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HAPPY MONDAY AND WELCOME TO MARCH! There are only 20 days until Spring and Crossroads is in your inbox with the latest news and events from our Members including an amazing milestone for Second Chance Animal Services, the return of Maple Days at Old Sturbridge Village, a take-home St. Patrick's Day Feast from The Publick House, and more! Also just in: Massachusetts advances to Step 2 of Phase III Reopening today. Details are below. We are also excited to announce a summer date to save for the CMS Chamber GOLF CLASSIC which returns to Heritage Country Club in August. Remember to SPRING AHEAD! Daylight Savings Time begins on March 14.

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 15, 2021.
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.
Baker-Polito Administration Announces Plans for Continued Reopening
Massachusetts will advance to Step 2 of Phase III on March 1;
Phase IV planned to start March 22
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 25, 2021
 
BOSTON—Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts would advance to Step 2 of Phase III of the state’s reopening plan on Monday, March 1, and also announced its plan to transition to Step 1 of Phase IV on Monday, March 22. With public health metrics continuing to trend in a positive direction, including drops in average daily COVID cases and hospitalizations, and vaccination rates continuing to increase, the Administration is taking steps to continue to reopen the Commonwealth’s economy.

The Administration also announced more than $49 million in awards to 1,108 additional small businesses in the eighth round of COVID-19 relief grants administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). These new awards are the result of work by MGCC to engage with applicants that meet sector and demographic priorities but are missing certain documents that are necessary to be considered for an award.

Phase III, Step 2:
On May 18, 2020, the Baker-Polito Administration released a four-phased plan to reopen the economy conditioned on sustained improvements in public health data. As of October 2020, the reopening had proceeded to Step 2 of Phase III of the plan. On December 13, 2020, in response to an increase in new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations following the Thanksgiving holiday, the Commonwealth returned to Step 1 of Phase III, reducing capacities across a broad range of sectors and tightening several other workplace restrictions.

Since the beginning of this year, key public health data, such as new cases and hospitalizations, have been closely monitored and a significant decline has been documented, allowing for a return to Step 2 of Phase III, effective March 1 for all cities and towns. This includes the following updates to businesses, activities and capacities:

  • Indoor performance venues such as concert halls, theaters, and other indoor performance spaces will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity with no more than 500 persons
  • Indoor recreational activities with greater potential for contact (laser tag, roller skating, trampolines, obstacle courses) will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity
  • Capacity limits across all sectors with capacity limits will be raised to 50% and exclude employees
  • Restaurants will no longer have a percent capacity limit and will be permitted to host musical performances; six-foot social distancing, limits of six people per table and 90 minute limits remain in place

Residents must continue to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and are encouraged to avoid contact outside of their immediate households. The Travel Advisory and other public health orders remain in effect.

Gathering Changes and Phase IV Start
Provided public health metrics continue to improve, effective on March 22, all communities in Massachusetts will move into Step 1 of Phase IV of the state’s reopening plan. This will open a range of previously closed business sectors under tight capacity restrictions that are expected to be adjusted over time if favorable trends in the public health data continue. Effective on the planned advancement to Step 1 of Phase IV, the following industries will be permitted to operate at a strict 12% capacity limit after submitting a plan to the Department of Public Health (DPH):

  • Indoor and outdoor stadiums
  • Arenas
  • Ballparks

Also effective on March 22, gathering limits for event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor house gatherings remaining at 10 people.

Additionally, dance floors will be permitted at weddings and other events only, and overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate this coming summer. Exhibition and convention halls may also begin to operate, following gatherings limits and event protocols. Other Phase IV sectors must continue to remain closed.

COVID-19 Business Relief Grants
Today, an additional 1,108 businesses are receiving COVID-19 relief grants totaling more than $49 million in awards to help with expenses like payroll, benefits, utilities and rent. To date, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded more than $563 million in direct financial support to 12,320 businesses impacted by the pandemic through the Small Business and Sector-Specific Grant Programs.

Each business meets sector and demographic priorities set for the two grant programs. More than half of grantees are restaurants, bars, caterers, operators of personal services like hair and nail salons, and independent retailers. Over half of the businesses receiving relief are women-and-minority-owned enterprises.

Today’s awards are the result of a process by MGCC to engage directly with applicants that met sector and demographic priorities but were missing documents necessary to be considered for an award. MGCC is continuing to work with business owners in targeted sectors and demographic groups to allow for applicants to submit necessary documents.
Golf
Let's Get Back in the Swing!
SAVE THE DATE!
THE 2021 CMS CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC
AUGUST 5, 2021
HERITAGE COUNTRY CLUB, CHARLTON
STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFO COMING SOON!
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.
FEATURED MEMBER2MEMBER DISCOUNT

800-243-3844

Nichols College offers a 10% discount to CMS Chamber members off of their tuition on Graduate and Professional Studies programs.

Click on the M2M logo to see this and many more great offers from Members... for Members!
Second Chance Celebrates - 250,000 Pets Helped
Nonprofit Marks a Major Milestone
 
EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (February 12, 2021) – As 2020 drew to a close, Second Chance Animal Services staff were hard at work helping pets in need, unaware of the milestone they had just achieved. The nonprofit has helped over 250,000 pets since it began as a small shelter on the founder’s porch.
 
CEO Sheryl Blancato founded Second Chance in 1999 to help find homes for homeless pets she encountered as an animal control officer.  In the years that followed, Second Chance built a shelter program to help homeless pets, then turned their attention to the true problem – how to prevent pet homelessness by keeping pets with the families that love them. The organization created a nonprofit veterinary hospital system for Central and Western Massachusetts to provide access to veterinary care in the communities that needed it most.
 
As an early pioneer in access to veterinary care, Second Chance found a way to help more pets. This innovative spirit served the nonprofit well, preparing them to face the challenges of 2020. 
 
“We are so grateful to reach the milestone in a year like no other,” says Blancato. “We helped over 40,000 pets in 2020, matching the prior year’s achievement.  I am so proud of our staff for reaching this accomplishment despite all the challenges the year brought. When COVID hit, fear turned to determination which turned to innovation. We couldn’t stop helping pets.”
 
Second Chance paused some programs briefly last spring, while maintaining critical services for pets. Staff created new ways to safely resume these programs, discovering improved ways to help pets that are now permanent.
 
Blancato is grateful to all who offered support in the early days of the outbreak. “We cherished every note of encouragement as our emergency caseload exploded at all our hospital locations. They provided a much-needed boost at the end of a long day helping pets.”
  
PHOTO: Second Chance Surgeon Kristen Cormier keeps an eye on a shelter pet recovering from entropion surgery. Turner was born with a painful genetic abnormality that caused his lashes to curl in and rub on his eyes.
 
About Second Chance Animal Services:
Second Chance Animal Services is a nonprofit animal welfare organization founded in 1999. Second Chance began as an animal shelter and grew to help more pets in need. Today SCAS operates three Community Veterinary Hospitals in North Brookfield, Springfield, and Worcester providing access to the highest-quality veterinary care for all. Subsidized rates are provided to underserved communities to ensure access to care for all pets in need. Second Chance helps over 40,000 pets a year through full-service veterinary care, spay/neuter services, adoption services, community & educational outreach programs, training, and a pet food pantry. Second Chance is 501c3 tax exempt organization – EIN: 04-3490671. 
 
For more information, visit Second Chance’s website at www.secondchanceanimals.org.
Follow Second Chance on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/secondchanceanimals
Country Bank Announces Executive Promotions
Pictured (L-R): Dawn Fleury, Miriam Siegel, and Tom Wolcott

Springfield/Ware/Worcester (February 16, 2021) - Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving central and western Massachusetts, announced three executive promotions within the Bank's senior management team.

Dawn Fleury, CPA, has been promoted to First Senior Vice President of Corporate Risk. Dawn joined Country Bank in 2012; before joining the bank, she held a 21-year career with the FDIC as a Commissioned Senior Bank Examiner. In her current role, she oversees the Bank's comprehensive risk management programs, including Compliance, Corporate Risk, Internal Audit, BSA Fraud, Commercial Credit, Commercial Loan Workout, and Residential Collections Departments.

Miriam Siegel, CCP, CBP, has been promoted to First Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer. Joining Country Bank in 2018, Miriam brought 26-years of professional experience as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources for United Bank. In her current role, Miriam oversees all aspects of the Bank’s human resource initiatives, as well as driving talent management strategies to lead the Bank’s Learning and Development team. Miriam proudly serves on the Board of Behavioral Health Network in Springfield and serves on the Wilbraham Personnel Advisory Board.

Tom Wolcott has been promoted to First Senior Vice President of the Commercial Lending and Business Banking Divisions. Tom joined Country Bank in 2019 after a previous career in the financial services industry that spanned over three decades; this included Senior Vice President roles at Peoples United Bank, United Bank, Citizens Bank and FleetBank primarily in the Connecticut, Springfield and Worcester markets. His background offers extensive expertise in managing diverse and complex commercial clients as well as assisting small businesses with creative solutions to help them achieve their financials goals.  
 
"Promoting these talented members within our existing leadership team strengthens our foundation for the future," said Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank. "Dawn, Miriam, and Tom have proven to be immensely skilled leaders and have been strategic partners in major decisions we have made at Country Bank. I am excited they will be taking on additional responsibilities in their expanded roles to help further drive our strategic direction and growth. They each exemplify Country Bank's iSTEP Corporate Values of Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence, and Prosperity."

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.
Cornerstone Bank Promotes Two Employees to Assistant Vice President
Kerri Lee and Katelyn Krikorian recently promoted
 
SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. – Cornerstone Bank, a community bank with 12 locations throughout central Massachusetts, has recently promoted Kerri Lee to Assistant Vice President, Loan Production Manager, and Katelyn Krikorian to Assistant Vice President, Operations Manager. Both have more than 15 years of experience in banking and lending.
 
Lee, a resident of Holland, joined Southbridge Savings Bank in November of 2013 as a Senior Loan Processor. When Southbridge Savings Bank and SpencerBANK merged to form Cornerstone Bank in 2016, she held a Team Lead position before becoming Loan Production Manager. She has worked closely with the Loan Production and Operations teams to facilitate home loan closings that meet customer expectations.
 
“My focus is and always has been the customers and their experience with us,” said Lee. “My time with Cornerstone Bank has allowed me to learn and grow in the mortgage lending industry. I am excited to see what I can do in this new role to continue to make our customers happy.”
 
Katelyn Krikorian, a resident of Southbridge, started as an Operations Clerk in 2004 and worked her way up to Team Leader, then to Assistant Operations Manager and finally to Operations Manager. Krikorian has also held the Chairman position with the ARC Committee and was afforded the opportunity to be involved in a variety of fundraisers benefiting the community.
 
“I am thankful for the guidance I’ve had along the way, allowing me to mature in my roles and leading me to all the opportunities Cornerstone Bank has given me,” said Krikorian. “I look forward to being a part of Cornerstone’s future, continuing to help not only our customers but the people of our communities as well.”
 
“We’re very proud to have Kerri and Katelyn on our team,” said Todd Tallman, CEO of Cornerstone Bank. “These are the people that are the backbone of Cornerstone Bank and they deserve their success.”
 
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.
Country Bank Welcomes New Commercial Lender
Ware, MA – February 24, 2021 – Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving central and western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce that Seth Arvanites has joined their Commercial Lending Division. Arvanites, who resides in Belchertown, has been in the commercial lending industry for 22 years. He came to Country Bank from Peoples United and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in both Political Science and Geography from Syracuse University.

“The best part of this role is getting to meet, learn about, and serve the people and businesses in the community. The great people I’ve worked with over the years instilled in me the value of kindness, responsiveness, flexibility and teamwork,” stated Arvanites. “I’m excited for the opportunity and I look forward to getting to know my clients and teammates.”

“We are excited to welcome Seth to the Commercial Banking Team at Country Bank. Seth’s commitment to a high level of customer service is evident, and we are excited for him to begin working as a partner with our business customers to enhance their businesses and the communities they serve. Seth’s trusted approach to Commercial Banking aligns with the Bank’s iSTEP Corporate Values of Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence and Prosperity, and we are pleased that he has chosen Country Bank to be his Employer of Choice,” stated Miriam Siegel, First Senior Vice President, Human Resources.

Seth can be reached at sarvanites@countrybank.com or at 413-277-2106.
Deb K Hypnosis: Subscribe, Like and Share for a Chance at a
Free Hypnosis Session!

Please subscribe, share and like my YouTube videos to be entered into a drawing for a free hypnosis session! VISIT DEB K'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE and comment under the videos and Deb will enter your name in the drawing. Drawing on March 31st at 6:00pm.

Comment on any of the videos on Deb K's channel to be entered.
5 Traits for a Successful Hypnosis Session (90 seconds) 
Stop Smoking (90 seconds) 
Where is Deb K located? (40 seconds)
Emotional Eating (2:38)
3 Reasons Losing Weight Can Be A Challenge (4:33)
Hypnosis Near Me (90 seconds) Do online Zoom hypnosis sessions work?
Click the video thumbnail below.
Deb Kizilcan BA. LMT. CCH..... 508-579-6314.....  DebKhypnosis.com..... Deb K Hypnosis on Facebook.... Deb K on YouTube
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.

Click here for the full position description: https://www.opacumlt.org/employment/

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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.
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.

Not a Staples Rewards Member? Enroll now in Staples Rewards® at staples.com/rewards.

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.
Nueva edición!
Read the latest digital issue of Vocero Hispano on the News Posts Feed on the Chamber website. ISSUE 1614 - Digital Version - Free For Members
Reach the Hispanic Market directly with the #1 Statewide Hispanic Newspaper in Massachusetts. Email advertising@vocerohispano.com to get started.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Online Opportunities

Worcester Red Sox Chairman Larry Lucchino will be the guest speaker at Worcester Regional Chamber's Breakfast Club on March 4. 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 share in the next CROSSROADS!

WORCESTER REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Breakfast Club - Virtual via Zoom
Thursday March 4, 2021, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Chamber Members: $15, Non-Chamber Members: $25
Please join us for this event which features a speaking program, salutes to area businesses and a networking breakfast. More than 100 area professionals attend. Speaker: Larry Lucchino, Chairman of the Worcester Red Sox. REGISTER.

Seminar Series: Hybrid World - Helping People Embrace Change
Wednesday March 10, 2021, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM on Zoom
Free for Members
In a post-COVID-19 world, significant change is taking place in how employees operate with each other, as well as with clients, customers, contractors, and vendors. Adapting to change, managing emotions, and motivating through virtual engagement are among the many challenges this six-part interactive virtual program is designed to solve. Presenter: Mark Altman, Founder and Trainer, MindsetGo LEARN MORE & REGISTER.

Visit the Worcester Chamber calendar of Chamber Events online here.


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.

Franchising 101: Small Business Ownership
Tuesday | March 2 | 1:00 pm
Would you like to run a business that will provide greater autonomy, financial independence, freedom from being downsized, or simply an exit strategy from corporate America? REGISTER

Simplifying Social Media for Small Business
Wednesday | March 3 | 1:00pm
Social Media can be a powerful tool for winning new customers and clients, as well as continuing a relationship with existing ones, but it can also become very time consuming and expensive. Join us to learn more! REGISTER

Facebook - Maximize Results without Spending Money
Wednesday | March 3 | 9 am
Discussion on how to maximize the results of your Facebook efforts to raise brand awareness, create new contacts and drive sales. REGISTER

Multiply Your Small Business Success with Public Speaking even online
Thursday | March 4 | 12 pm
How to leverage public speaking to get in front of your ideal clients & win them over once you’re on stage (virtual or in-person). Hint: The first sale is to yourself! REGISTER

Negotiation Skills for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs Session 1 
Friday | March 5 | 12 pm
Negotiation is a "must have" business skill. Join this important two-session webinar and discover the Keys to becoming a more successful negotiator while building better business relationships. REGISTER FOR SESSION 1

Negotiation Skills for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs Session 2 
Monday | March 8 | 12 pm
Negotiation is a "must have" business skill. Join this important two-session webinar and discover the Keys to becoming a more successful negotiator while building better business relationships. REGISTER FOR SESSION 2

View Previously Recorded SCORE Webinars Here.


BUSINESS WORKSHOPS OFFERED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER NETWORK
Statewide Training & Event Calendar

Mar 1 Basics of Starting Your Business
Mar 1 Taller de Emprendimiento - Marketing Emprendedor - Ciencia de Persuación (presentado en español)
Mar 2 Will Your PPP Loan be Forgiven?
Mar 3 Building Sustainable Business Series: Making Strategic Decisions
Mar 3 Starting A Business - What You Need to Know
Mar 4 Small Business Resources Forum
Mar 4 Basics of Starting Your Business
Mar 8 Taller de emprendimiento - Venta efectiva - Lanzamiento de sus productos (presentado en español)
Mar 9 Google My Business: Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps (Part 2)
Mar 9 What You Need to Know About the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Mar 9 Instagram Reboot
Mar 10 Your Business Plan: Soup to Nuts
Mar 15 Taller de Emprendimiento - Finanzas Emprendedoras (presentado en español)

Visit the online calendar for more info and to register for these and more.


COGGNO is the Chamber's 24/7 Training platform. Low cost and even free online courses are available for CMS Chamber Members.
Hitchcock Academy “Marches” Forward with Programming

Don’t let the cold weather dampen your enthusiasm for getting out and trying new things. Hitchcock Academy in Brimfield has plenty on its upcoming roster of classes to get your juices flowing in March. With both in-house and online offerings, hitchcockacademy.org is sure to have an activity to pique your interest.

Looking to connect with your inner self? Hitchcock has classes in Mindfulness Meditation, Pilates, and Yoga to help you throw off your winter fog. Beginning on March 2 and continuing over the next four weeks Instructor Annette Farrington will be your online guide to forming Mindfulness Meditation practices which will help you deal with and manage your stress level. On March 15, a new session of online Yoga begins with the ever popular Sharon Palmer. As a Certified Kripalu Yoga teacher Palmer can help anyone, from fledgling to veteran, to progress in the discipline of Hatha Yoga. The one and a quarter hour sessions are sure to relax, rejuvenate and reinvigorate your body and your psyche. Pilates, with seasoned instructor Karen Larsen, gives you eight sessions of a world recognized exercise system geared to improve flexibility, posture, balance, and strength. Most importantly, Pilates targets and builds the core muscles, which are essential to lifelong health. This is an in-person class.

"Pilates had been a favorite class pre-pandemic, so we are really happy we are able to offer that again,” says Executive Director Cindy Skowyra, “and fencing is slated to return in late April. As always, we continue to look for new program offerings or small events to support the communities we serve.” Skowyra encourages people to reach out with ideas and suggestions.

Get the training you need to respond to an emergency by taking advantage of the March 4 classes in CPR and First Aid. Take either session or take both and receive your ESCI certification at the end of the evening from Instructor Nora Holland. This is valuable training to last a lifetime. On March 28 everyone’s favorite, Sue Gaulin of Let’s Cake Decorate, is back with a class that anticipates the Easter holiday. The class has all the supplies you’ll need to craft your own delicious Bunny Stump Cake to take home and enjoy.

If the furry friend you got over the holidays is ready for some behavioral skills there’s a new Buddies Dog Training beginning on March 17. This class, run by veteran trainer Laurie Merritt, focuses on positive training techniques, which will provide a lasting foundation for a lifelong partnership between you and your pet. A new session of Introduction to K9 Nosework training begins on March 6.

On March 1, Sensei Israel Lopez begins a new session of Martial Arts with “COVID pricing” of just $35/month for 2 classes per week. These classes focus on the practice of judo, “the gentle way.” This eastern regimen builds discipline, confidence, and fitness while honing a practitioner’s skill of self-defense. Because of Covid students practice with a “dummy” that is cleaned and sanitized after each class.

For those that want to make a little music, piano classes are offered both in person and online and violin continues online.

Because many of these classes are offered online you no longer have the excuse of weather to prevent your exploration new activities. Do yourself a favor and visit hitchcockacademy.org to look over its listing of classes and events. It may be just what you need to bring you out of the winter doldrums.
Maple Days at Old Sturbridge Village
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in March!
Times: The Village is open from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: Included with standard daytime admission or Village membership.

For many at Old Sturbridge Village, the first whiff of spring isn’t the aroma of spring flowers – it’s the smell of wood smoke and maple syrup, a sure sign that the sap is rising and spring is on the way. Join us for “Maple Days” select dates in March, when the Village’s working sugar camp demonstrates maple sugaring as it was done in early 19th-century New England.

See the entire sugar-making process, from tapping the trees to “sugaring off,” and learn why maple sugar was more commonly used than maple syrup in early New England.

Costumed historians will also cook period foods made with maple products and the potter and cooper will make maple related items.

All visitors and members will be required to purchase and/or reserve their tickets online to manage capacity in accordance with current Massachusetts guidelines. Available tickets will be released weekly on each Wednesday prior and arrival time blocks must be chosen. Learn more and get tickets here.
Four Leaf Clover
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Harrington Auxiliary
Pre-order Meals by March 11 for pick-up on St. Patrick's Day

The Harrington Auxiliary is delighted to announce the return of its ever-popular traditional Irish Night Feast. Due to the pandemic, however, the event will look a bit different than it has in the past.

This year, meals must be pre-ordered by Thursday, March 11, 2021 and will be available for drive-thru pick-up at The Publick House Main Parking Lot in Sturbridge on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm. Tickets are non-refundable.

The pre-packaged hot dinner for two includes 1-1/2 pounds corned beef (after cooking), boiled potatoes, carrots, turnips and cabbage, two dinner rolls, two pieces Irish Soda bread, two cupcakes, mustard and vinegar packets. No substitutions please. The cost of the meal for two is $30.

To order tickets, contact Harrington Volunteer Services at 508-765-6473. Checks should be made payable to HH Auxiliary. Hospital employees may also purchase tickets through payroll deduction.

Proceeds from the event enable the Auxiliary to provide equipment and programs that benefit the health and well being of the members in the communities Harrington HealthCare System serves.

Harrington Auxiliary, established in 1932, is a non-profit organization of dedicated and impassioned volunteers whose mission is to support and enhance the excellent services provided by the Harrington HealthCare System.
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.
Starting February 15, Salem Cross Inn will be going into hibernation.
See you in the Spring!

Check the Facebook page for updates regarding their reopening.

508-867-2345
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.

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



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
46 Hall Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Alexandra McNitt
Executive Director
Jack Starkey
Communications & Media