Welcome to November's Crossroads Events!

Join us TONIGHT for some pre-holiday cheer and business networking at Fun at Five at the Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center. Drop us a line to register for Fun at Five. Tomorrow, you are also welcome to stop by a Ribbon Cutting celebration at our newest Members at VITRA HEALTH in Sturbridge. All the details follow. We share the latest news and many festive local events from our Members and friends in this issue of CROSSROADS.

CROSSROADS is our Members' platform to share their latest news with over 1,000 fellow Chamber Members and subscribers in our community. If you have events to share please post them on our Events calendar and keep emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in CROSSROADS. NEXT ISSUE: DECEMBER 1, 2023

CHAMBER OFFICE INFO

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

The office will CLOSED on Thanksgiving and Friday, November 24.

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 TONIGHT!

Fun at Five!

Wednesday, November 15, 5:00-7:00pm

Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center

14 Mechanic Street, Southbridge, MA, 508-765-8000

www.SouthbridgeHotel.com

We will meet at the Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center in Shades Lounge.

Come and network with your fellow members! A variety of food selections from our menu will be served.

Try a specialty drink or grab a cold craft brew from one of our 10 taps!

Just for attending, you could win:

An Overnight Stay for Two including Breakfast at Southbridge Hotel

thanks to our host!

or

A Gift Basket Full of Goodies ($250 Value!)

thanks to our sponsor, TLC Home Services!

Register for Fun at Five by email or phone.

508-347-2761 

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

 We hope to see you there!

Thank you to our November Fun at Five Sponsor!

About TLC Home Services, LLC

TLC Home Services is a woman-owned company that has been cleaning homes and businesses with 100% satisfaction for the past 16 years. The company serves a variety of homes, offices, AirBnBs, campsites, and other spaces for clients.

TLC Home Services partnered with Cleaning for a Reason, a non-profit organization for cancer patients. We give back to our community by donating two free home cleanings for any man, woman or child who are undergoing treatments.

“Our core values define who we are as a company,” said TLC founder and owner Tammie Chenevert. “They have brought us to where we are today and will carry us into the future. We are a small business with a big heart.”



TLC Home Services has earned Best Cleaning Service 2022 and Best Cleaning Service 2023. The company is also registered with S.A.M.gov to work on government jobs. To learn more visit tlchomeservicesllc.com.

TLC Home Services, LLC

Sturbridge, MA 01566

Phone: 508-347-3275

Email: info@tlchomeservicesllc.com

You're Invited to a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

128 Main Street (Route 131), Sturbridge, MA

www.VitraHealth.com

All are invited to join us tomorrow, Thursday, November 16th at 2:00pm, as we help welcome our newest members, VITRA HEALTH, to their brand new Sturbridge office! Alix will be on hand to snip the official red ribbon and kick off the celebration. Goodie bags, lunch, and drinks will be available for attendees after the ribbon ceremony.

ABOUT VITRA HEALTH:

Caring For Those In Need. At VITRA, our mission is centered around our clients, their families, and their communities. We are dedicated to providing caregivers and families with all they need to stay together in the comfort of their homes.

The diversity of our team is a true reflection of the communities we serve. This diversity allows us to foster cultural sensitivity and understanding within our organization. We are serving clients all over Massachusetts and have a presence in all major communities of our state.

For more information visit: www.VitraHealth.com or call (508) 297-2022.

All are welcome to attend. There is no cost and no need to RSVP.

Sponsorships Available

Get noticed! Sponsoring a Chamber event or program can give you exposure to the people that you want to do business with. Our affiliation with the Worcester Regional Chamber means exposure to 2,300 member businesses and an e-mail list of more than 10,000 professionals.

Programs for the Chamber's winter season are in the works. We will be seeking sponsors for upcoming Fun at Fives and other events. If your company would be interested in being a sponsor, or would like more information about sponsorship, please contact Alix at 508-347-2761 or email alexandra_mcnitt@cmschamber.org.

SAVE THE DATE FOR HOLIDAY FUN AT FIVE!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12th @ THE PUBLICK HOUSE!

SPONSORED BY CORNERSTONE BANK

MORE INFO COMING SOON!

Country Bank and Bank Director Announce First Fully Certified Board

November 6, 2023 - Country Bank Board Chair, James Phaneuf, is pleased to announce that the Bank's Board of Directors recently became the first fully certified Board through Bank Director's Certification Program.

The certification provides participants with a thorough grounding in corporate governance and important industry issues that greatly enhance the performance of individual directors. The Board completed the comprehensive training program this past year and was certified in September.

Participants must complete 31 designated online training videos and board briefs focused on the role of the Board, audit and risk, compensation, governance, and fiduciary responsibilities. In addition to Bank Director’s Online Training Series, participants must attend a day-long Corporate Governance Workshop in the Bank Director Certification Program or, alternatively, complete a virtual version of the program.

Completing the program and becoming a certified bank director sends a clear message to state and federal regulators that board members take their fiduciary duties seriously and want to be top-performing members of the Bank's Board.

"Country Bank's Board of Directors is deeply committed to the Bank's continued growth and prosperity. They understand their responsibilities to ensure Country Bank remains one of the strongest Community Banks in the region. I look forward to the future with great optimism, knowing that we have such a dedicated group of business professionals and the difference they make for the Bank's long-term success," said James Phaneuf.

“Bank Director is grateful for Country Bank’s enthusiastic support for the Certification Program,” said Editor-at-Large Jack Milligan, who created the course curriculum. “This sends a very powerful message that the Country Bank Board of Directors takes its governance responsibilities seriously. It is a testament to our motto that ‘Strong Boards Build Strong Banks.’”

About Country Bank

Country Bank is a full-service $1.8B with 17.0% Tier 1 Capital mutual community bank serving central and western Massachusetts with 14 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.  

About Bank Director

Bank Director reaches the leaders of the institutions that comprise America’s banking industry. Since 1991, Bank Director has provided board-level research, peer-insights and in-depth executive and board services. Built for banks, Bank Director extends into and beyond the boardroom by providing timely and relevant information through Bank Director magazine, board training services and the financial industry's premier event, Acquire or Be Acquired. For more information, please visit BankDirector.com.

Country Bank Board Members: Pictured: Elizabeth Rappaport, Theresa Grove, Stacey Luster, Kathryn Crockett, Richard Maynard, Kenneth Riley, Jr., James Phaneuf, Edward Noonan II, Ross Dik, Robert Haveles, Steven Musso and Keith Blanchette.

UMass Memorial Health – Harrington Opens Free “Bridge Fridge”

Community Closets and Food Pantries

Two locations are just outside the main entrances of the Southbridge & Webster hospitals for easy, discreet access

SOUTHBRIDGE, MA, November 7, 2023 – An idea conceived a year ago to help combat food and clothing insecurities in South Central Massachusetts has come to fruition. UMass Memorial Health – Harrington, has opened two free “Bridge Fridge” Community Closet and Pantry locations on its campuses - one at 100 South Street, Southbridge and another at 340 Thompson Road, Webster.

The Bridge Fridge locations allow those in need to discreetly access non-perishable food, refrigerated and frozen goods, toiletry items, and lightly used or new clothing. Both locations had a soft opening in September, and during the last 8 weeks have already distributed hundreds of clothing and toiletry items as well as many pounds of food to community residents in need.

“The Bridge Fridge project is in response to the feedback from our Community Health Needs Assessment, a 21-question survey about health care priorities based on statewide needs identified by the Attorney General’s Office,” said Ed Moore, President at UMass Memorial Health – Harrington. “We are focused on our work for diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure we, as a community hospital, are meeting the needs of the groups identified in our Health Needs Assessment. Some of the most prominent needs identified in our area include food supply and clothing insecurity. We had been in contact with Carla and Yesenia, the founders of The Bridge Fridge Program, who developed The Bridge Fridge at Renaissance Medical Group, (RMG), and quickly started working towards developing the units at Harrington to meet multiple needs in Southbridge and Webster.”

“From a health equity perspective, we believe that food is medicine and is integral to our overall health and wellbeing,” said Jess Calcidise, Chief Nursing Officer & Chief Operating Officer. “We are very hopeful that it helps meet some of the hunger needs in our area as well as essential clothing and general hygiene items.”

To prepare for the colder months ahead, UMass Memorial Health – Harrington hosted its first public donation drive for the Bridge Fridges last week, which was topped off with a fun, free-to-the-public ‘Trunk or Treat’ event hosted by Harrington Caregivers at the Southbridge Campus.

The two closets, restocked by Harrington staff regularly, are housed just outside the main entrances of the Southbridge & Webster hospitals. They will be open year-round from 6:00 am – 8:00 pm daily for those in need. Harrington will continue to host public donation drives as needed to keep adequate inventory for the closets, but non-perishable food item donations are always welcome and can be donated inside the hospitals' cafeterias.

“We are excited about this groundbreaking partnership with UMass Memorial Health - Harrington,” said Carla Delacruz Davila, Co-Founder / President of WellStorm Inc. “We aim to bridge the gap in accessing healthy food through mutual aid. Community fridges are at the heart of our mutual aid initiative. These fridges represent a sharing mechanism that seeks to reduce food insecurities and build a stronger, more united community. Together through this partnership we strive to create a more inclusive and compassionate community that supports one another in times of need.”

The Bridge Fridge concept is the flagship project of The WellStorm, Inc., a nonprofit organization established to build connections, mutual aid, and support for people experiencing homelessness, mental health struggles and food insecurity. To learn more about WellStorm, Inc. visit thewellstorminc.org.

UMass Memorial Health – Harrington provides outstanding health care to patients in more than 25 communities throughout South-Central Massachusetts and North Eastern Connecticut. We are dedicated to our role as the health and wellness partner of the people in our communities and we are relentless in the pursuit of healing. Our comprehensive array of health care services and locations provides our patients with unparalleled access to care. Harrington Hospital in Southbridge provides medical and surgical inpatient care, 24-hour emergency services, inpatient adult psychiatry, an intensive care unit and comprehensive outpatient services. Harrington Hospital at Webster, Harrington at Charlton, Harrington at 169 and Harrington at Sturbridge offer primary care and specialty physicians, diagnostic imaging and more. UMass Memorial Medical Group is our primary care and multi-specialty physician group, UrgentCare Express at Harrington in Oxford and Southbridge serves as a walk-in medical center for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, and the Cancer Center at Harrington in Southbridge allows patients to receive advanced, local oncology and hematology care. www.harringtonhospital.org

Second Chance Animal Services Sounds the Alarm as Pets Face Unprecedented Crisis 

EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (November 7, 2023) – Second Chance Animal Services, an organization committed to the welfare of pets to help them live better lives, is reaching out to the community with a heartfelt plea for support amidst a growing crisis that threatens the well-being of countless animals.

While the nonprofit is on track for another record-breaking year, celebrating numerous success stories made possible by the community's caring and compassionate support, a dark cloud looms over the joyous achievements. The state of animal welfare is in peril, with pets and pet owners grappling with a trifecta of challenges that demand immediate attention.

The rising tide of inflation has led to food insecurity for both humans and their furry companions, as the cost of pet care essentials skyrockets. Housing costs are soaring, forcing families to make heartbreaking decisions about their living situations, often resulting in the surrender of beloved pets. Additionally, the veterinary care crisis persists, with burnout among professionals causing a shortage of crucial services.

No longer an issue isolated to the south, shelters are reaching capacity across the country, forcing many to euthanize perfectly adoptable pets when they are out of space. Second Chance never euthanizes for space and is taking in as many transports as they can to save countless lives, but their space is being limited as they grapple with an increase in surrenders from local pet owners.

As we approach the end of the year, a deep sense of distress envelops the organization for the plight of animals in the community. The economic landscape is taking an unforgiving toll on pets and their devoted owners. Families facing financial challenges are forced into heartbreaking decisions about the well-being of their cherished pets.

“We are being stretched to our limits and I am deeply concerned, but amidst the crisis, there is hope,” said Second Chance CEO and Founder Sheryl Blancato. “With our passionate supporters behind us, we remain committed to providing crucial programs and services to address the root causes of pet surrender. We offer a blend of innovative initiatives that focus on illness prevention and intake prevention by providing essential assistance to overwhelmed pet owners.”

Key Highlights of Second Chance Animal Services' Efforts:

Full-Service Veterinary Hospitals: The demand for assistance at the organization's four full-service veterinary hospitals continues to rise. More pets than ever are receiving care at subsidized rates, ensuring that all animals can access the vital care they need.

Community Outreach: This year Second Chance has been out in the community providing more life-saving vaccine clinics and Homebound to the Rescue visits than in recent years. These programs aim to bridge the gap between pet owners and essential veterinary services. Homebound to the Rescue works with community resources to bring veterinary care to senior housing communities at no cost. The program is made possible through generous grants and donations to keep pets and seniors together.

Pet Food Pantry: The organization's pet food pantry program is working overtime to meet the increasing demand. Distributions to human food pantries have surged, ensuring that pets and their families do not go hungry. Twice this year, Second Chance ran out cat food to meet requests from local pantries and reached out to the public for help refilling the supply.

Second Chance Animal Services is calling on the community to join the fight against the pet crisis. With support, more pets can stay in their homes with the people who love them. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that no pet is left behind.

For more information on how to contribute and support Second Chance Animal Services, please visit secondchanceanimals.org/donate. Check can also be mailed to Second Chance, 111 Young Road, PO Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.

PHOTO: Houston, an 8-year-old lab/boxer mix, at the Second Chance Adoption Center waiting to find a new home.

About Second Chance Animal Services:

Second Chance Animal Services is a nonprofit animal welfare organization founded in 1999. Second Chance began as an animal shelter and grew to help more pets in need. Today Second Chance operates Community Veterinary Hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester providing access to the highest-quality veterinary care for all.  Subsidized rates are provided to underserved communities to ensure access to care for all pets in need. Last year Second Chance helped over 44,000 pets live better lives through full-service veterinary care, spay/neuter services, adoption services, community & educational outreach programs, training, and a pet food pantry. For more information, visit Second Chance’s website at www.secondchanceanimals.org.

Follow Second Chance on Facebook:  facebook.com/secondchanceanimals

Follow Second Chance on Instagram: @secondchanceas/

Follow Second Chance on Twitter:  @secondchanceas

Country Bank Supports Senior Centers with $42,000 in Donations

November 10, 2023 - Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, recently announced donations to 21 local senior centers throughout the region.

Supporting communities has been part of Country Bank’s mission since 1850, the bank is committed to the people, businesses and non-profits it serves. A total of $42,000 in donations were made to local senior centers. These donations are made without restriction for those necessary items that may not be met within annual budgets.

“We are so fortunate to have a community partner like Country Bank. Countless members of their staff have volunteered at our events and special projects that have ranged from holiday parties at the senior center to personally delivering boxes of food items to seniors in need. This donation helps to sustain our meal program, which over the past five years, has provided in excess of 38,000 home cooked meals for the seniors. Their commitment to service, volunteerism and community is what makes Country Bank the gold standard when it comes to being true “Difference Makers,” stated John L. Zienowicz, Ware Senior Center Executive Director

“We know what a difference this makes for the senior centers and we are honored to be able to support the great work that they do to help our seniors,” said Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President of Community Relations at Country Bank.

In addition to its annual monetary support, Country Bank also sends teams of its “Difference Makers” to volunteer at local senior centers on a monthly basis.

Left to right: Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President Community Relations and Blair Robidoux, Assistant Vice President West Street Banking Center at Country Bank, John L. Zienowicz, Executive Director at Ware Senior Center.

It’s Time!

Join the Santa Parade

Saturday, November 25th

The #1 Hispanic Newspaper in MA

The latest digital issue of Vocero Hispano is available on their website.

View the Latest Issue in Digital Online - Free to Members

Reach the Hispanic Market directly with the #1 Statewide Hispanic Newspaper in Massachusetts. Email advertising@vocerohispano.com to get started.

Served through Italy, Porchetta is a popular dish in the city of Florence and can be found as “street food” in the form sandwich and also as a main entree served often for special occasions and holidays. Porchetta or Carne Di Maiale Porchetta is a derivative of the word porco, “pork,” and is slowly roasted for hours to create a delicious, moist, and flavorful meal.

Join Chef Rico, for this sure to sell out event, and be there to enjoy this old-world delicacy. Chef Rico will be pairing his porchetta recipe with an amazing assortment of side dishes native to the Florence area.

With the holidays approaching, this is a fantastic dish to add to your holiday cuisine repertoire.

This event is $52 per person, tax and gratuity are not included. Wine, beer, and cocktails are available from our bar at an extra cost. Make your reservations by calling 508-347-2321.

Adaptive Hip Hop Class

Thursday, November 16, 2023, 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM

Venture Community Services, 1 Picker Road, Sturbridge

Join us for our new adaptive and inclusive hip hop dance class. This class is free of charge and geared toward people 16ys and over that may have disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). No experience is necessary, so give it a try! 

The class includes upbeat music, dancing and stretching led by Dance Instructor Bridget Costa from Shining Stars Dance Studio. Dancers can wear their own shoes and active wear they feel most comfortable in. Participants must be accompanied by an adult and don’t need to be receiving services from Venture – All are invited! 

https://venturecs.org/event/hip-hop-dance-class/ 

For more info and to RSVP email Kelsey Mondor: kmondor@venturecs.org

Select Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from November through April.

Tickets still available for the November 17 Feast!

Join us for a special dining event as the Innkeepers at the Salem Cross Inn announce their series of 1700's style feasts, prepared on the open hearth of a great fieldstone fireplace. Relax by the fire as dinner is prepared for you in colonial style. Stir the chowder as it bubbles in our cast iron cauldron over a crackling fire. See your prime rib, roasted 'to a turn,' as the only known authentic Roasting Jack still operating in America rotates slowly over a crackling fire of wild cherry logs. Beware the brimming bowl of freshly whipped cream - the perfect complement to New England's best apple pie. While your dinner is cooking to perfection, enjoy a horse drawn wagon or sleigh ride through the valley on the Inn's pristine 600 acres. Shake off the chill with warm mulled wine or cider upon your return. Browse our extensive collection of colonial and federal period American antiques. The Fireplace Feast makes a thoughtful and unique gift for special friends or deserving associates. VIEW THE FIREPLACE FEAST BROCHURE HERE.

The Fireplace Feast is just one of our many dining events that provides an authentic colonial experience. At Salem Cross Inn, we capture the history and culture of 1700's America. Salem Cross Inn's dining events, excellent cuisine, and atmosphere have been featured on Food Network's "The Best Of," WCVB TV5 Boston's "Chronicle" and chosen as the "Hidden Jewel" by Boston's Phantom Gourmet and WGBY. SEE MORE DETAILS AND GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!



Spend Your Turkey Day with Us!

Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Have you made plans for the big day yet? Let Salem Cross Inn take care of all the cooking, serving, and cleaning this year so you can relax and spend more time with your loved ones!

We'll be taking reservations from 11:30am to 3pm on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23.

SEE THE THANKSGIVING MENU HERE!

To enjoy this incredible feast, the cost is $65 for adults and $25 for children's turkey dinner for those 10 and under.

Non-refundable payment and entrée selections are required upon making your reservation.

Tables fill up fast, so be sure to call us as soon as possible to secure yours!

Reservations can be made by calling 508-867-2345. If you are unable to reach us by phone, please leave a message and a daytime callback number so we can get back to you as soon as possible.

Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet Feast

The Publick House Historic Inn

Thursday, November 23rd, 2023

Seatings from 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Adults $70.00 Children (4-12yrs) $25.00 (tax & gratuity included)

Maximum seating time is allotted per each reservation

VIEW THE COMPLETE THANKSGIVING BUFFET MENU.

https://publickhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Thanksgiving-Dinner-Buffet-Menu-2023.pdf

Reservations Required, Advanced Payment Required

Call Monday through Friday 9AM – 6PM to schedule your reservation at (774) 304-1524

www.publickhouse.com • On the Common, 277 Main Street, Route 131, Sturbridge, MA 01566

The Duck & Avellino - SOLD OUT!

Join us for a bountiful dinner prepared by the talented Table 3 Chef’s at The Duck & Avellino. We'll be serving all your favorites—and some of ours too!

There will also be a great selection of house-made scrumptious desserts. Last year was a sell-out, so make your reservation early by calling 508-347-2321. The price for this pre-fixe holiday feast is just $44.95 per guest (plus tax & gratuity).

The Barn at Wight Farm - SOLD OUT!

Join us from 11:30 am – 5:30 pm for our annual Thanksgiving Day Feast at The Barn at Wight Farm. The Barn’s buffet stations will be brimming with all your favorites and some of Chef Devon’s inspirations. The price for this holiday celebration is just $45.95 per guest (plus tax & gratuity). Make your reservation now by calling 774-241-8450.

Table 3 Thanksgiving Catering

STILL AVAILABLE!

Your one-stop shop for that perfect Thanksgiving holiday at home. The Barn and the Café will be preparing a fantastic assortment of all your favorites. You can order a complete Thanksgiving meal or select some great additions to make your Thanksgiving Day feast extra special. To order, call 774-241-8450. Orders must be placed by 2pm Monday, Nov. 20.*

*Pick up times for catering at The Barn at Wight Farm are Wednesday Nov. 22 from 7am–3pm. 

Dexter Factory Outlet | 44 River Street | Southbridge, MA 01550 | 800-343-6042

Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village

November 24, 25, 26

December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2023

Times: 2:00 - 8:00 pm

Come experience the history of Christmas traditions at Old Sturbridge Village. Relish old traditions and create new ones as you watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, stroll through the decorated Village and Christmas Tree Trail, listen to stories and live music, sample sweet treats, ride the horse-drawn carryall, and more. We hope your family will join ours, as we celebrate a very special time of year. 

Visit the webpage for more information and tickets! www.osv.org/event/christmas-by-candlelight/

Santa will be visiting The Barn again this year for a fantastic holiday brunch and to listen closely to the Christmas wishes from all the good little girls and boys. Don’t miss this fun family event and photo opportunity having your little ones visit with Santa and his elves while enjoying an awesome brunch at The Barn. Pricing for this festive event is $24.95 for adults and $14.95 for children under 12.

Event to be held in the Winthrop Room at The Barn. Reservations are required. It may seem a little early to be thinking about Christmas, but all the Santa Brunch dates sold out last year so don’t delay in reserving your spot. Call 774-241-8450 to make your reservations now!

Zoom Group Hypnosis Program with Deb K:

Mindful Eating Through the Holidays!

This zoom group hypnosis program will support you staying on the healthy path through the holidays!

• Emotional Eating and how to recognize and change it with mindfulness.
• Feeling satisfied without less quantity.
• How to feel lighter and stronger physically mentally and spiritually.
• And much more

Tuesdays 6:00-7:30PM.

November 14th and 28th, December 12th & 26th

$147

Hypnosis audio part is recorded and sent to you after the session for reinforcement on the changes you are making.

Limited space, Call 508-579-6314

https://debkhypnosis.com/

The 2023 Festival of {Giving} Trees dates are November 30th through December 3rd. At this point we are planning a live event and a “virtual” event. This year we will be celebrating our 26th year!

This four day family event is designed to be a holiday activity. The mission of the Festival is to raise money to help the Silent Spring Institute, the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition and The Cancer Center at Harrington Hospital fight the battle against breast cancer and to help fund cancer research. Over the past twenty-five years, the Festival of {Giving} Trees has raised and donated $854,000 to these beneficiaries.

The Festival of {Giving} Trees features more than 100 uniquely decorated trees on display under one roof at LaSalle Reception Center, 444 Main Street, Southbridge.

Some are elegant, nostalgic and breathtaking. Some are humorous, some are traditional and some are really hip. The only thing they have in common is that they are all different and they are all sparkling! 

And each and every one of them will be taken home by lucky raffle winners. Come join us! It is a community-wide event, so bring your family, friends and neighbors. VISIT ONLINE for more details.

Gateway Players Theatre of Southbridge presents “Christmas Shorts” written by Lucy Williams. Performances will be held on December 1 at 7:30pm, December 2 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm, and December 3 at 2:00pm. Presented by permission through special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc. All performances will be held at the Fellowship Hall of Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm Street in Southbridge. Parking is available on Elm Street, or in the parking deck behind the Southbridge Town Hall. 

Directed by Pat Haddock, Assistant Director Stephen Jean and Producer Kathi Grenier. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for seniors and youth under 18. Tickets may be reserved by calling Gateway at 508-764-4531. Online credit card ticket sales are available at https://gateway-players.ticketleap.com/christmas-shorts/ 

Synopsis: There’s something for everyone in this one-act holiday delight made up of short scenes and monologues. You’ll find everything here, from kids writing letters to Santa, to the big guy getting ready for Christmas himself, to a bunch of elves who accidentally rip Santa’s gift bag at the last minute. (Don’t worry, Mrs. Claus can fix it!) There’s a sports segment featuring the 845th annual Reindeer Games and a holiday quiz show featuring Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Ghost of Christmas Future. A soap opera, As the North Pole Turns, a news segment from the North Pole News, and some Christmas-themed commercials round out this fun seasonal comedy.

Breakfast with Santa at The Publick House

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Sunday, December 10 & 17, 2023

Seatings from 8:30AM – 10:45AM

Ages 3 to 10yrs $15.00 (2yrs and under free)

Ages 11yrs & Up $24.00 (prices include tax & gratuity)

Reservations Required, Advanced Payment Required when Booking

Maximum Seating Time allotted per each reservation 1 Hour & 15 Minutes

FULL SELF-SERVICE YANKEE BREAKFAST BUFFET

See the menu: https://publickhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Breakfast-with-Santa-Website-Flyer-2023.pdf

Call Publick House at 774-304-1524 for reservations

ENJOY AN EVENING

WITH COMEDIAN DAVE RUSSO & FRIENDS

Spend an evening with Boston Comedy Festival winner Dave Russo as seen on Comics Come Home

with Denis Leary and favorites at the Tropicana in Las Vegas. Featuring Foxwoods favorite - Pete Costello

who has shared the stage with over 25 national acts including Bruce Springsteen and Joan Rivers.

December 9, 2023

Pine Ridge Country Club

28 Pleasant Street, North Oxford, MA

Doors open: 6:30 pm. Show starts at 8:00 pm

Tickets $30. Raffles including 50/50

Tickets can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com/e/laughing-all-the-way-comedy-

fundraiser-for-no-birthday-left-behind-tickets-709047037777

Or contact Cheri Holland at 508-320-0606

No Birthday Left Behind

"Every Child Deserves to Feel Special on Their Birthday"

No Birthday Left Behind is a non-profit supplying all the birthday

supplies to children in a Homeless Shelter in Worcester.

NBLB is a registered non-profit 501(C) (3), Tax ID 84-1822037

NoBirthdayLeftBehind.com

Winter Solstice Dinner & Centerpiece Workshop at Salem Cross Inn

Thursday 12/21 – Floral Centerpiece Workshop

Dinner at 5:30 pm, workshop at 7:00 pm $115

Tickets are available through https://www.bellbrookfarmma.com/.

Join us for an intimate evening of dinner and a centerpiece design workshop with farmer-florist Emily Day of Bell Brook Farm at West Brookfield’s most idyllic location for such holiday festivity – Salem Cross Inn.

Enjoy a quintessential New England dinner in Salem Cross Inn’s festive dining room. You’ll be seated with your party for Salem’s famous chicken pot pie with buttermilk biscuit, harvest squash, whipped potato, seasonal dessert, and choice of tea or coffee. Alcohol is available but not included in the ticket price and can be purchased separately during dinner.

Following dinner, you’ll head to the fireside workshop space where we’ll share techniques and design tips on creating a holiday centerpiece for your weekend festivities. All materials and tools, including a vase, mechanics, and snips, along with unique foliage, flowers and winter curiosities will be provided. You are welcome to bring additional embellishments to suit your taste or do some foraging and bring additional greens, berries and branches from your own yard.

West Brookfield WINTER Farmers Market

Wednesdays, 3-6pm, November through March

First Congregational Church, 36 North Main St.

The winter market will have lots of different local, seasonal fruits and veggies to choose, microgreens, garlic, ginger & turmeric, maple syrup, ice cream, fresh breads & sweets, delicious coffee, and locally raised meats. Pre-made meals and soup-to-go will also be available. The Winter Market is every Wednesday, 3-6, from November through March, in the West Brookfield First Congregational Church. Stop by and see some familiar market vendors from the summer and get to know some new ones.

There is something there for everyone! VIEW the Vendor List and more here. 

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