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Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
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Executive Committee
Jocelyn Callis
1st Vice Chair
Michael Checkosky
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Board Members
Michael Wales
Michael L. Wales Painting Co.
Counsel
Padgett D. Berthiaume
Chamber Staff
Executive Director
Finance & Administration
Communications Specialist
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Greetings from the Chamber of Central Mass South!
Welcome to October's CROSSROADS NEWS!
We are in your inbox on the last business day of September to give you the jump on all the harvest-time happenings coming up in our area! You will want to save the date for Harvest Festival weekend in Sturbridge. We network at Fins & Tales this month and offer a free seminar on Business Communication Skills with Ed Londergan. Read on for the latest news and some great seasonal events, too!
Got news? Thank you for emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in Crossroads! Keep posting your spring and summer events to our online events calendar! We love sharing them with our readers! Extra for Experts! Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest for more from your Chamber! |
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The 28th Annual
Harvest Festival
October 14 & 15, 2017
The 28th Annual Harvest Festival on the Sturbridge Town Common and grounds of the
Publick House Historic Inn is a family fun tradition. The event includes countless local crafters, artisans, specialty food vendors and farm fresh harvests. The Publick House's Scarecrow Contest is a perennial favorite. Enter your scarecrow for a chance to win incredible cash prizes.
NEARLY 80 CRAFTERS!
LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT!
BACK THIS YEAR:
MINI FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL!
Both days of the Festival will feature food trucks offering
an amazing array of taste sensations!
On Saturday
10am-12:45pm
Livestock (live band)
1:15-2:00pm
Awesome Rob the Magician (magic show)
Followed by 2 hours of roving magic!
2:30-4:30pm
Cold Chocolate (live band)
On Sunday
11:00-11:45am
Awesome Rob the Magician (magic show)
Followed by 2 hours of roving magic!
12:15-3:30
The Otters (live band)
Town Common & The Publick House, Sturbridge MA
Admission & Parking: Free
Festival hours are 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday. Rain or Shine.
Presented by the Chamber of Central Mass South &
The Publick House Historic Inn.
Harvest Festival is sponsored by
Sturbridge Tourist Association.
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NETWORK WITH YOUR CHAMBER
Fun at Five!
Monday, October 16
at 5:00pm
Fins & Tales
858 Main Street, Southbridge, 508-764-3349
Join us for Fun at Fins!
We'll be networking at Fins & Tales in October!
Experience imaginative American fare in a comfortable, festive environment in Southbridge's historic Delahanty Building. Fins & Tales offers the best in seafood, plus plenty of options for everyone. Have a seat at their beautiful bar and enjoy a tasty bite and a cocktail.
Enjoy great company and chances to win
some pretty cool prizes!
Fins and Tales is excited to welcome back The Chamber of Commerce and all our fellow local Business Owners for our Fun at Five. We would like to remind everyone that as the Holidays are fast approaching to give thanks back to all of your hard working employees that fuel your successes today. We are currently accepting Holiday Gathering inquires and have a few dates
still available!
Peter, Deborah and Angelique look forward to seeing everyone on October 16th, we hope for yet another great turn out!
We can't wait to see you there!
Cost:
$10 for registered Members, $15 at the door or $20 for non-Members.
Thank you to our
Fun at Five sponsor!
The state-chartered SCU, incorporated in 1938, is a community credit union with both federal and private deposit insurance. You may become a member at any time. SCU operates under the supervision of the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner. Participating institutions in the credit union movement, as it is often termed, pay competitive rates of interest on savings
and loan products.
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CMS Chamber Brown Bag Seminar
Business Communication Skills
with Ed Londergan, Author, Editor & Consultant
Tuesday, October 24 at Noon
Chamber Conference Room, 46 Hall Road, Sturbridge
FREE for CMS Chamber Members, $15 for non-Members.
Space is Limited! Please RSVP by October 23.
Feel free to bring your lunch. Use our microwave to heat it up! Relax, learn and grow with us!
Business Communication Skills focuses on improving employee communications skills and abilities through a combination of instruction and exercises. The training provides the knowledge and tools to identify the benefits of effective communication, recognize obstacles and enhance skills. The topics include basic writing skills, writing an effective email, listening skills, preferred and proper situational communication methods and non-verbal communication.
 Presented by Ed Londergan
Ed Londergan Writing & Editing Services
Ed Londergan has had a fascination with the written word from the time he was in elementary school. After beginning to write his books, Ed started helping others with their writing through writing workshops and creative writing classes. He has advised numerous writers with everything from putting it down on paper to getting published. He is also a professional editor and worked with writers on making their manuscripts be the best possible. Ed's interest in American history, especially that of the New England colonial period and the battles of King Philips's War, resulted in two historical fiction novels: The Devil's Elbow won an honorable mention in the juvenile fiction category at the 2013 New England Book Festival. His latest book, The Long Journey Home, won an honorable mention in the regional fiction category in the 2014 New England Book Festival. The third book in the trilogy, The Farmhouse, is in the works and will be available next year. Read more about Ed at
www.edlondergan.com.
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Welcome New Chamber Members!
We are very proud to introduce our newest Members!
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
Mortgage Company
49 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA
Handmaiden Decor
Home Decor Store
538 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA
508-829-5961
Mass Rehab Commission
Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
57 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA
508-347-7661
LOOKING FOR A CHAMBER MEMBER?
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Remember...MEMBER TO MEMBER!
Discounts from Members...for Members!
We THANK YOU for KEEPING IT LOCAL!
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FALL/WINTER 2017-2018 VISITOR GUIDES ARE IN!
Discover Central Massachusetts has created this great guide
for Visitors and we have them in quantity at the Chamber office!
Give us a ring or come by if you would like some to distribute!
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Sturbridge Coffee Roasters Supports Southbridge Police Association's Fundraising Efforts to
help Officer Reddick "Crush Cancer"
 Sturbridge Coffee Roasters (SCR) will donate $1 for each single pot coffee package of our SCR House and Black Gold Blends purchased during the month of September to help Southbridge Police Department Officer Reddick as he battles cancer. Each pot of these two house blends of our freshly roasted coffee makes 12-cups of coffee. For every $3.95 single pot package purchased, SCR will donate $1.00 to the Southbridge Police Association's fundraising efforts.
The campaign is running at both SCR shops located in Southbridge and Dudley, MA.
The campaign is part of Sturbridge Coffee Roaster's on-going business plan to give back to the communities the stores are located in.
About Sturbridge Coffee Roasters:
Sturbridge Coffee Roasters is your local, fresh roasted coffee shop. The business opened in 2004
in Sturbridge, Mass., in a small space where beans were roasted and delicious coffee drinks were served to locals and tourists. We quickly discovered that our customers also wanted a place to relax with their coffee, which led to the relocation 5 miles down the road to our present location in Southbridge, Mass. In August 2014, the business was sold to the current owner and coffee lover, Elvis Dyer. In July 2015, we opened our second location in Dudley, Mass. Our bean offerings continue to expand to provide opportunities for coffee lovers to experience new flavor profiles and beans from around the world.
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The Last Green Valley Awards Grants
for Sharing and Preserving Our Heritage
The Last Green Valley has awarded a grant to the Windham 4-H Foundation for the repair of its historic fireplace and chimney in the main lodge of the Pomfret Center Camp.
Photo courtesy of Windham 4-H Foundation.
The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) has awarded $15,000 in grants to six local organizations to preserve, protect, interpret, promote or market historic and cultural resources. Since TLGV began awarding historic and cultural grants in 2003, more than $1 million has been disseminated to local nonprofits and towns in the National Heritage Corridor. For many organizations, the funding is the necessary step toward completion of their projects.
"The history of The Last Green Valley is rich and varied," said Lois Bruinooge, executive director of TLGV. "These projects are a way to ensure local history is passed on to future generations to enjoy and learn from."
TLGV awards grants based on a competitive application process. Every project is vetted and evaluated for its potential benefit to the region. Every successful grant must be matched 1:1 by cash or in-kind contributions.
The following grants were awarded:
The Aspinock Historical Society of Putnam was awarded $4,000 for its ongoing restoration of Cady Copp Cottage, the oldest standing building in Putnam, located on Liberty Highway (Route 21). The grant is part of an almost $16,000 project to restore the building. The project would help restore portions of the outside of the building, protecting it from the elements and wildlife, and, also, making Cady Copp Cottage suitable for educational programs
The Eastford Historical Society was awarded $2,185 to preserve an original 1868 map, create a digital image, a preservation master and create a reproduction for display and handling by researchers. The map, "Map of Mill Properties belonging to Joseph B. Latham," depicts the extensive holdings in the center of Phoenixville, a section of Eastford, in intricate detail. The map was an integral resource for Old Sturbridge Village when it conducted research in Phoenixville in the early 1980s.
The Lisbon Trails Committee was awarded $2,060 as part of the ongoing restoration work at Historic Burnham Tavern. The trails committee proposes to design signage for the property and further develop the trail system on the property, including trail mapping and signage with appropriate heritage information regarding the property.
The Thompson Historical Society was awarded $1,680 for the purchase of equipment to aid in iongoing digitization of its extensive historical collections. The project allows the historical society to preserve its physical documents while creating an efficient and effective inventory and catalog of historical information.
Thompson Together was awarded $3,075 for the restoration of seven of Thompson's historic cemeteries. The cemeteries - Carpenter, Joslin, Porter, Bates, Jacobs, Fabyan and Dike - will be assessed and plans for restoration at each developed. The work will include general maintenance to the cemetery grounds and the resetting and repair of tombstones.
The Windham 4-H Foundation was awarded $2,000 for the repair of a historic fireplace and chimney in the main lodge of the Pomfret Center Camp. The 40-foot chimney serves fireplaces on both floors of the lodge and was completed in 1955 by local masons, the Wilcox brothers. The need for flue, ventilation and other repairs means the fireplaces have not been used recently for 4-H traditions dating back to the start of the camp. TLGV funding will join funding from the CT Trust for Historic Preservation and camp funding to complete the project.
Elaine Nelson, project director for the 4-H Foundation's Chimney and Fireplace restoration said "our all-volunteer foundation works very hard to maintain more than 40 buildings on our property. Finding resources to fund things we cannot do with volunteer labor is a constant battle. The saying carved over the mantle says it all '1954, Dedicated to Youth through the Generosity of Many.' The financial support for this project from the Last Green Valley is greatly appreciated. It is yet another tangible representation of the spirit of generosity that thankfully is part of our foundation's culture and legacy going back to its 1954 beginnings."
The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor is the last stretch of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington, D.C. The Last Green Valley, Inc. works for you in the National Heritage Corridor. Together we can care for it, enjoy it and pass it on!
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North Brookfield Savings Bank Combats Hunger with Annual Fall Food Drive
Annual Fall Food Drive from October 1 - 31 at all NBSB Branches
 With the giving season coming upon us, it is common for all of us to turn our attention to caring for those around us. As the
North Brookfield Savings Bank 10th Annual Fall Food Drive fundraiser celebrates its decade anniversary and expresses thanks to the communities for their ongoing support, the overall message is clear; the need continues, give often.
North Brookfield Savings Bank's popular Food Drive fundraiser to help local families in need is known to be a permanent NBSB fixture during the month of October. The Food Drive reminds us that there are still people struggling and about how important it is to care for our friends and neighbors, more now than ever. Employees and community members are encouraged once again to make their annual donation anytime from October 1st through the 31st with the proceeds going directly to local food pantries.
NBSB's goal is to collect at least 3,500 items total, but its support to families in need doesn't end there. For every item collected, the bank will contribute $1, for a total of up to $3,500, to help fund the pantries' operations.
Residents are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items, paper goods and toiletries at any NBSB branch during the drive to any NBSB branch location.
- North Brookfield Branch: 9 Gilbert Street
- East Brookfield: 100 West Main Street, Route 9
- West Brookfield Branch: 128 West Main Street, Route 9
- Ware Branch & Business Center: 40 Main Street, Route 9
- Belchertown Branch: 4 Daniel Shays Highway, Routes 9 & 202
- Palmer Branch: 1051 Thorndike Street
- Three Rivers Branch: 2060 Main Street
Examples of nonperishable and non-food items that pantries can use are:
paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, diapers and baby wipes; deodorant, soap, tooth brushes and toothpaste; dry and canned pasta and soups, canned meats, tuna and salmon, peanut butter, jelly, tea bags and ground coffee; canned vegetables and fruits, hot and cold cereals, rice, cake mixes, pancake mix, syrup, powdered milk and granulated sugar; canned juices, baby food, baby formula, granola and cereal bars.
"We have neighbors who are in need and it is important for us as a local, community bank to do our part to help them,
" said North Brookfield Savings Bank President & CEO Donna Boulanger. "
On 10th anniversary of North Brookfield Savings Bank hosting the Food Drive, we are awestruck to look back at the generosity displayed over the years by community members, local businesses and employees of the Bank. It has been an honor to work alongside the local food pantries to help those in our shared communities who are struggling. Thank you to everyone who has contributed through the years."
The Annual Fall Harvest Food Drive is just one of the many local outreach events held by North Brookfield Savings Bank to help address the needs of the communities it serves. From November 1 through December 9, NBSB will continue the tradition of collecting gifts for children of local struggling families through the NBSB Annual Holiday Toy Drive being held at all of the Bank's branches. The Bank also holds multiple in-branch fundraisers annually to benefit various local charities.
To learn more about North Brookfield Savings Bank's community giving efforts and all of the convenient banking products and services offered, visit
www.NorthBrookfieldSavingsBank.com
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Harrington Continues to Focus on Safety With Updated Security Measures
Harrington HealthCare System continues to focus on the safety of its patients, staff and visitors following a June 14 incident where a Southbridge Emergency Room nurse was stabbed by a patient.
Since the attack, Harrington has implemented strict security guidelines within its Emergency Departments in Webster and Southbridge that include limited visitor access per patient and subjecting all persons and bags to search upon arrival.
The healthcare system recently released an update to its security measures, effective September 25.
All persons and bags will remain subject to search upon arrival. Harrington has purchased two walk-through metal detectors at each of its Emergency Room entrances.
Each patient will now be limited to two visitors, with Public Safety managing visitor flow. Re-entry and visitor swapping will be permitted and managed by Public Safety at reasonable intervals, and Public Safety will also collaborate with the charge nurse in situations where visitation should be limited.
"We recognize our initial policy caused some frustration for our patients and their families," said Harry Lemieux, one of Harrington's vice presidents. "Our priority continues to be creating the safest environment possible for anyone who visits our hospital or any of our medical office buildings. We have been working hard to revise our policy to create safe but more flexible visitation, and we think this adjustment accomplishes that need."
In addition to these efforts, Harrington has taken a global approach to enhancing its safety and security; the healthcare system now has more than 24 properties across south central Massachusetts, with plans for a Putnam, Conn. behavioral health building to open in early 2018.
Efforts have included the addition of more Public Safety staff, more security cameras, further securing access to facilities, and panic button installation across all locations.
Many of Harrington's employees, including Public Safety staff, will be undergoing advanced training in de-escalation and defensive tactics with programs such as MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behavior). The Public Safety officers, many of whom have law enforcement backgrounds as Auxiliary members to local Police Departments, will now carry batons, pepper spray (foam-based) and handcuffs.
"There are very strict guidelines and circumstances under which these tools would be used, and that is being communicated during the training being taken by our Public Safety Department," Lemieux said.
Harrington has become somewhat of a role model for other statewide healthcare organizations, which are recognizing the need to do more to protect patients and employees. Harrington was the first in Massachusetts to place metal detectors at its Emergency Room entrances, in addition to many other policies being implemented ahead of the national standard for healthcare security.
Internally, Harrington is working to engage its 1,500 employees with a Workplace Violence Committee to share ideas and hear updates, as well as a reverse 911 system, which will provide multiple messages through several communication channels to all employees should an emergency occur. On-site training and drills will also be rolled out to employees with department and building-specific protocols.
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"Rolltober" Debuts for People with Limited Mobility
in The Last Green Valley
Enjoying the outdoors is something many people take for granted. At The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) we understand the trails, paths and boat launches throughout the National Heritage Corridor can be daunting for some. TLGV's Universal Trails Assessment Team is changing that.
"This started as a grant project to figure out which boat launches in The Last Green Valley were accessible to people with mobility challenges," said Lois Bruinooge, executive director of TLGV. "The all-volunteer Universal Trails Assessment Team has really expanded the effort to assess all kinds of trails. The work they've done is incredible and helps people know which trails, paths and boat launches are going to be accessible to them."
The team - made up of Sandra Swale of Woodstock, Greg Stillman of Brooklyn, Virge Lorents of Killingly, Angela Kneeland of East Putnam and TLGV Office Coordinator Lyann Graff of Killingly - spent 2016 assessing canoe and kayak launches in the National Heritage Corridor and 2017 hitting the trails.
September 30 Rolltober Event
To highlight their work and share information, the team has organized Rolltober, a Walktober event on Sept. 30, from 1-3 p.m., at the Air Line State Park Trail, Route 169 Trailhead in Pomfret, CT. The team will demonstrate the equipment it uses and discuss how mobility-challenged users, including disabled, elderly and even parents pushing strollers can select trails that will meet their personal interests, skills, abilities and expectations. The team will provide signage and information for trail segments already assessed so attendees can make their own informed decision about what trail to take to get outside and enjoy The Last Green Valley.
TLGV recently secured a second grant from the CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection that funded more advanced trails assessment equipment. The new equipment -- one of only 37 units in the nation -- will speed the assessment process and be showcased at the Rolltober event.
While the work will help many, the team's efforts are very personal. Swale's son, Gabe Sipson, suffered a debilitating accident on the job as a forester more than three years ago. His burning desire to get back outside into the beautiful locales of The Last Green Valley fueled Swale and the rest of the team.
"During the first year he wanted to get back into the woods. We didn't even know where to go. I remember going down to the beach with him and there was a ramp, but in a wheelchair, it was so hard to navigate," Swale said. "We ended up turning around to come home. We realized there was no information with anything on it for a disabled person."
Sipson said "When I'm out in the forest, it makes me feel like, I don't know what the best word is - calmer - and more centered with myself. I feel like maybe I'm more of a naturalist and things align better, and it makes sense. My perspectives are aligned better with what's really important."
The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor is the last stretch of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington, D.C. The Last Green Valley, Inc. works for you in the National Heritage Corridor. Together we can care for it, enjoy it and pass it on!
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North Brookfield Savings Bank Donates $500
to Angels & Backpacks Program
Donation went towards funding weekend food bags for local children in need
Patty Ostrout (right), NBSB Senior Vice President of Retail Banking presented the $500 donation to
Linda Lloyd, President of Angels Answer, Inc./Angels & Backpacks Program and Dana Lloyd, Vice President of Angels Answer, Inc./Angels & Backpacks.
North Brookfield Savings Bank is pleased to announce they have recently donated $500 to Angels & Backpacks, a program dedicated to providing low-income children in need with food each weekend.
The Angels & Backpacks program currently distributes weekend bags of food to many children attending
local schools. The vital program provides hungry children three meals for each Saturday and Sunday, as well as monthly toiletries. Even items such as clothing, hats, gloves, mittens and scarves are provided as needed. More than 100 food items are offered each weekend, with each bag totaling $10 each. Food includes tuna, chicken, salmon, ravioli, mac and cheese cups, pasta, soups, cereals, granola bars, fruit cups and many others. Food donations are accepted at the Turley Publications office located
80 Main Street in Ware.
"Angels & Backpacks Program is a nonprofit food agency which helps our local school children facing food insecurity and we are thankful for the contributions made by North Brookfield Savings Bank to help make this possible," said Linda S. Lloyd, Executive Director of Angels Answer, Inc./Angels & Backpacks Program. "It is difficult for children to concentrate in school when they are hungry. By providing nutritious meals for these children each weekend they in turn become better students and have greater academic success in school. Children are our future leaders and it is important we invest in their well-being."
This is the third year North Brookfield Savings Bank has offered support to the Angels & Backpacks program.
"North Brookfield Savings Bank is delighted to be able to assist the Angels and Backpacks Program once again, so they can continue their mission of ensuring local children in need are not going hungry," said Patty Ostrout, North Savings Bank Senior Vice President of Retail Banking. "Each and every child deserves the opportunity for a fair education and no child should be distracted from that opportunity because they are worried where there next meal may come from."
To learn more about North Brookfield Savings Bank's community giving efforts and all of the convenient banking products and services offered, visit
www.NorthBrookfieldSavingsBank.com
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About Angels & Backpacks:
Visit
www.angelsanswer2you.com
. Monetary donations are being accepted and checks should be made payable to Angels Answer, Inc., Box 221; Ware, MA, 01082. For those who would like to donate food items call 413-320-1981 to arrange for pick-up. Any questions can be emailed to
[email protected]
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About North Brookfield Savings Bank
: North Brookfield Savings Bank is a mutual savings bank with full-service branches in North Brookfield, East Brookfield, West Brookfield, Ware, Belchertown, Palmer, and Three Rivers Village of Palmer. NBSB offers a wide variety of deposit and loan products for individuals and businesses throughout Central and Western Massachusetts and has been a steadfast supporter of the communities in which it serves since 1854. All deposits are insured by the FDIC and the Depositors Insurance Fund. For additional information, please call 1-866-711-6272 or visit NorthBrookfieldSavingsBank.com.
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The clock is ticking on registering for the October 28 workshop,
This isn't just some positive thinking workshop. This program is about taking action. And while a positive attitude is a key component, we'll also be exploring the beliefs, the values, and the habits that control how you think, feel, and behave.
It took as many years as you are old to get where you are today. Will it take as many years to change? Hopefully not. Yet, change CAN happen in a moment -- when it all becomes crystal clear as to "What, Who, When, How, and Why" you think what you think, you feel what you feel, you do what you do, you got where you are. See more and contact Rita with any questions.
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The Charlton Police Explorers have been going for over 18 years with 19 students from our local towns.
The Exploring Program is here to teach important life and career skills to young people from all backgrounds through immersive career experiences and mentorship provided by community and business leaders like YOU! Together, we equip young people with character, leadership and life skills that can be used both today and in their future careers.
Can you showcase your business to a small group of the community's youth for 2 hours, once a month?
Are you committed to growing our future community and the people within it?
If you answered YES to either of these questions, maybe you can help to shape our future workforce by hosting an EXPLORER post at your organization. We need YOU to join Harrington Hospital, Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center, Sturbridge Fire, OFS (Optical Fiber Solutions), Charlton Police and many more nationwide to open the doors for boys and girls, 14 - 20 years old to Explore the workplace.
We are looking for organizations involved in Manufacturing, Hospitality, Business, Skilled Trades, Health & Social Services, etc. We provide general liability insurance along with training and support to help you to help them find their future career.
ARE YOU:
Constantly hiring entry level employees? Frustrated by having to re-hire time after time?
Explorers provide a new pipeline for future LOCAL employees who know WHAT & HOW you operate!
Want to reach more people in the community? Or shape the abilities of our future workforce?
Exploring shows a positive community involvement while positively impacting youth development!
Exploring is a career-specific program for businesses and organizations to offer to local youth. By matching the career interests of young people, male and female, aged 14-20 years old, we can facilitate a program of interactive activities that help our youth pursue their future career or special interests. They get the invaluable hands-on experience they need to determine whether or not a particular career field is the right fit. The youth develop valuable networking contacts within our community, learn appropriate work ethics and the 'soft skills' required to succeed in the workplace today.
Please visit
www.exploring.org or contact Joy Lapidus, Exploring Executive for Central Massachusetts.
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 Rotary Fundraiser Helps Food Pantry
Sturbridge Rotary recently held its 4th Annual Dinner Dance to benefit the Saint John Paul II Food Pantry. Attendees enjoyed great food, music, raffles and lots of fun at the Cohasse Country Club. The highlight of the evening was presenting a check to Rev. Kenneth Cardinale, the new pastor at the church who oversees the Food Pantry. Rev. Cardinale spoke about the ever increasing need for food at the Pantry. The numbers of families fed each month from Southbridge and Sturbridge have grown dramatically and our check for $3,000 will certainly help to stock the Pantry shelves. We are proud to say that to date, Sturbridge Rotary has contributed over $12,000 toward this worthy cause.
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Small Office Space For Rent
212 Main Street, Sturbridge
Need to get things done in Sturbridge? Les Gardner has a small office available to rent within his space in the McCurdy Insurance Building at 212 Main Street, Sturbridge. The space measures approximately 12' x 12' or 150 square feet. This convenient work space includes internet access and a desk. If you are interested or have more questions, contact Les directly at 508-347-7177.
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"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."
-L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
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Saturday September 30, 2017
Here Today Adopted Tomorrow
180 Sturbridge Rd, Brimfield, Ph: 413-324-8224
Registration: 9:00AM - 10:00AM
Walk: 10:00AM - noon
Put your sneakers on! Grab your best friend! It's time for the
Here Today Adopted Tomorrow
5th Annual Tails on the Trail!
Tails on the Trails, proudly supported by the Petco Foundation, raises money to help fund medical care, food, shelter and other services for local homeless and abandoned cats and kittens and helps subsidize a $20 spay and neuter program for local owned cats. All participants will receive a T-shirt, and for every $25 in pledges raised, a ticket for a special raffle. Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers.
Walkers start and finish at Here Today Adopted Tomorrow and loop along the Rail Trail, with plenty of opportunity for those with 2 or for 4 legs to shorten their walk if needed while still enjoying the autumn leaves.
There will be fun for the whole family including vendors, a free Visions By Baker Photography photo booth with a photo contest, Toto the Tornado Kitten and FREE dog training advice. There will be crowd favorites like the dog owner look-alike contest! And of course raffles! Raffles! Raffles!
Visit the link for more information, to register, donate or sponsor a walker!
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10th Annual Walk to END ALL FORMS OF ABUSE
October 1, Brimfield Common
October 1, 2017 on the Brimfield Common there will be FREE Food, Entertainment, Kids Games and Crafts and more to help raise money to end all forms of abuse.
For the tenth year, STOP ABUSE TODAY, a division of the Tri-Town Domestic Violence Task Force will hold its 1.6 mile walk from the Brimfield Common at 1:00PM rain or shine. Local and state politicians as well as churches from the area will be there to show their support .
When the walkers return to the common they will be able to visit area agencies booths, listen to music for all generations, kids can play games, make crafts, face paint, etc.
Why do we walk? Because 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men are victims of some sort of violence in their lifetime. 1 in 5 teen girls have reported being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner. 1 in 3 students report being bullied during the school year. 1in 10 elders are being abused.
These are startling statistics. Let's show our community that we stand together against all kinds of abuse. Show up and walk to show your support to our mission to stop all forms of abuse.
For more information call Margo at 413-668-6965.
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SCRATCHBOARD WORKSHOP: Come and join Loretta Medeiros, an award winning artist in the 66th National Academic Artists Exhibition in 2016 for her scratchboard entry. Find out more about scratchboard as Loretta demonstrates and provides you instruction to try your hand on this fun medium! Scratchboard is fast becoming a very popular artist medium. You will need to bring a terry cloth hand towel, a black and white photo you have taken printed 5"x7" on computer paper. All other supplies will be provided. (1 class) Time: 6:30-9 PM Fee: $40 Instructor: Loretta Medeiros. Contact Hitchcock at 413 245 9977 or www.hitchcockacademy.org to register.
Friday, October 6
FRIENDS & FAMILY FRIDAYS-YOGA FOR ALL:
Friends & Family Friday is a monthly event from Hitchcock Academy where we bring you a pizza dinner and a class from one of our instructors! October's class is Yoga for All with Sharon Palmer. This class is designed for all ages and abilities! Time: 6:00-7:30 PM Fee: $6/person Instructor: Sharon Palmer, M.Ed., Certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor. Contact Hitchcock at 413 245 9977 or www.hitchcockacademy.org to register.
REIKI I: A healing energy technique. You will become a certified practitioner. Tap into your higher consciousness to harness this incredible love frequency to heal yourself and others. We are so busy being human doers, we need just to be human be-ings. Time: 6:00-9:00PM Fee: $150 Instructor: Jean Miller, Traditional Reiki Master. Contact Hitchcock at 413 245 9977 or www.hitchcockacademy.org to register.
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Publick House Cooks for Community Organizations
Help us give back to the community by joining us for our monthly feasts to raise money for local organizations. Sponsored organization will split a minimum of $4.00 from every dinner served!
October 5
Publick House Cooks for Hurricane Irma Victims
CARRIBEAN FEAST
October 16
Warren Knights of Columbus
Autism Awareness
TURKEY FEAST
CASH DONATION
(4-12 yrs.)
ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET!
Held in Paige Hall or under the Tent!
SEATING ONE: 4:30pm-6:15pm
SEATING TWO: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Casual Dining * Open Seating * No Reservations
All Feasts include...
Tossed Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Dinner Rolls, Dessert, Coffee, Tea, Soft Drinks & Iced Water
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Stageloft Theater Presents
This is the story of what happened in the hotel room next to the hotel room where Ann (played in the 1933 movie by Fay Wray) was whisked out of the bed and into the Manhattan night by King Kong. There's always a backstory. Myron Siegel is a low-end Broadway producer who desperately wants to be high end. Trouble is, he has, for his entire career, been sabotaged by his arch rival, who is ultra-famous for making movies about scary jungle creatures. That producer's father and Myron's father were also rivals back in the day, and the legacy has lived on. As the play opens, Myron has just learned that the rival producer has booked a theatre directly across from the theatre where Myron's potential bonanza, Foxy Felicia, is about to open. Nobody on the rialto knows what he's up to, but it's big. It's BIG! Myron gathers his entourage-his sassy mother, his gangster henchman, his Hungarian backer and his wide-eyed niece straight off the bus from Buffalo-and concocts a plan to find out what the mystery show is all about. What he discovers is that the show is about a monkey. A very large monkey. He also learns that the rival is sleeping with his wife and plans to steal both her and Foxy Felicia away from Myron. As the story unfolds, the seven doors on the set fly open and slam shut constantly. There are also mistaken identity, pies in the face, deceit, underhandedness and even a couple of romances. And every moment is meticulously coordinated with the events depicted in the 1933 movie.
Show dates: October 6-8, 13-15, and 20-22.
Kong's Night Out is presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing, Inc.
Visit online or call for tickets.
To reserve tickets by phone, call (508) 347-9005.
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Apple and Ag Days at Old Sturbridge Village
October 7-9 & 14-15
Celebrate the harvest and the beautiful New England autumn at the peak of fall color. Learn how food makes its way from the farm to the dining room table. Meet our oxen and see multiple teams demonstrate plowing and field preparation. Learn more about heritage breed animals and talk with breeders.
Join our costumed interpreters as they harvest apples, potatoes, carrots, and beets, conduct garden and root cellar tours and discuss food preparation, thresh and winnow grain, and shell corn and beans
One of the most popular items of the fall harvest is apples. In New England, cider making is to autumn what maple sugaring is Cooking in the Freeman Farmhouse to spring. However, 19th-century farmers would not recognize the sweet cider we enjoy from farm stands today. Cider in the 1800s was not merely the apple juice, but was fermented "squeezings" from apples, which meant the cider would keep through the spring planting, summer heat and into the harvesting of the next apple season. Throughout the day, our interpreters will be cooking and preserving this special fall fruit and operating the ox-powered Cider Mill.
Don't Miss the Sleepy Hollow Experience!
Shows run through October 29.
Museum Hours: May - October
Open Wednesdays - Sundays
9:30 am - 5:00 pm
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 Oktoberfest at Rapscallion (Two Weekends!)
October 7-8 and 14-15, Noon to 10pm
Join us for a long-standing annual tradition at the orchard! Hyland Orchard & Pavilion and Rapscallion Brewery mark the kick-off of Hyland's October apple-picking and live music season and the release of Rapscallion's 2017 O-Fest beer! Live music from Big Jon Short, James Keyes, Chandler Travis and The Upper Crust, Sam James, and The Sypek Brothers. Food from Rapscallion Food Truck and Wings & Things.
Dog and family-friendly! Visit the website for details! www.drinkrapscallion.com
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 39th Annual Apple Country Fair
October 7, 10am to 4pm
This quintessential country fair celebrates autumn in New England with locally-produced foods and crafts, cider, pies, raffles, live music, children's games, and-of course-apples!
Brookfield Town Common, at the intersection of Route 9 and 148, Brookfield MA
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The Brimfield Antique Auto Show
October 7, 10am to 23pm
Heart-O-The Mart, 37 Palmer Rd, Brimfield
The First Congregational Church of Brimfield is proud to sponsor The Brimfield Antique Auto Show.
The auto show is great day of cars and community coming together each year in October.
Car owners compete for over 81 trophies in 26 categories.
Come to show your car or to see all the unique and interesting cars out there.
Over 81 awards given: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each of 26 different classes...
and for the first time this year we will be awarding a Best in Show Fire Truck Trophy!
Admission: $7
Free for Seniors over 65, children under 13, military & veterans
Car Registration: opens at 8 am - $10 per vehicle
All proceeds from the show will go toward capital improvements of the historic meetinghouse which has sat as a beacon on the hill in Brimfield since 1721 and continues to provide a meeting place for many organizations today such as the Brimfield Senior Center, Boy Scouts, etc.
Rain dates are: October 14 or 15.
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Woman In Business October Luncheon: Launching a New Business
October 11, Noon to 1:30pm
Cornerstone Cafe, Tantasqua Regional High School, 319 Brookfield Rd., Fiskdale
Join us for a delicious October luncheon! Guest speaker and Sturbridge cupcake celebrity Holly Koslowski will join us to speak on her road to cupcake success! From a home bakery to spacious store in a historic mill, Holly will share her story of achieving her goals.
Lunch served by the wonderful culinary students and staff at Cornerstone Café inside Tantasqua High School.
RSVP by October 1 at
www.wibsturbridge.org.
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300th Anniversary of Brookfield Churches
The month of October will see a continuation of the 300th Anniversary celebration of the Brookfield Churches that trace their beginning to the meeting house that was built on Foster Hill
in West Brookfield in 1717. Church celebrations will take place on
October 14.
For further information, contact Robert Blozie, Chairman 300th Anniversary Committee.
(508) 654-3112
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Don't Just Think It... PINK IT!
October 17, 9am to Noon, Tri-Community YMCA, 43 Everett St., Southbridge
This is the 5th year for the
Tri-Community YMCA and the
Bay Path RVTHS Cosmetology Department to team up for
Pink Strands for the Cause. We invite you to stop in that day for
a $5 pink hair extension to anyone who wants to show their support for breast cancer research.
100% of the proceeds collected that day will go towards Breast Cancer Awareness.
Last year the students donated over $1500 with your help.
For more information on helping those in the fight against breast cancer and celebrating survivors, please contact the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
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October 19: Murder Mystery Dinner Series
Salem Cross Inn and the Stageloft Repertory Theater present a Murder Mystery Dinner theater dining event, "A Healthier Life - The Making of an Info-mercial."
We need your help. Oppie Losefree needs you to cast a ballot as to which strategy should be chosen for the upcoming info-mercial about leading a healthier life. Meet some health experts as they battle for the spotlight in an upcoming television ad. Hopefully the battle won't result in a murder! But you never know with these health fanatics...
The Murder Mystery Dinner is an advanced ticket purchase dining event.
Menu for the Murder Mystery Dinner
Tossed Garden Salad with Creamy Italian Dressing (served at 7:00pm)
Rustic Boneless Breast of Chicken - Supreme Sauce (served at 7:45pm)
Seasonal Potato and Vegetable
Homemade Rolls
Ice Cream Cakeballs with Homemade Hot Fudge
Brewed Tea or Coffee
Arrive by 6:30pm. Show begins promptly at 7:00pm.
Visit the website for more information and tickets.
Next Murder Mystery: November 17, 2017.
$56 per person (Tax and gratuity included. Tickets are non-refundable. Advance purchase only)
To attend our Murder Mystery Dinner, visit the website, or call us at 508-867-2345.
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Village Toastmasters Weekly Meetings
Thursday Evenings, 7:00-8:15pm
PLEASE NOTE NEW LOCATION
CHAMBER OF CENTRAL MASS SOUTH CONFERENCE ROOM
46 Hall Road, Sturbridge
Village Toastmasters is a local group focused on helping its members improve their public speaking and leadership skill while building confidence in their abilities.
The club has recently moved its meeting location.
As of Thursday, April 27, 2017, Village Toastmasters will meet every Thursday from 7:00-8:15 pm at the offices of the Chamber of Central Mass South, located at 46 Hall Road, Sturbridge.
Thank you to the Chamber of Central Mass South for serving as the new meeting location and thank you to Southbridge Savings Bank for hosting our meetings for the past decade and more!
We are grateful to our community partners!
Guests are always welcome!!
Please arrive 15 minutes early (6:45pm) as meetings start promptly.
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Local Farmers' Markets & Farm Stands
Local Farmers Market at Big Bunny
Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.
Big Bunny Parking Lot, 942 Main Street, Southbridge
West Brookfield Farmers' Market
June to October 11. Wednesdays. From 3:00-6:00pm.
On the Town Common, Route 67 & 9, West Brookfield.
Hitchcock Academy's Farmers' Market
Open every Saturday from 9:00-2:00pm until October 28.
(Not held during Brimfield Shows)
HFA Parking Lot. 2 Brookfield Road, Brimfield
.
Overlook Farm, 15 Long Hill Road, Brookfield
Retail stand opens June 20 with limited product.
Open 10-6. Closed Mondays.
Check the website
for availability.
Klem's Farmers' Market
June 10 to October 21, Saturdays 10am to 2pm.
Excluding 7/23 and 8/20 due to other events at Klem's.
117 West Main Street, Spencer
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Click on the image to browse our catalog of Coggno training courses!
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We Welcome Interesting Goodies for our Welcome Baskets!
 The Chamber has teamed up with the Center of Hope to create gift baskets to welcome new members to the Chamber of Central Mass South. The Chamber presents our new members with gift baskets that will not only have a monetary value but also to give the recipient an opportunity to learn more about other Chamber members and their services. These baskets make a terrific first impression and are a great way to introduce your business to new prospects. Can you help us fill these baskets with interesting goodies?
We are always seeking interesting, practical items to include in our welcome baskets. We welcome your contributions of items like modest gift certificates, discount coupons, items with your company's logo like piggy banks, thumb drives and coffee mugs, free trial items, small items your company manufactures or whatever else might promote your company and be a value to our new members. We are looking to assemble about a dozen baskets at a time so that time sensitive material will not be out of date when received. If you would like to donate items for this program, please drop them off at the Chamber office or give us a call to arrange pick up your donated items. Contact Alix at 508-347-2761 or e-mail [email protected] if you have any questions or to arrange a pickup. Thank you for your contributions!
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Important Dates to Save!
October 1: Brimfield Walk to End Abuse
October 7-8 & 14-15: Oktoberfest at Rapscallion
October 7: Apple Country Fair
October 9: Columbus Day
October 11: Woman in Business Luncheon
October 14-15: 28th Annual Harvest Festival
October 16: Fun at Five at Fins & Tales with Southbridge Credit Union
October 24: Chamber Seminar: Business Communication Skills with Ed Londergan
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VISIT US ONLINE FOR LOCAL EVENTS AND MORE
www.cmschamber.org
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