Welcome to December's Crossroads News!

There are just 8 days left to register for Holiday Fun at Five at The Publick House. We hope you will be there to celebrate with us! You are also invited to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony commemorating The Center of Hope’s new Jim Howard Day Habilitation Program on Wednesday, December 6th. Catered by Scoops of Hope, the ceremony should be quite fun and tasty! More details and links to RSVP for these events are below. You’ll also find info on some sparkling local traditions including the Festival of Giving Trees which is happening now! We hope your season is merry and bright and we Thank You for SHOPPING LOCAL for the holidays!  

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 15, 2023

CHAMBER OFFICE INFO

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

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

Please RSVP by using the button below, scanning the QR code

or calling 508-764-4085.

Holiday Fun at Five!

Tuesday, December 12, 5:00-8:00pm

The Publick House, 277 Main Street, Sturbridge

Sponsored by Cornerstone Bank

Come and revel in the festive spirit at our Holiday Fun at Five on the evening of Tuesday, December 12th!

Join fellow Members and Guests for an unforgettable evening at The Publick House in Sturbridge.

Delight in delectable cuisine, soak in the festive ambiance of an illuminated hall,

and indulge in exciting activities with the chance to win fantastic prizes.

There is always a surprise or two in store! Let's come together to celebrate the season in style!

Activities include:

Ugly Sweater Contest

Holiday Bingo

and

Stuffed Stocking Silent Auction

What is a Stuffed Stocking Silent Auction? Glad you asked!

Members are encouraged to donate a holiday stocking to our silent auction. A portion of proceeds will be used to purchase gift cards for teenagers in need. Stocking can be filled with product you make or sell, you can fill the stocking based on a theme, or use a tiny holiday stocking for a gift card – the possibilities are endless.

Please let Alix know if you will be donating to our Stuffed Stocking Silent Auction.

Thank you!

We look forward to celebrating with you!

COST

$20 for Members who register, $25 at the door, or $30 for non-Members.

PLEASE RSVP BY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8!

Help us help our hosts at The Publick House receive an accurate count,

so they can have plenty of goodies for all of us! Thank you!

RSVP TO REGISTER

by phone at 508-347-2761 or email info@cmschamber.org



Thank you to our Holiday Fun at Five Sponsor!

In a world where people have more choices than ever about how and where to manage their finances, Cornerstone Bank inspires a true feeling of confidence among the customers who entrust us with their financial well-being.

Where large banks lack personal attention, and local banks lack depth and expertise, Cornerstone builds trust with its business and retail customers through respectful, reliable relationships, problem-solving proficiency, and an unwavering commitment to community. 

Cornerstone Bank rests on the foundation that relationships are built on trust.

cornerstonebank.com 

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.

Welcome, New CMS Chamber Members!

Join us as we welcome our newest Members to the Chamber of Central Mass South!

Welcome, VITRA Health! A photo from the November 16th Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at VITRA Health's new Sturbridge offices.

VITRA HEALTH

vitrahealth.com/

128 Main Street (Route 131), Sturbridge, MA

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.



Essential2You Staffing Services, LLC

www.essent2you.com/

58 N Main Street, #560 Charlton, MA

Essential2You Staffing provides direct staffing solutions for Executive Leadership, Healthcare, and Life Sciences.

Phone: 781-816-9481. Employer Inquiries: services@essent2you.com. Applicant Inquiries: apply@essent2you.com



Second Chance Veterinary Hospitals

Recognized Across the Region

Nonprofit Announces Match Challenge for Giving Tuesday Donation Drive

EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (November 16, 2023) – Last week, Second Chance Animal Services founder and CEO Sheryl Blancato had the honor to accept not one, but two awards recognizing the nonprofit’s vet hospitals in a single day.  

The Springfield Regional Chamber awarded Second Chance’s Springfield Community Veterinary Hospital with a Super 60 Award in the nonprofit category at a ceremony held on November 9th at the MassMutual Center. The award recognized organizations that have displayed selfless dedication to serving the community through exceptional programming and support. “We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible diversity and innovation within our business community through this year’s Super 60 program,” said Diana Szynal, President of the Springfield Regional Chamber. “Small businesses are the heart and soul of our region, and we’re excited to celebrate so many nonprofits that make a difference in our community. As we continue to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic, it's more important than ever to shine a light on the accomplishments and unwavering resilience of our local businesses and non-profits.”

Later that evening, Second Chance once again took home the Best Veterinary Clinic award in the Telegram & Gazette Best of Central Mass as voted by the community at a ceremony at the DCU Center. 

“These awards are a testament to the trust and confidence the community places in our commitment to excellence,” said Blancato. “They are a reflection of the dedication of our amazing, compassionate vet team and the support of our community. Their generosity has been enabling us to assist more pets at subsidized rates than ever before, ensuring that every pet receives the high-quality care they deserve.”

“However, amid these celebrations, we are well aware of the challenges ahead. The demand for our services has reached unprecedented levels, and we are on track to set new records for the number of pets assisted in 2023. In the face of an uncertain landscape in animal welfare, characterized by high inflation, rising housing costs, and a veterinary care crisis, your continued support becomes more critical than ever.”

Blancato is urging animal lovers in the community to rise to the challenge at a time when pets need help more than ever before. The nonprofit has announced that Ted and Barbara Hebert of Teddy Bear Pools and Spas has generously offered to match donations for Giving Tuesday up to $2,500. “Together, let us continue to build upon the legacy of our award-winning veterinary hospitals, ensuring that every pet receives the care they need." Donations can be made online at secondchanceanimals.org/giving-tuesday or mailed to Second Chance, 111 Young Road, PO Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.

PHOTO: (top) Springfield Regional Chamber Super 60 Award recognizes Second Chance's veterinary hospital on Mulberry Street 

PHOTO: (bottom) Second Chance CEO & Founder Sheryl Blancato displays the 2023 Best Veterinary Clinic award

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 the Wonderfund with $20,000 in Support

During its Annual Season of Difference Campaign

Photo: left to right, Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President of Community Relations at Country Bank, Lauren Baker, Former First Lady of Massachusetts, Founder and CEO of the Wonderfund and Shelley Regin, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Country Bank.

November 21, 2023 - Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, recently announced its partnership and $20,000 in support of the Wonderfund of Massachusetts. The Wonderfund helps kids and teens served by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to enjoy childhood's magical moments during the holiday season. The Wonderfund organization is an ordinary group of people on an extraordinary mission to bring the magic and meaning of childhood into the lives of children who have been impacted by trauma, abuse, and neglect.

Join the Wonderfund and Country Bank in making magic this holiday season for kids in foster care by donating a new unwrapped gift at any of its banking centers until December 15. Country Bank's team will shop for gifts to join in the efforts, and donations will be delivered to DCF Offices in Springfield and Worcester to be distributed throughout Western and Central Mass.

"We are delighted about this partnership with the Wonderfund and the opportunity for our team and our communities to help us make a difference for children by putting a smile on so many faces," said Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President of Community Relations at Country Bank.

In addition to the toy drive, Country Bank donated over $100,000 to 17 local food pantries and $42,000 to local senior centers to support food insecurities, homelessness, and elders in its local communities during its annual Season of Difference Campaign.

If you would like to help make some magic, please visit https://wonderfundma.org.

About Country Bank

Country Bank is a full-service $1.7B 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.  

NBSB and HFH Partner to Help Local Families Build a Future

NBSB staff volunteer on Habitat for Humanity’s Home Build Site on Sunderland Rd in Worcester, MA. Left to right: Jay Jil, Ann Brady, Cindy Fountain, Anne Marie LaValle, Joseph Ribeiro, Jake Apraham, Nicole Syriac, Kaz Borawski, Renee Jurczyk and Michelle Ramos.

North Brookfield, MA - North Brookfield Savings Bank (NBSB) has partnered with Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester to Sponsor a Home Build Day. Located on Sunderland Road in Worcester, MA these homes are two side-by-side, single-family homes being built by volunteers to benefit local families in need.

Habitat for Humanity builds decent and affordable homes around the world in partnership with families in need of a decent place to live. Habitat homebuyers help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Affordable homeownership helps create the conditions that free families from stress and fear, helping build stability and confidence. Studies show that strong and stable households are foundational to child development and growth. When a home fosters — instead of hinders — health and safety, families can flourish. Owning an affordable home also allows homeowners to lift up their entire family by saving for their futures and investing in educational opportunities — bolstering job opportunities and long-term career growth.

NBSB is proud to have partnered with Habitat for Humanity on this project to make a difference in the local community. NBSB is always looking for ways to give back, and partnering with Habitat for Humanity was a perfect fit to help make a meaningful impact in the lives of local families. The home build project is a testament to NBSB's commitment to making our community a better and more inclusive place for everyone.

"We feel privileged to have been able to partner with Habitat for Humanity for NBSB’s first-ever build project. We believe in the importance of giving back to our communities and are honored to be able to partner with such a reputable organization.," said Nicole Syriac, Marketing Representative at NBSB. "This project not only uplifts those in need, but it also serves as a reminder of the power of unity and kindness.”

ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY METROWEST/GREATER WORCESTER

At Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester, our motto is “A hand up, not a handout.” We are dedicated to building houses with families, not for them. People in your community, and all over the world, partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners build their homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. With your help, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families. Learn more here: https://www.habitatmwgw.org/

ABOUT NORTH BROOKFIELD SAVINGS BANK

North Brookfield Savings Bank is a mutual savings bank with full-service branches in North Brookfield, East Brookfield, West Brookfield, Ware, Belchertown, and the Three Rivers Village of Palmer. NBSB offers a wide variety of deposit and loan products for individuals and businesses throughout Central and Western Massachusetts and has been a steadfast supporter of the communities it serves since 1854. All deposits are insured by the FDIC and the Depositors Insurance Fund. North Brookfield Savings Bank was voted Best Bank in Central Massachusetts for 2021 and was named “Community Icon” Among the Top Extraordinary Banks in the Nation in 2022. For more information, please call 1-866-711-6272 or visit us online at www.NorthBrookfieldSavingsBank.com.

CLICK THE GRAPHIC TO VISIT TABLE 3'S GIFT CARD WEBPAGE

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.

The 2023 Festival of {Giving} Trees dates are November 30th through December 3rd. 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.

Christmas by Candlelight at Old Sturbridge Village

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/

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.

Auditions for "Death by Chocolate"

Gateway Players Theatre in Southbridge, MA is hosting auditions for "Death by Chocolate” a murder mystery comedy by Paul Freed. They will be held on Wednesday December 6th and Thursday December 7th at 6:30PM in Fellowship Hall of Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm Street in Southbridge, MA. Entrance is on Park Street (around the corner). 

We are looking for actors to fill 5 male roles and 6 female roles . We are also looking to cast 2 understudies (1 to cover all male roles and 1 to cover all female roles). Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script and physical improv so dress comfortably. No need to sign up, just come on down and get ready to have some fun! 

A read through of the script for all those cast will be on Sunday December 10th at 6:30. Rehearsals will be Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday nights (with a break for the holidays between December 21st and January 2nd). Tech week will begin February 18th and performances will be February 23, 24, March 1, 2 & 3. If anyone has questions about auditions or the production please contact director Mikey Dearn at dearn44@gmail.com. Presented by permission through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

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

The Federated Church of Sturbridge & Fiskdale’s Holly Berry Fair

STURBRIDGE, MA – The Federated Church of Sturbridge & Fiskdale will hold its annual Holly Berry Fair on Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall at 8 Maple Street, Sturbridge.

Holly Berry Fair co-chairs, Nancy Castendyk and Janet-Rae Sinanian say this year’s fair promises to deliver something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. “We’ve assembled quite an assortment of really unique and interesting artists this year,” says Castendyk. “This popular fair will offer something for everyone, from hand-crafted pottery to folk art and hand-knitted items, and Koinonia, the Federated Church women’s group will also be offering a variety of baked goods and other items for sale.”

For additional information about the Holly Berry Fair or other upcoming events, please visit the Church website at sturfed.org, visit the Church’s Facebook page @FederatedChurchSturbridgeFiskdale, or contact the Church office at (774) 304-1021 or churchoffice@sturfed.org.

The Federated Church of Sturbridge & Fiskdale joyfully celebrates Christ’s presence and God’s grace in our lives. Members of the community are welcome and invited to join in worship on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Services are also live-streamed on the church’s Facebook page.

White Christmas in West Brookfield

Sunday, December 3, 2023, 10:00am to 7:00pm

Annual event in West Brookfield, features entertainment, carriage rides,

vendor fair and more! Tree Lighting on the Common at 5:45 PM.



See all the details on Facebook! www.facebook.com/westbrookfieldwhitechristmas

Hitchcock Academy

Classes & Workshops

DECEMBER

Yoga with Sharon | Dec 4 - Jan 22

Buddies Dog Training | Dec 6 - Jan 17

Intro to Papermaking | Dec 12

​Intro to Mosaics | Dec 14

Pilates | Dec 16 - Feb 3

Warrior Yoga | Dec 16 - Feb 3

​Stained Glass Suncatcher | Dec 20​

​Martial Arts Club (Adults) | Ongoing

​​​Learn an Instrument with Tony | Offered Monthly

​​​Violin/Viola | Offered Monthly

Hitchcock Academy is a community center offering educational, recreational, and cultural experiences to all ages.

It is located at 2 Brookfield Road in Brimfield. Visit www.hitchcockacademy.org for more information.

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

Join us as we celebrate the holiday season and hear from the 2023 Campaign Chair, Alycia Dzik, as she gives an update to this year's "Bridging the Gap" campaign. Guest speakers will be from two of our newest programs, Opening the Word Peer Recovery and Reconciliation House. Learn about these two cooperative programs that provide transitional housing and substance abuse counseling in South Central MA. 

We will be collecting gifts cards, hygiene products, bedding, coffee and snacks for those going through these programs. 

Wear your holiday sweater or festive outfit to be entered in a drawing for a great prize! 

Reserve your tickets by 12/8/2023. Click here to registration page.

When you support a member of the Brigham's Stepping Strong Marathon Team, you are helping the center turn tragedy into hope for civilians and military heroes worldwide who have suffered devastating traumatic injuries.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TARA, JAMIE AND THE STEPPING STRONG FUNDRAISER, PLEASE VISIT THIS LINK

SCAN THE VENMO QR OR CLICK HERE TO DONATE THROUGH VENMO

SCAN THE DONATE QR OR CLICK HERE TO DONATE THROUGH

BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL

Dining to Donate Fundraiser

for St Vincent de Paul of St Anne St Patrick Parish

Date: 12/14/2023 Time: 11am−Close 

15% of check will be donated to: ST VINCENT DE PAUL. 

You can download the coupon HERE.

Please present coupon to server.

Applebee’s Grill + Bar, 120 Charlton Rd, Sturbridge, MA 01566

Select Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from November through April.

Get Your Tickets for a January Feast before they sell out!

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!

Call 508-867-2345 for reservations.

Our hours are Thursday through Saturday 4 – 8 and Sunday Noon – 5pm.

Visit the Facebook page for the latest updates.

www.salemcrossinn.com

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