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Stoneham CAN at Town Day
Join us in honoring Stoneham CAN as Member of the Year at the Chamber's 40th Annual Meeting & Member Breakfast on November 18. Read below to learn about our other honorees and register to attend.
| | Stoneham Chamber Supports Town Meeting Warrant Article on Vacant Storefront Program | |
The Stoneham Chamber of Commerce urges residents to support Warrant Article 9 at Town Meeting on October 19. Article 9 proposes the addition of a Commercial Storefront Vacancy Registry and Activation to Town Code, establishing a “framework for identifying, registering, maintaining, and encouraging the reuse of vacant commercial storefronts in the Town of Stoneham.”
Long-term vacancies can hurt neighboring businesses, making a commercial district seem empty and neglected. The goal of this program is to encourage property owners to fill vacancies, requiring that vacant storefronts are clean and maintained during transition, and to help connect property owners with potential tenants.
Under the proposal, once a storefront has been vacant for 90 days, it would be added to the vacant storefront registry and the property owner would be required to check in with the town on their progress toward filling the space. Unresponsive property owners or those who don’t show measurable progress toward reuse could potentially be fined as determined by the Select Board.
This proposal to address commercial vacancies is part of the Town's ongoing efforts to strengthen Stoneham's business districts and support long-term economic vitality. We fully support this economic development initiative to encourage active storefronts, work with property owners, and build a more vibrant commercial base in Stoneham.
What can businesses do?
- Share accurate program information with customers and neighboring businesses.
- Tell Planning and Community Development about barriers to filling spaces and ideas for lawful activation.
- Work through the Stoneham Chamber to raise business questions and connect people to resources.
- Email questions or ideas to Erin Wortman, Director of Planning and Community Development, at ewortman@stoneham-ma.gov.
| Businesses Remain Open During Downtown Redesign Project | |
Businesses are open and public parking is available in municipal lots during Stoneham's downtown redesign project.
The typical construction schedule is Monday through Thursday, 7 am to 7 pm. Upcoming work will include adjusting utilities, working closely with Eversource & Verizon, and continuing to fine grade sidewalks.
The Stoneham Square Improvement Project is a major investment in the future of downtown Stoneham, designed to make the Square safer, more accessible, more attractive, and better suited to support local businesses and economic growth.
Made possible through a $4 million MassWorks grant, the project includes major infrastructure upgrades and will improve the appearance and functionality of the downtown for residents and visitors alike.
The history of the project as well as updates are available on the Town website.
| chamber news for businesses | Annual Meeting Honorees Announced | |
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 8:30-10:30am, Bear Hill Golf Club, 2 North Street, Stoneham
The Stoneham Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors cordially invites you to our 40th Annual Meeting & Member Breakfast at Bear Hill Golf Club on November 18. Join us as we reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, recognize members celebrating milestone anniversaries, and honor this year’s award recipients.
The Board is proud to recognize the 2026 honorees:
Member of the Year
Stoneham Community Action Network (CAN)
Presented to a member in good standing whose exceptional involvement, support, and contributions during the past year have strengthened the Chamber and positively impacted the Stoneham community.
Chamber Champion
Debbie Catalano, Catalano Creative
Presented to a member in good standing who consistently serves as an advocate and ambassador for the Chamber and the local business community. This individual promotes the Chamber’s mission, builds meaningful connections and exemplifies positive business and community leadership.
Laura Hogan Award
Lauren Constantine, StonehamBank
Laura Hogan was a founding member of the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce and served for many years as both president and a member of the Board of Directors. A highly successful businesswoman, Laura was best known for her integrity, kindness, and commitment to giving back. This award is presented to an individual who embodies those qualities through exceptional leadership, character, and service to the community.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Stefanie DePaul, Boston Health & Wellness
Presented to an entrepreneur who has achieved notable business success through innovation, vision, and strong leadership. The recipient demonstrates an ability to recognize opportunities, adapt to change, and build a successful, forward-thinking business.
Outstanding Community Partner
Dava Kilbride, Town of Stoneham
Presented to an individual, group, or department outside the Chamber that consistently supports the Chamber and the Stoneham community. The recipient demonstrates a strong commitment to collaboration and service, often providing invaluable assistance behind the scenes without seeking recognition.
We are also pleased to recognize the following members celebrating milestone anniversaries this year.
5 Years
Boston Health & Wellness
Boston Photo Rental
Common Trust Federal Credit Union
Covelle & Company
Home Instead
10 Years
Cap't Loui
Commonwealth Pediatrics
Elements Massage of Stoneham
Prestige Homes Real Estate
Rotary Club of Stoneham
Stoneham Historical Society
15 Years
Adams Kitchens, Inc.
Boyd's Direct Corporation
20 Years
Catalano Creative
Eastern Bank
McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Homes
25 Years
Fuller House of Stoneham
30 Years
Locks & Keys, Inc.
35 Years
Clear Channel Outdoor
40 Years
Evergreen Florist
Mac's Landscaping, Inc.
SIGNVERSE, LLC
We hope you will join us as we celebrate these honorees, our milestone members, and the Stoneham business community.
Ticket price is $35 per person and $225 for an eight-person table and includes a full breakfast. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Learn more here.
Prices will increase after November 4: $40 for an individual ticket and $250 for a table of 8.
| Small Business Mixer with StonehamBank | | |
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 5:00-7:00pm
Birdie Bar, 154 Cambridge Street, Burlington
Join StonehamBank for an evening designed to bring our local business community together. Mix & mingle with our local small business community, enjoy food, drinks, try the golf simulator play, and make new connections.
All registered attendees will be entered to win a pair of Boston Bruins tickets!
Space is limited, so reserve your spot today.
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connecting
business + community
| | 16th Annual Halloween Stroll | |
Saturday, Oct. 24, 1:00-3:00pm
Downtown Stoneham + Stoneham Town Common
The Chamber's 16th Annual Halloween Stroll will take place on Saturday, October 24, from 1:00-3:00pm in Downtown Stoneham and the Stoneham Town Common. Ghosts, goblins, witches, and costumed characters of all ages are invited to enjoy an afternoon of not-so-spooky Halloween fun!
This popular community event is a great opportunity to connect with residents, promote your business, and support a beloved local tradition.
Businesses located on Main Street between Maple Street and Montvale Avenue are invited to open their storefronts to trick-or-treaters. There is no participation fee, but businesses should plan to have enough candy for more than 600 children.
Set up an activity, craft, game, giveaway, or candy station on the Town Common or Central Street. Participation is free for Chamber members and $50 for non-members. All participants must provide an activity, giveaway, or candy station.
Sponsor the Event
Become a Gold, Silver, or Bronze sponsor! This event is free and open to the public thanks to the generous support of our sponsors.
| |
Estrela Skin Care Offers Fall Promotions | |
Estrela Skin Care, 214 D Main Street, Stoneham
Looking for a fall refresh? Reveal brighter, clearer, and healthier skin at Estrela Skin Care when you book a custom facial or take advantage of their spooky special on a renew dermal solution peel! Book your glow-up at 781-621-8242, contact@estrelaskincare.com, or visit Estrela Skincare.
| Jack-O'-Lantern Lights at Stone Zoo | |
October 1-31, Thurs.-Sun., 5:30-9:30pm, Stone Zoo, 149 Pond Street, Stoneham
Experience the magic of autumn after dark as Stone Zoo transforms into a glowing wonderland filled with hundreds of illuminated pumpkins, larger-than-life sculptures and family-friendly Halloween fun.
As you wander Stone Zoo's illuminated pathways, discover dazzling carved scenes featuring classic spooky creatures and towering pumpkin sculptures reaching up to 18 feet tall. You'll also find beautifully carved animal displays inspired by species from around the world, including giraffes, rhinos, bison, butterflies and more.
| SBCEF Character Breakfast at Stoneham High School | |
Saturday, Oct. 17, 9:00-11:00am, Stoneham High School, 149 Franklin Street
Join SBCEF for our annual Character Breakfast Fundraiser at Spartan Place in Stoneham High School! Come in your favorite costume, have breakfast with familiar character friends, and play games to win fun prizes! There will be plenty of raffles to enter, all to benefit school and community projects in Stoneham. Admission is $8 per child and is payable at the door. Adults and children under 1 are free. Admission includes bagels, juice, coffee, donuts, 10 free game tickets, and prizes.
We encourage everyone to RSVP so we can plan for food and games and keep you updated on the event. Payment will be accepted at the door via cash or Venmo.
Through your generosity, the Stoneham Business and Community Educational Foundation has provided more than $440,000 in grants benefiting more than 90,000 children since 1994!
| Stoneham Art Group Seeking Artists for Halloween Window Painting | |
October 15-18, Stoneham Square
Stoneham small businesses are again offering their store windows as blank canvases for young artists to paint this Halloween season. Register online through the Stoneham Art Group and select the best day for you or your little goblins to paint!
Halloween Window Painting will take place October 15 - 18. The registration fee is $20 per window, and all painting materials will be provided to artists. The deadline to register is October 11 and window painting must be completed by October 18.
Artist supplies can be picked up at Ceramica Paint Studio, 380 Main Street. Windows must be painted during the following days:
- Thursday, Oct. 15, 1 pm - 8 pm
- Friday, Oct. 16, 12 - 6 pm
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 am - 5 pm
- Sunday, Oct. 18, 12 - 5 pm
For questions about this event, please contact the Stoneham Art Group at stonehamartgroup@gmail.com.
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Book Fair & Blowouts at The Wild Salon
with The Book Oasis and Holy Rollz
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Sunday, Oct. 18, 11:00am-2:00pm
The Wild Salon, 5 Central St. Unit 203, Stoneham
Stop by The Wild Salon on Sunday, October 18 between 11am-2pm to get a blowout, find your perfect read with The Book Oasis, and take home cinnamon rolls from Holy Rollz. You'll leave looking fabulous for a Sunday afternoon with dessert and a good book!
Blowouts are available for both walk-ins and appointments—walk-ins will be first come, first serve. Cinnamon rolls can be preordered at holyrollz.com.
Get a little Wild on Sunday afternoon!
| A Fight Against Food Insecurity at Northern Bank | |
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, 5:30–7:30pm
Innov 8, 400 Presidential Way, Woburn
Join Northern Bank for an inspiring evening benefiting the Merrimack Valley Food Bank. Learn more about the organization’s work and the impact it is making in the fight against hunger throughout our community.
Light appetizers, beer and wine will be provided. This event is free, but registration is required. Please RSVP at mvfb.org/rsvp-october.
| | Winters Arts and Craft Fair Registration Open | |
Calling all artists and crafters!
The Stoneham Winter Arts and Craft Fair is right around the corner, and the Stoneham Art Group wants YOU to be a part of it! Showcase your creativity and handmade goods at this year's event on Sunday, November 29. Don’t miss out—Early Bird registration is open now and ends on Oct. 12th! For more information, visit collaborativecommunityart.org.
| | 2027 Marketing Budget Planning in the AI Search Era Webinar Announced by Brick Marketing | | |
Brick Marketing has announced its upcoming webinar, “2027 Marketing Budget Planning in the AI Search Era,” scheduled for Wednesday, December 9, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST, replay will be sent to all registrants. The free webinar will run for 60 minutes and focus on helping businesses make informed decisions about their digital marketing investments for the coming year. Registration is open, and space is limited.
The webinar session will examine budget planning across search engine optimization, AI search, pay per click advertising, content marketing, and other channels that can help attract higher quality leads. Attendees will also learn how to evaluate spending based on measurable sales contributions and brand value, rather than simply carrying the same expenses into another year.
For business owners and marketing leaders, the starting point is a familiar concern: where should the money go? A company may have several marketing programs running, regular reports arriving, and a team working hard to keep everything moving. That does not necessarily make it clear which investments are helping the business grow.
“Before you decide what to spend next year, you need to understand what you are trying to accomplish and what your current marketing is doing for the business,” said Nick Stamoulis, President of Brick Marketing. “Adding another channel is not always the answer. Sometimes you need to improve the work already being done, adjust your priorities, or stop paying for something that no longer makes sense.”
Webinar registration is available at https://www.brickmarketing.com/webinars.
| | thank you to our newsletter sponsors | | The Stoneham Chamber of Commerce is an independent, non-profit membership organization that works to improve the local economy by connecting businesses to one another and to the community. | | | | |
