Clinton Chamber to hold business, community expo

CLINTON >> The Clinton Chamber of Commerce will host its 26th Annual Business & Community Expo at Andrews Memorial Town Hall on Tuesday March 21. More than 50 local businesses, restaurants, and civic groups will be present.

The format has evolved over the years and is now held on a Tuesday. Now nicknamed ‘Expo After Hours’ the event will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The public is welcome and there is no admit charge. This year, community members can look forward to food and beverage tastings set up around the event. At press time, food vendors include: Scottish Dave’s; Doc’s Bar & Grill; Clinton Subway; Saldamarco’s Deli, and Chow’s Food and Beverage.

Businesses who register to table at the event can also sign up for a workshop on how to set up their booth so it stands out at the Expo. The workshop is included with registration and will be run by Chamber Board Members Jessica Demers and Mari Lee. This workshop is scheduled prior to the Expo and is set for Tuesday Feb. 28 from 6 to 7:30. At this workshop businesses will learn unique tricks to stand out as well as how to prepare a memorable elevator speech.

Those who are interested in tabling or attending this event should contact the Clinton Chamber of Commerce at 860-669-3889.

Singers can apply for vocal competition

Applications are now being accepted for the 11th annual Voices For Hope vocal competition scholarship for New England vocalists ages 11-19, to benefit social service programs providing food and shelter to those in need through Local United Network to Combat Hunger (LUNCH).

Voices For Hope, combining music and community outreach, gives aspiring vocalists an opportunity to use their talent and love of singing to benefit those in need, while also giving themselves an opportunity to win a $500 scholarship and professional performance and recording opportunities. To date, participants have hailed from six states including winners from CT, MA, and RI.

The final deadline is April 10. The finalists will audition live in front of a panel of music industry professionals, and perform at the annual Harry Chapin Tribute Concert to be held on April 29 in Mystic. Winners receive a $500 scholarship, featured performance opportunities and a professional recording to be released worldwide. Winners from prior years have performed at the Bushnell, the Shubert Theater, the Granite Theater, the University of Hartford, with professionals such as Melba Moore, Diana DeGarmo, the Chapin Family, and Patti Austin. They have also released professional recordings through LUNCH to benefit local nonprofit agencies. Any eligible vocalist interested in participating in the competition may obtain details and entry forms from the LUNCH website at www. lunchensemble.com, or by calling 860-572-9285 before the entry deadline.

LUNCH was founded in 1989 by Grammy-winning songwriter Bill Pere, who is also one of Connecticut’s Official State Troubadours. He has appeared on a Cheerios box as a “Hunger-Fighting Hero”, and was named one of the “Top 50 Innovators and Guiding Lights of the Music Industry” by Music Connection Magazine. LUNCH has involved more than 3,000 kids in hundreds of benefit performances over the last 20 years, raising more than $1,000,000 for social service programs.

Fundraiser benefits Vista Life Innovations

The enchanted world of fairy tales will be brought to life at the Water’s Edge Resort and Spa in Westbrook on April 29 for Vista Life Innovations’ annual Starlight Benefit spring fundraiser and social event.

Open to community members, the Vista Starlight Benefit is a spirited event featuring live and silent auctions, a cocktail function, dinner and entertainment. Funds raised by the event support the many programs and services of Vista Life Innovations, a community-based program supporting the personal success of individuals with disabilities.

The honoree for this year’s fairytale-themed event is Tina Dattilo, vice president of the Water’s Edge Resort and Spa. Tina has spent her entire career in the hospitality industry, going above and beyond to help make people’s dreams come true.

Tickets for Vista’s Starlight Benefit: A Fairytale Evening start at $100. Guests are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite fairytale character.

For tickets, information about sponsorships or online fundraising opportunities, visit www.vistalifeinnovations.org/starlightbenefit. For questions or to get involved, contact Jessica Liedke, Fundraising and Events Manager, at jliedke@vistalifeinnovations.org or 860-399-8080 ext. 268.