Chamber Honors Sister Sardinha, East Bay Newspapers

Sister Mary Sardinha  and  East Bay Newspapers take home the big prizes as the East Bay Chamber honors its person and business of the year.

The Chamber will present the awards to the recipients at its annual awards dinner on Oct. 17, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.at Jacky's Galaxie, 383 Metacom Ave. in Bristol.

The chamber is honoring Sardinha for her lifelong commitment to helping children and the poor. Here's what the chamber had to say about her:

"Sister Mary Sardinha has dedicated her life to helping our neighbors, young and old. The impact she has had on so many lives in the East Bay has had a profound 'ripple' into many aspects of many lives. For over 60 years she's helped the sick, fed the poor, educated our youth, and if you ask most in the East Bay who 'Sister Sards' is, a smile will come across their face. With her exuberant spirit, fearless approach to lead projects, and dedication to help others, she has taught & run schools, started and facilitated a children's summer camp for the past 46 years, organized & facilitated numerous projects throughout the East Bay & beyond, active in countless community organizations, enhancing our community, all without expectation of recognition and praise."

In honoring East Bay, the Chamber lists the company's recent expansion in Portsmouth and history of support for the local business community. 

"Business of the Year, East Bay Newspapers continues to be the local community resource for news and advertising. In the past year, the company has launched a new paper in Portsmouth and has grown the One Bradford marketing arm of the business through a merger with The Chatter Group, another local business. East Bay Newspapers adapts to the changing landscape by offering new and innovative ideas that complement the traditional. This year, East Bay Newspapers partnered with Explore Bristol to develop a mobile app to reflect the content in the booklets that are available throughout the state. In July, East Bay Newspapers built a mobile Parade Order of March to complement the standard pull out section. East Bay Newspapers has launched a weekday daily email newsletter reflecting the best news and stories of the day. East Bay Newspapers provides support to the local business community through print and online advertising, special sections and programs that suit their unique needs."