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Welcome to Crossroads News!
Goodbye, Paulette!

Alix has returned from furlough. She's excited to be back and looking forward to working with you all again. Feel free to give her a ring. Meanwhile, this is Paulette's last week with the Chamber of Central Mass South. Words can't describe how much we will miss her smiling, cheerful presence both in the office and at all of our events. We are so grateful for her 45+ years of service to the Chamber and wish her a relaxed and happy retirement!
The Chamber of Central Mass South encourages you to
PUT DOWN THE MOUSE. GET OUT OF THE HOUSE.
SHOPPING LOCAL HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT.
PLEASE JOIN THE RECOVERY!
Many of your favorite places are ready to welcome you back to shop, dine in and out, and play.
Please read and follow all of the guidelines that have been put in place to protect you and your families.
This is new for all of us but with just a little bit of understanding and patience we can all thrive, help each other,
and get through this together.

THANK YOU FOR KEEPING IT LOCAL!
REMEMBER Social Distancing Basics:
  • Stay Home
  • Call/Facetime/online chat with friends and loved ones.

If you go out for essential needs:
  • Avoid crowds
  • Stay 6 feet away from others
  • Don’t shake hands or hug
  • Wear a face covering or mask if physical distancing is not possible.

Stay Informed
Get information from trusted sources. Visit www.mass.gov/covid19 for the latest news, case counts, and lab testing results. Call 2-1-1 with questions. Text the keyword COVIDMA to 888-777 to receive notifications to your phone.
To receive these notifications in Spanish, text COVIDMAESP to 888-777
OSV Reopening Announcement

Old Sturbridge Village is excited to welcome guests back, starting today, July 1 for members only and July 4 for the general public. All guests, whether members or non-members, will have to register in advance due to capacity limits currently in place for organizations like the Village. We're also excited to announce that kids get in for FREE this July, thanks to our generous sponsor Country Bank - details below!

Visits to the Village will inevitably look a bit different right now, but we are doing our best to preserve the best parts of Old Sturbridge Village, like costumed interpretation and demonstrations, while keeping everyone safe. All historical interpretation will be conducted outside. As the season progresses, we will open buildings with occupancy limits. Face coverings/masks are required for adults and youth 2 years of age and older unless they fall under the state exception guidelines. For dining, Bullard Tavern and the Scoop Shop will be open and are excited to announce a new partnership with Boston’s Best Coffee. Cold Brew, Nitro Brew, and Kombucha tea will be available in Bullard Tavern and the Scoop Shop.

In order to open, we must strictly follow protocols for historical and cultural sites issued by the state government, including limiting the number of people on the property at one time. All guests will need to make a reservation before visiting. By using a ticket system, we can space out when people are visiting. Members will still receive free admission based upon membership level, but they must reserve their tickets so that OSV can manage capacity. Tickets will be released every week on Wednesdays.

Special thanks to Dexter-Russell for sponsoring our re-opening!


Kids Free Details: Up to three kids 17 and younger are admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult paying full admission ($28) during the month of July 2020. For a family with three kids, that’s a $42 savings! Every Village (adult) member may bring up to three non-member kids for free. Advance reservation must be made for all attending guests, including those under the age of 17.

The Reeder Family Lodges are now available for booking for July 1 and beyond! The lodges each feature an outdoor entrance, so your contact with other guests is minimal. This July only, we’re also offering a members-only room rate special! Members can book a room for just $39 Sunday-Thursday or $49 Friday-Saturday! This offer is valid in July 2020 only. Call 508-347-5056 with your member ID number at the ready to take advantage of this deal!
Central Massachusetts Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program
Funded by the Office of the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and administered by the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, this award is open to businesses in Southern Worcester County for up to $2,000 to cover business expenses related to COVID-19.

(Worcester, MA.) –The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) has announced that they will be administering a grant assistance program to small businesses in Central Massachusetts impacted by the closure and losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant program is funded by the Massachusetts Office of Attorney General Maura Healey, through the Small Business Relief Partnership Grant Program. CMRPC was awarded $45,000 to distribute funds to small businesses in Central Massachusetts.
 
“This has been a trying time for small business owners in Central Massachusetts,” said Janet Pierce, Executive Director of CMRPC, “We hope that these grants will provide much needed relief to assist in their recovery.”
 
CMRPC will award grants up to $2,000 to small businesses, for eligible business expenses related to COVID-19. Grants of less than $2,000 will be considered. Awards will be limited to one per business. Multiple businesses may apply in a single joint application; however, the total award will be limited to $5,000 per joint application. Businesses that apply as part of a joint application shall not be eligible to apply separately.
 
To be considered for the grant, businesses must meet the following criteria. Any for-profit business or non-profit organization with a physical place of business within one of the forty (40) communities within the CMRPC service area with twenty (20) or fewer employees prior to Governor Baker’s state of emergency declaration. All applicants will be required to demonstrate a direct or indirect financial hardship resulting from COVID-19.
 
The grant is intended to provide emergency support to vulnerable businesses directly impacted by COVID-19. Priority will be given to owner-operated, minority and/or women-owned businesses, particularly those that are located in low- to moderate-income census tracts.
 
The application period will run from June 22, 2020 until September 1, 2020 or until funds are depleted, whichever is sooner.
 
For more information regarding eligibility requirements and to apply, please visit: www.cmrpcregionalservices.org/aggrant .
Center of Hope Foundation’s CEO, Jim Howard Announces Retirement
 
My position as the Executive Director of the Center of Hope for the past 36 years has now inevitably come to the point of my retirement. It has been a wonderful journey. Please bear with my brief review of these years.
 
As the Center of Hope was about to close back in 1984, a benefactor left the Center $115,000. This money provided a new start for the Center which had been in decline for many years. The Board of Directors hired Geri Filion and me to rebuild the agency. Starting at the original school on Walnut Street we’ve added 10 sites, including the main building at 100 Foster Street, have grown from serving 10 towns to 64 in Massachusetts and Connecticut, serve 700 families with employment, day habilitation services, housing supports, family supports, transportation, etc. We also incorporated Noress Corporation, a subcontract packaging company, providing an integrated work environment and additional funding to the Center. We serve on community boards and committees and have become a well-respected organization in town.
 
Most of all, we have worked at developing an agency philosophy, mission and service model that is committed to fostering support, care and opportunities for our participants with disabilities, families, staff and the community.
 
It will personally be quite difficult to leave such a wonderful organization and people. Fortunately, we have an extraordinarily talented and hard-working team who consistently go above and beyond in the care for this agency and its stakeholders. As I become the Executive Director Emeritus (retired) the new executive management team approved by the Board of Directors includes Cindy Howard as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Erika Travinski as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chad Krause as the Chief Program Officer (CPO) and Christine Byrne will remain the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). 
 
We also have a highly unusual group of employees who genuinely care about our participants and families. Moreover, and very importantly, this agency has been favored over all the years with a wonderful Board of Directors who have allowed me the freedom and flexibility to help grow the agency, including bearing with my mistakes.
 
Although we have been impacted by the events surrounding COVID-19, there is a tremendous effort to keep the Center viable and positive as it recovers. Families have been wonderful, and our State funding agents are fully committed to the recovery of all the agencies providing services to people with disabilities.
 
Finally, I want to thank all of you for your support and kindness over the years. Unless a person works in this kind of agency, it is difficult to convey the joy brought to our lives by the people we serve. Our members have a hopefulness, innocence and happiness that is contagious and makes our jobs extremely rewarding. This experience has been a 36 year blessing for me and my family. Hopefully, I will still be around part of the time. My hopes, deep affection and prayers will be with this agency and all of you.
 
With highest regard,
Jim Howard

About The Center of Hope
The Center of Hope Foundation, Inc. provides people with disabilities and their families the resources, services and opportunities to be contributing members of their communities, and to achieve the most fulfilling and meaningful lives possible.

To hope is fundamental to the human condition. We hope for the well-being of our families, caring relationships, financial wholeness, health and productivity. We hope for the prosperity of our friends, neighbors and community. We even hope for peace and stability for the larger world around us.
Edward Jones Market Update Web Conference

You are invited to join Trevor Nielsen and Jeff Burdick for an Edward Jones market update web conference. All you need to participate is a computer and phone. During the event, Trevor and Jeff will give a brief presentation on current events in the market and economy.

Important Webinar Details
Date and time: Tuesday July 7th at 6:00 PM
Meeting number: None needed
Meeting password: No password required

To attend this meeting, please click the following link.
If the link does not work, please copy and paste it into your computer's address bar.

Important Audio Information
Dial-in number: (866) 528-2256 You must dial in in order to hear the conference.
Access code: 3871296

We hope you'll be able to join us. You are welcome to invite a friend.
Even if you don't have a computer or you lose your internet connection, you can still join us by phone!

Jeff Burdick and Trevor Nielsen, Financial Advisors
Second Chance Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program Resumes
Nonprofit’s Vet Hospitals Continue to See Increased Need for Veterinary Care
 
NORTH BROOKFIELD, MA (June 12, 2020) – Second Chance Animal Services is taking on many challenges in resuming low-cost spay/neuter at their three nonprofit veterinary hospitals.  The popular program that offers pet owners an affordable option to have their pet fixed was put on hold as the COVID-19 pandemic began affecting the region in March, postponing hundreds of appointments indefinitely.  As critical supplies became more readily available, Second Chance focused efforts on carefully resuming the program.   
 
The Springfield and Worcester spay/neuter programs have fully resumed in late May, while the North Brookfield program remains limited to accommodate the increased need for emergency surgeries at this time.  With some veterinary hospitals still closed or limiting services, Second Chance continues to see twice their normal caseload of emergencies.
 
Second Chance CEO Sheryl Blancato wants pet owners to know just how hard Second Chance is working to schedule the backlog of appointments.  “We really, really hated to suspend several of our programs like spay/neuter because we know just how much pet owners rely on them, and how important they are to the health of pets in our community.  There are currently hundreds of applications awaiting scheduling on top of the rescheduling postponed appointments. We regret the unavoidably long wait. We’re doing everything we can to get caught up as quickly as possible.”
 
Dedicated staff are calling pet owners in the order their application or message was received.  Pet owners who have already submitted an application are encouraged to be patient and make sure their voicemail is able to receive messages.  Anyone with an urgent spay/neuter need such as pyometra should call the veterinary care line to see which hospital can assist.  New spay/neuter applications can be submitted at secondchanceanimals.org .
 
Second Chance is currently working on plans to resume further programs in late June and July.  Interested pets owners can watch for future announcements on the nonprofit's website and Facebook page.
 
About Second Chance Animal Services:
Second Chance is a nonprofit 501c3 tax exempt organization that began in 1999 in East Brookfield and relies solely on donations from grants to operate. The organization operates an adoption center in East Brookfield, Community Veterinary Hospitals in North Brookfield, Springfield, and Worcester. Second Chance helps over 40,000 pets a year through adoption, spay/neuter, veterinary care, community outreach, educational outreach programs, training, and a pet food pantry. For more information, visit Second Chance’s website at  www.secondchanceanimals.org .
Follow Second Chance on Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/secondchanceanimals
Follow Second Chance on Twitter:   https://twitter.com/secondchanceas
TLGV Reopens to the Public
 
The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) reopened its office to the public in a limited capacity on June 15. All visitors must wear a mask and maintain a physical distance of six feet or more.
 
Appointments are recommended as no more than half the staff will be in the office at any time to ensure compliance with the state’s executive orders. TLGV has self-certified its reopening to ensure safe practices are in place. 
 
To make an appointment, call 860-774-3300. TLGV’s normal business hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, except for holidays. TLGV’s office is at 203B Main St., Danielson, CT on the second floor of Key Bank.
 
If a staff member is not available to meet in person, we encourage our members, business partners and supporters to call or email us. TLGV’s staff are all working, even if they are not in the office.
 
We will also resume in-person outdoor programming in July. Plans include an Acorn Adventure and a sunset paddle. Please check TLGV’s website, TheLastGreenValley.org , or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for regular updates.

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. is a member- supported, non-profit organization working for you in the National Heritage Corridor. Together we can care for, enjoy and pass on The Last Green Valley!
Congratulations to the 2020 Harrington Auxiliary Scholarship recipients.
Pictured (top row l-r) Lauren Alicea, Meghan Barry, Allison Donais, (bottom row l-r) Hannah Picchioni, Skylar Pietz
Harrington Auxiliary Awards Annual Scholarships

The Harrington Auxiliary recently held its 7th annual scholarship awards, deviating from the usual group setting, due to restrictions related to COVID-19. In early June, the Scholarship Committee visited each recipient, keeping the required six-foot distancing protocol, and presented the award and a gift bag filled with gift cards and other surprises to each student.

This year the Committee received 35 applications from graduates of high schools within the Harrington HealthCare System geographic coverage area. After reviewing the applications, the Committee chose five recipients for the Auxiliary scholarship; each student received a $3,000 award.

Recipients included Lauren Alicea, a graduate of Shepherd Hill Regional High School, who plans to study Exercise Psychology at Quinnipiac University; Meghan Barry, Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School graduate, who will study dentistry at Worcester State University; Allison Donais, graduate of Shepherd Hill Regional High School, who plans to study neonatology at Assumption University; Hannah Picchioni, Bartlett High School graduate, who will pursue a career in Speech Pathology at Worcester State University; and Skylar Pietz, Shepherd Hill Regional High School graduate, who will be attending Southern New Hampshire University to study Physical Therapy.

The Committee also selected two recipients who each received a $1,000 Van Vooren Scholarship. Sabina Patem works as a personal care attendant (PCA) at Harrington Hospital and is enrolled at Quinsigamond Community College in its registered nursing program. Carly Reynolds is currently a Surgical Scheduler at Harrington Hospital and is studying nursing at Mount Wachusett Community College.

Harrington Auxiliary, established in 1932, is a non-profit organization of dedicated and impassioned volunteers whose mission is to support and enhance the excellent services provided by the Harrington HealthCare System.
North Brookfield Savings Bank Announces Promotion of
Jennifer Plassmann

North Brookfield, MA— North Brookfield Savings Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Jennifer Plassmann to Loan Servicing Representative within the Bank’s Loan Center.
 
“We are so pleased to announce Jennifer’s promotion and for her continued growth with the Bank,” said North Brookfield Savings Bank President and CEO Donna Boulanger. “She brings years of retail customer service experience to her new position in the Loan Center and we know she will continue to use that valuable experience to help our customers as they move through the process of financing.”
 
Jennifer Plassmann , of West Brookfield, joins the North Brookfield Savings Bank Loan Center team located at 35 Summer Street in North Brookfield. In her new role as Loan Servicing Representative her responsibilities are to perform day-to-day maintenance, review and processing of loans, to provide quality customer service to the Bank’s customers and to support her customer-facing teammates in the residential lending, consumer lending and retail banking departments.

Plassmann has over 10 years of experience in banking during which she learned a great deal about consumer and mortgage loan applications, taking loan payments, and processing loan pay offs. She most recently served as Branch Manager for the Palmer Branch at North Brookfield Savings Bank where she performed such duties as supervising and overseeing all aspect of banking within the Palmer branch, including managing the teller line, scheduling, opening accounts, taking loan applications and providing the ultimate customer service experience while assisting customers with their banking needs.
 
In addition, Plassmann is a strong community supporter, often volunteering her time and efforts for various local community events, fundraisers and support of the Palmer Senior Center. Plassmann has also served on the board of directors for Top Floor Learning in Palmer.
 
“I am excited to grow in my new position, work more closely with the loan center team, and to provide our customers with the very best loan experience,” said Loan Servicing Representative, Jennifer Plassmann. “I look forward to learning the back office side of lending and gaining a more intricate understating of the loan process, while still continuing to support my colleagues who are helping customers face-to-face.”

Jennifer Plassmann, Loan Servicing Representative, NMLS ID# 1702071, can be reached directly by calling 508-637-7410 or by emailing JPlassmann@BankNBSB.com . For more information, contact the North Brookfield Savings Bank Business Center at 508-637-7500 or visit NorthBrookfieldSavingsBank.com .
Second Chance Invites Local Businesses to Help Fight Pet Homelessness
Annual Golf Tournament to Feature Nonprofit’s First Online Auction
 
EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (June 19, 2020) – Second Chance Animal Services is inviting local businesses to partner with them in the fight to end pet homelessness through access to veterinary care.  The nonprofit is looking for sponsors for the Second Chance Golf Tournament, their first live fundraising event since the pandemic struck, postponing the annual dinner auction. The tournament will be held July 25th at Heritage Country Club in Charlton and will feature Second Chance’s very first online auction where the business community can showcase their businesses and support pets in need. 
 
Second Chance Development Director Lindsay Doray says the need is great right now for pets whose owners have been affected by COVID-19.  “Our vet hospitals are helping so many pets right now.  We know how important it is to help these pets at our hospitals to keep them in their homes and out of the shelter.  We cannot let this become a pandemic of pet homelessness.”  Doray reports that many pet owners relying on Second Chance Community Veterinary Hospitals remain out of work or have seen their work hours slashed. 
 
The golf tournament is already half full and Second Chance recognized there will be some who are not able to attend the fundraiser this year.  In the past, non-golfers were able to attend the luncheon and participate in the silent auctions, but that won’t be possible this year so Second Chance decided to add an online auction. “There are some really cool items already” according to Doray who is looking forward to debuting the auction in July.  In addition to a pair of Adirondack chairs handmade and donated by the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, the auction will feature a copy of Caddyshack signed by Bill Murray which was donated by a friend of Second Chance.
 
Information on sponsorships and item donations can be found at secondchanceanimals.org/events/golf/ .  
 
Those interested in golfing can still purchase tickets online at secondchanceanimals.org/events/golf/ .  Single golfers and foursomes are welcome.  Second Chance encourages golfers to purchase tickets early.  The tournament is limited to 76 carts with golfers living in the same household able to ride together to comply with social distancing restrictions.  Check in will be 7 am and the tournament will commence at 7:30 am.
 
PHOTO: 7 year-old Artemis, currently available as foster-to-adopt while he is treated by Second Chance for Lyme disease.  
Massachusetts 2020 Sales Tax Holiday
August 29 and 30

The sales tax holiday for 2020 will occur on August 29 and 30. Retail items of up to $2,500, purchased in Massachusetts
for personal use on these two days, will be exempt from sales tax .

Questions? Visit the Sales Tax Holiday FAQ page at Mass.gov.
Alternatives For Health Celebrates 10 Years!
It's Customer Appreciation Week!

Alternatives For Health is fully open now! Curbside is still an option always, especially since Salli is limiting shop admittance to children age 12 and older and they need to stay with their parent. Masks must be worn at all times in the store. See more online at www.alternatives-4health.com.

June 29 – July 3 is Customer Appreciation Week. In business at this location for 10 years! Everything in the store will be 10% off. Please stop in and see the “new” remodeling and tour the upstairs. Another treatment room has been added and readers now have their own space as well as the classroom which is up there.

Alternatives For Health’s Readers and some of the Therapists are back in action and accepting clients. As usual, you need to contact them directly to make the appointment or call me for their numbers if you need them.

The next Herbal Apprenticeship is dated and is filling up. If you were on the list for that class, please call and verify that you are still taking the class. It is limited to 8 and your deposit is due by August 1. The dates are September 27, October 25, November 22, December 13, January 17, February 21, March 21, April 18, May 23, and June 10. Cost is $850. The upstairs class area has plenty of room to spread out. This month's class had no problem social distancing up there. Salli hopes to begin scheduling other classes soon.

SUMMER HOURS
Monday, Wednesday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Closed on Sunday and Tuesday.
Closed on Saturday, July 4.
TLGV Extends Cleanup Contest

The Last Green Valley’s (TLGV) Cleanup Contest, inspired by the 50 th anniversary of Earth Day, was such as success we decided to extend the contest through Aug. 31. Prizes will be awarded each month for the most garbage collected and the most unusual item found. Every kid 15 and under who participates will also win a cool prize.

The winners of the first edition of the cleanup contest were:

  • Kathy Doiron of Danielson collected 190 lbs. of trash from her eight-foot dingy over the course of 40 hours. She also walked a mile of road to pick up trash.

  • Micha Gutt of Chaplin collected about 100 lbs. of trash but certainly collected the most unusual item when he found a set of false teeth.

  • Four children from several towns in The Last Green Valley also collected trash, winning a prize. Together they collected more than 50 lbs. of trash.

Participation in the cleanup contest is easy. Go to TheLastGreenValley.org homepage and scroll to the News section. You will find the announcement of the contest and a link to the Trash Tracker. Download it or email LyAnn@tlgv.org for a copy. Get out there with gloves, trash bags and the tracker. Email LyAnn@tlgv.org with the completed Trash Tracker (you can take a good quality photo of the Trash Tracker or scan it) and photos of your collection by the end of each month to be entered to win an earth-friendly prize. Prizes will be given for most trash collected, most unusual item and amount of time spent collecting trash. All kids 15 and under who fill out the Trash Tracker with parent permission will get a prize. The contest will run each month until Aug. 31.

Participants are also encouraged to post their photos on social media and tag The Last Green Valley or post directly to our Facebook page. The program is funded, in part, thanks to the support of bankHometown.

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. is a member-supported, non-profit organization working for you in the National Heritage Corridor. Together we can care for, enjoy and pass on The Last Green Valley!
Upcoming Online Opportunities

Experience Worcester's Fourth of July celebration virtually on July 1st, check out free business workshops from SCORE, and more.
Are you offering online learning opportunities, webinars, or podcasts? Please add them to our calendar or email Jack the pertinent info and we will be happy to share!

WORCESTER REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
JULY 1, 7:00-8:00pm: 2020 City of Worcester - VIRTUAL - Annual Independence Day Celebration
The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and Fallon Health are pleased to present the 2020 VIRTUAL EDITION of the City of Worcester's Annual Independence Day Celebration in partnership with Discover Central Massachusetts and the City of Worcester.
See all the details here.

See more on the Worcester Chamber's calendar of upcoming events here.

COGGNO is the Chamber's 24/7 Training platform. Low cost and even free online courses are available for CMS Chamber Members.

FREE ONLINE BUSINESS WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY SCORE

Keyword Research - How it supports SEO as well as your overall marketing strategy
Wednesday | July 8 | 10:30 am
-What is keyword - search terms - research and its primary benefits
-Why defining your geography and target audience before keyword research matters
-How to generate keyword research lists
-Employing keyword research in organic/technical SEO tactics, like page tags and content
-Getting Google to index/crawl your site post-revision-making

Use YouTube To Grow Your Business
Tuesday | July 14 | 10:00 am
Get best practices for creating a YouTube Channel and compelling video content that promotes your products and services and drives engagement with your brand
-Understanding different video formats
-How to setup a YouTube channel
-Making good creative, and how to target and measure the results

Balancing work, family and stress during uncertain times: Learn how to stay productive and calm
Wednesday | July 15 | 10 am

Renegotiating Commercial Leases and Loan Agreements: Practical tips and strategies
Thursday | July 16 | 10 am
Small businesses affected by the pandemic may still have lease and loan obligations they aren't able to pay. Bill Hulsey, an attorney and SCORE volunteer will help you (1) understand the terms of your agreement that might allow you to delay or reduce payments during the pandemic, (2) understand the legal concepts that could excuse contract performance and (3) explain negotiating strategies you can use when talking with your landlord or lender.

TRI-COMMUNITY YMCA
Connect with YMCA personal trainers via free Zoom access. Check out their schedule here.

DEB K HYPNOSIS
Offers online sessions through Zoom, Skype and Facetime. Call Deb at (508) 579-6314 or visit online for more.
Are you the Sharpest Knife in the Block?
Virtual Pub Quiz
July 22, 7:00-9:00pm

The United Way's Annual Pub Quiz, sponsored by Dexter-Russell, is moving to a virtual platform this year. Get your team together for a night of fun at your home. There will be a prize for best TEAM SPIRIT! Decorate, wear team shirts, costumes, what ever you want!

The game will play slightly different since we’ll be Zooming the event. Fewer rounds, fun questions (not the SATs)
and chances to buy answers or double points! There will be a special 50/50 raffle and prizes.

Great fun for family, co-workers and friends!

Fees are $100/team of 4. Individual and team registrations are open.
Payment must be received by July 20 to reserve your spot.
This event will sell out, click here to get your tickets now!
Call for more info: 508-765-5491
Everybody in the Pool! Comfort Inn & Suites, Sturbridge is excited to announce their Outdoor Pool and Patio are now open and ready for your arrival! The Comfort Inn is going above and beyond CDC guidelines for cleanliness and social distancing to ensure their guests can stay in a safe and relaxing environment. They look forward to you joining them, please book at sturbridgecomfortinn.com or call now at 508.347.3306 to book your stay!
golf-ball-header.jpg
Celebrate Independence Day at Heritage Country Club!
July 4th Sweeps
Member-Member or Member-Guest Sweeps
2-Man Best Ball Hdcp'd With Skins
Pick your own partner and group - Singles will be paired
8:00-8:30 starting times
Please call us for more info or to sign up!
508-248-5111

Patio and Indoor Dining Available Monday - Friday from 11:30 - 7:30
Learn online, on your time for FREE, now through July 5th!

A well-trained team is more engaged and more productive... leading to better, smarter results for your business.

Available Now:

  • Managing the Virtual Workspace:Tips & Strategies
  • Crisis Management
  • Employee Accountability
  • Skype for Business
  • Creating Winning Webinars
  • Successfully Managing Change

Coming Soon:

  • Microsoft (various levels): Excel 2016, Office 365, Teams
  • Soft Skills: Customer Service, Stress Management, Social Selling, Leadership Skills
  • Call Center Training
  • Building a Brand on Social Media
  • Communications for Small Business
  • Effective Performance Reviews

For more information or to register please email or call Christine McNally at cmcnally@qcc.mass.edu or Eileen Morgan at emorgan@qcc.mass.edu or call 508-751-7900.

REGISTER FOR FREE CLASSES TODAY! D on't Miss this Opportunity for FREE Training!

St. Anne's Shrine
Novena to Saint Anne 
July 18, 2020 to July 26, 2020

Pilgrims of all faiths, generations and cultures are invited to join the Celebration of the 133rd Novena to St. Anne.
The Novena will begin on July 18th and continue until July 26th the Feast Day of St. Anne and St. Joachim.

St. Anne Shrine, 16 Church Street, Fiskdale/Sturbridge
LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS

HITCHCOCK ACADEMY
The Farmers' Market will be open every Saturday from 9 am - 2 pm. Visit the link for the guidelines.

SOUTHBRIDGE FARMERS MARKET AT BIG BUNNY MARKET
The Farmers Market at Big Bunny operates on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.

STURBRIDGE FARMERS MARKET ON THE COMMON
The Farmers Market on Sturbridge Common operates on Sundays from 9am to 1pm.
 WANTED  
Norcom Mortgage is on the hunt for licensed and experienced Loan Officers.

Do you have 2+ years of MORTGAGE EXPERIENCE?

Do you have a solid knowledge of FHA, CONVENTIONAL & VA LOANS?

* WE ARE NOW OFFERING REVERSE MORTGAGE LENDING *

INTERESTED?
CONTACT KRISTEN WALTHER
774.241.0770

LEARN MORE BY VISITING US AT

Please share this information with your friends and colleagues who may have an interest!
Thank you!

This is not an offer to make a loan or to make a loan or any particular terms. All loan applicants must qualify under underwriting requirements and satisfy all contingencies of loan approval. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. NMLS ID #71655 ( www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org )
SAVE THE DATE!
CHAMBER of CENTRAL MASS SOUTH
GOLF CLASSIC
SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
9:00am Shotgun Start
Heritage Country Club, Charlton, MA
Benefits The Chamber Scholarships & Charities Fund
STAY TUNED...MORE INFO COMING SOON!
Executive Committee

Laurie Cashman, Chair
Yellow Iris Farm

Erika Travinski, 1st Vice Chair
The Center of Hope

Jessica Bettencourt, Immediate Past Chair
Klem's

Bruce Watkins, Treasurer
Karl Storz Endovision, Inc.
 
Board of Directors

Brad Arcoite
Table 3 Restaurant Group

Michael Checkosky
Cornerstone Bank

Alycia Dzik
Webster First Federal Credit Union

Rich Eichacker
Vibrance Technology Corp

Michelle Fanion
ERA Key Realty


Steve Gardiner
Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center

Les Gardner
Les Gardner Photography

Nathan Hardt
Old Sturbridge Village

Leila Hurt
Country Bank

Lynn Mero
Southbridge Credit Union

Rich Suitum
Exsel Advertising Group

Michael Wales
Michael L. Wales Painting Company

James Donahue
Old Sturbridge Village
Honorary Board Member


Counsel
Padgett Berthiaume
Berthiaume & Berthiaume
46 Hall Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Alexandra McNitt
Executive Director
Jack Starkey
Communications & Media