Welcome to June's Crossroads Events!

The recipients of the 2024 Chamber Scholarships are announced in this issue. The Chamber would not be able to help these very deserving local students without contributions from our Members and we are very grateful for your support. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of these young scholars! This issue is packed with summer events and news items of interest from our Members and friends.

CROSSROADS is our Members' platform to share their latest news and events with around 1,000 fellow Chamber Members and subscribers in our community. If you have events to share in CROSSROADS, you can add them to our Events calendar anytime 24/7. Keep our readers informed of your latest news by emailing your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in CROSSROADS. NEXT ISSUE: JULY 1, 2024

CHAMBER OFFICE INFO

The office is OPEN Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

CLOSED on Juneteenth (Wednesday, June 19).

No appointment is necessary. Give us a ring at 508-347-2761 to be sure we are here.

CMS CHAMBER OFFICE, 1A RIVER ROAD, STURBRIDGE

NETWORK WITH YOUR CHAMBER

Fun at Five!

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

5:00-7:00pm

308 East Main Street, East Brookfield, 774-449-8333

www.308Lakeside.com

Join us for Summer Networking!  

Fun at Five visits 308 Lakeside for tasty appetizers, cold brews and lakeside views! 

We hope you can join us for an evening of networking, fun and surprises at this beautiful venue!

Register for Fun at Five by email or phone.

508-347-2761 

Cost is $12 for Members who pre-register, $15 at the door, or $20 for non-Members.

Thank you to our July Fun at Five Sponsor!

Klem’s has been a part of our local community for over 75 years, and it is still family owned and locally operated. Featuring year-round essentials, and summer favorites like Big Green Egg, Traeger & Weber Grills, Propane Tank refills, OONI Pizza Ovens, Fishing Licenses, Pool Chemicals, EGO Battery powered Equipment, Perennials, Windchimes, Lawn & Garden Grass Seed, and much more!

We are here to help and we pride ourselves on serving our community. Stop in and enjoy some free popcorn!

Here at Klem’s we are continuously evolving, and hosting fun and educational events. We would love to collaborate with you! Whether you’re interested in having a pop-up or to discuss partnership opportunities please reach out to our marketing team and we will gladly add you to our vendor distribution list!

LizF@klemsonline.com or AbbeyC@klemsonline.com

We hope to see you at 308 Lakeside in July! Spin to Win --

we will have our prize wheel there and lots of free Klem’s swag!

117 West Main Street, Spencer, MA  508-885-2708  

www.KlemsOnline.com 

Are you using your Member2Member Discount Card? Take advantage of valuable discounts offered by our Members for our Members while you KEEP IT LOCAL! DOWNLOAD AND PRINT this one-page PDF flyer for details of this program which is a benefit of Chamber Membership you can pass on to all your co-workers and employees. Feel free to contact us if you have questions, need help adding your offer to the program, or need more M2M Cards.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE CHAMBER'S GOLF CLASSIC!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024 

CMS Chamber’s GOLF CLASSIC is a day of fun and friendly competition on the links at our local 18 hole championship golf course, Heritage Country Club in Charlton. Presented in a scramble format, the event features a continental breakfast, contests and spectacular raffle prizes, a cookout lunch and refreshments on the course, and a reception and dinner after play. We hope you will come and spend a fun day on the links with us this year! Your participation supports the Chamber’s Charities and Scholarship Fund.

STAY TUNED... MORE DETAILS ARE COMING SOON!

Welcome, New CMS Chamber Member!

NV Creations

50 Cranberry Meadow Rd, Charlton, MA

(508) 797-7973

www.nvcreativearts.com

NV's mission is to ignite creativity, foster self-expression, and create lasting memories through art.

Offering novelty onsite painting services that provides an interactive experience; also offering commissions service and paint kits with exclusive content.

Check out Nayari's work and give her Facebook page a LIKE here! https://www.facebook.com/www.NVCreativearts

Local Graduates Awarded 2024 CMS Chamber Scholarships 

PHOTO: (L-R) Shepherd Hill graduates Kaelyn Donovan and Sofia McCarty are the recipients of the Chamber's 2024 Scholarships.

Sturbridge, MA, June 12, 2024 - The Chamber of Central Mass South is very pleased to announce the winners of the Chamber Scholarships for 2024. This year, scholarships in the amount of $1,000 have been awarded to two outstanding local students. The students will receive these monetary awards upon successful completion of their first semester of college with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

“Our scholarships are available to any student going to school or living in our twelve town catchment,” said Chamber Executive Director Alexandra McNitt. “Every year we get remarkable students submitting applications. It is both amazing and heartening to see how involved these young people are in the community. It is a privilege to be able to support them in this way.”

This year’s $1000 scholarship recipients are Kaelyn Donovan and Sofia McCarty, students of the Class of 2024 at Shepherd Hill Regional High School.

Known for her kindness, compassion and positive attitude, Kaelyn Donovan of Charlton distinguished herself academically by maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA at Shepherd Hill. While challenging herself with a rigorous course load, including Advanced Placement courses, she also demonstrated exemplary leadership skills and a commitment to community service. Described as ambitious, reliable and hardworking, Kaelyn ranked 35th in a very competitive class of 190, and also excelled at activities outside the classroom. Kaelyn participated in the National Honor Society, Student Council, National Art Honor Society, indoor and outdoor track, and she served as manager of the girls’ varsity soccer team. The recipient of numerous awards for dance and track and field, Kaelyn also earned her high school’s coveted Academic Excellence Award for Marketing. She has taught Vacation Bible School for children at her church, served as a coach for youths at the Summer Sports Camp at Shepherd Hill for the past two summers and will volunteer at Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine this summer. In the fall, she will attend Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York where she will pursue a degree in accounting.      

A stellar academic performer who is respected and admired by her peers, Sofia McCarty of Dudley has shown excellence both in and out the classroom during her high school years. Keenly interested in both math and science, Sofia has consistently held a spot near the top of her class while enrolled in the most advanced courses since her freshman year. Sofia’s leadership skills and desire to affect change contributed to her being elected Treasurer of Student Council, Treasurer of her class and she was one of two Dudley-Charlton Leadership Council student representatives. Sofia’s commitment to her community is evidenced by her volunteer work at the Pearl L. Crawford Library in Dudley, Webster Food Share, and St. Louis Church of Webster to name a few of many. Inspired by her summer camp experiences which introduced her and other young women to engineering and STEM, Sofia established the Girls Who Code Club at Shepherd Hill to teach others programming and coding skills in an inclusive and supportive environment. In the fall, Sofia will be attending a four-year college and pursuing a degree in computer science. 

It is truly gratifying for The Chamber and its members to be able to contribute to the ongoing education and success of these exceptional local scholars. We offer them heartfelt congratulations and best wishes as they embark on their journeys into higher education.

The Chamber of Central Mass South typically offers $1000 scholarships to local students each year. Monies are allocated from the Chamber’s Charities and Scholarship Fund which is supported by the annual ‘Your Chance to Be a Millionaire’ lottery scratch tickets raffle, July’s Drivin’ it Ho(l)me for Health and Education Car Show held in partnership with the Harrington Hospital Auxiliary, the Chamber’s Annual Golf Classic, as well as individual contributions from Chamber Members. Scholarship applications can be obtained at local high school guidance offices or by request from the Chamber office. The annual deadline to apply is April 1.

bankHometown Commits $150K to New Worcester Chamber Fund

Fund focuses on economic development, workforce initiatives.

OXFORD, MASSACHUSETTS, June 3, 2024 —bankHometown recently announced its commitment of $150,000 to a new fund established by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce for strategic economic development and workforce initiatives in Central Massachusetts.

The Worcester Regional Strategic Opportunity Fund—formally named the Linda Salem Pervier Permanent Restricted Fund in honor of a longtime chamber employee—will support one-time initiatives, projects, or consulting services that advance economic opportunities and educational and workforce initiatives in and around Worcester. The organization already has raised nearly $2.5 million of the $3 million goal it set for the end of 2025, when the chamber celebrates its 150th anniversary.

For bankHometown, being an early supporter and pacesetting sponsor is in line with its focused commitment on supporting economic growth and development through its charitable giving program, The Giving Tree. According to bank President and CEO Robert J. Morton, the bank takes its commitment to supporting small business seriously, whether that’s through donations like this one, its Small Business Initiative lending program, or Morton’s own time spent mentoring young entrepreneurs through the Entrepreneurship for All organization.

“Helping to unlock the potential for additional economic development in the Worcester region was an easy decision for bankHometown,” Morton said. “We’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact that the chamber’s programs and initiatives have on area small businesses and the resulting positive effect on our local economy. We’re happy to continue supporting them in their mission.”

Chamber President and CEO Timothy P. Murray says that the fund will allow the chamber to be both nimble in pursuing economic development including business recruitment and workforce needs while remaining fiscally prudent with the chamber’s annual operating budget.

“bankHometown was one of the first businesses to respond to this important initiative,” said Murray. “We are grateful to both President and CEO Rob Morton and the bankHometown board for their support. The Linda Salem Pervier Permanent Restricted Fund will be a catalyst for economic activity and workforce initiatives which strengthen the 40 communities within our Chamber service area.”

In the Photo                                                                             

bankHometown Executive Vice President, Senior Loan Officer Michael P. Mahlert; Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Timothy P. Murray; bankHometown President & CEO Robert J. Morton; bankHometown Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending, Jane W. Loranger.

About bankHometown

Founded in 1889, bankHometown is headquartered in Oxford, Massachusetts. We have $1.4 billion in assets and offer a complete line of consumer and business deposit and lending products and services through 16 branches located throughout Central Massachusetts and northeast Connecticut. We’re proud to fulfill our community banking mission—providing individualized financial support, a suite of comprehensive products and services, and smart banking technology—all to ensure our customers can unlock their potential and build a successful future.

Through our sponsorship and charitable giving program, The Giving Tree, bankHometown and the Hometown Bank Community Foundation support non-profit organizations and causes throughout Worcester and Windham Counties. In 2023 alone, The Giving Tree donated nearly $400,000 and over the last decade has donated more than $2.7 million. bankHometown was proud to be named a 2023 Corporate Citizenship Award winner by Boston Business Journal. For more information, visit bankhometown.com.

Mary Bellezza Joins Venture Senior Management Team

Accomplished Finance Professional Named as Chief Financial Officer

Sturbridge: Venture Community Services, one of the Commonwealth’s leading providers of innovative human services, has announced the selection of Mary Bellezza as its new Chief Financial Officer. In this role, Mary will be responsible for the strategic direction of the agency and finance department and ensure the initiatives are aligned with Venture’s mission.

Mary has been an integral part of Venture since 2022 as the Senior Finance Operations Manager and Director of Finance. With over 20 years of relative experience, Mary has honed her skills across various roles. She served as an accountant for Planpow Realty and Golf Two Enterprises, held positions such as Finance Manager and Senior Credit and Collections Analyst at PTC in Needham, and as a Leasing Manager at Key Equipment Finance.

“Mary is a valuable addition to the senior leadership team at Venture," said Mike Hyland, Venture President & CEO. “She is assuming the critical role of Chief Financial Officer at a time when the agency is growing and we are grateful that she has chosen to be a part of our future.”

Mary holds an MBA in Finance from Boston College and a Business Management Degree from Bentley University. Beyond her professional achievements, she actively engages in community service, volunteering her time as a member of the Tantasqua School Committee and The Sturbridge Farmers Market. Mary has also held notable positions on boards such as the Sturbridge Youth Basketball Board, Sturbridge School Committee, TRYLAX Board, and Tantasqua Youth Football & Cheer Board.

Venture Community Services is committed to providing compassionate, person-centered services that assist individuals and families in reaching their goals. What began as an organization with two small group homes has grown into one of the largest human service providers in Massachusetts, and with over 800 employees, one of the largest employers in the Worcester County area. Venture encourages independence through a continuum of support which includes community residential services, day programs, supported employment, transportation, autism supports and shared living.

Second Chance Animal Services 25th Anniversary Block Party is Just One Week Away!

EAST BROOKFIELD/SPENCER, MA (June 7, 2024) – The countdown is on! Second Chance Animal Services’ highly anticipated Anniversary Block Party, hosted by Klem’s and Timberyard Brewing Company, is just one week away. Set for June 22nd, this milestone event celebrates 25 years of improving the lives of over 386,000 beloved pets.

Established in 1999, Second Chance has grown from a small, volunteer-run shelter into a vital community resource, now helping over 49,000 animals annually. Founder and CEO Sheryl Blancato reflects on this incredible journey, saying, “Our accomplishments are a testament to the tremendous support from our community. This block party is a celebration of our shared commitment to animal welfare and all that we can achieve together in the future.”

Chief Development Officer Lindsay Doray emphasizes the significance of the event's cohosts, stating, “We are excited to celebrate alongside Klem’s 75th Anniversary and Timberyard Brewing Company’s 5th Anniversary. Our interconnected journeys highlight our dedication to supporting animals and their families.”

Admission is free and the celebration begins at 10 am with in-store demonstrations and raffles at Klem’s and a vendor fair featuring local merchants and crafters in the adjacent field, offering a wide range of items for people and pets. At 11 am, authors Joe and Sheryl Blancato will kick off the festivities at Timberyard with a special signing of their book Walking Off Leash. Also at 11, a Reunion Yappy Hour will welcome pets and their adoptive families from 11 am to 1 pm in the Timberyard beer garden, with a group photo at 11:30 am. The day will feature music by DJ BossC, engaging activities, including a feline photo contest and a birthday celebration for Lion, a former Second Chance shelter cat who was born with a rare genetic condition called Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS). Lion’s condition affected his growth and his ability to walk. Reaching his 8th birthday is remarkable for a cat with his condition and cause for celebration. Visitors will be invited to make a card for Lion and enjoy some birthday cake! There will also be pet trivia, raffles, a silent auction, and opportunities to meet and adopt pets from the mobile adoption unit stationed in the Timberyard parking lot.

Tickets for the anniversary barbecue are available now and should be purchased soon. Enjoy a wood-fired grilled chicken dinner with house-made stout barbecue sauce, bacon-braised collard greens, and homestyle mac and cheese. A vegetarian option includes tahini smoked local carrots with honey, toasted sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds, served with homestyle mac and cheese. Dessert will be provided by Hannaford. Advance ticket purchase is required for the barbecue, with seatings at 12 noon and 6 pm. Local caricature artist Herve Leveillee will be at Timberyard from 1:30 to 3:30pm, creating pet and people caricatures for a $20 donation to Second Chance. Advance registration is required for a scheduled appointment. For ticket purchases and a detailed schedule of events, visit secondchanceanimals.org/anniversary.

The silent auction offering gift baskets, gift cards and more opens online on Friday, June 14th and closes at 6pm on the day of the event. There’s still time for local businesses to get involved as a sponsor or by donating an item for the memorable event. Limited vendor spots also remain for the vendor fair which runs from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information, visit secondchanceanimals.org/anniversary.

PHOTO (L): From 1-3pm, attendees are invited to enjoy some birthday cake and make a card to help a very special cat named Lion celebrate his 8th birthday.

PHOTO (R): From 11am-12noon, authors Joe & Sheryl Blancato will be signing copies of Walking Off Leash which tells the story of Second Chance Animal Services.

Registration Open for the 18th Annual

“Yes You Can” Hoyt Family Memorial Golf Tournament!

Event Highlights:

Date: Saturday, July 20, 2024

Time: 7:30 AM Shotgun Start

Location: Pine Ridge Country Club, N. Oxford, MA

We are eager to bring together our cherished golfing community for this significant event, continuing a tradition that not only celebrates the remarkable legacy of the Hoyt Family but also raises awareness and support for the Center of Hope. The tournament promises a day filled with challenging play, exceptional hospitality, and the company of fellow golf enthusiasts who share a passion for making a difference.

Last year, as you might recall, spots for the tournament filled up quicker than a tee shot on a calm morning! We encourage you to secure your registration as early as possible to ensure your place in the lineup. Whether you're aiming to defend your title, beat your personal best, or simply enjoy a day out on the stunning Pine Ridge course, the “Yes You Can” Hoyt Family Memorial Golf Tournament is the perfect opportunity to do so.

To Register: Please visit our registration page to secure your spot https://thecenterofhope.org/golf-tournament-2/. Remember, space is limited, and spots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

We're counting down the days until we can welcome you at the Pine Ridge Country Club. Prepare to tee off for a cause that matters and enjoy a day filled with fun, friendship, and the unforgettable spirit of competition. If you have any questions or require further information, feel free to reach out us directly at 508-764-4085 or at info@thecenterofhope.org.

Sturbridge Businesses: Small Business Signage Grant Program

The Town of Sturbridge is pleased to announce a grant program to help small businesses improve or create new signage. Qualified businesses will be eligible for a grant for up to $2,500.00 for sign creation or improvements to existing signage. The program will require a 50% match. The purpose of the program is to create a positive visual impact for businesses as they work to attract patronage. Enhanced aesthetics for businesses have been shown to increase property values, improve the marketability of retail space and attract consumers who may be local residents or visitors from afar.

Financing for this grant availability will be sourced through American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds with a total allocation of $30,000. Robin Grimm, Sturbridge Town Administrator commented; “We are very excited to be offering this new resource that will help businesses improve their visibility and “curb appeal”. Sturbridge is a well trafficked location so attractive signage strengthens our small businesses and elevates the streetscape of our town.”

Alexandra McNitt, Executive Director of the Chamber of Central Mass South, commented: “It is great to see this new program which can help businesses improve their public profile and in turn increase their sales and foot traffic. The Chamber looks forward to working with its member businesses to access this program.”

Businesses that are interested in applying or just have questions can contact Terry Masterson, Economic Development/Tourism Coordinator with the Town at 508-347-2500 Ext. 1411. Accessing the grant program will require advance work with the Town on following Town Signage Design regulations as well as approving the costs for sign creation or improvements.

Arrive by 6:15pm for the singing of the National Anthem by Sarah Clarke, 

Director of BSA and Compliance at Southbridge Credit Union!

THANK YOU TO OUR NIGHT WITH THE WOOSOX SPONSOR

Southbridge Credit Union has been a trusted part of your neighborhood since 1938. SCU was created by local people and is led by local people. We are a credit union, not a bank. That means that our members are our top priority, and ensuring your financial health will always be our focus. We offer a full range of products and services to support you and your financial goals. As a trusted credit union, and a not-for-profit organization, we’re able to pass on more savings and better rates to our members, while also supporting the community where we all live and work.

At SCU, we are volunteers. We are coaches. We are friends. We are neighbors. We are community. We’ve got you.

Attention Business Owners,

Companies with wellness programs experience a 25% reduction in absenteeism.

Prioritizing employee wellness is key to a thriving workplace. Introducing activities like pickleball not only promotes physical health but also fosters team spirit, reduces stress, and enhances productivity. 

Invest in your team's well-being, consider integrating pickleball into your workplace wellness program today!

Our Summer Golden Pass is a perfect solution. For $49.99 per month, your employees can take advantage of the opportunity to play pickleball every day.  

Contact Christa for more information, christa@pickleballu.com

Dexter Factory Outlet | 44 River Street | Southbridge, MA 01550

BROOKFIELD ORCHARDS EVENTS

Come Celebrate Father’s Day with Us

Sunday, June 16th

Your father doesn’t need a license to grill this year because we have the perfect dishes to satisfy his cravings this Father’s Day. These specials will be offered Saturday, June 15 & Sunday, June 16. Call for reservations!

Visit this link to view the Father's Day Specials and make your reservations today!

Tickets available online or by calling 508-867-2345

www.salemcrossinn.com/events/dining-events/summer-dinner-series/

HOURS OF OPERATION

Thursday, Friday, & Saturday: 4pm - 8pm, Sunday: 12pm - 5pm

Call 508-867-2345 for reservations.

Visit the Facebook page for the latest updates.

www.salemcrossinn.com

Tutti Quanti Wine Tasting

June 18, 6:30 - 8:00pm

538 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01518

All Wine Tastings are from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Attendees will gain insights into the principles of pairing different wines with specific types of cuisine, creating a sensory journey that celebrates the nuances of both food and wine in a relaxed, social atmosphere. Savor a carefully curated selection of our wines paired with our products.

Registration fee is $10 and can be purchased on EventBrite (see link below). Note there is no seating. No refunds. Guests will receive a $5 voucher to be used for a store purchase and are able to shop for wine and food after the event.

PLEASE NOTE: If you register for an event, we count on you seeing you there. As you may expect, we prepare food and wine based on our registration numbers. Please email Laurie if you need to cancel your registration.

To Register: www.tuttiquantifoods.com/wine-tastings-events/

Juneteenth at Old Sturbridge Village

Cost: In commemoration of Juneteenth, admission to the museum is free on June 19, 2024. Pre-registration is encouraged.

On June 19, 2024, we will commemorate and explore the history, resilience, and culture of Black people in America. We encourage visitors to consider the historical and present-day significance of Juneteenth through interactions with guest speakers and performers as well as Old Sturbridge Village’s costumed educators. Engage in discussions and ask yourself “what can I do to further educate myself?” about the past and how it informs the present day. We will also welcome several special guests!

Get your tickets and all the details here: www.osv.org/event/juneteenth-2024/

Visit to Register: https://qvcdc.coursestorm.com/course/serv-safe

The Center of Hope is excited to announce that the much-anticipated Touch a Truck event is back this year, and you're invited! Join us on Saturday, June 29th, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Scoops of Hope, located at 54 Foster Street, Southbridge, MA, for an unforgettable afternoon of fun, discovery, and ice cream!

This free, family-friendly event is the perfect outing for children and adults alike. It's a unique opportunity to get up close with an impressive array of vehicles. From police cruisers that protect our communities to the mighty dump trucks that help build them, there's something to spark everyone's interest.

But the fun doesn't stop at just exploring trucks! We have a packed schedule with plenty of activities for all ages:

• Engaging crafts to bring out the artist in you
• Exciting games to test your skills and win prizes
• Face painting to transform into your favorite characters
• And much more!

Plus, what better way to enjoy a summer day than with delicious treats from Scoops of Hope? It's the perfect chance to indulge in your favorite flavors while supporting a great cause.

Please note, should the weather decide not to cooperate, we have a rain date set for Sunday, June 30th. So, there's no reason to miss out on the fun!

CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC TO LEARN MORE AT STURBRIDGE GARDENERS COMMUNITY

Looking for Summer Concerts on the Commons?

Visit our Calendar, search "concerts" for offerings in these towns: Southbridge, Sturbridge, West Brookfield and Brimfield.

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