St. Stanislaus School benefit, 9 to 4 in Kolbe Hall, Adams. Bake sale, snack bar, games, Chinese auctions, money raffle, crafts, and pierogi.
Blackinton Union Church, 1373 Massachusetts Ave., North Adams; 10 to 2. Crafts table, bake sale, Chinese auction, the Christmas table, and kid's grab bag. Lunch $4, $2 kids.
First Congregational Church, North Adams, 9-2.
Nov. 28 Becket Federated Church, Route 8, holiday bazaar from 9-3. Lunch, crafts, baked goods, holiday and other items. Information: Mary Peltier, Parish House, 413-623-5217.
Dec. 5
Holiday Fair at First Congregational Church, 25 Park Place, Lee, from 10 to 3; handcrafted items, raffles, children's shop, bake sale, cut Christmas trees and lunch from 11 to 1. Includes angel-themed goods from SERRV. Information, 413-243-1033 or www.ucc-lee.org.
Dec. 12-13
North Adams Country Club, crafts 9-4; food from That's a Wrap from 11-2. Information: Sheryl Morehouse at 413-822-3329.
Planning a bazaar this season? Submit information to info@iberkshires.com to have it listed here.
We're trying out blogs to offer shorter, easy-to-find news. Let us know what you think.
Send press releases and announcements to info@iberkshires.com. Need to contact someone at iBerkshires? Here's how.
Mammography Dispute The government's issued controversial new guidelines stating that women shouldn't get annual mammograms until age 50, rather than age 40.
iBerkshires will be meeting with local medical experts Monday. Have a question you'd like answered on this issue? Send it info@iberkshires.com with "mammogram" in the subject line.
BBB: Research Marketing Agencies Before Signing On
By Paula Fleming Better Business Bureau 05:31PM / Thursday, June 11, 2009
NATICK, Mass.
In today's rough economy, businesses are looking for fresh ways to promote and market their products or services. They sometimes choose to turn to outside marketing agencies to help them. However, Better Business Bureau warns businesses that TLC Marketing of Boston tops its list of "Most Complained about Businesses."
With a BBB Rating of F, TLC Marketing has generated more than 1,000 complaints in the last 36 months. The business states that it is a promotional agency that helps businesses offer rewards to their customers that include travel vouchers for free flights, cruises and hotels. TLC Marketing received an F rating because of concerns about the industry that the business operates in, as well as the extensive number of complaints filed against the business.
"As always, BBB encourages consumers to take the time to obtain a business review before making any purchasing decisions," said Paula Fleming, vice president of communications and marketing for BBB. "Although TLC Marketing has attempted to resolve their 1,000-plus complaints, BBB has determined that over 200 customers remain unsatisfied."
BBB received 212 complaints against TLC's service department, with consumers complaining that service deadlines were delayed. BBB also processed several complaints in which consumers complained that contracts or agreements with TLC Marketing were not honored and that TLC Marketing failed to respond to phone calls or written requests for support.
For more business advice you can trust, including information about marketing your products and services, check out bbb.org and Start With Trust.
Paula Fleming is vice president of communications and marketing for BBB in Boston. BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. For more guidance finding work and avoiding money-making scams, go to bbb.org
