NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

MARCH 22, 2017, 8:30AM TO 9:45AM
(Please arrive at 8:15 for a prompt 8:30 start)

SOUTHBRIDGE SAVINGS BANK - COMMUNITY ROOM

200 CHARLTON ROAD (ROUTE 20), STURBRIDGE, MA

 

The Chamber offers 75-minute sessions, four times per year, to help our new members and people who may be considering joining the Chamber to maximize the benefits they receive from their membership. Veteran members are welcome to join in as well and get a refresher on all the benefits of being a Chamber Member. We are very pleased to invite you to participate in the first session of 2017 which will take place on the morning of Wednesday, March 22nd downstairs in the Community Room at Southbridge Savings Bank in Sturbridge. Entrance is at the front of the building.

 

The details of this free program follow. Please RSVP if you are able to attend.

 

AGENDA

Welcome

Introductions

Chamber Facts & Stats

My Chamber Experience

Maximizing Your Membership

Networking Exercise

Community Business Associates

Venly

SCORE

Coggno

Advocacy

Affiliation with Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce

Committees

Questions & Answers

Closing

 

Coffee & Light Refreshments will be available.

 

We sincerely hope you will join us as we present these tools, tips, and strategies to help you get the very most out of your Chamber Membership. Feel free to give us a ring if you have any questions.

If you are able to attend, please RSVP to Paulette via phone or email at 508-347-2761/ pjh@cmschamber.org no later than noon on March 20.  

If you are unable to attend this session but would like to be informed of future sessions,
please let us know.

2017 CMS Chamber Scholarships
Deadline for Applications is April 1 

The Chamber of Central Mass South is now accepting applications for the 2017 CMS Chamber Scholarships. Typically, three $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year. The final decision is subject to our Board of Directors approval.

You may download the application as PDF or Word document below. Deadline for applications is April 1, 2017.

Scholarships are available for any student that is attending school or living in the Chamber's service area.

Candidates may apply using the simple 1-page application below. Three sealed letters of recommendation and an essay written by the applicant are required for consideration.

Applications will be distributed to all area high schools. CMS Chamber Scholarships are equally available to adult learners.

Students must be a resident or student within the towns served by the Chamber of Central Mass South: Southbridge, Sturbridge, Charlton, Brimfield, The Brookfields, Holland, Spencer, Wales, and Warren.

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.

Download the application as a PDF document.

Southbridge Savings Bank Donates to  

Worcester Community Housing Resources

Pictured (L to R): Southbridge Savings Bank President and CEO Todd Tallman, Worcester Community Housing Resources Executive Director Dominick Marcigliano, and SSB VP and Chairman of the Charitable Donations Committee Ron Cooper.

 

Southbridge Savings Bank's Charitable Donations Committee is pleased to announce its recent donation of $2,500 to Worcester Community Housing Resources, Inc. (WCHR) to help local families in need of housing.

 

The donation will go towards direct service costs associated with housing and financing programs for low-income households within the community. WCHR helps to address the housing needs of Worcester's neediest individuals and families, offering services such as financing to assist with repairs for low-income homeowners as well as affordable housing developments.

 

"Southbridge Savings Bank is committed to serving its community, and is proud to be able to do so through our support of WCHR," said SSB Vice President and Chairman of the Charitable Donations Committee Ron Cooper. "This donation will help to ensure many local families in need will have resources to afford housing and repairs, and we couldn't be happier to be a part of such a worthy cause."

 

For more information about Worcester Community Housing Resources, Inc., visit them online at: www.wchr.org or by calling 508-799-0322.

 

About Southbridge Savings Bank:

Southbridge Savings Bank currently has 9 full-service branches throughout Central Massachusetts. Deposits are insured in full by a combination of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Depositors Insurance Fund. Southbridge Savings Bank and SpencerBANK are both wholly owned subsidiaries of SSB Community Bancorp, MHC. For more information log onto their website, southbridgesavingsbank.com, visit them on facebook.com/southbridgesavings or call toll free 800-939-9103.

Next Historical Collaboration takes a Private Tour at the

Leffingwell House Museum in The Last Green Valley!

History is our story in The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. To help preserve and pass on compelling stories, The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) and the Leffingwell House Museum are set to host the second quarterly program of the year to share resources and expertise, encouraging inter-regional historical fun. Camilla and Greg Farlow will host us at the Leffingwell House Museum on Sunday, April 2, 2017 from 2 - 4 p.m., at the Museum located at 348 Washington Street in Norwich, CT.

The Leffingwell House Museum (Circa 1675) is one of the finest restored examples of New England Colonial architecture. Catch a glimpse of early 18th-century life in our private tour of this living museum. Salute their 13-star Centennial Flag!

By the mid-18th century, what was built as a simple two-room house in 1675 had evolved into an elegant home. The house is filled with a fascinating assortment of pieces representative of its architectural evolution. Every item in the entire collection was donated!

A long-time partner with TLGV, Leffingwell offers diverse events throughout their season, April through October, including some Walktober events.

Each quarter, TLGV, volunteers and staff from different historical societies, libraries, and other like-minded history-loving individuals and organizations present their specialties so that all participants can learn from each other instead of duplicating efforts and energies. Historical efficiency!

Contact Marcy at 860-774-3300 or email  Marcy@tlgv.org

to RSVP, to learn more, or to host a historical collaboration session! 

The Tantasqua Education Foundation (Ted.) Annual Diamond & Champagne Brunch will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2017 in the Garden Tent at The Publick House located at 277 Main Street, Sturbridge.

The Brunch is a celebration of dedicated teachers, past and present recipients, who benefit from Ted. grants.  Teachers' Grant applications are submitted for various educational projects each year.  A project must be innovative, be consistent with school or district goals, and encourage leadership and creativity.  

This year Ted. will be awarding over $20,000 in grant monies!  Winning teachers will be awarded at the brunch.  Previous winners will also provide a presentation outlining the success of their grants over the last year.  

Each year a lucky attendee has a chance to win a beautiful diamond generously donated by Shaun Cormier of Cormier Jewelers. Odds of winning are better than 100:1!  A silent auction and raffles with prizes ranging from Disney Tickets and Sports Tickets to overnight packages will be held.  All proceeds will benefit the Tantasqua Education Foundation.

Ted. is a community-sponsored, independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial resources to support projects and programs that encourage students to develop their talents, become lifelong learners, and pursue excellence.  Such projects go beyond the scope of those funded by the operating budget of the school districts. This special event is one of three fundraisers that Ted. holds each year to raise monies to continue its mission to provide students in the district with "Educational experiences beyond the Ordinary".

Chris Tieri Named as Member of Leadership Council

Advanced Learning Opportunity for Certified Brand Strategies

The Brand Establishment, a national council of brand professionals, announces the launch of a leadership council tailored to provide an advanced learning opportunity for senior- level Certified Brand Strategists. As the acknowledged authority in brand development, The Brand Establishment provides brand professionals with a proven method to provide clients with strategic brand development efforts.  The newly-added Leadership Council is the latest offering by The Brand Establishment to continue to provide learning opportunities for its Certified Brand Strategists.

Managing partners, Russ Cornelius and Jacquie Francisco had a vision of establishing a "next level" of learning for tenured and qualified Certified Brand Strategists. In addition to providing this group more advanced learning, the managing partners were interested in drawing upon the brand development expertise and thought leadership of these individuals.

A brand thought leader from the New England area, Christine Tieri, founder and president of Idea Agency, was at the forefront of establishing this advanced learning opportunity for its members. Chris stated, "I am honored to be chosen as one of the inaugural members of the Leadership Council. My quest for continuous learning is fueled by my passion to transform businesses through exceptional brand development practices."

"Brand continues to be an ever-changing science," shares Russ Cornelius of Brand Savants. "Social media combined with the fast pace that stakeholders receive information can create challenges for communicators. Being at the forefront of technology and building brand awareness is critical for the success of any organization. The Leadership Council aims at providing professionals with the critical tools needed for brand success."

This council is a collaboration between The Brand Establishment managing partners and advanced level Certified Brand Strategist members. Through deep collaboration and training on all of The Brand Establishment tools and concepts, the council offers recommendations to improve tools, training and certification practices. The council assists to develop new ideas, best practices, products and services that benefit all Brand Establishment members. The council also acts as an advisory board that may impact decisions, which direct the future of the organization.

Founding members of the Council include, Christine Tieri from Idea Agency in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, Andy Fritchley and Brant Kelsey from Kelsey Ads in Lagrange, Georgia and Jennifer Holland of Holland Helix in Jacksonville, Florida The council's mission is to help continue to elevate the teaching, methodology, and curriculum of The Brand Establishment while pursuing continuous learning and elevating a professional's own brand expertise.

While the sale was being negotiated, one of Gordon Reid's daughters, Jill Lukesh, passed away. The operation of the show has been continued by Judy (Jill's sister) and Jake Mathieu, Judy's daughters, Laurie and Jill, as well as Pete Lukesh, (Jill's husband). We all will be working with Rusty and Kate to ensure that the same quality and organization continues, beginning with the May 2017 show. The deposits, contracts, website, email, and business phone number (413-245-3436) will remain consistent.

While this has been a very difficult decision, the time has come for a transition. Judy, Jake, and Pete can now relax. The entire family, descendants of the originator of the outdoor antique show in Brimfield, wishes to express our thanks to everyone who has supported us throughout our 40+ years of operating J & J Promotions. We hope that you will continue to enjoy your antique and old collectible selling/buying experiences with Rusty, Kate and their family.

Very Sincerely,

Jake and Judy Mathieu, Pete Lukesh, Laurie Prescott and her family, Jill Mathieu and her family

A little about the Corriveau's:

Rusty Corriveau USMC (ret) is a Brimfield native, in his youth, he and many of his friends worked at the antique show; parking cars, or any other odd jobs he could find. When he retired from the Marine Corps (21 years), he moved his family back home and purchased Crystal Brook Antique shows across from J&J, which he operated for 7 years. Kate Corriveau is from the area as well. Actually, Rusty and Kate went to high school with Jill and Lori. Kate has worked in the Biopharma industry for over 18 years. They have three daughters; Abigail (16), Kara (14) and Sidney (11) whom you may have seen working at J & J each show as hand stampers and sanitation engineers (bathroom cleaners). Since being neighbors with Jacques and Judy, the families remained close through the years. Kate and Rusty could not be more excited to retain the heritage and quality reputation the Reid family has created and cultivated through the years. They plan to reach out to you soon to introduce themselves personally and welcome feedback on why you also believe J&J to be the best show in Brimfield, and if you would, share any ideas that might enhance your experience at Brimfield.

Spring Outdoors in The Last Green Valley!

The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) is pleased to present the second annual Spring Outdoors - expanded this year to run for the entire spring season, from March 20 through June 21.  Spring Outdoors connects you to lands, waters, and trails in The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor, including some properties not normally accessible to the public.
 

Walktober was a tremendous success this past fall, with almost 300 opportunities for people to enjoy all of our wonderful resources in the National Heritage Corridor's 35 towns.  Land trusts, conservation commissions, trails committees, farms, historical societies and small businesses hosted experiences highlighting what makes them unique. TLGV sprang into action last year when asked to coordinate a program similar to Walktober, but in the spring as nature springs forth. Spring Outdoors is blossoming and growing quickly just as Walktober has done. Experience many of these properties, trails, museums, camps, woods and waters in both spring and fall!

The Friends of Goodwin Forest kick off with "Predation & the Ecosystem" and the "Goodwin Book Club featuring Edwin Way Teale" on Wednesday, March 22. Goodwin Forest's trails in Hampton provide access to the Air Line State Park Trail and offer you a full day of fresh air!

"Organic Lawns" and "Medicinal Weeds" sprout as choices on Saturday, March 25. The organic lawns workshop is offered as a part of a healthy environment series by the Town of Mansfield. Goodwin Forest's medicinal weeds walk includes how to recognize plants, shares recipes and teaches how to include healing traditions in your own life.

All ages can enjoy the happenings on Sunday, March 26. For the kiddos, "TLGV Ranger Marcy's Acorn Adventure" hits the Air Line State Park Trail in Chaplin, looking for skunk cabbage and other signs of spring. Joshua's Trust's "Spring Along the Willimantic River" is also aimed at youth, searching for signs of spring in a different spot. Stroll back over to Goodwin Forest for a discussion on "Climate Change 101." Then stroll on the trails at Goodwin!

To get all the Spring Outdoors choices, TLGV has developed a web-based brochure that can be downloaded and printed. Events are also listed on TLGV's Facebook page. New adventures are being added all the time, so be sure to check in often! Learn more about the National Heritage Corridor and Spring Outdoors at The Last Green Valley's website, www.thelastgreenvalley.org.

Worcester Community Action Council Receives Major Donation from Southbridge Savings Bank 

Pictured (L to R): Southbridge Savings Bank President and CEO Todd Tallman, Worcester Community Action Council Director of Development Jill Dagilis, WCAC Chief Strategy Officer Charla Hixson, and SSB VP and Chairman of the Charitable Donations Committee Ron Cooper.

 

Southbridge Savings Bank's Charitable Donations Committee (CDC) is proud to announce the donation of $36,000 to the Worcester Community Action Council to assist local residents with home heating costs this winter. The Bank is committing to a total of $4,000 to each community it serves.

 

The Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) is dedicated to serving those who are most in need. Winter can mean added stress to some as they try to find ways to afford their heating bills and keep their family warm. WCAC's Fuel Assistance Program is designed to provide relief to those that are most vulnerable to the high costs associated with heating. 

 

"The Charitable Donations Committee is very happy to contribute to such a worthwhile organization," SSB Vice President and Chairman of the CDC Ron Cooper stated, upon offering the donation. "We are committed to helping those in need in the areas we serve, and no one should spend the winter without heat."

 

If you want to find more information about the WCAC visit them online at www.wcac.net or by calling 508-754-1176.

Small Office Space For Rent

212 Main Street, Sturbridge

  

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.

The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor  

Generates $303.3 Million Annually

So long Winter! Hello Spring!

Village Toastmasters Open House

Thursday, March 16

6:30 - 8:15pm, Southbridge Savings Bank, 200 Charlton Rd, Sturbridge

For over 90 years, Toastmasters has helped thousands of people improve their communication and leadership skills. People from all professions and ages have benefited. However, there are still many people that are unaware of Toastmasters and what they do.

Village Toastmasters of Sturbridge has the answers!

On Thursday, March 16 Village Toastmasters hosts an Open House for those that are curious about how they can benefit from the Toastmasters experience.

About Village Toastmasters

Village Toastmasters, located in Sturbridge, MA, is focused on helping members improve their public speaking and leadership skills while building confidence in their abilities.  The group meets every Thursday night 7:00-8:15 p.m. at the Southbridge Savings Bank conference room. Visitors are always welcome.  For more information, visit VillageToastmasters.org.

Cooking with Table 3: Irish Cuisine and Beer Dinner 

Thursday, March 16, 6:30pm at Avellino 

In the spirit of St Patrick's day and all things Irish, this month's Cooking with Table 3 will focus on Irish cuisine paired with some great Irish brews or you can substitute wine pairings for the same price. Irish cuisine is a style of cooking originating from the fertile lands of Ireland evolving from centuries of social and political change. The cuisine takes its influence from the crops grown and animals farmed in its temperate climate. Representative Irish dishes include Corned Beef and cabbage, Irish stew, boxty, coddle, and colcannon.

As always, these events often sell out so make your reservation early. This event is $55 per person with beer or wine pairings, or $42 without. Tax and gratuity are not included. Make your reservations now by calling Avellino at 508-347-2321.

Stageloft Presents

 

Show dates: March 17-19 & 24-26

A Couple of Blaguards is presented by Stageloft in collaboration with Pilgrim Soul Productions and is produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

Starring Matt Carr and David Clark

A Couple of Blaguards, a two-man show by literary greats Frank and Malachy McCourt, is a bubbling stew of their well-known humor with a dash of poignancy to sharpen the flavor. This brilliantly structured comedy is a proven crowd-pleaser offering solid entertainment. Similar to Frank McCourt's best-selling novels, the story follows the trials of the young McCourts in poverty-stricken Limerick, Ireland, to their journey to the U.S. and Brooklyn, New York, where the young men learn to incorporate the day-to-day lessons of their hard Irish past. A story of immigration, triumph over hardship, and the love between family, A Couple of Blaguards is a theatrical event that will find a place in the heart of every audience member. Very helpful if you want to lose weight - you will laugh your arse off.

Opening March 31: The Last Five Years

Maple Days at Old Sturbridge Village 

Saturday, March 18 to Sunday, March 19

Saturday, March 25 to Sunday, March 26 

For many at Old Sturbridge Village, the first whiff of spring isn't the aroma of spring flowers - it's the smell of wood smoke and maple syrup, a sure sign that the sap is rising and spring is on the way.  Join us for four weekends of our Maple Days event throughout March, where you can see maple sugaring as it was done in early 19th-century rural New England in OSV's working sugar camp.

See the entire sugar-making process, from tapping the trees to "sugaring off," and learn why maple sugar was more commonly used than maple syrup in early New England.
   

Costumed historians will also cook period foods made with maple products by the hearth at the Village's Freeman Farm.

See a slide show.  

 

WALL-TO-WALL SAVINGS!

Portion of the proceeds to benefit Optical Heritage Museum.

Sturbridge Business Breakfasts

This March the Town of Sturbridge, in collaboration with Idea Agency, will be hosting a Sturbridge Business Breakfast at The Barn at Wight Farm. Here's an opportunity to network and meet with Town Officials, learn how the business community can pull together and benefit by unifying under the Sturbridge brand with Christine Tieri, learn about Discover Central Mass with Christina Andreoli, hear what's the latest business news and voice your opinions directly to Town leadership.

We have broken the breakfast up into two sessions. The first is for businesses who cater to tourists or visitors (Hotels, Restaurants, Merchants, etc.). The second session will be for professional and industrial businesses in Sturbridge. The breakfasts are open to any business owners or manager in Sturbridge, all are welcome. Coffee and pastries will be served courtesy of Table 3.

The sessions will be from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 21st for Hospitality Businesses and from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 28th for Professional and Industrial Businesses. These events are free to all.

If you would like to participate, please RSVP with Kevin Filchak either by email or by phone (774-318-8032). The attached flyer has all of the necessary details. Please feel free to forward this flyer to others you think might be interested in participating.

SturbridgeBusinessBreakfasts.pdf

This seminar will feature a local realtor, attorney, and home inspector. Attendees will learn about the application and closing process. We will be offering a door prize drawing and light refreshments will be served. SpencerBANK mortgage lenders will also be available to answer questions. Please R.S.V.P. by Friday, March 17th to 508-885-5313, ext. 19281.

Click here for more details!

Live Music at The Cannery Music Hall! 

Visit online for more. 

Comedy Crushes Cancer

March 25, 7:00pm

Join your hosts Mike Cantwell and Pete Connly for a hilarious fund raiser for a serious cause at The Barn on March 25. If this election year isn't comedic enough and you still have some room for laughter, we have a great night of comedy lined-up featuring two professional comedians.

Per usual, the Barn servers and bartenders will be there to make sure your night is a good one. Chef Tony will have a light Barn menu if all the laughter works up a bit of hunger. A donation of $30 per person is requested.

Doors open at 7:00pm. Show begins at 8:00pm. Contact Mike Cantwell at 774-200-7077 for ticket information.

Get your tickets now!

An Elegant Evening of Laughter with
Legendary Comedian Paula Poundstone
April 1, Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center 

An Elegant Evening of Laughter with Legendary Comedian Paula Poundstone hosted by Harrington HealthCare, will be held Saturday, April 1 at the Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center. Performance time is 8 p.m.

 

Proceeds from this event will benefit Harrington Recovery Services as well as the Southbridge Emergency Department renovation project.

TICKET INFORMATION:

Show Only:

Show Plus:

All Access:

Seating is limited in each section. All seats are assigned. You can purchase your tickets by visiting: hhpaulapoundstone.eventbrite.com
 

Here is a flyer and a link that anyone looking for overnight rooms may use. They may also call the front desk to reserve. This rate is $109 with breakfast included.

bookings.ihotelier.com/bookings.jsp?groupID=1767639&hotelID=13066

For questions contact John Grondalski at 508-765-3146 or Karen Spiewak at 508-765-8191.

Tantasqua's Team Chef Competition 2017

Sunday, April 2, Noon-3pm, Sturbridge Host Hotel

The Tantasqua Senior High School's Culinary Arts Program is holding its 7th annual Team Chef Competition on Sunday, April 2, at the Sturbridge Host Hotel from 12-3 P.M.

Students are teamed up with local restaurants for a friendly competition for Judge's, and People's choice for best entrée and dessert. This year's ''featured'' ingredient is Honey, which will be used by each restaurant team in some form for both entrée, and dessert items. Proceeds from this event go towards the Tantasqua Culinary Arts Scholarship Fund.

The public is invited to come taste all the exciting foods, and meet the students, and area chefs who created them. Raffles will also be available at the event. The fee for the event is $10 for adults, and $5 for kids between 5 & 10 years in age.

Join Sbrogna's Artistic Promotions for our first Art & Appetizers series! Our first event will feature one of our artists who is a World Renowned Photographer Ron Rosenstock. His lecture is titled "A Life in Photography".

Enjoy an evening of light appetizers, cash bar, viewing Ron's artwork and listening to him speak. Don't miss out on our signature drink - Guinness Stout. Harpist, Rebecca Swett will also be performing during registration and the reception.

Be sure to register EARLY as there is LIMITED SEATING! Registration is required!

The Publick House welcomes you to enjoy their Wednesday Night special - order one entree and get one free - before the program! Then make your way upstairs for the lecture.

Meet Ron Rosenstock, world renowned artist, who has been teaching photography since 1969 and has been honored with a major retrospective of his life work at the Worcester Art Museum in 2011. Ron presently has a full exhibition schedule as well as travel schedule. In 2017 he will be working in Iceland, Ireland, Greenland, Cuba, and Scotland. He has also worked in Italy, Greece, Peru, Ecuador, The Galapagos Islands, Bhutan, Kenya, New Zealand, The Czech Republic, India, Morocco, and Nepal.

Registration begins at 6:30pm.

Program will start at 7:00pm.

Program will end at 9:00pm.

$15 Suggested Donation

We want to Thank The McCurdy Group, 212 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01566
and The Publick House for their support for this event.

Visit the link to register.

www.sbrognaart.com/events-1 

Click the image to register on the United Way website.