| |
|
|
|
Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
|
|
Executive Committee
Jocelyn Callis
Chair
Jessica Bettencourt
1st Vice Chair
Cindy Howard
Immediate Past 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
|
| Chamber Links |
|
|
|
|
|
Welcome to September's CROSSROADS NEWS!
This issue is in your inbox on the last day of August so you won't miss a minute of the action starting with Labor Day weekend right through and beyond the middle of September! There is a lot to experience in the coming month. In addition to important news items from our Members and friends, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and involved. We network at the Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center on the 10th, cut the official ribbon at Baystate Dental of Sturbridge on the 18th, and host our free Member Orientation session on the 19th. We've got a pretty tasty Brown Bag Seminar coming up, too! Read on for all the details and we hope to see you soon!
Got news? Thank you for emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in Crossroads! Keep posting your upcoming events to our online events calendar! We love sharing them with our readers! Extra for Experts! Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest for more from your Chamber! |
|
NETWORK WITH YOUR CHAMBER
Fun at Five!
Monday, September 10
5:00-7:00pm
Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center
14 Mechanic Street, Southbridge, MA, 508-765-8000
Join us as we say 'Goodbye' to Summer
and kick off another spectacular Autumn!
We will meet at the Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center in the outdoor Courtyard which features a fire pit and soft seating. Come and network with your fellow members! A variety of food selections from our menu will be served. Try a specialty drink from the cash bar or grab a cold one from the 10 Tap Craft Brew Station in Shades Lounge! Participate in assorted lawn games including Corn Hole and Jenga!
(In the case of inclement weather, the event will move indoors to the newly renovated lobby.)
You could win:
An Overnight Stay for Two including Breakfast at Southbridge Hotel
Or
A Six-Month Membership to Focus Fitness at Southbridge Hotel
Thanks to our host, Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center!
Register for Fun at Five by
email
or phone.
508-347-2761
Cost is $10 for Members who pre-register,
$15 at the door, or $20 for non-Members.
Thank you to our September
Fun at Five Sponsor!
OFS has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in the history of American business with a heritage dating back to Alexander Graham Bell.
Our continued commitment to quality and innovation has been instrumental in shaping the future of optical communications and fiber optic technology.
|
The Chamber of Central Mass South
and Baystate Dental
cordially invite you to attend a
RIBBON CUTTING
CEREMONY
September 18, 2018
8:30am
Baystate Dental
of Sturbridge
100 Charlton Road, Suite 25
The Center at Hobbs Brook, Sturbridge, MA
(
774) 243-2786
Please join us as we welcome our newest Members, Baystate Dental of Sturbridge! Come by on the morning of Tuesday, September 18 to help us celebrate their Grand Opening in the Center at Hobbs Brook.
There will be free promo items, light refreshments, an opportunity to tour the new offices which come equipped with the latest technology, and meet the doctors and staff. Friendly and affordable, Baystate Dental of Sturbridge is focused on providing not only the expert dental services you require, but also on making your experience as smooth and easy as possible.
Visit online for more information and to make an appointment!
"We are all excited to be a part of the growing community of Sturbridge and its surrounding areas. We provide dental services for the entire family in our brand new, state-of-the-art dental office and accept most insurances to provide this care. Healthy mouths are our goal," says Dr. Matthew Haluch.
We hope to see you at the Ribbon Cutting!
No RSVP necessary! Just come on by!
|
Remember... MEMBER TO MEMBER!
Check out a NEW M2M Offer from our friends at...
Appraisal Fee Lender Credit - up to $500!
We THANK YOU for KEEPING IT LOCAL...
|
|
|
Get the Most from Your Membership!
New Member Orientation
September 19, 8:30AM TO 9:45AM
The Chamber offers these 75-minute sessions to help our new members and people who may be considering joining the Chamber to maximize the benefits they receive from their membership. Veteran members are welcome to join in as well and get a refresher on all the benefits of being a Chamber Member. We are very pleased to invite you to participate the next session which will take place on the morning of Wednesday, September 19th in the Conference Room at the Chamber Office in Sturbridge.
The details of this
FREE program follow.
Please RSVP if you are able to attend.
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION
SEPTEMBER 19, 8:30AM TO 9:45AM
(Please arrive at 8:15 for a prompt 8:30 start)
CHAMBER OF CENTRAL MASS SOUTH CONFERENCE ROOM
46 HALL ROAD, STURBRIDGE, MA
AGENDA
Welcome
Introductions
My Chamber Experience
Maximizing Your Membership
Networking Exercise
CMS Referral Group
Venly
SCORE
Coggno
Advocacy
Affiliation with Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
Committees
Questions & Answers
Closing
Coffee & Light Refreshments will be available.
We sincerely hope you will join us as we present these tools, tips, and strategies to help you get the very most out of your Chamber Membership. Feel free to give us a ring if you have any questions.
If you are able to attend, please RSVP
to Paulette via phone at 508-347-2761 or email
[email protected]
.
If you are unable to attend this session but would like to be informed of future sessions, please let us know. Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing you soon!
|
Let's Cake Decorate with Susan!
Presented by: Susan Gaulin of "Let's Cake Decorate"
Tuesday, September 25 at Noon
Chamber Conference Room
46 Hall Road, Sturbridge
FREE
for CMS Chamber Members, $15 for non-Members.
Space is Limited! Please RSVP.
Feel free to bring your lunch. Use our microwave to heat it up!
Relax, learn and grow with us!
Susan will introduce you to her world of sugar art and her business
"Let's Cake Decorate."
Even if you feel that cake decorating isn't 'your thing' you'll see that Susan's classes can be designed for anyone, because everyone likes entertainment! Classes can be arranged as simply entertaining fun, all the way to more technique-specific classes. It's a great activity for co-worker events as well as family and friends' get-togethers, especially for the upcoming holidays!
Come get a taste of this edible art as she guides you step-by-step to decorate two cupcakes with autumn buttercream flowers that you can take home and enjoy! Learn how fun and easy decorating can be!
 About the Presenter: Susan Gaulin
Hi Everyone! My name is Susan and I'm thrilled to share with you my love of the beautiful sugar art of cake decorating! I've been decorating for 25+ years since I first enrolled in the Wilton Method of Cake Decorating Courses as a teenager. At that time, they were offered as correspondence courses that were sent in the mail. I can still feel the excitement I had when that big box of decorating tools and instructions arrived at the doorstep! I couldn't wait to dig in and practice!
Well, practice I did, over and over I would make those detailed roses and rosebuds. I practiced and learned enough to make my own wedding cake (what Cake Boss would call old-school) with pillars, fountain, staircases and all!
Although I still enjoy making occasional specialty cakes for friends and family, I realized the enjoyment of showing others how to decorate their own beautiful sweet creations. So eventually, after enrolling in many more skills and technique classes and training at the Wilton School (and raising four wonderful boys with many, many birthday cakes) I started my own business "Let's Cake Decorate" teaching classes throughout Central Massachusetts at various local venues, community centers, and private In-Your-Home Class/Parties.
I currently schedule routine classes at Charlton Arts & Activities Center, Hitchcock Academy, Bay Path High School Evening Classes, Seven Hills Foundation, along with private In-Your-Home Classes and occasionally other venues, libraries, and restaurants.
My favorite part of teaching is hearing a student look at their sweet decorated creation at the end of class and say, "I'm so proud of myself right now - I made this!"
|
|
Welcome New Members!
Please join us in welcoming our newest Members.
Brimfield Sign and Company
292 Warren Road, Brimfield, MA
Digital Federal Credit Union
131 Gold Star Blvd., Worcester, MA
508-595-1202
We Are All In This Together (WAITT)
Marketing Company Creating Community Collaborations
73 Main Street, Ashland, MA
844-55-WAITT
CHECK OUT THIS YOUTUBE VIDEO ABOUT WAITT!
|
Please consider dining out at Baba Sushi Sturbridge on September 2, this Sunday!
A portion of your bill will go to the Chamber of Central Mass South thanks to Baba Sushi and WAITT (We're All In This Together), the organization that creates community collaborations for all the right reasons.
We thank you for your support!
This program assists many of our Members and local non-profits in our area that we know and love.
We encourage our Member businesses to get involved with WAITT and create more community collaborations!
Visit WAITT online or give them a ring at 844-55-WAITT today!
|
2nd Annual Membership Directory Photo Contest
We are seeking amazing 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 2019 Membership Directory and the runners up may be used in the 2019 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, 2018.
Thank you in advance for your best shots of our towns!
Southbridge, Sturbridge, Charlton, Brimfield, The Brookfields,
Holland, Spencer, Wales, Warren, Northern CT
Chamber of Central Mass South
Questions? 508-347-2761
|
Harrington Physician Services Welcomes New Providers
Alireza Nazhad, M.D. Jeffrey Gordon, M.D. Shannon Short, D.O.
Alireza Nazhad, MD
, board-certified cardiologist, has joined the Harrington Physician Services (HPS) office at 79 Sayles St. in Southbridge. He joins Dr. Paul Santolucito and Nurse Practitioner Paula Shonak.
The HPS office provides preventive and diagnostic cardiology care including stress testing, lipid and hypertension management, permanent pacemaker therapy and more. New patients welcome; call 508-764-6041.
Dr. Nazhad received his medical degree from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran. He completed both his internal medicine residency and fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester.
Dr. Nezhad is a well-versed academic professional. He has presented numerous academic presentations and has many online publications, in addition to over 25 peer-reviewed articles and webinars. He has sat on various committees including First Iranian Congress in Emergency Medicine and chaired a committee for enhance public awareness of cardiorespiratory resuscitation while at Shiraz University. He is a member of several professional affiliations, including the American Medical and Massachusetts Medical Society.
Jeffrey Gordon, M.D
., has joined The Cancer Center at Harrington, providing both oncology and hematology care for patients. He joins Dr. Christopher Seidler and Physician Assistant Donna Kentley at 55 Sayles Street in Southbridge. New patients welcome; for a referral or more information, call 508-764-2400.
Dr. Gordon received his medical degree from Brandeis University in Waltham and completed his fellowship in oncology and hematology at University of Massachusetts Medical Center. He also completed his residency and internship in internal medicine from University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester.
Dr. Gordon is a Worcester native and currently lives in Woodstock, Connecticut.
He is very active in community education and municipal government. Dr. Jeffrey Gordon was part of the Town of Woodstock, Planning & Zoning Commission, Municipal Telecommunications task force, and sat in the state of Connecticut medical examining board appointed by the Governor. He is also an active member of the American Society of Hematology, American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Medical Association.
Shannon Short, D.O.,
has returned to the Harrington Physician Services (HPS) family practice office at 255 E. Old Sturbridge Road in Brimfield. She will join Drs. Ruth Benet and James Goodwin and Nurse Practitioner Kim Vetal beginning in September. New and former patients welcome. For an appointment, call 413-245-3389.
Dr. Short, board certified in Family Medicine, will be providing routine and preventative care for all ages. She previously worked for HPS from 2014-2016.
She received her medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency at the Puget Sound Family Medicine Residency Program in Bremerton, WA, as well as an internship in Pediatrics at Naval Medical Center in San Diego, CA.
Dr. Short most recently practiced at Harrington from Hartford HealthCare Medical Group, where she started two new practice locations and supervised midlevel providers.
|
Are you working hard at a job but would prefer a career?
The Webster Adult Basic Education Linkages/Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School Introduction to Machine Shop/Manufacturing Technology program may be right for you!
This 20-week, 2 night per week course prepares adult students for jobs in the field of Advanced Manufacturing by introducing them to the fundamentals of machining.
Students spend one night in the classroom and one night in the shop working on machines each week. 150 companies in Massachusetts are ready to hire students who successfully pass the certification test.
Classes are FREE for eligible students.
Please Attend ONE of the following Placement Testing Sessions to Enroll:
Wednesday, September 12 at 5:00 PM
Or
Monday, September 17 at 5:00 PM
Placement Testing Sessions will be held at Bay Path Vocational Technical High School, 57 Old Muggett Hill Road, Charlton, MA 01507
For additional information, call Terri Gillardi at 508-949-8282 or by email at [email protected] or call Chris Faucher at 508-248-5971 x 1715/1714
Visit the webpage for more info: www.webster-schools.org/Page/69
|
|
bankHometown Welcomes Kimberly Sweet as Branch Manager
of Killingly Office
 Matthew S. Sosik, President and CEO of bankHometown, announced that Kimberly Sweet has accepted the position as Branch Manager of their Killingly location starting on June 11th.
Prior to joining bankHometown, Kimberly was the Assistant Branch Manager/Personal Financial Specialist for Webster Bank. She was recognized as a Top Performer in 2017 for her leadership and partnership with investments and was nominated to participate in the bank's inaugural licensed banker program.
Kimberly obtained her Series 6, 63, and Life/Health/Fixed Annuities licenses and has over eleven years of management experience. Kimberly graduated from University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor's Degree in English.
Kimberly is a member of the Newport Preservation Society and an active volunteer at her local animal shelter and Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of RI. She enjoys spending time with her fiancé, traveling to Block Island, playing volleyball, and keeping up with her two seven month old puppies.
bankHometown has served its communities since 1889
with offices in Massachusetts (Athol, Auburn, Leominster, Oxford, Lancaster, Sturbridge and Webster) and Connecticut (Putnam, Brooklyn, Killingly, Thompson and Woodstock).
Depositors of bankHometown have their deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for amounts up to $250,000 with amounts in excess of $250,000 insured in full by the Share Insurance Fund, a private excess insurer.
|
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?
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)
|
Cornerstone Bank Donates to Stuff the Bus Campaign
Pictured L to R, Cornerstone Bank employees: VP/Controller Scott Dungey; VP/HR Business Partner Bonnie Losavio; Operations Specialist Donna Reynolds; Accounting Generalist Laura Pimental; Operations Assistant Manager Katelyn Krikorian; Sr. Operations Specialist Wendy Coran; and Assistant Branch Manager
Christina Abbotts.
The summer is winding down, and students are gearing up to go back to school. This can be a financially difficult time for some parents, providing not only new school clothes, but also school supplies.
Cornerstone Bank helps students in need by holding an annual "Stuff the Bus" drive to gather backpacks and school supplies for students in the surrounding community.
This year, from July 30th through August 10th, Cornerstone Bank employees generously donated many back to school supplies to two local organizations, Catholic Charities of Southbridge and Rainbow Child Development Center of Worcester. Catholic Charities of Southbridge will distribute these items to students in need throughout the surrounding area and the Rainbow Child Development Center of Worcester will use the donated supplies right in their classrooms where they provide quality early education and care to at risk children.
"We are so happy to be able to partner with Catholic Charities and the Rainbow Child Development Center," stated Cornerstone Bank AVP of Human Resources Bonnie Losavio. "The start of the school year is an exciting time, and we are pleased to be able to help students throughout our community".
Donations are welcome and accepted at Catholic Charities, 79 Elm Street, Southbridge, MA and Rainbow Child Development Center, 10 Edward Street, Worcester, MA.
|
bankHometown Welcomes Nancy S. Roberts as AVP and Branch Manager
of Webster Branches
 Matthew S. Sosik, President and CEO of bankHometown, announced that Nancy S. Roberts has accepted the position as AVP and Branch Manager of the two Webster Branches (4 Gore Road and 218R Main Street) starting on June 6th.
Prior to joining bankHometown, Nancy was the Vice President, Business Development Branch Manager at Eastern Savings Bank. She worked previously at First Niagara Bank and People's United Bank. Nancy was born and raised in Queens, NY.
She moved to Connecticut and is an active member of her community. She has been involved with several non-profits and community groups such as the Danielson Rotary, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, and the Deary Memorial Cancer Fund Auction. She is currently Vice President of the Board of Martin House, Inc., Thames River Community Service Inc., and serves on both finance and personnel committees.
In 2012, she was honored to participate in Follow the Fifty, a group formed of more than 180 women from northeastern Connecticut who vowed to participate in a year long journey to be community models of heart health as well as bring awareness of heart disease in women.
Nancy is an avid scrap booker, a covenant member of the Green Valley Crossing, and resides in Danielson with her husband, Ron. She has two children, Mathew and Michael, who reside in Massachusetts.
|
The Sleepy Hollow Experience Returns to
Old Sturbridge Village This Fall | Tickets On Sale NOW
Immersive, Outdoor Theatrical Production to Retell Washington Irving's Classic Tale
New England's Newest Halloween Tradition
After more than 60 sold-out performances in 2016 and 2017, Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) once again brings Serenbe Playhouse's The Sleepy Hollow Experience to the living history museum this fall. The immersive, outdoor theatrical performance has become New England's newest Halloween tradition. Tickets for this fall's run are on sale now at
www.osv.org/sleepy-hollow.
Guests of The Sleepy Hollow Experience will be enthralled by this classic, spooky tale set in the 19th century - with all of the thrills, chills and laughs that keep audience members on the edge of their seats. The tale - originally written by Washington Irving and published in 1820 - revolves around the bumbling, awkward schoolteacher, Ichabod Crane, the coquettish Katrina Van Tassel, and Ichabod's brutish rival, Brom Bones. In this immersive, experiential adaptation, guests will be guided by roving minstrel storytellers through Old Sturbridge Village's countryside, while the Headless Horseman rushes about on horseback and through the museum's historic Vermont covered bridge.
An hour and a half before the start of each show, guests may purchase libations, chowders and soups, snacks and sweets at Ichabod's Tavern at Old Sturbridge Village, as well as additional drinks and sweets during intermission.
Show dates and times for The Sleepy Hollow Experience at Old Sturbridge Village are September 26 - November 4, with performances on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm; Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30 and 9:30 pm. Ticket prices range from $35-$45, with a special $25 rate on Thursdays for college students. The Sleepy Hollow Experience is performed outdoors - rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, a modified version of the show will take place in the Stephen M. Brewer Theater at the Village's Visitor Center. No refunds or exchanges.
"It's so exciting for me to see The Sleepy Hollow Experience get a new life in New England and at the region's largest and premier living history museum," says Brian Clowdus, President and Executive/Artistic Director of Brian Clowdus Experience. "When I first toured Old Sturbridge Village in 2016, I couldn't have imagined in a million years a more perfect backdrop for the retelling of Washington Irving's 19th-century tale. As director, Old Sturbridge Village offers me so many unique opportunities to super-size the immersive nature of the show. Audience members are in for one spooky, fun-filled night."
Asked about bringing the production back to OSV, James Donahue, President/CEO of Old Sturbridge Village said, "After this show's smashing success, our constituents confirmed that this outdoor, theatrical adaptation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow offers New Englanders a unique opportunity to experience Old Sturbridge Village in an entirely new and unexpected way. The production allows the museum to introduce a Halloween program that has both historical context and relevance to the region."
Austin Tijerina will reprise his role as Ichabod Crane; additional cast members will be named at a later date. Leading the creative team is director Brian Clowdus with original scenic design by Adam Koch and Steven Royal, sound and lighting design by Bobby Johnston, and costume design by Erik Teague. All photos are credited to BreeAnne Clowdus. The media sponsor for the event is Worcester Magazine.
For more information about The Sleepy Hollow Experience at Old Sturbridge Village and to purchase tickets, visit www.osv.org/sleepy-hollow.
|
Harrington Awarded $440,000 to Better Manage
Chronic Disease Populations
 Harrington HealthCare System has been awarded a $440,000 grant from the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) to fund a comprehensive approach to managing chronic disease.
The funding falls under the Alternative Payment Methods (APM) Preparation Fund of HHS' Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program, which builds and strengthens the statewide healthcare workforce and healthcare infrastructure by better meeting members' needs through more integrated and coordinated care and moderating the cost trend.
With Harrington's grant money, the health care system plans to focus on a multidisciplinary approach to chronic disease management, beginning with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia patients. Through the employment of Care Navigators and Behavioral Health specialists, the program will integrate several touchpoints across a patient's continuum of treatment, including primary care, acute care, behavioral health and post-acute settings.
"The grant will allow for a nurse to assist in the clinical needs of the disease and a behavioral health specialist to assist in barriers to leading a healthy life," said Jessica Calcidise, BSN, RN, vice president of nursing and ancillary operations. "Social determinants can prohibit a patient from leading a healthy life with a chronic disease. Behavior modification can be a key to success."
Over the past three years, Harrington has expanded its Patient Navigation program through funding from the Community Hospital Acceleration, Revitalization, and Transformation (CHART) Investment Program. Through this grant, Harrington was able to achieve a 34 percent reduction in the number of Emergency Department revisits for patients with behavioral health comorbidities and create a stronger rapport between the navigator and the patient, among other notable successes.
Calcidise explained that while there will not be an extension of the CHART funding, the DSRIP grant, in addition to $486,000 recently awarded through the HPC, gives Harrington nearly $1 million in funding to continue to improve and expand these services to the community. Both grants will employ members of the original CHART programs to continue achieving value-based care.
The APM Fund is a statewide initiative with the focus on building and strengthening PHOs readiness, to enable those providers to join an existing MassHealth ACO, and thus contribute to improved health outcomes and reduce the total cost of care for MassHealth members.
Harrington is planning to participate in the Boston Accountable Care Organization (BACO) with Boston Medical Center Health Plan to help manage some 10,000 Medicaid patients within its footprint and better align their access to care. The healthcare system has hired Lisa Casasanta, MPH, as its new executive director for the PHO.
"Harrington Healthcare is perfectly positioned for an ACO. The development and growth of the physician network, diverse/robust behavioral health and the care management model lend the health system to great success in the value-based payment model for MassHealth members," said Casasanta. "The opportunity for Harrington Healthcare to be part of this statewide initiative to transform care for MassHealth members in an important step forward in our commitment to patient centered care."
|
When summer gathers up her robes of glory,
And, like a dream, glides away.
~ Sarah Helen Whitman
|
Sturbridge Community
Blood Drive
Southbridge Credit Union
American Red Cross Bloodmobile
120 Charlton Road, Sturbridge, MA, 01566
TODAY! Friday, August 31, 2018
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Please call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit
RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment.
|
TODAY, AUGUST 31st IS FREE FUN FRIDAY AT OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE!
Militia Weekend at OSV
September 1-2
In the 1830s, all male American citizens from 18 to 30 were active members of their local militia companies. Labor Day weekend will feature all the sights and sounds of the training days that these companies took part in at least twice a year. The days' events will include everything from cannon and musket demonstrations, to martial music and sham battles, and even live firing of muskets at targets. Come join us for what was one of the most storied events of the year for New Englanders in the 1830s. See more about Militia Weekend at this link. More about Free Fun Friday here.
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road
Sturbridge MA 01566
|
Don't Forget...
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
VOTE in MA State Primaries today!
|
One More Time This Year: September Brimfield Shows!
September 4-9
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to staff the Chamber's Information Booth!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
The Brimfield Antiques and Collectibles Show has been dubbed "the Queen of the outdoor shows" and a Smithsonian Treasure. A New England tradition, the extravaganza represents the largest outdoor gathering of antique and collectibles dealers in the country with acres of tents showcasing the merchandise of thousands of dealers! As many as 4,500 dealers make Brimfield their home away from home three times a year (in May, July and September) and sell their wares on a one mile stretch of Route 20. Brimfield offers all amenities to buyers which makes Brimfield a buyers' paradise you will want to experience again and again. Join the thousands of shoppers who make the Brimfield Shows their #1 destination for the finest in antiques, collectibles and the unusual. There are 20 shows for your shopping pleasure. Rain or Shine.
Get the App!
Here's a whole new way to do the Brimfield Shows! Get the smart phone app that uses GPS technology to help you find the treasures you seek at the Brimfield Shows! Great tool for shoppers and dealers! It even helps you find your car after a long day in the fields. Check it out and download this amazing app today! www.brimfieldapp.com
|
QQLA Paddle Poker Run
September 8
 The Quaboag Quacumquasit Lake Association (QQLA) will hold its fifth annual Paddle Poker Run on Saturday, September 8, with registration starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Lake Quaboag (North Pond) boat ramp.
The family event starts at noon and proceeds approximately 4 miles into Lake Quacumquasit (South Pond) and back. Paddlers will pick up one playing card at each of 5 locations around both lakes and return to the boat ramp with a five-card poker hand. The top hand will win the grand prize of $250. Prizes will also be awarded for the second and third best hands, and the worst hand.
Participants may compete in kayaks, canoes, row boats or on paddle boards. The competition begins at noon and ends at 4:00 p.m. at the Quaboag boat ramp. The entrance fee is $20 per boat. Proceeds from this fund raiser will be used to treat invasive weeds in the two lakes and to help provide facilities at both boat landings. QQLA President Doug Vizard invites everyone to "come explore and enjoy two of Massachusetts's most beautiful lakes."
QQLA is a volunteer, non-profit organization of nearly 200 member families dedicated to preserving and protecting the quality of our two lakes and the surrounding watershed through the promotion of responsible, effective environmental policies. Lake Quaboag and Lake Quacumquasit, better known as North and South Ponds, are located in Brookfield, East Brookfield and Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
|
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 organization will split a minimum of $4.00 from every dinner served!
September 10
Daughters of the Nile
Charlton Dudley Youth Football / Cheer
BAKED HAM DINNER
CASH DONATION
(4-12 yrs.)
ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET!
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, Tea, Soft Drinks & Iced Water
Thank you for your support!
|
Cake Decorating Class
A fun, entertaining class held at Hitchcock Academy in Brimfield, MA
Tuesday, Sept. 11, 6:00-8:00pm
All supplies are provided including your choice of cake flavor!
Choose either a vanilla, chocolate, or marble cake when you register here:
Step-by-Step instructions on how to level, torte, fill, and ice the cakes,
then piping buttercream into trending cacti/succulent designs.
No experience necessary.
(class price of $32.48 includes all supplies, rent to Hitchcock, plus payment processing fee)
|
"Me Too" What You Should Know; What You Can Do
September 12, 11:45am to 1:00pm, Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center
#MeToo spread virally in October 2017 as a hashtag used on social media in an attempt to demonstrate the widespread prevalence of sexual assault and harassment, especially in the workplace. Since then, it is a topic that countless women have responded to with their own stories and experiences. It also launched a movement that continues to call out and bring down men in all spheres of business and politics, who are now being held accountable for their actions and inaction.
Join us for a conversation around this hot topic with
Lisa Mason, SHRM-SCP, Director of Human Resources, Harrington HealthCare Systems.
Lisa Mason, SHRM - SCP, is the Director of Human Resources for Harrington HealthCare System, a position she has held since 2009. In this role she provides leadership and counsel in HR matters including employee relations, salary administration, benefits, staffing, compliance, training and education to the healthcare system's 1,400 employees. She has also designed, developed and delivered training programs including employee engagement, sexual harassment prevention and employment law. Prior to her role at Harrington, Lisa was the HR Director for the (then) Hubbard Regional Hospital. She has more than 30 years of experience in HR, including 13 years at All America Financial (now Hanover Insurance) where she managed employee relations and staff development for 6,000 employees.
|
Worcester 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group
First Meeting is September 12
NETWORKING WORKS!! Your AGE really is your EDGE!!
Fall has Arrived! A Perfect Time to Turn Over a New Leaf!
Funded by AARP and Managed by MCOA, we have expanded our 50+ Job Seekers Regional Networking Group program to support and assist people in the 50+ demographic living in the greater Worcester area and looking for a new job, a totally new career direction, re-entering the workforce after an employment gap or looking for a Second Act career.
Meet and network with fellow job seekers at our bi-weekly networking group meetings.
Learn how to Network!
New Topic at each Meeting!
Come join Melody Beach, an experienced Human Resource professional who is the Facilitator for this collaborative Networking Group.
Start your journey towards self-realization, re-invention and transformation!
WHO:
Mature Job Seekers! That's YOU! (50 years of age +)
WHEN:
Our First Meeting is on Wednesday, September 12th from 2pm - 4pm; we will be meeting on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. Doors open at 1:30pm for registration and casual networking so come early! And often!
WHERE:
Worcester Senior Center located at 128 Providence St., Worcester, MA (508-799-1232)
Did you know: 85% of all jobs are found through NETWORKING!! REALLY!!
Our First Session Topic:
Self-Assessment/Transferable Skills:
"What Do I Really Want to Do Now that I'm Grown Up?!" Life After 50+!
For more Information and Pre-Registration (required), please feel free to contact:
The Worcester COA at 508-799-1232.
|
Stageloft Theater Presents
THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL
Music & Lyrics by David Nehls
Book by Betsy Kelso
September 14 - 30
There's a new tenant at Armadillo Acres - and she's wreaking havoc all over Florida's most exclusive trailer park. When Pippi, the stripper on the run, comes between the Dr. Phil-loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband - the storms begin to brew.
"Adultery, strippers, murderous ex-boyfriends, Costco and the Ice Capades. Undeniable fun."
-NY Post
|
Go 4 Life Family Fun Walk
September 15th, 2018, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Holland Community Center, 40 Brimfield Rd, Holland
Come join us as we celebrate and encourage each other to live an active, healthy, independent lifestyle! Walking is directly linked with good health and sustained independence.
- We have designated a .2 mile track at the Community Center. You can take as long as you need to finish walking 1 mile. People with wheel chairs and walkers are also welcome!
- Anyone with varying speeds and abilities are welcome to participate in the walk. Bring your family and friends to walk with you!
- Please register in advance to get a FREE T-shirt. Register to walk by calling or visiting the Community Center. Call 413-245-3163 to register.
- On the day of the walk, check-in will begin at 8:30 AM.
- Your name along with our Community Center will be entered in a state-wide raffle for special prizes.
- We are also commemorating 2 years since the Holland Trails Committee & Highway Department created our Walking Trail in September 2016. Come join us!!
|
Salem Cross Inn
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.
DID YOU KNOW... Yankee Magazine has chosen SALEM CROSS INN
as the "Best New England Cuisine" in Massachusetts!
Farmers' Dinner
Welcome to our fifth season of Farmers' Dinners...
The inspiration for this menu is solely based on what we have grown here, on our own farm, just steps from our gardens and pastures. The vegetables are grown by our gardener and Bo Salem, the herbs are grown by John Salem and the beef is raised by David Salem. Your dinner is prepared by Chef Laurent and his staff who would love to share tips on their cooking with you. Feel free to join in, ask questions or just meet some new people. We look forward to sharing some great dinners with you at this new dinner series. We'll see you in the garden!
Thursday, September 13
Featuring Salem Cross Farm's Beef
*fish or vegetarian entree available with advanced notice (Chef's choice)
Enjoy our Magnificent New England View!
In the Yard - 6:00pm arrival Relax and unwind with...
Hors d'oeuvres
Cool refreshing drinks
An informal garden tour
Chef demonstration
In the Barn - 7:00pm Dinner One big, long table will be set in our barn, reminiscent of family dinners. Enjoy a delicious dinner that has been inspired by our farm and gardens,
just steps away from our kitchen.
Main Dining Room:
Tuesday-Friday- 4:00 PM-9:00 PM
Saturday- 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Sunday- 12:00 PM-8:00 PM
Hexmark Tavern:
Tuesday-Friday- 4:00 PM-9:00 PM
Live music every Friday starting at 6:30 PM
|
The 2nd Annual Fire & Ice Party
September 14 at 5:00pm
Join Baba Sushi on Friday, September 14th, at 5pm for their 2nd Annual Fire & Ice Party.
No tickets required, just lots of fun, fire, and ice!
Specialty-themed cocktails
Live music
Raffle prizes
Special menu items
Karaoke
Other awesome entertainment that we can't wait to tell you about!
|
In honor of Best Friends Animal Society's Strut Your Mutt, join
Here Today Adopted Tomorrow at our
6th Annual Tails on the Trail to raise money for cats and kittens in our community.
We'll have many fun activities at the walk and hope to see you there!
Date: Saturday September 15, 2018
Location: Brimfield Common
Time: 9am Registration, 10am Walk Start
Prices: $15 Adult
$10 Youth (age 6-12)
$7 Children under 6 - Children under 6 must be registered using
this form.
Day-Of On-Site Registration Price - $25
|
OSV Speaker Series:
Presidential Profiles from Washington to Trump
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Take a surprising new look at the personal lives of each of the 44 Presidents, based on Herb Pearce's new book. Pearce uses the 9 Enneagram personality types, and Myers-Briggs type indicator, to reveal personality profiles of each of the past U.S. Presidents.
All programs begin at 6:00 pm with a reception, followed by the presentation at 7:00 pm.
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road
Sturbridge MA 01566
|
HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR SECOND CHANCE ANIMAL SERVICES!
Al Widlan's Service Connection Presents
CRUISE FOR CRITTERS
Saturday, September 22, 2018 10 AM to 3 PM
Featuring Walk N' Wag Pledge Raising Walk
River Hollow Family Golf Center
15 Hospital Road, Monson, MA
Rain Date: Sunday, October 1, 2018
Raffles - Doggie Boutique - 50/50 Raffle - K-9 Demonstrations - Food Vendors/Crafters
Selfie Station
Live Music by Witch Doctors
Vendors- $15 plus a raffle item or sign up for the Halloween Barktacular and save $5.
Car Entries $15
Visit the event webpage
to Download a Pledge Walk Sheet, find Sponsorship Information,
Be a Vendor, Download a Poster, and more!
|
Klems' Farmers Market
Saturdays starting June 9th through October 20th · Rain or Shine
Fresh produce. Visit Many Local Crafters, Artisans & More!
Klem's 117 West Main Street, Spencer 508-885-2708
|
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.
|
Click on the image to browse our catalog of Coggno training courses!
|
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!
|
Important Dates to Save!
September 1-2: Militia Weekend at OSV
September 3: Happy Labor Day!
September 4-9: Brimfield Antiques & Collectibles Shows
September 8-9: Harvest Craft Fair at Brookfield Orchards
September 9: Rick Hoyt Sturbridge Half Marathon
September 10: Fun at Five at Southbridge Hotel with OFS
September 15: Tails on the Trail
September 18: Ribbon Cutting: Baystate Dental of Sturbridge
September 19: New Member Orientation
September 22: Cruise For Critters to Benefit Second Chance Animal Services
September 25: Brown Bag Seminar "Let's Cake Decorate!"
|
VISIT US ONLINE FOR LOCAL EVENTS AND MORE
www.cmschamber.org
|
|
|
| |
|
