CMS Chamber Online's Blog (336)

 Harrington HealthCare System Now Offers Online Check-In at

Southbridge Emergency Department

New system proven to reduce wait times and improve patient satisfaction

SOUTHBRIDGE, MA, August 4, 2020 – Harrington HealthCare System now offers an online check-in system for patients who want to be seen in the Southbridge Emergency…

As you may know, today August 6, 2020 was the original date of the Chamber’s Summer Outing which was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Also on this day, we would have drawn the winner of our “Your Chance to Be a Millionaire” raffle. 100% of the proceeds from this annual raffle support the Chamber’s Scholarships and Charities Funds. In normal times, we would have sold tickets starting in October at Harvest Festival in Sturbridge, at Chamber events, and at our Information Booth at the…

NOTICE OF SEPTEMBER SHOWS CANCELLATION - At the Brimfield Select Board meeting, attended by representatives of the Operators and the Board of Health, the decision was reached that, under the current circumstances, the event would not be allowed; it was also noted that the situation across the country is not stabilizing. 

Given the requirements for self quarantine for travelers to the state and the unlikelihood of a significant change great enough to…

Calling All Photographers! Show off Your Talent in TLGV’s 2021 Calendar

The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) is searching for 13 photos that capture the unique spirit of the National Heritage Corridor. The selected images will appear in the 2021 TLGV Calendar and hang proudly in businesses and homes throughout the National Heritage Corridor and beyond!

Photos must convey the exceptional natural, historic and cultural…

Sip and Stars Benefit for Hitchcock Academy

Sip and Stars at the Brimfield Winery, 35 Main Street (Route 20) in Brimfield promises a big field, short lines, award winning food, music, and a large parking area. It’s the perfect wide-open spot to…

Thank you for your interest in the LISC Small Business Relief Grants for small businesses facing immediate financial pressure because of Covid-19.

The Round 5 application period is now open. Click here to apply. Your application must be completed by Monday, August 3rd, 11:59 p.m. ET. 

Before completing the application, please review our…

WRTA Announces New Shuttle Service Connecting Southbridge, Dudley and Webster

Worcester, Mass., July 20, 2020: The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) is pleased to announce effective Monday, August 3, 2020 a…

PHASE III, STEP ONE TO INITIATE ON MONDAY, JULY 6^TH

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that on July 6^th, Phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan will begin and updates on gatherings will be in effect. For the City of Boston, Phase III and the gatherings order will take effect on Monday, July 13^th. The Department of Public Health (DPH) also issued updated guidance to mitigate the…

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Updated Travel Guidelines to Support COVID-19 Response

BOSTON — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced new COVID-19 public health guidelines on travel and transportation.

Effective Wednesday, July 1, all travelers…

Congratulations to our 2020 Scholarship recipients Anya Grondalski and Kendall Mullen! (pictured l-r) 

Shepherd Hill Graduates Awarded 2020 CMS Chamber Scholarships 

The Chamber of Central Mass South is incredibly pleased to announce the winners of the Chamber Scholarships for 2020. This…

OUTDOOR DINING IS BACK!

Many of your favorite places are thrilled to be welcoming patrons back to dine with them!

They have been working hard to make your experience as safe and satisfying as possible.

Download and view this list of venues offering outdoor dining, takeout…

Reopening Massachusetts: Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Second Phase of Four-Phase Approach

BOSTON, JUNE 6, 2020 — The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that Phase II of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan will begin on June 8^th.

Businesses and sectors set to begin opening in Phase II are subject to compliance with all mandatory safety standards.

On May 18, the…

Governor Baker Issues Executive Order in Advance of Phase II

Executive Order updates reopening phases with details on additional sectors; Allows Phase II Enterprises to begin preparations to resume in advance of Phase II; Details rules required in advance of resuming amateur sports, outdoor dining

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker issued an Executive Order that  provides a…

Reopening Massachusetts

Learn more about Reopening Massachusetts: download the Reopening MA Report, find general business guidance, when can my business reopen, mandatory safety standards for workplaces, sector-specific protocols and best practices, more...…

SOUTHBRIDGE, MA, MAY 15, 2020 – As of Monday, May 18, patients who arrive in a car to the Emergency Department (ED) at Harrington Hospital in Southbridge will be directed through a new “curbside triage” process. This new process allows patients to avoid gathering in a common space with others in the traditional ED waiting room, greatly reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 while the virus remains a threat. Protocols for patients who arrive at the ED by ambulance will…

Harrington HealthCare System Ramps up Return to Normal Services with Coronavirus Protection Measures in Place

SOUTHBRIDGE, MA, May 8, 2020 – As the number of new coronavirus cases in Massachusetts begins to decline, Harrington HealthCare System (HHS) is encouraging patients to return for care at service locations across its system, with additional new infection prevention measures designed specifically to protect…

Beginning Today, Face Coverings are Now Required When in Public

Governor Baker has issued an order effective today Wednesday, May 6 requiring face masks or cloth face coverings in public places where social distancing is not possible. This applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Exceptions include children under the age of 2 and those unable to wear a mask or face covering due to…

Harrington HealthCare Urges Public Not to Delay Urgent Care Needs Due to Coronavirus Fears

SOUTHBRIDGE, MA, May 1, 2020 – Harrington HealthCare System (HHS) officials report that they’ve seen a significant decline in the number of emergency department and urgent care visits since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and are urging the public not to delay seeking care out of fear that they may contract the…

To those of you who are self-employed, a gig worker, independent contractor, or who otherwise have not been eligible to apply for traditional unemployment benefits:

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is now available online from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for workers not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits (self-employed, independent contractors, workers with…