TOWN OF WESTERLY 350th COMMITTEE

Chamber News & Views March 2018 oceanchamber.org info@oceanchamber.org 401.596.7761

7. Conduct a historical Scavenger Hunt to

find clues, learn about history, win

prizes

8. Sell commemorative beach towels with

town map or name on it (samples

shown from Florida)

9. Sell T-shirts and sweatshirts (sample

shown of Westerly Home town Proud

shirt with 3 fish logo in a heart)

10. Design an attractive, official RI DOT

approved, Town license plate and take

orders (possibly beach or carousel

background)

11. Sell town holiday ornaments

12. Have a special “350th Anniversary”

theme at the Columbus Day Parade or

a Division in the parade

13. Pageant – Miss Teen Westerly, Little

Miss Westerly, Queen (this was done at

300th Anniversary)

14. Photo book of “Westerly in a day” – 24

hours of images by a variety of

photographers

The Community Committee to plan the Town of Westerly 350th celebration held its first meeting on February 24 at The Chamber. An overview of the events of the 300th Anniversary took place as well as a review of the finances, election of officers and brain storming of ideas. It was discussed that the 300th Anniversary was a week long event. Committee seems to be in consensus that the 350th should be 4 seasons of fun and history – a yearlong celebration. A list of ideas that have been developed by The Chamber’s Board of Directors and through input of others in the community was presented via power point. This committee will ultimately determine if any of the items on the idea list get incorporated. The list, in no particular order, included the following:

Possible Events/Activities - Committee was asked to consider these submitted ideas and bring additional ideas to the next meeting.

1. Dig up the time capsule that is located

in Wilcox Park

2. Pursue a Guinness Book of world record

attempt—possibly the largest cannoli

or largest pizza

3. Create a giant edible 3D cake map of

town or a giant birthday cake (possibly

serve at Pops concert—everyone sings

happy birthday)

4. Paint the Chamber’s giant 3 tier

wooden birthday cake and use in the

Columbus Day parade or at various

events

5. Order custom banners for use on

downtown lamp poles

6. Post a Billboard message on south side

of Chamber’s billboard on Union Street

for several months

15. Calendar contest with photos of town

16. Fireworks –enhance an established

event such as Spring Fest or River

Glow

17. Live music

18. Illuminate the river event – see Lights

on Tampa

19. Speaker series – historical events,

reenactments

20. Walking tours of downtown

architecture/history, Riverbend

Cemetery, Bricks and Murals tour,

etc.

21. Reception/open house at town hall

22. Have town paint the water tower a

fresh new design

Thank you to Diana Serra and Chris Duhamel for

agreeing to serve as Co-chairs, Betty Jo Cugini

Greene as Secretary and Maria DiMaggio as

Treasurer. If you would like to attend the next

meeting, please join us on March 24th at 9am

at The Chamber.

The Chamber’s gateway design competition concluded February 14 with a total of 7 professional designs having been submitted by architects or artists. They vary widely with some being modern, some playful and some classic architecture. Over the next 2 months the chamber’s Board of Directors will review the designs, along with input from a committee of community members,

Community members elected officials, downtown property owners and philanthropists. The design that best meets the contest goals will win $2,000 and the second place design will win $1,000. There is potential that, if there is significant community support, the winning design would be suggested

for implementation downtown. This would begin a very long process with the two towns, and two states involving permitting, fundraising and construction.

GATEWAY DESIGNS RECEIVED

NEW MEMBERS

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Coastline Window Treatments Continued… Joe uses a “Shop at Home” business model combined with an in- home consultation. At the customer’s convenience, Joe brings a selection of high quality window coverings, such as blinds, shutters, shades and verticals from top brands such as Norman and Comfortex directly to potential clients, for an in-home shopping experience. While you’re browsing the large selection of samples, Joe will review your options, and offer creative ideas and smart solutions for any room in your home.Let Coastline Window Treatments bring the showroom to you, and help you make the perfect choice for your home. or visit us on Facebook to schedule your free in-home consultation. Coastline Window Treatments is presently serving customers in South County, RI and Southeastern, CT.

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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS FEBRUARY 14th

Chamber Office Space Available

If you need some extra space to grow your business and would like an ideally located off-site location, consider the chamber of commerce. We have 1 incubator space open. The lease is $400 a month and includes utilities, access to 2 conference rooms, ample parking and a friendly group of co-workers in the neighboring space. To take a tour, contact the Chamber at 401-596-7761.

Skills for RI Youth Grant The Chamber and Westerly Public Schools are teaming up to apply for a grant that would create a summer work based learning program for students of Westerly High. Additionally, the career exploration programs would be expanded during the school year to include bus transportation for work site visits. We hope to coordinate a rotating schedule of professionals to make weekly visits to the elementary school for 30 minute career capsule discussions with students, complete with power point and a show-and-tell of tools of the trade. This is a highly competitive grant and we should know if our proposal was approved in late April.

Benevides &

Turano LLC,

CPAs and Business Advisors

85 Beach Street Westerly, RI

401-596-9797

YOU CAN BE

HERE!

MEMBER NEWS Parcel Center Wins Top Award Again!

PARCEL CENTER, INC., in Westerly, RI earns a Top Shipper Award. On January 31, 2018, United Parcel Service announced Parcel Center, Inc. as a 2017 Top Shipper Facility. The award was presented to Arthur & Zita Kachadourain. This recognition is given to the Top 100 out of more than 5000 participants in the Top Shippers Program in the country. This program was developed in 2005. PCI has earned this recognition every year. Parcel Center, Inc. is located at 62 Franklin St., RT 1, Westerly, RI. 401-596-0644, www.parcelcenterinc.com, Facebook.com/parcelcenterinc

Two Local Companies Merge

Bouvier Insurance is proud to announce their merger with Conti Insurance bringing together two of Westerly RI’s leading agencies with more than 60 years of experience. “This combination allows us to better serve our customers by combining the leading carriers and resources to better serve our clients” said Rob Bouvier, President of Bouvier Insurance. “We look forward to carrying on the Conti Agency tradition of excellence with a strong commitment to the communities we serve” he added.

Literacy Volunteers Elects Two New Board Members and Treasurer

On February 21, 2018, Karen Christian and Anne Driscoll were elected to the Board of Literacy Volunteers Washington County. Ramon Garcia, the Board President said, "We welcome Karen and Anne, who each bring special skills to us. Karen, as a teacher who will supplement our tutor staff and Anne with marketing and social media expertise." Robin Springborn, Vice President added.

Additionally, Stephen K. Lynner, a current Board Member, was elected Treasurer.

Job Fair! April 27 at Westerly

High School. If you would like a table to

accept applications from students or promote your industry, please contact

Lisa Fusaro at lfusaro@westerly.k12.r1.us

Criteria will be considered in the selection process for Citizen of the Year: ●Volunteer service in the community ● Leadership role in the community ●Specific contributions in business, personal endeavors and promoting the community

image ● Personal and professional characteristics, including integrity, creativity and courageousness.