October 19, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 13 The Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce is again organizing WinterFest, an eight-week celebration scheduled to begin on Dec. 2 with a 7 p.m. Opening Ceremony in Veterans Memorial Park. This year’s festival will present a wide variety of activities for all ages, including charity drives, contests for all ages, dining events, and opportunities to discover the region’s remarkable history and cultural diversity. “The WinterFest Steering Committee is collaborating with local merchants, restaurants, retailers, and non-profit groups to Plans for WinterFest under way; sponsors needed develop innovative, fun, and educational activities,” said WinterFest Chairperson Annette Freund. “We are partnering with the Hindu Samaj Community Center in Mahwah to present the first-ever, inter-cultural dance spectacular, featuring dance troupes from all over the region. It is sure to be exciting, and I encourage everyone to come out and join us.” Prospective sponsors are invited to put an ad in the program. The theme for this year’s festival is “supporting our military moms and troops,” and part of the proceeds received from sponsorships will go to the Mahwah Marine Moms & North Jersey Military Moms, and the Chamber’s Organization of the Year. Want to attract new customers to your restaurant and support our troops at the same time? Several WinterFest “Support Our Troops” nights are being planned at member restaurants. Since 2006, the Mahwah Marine Moms & North Jersey Military Moms have shipped care packages to over 230 service men and women and their units in Iraq and Afghanistan, some serving two deployments. Bring your family to a “Support Our Troops” night and thank these organizations at the same time. Is your business planning a charity drive for the holidays? Are you confused about which charity drive to support? The WinterFest “Spread the Cheer” program can help you promote your drive or provide a comprehensive list of options from clothing drives to toy collections and much more. Check the Chamber website, Mahwah.com, for details. Many other activities, including the The Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a free Non-member Open House sponsored by Sheraton Mahwah Hotel, Bergen Health & Life, and MyBergen.com, on Wednesday, Nov. 9. This event, which is for non-members only, will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Mahwah Hotel at One International Boulevard in Mahwah. “The Chamber is excited to host this free Open House event and showcase our new special program for your V.I.B. (very important business),” said MRCC President Susan Lord. “Gain valuable insights about the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce and how we can help you grow your business.” Attendees are invited to enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. There will be an opportunity to win a 52inch Sharp AQUOS LCD TV and other Local businesses invited to Non-member Open House prizes. While there is no fee for the event, preregistration is mandatory. Register by visiting mahwah.com or by calling the Chamber office at (201) 529-5566. Founded in 1957, the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic organization of more than 500 businesses, representing over 95 communities in the region. The Chamber’s membership includes retail, professional, service, and corporate businesses, both large and small. Its primary objective is to advance the general welfare and prosperity of the greater Mahwah region so its citizens and its business community may prosper. Particular attention and emphasis are given to the business, social, civic, cultural, and educational interests of the region. The Chamber’s office is located at 65 Ramapo Valley Road, Suite 211 in Mahwah. annual senior line drawing and children’s coloring contests are being developed. Keep an eye out for future announcements about these and other family-friendly events. Business and family sponsors are needed ($25 to $5,000). WinterFest sponsors help support the good work of the selected local organizations and the families they serve. Donations from previous festivals have lit the Veterans Tree, helped families in need through the Center for Food Action, and funded family-friendly exhibits at the Mahwah Museum. For a calendar of events or to purchase a sponsorship, visit mahwah.com, or call the Chamber office at (201) 529-5566.