Welcome to Crossroads News!
Greetings!
Crossroads is in your inbox on the last business day of July. There is still a lot of summer left to enjoy! Check out some cool August events including Women's History Weekend and Textile Weekend at OSV, and Hitchcock Academy's Sip & Stars fundraiser. The sweet fruits of summer keep coming, too... Breezelands Orchards has peaches!
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Events calendar
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your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in the next issue of
Crossroads!
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Stay Connected: JOIN a Committee
Looking for a way to stay connected to your Chamber?
Consider joining one of the Chamber's committees and become an active member of our business community. It’s a great way to meet like-minded business leaders, develop business relationships and build your resume. Committees typically meet for an hour each month and work on projects designed to strengthen our membership and our community.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Role
- Organize and produce various educational opportunities on behalf of the membership, including seminars, legislative forums, and workshops
- Ensure members are aware of the educational opportunities available
PROMOTE COMMITTEE
Role
- Create opportunities for members to promote their business and cultivate relationships, including networking, the Annual Meeting, the Annual Clambake, events, and advertising
- The Tourism Committee is a subcommittee of this committee
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Role
- Attract new Members
- Retain existing Members
FINANCE AD HOC COMMITTEE
Role
- Prepare the annual budget
- Convene to address specific financial issue on an as needed basis
SCHOLARSHIP AD HOC COMMITTEE
Role
- Convene each April to review all scholarship applications and make a recommendation on recipients to the Chamber’s Board of Directors
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Baker-Polito Administration Announces Expansion of Targeted Free COVID-19 Testing Sites
Testing will be available through August 14
7/27/2020
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
BOSTON — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced an expansion of its “Stop the Spread” initiative, which provides free COVID-19 testing in targeted communities across the Commonwealth.
This expansion includes new testing sites in Agawam, Brockton, Methuen, Randolph, Revere, Springfield, Taunton and Worcester. The Administration previously launched free testing sites in Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Marlborough and New Bedford, bringing the total number of communities served, with today’s expansion, to 16.
The Stop the Spread initiative is a data-driven focused effort to reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 in communities that are above the state average in total cases, positive test rate, and have experienced a decline in testing levels since April. All residents of these 16 communities, including asymptomatic individuals, are urged to use these sites to get tested.
While these sites are being launched in these communities, they are open to all residents of the Commonwealth.
The population of the new cities in which the free testing will be conducted – Agawam, Brockton, Methuen, Randolph, Revere, Springfield, Taunton and Worcester – make up approximately 10% of the Commonwealth’s population. However, these communities have seen 15% of the Commonwealth’s positive tests in the last two weeks.
The statewide positive test rate over the past two weeks is approximately 1.7%, but in these 8 communities, the positivity rate is nearly 50% higher, at 2.3%.
Despite the continued elevated spread in these communities, total testing in these communities has declined over 20% since the end of April, while the statewide average has been flat over that time period. The total cases as a percentage of population for these communities is nearly double the state average.
Since launching Stop the Spread on July 10, 19,083 residents have been tested at these free testing sites. So far, the COVID-19 Command Center has received results back for 17,189 individuals, with a positivity rate just under 1.8%. The Command Center expects these numbers to change as additional testing results continue to come in.
The Administration’s first expansion of testing in 8 communities – Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Marlborough and New Bedford – has successfully increased testing in those communities.
In the first week, testing in those 8 communities was up 48% over the week before those sites went live, and statewide, testing was up 24%.
Residents of the 16 communities can visit
mass.gov/stopthespread to find testing locations, which will be available through August 14.
Residents are reminded that if they test positive for COVID-19, please answer the call when they are contacted by the Community Tracing Collaborative or their local board of health. Also, any individual who needs a safe place to isolate can call (617) 367-5150 to access an isolation and recovery site at no cost.
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THANK YOU to our first responders and all who are charged with keeping us safe during this pandemic. It’s not just Police and Fire personnel, Doctors and Nurses, Hospital and Assisted Living staff who are on the frontlines of this health crisis. It is also the checkers and baggers at the supermarket, your favorite baristas and wait staff, postal workers and shopkeepers and many more who are doing their best every day to keep their customers, you and your families, safe. They are our loved ones, neighbors and friends. Please be patient, follow the rules, and treat these workers with respect and appreciation for the efforts they make every day to serve you while striving to keep us all protected and healthy.
THANK YOU FOR KEEPING IT SAFE & LOCAL!
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Application Now Open for the LISC Small Business Relief Grants, Round 5
LISC Small Business Relief Grants are available for small businesses facing immediate financial pressure because of Covid-19.
The Round 5 application period is now open.
Click here to apply
. Your application must be completed by Monday, August 3rd, 11:59 p.m. ET.
Please keep the following in mind:
- For business owners with multiple businesses, please answer this survey based on your largest business owned.
- Each awardee is limited to one grant.
- Grants will be made to qualified businesses and based on accurate and complete submission and verification of required documentation.
- This round of applications must be submitted by Monday, August 3rd, 11:59 p.m. ET.
If you have questions not answered by the FAQ, please email
smallbusinessgrants@lisc.org. We are monitoring this inbox and updating the FAQ accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I applied in a previous round, do I have to apply again or will my application roll-over?
Applications do not roll over to later rounds. You must submit a new application for each round of grants in order to be considered for funding that round.
Can I change my application after it’s been submitted?
LISC cannot accept changes to the application once it has been submitted, so please review it carefully.
How will I be contacted or know if I will receive a grant?
LISC will primarily utilize email to communicate with all applicants. Be sure to check email regularly, including spam folders.
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WRTA Announces New Shuttle Service Connecting Southbridge, Dudley and Webster
Worcester, Mass., July 20, 2020: The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) is pleased to announce effective Monday, August 3, 2020 a new route serving Southbridge, Dudley and Webster will begin. This new service was made possible by MassDOT’s Workforce Transportation Grant Program. Funding through this grant will allow the WRTA to initiate, maintain, strengthen, and expand service to the workforce population.
WRTA Administrator Dennis Lipka said, “We are excited to have the opportunity to expand service to multiple businesses and destinations. It is important to give our riders access to as many destinations as possible. This new service will give riders access to a variety of potential job opportunities, educational opportunities, hospitals, and other amenities they might not normally be able to visit regularly. Riders will also have a direct connection to Worcester and the surrounding communities via WRTA Routes 29 and 42.”
The new Southbridge, Dudley, and Webster shuttle will serve:
- Big Bunny Plaza
- Harrington Hospital (Southbridge)
- Jacob Edwards Library
- Dept. of Transitional Assistance
- Southbridge Hotel & Conf. Center
- Quinsigamond Community College (Southbridge)
- MassHire Career Center
- Big Y Plaza
- Dudley District Court
- Dudley Housing Authority
- Dudley Municipal Complex
- Webster Town Hall & Senior Center
- Harrington HealthCare at Webster
The shuttle will begin as a free service for the month of August 2020. The route will connect with WRTA Route 29 (Southbridge), and Route 42 (Webster) that provides connections to the Auburn Mall, Worcester, and the WRTA Hub at Union Station.
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The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) is a regional transit system that services the City of Worcester and the surrounding 36 communities in the Central Massachusetts area with a bus fleet that includes all-electric buses as well as many diesel-electric hybrid buses. The second largest regional transit authority in Massachusetts, the WRTA offers reliable, comfortable, and safe transportation for traveling to work, shopping, school, medical appointments, and leisure activities. The WRTA also provides paratransit service for the elderly and disabled, as well as a variety of special services for those groups in the entire service area. For more information, visit
www.TheRTA.com
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Harrington Physician Services Expands Interventional Pain Management Services
S
OUTHBRIDGE, MA, July 15, 2020
– The Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) practice of Harrington Physician Services (HPS) has expanded the interventional pain management services offered in its Southbridge office, adding additional treatment space, naming a new medical director and welcoming an additional physician to the staff who is Board Certified in Pain Management.
Interventional pain management services are available at the PM&R practice located in the Harrington Physician Services Medical Arts Building at 100 South Street in Southbridge. In addition to the practice’s main office in Suite 108, the practice now offers additional space on the building’s fourth floor for pain management services in addition to PM&R and EMG procedures.
A variety of interventional treatments for the management of chronic pain are offered, including treatments for back, neck and pelvic pain, chronic headaches, neuropathy and cancer-related pain. Treatments include epidural steroid injections, facet blocks, nerve blocks, trigger point and joint injections, spinal cord stimulation and electrodiagnostic studies including Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyography (EMG).
This month, Sean Stevenson, DO was named Medical Director of Pain Management within Harrington’s PM&R practice. Dr. Stevenson is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and has been providing pain management care to HPS PM&R patients since 2018. Dr. Stevenson completed his residency at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Center, New York, where he served as Chief Resident. He received his medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and B.S. in Exercise Science from UMASS Amherst.
“I’m very excited to take on the role of medical director for Pain Management, and thrilled to grow and expand our pain management program,” Dr. Stevenson said. “Pain Management services are an important part of the rehabilitation process. We’re dedicated to working closely with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral health providers to help people to reduce pain, increase mobility and ultimately, improve their quality of life.”
Joseph Condon, MD joined Dr. Stevenson in the PM&R practice in May and provides interventional pain procedures for PM&R patients. Dr. Condon is board certified in both Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation as well as Pain Management, and has been practicing for more than 25 years. He received his medical degree from New York Medical College in Valhalla and completed his residency at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Cornell Medical Center.
Patients interested in scheduling an appointment for interventional pain management services at the HPS Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation practice should call 508-765-2125. A physician referral is required.
About Harrington HealthCare System
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.
www.harringtonhospital.org
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Country Bank Recognizes Community Heroes
Ware, MA (July 17, 2020)
- Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving central and western Massachusetts, today announced the grant recipients associated with its Community Heroes Campaign, an effort to recognize exceptional acts of service by local individuals in the region and the continued fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
After seeing the significant efforts local community members were making to help others through these challenging times, Country Bank vowed to ensure their heroics didn't go unrecognized and created a campaign to honor them.
As part of the campaign, more than 200 heroes were nominated through an online submission process explaining why they should be chosen. A new hero was selected each week and awarded a $250 gift card to the local business of their choice. In addition, a donation to a COVID-19 relief organizations was made in their name.
“This campaign aims to commemorate local heroes while also supporting local businesses and COVID- related relief services,” stated Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank. "As a longtime part of the community, we consider it our duty to stand by and be of support to our neighbors in times of need.”
Community Heroes:
- Noelle Grace Efantis, Registered Nurse at Baystate Wing Hospital
- Michelle and Jay Demore, Demore's Automotive Center
- Paula Perrier, Director of Child Development Services at the YMCA Tri-Community Child Development Center
- Benjamin Mead, Operations Manager of Environmental Services at St. Francis Hospital
- Alan Tracy, Pioneer Valley USO Director at Westover Air Reserve Base
- The Directors and Transit Care Specialist at Beers & Story Funeral Home of Palmer
Country Bank continues to be one of the many businesses supporting its communities throughout the pandemic. The bank has made $450,000 in donations to local COVID relief efforts and continues to look for ways to give back in a meaningful way during these challenging times.
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
www.countrybank.com
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At-Risk Dogs Get a Second Chance
Local Nonprofit Welcomes 21 Dogs to Massachusetts
NORTH BROOKFIELD, MA (JULY 17, 2020)
– Second Chance Animal Services was at Worcester Regional Airport this week to greet 21 dogs escaping overcrowded shelters across the country. The dogs, ranging in size from chihuahua mixes to lab mixes were welcomed by Second Chance staff right on the tarmac and traveled to the nonprofit’s Almost Home Facility to begin their new lives in the Bay State.
Each dog will complete a 48-hour state mandated quarantine and will be checked out by Second Chance Shelter Veterinarian Dr. Jackie Celmer. Celmer will give them a thorough checkup including bloodwork, update their vaccines and will spay or neuter any dogs that haven’t already been fixed. She keeps an eye out for any medical issues the dogs may be suffering from to make sure they are healthy before she clears them for adoption. Pets with more extensive medical issues are often sent to Second Chance. With three nonprofit hospitals, they have the resources to help pets that would face a grim outcome at an overcrowded shelter.
CEO Sheryl Blancato said she was excited to welcome Second Chance’s first air transport since the pandemic began. “We saw so many adoptions happen as the stay-at-home restrictions were put in place and it was amazing to see our pets find loving homes, but we worried about all the at-risk pets who wouldn’t be able to get to us with travel restrictions. They truly need us.”
Blancato said the dogs will be transferred to the adoption center in East Brookfield to wait to meet their new owners over the next week. Interested adopters are advised to watch the Second Chance website for more information on the dogs and resist the urge to call. The phones have been ringing off the hook at the Adoption Center, where staff are unable to answer any questions on the dogs because they haven’t met them yet.
This lifesaving mission was coordinated by Wings of Rescue and the ASPCA for Second Chance’s transport program. Those wishing to donate toward the dogs' care can make a donation online at
secondchancenanimals.org
, on the Second Chance Facebook page or by mail to PO Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.
PHOTO:
Dogs being unloaded from Wings of Rescue plane
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
.
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Cornerstone Bank Contributes to Worcester Together Fund
Worcester, MA
—Cornerstone Bank’s Charitable Donations Committee is pleased to announce its recent donation of $2,500 to the Worcester Together Fund. Once again, the Bank has provided support to assist those in our community impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Worcester Together Fund is a partnership between the United Way of Central Massachusetts, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, and the City of Worcester. The fund was created to address urgent needs resulting from the impact of the coronavirus public health crisis and will address immediate and long-term needs of the local community.
To date, the Worcester Together Fund has provided over $3 million in grants, focusing on areas of food and shelter, health, economic security, child nutrition, mental health, arts and culture, and enhancing operations to local non-profit organizations.
“The Worcester Together Fund has provided vital support to our local community during such an uncertain time,” stated Cornerstone Bank President & Treasurer and Chairman of the Bank’s Charitable Donations Committee Todd M. Tallman. “We are pleased to give back to our community at a time when it’s needed most.”
About Cornerstone Bank:
Cornerstone Bank is an independent, mutual savings bank serving the residents, businesses, and communities throughout Central Massachusetts from offices in Charlton, Holden, Leicester, Rutland, Southbridge, Spencer, Sturbridge, Warren, Webster, and Worcester along with a Loan Center in Westborough. Deposits are insured in full by a combination of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Depositors Insurance Fund. The Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Equal Housing Lender, and SBA Preferred Lender. For more information, visit online at
cornerstonebank.com
, on Facebook, or call 800-939-9103.
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Make a Splash at Comfort Inn & Suites!
Comfort Inn & Suites, Sturbridge is excited to announce both their
Indoor Pool and
Outdoor Pool and Patio are now open and ready for your arrival! The Comfort Inn is going above and beyond CDC guidelines for cleanliness and social distancing to ensure their guests can stay in a safe and relaxing environment. They look forward to you joining them, please book at
sturbridgecomfortinn.com or call now at 508.347.3306 to book your stay!
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Federated Church of Sturbridge & Fiskdale to Resume On-Site Services
STURBRIDGE, MA
– The Federated Church of Sturbridge & Fiskdale has announced that it will resume in-person worship services on Sunday, August 2, 2020. According to Pastor Gretchen Switzer, the Church will be abiding by Governor Baker’s capacity restriction of 40% of the usual attendance.
In a notification to Church Members on Monday, July 20, Pastor Switzer and the Church’s reopening team released their plans to cautiously return to the sanctuary for Sunday services. Members are being urged to stay home if they do not feel well, are in a high-risk category, are caring for someone who has been sick, or do not yet feel safe being in a public space. In the meantime, the Church will continue to broadcast the weekly services on Facebook Live for the benefit of those who do not wish to attend in person.
Those who do wish to attend will be required to wear masks, and masks will be available for those who do not have one. Attendees are asked to enter the Church through the Maple Street entrance where they will be guided by an usher to a marked pew with social distancing space already sectioned off. Families and couples may sit together, but everyone else will be seated at a safe distance.
Until advised by their professional affiliations that it is safe to do so, the Church will suspend Communion and singing. All hymnals and bibles have been removed from the pews. Members are encouraged to bring their own bible from home. The Church has also purchased a disinfectant sanitizing fogger that will be used before and after every service. Additional safety measures will also be in place.
“In these uncertain times, we know that it may be uncomfortable for a time as we get reacclimated to operating under these new restrictions,” said Reverend Switzer, “but we are implementing them so everyone may be protected, and we cannot reopen without them in place. We thank everyone in advance for their cooperation in following these guidelines so our community may join together in prayer once again.”
Members of the reopening team are Reverend Gretchen Switzer, Deb Knight, Rebecca Wellwood, Lisa Perry, Carolyn Walker, Bob Cordell, and Barbara Cordell. For additional information, please contact the Church office at (508) 347-3915.
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YMCA's Tri Community Family Branch in Southbridge is OPEN
The YMCA of Central Mass has re-opened its Branches including the Southbridge Y. Months of preparation have allowed the YMCA to re-open with new safety protocols in place. Members now sign in through a phone app to reserve a 1-hour time slot for either the pool or the fitness center. Safety protocols are in place for all entering the facility as well as ongoing sanitizing procedures throughout the day to ensure the safety of our guests. Classes are held outdoors on site, limited to 14 persons, and can also be signed up for on the “App”. The YMCA continues to hold virtual classes, free for those who prefer to take a class from their home. The Fitness Center is limited to 20 persons per hour and the pool is limited to 6 persons per hour.
The building layout has changed with one way traffic flows, fitness equipment placed 14‘ apart to allow for mask removal while using equipment, individual swim lanes and the use of the Family Changing room for swimmers. All locker rooms remain closed at this time along with closure of the racquetball court and gymnasium.
Hours are Monday- Friday 6:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturday hours are 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Welcome back, please remember to wear a mask, make an appointment on the app, or call our YMCA of Central MA “Call Center” for any questions, help, payments, or information at 508-755-6101. We look forward to seeing you at the Y!
www.ymcaofcm.org
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REOPENED ON JULY 9TH!
Main Dining Room Hours:
Thursday, Friday & Saturday – 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Sunday – 12 Noon to 6:00pm
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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Peter Antkowiak, MD Named Emergency Department Medical Director
for Harrington HealthCare System
SOUTHBRIDGE, MA, July 23 , 2020 – Peter Antkowiak, MD has been named Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Harrington HealthCare System (HHS), which has Emergency Care Centers in Southbridge and Webster, Massachusetts.
Harrington’s Emergency Departments are staffed by the Associated Physicians of Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Antkowiak, who specializes in Emergency Medicine, is an attending emergency physician and administration fellow at Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians, and a clinical fellow and instructor of Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians and is certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
“We are so pleased to welcome Dr. Antkowiak as our new medical director of Emergency Medicine at Harrington HealthCare,” said HHS President and CEO Ed Moore. “His passion for providing superior patient care, combined with his demonstrated commitment to innovation in healthcare administration make him a strong leader for our emergency care team and an excellent fit for the culture of care we are proud to uphold at Harrington HealthCare System.”
Dr. Antkowiak completed his undergraduate studies at McGill University in Montreal, Canada and received his medical degree from Albany Medical College in Albany, New York. He completed his residency at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, during which time he was a clinical associate of Tufts University School of Medicine. He is currently pursuing a Master in Health Management degree at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston.
Dr. Antkowiak is a past recipient of the Resident Innovation Award from Maine Medical Center selected by his peers as “Most likely to Change the Future of Emergency Medicine”, the Professionalism and Service Award from the American College of Emergency Physicians, the David R. Nalin Award for International Research and Innovation from the Nalin Endowed Fund, and the MS-1 Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Medical Ethics from Albany Medical College, among other awards.
Dr. Antkowiak is a leading researcher in emergency department operations and leadership alongside his colleagues at Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians, having published and lectured internationally on topics related to emergency department optimization and hospital efficiency.
In addition to his medical career, Dr. Antkowiak is a co-founder and managing partner of illumeMed, a healthcare technology company that created CareUpdate, a HIPAA-compliant collaboration platform designed to optimize communication between medical professionals, patients and loved ones (acquired by Skyscape Inc. in 2019). He is also a past editor-in-chief of Useful Science, a blog and podcast aimed at sharing scientific information that is useful in everyday life. He serves on the advisory board of Skyscape Inc. and advises several companies including B5Venures, Vincere Health and CoVerified.
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Petco Foundation Invests in Lifesaving Work of Second Chance Animal Services
Grant of $6,500 will extend efforts to save more animal lives in Massachusetts
East Brookfield, MA (July 24, 2020) –
Second Chance Animal Services announced it has been awarded a $6,500 grant from the Petco Foundation to help with medical costs for pets that are surrendered or transferred to the shelter.
The Petco Foundation investment will help Second Chance meet the medical needs of homeless pets, which can sometimes be extensive.
“For many of the pets that come to us, we are not just a ‘second chance’ but a ‘last chance,’” said Second Chance CEO Sheryl Blancato. “We are grateful for the continued support of the Petco Foundation who helps make our work possible.”
This grant investment is part of the Petco Foundation’s recent distribution of more than $13M to animal welfare organizations nationwide. In addition, the Petco Foundation distributed $1M in emergency product and cash donations to partner organizations facing the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis and put out a national call to mobilize animal lovers to take action and
Pledge to Save Pet Lives
.
Second Chance is a nonprofit organization helping pets in need in Massachusetts and beyond since 1999. Second Chance helps over 40,000 animals a year through adoption services, veterinary care at three full-service hospitals, low-cost spay/neuter and vaccine clinics, community and educational outreach, training and a pet food pantry.
About the Petco Foundation
At the Petco Foundation, we believe that every animal deserves to live its best life. Since 1999, we’ve invested more than $280 million in lifesaving animal welfare work to make that happen. With our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners, we inspire and empower communities to make a difference by investing in adoption and medical care programs, spay and neuter services, pet cancer research, service and therapy animals, and numerous other lifesaving initiatives. Through our Think Adoption First program, we partner with Petco stores and animal welfare organizations across the country to increase pet adoptions. So far, we’ve helped more than 6.5 million pets find their new loving families, and we’re just getting started. Visit
petcofoundation.org
to learn more about how you can get involved.
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Brush It Off is OPEN!
Visit the beautiful 2000 square foot Brush It Off Art Studio in Sturbridge Marketplace or they Travel to you! Office parties, Team building, Libraries, School fundraisers, Churches, and more!
OPEN FOR FUN! With air purifiers and following Covid-19 regulations. Paint here or take home kits are still available, you can now view and purchase them in the studio or on
facebook to pay by phone and pick up. Call 774-241-3444.
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Sbrogna’s Artistic Promotions
Inquire about our Virtual Travelogue Program which is narrated by Ron Rosenstock who I represent through Sbrogna’s Artistic Promotions. We presently have a 65-minute virtual program on
“Mystery of Morocco” which is now available for purchase. You may view a
travelogue teaser for this promotion on YouTube.
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North Brookfield Savings Bank Awards $10,000 in Scholarships to Local High School Students
North Brookfield, MA
– North Brookfield Savings Bank has always been committed to improving the lives of community residents through various means, including the empowerment for all residents to excel through educational and growth opportunities. In line with their established core value to commit to excellence, North Brookfield Savings Bank provided a combined $10,000 in scholarship commitments to support local 2020 high school graduates as they continue on their path to excellence. The funds are intended to help graduating students offset the cost of attending college and help them to pursue their dreams of furthering their education.
Scholarship recipients were selected to receive the North Brookfield Savings Bank scholarship by each high school’s designated scholarship committee. They were chosen because of their exemplary commitment to excellence and proven dedication to their community, values that North Brookfield Savings Bank holds in high regard, and the Bank’s employees embody every day.
North Brookfield Savings Bank proudly awarded scholarships totaling $10,000 to these graduating students from local high schools in the Bank’s geographic area.
Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School:
Abigail Anna Rambelje
Belchertown High School:
Ryland Charron
David Prouty High School:
Emma Bain
North Brookfield High School:
Hannah Schultz
Palmer High School:
Jerzey Torres
Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School:
Mackenzie Misterka
Quabbin Regional High School:
Emily Hood
Quaboag Regional High School:
Kaitlyn Howard
Tantasqua Regional High School:
Shannon Tweraser
Ware High School:
Brooke Anne McCormick
“2020 has been a difficult year for our local graduates, forcing them to miss pinnacle senior years moments and adapt to a new way of learning. To say we are impressed with their ability to adapt and overcome would be a grand understatement,” said Andrea Healy, Chief Administrative and Human Resource Officer of North Brookfield Savings Bank. “We are extremely proud of the graduates for their strength in the face of a challenge and their resilience through this all. We are confident that these life-defining moments will only add to the already committed nature and good character of the 2020 graduating students. Their futures are bright and filled with promise.”
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 2018 Banking Choice 1st place award recipient in all categories including Overall Quality, Customer Service, Technology and Tools, and 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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ESCAPE THE PIKE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
Please note the following changes:
All games will be private games reserved for your group only.
We no longer accept walk-ins. Please book at least
two hours
in advance.
New hours are 11:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
You can now book "SON OF THE ZODIAC".
Please watch the backstory and safety videos prior to arrival.
The State of Mass. requires a mask if social distancing cannot be maintained.
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Pets in Need Find Champions on the Links,
Around the Community and Online
Second Chance Grateful to All Who Supported Annual Golf
EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (July 29, 2020)
– Second Chance Animal Services would like to thank all the golfers, local businesses and individuals who made the 8th Annual Golf Tournament a great success despite the many challenges of hosting a fundraiser at this time.
COVID-19 has forced many changes at Second Chance Animal Services, but there is one constant – the many, many pets who need help. With donations dwindling and many fundraisers postponed or cancelled, the annual golf tournament took on new importance as the first live fundraising event since the pandemic struck.
Second Chance is grateful to the event’s main sponsors, R.P. Masiello, Curaleaf and longtime supporters Bill & Judy McClurg and along with all the sponsors and item donors who helped make the event possible.
Event organizer Lindsay Doray is thankful to the local business community who rallied to make this year’s event one of Second Chance’s most-successful tournaments. “We faced many challenges hosting this year’s tournament and we adjusted some things to help comply with the state’s current guidelines,” said Doray. “We had to limit the number of participants, so we added the opportunity to bid online in the event’s silent auction. We weren’t sure what to expect, since we’ve never done that before, but it was very successful and some of the item winners told us how much fun they had participating from home.”
Second Chance CEO Sheryl Blancato added her thank you to all the golfers who came out to support pets last Saturday. “Everyone was very understanding of the restrictions and seemed to have a great time.”
Blancato reports that Second Chance’s nonprofit vet hospitals are seeing a record number of patients right now. “Many pet owners are struggling financially, and some other local veterinary programs affiliated with schools have suspended or reduced their services due to school closures. Second Chance remains committed to providing access to veterinary care. It’s important to help these pets to keep them in their homes and out of shelters.”
PHOTO:
Sasha is a 4-year-old shepherd-mix waiting at the Second Chance Adoption Center to find a new home.
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Breezelands Orchards:
Got Peaches?
Breezelands Orchards is officially OPEN as of July 29!
They have plenty of fresh peaches, boxes of seconds, some baked goods and plenty of other incredible products. Please stop by to see what's in store!
Don't forget your face mask.
1791 Southbridge Road, Warren, Massachusetts, 413-436-7122
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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
FREE Web Seminar Series: "Protect Your Business from Hackers"
Wednesday Sep 9, 2020, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM EDT
Location: on-line,
Fees/Admission: FREE
Determine the extent your business may be at risk to some of the most common cyber-attacks, especially business email compromise (BEC) and corresponding wire fraud. See actual examples of credential harvesting tools in action, including dark web scans, and the Social Engineering Toolkit (SET) for spear-phishing attacks. Leave informed with resources to better protect your business from hackers.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
FREE ONLINE BUSINESS WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY SCORE
Simple Ways to Boost Your Productivity While Working Remotely
August 4, 2020, 9:30am EDT
Franchising 101-Small Business Ownership
August 6, 2020, 10:00am EDT
Reopening and Staying Open - How to Assess the Past 60 Days and Prepare for What's Next
August 6, 2020, 1:00pm EDT
How to Leverage a Virtual Assistant in a Pandemic
August 11, 2020, 11:00am EDT
Business SWOT Analysis Fundamentals-An Easy Way to Ensure Your Business Succeeds
August 13, 2020, 1:00pm EDT
View Previously Recorded SCORE Webinars
Here.
COGGNO
is the Chamber's 24/7 Training platform. Low cost and even free online courses are available for CMS Chamber Members.
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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Old Sturbridge Village August Events
August 1-2: Women's History Weekend 2020
Join Old Sturbridge Village as we acknowledge and celebrate extraordinary and everyday women in the early 19th century. Stop outside the historic houses of OSV to learn about how women ran their households, managing the essential work of clothes construction, cooking, laundry, and more. Join interpreters in the gardens for talks on Indigenous plants, medicine, and discussions on the roles of women and children in gardening. Beyond the domestic sphere, we will explore issues surrounding gender, freedom, and rights occurring during the 1830s through readings of first-person accounts of 19th-century women.
All visitors and members will be required to purchase and/or reserve their tickets online to manage capacity in accordance with Massachusetts reopening 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
here
.
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 interacting with our staff or other visitors and when physical distancing is not possible.
Times:
The Village is open 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Cost:
Included with standard daytime admission or Village membership. Please make sure to reserve/purchase tickets before arriving!
August 7, 5:30-7:30: Evening At The Village
Enjoy being outside and spend a summer evening at the Village after our normal hours of operation! Stroll through our scenic campus, explore our gardens, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, and enjoy period music. Feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy on the Village common! Beer, wine, and limited snacks will also be available for purchase.
- Non-member Adults: $10
- Member Adults: $8
- Kids: Up to 3 kids per adult get in for free. Additional kids are $5 each.
August 10-21: Virtual Village-Workshops for Kids
Join Old Sturbridge Village for an in-depth exploration of the 1830s from the comfort of your own home! This summer, the museum will offer fun, virtual learning opportunities for kids ages 6 to 12. Sessions will be taught by experienced museum educators and knowledgeable historians, live on Zoom. In addition to live videos, participants will consult a library of demo videos and virtual tours, available through Google Classroom.
We will be offering more virtual programs as the summer moves on. Stay tuned to OSV’s website and social media for further announcements!
Pre-registration is required; see below!
- Programs will take place on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday, depending on your program choice
- Sessions will last for approximately one hour.
- Participants will need access to a computer with internet access. Workshops will take place on Zoom and students are expected to participate via audio and video.
- Cost is $65 for members and $75 for non-members
- Scholarships are available to children who are residents of Southbridge, Massachusetts; those who receive free or reduced school lunches; and for other financial hardships. Please contact us at eogrady@osv.org before registering for this program if you would like to know if you qualify for a scholarship.
- If you would like to purchase supplies for this program, you can purchase a supply kit for $25.
- If you need your kit shipped to you, you have the option of paying an additional $12 shipping fee.
- Pre-registration required. Registration closes the week before programming begins.
For specific times and to register, please Visit:
August 15-16: Textile Weekend 2020
Have you ever wondered what was involved in making and maintaining all the clothing for a family in the 1830s? If you have, please join us at Old Sturbridge Village on August 15 & 16, 2020 for our annual Textile Weekend,
Clothing a Family. Visit the Asa Knight store to discover what kind of fabrics, trims, and sewing supplies were available at a country store. See how many pieces of clothing for family members were sewn at home. Learn about the tailors, dressmakers, and bonnet makers whose expertise helped to make specialized pieces of clothing. Find out how much work it took to properly mend and launder the clothing for a family each week. Explore how wool was processed, dyed, and knitted into warm winter clothing. Learn about the extensive home-based industries that produced shoes and straw hats & bonnets for New England and beyond. See original advice books of the 1830s, from the Old Sturbridge Village Collection, which instruct about clothing construction, knitting, netting, and crochet.
All visitors and members will be required to purchase and/or reserve their tickets online to manage capacity in accordance with Massachusetts reopening 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
here
.
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 interacting with our staff or other visitors and when physical distancing is not possible.
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Hitchcock Academy's Summer Events
Summer is in full swing and we hope you will make it memorable and enjoyable by putting these upcoming events into your calendar.
Back again for the sixth year in a row is our
Sip & Stars fundraiser. To be held at Brimfield Winery. This year you can choose from either of two nights:
August 12 or August 13.
Visit the webpage for more.
The Summer Concert series is back with new dates, times and Location! beginning on
August 4 with New England Weather. They're followed up on
August 20 with local favorite Radio Ranch and then on
September 2 it's the James Paul Band. This year, our concerts are hosted by Green Acres and will take place at 66 Palmer Road, (Route 20) here in Brimfield.
The Brimfield Town Wide Tag Sale Returns: If you used quarantine time to clean up and clean out our Town Wide Tag Sale on August 22 provides the perfect opportunity to turn your trash into someone else's treasure.
See more online.
The Farmers' Market at Hitchcock is open every Saturday from 9 am - 2 pm.
Check the HFA website for the latest information on these and other upcoming classes and events or call 413 245-9977.
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Safety Training Grant Funds Available
August 5 Webinar
You are invited to a webinar hosted by the
Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD) on
Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 11:00am on two programs your business can’t afford to miss out on! The Commonwealth of Massachusetts invests in safe and healthy conditions in the workplace. The Division of Industrial Accidents (DIA) is now accepting applications for Safety Training Grants and the Department of Labor Standards has availability for their OSHA Consultation Program.
The
Safety Training Grant offers up to $25K in Safety Training for your incumbent employees of Massachusetts businesses and municipalities.
Both of these programs are geared to help your business control potential safety and health hazards. Join guest speakers Kathy Manson (DIA) and Kathy Flannery (DLS) to learn more about these programs and how to apply.
Webinar video and dial-in information will be provided in an email sent to you upon registration.
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Edward Jones Market Update Web Conference
Tuesday, August 11 at 6:00 PM
You are invited
to join Trevor Nielsen and Jeff Burdick for an Edward Jones market update web conference. All you need to participate is a computer and phone. During the event, Trevor and Jeff will give a brief presentation on current events in the market and economy.
Important Webinar Details
Date and time:
Tuesday, August 11 at 6:00 PM
To attend this meeting, please click the following link.
If the link does not work, please copy and paste it into your computer's address bar.
JOIN BY PHONE
USA Toll Free (866) 528-2256
Participant Code: 3871296
We hope you'll be able to join us. You are welcome to invite a friend.
Even if you don't have a computer or you lose your internet connection, you can still join us by phone!
Jeff Burdick and Trevor Nielsen, Financial Advisors
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WANTED
Norcom Mortgage is on the hunt for licensed and experienced Loan Officers.
Do you have 2+ years of MORTGAGE EXPERIENCE?
Do you have a solid knowledge of FHA, CONVENTIONAL & VA LOANS?
*
WE ARE NOW OFFERING REVERSE MORTGAGE LENDING
*
INTERESTED?
CONTACT KRISTEN WALTHER
774.241.0770
LEARN MORE BY VISITING US AT
Please share this information with your friends and colleagues who may have an interest!
Thank you!
This is not an offer to make a loan or to make a loan or any particular terms. All loan applicants must qualify under underwriting requirements and satisfy all contingencies of loan approval. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. NMLS ID #71655 (
www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org
)
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Massachusetts 2020 Sales Tax Holiday
August 29 and 30
The sales tax holiday for 2020 will occur on August 29 and 30. Retail items of up to $2,500, purchased in
Massachusetts
for personal use on these two days, will be
exempt
from sales
tax
.
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LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS
HITCHCOCK ACADEMY
SOUTHBRIDGE FARMERS MARKET AT BIG BUNNY MARKET
The Farmers Market at Big Bunny operates on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.
STURBRIDGE FARMERS MARKET ON THE COMMON
The Farmers Market on Sturbridge Common operates on Sundays from 9am to 1pm.
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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
Alycia Dzik
Webster First Federal Credit Union
Rich Eichacker
Vibrance Technology Corp
Michelle Fanion
ERA Key Realty
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Steve Gardiner
Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center
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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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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