CMS Chamber logo  

 

In This Issue
July Fun at The Overlook!
Seminar: Business & Personal Insurance
Office Space For Rent
Chamber GOLF Classic
2017 CMS Chamber Scholarships
Country Bank Awards $30,000 in Scholarships
NBSB Hires Andrea Healy
TLGV Announces Grant Round
Harrington Welcomes Jessica Calcidise
NBSB's Renovation Celebration
KARL STORZ Employment Opportunities
Rotary Awards Scholarships
Big River at OSV
The Producers
Cooking with Table 3
Aqua Riders Team Shows
MJA: Self-Defense Workshop
Historic Drover's Roast
Sturbridge Ready: An Emergency Preparedness Class
Make Music Day
Klem's Car Shows
The Duck: Beer Social
Hearts for Hooves
Table 3: Restaurant Week!
Publick House Feast
Gateway Auditions
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
Village Toastmasters
508: Music Fest
Acorn Adventure
Independence Celebration Weekend
Leonide J. Lemire Road Race
Pintastic Returns!
Free Saturday Tastings
Concerts on the Commons
Farmers' Markets & Stands
SCU CR ad
Chamber of Commerce 
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
  
Cindy Howard
Chair
Center of Hope
 
Bruce Watkins
Treasurer
Karl Storz Endovision 

Jocelyn Callis
1st Vice Chair
OFS

Michael Checkosky
Immediate Past Chair
__________ 

Board Members

Brad Arcoite
Table 3 Restaurant Group  

Jessica Bettencourt
Klem's
 
Chris Canniff

Susan Collins
Bank Hometown


Bob Datz 
datzmedia 

Alycia Dzik
Webster First Federal Credit Union

Michelle Fanion
ERA Key Realty


Les Gardner
Les Gardner Photography


Lynn Mero
Southbridge Credit Union


Laurie Nelson
Christopher Heights

Heather Pedersen
Country Bank

Rita Schiano 

Michael Wales
Michael L. Wales Painting Co. 
 
Jim Donahue
Honorary Board Member
 
Counsel
Padgett D. Berthiaume
 
 __________

Chamber Staff

Alexandra McNitt
 Executive Director

Paulette Hughes
Finance & Administration

Jack Starkey
Communications Specialist 

Chamber Links

CMS Chamber logo
Stur Townships - Everything but Ordinary  

Greetings from the Chamber of Central Mass South!

Welcome to Summer and CROSSROADS EVENTS ! With things heating up around here this issue invites you to ride on the Big River at Old Sturbridge Village, catch some thrilling water ski show s, experience a Colonial feast, and join us for networking and a great day on the golf course! You'll find ideas for celebrating the Independence Day holiday as well as up-to-date listings of Concerts on the Commons and local Farmers Markets at the end of this issue. We also reveal our two Chamber Scholarship winners for 2017! 
 
Got news? Thank you for emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in Crossroads!
Keep posting your 2017 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!  
NETWORK WITH YOUR CHAMBER  
Fun at Five!
Tuesday, July 18
at 5:00pm 
Overlook logo  
The Overlook 
88 Masonic Road, Charlton
866-753- 5429
The Overlook Tower
Join us for summer networking and fun at
The Overlook in Charlton! We'll get together in the Overlook's spectacular Performing Arts Center,  
enjoy beer, wine, soft drinks, tasty appetizers
and each other's company on a
special midsummer's eve!

Overlook_s Performing Arts Center
The Performing Arts Center at The Overlook

Did you know...? The Overlook offers a full continuum of care on one campus including independent living, enhanced living, memory care,  
short-term rehabilitation, long-term skilled care and hospice care. Overlook Visiting Nurse Association provides home health services twenty-four hours a day, every day of the year, if needed.

You could win a Gift Basket of Fine Wines,
courtesy of our host, The Overlook!  
 
Cost:
$10 for registered Members, $15 at the door or  
$20 for non-Members. 
RSVP by phone at 508-347-2761 
or email info@cmschamber.org 
 
 
Thank you to our
July Fun at Five sponsor!
ofs  






 
OFS
has one of the longest and most respectable  corporate lineages in the history of American business with a heritage dating back to Alexander Graham Bell. Our continued commitment to quality and innovation has been instrumental in shaping the future of optical communications and fiber optic technology.
 
OFS Fitel  50 Hall Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566
CMS Chamber Brown Bag Seminar Series
Brown Bag Seminar  
Business and Personal Insurance:
What You Don't Know Can Hurt You
June 27 at Noon 
Chamber Conference Room 
46 Hall Road, Sturbridge 

FREE for CMS Chamber Members,  
$50 for non-Members.
Space is Limited!
 
Call 508-347-2761 or email info@cmschamber.org
to save your spot! Feel free to bring your lunch.
Relax, learn and grow with us!

Insurance is an important part of our daily lives. We drive cars, trucks, and motorcycles; own homes or rent space. And then there are our toys - boats, RVs, campers, jet-skis, and so on.  Each and every one of these have inherent risk. Handling that risk properly is the difference between financial stability and bankruptcy. Points Dennis will cover include:
  • What to insure and not to insure
  • Policy differences
  • Common myths
  • Huge gaps
  • Dangerous assumptions
Dennis McCurdy Presented by Dennis McCurdy, CIC, CFP®
Dennis has been providing insurance to small to mid-sized businesses, and families since 1975.  In addition to his wealth of product knowledge, Dennis' vast experience as a business owner makes him a valuable resource for his clients. Whether it is Worker's Compensation, Malpractice, Business Auto, Property Coverage, or Risk Management, Dennis understands the fine points of these insurance plans and will work with you to protect your business.

Dennis is a member of the Independent Agents of America, The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors, Society of Certified Financial Planners, Financial Planning Association and Toastmasters. He is a Vietnam Veteran serving with the 12th SPS Phu Cat AB Republic of South Vietnam 1970-1971.

Dennis is an author of; Find A Way, A Guide to Getting The Most From Life, and 52 Ways To Find A Way and conducts
motivational seminars throughout the Northeast.

Visit online at
www.McCurdyInsurance.com.
Member2Member Discounts! 
M2M logo 
Don't Forget t o use your M2M Card! 
Discounts from Members...  
for Members!
 
We THANK YOU for KEEPING IT LOCAL! 
Small Office Space For Rent
212 Main Street, Sturbridge
Les Gardner   
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. 
Chamber of Central Mass South
golf5.jpg
GOLF CLASSIC 2017
To Benefit the Chamber Scholarship Fund
Sponsored by Southbridge Savings Bank
Heritage Country Club, Charlton
June 22, 2017

Join us as we hit the links at Heritage Country Club for a fun-filled day of golf and camaraderie on the course at our annual Golf Classic. Check out the details and find registration information below.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 
7:45 am Registration 
9:00 am Shot Gun Start 
2:30 pm Dinner Reception

YOUR DAY INCLUDES:
Continental breakfast
Greens and cart fees
Heritage Country Club in Charlton, MA
Cookout lunch on the course
Spectacular raffle prizes!
Contests:
Longest drive, male & female
Closest to the pin
Refreshments available on the course
Reception and dinner after play

SCRAMBLE FORMAT:
All players hit from the best lie

COST:
Foursome: $475 
Individual: $125 
Dinner Only: $30

View and download the detailed brochure.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE.
$100 Tee Box Sponsor:
Includes a sign with your business name and logo at the tee box or green.

$750 Corporate Sponsor:  
Includes 1 Foursome, Tee Box Sponsor, 4 additional meal tickets for guests, featured in all promotional materials at event.

CONTACT MICHAEL CHECKOSKY  
FOR MORE INFORMATION. 
Phone: 508-764-0012 
Fax: 508-765-1187 
SPONSORED BY:  
SSB Love Your Bank 
Make all checks payable to:  
Central MA South Chamber of Commerce

Mail your check with the brochure's reservation form to: 
Southbridge Savings Bank 
c/o Mike Checkosky 
253-257 Main Street 
Southbridge, MA 01550 
 
Check out these 
2017 CMS Chamber Scholarship Winners Announced
2017 Scholars  
                                    Kenneth Allard                                                 Andrew Loin

The Chamber of Central Mass South is very pleased to announce the winners of the Chamber Scholarships for 2017. This year, scholarships in the amount of $1,500 will be awarded to two very deserving local students upon successful completion of their first semester of college with a 3.0 GPA or better.

This year's scholarship recipients are Kenneth Allard, a graduate of Southbridge High School, and Andrew Loin, a graduate of Holy Name Central Catholic High School.

"We received numerous applications this year, but these two young men really rose above the rest of the candidates," said Chamber Executive Director Alexandra McNitt. "The difference maker for us is the level of community service the candidates have contributed. Both Andrew and Ken have already volunteered in multiple capacities making lives for others a little bit better."
 
Kenneth (Kenny) Allard, of Southbridge, is an exceptional student, a seasoned actor, writer and director. Known among his school's staff as "Mr. Southbridge High School", Kenneth earned an impressive 3.9 GPA in his senior year and is ranked 7th among his class of 115. A four-time class president, Kenneth also served as president on a very active student council. A member of The National Honor Society and the International Thespian Society, Kenneth's passion for the theater has led him to acclaim as a performer in numerous school productions. Last fall, he wrote and directed an original one-act play, The Angel and His Butterfly. Kenneth works part-time at Yankee Candle Company in Sturbridge and devotes his time in the community to important causes such as Relay for Life and the Stop Hunger Campaign.
 
Andrew Loin, of Southbridge, is a hard-working and responsible student and recent graduate of Holy Name Central Catholic High School in Worcester. A National Honor Society member from his freshman through his junior year and a talented athlete and captain of the Varsity Cross Country team, Andrew is well-known for his sense of compassion and decency toward others as well as a strong desire to give back to his community. Andrew is a member of SADD (Student Against Destructive Decisions), actively volunteers his time locally at his church, St. John Paul II Parish in Southbridge, and at school events, and has been a counselor to chronically ill children and their families at Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine. Andrew graduated in May and his plans include attending The University of Rochester in the fall and studying political science and mathematics.
 
The Chamber is extremely gratified to be able to contribute to the ongoing education and success of these exceptional young scholars. The Chamber of Central Mass South offers scholarships to local students each year. Monies are allocated from the Chamber's Charities and Scholarship Fund which is supported by the Chamber's 'Your Chance to Be a Millionaire' lottery scratch tickets raffle, the annual Golf Classic at Heritage Country Club and contributions from Chamber Members. Scholarship applications can be obtained at local high school guidance offices or online at the Chamber website. The annual deadline to apply is April 1.

Country Bank Awards $30,000 in Scholarships to Local Students

Officials at Country Bank are pleased to announce the presentation of 15 scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each, to area high school seniors.  Country Bank Scholarships were offered to graduating students within the region. The applicants needed to demonstrate a commitment to their communities through volunteerism and leadership by submitting an essay outlining their experiences along with recommendations from their guidance counselors or teachers. A committee of five Country Bank staff selected the recipients after reading more than 100 submissions.

"We are so pleased with the response we received," stated Shelley Regin, Senior Vice President, Marketing at Country Bank.  "Each applicant had a unique perspective on their involvement in helping others, from becoming an Eagle Scout, feeding the homeless, working with the Special Olympics and developing a community service club at their school. We were so inspired by the great work that these students are doing in their communities and how they are making a difference in the lives of others."

Congratulations to the following recipients of these awards:
Cameron Wright, Belchertown High School
Alysse Carpenter, Leicester High School
Fiona Marie O'Sullivan, Ludlow High School
Jordan Baker, Minnechaug Regional High School
Ashley Gurney, Minnechaug Regional High School
Patricia Murphy, Minnechaug Regional High School
Timothy Canning, Palmer High School
Matthew Remillard, Palmer High School
Cise Nur Balik, Quabbin Regional High School
Kerri Stolberg, St. Peter Marian High School
Jessica Rousakos, Shepherd Hill Regional High School
Delaney Giguere, Tantasqua Regional High School
Rachael Farley, Wachusett Regional High School
Julie Anne Goldberg, Wachusett Regional High School
Makaela Flamand, Ware High School

About Country Bank
Country Bank is a full-service mutual community bank serving central and western Massachusetts with 15 offices in Ware, Palmer, West Brookfield, Brimfield, Belchertown, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Leicester, Paxton, Charlton and Worcester. Country Bank is a member of FDIC, DIF and the SUM network. Country Bank can be reached at 800-322-8233 or online at countrybank.com.
Country Bank
North Brookfield Savings Bank Hires Andrea Healy as Vice President,
Human Resources Officer


Andrea Healy North Brookfield Savings Bank (NBSB) is pleased to announce the recent hire of Andrea Healy as the Bank's Vice President/Human Resources Officer.

"Andrea brings with her a depth of knowledge and experience that is very valuable to our employees and management team at North Brookfield Savings Bank," said North Brookfield Savings Bank President & CEO Donna Boulanger. "We welcome her to our team and we look forward to the continued value she will bring to our employees, and in turn our customers and communities."

In her position, Healy will manage the Human Resources department and will be responsible for attracting, retaining, developing and engaging North Brookfield Savings Bank staff through meaningful performance appraisal, employee training and developmental programs. In addition, she will seek the best, most affordable benefits for employees and their families.

Healy, of Paxton, MA, has a vast amount of experience in the Human Resources industry. Her most recently held position was for 17 years as the Director of Human Resources at Cutler Associates, Inc., a construction firm based out of Worcester, MA. In that role, her responsibilities included all aspects of employee relations, development and trainings, and benefits management. Healy has earned her designations as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Society for Human Resources Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and currently holds an Associates in Business Management with a Marketing concentration. She will be graduating in December 2017 with her Bachelor of Science in Business from Becker College of Leicester, MA and has future plans to pursue a Masters of Business Administration.

"I am excited for this new adventure and I look forward to working with the employees at North Brookfield Savings Bank," said Vice President/Human Resources Officer Andrea Healy. "Our employees are one of our greatest assets to the Bank so I am committed to helping facilitate their success."

Healy is also on the Board of Director's for the Worcester Animal Rescue League and on the Advisory Board for Rainbow Child Development of Worcester, MA. In 2016, she received the New England Human Resources Association (NEHRA) Community Leadership Award for her commitment to the community.
NBSB logo
The Last Green Valley Announces Grant Round
for Sharing and Preserving Our Heritage
 
The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) is pleased to announce a small grant round for projects that preserve, protect, interpret, promote, or market historic and cultural resources. Projects must produce tangible and lasting benefits, and can include interpretive projects, marketing and promotional activities, collections inventories, assessments or conservation measures, and structural or mechanical repairs and upgrades. Creative and innovative approaches are encouraged. Grants may range from $500 - $4,000. Funds will be dispersed on a reimbursement basis and must be matched 1:1 by cash or in-kind contributions

Municipal boards, commissions or committees, schools, and nonprofit 501(c) organizations are eligible to apply for projects located within, or that tell stories from, The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. Applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered by 4 pm on Thursday, July 27, 2017. Applications may also be emailed to LyAnn@tlgv.org before midnight on Thursday, July 27, 2017. Visit www.thelastgreenvalley.org for all of the application details. For more information, contact LyAnn Graff at 860-774-3300 or LyAnn@tlgv.org.


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!
  Harrington Welcomes Jessica Calcidise,
VP Nursing and Ancillary Operations


Harrington HealthCare System has welcomed Jessica Calcidise as the new Vice President of Nursing and Ancillary Operations.

Calcidise, a Belchertown native, was most recently the chief nursing officer for Mercy Medical Center, Weldon Rehab Hospital and Providence Behavioral Health Hospital, and served as vice president for patient care services at Sisters of Providence Health System.

Over the past decade, Calcidise has had operational responsibility including management, staffing and performance, as well as quality and patient safety metrics.

Calcidise is Six Sigma and Lean certified, as well as Just Culture certified. Additionally, she has received recognition for her efforts and results in improving employee engagement and patient satisfaction.

In her role at Harrington, Calcidise will be responsible for the Emergency Departments in Southbridge and Webster, as well as the Intensive Care Unit, Diagnostic Imaging, Cardiology and Respiratory Services and Care Management.

Calcidise received her nursing degree from American International College in Springfield. She lives in East Longmeadow.
NBSB Extends Thanks to West Brookfield Customers and Community  
with Renovation Celebration Event
 
Shown left to right at the newly renovated NBSB West Brookfield branch location are Morgan Westerback, Teller; Julia Burkhardt, Teller; Cindy Fountain, Regional Branch Manager; Meagan Brousseau, Assistant Branch Manager; Kelsey Nichols, Teller; Katelyn Granger, Universal Supervisor and Patricia Ostrout,
Senior Vice President of Retail Banking.

On May 18th, it was a beautiful, warm day that was absolutely perfect for having fun, and fittingly enough the North Brookfield Savings Bank's West Brookfield branch planned to do exactly that since their Renovation Celebration was scheduled to take place that very same day. The branch sits conveniently on Route 9 at 128 West Main Street in West Brookfield and underwent a significant renovation. West Brookfield branch employees were ready and excited to welcome the public to view the newly renovated West Brookfield branch and it was not long before the branch, inside and out, was a buzz with visiting customers and community members.
 
Outside the branch, blue and white balloons were blowing in the breeze and the tent for the Ye Olde Tavern was set up and ready to serve visiting customers and community members. Compliments of the Bank, the Ye Old Tavern custom-made personal sized, brick oven pizzas that were cooked fresh onsite in the Tavern's travelling brick oven. In total, over 150 pizzas were served, coming out of the oven in an impressive 3 minutes, enough time for customers to do their banking and then enjoy a delicious pizza and an ice cold drink.
 
Inside the branch, visitors were able to view the renovations for themselves. The renovated West Brookfield branch now has a state-of-the-art, modern setting with partial glass walls on the offices. Natural abundant light creates a welcoming, spacious and bright atmosphere. A high quality, technology-enhanced teller line was installed to streamline everyday teller line transactions and allow for a more personalized interaction with NBSB employees. Visitors were given fun giveaway items such as NBSB totes, hats, frisbees, piggy banks and more.
 
"It was such a wonderful day having our customers and community members visit our West Brookfield branch. We are so thankful for their patience during renovations and for the ongoing warm welcome that West Brookfield gives us," said Donna Boulanger, President and CEO of North Brookfield Savings Bank. "At NBSB, it is of the greatest importance to provide the very best banking experience to every single customer who walks through our doors. Along with our outstanding customer service, knowledgeable staff and the variety of products and services we offer, these renovations at our West Brookfield branch allow us to assist our customers even better than before."
NBSB logo

KARL STORZ Employment Opportunities


Below are a few links to job descriptions and attached you will find the company benefits brochure. In general, KARL STORZ is looking for 1st shift (6 am - 2:30 pm) or 2nd shift (3:30 pm - 12 midnight) assemblers that have experience with small component assembly.  Would you know of any recent grads or alumni that would be interested and qualified for these full-time career opportunities?


KARL STORZ Endovision, Inc.

91 Carpenter Hill Road
Charlton, MA 01507
Direct Line: 508-784-3101
Rotary Awards Scholarships

(Left to Right)  Emma Stanley, Maxwell Cooney, Bennet Farrell, Adam Phillips, Noah Scott. 
Unfortunately, Camier Hall was not able to attend.

The Sturbridge Rotary Club has been awarding scholarships each year to local students for the past 44 years. While the first scholarship started out at $500, the amount awarded has steadily grown over the years. This year Sturbridge Rotary has chosen to award scholarships of $1,200 each to five students from Tantasqua Regional High School. Cumulatively, the amount of scholarships given is over $195,000.
 
Of the 40 applications reviewed this year, the scholarship committee chose the following students based upon the Club's criteria of personal and scholastic achievement, participation in school activities including sports, as well as community participation through work and volunteerism.
 
Adam Phillips from Brookfield has been accepted at Anna Maria College and plans to pursue a degree in Business Management/ Sports Management. While at school, Adam participated in chorus, school clubs and was captain of Varsity Basketball and Cross Country and participated in Track and Field. Besides his school activities, he was a summer camp counselor and participated in Relay for Life. He was a referee for the Brookfield Basketball League, umpired a Recreational Baseball League and worked at several local businesses.
 
Camier Hall from Fiskdale has been accepted at Union College in Lancaster where she will pursue a degree in psychology with a goal of becoming a child psychologist. During school, Camier was Vice President in her freshman year and class President for the remaining three years. She was a member of the National Honor Society and represented Tantasqua at the White House for Student Government Day. She was captain of the varsity soccer team, played lacrosse and spent two years as Captain of the Tantasqua Relay For Life team. Camier spent three summers volunteering in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. She has worked as a cable recorder for the Sturbridge Public Access Cable Television station.
 
Maxwell Cooney from Sturbridge has been accepted at UMass Boston where his career focus will be on therapy and counseling. Maxwell has volunteered at several shelters for the homeless and for animals. He has also enjoyed being a paid freelance writer.
 
Bennet Farrell from Sturbridge has been accepted at UMass Amherst in their Engineering Program where he plans to become a mechanical engineer. Bennet is a member of the National Honor Society and has been an algebra tutor. He enjoys indoor and outdoor track, Cross country skiing and plays lacrosse. Bennet has volunteered for several organizations and worked at a local restaurant and the family engineering firm.
 
Noah Scott from Brimfield plans to pursue his education, pending acceptance, at Georgetown University where he will focus on becoming a public policy advisor / legislator. He has been involved in several capacities with the Boys Scouts. Noah is captain of the varsity tennis team, attended the MA Bay State Election as an official, has worked at a local grocery chain and is a member of the National Honor Society.
 
One memorial educational award was presented in memory of Wendell Wright. The funds for this award were donated by family and friends of Wendell, a former teacher who took pride in assisting students pursue their educational goals. The scholarship for $500 was presented by Wendell's widow and Sturbridge Rotarian, Dorothy Wright. The recipient of this Wendell Wright Memorial Educational Award is Emma Stanley from Brimfield. Emma plans to become a physical therapist and will pursue this path at UMass Amherst. She is employed at a Sturbridge business, enjoys working on fundraisers and has wide interests in sports, horses and piano. Congratulations to all the scholars.
 
Sturbridge Rotary Club is one of 35,000 clubs worldwide providing humanitarian service as members of Rotary International. Beyond the local and international help that we provide, we are most proud of our support of educational programs for youth such as awarding scholarships to the young men and women that we recognize here. These students attended a recent Club meeting giving the entire Club membership the opportunity to meet them and to hear about their career aspirations for the future. To learn more about Sturbridge Rotary please visit us at www.sturbridgerotary.org.
 
"In summer, the song sings itself." - William Carlos Williams
Big River Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
June 14-July 9
Wednesday-Sunday at 7:30pm,
Sunday matinee at 2:00pm

This Tony Award-winning musical will sweep audiences down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a runaway slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful and heartwarming, bringing to life your favorite characters from the novel with a cast of 15 actors, musicians and singers.
Get your tickets today at www.bigriverosv.org

OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road
Sturbridge MA 01566
Stageloft Theater Presents
The Producers
The Producers 
 
Bialystock and Bloom! Those names should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with Mel Brooks' classic cult comedy film. Now as a big Broadway musical, The Producers once again sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humor. It is a truly "boffo" hit, winning a record twelve Tony Awards and wowing capacity crowds night after night. The plot is simple: a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby bilking their backers (all "little old ladies") out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit! The antics of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they maneuver their way fecklessly through finding a show (the gloriously offensive "Springtime for Hitler"), hiring a director, raising the money and finally going to prison for their misdeeds is a lesson in broad comic construction. At the core of the insanely funny adventure is a poignant emotional journey of two very different men who become friends.
    
With a truly hysterical book co-written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan ( Annie) and music and lyrics by Mr. Brooks, The Producers skewers Broadway traditions and takes no prisoners as it proudly proclaims itself an "equal opportunity offender!"
 
REMAINING SHOW DATES: June 16-18 and 23-25. 

The Producers
is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

To reserve tickets by phone, call (508) 347-9005.
Avellino 
Cooking with Table 3:
Street Food-Bringing Ethnic to the Mainstream
Thursday, June 15 6:30pm at Avellino

In just about every city around the globe one can find ethnic street foods inspired by Latin America, Asia, and a multitude of other cuisines and influences. From banh mi sandwiches to gourmet grilled cheese, and from sushi to Korean barbecue, one can find nearly every type of ethnic cuisine represented. Street food is nothing new to most of the world, but to most Americans, ethnic street food is the hottest new trend in town.

Many a food truck has come about for economic reasons-it's less expensive and easier to start with a mobile venue to showcase innovative cuisine than to finance a brick and- mortar restaurant. The fact that word spreads quickly on the street (and via social media) means street food is a convenient way for innovative chefs to get their food to market quickly.

Although we won't be putting Cedar Street Grille Head Chef, Nick Faucher on the street anytime soon, Chef Nick is excited to demonstrate some of the ethnic street foods he's drawn inspiration from over the years. As always, these events often sell out so make your reservation early. This event is $55 per person with wine pairings, or $42 without. Tax and gratuity are not included. Make your reservations now by calling Avellino at 508-347-2321.

Aqua Riders of Holland
Water Ski Show Team
June 16, 6:00-7:30pm, Aqua Riders Team Beach
163 Mashapaug Rd., Holland 

A hidden gem in Central Massachusetts, the AquaRiders are a water ski show team founded in 1960 performing a sport most expect to see only in the Southern and Mid-Western regions of the US.  The show includes acts such as barefoot skiing, jumping, human pyramids, ballet lines, around the boat, strap and conventional doubles.  Members have gone on to ski professionally at SeaWorld, Cypress Gardens and LEGOLAND.

More 2017 Summer Show Dates:
June 23
June 24 @ Cedar Lake, time TBD
June 30
July 7
July 14
July 21
July 28-30 Eastern Regional Tournament at the Oxbow in Northampton, MA
August 4
August 11
August 19 - Our annual Homeshow at 10:00am
 
Bring a lawn chair and enjoy our spectacular FREE shows! Follow on Facebook for more!
Self Defense Class
SELF-DEFENSE WORKSHOP
Level 1 Intro Class
Saturday June 17th, 1:30-4:30PM

Would you know what to do if you were in a life-threatening situation?
Learn Realistic, Practical Self-Defense!  
$89.00 Per Person*
Special discount for 6 or more.
Age 14+
Call (508) 347-0001

*All Chamber members and their families
will receive a $10.00 off when they pre-register.
High School graduates receive a free safety guide.

MJA Martial Arts
559 Main St., Fiskdale, MA 01518
Salem Cross Inn 
Historic Drover's Roast: A 1700s Colonial American Feast
Drovers Roast
SOLD OUT! June 18, Father's Day
Make Your Plans Now for September! 

Join us at our dining event as we prepare a 1700s American trailside feast recalling the days of John Pynchon, the colonies' first cattle drover.  We hand rub prime ribs of beef with an age-old recipe of spices and slowly roast it for hours over a huge fire pit.  Watch us make fritters and chowder of the sea in cast iron cauldrons over open fires.

Our dining event Drover's Roast is completed with a wagon ride. These are just the beginning of an endless feast (eight tables long!) including other seasonal entrées and a large variety of hot and cold vegetable dishes.  At our dining event, enjoy an assortment of delightful baked goods and fresh home baked shortcake or pies topped with real whipped cream. Enjoy horse drawn wagon rides, live entertainment, demonstrations by period crafts people and a Cow Puncher Drink.    
Available Dates for Drover's Roast:
Held twice a year; always on Father's Day and the 2nd Sunday of September. 
June 18, 2017 - Father's Day
September 10, 2017 - Sunday
 
Event dates will be removed when they are SOLD OUT.
Please check your dates when you are ordering.

Historic Drover's Roast Dining Event Schedule:
 
Over 600 pounds of prime rib is roasted over a hot bed of wood coals  
in a fieldstone pit at our Drover's Roast.
Festivities begin at 1:00pm. Feasting begins at 2:30pm
 

To attend our Drovers Roast, order tickets online or call 508-867-2345.
   
Salem Cross Inn 
Town of Sturbridge
Sturbridge Ready:  
An Emergency Preparedness Class for Business Owners & Managers
June 21, 8:00-9:00am, Sturbridge Town Hall, 308 Main Street 

With snowstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes and many other risks and hazards to your business, it pays to be prepared. The Town of Sturbridge, the Sturbridge Fire Department, the Sturbridge Police Department and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) are teaming up to offer a FREE course for business owners and managers to learn to how prepare for any emergency situation. Interact with and get 1:1 advice from emergency management and response experts, get some great tools and learn how to make your business ready for any disaster.

Light refreshments will be served courtesy of The Publick House.

For more information and to register for the class please contact:
Kevin Filchak, Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator by email: kfilchak@town.sturbridge.ma.us or by phone: 774-318-8032.

Are you Sturbridge Ready?

Sing in the Solstice with the community on International Make Music Day Brimfield, June 21st  6-8PM! Hitchcock Academy hosts many programs with extremely talented musician and they are gathering to share their love of music with the community to celebrate the arrival of summer!
Last year, over 750 cities around the world threw citywide music celebrations on June 21.

It all started 35 years ago in France. In 1982, Jack Lang and his staff at the Ministry of Culture dreamed up an idea for a new kind of musical holiday. They imagined a day where free, live music would be everywhere: street corners and parks, rooftops and gardens, store fronts and mountaintops. 

During Make Music Brimfield at Hitchcock, everyone is invited to stop in to join our drumming circle, bring a chair and tap your feet, dance or sing along with our performers:

Stage 1
6:00 Dave & Erin Wallace as Bonnie & Clyde;
6:30 Jodi Stevens - Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Saxophone & Clarinet instructor is a graduate of Berkley College of Music
7:00 Christina Richard - Our piano instructor has performed in Carnegie Hall;
7:30 Watson & Co.

Stage 2
6:15 Southbridge Bells & Beaus Hand Bell Group;
6:45 Jared Fiske & Rob Adams - Local favorite professional musicians;
7:15 Linda Day & her students - Violin & Viola instructor performed 22 years Austin Symphony Orchestra
7:45 Gentlemen Jack - Pop Oldies

Front Lawn
Drumming circle with Tim Kane

The evening will be culminating with folks joining in a Kazoo finale!

This is all being made possible by sponsorships from TraffordsPainting.com; SullivanandCompanyRealEstate.com; Lightning Rods:  SmokestackUSA.com; NoonanEnergy.com and SquierLumber.com.

Hitchcock Academy has always had music as a part of its offerings since it opened as a school in 1855.  We currently offer Violin, Viola, Saxophone, Clarinet, Drumming, Guitar, Bass Guitar, and Piano lessons.  All of our music instructors we be on hand to chat with any interested students. 
Wednesday Night Cruising for Charity Car Shows
Klems Car show
Klem's Field, 117 West Main Street, Spencer
Starting June 7th through August, Every Wednesday 5pm until Dusk

2017 Weekly Show Classes:
June 21, Week 3: Best Chevrolet & Best of Show
June 28, Week 4: Best Mopar & Best of Show
July 5, Week 5: Best Pre-WWII & Best of Show
July 12, Week 6: Best 50's & Best of Show
July 19, Week 7: Best 60's & Best of Show
July 26, Week 8: Best 70's & Best of Show
August 2, Week 9: Modern Muscle & Best of Show
August 9, Week 10: Best Truck & Best of Show
August 16, Week 11: Best Mustang & Best of Show
August 23, Week 12: Best Corvette & Best of Show
August 30, Week 13: Best of Season, Mason's Choice & Driver's Choice

Please note that if there is a cancellation or rain out, the missed week's awards will be given out at the next cruise along with the scheduled awards. In the event that the Grand Finale show is rained out, the season will be extended one week in order to hand out awards.

Donations Accepted. 100% of the profits go to the Masonic Children's Charity!
The Duck 
Bay State Brewing Company Beer Social: 
Announcing "Becky" in Cans!  
Thursday, June, 22, 2017, 6:30 pm at The Duck

We will be hosting a monthly beer social in the new Tap Room at The Duck.

This will be an opportunity for local and craft brewers to come in and talk about what's new on their end and for you to taste some of the great product they are showcasing. We'll be providing some munchies and snacks to go along the good brews flowing from The Duck's new "state-of-the-art" tap system. We'll also have our new Tap Room menu available for anyone looking for something more substantial.

This month we will be featuring Bay State Brewing as they announce the availability (in cans) of one of their favorite creations "Becky." So come on up to The Duck and check out the new Tap Room and enjoy some great food, beer, and camaraderie at our newest event, the Beer Social.
Hearts For Hooves
Hearts for Hooves
Sunday, June 24th from 9am-3pm, Klem's Field

An event for horse enthusiasts! Pony Rides, Drill Team Presentations, Raffles, Food and Fun!
A fundraising event to benefit Blessings Farm.

Blessings Farm has been established in order to contribute in a small way to the well-being of underprivileged children; building and developing this farm in the hope of influencing said children in a way that will spark their interest in horsemanship and making available to them the love of the horse and the blessings of our Lord.

Events: 10 am - 3 pm;
Schedule:
Horses arrive 9 am
Drill Team 10 - 10:30 am
Pony Rides 10:45 - Noon
Break Noon - 1 pm
Drill Team 1 - 1:30 pm
Pony Rides 1:45 - 3 pm

Table 3
Table 3 Restaurant Group Pre-Fixe Restaurant Week
Monday, June 26 through Sunday, July 2, 2017

Join the fun and come see us during Table 3 Restaurant Group's Restaurant Week.
Avellino and The Duck, along with Cedar Street Grille will be participating in this culinary event. Our head chefs have planned exceptional menus that are sure to please.
The prix-fixe, three-course menus for lunch and dinner offer two options per meal
and are priced at $14 for lunch and $24 for the dinner selections.

Don't forget, The Duck will be featuring entertainment Friday and Saturday night
to go along with these great deals.
PH logo
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!

June 26
 
Boy Scout Troop 165 Charlton
Making Strides For Breast Cancer
CLASSIC BARBEQUE


CASH DONATION
Adults $14 / Children $5
(4-12 yrs.)
ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET!
Held in Paige Hall or under the Tent!

Two Seating Times
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

Thank you for your support!
www.publickhouse.com 
Auditions for "Things My Mother Taught Me"
June 27 & 29, 6:30pm, Gateway Players Theatre

Auditions for "Things My Mother Taught Me", written by Katherine DiSavino, will be held on Tuesday, June 27th, at 6:30pm, and on Thursday, June 29th at 6:30pm at Gateway Players Theatre. This romantic comedy will be directed by David Corkum and produced by Caitlyn Gaughan. The seven-member cast consists of a young couple age 25-30, two sets of parents ages 45-60, and a Polish landlord, either male or female, age 40 and above. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

For questions, please call Gateway at 508-764-4531 and the director will return the call. Rehearsals will begin in early August, and will be held on Sunday and Wednesday nights. Performance dates are October 13, 14, 20, 21 & 22. Presented by permission through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

THE STORY: Olivia and Gabe are moving into their first apartment together. They've just packed up all of their belongings and driven halfway across the country, to start a new life together in Chicago. Their moving day doesn't go exactly as planned, though, and things become slightly more complicated when all of their parents show up to help! Can a two bedroom apartment contain all of the love, laughs, worry and wisdom that's about to happen? This brand new comedy from the author of Nana's Naughty Knickers takes a generational look at relationships, and how sometimes parents are passing their best lessons on to their children without even meaning to. Funny and touching, this one will make you laugh out loud and fall in love all over again.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at Salem Cross Inn 
Murder Mystery
Next Show: June 29 at 6:30pm 
 
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.

$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.
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
 
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.  
 
508 International
July 1-2
Lady Liberty's Tribute Music Fest

TLGV Ranger Marcy's Acorn Adventure 
Patriotic Parade to Celebrate Independence in The Last Green Valley!
Saturday, July 1, 1-2:30pm
Lebanon Historical Society Museum 
856 Trumbull Hwy (Rte. 87), Lebanon, CT

We'll march & wave our flags just like George Washington did, feeling revolutionary! 
Visit the FREE Museum to dress up in historic outfits, pitch a tent & shoot a musket in the children's room!
Enjoy all the other exhibits, too!
Snacks, stickers & fresh air FUN are always included in Acorn Adventures!
Be sure to bring a friend!
FREE! All ages welcome.

Learn more about the Lebanon Historical Society Museum and Visitors Center on Facebook. www.historyoflebanon.org
 
Explore, visit & connect with what makes our National Heritage Corridor special, like history and going back in time to celebrate independence! 
  
Questions? marcy@tlgv.org

The Last Green Valley  
Acorn Club www.thelastgreenvalleyacorns.org
Acorn Adventures are sponsored by Putnam Bank.
TLGV logo
Independence Celebration Weekend
July 1-4, Old Sturbridge Village
   
Celebrate the best July 4th in history with old-fashioned, patriotic family fun.

An old-fashioned good time will be had by all on Independence Day Weekend at Old Sturbridge Village. Visitors will have the chance to take part in a citizens' parade, play 19th-century style "base ball," march with the militia, make a tri-cornered hat, and sign their "John Hancocks" on a giant copy of the Declaration of Independence. Summer barbecue food will be available for purchase along with beer and wine; visitors may enjoy a picnic on the Common. Children and families will especially enjoy a little physical activity and friendly competition with "Farm Yard Games."

An exciting feature of the Independence Weekend festivities is the firing of a reproduction cannon. The cannon has been in production for a few years, and is a working model of a "Heavy 3-Pounder," meant to fire 3-pound balls. The cast-iron cannon barrel was made in the 1970s by the LaPans Foundry in Hudson Falls, New York, and purchased by Old Sturbridge Village a few years ago.

On July 4th, watch and be inspired by a citizen naturalization ceremony on the Village Common. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will present scores of candidates to the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and they will pledge their Oath of Allegiance to the United States for the very first time. Old Sturbridge Village Singers will perform patriotic songs during the ceremony.

Learn more about the historical background of Independence Day Celebrations here.

Open Wednesday - Sunday | 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Also Open July 3-4 
OSV footer 
Road Race
The 68th Annual Leonide J. Lemire Road Race
July 4, 9am to Noon, Tri-Community YMCA  

Join in the second oldest, continuous, road race in America.  The 68th Annual Leonide J. Lemire Road Race - where you can run or walk the 4.9 miles.

Event starts at the Tri-Community YMCA with prizes, awards, refreshments and shower facilities available. FREE for ages 65+ and military personal.  Pre-entry $8 / Post Entry $10 / Families $25. 

Sponsors: VFW, Tri-State Running, Stride, Central Mass Striders and the Tri-Community YMCA.

43 Everett Street, Southbridge                   Contact: 508-765-5466
Pintastic Pintastic Returns to the Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center!  
July 6-8, 2017
30,000 square feet of Fun for the Whole Family! Never-ending excitement with tons of activities for kids! 200 pinball machines set on Free Play! Pinball Games for Sale! Wicked Cool Vendors! Ice Cold Beer! Tournaments! Seminars! The coolest stuff for your Game Room! Be there or be square!
                 www.pintasticnewengland.com 

Winebuyers Outlet

Free Saturday Tastings!

 

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!

 

179 Main Street, Sturbridge    

508-347-1500 www.winebuyersoutlet.com

Concerts on the Commons 
Concerts on the Commons
Sturbridge Summer Concerts
All concerts start at 6pm on the Sturbridge Town Common. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Please be mindful of those around you who are listening to the concert. Please refrain from parking directly on the Town Common. Thank you and enjoy the concerts!

June 22: Throwback to the 60s
June 29: Last Fair Deal (Bluegrass & Swing)

Southbridge Summer Concerts
Music, good quality, family friendly entertainment! 
All performances are 6-8 pm on Southbridge Common (1 Mechanic St)
If bad weather, we will be at the Auditorium at 25 Cole Ave.

June 25: Johnny Fireseed & the Junkyard Dogs
July 2: The East Woodstock Cornet Band 
 
farm_sign_vegetables.jpg
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. 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

Coggno Training
Click on the image to browse our catalog of training courses! 
Save these Dates!
June 18: Happy Father's Day!
June 21: First Day of Summer
June 22: Chamber GOLF CLASSIC   
June 26-July 2: Table 3's Restaurant Week 
June 27: Seminar: Business & Personal Insurance with Dennis McCurdy
July 1-4:
Independence Weekend Celebration at OSV
July 4: Happy Independence Day!
July 6-9: Pintastic Pinball & Game Room Expo
August 3: Chamber Annual Outing: A New England Clambake at Publick House!  

Thank you for posting your events to our Events Calendar!

Chamber logo with tag