WOMEN AT WORK
The Newsletter of the Women's Success Network
January 2023
Dear Ladies,

We cannot thank you enough for the dedication and support you have given the Women’s Success Network Executive Committee members over the past year, the fun we have experienced, and the different programs you have attended. It has been a year of transitions, and we have all done well.

We look forward to a new year with more networking and thought-provoking events, and hope you become involved on a committee (see our flyer in the “Get Involved” section of this newsletter).

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2023, and hope you will define what “success” means to you and share that with us.
 
WSN Executive Committee
What's Happening
Program Committee
Ladies On The Lake
Aboard The Beautiful Indian Princess at Indian Ranch, Webster, MA
On October 12th the WSN set sail aboard the beautiful Indian Princess on Webster Lake. The ladies enjoyed a fabulous Fall evening of networking, hors d'oevres and libations. Thank you again to everyone who joined us, and our Supporting Sponsors, Homefield Credit Union and Truth Organic Spa and Wellness Center, and our Patron Sponsor, SALMON Home Care. We look forward to seeing you for this year's event on June 22, 2023. Stay tuned!
Commerce On The Common
Held at the Grafton Common, Grafton, MA
The WSN came together for cocktails and shopping on the brisk evening of November 2nd to support the women owned businesses of the Grafton Common: Grafton Country Store, Quite Fetching, Off the Common Antiques, Bri's Sweet Treats, Scarlet Spa and Beatz Dance Studio. The event began with cocktails and light fare at the Town House Tavern, and carried on throughout Grafton Common that kicked off the holiday shopping! Thank you again to everyone who joined us for the great supportive event, and our Presenting Sponsor Millbury Federal Credit Union! We look forward to seeing you again this year on November 1, 2023! Stay tuned for more information!
Community Support Committee
Yellow Tulip Project - Hope Garden
Millbury Town Common, Millbury, MA
On October 29th, the WSN teamed up with community members to plant 500 yellow tulip bulbs at the Armory Village Park in Millbury, bringing awareness to the struggle people with mental health issues face every day. Be sure to keep an eye out for this beautiful splash of color that will bring hope and happiness to the Town of Millbury in the Spring.
Senior Collection Drive
From November 1st - November 30th, the WSN partnered with Homefield Credit Union, Millbury Federal Credit Union, UniBank, and the Whitin Community Center to collect essential items for seniors in our community. Thirty-six bags filled with donated items and a list of resources available in our region were delivered to local senior centers and Tri-Valley, Inc to be distributed to seniors who would benefit most from this generosity.
New Mother's Drive
February 1st-February 28th, 2023
From February 1st - February 28th, the WSN will have collection boxes throughout the Blackstone Valley for donations for new mothers. The items collected will be sorted and delivered to local food pantries and other non-profit organizations for distribution to the new mothers in our region who need them the most. The goal of this drive is to help new mothers obtain what they need, learn about resources available to them, and feel supported in their important role as a mom. Last year, the new mothers were so grateful, especially for the handmade items.

If you are interested in knitting, crocheting, or would like to handmake anything for the new mothers or their babies, please contact the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce at 508.234.9090.
Marketing Committee
Join Us!
The WSN Marketing Committee is in the process of increasing its members, keeping the WSN mailing list up-to-date, and strategizing the most effective ways to publicize the benefits of connecting with WSN.
WSN Featured In The Blackstone Valley Yankee Xpress!
"WSN, Upton 4-H’ers team up on Yellow Tulip Project"
Suzie Barrows is only in her sophomore year at Nipmuc Regional High School but is an inspirational young woman that can already see herself as a member of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Success Network (WSN) in the future. 

The seeds of this possibility have been planted through her involvement with the WSN’s Community Support Committee. Suzie participated in the Yellow Tulip Project Hope Garden planting last year in Whitinsville. This year, she led the planting of more Hope Gardens to promote mental health awareness in her school district.

“I know of [the WSN] and the amazing work they do, so yes, I hope,” Ms. Barrows said on December 5th. “My career goal is to become an occupational therapist but whatever I end up doing it will be helping people in the community.”

Jeannie Hebert, Pat Hurton, Heather Elster, Alise Breton and others who have nurtured the growth of the Women’s Success Network would welcome the addition of Ms. Barrows and some of her fellow Upton Hoofbeats 4-H’ers to the organization.

To continue reading about Suzie's quest to smash the stigma of mental health, please click the button below.
MOVERS & SHAKERS...
In our Women’s Success Network (WSN) newsletters, we showcase women who model our mission and values as well as their professionalism. In this newsletter we feature Karen Spencer, Executive Director and Katie Esposito, Program Coordinator at Girls on the Run Worcester County. The mission of Girls on the Run is dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential.

What about the Women’s Success Network sparked your interest?
Karen:  I was first asked to join the community support group of WSN by Heather Elster. I first met Heather in 2008 when my daughter swam for Crimson Aquatics at the Whitin Community Center. I became involved with the swim team and fundraising for various efforts the team and facility needed. From there when I got Girls on the Run started, she was one of the first contacts I reached out to. It made perfect sense to start the program at the Community Center. So, when Heather reached out and asked if I would join WSN - how could I say no?  

Katie: The idea of getting to meet interesting women from all over the Blackstone Valley who have contributed to making it a better place for all.

If you had a message or piece of advice that you want to convey to
women who may be reading this newsletter, would it be?
Karen: My experience with this group is that we show up for one another and through that collaboration collectively the women in the Blackstone Valley make an impact on our community. A lot of us are over-committed, and overstretched but simply get ignited by helping others and that is something I enjoy being a part of. My advice to others is just show up, you never how you will be impacted by helping others. 

Katie: Come see what they are all about. You can learn a lot about what the Blackstone Valley has to offer in the way of new opportunities.You won't be alone as everyone is so welcoming!

What do you find to be the most rewarding part of about what you do day-to-day?
Karen: When I started Girls on the Run in our community, I had no idea what I was doing. I knew I wanted to bring it to the area because it is so powerful. What I love most about what I do is that I have grown so much professionally in the past eight years. I try to encompass a "can do" attitude even when I might not have all the answers. As long as you are passionate about what you do, you'll land on your feet. 

Katie: Knowing that at the end of the day, you may have helped a little girl participate, that otherwise could not have, in a program that will provide tools to navigate the world she lives in at an early age.
Karen Spencer (left) & Katie Esposito (right)
FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
After Holiday Housecleaning Hacks
By Ashley Daviau
Is your home filled with clutter after unwrapping all of those Holiday gifts? Here are some tips and tricks to organize and declutter your home – and make room for all of those new items.

Tackle one room or space at a time
Not sure where to start? Start with the most high-traffic area in your home (typically the kitchen or family room)

  • Be sure to plan out times and be cognitive (and realistic) as to how long it’s going to take to clean and organize that space - you don’t want to be crunched for time and leave an area half finished.

  • Separate items into 3 categories:
  1. Keep – items that you’ll use on a fairly regular basis
  2. Keep – items that need to be put in storage
  3. Get rid of
NOTE: Be sure to clear out these 3 piles or boxes after completing each room or space

  • Keep all like items together. Haven’t used an item in a while, but you aren’t ready to let it go?

  • Be sure to check the item to see if it still works – you may be holding onto something that’s taking up space for no reason.

  • Put it backwards or facing the opposite direction, set a timeframe and re-check the items. If it’s still facing the other way, get rid of it.

  • Set up organization systems. Use dividers, baskets, shelves or use storage furniture to keep items organized and tucked away, but accessible at the same time.

  • Clear everything off of the flat surfaces and put them in one space. This especially helps with kitchen counters that are known to be a magnet for clutter. This will give you a chance to go through your items, decide whether or not they’re necessary, and find a new home for them.

  • Use the 80/20 rule, or even 70/30. Do you use this item 70%-80% of the time? If not, it’s time for it to go, even if it’s just away in storage.

  • Try making a “To-Do” list and cross things off as you complete each task. By crossing something off of your list, you’ll feel a sense of achievement and will be motivated to keep tackling the other things left on your list.

  • Afraid to get rid of your children’s toys? Gather up the items and store them out of sight. If your child hasn’t asked or looked for an item after a month or two, get rid of it.
GET INVOLVED...
Join Us On A Committee!

Want to get more involved in the WSN? Volunteer on one of our three committees: programs, community support and marketing. Our volunteers help the WSN implement the goals and objectives of the network. Our Programs Committee, co-chaired by Alise Breton and Carol Dauphinais, plans and organizes events, meetings and seminars for the network. Our Community Support Committee, chaired by Heather Elster, focuses on the needs of our community by building awareness and providing resources and charitable aid. Our Marketing Committee, chaired by Ashley Daviau, and Pat Hurton, assists in promoting the network and various functions. 

For more information about these committees or to connect with some of our volunteers, please email Pat Hurton at pjhurton@yahoo.com.  
WSN MISSION
The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Women’s Success Network unites women to achieve their vision of success by creating a community of support and inspiration in their personal and professional lives.

The Women's Success Network (WSN) is a committee of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce (BVCC).
Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
670 Linwood Avenue, Building A, Suite 5, Whitinsville, MA 01588
508.234.9090 | www.BlackstoneValley.org
BVCC Mission
The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce is to preserve and enhance the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley by addressing the needs and concerns of businesses and providing leadership, support and resources in connection with issues which impact commerce and the quality of life in the Valley.