Afternoon Delight

 

Come and join us for the seventh annual cabaret ”Afternoon Delight” on

Sunday April 7, 2013 at 2pm at The Salem Cross Inn and Restaurant. The

annual cabaret, sponsored by the Proprietors of the Ware Center

Meeting House, is held each year to raise funds to help restore the

Ware Center Meeting House and Museum. The cabaret features local

favorites Jane Sterndale, Deborah Cook, Sandy Fritz, Walter Lindsey,

Carol Zins, Rikki LaMonda, Dave Brown, Eva Brown and A Trio of Women.

Tickets are $15 per person and include dessert and coffee. Cash bar is

available. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Call 413-967-7223 or

508-867-7461 to reserve your ticket today. All proceeds benefit the

restoration of the historic Ware Center Meeting House and Museum.

Located in Ware, The Ware Center Meeting House was heavily damaged in

a fire in 1986. The Proprietors are a non- profit organization formed

to renovate and preserve the Ware Center Meeting House. The Meeting

House once listed as one of the most endangered historical sites in

Massachusetts was recently listed as one of the 1000 places to visit

in Massachusetts. This past year, the Proprietors used reclaimed wood

from the Ware-Gilbertville covered bridge that was donated by the Ware

Historical Commission to construct a replica of a horse shed that was

part of the property in the early 1900’s. All money raised will be

used to further the restoration efforts.

 

Masterplan Survey

Looking at Ware’s Downtown From a Different Point of View

In the Fall of 2012, the Town of Ware embarked upon a large-scale Master Plan process. Using supporting research conducted by the UMass Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning Department, this year-long process will create a 10-year vision and strategic plan for Ware in areas ranging from community and economic development, education, housing, infrastructure, and transportation.

UMass graduate student, Christina Mills, is continuing the work begun last fall to examine the current business mix of the downtown, the available space for new businesses and the way residents and consumers use the downtown and the types of businesses they want to see.

Beginning this week, consumers from Ware and surrounding towns are invited to participate in a Customer Survey of Ware’s Downtown. The survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete and has been designed to gather basic information about customer activity – or non-activity.  It provides a range of suggested business types which could foster the development of a more vibrant, walkable and engaging downtown.  Finally, it asks a few questions about how the respondent feels about existing businesses (hours, variety, quality) and parking.

Take the survey online here!

It is also available in printed form at many businesses throughout Ware, the Senior Center, Young Men’s Library Association, and at many offices in Town Hall. Surveys can be returned where they were picked up or to the Town Hall. For further information, please contact Karen Cullen, AICP, Director of Planning & Community Development at 413-967-9648 ext. 118.

 

Ware Girl Scout collection drive

For the past five years the Ware Girl Scouts have put together Easter baskets to be distributed through The Jubilee Cupboard, our local food pantry. This year we are trying to fill 100 baskets with personal care items, school supplies, and a few fun items like chalk, puzzles, books, and candy. We are also in need of baskets and cellophane wrap. I spoke with Bill Braman this morning and he suggested sending the flier your way to be emailed through the Business and Civic Association. If anyone would like to donate items they may contact me at 413-658-7319 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . We plan to fill the baskets March 15th and they will be handed out March 21st and28th through The Jubilee Cupboard.
Thank you so much for any help you can offer!

View their brochure that lists all the items that would be helpful-click here.

Health Care Seminar

"Exploring Health Care Options"

The Ware Business and Civic Association will host a health care seminar on
Wednesday, Feb 27th at 9:30 at the Ware Fire Station.

The seminar is entitled "Exploring Health Care Options" and will feature guest speakers;

  • William Karger, of the Commonwealth Connector and
  • Kristin Faucette McCarthy, Health and Wellness Coordinator.

The event is free to members and non members and will address health insurance questions as they pertain to business and employee health insurance. The Commonwealth Connector is an independent state agency that helps Massachusetts residents find health insurance coverage and avoid tax penalties. Commonwealth Choice offers many name-brand health insurance options, all of which carry their Seal of Approval. Commonwealth Care is low or no-cost health insurance for people who qualify.

The Ware Business and Civic Association is a non profit formed to expand economic opportunity for Ware businesses and to promote civic pride.
The Association has planned several informational seminars this year geared to topics relevant to the needs of Ware businesses. This seminar is particularly important as major parts of the Affordable Care Act will be become law in 2014.