HAPPY MONDAY AND WELCOME BACK TO DAYLIGHT SAVINGS! Spring is not far behind, officially arriving this weekend! Crossroads has you covered with the latest news and events from our Members. You'll find exciting news in this issue including the largest gift ever received by Old Sturbridge Village, the upcoming re-opening of the dining rooms at The Publick House, numerous scholarship opportunities, your last chance to win a free hypnosis session with Deb K, and more! You'll also find the details on the coronavirus relief bill and the state's plan to move to Phase IV of re-opening on March 22.
Crossroads is our Members' platform to share their latest news with fellow Chamber Members and our community. 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: APRIL 1, 2021.
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CHAMBER OFFICE INFO
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.
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Congress Passes The American Rescue Plan
Wednesday, MARCH 10, 2021: Both Houses pass a final version of The American Rescue Plan, heading to the President for final approval. The Senate passed its version of the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill on Saturday, March 6th sending it back to the House of Representatives for its approval today and now heading to President Biden's desk for his signature.
The massive package known as the American Rescue Plan allocates money for vaccines, schools, small businesses and anti-poverty programs such as an expanded child tax credit that would mean new monthly payments to many parents. What is in the bill that is heading for an immediate signature from President Biden?
Direct payments - The plan provides for direct $1,400 stimulus payments to people making $75,000 or less annually. Individuals with adjusted gross incomes (AGIs) of $75,000 or less—and couples with AGIs of $150,000 or less will receive the full amount; So will each of their dependents regardless of age. Payments to individuals with AGIs over $75,000 will be reduced until they disappear entirely at $80,000. ($160,000 for couples).
Unemployment benefits - Under the newest version, federal unemployment insurance payments will remain at $300 per week, down from $400 per week in the earlier package passed by the House. The benefits will extend through Sept. 6. The bill makes the first $10,200 in unemployment payments nontaxable for households with incomes under $150,000.
Child tax credit - The legislation would temporarily expand the child tax credit, increasing the amount to $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17 and $3,600 for children under age 6. The amount is gradually reduced for couples earning over $150,000 and individuals earning over $75,000 per year. Families eligible for the full credit would get payments of up to $300 per child per month from July through the end of the year.
Paycheck Protection Program - The bill includes $7.25 billion in new money for the small-business loan program known as PPP and would allow more nonprofits to apply, including those groups that engage in advocacy and some limited lobbying. It also allows larger nonprofits to be eligible. Please note that the PPP application deadline is still set to expire on March 31. There are no provisions in this bill for an extension.
Education - There are over $128 billion in grants to state educational agencies, with 90% allocated to local educational agencies, plus $39 billion in grants to higher education institutions. Nearly $15 billion in funds are directed to the Child Care & Development Block Grant program to help support child care facilities, particularly in high-need areas.
Support for low-income families - The bill includes $4.5 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, to help families with home heating and cooling costs. One provision would give the agriculture secretary the authority and funding to temporarily boost the value of cash vouchers for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) up to $35 per month for women and children for a four-month period during the pandemic. There is $1.4 billion in funding for programs authorized under the Older Americans Act, including support for nutrition programs, community-based support programs and the National Family Caregiver Support Program. The bill also provides $37 million to the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for low-income seniors.
Public health - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is set to receive $7.5 billion to track, administer and distribute COVID-19 vaccines. Another $46 billion would go toward diagnosing and tracing coronavirus infections, and $2 billion would go toward buying and distributing various testing supplies and personal protective equipment.
Industry support - There's a variety of provisions in the legislation to offer support to different industries. The Small Business Administration would get $25 billion for a new grant program for “restaurants and other food and drinking establishments." Grants would be up to $10 million per entity and $5 million per physical location, with a maximum of 20 locations. The legislation sets aside $5 billion of the total money to be targeted to businesses with less than $500,000 in revenue in 2019. The bill includes another $1.25 billion for the Small Business Administration's Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program.
Transportation sector - The bill allocates nearly $30 billion for transit costs, including payroll and personal protective equipment; $8 billion for airports; $3 billion for a temporary payroll support program to help support the aerospace manufacturing industry; and $1.5 billion to recall and pay Amtrak employees who were furloughed because of the pandemic and to restore various daily routes. Another $15 billion would also be allocated to support workers in the airline industry.
Rental assistance - There is $25 billion for emergency rental assistance, including $5 billion for emergency housing vouchers for people experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence and victims of human trafficking.
Thank you to the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce for sharing this news bulletin.
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Baker-Polito Administration Announces Preregistration System for Mass Vaccination Locations to Launch Friday, Updates on Dose Distribution in the Commonwealth & Designated Vaccine Clinic Days for K-12 Educators, Staff & Child Care Workers
3/10/2021
Office of Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Department of Public Health
Executive Office of Education
Governor's Press Office
BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a new preregistration signup tool will be available for the state’s 7 mass vaccination sites starting Friday, March 12. The new system will make it easier to request and book an appointment at a mass vaccination site at a nearby location when they are available. More sites will be added to the preregistration system in the coming weeks. When preregistration launches on Friday, it will replace the current booking platforms for mass vaccination sites for online booking. The COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line will be available to help residents without internet access or with difficulty using the internet with the preregistration process.
The Administration also announced the weekly distribution of vaccine doses statewide for different providers, reminding residents that there are 170 public vaccination sites statewide in addition to health systems that are offering appointments to their patients.
The Administration also announced four dedicated educator days at mass vaccination sites and updates on vaccine distribution channels.
Preregistration System
Partnering with the Google Cloud Team, the Administration will launch a preregistration system for mass vaccination sites only starting Friday, March 12. This tool will be available at www.mass.gov/COVIDvaccine.
Preregistration will allow eligible residents to book an appointment at one of the state’s 7 mass vaccination sites.
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APPLY TODAY! 2021 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, 2021 to:
Scholarship Committee
Chamber of Central Mass South
46 Hall Road
Sturbridge, MA, 01566
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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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NEW MEMBER2MEMBER DISCOUNT!
508-765-5466
Chamber Members who join the YMCA in SOUTHBRIDGE will receive the FIRST MONTH FREE!
The Y also offers a Free Pass for those who want to try first without committing. The Family Branch in Southbridge is currently open and operating in both the fitness center and the pool. Locker rooms are open on a limited basis. Group exercise classes are both live and virtual. Safety protocols are in place so everyone is comfortable!
Click on the M2M logo to see this and many more great offers from Members... for Members!
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Old Sturbridge Village Receives Five-Million-Dollar Bequest
The largest single gift in the museum’s history
Sturbridge M.A. – Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) has announced the largest single gift received in the museum’s history with a five-million-dollar unrestricted bequest from the estate of Honorary Trustee and long-time friend of the Village, Helen A. (Susie) Titus of Newport Beach, CA. Susie passed away in 2020 after a short illness.
This incredible gift comes at a critical time as the museum celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Old Sturbridge Village over the next eighteen months. The Village plans to use this gift as the cornerstone of a planned capital campaign. The gift will ensure living history continues at Old Sturbridge Village in the future, and addresses capital needs on the campus, including the preservation of historic buildings and landscape.
“I am grateful to Susie Titus for her dedication and commitment to Old Sturbridge Village, and for her confidence in our Board and staff to steward such a significant gift in her memory,” said Jim Donahue, President and CEO. “Susie was incredibly supportive of the museum over the past twenty years, and we are grateful that she made such a generous provision for the Village in her estate planning. Susie’s legacy and impact will live on for generations to come.”
Old Sturbridge Village has seen tremendous growth over the past several years. In 2017 the Village opened Old Sturbridge Academy Charter Public School, which now has over 280 students. These students attend from a wide range of communities throughout central Massachusetts. In January of 2020, Old Sturbridge Village announced a management partnership with Coggeshall Farm Museum in Bristol, Rhode Island. This partnership saw a successful first year in spite of the unprecedented times of COVID 19. As Old Sturbridge Village begins its 75th anniversary year, the Village is positioned to have continued growth and innovative programming that will keep visitors engaged for many years to come.
Pictured: Helen A. (Susie) Titus and Jim Donahue
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Ghana Native Recognized as a Harrington Hero
SOUTHBRIDGE, MA, February 26, 2021 – Since the opening of Harrington HealthCare’s COVID Vaccination Center at the Southbridge Community Center, a wide variety of community organizations and community members have come forward to support the Center’s efforts and help the health system to meet the great need and demand for vaccinations.
Bright Eric Kwasi Ohene is among those who volunteer their time to help the Center run at the most efficient capacity possible. A native of Ghana, Bright is in the United States on a B1B2 Visa to continue his medical studies. When Harrington became one of the first vaccination centers to open in the Central Massachusetts area, he learned about the opportunity to volunteer and was among the first to do so.
Bright wakes up every day in the wee hours of the morning to take a Lyft to the Union Train Station in Worcester. He then takes the bus to Southbridge and walks to the vaccination center to volunteer – and all of this by 7 a.m.
While waiting and hoping to get the opportunity for a cardiovascular surgical fellowship, Bright is preparing to obtain credentials required to have a medical practice here in the United States. He has also been involved in working with Massachusetts Medical Reserve Corps.
"We are extremely grateful to have Bright as part of our team here at the vaccination center. He is an exceptional volunteer and all of the nurses and staff enjoy working with him.” Said Jess Calcidise, Chief Nursing Operator “It is people like him that are the reason why we can provide vaccines to our community more quickly and efficiently. The good work that is being done by him and all of the staff and volunteers does not go unnoticed. Nor does the incredible contributions and support that have been provided by so many community organizations as well as the town of Southbridge and its first responders."
The Harrington HealthCare COVID Vaccination Center will continue to work on ramping up additional capacity to administer the vaccine to the local community as the state opens up new categories of individuals to be eligible for the vaccine. Those interested in being vaccinated should visit https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine for the latest information on eligibility and to make an appointment to receive the vaccine when they become eligible.
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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(Left) Second Chance CEO Sheryl Blancato checking on progress at the future Southbridge Community Veterinary Hospital.
(Right) Bay Path Regional Vocational/Technical High School students working on the new hospital discuss plans for the day.
Second Chance Receives $232,000 Grant from Petsmart Charities® To Increase Access To Affordable Veterinary Care to the Southbridge Community
Southbridge, MA (February 28, 2021) – One of the most common reasons pets are surrendered to local shelters is the lack of affordable pet wellness, training and education programs. Due to cost and other barriers, pets in under-resourced communities often do not have access to basic veterinary care such as spay/neuter services, vaccinations, dental care and other medical and preventative care.
With a $232,00 grant from PetSmart Charities, Second Chance aims to support pets and pet parents in need of these services by providing full-service veterinary care at their Southbridge Community Veterinary Hospital scheduled to open this summer.
For Second Chance CEO Sheryl Blancato, bringing affordable veterinary care to this very underserved community holds special meaning. Blancato grew up in Southbridge. “For years, people from the Southbridge area have been asking for one of our hospitals to be located closer to them. Our other hospitals located in North Brookfield, Springfield and Worcester are not easy to get to from Southbridge for those facing transportation challenges. Now we’ll be able to help pets right in their community, providing access
to the highest quality veterinary care to all. Subsidized rates will be available for qualified households, ensuring all pets can get the care they need.”
The Southbridge Community Veterinary Hospital will also be home to the Bay Path Veterinary Educational Center, where Second Chance and Bay Path Regional Vocational/Technical high school will work together to educate the next generation of animal welfare.
“We are thrilled to support this initiative that will remove barriers to veterinary care in the Southbridge community,” said Aimee Gilbreath, President, PetSmart Charities. “The collaborative effort between Second Chance and Bay Path Regional high school will not only provide invaluable training to students but also necessary health and wellness services to thousands of pets who may not otherwise receive the care they need.” Since 1994, through its partnership with nearly 4,000 humane societies, SPCAs and pet rescues across North America, PetSmart Charities has helped more than 9.5 million pets to find loving homes via its in-store adoption program in over 1,650 PetSmart® stores. The leading funder of animal welfare has also donated nearly $451 million, to positively impact communities, to connect people and pets, to help preserve families and to improve access to veterinary care through initiatives like this with Second Chance.
About Second Chance Animal Services:
Second Chance Animal Services is a nonprofit animal welfare organization founded in 1999. Second Chance began as an animal shelter and grew to help more pets in need. Today SCAS operates three Community Veterinary Hospitals in North Brookfield, Springfield, and Worcester providing access to the highest-quality veterinary care for all. Subsidized rates are provided to underserved communities to ensure access to care for all pets in need. Second Chance helps over 40,000 pets a year through full-service veterinary care, spay/neuter services, adoption services, community & educational outreach programs, training, and a pet food pantry. Second Chance is 501c3 tax exempt organization – EIN: 04-3490671.
About PetSmart Charities®
PetSmart Charities, Inc. is committed to finding lifelong, loving homes for all pets by supporting programs and thought leadership that bring people and pets together. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps to find forever homes and families for nearly 600,000 shelter pets each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to nonprofits aligned with its mission. Each year, millions of generous PetSmart shoppers help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $451 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart Inc., PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, a third-party organization that reports on the effectiveness, accountability and transparency of nonprofits, for the past 16 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of charities rated by this organization. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.
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Cornerstone Bank Announces New Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer
Jeffrey Moynihan joins the team with 14 years of banking
and mortgage experience
SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. – Cornerstone Bank, a community bank with 12 locations throughout central Massachusetts, has recently hired Jeffrey Moynihan for the position of Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer. Moynihan has over 14 years of banking and mortgage experience and will help lead the team responsible for helping customers finance their homes.
“Jeffrey’s vast experience in the world of banking is what drew us to him,” said Cornerstone Bank CEO Todd Tallman. “He has experience in every area of retail banking, including as a teller and manager, before exclusively focusing on mortgages. This strong foundation will assist him in helping our customers make their dreams of home ownership a reality.”
Moynihan, a resident of Norton, has a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from Southern New Hampshire University. Prior to joining Cornerstone Bank, he held positions as a Vice President of Mortgage Lending at a lending firm in Boston and a Sales Manager in the home loan department for a bank in Quincy.
“I am excited to begin the next chapter of my career,” said Moynihan. “My family values giving back to the community and so does Cornerstone Bank, making it a perfect fit. Life is not fulfilled if we cannot touch the lives of others in a positive way, and I hope to do that through mortgage lending and charitable opportunities with the bank.”
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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Bid Local To Support the WOMAN IN BUSINESS Scholarship Program
For 30 years, Woman In Business, Inc. has raised money for and awarded over $60,000 in scholarship prizes to over 100 well-deserving students from our community high schools for their continuing education. We raise money for our scholarship program all year long through raffles at our monthly meetings and at our annual fundraiser held in conjunction with the Tantasqua High School Drama Club. We don’t need to tell you that this year is different, especially for our graduates who have already missed out on so much!
One of the signature features of WIB’s annual fundraiser is our auction of local items and packages donated by members and other community businesses. This year, because we have been unable to hold our monthly meetings and cannot plan for a fundraising event, we have taken our auction online. And we would appreciate your help.
Can you donate a service, product or experience to our auction? We are looking to showcase our region and all we have to offer, so we are looking to keep our auction items local in theme but our auction open to bidders everywhere through a special online bidding platform. Our online auction will be held May 12-19, 2021. More information will be announced shortly.
If you are interested in making an auction donation please complete the attached form. You can email it back ( info@wibsturbridge.org), mail it in (PO Box 483, Sturbridge, MA 01566) or drop off your item and form at the office of Your Hometown Shopper, 46 Hall Road, Sturbridge, MA (call first: 413-329-6554). All donation items are due April 16th.
Thank you for your support!
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Harrington Hospital Auxiliary Scholarships
SOUTHBRIDGE: The Harrington Hospital Auxiliary is pleased to announce the continuation of its annual scholarship program, which offers five $2000 scholarships to students pursuing a career in health care.
Scholarship Application Information:
- Five (one year) scholarships will be awarded by The Harrington Hospital Auxiliary in June of 2021. Each scholarship will be in the amount of $2000.00. Applicants must be planning to pursue a career in Health Care and must be accepted into an accredited Health Care Program.
- To be eligible, applicants must reside in one of the Central Massachusetts or North Eastern Connecticut communities served by Harrington Hospital.
An Applicant must be identified as one of the following:
- A student who is graduating from an area high school in 2021.
- An individual who has already graduated from an area high school and who has not been a previous recipient of a Harrington Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship.
- An individual who has received a high school graduate equivalency diploma (G.E.D.).
- An individual who has been home educated and who has met all high school graduation criteria as set forth by their local School Board.
Any person who is an employee or a relative of an employee of Harrington Hospital and affiliations who meets the above criteria is eligible to apply.
COMPLETED APPLICATION PACKETS MUST INCLUDE:
- A current TRANSCRIPT of your high school or college record, including grades, grade point average, and rank in-class (when applicable).
- PSAT, SAT I or II, ACT scores, or other pertinent standardized test scores.
- A personal (student written) ESSAY (on a separate sheet) describing why you wish to further your education in the field of Health Care.
- TWO letters of reference. We request one letter from a faculty member, guidance counselor, or other school personnel. The second letter should be written by an individual who knows you from the workplace, church, organization, or volunteer organization.
Harrington Auxiliary, established in 1932, is a non-profit organization of dedicated and impassioned volunteers whose mission is to support and enhance the excellent services provided by the Harrington HealthCare System.
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Second Chance Seeks Additional Funding for Completion
of Southbridge Veterinary Hospital and Education Center
Delays and Rising Material Cost Due to COVID Increase Project’s Final Cost
SOUTHBRIDGE, MA (March 5, 2020) – Work on the Southbridge Community Veterinary Hospital and Bay Path Veterinary Center at Second Chance continues as Second Chance looks to secure an additional $100,000 in funding to cover cost increases incurred due to COVID.
Second Chance CEO Sheryl Blancato, who publicly announced the $1,000,000 project in December of 2019, has worked to keep the project on track despite the challenges of 2020. “We designed this project in 2019 to help provide access to veterinary care for pets in the very underserved Southbridge community. In the year that followed, the needs of pets in the community have only increased and we could not let them down.”
Blancato notes that the rise in material costs due to the COVID-related lumber shortage is just part of the project cost increase. Bay Path students who were scheduled to help with many aspects of the project were sidelined in the spring when schools had to move to a virtual model. Additional contractors had to be hired to keep the project on track. While the students are now back on site, their time has been limited, faced with a hybrid schedule in addition to finishing up last year’s Bay Path home project.
Second Chance is grateful to all the generous funders who are making this project possible. The full-service hospital is expected to open in the summer of 2021 to serve clients year-round and serve as a teaching hospital for Bay Path Regional Vocational/Technical high school students interested in pursuing a career in the veterinary field.
Second Chance is focused on keeping pets out of the shelter in the first place. Access to medical care is one of the most often cited reasons people surrender their pets. Second Chance vet hospitals provide that access to all. For qualified households, medical care is available at a subsidized rate. Clients who don’t qualify know the cost of caring for their pets is also helping pets in need.
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Old Sturbridge Village appoints new
Director of Collections and Research
Former Coordinator of Historic Trades,
Derek Heidemann takes on new role
Sturbridge MA – Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) has announced a new Director of Collections and Research, Derek Heidemann to oversee their Collections and Research Division. Old Sturbridge Village has over 40,000 pieces in their collection and a large research library on site.
Derek Heidemann first started at Old Sturbridge Village as a volunteer in the junior intern program in the year 2000. Heidemann went on to join the Village’s interpretation part time team working in the Blacksmith Shop and other trade shops. After receiving a Bachelors of Arts degree in History in 2009 and Masters of Arts in History with a focus in Public History in 2010 from Clark University, Heidemann joined the Village’s fulltime interpretation team. In 2014 he was made the Coordinator of Historic Trades and then Interim Assistant Director of Interpretation in 2020. In 2017 Heidemann curated a new firearms exhibit which is now known as the Armed and Equipped: Firearms and the Militia in New England 1790-1840.
“Derek Heidemann is the perfect choice to lead the Collections and Research division as we head into our 75th year,” said Jim Donahue, President and CEO. “His commitment to research and development, love of the Village’s collection and experience in interpretation positions him well to expand the use of the collection to engage and educate the public.”
While a lot of organizations have been forced to downsize over the past year, Old Sturbridge Village has continued to grow and expand on their programs and educational resources. This has given the Village the opportunity to bring in new talent and promote already existing talent within the organization. The divisions of program and interpretation, museum education, collections and research have all added staff to support the mission of the Village. With the growth of those divisions, the Village is implementing new strategies for promoting their wide variety of offerings, both in-person and online. As a result, additional talent has also been brought in to support the marketing division and will continue to be transformed over the next year as the Village revolutionizes their digital content. As Old Sturbridge Village begins its 75th anniversary year, they have much to look forward to and share with their visitors and neighboring communities.
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The Capstone Planning Group,
Located at Cornerstone Bank,
Promotes Chris Mallon to Vice President, Program Manager
STURBRIDGE, Mass. – The Capstone Planning Group, a full-service Financial Services and Investment Planning team located at Cornerstone Bank, has recently promoted Chris Mallon to Vice President, Program Manager.
“Chris has been a great asset to our team for a year and a half and has been integral to Capstone’s year-over-year growth,” said The Capstone Planning Group’s SVP of Investment Services Jason Main. “We are pleased with Chris’ success and look forward to the work he will do in the future.”
In this new role, Mr. Mallon is responsible for client engagement and overall business development. He is both an LPL Investment Advisor Representative and securities broker and holds his Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Series 7 & 65 licenses with LPL Financial. Prior to joining The Capstone Planning Group, he had spent a decade partnering with financial advisors across the Midwest and Northeast on behalf of some of the industry’s largest investment managers, including Putnam Investments & Nuveen Investments.
“I am excited to continue to help grow The Capstone Planning Group,” said Mallon. “I have enjoyed helping to foster growth within this company over the past 18 months and believe we can accomplish even bigger goals in 2021.”
Mr. Mallon is a resident of Sturbridge, Mass., and the proud father of three daughters. When not helping clients, he enjoys fly-fishing and golfing.
For more information on The Capstone Planning Group, please visit online at thecapstone.group or call 508-764-0046.
Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker/dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Cornerstone Bank and The Capstone Planning Group are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered Representatives of LPL offer products and services using the name The Capstone Planning Group, and may also be employees of Cornerstone Bank. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of Cornerstone Bank or The Capstone Planning Group. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:
Not Insured by FDIC or any other Government Agency. Not Bank Guaranteed. Not Bank Deposits or Obligations. May Lose Value.
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Massachusetts Banks Partner to Launch a Virtual Financial Literacy Program
for High School Students
(Ware/Springfield/Worcester) – March 11, 2021 - Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving central and western Massachusetts, proudly announced it has partnered with eight local banks to transform the Credit for Life program from an on-site event to a virtual event! Credit for Life, a popular financial literacy program, has been offered for more than a decade within many Massachusetts public schools.
With most, if not all, schools adopting a virtual learning model for students, Credit for Life organizers connected last summer to explore a virtual experience in 2021. As part of the virtual transformation, organizers enlisted FitMoney.org, a non-profit financial literacy organization, to serve as the key fiscal agent, and Stackpole & Partners of Newburyport, for the design and implementation of an interactive website. Contributing partners are Country Bank, Institution for Savings, Cape Cod 5, Bay Coast Bank, HarborOne Bank, The Savings Bank, Rockland Trust, and Westfield Bank.
During the half day online Credit for Life Fair, students will assume the role of a 25-year-old adult and be asked to make financial decisions on how to spend their money. “The Credit for Life Fair is one of the most important and impactful events we offer every year,” stated Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President of Community Relations at Country Bank. “We are honored to be able to partner with other local banks to make the fair a reality again for students. The interactive website is a tool that educators and others can use in the current learning environment. Teachers are being asked to do so much right now, this is just one small way we can offer our support.”
Development of the website is in the final stages; the group is hopeful that the site will be ready for use by high schools towards the end of March. In addition, the partnership group is also in the process of establishing a 501c3 that will allow for the ability to raise funds and plan for future school financial literacy initiatives similar to creditforlife.org.
For more information, please contact Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President of Community Relations at 800-322-8233 or jgerulaitis@countrybank.com.
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.
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ColBro to Start Offering AHA First Aid & CPR Classes
Just in time for the new 2021 version of American Heart Association's Heartsaver First Aid / CPR / AED program.
ColBro Electrical Services co-owner Rob Collette is a 20 year veteran FireFighter/EMT with current BLS Instructor credentials for both AHA and NSC. Rob has been teaching Heartsaver & BLS CPR in his spare time and is now making these classes available to any ColBro customer.
To help with this launch, ColBro is offering any CMS Chamber Member 1 free seat in the class that their business hosts and advertises. Every business should have Heartsavers on staff. Contact Rob at 508-882-1111.
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Deb K Hypnosis: Subscribe, Like and Share for a Chance at a
Free Hypnosis Session!
Please subscribe, share and like my YouTube videos to be entered into a drawing for a free hypnosis session! VISIT DEB K'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE and comment under the videos and Deb will enter your name in the drawing.
Drawing on March 31st at 6:00pm.
5 Traits for a Successful Hypnosis Session (90 seconds)
Stop Smoking (90 seconds)
Where is Deb K located? (40 seconds)
Emotional Eating (2:38)
3 Reasons Losing Weight Can Be A Challenge (4:33)
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Hypnosis Near Me (90 seconds) Do online Zoom hypnosis sessions work?
Click the video thumbnail below.
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Position Opening: Executive Director, Opacum Land Trust
Opacum Land Trust (OLT) is seeking a new leader with a passion for conservation to lead OLT into and through its next phase of growth. This position will also play an important leadership role in the regional conservation efforts of the MassConn Sustainable Forest Partnership, helping to coordinate and implement several federally funded, multi-state projects.
Opacum Land Trust is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 to protect the natural and cultural resources in south-central Massachusetts. OLT has helped to permanently protect more than 3,400 acres of land, including 2,011 acres that we directly own or hold conservation easements on. We are committed to protecting our current properties and providing opportunities for passive recreation, while proactively pursuing new opportunities to protect additional land, wildlife, and natural resources.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for advancing the mission of OLT through leadership in the areas of land protection and stewardship, development, community relations, regional partnership coordination, and board development. The ED will bring vision, energy, and creativity to develop strategies and new opportunities for Opacum in service to its host communities and partners. In collaboration with an active and dedicated Board of Directors and an experienced Assistant Director, the Executive Director will develop and carry out the strategic and programmatic goals for Opacum Land Trust.
This is a full-time position. Our office is in Brimfield, MA, but some remote work is allowed.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
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Virtual Photography Travelogue!
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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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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Nueva edición!
Reach the Hispanic Market directly with the #1 Statewide Hispanic Newspaper in Massachusetts. Email advertising@vocerohispano.com to get started.
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MEGA - Business After Hours
with Affiliate Chambers (Auburn, Blackstone, CMS, Wachusett and WDO)
Virtual via Zoom
Thursday April 15, 2021, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM on Zoom
Chamber Members: $10, Non-Chamber Members: $20
Business After Hours is an opportunity for you to network with other Chamber members and guests. Meet new contacts, develop new leads, and exchange ideas. Includes break-out groups for networking. Join us and hundreds of area professionals for a fun, informal networking event! REGISTER.
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Preparing Your Estate Plan
When: March 24th at 5:00pm
Location: Please join us on Zoom in the comforts of your home and pajamas
It’s a topic people tend to put off or ignore, but one of the most important things you can do is develop a sound plan for your estate. Doing so lets you take a giant step toward a more secure future for yourself and generations to come.
Attend our Preparing Your Estate Plan presentation and you’ll learn more about:
• What to consider when creating your will
• The benefits of trusts in estate planning
• How to help reduce taxes on your estate
• How insurance can help protect your family
Jessica Pesce from Ladimer Law will be available to answer questions.
Trevor Nielsen, Financial Advisor
419 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA 01566, 508-347-1420
Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult with a qualified tax advisor or legal professional regarding your specific situation.
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Maple Days at Old Sturbridge Village
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in March!
Times: The Village is open from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: Included with standard daytime admission or Village membership.
For many at Old Sturbridge Village, the first whiff of spring isn’t the aroma of spring flowers – it’s the smell of wood smoke and maple syrup, a sure sign that the sap is rising and spring is on the way. Join us for “Maple Days” select dates in March, when the Village’s working sugar camp demonstrates maple sugaring as it was done in early 19th-century New England.
See the entire sugar-making process, from tapping the trees to “sugaring off,” and learn why maple sugar was more commonly used than maple syrup in early New England.
Costumed historians will also cook period foods made with maple products and the potter and cooper will make maple related items.
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. Learn more and get tickets here.
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Dining Rooms Re-Open on April 1st!
Hot Meals & Cold Prepared Foods Available from the Bake Shoppe
Tuesday through Saturday 4:00PM - 6:30PM
The Publick House is pleased to announce that their dining rooms will be re-opening on April 1, 2021!
Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday, weekly, until further notice.
Latest hours of dining beginning 4/1 will be:
Wednesday & Thursday 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Friday & Saturday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Looking forward to serving you soon!
Although dining at the Publick House is currently closed for the season (January-March 2021), prepared foods and meals are available from the Bake Shoppe. Please call ahead to allow for preparation time.
LOOKING FOR COLD PREPARED MEALS TO HEAT UP AT HOME?
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Be very quiet, Salem Cross Inn is in hibernation.
See you in the Spring!
for updates regarding their reopening.
508-867-2345
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SAVE THE DATE!
THE 2021 CMS CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC
AUGUST 5, 2021
HERITAGE COUNTRY CLUB, CHARLTON
STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFO COMING SOON!
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Executive Committee
Erika Travinski, Chair
The Center of Hope
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
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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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