The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce is sending weekly event updates to our friends and members. These updates will include Chamber, civic, and organizational news, events and entertainment.
Our goal is to keep our Chamber and Community members informed and engaged in local events. We invite you to discover the creative pulse that makes Holyoke such a great place to live and to visit. We will also, on occasion, include information on regional events that might be of interest to our Chamber and Communtity members.
If you would like to include a company or civic event please do so by submitting it on the Chamber's website at holyokechamber.com and clicking on "Submit a Community Event".
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Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce
Names Health New England
Employer of Choice for 2013
Health New England (HNE) is the recipient of the Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Employer of Choice Award in the non-manufacturing category. "We are very proud to be recognized as an employer of choice in our region. HNE is committed to fostering a culture of high performance. HNE's associates receive ongoing education/training, coaching/professional development, comprehensive wellness programming, and numerous opportunities for both personal and professional growth and development. We fill 38% of our internal positions with our employees." said Amy Trombley, Vice President and Chief Talent Officer.
Employers of Choice recipients are being recognized as companies that have developed a culture for transforming and rewarding employee performance. These companies excel in supporting employees with training and development, open communication, job recognition, and work-life balance.
"Our culture is intentional. It is my goal for all HNE associates that HNE be the best company they have ever worked for and that their team is their best team experience. I would be remiss if I did not share that part of HNE's commitment to high performance includes not only an organizational commitment, by also my personal commitment to employee health and well being. Associates at HNE are encouraged to participate in our comprehensive wellness program, Healthy Directions. We believe our commitment to high performance and associate health and well-being creates a differentiator for us in the marketplace and is also directly linked to achieving operational excellence and meeting organizational goals." Peter Straley, President & CEO.
Click here to read more....
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2013 GOP Technology Tax Business Roundtables Announced
House and Senate Republicans to Hold Discussions Around Commonwealth
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BOSTON- House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) and Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester), along with the entire House and Senate Republican Caucus, today announced the launch of the 2013 GOP Technology Tax Business Roundtables.
Announced as part of a concerted effort by the Massachusetts House and Senate Republican Caucus to repeal the crippling technology tax at the legislative level, the weeklong series of roundtable discussions will include conversations with technology industry professionals and representatives from area Chambers of Commerce.
"The Massachusetts economy has long relied upon, and benefited from, the services rendered by the high-tech industry," said House Minority Leader Brad Jones. "Since the Democratic-led legislature approved the crippling technology tax, one of the Commonwealth's most vital sectors is just beginning to deal with the adverse effects of the tax. The 2013 GOP Technology Tax Business Roundtables will serve as an opportunity for businesses and Chambers of Commerce, which have been severely impacted by this reckless tax, to have the opportunity to discuss the detrimental effects and ways to reverse what is sure to suppress future economic growth within the technology industry and the Commonwealth."
As the largest and broadest tax on computer and software services in the nation, no business, regardless of size or sector, is immune from the wide-ranging tax. House and Senate Republicans had each offered revenue-neutral proposals, which if passed, would have avoided the implementation of the technology tax all together, but the common-sense solution was defeated at the hands of legislative Democrats.
"We have seen clearly what happens when you tax first and ask questions later," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr. "In the face of a job killing new computer services tax, we are choosing a different path, one that first seeks information and then leads to action to prevent the economic damage the tax will bring."
The technology tax, first billed with a fiscal impact of $161 million per year, will exceed that estimate, and stifle the innovative industry by close to $500 million a year. "Supporting the Commonwealth's technology economy should never be a partisan decision and we value any legislative support in defense of this critically important sector," said Christopher Anderson, president of the Massachusetts High Technology Council. "The tech tax is aimed squarely at the heart of our innovation economy and will cause considerable harm if not repealed. We applaud those lawmakers who have spoken out against the tech tax and encourage more of them to join us in showing their clear support for the state's tech economy and the hundreds of thousands of people who are part of it."
Details for the Technology Tax Business Roundtables are as follows:
August 29, 2013, Westfield Athenaeum, Lang Auditorium, 6 Elm Street, Westfield, MA 01085
3:00-4:00pm
August 26, 2013- 1:00-2:00pm
ShotgunFlat Creative Agency, 12 South Main Street, Middleboro, MA 02346
August 28, 2013-9:00-10:00am
Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce, 100 Sherman Avenue, Devens, MA 01434
August 28, 2013, 9:00-10:00 a.m.,
Quinsigamond Community College, Southbridge Campus/Rm 305, 5 Optical Drive, Southbridge, MA 01550
August 28, 2013 1:00 - 2:00
Mansfield Town Hall, 6 Park Row, Mansfield, MA 02048
August 28, 2013 1:00 - 2:00
Plymouth Area Community Television,4 Collins Avenue, Plymouth, MA 02360
August 29, 2013 9:00-10:00
The Training Associates, 281 Turnpike Road - 3rd Floor, Westborough, MA 01581
August 29, 2013 3:00-4:00, Wakefield Savings Bank, 351 Main Street, Wakefield, MA 01880
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Halfway There!
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By The Republican The Republican
on August 28, 2013 at 6:45 PM, updated August 28, 2013 at 6:47 PM
HOLYOKE - The Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade Committee will hold its annual 1/2 Way There event on Sept. 21 from 3 to 10 p.m. at Hamel's Summit View Pavilion on Route 5. The event marks the halfway point to the 2014 parade.
There will be games, a barbecue buffet dinner from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and music by the Knots, the Boston Blackthorn Band and the Tom Ingram Band. Tickets are $20 in advance for adults and $10 for children over the age of 9. Tickets at the door will be $25 for adults.
Tickets are available from any committee member; at LaJustice Printing, 67 Lincoln St., and Bresnahan Insurance, 100 Whiting Farms Road; or by calling Kara Shanahan, (413) 210-6424, or Devin Sheehan, (413) 575-8653.
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Alzheimer's Association offers free Program on legal, financial issues!
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By The Republican The Republican
on August 28, 2013 at 6:45 PM, updated August 28, 2013 at 6:47 PM
Alzheimer's Association offers free program on legal, financial issues HOLYOKE - The Alzheimer's Association is presenting a workshop on legal and financial issues related to elder care on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Soldier's Home, 110 Cherry Street. The workshop is free and open to the public. "Legal & Financial: Issues and Answers" is presented by an elder law attorney. Although it is not intended as a substitute for a personal legal consultation, the workshop will offer general information about wills, durable power of attorney, protection of assets, health care proxy, and what Medicare and Medicaid do and do not cover. "Many families wait until it's too late to learn about legal and financial concerns," said Will Reiter, Vice President of Education & Community Engagement for the association's Massachusetts/New Hampshire chapter.
"This is an opportunity for people to learn about typical issues that families run into, and how to adequately plan for them. " More than 5 million in the U.S. have Alzheimer's -120,000 in Massachusetts alone. The Alzheimer's Association expects those numbers to triple as the baby boomers age.
Anyone interested in more information about this program and other offerings of the Alzheimer's Association can visit www.alz.org/MANH or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272.-3900, said Reiter.
The Alzheimer's Association provides services and programs for those with Alzheimer's, family and professional caregivers in the form of support groups, a 24/7 Helpline, care consultation, advocacy efforts, research funding and education programs.
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South Hadley Historical Museum open through September now exhibiting "Holyoke and South Hadley Connected"
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A very interesting place to visit is this museum at 4 North Main Street. The South Hadley Historical Society was chartered in 1974 and when the old firehouse at this address became available it was the ideal building for the Society's headquarters to preserve the town's early
documents and artifacts, and its history. This District No. 1 fire station was built in 1889 and vacated in 1974 with the move to its present headquarters on Newton Street. On display are the original 1845 hand pumper and the town's first motorized vehicle, a 1926 Dodge fire engine, along with early industries such as brick making, cigar making, ice making, textile and paper mill information. An 1890s room is furnished as it would have been at that time with the big iron stove, soapstone sink, hand pump, ice box, phonograph, sewing machine, school desks, etc.
When you visit don't miss the newly furnished Canal Room with a large working scale model of the inclined plane that made the commercial canal possible for moving boats around the river rapids that
impeded their travel. Opened in 1795 the mail address for the Falls was South Hadley Canal, Mass.
The townspeople called their home Canal Village. This year's large exhibit is "Holyoke and South Hadley Connected" featuring things in common like industries, manufacturing, the dam, the bridges, the Street Railway, Skinner's Silk Mill and much more.
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The Great Holyoke Block Party
August 31, 2013
Noon until 9 p.m.
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The Great Holyoke Block Party is celebrating its Fifth Year! Come on downtown in late summer 2013 for some great local music, food, arts and children's activities!
The Great Holyoke Block Party will be held on Saturday, August 31st in front of City Hall on High St, between Suffolk and Dwight. Rain date is Sunday, September 1st.
If you would like information about volunteering or being a vendor, please visit the Great Holyoke Block Party Facebook page, or send an email to HolyokeBlockParty@gmail.com
Music:
12:00 p.m. - The Tinkers
1:00 p.m. - Carpe Diem
2:00 p.m. - Evelyn Harris
3:00 p.m. - Ed Byrne's Latin Jazz Evolution
4:00 p.m. - Franny O Show
5:00 p.m. - InterTrip
6:00 p.m. - Wally Greany & Sweet Daddy Cool Breeze
7:00 p.m. - DJ Jay One
8:00 p.m. - Fear Nuthin Band
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CareerPoint
Informational Session for People with Disabilities
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Holyoke
Merry-Go-Round
Celebrates
Grandparents Day
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On Sunday, September 8, 2013, the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round will celebrate all grandparents! All grandparents will receive a free ride when accompanied by a paying rider. We are currently open 12-4 PM Saturdays and Sundays! We will be open 12-4 PM on Monday, September 2nd for Labor Day! Call (413) 538-9838 or visit our web site www.holyokemerrygoround.org for more information.
The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round will be open Monday, September 2, 2013, 12-4 PM for the Labor Day Holiday
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Community Shred
sponsored by
Friends of the Holyoke Council of Aging
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The Friends of the Holyoke Council on Aging is sponsoring a "community shred" to benefit the Holyoke Senior Center. Paper shredding will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 14, rain or shine, at the council, 291 Pine St. (corner of Beech Street). Cost is $5 per box (the size of a carton of copy paper), and cartons will be available.
If someone doesn't have a box, volunteers will help transport paper to be shredded from vehicle to shredder truck. Drive into the parking lot to unload.
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Three County Fair
Northampton
August 30th - September 2nd, 2013
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Carnivals, games, monster trucks, horse demonstrations, crafts, Renaissance Jousting, magic shows and more. Guests will find a variety of foods and special programs along with the very best in agricultural products and livestock.
Taste the past, enjoy the present. Come to the Three-County Fair!
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The Children's Museum at Holyoke Closed for Cleaning and
Renovation
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The Children's Museum at Holyoke will be closed for annual cleaning and renovation September 10th thru September 27th
The Museum will re-open on Saturday, September 28th.
Come visit after the 27th and see 2 new exciting exhibits and enjoy an extra day!
Now open Tuesday thru Saturday 10- 4 Sundays 12-4.
Book a Birthday Party, Field Trip or Private Party.
444 Dwight Street, Holyoke, MA 01040
413-536-7046
www.childrensmuseumholyoke.org
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Harry Connick, Jr.
at Tanglewood
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Saturday, August 31
7 p.m.
Tanglewood, Lenox
$29.50 to $99.50
For more info: Call (888) 266-1200, or online at tanglewood.org
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Friday, September 13, 2013
at 7:00 PM
Roberts Field
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Annual Founder's Day
Car Show
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The City of Holyoke will host its 11th Annual Founder's Day Car Show on September 8, 2013 from 12:00-5:00PM. All vendors interested in participating please contact the Mayor's Office for an application. Vendors must obtain the following:
* Massachusetts State Permit
* Holyoke Board of Health Permit
* Fire prevention permit, if using propane and; * Copy of your certificate of insurance
Water or electricity will not be provided and vendors must properly dispose of their trash at the end of the event. Vendors will be assigned their location at the arrival, and vendors will be authorized on a first come, first serve basis. The event will be held rain or shine.
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September and October Gallery Exhibition: What Comes of the Fall: Works by Lyn Horan
Sat. Sep 7, 2013 - Mon. Oct 28, 2013 12:00 am
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Local Artist Lyn Horan's visual celebration ofFall, the contradictory season of life that rolls in with fantastical colorful promises, then blows it all to the winter ground waiting below in a single rainstorm.
What Comes of the Fall is a selection of bold drawings, paintings and mixed media collage infused with the mystery and ambiguity of Autumn. Works on view through October 28. Admission to gallery $3.
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FARMERS MARKET AT OPEN SQUARE
Hours for the market are 9:30am-1:30pm every Saturday until October 19th.
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Holyoke Farmers Market
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Farmers Market
Stop by every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on High Street in front of City Hall.
The market offers fruit, vegetables, meat and eggs from local farmers and vendors and runs every Thursday through October.
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Elvis Costello at the
Calvin Theater
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Elvis Costello performs at the Calvin Theatre on Nov. 3.
Tickets are available through the Northampton Box Office at (413) 586-8686 and online at iheg.com.
Tickets are priced at $75, $65, and $55.
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Blanford Fair
Aug. 30 - Sept. 2
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Blandford Fair - Antique car show, Fiddle contest, art show, stage show, midway, horse, oxen and truck pulls, agricultural displays and horse show.
North St., Blandford
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New at the Big E
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| Big E Wine & Cheese Barn | | | |
There's no better combination than a glass of delicious wine with a slice of high quality, aged cheese, and at The Big E Wine and Cheese Barn, outside Mallary Complex, both are available for sample and purchase.
Formerly known as the Mallary Wine and Cheese Shoppe, The Big E Wine and Cheese Barn is an 1,800 sq. ft. permanent building with plenty of room to showcase entries and winners from The Big E's wine and cheese contests.
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