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Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
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Executive Committee
Jessica Bettencourt
Chair
Board Members
Michael Checkosky
Alycia Dzik
Michael Wales
Michael L. Wales Painting Co.
Jim Donahue
Honorary Board Member
Counsel
Padgett D. Berthiaume
Chamber Staff
Executive Director
Finance & Administration
Communications Specialist
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Welcome to CROSSROADS NEWS!
November is here and 2019 has officially entered its stretch run. It's hard to believe there is only one more Fun at Five before we celebrate at our holiday party at The Publick House in December. First, we look forward to a Ribbon Cutting at Studio 20/20 in Sturbridge on November 7th. Then, we get together at Mexicali Mexican Grill in Spencer, with Klem's sponsoring, for Fun at Five networking the day after Veteran's Day. All attendees of the November Fun at Five will receive valuable gift cards from Klem's and, if you're lucky, you could go home with a BIG one! How welcome are a few extra bucks to spend at the holidays? We hope to see you at Mexicali on the 12th! Also in this issue: start celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow at OSV; sip, sample and support Venture at their annual tasting event; attend the Marine Corps Birthday Ball; don't forget to change your clocks this weekend; and a lot more!
Crossroads is here to feature your HOLIDAY events!
We want to share your news and events! Thank you for emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in
Crossroads!
We love to share your events with our readers. Keep posting your happenings to our online events calendar so we can share them with our nearly 900 subscribers!
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NETWORK WITH YOUR CHAMBER
Fun at Five!
Tuesday, November 12
5:00-7:00pm
Mexicali Mexican Grill
117 Main Street, Spencer, 774-745-8200
"Taco Tuesday" Networking at Mexicali!
At Mexicali, everyone works together,
not only as a team, but as a family.
When guests come to dine at Mexicali Mexican Grill, they are treated just that way, like a part of our family. Mexicali is the local destination for the freshest authentic Mexican food! Not only will you feel the difference, we guarantee you will taste the difference! Join Mexicali every Taco Tuesday
after 3:00pm and don't miss their Customer Appreciation Night coming on November 21!
Did you know...
Mexicali offers Dine & Donate fundraisers for all non-profit organizations? Sign up today!
Call Mexicali and ask for Liz for all the info!
All attendees go home a Winner!
All of our guests will receive a Klem's Gift Card!
Minimum value $10.00
2 cards will have a value of $50.
1 card will have a value of $100.
1 card will have a value of $200!
Thanks to our amazing sponsor: Klem's!
We hope you will join us!
Register for Fun at Five by email or phone.
508-347-2761
Cost is $12 for Members who register, $15 at the door, or $20 for non-Members.
Thank you to our
November Fun at Five Sponsor!
Klem's is your local destination for all your holiday needs. We have a large expanded gift section with great brands like Vera Bradley, Hallmark, Willow Tree and much more. Our apparel department features Carhartt, Columbia,
Woolrich and Life is Good.
Our Greenhouse is a winter wonderland with everything you need to make your Christmas Merry, and our toy department features specialty and learning toys.
Klem's is now your local Stihl power dealer.
We want to help you, so whether it's a question on training your dog, fixing your snow blower, or finding the perfect gift, we are here to help and answer all of your questions.
Stop in and enjoy some free popcorn!
117 West Main Street, Spencer, MA 508-885-2708
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Welcome New Members!
Please join us as we welcome the newest Members to the Chamber of Central Mass South!
Allstate Insurance
Home, Auto, Renters & more.
71 Main Street, Suite 10, Sturbridge, MA
508-909-6784
Crystalline Awaken & Brigitini School
Healing Modalities for Emotional, Physical & Spiritual Balance/Holistic Education
214 Charlton Street, Sturbridge, MA
508-414-8770
Kids in the Congo, Inc.
Non-profit organization providing educational support to children in the Democratic Republic of Congo
P.O. Box 584, Fiskdale, MA
413-209-6526
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Remember... MEMBER TO MEMBER!
Nichols College offers a 10% discount to CMS Chamber Members off of their tuition on Graduate and Professional Studies programs.
Is it time to refresh or add a new
Member2Member Discount
from your business to your fellow Members
in time for the holidays?
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You're Invited!
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Studio 20/20
Thursday, November 7 at 4:00pm
371 Main Street, Sturbridge
Meet Erica O'Brien, the licensed optician and owner of Studio 20/20. Studio 20/20 is an independent retail optical shop located at the entrance of Old Sturbridge Village (in the former Crabtree & Evelyn.) Ask Erica "What makes Studio 20/20 different than other optical shops?" Her answer is "me!"
 Erica is a third generation optician. Her grandfather started his optical career at the AO in Southbridge, MA. Erica's father trained under her grandfather in Hartford, CT, and he is now the optician/owner of IC Optics in Putnam, CT. Erica never imagined her career path would lead her to becoming an optician, but it seems it was in her DNA.
Erica has worked in the industry since 2001. She has been licensed since 2005 in CT, and in 2008, she became licensed in MA, too. Erica has been ABO and NCLE certified since 2004, and she recently received her ABO advanced certification. Besides having the credentials, Erica is always reading up on new technology and products whether it be lens design, coating technology, or different frame manufacturing processes. Many of the shop's products are from independent companies as Studio 20/20 constantly strives to offer the best products AND the best service.
If you have an eyeglass prescription or if you're in the need for specialty glasses or sunglasses in non-prescription, stop in and see Erica. Studio 20/20 takes appointments, but walk-ins are always welcome. Studio 20/20 also sells some great accessories for men and women that are crafted by local artisans and make great gift ideas.
Join the Ch
amber, local dignitaries, our neighbors and guests as we offer Erica and Studio 20/20 an enthusiastic welcome!
Enjoy cider and apple cider donuts from Breezelands Orchards, great raffle prizes, and some awesome giveaways!
We hope to see you there!
Contact Erica and Studio 20/20 at 774-241-0718.
Studio 20/20, 371 Main Street, Sturbridge MA
No RSVP necessary! Just come on by!
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3rd Annual Membership Directory Photo Contest
We are seeking your best photos to showcase
our region in all 4 glorious seasons!
The Chamber of Central Mass South is calling on all photographers, amateur and professional, to submit images which represent the four seasons in our area.
The photos cannot contain any distinguishable advertising or business entities and they must be easily identifiable with one of the four seasons.
Submit one or all four seasons!
There will be one winning photo chosen for each season, selected by the Chamber's Promotions Committee. The 4 winning seasonal photos will be used on the cover of the 2020 Membership Directory and the runners up may be used in the 2020 Annual Report and other Chamber publications with a photo credit to the photographers where possible. All submitted photos become property of the Chamber of Central Mass South.
The photos must be high resolution (300 d.p.i. or greater)
and submitted digitally by email to Alix.
by December 15, 2019.
Thank you in advance for your best photographs of our towns!
Southbridge, Sturbridge, Charlton, Brimfield, The Brookfields,
Holland, Spencer, Wales, Warren, Northern CT
Chamber of Central Mass South
Questions? 508-347-2761
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Country Bank Receives Award for Bank Marketing Video
from American Bankers Association
Shelley Regin, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Country Bank
Country Bank was recognized for its "Pioneers" video at the American Bankers Association Bank Marketing Conference in Austin, TX. Pioneers competed against hundreds of national video submissions winning first place in its category. The winners were selected by bank marketing professionals who judged the entries based on creativity, production value and overall messaging.
"We were so honored to receive this award; Pioneers truly portrays the hardworking communities that we serve, in such an impactful way. The imagery captured local landscapes, people and businesses which resulted in a genuinely moving video for us," stated Shelley Regin, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Country Bank. "The closing line "even hard work needs a partner" supports the bank's belief that "relationships are life's most valuable investments."
When the bank decided to create new videos last summer, it turned to its agency partner, Small Army, to develop a storyline that would truly represent both central and western Massachusetts. "We could not be more grateful to our agency for creating a true representation of Country Bank's local communities."
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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Harrington Lung Cancer Screening Program
Reveals Impressive Fiscal Year Growth
In 2015, Harrington saw an opportunity to champion a program for smokers that could detect cancers at an earlier stage.
No one could have quite predicted the immense growth the program has achieved.
Jean Comeau, RN, is an interventional radiology nurse and the nurse navigator for Harrington HealthCare System's Lung Cancer Screening Program, which offers CT scans to high-risk patients who fit pre-established guidelines as having a significant smoking history.
"We know from data that Southbridge (and Central Mass) has one of the highest percentages of smokers in the state," Comeau said. "So it's important that, as a healthcare system, as are looking at this problem as proactively as we can to improve the health of our community."
A map by the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards
indicates
25.1% of Southbridge's total population uses tobacco products, significantly higher than most other towns in the Commonwealth.
The program guidelines, governed by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), offers the CT scan to patients who are:
- Aged 55-77;
- Current smokers or individuals who quit fewer than 15 years ago;
- Individuals with a personal history of "30-pack years" (meaning one pack per day for 30 years, two packs per day for 15 years, etc).
The screening is a 10-minute low-dose CT scan, offered at Harrington's Southbridge or Webster campus. Harrington's imaging team is lead by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center radiologists and join a multidisciplinary group composed of oncologists, thoracic surgeons and pulmonologists who meet regularly to review the findings and plan appropriate treatment pathways.
In its pilot year, Harrington completed 369 scans.
Comeau tracks each patient, beginning with the referral from their primary care provider or specialist, and follows up to ensure pre-authorizations are received and follow-up appointments or scans are booked.
"I want to make sure anyone who needs or wants this scan is scheduled to get one," she said. "I will do the chasing and the paperwork if necessary. That's part of my role as navigator."
The program is now in its fourth year. Fiscal 2019, which ended September 30, finished with a total report of 1,280 completed scans, an increase over Fiscal 2018 by 20 percent.
"We saw a 15 percent increase in new patients, which supports our overall efforts to provide early screening for early detection and more treatable diagnoses," Comeau says. "I think those numbers say a lot, not just about the impact we're making on the health of our community, but on the proactive measures our patients are choosing to get this information sooner."
The first step begins with a conversation between the patient, and his or her primary care provider or specialist. Comeau has been persistent about talking to Harrington medical providers about the program and making the referral for the scan as easy as possible.
"I received tremendous support from our senior leaders and chief medical officers because they recognize the significance of this program," Comeau said. "Providing an open dialogue with physician offices has helped keep this screening top of mind when doctors are talking with their patients."
The program has been so successful that Comeau has been asked to present at regional meetings and has had nurse navigators from area hospitals shadow her in hopes of replicating Harrington's success.
Earlier in 2019, Harrington's program received accreditation by the American College of Radiologists (ACR) and was designated a Screening Center of Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance for the second year in a row.
The ACR Lung Cancer Screening Center designation is a voluntary program that recognizes facilities that have committed to practice safe, effective diagnostic care for individuals at the highest risk for lung cancer. In order to receive accreditation, facilities must be accredited by the ACR in computed tomography (CT) in the chest module, as well as undergo a rigorous assessment of its lung cancer screening protocol and infrastructure. Also required are procedures in place for follow-up patient care, such as counseling and smoking cessation programs.
Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography scans, and appropriate follow-up care,
significantly reduces
lung cancer deaths.
To learn more about Harrington's program, visit harringtonhospital.org or contact Jean Comeau at (508) 765-3024.
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Make Your Woods Bird Friendly -
TLGV and Partners Launch Next Phase of $6.1 Million
Southern New England Heritage Forest Grant Program
Attention woodland landowners: Funding is available to improve your woodland habitat for important bird species and to manage your woods for wildlife and people. The Last Green Valley (TLGV), the MassConn Sustainable Forest Partnership (MassConn) and the Northern Rhode Island Conservation District (NRICD) are pleased to offer the next round of funding for woodland landowners to obtain forest management plans with bird habitat assessments.
The program is part of the $6.1 million Southern New England Heritage Forest conservation effort, an unprecedented three-state collaboration made possible through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The NRCS funding is being matched, bringing the economic infusion into the region to $12.2 million.
A professional forester will walk your property and coordinate with the Audubon society in your state to produce a high-quality forest management plan with a bird habitat assessment of your woods. The plan will recommend measures you can take to improve the health of your woods. The plan will meet federal and state requirements and may be used to apply for property tax reductions at the local level (where applicable).
Grant funds are available to pay for most of the forester's costs and to completely fund the bird habitat assessments. Landowners will be responsible for choosing a forester from an approved list and paying for a percentage of the total cost of the forest management plan.
This program is ideally suited for landowners who have never had a forest management plan and own more than 10 acres of woodlands.
Program requirements vary by state. To get started, contact the lead partner for your state. The partners can assist with the application process. The application deadline for Connecticut and Rhode Island is Dec. 31, but we recommend you begin the process early to ensure the application is complete before the deadline. Massachusetts is accepting applications on a rolling basis so you may apply at any time.
Visit www.thelastgreenvalley.org for links to the application materials, including a list of communities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island that are included in this program.
Supporting partners for this project include: MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Providence Water, Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Hull Forest Products, Thames River Basin Partnership, New England Forestry Foundation, Eastern CT Conservation District, Norcross Wildlife Foundation, RI Division of Forest Management, RI Woodland Partnership, Harvard Forest, Yale Sustaining Family Forests Institute, Audubon Connecticut, Mass Audubon and Audubon Rhode Island.
The Southern New England Heritage Forest is a 1.49 million-acre unfragmented forest corridor stretching along the Connecticut and Rhode Island border to the Quabbin Reservoir in Massachusetts. Bounded by more heavily urbanized areas, with more than one million nearby residents, the SNEHF has an astonishing 76 percent forest cover and offers one of the last viable wildlife corridors from southern to northern New England.
The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor is the heart of the Southern New England Heritage Forest and is the last stretch of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington, D.C. The Last Green Valley, Inc. works for you in the National Heritage Corridor. Together we can care for it, enjoy it and pass it on!
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Cornerstone Bank Holds Annual Food Drive
Items to be collected at all locations.
Cornerstone Bank is hosting a food drive from November 1st through November 15th, which will assist the Worcester County Food Bank to help those in need.
During the drive, customers and local residents are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items to any of Cornerstone Bank's 13 branch locations.
Drop-off locations include:
- 2 Center Depot Road, Charlton
- 1073 Main Street, Holden
- 121 S. Main Street, Leicester
- 93 Main Street, Rutland
- 253-257 Main Street, Southbridge
- 495 E. Main Street (inside Big Y), Southbridge
- 176 Main Street, Spencer
- 72 W. Main Street, Spencer
- 200 Charlton Road, Sturbridge
- 968 Main Street, Warren
- 86 Worcester Road, Webster
- 230 Park Avenue, Worcester
- 70 W. Boylston Street, Worcester
"This is a great opportunity to provide for our local food pantries and help our neighbors in need during the holiday season," said Cornerstone Bank Chairman & CEO K. Michael Robbins.
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bankHometown completes merger with Millbury Savings Bank and welcomes Robert J. Morton as President and CEO
Matthew S. Sosik, CEO of Hometown Financial Group, announced today that Oxford, Massachusetts-based bankHometown has completed its merger with Millbury Savings Bank. Robert J. Morton, President and CEO of Millbury Savings Bank, has been appointed President and CEO of bankHometown.
"We are excited to welcome Rob and the Millbury Savings Bank employees and customers to the bankHometown family," Sosik said.
bankHometown now has $1 billion in assets and 15 branches located throughout central Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut. The Bank plans to open a new branch on Grove Street in Worcester in early 2020. Sosik, former President and CEO of bankHometown, will continue as CEO of Hometown Financial Group and President and CEO of bankESB. Both are headquartered in Easthampton, Massachusetts.
"I look forward to getting to know the bankHometown customers and communities in the months ahead," Morton said. "I am passionate about fulfilling the promise of true local, community banking, providing top-notch customer service, reinvesting deposits in loans that support local economic growth and job creation, and giving back generously to communities we serve through charitable donations and volunteerism."
The merger with Millbury Savings Bank marks the third transaction closed in 2019 for Hometown Financial Group. On January 31st, the company closed on its acquisition of Pilgrim Bancshares, Inc. This was followed by the merger of Abington Bank and Pilgrim Bank on May 17th. The closing of that transaction resulted in the formation of a $600 million bank with six branches operating in eastern Massachusetts.
About bankHometown
bankHometown was founded in 1889 and is headquartered in Oxford, Massachusetts. bankHometown has $1.0 billion in assets and 15 branches located throughout central Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut. Through its sponsorship and charitable giving program, bankHometown and the Hometown Bank Community Foundation support non-profit organizations and causes throughout Worcester and Windham Counties. In 2018, the Bank and Foundation donated more than $200,000 to over 110 organizations. For more information, visit bankhometown.com.
About Hometown Financial Group, Inc.
Hometown Financial Group, Inc. is a $3.0 billion mutual multi-bank holding company headquartered in Easthampton, Massachusetts and is the parent company of bankESB, bankHometown and Abington Bank. These separate and distinct banking franchises offer a complete line of consumer and business deposit and lending products through its 32 branch offices located throughout Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut. For additional information about Hometown Financial Group, please visit www.bankhfg.com.
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The Apollo Missions: Harrington Auxiliary Takes Flight
 On Thursday, October 10, 2019, the Harrington Auxiliary hosted Dino Tata, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador and member of the Aldrich Astronomical Society, as the featured guest at a special event at the Overlook in Charlton.
Tata shared his background as an enthusiastic star-gazer and his involvement in the space program. He also delivered an informative talk and slide presentation on the Apollo Missions to the Auxiliary members. The presentation coincided with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission.
In addition to his oral presentation, Tata displayed a number of historical items, including newspapers and magazines that memorialized the space program's accomplishments; an asteroid that fell to earth on February 12, 1947; a replica of the commemorative plaque placed on the moon; a 3-D model of the space shuttle, created by students from Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School; and several other items.
In addition to the educational talk, attendees enjoyed a luncheon prepared by the Overlook culinary staff.
For more information about the Harrington Auxiliary, please call the Volunteer Office at 508-765-6473.
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WANTED
Norcom Mortgage is on the hunt for licensed and experienced Loan Officers.
Do you have 2+ years of MORTGAGE EXPERIENCE?
Do you have a solid knowledge of FHA, CONVENTIONAL & VA LOANS?
*WE ARE NOW OFFERING REVERSE MORTGAGE LENDING*
INTERESTED?
CONTACT KRISTEN WALTHER
774.241.0770
LEARN MORE BY VISITING US AT
Please share this information with your friends and colleagues who may have an interest!
Thank you!
This is not an offer to make a loan or to make a loan or any particular terms. All loan applicants must qualify under underwriting requirements and satisfy all contingencies of loan approval. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. NMLS ID #71655 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)
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Annual Toy Drive Returns to North Brookfield Savings Bank
North Brookfield Savings Bank proudly partners with toy collection programs in North Brookfield, East Brookfield, West Brookfield, Ware, Belchertown, and Palmer to collect toys for local children. North Brookfield Savings Bank AVP/Regional Branch Manager/Consumer Loan Manager Cindy Fountain (left), Senior Vice President/Retail Banking Manager Patty Ostrout (right) and North Brookfield Police Officers with some of the toys donated last year.
For North Brookfield Savings Bank the holiday season is a special time of year. It's when people and communities come together. And what better way to do so than by helping make sure that all young community members experience a wonderful, joy-filled, holiday season.
Starting November 1st and running through December 15th North Brookfield Savings Bank's Annual Toy Drive aims to ensure holiday wishes comes true for our younger community members. Monetary donations and new toys will be collected at all Bank branch locations. To further brighten the holidays, North Brookfield Savings Bank will also make a $1,750 donation to local toy drive programs for the purchase of additional toys.
During the Toy Drive, community members are welcome to visit any branch location to make their donations of new unwrapped toys for children. All toys collected will be donated to local toy programs in each community, to ensure that local children in need will receive holiday presents. This year, the Bank's Ware branch location will be primarily accepting monetary donations to help their local toy program partner the Ware Police Department, who has reformatted their program to be more tailored to each family in need.
In addition to toys, NBSB will accept financial contributions in each branch location to purchase additional gifts for the toy drive. The bank will match every dollar donated, as well as contribute $1 for every toy collected, up to $250 per branch location.
"As a local Bank that places a high importance on embracing and committing to the values of kindness and community support, North Brookfield Savings Bank is proud to continue the tradition of hosting our Annual Toy Drive at our locations," said Donna Boulanger, President and CEO of North Brookfield Savings Bank. "We want to ensure that every child has the opportunity to have a wonderful holiday season, this year and every year. We know this goal is possible with the continued support and kindness of our local community members. We invite all of you to come visit us as you have so generously done in the past to make your contribution."
Donations are accepted at the North Brookfield Savings Bank branches following:
North Brookfield Branch, 9 Gilbert Street - partnering with the North Brookfield Police Association's Toys for Joys Program
East Brookfield Branch, 100 West Main Street, Route 9 - partnering with the East Brookfield Toys for Joy Program
West Brookfield Branch, 128 West Main Street, Route 9 - partnering with the West Brookfield Police Association Holiday Toy Program
Ware Branch, 40 Main Street, Route 9 - partnering with the Ware Police Department Holiday Toy Program
Belchertown Branch, 4 Daniel Shays Highway, Routes 9 and 202 - partnering with the Belchertown Firefighters Association Adopt-a-Family Program
Palmer Branch, 1051 Thorndike Street - partnering with the Palmer Lions Club Holiday Toy Program
Three Rivers Branch, 2060 Main Street - partnering with the Palmer Lions Club Holiday Toy Program
Boulanger continued, "The holiday season is about caring for those around us and being generous. It is heartwarming every year to witness how our community members support our communities and each other. By partnering with the local toy drive organizations and our giving residents we bring a child holiday cheer and truly embody the spirit of the holiday season. Thank you to everyone who plans to give this year and has supported this effort in the past."
Two additional North Brookfield Savings Bank holiday traditions, Belchertown Santa Day on Saturday, November 23rd and the West Brookfield White Christmas Open House on Sunday, December 8th, are also great opportunities to visit and contribute to the Annual Toy Drive, all while getting in the holiday spirit. New this year, North Brookfield Savings Bank is a proud sponsor of Light Up Palmer, an event dedicated to lighting up the business section of downtown Depot Village and celebrating the holiday season with the community.
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.
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Harrington Nurse Educators Training Others to Save Lives
with 'Stop the Bleed' Initiative
Harrington held training this past spring for all of the Dudley-Charlton school nurses.
With more than 40 combined years treating emergency room patients, Harrington Nurses Heather LaFlamme and Amanda White have seen their fair share of traumatic injuries.
So when they had an opportunity to educate others on how to help someone who was experiencing traumatic bleeding, they jumped at the chance.
White and LaFlamme are two of the lead trainers for the healthcare system's 'Stop the Bleed' campaign.
Death from trauma, including post-traumatic bleeding, can occur in 3-5 minutes.
"When people hear the name of the training, they automatically think of a school shooting or another traumatic mass casualty situation," White said. "But in reality, this training can help someone in need on any given day -- from a lawn mowing accident to a mishap in a vocational school workshop."
Stop the Bleed
was, in fact, developed by medical professionals following the 2012 Sandy Hook school shootings. However, the program has since expanded into a national campaign to better prepare the public to save lives by raising awareness of basic actions to stop life-threatening bleeding following emergencies and natural disasters.
The program has been adopted and expanded by the Department of Homeland Security, now branded as "
Until Help Arrives
," and includes several medical and security partners, including the American College of Surgeons, Committee on Trauma, Federal Bureau of Investigations and Department of Defense.
According to a 2016
National Academies of Science
study, trauma is the leading cause of death for Americans under age 46. Life-threatening injuries require immediate action to prevent an injured person from dying.
"A training like Stop the Bleed
is not just effective, but a critical tool to empower each other and be better prepared in the event of an emergency," LaFlamme said.
Now, LaFlamme and White are taking their mission on the road. Their program structure is largely to "train the trainer"; a
grassroots effort that encourages bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency. The training includes an educational lecture and a hands-on demonstration.
So far, LaFlamme and White, along with Harrington Emergency Department Nurse Jason Osborne, have successfully educated and trained hundreds of individuals and multiple groups, including the Worcester Regional Medical Reserve Corps and a local group of Park Rangers affiliated with the Army Corps of Engineers.
Lois Luniewicz is the coordinator for the Worcester Regional Medical Reserve Corps, a group that recently received the training.
"[
The team] did a phenomenal presentation and we are very grateful. They showed personal dedication toward advancing these life-saving techniques, as well as first-hand experiences," she said.
All of Harrington's 1,400 employees have been invited to become a Stop the Bleed certified trainer at sessions being held on campus during the month of November.
LaFlamme and White are also trying to establish relationships with local schools to train staff and faculty at all grade levels. This past spring, they taught the course to the Dudley/Charlton district school nurses.
"Many people don't realize that you don't need fancy medical equipment to save a life," LaFlamme said. "We educate people on how to use what they have in front of them--the most basic everyday items can become life-saving tools in an emergency. That's part of what makes this training so important."
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Cornerstone Bank Makes Donation to Kennedy-Donovan Center
Pictured L to R: Kennedy-Donovan Center's Foundation & Communications Manager Amy Chaunt; Cornerstone Bank Chairman & CEO K. Michael Robbins; and Kennedy-Donovan Center's Program Director Robin Weber.
Cornerstone Bank's Charitable Donations Committee is proud to announce its recent donation of $1,500 to the Kennedy-Donovan Center (KDC). This donation will help the Center implement the final phase of the sensory inclusive playground for their South Central Early Intervention Program located in Southbridge, MA. This playground will allow children of all abilities to play together as one.
The act of play is a crucial component in the successful growth of the brain, body, and mind. The sensory inclusive playground will help children improve their balance, provide external exposure to real life circumstances with and without their peers, manage external distractions, assimilate to unfamiliar spaces, and provide the ability to adapt outside of their own home and in their own community.
The KDC is a non-profit human service agency serving families in eastern and central Massachusetts and northern Connecticut. The KDC provides a wide range of programs, including in-home services to support children, adolescents and adults with developmental delays, disabilities or family challenges.
"Interaction and activity play an important role in children's development," stated Cornerstone Bank Chairman & CEO K. Michael Robbins. "We are pleased to support the South Central Early Intervention Program with the final phase of their sensory inclusive playground."
For more information about the Kennedy-Donovan Center's South Central Early Intervention Program, visit
KDC.org or call 508-765-0292.
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.
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North Brookfield Savings Bank Recognizes Employees for Years of Service
 North Brookfield Savings Bank hosted their Annual Employee Appreciation event on October 15th at the Publick House in Sturbridge, thanking all of the employees for their dedication to the success of the Bank and their commitment to supporting our customers and local communities.
Every year, North Brookfield Savings Bank recognizes and rewards employees for their dedication to the Bank and for the outstanding service they provide to our customers and communities. At the event, North Brookfield Savings Bank honored employees who reached special anniversaries with the Bank by presenting them with Years of Service awards and a gift. This year, employees ranged from having 5 to 25 years of service, and over 80 years of service combined.
The following North Brookfield Savings Bank employees received Years of Service Awards in 2019.
5 Years of Service
Jennifer Hatt, Operations Specialist
Lynn Pion, Branch Support Specialist
Wendy Swallow, Branch Support Specialist
Nicole Syriac, Supervisor/Marketing Coordinator
Steven Warman, Maintenance Supervisor
10 Years of Service
Caitlin O'Connor, Assistant Vice President/Marketing Manager
20 Years of Service
Tammy Gustafson, Assistant Branch Manager
25 Years of Service
Laurie Lacaire, Teller
"Congratulations to these wonderful employees for reaching their Years of Service milestones," said Donna Boulanger, North Brookfield Savings Bank President and CEO. "Each one of them has contributed to the Bank's overall success and has shown their commitment to providing our customers and communities with the best service possible. They make our team stronger every day."
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bankHometown voted best in Customer Service and Overall Quality
by the 2019 Banking Choice Awards
Pictured (L to R): Maria Thomas, Assistant Vice President, Branch Officer, Thompson, CT; Michelle Kile,
Senior Vice President, Retail Banking; and Jennifer McKenna, Branch Manager, Brooklyn, CT.
Robert J. Morton, President and CEO of bankHometown, announced that the bank was recently honored at the 2019 Banking Choice Awards in the categories of Customer Service, Technology and Tools, Community Contribution, and Overall Quality. The awards were presented as part of the Best Bank Expo at the MGM Springfield Resort and Casino.
"We are grateful to the community who took the time to participate in this survey and to express their satisfaction with bankHometown. We pride ourselves on offering a high level of service and we appreciate being recognized for our efforts," said Morton. "I am also extremely grateful for our employees and the job they do every day by serving our customers and supporting our communities."
bankHometown was ranked the Top Bank in the eastern Connecticut area for Customer Service, Technology, and Overall Quality.
The Banking Choice Awards are presented by American Business Media and Customer Experience Solutions, LLC. These awards are based on interviews with hundreds of thousands of banking customers conducted by Customer Experience Solutions, LLC in a double-blind format. No financial institutions were involved in collecting the data. Customer Experience Solutions is a recognized leader in tracking and measuring customer concerns, attitudes and impressions, as well as administrators for comprehensive independent surveys to hundreds of thousands of bank customers across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
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WE'RE HIRING!
Radical Solutions is looking for a Chamber Ambassador!
Flexible Hours
Part Time
Meet New People
Paid Commission
Expense Account
We are looking to hire an energetic, outgoing, self-motivated individual to represent our brand within the Chambers of Commerce we partner with. The Brand Ambassador will grow relationships with the businesses within our community.
Chamber events are typically in the morning, lunch time, or evening. The Brand Ambassador will be expected to attend events at each chamber, set up meetings, create and build professional relationships with fellow chamber members.
The Brand Ambassador will have the potential to earn uncapped commission across our service lines on opportunities developed through chamber engagement.
Ideally, we are seeking candidates looking to supplement income, gain valuable work experience, or stay connected to the community.
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"Autumn is marching on: even the scarecrows are wearing dead leaves."
-Otsuyu Nakagawa
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Publick House Cooks for Community Organizations
Help us give back to the community by joining us for our monthly feasts to raise money for local organizations. Sponsored organizations will split a minimum of $4.00 from every dinner served!
November 11
Sturbridge Lions Club
Disabled American Veterans
AMERICAN FEAST
CASH DONATION
Held in Paige Hall or under the Tent!
SEATING ONE: 4:30pm-6:15pm
SEATING TWO: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Casual Dining * Open Seating * No Reservations
All Feasts include...
Tossed Salad with Maple Vinaigrette, Dinner Rolls, Dessert, Coffee & Soft Drinks
Thank you for your support!
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WIB November Networking Luncheon
November 13, 11:45a to 1:00p at The Publick Hous
e
Twice a year we hold a networking meeting so it is all about our members and guests and getting to know each other and our businesses and services. Join us for lunch at Publick House and share your story with us. You are encouraged to bring business cards, product samples and marketing materials. Tables will be available for your information. Non-members welcome. Register online.
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Nichols College Graduate & Professional Studies
Virtual Information Session
Earning a master's degree is like giving yourself a raise.
Enjoy your lunch hour while learning more about Nichols College graduate programs and how to fund them!
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
from Noon - 1:00 PM
Join us for an interactive webinar during your lunch hour.
We'll answer your questions on financing, scheduling and more! Start the graduate program you've been thinking about and stay on track towards your 2020 career goals!
CHAMBER MEMBERS:
Nichols College offers a 10% discount to Chamber members off of their tuition on Graduate and Professional Studies programs.
Type this link into a browser for webinar access: nichols.edu/webinar
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Fundraiser to Benefit United Way
Bemis Farms Wreath Making
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
6:00PM - 8:00PM
Bemis Farms Nursery, 29 North Brookfield Rd., Spencer, MA 01562
or by calling 508-765-5491
$40 per person registration required
All supplies included
Light snacks and beverages provided
Raffles
Invite your friends and co-workers!
Wreath Making for the United Way
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260 West Main Street, Route 9, West Brookfield, MA
Rich with history, the
Salem Cross Inn
is a restored 18th century farmhouse
nestled on 600 acres of New England countryside.
A Wedding Wire Couples' Choice Award
and
The Knot Best of Weddings Award recipient for 2019.
Fireplace Feasts are back!
Take a trip back in time and enjoy our 1700's colonial inspired feasts,
prepared on the open hearth of a great fieldstone fireplace.
Make your reservations
online or call Salem Cross Inn at (508) 867-2345
Thanksgiving - November 28
What better way to celebrate a historical moment of thanks then by participating in a traditional Thanksgiving meal with Salem Cross Inn!
Our Dining Room is open at 11:30am with reservations on the half hour.
Make your reservations online or call Salem Cross Inn at (508) 867-2345.
for updates (including weather), event photos and future menu postings!
Open Full Schedule:
APRIL 4-DECEMBER 30, 2019
Tuesday to Friday (Lunch & Dinner) - 11:30am to 9:00pm
Saturday (Dinner) - 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Sunday (Dinner) - 12 Noon to 8:00pm
Hexmark Tavern:
Tuesday to Friday (Dinner) - 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
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Village Toastmasters Weekly Meetings
Thursday Evenings, 7:00-8:15pm
CHAMBER OF CENTRAL MASS SOUTH CONFERENCE ROOM
46 Hall Road, Sturbridge
Village Toastmasters is a local group focused on helping its members improve their public speaking and leadership skill while building confidence in their abilities.
As of Thursday, April 27, 2017, Village Toastmasters will meet every Thursday from 7:00-8:15 pm
at the offices of the Chamber of Central Mass South, located at 46 Hall Road, Sturbridge.
Guests are always welcome!!
Please arrive 15 minutes early (6:45pm) as meetings start promptly.
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Click on the image to browse our catalog of Coggno training courses!
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We Welcome Interesting Goodies for our Welcome Baskets!
 The Chamber has teamed up with the Center of Hope to create gift baskets to welcome new members to the Chamber of Central Mass South. The Chamber presents our new members with gift baskets that will not only have a monetary value but also to give the recipient an opportunity to learn more about other Chamber members and their services. These baskets make a terrific first impression and are a great way to introduce your business to new prospects. Can you help us fill these baskets with interesting goodies?
We are always seeking interesting, practical items to include in our welcome baskets. We welcome your contributions of items like modest gift certificates, discount coupons, items with your company's logo like piggy banks, thumb drives and coffee mugs, free trial items, small items your company manufactures or whatever else might promote your company and be a value to our new members. We are looking to assemble about a dozen baskets at a time so that time sensitive material will not be out of date when received. If you would like to donate items for this program, please drop them off at the Chamber office or give us a call to arrange pick up your donated items. Contact Alix at 508-347-2761 or e-mail [email protected] if you have any questions or to arrange a pickup. Thank you for your contributions!
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Important Dates to Save!
November 2:
A New England Thanksgiving Opens at OSV
November 3: Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 7:
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Studio 20/20
November 7: Venture's Wine & Beer Tasting
November 10: Marine Corps League 244th Birthday Ball
November 11: Veteran's Day
November 12: Fun at Five at Mexicali Mexican Grill with Klem's
November 13: Woman in Business Networking Luncheon
November 13: Wreath Making Fundraiser for United Way
November 16: Home of the Brave 5k
December 11: Holiday Fun at Five at The Publick House
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VISIT US ONLINE FOR LOCAL EVENTS AND MORE
www.cmschamber.org
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Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran's Pinning Ceremony: November 12, 2-4pm: at the Holland Community Center. Friends and family are also welcome. Please RSVP if you can join us at 413-245-3163, or 
The Harrington Auxiliary is proud to bring back Gary McKinstry, world-renowned, professional medium and psychic, to Old Sturbridge Village on Wednesday, November 6, 2019, from 6 pm to 8 pm. McKinstry will use his psychic powers to connect attendees with loved ones who have passed to the other side.
