The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT will host ribbon cutting ceremonies on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 8 a.m. for the United Community & Family Services’ New London office, 351 North Frontage Road, Suite 24, and on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Wide World of Indoor Sports, 2 Sachatello Industrial Drive, Montville.

The ceremoneies will kick off at noon. Refreshments will be served. Visit www.ChamberECT.com/events or call (860) 701-9113 to learn more.

The American Red Cross will hold a Blood Drive at Snap Fitness, 88 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic, on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 1-5:45 pm. For an appointment or more information call (860) 691-1140 or email niantic@snapfitness.com.

The 12th Annual Enders Island Golf Classic will take place Oct. 5 at 1 p.m. at Stonington Country Club for the benefit of 12-step recovery programs. Kolbe Cottage, the Recovery Residence on the Island for young men aged 18 to 25 years old, is the driving force behind this annual event. For more information on the recovery program, visit www.endersisland.com.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney will receive the 10th Annual Palmer Davies Leadership Award. from United Community & Family Services. Courtney has distinguished himself as a tireless leader and advocate for affordable and quality health care throughout the 2nd Congressional District, UCFS said.

The award is named for Fannie Palmer and Emily Davies, who envisioned the agency almost 140 years ago.

UCFS will recognize Courtney at its Annual Meeting Oct. 13 at 5 p.m. at The Cabaret Theatre at Mohegan Sun Casino, 1 Mohegan Blvd., Uncasville. To attend, contact Pamela Allen Kinder at 822-4146 or pkinder@ucfs.org.

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT will hold the annual State of Norwich update on Friday, Sept. 25, from 7:45-9 a.m. at Norwich City Hall. Norwich Mayor Deb Hinchey and Superintendent of Schools Abby Dolliver will outline the city and school system's successes of the past year and discuss their expectations for the coming year. They will then take guest questions and comments following their presentation. Admission is $5 for Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT members and $10 for non-members, and includes continental breakfast. Learn more & register online at www.ChamberECT.com/events or call (860) 701-9113.

Nicole Martines of Clinton has launched Crafty Nicole with the help of Vista staff. She creates duct tape accessories, including wallets, flower pens and hand-braided bracelets.

For more information, email Sharon Grogan at sgrogan@VistaVocational.org. Based in Madison and Westbrook, Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center is a 501©3 nonprofit organization that provide services and resources to assist individuals with disabilities achieve personal success. For more information about Vista, visit www.vistavocational.org

Brewer Pilots Point Marina will host an Offshore Boat Preparation Seminar for racers and cruisers in Westbrook on Saturday, Nov. 7. This date is the third in the series for the Brewer Yacht Yard Group, who have hosted two previous events that were well attended by offshore sailors and crews planning to participate in the 2016 Newport Bermuda Race or make an offshore voyage.

The November seminar will focus on assisting racers and offshore sailors how to prepare their vessels for a safe and swift voyage. Speakers will include Rives Potts, owner-skipper of the 2010 and 2012 St. David’s Lighthouse Trophy winner Carina; Michael Keyworth, VP and GM of Brewer Cove Haven Marina, and Newport Bermuda Race Chief Inspector James Phyfe.

The cost of $125 per boat entitles all crew members to attend. For more information on the seminar and to register, visit www.byy.com/NBR or contact Lynn Oliver at loliver@byy.com. For more information about the race, visit www.BermudaRace.com. 

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT is seeking nominations for the annual Military Community Support Award. Nominate a business (not an individual) that has gone above and beyond to show support for our local men and women in uniform. The nominated business must be a current Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT member. Self-nominations are allowed. Nominations will be reviewed by the Chamber's Military Affairs Council, with the winner honored at the Chamber's 6th Annual Military Appreciation Breakfast held Friday, Nov. 13, at Mystic Marriott. Nominations are due by Friday, Oct. 16, at 5 p.m. Visit www.ChamberECT.com/events to submit your nomination. Call the Chamber office at (860) 701-9113 to learn more.

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