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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 your mid-July CROSSROADS EVENTS!
Summer is in full swing now and it's time to hit the trails... at C-MASS GEOFEST! Our little geocaching festival has grown to be a MEGA event in its 5th year with over 500 people expected! Check out the details below and come be a part of a new tradition.
It starts this week!
How's your summer going so far? We'd love to hear all about it and hope to see you at Cedar Street Cafe tomorrow night for July's Fun at Five! Use the link in the article below to register and we'll see you there! Don't forget about our Summer Outing: A New England Clambake at The Publick House on August 1. Will it be Lobster, Steak or the Vegetarian entree? Register below and just bring your appetite and perhaps some comfy shoes! We can't wait!
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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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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C-MASS GEOFEST,
our region's only major geocaching festival,
returns for more fun in the summer of 2019!
Check out the promo on YouTube:
Join us July 17-21 in and around Sturbridge as enthusiastic geocachers comb our region in search of geocaches. Other events will entertain children and families between forays onto our abundant trails and scenic spaces!
In our fifth year, we're planning another leap forward for turnout and activities!
MEGA IN 2019!
C-MASS GEOFEST has achieved
MEGA status among geocaching events with over 500 participants expected to attend this year's festival! See the events included below and come join the fun!
Activities in natural and exhilarating surroundings will familiarize visitors with the historical, dining and shopping finds as well. It will be a celebration of activism in the outdoors and residents and visitors alike are invited to mingle.
Registration for the geocaching is FREE.
Register and learn more at:
OUR MAIN EVENT VENUE:
Westville Recreation Area. Westville Lake is an impoundment of the Quinebaug River, created and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and straddling the boundary between Sturbridge and Southbridge. There are great picnic areas, open spaces and woods trails, plus picnic shelters and launches for canoes and kayaks. C-MASS Geofest takes place in many locations in Sturbridge.
Schedule of Events
Wed., July 17
Music Bingo at Mexicali Mexican Grill 7-9 pm
Like regular bingo but instead of numbers you match musical cues on a card
Thur., July 18
Canvas Painting with Brush It Off at the Publick House
6-8 pm
We'll paint an 11"x14" canvas, subject is the Moon Landing!
$25 pp, call 508-347-2761 to register for this!
Fri., July 19
I Scream for Ice Cream at Westview Farms Creamery
2-4 pm
Enjoy some of the creamiest ice cream on the planet while watching baby goats frolic on the hilltop
Bonfire and the History of the Apollo Mission with the Aldrich Astronomical Society 8 pm
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing with the Aldrich Astronomical Society, stories about the Apollo program, and rocket launching with the kids
Sat., July 20
The Main Event at Westville Dam
Registration 12 - 5
Vendors: Space Coast, JB's Mobile Café and Suzy Q's Ice Cream 12-5
Westville Caching 12 - 5
Kids Activities 12 - 4
Ammo Can Toss 12 - 4
1st Scouting Geocaching Badge Class with Scout338 at 12:30
Meet & Greet with Massachusetts's newest volunteer Reviewer (Massquerade) at 12:30
Group Photo 1:00
Hands on Geocaching with 4Swans at 1:30
Build Your Own Birdhouse Class at 2:30
2nd Scouting Geocaching Badge Class with Scout338 at 2:30
History and Tour of the Westville Dam at 3:30
Raffles, 50/50.... at 4:00
Sun., July 21
Flotilla on Lake Siog up Quinebaug River Trail with Cider and Donut Launch at 9 am
This nationally designated National Recreational Trail is a flat-water course with no portages, approximately 5 miles in length, and several caches to pick up along the way.
Send-Off at Rapscallion Brewery 2-4
Enjoy a craft brew as we bring the C-MASS GEOFEST to a close for 2019.
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GOLF CLASSIC: Congratulations to the 2019 Winning Team from
Harrington HealthCare System!
Congratulations to the foursome from Harrington HealthCare System! Team members are Cameron Cormier, Emil Pablico, Russ Geller and Michael Gago. The team took home the championship cup, a beautiful art glass trophy donated by Karl Storz with a combined score of 11 under par. Thanks to our golfers, our amazing hosts at Heritage Country Club, our presenting sponsor Cornerstone Bank, our corporate sponsors Harrington HealthCare System and Southbridge Credit Union and our Lunch Sponsor, Incom. Thanks as well to our Tee Sponsors, Southbridge Credit Union, Harrington HealthCare System, Incom, The Center of Hope, Venture Community Services, Cornerstone Bank, Vibra Healthcare, The Meadows, Exsel Advertising Group, and Howell Marketing. Plus a shout out to our volunteers for helping out behind the scenes and, of course, Mother Nature for providing a superb day for golf! The Chamber's GOLF CLASSIC takes place annually in June and proceeds from the tournament benefit The Chamber Scholarships & Charities Fund.
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CMS Chamber Welcomes New Venly Fellow and Social Media Consultant, Hannah London
The Chamber of Mass South is excited to introduce our new Venly Fellow, Hannah London. Hannah has recently completed extensive training and certification at Venly's headquarters in Cambridge, MA. She is available now to meet with our Members to offer expert advice and coaching for their endeavors in the increasingly important realm of social media. CMS Chamber Members are encouraged to contact the Chamber to set up a free 40-minute consultation with Hannah to receive a comprehensive evaluation of their online presence and recommendations for improvement. After this person-to-person meeting by webconference, you have the option to contract Venly for ongoing reviews, maintenance and assistance with your social media strategy for one-time setup charge and a small daily fee.
"Social media has revolutionized how businesses connect to consumers" said the Chamber's Executive Director Alexandra McNitt. "Having partnered with Venly for several years now, I can attest to how beneficial working with experts in this discipline is for our business and others."
More about the Chamber's new Venly Fellow, Hannah London
Born and raised in Hull, Massachusetts, Hannah attended University of Massachusetts Amherst where she graduated with a B.A. in Communication. Hannah worked her way through school in retail, restaurant, and day care center roles. From those experiences and looking forward, she developed a passion for helping local businesses. Coming from a tight-knit small town, Hannah sees the Fellowship as a chance to strengthen community connection across geographies and markets through outreach and engagement, e-commerce, web operations, and cybersecurity. You may contact Hannah by phone or email. Direct: (781) 242-9536 Main: (617) 379-0003
hannah.london@venly.com
About Venly
Venly partners with area Chambers of Commerce to help local businesses grow, create jobs, and strengthen the community. Venly provides in-person training services to local business owners to get the most out of the big ten social media channels. Venly can help you create a customized social media strategy for your business. Find out more at
Venly.com
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SAVE THE DATE FOR A RIBBON CUTTING!
Saturday, August 10th 10am-2pm
Join us at the BRAND NEW Kid Power Gymnastics facility!
Come explore Kid Power's 8,400 sq ft building, enjoy FREE open gym time for ages up to 12 yrs old (parents required in the gym), register for summer classes, daytime summer gym jam & September classes, and snack on cookies and lemonade!
FREE color changing Kid Power cup for every child who attends!
MORE INFO COMING SOON!
Address: 221 Sturbridge Rd (Route 20) Charlton
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You're Invited to
A New England Clambake!
Thursday, August 1, 2019
5:00-8:00pm
The Publick House Historic Inn, On the Common, Sturbridge
The Chamber's Annual Summer Outing is back! We hope you will join us for a traditional New England Clambake hosted by The Publick House! We can't wait to get together with our Members and friends and enjoy a summer clambake with all the fixin's! Here are the details!
COCKTAIL HOUR:
5 to 6pm at The Little Red Barn
Butlered hors d'oeuvres. Cash Bar.
CLAMBAKE BUFFET:
6 to 8pm in the Garden Tent
New England Clam Chowder, Steamed Clams, Assorted Breads & Salads, Boiled Red Bliss Potatoes, Corn on the Cob
WITH YOUR CHOICE OF:
1 1/4 lb. Lobster, 12 oz. Sirloin Steak or Vegetarian Entree
DESSERT: Chef's Choice. Assorted Coffees & Teas.
Also featuring our annual raffle benefiting the Chamber's Charities & Scholarships Fund. Just $10 per ticket for "Your Chance to be a Millionaire!"
Win $1000 worth of lottery scratch tickets!
This will be your last chance to buy tickets!
Every ticket purchased this night earns you an entry into a separate raffle for a pair of
RED SOX - YANKEES TICKETS!
Friday, September 6 at Fenway Park, Boston
The winners will be drawn at the Clambake!
Bring some comfy shoes and try out the Publick House's new human Foosball game!
Why not make this your company outing? Groups of any size can be accommodated. Just tell us how many are in your party, and we'll reserve your table.
COST
$55 per person or tables of 10 for $525.
CONTACT US TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY!
Remember to let us know your meal choice! Lobster, Steak or Veggie?
Deadline to RSVP is July 24.
508-347-2761
pjh@cmschamber.org
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
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Hometown Bank Community Foundation donates $6,500 to Sponsor Day Kimball Healthcare Junior Volunteer Program
Pictured (L to R): Janet Johnson, Volunteer Services Coordinator, Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH); Jeffrey Corrigan, Vice President of Human Resources, DKH; Matthew LaFlamme, Branch Officer, bankHometown; Susan Collins, Cash Management Officer, bankHometown; Matt Sosik, President & CEO, bankHometown; Anne Diamond, President & CEO, DKH; Peter Deary, Board of Director, bankHometown and DKH; and Kristen Willis, Director of Development, DKH.
Matthew S. Sosik, President and CEO of bankHometown, announced that the Hometown Bank Community Foundation awarded a $6,500 grant in support of Day Kimball Healthcare's (DKH) 2019 Junior Volunteer Program at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, CT.
The sponsorship funds will support the highly-competitive Junior Volunteer Program, available to an average of 60 area high school students for seven weeks during the summer months. Junior volunteers have the opportunity to gain valuable insight into possible future careers in healthcare while also providing valuable service to the community.
"We believe the Junior Volunteer Program at Day Kimball Healthcare presents many fantastic opportunities to our younger working community and sets them up for success when potentially looking for future employment in the health services field," said Matthew S. Sosik, President and CEO of bankHometown. "That's why we love to sponsor this program."
In order to become a Junior Volunteer, candidates must be between the ages of 14 and 18, have graduated 9th grade before entering the program, attend one eight-hour training day, and commit to one eight-hour day per week for the months of July and August. Students are able to spend the summer with new friends learning about various careers in the hospital setting, building their resume, and fulfilling community service requirements that they might have.
Day Kimball Healthcare's service areas include northeast Connecticut, as well as nearby Massachusetts and Rhode Island communities. Their comprehensive network offers more than 1,100 employees, including nearly 300 associated, highly-skilled physicians, surgeons and specialists.
The mission of Day Kimball Healthcare is to meet the health needs and well-being of our diverse community through our core values of clinical quality, customer service, fiscal and environmental responsibility and local control.
bankHometown, a member of the Hometown Financial Group family of banks, is headquartered in Oxford, MA and has 13 branch offices serving central Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut. Through its sponsorship and charitable giving program, bankHometown and the Hometown Bank Community Foundation support non-profit organizations and causes throughout the surrounding communities and have donated $216,394 to over 110 organizations in the year of 2018. For more information or to apply for funding, please visit
hometowncoop.com/resources/.
Hometown Financial Group, Inc. is a $2.7 billion mutual multi-bank holding company headquartered in Easthampton, Massachusetts and is the parent company of bankESB, bankHometown and Abington Bank. These separate and distinct banking franchises offer a complete line of consumer and business deposit and lending products through its 30 branch offices located throughout Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut. For additional information about Hometown Financial Group, please visit
www.bankhfg.com.
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North Brookfield Savings Bank Hat Contest Winner is Caitlyn Toomey
North Brookfield Savings Bank's Assistant Vice President/Marketing Manager Caitlin O'Connor presented a $100 Klem's gift certificate to NBSB's May Hat Contest Winner Caitlyn Toomey, of North Brookfield.
We can all feel the change in the air as summer quickly approaches. The days are getting warmer and the excitement of vacations and fun summer activities is in full force. For Caitlyn Toomey, a North Brookfield resident, the summer excitement got a jump start when she found out that she was the May winner of North Brookfield Savings Bank's Hat Contest.
Each month, anyone spotted wearing a North Brookfield Savings Bank hat in the community by a Bank representative is entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift certificate to a local establishment. Caitlyn Toomey was spotted wearing her NBSB hat by Assistant Vice President/Marketing Manager Caitlin O'Connor at North Brookfield's May Festival while she was with her father Ryan Toomey and her brother Jake. Caitlyn later visited the North Brookfield branch to receive her gift of a $100 gift card to the
Klem's, a local, favorite department store in Spencer, MA. When asked what she was planning to use the gift card for, Caitlyn replied that she was thinking of getting some pet fish.
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TLGV Launches $50,000 Community Enrichment Grant Program
The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) is pleased offer its largest grant program in almost a decade. TLGV's new Community Enrichment Grant Program will fund projects aimed at conserving, celebrating or enhancing The Last Green Valley's significant natural and historic resources or promoting economic development such as tourism and outdoor nature-based recreation.
TLGV is a member-supported non-profit charged with stewardship of the unique agricultural, natural, historic and cultural resources of one of the nation's oldest national heritage corridors, The Last Green Valley.
"To celebrate 25 years of this amazing national heritage corridor TLGV wanted to create a program that also honors the community partnerships that make this region so unique and special," Lois Bruinooge. TLGV executive director. "As a nonprofit we ensure every dollar of our funding becomes multiple dollars of community benefit and this grant program is a way for TLGV to extend that benefit even further."
Projects must demonstrate tangible results and lasting benefits to the community and can be related to sustainable agriculture, trails and water trails, accessibility, streetscape improvements, community gardens, tourism, land use planning, light pollution control, open space, wildlife habitat, water quality, farmers markets, Brownfields, forestry, town common enhancements, interpretive materials, historic preservation or other projects that advance the visions and strategies of Vision 2020, the management plan for The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. Vision 2020 can be found at
www.TheLastGreenValley.org
Grants may range from $2,500 - $10,000. Funds will be dispersed on a reimbursement basis and must be matched 1:1 by cash or in-kind contributions. Municipalities, schools and non-profit 501(c) organizations are eligible to apply for projects located within The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor.
Applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered by 4 p.m. Aug. 29. Applications may also be emailed to
LyAnn@tlgv.org before midnight Aug. 29.
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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Norcom Mortgage Welcomes Daniela Gatti to "The Mama K Team"
Let Daniela Gatti help you to your new home.
A mortgage and loan professional for more than eighteen years, she has additional training and certification in management and business development and credit remediation. She has the knowledge and experience to help you through the loan process, find the terms that are right for your budget, and make sure all the legalities are competently handled so that the closing goes smoothly and you can take possession of your new property with confidence.
Whether you're a first-time home buyer, looking to trade up, deciding to downsize, or simply wishing for a change, Daniela can help you before you ever make an offer on a property. She can sit down with you and look over your budget, income and savings, helping you get a clear picture of what type and amount of loan is realistic. There are many factors to consider when securing financing; interest rates are only one element of the complete package. Daniela will help you consider all your options so you can concentrate on making the best decision for your needs.
The financial aspects of home buying can be stressful and overwhelming-but they don't have to be, not with a trained and caring professional in your corner.
Contact Daniela Gatti today at Norcom Mortgage and let's get started making your home-ownership dream come true. Norcom Mortgage is located at 135 Main Street (Route 131), Suite 4, Sturbridge. Reach them by phone at 774.241.0770.
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Cornerstone Bank Awarded First Place in Four Categories at the
2019 New England Banking Choice Awards
Cornerstone Bank has been recognized in four categories at this year's New England Banking Choice Awards. The awards were accepted on June 28th at the Best Bank Expo held at MGM Springfield. Cornerstone Bank President and Treasurer, Todd M. Tallman, took part in the discussion panel.
Cornerstone Bank has been named the first place statewide winner for Technology and named first place in Central Massachusetts in three categories: Overall Quality, Customer Service, and Technology and Tools.
"We are honored to be recognized at this year's New England Banking Choice Awards," said Chairman and CEO of Cornerstone Bank K. Michael Robbins. "We thank our customers for their continued support and our employees for their contributions toward obtaining these awards."
The awards are presented by American Business Media and Customer Experience Solutions LLC who interview thousands of banking customers in a double-blind format. These banking benchmarks are created without any financial institutions involved, making it highly respected.
"It was an honor to sit on the discussion panel with other bankers from top-ranking financial institutions," stated President and Treasurer of Cornerstone Bank Todd M. Tallman. "It's an exciting time to be in banking, and we're honored to be recognized for our commitment to excellence."
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, 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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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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"The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses."
- Hanna Rion
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Holland Community Center Events
40 Brimfield Rd, Holland, 413-245-3163
July 15, 1-2pm: DISC GOLF INSTRUCTION: Brock Jenkins, our Kitchen Chef, is an avid Disc Golf player. He has donated a Disc Golf Basket and now he's going to teach us how to play.
July 17, 6-7pm: PACE PRESENTATION: Zoraida Fontanez will be here to present you with information about the PACE program and what it can do for you. This is a very informative presentation and we encourage all who can, to join us.
July 18, 1-3pm: KAYAKING ON LAKE SIOG: Join Brenda at Lake Siog to kayak around the lake for an afternoon of socializing and conversation.
July 22, 1-2pm: PAINTING WITH APRIL: To go with our Sea Theme this month, the painting will be of a lighthouse. Thanks to the COA the cost of this class is $10. This class starts at 1pm. If you would like to join us for lunch at noon before hand, please let us know 48 hours in advance. Lunch for this day will be Smoked Pork BBQ, Potato Salad, Dessert. Cost of lunch is $3 and $5 if you'd like a take-out.
July 23, 1-3pm: UNDER THE SEA PARTY: Calling all Mermaids and Mermen of all ages, come join us for light refreshments, activities, and games. This is our chance to do something for the younger crowd now that they are out of school. Please RSVP so we can get a head count.
July 24, 1-3pm: MOVIE DAY AT THE CENTER: In keeping with our summer sea theme. We will be showing JAWS 2 this week.
Years after the shark attacks that left Amity Island reeling, Sheriff Martin Brody finds new trouble lurking in the waters. Mayor Vaughn wants to rid the beach town of the stain on its reputation. But the disappearance of a pair of divers suggests that all is not right. When Sheriff Brody voices his warnings about holding a sailing competition, everyone thinks its post-traumatic stress. That is, until a shark fin cuts through the water.
Movies are always free at the Center. Movies start at 1pm.
If you would like to join us for lunch at noon, please give us a 48 hour notice. The menu for this day is Italian Grinders & Chips, Dessert. Cost of lunch is $3 and $5. if you wish to take-out.
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