Night at The Farm II
The fourth of our series of summer fund raisers was a fabulous event under the stars at Watson Farm. With the help of community contributors, volunteers, and over 50 Chamber Members, the Chamber was able to donate an additional $6,500 towards the purchase of a no-till seeder for use by the Jamestown Farming Community. The two year total raised was $9,500. With any luck the new equipment will be on the island by next spring. Thanks to everyone who helped make this event a success. Cowabunga!
Annual Expo Moves to the Fall and Gets Rave Reviews
The annual Chamber Business Expo moved from Spring to Fall this year, and both attendees and exhibitors commented that this year's Expo was the best ever. The night was highlighted by a sell-out of all exhibitor spaces, a Taste of Jamestown Chowda’s, $200 in Chamber Check give-a-ways, great hospitality and camaraderie. Over 250 residents and assorted guests mingled, snacked and relaxed amidst a broad cross section of our village and in-home business community. Many thanks to the PAC for hosting and event. We hope to see you next fall!
Please join the Chamber in welcoming
new members!
Around the Island on a Fall Afternoon
Many thanks to Steve and Cindy Moreau, owners of P&M Marine for a fabulous excursion around the island on board the 80’ research vessel, Eastern Explorer. Nearly 40 Chamber members and guests wined and dined during the circumnavigation of Conanicut, and were treated to an up close and personal visit to the helm where Captains Steve and Fred Pease gave a lesson in navigation.
Departure
The Chamber sends a heartfelt thank you to Alice Dunn, our dedicated Executive Director for over five years. The Chamber certainly grew and prospered during her tenure. Alice is pursuing some new personal goals, and can still be found at the Jamestown Press. Thank you for all of your hard work!! Good Luck Alice!!
BOARD NOTES:
The Chamber is pleased to have Mike Jacquard of the Bay Voyage join our Board of Directors. The Chamber board meets year-round to organize events and welcome new businesses into the Community. These dedicated volunteers are the heart and soul of the Chamber events. Thanks to all Board members past and present, and a special welcome to Mike Jacquard!
HELP WANTED: Talented and creative people needed to help with two community projects:
1. Looking for a design professional, engineer or builder to recommend improvements to the public rest room facility which will decrease misuse and vandalism.
2. Looking for a handy individual to do minor repairs to the community bulletin board, including replacement of the lighting and cork backing.
Contact Mike Swistak at 294-3304 or 423-0899 if you are the one!
WHAT'S GOING ON?
Chamber Gets a New Executive Director
Please welcome our new Executive Director – Elizabeth M. Mullen. Elizabeth is now ‘driving the chamber bus,' and applying her skills as a web designer to promote Chamber businesses and events. She can be reached at 423-3650 or info@jamestownrichamber.com.
AFTER HOURS EVENT:
Pre-Holiday Wine Tasting
Don’t miss our next after hours networking at Grapes and Gourmet on Thursday, November 17 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Our host Frank LaPere will share his wine and gourmet related grey matter with Chamber members and their guests. This tasting also coincides wonderfully with the arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveau wines! For more details, or to RSVP, please contact Frank at 423-0070.
Chamber Gets a Seat on the New Traffic Commission
The Town Council has recently re-designed the old Parking Committee, and created a new Traffic Commission made up of a cross section of community leaders. Thankfully, the council has designated a spot for a Chamber representative. Christine Tanner of ReMax/Flagship has agreed to be our first representative. Thank you Chris, and to the Town Council for stewarding this important commission.
WHAT'S COMING UP!?
The Chamber Goes to the Boat Show
The Jamestown Chamber will make its' traditional trip to the Providence Boat Show on January 12-15 at the RI Convention Center.There is plenty of opportunity to display your promotional material at the Jamestown Booth for a modest fee; as we attempt to introduce the out-of-towners to the many reasons to visit Jamestown. For further information, contact Bill or May Munger 423-7156, Chuck Masso 742-1980, or David Swain 423-1662.
MEMBERSHIP: If you haven't already, please mail in your membership renewal form this week. Your membership entitles you to a listing in our "members and attractions" listing, a listing on the Chamber website, and invitations to after hours networking events. The Chamber is strong because of over 148 member businesses, and we thank you for your ongoing participation!
For an electronic version of the renewal form please go to jamestownrichamber.com/downloads/memberapp.pdf
CALENDAR: please keep us advised of events open to the public, and check in on upcoming events on our website and the local papers!
HOLIDAYS IN JAMESTOWN!
Plans are underway to celebrate the holidays and make Jamestown "Christmas Island" for the month of December. Some of the local festivities include:
December 1 - 3 Young Shopper's Store at Melrose School. Contact Karen Rafenelli 423-3953
Saturday, December 3 1:00 p.m. Santa arrives by Ferry. Walk with Santa to The Ship's Store at 20 Narragansett Avenue for a special visit and photo with Santa. Contact CMS Ship's Store 423-1556. Sponsored by Conanicut Marine
Saturday, December 3 Open House at many area businesses. Come in for holiday shopping and enjoy refreshments and special treats.
Saturday, December 3 CIAA Holiday Craft Fair and Little Picture Show. 9:00 am—4:00 pm. Melrose School. Contact Shirley Bell 423-0811.
Saturday, December 3 at 5:30 p.m. Tree Lighting at East Ferry Wharf. Music provided by the Jamestown School Band and Jamestown Community Chorus.
Friday, December 9 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Harbor Fire at East Ferry Wharf. Gather with family, friends and neighbors for Jamestown’s own Harbor Fire. Music by Mannheim Steamroller. Sponsored by CMS Ship's Store and Jamestown Chamber of Commerce.
Saturday, December 10 1:00 p.m. Teddy Bear Tea at the Bay Voyage. Bring your favorite bear or doll for an elegant tea with Mrs. Claus and an enjoyable lesson on manners. Ages 5 and up are welcome, including adults! Tickets are $1 and available at Jamestown Designs (17 Narragansett Avenue 423-0344). Event sponsored by Rabecca L. Eunis, CPA.
Saturday, December 10 Jamestown Community Chorus Concert. Central Baptist Church
Saturday, December 10 Chamber Check Day -- Chamber Checks available for purchase at 10% discount this day only! Where else can you get $100 for $90?! Chamber Checks for sale at Baker's Pharmacy, Grapes & Gourmet, Jamestown Press, Jamestown Hardware and CMS Ship's Store. A great holiday gift idea!
Saturday, December 17 11:00 a.m. Paws & Claws Dog Parade on Narragansett Avenue. Dress your dog in its holiday finery and take a stroll down Narragansett Avenue. $5 Registration Fee with all proceeds benefitting the Senior Pet Fund. Contact Paws and Claws 423-9677 to register your pet.
Sunday, December 18 The Polar Express Trolley. Departing East Ferry 11: 00 a.m., Noon, 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. Take a ride through Jamestown to see the holiday decorations. Sing holiday carols and listen to a reading of Chris Van Allburg’s award-winning book “The Polar Express”. The 45 minute trip ends with a visit from Santa. Pajamas encouraged! Tickets are $1 and available at Jamestown Designs. Event sponsored by Jack’s Electric. For information, please contact Jamestown Designs 423-0344.
Thursday, December 22 6:00 p.m. Santa Visits Fire Station!
Last week of December Hanukkah Dinner. Jamstown Senior Center. Time & Date TBA. Contact Barbara Szepatowski 423-9677
CHECK LOCAL PAPERS FOR SPECIAL UPDATES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!!
Volunteers are always welcome. Coordinators/sponsors are listed for each event.