SEE ALL THE MEMBER2MEMBER OFFERS HERE.  

We THANK YOU for KEEPING IT LOCAL...

 

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE CHAMBER'S SUMMER OUTING

A NEW ENGLAND CLAMBAKE AT THE PUBLICK HOUSE!

CMS CHAMBER MEMBERS REGISTER FOR MEGA BAH

508-347-2761

[email protected]

North Brookfield Savings Bank Donates $500 toward  

Ware Senior Center Emergency Defibrillator

Much needed emergency defibrillator made possible by NBSB's $500 donation

to the Ware Senior Center

North Brookfield Savings Bank presented a $500 donation to the Ware Senior Center for the onsite emergency defibrillator shown. [l to r] Ware Deputy Fire Chief / Director of Emergency Management Edward Wloch, North Brookfield Savings Bank Senior Vice President of Retail Banking Patty Ostrout, Ware Council on Aging Board Member Julie Cappe, and Ware Senior Center Executive Director John Zienowicz. 

 

Thanks to the hard work of the Ware Senior Center, many local senior citizens have a place to go for daily exercise classes, activities, and socializing, in turn greatly improving their overall quality of life. Many of the community members served through the Senior Center are 55 or older, and as such, are at an increased risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest, or SCA. Fortunately, the early use of a defibrillator can be life-saving in events such as SCA.  

 

To do their part to help keep the senior community safe and secure, North Brookfield Savings Bank proudly presented a $500 check toward the purchase of the new onsite emergency defibrillator to Ware Senior Center Executive Director John Zienowicz, Ware Council on Aging Board Member Julie Cappe, and Ware Deputy Fire Chief / Director of Emergency Management Edward Wloch .

 

North Brookfield Savings Bank is invested in giving back to community it serves and does so in various ways, including monetary donations, volunteerism and event support. These efforts align with the Bank's core value "Support Our Community" which focuses on engaging in meaningful relationships with all communities, making everyone feel welcome and included, and always putting people first.

Country Bank takes first place in Rally Against Cancer for the Jimmy Fund

Country Bank's Employee Charitable Giving (ECG) program recently donated $26,000 to the Jimmy Fund's Rally Against Cancer. Team Captains, Eric Devine, Bonnie Trudeau-Wood and Jeremy Toussaint, lead Team Country Bank with fundraising activities to help them exceed their goal of $25,000 and claim the first place spot in the Corporate Team Challenge!

 

Fundraising activities included staff donated raffle baskets for employees to win, paying to wear jeans on casual Fridays, a bus trip, bake sales and online staff donations. In addition to these activities, Country Bank provided a very generous matching donation. "I am in awe of the commitment from the team at Country Bank and their support of this great charity year after year. We are so proud to be the coaches for this team and know that collectively all of our efforts make a difference. We really hit a grand slam again this year!" stated Bonnie Trudeau-Wood, Chair of the ECG program and Jimmy Fund Coach for Country Bank. The ECG program has raised more than $168,000 to support the Jimmy Fund's Rally Against Cancer since 2006.    

 

Two members from the Country Bank team have also been invited to the Fenway Fantasy Day on Saturday, June 1st for batting practice at the Green Monster.

 

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 .

Downtown Beautification Planting Fund

Your Participation is Requested!

Did you know that this will be the 17th year that we have filled the hanging baskets, planters and urns with summer flowers to highlight the Southbridge downtown area? The hanging baskets were crafted for us by a blacksmith in 2002. A special committee selected the long urns and the Bristol Pots at the corner of Main and Elm Streets with help from members of the Southbridge Garden Club. The iron urns are genuine antiques salvaged from demolished mansions.

The permanent items were financed through a CDBG grant to improve the downtown area, but the flowers have always been purchased through donations from local businesses and folks like you.

We just can't thank you enough for all you have done through the years! May we ask for your continued support?  The work is all done by volunteers who are happy to contribute their time and labor, but the costs of plants and supplies is over $2,000.00 per year. The plants are the biggest cost, even though we are able to purchase wholesale.

This natural, colorful display has become a much appreciated tradition, and as we begin our 17th year, the volunteers are more enthusiastic than ever. The downtown plantings are a source of pride to residents and much appreciated by those visiting or passing through the Town.  

Please consider helping us to continue this tradition by contributing to this worthy effort!

Checks should be payable to the Southbridge Business Partnership with "planting fund" written in the memo portion of your check and mailed to:

Southbridge Business Partnership

Many thanks for your consideration!

Questions? Contact Steve Brady, Co-Chairman of the Downtown Beautification Subcommittee of the Southbridge Business Partnership at 508-765-9827.

North Brookfield Savings Bank Donates toward Tuition Fees

for Ware High School Firefighting & EMS Students

North Brookfield Savings Bank presented a $1,195 check to the Ware Public High School students enrolled in the Intro to Firefighting and EMS Training Program along with staff.

Left to right: North Brookfield Savings Bank Senior Vice President / Director of Human Resources Andrea Healy, Sydney Bowler, Samantha Biron, Ware High School Superintendent Marlene DiLeo, Zachery Bonnayer, Chanlyn Basham, and Alexia Caramiello with Ware Deputy Fire Chief / Director of Emergency Management Edward Wloch and North Brookfield Savings Bank Senior Vice President of Retail Banking Patty Ostrout.

 

The choice to serve communities through public service is one that North Brookfield Savings Bank and their employees hold the greatest respect for. A career of community service is an exemplary one that truly embodies all five of the Bank's recently established Core Values. It is those entering a public service field that will be the upcoming helpers and heroes of our local communities and the Bank is proud to lend its support.

 

"These enthusiastic and forward-thinking students will be the future Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians who will protect and care for our local community members. We are happy to be a part of their journey to explore this valiant career path and we wish them nothing but success," said Patty Ostrout, Senior Vice President of Retail Banking. "Our neighbors, our businesses and our branches are safer because of those in public service and we cannot thank them enough for keeping us safe every day."

 

With the continued efforts made by the Ware Fire Department and Ware Public High School, the program has been able to continue for its second year. Ware Public High School students that are enrolled in the Introduction to Firefighting and EMS Training Program, which is a Massachusetts Department of Public Health - OEMS accredited program, range from 17 to 18 years of age. The program consists of in-class content, discussion and online training, and is designed to prepare students for the challenging Massachusetts State Certification Examination. The class prepares an excellent foundation in basic life support skills and techniques, patient assessment, CPR certification, and safe transportation. The students attend classes 3-4 times a week at the Education to Employment (E2E) Quaboag Region Workforce Training and Community College Center, located at 79 Main Street in Ware.

 

"Thank you to North Brookfield Savings Bank for their continued partnership with the Ware Fire Department and Ware High School for this program," said Edward Wloch, Ware Deputy Fire Chief / Director of Emergency Management. "This program has become even more accessible because of their contribution towards these students future careers."

 

To learn more about North Brookfield Savings Bank's community giving efforts and all of the convenient banking products and services offered, visit www.NorthBrookfieldSavingsBank.com.

TLGV Offers 2019 Historic and Cultural Resources Grants

 

The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) announces a new round of its highly successful Historic and Cultural Resources grant program. The grant is designed to help organizations and municipalities with projects that preserve, protect, interpret, promote or market historic and cultural resources. Grants may range from $500 to $4,000.

 

Since 2003, TLGV has awarded more than $1 million in historic and cultural preservation grants to organizations throughout The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor, which spans 35 towns and cities from Preston, CT in the south to East Brookfield, MA in the north. TLGV is a non-profit, member-supported organization charged with oversight of The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor in partnership with the National Park Service.

 

"The history of the National Heritage Corridor is rich and varied," said Lois Bruinooge, executive director of TLGV. "But, some of it is in danger of being lost and these grants can help preserve our history, which is also so important to the story of our nation."

 

The deadline for applications is 4 p.m. July 25. All applications must be received or postmarked by the deadline. Applications should be sent to LyAnn Graff at [email protected] or mailed to P.O. Box 29, Danielson CT, 06239-0029.

 

Successful applications will be for projects producing tangible and lasting benefits, and can include interpretive projects, marketing and promotional activities, collections inventories, assessments or conservation measures, and structural or mechanical repairs and upgrades. Creative and innovative approaches are encouraged. Funds will be dispersed on a reimbursement basis and must be matched 1:1 by cash or in-kind contributions.  

 

All grant applications will be reviewed by a committee and then approved by TLGV's Executive Committee and/or Board of Directors. To learn more about the grant program details visit thelastgreenvalley.org. To discuss a proposal prior to submission, please contact Lois Bruinooge at 860-774-3300 or [email protected]

 

The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor is the last stretch of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington, D.C.  The Last Green Valley, Inc. works for you in the National Heritage Corridor. Together we can care for it, enjoy it and pass it on!

Cornerstone Bank Donates to the Massachusetts CASA Association

Pictured L to R: Massachusetts CASA's Director Joanne Levenson; Cornerstone Bank's Chairman and CEO K. Michael Robbins; and Massachusetts CASA's Executive Director Adina Giannelli

Cornerstone Bank is proud to announce its recent donation of $2,500 to the Massachusetts Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association.

The Massachusetts CASA Association provides material and training to a statewide network of volunteer court appointed special advocates who support the best interests of abused or neglected children in the juvenile court system.

The funds donated will be used to support their annual network conference where CASA volunteers throughout the Commonwealth are trained.

"The Massachusetts CASA Association plays a crucial part in the lives of children who find themselves in a situation where they need a responsible advocate to ensure their safety," stated Chairman and CEO K. Michael Robbins of Cornerstone Bank. "CASA's mission to promote, assist, and support the development, growth, and continuation of CASA programs throughout the state is noble, and we are happy to be able to support them in this worthy endeavor."

For more information on the Massachusetts CASA Association, visit macasa.org.

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. 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.

 

Legally Blond The Musical Opens June 14

 

Stageloft Repertory Theater, 450A Main Street, Fiskdale, MA, is pleased to announce our upcoming production of Legally Blonde The Musical with Music and Lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin and Book by Heather Hatch. Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the MGM Motion Picture.

 

Legally Blonde The Musical will perform for three weekends from June 14 through June 30 with 8PM performances on June 14, 21, 22, 28 & 29, and 2PM performances on June 15, 16, 23 & 30. Tickets are $20, $18 for seniors (60+), students, and military and can be purchased online at  www.stageloft.org .  Advance ticket reservations can be made by calling Stageloft at  508-347-9005 .  All seating is reserved and our theater is fully accessible.  Please call Stageloft to inquire about ticket discounts for groups of 20 or more.

 

Harvard's beloved blonde takes the stage by pink storm in this fun, upbeat story of self-discovery. Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.

 

Directed by Christine Taylor, with musical direction by James Joinville and choreography by Rosie Joubert, Legally Blonde The Musical is produced through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. 

  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

[email protected]

LEARN MORE BY VISITING US AT

WWW.STURBRIDGE.NORCOMMORTGAGE.COM

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)

Department of Family and Medical Leave - News

Exemption Process Summary Available

The Department of Family and Medical Leave is preparing for the upcoming July 1 deadline when employers begin to withhold contributions for the program. Employers who currently offer their own plans that match or exceed the PFML plan or want to self-insure, have started applying for exemptions from the program through MassTax Connect.

In order to help employers evaluate whether they want to apply for an exemption and refer them to specific information about the requirements on the website, a one-page summary has been prepared. Please click on this link for this summary document.

As described on the website, employers with qualifying self-insured plan(s) (not privately purchased plans) are required to post a surety bond to qualify for an exemption. A bond form for self-insurers and remittance instructions will be available from DFML within the next several weeks. Employers may complete an application for an exemption before submitting proof of bond coverage. An exemption application will not be denied solely because the applicant has not yet provided DFML with proof of bond coverage.

DFML is making some changes to its website. We will be providing updated information about 1099 employees and calculating worker count in the next several weeks. We will also be consolidating the information provided and hope that these changes will make it easier to find the information you need.

The Chamber will keep you apprised of these changes as they come.

Visit the DFML website

North Brookfield Savings Bank $500 Gold Sponsor  

of Camp Putnam Ramble Q

 

North Brookfield Savings Bank employees participated in the Camp Putnam Red Feather Ramble 5k and volunteered at the May 19th Camp Putnam Ramble Q fundraiser event.

 

Left to right: Ruth Honthumb, Teller; Kim Brown, West Brookfield Branch Manager; Meagan Brousseau, West Brookfield Assistant Branch Manager; Renee Jurczyk, East Brookfield Assistant Branch Manager; Jay Jil, Senior Vice President/Chief Information Officer; Samantha Hammond, Loan Servicing Manager; Caitlin Burns, Assistant Vice President/Underwriter and Camp Putnam Board Member. Not shown: Patty Ostrout, Senior Vice President of Retail Banking and Camp Putnam Board Member.

 

As a long-time supporter of Camp Putnam, a well-loved New Braintree camp for children, North Brookfield Savings Bank was thrilled to continue to further show support through a $500 Gold Sponsorship of the Camp Putnam Ramble Q fundraiser event held on May 19th. The event was an all-day, fun-filled experience that gathered an impressive crowd.

Camp Putnam is nestled in the fields and forests of New Braintree and provides an authentic, nature-based camping experience for children. The Camp is affordable for all families regardless of income. North Brookfield Savings Bank employees loved being a part of the Ramble Q event and showing their support to an organization that offers such a great camping experience for children.

The day began with a Kid's Fun Run at 10:30am with children lining up for a special course that ran around the camp property. At 11am the Red Feather Ramble 5k was underway with adults traversing a course through the beautiful countryside of New Braintree. Spirits were high, the weather was cool but perfect for a long walk or run. Following the 5K, even more supporters arrived to enjoy a delicious Chicken BBQ lunch prepared by the Camp's chef and participated in a raffle for chances to win prizes. Stone Cow Brewery of New Braintree was on-site pouring cold brews along with Batch Ice Cream, also of New Braintree, serving all-natural, premium ice cream flavors.

The fun didn't stop there! The Camp Putnam Ramble Q event also had fun activities for all ages, including corn hole, bounce houses and live music throughout the day. Overall, the event was a huge success with fun had by all who came to show support.

"We're so proud of the fantastic work Camp Putnam has done to serve our communities and we are grateful to be a part of this wonderful event to help even more. It was a perfect day to be outside, enjoy beautiful New Braintree, and see all the Camp has to offer, all while supporting such a valuable cause," said Patricia Ostrout, Senior Vice President of Retail Banking. "At North Brookfield Savings Bank it is important to us to support our communities. For us it was an easy decision to partner with a wonderful organization like Camp Putnam who embodies that value as well."   

North Brookfield Savings Bank has supported Camp Putnam during the years through volunteerism, fundraising, and over $30,000 in contributions to support their needs. Currently, in all branch locations, North Brookfield Savings Bank is holding their annual Feed a Camper at Camp Putnam fundraiser to help raise money to feed campers during their stay. The Bank has kicked off the fundraiser with a $1,000 donation, and hopes to raise another $500 through community contributions.

"I was a lousy hitter in May doing the same things that made me a great hitter in June." 

-Carl Yastrzemski

TLGV's June Calendar of Events

 

Old Furnace State Park Hike : 9 a.m. to noon, June 1, Old Furnace State Park on S. Frontage Street, Danielson. Old Furnace State Park has excellent hiking through mix hardwood and conifer forests with well-marked blue and orange blazed trails. The highlight of the park is a beautiful eastward vista from the 200-foot high Half Hill Cliffs overlooking Furnace Pond (also known as Upper Ross Pond). We'll start at the park entrance, hike the orange trail to the top of Half Hill, enjoy the vista and then hike down the hill and take the loop trail around Furnace Pond. Total hike is about 3 miles. Rain cancels and reservations required. Limited to 20 hikers. Please note this hike is moderate to difficult.  Meeting Place: Old Furnace State Park entrance and parking lot. To register or for information call 860-774-3300 or email [email protected].

 

Mobility Challenged Walk/Talk: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 1, intersection of Chewink Rd. & Lynch Rd. Chaplin, CT. Take a leisurely stroll or roll along the trail as we talk about the HETAP (High Efficiency Trail Assessment Process) equipment used to assess the trail and how mobility-challenged users can select trails to meet their individual needs. Wheelchairs and strollers welcome. No restroom facilities available. Registration is appreciated. For more information call 860-774-3300. Rain cancels.

 

Quinebaug River Paddle: 9 a.m. to noon, June 2, Douglas M. Cutler Canoe & Kayak Launch at 16 Kennedy Drive, Putnam, CT. The Quinebaug River provides scenic paddling through exceptional habitat. This stretch of the river has some quick-water with flat-water sections as well. It is 5.5-miles downstream to the take-out location on Route 101 in Pomfret. Paddlers must have transportation from the take-out location. Registration is required and limited to 25 boats. Kayak or canoe and PFD required. Rain cancels. To register or for information call 860-774-3300 or email [email protected].

 

Summer Solstice Paddle: Paddle. 6:30 - 8 p.m., June 21, Mansfield Hollow State Park, Mansfield, CT. Boat Launch, 287 Bassetts Bridge Road. Join Chief Ranger Bill Reid and members of The Friends of Mansfield Hollow for an enjoyable evening sunset paddle and welcome in the Summer Solstice. Registration required. No more than 20 boats. Kayak or canoe and PFD required. Rain cancels. To register or for information call 860-774-3300 or email [email protected].

 

TLGV Acorn Adventure - Off-Road on Two Wheels: 10 a.m. to noon, June 22, Goodwin State Park, 23 Potter Rd, Hampton, CT. Children will learn safety and riding tips to make trail riding fun and a way to enjoy nature while exploring on two wheels. Friendly QC NEMBA volunteers will introduce kids to mountain biking on cart roads and single-track trails or hop on the Air Line Trail for a gravel grind.  Kids must be comfortable riding their bikes and will be split into groups according to experience. Ages 8 and up are recommended but participation is up to the discretion of parents and the QC NEMBA volunteers. Helmets and bikes are required. Parents must attend (they can ride but are not required to). Bring water and dress appropriately. Snacks will be waiting at the end of the ride. For information call 860-774-3300 or email [email protected].

 

The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor is the last stretch of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington, D.C.  The Last Green Valley, Inc. works for you in the National Heritage Corridor. Together we can care for it, enjoy it and pass it on!

 

Cruising for Charity Car Shows at Klem's 

Starting June 5th through August 28th 

Every Wednesday 5 p.m. until Dusk  

 

2019 Weekly Show Classes 

June 5th, Week 1: Best Street Rod & Best of Show 

June 12th, Week 2: Best Ford & Best of Show 

June 19th, Week 3: Best General Motors & Best of Show 

June 26th, Week 4: Best Mopar & Best of Show 

July 3rd, Week 5: Best Pre-WWII & Best of Show 

July 10th, Week 6: Best 50's & Best of Show 

July 17th, Week 7: Best 60's & Best of Show 

July 24th, Week 8: Best 70's & Best of Show 

July 31st, Week 9: Modern Muscle & Best of Show 

August 7th, Week 10: Best Truck & Best of Show 

August 14th, Week 11: Best Mustang & Best of Show 

August 21st, Week 12: Best Corvette & Best of Show 

August 28th, Week 13: Best of Season, Mason's Choice & Driver's Choice

Please note that if there is a cancellation or rain out, the missed week's awards will be given out at the next cruise along with the scheduled awards. In the event that the Grand Finale show is rained out, the season will be extended one week in order to hand out awards.

Donations Accepted. 100% of the profits go to the Masonic Children's Charity! 

 

www.klemsonline.com 

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 11am-5pm & SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 12pm-4pm

 

The Pioneer Valley Wine and Food Festival will showcase some of the area's top wineries and food vendors! Guest are invited to sip and sample wines from over 10 locally owned wineries. Alongside all the great wines there will be a dynamic food truck offering, local farmers market vendors, and live music!

 

FOOD - DRINK - MUSIC ALL IN ONE BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE LOCATION!

 

COMING SOON ( Check the website for tickets and more information.)

Complete list of participating wineries, food truck lineup and farmers market vendors list.

Thank you to Monson Savings Bank for generously being our Sponsor!

  Visit Brimfield Winery & Cidery online.

 

 

Second Chance Animal Services' 7th Annual Golf Tournament

July 13, Leicester Country Club 

 

Second Chance Animal Services is having their 7th Annual Golf Tournament on July 13th, 2019 at the Leicester Country Club to benefit pets in need. Registration: 7:30 AM/Tee off 8:00 AM. Foursomes will play 18 holes using scramble format. Tickets cost $100, includes golf and a buffet style lunch, along with a cart and goodie bag. If you don't golf, no problem! Meal only tickets are available for $35.

 

Visit  www.secondchanceanimals.org/eventssc/#golf  to buy your tickets today!  Sponsorships available - email [email protected] or visit our event page for more information. 

Concerts on the Commons  

West Brookfield 

Relax and enjoy live music on the West Brookfield Town Common!

ALL concerts are from 7-9pm. Bring chairs, blankets, picnics, and BUG SPRAY!

June 12 - Tequila Bonfire   (Country Bank)

June 19 - The Green Sisters   (Quirk Wire Co.)

Sturbridge 

All concerts start at 6pm on the Sturbridge Town Common. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Please be mindful of those around you who are listening to the concert. Please refrain from parking directly on the Town Common. Thank you and enjoy the concerts!

June 13 - Haphazard Jazz  (Betterment)

June 20 - Island Castaways   (Savers Bank)