CARTHAGE — As a way to spotlight area businesses and non profit organizations, the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce hosts Business After Hours events the third Thursday of each month.
The networking events provide a casual environment for business persons to mingle with each other and members of the public and for all to learn more about the host business or organization.
In March, Zero Dock hosted the event. Adam Fuller is working with the restaurant’s owners, Scott C. and Shannon J. Sauer, to reboot the establishment as an event venue but also bring back weekend dinners with an English, Scottish and Irish theme in the newly named Papermakers Pub.
The restaurant served one of its new speciality foods — shepherd’s pie — during the event.
“We have a good thing going,” Scott Sauer said. “It’s good to see people here. We hope to keep good things going.”
This month, Village Ecumenical Ministries will host the community event.
The VEM Food Pantry, 495 S. Washington St,, will welcome guests from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday to show the community what the nonprofit has to offer.
“I love any opportunity to explain to people exactly what we do,” said Jody Mono, coordinator for the pantry.
Mono said she plans to do mock visits again, walking “clients” through the intake process and the distribution of food.
“This will give people a terrific chance to see the building that Robert Sturtz made for the VEM Carthage Food Pantry as well as allow them to see all of the programs that we have and all that we can offer those in need,” VEM president Decima Chiasson said.
Although the food pantry is the most visible service VEM provides, the organization, comprised of local churches, also organizes the annual CROP Walk to fight world hunger, organizes the Religious Release program for school children, provides Christmas celebration for nursing home residents, provides gifts and food baskets through the Angel Tree program at Christmas, organizes Stone Soup Suppers and hosts community religious services during Lent, Thanksgiving and Easter.
“I am excited for our next Business After Hours at the VEM Food Pantry,” said Tina Lanier, chamber president. “This is such a huge asset for our community, it allows neighbors to help neighbors. The Business After Hours allows all of us who attend to give back. In lieu of paying for entrance into the event you may bring items to donate to the pantry. In the past this has helped the food panty replenish their stock. I do hope to see everyone there.”
Mono said there is a need for nonperishable food items and hygiene products.
Finger foods will be served and there will be a raffle and tours at the Business After Hours event. The chamber will also hold a 50/50 raffle. Call the chamber at 315-493-3590 to make reservations.
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