TGIF AND WELCOME TO CROSSROADS EVENTS! Monday is Presidents' Day so Crossroads is in your inbox early with news and events from our Members including ideas for Valentine's Day and School Vacation week. Have events happening online or at your place of business? Take a few seconds to enter them onto our calendar and we'll share with them with our 900+ local subscribers to Crossroads. Event promotion in Crossroads is free and included in your Membership. Take advantage of it!
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: MARCH 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.
The office will be CLOSED on Monday, February 15 in observance of Presidents' Day.
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Baker-Polito Administration Announces Two Mass Vaccination Sites, New Appointments & Authorization for Caregiver to Get Vaccinated with 75+ Resident at Mass Vax Sites
Natick & Dartmouth mass vaccination sites to open in late February
BOSTON, February 10, 2021– Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced two new mass vaccination sites will open in Natick and Dartmouth. On Thursday, 74,000 appointments will be posted online for mass vaccination sites and pharmacies at locations statewide. Approximately 30,000 additional appointments will be posted over the course of the week at pharmacies—totaling over 100,000 new appointments this week for mass vaccination sites and pharmacies.
The administration also announced that individuals who accompany someone age 75 or older to get a vaccine at a mass vaccination site may also schedule and receive their own vaccination on the same day.
Natick Mass Vaccination Site:
An additional mass vaccination site is scheduled to open on Monday, February 22, at the Natick Mall with LabCorp as the provider.
This site will begin administering 500 doses per day, then increasing over the course of several weeks to administering 3,000 doses daily. All eligible residents will be able to use this site.
Eligible residents can begin booking appointments for the Natick site on February 18th. For appointment booking, visit mass.gov/covidvaccine.
Dartmouth Mass Vaccination Site:
An additional mass vaccination site is scheduled to open on Wednesday, February 24, at Circuit City with Curative as the provider.
This site will begin administering 500 doses per day, then increasing over the course of several weeks to administering over 2,000 doses daily. All eligible residents will be able to use this site.
Eligible residents can begin booking appointments for the Dartmouth site on February 18th. For appointment booking, visit mass.gov/covidvaccine.
New Appointments At Mass Vaccination Sites & Pharmacies:
The Administration continues to build the Commonwealth’s vaccination infrastructure, and will add 30 new retail pharmacy sites and 2 additional mass vaccination sites. There are currently more than 130 vaccination sites in Massachusetts.
Tomorrow morning (Thursday, Feb. 11), more than 53,000 appointments will be posted online for mass vaccination sites for Springfield, Danvers, Foxborough (Gillette Stadium) and Boston (Fenway Park). Eligible individuals should visit mass.gov/covidvaccine for details on how to book.
Over 50,000 pharmacy appointments will be posted online by the end of this week. 21,000 of these appointments are at new stores and will be live tomorrow. The 50,000 includes:
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CVS Health: 8,064 appointments were posted this week, with an additional 21,000 appointments going live tomorrow, and another 3,000 appointments being posted daily on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
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Walgreens: 7,620 appointments this week (over 1,000 released each day)
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Topco (Wegmans, Big Y, Price Chopper): 3,100 appointments this week
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Retail Business Services (Stop and Shop, Hannaford): 2,000 appointments this week
Caregiver Attestation for Mass Vaccination Sites:
Effective Thursday, February 11th, at mass vaccination sites, an individual who is accompanying a person age 75 or older to get the vaccine may schedule their own appointment to be vaccinated on the same day.
A caregiver must schedule their own appointment online for the same day and location as the 75 or older resident. Only one caregiver may accompany a 75 or older resident.
Mass vaccination locations will make every effort to take both individuals together to minimize wait time, even if the appointment times are not identical.
Directions to Schedule Two Appointments (for a 75+ resident & a caregiver):
Individuals can go to mass.gov/covidvaccine and schedule two separate appointments at either the same time or adjacent.
For the companion appointment, select the option ‘I am accompanying someone who is age 75+ to their vaccination appointment and my appointment is the same day.’
If individuals are unable to use or have difficultly accessing the internet, they may call 2-1-1 for assistance booking both appointments.
Only one caregiver is permitted to schedule an appointment with the 75+ resident. A caregiver may receive their first dose of the vaccine if the 75+ resident is receiving their second dose.
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FEATURED MEMBER2MEMBER DISCOUNT
508-764-4085 ext. 641
“From the Business Card to the Billboard”
The Center of Hope’s full-service printing operation, Vivid Print can create specialty graphics banners and print jobs in small and large formats. Vivid Print is offering a 10% discount on specialty graphic printing services for CMS Chamber Members.
Click on the M2M logo to see this and many more great offers from Members... for Members!
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Welcome, New Chamber Member!
Please join us as we welcome the newest Member to the Chamber of Central Mass South!
Thrive Support & Advocacy
65 Boston Post Road, Marlborough, MA
Thrive celebrates and nurtures the abilities of people with developmental disabilities in Metrowest, Central Massachusetts, and beyond. The organization provides the space, support, and resources to help individuals and families thrive.
The Chamber is pleased to welcome this new regional affiliate Member through the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.
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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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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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Center Began Administering Vaccines to Individuals Ages 75+ on February 1
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SOUTHBRIDGE, MA, January 29, 2021 – Harrington HealthCare System (HHS) hosted a visit with Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal, D-Springfield, on Friday, January 29 at its state-designated vaccination center. Congressman Neal met with HHS President and CEO Ed Moore, other leadership and various vaccination staff members in the healthcare system to tour the facility.
“Congressman Neal has been a great partner in supporting Harrington HealthCare's efforts to provide access to quality healthcare in our communities. He and his staff have played an instrumental role in assisting us with our COVID-19 relief efforts,” said Ed Moore, President and CEO of HHS. “We are grateful for his partnership and support as we work together to fight the impacts of this unprecedented health threat.”
“Becoming a state-official site is a huge step in the right direction. We are pleased to work with the state in providing vaccines to our local community members along with residents state-wide,” Moore said. “As we continue to vaccinate more people it is important to still take the appropriate precautions such as wearing a mask, stay at least 6 feet away from others outside your household, and wash your hands.”
“Harrington Hospital is doing extraordinary work to serve the community and help eliminate the virus,” said Congressman Neal. “The partnership they forged with local towns in December to support staffing needs has allowed them to get more needles into more arms as we continue to roll out the vaccination plans. That is an incredible undertaking. They truly are the little hospital that could.”
Since the inception of the Massachusetts distribution plan, which began in mid-December, Harrington has administered over 4,500 vaccines. This included Health care workers, local nursing home facilities, and first responders. In addition to these efforts, HHS will begin administering vaccines to individuals ages 75 or older as early as Monday, February 1st.
Harrington also continues to operate two COVID-19 drive-thru testing sites located in Southbridge and Webster. To date, Harrington has tested over 45,000 community members. To schedule an appointment, or for more information on COVID-19 testing please visit www.harringtonhospital.org.
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Local Stores Support the United Way!
SOUTHBRIDGE - During the month of December, customers at Big Bunny Market in Southbridge and Micknuck’s Fresh Marketplace in Sturbridge, were asked to either purchase a holiday tag or round up for the United Way of South Central Massachusetts (UWSCM) to support the programs run by 22 member agencies. UWSCM 2020 Campaign Chairman Jim Croteau stated “We appreciate Big Bunny’s and Micknuck’s customers and the generosity they showed during the holiday season. Over $2,750 was raised during the two week event and all money raised is used to fund programs that support the health, education and financial stability of those in need in South Central Massachusetts.”
PHOTO (L): Store Manager, Jonathan Cournoyer presented United Way of South Central MA 2020 Campaign Chairman Jim Croteau with a check in the amount of $2,760.01 Top salesperson, Maeleanna Pellot-Powers received a $50 gift card for her great efforts.
PHOTO (R): Micknuck's cashiers Elise Mazeika and Debra Pulsifer
The United Way of South Central Massachusetts serves the communities of Charlton, Dudley, Southbridge, Sturbridge and Webster and is located at 176 Main Street, Suite 400, Southbridge, MA 01550. To learn more about programs and donate, visit www.uwscm.org, follow on Facebook @UWSCM or call (508) 765-5491.
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Harrington Physician Services Welcomes Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist
Dr. Jessica Mack
SOUTHBRIDGE, MA, February 1, 2021, – Dr. Jessica Mack has joined Harrington Physician Services in Southbridge providing physical medicine and rehabilitation services.
Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Dr. Mack will join Dr. Sean Stevenson in Harrington Physician Services Medical Arts Suite 205 in Southbridge. Dr. Jessica Mack will provide interventional pain procedures, including spine and joint injections in addition to performing electrodiagnostic studies including Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS).
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 508-909-8590.
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. Mack attended the University of Michigan where she completed her fellowship and PM&R residency program. She received her medical degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jessica Mack, MD, is a well-rounded academic scholar featured in many publications and investigative studies.
Harrington’s PM&R office is located in Suite 205 of its Medical Arts building at 100 South Street, Southbridge, which also houses Harrington Physician Services’ general surgery practice.
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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Country Bank Supports the Community with over
$1.3 million in Donations and Sponsorships in 2020
(Ware/Worcester) February 3, 2021 – Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving central and western Massachusetts, proudly reported donations and sponsorships for 2020, totaling $1.3 million. Through the bank's philanthropic efforts, it provides support to local non-profits throughout the communities it serves; in 2020, more than 400 of these organizations received generous donations.
The pandemic has left businesses and individuals facing continued looming uncertainties. Many non-profits struggled from the economic fallout, and they looked to community partners like Country Bank for assistance. Country Bank donated over $500,000 to area hospitals and first responder housing efforts to provide the financial and tangible emergency resources needed to support their mission during the pandemic.
“On behalf of the Southbridge Hotel, we are enormously grateful to the people at Country Bank for their support in assisting with the critical housing needs of the public safety persons and hospital staff in Southbridge. The leadership demonstrated by their President and CEO, Paul Scully, is remarkable. As one of our most important lenders, Country Bank has once again demonstrated a strong civic commitment and a true partnership with the business community, a partnership that goes above and beyond expectations,” stated Chip Norton, Manager, of Franklin Realty Advisors LLC, and part owner of the Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center.
Other organizations receiving support included the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Why Me and Sherry's House, Provision Ministry, and the Worcester Youth Center.
Recognizing the importance and overwhelming need to help organizations that address hunger, Country Bank provided monetary donations to food programs throughout the region that exceeded $100,000. The recipients of these funds included The Mustard Seed, St. John's Food Program, the Worcester County Food Bank, and many local food pantries.
"As a community partner, we care deeply about the sustainability of our communities. As such, and in recognizing the burdens that our communities have experienced throughout this year, we were honored to offer support during what has been the most stressful time in our history. Supporting and enriching our communities is not only a part of our mission; it's simply who we are as an organization," stated Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank.
2021 will continue to provide challenges to the non-profit sector, and they will once again rely heavily on their community bank partners to help them with their mission to help those they serve. Community banks are a critical resource and will be called upon to continue with much needed additional assistance in 2021.
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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Cornerstone Bank to Award Sixteen $2,000 Scholarships
Students in Central Massachusetts can apply now
SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. – Cornerstone Bank, a community bank with 12 locations throughout central Massachusetts, will be awarding sixteen $2,000 scholarships to students in the area it serves. Cornerstone Bank is hoping to help 2021 high school graduates throughout their community pursue higher education and foster advancement in the fields of business and finance. The sixteen scholarships will be awarded to the students who best demonstrate achievement in academics, extracurricular activities and community involvement.
“Making sure the future leaders of America get a great education is so important to us at Cornerstone Bank,” said CEO Todd Tallman. “We are excited to be able to help students achieve their dreams every year to go into the business or finance industries. Access to a good education can be difficult for many students, especially with how difficult this past year has been, so we hope the help we are able to provide to this group of graduates helps them to reach their goals.”
To apply for a scholarship, the student must:
- Be a 2021 high school graduate
- Reside within 10 miles of a Cornerstone Bank branch or office
- Anticipate being a full-time student at an accredited, degree-granting institution of higher education
- Anticipate studying in a business or financial field
- Demonstrate achievement and high standards in academics, extracurricular activities, and community involvement
- Submit an official transcript and GPA from their guidance office
In addition, the student must choose one of the following prompts and submit a one-page typed essay:
1. Are there any challenges you have had to overcome in your high school career?
OR
2. What are your goals for the future, and how will this scholarship assist you in meeting them?
Applications must be submitted or postmarked to Cornerstone Bank by April 5, 2021. Please send all applications to scholarships@cornerstonebank.com, or mail to Cornerstone Bank Scholarship Committee: P.O. Box 370, Southbridge, MA, 01550. Selected recipients will be announced by the week of May 24, 2021. Scholarship funds will be disbursed to the student after successful completion of the first semester, and upon presentation of an official copy of the first semester transcript and second semester bill.
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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Harrington Healthcare Employee Meaghan Krajcik
Among Healthcare Heroes Invited to Superbowl
SOUTHBRIDGE, MA, February 5, 2021 – To thank healthcare heroes who’ve been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, the New England Patriots and the Kraft family provided complimentary Superbowl tickets to approximately 76 vaccinated healthcare workers from across the New England region. Meaghan Krajcik, unit coordinator, patient care assistant and administrative assistant to the director of the Medical-Surgical and ICU units at Harrington Hospital, is among them.
Krajcik has worked in healthcare for ten years, and at Harrington Hospital for the last eight. As the pandemic stretches on, soon to close in on a full year since the first cases were detected in Massachusetts, she says she is grateful for the recognition that the NFL’s gesture has given to healthcare workers as well as to the COVID-19 vaccine.
“I was very grateful to be able to receive the vaccine in hopes of getting back to a somewhat normal life soon, and I am absolutely honored to be given this opportunity,” Krajcik says. “Going to the Superbowl is something I've wanted to do since I was a kid so for this to become a reality for me still feels unreal. I'm so grateful to the Kraft family & the Harrington administration for choosing me.”
“Meaghan goes above and beyond for everyone said Harrington Healthcare Chief Nursing Officer Jess Calcidise. In the beginning of COVID she was working 70 to 80 hours a week and didn’t take one day off. She suited up when she needed to, and made herself available to take swabs in the testing sites whenever she was asked; she is a truly great representation of Harrington.”
Being from Dudley and a native of Massachusetts, Krajcik says she is an avid Patriots fan. Although she won’t be seeing her favorite team play in the Superbowl, she says she is looking forward to seeing Tom Brady play – even if she’s not necessarily rooting for him anymore.
“I do like Brady, but it's tough seeing him play for another team. I really wish he would have retired as a Patriot! I do think he’ll put up a good fight, but I think the Chiefs are going to win. Pat Mahomes is one of the best right now and I will be rooting for the Chiefs,” she says.
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Country Bank Welcomes New Senior Vice President
Of Innovation & Technology
(Ware/Springfield/Worcester) – February 9, 2021 – Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce that Dr. Peter Morales has joined their Innovation & Technology Division as a Senior Vice President. Dr. Morales, who resides in Sturbridge, has held several technical leadership positions, most recently as Vice President and CIO for an international educational organization supporting more than 45,000 students in 40+ countries worldwide. Dr. Morales also held positions at New York University (leading technology at the Law and Engineering schools) and the New York and American Stock Exchanges.
Dr. Morales began his career developing diagnostic systems for the F18, the jet that the Blue Angels currently fly. He holds degrees in Electrical Engineering, a Master’s in Engineering Management, and a Doctorate in Computer Science and Information Systems. He continues to teach in two Master’s programs at NYU and is on the Board of Directors for several incubator startups and non-profits. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Karen Vezina-Morales, fun fact - the Vezina trophy in hockey is named after her great uncle Georges. They have a son, Christopher, a computer scientist, and a daughter Katie, a Fine Arts major.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Dr. Morales to our leadership team; his extensive background as a senior technology leader in a variety of industries brings an exciting level of strategic thought and direction to the Country Bank brand of Community Banking. His commitment to technology development, high-performing teams, and experience as an educator aligns with our iSTEP Corporate Values of Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence, and Prosperity. We are proud that Peter has chosen Country Bank to be his Employer of Choice,” stated Miriam Siegel, Senior Vice President of Human Resources.
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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Position Information: Branch Office Administrator
At Edward Jones, our commitment to our associates has made us one of the nation's leading financial services firms. We seek an individual to support the Financial Advisor through client service, office administration and client development functions. New Branch Office Administrators complete a comprehensive, online, self-directed training program that provides knowledge and skills needed to help operate a local branch office.
FORTUNE Magazine MARCH 2019
For the 20th year, Edward Jones was named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by FORTUNE magazine and the Great Place to Work. The firm ranked No. 7 overall. These 20 FORTUNE rankings include top-10 finishes for 16 years and consecutive
No. 1 rankings in 2002 and 2003.*
*From FORTUNE Magazine, March 2019, ©2019 Fortune Media IP Limited. FORTUNE and FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For are registered trademarks of Fortune Media IP Limited and are used under license. FORTUNE and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse the products or services of, Edward Jones.
Position Information: Branch Office Administrator
Hours: Full-time
Location: 419 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Job Code: 52428BR
Edward Jones does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veterans status, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
Member SIPC
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Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center is inviting families
for President’s Day and School Vacation week and weekend with a special
$89 President’s Day Stay-cation Rate!
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Enjoy time in our indoor pool
and then relax in one of our spacious guest rooms.
Weekend dinner specials are also available in Shades Lounge.
Book your stay by calling 508-765-8000 and ask for the
President's Day Stay-cation Rate!
Tax and fees are additional. The offer is not applicable to groups of 10 or more rooms. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. Rates are per room, per night, and based on availability at the time of reservation. Rates and availability are subject to change until reservations are made.
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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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Make your Escape! Come play SPY2K!
It’s Chicago, 1999. You just so happen to be a computer genius. A Federal Task Force was created to combat a new threat. They have contacted you with a secret mission; code-named “Operation Lights Out.” They have received a tip that a foreign entity has activated a sleeper cell handled by a computer emporium owner-turned-hacktavist, anti-capitalist sympathizer. The team has been collecting sensitive computer technologies and writing source code to exploit Y2K protocols put in place to update and manage our national grid. You have been tasked with searching the computer emporium owner's office to help dismantle the team. Do you accept the mission? Will you uncover the players and stop them from shutting down the grid in time? Sneak into Jake’s Computer Emporium and become the secret agent that saves the year 2000! Click the Escape the Pike logo to visit online and book your escape!
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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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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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Online Opportunities
Worcester Regional Chamber is offering virtual networking at Business After Hours next week. You'll also find FREE workshops and courses from SCORE and MSBDC. Got something going on? 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
Business After Hours - February 2021 - Virtual
Thursday Feb 18, 2021, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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. Join us and hundreds of area professionals for a fun, informal networking event! REGISTER.
Healthcare Roundtable - Health Centers' role in the Community with Steve Kerrigan
Tuesday Feb 23, 2021, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Zoom
Free for Members
Health centers are more important and vital to our communities now more than ever as we navigate through a global health and economic pandemic. Please join us for this important conversation with Steve Kerrigan, President and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center. REGISTER.
FREE ONLINE BUSINESS WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY SCORE
SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. Since 1964, SCORE has provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs. Click the course title for info and registration.
How do you know if your price is “Right”? Nothing drive profitability more positively than effective pricing! Join us and learn whether or not you're pricing it right!
Part 3: Estate Planning Ultimately, this workshop will culminate discussing multiple future planning scenarios, including the difference between estate reduction, liquidity and equalization, and the planning documents needed to leave a lasting legacy
S.W.O.T. Analysis is an approach that can be used to assess personal and business practice and progress: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
As a business owner, you are always selling. You must have a concise message that tells prospective buyers what is your unique value proposition, what you do and how you can help them. This message will also be used in your website and any other promotional and sales materials you use.
Join us for part 2 of SCORE's Human Resources Essentials webinar series as we focus on best practices in total compensation.
With the world being more global, cross-cultural work is becoming a characteristic of most workplaces and organizations. Working in a cross-cultural environment requires more than just knowing the language or the country of your stakeholders, It requires an understanding of their culture, values. demographics and social background.
View Previously Recorded SCORE Webinars Here.
BUSINESS WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER NETWORK
Statewide Training & Event Calendar
Feb 15 Taller de Emprendimiento - Movimiento de liderazgo y cambio (presentado en español)
Feb 16 What You Need to Know About the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Feb 16 How to Open a Business in Massachusetts Legally
Feb 17 Convertise Financiable en la época de Covid (Parte II)
Feb 22 Taller de Emprendimiento - Construyendo un seguimiento - Características psicográficas de sus clientes (en español)
Feb 22 Debt Relief Options for COVID-19 Impacted Businesses
Feb 24 Your Business Plan: Soup to Nuts
Visit the online calendar for more info and to register for these and more.
DEB K HYPNOSIS
2021 is here and Change is in the air! What would you like to change? Now taking in office clients as well as virtual.
Call 508-579-6314. To join Deb K Hypnosis private Facebook group for support and resources click here:
COGGNO is the Chamber's 24/7 Training platform. Low cost and even free online courses are available for CMS Chamber Members.
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Hitchcock Academy lines up a Fabulously Fun February
with Scavenger Hunt, Kindness Tree and more
Hitchcock Academy presents a fabulous social distancing community event just in time for February vacation. It’s a car based Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by West Wind Farm in Brimfield. The Hunt is a fun adventure for friends and families, which will lead them throughout Brimfield and the surrounding towns to earn points. Some of the clues are easy, but all of the clues will make you think while you learn local lore and visit areas of geographical interest. Teams will be given February vacation week to complete the hunt to accommodate for any weather event that may pop up. Although the expectation is that no team will get every clue, the adventure is set up to bring maximum enjoyment. Prizes will be awarded to the top five highest scoring teams. Some clues will get an automatic entry into a raffle. The list of clues will be emailed to teams and posted on the Hitchcock Academy Scavenger Hunt Event Page at noon February 16 and teams will have until 5 pm, Saturday, February 20 to finish.
Interested participants can go to Hitchcock Academy’s website and register a team at the Scavenger Hunt Event for a fee of $20. “Scavengers” must provide a photo of their team and team name prior to the noon February 16 start. Teams earn points by taking a picture of the entire team with each clue they find and posting it to the site. Winners will be announced online and notified via email the following week after all team posts have been verified and points have been tallied. Teams will be required to follow state laws and COVID-19 advisories including social distancing and mask guidelines whenever appropriate throughout the quest.
It’s February and Punxsutawney Phil has predicted six more weeks of winter but that’s no reason for us to not look on the bright side! After all, each day the sun is shining a bit longer and brighter in the sky, so we are going to make a Fabulously Fun February! Hitchcock Academy will shine a special light on hope, kindness, and love with the continuation of our Community Tree. Through February a tree, decorated in a Valentine theme, will serve as an open invitation to community members to fill its branches with a “heart” felt message.
Executive Director Cindy Skowyra says, “The past months have been challenging in so many ways, so we are trying to find creative ideas to be a beacon of light for the community and bring attention to all that is still good in the world. We’ve converted one of our Christmas Trees for people to leave a message of kindness, hope, or inspiration for their neighbors and the world.”
There are blank heart notes and markers available on Hitchcock Academy’s porch so anyone can stop by any time and pen a note of love, of encouragement, or of gratitude to a spouse, partner, a friend - anyone. You can also bring your own ornament to help fill the branches of the tree. [The Tree of Kindness is pictured above.]
Hitchcock will also use its Facebook and Instagram platforms to encourage people to participate in activities to find enjoyment in the many “National” day celebrations throughout the month such as National Make a Friend Day, Random Acts of Kindness Day, Love Your Pet Day and Pokémon Day. There will also be a Brimfield based brain teaser. Keep checking our Facebook for more ways to have fun this February with Hitchcock Academy!
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Winter Walks at the Village
February 12-21, 26-28, 2021
Times: The Village is open 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
OPEN All of February School Vacation Week (February 12-21, 2021)
Cost: Included with standard daytime admission or Village membership.
Come enjoy a peaceful walk around our early 19th-century village. While on your walk stop by our numerous households and see what kind of winter activities kept a family busy. Our tradeshops will be active as well, from needlework to working at the potter’s wheel, we will be working to keep our hand skills sharp. See the farmers hard at work getting ready for the next season, and of course, our farm animals always enjoy a visitor too. There will be daily horse-drawn wagon rides throughout the museum. Your experience will be outdoors so please dress accordingly.
All visitors and members will be required to purchase and/or reserve their tickets online to manage capacity in accordance with current Massachusetts guidelines. Available tickets will be released weekly on each Wednesday prior and arrival time blocks must be chosen. Purchase or reserve your tickets and see our current policies at the link below.
Please also note:
Buildings are currently closed, but as the season progresses, we will open buildings in phases with occupancy limits. In the meantime, guests can watch a variety of demonstrations and talk with costumed historians outside!
In accordance with MA state guidelines, all guests are asked to wear a face mask when in the Village.
Visitors coming from out of state should review the current Massachusetts travel order as well as any travel guidance issued by the state from which they will travel.
Visit the link for more
MUSEUM HOURS
January 15 – February 13
OPEN Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Also Open:
All of February School Vacation Week (February 12-21, 2021)
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Celebrate Valentine's Day with Table 3
Whether it’s a romantic meal created just for Valentine’s Day enjoyed at one of our award-winning restaurants or a quiet meal at home next to a cozy fire, Table 3 has some great options for your Valentine’s celebration.
THE DUCK & AVELLINO • February 10–14, 2021
Celebrate Valentine’s week with The Duck & Avellino. Our talented chefs have crafted some fantastic Valentine’s specials which will also be available to take home and for delivery*. Because our seating capacity is restricted this year, we will be serving our Valentine’s specials menu Wednesday through Sunday. To celebrate with that someone special, please call 508-347-2321 for reservations or to pre-order take-out meals.
CEDAR STREET GRILLE at The Barn • February 10-14, 2021
Cedar Street Grille will be also open Wednesday through Sunday serving up some amazing small plates, entrées, and chef’s Valentine’s specials. We’ll be offering a brunch on Sunday from 10am–2pm. Valentine’s is always busy at Cedar Street Grille so plan ahead and make your reservation now by calling 508-347-5800. Take-out orders with curbside pick-up and delivery* will also be available. Place your order on-line or you can always call the restaurant directly.
*Delivery available Friday and Saturday night and only in Sturbridge.
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VALENTINE'S DAY IS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH!
MAKE A RESERVATION TODAY: 508-867-2345
PLEASE NOTE: Salem Cross Inn will close for a temporary hibernation beginning February 15th.
Main Dining Room Hours:
Friday & Saturday – 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Sunday – 12 Noon to 5:00pm
Special COVID 19 Notes
- Reservations are required at this time by calling. If no answer, leave a message and we will return the call.
- Size of a party seated at a table cannot exceed 6 people.
- We are asking people to limit their time at the table to 90 minutes.
- Face masks will be required.
508-867-2345
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Hot Meals & Take Out Dinners Available from the Bake Shoppe
Tuesday through Saturday 4:00PM - 6:30PM
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. Limited seating is available in Ebenezer’s Tavern for guests ordering takeout. VIEW THE LATEST TAKE OUT MENU HERE.
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Stay vigilant! Wear a mask or face covering in public to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help keep MASSACHUSETTS headed in the right direction.
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Executive Committee
Erika Travinski, Chair
The Center of Hope
Leila Hurt, 1st Vice Chair
Country Bank
Laurie Cashman, Immediate Past Chair
Yellow Iris Farm
Bruce Watkins, Treasurer
Karl Storz Endovision, Inc.
Board of Directors
Brad Arcoite
Table 3 Restaurant Group
Kevin Berube
North Brookfield Savings Bank
Michael Checkosky
Cornerstone Bank
Nicole Courtemanche
Connectivity Point
Alycia Dzik
Webster First Federal Credit Union
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Rich Eichacker
Vibrance Technology Corp
Michelle Fanion
ERA Key Realty
Steve Gardiner
Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center
Les Gardner
Les Gardner Photography
Nathan Hardt
Old Sturbridge Village
Kelly Hibbard
Harrington Hospital
Rich Suitum
Exsel Advertising Group
Michael Wales
Michael L. Wales Painting Company
James Donahue
Old Sturbridge Village
Honorary Board Member
Counsel
Padgett Berthiaume
Berthiaume & Berthiaume
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46 Hall Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
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Alexandra McNitt
Executive Director
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Jack Starkey
Communications & Media
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