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Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
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Executive Committee Michael Checkosky
Chairman
Board Members
Michael Wales Michael L. Wales Painting Co. Bruce Watkins
Jim Donahue
Honorary Board Member
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Welcome to the last Crossroads Events of 2014! In this issue we share the latest news from our Members, as well as many entertaining and enjoyable events to help you celebrate the season!
Would you like us to promote your events for 2015 in Crossroads? Post your happenings to the Chamber's Events page and we'll share them with our nearly 800 subscribers.
Follow us on Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest for more from the Chamber and our Members! Wishing you Warm and Happy Holidays!
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The
Real Deal
Christmas
In conjunction with
Christmas by Candlelight
at Old Sturbridge Village
One Weekend Left!
December 19-21
Start a New Holiday Tradition!
Get your FREE
Real Deal Christmas Pass!
Show it and SAVE at local
Restaurants, Hotels, Activities,
and over 20 Shops
on the days of
Christmas By Candlelight!
Visit
www.sturbridgetownships.com
to see all the deals & download your
FREE Real Deal Christmas Pass & Offer Booklet!
Presented by the Chamber of Central Mass South
Sponsored by Sturbridge Tourist Association
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NETWORK WITH YOUR CHAMBER
January's FUN at FIVE
Wednesday, January 21 5:00 to 7:00pm
at
Teddy G's Pub & Grille
Mingle with a friendly crowd at Teddy's, strike up a conversation, enjoy a cocktail, chances to win great prizes and more fun and surprises!
Join us as we kick off the New Year with some networking and FUN!
Cost: $10 for pre-registered Members, $15 at the door, $20 for non-Members.
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Tina Render, M.D., Awarded Harrington Physician of the Year
From left: Harrington President and CEO Ed Moore; Tina Render, M.D., and Chief Medical Officer Arthur Russo, M.D
At Harrington's annual physician recognition event, held November 24, psychiatrist Tina Render, M.D., who has more than 10 years' clinical experience at Harrington HealthCare System, received the coveted TLC Physician of the Year award.
Dr. Render has proven to be a great leader, mentor, and physician, having taken on many responsibilities over the years. She most recently became Chief of Psychiatry for the department.
She received numerous votes from colleagues, patients, and staff members in honor of her dedication to quality patient care.
Of the many entries submitted, one read: "In a world that can sometimes feel driven by numbers or statistics, she values each worker and each child in a way that reminds us why we do this important work."
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Harrington Awarded Coveted 2014 Top Hospital Distinction
Recognition Highlights the Nation's Premier Hospitals for Safety and Quality From left: Leah Binder, President & CEO, The Leapfrog Group; Laurel Pickering, President & CEO, Northeast Business Group on Health; Bill Finck, Chairman, Leapfrog Board of Directors; Kathleen Davis, Harrington VP of Quality and Patient Safety; Ed Moore, Harrington President and CEO; Martin Hatlie, CEO, Project Patient Care
For the second time, The Leapfrog Group has named Harrington to its annual list of Top Hospitals. A distinction awarded to hospitals nationwide for demonstrating excellence in hospital safety and quality through the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, the Leapfrog Top Hospital award is presented to less than fewer than seven percent of all eligible hospitals.
The awards, which are given annually, will be announced at Leapfrog's Annual Meeting and Top Hospital Awards on December 2, in Washington, D.C.
"We take great pride in being recognized as a Top Hospital for the second year in a row," says Ed Moore, Harrington President and CEO. "We focus every day on the patient experience and quality care. To be one of only 94 hospitals nationwide recognized as top leader in healthcare is extremely special to us."
Harrington is one of 60 urban hospitals to receive this title for 2014, but only one of 19 to receive the top award two years in a row.
The award comes on the heels of Harrington's sixth straight "A" score in Leapfrog's safety survey, conducted twice annually and involving more than 2,500 hospitals. Harrington is one of only 204 hospitals out of the 2,500 nationwide to receive an "A" grade six consecutive times.
Among the list of Top Hospital recipients were 24 rural hospitals, 61 urban hospitals, and nine children's hospitals. The winning facilities were comprised of academic medical centers, teaching hospitals, and community hospitals.
The selection is based on the results of The Leapfrog Group's annual hospital survey, which measures hospitals' performance on patient safety and quality, focusing on three critical areas of hospital care: how patients fare, resource use, and management structures established to prevent errors. Performance across many areas of hospital care is considered in establishing the qualifications for the award, including rates for high-risk procedures and a hospital's ability to prevent medication errors.
The Top Hospital award is not given to a set number of hospitals, but rather to all urban, rural and children's hospitals that meet the high standards defined by Leapfrog.
About The Leapfrog Group
The Leapfrog Group (www.leapfroggroup.org) is a national nonprofit organization using the collective leverage of large purchasers of health care to initiate breakthrough improvements in the safety, quality and affordability of health care for Americans. The flagship Leapfrog Hospital Survey allows purchasers to structure their contracts and purchasing to reward the highest performing hospitals. The Leapfrog Group was founded in November 2000 with support from the Business Roundtable and national funders and is now independently operated with support from its purchaser and other members. The Hospital Safety Score (www.hospitalsafetyscore.org) is an initiative of The Leapfrog Group.
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Harrington Responds to Growing Community Need for Urgent Care
Will Open New Center in Charlton, Mass
Harrington HealthCare System is extending "Total Local Care" beyond its emergency rooms and primary care offices and into urgent care. Following the recent approval of a plan presented to its Board of Directors, Harrington is planning to convert its space on 10 Main Street in Charlton into an Urgent Care Center that is expected to open in the spring of 2015.
According the Ed Moore, Harrington President & CEO, Harrington will relocate its Wound Care program at the Charlton location and we will capitalize on its existing radiology and lab services that will remain at the site.
"We performed careful due diligence, and our research found that Charlton is an ideal location for urgent care given its demographics of residents and employers and its close proximity to towns like Oxford, Dudley, and Spencer," says Moore.
He adds, "There are many reasons why urgent care is such a vital, emerging trend. The benefits of urgent care include walk-in service, especially after-hours and on weekends; lower co-pays compared to emergency departments; and integration with primary care physicians through electronic medical records. By opening a new center, we also have an opportunity to create more jobs and add a direct new source of hospital revenue."
Moore projects that the new center will treat more than 8,000 patients its first year and then increase volume to 10,000 in the following year. The center, he says, will provide access for acute illness and injuries that are beyond the scope and availability of primary care providers and retail clinics. Common conditions to be treated include fevers, upper respiratory infections, sprains, lacerations, contusions, and back pain.
According to Jim Waddick, Board Chair of Harrington HealthCare System, the Urgent Care Center will fill a void in the community and build on Harrington's continuum of care.
"As Harrington expands its role as a major regional healthcare system, we are always looking for ways to bring quality, accessible, and affordable care to patients close to where they live and work," says Waddick. "Urgent care is another example of how we are furthering our mission of bringing Total Local Care, or TLC, to more and more patients."
Another advantage of the new center, adds Waddick, is the ability to increase the early detection of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
"In addition," says Waddick, "there are economic incentives tied to our Urgent Care Center. As we increase our volume of direct care, we will also provide many referrals for specialty services."
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Skip and Judy Nielsen's Volunteerism Knows No Boundaries
Carl (aka "Skip") and Judy Nielsen, Hometown Bank's Everyday Hometown Heroes for December have perfected the art of community building. Whether it involves creating a community garden so neighbors can enjoy fresh, organic vegetables, or trekking off to Africa to install a new community well pump, the Nielsens' style of volunteerism knows no boundaries.
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Sturbridge Branch Manager Kathryn Latour (right) congratulates December's Everyday Hometown Heroes, Skip and Judy Nielsen, of Sturbridge. Behind them is a photo display of daily life in one of the schools supported by Growth Through Learning, on display at the Sturbridge Coffee House through December 29th
| The Nielsens have called the eastern shore of Sturbridge's Quacumquasit Lake home for the better part of 30 years. Both have a long legacy of serving in leadership positions for QQLA, the local lake association, and been strong advocates for preserving the region's lakes - Quaboag and Quacumquasit - for the enjoyment of fishermen, boaters and all who enjoy these natural resources.
As a former nursing manager at U Mass Medical Center, Judy is quick to respond to respond to neighbors' medical needs: dressings, transport, medical information and usually a hearty bowl of soup for nourishment.
10 years ago Judy joined the Board of Directors of Growth Through Learning (GTL), a local charitable organization that provides a high school education to deserving girls living in East Africa. Nominator Louis Fazen says, "With charismatic charm, Judy has awakened our consciousness and helped raise funding to provide education for almost 800 young women in three African countries. On one remarkable trip to Uganda, Judy carried a much needed laptop computer while Skip packaged up solar panels and then installed them on site. The school's headmistress could not believe her eyes!"
Skip is a self-professed tinkerer, with a reputation for being able to build or fix just about anything. Neighbors know they can count on him for advice and assistance. He spent a recent morning climbing the clock tower in nearby Brookfield to set back the hands on the large antique clock that graces the town hall. A few years ago, noticing that the clock was no longer working, he fabricated new gear teeth and got it working again. And then there was that trip to Africa to install a well that literally changed the lives of local villagers.
A donation has been made to Growth Through Learning (GTL) in honor of the Nielsens.
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Homecoming Football Trophy
The Thanksgiving Day Football game between the Tantasqua Warriors and the Shepherd Hill Rams is over and in spite of the challenges playing on a snow-covered field, the Shepherd Hill Rams won the game with a score of 22 to 6. This is the third year the Rams have won the Sturbridge Rotary Homecoming Football Trophy. They returned to Rotary to claim the trophy for another year. Shown (left to right) are Chris Lindstrom, President Larry Mandell presenting the trophy, Brady Ravenelle and Coach Lindstrom.
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Nativity School of Worcester Receives Donation from
Southbridge Savings Bank
Pictured Left to Right: Bonnie Losavio, HR Manager SSB, Ben Gitkind, 8th Grade Lead Teacher, Ron Cooper VP, Chairman of the Charitable Donations Committee, Alex Zequeira, President of Nativity School of Worcester. Front: Nativity Worcester students Andrew, Mateo & Rosend.
There is no better investment than in the investment in our future, which is why Southbridge Savings Bank's Charitable Donations Committee was proud to donate $2,500 to Nativity School of Worcester. This donation will help revamp the art and performance program which is an integral part of developing the creative and independent minds of the students.
Nativity Worcester provides an avenue for boys specifically from low-income homes in grades 5-8 to achieve great educational success. The school "is an accredited, independent, Jesuit middle school that provides a quality, all-scholarship education to underserved boys of all faiths. Drawing upon four pillars - strength, scholarship, character, and service - a Nativity education inspires self-discovery, responsibility, spiritual growth, and a lifelong dedication to learning." Nativity Worcester is currently in its twelfth year; they are proud of their 113 graduates and look forward to the future achievements of current and future students.
Ron Cooper, SSB VP- Commercial Lending and Services and Chairman of the Charitable Donations Committee stated, "This school makes such a difference for so many young boys. We couldn't think of a better way for Southbridge Savings Bank to give back than to support our local young people."
If you are interested in learning more about the Nativity School of Worcester, or know someone who could help this great organization, visit www.nativityworcester.org or call 508-799-0100.
For more information about Southbridge Savings Bank, call 800-939-9103 or visit them on the web at www.southbridgesavingsbank.com.
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Children's Friend Receives Donation from
Southbridge Savings Bank
Pictured Left to Right: Todd Tallman, President & CFO, Southbridge Savings Bank, Deborah Huegel, Director of Marketing & Development, Children's Friend, Ron Cooper VP, Chairman of the Charitable Donations Committee
There are many challenges facing children and families today, and Children's Friend is addressing some very important, yet overlooked ones. Two critical programs they offer, include a grief support center for children experiencing the loss of a loved one, as well as their outpatient mental health clinic. These programs are so important to help assist those families facing not only behavioral, but emotional challenges. Southbridge Savings Bank's Charitable Donations Committee is proud to donate $1,000 to the Children's Friend to aid in providing such services.
"The services provided by Children's Friend are invaluable to the families it serves. Whether it's offering support to grieving children or providing quality mental health services to those who may not otherwise be able to get it. We are proud to do what we can to assist this great organization be as proactive as they can be, to help those that need it the most," Ron Cooper, Chairman of the Charitable Donations Committee stated.
If you are interested in learning more about Children's Friend, or know someone who could help this great organization, visit www.childrensfriend.org or call 508-753-5425.
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Please join The Winebuyer's Outlet / Sturbridge Cheese & Chocolate at their Free Tastings of Artisan Cheeses, luscious Chocolates & Fine Wines every Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. This is a great way to taste before you buy and discover new favorites!
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Feast of the Seven Fishes - Second night added!
December 17, 6:30pm
Avellino's traditional "Feast of the Seven Fishes" banquet sold out in just a few days so they have added a second night for this fabulous feast on Wednesday, December 17, 2014. A beloved tradition among Italian-Americans, The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a Christmas celebration combining the passion of Italian cooking with an authentic and adventurous multi-course menu comprised principally of "frutti di mare" (seafood). This is a festive culinary experience not to be missed. Call Dawn Ryan today at 508-347-2321 to make your reservation. The cost per person on this extravagant feast is $65 not including tax or gratuity.
Make your reservations now by calling Avellino at 508-347-2321.
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Christmas By Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village
Final weekend of the evening program kicks off this Friday
Like a Christmas card come to life, holiday decorations and twinkling lights will transform the recreated 19th-century New England village into a winter wonderland for Old Sturbridge Village's highly anticipated Christmas by Candlelight. Now in its 12th year, Christmas by Candlelight has become a tradition for thousands of families and couples from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and even New York.
This year guests can stroll through the decorated, historic village; listen to carolers and local choirs sing Christmas classics; take a horse-drawn winter sleigh ride (weather permitting); enjoy the warmth from a crackling bonfire and fireplaces; and even visit with Old Saint Nick. On Friday and Saturday nights, guests are invited to make reservations and enjoy a holiday dinner in the Oliver Wight Tavern (additional cost).
Christmas by Candlelight - sponsored this year by Fallon Health - will take place from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings Dec. 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21. The Museum Gift Shop and Oliver Wight Tavern will be open for holiday shopping and dining during Christmas by Candlelight. Admission to Christmas by Candlelight is $15 for adults and children and $13 for Old Sturbridge Village members. For details, advance tickets and dinner reservations, visit www.osv.org.
Download your Real Deal Christmas Pass for many discounts happening throughout the Sturbridge Townships on the days of Christmas By Candlelight! (see the top article)
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Customer Appreciation Open House
The Duck and Avellino
December 19, 6:00 to 8:00pm
Join The Duck and Avellino for a special holiday customer appreciation evening!
The Duck and Avellino will be offering their dinner guests a complimentary glass of wine and a cheese plate with house-made accoutrements. Table 3 Restaurant Group is happy to take this opportunity to say thank you for your fantastic support throughout the year.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Fireplace Feast: December 19, 20, 21, 26 & 28
January 3, 4, 10 & 11
Lend a hand as dinner is prepared for you in colonial style or just relax by the fire with a hot glass of mulled cider or wine. Stir the chowder as it bubbles in our cast iron cauldron. See your prime rib roasted "to a turn" on the only known authentic Roasting Jack still operating in America, rotating slowly over a crackling fire of wild cherry logs. Beware of the brimming bowl of freshly whipped cream, the perfect complement to New England's Best Apple Pie.
While your dinner is cooking to perfection, enjoy a horse drawn wagon or sleigh ride through the valley on the Inn's pristine 600 acres. After your ride, shake off the chill with warm mulled wine or cider at our dining event. Browse our extensive collection of Colonial and Federal period American antiques.
The event includes:
Delicious Early American Fare for your consumption... you can even enjoy seconds! Pie making, mulling and chowder demonstrations Horsedrawn wagon or sleigh ride, weather permitting Casual dress is a must for this event
Visit www.salemcrossinn.com for tickets and more information.
Christmas Memories at Salem Cross Inn
December 20
Enjoy a play based on Dylan Thomas's "A Child's Christmas in Wales". Listen to performers dressed in 19th century costumes sing over 20 beloved Christmas carols - better yet, sing along with them and rekindle memories of Christmases past while making memories of the Christmas present.
Dine on a traditional turkey dinner with all of the trimmings... a tossed garden salad, freshly made muffins and dinner rolls, fresh moist turkey with Grandmother's traditional bread stuffing and giblet gravy, real whipped potatoes, and fresh butternut squash seasoned to perfection. Complete the meal with a scoop of peppermint stick ice cream rolled in chocolate cake crumbs and topped with Salem Cross Inn's famous hot fudge, fresh whipped cream and a candy cane. Glasses are filled with farm fresh apple cider...ready to be lifted to commemorate the holiday season. Everyone feels like part of the celebration! Visit this link or reservations and more.
New Year's Eve Holiday Feast
December 31
Start with some hors d'oeuvres by the fireplace as you watch your prime rib roasting to perfection on a device dating back to 1700. Take a horse drawn sleigh/wagon ride through the back fields then chase the chill away with some nice, hot, mulled cider or wine. Relax, help make apple pie using an antique apple peeler and corer, or make seafood chowder in an antique iron cauldron right in the fieldstone fireplace.
When it's time for dinner, we'll serve your fireplace seafood chowder and prime rib and then you'll be offered seconds! There will be bowls of fresh butternut squash, spinach pie and oven roasted potatoes. Don't fill up on the homemade rolls, even though they are quite delicious, because you'll want to save some room for the scrumptious deep dish apple pie with fresh whipped cream.
We'll toast to the New Year and then go downstairs to the Chestnut Room where a DJ will be playing so you can dance right through the midnight hour! Wear a party hat and use those noisemakers! It's a great way to ring in the New Year!
If prime rib doesn't tickle your fancy, salmon will be offered as well. Just order it when you purchase your tickets. Get tickets and see more details here.
SALEM CROSS INN WEST BROOKFIELD 508-867-2345
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NEW YEARS EVE GALA
"To Benefit Local Girl Fighting Cancer"
at Sturbridge Host Hotel
DINNER. DANCING. FRIENDS. ACCOMMODATIONS.
Cash Bar. Silent Auctions.
Booking Tables of 8. Reserve Now!
Donation:
$350 per couple.
Tickets available at:
Garieri Jewelers, 139 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA
or call Scott at 508-450-8145.
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It all comes together at premier Central Mass. Show
Inaugural Antiques Show Kicks off on New Year's Eve at Sturbridge Host Special Offer For Chamber Members!
Since the mid-20th century rise of historic Old Sturbridge Village and the nearby Brimfield antique shows, some people may not have noticed the more recent abundance of antique shops and dealers trading year-round in this Central Massachusetts hub.
In Sturbridge and surrounding towns, scores of vendors are doing business singly and through several multi-dealer venues. Others from around New England will descend here as well on New Year's Eve for the premier of the Central Massachusetts Antique Show at Sturbridge.
The show runs New Year's Day at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center, U.S. Route 20 at the junction of Interstate 84 and the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90). Dealer space is still available. Over 75 dealers will move in during the afternoon Wednesday, Dec. 31, followed by hors d'oeuvres and reception with entertainment, and advance viewing. There will be free on-site appraisal, door prizes, raffles and more. On Jan. 1, the show runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. "This show is a new holiday tradition for those with passion for antiques; more active than football on the couch," said David White of Milford, Mass., who conceived the event.
Mr. White believes individual dealers suffer from a lack of reasonably priced promotional and advertising opportunities on a regular basis, and that by combining the resources of so many dealers the Central Massachusetts Antique Show at Sturbridge promotional budget can reach a much wider audience of potential antique shoppers. The show has received the backing of Central Mass. tourism agencies.
"We're hoping, that in addition to the more ardent 'antiquers,' the show will attract the casual shopper wishing to take advantage of the New Year's Holiday and just explore the diverse world of Antiques and Antique Collectibles."
In fact New Year's has always been strong at Sturbridge Antique Shops, a multi-dealer location that owner Karen Stinson has worked for 25 years. "A lot of people don't go out New Year's Eve and they're looking for something to do, and antique shopping is a great option." Her shop's dealers will have a significant presence at the Central Mass. show.
What's it worth? Appraisals offered.
The show will also offer appraisals of items brought in by guests. The president of the National Association of Professional Appraisers, Peter Yvanovich of Stow, Massachusetts, will take all comers during the 10 a.m.-5 p.m. New Year's Day show. One item will be appraised free, with a $10-per-item charge for additional items. He will work online to verify the worth of a particular item, but will render most of his opinions by contacting the owner after proper research. "It is a practice, like a dentist or a doctor," says Yvanovich, a 30-year appraisal practitioner. "A dentist or doctor knows everything? No, the best ones don't hesitate to look it up. I want to make sure everything is substantiated."
SPECIAL OFFER FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS!
Buy one ticket to the show at regular pricing get one FREE,
either the 25.00 ticket to New Year's Eve or the 7.00 ticket to New Year's Day.
All you have to do is register online with the Group name: CMS Chamber
Here's the link for tickets: http://sturbridgeantiqueshow.com/details/tickets/
Dealer, program sponsorship and visitor information: Contact David White at 508-488-6133, or visit SturbridgeAntiqueShow.com.
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Chief Ranger Bill's Talk "On the Wild Side"
January 14, 6:00 to 7:30pm
The Voluntown CT Public Library is hosting and all are welcome to attend Chief Ranger Bill's Talk
"On The Wild Side: Exploring the Flora and Fauna of The Last Green Valley"
The Last Green Valley is almost 80% undeveloped land with a multitude of opportunities for exploring the outdoors. Whether hiking, paddling, pedaling, or simply observing wildlife, the region has a rich assortment of venues for enjoying the natural environment. This program provides a look on the "wilder side" of The Last Green Valley.
Voluntown Public Library 107 Main Street Voluntown, CT
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Click on the image to browse our catalog of training courses!
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Save these Dates!
December 19-21: Last Weekend of Christmas By Candlelight at OSV
December 20: Christmas Memories at Salem Cross Inn
December 25: MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
December 27: Millennium's Magical Christmas Concert
December 31-1: Central Mass Antiques Show at Sturbridge Host Hotel January 1, 2015: HAPPY NEW YEAR! January 21: Fun at Five at Teddy G's with Amcomm Wireless
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Thank you for posting your events to our Events Calendar!
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