Monday Essentials: Get Incubator Info; Lace Up for Strings; Donate Candy for Troops

Here are some things to know about this week, Oct. 28-Nov. 3, in and around Bristol and Warren:

The Hope & Main Incubator Program for food service businesses hosts its first Information Session today, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. The event takes place at the incubator’s temporary office, 569 Main St., Warren -- the Handkerchief Factory. Mentors from the Hope & Main team will walk participants through the application process and answer questions. This is the first of two information sessions taking place this fall ahead of the Dec. 17, early-decision deadline. A second information session will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 9 a.m. Can't make either session? Reach out to makefoodyourbusiness.org to learn more about the program. 

Donate your excess Halloween candy to The Children’s Workshop at 410 Child St., Warren, and receive a free children's book. All of the candy collected will be shipped to the troops serving overseas via Operation Gratitude. You must bring in at least 30 pieces of candy to swap for a book. Of course, your donation will be appreciated even if you don't want a book. Please include some handwritten notes and artwork for the troops to brighten up their day! The Candy Collection will take place from Friday, Nov. 1, to Friday Nov. 8. Visit www.childrensworkshop.com for more information. 

Put on your running or walking shoes on Saturday, Nov. 2, and join the second annual "Lace Up for Strings" 5K run and walk at Colt State Park in Bristol to benefit the Community Strings Project. It starts at 9 am. Registration is $18 in advance and $20 on the race day. To pre register go to www.communitystringproject.org and download the registration form. Or write to Community String Project, PO Box 513, Bristol, RI 02809.

New York Times bestselling author Marie Force will host a two-day Independent Author Symposium on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1-2, during which she will share insights that have helped her to sell more than one-million self-published e-books. It starts Friday at 6 pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick. She will be joined by blogger and author Penny Watson, who will lead several of the educational sessions. Watson frequently tours New England giving workshops on social media etiquette, promotion and blogging/book reviewing. 

Tour by bus on Saturday afternoon historic sites in Warren, Barrington, and Swansea that relate to the founding of the First Baptist Church in Swansea. The 1 pm tour starts and ends at the church at 21 Baptist St., Swansea.  For reservations, call Robyn at 508-679-8921. Refreshments will follow the tour. Cost is $15. 

Super Dog Adoption Day on Saturday, Nov. 2, will feature more than150 dogs and puppies looking for loving families to adopt them. Make a same-day adoption with a pre-approved application at AlwaysAdopt.com. Event includes free admission with on site veterinarians, dog trainers and adoption counselors. It starts at 10 am at Clark Farms, 2984 Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry Highway, Matunuck.