Archive for the 'Blog' Category

The Greater Boston Real Estate Board has set up a foundation that provides scholarships ranging from $1,000 – $5,000 to high school seniors. Scholarships will be awarded this spring to students based on financial need, academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement and short written essays.

The application deadline is April 1, 2012, with applications available here.

GBREB Scholarship Flyer – 2012

For a wonderful selection of unique and hand-crafted gifts, shop this season at the renowned Lexington Arts and Crafts Society Holiday Marketplace! It’s a great opportunity to shop local and support the non-profit society!

Featured items include basketry, ceramics, fine jewelry, paintings, weavings, woodworks, cards, photography, needle arts, polymer clay, decorative arts and beading.

Marketplace hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 6pm and Sunday, Noon – 6pm.

Location: 130 Waltham Street, Lexington, MA (right off Lexington Center)

Free parking and admission.

And enjoy a special “Men’s Night Out” for those last minute shoppers on December 22nd, 5pm – 8pm!

Thanks to all of you who visited us (on a chilly night!) at the Higgins van at the Trunk or Treat event in Bedford! It was great to see you all and we had a great time reminding everyone that “there’s no place like home” with our Wizard of Oz theme costumes!

And a quick reminder that Halloween fun is still yet to come! Due to the intense storm and power outages on Sunday, here’s a look at rescheduled events this week.

The Lexington Retail Association trick or treat event in Lexington Center is rescheduled for Thursday, November 3^rd from 2-5pm.

Lexington residents are “encouraged to use Saturday, November 5 to celebrate Halloween”.

And Bedford Trick or Treating will be held Saturday, November 5^th from 5pm – 7pm.

Best wishes and stay safe and warm!

As an active member of the business community of Bedford, The Higgins Group has partnered with the Chamber for many years. We’re excited to share a community profile of our business colleague Maureen Sullivan!

Can you tell us about your organization?

The Bedford Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization. Our overall mission is advance the economic, industrial, professional, cultural and civic welfare of the Town of Bedford.

Why did you chose this role?

When my youngest child went off to school, I was looking for a part-time job that was challenging but doable with a young family. My background was in manufacturing, which I loved, but there was never any down time. The Chamber was a perfect fit!

What do you like best about it?

I love the diversity of the job as I get to do a little bit of everything, public relations, event planning, budgets, and programming, plus I have a beautiful office in the Town Center. 

What are the biggest challenges you face in your business right now?

The Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, so it is always a bit challenging from a fiscal point of view.

What do you think makes the Bedford area unique?

Bedford is a wonderful town to both live and work in. The most incredible aspect of Bedford is how the residents support each other. I often tell people that Bedford is a place where if you break your leg and have 3 little kids, someone will show up on your door step with a home-cooked dinner!

What do you like best about the Bedford community?

I like the small town feel and if you live here long enough, everyone really does know your name.

Your favorite event in Bedford and why?

Our annual Chamber of Commerce fundraiser Flavors of Bedford, because it an afternoon of elegance, fine dining and chance to mingle with people from all over town. 

A favorite activity in and around Boston?

The bike path. 

Favorite restaurant/recreation spot in the area?

Bedford Farms Ice Cream..french vanilla with jimmies!

Upcoming Chamber events…Save the date!  Flavors of Bedford will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2011. And we’re also thrilled to announce that this year Higgins is partnering with the Chamber as title sponsor of The Higgins Holiday House Tour to be held Sunday, December 4^th! Please join us for a wonderful afternoon touring several festively decorated Bedford homes, as well as a coffee and dessert reception. Details and info on how to purchase tickets will be posted soon!

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

There’s still plenty of time to take advantage of the many great summer adventures that Boston has to offer! Enjoy being a tourist for a day right in the heart of the city!

Duck Around Town

This may seem like a typical tourist attraction – and it is – but boy is a Boston Duck Tour fun! Whether you are new to the region or a native, the daily duck tours are a great way to get acquainted with Boston’s rich history by land and by sea. And, it’s a great excuse to spend some time on the picturesque Charles River.

Tour the Harbor Islands

For more time on the water, grab a ferry downtown and explore Boston’s Harbor Islands. This national park features 34 islands encompassing 1,600 acres and 35 miles of undeveloped ocean shoreline. Enjoy hiking trails, beaches, ranger-led tours, camping, kayaking, boat cruises, nature walks and historic sites. We suggest George’s Island where you can tour Fort Warren, a Civil War-era fort or, enjoy a day on Spectacle Island where you can picnic, hike, explore the visitor’s center with exhibits, a café, and a swimming beach.

Go Sox!

Watching a Sox game at Fenway is just a necessary part of summer around here! Take a stroll down Yawkey Way and take in the sights and sounds of Red Sox Nation!

Art Inside & Out

In addition to sightseeing and sports, you can also enjoy the beauty of Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art. The modern building of glass and steel overlooks the water making the location as interesting as the wonderful art it holds. Enjoy the many traveling exhibits, programs and events.

A Taste of the North End

After all that fun you’ll be ready for some fabulous food. There’s nothing like dining in Boston’s historic Italian district, the North End. Enjoy an array of amazing restaurants, cafes, shops and bakeries (whatever you do, don’t skip the bakeries!).

Enjoy!