Busy week ahead (and you did remember to change your clock, right?) with a small business forum, an event for one of Portsmouth's reps, a campaign kickoff in the RI Treasurer race, and a pasta dinner to support our PHS kids on a humanitarian trip.

On Monday, Rep. Jay Edwards (Island Park) will be hosting his second small business forum. Representatives of National Grid will be on hand to discuss energy-saving techniques small businesses can use, and CPA Grafton "Cap" Willey will discuss regulations that apply to small businesses. At the Tiverton Community center on Judson street, 6:30pm. If you're a small business owner in Portsmouth, this one might be worth crossing the bridge for.

The Friends of Rep. Amy Rice (District 72; south Portsmouth) will be hosting a fundraising reception for her campaign on St. Patrick's Day at the 121 Speakeasy, 121 Washington Street in Providence. Amy has been a strong progressive voice in the legislature, serves Aquidneck Island well on the Judiciary and Environment committees, and I hope you'll join me in supporting her. Suggested contribution: $50. More info available on Amy's web site or connect with her on Facebook.

Tom Sgouros, a Democratic candidate for RI Treasurer, is having a campaign kickoff this Thursday, March 18 at the Hi-Hat in Providence from 6-9pm. With a huge list of co-hosts, and live music from the What Cheer? Brigade, this promises to be a fun evening. I've already endorsed Sgouros for reasons you can read about here, and if you are looking for a smart, progressive policy wonk in the Treasurer's office, I hope you'll consider joining me there. Suggested contribution, $100. Details at Tomfortreasurer.com.

Next Sunday, March 21, Infinity Volunteers is hosting a pasta dinner at Sardella's in Newport to support the nine PHS students making a humanitarian trip to New Orleans this spring. There will be live entertainment and a silent auction. Their last event was big fun, and it's a great cause. Tickets are just $20 and are going fast. For more info you can contact cunninghamk[at]portsmouthschoolsri[dot]org or, If you're on Facebook, you can connect with them here.

Full disclosure: I believe that I am likely a member of the shadowy group referred to in a quote attributed to Larry Fitzmorris by the Newport Daily News describing the "core of the Democratic Party." You have been warned. :)