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In This Issue
February Fun at Five
Welcome New Members!
M2M Discounts
Chamber Scholarships
Spotlight on Tuscany
Annual Meeting Recap
Don't Wait: Paid Family Leave Act
Brown Bags and Fun at Fives Seek Presenters, Hosts & Sponsors
QCC: Free Training for Incumbent Workers
Catch Dennis on the Air Today!
Cornerstone Bank Makes Donation to WCAC
Southbridge Garden Club at WAM
Cornerstone Bank Plans for Loan Center in Westborough
Loan Officers Wanted
Creative Writing and Publishing Workshop
Election Positions
ServSafe Class
Summer Picnics at Publick House
Cornerstone Donates $10K to County Food Bank
Heritage CC is Open for Golf!
Good Acoustics at The Barn
Events at OSV
Salem Cross Inn Dining
Site Builder Saturday
Tastefully Ted.
TLGV's February Calendar
Any Time Home Buyer Power Hour
Rapscallion's Charity Chili Cookoff
Second Chance Mobile Pet Adoption
Rapscallion's French Canadian Day
11th Annual Chowder Fest
Publick House Feast
50+ Job Seekers Networking Group
Village Toastmasters Meetings
24/7 Online Training
New Member Baskets
Save These Dates!
Country Folk Art Craft Show
Chamber of Commerce 
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
 
Laurie Cashman 
Chair 
Yellow Iris Farm
 
Erika Travinski
1st Vice Chair 
 
Jessica Bettencourt
Immediate Past Chair
 
Bruce Watkins
Treasurer
Karl Storz Endovision
__________________ 

Board Members

Brad Arcoite
Table 3 Restaurant Group 
 
Michael Checkosky
 
Angela Chviek
 
 
Craig Dolphin
 
Alycia Dzik
 
Rich Eichacker

Michelle Fanion
ERA Key Realty
 
 

Les Gardner
Les Gardner Photography

 
Nathan Hardt
 
Leila Hurt
 
Lynn Mero
Southbridge Credit Union  
 
Rich Suitum

Michael Wales
Michael L. Wales Painting Co. 

Jim Donahue
Honorary Board Member
Counsel
Padgett D. Berthiaume
 
Chamber Staff
 
Executive Director
 
Finance & Administration
 
Communications Specialist
 

Chamber Links

Cms Chamber

Stur Townships - Everything but Ordinary

Welcome to CROSSROADS NEWS
 
Crossroads is in your inbox one day early so we can leap right into February without hesitation. We hope you will join us at The Sturbridge Host Hotel this month for a Mid-Winter Warm-Up Fun at Five. We will also be hosting a free presentation by Quinsigamond Community College on Workforce Training Grants and Soft Skills Workshops at the Chamber office on the 13th. Come hear how you can receive free training for your employees. You will also discover fun events and interesting news items from our Members and friends in this issue. 
 
CROSSROADS is here to share your news and events! Thank you for emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in Crossroads!  We love to share your events with our readers. Keep posting your happenings to our online events calendar so we can share them with our nearly 900 subscribers!
 
Extra for Experts! Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest for more from your Chamber!
NETWORK WITH YOUR CHAMBER
Fun at Five!
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
5:00-7:00pm
Sturbridge Host 
Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center
366 Main Street (Rte 20), Sturbridge, 508-347-7393
www.sturbridgehosthotel.com
 
Join us for a Mid-Winter Warm Up Fun at Five at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center. Enjoy a signature cocktail or two offered at a cash bar with complimentary soft drinks and water. Partake in tasty treats and appetizers!
Take a tour of guest rooms, the hotel's meeting space, and historic Oxhead Tavern.
 
You could win...
A Romance Package
($210 value)
Thanks to our host,  
the Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center!
The package includes an overnight guestroom for one night, a four course meal at The Oxhead Tavern for two and Breakfast for two in our Greenhouse Restaurant. (This package is available for one full year after the Fun at Five, based on availability. Peak blackout dates, such as New Year's Eve, will apply.)
 
or
 
A "Just the Details"  
Car Detailing Package
($125 value)
Thanks to our sponsor, The Center of Hope!
 
Register for Fun at Five by email or phone.
508-347-2761 
Cost is $12 for Members who pre-register, 
$15 at the door, or $20 for non-Members.
 
Thank you to our  
February Fun at Five Sponsor!
  Center of Hope logo
The Center of Hope
The Center of Hope Foundation has been serving local individuals with disabilities for more than  
60 years.
 
The Center of Hope Foundation provides people with disabilities and their families the  
employment, day services, social and other opportunities to be contributing members of their communities, and to achieve the most fulfilling and meaningful lives possible.
 
100 Foster Street, Southbridge, 508-764-4085
CMS Chamber logo  
Welcome New Members!
 Please join us as we welcome the newest Members to the Chamber of Central Mass South!
 
Fisher Tech Solutions 
Affordable & Powerful Internet Marketing & Strategy Services. Custom Software Development, Automation & Graphic Design. 
10 Julia Ann Drive, Holland, MA
774-452-5647  
 
JaxStone, Inc.
Solid Surface Specialists: Granite, Marble, Quartz for Countertops, Fireplaces, Tub Surrounds, and more. 
297 Dennison Drive, Southbridge, MA
508-284-4002 
M2M logo  
FEATURED DISCOUNT! 
Baby, it's cold outside!
Did you know Pioneer can save you on automatic deliveries of oil and propane
when you use your M2M Discount card? 
508-753-3223
 
 
It's time to apply for the  
2020 CMS Chamber Scholarships!
 
The Chamber of Central Mass South typically awards three $1000 scholarships per year. Scholarships are disbursed directly to the student upon presentation of grades from first semester completed after the award is announced and a minimum 3.0 GPA attained.  
 
Students must be a resident or student within the towns served by the Chamber of Central Mass South. (Southbridge, Sturbridge, Charlton, Spencer, the Brookfields, Warren, Wales, Holland and Brimfield.)  
For information call 508-347-2761.
 
The Chamber does not discriminate against an applicant because of race, color, sex/gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or homelessness.
 
Please return the completed application, transcript, recommendations and student essay  
by April 1, 2020 to:  
 
Scholarship Committee  
Chamber of Central Mass South  
46 Hall Road  
Sturbridge, MA, 01566
 
DOWNLOAD THE 2020 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION AS A PDF FILE 
 
Annual Meeting Recap
On January 22, 2020 , the Chamber presented its Annual Meeting with guest speaker Dr. Charles Steinberg, President of the Worcester Red Sox, at The Barn at Wight Farm in Sturbridge. Over a tasty lunch, we learned about the deal that brought the Sox to Worcester from Pawtucket, and the many modern and innovative concepts that will go into the design and construction of the Sox new ballpark. We look forward to the grand opening and first games at Polar Park in April 2021. The Chamber conveys its sincere gratitude to Dr. Steinberg and his team for presenting and answering all of our questions, our Annual Meeting sponsor, Quinsigamond Community College, the amazing staff at The Barn, Les Gardner for these photos, and all of our guests.
   
Spotlight on Tuscany
September 30 - October 8, 2020
9 Days, 10 Meals
 
Get away with your Chamber as we offer this 9-day trip  
to Tuscany in Fall of 2020!
    
The trip includes a single hotel stay (Hotel Ercolini) from which you will visit Montecatini Terme, Florence, Lucca, the World War II Gothic Line, Pisa, take a cooking class, Siena (choose to visit a gothic cathedral or take a guided tour through a Siena neighborhood), take a Winery Tour, visit a Cheese Farm  
and San Gimignano.
 
These are just the highlights!! View the Full Itinerary at this link .
You can also find pricing and more details.
 
For more information or to book, please contact
Patti Wilmot or Joe Fitzgerald at
(800) 267-1858 or (413) 668-6202
PFML
Don't wait! Contributions are due January 31. 

Massachusetts' Paid Family and Medical Leave program is here. And if you employ anyone, your business or non-profit should already be PFML ready.  
 
Find out everything you need to know, including withholding rates, how much you owe, and how to apply for an exemption.  
 
Contributions are due by January 31. 
IMPORTANT DATES 
Remit contributions for the Oct. 1-Dec. 31 quarter by Jan. 31, 2020. 
Remit contributions for the Jan. 1-Mar. 31 quarter by Apr. 30, 2020.

A message from the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave
Present a Brown Bag Seminar, Host or Sponsor Fun at Five in 2020
 
The Chamber's Education Committee is currently planning our schedule of Brown Bag Seminars for the first half of 2020. Typically 1-hour long, these seminars are intended to attract intimate audiences of 5-30 people. Seminars are held at the Chamber office on the 4th Tuesday of the month at noon.
 
Presenting a Brown Bag Seminar is a great way to shine a spotlight on your business and the services you offer. You create the lesson plan, we do the rest including creating the invitations and promoting your seminar.  
 
We are now planning for the months of March, April, May and June. If you are interested in sharing your expertise with your fellow Chamber Members while promoting yourself and your business, we would love to hear from you!  
 
Just drop Alix a line with the topic you would like to present and your preferred month to get the ball rolling! Email Alix at alexandra_mcnitt@cmschamber.org 
 
Fun at Five logo
Host or Sponsor a Fun at Five
The Chamber is also planning its schedule of monthly networking events for the year. If you are interested in hosting or sponsoring a Fun at Five, contact Alix and she'll give you all the details. Our next opening is March's Fun at Five.
Call or email Alix for more info. 508-347-2761 
Free Training for Incumbent Workers!
 
QCC Soft Skills Training You spoke and we listened! Quinsigamond Community College's Center for Workforce Development & Continuing Education is pleased to present The Essential Soft Skills Series. The topics have been carefully chosen in response to the feedback we have received by local employers.

Introducing Soft Skills for the Workplace Workshops:
  • Essential Business Skills
  • Time Management
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Presenting with Impact
  • Communication with Clarity & Impact
  • Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making
 
The Direct Access Grant for Small Business Grant is a Workforce Training Fund program
designed for the business that has 100 or less employees and is in Good Standing with the
Commonwealth. Employers that pay into the Unemployment Fund can qualify and attend for
FREE. Workshops will be offered in various QCC locations.
 
Come learn about the various Workforce Training Grants and the Soft Skills Workshops Series:
 
February 11 at 10:00 a.m.
QCC Downtown Campus: 25 Federal Street, Worcester

February 13 at 10:00 a.m.
Central Mass South Chamber: 46 Hall Road, Sturbridge
 
To register, contact Christine McNally or Eileen Morgan at 508.751.7900 or 508.751.7929
 
Essential Soft Skills for the Workplace Workshops
Essential Business Skills
Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making
Communicating with Clarity & Impact
Time Management
Conflict Resolution
Presenting with Impact
 
DOWNLOAD THE 2-PAGE PDF FOR WORKSHOP DETAILS AND DATES.
QCC footer
Catch Dennis McCurdy on the Airwaves Today!
Dennis McCurdy will be featured on Unity Radio and Facebook Live!

Live Stream: wuty979fm.org
Radio: 97.9 FM in Worcester, MA
Call in: 508-471-5265

Listen, watch, comment and/or call in when Dennis is on Unity Radio LIVE today,
Friday, 1/31, at 1:00 pm.

The show is "Fabulous, Fierce and on Fire Fridays with Friends" and is hosted by Cami Baker, speaker, and author of "Mingle to Millions" and America's Authority on Purpose Leveraged Marketing Campaigns.  

"I am super excited to talk about my passion, my purpose, my profession, and life in general," says Dennis. "Hope you'll all watch!"
Cornerstone Bank Makes Donation to Worcester Community Action Council 

Pictured here, L to R: Cornerstone Bank President & Treasurer Todd M. Tallman;  
WCAC Director of Energy Resources Mary E. Knittle; Cornerstone Bank Chairman & CEO K. Michael Robbins;  
and WCAC Director of Development Ellen M. Ganley.
 
 Cornerstone Bank is proud to announce its recent donation of $40,000 to the Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC). This major financial contribution will go toward assisting local residents with home heating costs.

WCAC is a Worcester-based agency for central Massachusetts, dedicated to helping people move toward economic self-sufficiency through programs, partnerships, and advocacy. This donation will support the agency's Emergency Fuel Assistance Fund. Every year, this fund provides critical support to clients who are most vulnerable to high home heating costs and whose needs often extend beyond what they receive in federal assistance.  

"WCAC is a vital organization that helps people gain economic self-sufficiency," stated Cornerstone Bank Chairman & CEO K. Michael Robbins. "We're proud to support their mission and the many programs they provide to the community and its residents."

"We are pleased to contribute to such a worthwhile agency that provides critical support to many local individuals and families," added Bank President & Treasurer Todd M. Tallman. "We are committed to helping our neighbors stay warm during the winter season."

The Worcester Community Action Council is the federally-designated community action council agency for central Massachusetts. Each year, they assist over 75,000 people living in Worcester and surrounding towns through a variety of economic self-sufficiency and emergency programs. For more information about the WCAC, visit them online at www.wcac.net or by calling 508-754-1176.
Southbridge Garden Club at Worcester Art Museum 
Garden Club display
   Photos from the 2019 lobby display at the Worcester Art Museum
 
For the second consecutive year, the Southbridge Garden Club has been invited to design the main entrance lobby space for the Worcester Art Museum's Flora in Winter exhibit, which was on display from January 23 to January 26, 2020.
 
This year's theme is Epic Bloom!, which coincides with the exhibit, Photo Revolution: Andy Warhol to Cindy Sherman. The Southbridge Garden Club will create a colorful and fragrant array that complements the Museum's artistic display.
 
"We are thrilled to participate in Flora in Winter at the Worcester Art Museum. Our group has diverse and talented floral designers, artists and home gardeners," said April Frost, Southbridge Garden Club president. "The teamwork, time and effort put into this event by our members has been a rewarding and amazing opportunity to showcase the talents of the club, as well as forge a partnership with the art museum.  We appreciate the occasion and venue provided to our group."
 
Garden Club Sandra Polanik, public and internal events coordinator, Worcester Art Museum, noted that she is a board member of the Ruth Wells Center for the Arts in Southbridge, which houses the garden club. "Having first-hand knowledge of the stunning artistic work of the Southbridge Garden Club, I felt that this group of designers would be an excellent addition to WAM's highly acclaimed exhibit," she said.
 
In 2019, the Southbridge Garden Club created a spectacular floral display for Flora in Winter to coincide with the special exhibition, Monet's Waterloo Bridge: Vision and Process. The high quality of the design and positive public response prompted the Museum to extend a second invitation.
 
The non-profit Southbridge Garden Club was established in 1953 to serve the Tri-Community area in sharing an interest in horticulture and expanding knowledge of gardening for the mutual benefit of members and the local communities. In 1984, the Southbridge Garden Club became a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts. The Club's annual Greens Sale, its only fundraiser, enables the organization to give back financially to local communities through scholarships, educational programs and beautification projects.
Cornerstone Bank Plans for Loan Center in Westborough  

Cornerstone Bank announced today [January 15, 2020] its plans to open a Loan Center at 45 Lyman Street, Suite 20 in Westborough, Mass.

The new Loan Center provides easier accessibility for customers in the growing MetroWest area. "We are always looking for ways to meet the growing lending needs of residents," said Scott Auen, Cornerstone Bank SVP of Retail Lending. "Westborough is a vibrant, growing community and is the ideal location for our new Loan Center. As a community-owned bank, we pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, and quick loan decisions."

"This new Loan Center was strategically selected to expand our footprint and enhance our
community banking model," added Bank President and Treasurer Todd Tallman. "Customer relationships will be handled by local, knowledgeable bankers to meet the lending needs of the communities in the area."

This conveniently located Loan Center in Westborough will have a full team of mortgage lenders to meet the local loan demand. The Bank offers full-service banking for their customers' deposit and lending needs at thirteen area locations in central MA.

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.
  WANTED 
Norcom Mortgage is on the hunt for licensed and experienced Loan Officers.

Do you have 2+ years of MORTGAGE EXPERIENCE?

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

*WE ARE NOW OFFERING REVERSE MORTGAGE LENDING*

INTERESTED?
CONTACT KRISTEN WALTHER
774.241.0770
LEARN MORE BY VISITING US AT

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

This is not an offer to make a loan or to make a loan or any particular terms. All loan applicants must qualify under underwriting requirements and satisfy all contingencies of loan approval. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. NMLS ID #71655 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)
 
Creative Writing and Publishing Workshop
with Ed Londergan 
March 15, 10:00am-3:30pm
Salem Cross Inn

The workshop will cover:
How to get started
Writing exercises
Developing ideas
Story structure, pace and flow
Character development
Creation of atmosphere/location
Creating authentic dialogue
Holding a reader's interest
Overcoming writer's block
How's and why's of publishing
Finding an agent
Book marketing

Registration is required and must be to Ed by March 7. It is limited to 20 people.
Price is $95 and lunch is included.
Call 508-864-8685 to register.
ELECTION POSITION:
A great way to earn money AND be involved in the Electoral process!

POSITION:   EXIT POLLSTER(s) for the Primary Election
LOCATION(s):   Webster & all over Massachusetts!
DUTIES:   Pass out surveys, tally and call in results on Election Day. In preparation, brief training and rehearsal calls must be completed before the Election.
DATE:   Tuesday, March 3, 2020
TIME:   From 6:45AM to shortly after 8:00PM
PAY:   $275 for the day
CONTACT:   If you are interested or have any questions, email Elena at eroig@edisonresearch.com

Please include name, phone number, and location in any emails. I'll be happy to answer any questions, and will provide a more detailed description via telephone.

EXIT POLLSTERS must be responsible, punctual and polite, with own transportation.
PAID PROMPTLY after returned materials are processed.
ServSafe
ServSafe Class
Saturday, February 29, 2020, 9-5:30pm
Location: E2E 79 Main St., Ware, MA 01082

$140 per person.

Don't miss out! Our ServSafe class is running soon - make sure you reserve your seat.

This is a 6 hour instructional class and a 2 hour exam.    

You must reserve your spot for this class.
E-Mail: janicedunhamskitchen@yahoo.com to reserve your spot.

Quaboag Valley Community Development & Business Assistance Corporation
Summer Picnic  
SUMMER PICNICS AT THE PUBLICK HOUSE
The Publick House  
Summer Outings!
 
Fun Summer Menu!

New Bliss Potato Salad 
"Build-your-own" Hamburgers 
Hot dogs, Roasted Vegetables 
House-Made Biscuits & Strawberries 
Watermelon, and More!

Lawn Games, Human Jenga, Human Foosball, Volleyball

Free Tent Rental 
Use of Publick House:  
NEW Old-Fashioned Hot Dog Cart 
Lawn Games, Human Foosball! 
Complimentary!!

$18.95 per person (does not include tax & gratuities)

Contact: Connie Pion, Director of Sales 
508-347-7323 ext. 282 
  Cornerstone Bank Donates $10,000 to Worcester County Food Bank
Cornerstone donates
Pictured here: Worcester County Food Bank Director of Communications & Development Joni Kusminsky with Cornerstone Bank President & Treasurer Todd M. Tallman.
 
Cornerstone Bank is pleased to announce its recent donation of $10,000 to the Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB). This financial contribution will go toward expenses associated with their Food Sourcing and Distribution Program.
 
The Worcester County Food Bank provides donated food to a network of partner agencies that serve neighbors struggling with hunger throughout Worcester County. In addition to providing food to those in need, the WCFB also advocates to create a hunger-free and healthy community by supporting policies and programs that work to decrease hunger by improving access to healthy food.
 
"The Worcester County Food Bank plays an important role in providing food to our neighbors in need," stated Cornerstone Bank President & Treasurer Todd M. Tallman. "We're pleased to support their mission in creating a hunger-free community."
 
The Worcester County Food Bank is the largest hunger relief organization in Worcester County. In 2018, the WCFB and their network of 118 partner agencies donated over 6.5 million pounds of food and assisted over 81,000 people, with 33% of that food provided to children. For more information about the WCFB, please visit them online at www.foodbank.org or by calling 508-842-3663.
Heritage CC
 
All 18 holes open with carts! 
The course opens at 9:00am. We plan on staying open through Feb. 5th as the weather looks very promising. We will continue to have the tee open on a first come, first serve basis, depending on the weather. You can call us at 508-248-5111 to get updates on on additional days that we may be open.

Meat raffle will be held at Heritage Country Club on Saturday, Feb. 1st at noon  
for the Charlton Lions. All are welcome to attend if interested.
 
"In seed-time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy."
-William Blake
The Barn 
  Good Acoustics - An Acoustic Tribute to Simon, Garfunkel & James Taylor
 
TONIGHT!, Friday, January 31 at The Barn at Wight Farm
 
Come along and listen to the songs of James Taylor and Simon and Garfunkel faithfully recreated by Good Acoustics. These are the songs that defined more than three decades of chart-topping hits that bring you back to simpler times in the relaxing and beautiful atmosphere of The Barn at Wight Farm. This show is comprised of a rock-solid trio that have been performing all over the east coast for over 30 years. This show will simply amaze you at the harmony displayed by these very talented musicians.
 
All shows are accompanied by a buffet meal with several protein options*, including salad and rolls. House-made desserts can be purchased at an additional charge. Doors open at 6:00 pm, buffet at 6:30 pm, music starts at 8:00 pm. Ticket prices range from $40-$55 and can only be purchased at Eventbrite.com.
Old Sturbridge Village Events
 
Winter Warmth & Cheer 
Weekends through February 23 & February School Vacation Week
During Winter Warmth & Cheer, visitors will be treated to a self-guided story experience where the residents of 19th-century New England prepare for a winter celebration - a Grand Ball, filled with "Winter Warmth and Cheer!"
www.osv.org/event/winter-warmth-and-cheer/
 

Midwinter Revel | A Ball at the Oliver Wight Tavern 
February 21, 2020 | 6:00 pm
You are cordially invited to a brand new one-of-a-kind event: Midwinter Revel! Guests will enjoy fine fare and cheer, listen to period music, and can have their silhouettes cut. After a buffet dinner, the evening culminates with guests joining the Commonwealth Vintage Dancers for fun dancing in the ballroom of the Oliver Wight Tavern.
www.osv.org/event/revel/ 
 
 
MUSEUM HOURS
Through February 9, 2020: Open Weekends | 9:30 am - 4:00 pm  
 
 
Salem Cross Inn logo
260 West Main Street, Route 9, West Brookfield, MA
 
Rich with history, the Salem Cross Inn is a restored 18th century farmhouse  
nestled on 600 acres of New England countryside.  
 
 
A Wedding Wire Couples' Choice Award
and The Knot Best of Weddings Award recipient for 2020.
 
graphic-heart.gif  
Valentine's Day! 
Bring your significant other and have dinner with us at 
Salem Cross Inn for Valentine's Day. 
We will be open all day on Friday, February 14. 
Call us today at 508-867-2345 to make your reservations. 
 
 
   Warm up at a Fireplace Feast!
January 31, February 2, 7, 9, 14, 21, 23 & 28    
Take a trip back in time and enjoy our 1700's colonial inspired feasts,  
prepared on the open hearth of a great fieldstone fireplace. 
See more and make your reservations  online or call Salem Cross Inn at (508) 867-2345
    
Visit Salem Cross Inn on Facebook 
for updates (including weather), event photos and future menu postings!
   
Main Dining Room Hours: 
Winter Schedule (Starting January 1st, 2020): 
Friday (Lunch & Dinner) - 11:30am to 9:00pm
Saturday (Dinner) - 5:00pm to 9:00pm 
Sunday (Dinner) - 12 Noon to 8:00pm
 
Hexmark Tavern Hours 
Winter Schedule (Starting January 1st, 2020): 
Friday (Dinner) - 4:00pm to 9:00pm
 
 
Site Builder Saturday
The BizPal Company
LIVE Every Saturday at 11 AM on Facebook
February 1, 11:00-11:30am

Website Planning Step: Identify Your Customers
This week's session is all about understanding who your website customers are!
Learn How to Really Focus on Your Customers! We will have a live Q and A right after the LIVE Stream. Post your questions to me via messenger!
Join us for this free event LIVE online!

or visit our website to see our past LIVE Website Topic Broadcasts.  
Tastefully Ted.
The Publick House, Paige Hall
Friday, February 7, 2020, 7:00-10:00 pm

Join us! Decadent desserts, appetizers, local music and good friends

Tastefully Ted. is a pre-Valentine's celebration benefiting the Tantasqua Education Foundation. Indulge in decadent desserts, delicious appetizers while enjoying local entertainment.

Cash bar and silent auction.

Tastefully Ted. Benefits the Tantasqua Education Foundation.
For more information about sponsorship & volunteer opportunities, please visit Tedfound.org
Tickets are $20 per person at TedFound.org ($25 per person at the door)
 
TLGV's February Calendar
 
Full Moon Snowshoe Hike to the Tri-State Marker: 6-8 p.m., Feb. 8, Air Line Trail parking area at 653-659 East Thompson Road, Thompson, CT. Join The Last Green Valley's Rangers John and Kevin for a full moon snowshoe hike on the Air Line State Trail and to the Tri-State Marker where Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island meet. The full moon will start rising at 4:30 p.m. to illuminate the hike. If there is not enough snow for snowshoes, we'll hike anyway. The hike is 2 miles round trip with level ground on the Air Line Trail and uphill for about 0.3 miles to the Tri-State Marker. Hikers will meet at the Air Line State Trail parking area at 653-659 East Thompson Road, Thompson, CT. Registration is required and space is limited. Please call 860-774-3300 or email Chief Ranger Bill Reid at Bill@tlgv.org to register.
 
Historical Happenings - Telling Your Story, Part I: 6 - 8 p.m., Feb. 19, The Last Green Valley office, 203B Main St., Danielson, CT. We all have a story to tell, but as non-profit historical and cultural organizations getting our story in front of new visitors and supporters can be a challenge. But, in 2020 the opportunities to tell your tales are greater than ever before. Join The Last Green Valley's Assistant Director Francesca Kefalas in part one of a two part series aimed to help historical organizations, and any non-profit looking for some help, spread the work about the wonderful work being done. This session will focus on understanding your audience and how to use that to create more effective press releases, e-newsletters and create a social media presence. Registration is required and a light supper will be offered. Please call 860-774-3300 or email Fran@tlgv.org. In case of snow, the seminar will be rescheduled for Feb. 26. Part II of the session will be held April 15.
 
Acorn Adventure - Animal Tracks: 10 a.m., Feb. 22, Lead Mine Mountain Trail, parking area, 10 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA. Some animals love winter. Snow and the winter landscape can provide the perfect opportunity to follow their movements, even if you never see them. Join The Last Green Valley's Chief Ranger Bill Reid on a kid-friendly woods walk where we will look for animal tracks and all the other signs critters leave behind (like poop). Kids will learn what to look for and the differences between some of the more common animal tracks we see in The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. Acorn Adventures are sponsored by Putnam Bank. For more information call 860-774-3300 or email Fran@tlgv.org .
 
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!
Norcom
Any Time Home Buyer Power Hour
February 8, 2020 from 11am to 12pm
Location: Driven Athletic Performance, 584 Summer Street, Barre, MA 01005

Do you want to EXERCISE all of your HOME BUYING options?

You are invited to join Jeremy Nowicki of Norcom Mortgage and Michael McQueston of McQueston Realty Services, your local professionals for this FREE event. They will be there to answer all of your questions and to explore all of your options. They will also be there to do the HEAVY LIFTING during your Home Buying Process.

Open to the public. Bring a friend or two!

RSVP to Donna.Forte@Norcom-USA.com or on the sign up sheets located at Driven Athletic Performance.

Can't make it? Contact us to schedule your personal one on one FREE consultation.
Rapscallion
Rapscallion Brewery's 1st Annual Charitable Chili Cookoff
February 9, 1:00-4:00pm at Rapscallion Brewery 
 
$5 entry fee to taste up to 10+ chilis made by Rap's own Mug Members.  
All proceeds go to The Center of Hope in Southbridge.

Are you a 2020 Mug Member with a winning chili recipe?  
We're still accepting chili cookoff contestants. Email to inquire.
 
Second Chance Mobile Unit Pet Adoption | February 21st
Klem's 

You can't buy love... but you can adopt it.
Will you be my valentine? Meet your match from 2pm-4pm

MOBILE ADOPTION UNIT is coming to Klem's! On the road to saving more lives!
Be sure to stop by and say hi to some of the sweet dogs and cats looking for a new home!
Let adoption help you find your next best friend!

Click here to RSVP on our FB Page!
Rapscallion
Rapscallion Brewery's 1st Annual French Canadian Day 
February 22 at Rapscallion Brewery  
 
Join us to celebrate the rich French Canadian history of the greater Sturbridge area, with many traditional food and beverage items such as poutine, meat pies, and pea soup.  
We will also have our take on a Quebec beverage called Caribou Juice.

At 4 pm, enjoy live music by '11 on the Outside', a local favorite from Southbridge  
with French Canadian heritage.
 
11th Annual Tri-Community Exchange Club Chowder Fest 
February 23, 12:00 to 3:00pm
Sturbridge Host Hotel
 
Join us on 2/23/20 for the 11th Annual Tri-Community Exchange Club Chowder Fest!  
Come sample some of the areas best restaurants chowder! There will be drawings, silent auction, and cash bar. We appreciate all of the support from the community as without you we wouldn't be able to give back and help the needy in the Tri-Community Area.
 
Contact: Sheri 508-347-2701 ext 1200 
The Publick House  
Publick House Cooks for Community Organizations 
Help us give back to the community by joining us for our monthly feasts to raise money for local organizations. Sponsored organizations will split a minimum of $4.00 from every dinner served!

February 24   
Oxford Women's Club
Brimfield Elementary
 
AMERICAN FEAST
 
CASH DONATION 
Adults $15 / Children $5
(4-12 yrs.) 
BUFFET STYLE  
Held in Paige Hall or under the Tent!

Two Seating Times 
SEATING ONE: 4:15pm-5:45pm
SEATING TWO: 6:30pm-7:30pm

Open Seating    No Reservations    
All Feasts include... 
Tossed Salad with Maple Vinaigrette, Dinner Rolls & Dessert
 
We ask guests to enjoy their dinner but not to linger at your seat, the more guests that are seated the more money raised for the groups. 
 
Thank you for your support!
50+ Job Seekers Networking Group
NETWORKING WORKS!! Your AGE really is your EDGE!! 
Fall has Arrived! A Perfect Time to Turn Over a New Leaf!

Funded by AARP and Managed by MCOA, we have expanded our 50+ Job Seekers Regional Networking Group program to support and assist people in the 50+ demographic living in the greater central mass area and looking for a new job, a totally new career direction, re-entering the workforce after an employment gap or looking for a Second Act career.  
 
Meet and network with fellow job seekers at our bi-weekly networking group meetings. Learn how to Network!
 
New Topic at each Meeting!  Come join Melody Beach, an experienced Human Resource professional who is the Facilitator for this collaborative Networking Group.  
Start your journey towards self-realization, re-invention and transformation!
 
WHO: Mature Job Seekers! That's YOU! (50 years of age +)
 
WHEN: Our first meetings began in September 2019 and typically we will be meeting on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Doors open at 9:00 am for registration and casual networking so come early! And often! 
 
WHERE:  
  • Worcester Senior Center located at 128 Providence St. Worcester (508-799-1232)  
  • Auburn Public Library at 369 Southbridge St, Auburn  (508) 832-7790)
  • Northampton Senior Center located at 67 Conz Street Northampton (413)587-1228
Did you know: 85% of all jobs are found through NETWORKING!! REALLY!!
Our First Session Topic: Self-Assessment/Transferable Skills:
"What Do I Really Want to Do Now that I'm Grown Up?!" Life After 50+!
 
For more Information and Pre-Registration (required), please feel free to contact:   
The Worcester COA at 508-799-1232.
Village Toastmasters Weekly Meetings
Thursday Evenings, 7:00-8:15pm
CHAMBER OF CENTRAL MASS SOUTH CONFERENCE ROOM
46 Hall Road, Sturbridge
Village Toastmasters
Village Toastmasters is a local group focused on helping its members improve their public speaking and leadership skill while building confidence in their abilities.  
 
As of Thursday, April 27, 2017, Village Toastmasters will meet every Thursday from 7:00-8:15 pm  
at the offices of the Chamber of Central Mass South, located at 46 Hall Road, Sturbridge.
 
Guests are always welcome!!  
Please arrive 15 minutes early (6:45pm) as meetings start promptly.  

Click on the image to browse our catalog of Coggno training courses!
We Welcome Interesting Goodies for our Welcome Baskets!  

 

New member Baskets

The Chamber has teamed up with the Center of Hope to create gift baskets to welcome new members to the Chamber of Central Mass South. The Chamber presents our new members with gift baskets that will not only have a monetary value but also to give the recipient an opportunity to learn more about other Chamber members and their services. These baskets make a terrific first impression and are a great way to introduce your business to new prospects. Can you help us fill these baskets with interesting goodies?   

 

We are always seeking interesting, practical items to include in our welcome baskets. We welcome your contributions of items like modest gift certificates, discount coupons, items with your company's logo like piggy banks, thumb drives and coffee mugs, free trial items, small items your company manufactures or whatever else might promote your company and be a value to our new members.

 

We are looking to assemble about a dozen baskets at a time so that time sensitive material will not be out of date when received. If you would like to donate items for this program, please drop them off at the Chamber office or give us a call to arrange pick up your donated items. Contact Alix at 508-347-2761 or e-mail alexandra_mcnitt@cmschamber.org if you have any questions or to arrange a pickup. Thank you for your contributions!

Important Dates to Save!
February 1: Site Builder Saturday on Facebook with The BizPal Company  
February 7: Tastefully Ted. at The Publick House
February 9: Annual Chili Cookoff at Rapscallion Brewery   
February 13: QCC Workforce Training Grants/Soft Skills Workshops Info Session at the Chamber
February 17: Presidents' Day    
February 18: Fun at Five at Sturbridge Host Hotel with The Center of Hope   
February 23: 11th Annual Chowder Fest   
March 15: Writing & Publishing Workshop with Ed Londergan at Salem Cross Inn
May 28: Tri-Community YMCA Family Branch LiveStrong Golf Tournament  
 
FIND THESE EVENTS AND MORE ON OUR CALENDAR
VISIT US ONLINE FOR LOCAL EVENTS AND MORE
new business chamber logo 
  www.cmschamber.org