The Onset Bay Association kicked off another year of village events at its annual meeting and membership drive on Thursday, Jan. 19.

Onset Bay Association President Eleanor Martin thanked the association's host of volunteers and committees for organizing a slew of successful 2012 events -- from the Kayak Poker Run in the spring, to the summer fireworks and Illumination Festival, to Christmas in the Parks.

Martin later stressed her appreciation for the association's Beautification Committee, apologizing that, through the excitement of everything, she inadvertently forgot to thank the committee during the meeting.

"When residents and visitors are in the village of Onset and look around at the beautiful plantings and flowers, it is thanks to this committee," Martin said. "When holiday decorations are enjoyed in the village, it is again thanks to this committee."

The speaker of the evening was Lisa Budge Johnson of the Plymouth County Sheriff's Department, who offered tips to avoid identity theft during a presentation peppered with humor.

For example, Johnson advised women not to keep purses in areas that can be easily seen from the doorway or other obvious places, which can make it easier for thieves to find personal information quickly during a house break-in.

"I keep mine in my dryer," Johnson joked. "Nobody will look for it there. Except you guys."

Johnson also advised attendees to be careful of online "phishing" scams, where crafty criminals look for personal information by posing as banks and other trusted sources. She also noted that if an e-mail contains an offer that seems too good to be true... it probably is.

"Be very suspicious of winning lotteries in countries you've never been to," Johnson said with a smile.

Fundraising is already underway for this summer's Onset Bay Association events.

The Blues Festival Committee is organizing a fish fry at the Dudley L. Brown VFW on March 23, to raise money for the August 3 festival. Bands are currently being booked. Tickets cost $20. To reserve your seat, call 508-295-7072 or 508-273-0111.

Also coming up is the third annual Chili Contest to benefit the Onset Summer of Love Music Series, scheduled for Feb. 23. The entry fee for the contest is $25, with awards in four categories -- professional, amateur, vegetarian and "Is it really chili?" -- and a cash prize for best overall chili. Contact Kat Jones at 508-725-2657 or tadasanakat@gmail.com for more information.

For more about the Onset Bay Association, visit: http://onsetvillage.org.p8.hostingprod.com.