Welcome to the February's Crossroads News!

You'll find the latest news as well as events and activities from our Members and friends in this issue. Discover ideas for Valentine's Day, February school vacation week, concerts, movie screenings, tastings, plays, dining events, and more. Medium Night with Psychic Medium Gary is more than half sold out, so if you're interested in attending, give us a ring today. Spring arrives in only 49 days!

CROSSROADS is our Members' platform to share their latest news with their fellow Chamber Members and subscribers in our community. Help us fill up 2025 on our Events calendar with your big happenings! We love sharing them!

Enjoy! Central Mass South 2025

The Chamber's Directory & Regional Guide is hot off the presses!

The guide is a comprehensive Member directory designed to help residents and visitors navigate our area's resources. The guide is available in the outdoor self-serve displays at the Chamber office/Visitor Center and online on the Chamber website.

Would you like some copies to distribute at your place of business?

Send us an email to arrange distribution!

MORE THAN 50 TICKETS HAVE BEEN SOLD!

MEDIUM NIGHT WITH GARY MCKINSTRY

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025 FROM 7:00-9:00PM

THE BARN AT WIGHT FARM, 420 MAIN STREET, STURBRIDGE

Internationally known Psychic Medium Entertainer, Gary McKinstry, will share his gift to connect with the spirit world and bring intuitive messages to our guests at the Chamber’s Medium Night. Gary McKinstry has worked as a psychic medium for over 30 years, and he is dedicated to helping people in all walks of life and death. Gary will deliver your messages to those who have crossed over with style.

To learn more about Gary and his work visit www.garymckinstry.com.

Tickets are $60 for CMS Chamber members and their employees, or $65 for non-Members. Cash bar. This intimate and enlightening evening with Gary is limited to 100 attendees, so get your tickets now!

Questions? For tickets and info give the Chamber a call at 508-347-2761 or email info@cmschamber.org.

With Gratitude to our Sponsor: Steve’s Collision Center, Inc.

Dedicated to Perfection - Complete satisfaction is our #1 priority at Steve’s Collision Center, Inc. We understand being in an accident is a significant inconvenience, and we are here to help. We work with all insurance companies, but most importantly, we work for you as our customer. Our main goal is to exceed your expectations. That’s what it takes to be the best!

Steve’s Collision Center

210 Charlton Road, Route 20, Sturbridge, MA

508-347-9116

https://www.stevescollision.com/

MEMBER 2 MEMBER DISCOUNTS IN 2025

Keep it LOCAL and SAVE when you use your M2M Card at the Member businesses listed below.

If you would like to add an offer from your business to this program, update your existing offer, or have questions about the Chamber's MEMBER 2 MEMBER Discounts, just drop us a line. You can offer whatever you would like to encourage your fellow Members to patronize your business in the New Year. Click the M2M logo to see all the current offers on the Chamber website.

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.

ALTERNATIVES FOR HEALTH HERBAL APOTHECARY

AVELLINO

B.T.’S SMOKEHOUSE

BRUSH IT OFF ART & POTTERY STUDIO

CEDAR STREET GRILLE

EDWARD JONES

FINS & TALES

LILLY'S RESTORATION

MORIN JEWELERS

OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE

REBECCA J SEY LMT

SALEM CROSS INN

STUDIO 20/20

STURBRIDGE POTTERY (OPEN APRIL-DEC)

THE DUCK

THE LAST GREEN VALLEY   

TRI-COMMUNITY FAMILY BRANCH YMCA

UNIVERSAL TAG, INC.

Old Sturbridge Village Announces

New Vice Presidents of External Affairs and Development

Sturbridge, M.A. – Old Sturbridge Village (OSV), New England’s largest living history museum, has appointed Kate McEvoy as Vice President of External Affairs and Bridget Baratta as Vice President of Development, the organization announced today. These senior leadership roles further strengthen the museum’s efforts to enhance public engagement and expand its philanthropic initiatives.

“As Old Sturbridge Village grows its reach and impact, we are thrilled to expand our leadership to include these new positions to engage more people with the good work of the Village. We are proud to welcome talented leaders like Kate and Bridget to our team,” said Jim Donahue, President and CEO of Old Sturbridge Village. “Their leadership will help carry forward the Village’s mission to engage, educate, and inspire through history.”

As Vice President of External Affairs, McEvoy will play a pivotal role in advancing the museum’s mission by leading efforts to build and strengthen relationships with key external stakeholders, including local, regional, and national organizations, governmental agencies, legislators and community leaders. She will spearhead the development of strategic partnerships that support the museum’s educational initiatives, broaden its community engagement and amplify its presence in both the public and philanthropic sectors. In addition, McEvoy will oversee the development of comprehensive external communications strategies that will promote the museum’s initiatives and programs.

McEvoy brings over 25 years of expertise in strategic relationship building, market development, and civic engagement. Before joining OSV, McEvoy served as Vice President of Corporate Relations at UMass Memorial Health, where she worked with key stakeholders in the commercially insured healthcare market to increase market share and enhance the organization’s visibility. During her tenure, McEvoy led initiatives such as creating direct employer engagement programs, facilitating community partnerships and advancing anchor mission activities. 

She also served as Vice President for Central and Western Massachusetts at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, where she was responsible for the organization’s profit-and-loss performance for the regions of Massachusetts outside of metro Boston. This work included strategic planning, market growth and civic engagement. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles at Fallon Community Health Plan, where she oversaw external affairs including government relations and philanthropic activities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Worcester State University.

“Old Sturbridge Village is one of the most celebrated institutions in our nation, both as an academic resource and a revered living history experience,” McEvoy said. “I’m thrilled to be joining the team at such an exciting time and look forward to working with our communities to help even more people enjoy all that OSV has to offer.”

Bridget Baratta will serve as Vice President of Development, where she will oversee the museum’s fundraising and membership efforts, including annual giving, major and capital gifts, and planned giving. Baratta will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to grow and diversify the museum’s donor base, ensuring continued financial support for Old Sturbridge Village’s programs and initiatives.

Baratta, a native of South Dartmouth, M.A., brings over two decades of nonprofit development experience to Old Sturbridge Village. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Development at the Rhode Island Foundation, where she was responsible for leading the Foundation’s development strategy, team and operations, as well as managing a comprehensive portfolio of donors comprising $1.5 billion of charitable assets. 

Baratta also held leadership roles at the Society of Four Arts in Palm Beach, Florida where she spearheaded a $100 million capital campaign, as well as at the Martin County Community Foundation, Palm Beach Zoo & Conversation Society and Oxbridge Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business from George Washington University and a Master of Science in Education Policy & Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.



“I have fond memories of visiting Old Sturbridge Village as a child and I am excited to partner with such an incredible team, devoted members and generous supporters to expand the Village’s impact and bring its invaluable programs to even more people,” Baratta said.

In their respective roles, McEvoy and Baratta will work closely with President and CEO Jim Donahue, the Executive Leadership team, and Board of Trustees to drive forward Old Sturbridge Village’s strategic vision. Their combined expertise in external affairs and development will be instrumental in evolving Old Sturbridge Village’s programs and ensuring long-term sustainability.

“Kate and Bridget’s appointments reflect our commitment to bringing exceptional leadership to Old Sturbridge Village,” said Donahue. “Their talent and experience will help us move forward with continuing our mission as a significant regional educational resource and national leader in living history.”

Workshops to Warm Your Winter Days

Make a Mosaic or Decorate a Woodland Cake at Hitchcock

BRIMFIELD – Winter days can be cold and long, but they also offer an opportunity to dig into a creative project, or to learn a new craft. Hitchcock is offering two such opportunities in its ongoing series of hands-on workshops led by expert craftspeople. Beginners are welcome!

On February 18th, Let’s Cake Decorate brings its next installment in its popular series: a Woodland Cake. Sue Gaulin leads this fun workshop for adults (adult/child pairs age 8+ can also work together on one cake under one registration at no extra cost). Participants will learn to level, torte, and fill a cake with buttercream, pipe chocolate buttercream bark on the side of the 'tree stump', use premade edible moss to decorate, and then use fondant to create mushrooms, frogs, and gnomes as adornments. No decorating experience necessary, step-by-step instructions are provided, as are all supplies. Students will use Sue's decorating tools and an apron during class. A 6" vanilla cake, buttercream, fondant, cake board and carry home box will be provided.

On February 19th, join master stained glass artist Chris Lyons for a Mosaics workshop in which participants will each make their own tile. Mosaics are one of the oldest art forms and can be made from just about any type of material including pebbles, seashells, gems, ivory, glass and ceramic tile. The workshop will include a quick look at the history of Mosaics and a walk through the construction process and then each participants will create a simple Mosaic coaster project using glass & ceramic tile.

Chris also regularly offers Stained Glass Suncatcher workshops at Hitchcock. Anyone interested is encouraged to follow Hitchcock for upcoming dates.

For more information or to register for any of the winter workshops mentioned, visit www.hitchcockacademy.org.

Hitchcock Academy is a community center located at 2 Brookfield Road in Brimfield serving the community with educational, recreational, and cultural programming. More information can be found at www.hitchcockacademy.org.

After Over a Year in the Shelter, Beba is Still Waiting for Her Second Chance

EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (January 27, 2025) – Second Chance Animal Services is calling on the community to help find a forever home for Beba, a 3-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix who has been waiting for more than a year. Beba came to Second Chance after her family faced financial and housing challenges that made it impossible for them to continue caring for her, despite their love for her. Despite her long wait, the staff and volunteers at Second Chance have never given up on her, and they’re hopeful that the right family is out there, ready to give Beba the second chance she deserves.

Beba is a playful and adventurous dog who loves exploring the outdoors, going for walks, and riding in the car. She’s happiest when she’s with people and thrives on human companionship. While she previously lived with other pets, Beba would do best as the only pet in her new home, where she can soak up all the attention. Her ideal family is one that’s active, patient, and ready to embrace her energetic personality.

Although shelter life has been challenging, Beba has shown her resilience and spirit. Volunteers say she’s fantastic on leash and highly responsive to commands. She loves durable toys and enjoys structured activities that keep her mind engaged. To help her adjust to life outside the shelter, Second Chance offers training support and resources to her future adopters.



For those who can’t adopt Beba, sharing her story is just as important. A simple post on social media or a conversation with a friend could help her find her perfect match. Beba’s journey is a reminder that every pet deserves a loving home, and it only takes one person to change her life forever.

Second Chance is encouraging the community to support pets like Beba by making a donation. As a no-kill shelter, Second Chance never gives up on shelter pets, providing food, medical care, and love to every animal in their care for as long as it takes to find them a home. Donations ensure that pets like Beba have the resources they need to thrive while they wait for their second chance at a happy, healthy future.

Beba’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the power of community. Second Chance believes in every pet’s potential to find a loving home, and with the help of adopters, advocates, and donors, Beba’s forever family could be just around the corner.

To learn more about Beba, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org/adoptable-dogs or meet her in person at the Second Chance Adoption Center, located at 111 Young Road, East Brookfield. Adoption hours are Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM, Thursday evenings from 5 to 7 PM, and Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM. Donations to support pets in need can be made online at www.secondchanceanimals.org/donate or checks can be mailed to Second Chance, PO Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.

PHOTO: Over a year of waiting hasn’t dimmed Beba’s hope for a forever 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 56,000 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:  https://www.facebook.com/secondchanceanimals

Follow Second Chance on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/secondchanceas 

Eagle Scout Completes Mountain Bike Trails Service Project

Scouting America Eagle Scout Jonah Scherer recently completed his Eagle rank required service project of updating and improving the mountain bike trails behind the Tantasqua Regional Jr. High School. 

The mountain bike trails were initially installed several years ago and have been used by the Tantasqua mt bike club as practice trails. The trails also serve as an outdoor classroom for several of the science class studies in forestry and outdoor environments.

Jonah’s project included cleaning up the trails, paint marking, formally naming and signing the trails along with the installation of a Kiosk and trail map. In total there are 4 newly marked trails totaling 1.8 miles.

Jonah selected this project because “I really enjoy the outdoors and believe that the opportunity to get outside helps me develop a well-rounded character, makes me a strong athlete, and helps me when it's time to focus on academics. My Eagle project required me to apply everything I’d learned in Scouting to create meaningful community impact, and was inspired by Mrs. Marcucci’s use and hopes for the trails system. The project involved GPS-mapping two miles of trails, building and installing signs and a kiosk, and creating a color-coded map. This experience taught me leadership, problem-solving, and perseverance. Becoming an Eagle Scout symbolizes dedication and a commitment to serving others."

Jonah worked under the supervision of Mrs. Marcucci at the school, who also commented on Jonah’s project: “We applied for a grant last year that included a kiosk at the trail entrance, trail signs but unfortunately did not receive it. I was pleased when Jonah stepped up to take on this project.”

Because of his work, the Sturbridge Trail Committee will now include these trails on its website and in the future an updated trail guide. 

The trails are located at the rear of the Tantasqua Regional Jr. High School at 319 Brookfield Rd. and are open for public use during non-school operating hours. These trails are designed for mt bikers, so hikers should be cautious when using the trails. School property use rules apply.

Jonah is a member of Scouts BSA Troop 161 of Sturbridge sponsored by the Champeau-Vilandre American Legion Post 109. The troop meets on Sunday nights from 6 pm to 7:30 at the Sturbridge Federated Church. For more information on Troop 161 email Scoutmaster Kevin Scherer at kscherer27@aol.com  or stop in during a troop meeting.

Photo:  Jonah Scherer standing next to the recently completed kiosk for the Tantasqua Trail system. 

Be Part of the Action with Discover Central MA

As we kick off 2025, we’re thrilled to share some fantastic opportunities to showcase your business, connect with thousands of families, and support our mission to make Central Massachusetts shine.

Participate in Family Fest 2025

Join us at Family Fest 2025, a free, one-day event at Solomon Pond Mall on Saturday, April 5th, 2025! With thousands of attendees expected, this is a perfect platform to highlight your business to families from across the region.

Here’s how you can get involved:

Donation Opportunities: Provide attraction tickets, hotel stays, or unique experiences for our booth giveaway, showcasing the best Central MA has to offer. Get in touch with Sam at Discover Central MA to get involved!

Sponsorship Options: Gain additional visibility by becoming a sponsor through the event hosts. Sponsorship packages include on-site branding, radio mentions, and social media promotions.

Table Reservations: Reserve a table at the event to directly engage with families through games, activities, and promotions.

7 Bridges Road: An Acoustic Tribute to the Eagles

February 1, 2025, 5:30pm-10:00pm

The Barn at Wight Farm

420 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA

7 BRIDGES ROAD IS BACK AT THE BARN! 

Is there a better way to spend a Friday evening in February than with New England’s own 7 Bridges Road Band? Returning to The Barn at Wight Farm and performing in our Winthrop Room, this acoustic tribute to the one and only Eagles is not to be missed. If you are even a little bit of an Eagles fan this show will have you singing along from the first song. This show sold out for their last 6 appearances at The Barn…so make sure you purchase your tickets early.

All shows are accompanied by a complete buffet meal including salad and rolls. A full cash bar is always available and decadent desserts can also be purchased at an additional charge. There are always several protein options to choose from. Vegetarian and Gluten-Free options are available with advanced notice to our staff. Doors open at 5:30 pm, buffet begins at 6:00 pm, music starts at 7:30 pm.

Please visit thebarnatwightfarm.com or our Facebook page at facebook.com/thebarnatwightfarm to keep up to date on new shows or upcoming events. You can also call The Barn at 774.241.8450 for questions or for more information. Ticket can only be purchased on eventbrite.com.

Tickets: $60 – $65 Purchase on eventbrite here.

The Shawna Foundation’s UnderGround Thursday Screening is the classic “The Most Dangerous Game”. Produced in 1932 and starring Joel McCrea and Fay Wray, it was controversial upon release and remains so today. And just as relevant. Based on a short story of the same name by Richard Connell, it has a storyline that has been used for the 93 years that followed.

“A psychotic big game hunter deliberately strands a luxury yacht on a remote island, where he begins to hunt its passengers for sport.”

Filmed on the same sets of the original “King Kong” at night by the same director, Ernest B. Schoedsack, who with these two movies changed cinema history forever.

The screening takes place on February 6th, 7:00PM at starlite, 39 Hamilton Street in Southbridge. And is FREE!

UnderGround Thursday is a monthly program run by the Shawna E Shea Memorial Foundation is showing classic and cult films.

The program is funded in part by the Southbridge Cultural Council and the Mass Cultural Council.

Evening of Illumination

Old Sturbridge Village

Select Saturdays | Feb. 8, and Feb. 22

Times: Tours leave every 10 minutes from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and last approximately 90 minutes. Timed tickets are required.

Cost: $35 Member Adults, $50 Non-Member Adults

Meets at Ox & Yoke Cafe (across from the entrance to the Visitor Center)

How did New England families spend their evenings before the intrusion of texting, telephones, TVs, and computers? Visitors to Old Sturbridge Village will get a rare chance to find out as they tour the historic Village lit only by candles, oil lamps, lanterns, and firelight during Old Sturbridge Village’s Evening of Illumination. Guided tours around the Village Common allow guests to visit select homes and shops to see how early New Englanders spent their evenings in the days before electricity. Visitors will be treated to music and storytelling throughout the tour and will see Village artisans at work by candlelight. Each tour will begin with hot cocoa or coffee and will conclude in the Bullard Tavern, where guests can enjoy warm beverages and light fare.* This program is designed for adults.

*Light fare and beverage is included in your ticket.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

EVENING OF ILLUMINATION IS SPONSORED BY NATIONAL GRID

CLICK THE GRAPHIC TO VISIT THE TABLE 3 RESTAURANT GROUP WEBSITE

Stewing Over Mysteries with Hank Phillippi Ryan

Thursday, February 13, 2025, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of thrilling mysteries and hearty comfort food as USA Today bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan comes to Sturbridge for an exclusive author event. Sponsored by the Friends of the Joshua Hyde Public Library, this event will take place on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the iconic Publick House in Sturbridge, MA. Stewing Over Mysteries is a night of captivating conversation, delicious food, and the chance to meet one of the country’s top mystery writers. 

Ticket Information:

 •General Admission: $20 – Includes admission to the event and dinner of beef stew, rolls, dessert, coffee/tea. A vegetarian and gluten-free option is available at time of ticket purchase.

 •Book & Ticket Package: $34 – Includes event admission, dinner, and a signed copy of Hank Phillippi Ryan’s novel, One Wrong Word 

Book Club on the Go is the official bookseller for the event. www.bookclubct.com/

Tickets are limited, so don’t miss out on this chance to dine, chat, and discover more about the art of mystery writing with one of the best in the genre. 

To purchase tickets, visit www.sturbridgelibrary.org 

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN is the USA Today bestselling author of 15 psychological thrillers, winning the genre’s most prestigious awards: five Agathas, five Anthonys, and the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award. She’s also an investigative reporter for Boston’s WHDH-TV, winning 37 EMMYs. Her newest is the page-turning standalone ONE WRONG WORD – a twisty non-stop story of gaslighting, manipulation, and murder. She is the host of CRIME TIME on A Mighty Blaze, and co-host of THE BACK ROOM and FIRST CHAPTER FUN. She lives in Boston.

Bring your significant other and have dinner with us at Salem Cross Inn for Valentine’s Day.

We will be serving our Dinner Menu from 4-8 pm on Friday, February 14 in addition to these specials below.

Valentine's Day Specials 2025

Offered Friday – February 14th

. . . Starters . . .  

Oysters on the half-shell  16

champagne mignonette; ginger cocktail sauce

Lobster Bisque  10

sherry cream

. . . Entrées . . .

Fire Roasted Prime Rib Au Jus  34

Panéed Atlantic Swordfish 35

tomato shallot butter sauce

Shellfish Newburg Casserole  38

shrimp, sea scallops & lobster, Newburg sauce, crumb topping

. . . Sweet Endings . . .

Chocolate Seduction 8

nut crusted flourless terrine with crème anglaise

Love Bird Cream Puffs  8

sweet vanilla pudding, hot fudge sauce, raspberry coulis, whipped cream

. . . Menu subject to change . . . 



Call us today at 508-867-2345 to make your reservations.

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

KIDS EAT FREE

February School Vacation Week 2025

Friday, February 14th through Sunday, February 23rd

with the purchase of an Adult Entrée

*Kids under 12 years of age when ordering from our Children’s Menu Only

(one child per adult purchased entree)

Come join us at the Publick House for lunch or dinner. Offering great food and lodging for over 250 years.

Savor traditional New England fare and house-made desserts in one of our two dining rooms.

When accompanied by the purchase of an adult entree, your child can enjoy a meal from

our children’s menu. All children’s meals include our favorite Smiley Face Cookie!

Reservations are always highly recommended, please call 508-347-7323 Ext. 230.

*Not Applicable to Private Functions & Parties.

www.publickhouse.com

Valentine's Weekend at Old Sturbridge Village

Saturday, February 15 - Sunday, February 16

Times: The Village is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Plan your visit to the Village with your friends and family and come celebrate Valentine’s Day. There are a variety of ways to learn about the history of courtship, love letters, dance, and more. Come engage with our costumed interpreters and enjoy our historic buildings and landscape. Plus, there will be special Valentine’s Day Weekend programs including:

• View the process of preparing a cup of hot chocolate, from roasting the cacao beans to pouring the molten beverage.
• Come hear a selection of comedic love songs from the period.
• See a sample from the OSV Collection of Valentine’s cards and learn about this tradition.
• In the Blacksmith Shop and Tin Shop heart-shaped cookware and cookie cutters will be made by hand.
• Learn about designing everlasting bouquets and see a demonstration of baking a wedding cake
• Shop for unique gifts including Old Sturbridge Village Chocolate Chip Cookies and more.
• Celebrate the grand opening of our new Hands & Hearts exhibit. This exhibit explores marriage and partnership in 19th-century New England by telling the stories of four couples.
• On Saturday, February 15th only, join the OSV Dancers as they celebrate the pleasure of dance in early American New England. Performances include “Pleasure of Love” and “Come, Haste to the Wedding.”

Renew Your Vows in the Center Meetinghouse

To add to the celebratory weekend, we invite you to renew your wedding vows here at Old Sturbridge Village with a Justice of the Peace. On both Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16 there will be a limited number of time slots available to express and renew your love and commitment to your spouse. More information and registration coming soon.

Event details subject to change. Check the OSV website for updates. www.osv.org/event/valentines-day-weekend/

Ice Sculpture Contest

Sturbridge: The Friends of Sturbridge Trails (FrOST), with support from the Sturbridge Tourist Association, is holding its annual ice sculpture contest on Saturday, February 15th starting at 11 am. Ice sculptures will be set out along the Grand Trunk Trail located on the Riverlands, 52 Stallion Hill Rd. In addition to ice sculpture judging, there will be family/kids’ games of ice golf, ice bowling and an ice obstacle course. Also, an ice carving demonstration will take place from 11 am to 1 PM.

If you would like an ice block to sculpt, the theme is snowman and snowflakes. Ice blocks are FREE for the first 12 entries, additional entries will cost $20.00/block. Ice blocks MUST be reserved by Tuesday, February 7th by emailing Jen Scherer at Jenchris27@aol.com. Ice blocks will be available for pick up on Tuesday, February 11th at 5 PM at the Riverlands parking lot, 52 Stallion Hill Rd.

The ice block set out will be Saturday February 15th from 8 am to 10 am, along the Grand Trunk Trail on the Riverlands open space property located at 52 Stallion Hill Rd. Volunteers will be available to assist in set out. 

Judging of the ice sculptures will start at 11. Ice sculptures will be on display until they melt! The grand prize is a gift card to a local restaurant. Please direct all questions to Jen at jenchris27@aol.com

February Vacation Kids Week Activities at Klem's!

February 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st · 2 SESSIONS Daily: 10AM & 1PM

Join us for Free Activities to keep kids (and parents) busy and having fun during winter break! All ages welcome. Children must be supervised at all times.

Monday · 2/17:

10am: Kids Yoga Class with Beyond Yoga & Wellness!

Bring your own yoga mat! Get ready to stretch, breathe, and move in a relaxing way!

1pm: Make a Mini Wooden Birdfeeder!

***Must register in advance: https://bit.ly/3XIEeCz*** Limited spots. First come, first served basis.

Tuesday · 2/18:

10am: Make a Mini Wooden Birdfeeder!

***Must register in advance: https://bit.ly/3XIEeCz*** Limited spots. First come, first served basis.

1pm: Kids Karate Class & Demonstrations with MJA Martial Arts!

This exciting class teaches focus, discipline, and confidence through martial arts!

Wednesday · 2/19: Kids Dance Party & Karaoke with DJ Brian! Get ready to sing, show off your moves, and have a blast!

Thursday · 2/20: Fran Flynn, Magician Extraordinaire! The Family Fun Magic Show!

Friday · 2/21: Reptile Shows of New England! Instructed by Eric Erickson.

Meet reptiles from around the world! Many Snakes, a Tegu, Bearded Dragons, Chester the Iguana, Geckos and More! Take a walk on the wild side!

Let the Hunt Begin! During our Kids Week at Klem’s, participate in our SCAVENGER HUNT! Where young explorers can discover hidden items around the store and be entered to WIN FANTASTIC PRIZES! Time to break out those binoculars! What will YOU find? Good Luck! Don't miss out on all the fun!

AVELLINO will host a MARDI GRAS DINNER, capturing the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The evening will feature a festive atmosphere and a SPECIALLY CURATED MENU CRAFTED BY HEAD CHEF JOE MILILLO AND HIS TALENTED CULINARY TEAM. 

Guests can look forward to enjoying CAJUN-CREOLE FAVORITES AND CREATIVE MARDI GRAS-INSPIRED DISHES. This fabulous dinner promises a memorable night of delicious food and great fun. 

Cost of this amazing dinner is only $75. $25 RESERVATION DEPOSIT REQUIRED AT TIME OF RESERVATION.

Call 508-347-2321 for Reservations.

February Vacation Discovery Adventures

February 19-21, 2025

Old Sturbridge Village

Times: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Discovery Adventures are immersive day programs that give kids a chance to step back in time and experience life in the 1830s at Old Sturbridge Village. Every session offers kids the opportunity to explore an aspect of 19th-century history and daily life. All programs include an afternoon snack, hands-on crafts, and the chance to learn something new while making lasting friends and memories.

3-Day Programs:

Tapping into Sweetness: A Journey from Tree to Table

Frosty Days and Winter Work

Ages 6-14

Find more information and register on the Old Sturbridge Village website.

Gateway Players Theatre: Plaza Suite

Gateway Players Theatre in Southbridge, MA presents "Plaza Suite”, the first show of our 50th Anniversary Season. This comedy is written by Neil Simon. Performance dates are February 21, 22, 28 and March 1 at 7:30pm and March 2 at 2:00pm. The performances are held at Fellowship Hall of Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm Street in Southbridge, MA. Entrance is on Park Street (around the corner). Directed by Mike Dupuis, Produced by Jeanne Dupuis. Presented by permission through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. This program is supported by a grant from the Southbridge Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 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://www.ticketleap.events/.../plaza-suite-1845664734 The cast includes John Golden (Jesse Kiplinger), William Bolster (Waiter), Kevin McGee (Roy Hubley and Sam Nash), Hillary Robertson (Jean McCormick and Muriel Tate), Deborah Ostiguy (Karen Nash), Asher McCoy (Borden Eisler), Cynthia Claudio (Norma Hubley), and Chamira Santiago Flores ( Bell Hop and Mimsie Hubley). 

Synopsis: Hilarity abounds in this portrait of three couples successively occupying a suite at The Plaza.

Tutti Quanti Wine Tasting: February 25, 6:30 - 8:00pm

Wine and food pairing events are a delightful culinary experience. Savor a carefully curated selection of our wines paired with our products.  

Attendees 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.

Events start at 6:30 pm. Registration fee is $15. Note there is no seating. 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.

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

Our Bright Future’s 4th Annual Gala:

A Night in the Enchanted Garden

Registration is officially open! 

Click the link below to purchase your tickets!

Date: Saturday, March 1st

Time: 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Location: Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, Massachusetts 

Ticket Price: $75

Keynote Speaker: Mary O’Coin 

We hope that you will join us for a wonderful evening of music, dancing, raffles, food, and a cash bar! 

give.ourbrightfutureinc.org/.../our.../e635646

𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐊 & 𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐊 𝐃𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐭 𝑲𝒍𝒆𝒎'𝒔!

[ Orders Must Be Placed By: March 27TH for Pickup between MAY 1ST-3RD ]

𝑨𝑽𝑨𝑰𝑳𝑨𝑩𝑳𝑬 𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑬𝑫𝑺: 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬: • Red Cross, Black Australorp, Rhode Island Red, Ameraucana and Cinnamon Queen Six (6) Chick Minimum Order for Above.

𝐃𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: • Cayuga and Black Swedish Three (3) Duckling Minimum Order for Above.

Payment must accompany order. No refunds will be issued after March 27th. Chicks/Ducks picked up alive here are not guaranteed after leaving the store. We will call you when your order is ready for pick up. All chicks/ducks must be picked up on day of arrival. There will be a $10.00/night charge for any order held overnight when arrangements are not made in advance.

Order form and breed info can be found in the discussion tab here: https://www.facebook.com/share/17cG3hCnNB/