Welcome to the May edition of Crossroads News!
The closure of non-essential businesses in Massachusetts, which was extended until May 14, has affected us all. This issue opens with a letter from our Executive Director, which explains adjustments the Chamber of Central Mass South has made to its operations for the foreseeable future. Our staff is working and here for you. Please contact us if we can be of assistance!
Read on for the latest news from our Members including who is open, online offerings, the latest on the Emergency Relief Loan Program and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, and our webinar on Social Media Video for Covid-19 Recovery with Venly on May 19. We hope to see you online!
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Webinar: Social Media Video for COVID-19 Recovery:
Best Practices Detailed for Each CMS Local Business
12:00PM-1:00PM, Tuesday, May 19, 2020
The Chamber of Central Mass South invites you to a webinar on how to make more effective use of video in your business’s social media. Chamber of Central Mass South’s Venly Fellow
Hannah London
will take you through best practices for your particular business that you will want to incorporate as part of your COVID-19 Recovery. Hannah will detail an assessment for how each of our member businesses benchmark on best practices individually and by market category.
WE WILL CONFIRM AND SEND YOU A LINK TO JOIN THE WEBINAR THROUGH WEBEX.
About Venly
Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts,
Venly
is a for-profit social enterprise that provides a one-year Fellowship to train local business leaders on social media and other technology-enabled best practices. Venly Fellows are recent graduates and returning veterans who are certified as trainers in partnership with local chambers of commerce and other hubs for community commerce innovation. Venly’s mission is to help local businesses grow, create jobs, and strengthen each community Venly serves. Venly Fellows deliver their field-based training through Venly Institute’s distributed systems for benchmarking, certification, and access to industry-specific capabilities and services.
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Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
To those of you who are self-employed, a gig worker, independent contractor, or who otherwise have not been eligible to apply for traditional unemployment benefits:
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
is now available online from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
for workers not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits
(self-employed, independent contractors, workers with limited work history, and others), who are unable to work as a direct result of the coronavirus public health emergency.
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Stay Connected with These Online Opportunities
Check out these options for keeping mentally and physically fit during the shutdown of non-essential businesses. Are you offering online learning opportunities, webinars, or podcasts?
Please add them to
our calendar
or email Jack the pertinent info and we will be happy to share!
COGGNO
is the Chamber's 24/7 Training platform. Low cost and even free online courses are available.
FREE ONLINE BUSINESS WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY SCORE WORCESTER
Negotiation Skills for Small Business and Entrepreneurs
Tuesday | May 5 | 11:00 am
Negotiation is a "must have" business skill, but many find it stressful and confrontational. Some people fight so hard for what they want they ruin important business relationships in the process. Others simply give in to demands. None of this is necessary. In fact, you'll discover that the negotiation process is really an opportunity to achieve greater success and build better relationships.
REGISTER
Be Your Best Ambassador. Promoting Yourself and Your Brand
Thursday | May 7 | 11:00 am
Learn how to be your best brand ambassador. Take all of your talents and skills and package them, so you get noticed. Don’t let overwhelm stand in your way. See what you need to build a brand. (That’s you). And promote it.
REGISTER
Manage Your Business Remotely in Times of Uncertainty
Wednesday | May 6 | 12 pm
Discover tools, tips and resources to help you manage your business remotely during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn how to update critical business information online to keep customers informed, and how to host virtual meetings and events. We’ll also share the latest resources from Google and other partners to help support small businesses.
REGISTER
WORCESTER REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Worcester Chamber offers webinars available to CMS Chamber Members for free or at the Member rate.
TRI-COMMUNITY YMCA
DEB K HYPNOSIS
Offers online sessions through Zoom, Skype and Facetime. Call Deb at (508) 579-6314 or
visit online for more.
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Who is Open? Restaurant, Retail and Services
View and download the updated lists of
Member Restaurants
offering delivery, curbside pickup and/or takeout, and
Retail Shops and Services
. (PDF files updated 4/29)
Thank you for Supporting Local!
KEEP US POSTED!
Contact Jack
to update us on your status for inclusion on these lists.
Thank you!
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Managing Stress With Resilience Coaching
Businesses and employees are feeling stress and strain due to COVID-19, resulting in increased anxiety, sick leave, and performance issues. As restrictions on business start to lessen, these feeling may not go away, especially if another surge in cases presents itself.
Strategic resilience coaching can lead to positive and sustainable outcomes by helping people manage change, reduce stress, and set manageable goals. As a resilience coach I help my clients determine a positive path forward, resulting in sustainable outcomes.
Strategic personal coaching is customized specifically to your most important goals, interests, challenges, and needs. As we uncover your resilient skills and attitudes, the building blocks to strengthening and maintaining your resiliency, we will work to reinforce the resilience skills and attitudes you do have, and develop the ones needed to help you meet the challenges you may encounter along the way.
Economic recovery is going to be a long process. However, now is the right time to start working on your strategic resilience plan. Sessions are held virtually through platforms such as doxy.me (telemed site), Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. Once all restrictions are lifted, I will also be resuming in-person sessions at my Sturbridge office or at your place of business as other options.
To discuss how strategic resilience coaching can work for you, your business and your employees, please contact me via email at
rita@ritaschiano.com or call me at 774-230-5670. I look forward to being of service to you.
Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay strong.
Rita
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Harrington Physician Services Welcomes Physical Medicine
and Rehabilitation Specialist Dr. Joseph Condon
Dr. Joseph Condon has joined Harrington Physician Services in Southbridge providing physical medicine and rehabilitation services.
Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Dr. Condon will join Dr. Sean Stevenson in Harrington Physician Services Medical Arts Suite 108 in Southbridge. Dr. Condon will provide interventional pain procedures, including spine and joint injections in addition to performing electrodiagnostic studies including Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG).
PM&R is a specialty that treats a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, nerves, bones, joints and muscles. The specialty recognizes comprehensive management of chronic musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions, emphasizing improvements in functional status and quality of life.
Patients interested in scheduling an appointment can call (508) 765-2125.
PM&R takes a multidisciplinary approach to a patient’s treatment plan. Physiatrists write specific programs that help
maintain and increase range of motion, strengthen muscles, improve proprioception (awareness of joint position in space) and muscle relaxation, among other objectives.
Dr. Condon completed his residency at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. He received his medical degree from New York Medical College in Valhalla/. Dr. Condon is a well-rounded academic scholar featured in many publications and investigative studies.
Harrington’s PM&R office is located in Suite 108 of its Medical Arts building at 100 South Street, Southbridge, which also houses Harrington Physician Services’ general surgery practice.
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TLGV Launches New Grant Program
The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) is pleased to announce a new grant program to help non-profits build capacity during challenging times. As non-profits strive to advance their mission while not being able to offer their usual programs, events and opportunities, TLGV will provide up to $1,500 for equipment, services and training to help organizations improve communication or provide alternative means of engaging the public.
“As a non-profit, we’re having to learn how to work differently and we know our many non-profit partners are doing the same,” said Lois Bruinooge, executive director of TLGV. “We believe this might be the best way to help the non-profits of The National Heritage Corridor not only get through a challenging time but unlock new potential for their organizations moving forward.”
Grants may range from $500 – $1,500. Funds will be dispersed on a reimbursement basis and must be matched 1:1 by cash or in-kind contributions. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Non-profit 501(c) organizations are eligible and must have missions aligned with and advancing the visions and strategies of Vision 2020, the management plan for The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor, which can be found at
TheLastGreenValley.org
in the Publications section under the About menu.
Full application details and requirements can be found on
TheLastGreenValley.org
on the home page in the news section. All applications must be emailed to
LyAnn@tlgv.org
and will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor is the last stretch of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington, D.C. The Last Green Valley, Inc. is a member- supported, non-profit organization working for you in the National Heritage Corridor. Together we can care for, enjoy and pass on The Last Green Valley!
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Happy Mother's Day from Brush It Off Paint & Sip Bar!
Get a FREE "Heart MOM" paint kit with purchase of a Canvas or a NO bake ceramic Kit while supplies last. All kits include paints. Brushes are $2 for a set of 2 brushes.
See kit prices on each photo then MESSAGE Denise your order for information on payment and pick up.
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TLGV Celebrates Earth Day with Cleanup Contest
The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) believes we can all still celebrate Earth Day, even if we cannot gather together for town-wide cleanups. To help individuals throughout The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor get into cleanup mode, TLGV is starting a cleanup contest.
Participation is easy. Go to
TheLastGreenValley.org
homepage and scroll to the News section. You will find the announcement of the contest and a Trash Tracker. Download it or email
LyAnn@tlgv.org
for a copy. Get out there with gloves, trash bags and the tracker. Make note of what you collect, how much time you spent and take photos. Email
LyAnn@tlgv.org
with the completed trash tracker (you can take a good quality photo of the trash tracker or scan it) and your photos by May 31, 2020 and you will be entered to win an earth-friendly prize. Prizes will be given for most trash collected, most unusual item and amount of time spent collecting trash. All kids 15 and under who fill out the trash tracker with parent permission will get a prize.
Participants are also encouraged to post their photos on social media and tag The Last Green Valley or post directly to our Facebook page.
We may not be able to gather together, but we can come together for The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. The program is funded, in part, thanks to the support of bankHometown.
The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor is the last stretch of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington, D.C. The Last Green Valley, Inc. works for you in the National Heritage Corridor. Together we can care for it, enjoy it and pass it on!
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Learn more about our advertisers and other independent businesses in your local community in this
online Business Directory
from Your Hometown Shopper, "your source for all things local!"
Need work done around the house? Consult our Directory for the names of independent contractors who can get the job done! Looking for gift ideas and unique shopping experiences? Our retailers offer great places to start. Looking for a new place to dine out? We offer a delicious menu of options. Looking for new place to exercise and work on your health and well-being? Start your journey here. Looking to buy or sell? Our realtors are local and the best in the business!
Check back regularly as new listings are being added daily. Bookmark us on your computer and phone, and you'll have anywhere-anytime access to the businesses and people that make living and working in our community so special. Thank you for shopping and supporting local!
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The Last Green Valley is Offering a TerraCorps (AmeriCorps) Position
The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) has been selected by TerraCorps, an AmeriCorps affiliated environmental non-profit, to be a Service Site for the 2020-21 TerraCorps program year. This partnership will allow TLGV to host a Youth Education Coordinator in a full-time, 11-month service position from August 2020 to July 2021.
As part of TerraCorps, TLGV’s Youth Education Coordinator will spend their service term supporting the local community by developing partnerships, leading programming and engaging with volunteers. The Coordinator will collaborate with TLGV’s Board of Directors and staff to overhaul existing youth programs and create new programs to engage and connect kids (from toddlers to high school) with The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor’s land and water resources.
As a TerraCorps Member, the Youth Education Coordinator will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience serving with a local non-profit and will receive professional development, training and mentorship. As part of TerraCorps, the Member will also receive a living allowance, and will be eligible for healthcare coverage, childcare coverage, loan forbearance and an education award.
TerraCorps is currently accepting applications. If you are interested in serving with TerraCorps at The Last Green Valley, please visit:
https://terracorps.org/
For questions about serving with TerraCorps, please contact: Hanna Mogensen,
hmogensen@terracorps.org
. For additional information about the opportunity to serve with TLGV, please contact: Lois Bruinooge,
lois@tlgv.org
.
The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor is the last stretch of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington, D.C. The Last Green Valley, Inc. works for you in the National Heritage Corridor. Together we can care for it, enjoy it and pass it on!
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50% Off Select CBD Products
Because it's always a good time to save!
We are all in this together! We have inventory we can move at a discounted price, so we want to extend these savings to our customers.
Please note, inventory on these products is limited, when they are gone, they are gone, so don't miss out and don't delay!
Available Products:
• 1000mg 30ml tincture, Peppermint. Relief formula. Black Bottles
• 1000mg 30ml tincture, Chocolate Mint. Sleep formula. Black Bottles
• 1000mg 30ml tincture, Mandarin Orange, Energy Formula Black Bottles
• 1000mg 30ml tincture, Strawberry Mango, Energy Formula, Amber Bottles
• 1000mg 30ml tincture, Peppermint, Relief formula, Amber Bottles
• 1000mg 30ml tincture, Peppermint, Relief Formula, Blue Bottles
Note: these bottles are unlabeled, please inquire to have us apply your labels for you.
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GOLF CLASSIC HAS NEW DATE!
CHAMBER of CENTRAL MASS SOUTH
GOLF CLASSIC
SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
9:00am Shotgun Start
Heritage Country Club, Charlton, MA
Benefits The Chamber Scholarships & Charities Fund
STAY TUNED...MORE INFO COMING SOON!
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Executive Committee
Laurie Cashman, Chair
Yellow Iris Farm
Erika Travinski, 1st Vice Chair
The Center of Hope
Jessica Bettencourt, Immediate Past Chair
Klem's
Bruce Watkins, Treasurer
Karl Storz Endovision, Inc.
Board of Directors
Brad Arcoite
Table 3 Restaurant Group
Michael Checkosky
Cornerstone Bank
Angela Chviek
Harrington Hospital
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
Les Gardner
Les Gardner Photography
Nathan Hardt
Old Sturbridge Village
Leila Hurt
Country Bank
Lynn Mero
Southbridge Credit Union
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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CONTACT US
Paulette Hughes, Finance and Administration
Jack Starkey, Communications & Media
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