Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce Getting Ready for Monte Carlo Night and More!

A look at what is happening with the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce.

The following was submitted by John Bates, chairmen of the Board of the Tri-Town Chamber:  The Tri Town Chamber is once again well into executing its mission as the Voice of Business and the Community in Foxborough, Norton and Mansfield for 2013. If it's spring, it must be Monte Carlo time! Indeed, Tri Town’s next major event will be our annual Monte Carlo Night and Silent Auction from 6 to 9:30 PM on May 10 at Mansfield-Foxborough Holiday Inn. Attendees are given $2000 in Funny Money to play Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Texas Hold ‘em. The public is welcome to come; we love to meet new people! Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door: buy them now by calling the chamber or signing up through Eventbrite. For those of you who are …

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Local Business Roundup: Barrowsville Station, Casino and Patriot Place Expansion

Shop talk in the area.

Barrowsville Station in Norton a Family Tradition Albert Brazao has had a long time in the food industry, even before he was born you might say. Brazao said his father was his inspiration, as he was a chef all of Brazao’s life and beyond. He took over the Barrowsville Station in 2007, after moving in and changing around what was at the time strictly a liquor store. “I drove around the neighborhood and I thought that if we put in food it would attract a lot more people,” Brazao said. “When we bought this place in May of 2007, a year later the kitchen was open and ready to go.” Click here for the full story. ----------------------------------- New Deal Close For Nearby Casino, Governor Says Governor Deval Patrick and the Mashpee Womponoag …

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Business Roundup: Cameo Shop, Cupcake Charlie's and Sangria's

A look at shop and restaurant news in the area.

Cameo Shop Bringing Half a Century of Expertise in Jewelry to Norton Arthur and Mary Ellen Stentiford have owned the Cameo Shop for more than 40 years, and they say it’s been a time of great memories. Arthur’s father, David, originally started the jewelry store in 1947 as a repair and cameo framing shop. The store was originally located on Old Colony Road, but the couple said they moved the store to Chartley. The couple said they have expanded the business to include jewelry repair, manufacturing and remounts. Click here to read more. ------------------------------- Cupcake Charlie’s Targets April Opening at Patriot Place Cupcake Charlie's, an award-winning gourmet cupcake bakery with locations in Cape Cod, Plymouth and Newport, R.I., is …

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What's Opened and What's Closed Today: Presidents' Day

Here is a list of what is opened and what is closed today.

The third Monday of each month is Presidents' Day, also known as Washington's Birthday. This year, the federal holiday falls on Monday, Feb. 18. Take a look at the what's open and what's closed today: CLOSED OPEN Know of any other places that are open or closed? Add them in the comments section.

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You Asked, Patch Answers

Former Mini Golf Course to Become Used Car Lot

Public hearing to be held Feb. 7.

Several followers on the Norton Patch Facebook page asked what was being done with the old mini golf course on Mansfield Avenue. The answer: a used car lot. The 1.39 acre piece of land is owned by Westwood resident Nicolos Vassilios. “Recently the selectmen have or soon will be requested to approve a license for the land owner to sell used cars,” said Building Commissioner Scott Barbados. “The [application] went by my desk and meets the use requirement for that zone.” Selectmen held the public hearing Jan. 31. The hearing was continued to a meeting, Thursday, Feb. 7.   

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Board of Selectmen Votes for Single Tax Rate

Selectmen voted in a single tax rate for residential property, as well as commercial/industrial and business owners.

Selectmen stayed with their pro-business philosophy Thursday, voting in a single tax rate for residential property, as well as commercial/industrial and business owners. Board members Mary Steele and Robert Salvo were absent. Residential properties make up almost 84 percent of the town’s tax base, while commercial/industrial occupy only 16 percent, a ratio the board would like to change. Director of Assessors Lisa Cathcart said the proposed single rate of $14.92 across the board would increase the taxes on the average single family home by $246, about a 6 percent hike. Cathcart calculated the average home in Norton at $281,500. Increases felt by commercial and industrial properties vary by size – small commercial properties would see a 10 …

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TELL US: Should Mass. Blue Laws Be Eliminated?

Blue laws prohibit retailers from opening before midnight on Black Friday.

Black Friday is starting earlier than ever, as some national retailers have announced they will open the night of Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 22. However, here in Massachusetts, state blue laws prohibit stores from opening until midnight, according to a report by the Boston Globe.  Current blue laws prohibit retailers in the state from opening on Thanksgiving, thus preventing them from getting an early start on Black Friday sales, according to the Globe article. Some exceptions are restaurants, health care facilities and gas stations.  The laws, instituted in the 17th century, are intended to make sure holidays are properly observed, according to the Boston Globe.  Are Massachusetts' blue laws outdated? Should they be eliminated? Tell us …

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GiRRL_Earth

2:27 pm on Tuesday, November 20, 2012

What's with Avon's straw man arguments? Talk about taking this topic off course. :-|   more ›

Small Business Saturday

Business Q&A: Montiones Biscotti

A bakery specializing in traditional and New England biscotti.

Montione's Bakery has been serving pastries in Massachusetts since 1988. In the early 90s it started selling its product in the North End in Boston. Today it ships its specialty twice-dipped biscotti nationwide. Montione's sells retail and wholesale and caters weddings and special events. Learn more about Montione's in this Q & A with owner Mary Montione.  What is one thing people might not know about your business? Most people do not know that we exist or what we have to offer. But when they find us, they like what they see and taste and tend to come back. See lots of delicious photos by entering link: http://www.montionesbiscotti.com/locations.html How has the economy affected you in the past year? We've been in business over 20 years, …

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The Great Divide: Wheaton College and the Town of Norton

Wheaton Wire article by student Monica Vendituoli.

By Monica Vendituoli From the perspective of Wheaton College, Norton is a nice town. “My interactions with the town are pretty limited - mostly Norton Fire and Rescue and the Norton Police Department,” said Dean of Students Lee Williams. “Those interactions are positive, as I believe they care deeply about the safety of students, so we have that in common.” However, after speaking with Town Manager Michael Yunits, Selectman Bob Kimball and Selectman Brad Bramwell, it can be concluded that Norton government officials have a more complex perspective of Wheaton College. Yunits has been the Town Manager of Norton since March 2011. Kimball has been a selectman for 18 years. He has lived in Norton since 1979, but first got involved with Norton’s…

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What's Open, Closed on Columbus Day

Columbus Day: What's open and closed in Norton on Monday, Oct. 9.

Columbus Day, observed on the second Monday in October, honors Christopher Columbus' arrival in the New World in October of 1492. According to the History Channel website, "[Columbus] intended to chart a western sea route to China, India and the fabled gold and spice islands of Asia; instead, he landed in the Bahamas, becoming the first European to explore the Americas since the Vikings set up colonies in Greenland and Newfoundland during the 10th century." Read more about his journey here. Here's the list of what is open and closed in most states on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 9: Open: Closed:

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