through a concerted membership drive, spearheaded by Membership chairman Bob Herr, secretary of BSoA.

Through the work of members and volunteers, the BSoA expects to increase its membership to over 700. Included on the membership committee are Susan Hill, Jennifer Stobo, Gillian Adshead, Belinda Tartaglia and Jo-Ann Curnow.

The BSoA is offering a Privilege Package designed to lure members who may or may not be artistically inclined.

New members will receive the remainder of this year's membership free plus full membership for 1997.

Other perks include free art lessons in workshops of their choice, the ability to enter an annual new members' show at City Hall, invitations to all preview shows and functions, monthly newsletters and an invitation to an "introduction'' party where prizes will be awarded.

Joining the BSoA is a great opportunity to meet new people, including the Bermuda's top artists. One does not have to be artistically inclined to join.

If you have an appreciation for art or just enjoy meeting new people, the BSoA is for you.

The membership drive kicked off on September 9 and it is expected that it won't take long to reach the goal of 100 new members.

The BSoA gallery is located on the third floor of City Hall. All are welcome to browse through the gallery which is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

*** Caesar's Pharmacy will be conducting a weight-loss programme to help you lose unwanted pounds and raise funds for the Packwood Home.

There will be weekly weight-ins, blood pressure monitoring, talks/leaflets from nutritionists, and video tapes.

Also available are recipe exchanges, fat free food sampling, and exercise.

Registration will be held on Friday September 27. For more details 234-0851.

*** The Physical Abuse Centre will be holding their third annual tag days on Friday September 27 and Saturday September 28.

Volunteers are needed to assist, so if you have any free time during these two days 292-4366.

EDUCATION BENEFITS -- American International Company Limited, Bermuda, chairman Ernest E. Stempel (second from right) recently presently a cheque for $50,000 -- the first installment of a $100,000 pledge by The C.V. Starr Foundation, a US philanthropic organisation, to the International Charitable Fund of Bermuda, Inc. for the Warwick Academy Capital Campaign. Pictured, from left, are fund raising committee member Sir John Sharpe, Warwick Academy Board of Governors chairman Wawlyn Hughes, fund raising committee member Sen. Gary Pitman, Mr. Stempel, and Warwick Academy headmaster Bernard Beacroft.