one of the following in our goal of raising

$1,000 minimum per-person in personal sponsorships. We still need $13,900 to make our goal by June 30th. Checks may be made payable to the Ocean Commu-nity Chamber Foundation and mailed to 1 Chamber Way, Westerly, RI 02891. Thank you for your support!

Please note that Ed Morrone is the stunt double for Maria Allen and Bill Stanley is the stunt double for Kerin DaCruz. The two board members preferred to stay on the ground in the cheering section rath-er than experience the thrill of a 60mph ride at that height.

Bruce Morrow Jean Morrow Rodney ButlerEd Smith Rita Marcey Cataldo Peter BoardmanMuffie DiOrio Chris DiPaola

Beth FrenetteJeff Frenette Len Capizzano Angela ThomanJohn Allen Paul Gencarella Christine SmithRobert Holland

Bill Stanley Matt CunninghamBlain “Broadway Joe” Malkin Nancy McBride Barbara StillmanStephanie Shawn Kirsten Petrizzo Kayla Foley

Julie Cardinal Mary Ann Papa Kaley CampbellErica Agnello Maria DiMaggio Ed MorroneLisa Konicki

NEW MEMBERS

WILCOX TAVERN5153 Old Post Road, Charlestown, RI 02813Phone: 401.322.1829Web: wilcoxtavern1730.comContact: Mia Byrnes

The building established in 1730 is the birth place of General Joseph Stanton, the first Rhode Island Senator. After 3.5 years of hibernation, Wilcox Tavern re-opened in September of 2017. Proprietor Mia By-rnes, who owns Mia’s Cafe in Pawcatuck, CT. Mia has kept its Colonial Theme, the Tavern is simple, classic American cuisine, priced for the locals. The Tavern offers various promotions:Tavern Time from 3-6 pm daily, happy hour drinks and snacks priced at $7.301730 Stanton Special offered Sunday- Thursday’s a two course dinner for $17.30 Wine-down Weekends Friday- Saturday when you dine from 3-6 pm, purchase of two entrees you get a free bottle of house wine. Wilcox Tavern serves dinner daily and lunch Friday- Sunday. Hours:Monday- Thursday open at 3 pm, Friday- Sunday open at 1 pm. Reservations are accepted for parties of 8 people or more and holidays. Book your special event, seminar or celebration with us

wilcoxtavern@gmail.com!

Zipline Fundraiser for OCCC

After an 8 year hiatus, The Chamber of Commerce and the Westerly Public Schools resurrected the Student Government Day program. This activity is a worthwhile initiative as it helps engage high school seniors in the world of local government and potentially inspires their future participation. Westerly town employees and

elected officials allowed students to “shadow” them for 2 hours on April 25th. They then participated in a mock School Committee meeting in town chambers and a mock Town Council meeting. Following the program, students walked to Christ Church parish hall for lunch and reflection on their experience. Thank you to

everyone who participated in this worthwhile program. It was a wonderful investment in the future leaders of our community.

Student Government Day Program

4 Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce Newsletter May 2018

Tickets may be purchased at:

Sponsors:

Tickets: $30 in advance $40 at the Door

Live Body Art ● Open Studios ● Food & Beverage Tastings

Friday, May 11, 2018 7-11pm (Food & Beverage Tastings from 7-9pm & Entertainment from 8-11pm)

Velvet Mill Studios 22 Bayview Ave Stonington, CT Age 21+ Event

www.oceanchamber.org

Support By:

#1188

Live Music by SUGAR

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oceanchamber.org Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 5

The Ocean Community Cham-ber of Commerce has an-nounced that it will honor Mal Makin of Professional Planning Group as its 2018 Citizen of the Year, the highest profile honor in our community. Mr. Makin was surprised with the news at an Ocean Community YMCA meeting on April 5.

The Citizen of the Year award was established in 1957 to rec-ognize outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions to the Westerly-Pawcatuck community. Criteria consid-ered in the selection process includes leadership role in the community, specific contributions in business and civic/non-profit organizations, promoting the community image, improving the quality of life in our area, personal and professional characteristics including integrity, creativity, communication skills and broad social perspectives. Mal was the unani-mous choice of the committee.

“Mal has dedicated a tremendous amount of his per-sonal time and finances to support the YMCA and various other local non-profits. He is known as a dy-namic, thoughtful and generous leader who believes passionately in giving back to the community” said Bruce Morrow, Chairman of the Board of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce.

Mal recently completed a 2 year term as President of the Association Board of the Ocean Community YMCA during which time the Y completed an $8.4 million renovation of its facility in Westerly. His as-sociation as a board volunteer began at the Westerly YMCA branch as a member of the Board of Manag-ers and then he joined the Association Board of Di-rectors on which he has been a member since 2006. He serves on the Financial Development Committee and is a member of the Heritage Club. He was instru-mental with the sale of the Camp Wohelo property in 2012 and was a major donor to the capital campaign to renovate the Westerly branch. He sponsors the Zamboni at the Washington Trust Company ice rink, is a major sponsor of the Mystic Golf Tournament, the UBS Golf Tournament and the Leadership Rec-ognition breakfast. He just served a 4th year as Chair of the Ocean Community YMCA Annual Campaign

which raised over $500,000 to support financial assistance for individuals and families involved in various YMCA pro-grams, activities and camps.

He recently was an actor in a “friend-raising” event for the Westerly Library’s anniversa-ry. He is a generous donor to the Westerly Hospital, Westerly Library, Stand Up for Animals, the Chariho Rotary Club and many others. He participated as a panelist in the Finance ca-reer cohort for the Chamber’s BizCamp program. He is Past

President of the American Seniors Golf Association. Mal earned his certified financial planner designa-tion in 1981. In 1987 Money Magazine listed him in a list of the “finest financial planners in the United States”.

The Key Award- This award was established to honor those whose selfless actions have helped the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce achieve its mis-sion. The Westerly Veterans Memorial Committee will be honored for its many years of dedicated service preserving and improving the memorial. In recent years, lights have been added, bluestone replaced, flagpoles installed and new flags added thanks to sponsor support secured from committee members. The committee members, made up of a small group of veterans and their family members, have worked tirelessly to make the memorial a beautiful parcel in town and a source of pride for the veterans and the entire community. They hold periodic ceremonies at the monument to veterans and install flags, fundraise throughout the year, write grants, and install flags.

Mal Makin and the Veterans Memorial Committee will receive their awards at the Annual Dinner.

Annual Dinner Information-The Annual Meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at Venice Restaurant in Westerly, 6pm. There will be a silent auction entitled “The Great Escape” with over 150 auction items for sale at the event. Tickets for the an-nual dinner are $75 and are available on a first-come, first serve basis. The event is open to the public. His-torically, the event sells out, so interested parties are encouraged to register quickly as seating is limited. 401-596-7761.

Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce Announces Citizen of the Year and Key Award Recipient

Malcolm A. Makin

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6 Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce Newsletter May 2018

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FASHION TRASHION GRANITE THEATRE / 4.18.18

oceanchamber.org Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 7

BUSINESS AFTER HOURSWesterly Veterans Memorial Committtee

Career readiness for students K-12 is a primary focus of the Gover-nor’s Workforce Board of Rhode Island. The organization has set aside significant grant monies to encourage new programming that addresses the growing need for exposing students to a wide vari-ety of careers. The days of push-ing students to college as the first choice, and entering the military as the fall-back position are coming to an end. The economy in our region needs a solid stream of new em-ployees entering the workforce after high school and there are excellent job opportunities at Electric Boat and other companies for those who are willing to get career training. It’s now “ok” to have a plan to enter the workforce directly after high school and the future is bright for those securing training in careers as pipe fitters, sheet metal workers, painters and ship fitters, amongst other jobs. The pay is good, the benefits are

solid and the submarine building business is secure for at least the next 20 years. In addition, careers in health care, hospitality and other manufacturing industries are also looking to train good people.

SCHOOL YEAR PROGRAMMING- Now, thanks to a grant that the Westerly Regional Real Jobs RI Partnership was awarded through a competitive process, Westerly stu-dents in grade 4 and in high school will be treated to weekly visits by a myriad of business professionals to learn about the many career choic-es that are available in our region. Some careers require college and some do not. Expanding the hori-zons of the students is empowering and can lead to internships, job shadowing and summer employ-ment. The grant will cover the costs of a Career Readiness Case Manager to work in the high school to devel-op relations with our employers and

coordinate the classroom presenta-tions throughout the school year.

SUMMER WORK PROGRAM- Additionally, the grant will fund a summer work program for 30 students, with a special emphasis on those Westerly students who are receiving free or reduced lunches. The students will first participate in a 40 hour Biz Camp program to learn soft skills. Upon successful completion, they will be placed in a job for the summer that fits their interests and abilities. The first 80 hours of the work experience are paid for through the grant, so long as the employer retains the student for a minimum of another 80 hours on their payroll.

For more information about how your company can get involved, hire a student and take advantage of this program, contact Lisa Konicki at LKonicki@oceanchamber.org.

$85,000 Grant to Support Jobs and Westerly Schools

APRIL 11, 2018

8 Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce Newsletter May 2018

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