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Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
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Executive Committee
Jocelyn Callis
Chair
Jessica Bettencourt
1st Vice Chair
Cindy Howard
Immediate Past Chair
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Board Members
Michael Wales
Michael L. Wales Painting Co.
Jim Donahue
Honorary Board Member
Counsel
Padgett D. Berthiaume
Chamber Staff
Executive Director
Finance & Administration
Communications Specialist
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| Chamber Links |
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Season's Greetings
from your Chamber!
Welcome to December's CROSSROADS NEWS!
At this time of the year we think of our Members and friends with affection and warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season. There is one more networking event this year and it is sure to be a doozy! We look forward to celebrating with you at The Publick House Historic Inn on the evening of Monday, December 11 at Holiday Fun at Five! You'll find the details on our annual Christmas bash, the latest news, and many more festive seasonal events in this issue.
Got news? Thank you for emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in Crossroads! Keep posting your upcoming 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! |
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Holiday
FUN at FIVE!
Monday, December 11
5:00-8:00pm
The Publick House Historic Inn
On the Common, 277 Main Street
Sturbridge
Join us for some holiday cheer with our Members and Guests on the evening of
Tuesday, December 5th!
The final Fun at Five of the year will be
a glittering celebration at
The Publick House in Sturbridge
featuring fantastic food, a joyous atmosphere in a glowing hall, many great prizes and surprises, a 50/50 Raffle, and your chance to celebrate the season with your fellow Members!
We will be collecting for
TOYS FOR TOTS
at
Holiday Fun at Five. If you are able to donate an unwrapped new toy, your contribution would be most welcome and help spread holiday joy and smiles to the less fortunate.
Thank you for your generosity!
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Cost: $10 for pre-registered Members,
$15 at the door, or $20 for non-Members.
Thank you
to our
Holiday Fun at Five Sponsor!
New England
Custom Closets
New England Custom Closets is a local, family-owned and run business (not a franchise) specializing in Custom Closet Designs and installations for both Reach-In and Walk-In Closets along with Custom Mudrooms, Laundry Rooms, Pantries, Entry-ways, In-Home offices, AIP (Aging In Place to preserve the quality of life allowing our loved ones to remain in their homes as they get older), Garage Systems and recently we have added the Omega Bathroom Cabinet/Vanity Line.
We offer Free In-Home Consultation to understand your Desires, Needs and Budget, then create a Custom Design for your lovely home. Partnered with Houzz.com, we have testimonials with a 5-Star rating.
At New England Custom Closets,
We Organize Your Life...
One Hanger At A Time...
Serving MA & CT.
860-741-6809 or 774-219-3444
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Remember...MEMBER TO MEMBER!
Discounts from Members...for Members!
For the Holidays... and every day!
We THANK YOU for KEEPING IT LOCAL!
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FALL/WINTER 2017-2018 VISITOR GUIDES
ARE IN!
Discover Central Massachusetts has created this great guide for Visitors and we have them in quantity at the Chamber office! Give us a ring or come by if you would like some to distribute!
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Chamber to Go "Paperless"
Eliminating Hard Mailing in 2018
With global warming and excessive CO2 polluting the environment, the world has begun to see the value in going "green". Going paperless by utilizing electronic document management systems and related technology helps cut down on deforestation and pollution, leaving more trees to do the dirty work of absorbing carbon dioxide, and slowing down global climate change.
In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint and save on the ever-increasing cost of paper, labor and postage, starting in January, the Chamber will eliminate its monthly "snail" mailings. All communications from the Chamber will be delivered electronically via Constant Contact. Please stay tuned to your email inbox for networking invitations, special programs and other notifications from your Chamber of Commerce.
Due to new filters installed by software manufacturers, our emails may not make it into your inbox. Be sure to check your junk mail in case you have missed something from us and add the Chamber of Central Mass South as a safe sender to continue receiving important business information and stay up to date on the latest Chamber news.
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Welcome New Chamber Members!
We are very proud to introduce our newest Members!
Abigail's Nest
Bed & Breakfast
94 Five Bridge Road, Brimfield, MA
LOOKING FOR A CHAMBER MEMBER?
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Do it Right or Stay Home!
On Tuesday, November 28, we enjoyed an awesome and informative seminar on Painting and Wallpapering your Home the Right Way. Thank you to our presenters Michael and Alise of Michael L. Wales Painting for sharing their expertise! BIG thanks as well to Bob Clemence and Hyde Tools for providing amazing "goodie buckets" of painting & wallpapering prepping tools for all our attendees! We left with savvy and confidence for our next projects as well as over $120 worth of cool tools to get the job done! Thanks to all who joined us!
The Brown Bag Seminar Series (always FREE for Members) resumes in January with "3 Pillars of Online Success" presented by Chris and Nathan of Idea Agency. More info coming soon!
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Do you know about the Central Mass South Referral Group?
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| Central Mass South Referral Group on YouTube |
The CMS Referral Group (formerly known as Community Business Associates) provides a venue for networking, enhancing your public speaking skills, exchanging of business referrals and marketing ideas, and guest speakers who share their knowledge of the latest developments in business. Guests are welcome to attend meetings to learn about the group's activities, and all Chamber members are encouraged to attend meetings with guest speakers. Check out this new YouTube video for a quick look at what the group does. CMS Referral Group meets on the second and fourth Fridays of each month at the Chamber office.
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St. Luke's Guesthouse Receives Donation from Cornerstone Bank
Pictured (L to R): Cornerstone Bank's VP, Controller Scott Dungey; Cornerstone Bank's Executive VP, Chief Administrative Officer and Chairman of the Charitable Donations Committee Susan A. Gunnell; Friends of St. Luke's Treasurer Susan Howland and Friends of St. Luke's Community Coordinator Tamsin Lucey
Cornerstone Bank is pleased to announce its recent donation of $1,000 to St. Luke's Guesthouse, a local shelter for the homeless. This donation will support St. Luke's efforts to provide homeless individuals and families
a safe place to stay.
St. Luke's Guesthouse of Southbridge, MA is the only homeless shelter in southern Worcester County and is open to anyone in need. Guests meet regularly with a St. Luke's advocate to help them work through their state of affairs,
achieve self-sufficiency and find permanent housing.
"The St. Luke's Guesthouse is critical to our local community and to those who have found themselves in unfortunate circumstances," states Executive VP, Chief Administrative Officer Susan A. Gunnell of Cornerstone Bank. "We applaud the efforts of this organization and hope this donation helps St. Luke's to continue its mission of assisting our community members."
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.
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North Brookfield Savings Bank's October Hat Contest Winner is
Micah Smith
 As usual the month of October brings us all tricks and treats, but this October one young, lucky local resident had an extra special treat in store. Six year old Micah Smith, a resident of Monson,
was recently awarded a $100 gift certificate for being the October winner of North Brookfield Savings Bank's Hat Contest.
Each month, anyone spotted wearing an NBSB hat in the community by a North Brookfield Savings Bank representative is entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift certificate to a local establishment.
Smith
was spotted wearing his blue North Brookfield Savings Bank hat while visiting the Bank's Belchertown branch. He
was later awarded a $100 gift certificate to the popular, train-themed restaurant The Steaming Tender located in Palmer by Warren Izyk, Belchertown Branch Manager/Assistant Consumer Loan Manager.
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.
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27th Annual Walktober Volunteers Boost the Entire Region
The Last Green Valley's 27th Annual Walktober has come to a close and once again its many volunteers injected the region with benefits ranging from recreational to historic, cultural and economic.
More than 240 walk leaders and numerous other volunteers created a calendar filled with more than 220 unique Walktober Adventures and more than 250 opportunities to explore The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. Walktober is a program of The Last Green Valley, Inc., (TLGV) the non-profit charged with promoting and advocating for the national heritage corridor's unique resources.
"The passion so many people have for The Last Green Valley is truly impressive," said Lois Bruinooge, executive director of TLGV. "It's an event that draws visitors from all over New England and beyond and that is directly tied to the dedication of our volunteers."
Walktober's attendance numbers are still trickling in, however, it is on track to once again have drawn more than 60,000 people to the national heritage corridor. A recent study of the economic impacts of The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor, conducted by national consultant Tripp Umbach, show Walktober has been the catalyst for much more. The study says "
The three-year average total
of visitors and tourists to the TLGV NHC region is close to 1.9 million visitors. These visitors spend
money in the region, creating a positive ripple effect on the economic structure. Based on the
annual average number of visitors to the NHC region and its partner sites, approximately $301
million in economic benefit was supported annually within the region and state through tourism."
"Walktober was created 27 years ago as an event to show just how special this area is and prove it is more than worthy of designation as a national heritage corridor," Bruinooge said. "Thanks to our volunteers, the event is not only a showcase, but an economic driver for the region."
The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor is 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. Together we can care for it, enjoy it and pass it on! To learn more about the organization, visit thelastgreenvalley.org.
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Harrington Physician Services Welcomes Syed Ali, M.D., to Charlton Practice
 Ali Syed, M.D., adult primary care physician, has joined Charlton's Harrington Physician Services (HPS) 10 North Main Street office and will begin seeing patients in December.
He will join Dr. Brenda Geddis-Comrie and Nurse Practitioner Melody Igwe, providing routine and preventive care and focusing on the preventive and routine care and the management of chronic health conditions for adults ages 18 and over.
Dr. Ali received his medical degree from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in Aligarh, UP, India. He completed a research fellowship in Musculoskeletal Radiology at the Montreal General Hospital in Montreal, QC, Canada and a residency in Family Practice at the Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.
Dr. Ali is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Massachusetts Medical Society
. He has more than 10 years of experience in primary care and family medicine, including most recently practicing in the Auburn area.
Patients interested in scheduling an appointment with Dr. Ali should call 508-248-3015.
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North Brookfield Savings Bank Donates $1,000 to The Literacy Project
North Brookfield Savings Bank recently donated $1,000 to The Literacy Project Ware Adult Learning Center.
Left to right: Dara Benton, HiSET Instructor; Shante Hunter, Ware Adult Learning Center student along with her son Silas Baldwin; Judith Roberts, Executive Director; Patty Ostrout, NBSB Senior Vice President of Retail Banking; Emily Borelli, Ware Adult Learning Center Student; and Robert Ferullo, Ware Site Director and
Pre-HiSET Instructor.
North Brookfield Savings Bank is pleased to announce they
have recently donated $1,000 to
The Literacy Project,
a nonprofit organization that provides adult education in five locations throughout Franklin, Hampshire and Worcester Counties.
The donation was made in support of the Ware Classroom of The Literacy Project which is located at 23 West Main Street in downtown Ware, on the second floor.
"Thank you to North Brookfield Savings Bank for their support," said Judith Roberts, The Literacy Project Executive Director. "Education is the prime economic engine. Access to education enables our adult students to have the opportunity to prepare for jobs that provide a family sustaining wages. And there is a ripple effect to educating adults. Since more than half of our adult students are parents themselves, once they attain their educational goals, they are better able to support their children's education."
The Literacy Project is dedicated to helping adults of all ages move forward with their education and improve their overall lives. They offer a wide range of services that include
basic reading, writing, math and other subjects, with the goal of earning a GED or High School equivalency to assist with career advancement.
In addition, they support participants to engage meaningfully and equitably in the economic, social, cultural and civic life of their communities.
T
he program helps more than 400 courageous students each year build a better and more promising future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
"North Brookfield Savings Bank is proud to contribute towards The Literacy Project's Ware Classroom in an effort to help local adults progress with their educational goals, career advancement, and in turn improve their overall lives,"
said Patricia A. Ostrout, Senior Vice President of North Brookfield Savings Bank. "We believe that our community as a whole will be stronger by offering support to these local adults and their families."
About The Literacy Project
: A community-based non-profit formed in 1984, The Literacy Project (TLP) covers a 1,100 square mile region, serving Franklin and Hampshire Counties, and western Worcester County. Classes are offered in Greenfield, Orange, Northampton, Amherst, Ware and Warren. The organization serves over 400 students each year with a staff of approximately 20. For additional information, please call 413-774-3934 or visit LiteracyProject.org.
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Working Together To Reduce Hardship
It was a second reunion as Sturbridge Rotary welcomed back two guests, Lisa Meunier, Burgess Elementary School nurse, and Bill Pioppi, representing the St. John Paul II Food Pantry. Lisa and Bill were introduced last year at a Rotary meeting and have been working together ever since in Lisa's caring and humanitarian endeavors to help students and families in need in the Sturbridge area. Rotary presented a check to Lisa to help her work in providing clothing, personal and household needs for families going through difficult times. The money will also help Lisa provide toys at Christmas for the children. Bill was also given a check to provide 35 holiday meals to the families identified by Lisa. Working together to help students and families going through hardship by providing the proper resources is a win for everyone. Rotary at work in the greater Sturbridge community!
The Sturbridge Rotary Club meets on Mondays at 6:00 PM at the Publick House Historic Inn near the Sturbridge Common. For additional information on the Club or to attend a meeting, please contact us at
www.sturbridgerotary.org or check out the Club's Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/sturbridgerotary.
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Boys & Girls Club of Worcester Receives Donation from Cornerstone Bank
Pictured (L to R): Cornerstone Bank's Executive VP, Chief Administrative Officer and Chairman of the Charitable Donations Committee Susan A. Gunnell; Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Liz Hamilton; and Cornerstone Bank's President and Treasurer Todd M. Tallman.
Cornerstone Bank is proud to announce its recent donation of $1,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester. This donation will support the Club's educational and financial literacy programs for underprivileged children between the ages of eight and 18.
The mission of the Boys & Girls Club is to help disadvantaged youth develop the qualities needed to become responsible citizens and community leaders. As part of this mission, Club staff form relationships with youth members by guiding and teaching them how to live successful lives.
The educational and financial literacy programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester teaches youth members how to write a check, balance a budget and manage a bank account. It also helps them to become more aware of and protect themselves from fraudulent practices, such as identity theft.
"The Boys & Girls Club plays such an important role in the lives of these young people. Having a mentor can really make a difference, especially when it comes to financial literacy and protecting personal information," stated President and Treasurer Todd M. Tallman of Cornerstone Bank. "We are proud to make this donation to assist our local Club in their efforts."
For more information on how you can help the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, visit bgcworcester.org or call 508-754-7635.
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Country Bank Supports Be Bold Be Bald
Country Bank employees recently supported the Be Bold Be Bald campaign which is a national fundraising event held on the third Friday of October each year. Their staff surpassed their $2,500 goal and raised $4,500 to help combat cancer. All funds have been donated to the Baystate Regional Cancer Program at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital. Visit
beboldbebald.org to learn more.
Pictured are members of the Country Bank Staff from their Corporate Office.
About Country Bank
Country Bank is a full-service mutual community bank serving central and western Massachusetts with 14 offices in Ware, Palmer, West Brookfield, Brimfield, Belchertown, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Leicester, Paxton, Charlton and Worcester. Country Bank is a member of FDIC, DIF and the SUM network. Country Bank can be reached at 800-322-8233 or online at
countrybank.com
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Harrington Physician Services Welcomes Infectious Disease Specialist
Amy Jaworek, M.D.
Amy Jaworek, M.D., has joined Harrington Physician Services (HPS) 10 N. Main Street, Charlton office as an infectious disease specialist.
Dr. Jaworek received her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, one of the top three teaching hospitals in the state.
Dr. Jaworek also completed her fellowship at Baystate Medical Center in the infectious Disease Division. Fellows are trained in clinical infectious diseases, microbiology, clinical research and infection control/hospital epidemiology.
Infectious Disease Medicine is a specialty discipline in which a board certified provider participates in the diagnosis and treatment of different types of conditions, including:
- Pneumonia
- Skin infections
- Soft tissue and bone infections
- Bloodstream infections
- Viral infections, including influenza, meningitis and cancer-related infections
Infectious diseases specialists have extensive training in all kinds of infections, including those caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
Dr. Jaworek will also perform inpatient consultations at Harington Hospital in Southbridge, working collaboratively with Harrington's Infection Control Department.
The HPS Charlton medical office building also includes Family Medicine Practitioner Dr. Brenda Geddis-Comrie, Adult Primary Care provider Dr. Syed Ali, as well as Nurse Practitioner Melody Igwe.
Patients interested in scheduling an appointment should call 508-248-3015.
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Give a Green Gift
Don't stress yourself out trying to find the perfect gift that will more than likely end up collecting dust, when you can give your loved ones a year of memorable experiences. Give the gift of membership to The Last Green Valley.
The Last Green Valley is green by day and dark by night - the last place in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington, DC that can make that claim. We are a national heritage corridor with a rich history in a rural landscape. Still 77 percent forest and farm, The Last Green Valley is a refuge in the fast-paced, heavily-urbanized East Coast.
Membership to The Last Green Valley, Inc., the non-profit charged with promoting and advocating for the national heritage corridor's unique resources, not only helps to ensure this region's special qualities are here for generations to come, but also gives you access to incredible programs for all ages.
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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.
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"How did it get so late so soon?"
-Dr. Seuss
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Festival of {Giving} Trees - 2017
It's here!! The
2017 Festival of {Giving} Trees is taking place
now through December 3. Celebrating our 20th year, this four day family event is designed to be a holiday activity. The mission of the Festival is to raise money to help the Silent Spring Institute, the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition and The Cancer Center at Harrington Hospital fight the battle against breast cancer and to help fund cancer research. Over the past nineteen years, the Festival of {Giving} Trees has raised and donated over $500,000 to these beneficiaries.
The Festival of {Giving} Trees features more than 100 uniquely decorated trees on display under one roof.
Some are elegant, nostalgic and breathtaking. Some are humorous, some are traditional and some are really hip. The only thing they have in common is that they are all different and they are all sparkling!
And each and everyone of them will be taken home by lucky raffle winners.
Come join us! It is a community-wide event, so bring your family, friends and neighbors.
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Salem Cross inn
Holiday Dining Events
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 Feasts
December 1, 8, 22, 23, 29 & 31
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 including a special
New Year's Eve event
, Fireplace Feast is an experience you won't forget!
Christmas Memories
December 3, 9, 10 & 16
Eat, drink and be merry! Enjoy a play based on Dylan Thomas' "A Child's Christmas in Wales," performed by an animated and lively cast, dressed in 19th century costumes. Then, a traditional New England turkey dinner takes center stage with caroling and sparkling toasts to the season!
Deck The Hall
December 5 & 13
Seasonal comfort food combined with holiday crafting.
This holiday event begins in one of our dining rooms -- festively decorated, cozy, and set for a winter feast. You'll be seated at your assigned table, where you can sit with your friends, or make some new ones over famous bar cheese and crackers. Soon after, your meal is served to you: Chicken pot pie with buttermilk biscuit, harvest squash, duchess potato, seasonal dessert,
and choice of tea or coffee.
After your great meal, Barry Mongeon will share his talent for holiday preparations and will give step-by-step instructions on how to create your chosen take-home holiday design,
as well as DIY helpful hints along the way.
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Annual Greens Sale
The Southbridge Garden Club will hold their Annual Greens Sale on
Friday, December 1, from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, December 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Arts Center,
www.QVCAH.org, 111 Main Street, Southbridge, MA.
The Southbridge Garden Club has been hosting this event for more than 15 years. All items sold are hand crafted by club members using fresh greens purchased locally or harvested from their personal gardens and the nearby woods. Holiday items, including wreaths, centerpieces, roping, swags and arrangements will be offered. Bundles of greens will also be available for purchase. During the Green Sale there will be an opportunity to win a basket of holiday related items.
Proceeds from the Annual Greens Sale provide the garden club with funds to support beautification efforts at the Arts Center, The Town of Southbridge and surrounding communities.
In addition, the Greens Sale funds annual scholarships for local high school students planning
to major in horticulture, environmental science or related studies.
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Stageloft Theater Presents
The Wonderettes are returning to Stageloft! This seasonal celebration finds the girls entertaining at the annual Harper's Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa turns up missing, the girls use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party. Featuring great 60's versions of holiday classics such as
Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, Jingle Bell Rock, Run, Rudolph, Run, and
Winter Wonderland, the result is, of course, marvelous! This energetic and glittering holiday package is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages.
"A scrumptious confection! This glittering holiday package is a sugar plum delight for audiences of all ages!" -Backstage
"A musical holiday feast!" -Delaware News Journal
"The perfect Christmas revue! Crackles with energy and joy!" -LA Weekly
"A delightfully escapist musical revue." -Los Angeles Times
"Winter Wonderettes is a winner as a fond salute to girl pop groups. The show practically overflows with a rich nostalgic-pop charisma." -Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"This altogether pleasant mixture of character conflict, ineptitude and terrific McGuire Sisters-style chanteusing is as comfortable as coming home for the holidays to cocoa and a Johnny Mathis Christmas album." -Variety
"This lively mix of rockin' holiday hits will surely have audiences dancing in the aisles!"
-TheatreWorld Internet Magazine
Performance Rights for
Winter Wonderettes are handled exclusively by Steele Spring Stage Rights.
To reserve tickets by phone, call (508) 347-9005.
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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 1, 2 and 3
Gateway Players Theatre presents "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever", written by Barbara Robinson. Show dates are December 1 at 7:30pm, December 2 at 2pm and 7:30pm, and December 3 at 2pm. Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and youth under 18. Tickets may be purchased by calling Gateway at 508-764-4531. Online credit card ticket sales are available at
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3127429
This production will be held at the Fellowship Hall of Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm Street in Southbridge. Pat Haddock will be directing, with Kathi Grenier as producer. Presented by permission through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
At all of the performances for "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever", we will be holding a ticket gift raffle featuring some great items that you can win. In addition, Santa Claus will be coming down from the North Pole and will be available for photos. Doors will open an hour and a half before the performance times so that you have plenty of time to buy raffle tickets and get your photo taken with Santa. All proceeds from both of these will go to the "Gateway to the Future Fund".
Synopsis: In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids--probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won't believe the mayhem - and the fun - when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on! This delightful comedy is adapted from the best-selling Young Adult book, and has become a holiday staple for groups across the United States! Features plenty of great roles for children and adults, a few favorite Christmas Carols, and a lot of laughs!
December 10 & 11: Auditions for February Production
Auditions for "Sex Please, We're Sixty!" written by Michael Parker and Susan Parker, will be held on
Sunday, December 10, at 6:30pm, and on
Monday, December 11 at 6:30pm at
Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm Street in Southbridge. This comedy will be directed by Lou-Ellen Corkum and produced by Kathi Grenier. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.
Rehearsals will be held on Sunday and Wednesday nights. Performance dates are February 9, 10, 16, 17 & 18 at the Fellowship Hall of Elm Street Congregational Church. Presented by permission through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. For more information please contact Lou-Ellen Corkum (774-230-1321) or Kathi Grenier (508-245-3596).
The six-member cast consists of two men and four women ages 50-70.
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Christmas by Candlelight at OSV
December 2, 3:00pm to December 3, 8:00pm
December 8, 3:00pm to December 10, 8:00pm
December 15, 3:00pm to December 17, 8:00pm
December 21, 3:00pm to December 23, 8:00pm
Escape the frenzy of a modern Christmas with an enchanted evening of gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, music, dance, and a sleigh ride (weather permitting).
Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village is an evening filled with New England holiday traditions, live musical performances, storytelling, sleigh rides, festive foods, a roaring bonfire, and strolls around the decorated Village Common. Be sure to visit North Pole Village where families will find Santa and his whimsical elves, Mrs. Claus' Bake Shop, a magical talking Christmas tree, a kids' holiday craft workshop, and an expanded G-scale train display. And do not miss the nightly tree lighting and the ever-popular gingerbread house contest!
In order to focus on the evening holiday events, Old Sturbridge Village will be closed during the day from December 1-26, 2017.
Please Note: There are no discounts for our Christmas by Candlelight evening program.
Our Military discount is only offered for daytime admission.
Hours: December 2 - 23
Open evenings for
Christmas by Candlelight only:
December 2 & 3, 8 - 10, 15 - 17, 21- 23 | 3:00 - 8:00 pm
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BAY PATH Education Foundation
Santa Claus Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, December 2, 2017
7:30 - 10:30 a.m
Raffle & Free 5"x 7" Photograph With Santa
By: Casson-Foster Photographers
PLEASE BE IN LINE BY 9:45 AM TO ENSURE AMPLE TIME FOR PICTURES WITH SANTA
Tickets $5: Children Under 5 Free
Cash or Checks accepted
Checks Payable to: Bay Path Education Foundation
You will receive an e-mail approximately one week after the event, notifying you that your photo
is ready to be picked up in the main office at Bay Path.
Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School
57 Muggett Hill Road, Charlton
Please Join us this Holiday Season!
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The Publick House Historic Inn Holiday Dining Events
277 Main Street, On the Common, Sturbridge, MA
Breakfast with Santa
Saturdays, December 2 & 9
Seatings from 8:30AM - 10:30AM
Enjoy breakfast with the big guy!
Ages 3 to 10yrs: $12.95
(2yrs and under free)
Ages 11yrs and Up: $19.95
prices inclusive of taxes and gratuities.
Gingerbread House Decorating
Seatings at 9:00AM, 11:00AM & 1:00PM
Decorate your own 10-inch tall gingerbread house! Visit our magnificent 10-foot Gingerbread House! While the decorations are setting, we'll have delicious cookies & cider for all. Price is $35.00 per house. Limited Availability.
Reservations Required. Call 508-347-7323 ext. 400
or visit the link for menus and more.
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Special Fundraising Event for Local Veterans Organizations
Military Appreciation Event
Saturday, December 2, 7:00pm to 11:00pm
117 Main Street, Spencer, 774-745-8200
Join Mexicali Mexican Grill in Spencer on December 2 for a special Military Appreciation Event
to honor and support local veterans!
The event will feature
A Live DJ playing a Variety of Music
A Visit by the Balloon Man
Special Gifts and Raffles for Customers Joining Us
...and, of course, Amazing Food from Mexicali!
Three Ways to Participate On December 2:
1. Special T-shirts on sale, proceeds of which will be donated to a local veterans organization. You may also order a special Veteran's Tribute T-Shirt in advance of the event. For more info or to place an order,
contact Liz at Mexicali. T-Shirts are $15 each and are available in Blue, Red, and Black.
2. For every food order from the Red, White & Blue menu, 20% of the total bill will be donated to a local veterans organization.
3. Special raffle of two $50 Mexicali Gift Cards. Proceeds will feed two military families for the holidays.
Please join us on December 2 in honoring all veteran men and women who risk it all for a better tomorrow. Your support makes a difference and is greatly appreciated!
Questions:
Call 774-745-8200 or 508-615-6215
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 White Christmas In West Brookfield
Saturday, December 3, 2017
Town Common (Route 9 & 67)
West Brookfield, MA
Join us on Sunday, December 3rd at the beautiful and historic West Brookfield common for our 25th annual White Christmas celebration. Take in the sights of the New England Winter from a horse drawn wagon or stroll Main Street and beyond to enjoy a day filled with local tradition, family entertainment, and the warmth and spirit of the Holiday Season.
With this being the festival's 25th year, the White Christmas Committee has been getting creative to commemorate the milestone. Some new additions to the day include a Christmas carol sing-a-long on the common, Toys for Tots collection and Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Rescue Squad, and a guided lantern tour through West Brookfield's historical district. Events begin at 11:00am.
See all the day's activities here
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Brunch With Santa at Old Sturbridge Village
December 3, 10 and 17
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
$26.95 for adults, $23.95 for seniors (65+), and $13.95 for children 4-12. 3 & Under FREE.
Prices do not include tax & gratuity.
Reservations
DO NOT include admission to
Christmas by Candlelight, an evening event, which must be purchased separately.
Old Sturbridge Village's Sunday brunch gets a special visitor in December - Santa! Brunch with Santa at the Oliver Wight Tavern at Old Sturbridge Village offers a large selection of brunch items and a chance for the little ones to meet Santa Claus. Reservations are required for this annual sellout event. Seatings are between 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. Please call 508-347-0397 to make reservations.
View the website for the menu and more!
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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!
Here Today Adopted Tomorrow Animal Sanctuary
(4-12 yrs.)
ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET!
Held in Paige Hall or under the Tent!
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
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Cabaret Lulu at the Sturbridge Host Hotel
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2017
STURBRIDGE HOST LAKESIDE THEATER
STURBRIDGE, MA
You dine in the Golden Ballroom and see the show in warmth and comfort.
Holiday music we all love and inspirational music that will bring us joy and raise our spirits. Beautiful songs such as "THE CHRISTMAS SONG", "THE FIRST NOEL", "WINTER WONDERLAND" "WHITE CHRISTMAS", "DECK THE HALLS", "FELIZ NAVIDAD", "OH HOLY NIGHT", sketches, audience participation and joy to the world.
COMEDY AND WARMTH THAT WILL TOUCH YOUR HEART AND TICKLE YOUR FUNNY BONE,
A HAPPY TIME THAT WILL LAST YOU THROUGH THE YEAR.
LUNCH and SHOW
For Information or Reservations
CABARET LULU
Toll Free 1 866 LULU USA (585-8872) or 212-308-8050
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Historical Collaboration in The Last Green Valley
Please join us as we explore The Windham Textile & History Museum,
411 Main Street, Willimantic, CT 06226
When: Saturday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m.
Schedule:
10-10:15: Arrive and Mingle
10:15-10:30: Brief Introductions
10:30-11:30 Private tour of the museum
11:30 to noon: Q&A, discussion and refreshments
Bev York, the museum's director of education will be our host as we tour the museum housed in the former headquarters of the American Thread Company. The facility includes a vast collection of the region's textile and mill history, an archive and a research library. Through its exhibits, programs and collections the museum preserves and interprets the history of textiles, textile arts and the textile industry with a special focus on the experiences of the workers who powered the mills with their labor.
TLGV began Historical Collaborations as an effort to bring together organizations and individuals who care for the rich history of the national heritage corridor. TLGV Executive Director Lois Bruinooge said the meetings are wrapping up their second year and have been a great way to help build the capacity of all the organizations who participate.
"We began these meetings to both showcase the incredible history here in The Last Green Valley and to help history-minded organizations, many of which are all-volunteer, connect and share their expertise with one another," Bruinooge said. "The more we all meet and share our stories, the more we can work together and share the story of the national heritage corridor."
Savings Institute Bank & Trust sponsors the quarterly meetings, which are free for all attendees.
"We're a proud supporter of The Last Green Valley," said
Rheo Brouillard, Savings Institute Bank & Trust President and CEO. "The organization's programming helps educate residents about the rich history and offerings of the national heritage corridor. They also put a focus on local businesses and local agriculture that we support whole-heartedly. We all live in a special region and we want to ensure it stays that way for future generations."
"The Last Green Valley is a microcosm of all of American History," said York. "Things that happened in the history books aren't just everywhere else. They are right here."
HISTORY is OUR STORY. Together we care for it, enjoy it and pass it on! Join the collaboration to conserve the history of The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor!
All are welcome, but we ask for registrations.
For more information, call 860-774-3300 or email
[email protected] to reserve your spot.
Historical Collaborations are sponsored by: Savings Institute Bank & Trust
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Feast of the Seven Fishes, Avellino
Thursday, December 14, 2017, 6:30pm
Our traditional December "Feast of the Seven Fishes" banquet will be held on just one night this year: Thursday, December 14. This popular event is always a sell-out so call 508-347-2321 today to make your reservation. The cost per person on this extravagant feast is $68 not including tax or gratuity. Visit Avellino online.
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Central Mass Antique Show
Sturbridge Host Hotel, New Year's Eve & Day, Sturbridge, MA
Imagine spending New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with friends enjoying food, music,
and the area's best Antique Dealers on display. Stay with us and ring in the New Year!
This well-loved show is back for its fourth year!
New Year's Eve 2017
Just $15 for Advanced Viewing includes light refreshments.
New Year's Eve & New Year's Day
6PM Reception
Featuring: Glenn Hillard "The Piano Man"
Cash Bar (Beer & Wine) 6-8PM
Advanced Viewing 6-8PM
(Public is Welcome)
New Year's Day 2018
$8 New Year's Day Admittance Fee.
Show begins 10AM - 4PM
Antique Show Highlights Include:
Up to 85 Dealers and Exhibitors from all over Central Massachusetts & beyond!
Onsite Appraisal Service
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Village Toastmasters Weekly Meetings
Thursday Evenings, 7:00-8:15pm
CHAMBER OF CENTRAL MASS SOUTH CONFERENCE ROOM
46 Hall Road, Sturbridge
Village Toastmasters is a local group focused on helping its members improve their public speaking and leadership skill while building confidence in their abilities.
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.
Guests are always welcome!!
Please arrive 15 minutes early (6:45pm) as meetings start promptly.
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Click on the image to browse our catalog of Coggno training courses!
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We Welcome Interesting Goodies for our Welcome Baskets!
 The Chamber has teamed up with the Center of Hope to create gift baskets to welcome new members to the Chamber of Central Mass South. The Chamber presents our new members with gift baskets that will not only have a monetary value but also to give the recipient an opportunity to learn more about other Chamber members and their services. These baskets make a terrific first impression and are a great way to introduce your business to new prospects. Can you help us fill these baskets with interesting goodies?
We are always seeking interesting, practical items to include in our welcome baskets. We welcome your contributions of items like modest gift certificates, discount coupons, items with your company's logo like piggy banks, thumb drives and coffee mugs, free trial items, small items your company manufactures or whatever else might promote your company and be a value to our new members. We are looking to assemble about a dozen baskets at a time so that time sensitive material will not be out of date when received. If you would like to donate items for this program, please drop them off at the Chamber office or give us a call to arrange pick up your donated items. Contact Alix at 508-347-2761 or e-mail [email protected] if you have any questions or to arrange a pickup. Thank you for your contributions!
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Important Dates to Save!
December 2: Christmas by Candlelight Begins at OSV
December 2: Military Appreciation Event at Mexicali
December 3: White Christmas in West Brookfield
December 9: Historical Collaboration in The Last Green Valley
December 11: Holiday Fun at Five at The Publick House
December 14:
Feast of the Seven Fishes at Avellino
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VISIT US ONLINE FOR LOCAL EVENTS AND MORE
www.cmschamber.org
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