CMS Chamber logo  

 

In This Issue
The Function of Communication in Business
Norcom Mortgage: Grand Re-Opening Celebration!
Marketing For Members Only
Chamber Scholarships
Fun at Five at Baba!
Health Connector for Small Businesses
Time to Change Your Habitudes!
Cornerstone Bank Donates to Nativity School
Community Foundation Grant Award to Hitchcock Academy
Needed: Human Resource Generalist/Business Partners
TLGV: Spring Outdoors!
NBSB's January Hat Contest Winner
Cornerstone Bank Donates to KDC
Partner with Pintastic!
Boston Bruins PJ Drive
Office Space For Rent
Hitchcock Happenings
Events in The Last Green Valley
Pet Adoptions
Sex Please, We're Sixty!
Salem Cross Inn Feasts
Winterfest at OSV
Job Day
Work as Worship Retreat
Publick House Community Feast
Country Folk Art Craft Show!
Second Chance Dinner Auction
Village Toastmasters
Free Saturday Tastings
24/7 Training
Save these Dates!
SCU Auto Loans ad
Cuntry Folk Art Craft Show
Chamber of Commerce 
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
 
Jocelyn Callis
Chair
OFS
 
Jessica Bettencourt
1st Vice Chair
Klem's 
 
Bruce Watkins
Treasurer
Karl Storz Endovision
  
Cindy Howard 
Immediate Past Chair
__________ 

Board Members

Brad Arcoite
Table 3 Restaurant Group 

Jessica Bettencourt
Klem's 
 
Michael Checkosky
 
Rich Eichacker

Michelle Fanion
ERA Key Realty


Les Gardner
Les Gardner Photography

 
Nathan Hardt
 
Helios Mako

Lynn Mero
Southbridge Credit Union


Laurie Nelson
Christopher Heights 
 
Mary O'Coin

Rita Schiano 

Michael Wales
Michael L. Wales Painting Co. 
 
Jim Donahue
Honorary Board Member
 
Counsel
Padgett D. Berthiaume
 
 __________

Chamber Staff

Alexandra McNitt
 Executive Director

Paulette Hughes
Finance & Administration

Jack Starkey
Communications Specialist 

Chamber Links

CMS Chamber logo
Stur Townships - Everything but Ordinary  

Greetings from the Chamber of Central Mass South!

Welcome to February's CROSSROADS EVENTS !
The shortest month of the year is halfway gone but lots of action is still in the works. We are looking forward to an engaging seminar on the function of Communication in Business and what promises to be a fun Ribbon Cutting and Grand Re-Opening at
Norcom Mortgage in Sturbridge! We would love to see you in March as we'll be networking at Baba Sushi. Read on for important news and some exciting events coming up soon. 
 
Got news? Thank you for emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in Crossroads!
Keep posting your events to our online events calendar! We love sharing them with our readers! 
 
Extra for Experts! Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest for more from your Chamber!  
CMS Chamber Brown Bag Seminar
The Function of Communication in Business: Is it a Needed Soft-Skill?
presented by Peter Tamulis,
Quinsigamond Community College
Business Communication
Tuesday, February 27 at Noon
Chamber Conference Room
46 Hall Road, Sturbridge
 
FREE for CMS Chamber Members,
$15 for non-Members.
Space is Limited! Please RSVP. 
Call 508-347-2761 or email info@cmschamber.org to save your spot!
 
Feel free to bring your lunch. Use our microwave to heat it up!
Relax, learn and grow with us! 
 
Communication is important but often taken for granted. All of us have been babbling since the moment we were born. As adults, it's only when we stumble in our efforts to communicate, or are exposed to an individual who is having difficulty communicating with us, do we begin to understand the complexity of the process.

This one-hour seminar will explore:
  • the problems/issues you currently face regarding communication in your organization;
  • the relevance of communication in business;
  • the components of communication, including the process, modes, obstacles and strategies;
  • the "used car" concept as it applies to company employees; and,
  • your role in addressing all the issues identified.
About the Presenter: Peter Tamulis
Center for Workforce Development and Continuing Education
 
Peter has over 40 years' experience in the field of training and development. He has worked for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission as a Staff Development Supervisor and the Commission for the Blind as an Assistant Commissioner. He has worked in the manufacturing sector with experience in quality improvement efforts, competency development, coaching and supervisory/management development. Peter was the Chief Learning Officer for the Seven Hills Foundation, a private non-profit human service agency with over 3000 employees.
 
Prior to retirement, Peter worked in the Workforce Development and Continuing Education Center assisting businesses in a variety of industries in assessing employee training needs and developing training programs. Currently, Peter continues to lend his expertise at the college on a part-time basis with grant management and interpersonal and supervisory/management training delivery.  
Ribbon
Grand Re-Opening  
Celebration!
Norcom logo 
Make Your Home Happen With
"The Mama K Team"
Wednesday, February 28th, 2018  
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
135 Main Street (Route 131), Suite 4, Sturbridge
774-241-0770

Norcom Mortgage has outgrown its old Sturbridge branch location and the Chamber is excited to cut the official ribbon and welcome them to their new home in Sturbridge. We hope you will join us for the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Re-Opening Celebration on Wednesday, February 28 beginning at 5:00pm.

Owner/Manager of the Norcom Sturbridge branch Kristen Walther and their growing staff (Norcom is in the process of recruiting and hiring around five new Loan Officers) are looking forward to introducing you to their new place of business at 135 Main Street (Rte. 131), Suite 4. This new space is almost double the square footage of their previous space at (71 Main Street) to accommodate Kristen's and Norcom's ambitious growth plan.

All are invited to join the party, meet the staff, check out the new space, and enjoy light refreshments, wine, cheese, fruit, and pastries until 7:00pm.

No RSVP necessary! We hope to see you there.
Equal Housing Opportunity
Marketing Series
Be Visible, Stay Visible: NEW Marketing For Members Only Packages
 
The Chamber is pleased to announce that we have re-worked our Marketing For Members Only packages for 2018 and onward! The new packages include low cost advertising opportunities using all the Chamber's channels. 
 
Crossroads NEWS and EVENTS ads
Chamber Website Homepage banner ads
Dedicated Email blasts
Featured Member Spotlights in the Chamber Corner of Southbridge News
 
You may purchase individual items or a comprehensive package to keep you visible all year long.
See the NEW M4M packages and individual items and contact Jack
with questions or to get started.
 
View and Download the Marketing For Members Only .pdf file from the Chamber website.  
Apply Now! 2018 Chamber Scholarships
 
 
The Chamber of Central Mass South is now accepting applications for the 2018 CMS Chamber Scholarships. You may download the application to apply below.
 
Typically, three $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year. The final decision is subject to our Board of Directors' approval.
 
Scholarships are disbursed directly to the student upon presentation of grades from first semester completed
after the award is announced and a minimum 3.0 GPA attained. Students must be a resident or student within the towns served by the Chamber of Central Mass South. Copies of the application have already been sent to all of our local high schools and colleges for easy distribution to students. For information call 508-347-2761. The Chamber does not discriminate against an applicant because of race, color, sex/gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or homelessness.
 
DEADLINE: Return the completed application, transcript, recommendations and student essay by April 1, 2018 to:
Scholarship Committee, Chamber of Central Mass South,  
46 Hall Rd., Sturbridge, MA 01566
 
DOWNLOAD THE 2018 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
Member2Member Discounts! 
M2M logo 
Click the M2M logo for all current discounts! 
NETWORK WITH YOUR CHAMBER
Fun at Five!
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
at 5:00pm 
BABA SUSHI
Baba Sushi 
453 Main Street, Fiskdale, 774-304-1068 
 
Join us for Networking at BABA!
Step into BABA. Feel the energy. Seductive, Sophisticated, Cozy and Subdued. Modern Asian décor. Eclectic music. Enjoy the freshest, most innovative, mouthwatering sushi dishes anywhere. This is a total sensory feast.

Wilson Wang, BABA's master chef and owner is MetroWest's premier sushi innovator and showman. He has created a world-class dining experience. Classically trained in China at the Zibo Chef School and Shandong University he came to the U.S. in 1995 where he trained under Master Sushi Chef Yen of the acclaimed Oishii Sushi Bar in Chestnut Hill, consistently voted "Best of Boston." Wilson has been a master chef since 2001 and is well known in the area for his artistry.  

Register for Fun at Five by email or phone.
508-347-2761 
Cost is $10 for Members who pre-register,  
$15 at the door, or $20 for non-Members.
 
We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our March Fun at Five Sponsor!
Harrington HealthCare System 
Harrington's significant growth over the past decade has helped to define us as much more than a 'community hospital'; We are a regional healthcare system that covers more than 24 zip codes in three states. We employ over 60 physicians in both primary care and specialty medicine. We are one of the state's largest comprehensive behavioral health systems, with an inpatient unit in Southbridge and a co-occurring disorders unit in Webster, as well as multiple outpatient clinics for substance use and mental health. We have a state-of-the-art Cancer Center, two Urgent Care locations, wound care, rehab, cardiology, surgical, two Emergency Departments and diagnostic imaging that includes radiologists from BIDMC, among many other services.

We've won 12 consecutive "A" grades for patient safety by The Leapfrog Group - one of only 59 hospitals in the country to accomplish this achievement. Our patient satisfaction scores and nationwide benchmarks speak for themselves: Harrington offers what people expect and deserve for quality, compassionate healthcare. 

Learn more at HarringtonHospital.org
Harrington Hospital, 100 South Street, Southbridge 
MA Health Connector for Business

The Massachusetts Health Connector has a new shopping platform for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. This new platform brings state-of-the-art tools to employers, brokers, and workers, making it easier than ever for small businesses to offer health insurance to their employees. Small businesses have the power to control costs and offer significant flexibility to employers and employees, in an easy-to-use format.

If you are a small business looking into health insurance options for your employees, you may view and download this one-page PDF file which details the benefits for employers and brokers, current plan options, and new shopping features.

Visit www.MassHealthConnector.org/business for more.
Are Your Beliefs Holding You Back?  
Then it's Time to Change Your Habitudes!

Habitudes . . . those persistent ways of thinking and acting that shape your personal narrative. Negative thinking patterns can limit the quality of life you desire. Learning how to transcend those limitations is key to achieving your goals and getting to that next level in your life.

"I really enjoyed the entire day and got so many amazing insights from the program. It is rare that you have the time - or make the commitment - to doing something completely for you.
This program made a big impact by combining the science and emotion of habits with
the great interactive exercises to really imprint the teaching of the day." 
-C.T., attendee, June 10, 2017 Change Your Habitudes, Change Your Life Workshop 

At an early age we developed emotional habits and patterns - Habitudes- that influence how we perceive and move through our lives. Some Habitudes serve us, others do not. Regardless, these Habitudes determine the outcomes in our lives.

So how do we change these Habitudes that do not serve us? How do we make the shift towards positive thoughts and actions? By exploring, breaking down, and understanding the Habitude process.

Change Your Habitudes 2.0 will:
  • Explore the Six Basic Human Needs -- Which are driving you?
  • Help you uncover the Negative Habitudes holding you back
  • Examine key decisions that direct your actions
  • Offer strategies for releasing those negative thought patterns
You will also learn how to break the negative Habitude cycle through reframing using the 5-step process of Strategic Goal Mapping - a creative and graphic vision-board based goal-mapping technique.

Strategic Goal Mapping (SGM) is a system I developed that incorporates the highly effective graphic technique of mind-mapping with a Habitude analysis action plan. By mapping out your Habitudes in a visual way, you connect thoughts, emotions and behaviors around a central goal and create an action plan that works.

So join me Tuesday, April 10. Seating is limited. Don't miss out. Register today. 

BONUS! Register by February 28 and receive one (1) free strategic personal coaching session with Rita. . . a $95 value.
Session is held in person (Sturbridge office), or by phone, Skype, Facetime, or Doxy.me.

BONUS #2!
Chamber Members! Use promo code CMS and get 20% discount!

Tuesday, April 10, 2018, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Sturbridge, MA
Cornerstone Bank Donates to Nativity School of Worcester
Nativity School Donation
Pictured (L to R): Cornerstone Bank's President and Treasurer Todd M. Tallman; Nativity School students, Noah, Isaiah, Justin and Edgard; Cornerstone Bank's EVP, Chief Administrative Officer and Chairman of the Charitable Donations Committee Susan A. Gunnell; and Nativity School's President Patrick T. Maloney.

Cornerstone Bank's Charitable Donations Committee (CDC) is proud to have recently donated $2,500 to the Nativity School of Worcester. This donation will help update the arts and performance programs at the school, which is an integral part of developing the creative and independent minds of the students.  

Nativity School of Worcester provides an avenue for boys from low-income homes in grades five through eight to achieve great educational success. The school is an accredited, independent, Jesuit middle school that provides a quality, all-scholarship education to young men of all faiths. A Nativity education inspires self-discovery, responsibility, spiritual growth and a lifelong dedication to learning. 

The donated funds will go toward updating art supplies, costumes and musical instruments. These items are often second-hand donations from other resources, and the donation will help the school make repairs as well as purchase new materials. The program provides a platform and a voice for these young men who otherwise would not have the opportunity for creative exploration and growth.

"This school makes such a difference for many middle-school aged boys, and the arts are an integral part of enhancing their minds," stated President and Treasurer Todd M. Tallman of Cornerstone Bank. "We couldn't think of a better way to give back than to support our local youth in their pursuit for education."  

If you are interested in learning more about the Nativity School of Worcester, visit nativityworcester.org or call 508-799-0100. 

About Cornerstone Bank:
Cornerstone Bank is an independent, mutual savings bank serving the residents, businesses, and communities throughout Central Massachusetts from offices in Charlton, Holden, Leicester, N. Oxford, Rutland, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Warren, Webster and Worcester. Deposits are insured in full by a combination of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Depositors Insurance Fund. The Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Equal Housing Lender, and SBA Preferred Lender. For more information, visit online at cornerstonebank.com, on Facebook or call 800-939-9103.
Community Foundation Grant Award to Hitchcock Academy

Hitchcock Free Academy is thrilled to announce it is the recipient of a $7,300 capital grant through the Community Foundation of Western MA to install a new boiler at Hitchcock. The grant was funded by The Buxton Charitable Foundation Fund, Bank of America, Trustee - $4,100 and The Lochridge-Watkins Charitable Foundation administered by Bank of America, Trustee - $3,200. Noonan Energy installed the boiler on January 30th and we all rejoiced that we can get plenty of hot water to meet the board of health requirements from the tap and the heat in the basement now has programmable thermostats. Along with a much more efficient boiler, these improvements should save on our oil bill and we are compliant with Board of Health water temperature regulations. All great news in this 168 year old gem of a facility!

Picture: Noonan staff installed the new boiler and programmable thermostats without any interruption to the programs at Hitchcock.
EANE 
Human Resource Generalist/Business Partners
 
Employers Association of the NorthEast (EANE) has Part-Time openings for dynamic, motivated HR Generalists to provide diversified human resource and training services to our membership organizations. For some members, we support and augment their current HR team and for others, we ARE their HR department! Our team of professionals, consult, problem solve, provide resources, develop solutions, educate, and enhance the skills, knowledge and competencies of the member organizations we serve. At EANE, we help create engaged, well-managed and low-risk workplaces for the organizations we work with.
 
Many of our member companies require assistance onsite on a project basis. If you're seeking an opportunity to utilize your talent and extensive HR experience, and want to work a Part-Time schedule, this may be the opportunity for you! Projects range from tactical to strategic HR assignments where you are a key extension of our member's team onsite. This unique role requires the ability to adjust and adapt to a wide variety of cultures and work environments and develop credibility and rapport at all levels of an organization rapidly.
 
All candidates should have a minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience as an HR Generalist with a strong background in state and federal employment laws and regulations. Day travel within CT, MA and RI is also required. PHR, SPHR, or SHRM certifications are a definite plus.
 
At EANE, you can use your current capabilities to work on projects in almost every area of HR while developing your skills and broadening your own experience. If you have strong communication, writing, project management and interpersonal skills, and enjoy being in a team environment where no two days are alike, we would like to talk with you!
 
Interested professionals should send their resume and cover letter to Meg Coursey, mcoursey@eane.org, or mail to EANE, PO Box 1070, Agawam, MA, 01001-6070.
PLEASE indicate if your interest lies in our full-time or part-time positions.
 
To learn more about EANE visit our website at www.eane.org
 
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Ditch the Winter Doldrums and Start Planning to Spring Outdoors! 

The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) is planning its third annual Spring Outdoors event to be held March 20 to June 21, 2018. Like Walktober, Spring Outdoors features a variety of adventures from strolls to long distance hikes and paddles to bikes and more!
 
Spring Outdoors began in 2016 as a fun way to celebrate nature's return from its winter slumber in The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. In just its first two years, Spring Outdoors, which is a program of TLGV, bloomed into an event featuring more than 210 adventures attended by more than 18,000 people.  

"Our partners help make this happen," said Lois Bruinooge, executive director of TLGV. "The collaboration we create together puts a spotlight on the national heritage corridor and benefits everyone in it."

Applications to host a Spring Outdoor Adventure are currently available. Visit thelastgreenvalley.org/explore-the-last-green-valley/spring-outdoors/ or email fran@tlgv.org to learn more. Hosts must either be members or partners of The Last Green Valley.

The Last Green Valley is a National Heritage Corridor - the last stretch of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington, D.C.  The Last Green Valley, Inc. works for you in the National Heritage Corridor. We help you to care for it, enjoy it and pass it on.
TLGV logo 
North Brookfield Savings Bank's January Hat Contest Winner is  
James Wilkinson Sr.
Hat Contest Winner
North Brookfield Savings Bank Regional Branch Manager Tonya Morrill presented a $100 Klem's gift card
to
North Brookfield Savings Bank's January Hat Contest Winner, James Wilkinson Sr.
 
The New Year has arrived and even though the holiday shopping season has come to an end there is still a very good reason for one lucky, local resident to enjoy a little more shopping thanks to North Brookfield Savings Bank. James Wilkinson Sr., a resident of North Brookfield, was recently awarded a $100 gift certificate for being the January winner of North Brookfield Savings Bank's Hat Contest.
 
Each month, anyone spotted wearing an NBSB hat in the community by a Bank representative is entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift certificate to a local establishment. Wilkinson was spotted wearing his blue North Brookfield Savings Bank hat by Donna Boulanger, North Brookfield Savings Bank President and CEO, while enjoying a meal at Charlie's Diner in Spencer. Later he visited the North Brookfield branch location to collect his $100 gift certificate to Klem's in Spencer, MA.
 
To learn more about North Brookfield Savings Bank Hat Contest and all of the convenient banking products and services offered, visit www.NorthBrookfieldSavingsBank.com .
 
About North Brookfield Savings Bank: North Brookfield Savings Bank is a mutual savings bank with full-service branches in North Brookfield, East Brookfield, West Brookfield, Ware, Belchertown, Palmer, and Three Rivers Village of Palmer. NBSB offers a wide variety of deposit and loan products for individuals and businesses throughout Central and Western Massachusetts and has been a steadfast supporter of the communities in which it serves since 1854. All deposits are insured by the FDIC and the Depositors Insurance Fund. For additional information, please call 1-866-711-6272 or visit NorthBrookfieldSavingsBank.com.
NBSB logo
Cornerstone Bank Donates to The Kennedy-Donovan Center
Cornerstone Donates to KDC
Pictured L to R: Cornerstone Bank's EVP, Chief Administrative Officer and Chairman of the Charitable Donations Committee Susan A. Gunnell; Kennedy-Donovan Center's VP of Development & Public Relations Frank Maher and Foundation and Communications Manager Amy Chaunt; and Cornerstone Bank's VP, Human Resources Manager Bonnie B. Losavio.

Cornerstone Bank's Charitable Donations Committee (CDC) is proud to announce its recent donation of $1,000 to the Kennedy-Donovan Center (KDC) in support of its South Central Program Center. This donation will help build a new Therapeutic Outdoor Classroom for the Center's South Central Early Intervention Program. 

The KDC is a non-profit human service agency serving eastern and central Massachusetts as well as northern Connecticut. The KDC provides a range of programs, including in-home services to support children, adolescents and adults with developmental delays or disabilities. These services include prevention, advocacy and intervention for these individuals and their family; supporting their needs and helping these individuals develop the social, emotional and cognitive skill sets to become successful citizens. As part of the program, the Center offers a Therapeutic Outdoor Classroom and playground learning space for parents and caregivers to interact with their children in a nurturing environment outside of their home. 

"Thank you so much for your generous support of our playground project," said KDC Program Director of the Southbridge Early Intervention Program Robin Weber. "Outdoor play and motor skills development are an important part of our group programs, and we really appreciate your partnership with Kennedy-Donovan Center's Early Intervention Program!" 

"The KDC is such an important resource for our community members who need the extra support," stated President and Treasurer Todd M. Tallman of Cornerstone Bank. "We are happy to help rebuild the Early Intervention Program's outdoor classroom and playground."

For more information on the Center including how to donate, visit kdc.org or call: 508-772-1212.
Pintastic Promo Poster 2018 
Partner with Pintastic!  

Pinball is back and so is Pintastic New England, our region's only large scale pinball and game room expo. Pintastic will be back for its fourth year at the Sturbridge Host Hotel this summer and it's also expanding to four days in 2018: June 28-July 1. According to an NBC Nightly News feature from October 2017, pinball is experiencing a spectacular resurgence in popularity. Did you know t
here are more than 3,500 pinball tournaments a year - hosted in 24 countries and with over 100,000 competitors - and with a surge of interest from all age demographics?
 
Would you like to be involved in helping spread the word about Pintastic 2018?
Contact Pintastic's organizer Gabe D'Annunzio if you are interested in receiving promotional posters or postcards to display at your business. Pintastic is also seeking sponsors, partnerships and cross-promotion with its fellow Member businesses. With over 3,000 guests expected to attend this year, partnering with Pintastic could be a fantastic and very fun opportunity for our Members to get involved with this popular family event. Contact Gabe through the Pintastic website or give him a ring at 774-278-3541 if you would like to receive promotional materials or explore other ways to partner with Pintastic.

Boston Bruins PJ Drive
Boston Bruins PJ Drive 
 
The Joshua Hyde Library will be collecting new Pajamas to benefit kids (babies to teens) through Cradles to Crayons and DCF (Wonderfund).

Bring in the pajamas now through
March 15!
  
Joshua Hyde Public Library 
306 Main Street
Sturbridge, 508-347-2512
www.sturbridgelibrary.org 
Small Office Space For Rent
212 Main Street, Sturbridge
Les Gardner   
Need to get things done in Sturbridge? Les Gardner has a small office available to rent within his space in the McCurdy Insurance Building at 212 Main Street, Sturbridge. The space measures approximately 12' x 12'  or 150 square feet. This convenient work space includes internet access and a desk. If you are interested or have more questions, contact Les directly at 508-347-7177. 
"Winter is not a season, it's an occupation." 
-Sinclair Lewis 
Take a Tour of Hitchcock Academy-With Your Nose!
Dog Class
One of Laurie Merritt's students, Amy Matthieu and her partner Echo, competes at the K9 Elite level
and will be participating in the Sniff 'n Go event at Hitchcock Academy in Brimfield.
 
(By Diana Caissie)
Professional dog trainer Laurie Merritt instructs at Hitchcock Academy up to three times a week, both in manners and the sport of K9 Nose Work®, but on Sunday, February 25th, Merritt will be holding a Winter Sniff 'n Go Event at Hitchcock Academy for at least twenty-seven K9 Nose Work® dogs and their owners.

K9 Nose Work® is a sport that utilizes the naturally keen sense of smell that dogs possess. As in many sports, there are several levels of competition in K9 Nose Work® that compete in events called trials. "It's an opportunity for dogs to practice in a trial-like situation," Merritt explains. The smells and number of dogs and people at trials are greater than in training sessions, so this is a perfect chance for the dogs to practice before a trial. This Sniff 'n Go is designed to appeal to all levels from beginner dogs searching for food (Primary), beginner level (NW1), intermediate level (NW2) to NW Elite levels.

This event takes the dogs on a tour of Hitchcock area by area. Just as in sanctioned trials, NW1 dogs will have 1 hide per search area, NW2 will one or two hides per search area and NW Elite will not know how many hides will be in each search area.

For more information on K9 Nose Work® and how you can take part in this sport, check out Merritt's K9 Nose Work® classes at www.hitchcockacademy.org or call 1-413-245-9977.

MORE CLASSES COMING UP AT HITCHCOCK 

Thursday, February 15
SEN-I JUDO CLUB: This course runs all year long and is well suited for all levels of practitioners including beginners! Call Sensei Israel Lopez 413 279-4330 for more information.
 
BRAIN GYM®: Introduction: Brain Gym® is a movement-based educational experience which promotes communication between the brain & the rest of the body. New neural pathways grow when we move with intention. As founder Paul Dennison states, "Movement is the door to learning." Come learn some basics about Brain Gym® and go home with a few easy, self-help movements as tools to optimize your daily performance in just minutes of use each day. Time: 6:30-8:00 PM Fee: $15 per person or $20 age 6-12 youth+adult teams. Instructor: Linda Fuchs, Certified Brain Gym® Instructor
 
Friday, February 16
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Traditional open AA meetings in a friendly setting. Come early to chat and share in refreshments. Time: 7:30 PM
 
Saturday, February 17
K9® NOSEWORK: K9 Nose Work® is a sport open to all breeds of dogs and their people. Explore a new hobby with your best friend or improve on you and your friend's current knowledge! Progressive training levels offered from basic to advanced. (6 classes)
Times:
K9 Nose Work® Foundation: 12-1:30 PM
K9 Nose Work® Continuing: 10:30 AM-12 PM
K9 Nose Work® Advanced: 9-10:30 AM
Fee: $145/dog. Instructor: Laurie Merritt, M.Ed., Certified K9 NoseWork® Instructor. Contact Hitchcock at 413 245 9977 or www.hitchcockacademy.org to register.
Events in The Last Green Valley
 
February 15 
Soaring Over the Last Green Valley: The Return of Bald Eagles
6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Feb. 15 at Mansfield Public Library. Chief Ranger Bill Reid's program tells the history of bald eagles in the country, describes the unique characteristics of these amazing birds and explains how they returned to The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. Information will be provided on TLGV's role assisting the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to monitor bald eagle nests and statewide midwinter eagle survey. Horizon Wings will also join the program with Atka the bald eagle. The event is free and open to the public.
 
February 17 
The Last Green Valley's Acorn Adventure: Bobcat Tracks and More with Wyndham Land Trust,
10 a.m., Feb 17, Lyon Preserve, Pomfret. Children and their families are invited to join The Last Green Valley as we team up with Wyndham Land Trust to learn about bobcats in The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor and search for the tracks they and other animals leave at Lyon Preserve. The Acorn Adventure will be held at Lyon Preserve in Pomfret, which is off Route 101. The preserve has parking and a fairly flat trail, good for strollers and little legs. We'll explore animal trails and walk down to the pond on the property and see if bobcats, turkeys, cottontail rabbits, minks or other creatures have been visiting. Kids will also take home some materials they can use to explore more with their families and learn more about animal tracking. The event is free and open to all families. Acorn Adventures are sponsored by Putnam Bank.
 
TLGV logo 
www.klemsonline.com
Second Chance Animal Shelter Pet Adoptions
February 16, 2:00-4:00pm  
 
You can't buy love but you can adopt it. Will you be my Valentine?  
MOBILE ADOPTION UNIT is coming to Klems! On the road to saving more lives!  
Be sure to stop by and say hi to some of the sweet dogs and cats looking for a new home!  
Let adoption help you find your next best friend.
 
117 West Main Street, Spencer       508-885-2708       www.klemsonline.com 
Sex Please_ We_re 60
Gateway Players Theatre of Southbridge presents "Sex Please, We're Sixty!" written by Michael Parker and Susan Parker. Performance dates are February 16, 17 at 7:30pm, and February 18 at 2pm. All performances will be held at the Fellowship Hall of Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm Street in Southbridge. This comedy will be directed by Lou-Ellen Corkum and produced by Kathi Grenier. Stage Manager is Gwen O'Brien and David Corkum is the Technical Director. The cast includes William Bolster, Joni Metras, Rom Portwood, Lynne Boucher, Joan Stewart, and Barb Lammert. Presented by permission through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
 
Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for seniors and youth under 18. Tickets may be purchased by calling Gateway at 508-764-4531, or Online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3225173 
 
The Story: 
Mrs. Stancliffe's Rose Cottage Bed & Breakfast has been successful for many years. Her guests (nearly all women) return year after year. Her next-door neighbor, Bud "Bud the Stud" Davis believes they come to spend time with him in romantic liaisons. The fun begins as her 3 guests arrive and they turn the table on Bud and Mrs. Stancliffe's suitor, Henry, in an uproarious funny attempt to show them who is the smarter sex.
Salem Cross Inn logo
Salem Cross inn 
260 West Main Street, Route 9
West Brookfield, MA
 
Rich with history, the Salem Cross Inn is a restored 18th century farmhouse  
nestled on 600 acres of New England countryside.
Fireplace feast
Warm up at a Fireplace Feast in February! 
February 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, & 25   
Experience the inn's series of 1700's style feasts, prepared on the open hearth of a great field stone fireplace. Relax by the fire or lend a hand as dinner is prepared for you in colonial style. Stir the chowder as it bubbles in our cast iron cauldron. See your prime rib, roasted 'to a turn,' as the only known authentic Roasting Jack still operating in America rotates slowly over a  
crackling fire of wild cherry logs.
   
Held on various dates through April, Fireplace Feast is an experience you won't forget!
Learn more and make reservations here .

We would like to remind our customers that we are currently operating under our Winter hours .

Chocolate
Winterfest: February 17-25
 
Keep the kids busy during February school vacation week at  Old Sturbridge Village with a mix of invigorating outdoor fun and cozy indoor activities and hands-on crafts. The Village is open all week from February 17-25. Visitors can enjoy a horse-drawn winter sleigh ride, and sledding on 1830s-style reproduction sleds (weather permitting). Indoor activities include learning about and making chocolate, along with tours and other demonstrations.

For all times and details, please visit www.osv.org or call 800-733-1830.

Coming in March: Maple Days 
 
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road  
Sturbridge MA 01566 
OSV   
Workforce Central Career Center is hosting a
JOB DAY
Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, from 10am to Noon

Participating companies: Southbridge Rehabilitation and Health Center, International Paper, United Personnel, The Bridge of Central Mass, Securitas, Expert Staffing, YOU Inc., PeopleReady, RIBI Security, New England Disposal Technologies, FedEx Ground, and Van Pool Transportation.
Dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes!

5 Optical Drive, 2nd Floor, Southbridge           508-765-6430
Work as Worship Retreat
February 23, Charlton Baptist Church

God has a purpose for us on this earth. That calling is to be on mission for God where He has placed us. And since many people spend the majority of their waking hours on the job, we have to stop compartmentalizing life into "spiritual activities" and "work activities." How are we living examples of the gospel while we work?

You're invited to the Work as Worship Retreat, where eleven influential business leaders and pastors will discuss what it looks like to connect faith and work. Join Patrick Lencioni (Author, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team), Joel Manby (CEO, SeaWorld), Phil Vischer (Creator, VeggieTales and Jellyfish Labs), Wendy Davidson (President, US Specialty Channels Kellogg Company), Matt Chandler (Lead Pastor, The Village Church), and others in a day filled with real-life stories, biblical teaching, and practical wisdom that will equip believers in the marketplace to see their work as an opportunity to care for their families, fulfill their calling, and bring glory to God.

The retreat will be held Friday, February 23rd from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at Charlton Baptist Church, 50 Hammond Hill Road, Charlton MA.  508-248-4488.  The cost (which includes lunch) is $25.  You can register online at www.workasworshipretreat.org
Please give a call if you have any questions or would like additional publicity material.
The Publick House  
Publick House Cooks for Community Organizations 
Help us give back to the community by joining us for our monthly feasts to raise money for local organizations. Sponsored organization will split a minimum of $4.00 from every dinner served!

February 26
Tantasqua Athletic Booster Club 
Charlton PTO 
BAKED HAM DINNER

CASH DONATION 
Adults $14 / Children $5
(4-12 yrs.) 
ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET! 
Held in Paige Hall or under the Tent!

Two Seating Times 
SEATING ONE: 4:30pm-6:15pm
SEATING TWO: 6:30pm-7:30pm

Casual Dining * Open Seating * No Reservations

All Feasts include... 
Tossed Salad with Maple Vinaigrette, Dinner Rolls, Dessert, Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks & Iced Water

Thank you for your support! 
www.publickhouse.com 
Country Folk Art Craft Show

Give old man winter the boot! Come celebrate Spring and fill your Easter basket with all kinds of treats and goodies at the Country Folk Art Craft Show returning to the Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center the weekend of March 2-3-4. Our fabulous early spring show will feature many handmade artisans and craftsmanship from across the region! You'll love all of the unique and creative decorating accents such as: handcrafted furniture, seasonal decor, textiles, framed art, quilts, florals, iron work, garden art, jewelry, candles, wearable art, candles, gourmet delights and so much more!

So mark your calendar and bring all your friends... You won't want to miss this fun and exciting shopping opportunity. Come see all your favorites and latest trends for spring, summer and beyond! You're sure to find something special for all your Easter and springtime decorating & gift-giving needs!

Show Hours: Friday, 3/2: 3-8p   Saturday, 3/3: 10a-5p   Sunday, 3/4 10a-4p - FREE PARKING!
admission - $6 ($5 with discount coupon online)

YOUR HANDSTAMP RE-ADMITS YOU ALL 3 DAYS!

More show information & discount coupons at: www.CountryFolkArt.com/318ma.html

To become a VENDOR, PLEASE visit our website or contact us.
Special, discounted pricing for 100% original handmade products!
Country Folk Art Shows, Inc. 15045 Dixie Hwy/Ste. A, Holly, MI 48442
Ph: 248-634-4151 * em via: scr.im/cfashows

Mark your Calendars now for our beautiful holiday show, Thanksgiving Weekend: Nov. 23-25, 2018
SAVE THESE DATES! 
Second Chance Animal Services
Dinner Auction
ANNUAL DINNER AUCTION
March 24, 2018 
 
This is one of the largest fundraisers for the Second Chance Animal Shelter and we are gladly accepting donations of new items to the action. It will be a lot of fun with Chinese raffles, silent auction, as well as our live auction. We hope to see you all there! Tickets sell fast so reserve
yours now as they will NOT be available at the door.
 
WHEN:
Saturday, March 24, 2018 
 
TIME: 4:00 pm Social hour   
6:00 pm Dinner
Auction will immediately follow dinner

WHERE:
Leicester Country Club
1430
Main Street , Leicester , MA 01524
(508) 892-1390
 
COST:
$42 per person
Donate an Item or Purchase an Ad

Second Chance's Auction Preview Night & Networking Event
March 22, 5:00-7:00pm, Leicester Country Club 
Come network, preview and bid on auction items while enjoying the hospitality of one of the premiere venues in Central Mass. Auctions will close at the dinner auction on March 24th. Appetizers will be served.

FREE Admission at Door with Donation to Second Chance

Contact Second Chance at 508-867-5525 
Village Toastmasters Weekly Meetings
Thursday Evenings, 7:00-8:15pm
CHAMBER OF CENTRAL MASS SOUTH CONFERENCE ROOM
46 Hall Road, Sturbridge
Village Toastmasters
Village Toastmasters is a local group focused on helping its members improve their public speaking and leadership skill while building confidence in their abilities.  
The club has recently moved its meeting location.

As of Thursday, April 27, 2017, Village Toastmasters will meet every Thursday from 7:00-8:15 pm at the offices of the Chamber of Central Mass South, located at 46 Hall Road, Sturbridge.
Thank you to the Chamber of Central Mass South for serving as the new meeting location!
We are grateful to our community partners!

Guests are always welcome!!  
Please arrive 15 minutes early (6:45pm) as meetings start promptly. 

Winebuyers Outlet

Free Saturday Tastings!

 

Please join The Winebuyer's Outlet / Sturbridge Cheese & Chocolate at their Free Tastings of Artisan Cheeses, luscious Chocolates & Fine Wines every Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. This is a great way to taste before you buy and discover new favorites!

 

179 Main Street, Sturbridge    

508-347-1500 www.winebuyersoutlet.com

Coggno Training
Click on the image to browse our catalog of training courses! 
Save these Dates!
February 17-25: Winterfest at Old Sturbridge Village
February 19: Presidents' Day
February 27: Chamber Seminar: The Function of Communication in Business 
February 28: Grand Re-Opening/Ribbon Cutting at Norcom Mortgage  
  March 2-4: Country Folk Art Craft Show
March 14: Fun at Five at Baba Sushi with Harrington Hospital 

Thank you for posting your events to our Events Calendar!

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