SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND WIN!
Just 15 Days left to submit your entry!
Download your entry form today and participate in The Chamber's SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS Campaign and Contest which kicked off on November 1 and runs through December 15, 2020. SHOP, DINE, and PURCHASE EXPERIENCES & SERVICES at designated CMS Chamber Member businesses and KEEP IT LOCAL as you shop for the holidays. You could win cash and cool prizes!
Shop at 6 different Chamber of Central Mass South businesses and enter a raffle for great prizes.
$500 Cash Grand Prize!
Gift Cards and other Prizes, too!
Thank you to our Members for donating these terrific raffle prizes!
A Dexter-Russell Gift Basket donated by Dexter-Russell
A $100 Table 3 Restaurant Gift Card donated by Webster First Federal Credit Union
A Gift Basket donated by the Harrington Auxiliary Gift Shop
A Bottle of Wine and $70 Gift Certificate to Brush-It-Off donated by Brush-It-Off Paint & Sip Bar
A $25 Gift Card to Kid Power Gymnastics donated by Kid Power Gymnastics
A Gift Card to Michael L. Wales Painting Company donated by Michael Wales
A $50 Gift Card to Klem's donated by Klem's
A Wrapping Sterling Silver Bracelet donated by Lake Road Living
RULES:
1) Shop at any six Chamber businesses between Nov. 1, 2020-Dec. 15, 2020
2) Mark each business you shop and note the date/amount you spent (gift certificates included) on the entry form.
3) You must shop at 6 different businesses per entry
You may enter multiple times as long as you are making 6 different and original purchases per entry
4) Take a photo of you shopping at at least one of the businesses you marked and include with entry form for our use
By entering this raffle you agree to our use of the image and information you provide
5) Email a completed entry form and photo to info@cmschamber.org or drop off at the CMS Chamber office
at 46 Hall Rd., Sturbridge (open M-F 10-4), no later than noon on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020
Winners will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020
The contest entry form and official rules are available to download from the Chamber website
or directly from the link below.
PLEASE CHECK OUT AND SHARE THE CONTEST &
OUR DAILY SHOPPING TIPS ON OUR
THANK YOU FOR BEING A LOCAL HERO!
You can also pick up entry forms at these locations:
Alternatives for Health Herbal Apothecary, Cornerstone Bank (Sturbridge & Southbridge branches)
Hitchcock Free Academy, Hydrangea Home Décor, Kid Power Gymnastics, Klem's, Lake Road Living,
Salem Cross Inn, Sturbridge Coffee Roasters (Southbridge) & Sturbridge Pottery
|
|
Shopping
Alternatives for Health Herbal Apothecary
Big Bunny Market
Breezeland Orchards
Brookfield Orchards
Cormier Jewelers
Dexter-Russell Outlet Store
The Festive Home
Fine Lines
Harrington Auxiliary Gift Shop
Hearthstone Market
Hope’s Treasures
Hydrangea Home Décor
Just the Details
Klem’s
Lake Road Living
Micknucks
Morin Jewelers
Party Time Caricatures
Safety Smart Gear
Safety Source of New England
Saint Anne’s Shrine & Gift Shop
Staples
Studio 20-20
Sturbridge Antique Shops
Sturbridge Pottery
Ted’s Package Store
Work of Art Cookies
Yankee Spirits
|
|
SHOP AT ANY 6
OF THESE BUSINESSES!
RECORD YOUR PURCHASE.
SNAP A SELFIE.
RETURN YOUR ENTRY FORM
FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
Dining
308 Lakeside
Avellino
Baba Sushi & Hot Pot
BT’s Smokehouse
Cedar Street Café
Cedar Street Grille
The Duck
Fins & Tales
Mexicali Mexican Grill - Spencer
Oxhead Tavern
Publick House Historic Inn
Salem Cross Inn
Sturbridge Coffee Roasters
Sturbridge Porterhouse
Sturbridge Seafood
Teddy G’s Pub & Grille
Uno Pizzeria & Grill
Wild Flour Kolaches
|
|
Experiences
Brimfield Winery & Cidery
Bayberry Bowling Center
Bogey Lanes
Brush-It-Off Paint & Sip Bar
Cohasse Country Club
Escape the Pike
Hemlock Ridge Golf Course
Heritage Country Club
Hitchcock Free Academy
Kid Power Gymnastics
MGM Resorts
Old Sturbridge Village
Optical Heritage Museum
Rapscallion Barrel & Tap Room
Services
321 Hypnosis & Massage Center
Alpine Cleaners
Deb K Hypnosis
I Am T-Shirts
JaxStone
Kubala Home Improvement
Les Gardner Photography
Michael Beaudry Remodeling
Michael L. Wales Painting
Montigny Landscaping
Rita Schiano – Live a Flourishing Life
Ruben’s Transportation
Todd Vitkos Plastering
|
|
SINCERE THANKS TO OUR 'SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND WIN' SPONSOR!
|
|
|
KEEP IT LOCAL!
REMEMBER YOUR MEMBER2MEMBER DISCOUNT!
Click on the M2M logo to see many great offers from Members... for Members!
Like these...
10% off Food Purchases at Cedar Street Grille
One complimentary Day Pass
to Tri-Community Family Branch YMCA
Free Initial Consultation/Expert Advice
from Brenda Bianculli CPA
10% off Products & Services at Live a Flourishing Life
...and many more!
|
|
|
A Note To Employers
Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
We find ourselves in the anticipated second surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. From a public health perspective, we must remain vigilant, while also showing compassion. With community spread and transmission risk on the rise, it is critical that employers continue to protect and support your employees and customers. This means reminding your workers about their obligation to report potential exposure to the virus or a positive test and their need to quarantine or isolate in accordance with Department of Public Health guidelines. We are asking all employers to continue to accommodate employees who need to isolate or quarantine.
If you have an employee that tests positive for the coronavirus, you are required to report this to and cooperate with your local board of health. Furthermore, the participation of your employees in the COVID-19 Community Tracing program is essential. The ability of contact tracers to act quickly and stop the spread depends on prompt disclosure. By supporting employees during quarantine or isolation and cooperating with contact tracers, you can continue to do your part to flatten the curve in Massachusetts. The business community has met the challenge posed by COVID-19 in so many ways. We are grateful for your continued efforts and partnership.
Employers can follow the below steps to help prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19:
- Review the Department of Public Health’s information and guidance for persons in quarantine or isolation, and share it with your employees.
- Remind all employees to report instances of possible exposure and to immediately quarantine until either they receive a negative test or they self-isolate for 14 days, in accordance with the DPH guidance.
- Ensure employees who have faced possible exposure do not feel pressured to report to the workplace, whether or not they are exhibiting symptoms. Reassuring employees of their job security will help prevent virus transmission between coworkers.
- Monitor use of break rooms and warn employees of risks associated with carpooling. These settings have both been identified as hot spots for COVID-19 infections. Information about carpooling can be found here.
Most workers in Massachusetts have the right to earn and use up to 40 hours of job-protected sick time per year to take care of themselves and certain family members. Workers must earn at least one hour of earned sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Additional information on sick time requirements can be found on the Attorney General’s Office website.
|
|
Back to Normal?
It’s the question we’ve been asking since March: When will life return to normal?
Finally, a rough timeline is beginning to take shape. Here’s the best of all scenarios:
December 12: The first immunizations could happen, according to the head of Operation Warp Speed, Dr. Moncef Slaoui. He said he expects about 20 million Americans to get vaccinated during the month.
January 31, 2021: About 50 million Americans could be vaccinated by now, and, grouped in with those who’ve recovered from Covid-19, over 30% of the population would be immune, per the dean of Brown’s public health school, Ashish Jha.
February/March: At 30%-40% immunity, according to Jha, the spread will become “meaningfully slower” and infections won’t be “self-sustaining.”
April/May: With a widely available vaccine, late spring is when we could see the pandemic truly wind down and life return to what we might call “normal” – but what that even means is still unclear.
Bottom line: While actually seeing this timeline on paper is enough to make your heart skip a beat, experts warn the next few months will be challenging for controlling the spread of Covid-19. Masks, social distancing, and other pandemic-era public health measures will be necessary as vaccines are rolled out.
|
|
Sheryl Blancato Earns Prestigious Certified Animal Welfare Administrator Credential
EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (November 12, 2020) – Sheryl Blancato, CEO and founder of Second Chance Animal Services recently earned her Certified Animal Welfare Administrator certification through The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, an independent agency whose mission is to help develop strong leaders and promote standards of practice in the animal welfare profession. Blancato is now one of several hundred individuals to hold this prestigious designation.
The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement administers the Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) program which distinguishes top-level executives and managers working in both nonprofit and municipal animal welfare agencies. In addition to meeting strict eligibility requirements for leadership and management in the animal welfare field, Blancato needed to pass a rigorous exam to earn her CAWA designation.
The CAWA exam covers best practices in animal welfare with questions reviewing leadership, human resources, finance, fundraising, marketing, administration, and animal care. Obtaining her CAWA status validates Blancato’s work in the animal welfare field and illustrates her competency to contribute to broader animal welfare conversations as they pertain to her community and across the country.
Blancato described the certification process as very tough, but an important step for Second Chance. “We hold ourselves to the highest standards. Our donors entrust us with the resources to help pets and this certification ensures we are doing the most we can with their support.” Blancato added that she will pursue continuing education classes to maintain the certification.
Jim Tedford, The Association’s CEO noted, “Certified Animal Welfare Administrators have demonstrated that they hold specialized qualifications and a commitment to high standards and ethical practices in our industry. We respect their dedication to their own professional development and their pursuit of leadership excellence.”
PHOTO: Second Chance CEO Sheryl Blancato visits with 14-year-old Bella who was adopted from Second Chance in 2012.
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.
About the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement:
Since 1970, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement has been leading the conversation among animal welfare leaders. As the only membership organization dedicated exclusively to animal welfare, care, and control professionals, The Association develops strong leaders, promotes standards of practice, and cultivates collaboration to advance the animal welfare profession with a united voice. For more information, please visit theawaa.org.
|
|
Webber to be appointed Cornerstone Bank President on January 1
Worcester, MA—Effective January 1, 2021, Randal D. Webber will be appointed President at Cornerstone Bank. Currently, Webber serves as the Bank’s EVP, COO and Chief Lending Officer.
“Randy has contributed enormously in helping Cornerstone honor our commitment to enhancing the vitality of local communities and the well-being of all of our customers” states Cornerstone Bank President and Treasurer Todd Tallman, who will assume the role of CEO on January 1. “His strategic and managerial skills go far beyond the lending discipline. I’ve found his insights on retail and digital banking to be invaluable—not only in relation to our products and services, but also the professional development of our team members.”
After joining SpencerBANK in 2009 as SVP, Chief Risk Officer Webber served in increasingly responsible positions until his promotion in 2012 to EVP, Chief Lending Officer. When SpencerBANK and Southbridge Savings Bank created a merger of equals in 2016 to form Cornerstone Bank, Webber was named EVP, Chief Operating Officer. In this Executive-level role, he has helped facilitate significant growth of the Bank’s commercial and retail service and operations, particularly within its commercial portfolio. He currently serves on the Board of the Worcester State University Foundation.
In a related development, SVP and Senior Commercial Officer Michael J. Quink will be promoted on January 1, 2021, to EVP, Senior Commercial Officer. Prior to his current role, Quink was SVP, Commercial Division Manager at SpencerBANK. He is a Board member of the Horace Mann Education Foundation.
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 along with a Loan Center in Westborough. 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.
|
|
Create your Own Works of Art!
Work of Art Cookies
Sturbridge, MA
617-967-1169
|
|
Sturbridge Coffee Roasters October “Think Pink” Campaign
Benefits The Cancer Center at Harrington
Southbridge/Dudley, Mass. – Sturbridge Coffee Roasters ran our 6th annual “Think Pink” campaign in which the company donated $1 for each pound of freshly roasted coffee purchased to The Cancer Center at Harrington Hospital during the month of October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as well as offering customers an opportunity to donate to the cause. The campaign ran at both of Sturbridge Coffee Roasters locations in Southbridge and Dudley as well as with online sales.
During the past six years, Sturbridge Coffee Roasters has donated more than $2,600 to the Cancer Center at Harrington through this October campaign.
The campaign is part of Sturbridge Coffee Roasters on-going business plan to give back to the community. “I think everyone knows someone, whether it be family or friends, who has been impacted by cancer and the local services Harrington provides our community are immense,” said Elvis Dyer, Sturbridge Coffee Roasters owner.
About Sturbridge Coffee Roasters:
Sturbridge Coffee Roasters is your local, fresh roasted coffee shop. The business opened in 2004 in Sturbridge, Mass., in a small space where beans were roasted and delicious coffee drinks were served to locals and tourists. We quickly discovered that our customers also wanted a place to relax with their coffee, which led to the relocation 5 miles down the road to our present location in Southbridge, Mass. In August 2014, the business was sold to the current owner and coffee lover, Elvis Dyer. In July 2015, we opened our second location in Dudley, Mass followed by a dedicated roasting facility in Southbridge in 2019. Our bean offerings continue to expand to provide opportunities for coffee lovers to experience new flavor profiles and beans from around the world.
Photo: Due to the COVID pandemic, instead of doing an in-person check presentation, Elvis Dyer stopped by the Cancer Center over the weekend, to share our check virtually.
|
|
It's Lip Balm Season - We have great options!
Our pure CBD lip balms can be blended with numerous unique scents and flavors. We have great packaging options as well, including these beautiful natural wood containers pictured here. If you'd like to know more, please feel free to contact our President of Global Sales, Chris Gusha.
|
|
COVID 19 Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Celebrate the Season.
The Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center is open (following Government regulations)
and available to host Holiday Cheer!
|
|
HOLIDAY CHEER IS OUR SPECIALTY
|
|
Have your holiday party in our Crystal Ballroom, Visions Restaurant, or Shades Lounge
|
|
We offer many ways for you to celebrate including:
- Private Parties in our Ballroom or Visions Restaurant
- Private Parties in Shades Lounge Sunday through Thursday or Small Group Gatherings on Friday & Saturday
- Curb-side pick up of our holiday party menu items for individuals and businesses that prefer to celebrate on-site
Regardless of which option you choose, we follow Social Distancing Guidelines
to ensure that our guests enjoy a safe holiday season!
|
|
For more information or to schedule your party, contact Jessica Lavenburg, Director of Sales at jlavenburg@shanercorp.com | 508-765-8000
*For private parties a $500 minimum purchase is required. Based on availability at the time of reservation.
Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions. Other restrictions may apply.
|
|
Second Chance Counting on Giving Tuesday to Help More Pets in Need
Nonprofit Hopes to Make Up for Drop in Donations Due to COVID
EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (November 20, 2020) – Giving Tuesday, the global day of giving celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is taking on renewed importance for Second Chance Animal Services this year. Like the many pet owners it serves, Second Chance Animal Services has been seriously challenged by COVID. The nonprofit reports donations are down by 40% this year, but the great need for services has increased dramatically.
According to Development Director Lindsay Doray, Second Chance is on track to help over 40,000 pets again this year, despite the fact that some programs like spay & neuter services and vaccine clinics were on hold in the spring to conserve critical supplies. “Since March, our veterinary hospitals have been seeing twice the number of emergencies and the volume has not slowed down. Other veterinary programs affiliated with schools had no choice but to suspend services, but Second Chance remained open to provide essential services for pets…we could not let them down.”
“Support for Second Chance has been strong. I think people recognize that pets really need help now, with so many pet owners financially affected by the current health crisis. We need to be here for those pets. Our veterinary hospitals have never been more important so we can keep pets in their homes with the people who love them.”
Doray encourages supporters to consider a donation for Giving Tuesday and check to see if their employer offers a match. “One area company offers a 4-time match which means an employee’s $50 donation turns into $250 to help a pet facing a serious health crisis.”
Doray adds people interested in making a Giving Tuesday donation can choose one of three ways. There’s a special Giving Tuesday donation link at www.secondchanceanimals.org, a Giving Tuesday fundraiser on Facebook, or they can mail a check with Giving Tuesday on the memo line to Second Chance, PO Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.
For holiday shoppers, Second Chance has several fundraisers going on right now. After the success of the online DinnerLESS Auction, they put together a Black Friday mini auction which closes on Sunday, November 29th and a sweatshirt fundraiser aptly named Hoodies That Help where shoppers can order hoodies for home delivery. In December, Second Chance will be launching an online book-signing fundraiser with founder Sheryl Blancato, author of Walking Off Leash which tells the story of Second Chance and a ‘Mystery Pet Stocking’ fundraiser. “We are doing everything we can…we never want to say no to a ‘second chance’ for any pet that needs help.”
PHOTO: 4 year-old Jax was rushed to the Second Chance Vet Hospital in North Brookfield by his owners after he was hit by a car. Second Chance vet hospitals continue to help twice the number of emergencies since the pandemic began.
|
|
Country Bank Announces Holiday Support for Communities in Need
Ware, MA - November 23, 2020 - Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving central and western Massachusetts, announced a series of initiatives to help support local communities during the 2020 holiday season, especially those affected by the economic fallout from the ongoing pandemic.
As part of the initiatives, Country Bank teamed up with Old Sturbridge Village to offer 750 free meals to families in need this Thanksgiving. Meals will be delivered to St. Johns Food for the Poor, YWCA, Abby’s House, Veterans Inc. and Elm Street Congregational Church.
"We wanted to do everything we could to help support families in the community this Thanksgiving," said James Donahue, President of Old Sturbridge Village. “Country Bank and Old Sturbridge Village share a collective belief that we can make a difference when we work together, and we are doing just that.”
On Small Business Saturday, the Country Bank retail banking team will support local small businesses by purchasing 400 gift cards from businesses throughout its markets. These gift cards will be distributed in Country Bank branch locations on “Giving Tuesday,” December 1, 2020. The Corporate Office team will also be partnering with Provision Ministry and assembling 250 backpacks filled with essential care items to be delivered to the Springfield Rescue Mission.
Throughout the month of December, the famous red kettles will be visible at several Country Bank branch locations to help fill the void the Salvation Army will experience this year, in part due to the pandemic. In addition, Country Bank has donated $10,000 for this meaningful cause.
Finally, as part of its Community Cares Program, the staff participated in its very own Boston Marathon by “Walking the Distance” via a downloadable App. This virtual challenge brought everyone together while supporting charities of their choice with a $500 donation. A total of $30,000 will be granted to charities.
Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank, said, "As a community partner, we care deeply about our communities, and we want to offer our support where it is needed most this holiday season. As we reflect on the past year with gratitude for the Bank's strength and ability to support so many in need, we are also humbled to witness so many great acts of kindness and support throughout our communities from the people and businesses who make this region the remarkable place it is to live and work.”
He added, “The pandemic has taken its toll on the people and places in our communities. We know that many have suffered losses over the last several months. Some have lost their jobs, their business, and others have lost loved ones. There is no more significant time in our history for community partners to step up and provide support to those in need.”
To learn more about the various activities that Country Bank will be participating in and how you can donate to local charities it is supporting, please visit www.countrybank.com/seasonofgiving.
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.
|
|
Wanna Get Away... Virtually?
Our Virtual Photography Travelogue program is narrated by professional photographer Ron Rosenstock whom I represent through Sbrogna’s Artistic Promotions.
We offer many one-hour virtual programs for purchase. A few locations which might be of interest to your staff or to your residents in Senior Living are Italy, Morocco, Ireland, and Iceland/Greenland. Please click on the thumbnail below to see a trailer for our Italy presentation!
This will give you an idea of what you can expect if you should invite us to do a virtual program at your facility. If you’re interested, please check out our website at www.sbrognaart.com and/or email at linda@sbrognaart.com or call me 508-318-3267.
We are working hard to find ways to continue to inspire, educate, and show the beauty of our world to the community as we all continue to go through our current health crisis.
|
|
It's time to reset your year and reclaim your life! Join the REFRESH Challenge for FREE, and each week you'll receive texts with motivation, workouts, activities, and more. YMCA Members and non-members are welcome to join us as we rediscover our commitment to health. Text REFRESH to 57838 to join!
Just 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks. Take the challenge, have some fun, and discover what it means to REFRESH! Weekly themes will remind us to get off the couch, connect with one another, and get back to living your life. When you turn in your calendar at the end of the challenge you receive a FREE T-shirt!
Text REFRESH to 57838 to join!
Challenge started November 9th, but there is still time to join!
|
|
Photo (L to R): Sturbridge Rotary President Dr. David Zonia, Fire Chief John Grasso, Jr. and Police Chief Earl Dessert.
Sturbridge Rotary Gifts Masks to Local First Responders
‘Tis the season of giving… PPE and generosity! On Tuesday, November 24th, Sturbridge Rotary Club members and representatives of the Town of Sturbridge’s First Responders gathered outside the Sturbridge Police Station for a special presentation.
1,000 PPE face masks were generously donated to the Sturbridge Rotary Club by a Rotarian in the Connecticut District. Sturbridge Rotary Club President, Dr. David Zonia, presented these face masks to the Town to assist First Responders as they protect and support our Sturbridge community. The First Responders were represented by Interim Police Chief Earl Dessert and Fire Chief John Grasso, Jr. who were most appreciative to receive the donation. Included in those on hand to witness the presentation were fellow Sturbridge Rotary Club members Klaus and Glenys Hachfeld. Rotary’s Past District Governor Hachfeld commented, “The whole point of this Club is to help the community.” Donations such as these truly exemplify the Rotary motto, “Service above Self”.
The Sturbridge Police Department is also doing their part, of course, to give back to the community. They recently partnered with the organization “Cops For Kids With Cancer”, working together to help families who are especially struggling this holiday season by providing much needed financial help. Please consider donating to this cause online at: https://copsforkidswithcancer.org/donation-sturbridge-police-2020/ Let’s help them surpass their $2,500 goal!
With all that’s transpired this year, we’re reminded now more than ever that taking care of our community is truly what matters the most!
Sturbridge Rotary Club is one of 35,000 clubs worldwide providing humanitarian service as members of Rotary International. Beyond the regional and international help that we provide, we are most proud of providing support for local issues impacting the members of the Sturbridge community.
Reported by Sydney Leanna
Tantasqua Regional High School Senior
|
|
Did you know...?
Reach the Hispanic Market directly with the #1 Statewide Hispanic Newspaper in Massachusetts. Email advertising@vocerohispano.com to get started.
|
|
Online Opportunities
Are you offering online learning opportunities, webinars, or podcasts? Please add your happenings, online or in-person, indoors or out, to our calendar or email Jack the pertinent info and we will be happy to share in the next CROSSROADS!
WORCESTER REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
145th Annual Meeting - December 4, 2020, Noon - 1:00 pm
Virtual format. Login information will be shared with registered attendees.
Fees/Admission: Chamber Members: $25 per person, Non Chamber Members: $50 per person
The meeting will include the election of officers and directors of the Chamber as well as an update on the Chamber's Recruit, Retain and Incubate agenda. Our 2020 keynote speaker will be Congressman Jim McGovern. MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION.
Power of Women (POW): Part 2 Discussion: Women of Color - Taking a Critical Seat at the Table
Wednesday Dec 9, 2020, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM on Zoom
Fees/Admission: $10 - Chamber Member Guest Fee single meeting (Non-POW members), $20 for Non-Chamber Member Guest Fee
Power of Women (POW) is a program series, networking platform, and community service group that engages, informs, and inspires professional women of all backgrounds and ages. MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION
Seminar Series: Influence: How to Capture The Most Powerful Drug in the Business: Attention
Tuesday Dec 15, 2020, 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Location: Worcester Regional Chamber, George & Sybil Fuller Conference Room, 311 Main Street, Suite 200, Worcester, MA
Fees/Admission: Free for Chamber members, $25 for non-members
Want to be great at public speaking and presentations? Communicating publicly and confidently is intrinsic to the success of almost any role. Presenter: Mark Altman, Founder and Trainer, MindsetGo. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER.
FREE ONLINE BUSINESS WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY SCORE
SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. Since 1964, SCORE has provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs. Click on the program titles for more info and registration.
View Previously Recorded SCORE Webinars Here.
BUSINESS WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER NETWORK
Statewide Training & Event Calendar
Visit the online calendar for more info and to register for these and many more.
DEB K HYPNOSIS
Change is in the air! What would you like to change? Now taking in office clients as well as virtual. Call 508-579-6314.
To join Deb K Hypnosis private Facebook group for support and resources click here:
COGGNO is the Chamber's 24/7 Training platform. Low cost and even free online courses are available for CMS Chamber Members.
|
|
Tri Community Family Branch YMCA TOY DRIVE
The Tri Community Family Branch is collecting new toys, clothes, and gifts for children from ages 6 weeks – 13 years old for the upcoming Holiday Season. The Southbridge YMCA Branch currently has 69 children enrolled in the Child Care Programs who are in need of gifts this year. Due to Covid restrictions, we cannot place a “Gift Tree” in the lobby at this time but instead are hoping that friends within the Tri Town Area can help us achieve the goal of making Christmas a reality for the children.
We ask that from now through December 14, and NEW, UNWRAPPED items for these children be dropped off at the YMCA, 43 Everett St, Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (ring doorbell if needed).
Please call Chris at 774-318-5060 or 508-765-5466 ext. 7107 if you have any questions.
We Thank You for your consideration!
|
|
QCC Corporate Training Workshops
Problem Solving and Decision Making Workshop
December 1, 2020 from 8am to 12pm
Location: Live/Remote through QCC
Learn how to analyze information and think creatively to identify a variety of solutions to select the best approach.
Explore common decision making mistakes and how best to avoid them. SEE BELOW FOR CONTACT AND REGISTRATION INFO.
Managing the Virtual Workplace
December 1, 2020 at 8am to December 3, 2020 at 12pm
Location: Live/Remote through QCC
Be on top of the your workplace by building a virtual workplace strategy including use of technology, workflow barriers, motivation and employee accountability.
Employee Accountability Workshop
December 8, 2020 at 8am to December 10, 2020 at 12pm
Location: Live/Remote through QCC
This course will help managers and supervisors become more effective through understanding of organization accountability and how to create an accountability mindset.
Time Management Workshop
December 8, 2020 from 8am to 12pm
Location: Live/Remote through QCC
Manage your most valuable resource by learning the concepts of self-management, relationship management and the work environment. Using Smart goals, priorities and planning are key to success!
|
|
Online Programs with Rita Schiano via Zoom
Habitudes I: Exploring our habit formation, key decisions, and early influencers
Dates and Times: Wednesday, 12/2: 11:00 am
Investment: $59.95
Habits shape our lives far more than we realize— they are so strong, in fact, that they cause our brains to cling to them at the exclusion of all else, including common sense. And along the way we develop what I call Habitudes -- those persistent ways of thinking and acting that shape your personal narrative. The good news? Habitudes can be changed, if we understand how they work. So how do we change these habits that do not serve us? How do we make the shift towards positive thoughts and actions? By exploring, breaking down, and understanding the Habitude process. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
The Healing Power of Forgiveness
Dates and Times: Thursday, 12/3; 7:30 pm, Saturday, 12/12; 7:30 pm, Wednesday, 12/16: 11:00 am
Investment: $59.95
When I was young, I had no idea what forgiveness was truly about. Truth be told, I didn’t have any real clue about true forgiveness until I was in my early 50s, when I began writing the story about my father. Forgiveness is a gift that we give to ourselves. And now, in the LIVE online program, I want to share all that I learned with you. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
Habitudes II: Creating Categorical Change
Dates and Times: Wednesday, 12/9: 11:00 am, Wednesday, 12/9: 7:30 pm
Investment: $59.95
All human motivation can be understood as a desire to fill a basic human need. So if we want to direct our lives, we must understand what and how our basic human needs drive our thoughts and behavior. Yes, environment and events play a major role our mental and emotional development. And, as we learn in Habitudes I, habits shape our lives far more than we realize. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
Time Management
Dates and Times: Thursday, 12/10: 3:00 pm
Investment: $47
Time management is a big concern. Our work life and home life is filled with more and more duties and obligations and less and less time to get it all done. An effective time management strategy can help you stay on task, accomplish your work, reduce stress, and gain more time for yourself. In this 60-minute LIVE program you will learn practical strategies, tools, and techniques you can put into action immediately! MORE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION
Strategic Goal Mapping*
Dates and Times: Saturday, 12/12: 2:00 pm
Investment: $69.95
We all have that goal, that one thing we want to do (eat better, lose weight, start a business, fill__in__the__blank); that one thing that shows up on our New Year's Resolution lists year after year after year. Strategic Goal Mapping is a creative and graphic goal-mapping technique utilizing a five-step process. *Habitudes I and Habitudes II are required prior to taking this workshop.
Embracing Change
Dates and times: Tuesday, 12/15: 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, 12/15: 7:30 p.m.
Investment: $59.95
Accepting and embracing change allows us to adapt and become more flexible, more resilient. And it is our capacity for resilience that enables us to deal with life's difficulties. Change can be transformative, allowing us to see what we are truly capable of doing and being. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
Resilience: The Key to Retirement Well-Being
Dates and Times: Thursday, 12/17: 3:00 pm
Investment: $47
Having a satisfying and healthy retirement is a case study in resilience. This course looks at the six basic life areas and offers resilience-based strategies that make for retirement well-being. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
Call Rita 774-230-5670
|
|
The 23rd Annual Festival of {Giving} Trees
The 23rd Annual Festival of {Giving} Trees is running from Sunday, November 22nd through Sunday, December 6th. At 3:00 PM on Sunday, December 6th, the winners will be drawn. This year’s festival will be a Virtual Event and Online Fundraiser. Watch the festival website and facebook page for more.
Visit the website at www.sparklingtrees.com for the details! Taking into account the health and safety of our amazingly supportive community, this year's Festival of Giving Trees will be a virtual event. Trees will be set up and exhibited in your place of business or home (not at the hall as in past events) - photographed/videoed (by us or you; your choice) - and then displayed virtually through our social media outlets. You will still get to purchase chances to win the trees (among other prizes) online.
The mission is to raise money to help the Silent Spring Institute www.silentspring.org, the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition www.mbcc.org and the Cancer Center at Harrington Hospital to fight the battle against breast cancer and to help fund cancer research. Over the past twenty-two years, the Festival of (Giving) Trees has raised and donated over $695,000 to these beneficiaries.
|
|
Baba Sushi Supports Our Community
We are honored that Baba Sushi has once again chosen the Chamber of Central Mass South to be a part of their giving calendar in 2020. Baba Sushi has committed to donating 1% of their revenue to our organization on eight different days this year through WAITT Cause Marketing.
Dine at Baba Sushi on December 3rd to support the Chamber!
PS: If you ever need meeting space, catering, or a venue for an event, please reach out to Baba Sushi’s General Manager Sara Bloomfield. Sara has offered to waive all room fees for any organization that mentions WAITT.
Thank you for your support! We're All In This Together!
|
|
OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE
December 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 23 & 27-30, 2020
Times: 3:00 - 8:00 pm; The Village will open for Christmas by Candlelight at 1:00 pm on select nights (see details below); Guests must purchase tickets for specific arrival times - see below for details.
Safely experience a quintessential New England Christmas featuring outdoor decorations and festivities that highlight a homemade holiday. See traditions like knitting a Christmas stocking, wreath, ornament, and tin lantern making, and cooking a holiday meal. From the common to the countryside, warm yourself by the fires, ride a horse-drawn carryall, or stroll through the Christmas Tree Trail and Wish Bridge!
The program will be pretty much the same on all dates, but we also have a couple of special date-specific things happening:
- On December 4-6, we welcome members to partake in our annual Members’ Shopping Nights. Learn more here.
- On the weekend of December 18-20, we will be firing our 24-foot kiln for the second time this year!
Before purchasing your tickets and coming to Christmas by Candlelight, please review our safety and ticketing policies here!
Seasonal programming is generously sponsored by partner and longtime supporter Country Bank.
|
|
The Feast of The Seven Fishes
Thursday, December 17, 2020 • 6:30pm
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a Christmas celebration combining the passion of Italian cooking with an authentic and adventurous multi-course menu comprised principally of “frutti di mare” (seafood).
Our traditional December “Feast of the Seven Fishes” banquet will be held on just one night this year: Thursday, December 17. 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.*
*Credit card information will be taken at the time of reservation. Cancellations must be made at least three days in advance. Refunds will be made in the form of a Table 3 gift card to be used in one of our restaurants or for a future special event dinner.
|
|
MAKE A RESERVATION TODAY: 508-867-2345
Main Dining Room Hours:
Thursday, Friday & Saturday – 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Sunday – 12 Noon to 6:00pm
Special COVID 19 Notes
- Reservations are required at this time by calling. If no answer, leave a message and we will return the call.
- Size of a party seated at a table cannot exceed 6 people.
- We are asking people to limit their time at the table to 90 minutes.
- Face masks will be required.
NEED GIFTS THEY'LL LOVE? PURCHASE GIFT CERTIFICATES TO SALEM CROSS INN ONLINE HERE!
Dinner & Wreath Making Workshops
December 3, 10 & 13
ALL DATES - SOLD OUT!
508-867-2345
|
|
|
Stay vigilant! Wear a mask or face covering in public to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help keep MASSACHUSETTS headed in the right direction.
|
|
|
Executive Committee
Erika Travinski, Chair
The Center of Hope
Leila Hurt, 1st Vice Chair
Country Bank
Laurie Cashman, Immediate Past Chair
Yellow Iris Farm
Bruce Watkins, Treasurer
Karl Storz Endovision, Inc.
Board of Directors
Brad Arcoite
Table 3 Restaurant Group
Kevin Berube
North Brookfield Savings Bank
Michael Checkosky
Cornerstone Bank
Nicole Courtemanche
Connectivity Point
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
Kelly Hibbard
Harrington Hospital
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|