WELCOME TO 2021! The first Crossroads of the new year is loaded with useful info including the extension of capacity and gathering limits in Massachusetts, the latest updates to the Paycheck Protection Program, the Covid-19 vaccination timeline and much more from our members and friends. Paid Family Medical Leave is also a reality now in Massachusetts. You'll find answers to many questions about the PFML act in this issue and we invite all members to join us and The Employers Association of the Northeast for an online discussion on PFML coming on January 28.
Crossroads is our Members' platform to share their latest news with fellow Chamber Members and our community. We thank you for entering your upcoming happenings on our Events calendar and emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in Crossroads. NEXT ISSUE: FEBRUARY 1, 2021.
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CHAMBER OFFICE INFO
Effective Monday, December 14, 2020 the Chamber office is open by appointment only.
Please give us a ring at 508-347-2761 if you will be visiting.
Masks must be worn.
The office will be CLOSED on Monday, January 18 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
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PO Box 838 Lawrence, MA 01842
(833) 344-7365 from 8am–5pm ET
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Baker-Polito Administration Announces Extension of Capacity and Gathering Limits, New Guidance for Hospital ICU Staffing, Elective Surgeries
Capacity Limits for Most Industries, Gathering Limits Extended Until at Least January 24
For immediate release:
1/07/2021
Office of Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito
Governor's Press Office
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Department of Public Health
Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
BOSTON — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the extension of further restrictions and new hospital guidance to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth.
Industry restrictions for capacity limits and reduced gathering limits went into effect on Saturday, December 26th, and will now be extended for at least two more weeks to January 24th.
Read a summary of the restrictions here.
Read the emergency order here.
INDUSTRY RESTRICTIONS & GATHERING LIMITS
Capacity Limits: Under the current restrictions that are being extended today, most industries in Massachusetts remain subject to a 25% capacity limit:
- Restaurants (based on permitted seating capacity)
- Close Contact Personal Services
- Theaters and Performance Venues
- Casinos
- Office Spaces
- Places of Worship
- Retail Businesses
- Driving and Flight Schools
- Golf Facilities (for indoor spaces)
- Libraries
- Lodging (for common areas)
- Arcades and Indoor Recreation Businesses
- Fitness Centers and Health Clubs
- Museums, Cultural Facilities and Guided Tours
- Workers and staff will not count towards the occupancy count for restaurants, places of worship, close contact personal services, and retail businesses.
All other rules and restrictions in each sector-specific guidance will continue to remain in effect.
Gatherings Limit: The current gathering limits in place since December 26 are also being extended. Indoor gatherings will remain limited to 10 people. Outdoor gatherings will remain limited to 25 people outside. The gatherings limit applies to private homes, event venues and public spaces.
NEW HOSPITAL GUIDANCE:
Hospital Tier Escalation: The Department of Public Health’s hospital guidance, issued in early November, establishes a regional tiering system for hospitals to support continued collaboration among hospitals and sustain capacity. Since early December, all regions across the Commonwealth have been in Tier 3 status, which established a framework for greater coordination to balance patient load and ensure capacity.
Today, in response to the continued rise in hospitalizations, all regions across the state will be escalated to Tier 4 status. In Tier 4, the hospitals in each region will meet at least daily, and will continue to collaborate across regions where necessary, to address growing capacity constraints and continue to load balance as needed.
ICU Nurse Staffing Ratios: To support the health care system’s continued response to the surge in cases and hospitalizations, the Commonwealth is allowing the deployment of acute nursing staffing under certain circumstances. Starting today, hospitals with severe capacity constraints may request a temporary exemption from the mandated nurse-to-patient ratios in the ICU. This option will only be available to hospitals with capacity of less than 20% who first attest to DPH that they have suspended all nonessential elective invasive procedures, including those conducted in an outpatient setting under the hospital’s license. Additionally, hospitals must take every reasonable step to expand capacity prior to requesting a temporary exemption. If a hospital’s bed capacity increases, or if the hospital re-starts nonessential elective invasive procedures, the hospital must resume compliance with the ICU staffing requirements.
For COVID-19 Updates and Information and Everything you need to know about COVID-19 in Massachusetts, visit mass.gov.
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Paycheck Protection Program Updates
Several key program changes include:
- Allows past recipients to receive a "Second Draw" from PPP
- Makes 501(c)6 nonprofits (like Chambers of Commerce) eligible applicants, among other types of organizations
- Allows borrowers to set their covered loan period to any length from 8-24 weeks to allow additional flexibility
- Expands what is an eligible forgivable expense to include costs, including adaptive operations expenditures, property damage costs, technology operations, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures
- Clarifies that PPP loans are tax-free and eligible expenses paid with PPP proceeds are tax-deductible
- Caps First Draw loans at $10 million and Second Draw loans at $2 million
- Allows Accommodations and Food Service businesses to obtain loans calculated at 3.5x average monthly payroll
As with prior implementations of PPP, businesses can apply for a forgivable loan via SBA lenders and should speak to their lender to discuss an application. Effective today, community lenders (community development financial institutions, minority depository institutions, certified development companies, and microloan intermediaries, more here are able to offer PPP loans to applicants that have not yet received a loan; on January 13th, these lenders will be able to offer loans to "Second Draw" applicants. All lenders will be authorized to offer the program shortly; the date has not yet been announced. For additional information on PPP, forms and other information, visit www.sba.gov/ppp
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When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Learn where you will fit into the COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline.
The Baker-Polito Administration and the Department of Public Health developed a vaccine distribution timeline after extensive consultation with the Massachusetts Vaccine Advisory Group, made up of leaders from health care, the faith community, community organizations, local government, and others.
The timeline reflects several priorities: protecting our most vulnerable, maintaining health care system capacity, and addressing inequities in health care access and COVID-19 burden.
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Pandemic Relief Resources from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Late last year, Congress passed legislation providing $900 billion in additional pandemic aid and economic stimulus. In response, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has updated their guide documents to assist you, and recorded several webinars walking through the provisions of the bill.
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Pandemic Webinar Recordings - You can view the U.S. Chamber’s webinars explaining the new pandemic relief bills from late December and early January. We’ve uploaded the recording from this week here, plus the accompanying slides here, and you can find the recording from our December discussion here.
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VERIFY YOUR M2M OFFER FOR 2021!
Does your business have an offer in our M2M Discount Program? We emailed all M2M participants asking that you please review your offer and let us know if you would like to keep it rolling through 2021. Please email Jack to confirm, change or discontinue your offer. THANK YOU!
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NEW MEMBER2MEMBER OFFER!
Offers Chamber Members FREE access (regularly $5/month) to their My Community Made sales platform for as long as they remain a member of the Chamber. The My Community Made platform is designed to provide small businesses with everything needed to connect and sell to their local community including all of the information they need to source products and services made by local small businesses. My Community Made allows business owners to collect payments with either PayPal or Stripe. Fisher Tech Solutions does not charge processing or transaction fees. Check it out and START SELLING IN 5 MINUTES!
Click on the M2M logo to see this and many more great offers from Members... for Members!
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If your business is located in Belchertown, Charlton, Hardwick, Hampden, Ludlow, Monson, Palmer, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Ware or Warren, you may be eligible to apply for a Microenterprise Assistance Grant.
Grant awards of up to $10,000 are available to eligible businesses within those towns that have experienced financial loss due to Covid-19 and the associated shut downs. Eligible businesses must have five employees or fewer (including the owner), must have been in business since January 1, 2019 and must be able to demonstrate revenue loss caused by the pandemic. The business owner’s family income must fall within certain limits. Other eligibility requirements apply.
The grants are made possible through Community Development Block Grant funds (funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Federal CARES Act and administered by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development).
Grant awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are exhausted. To learn more about the Microenterprise Assistance Grant Program, contact Dakota Desrochers at phone # 413-967-3001 or by email: dakota@qvcdc.org
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Central Mass South Referral Group: Networking & Referrals
Chamber Members can now join for FREE!
The Central MA South Referral Group is the official networking and referrals group of CMS Chamber.
JOIN FOR FREE! Previously, Membership to the referral group was an additional fee on top of Chamber dues of $45 per quarter. We are pleased to announce that you can now join the group for FREE! Learn more by emailing CMS Referral Group member Rich Eichacker.
ABOUT CMSRG
The CMS Referral Group currently meets each Friday morning virtually. Meetings are designed to provide a venue for networking, enhance your public speaking skills, exchange of business referrals and marketing ideas, and guest speakers who share their knowledge of the latest developments in business. Comprised of local business owners and professionals, CMS Referral Group is committed to establishing and strengthening relationships with companies and community organizations in the Chamber’s service area through networking, education and trust.
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Harrington Physician Services Welcomes Family Medicine Physician Dr. Archana Shah
to Charlton Practice
CHARLTON, MA, January 4, 2021 – Archana Shah, MD has joined Harrington Physician Services’ Family Medicine practice in Charlton and is currently accepting new patients. As a Family Medicine physician, Dr. Shah provides primary care to all ages.
Dr. Shah is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Practice. She is also a certified medical examiner for the Department of Transportation and holds certifications in Neonatal Resuscitation, Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
Dr. Shah has been providing primary care to families throughout Massachusetts for 20 years, the majority of which she spent at Steward Medical Group at Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer. She also served as Chairperson of the Family Practice Department at Melrose Wakefield Hospital and still serves as a part-time Medical Officer of the Day for the Veterans Administration Bedford Healthcare system.
She received her medical degree from MS University of Vadodara in India and completed her residency at Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora, IL, where she served as Chief Resident. She is fluent in English, Gujarati and Hindi.
Dr. Shah joins Drs. Brenda Geddis-Comrie and Ali Syed at Harrington Physician Services’ Family Medicine practice in Charlton, located at 10 North Main Street.
Dr. Shah as well as other Harrington Physician Services primary care providers are currently accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment call (508) 765-3145. To find out more, visit harringtonhospital.org.
Harrington HealthCare System is a comprehensive regional healthcare system serving more than 25 communities across south central Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut. The system includes Harrington Hospital in Southbridge, Harrington HealthCare at Webster and three additional major medical office buildings: Harrington HealthCare at Charlton, Harrington HealthCare at 169, also in Charlton, and Harrington HealthCare at Spencer; Harrington Physician Services, our primary care and multi-specialty physician group; UrgentCare Express at Harrington in Charlton and Oxford; The Cancer Center at Harrington in Southbridge, and the region’s largest Behavioral Health programs for mental health and substance use.
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Sturbridge Rotary Helps Local Families
Who doesn’t love a good home-cooked crock pot meal around the holidays? Holidays are a time of good food and cheer… and to quote the movie Elf, “singing loud for all to hear”. The Sturbridge Rotary Club decided to sing a bit louder for those who need a little extra help this season by donating again this year to the Burgess Family Fund. On Tuesday, December 22nd, Rotary Club President Dr. David Zonia presented a $2,000 check to Burgess School Nurse Lisa Meunier, RN, M.Ed. as many Sturbridge Rotarians banded together to help 38 local families in need (approximately 101 children and 66 adults). Each family received a crock pot from Rotary, as well as a crock pot cookbook and non-perishable food items for their holiday meal. Meunier and her team has been helping families through this program for over 24 years and says she loves “that everyone in this community comes together and cares for each other.” This program has been a success every single year and continues to provide food and toys for so many local families. The success of the program is possible because of strong relationships between the many community groups involved in the Burgess Family Fund. Tuesday’s event was another great example of the Rotary Club working with other community groups to help their neighbors. The beauty of it all is that this is a true community effort. Through community, compassion, and dedication, the world was a little bit brighter on December 22nd. This time of year is truly a time of giving. As you and your family head into the new year, let us continue to support each other, as well as our community as a whole.
About Rotary: The Sturbridge Rotary Club has been providing humanitarian service to the local and international community for 48 years. Club members support community service projects that address many of today’s most critical issues including hunger. The Rotary motto is “Service Above Self”.
Photos: (l) Rotary Club President Dr. David Zonia presents the $2,000 check to Burgess School Nurse Lisa Meunier.
(r) Holiday meals and crock pots to help local families in need.
Submitted by Sydney Leanna
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Dudley-Charlton Education Foundation Grateful to Cornerstone Bank
Seeks Donations for Educational Opportunities
Thank you Cornerstone Bank for helping launch our 12th annual appeal with a $2,500 donation! Cornerstone has supported DCEF annually since our inception. Please consider supporting the DCEF with a donation by visiting www.dcedfoundation.org/donate-online.
Considering the challenges the DCRSD is currently facing, in lieu of our traditional grants for innovative ideas, we will be helping support student needs that available funding falls short on covering. We are working with administration to identify gaps and how to maximize the benefit of our district support.
The Dudley-Charlton Education Foundation (DCEF) was incorporated in 2008 as a conduit through which our community can immediately and positively impact our schools. The Foundation provides funding for educational opportunities that would not likely receive money from the school district's budget. The DCEF is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization independent of municipal boards, committees and school organizations.
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Joshua Hyde Library Seeks Part-Time Program Coordinator
The Joshua Hyde Public Library and the Town of Sturbridge is seeking to hire a flexible, well-organized, computer savvy, locally-connected individual to be the Part-Time Program Coordinator. For more information about this 10 hours/week position, please see the Town of Sturbridge website at www.sturbridge.gov/your-government/pages/job-opportunities
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North Brookfield Savings Bank Recognizes Employees for Years of Service
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North Brookfield, MA - North Brookfield Savings Bank was not able to host their in-person Annual Employee Appreciation event in October to thank all of the employees for their dedication to the success of the Bank and their commitment to supporting our customers and local communities. Instead, the Bank honored their employees with mid-year bonuses.
“We had to find another way to honor the hard work of these employees, especially amid a nationwide pandemic. It has changed work for all of us, creating some strains, but our employees remained steadfast in their ability to serve our customers. Our employees have risen to the occasion and are all the true heroes here at the Bank,” said Andrea Healy, Chief Administrative and Human Resource Officer for the Bank.
Every year, North Brookfield Savings Bank recognizes and rewards employees for their dedication to the Bank and for the outstanding service they provide to our customers and communities. In December of 2020, North Brookfield Savings Bank honored employees who reached special anniversaries with the Bank by presenting them with Years of Service awards and a gift. This year, employees ranged from having 5 to 25 years of service, and over 90 years of service combined.
The following North Brookfield Savings Bank employees received Years of Service Awards in 2020.
5 Years of Service
Ann Brady, Controller
Scott Garrand, Systems Administrator
Jessica Shimansky, Assistant Branch Manager
Jean Szela, Sr. Loan Servicing Representative
Debra Warman, Branch Cleaner
10 Years of Service
Kathleen Grigas, Senior Accounting Specialist
Renee Jurczyk, Branch Manager
20 Years of Service
Patricia Bernard, SVP, Compliance Officer
25 Years of Service
Darlene Jarnagan, BSA Officer, Deposit Compliance Specialist
“Congratulations to these wonderful employees for reaching their Years of Service milestones,” said Donna Boulanger, North Brookfield Savings Bank President and CEO. “Each one of them has contributed to the Bank’s overall success and has shown their commitment to providing our customers and communities with the best service possible, even in the toughest of times. They make our team stronger every day and continue to emulate our Core Values.”
ABOUT NORTH BROOKFIELD SAVINGS BANK
North Brookfield Savings Bank is a mutual savings bank with full-service branches in North Brookfield, East Brookfield, West Brookfield, Ware, Belchertown, Palmer, and Three Rivers Village of Palmer. NBSB offers a wide variety of deposit and loan products for individuals and businesses throughout Central and Western Massachusetts and has been a steadfast supporter of the communities in which it serves since 1854. North Brookfield Savings Bank is a 2020 Banking Choice 1st place award recipient in Community Contribution. All deposits are insured by the FDIC and the Depositors Insurance Fund. For additional information, please call 1-866-711-6272 or visit us online at www.NorthBrookfieldSavingsBank.com.
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Banfield Foundation® COVID-19 Grant Helping Pets at Second Chance
Nonprofit Grateful for Assistance to Provide Critical Programs
EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (January 13, 2021) – Second Chance Animal Services was the recipient of an $8,000 COVID-19 grant from the Banfield Foundation® to assist with the additional costs of operating during the pandemic.
Development Director Lindsay Doray says the nonprofit is grateful to the Banfield Foundation for their support during a very challenging year. “Second Chance helped over 40,000 pets again in 2020, despite the fact that some programs like spay & neuter services and vaccine clinics were on hold in the spring to conserve critical supplies. We could not let pets and pet owners down, so we kept our critical programs open throughout the entirety of 2020.”
“We are still seeing an increased need at all our hospitals. This combined with the additional cost for supplies we need to keep everyone safe has been a serious challenge. This grant has helped us continue to serve the pets that need help most.
PHOTO: Sasha, a 4 year old female German Shepherd mix is just one of the many pets helped by this grant. Sasha is currently at the Second Chance Adoption Center looking for a family without other pets.
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 Banfield Foundation®
At the core of the Banfield Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the belief that all pets deserve access to veterinary care. In support of this belief, the foundation funds programs that enable veterinary care, elevate the power of the human-animal bond, provide disaster relief for pets, and advance the science of veterinary medicine through fostering innovation and education. It also leverages the expertise and passion of Banfield Pet Hospital associates to care for pets in need. At the Banfield Foundation, we are committed to making a better world for pets because they make a better world for us.
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Cornerstone Bank announces new leadership
Todd Tallman and Randal D. Webber began new positions January 1
SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. – Cornerstone Bank, a community bank with 12 locations throughout central Massachusetts, has elevated two executives to new leadership roles effective January 1. Todd Tallman, formerly the Bank President and Treasurer, assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO.) Randal D. Webber, formerly Cornerstone’s Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Lending Officer, will now serve as President. Both appointments were announced in the fall.
Of his appointment, new Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman said, “I am honored to assume the role of CEO and wish to thank the Cornerstone Bank Board of Directors for the trust they have placed in me. I’m excited and invigorated to continue the institution’s legacy as a trusted community bank.”
A seasoned financial professional and banking veteran, Tallman began his career as a certified public accountant before joining the banking world in 1998. First serving as Chief Financial Officer of Southbridge Savings Bank, he was promoted to President/CEO in 2014. Then, when Southbridge Savings Bank and SpencerBANK merged in 2016 to form Cornerstone Bank, Tallman was named President and Treasurer. With a passion for enriching the lives of others and supporting his community, he serves on the board of several nonprofit organizations and is a past president of the United Way of Southbridge, Sturbridge and Charlton.
New President Randal Webber spoke highly of Tallman, his predecessor, recognizing the big shoes he must fill as he assumes his new role. “Todd has always been a strategic leader. I am honored to follow in his footsteps and build upon the strong foundation he laid as I assume the role of president.”
Webber joined SpencerBANK in 2009 as Senior Vice President Chief Risk Officer, until being promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer in 2012. When Cornerstone Bank was formed in 2016, he was named Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer. Through each Executive-level role, he helped continue a growth trajectory in the Bank’s commercial and retail service and operations, particularly within its commercial portfolio. Webber currently serves on the board of the Worcester State University Foundation.
PHOTOS: (l) Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman (r) Cornerstone Bank President Randal D. Webber
About Cornerstone Bank
Cornerstone Bank is an independent, mutual savings bank serving residents, businesses and communities throughout Central Massachusetts. Our customer promise, Built on Trust, is not just a brand, but also a corporate focus. Whether a business or personal partnership, Cornerstone Bank rests on the foundation that relationships are built on trust. 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. To learn about Cornerstone Bank’s personal and business banking offerings, please visit cornerstonebank.com or call 800-939-9103.
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Escape the Pike challenges you to our newest game! Come play SPY2K!
It’s Chicago, 1999. You just so happen to be a computer genius. A Federal Task Force was created to combat a new threat. They have contacted you with a secret mission; code-named “Operation Lights Out.” They have received a tip that a foreign entity has activated a sleeper cell handled by a computer emporium owner-turned-hacktavist, anti-capitalist sympathizer. The team has been collecting sensitive computer technologies and writing source code to exploit Y2K protocols put in place to update and manage our national grid. You have been tasked with searching the computer emporium owner's office to help dismantle the team. Do you accept the mission? Will you uncover the players and stop them from shutting down the grid in time? Sneak into Jake’s Computer Emporium and become the secret agent that saves the year 2000! Click the Escape the Pike logo to visit online and book your escape!
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Members of the Chamber of Central Mass South have access to special partner discounts every time they shop in store. They can save on an assortment of products, from signage to PPE to business essentials and more.
20% off your in-store Print & Marketing Services order
• Floor decals, signs and posters
• Indoor and outdoor banners
• Disposable menus and more
10% off your in-store purchase of regularly priced items
• Safety essentials like face masks, sanitizer and more
• Office supplies like paper, ink and toner and more
• Remote furniture like chairs, desks and more
Ready to start saving? First, you must be a Staples Rewards Member.
Already a Staples Rewards member? You'll just need your Rewards number to enter on the sheet linked below.
To get your number, login to your account, click Rewards, and then click Rewards Profile to locate your Rewards number or call 800-793-3320 for assistance.
Click HERE to add your name and info to the CMS Chamber Discount enrollment spreadsheet.
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Old Sturbridge Village 75th Anniversary Commemorative Calendars are Available Now!
Join us as we welcome 2021 – the 75th Anniversary Year of Old Sturbridge Village with a new commemorative calendar. In early 2020, we launched a photography contest at the and, as a result, we received more than 400 entries! It was hard to choose just 12 winners, so we expanded the calendar to 18 months. We also added even more photos on each page as a complement to the black and white photography from our archives. These photos celebrate the beautiful New England seasons of the Village and are combined with vintage photos of years past.
Ring in the New Year with a beautiful keepsake calendar for $19.46 and save a bundle, on a bundle of five – just $75, and your loved ones will appreciate this thoughtful holiday gift.
The proceeds from this calendar will support the mission of Old Sturbridge Village as we enter our 75th year and beyond!
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Virtual Travelogue Offered by Sbrogna's
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.
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Lee todos los detalles!
Reach the Hispanic Market directly with the #1 Statewide Hispanic Newspaper in Massachusetts. Email advertising@vocerohispano.com to get started.
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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
Young Professionals Night Out
Tuesday, Jan 26, 2021, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Join the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce for a night "in" with new friends. We will be convening online for some fun networking. We will be networking virtually and hearing from two special guests who are at the top of their professional game--Jon Weaver and AiVi Nguyen. Via Zoom. No charge. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
HR Roundtable PFMLA Update
Wednesday, Jan 27, 2:00-3:00pm, Zoom
On January 1, 2021, PFML became a reality in Massachusetts. Join us for our Human Resources Roundtable where Brian Mullin of Bowditch & Dewey Attorneys will discuss: General overview of the new law and updates, How to manage and prepare for PFML claims, Curbing abuse. No charge. For Chamber members in HR only. 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.
Best HR Practices for the Work From Home Era
Tuesday | Jan 19 | 9:00 am
Connect with Customers and Manage Your Business Remotely
Tuesday | Jan 19 | 1:00 pm
In this 45-minute webinar, you will discover Google tools that can help business owners like you work and manage your business during this time of uncertainty. Plus, get insights on more online and timely resources for small businesses. LEARN MORE & REGISTER
Restaurant Employees: Build a Team to Align w/ Your Business Goals
Wednesday | Jan 20 | 10am to 11:15pm
A purpose-built team is essential for your business to reach its goals. Join us for a webinar that will focus on the foundation of your restaurant - the people. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER.
Learn how to Sell Better to Grow Your Business
Thursday | Jan 21 | 12pm to 1:30pm
Sales – you don’t have a business without it! This workshop will help small business owners to define their market, develop their marketing and sales messages, prospect for qualified customers, and develop a system to reach your sales goals. Business owners are the sales drivers of their companies – learn how to sell better to grow your business.
HR Essentials: Hiring Basics
Friday | Jan 22 | 11:45am to 1:15pm
Join us for part 1 of SCORE's Human Resources Essentials webinar series as we focus on hiring basics.
View Previously Recorded SCORE Webinars Here.
BUSINESS WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER NETWORK
Statewide Training & Event Calendar
Jan 18 Serie de emprendimiento - DYME Desarrolle su modelo de emprendimiento (presentado en español)
Jan 21 Federal Marketing and Networking for Small Businesses
Jan 25 Serie de emprendimiento - creación de prototipos (desarrollo y prueba de innovaciones) (presentado en español)
Feb 1 Basics of Starting Your Business
Feb 1 Taller de Emprendimiento - Pensamiento sistémico en el espíritu empresarial (presentado en español)
Feb 4 Introduction to the State of Massachusetts Contracting for Small Businesses
Feb 4 Small Business Resources Forum
Visit the online calendar for more info and to register for these and many more.
DEB K HYPNOSIS
2021 is here and 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.
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Online Programs with Rita Schiano via Zoom
Time Management
Dates and Times: Saturday, 1/16: 11:00 a.m.
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
The Healing Power of Forgiveness
Dates and Times: Tuesday, 1/19: 6:30 p.m., Saturday, 1/23: 11:00 a.m.
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
Call Rita 774-230-5670
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Winter Walks at the Village
January 15-18, 22-24, 29-31 and February 5-7, 12-21, 26-28, 2021
Times: The Village is open 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: Included with standard daytime admission or Village membership.
Admission is half-priced through February 7, 2021!
Come enjoy a peaceful walk around our early 19th-century village. While on your walk stop by our numerous households and see what kind of winter activities kept a family busy. Our tradeshops will be active as well, from needlework to working at the potter’s wheel, we will be working to keep our hand skills sharp. See the farmers hard at work getting ready for the next season, and of course, our farm animals always enjoy a visitor too. There will be daily horse-drawn wagon rides throughout the museum. Your experience will be outdoors so please dress accordingly.
All visitors and members will be required to purchase and/or reserve their tickets online to manage capacity in accordance with current Massachusetts guidelines. Available tickets will be released weekly on each Wednesday prior and arrival time blocks must be chosen. Purchase or reserve your tickets and see our current policies at the link below.
Please also note:
Buildings are currently closed, but as the season progresses, we will open buildings in phases with occupancy limits. In the meantime, guests can watch a variety of demonstrations and talk with costumed historians outside!
In accordance with MA state guidelines, all guests are asked to wear a face mask when in the Village.
Visitors coming from out of state should review the current Massachusetts travel order as well as any travel guidance issued by the state from which they will travel.
Visit the link for more
MUSEUM HOURS
January 15 – February 13
OPEN Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Also Open:
Monday, January 18, 2021 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
All of February School Vacation Week (February 12-21, 2021)
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VALENTINE'S DAY IS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH!
MAKE A RESERVATION TODAY: 508-867-2345
PLEASE NOTE: NEW Main Dining Room Hours:
Friday & Saturday – 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Sunday – 12 Noon to 5:00pm
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.
508-867-2345
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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.
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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
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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
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46 Hall Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
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Alexandra McNitt
Executive Director
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Jack Starkey
Communications & Media
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