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Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Jessica Bettencourt
Chair
_________
Board Members
Angela Chviek
Kimberly Cobb
Rich Eichacker
Steve Gardiner
Rich Suitum
Erica Travinski
Michael Wales
Michael L. Wales Painting Co.
Jim Donahue
Honorary Board Member
Counsel
Padgett D. Berthiaume
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Welcome to June's CROSSROADS EVENTS!
The delightful days of mid-June are upon us and here comes summer! Chamber offerings in June include a fascinating Brown Bag Seminar on hypnosis presented by Deb Kizilcan of Deb K Hypnosis. We tee it up for the Chamber's Charities and Scholarships Fund at our annual GOLF CLASSIC at Heritage Country Club on June 27. There is still time to register for a memorable day on the course with your fellow Members.
In July, we resume Fun at Five networking with a visit to Cedar Street Café with McCurdy Group sponsoring. Don't forget to save August 1 for a summer clambake at The Publick House! Read on for the details on these and many more terrific events as well as the latest news from our Members and friends, including new developments with the Paid Family and Medical Leave program.
We want to share your news and events! Thank you for emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in
Crossroads!
Keep posting your events to our online events calendar! We love sharing them with our readers!
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Let's Talk About Hypnosis
Presented by Deb Kizilcan, BA. LMT. CCH
Tuesday, June 25 at Noon
Chamber Conference Room
46 Hall Road, Sturbridge
FREE for CMS Chamber Members,
$15 for non-Members.
Space is Limited! Please RSVP. Call 508-347-2761
Feel free to bring your lunch. Use our microwave to heat it up. Relax, learn and grow with us.
No, I won't make you cluck like a duck!
When most people think of hypnosis, they think of funny stage hypnosis or a scary movie where hypnosis was used to do crazy things.
Come learn about modern hypnosis. Bring your questions to this fun, casual talk and find out why hypnosis is so successful for letting go of self-sabotaging habits and beliefs, habits that we may want to let go of and that may no longer serve us. These habits are done subconsciously, sometimes not even thinking about it in the moment, like over-eating, smoking, nail-biting, worrying or stressing.
Learn a simple tool (self-hypnosis) to reduce stress in your life.
Change your mind....change your life!
About the Presenter: Debra Kizilcan BA
. Certified Consulting Hypnotist with over 20 years in the wellness field. Trained and certified as a massage therapist, yoga teacher, mindful mediation teacher and hypnotist. Member of National Guild of Hypnotists. Certification in Medical Hypnosis. Certification in EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). Graduated from Lesley University with concentration in Holistic Psychology. Member of Speaker Sisterhood. Owner of Deb K Hypnosis, 511 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA
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Deb K Hypnosis
511 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA 01518
508-579-6314
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CMS CHAMBER
GOLF CLASSIC
June 27, 2019
Heritage Country Club, Charlton
To Benefit the Chamber Charities & Scholarship Fund
We hope you will join us as we hit the links at Heritage Country Club for a fun-filled day of golf and camaraderie on the course at our annual Golf Classic! See all the details below. To register, you may download and print
the brochure or visit the
Golf Classic tab on our website!
Your Day Includes:
Continental Breakfast
Greens and Cart Fees
Cookout Lunch on the Course
Spectacular Raffle Prizes
Contests
Refreshments available on the course!
Reception and dinner after play.
Scramble format: All players hit from the best lie.
Featuring:
A LeaderBoard Air Cannon Competition!
A chance to win a 2-year/30,000 mile lease on a 2019 Mustang GT sponsored by Lamoureux Ford!
Registration:
$125 for individual, $475 for foursome
or dinner only ticket for $30.
Schedule:
8:00am: Registration
9:00am: Shotgun Start
2:30pm: Dinner Reception
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor!
Thank you to our Corporate Sponsor!
Tee Box and Corporate Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Mike Checkosky for more info.
About Our Host
Heritage Country Club is an 18-hole championship golf course located in the rolling hills of Charlton, MA. It is the home of the Central Mass. Professional Open and has long been considered one of the finest public golf courses in Central Massachusetts. The course is a par 71, measuring 6,710 yards, offering players of all abilities a spectacular golf experience.
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SAVE THE DATE
FOR THE CHAMBER'S SUMMER OUTING
A NEW ENGLAND CLAMBAKE
AT THE PUBLICK HOUSE!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2019
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Click the M2M logo to view all current discounts!
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NETWORK WITH YOUR CHAMBER
Fun at Five!
Tuesday, July 16
5:00-7:00pm
Sturbridge, MA, 508-347-6800
Join us for Fun at Five at The Cedar Street Café on July 16th. Cedar Street Café offers innovative and creative fare for morning and lunch dining including delicious house made pastries and air-roasted coffees. The café features indoor dining in the beautifully renovated Alpheus Wight farmhouse and outdoor dining on the patio, all centrally located at The Collection at Wight Farm, 420 Main Street, Sturbridge, Mass.
For the Fun at Five event we'll have Beer, Wine, and probably a creative cocktail or two along with some great snacks to munch on. We'll also have some raffles for a few fun door prizes. See you there!
You could win!
A $50 Gift Card to HearthStone Market & Catering
A $50 Gift Card to Kaizen
Thanks to our Fun at Five Sponsor, The McCurdy Group
Register for Fun at Five by email or phone.
508-347-2761
Cost is $10 for Members who pre-register,
$15 at the door, or $20 for non-Members.
Thank you to our
July Fun at Five Sponsor!
McCurdy Insurance Agency has been in business in Sturbridge since 1975. At McCurdy's, our belief is Prevention is Always the Best Insurance. We've got you covered whether it is your car, home, boat, motorcycle, or classic car, we can handle all your personal insurance. We are also specialists in small business insurance, from contractors, manufacturers to restaurants and offices. Our philosophy is "make it as easy as possible for our customers." We are serious about our work and protecting you and we believe in a fun, friendly atmosphere (as much fun as insurance can be). We invite you to meet our friendly, courteous staff to let them help you insure your future!
We like to let the customers speak for us:
"Hey Dennis, just wanted to say that Emily has been WONDERFUL!! She's the perfect mix of professional and friendly. Sounds like I'm well on my way to switching over to your Group." -Vanessa Roney
"My wife and I would like to thank Rebekah for her time and expertise pertaining to our insurance coverage (we feel she went above and beyond)."
-Harold & Pamela Leaming
The McCurdy Group
212 Main Street, P.O. Box 531, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Phone: (508) 347-9343
www.mccurdyinsurance.com
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Sponsors Sought for Chamber Events
If you would like to shine a spotlight on your business and sponsor an upcoming Chamber event, please get in touch with Alix by email or give her a ring. We would welcome sponsors for the GOLF CLASSIC on June 27, and the FUN at FIVE networking events from September through December. A presenting sponsor for our summer outing A New England Clambake at The Publick House on August 1 is also being sought. Contact Alix by phone at 508-347-2761 or email alexandra_mcnitt@cmschamber.org to find out more.
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Governor Baker, Legislative Leaders Announce Three Month Delay
of Paid Family and Medical Leave Program
Implementation Now Set to Start October 1, 2019
Governor Charlie Baker, House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Karen Spilka released a joint statement last night to announce a three-month delay to the start of the new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. The program is funded by payroll tax collections from employers and employees, and those collections were scheduled to start on July 1.
The delay now means that collections will begin on October 1, 2019.
The statement read:
"To ensure businesses have adequate time to implement the state's Paid Family and Medical Leave program, the House, Senate, and Administration have agreed to adopt a three month delay to the start of required contributions to the program. We will also adopt technical changes to clarify program design. We look forward to the successful implementation of this program this fall."
The delay is not expected to reduce the total amount of contributions to be paid by employers and employees to seed the new family and medical leave trust fund, as the state is expected to increase the required contribution rate from 0.63% to 0.75% of wages. The delay is not expected to impact the availability of family and medical benefits for workers beginning in January 2021.
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Southbridge Credit Union Giving Back to the Community
with Red Cross Blood Drive
Southbridge Credit Union (SCU) will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on
Friday, June 21st, 2019 from 9AM to 2PM at the
Hobbs Brook location, 120 Charlton Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566.
For more information or to make an appointment to donate, call or sign up online at
redcrossblood.org, enter 01566 for the zip code and find our blood drive listed as Southbridge Credit Union.
"Hosting a blood drive coincides with SCU's core values of giving back to the community," said Lismarie Collazo, Director of Marketing and Community Outreach. "With a simple blood donation; we have the ability to help save the life of someone who could be a coworker, loved one or neighbor."
Blood is routinely transfused to patients with cancer and other diseases, premature babies, organ transplant recipients and trauma victims, according to the Red Cross.
"The short amount of time it takes to donate can mean a lifetime to a patient with a serious medical condition. We urge eligible donors to join us in the selfless act of giving blood."
Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative and A negative. According to the Red Cross, type O negative is the universal blood type that can be safely transfused to anyone, and is often used to treat trauma patients.
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North Brookfield Savings Bank to Host Seminar
"Medicare - Countdown to 65"
A Medicare information event presented in partnership
with Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Mass Bankers Association
North Brookfield Savings Bank will be hosting a FREE Medicare information session "Medicare - Countdown to 65" on September 16th, 4pm at Ye Olde Tavern, 7 East Main Street in West Brookfield. Pre-registration is required and spacing is limited so do not miss out on this important learning opportunity. Light complimentary refreshments will be served.
If you are over 60, this informative seminar will help you as you approach Medicare eligibility. Whether you are planning to retire or not, it is important to understand your health insurance options outside of your employer-sponsored coverage.
The presentation and discussion will be led by a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts representative in collaboration with the Mass Bankers Association. It will cover Medicare and Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare enrollment timeline, Medigap plans that help supplement Medicare coverage, Medicare Advantage plans, such as HMOs and PROs, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, and plans and programs available to early retirees, such as COBRA.
"At North Brookfield Savings Bank we aren't just your banker, we are your partner. We understand that Medicare is overwhelming and that making the right decision about your healthcare can be stressful and frustrating," said NBSB Senior Vice President/Director of Human Resources, Andrea Healy. "We are here to help you sift through this process. We will provide beneficial information and support to help ease your concerns."
North Brookfield Savings Bank offers educational resources and opportunities to customers, community members and employees as a way to empower them and help them to feel assured in their financial and life decisions. This aligns with the Bank's established core value "Commit to Excellence" which concentrates on elevating and lifting others up through growth and learning for success. In addition, the core value of "Support our Community" encompasses the Bank's goal to engage in meaningful partnerships and put people first. These two practiced values that the Bank strives to embody everyday are why they are committed to providing the community with educational support.
Healy continues, "We believe it is important for us, as a local trusted bank, to offer our support and guidance through education. If people are equipped with knowledge, whether it is financial, healthcare-related or covering any other important topic, they are more likely to feel confident and happy with decisions they make, resulting in a more successful future."
Medicare - Countdown to 65 Date & Time: September 16, 2019, 4pm Location: Ye Olde Tavern, 7 East Main Street in West Brookfield To Register: Call or email Andrea Healy at 508-637-7423 or ahealy@banknbsb.com
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UPDATE - TLGV Moving Offices Temporarily
The Last Green Valley, Inc. has moved its offices temporarily to Quinebaug Valley Community College, 742 Upper Maple St., Danielson CT. TLGV had to vacate its offices in downtown Danielson as the landlord undertakes remediation of asbestos and mold in the building.
TLGV can still be reached by phone at 860-774-3300 and the general email address
mail@tlgv.org
. Our temporary offices are in RM 201W. As always, we welcome visitors.
TLGV thanks QVCC for making space available to the organization and helping us make a smooth and speedy transition.
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!
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DCEF Announces Spring Grants
The Dudley-Charlton Education Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce the Spring 2019 grant awards to the Dudley-Charlton Regional School District. Eight grants totaling $19,367.00 were awarded to educators in the DCRSD.
- bluetooth speaker for Mason Rd Grade 1 show choir run by Dudley Middle 8th graders
- iPads and charging station for Charlton Elementary
- training and materials for Heritage School Mindfulness & Yoga Program
- Lego WeDo 2.0 kits for Heritage School
- iPads for Dudley Elementary
- equipment and inventory for student run store at Charlton Middle
- incubator and water bath to expand microbiology labs at Shepherd Hill (KARL STORZ Grant)
- commercial grade treadmill to transform weight room at Shepherd Hill
Additionally, the DCEF awarded a $500 grant to the school district to support the annual District Art Show in May.
Through its fundraising events and annual appeal the DCEF has awarded 113 grants to the DCRSD since beginning in 2010, totally over $288,000.
The Dudley-Charlton Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that works to strengthen community support and to fund programs that encourage innovation and enrichment in the district's seven public schools. It is governed by a board of directors comprised of business, community, and parent volunteers and is independent of municipal boards, committees, and school organizations. For more info visit
www.dcedfoundation.org or find the DCEF on facebook.
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Cornerstone Bank Supports The American Legion Centennial Celebration
P
ictured here, L to R: American Legion Gaudette-Kirk Post 138 Member Grace Conner, American Legion Gaudette-Kirk Post 138 Member John Canty, American Legion Gaudette-Kirk Post 138 Member Scott Conner, American Legion Gaudette-Kirk Post 138 Member James Letendre, Cornerstone Bank's Chairman and CEO K. Michael Robbins, American Legion Gaudette-Kirk Post 138 Member Gerald Perron, and American Legion Gaudette-Kirk Post 138 Member Carol Perron
Cornerstone Bank is pleased to announce its recent $10,000 donation in support of The American Legion's Centennial Celebration.
On Saturday, June 15, The American Legion Gaudette-Kirk Post 138 in Spencer, MA will host the 100th anniversary celebration of The American Legion. The celebration honors the organization's first century of service and will feature a grand parade, live music and entertainment, military static displays, vendor booths, food, and games.
Our community is strengthened by all that The American Legion does, including their youth mentoring programs, patriotism, and continued devotion to our service members and veterans," said K. Michael Robbins, Cornerstone Bank Chairman and CEO. "We are honored to be able to support this monumental celebration."
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North Brookfield Savings Bank Announces Officer Promotion
Following North Brookfield Saving Bank's Annual Meeting, the Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Cindy Fountain to the officer role of Assistant Vice President, within the Retail Banking and Consumer Lending Department.
"We are so pleased to announce Cindy's well-earned promotion to Assistant Vice President. She has consistently demonstrated her commitment to providing our customers with the very best banking experiences and to serving our communities," said North Brookfield Savings Bank President and CEO Donna Boulanger. "Cindy is a valuable asset to both our banking family and to our customers. We are happy to have her on the team and look forward to her continued growth."
Fountain
, of Palmer, has over 30 years of comprehensive banking experience, with her banking career beginning as a Teller and her most recent position held as Regional Branch Manager and Consumer Loan Manager. Fountain is a graduate of the New England School for Financial Studies of Babson College and currently serves as a Board of Director for the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce. She will be largely based out of the North Brookfield Branch located at 9 Gilbert Street, North Brookfield, but will also travel to serve customers at additional locations.
Fountain will maintain her current roles as Regional Branch Manager and Consumer Lending Manager in addition to her new officer role of Assistant Vice President.
She will carry on managing the day-to-day operations of the branches, scheduling, auditing, employee training, among other administrative duties. She will also assist customers with their consumer loan needs, answering their questions and guiding them through the loan application process. Whether customers are looking to buy or refinance a vehicle, or want to apply for a personal loan, Cindy can help them to reach their lending needs.
If you want to reach Cindy Fountain to discuss North Brookfield Savings Bank deposit accounts or your consumer lending needs, call 508-637-7459
or email cfountain@BankNBSB.com. NMLS ID # 441308.
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Cornerstone Bank Makes Donation to Rainbow Child Development Center
Pictured here, L to R: Cornerstone Bank President & Treasurer Todd M. Tallman; Rainbow Child Development Center Executive Director Joyce Rowell; and Bank EVP/Chief Administrative Officer and Chairman of the Charitable Donations Committee Susan Gunnell
Cornerstone Bank recently donated $2,500 to Rainbow Child Development Center, an organization that provides quality educational and therapeutic programs and services to more than 200 children and their families living in Worcester.
This donation will be used to support the Center's Speech and Language Program. This program addresses the critical need for speech and language services for at-risk, preschool aged children with language disorders and delays. Receiving on-site, customized speech and language therapy is a proactive means in reducing the number of children requiring special education when transitioning to kindergarten.
"We are pleased to support this organization and their mission to transform the lives of children and their families," stated Cornerstone Bank President & Treasurer Todd M. Tallman. "I am happy to see this donation help the Center in providing vital speech and language therapy to students in need of educational services."
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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)
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Country Bank donates $25,000 to YWCA of Central Massachusetts
Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President of Community Relations at Country Bank, Linda Cavaioli, Executive Director at YWCA, Bob Kennedy, Capital Campaign Volunteer and Paul Scully, President and CEO at Country Bank.
Country Bank recently presented the YWCA with a donation of $25,000 to support their 7.5 million dollar capital campaign. The donation will help with building improvements which will allow them
to meet the expanding needs of the community in a more modern and welcoming facility.
"The YWCA Central Massachusetts is extremely grateful for the generous support of Country Bank to help transform the YWCA Headquarters at 1 Salem Square in Worcester to meet the current needs of our participants better, while increasing safety, security, access and a more welcoming inclusive space in the revitalization of our City!" stated Linda Cavaioli, Executive Director at YWCA.
For more than 125 years, the YWCA Central Massachusetts has served as a life-long positive force for women and girls, their families and communities. By leveraging the reach, power and passion of their members and supporters, they have created lasting change.T
he YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
"We are honored to support the YWCA and the essential services they provide to the Worcester community. Their work aligns directly with Country Bank's mission to help make difference in the lives of others," stated Paul Scully, President and CEO at Country Bank.
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70th Annual Leonide J. Lemire Road Race
July 4 at The YMCA
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Leonide J. Lemire
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This Independence Day running a race dedicated to one of our fallen heroes might be a great activity to do to start your holiday festivities. The Leonide J. Lemire Road Race is a 4.9 mile run starting at 9:00am on Everett Street at the YMCA.
This is the 70th running. Leonide was the first Southbridge resident to die in service in World War II. Lemire was in the Navy and was a Seaman First Class on the U.S.S West Virginia. He lost his life on that ship when it was attacked at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Lemire lived on Charlton Street and died at the young age of twenty-four years old.
This race is the second or third oldest continually run race in the country, the Boston Marathon being the first. Be part of this rich tradition and honor those that have served our country. Truly the United States is the home of the free because of the brave.
Click on enrollment, create your account and then choose the Leonide J. Lemire road race
OR
Visit the Y at 43 Everett Street in Southbridge. All registered by June 22 will be entered into a special raffle.
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North Brookfield Savings Bank Shows Support for Palmer Senior Center
Through breakfast visits, delivered gifts, and contributions,
NBSB shows support to the senior community.
North Brookfield Savings Bank Palmer Branch Manager Jennifer Plassmann is shown with Sharon Lemieux, Palmer Senior Center Program & Volunteer Coordinator and Marlene Johnson, Palmer Council on Aging Executive Director. Plassmann recently shared breakfast with members of the Palmer Senior Center, delivered a fresh fruit basket for them to enjoy, and presented a donation towards the Friends of the Palmer Senior Center Annual Fourth of July Fundraiser taking place at Pulaski Park.
As a proud supporter of their local neighborhoods, North Brookfield Savings Bank is committed to giving back and showing appreciation to all members within their communities. Putting the Bank's "Support Our Community" Core Value into action, Palmer Branch Manager Jennifer Plassmann recently made a visit to the members and staff of the Palmer Senior Center, spending time getting to know the many community members that benefit from the Senior Center and its great amenities.
Plassmann was warmly welcomed, spending breakfast with the local seniors that enjoy the Center. She greeted familiar local faces and met new ones, chatted with them, and listened while they shared stories and talked about what they felt made Palmer such a special place to live. One member of the Center even gave her a tour showing the room where she taught Tai Chi to fellow senior members.
"It was a pleasure to get to know the amazing people that call Palmer home and to have a chance to connect with them. I enjoy giving back to our communities and I'm so proud that North Brookfield Savings Bank places such a high value on supporting our local neighbors and spreading kindness," said Palmer Branch Manager Jennifer Plassmann.
North Brookfield Savings Bank also makes an additional monetary contribution to the Palmer Senior Center annually to help make the amazing programs and services offered by the Center possible. The Palmer Senior Center offers a wide variety of easily accessible programs, exercise activities, socialization opportunities and recreation such as walking groups, swimming classes, painting classes, special trips, events, quilting and bingo. In addition, the Senior Center's Outreach Coordinator helps the seniors to access social services available, such as elder housing, caregiver assistance and fuel assistance.
Supporting local communities and sharing kindness are just some of the values that North Brookfield Savings Bank and its employees strive to embody every day. It's with acts like these that the Bank will continue to stay connected to the roots, the people, and the heart of the local communities it serves.
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"And since all this loveliness cannot be Heaven, I know in my heart it is June." -Abba Goold Woolson
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40 Brimfield Rd, Holland, 413-245-3163
Age Friendly Collaboration Invitation
June 14 at 10:00am
Whether your town is Age Friendly, Dementia Friendly, Both or Neither, you are cordially invited to meet with James Fuccione, from the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative, as well as interested parties from Brimfield, the Brookfields, Charlton, Holland, Monson, Palmer, Wales, Warren, Ware, Southbridge, Spencer, and Sturbridge.
The goal of this meeting is to gather together any Directors, Outreach Workers, Select Board Members, COA Members, and First Responders from several communities to find out how we can work together with the resources we all have. Join us for this FREE Session Friday, June 14th at 10 am. Hosted by the Holland Community Center. A continental breakfast will be served. RSVP is appreciated for seating. 413-245-3163
Why join us? Having your town become officially Age Friendly helps when you're filling out grants, it helps with town collaborations, and it helps with new plans for the town.
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