Welcome to June's Crossroads News!

Here comes June and a rich bounty of seasonal events. We would love to see you at our Legislative Breakfast with Anne Gobi on the 11th and again at our annual summer outing, a New England Clambake at The Publick House on the 13th. Registration deadlines for these are coming up fast. Drop us a line to register or if you have any questions. You will find a lot of ways to enjoy the start of summer plus important news from our Members and friends in this issue of CROSSROADS.

CROSSROADS is our Members' platform to share their latest news and events with around 1,000 fellow Chamber Members and subscribers in our community. If you have events to share in CROSSROADS, you can add them to our Events calendar anytime 24/7. Keep our readers informed of your latest news by emailing your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in CROSSROADS. NEXT ISSUE: JUNE 14, 2024

CHAMBER OFFICE INFO

The office is OPEN Monday through Thursday from Noon to 5:00pm through June 9.

CLOSED ON FRIDAYS, MAY 31 AND JUNE 7 FOR STAFF VACATION.

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

Legislative Breakfast with Anne Gobi

MA Director of Rural Affairs

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

8:00am-9:30am

The Barn at Wight Farm

420 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA

Sponsored by: North Brookfield Savings Bank

Join the Chamber of Central Mass South for an informative breakfast event with Massachusetts Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi at The Barn at Wight Farm on the morning of Tuesday, June 11th. Director Gobi will share her views on building equity for the rural communities in Massachusetts and there will be time for your questions. The cost is to attend is $35 per person. RSVP is required. The deadline for reservations is June 4th.

The Agenda

8:00 Registration & Breakfast

8:30 Anne Gobi

9:00 Questions & Answers

9:30 Closing & Adjourn

The Menu

Breakfast Buffet

Sliced Fruit Platter

Scrambled Eggs

New England Style Home Fries

Applewood Smoked Bacon

French Toast

Coffee and Tea Station

Orange and Cranberry Juice

Assorted Muffins, Cakes and Pastries

The cost to attend is $35 per person.

 Please reserve by phone at 508-347-2761 or email by June 4.

Anne Gobi Director of Rural Affairs

In this new role created by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Director Gobi serves as a dedicated advocate and ombudsman cultivating economic development within rural communities.

Gobi started her new role June 5, 2023 as a member of the Executive Office of Economic Development’s economic foundations team and was tasked with conducting a review of all state grant opportunities, including the Community One Stop for Growth, to ensure that barriers for rural and small towns are mitigated. She serves as a member of the Rural Policy Commission, and the 21st Century Agriculture Commission.



THANK YOU TO OUR LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST SPONSOR!

North Brookfield Savings Bank is pleased to sponsor the Chamber’s Legislative Breakfast to bring attention to the need for infrastructure progress in the rural areas of Central Massachusetts. We are honored to support Senator Gobi’s efforts as Rural Affairs Director to raise awareness of the unique challenges and importance of economic development within our small towns and communities.

YOU'RE INVITED TO OUR ANNUAL SUMMER OUTING

A New England Clambake

Thursday, June 13, 5:00-8:00pm

The Publick House Historic Inn, Sturbridge

Sponsored by Country Bank

Celebrate the season with a spectacular feast!

Join us for a traditional New England Clambake hosted by

The Publick House!

We can't wait to get together with our Members and friends

and enjoy a summer clambake! Here are the details!  

COCKTAIL HOUR:

5 to 6pm at The Little Red Barn

Stationary & butlered hors d'oeuvres. Cash Bar.

CLAMBAKE BUFFET:

6 to 8pm in the Garden Tent

YOUR CHOICE OF:

1 1/4 lb. Lobster, 12 oz. Sirloin Steak

or Vegetarian Entree: Butternut Squash Ravioli with Julienne Vegetables

in an Amaretto-Cream Sauce

with

New England Clam Chowder, Pasta Salad, Red Bliss Potatoes with Butter,

Corn on the Cob, Grilled Vegetable Medley, Clams, Dinner Rolls and Cornbread,

Strawberry Shortcake for Dessert.

Assorted Coffees & Teas.

With Live Music by ISLAND CASTAWAYS BAND

Why not make this your company outing?

Groups of any size can be accommodated.

Just tell us how many are in your party, and we'll reserve your table!

FOOD DRIVE: HELP US SUPPORT THE CENTER OF HOPE FOOD PANTRY!

The Center of Hope in Southbridge has a small food pantry that is used to assist local residents and families when they have food insecurity needs. Demand has recently been sky high and the pantry is nearly depleted. We'll be collecting donations at the Clambake to help restock the pantry. If you could bring non-perishable or canned items, dry goods / pasta/ rice/ beans, new toiletries and paper goods, or even pet food, it would greatly appreciated. All donated food goes to local people and families in the community.

Thank you for your kind assistance!

COST: $65 PER PERSON

RSVP DEADLINE IS JUNE 6.

RESERVE NOW BY PHONE 508-347-2761

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR MEAL CHOICE(S)

LOBSTER, STEAK OR VEGETARIAN ENTREE

The Publick House

277 Main Street, On The Common, Sturbridge, MA 01566

THANK YOU TO OUR CLAMBAKE SPONSOR!

15 South Street, Suite C, Ware, MA 01082

800-322-8233

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

RIBBON RECAP: Condesa Restaurante Mexicano

It was our privilege to cut the red ribbon and welcome our newest Members at the ceremony held at Condesa on Thursday, May 16. Condesa invites you to experience the authentic tastes of Mexico in a warm, welcoming atmosphere where all of their guests become part of their extended family. The Chamber wishes them many years of success! Located in Sturbridge Plaza, Condesa is open now with reservations, dine-in and takeout options available.

Visit sturbridge.condesarestaurant.com or give them a ring at (508) 213-3337 and make a reservation today.

Treat your staff or clients to a magical Christmas Celebration!

Introducing the exclusive Corporate Christmas by Candlelight

For the first time ever, Old Sturbridge Village is going to open Christmas by Candlelight exclusively to regional businesses who want to give their employees and/or clients a magical experience. Capping the attendance at a fraction of our capacity, we will open on two Thursday nights to provide an intimate, up-close, and personal holiday experience just for our neighbor businesses. Create a unique memory your staff or clients won’t soon forget—come for an evening of joy, festive food and beverages, live music, Santa, and so much more.

Limited space available!

With a limited capacity each night we encourage you to book early, plus if you book before June 30 we are offering a savings of $20 per guest.

Two dates only:

• Thursday, December 5 | 5:00 pm – 8:00pm
• Thursday, December 12 | 5:00 pm – 8:00pm

*rain date Thursday, December 19

What’s included:

• Exclusive access to Christmas by Candlelight on select night
• Special holiday welcome at the Visitor Center
• Food & beverage voucher good for a festive meal, drinks, desserts, hot cocoa and more!
• OSV commemorative gift for each person in your group

Cost: $75/person

Book before June 30 to save! Price increases to $95/person on July 1, 2024.

This opportunity is available for groups of at least 15 people. A 50% deposit is required, final payment and headcount due by November 1, 2024. For a full refund, cancellation is required by October 1, 2024.

Reservations for Corporate Christmas by Candlelight 2024 are now being accepted! Email partnerships@osv.org for more details.

Second Chance to Host Golf Tournament at Cold Spring Country Club

Charity Tournament Will Help Pets Get the Care they Need

EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (May 15, 2024) – Second Chance Animal Services will be hosting their 12th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, set to take place at the world class Cold Spring Country Club in Belchertown on Monday, July 15th. This popular event promises a day of exceptional golf while championing the cause of providing essential care to pets in need.

Proceeds from the tournament will directly support programs that assist pets in underserved communities through Second Chance Community Veterinary Hospitals located in Springfield, Worcester, Southbridge, and North Brookfield.

Lindsay Doray, Chief Development Officer at Second Chance, encourages golfers to register early to secure a spot. "This is a fantastic day of golf for an even greater cause," says Doray. "In today's climate, offering accessible veterinary care is crucial in keeping beloved pets where they belong—with their families. Our Community Veterinary Hospitals serve as a critical resource in furthering this mission, ensuring that pets receive the care they need while alleviating strain on shelters. We urge golfers to stand with us in this mission."

Participants can look forward to a day filled with excitement, including a box lunch, banquet dinner, a bucket of range balls, and a commemorative gift. The tournament will feature various challenges, including prizes for closest to the pin, longest drive, closest to the line, a yellow ball contest, and more. Attendees will also have the chance to win $4,000 toward a pool or spa from Teddy Bear Pools in the hole-in-one contest. There will also be raffles and a silent auction that will launch online one week prior to the tournament, to add to the day's festivities.

Second Chance extends a warm invitation to local businesses to partner in the effort to combat pet homelessness by supporting access to veterinary care. The nonprofit welcomes sponsors for the Second Chance Golf Tournament and graciously accepts donations for the tournament's silent auction and raffle. Information regarding sponsorships and item donations can be found at secondchanceanimals.org/events/golf/.

The 18-hole tournament will be in a scramble format with foursomes. Check-in will start at 9 am, followed by a shotgun start at 10 am. Individual golfers and foursomes can conveniently purchase tickets online at secondchanceanimals.org/events/golf/. 

PHOTO: 2023 Second Chance Golf Tournament at Cold Springs Country Club

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 49,000 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

Country Bank opens new Worcester Location

WORCESTER, MA. (May 20, 2024) – Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce the opening of its fourth banking center in Worcester at 1393 Grafton Street. The new location will officially open on Monday, June 3, 2024.

Country Bank's expansion in Worcester is a testament to its commitment to reinvesting in its communities and providing a valuable resource for customers and community members. Country Bank offers a comprehensive full-service support team equipped with banking center specialists trained to assist customers with all their banking needs, and ensuring financial security and exceptional customer service. 

Country Bank invites the public to participate in a week-long celebration filled with exciting activities and giveaways. Customers and visitors can participate in drawings for local gift cards, WooSox tickets, giveaways, and free delicious treats from Wholly Cannoli. The Worcester Red Sox's Smiley Ball and Country Bank's mascot, Buck, will be on hand to entertain on Friday, June 21 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. All are invited to join in the June 18 ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. attended by dignitaries and members from Country Bank’s team and Board of Trustees.

In addition to its commitment to customer service, Country Bank actively supports the City of Worcester through philanthropy and volunteerism efforts. The bank has made generous donations and has dedicated numerous volunteer hours to various community causes. Country Bank is one of the 21 founding partners of the Worcester Red Sox, and an active supporter of more than 210 local nonprofits in 2024. 

Nathan Bourgeois, Retail Banking Officer, will lead the new Worcester location assisted by Lily Figueroa, Assistant Manager. Nathan joined the bank as the Assistant Manager at the Tatnuck Square location in 2022 and is ready to welcome new and existing customers to the Grafton Street Banking Center.  Nathan is an active volunteer for a variety of Worcester nonprofits, attends after-hours business events, and enjoys making connections with colleagues in the city.

The Grafton Street Banking Center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Extended hours are offered through ITMs at this location from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. 

About Country Bank

Country Bank is a full-service $1.8B 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. With a commitment to personalized service and community involvement, Country Bank offers individuals, businesses, and municipalities a comprehensive range of banking products and services. 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. 

bankHometown Awards $28,000 in Scholarships

to 14 Local Students through QVCC Foundation

OXFORD, MASSACHUSETTS, May 28, 2024 — bankHometown recently awarded $28,000 in scholarships to 14 local students through the Quinebaug Valley Community College (QVCC) Foundation, whose mission is to raise funds so all residents of northeastern Connecticut are provided the opportunity to attend school regardless of income. This Foundation helps support educational excellence, technological advancement, and professional development at the college, and serves as the regional advisory council.

Earlier this month the QVCC Foundation held its 32nd Annual Scholarship Night at the Killingly Intermediate School in Dayville, Conn. bankHometown Senior Vice President, Retail Banking, Sharon Mahlert, awarded these scholarships to returning and transferring students within the bank’s Connecticut footprint.

“What an amazing opportunity to recognize these deserving students,” said Mahlert. “bankHometown is thrilled to provide these students with financial support on their journey to unlocking their potential.”

Nearly 120 scholarships totaling more than $183,000 were awarded to 112 local students. These scholarships support direct educational expenses including tuition, books, fees, technology, and other course requirements.

In the Photo                                                                             

Pictured are 11 of 14 bankHometown Scholarship recipients with bankHometown Senior Vice President, Retail Banking Sharon Mahlert.

About bankHometown:

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

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

Double Your Donation! Opacum's Spring Matching Campaign

We are SO close to meeting our goal of raising $30,000 to steward and protect the lands and waters of south-central Massachusetts, but we still have $2,300 in Matching Funds that we could lose without donations to match. If just 23 more people make a gift of $100, we can reach our fundraising goal before May 31st. Can you help?

Become a member of Opacum Land Trust today - your gift of any amount makes you a member - and your gift will be doubled, thanks to the Matching Funds donated by a few generous Opacum members.

And you can enjoy your summer, knowing that you made a difference - helping to protect forests for drinking water, for wildlife, and for people - with your gift. Thank you for protecting local land, water, and wildlife for current and future generations.

Opacum Land Trust is a 501C3 non-profit organization whose mission is to protect the land, water, and wildlife of south-central Massachusetts for the benefit of current and future generations, is raising $30,000 to support property protection and stewardship through their Spring Matching Campaign. 

Thanks to the generosity of the Opacum community, they have protected 3,888 acres of land to date with 1,035 more acres in the process of being conserved.

For more information, visit www.opacumlt.org or follow Opacum Land Trust on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/opacumlt. 

Double Your Donation by donating today via this link or by mailing a check to:

Opacum Land Trust

P.O. Box 233

Sturbridge, MA 01566

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

Director of BSA and Compliance at Southbridge Credit Union!

THANK YOU TO OUR NIGHT WITH THE WOOSOX SPONSOR

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

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

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

CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC TO REGISTER ONLINE

LEARN MORE AND GET YOUR TICKETS HERE: brimfieldwinery.com/event/wildheart-concert-tribute-to-fleetwood-mac-stevie-nicks/

National Trails Day

June 1, 2024

National Trails Day® is hosted by the American Hiking Society and held on the first Saturday in June. National Trails Day® is a day of public events aimed at advocacy and trail service. Across the country tens of thousands of hikers, bikers, paddlers, horseback riders, trail clubs & nonprofits, federal and local agencies, land trusts, and businesses come together in partnership to advocate for, maintain and clean up public lands and trails. 

To learn more about NTD and to take the NTD Pledge visit: https://americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/. 

Join us in Sturbridge to be a part of this nationwide event.

To learn more on our local events or for more information email us at: Treksturbridge@gmail.com

or visit our website: www.treksturbridge.org

Town-Wide Tag Sale

Saturday, June 8, 8am - 2pm

Brimfield, MA

Cleaning out your house and want to join our Town-Wide Tag Sale?

For a listing fee of $12, we will put YOUR address on the MAP.

There are over 50 sales registered! Register by Monday, June 3 if you want to participate.

On-site spaces at Hitchcock Academy (approx. 20 x 25) limited # available for $30.

Register or download an application on The Hitchcock Academy website here.

Wine, Beer, Cider & Mead Tasting! Food Trucks, Live Music, Craft show and more!! Come journey through Massachusetts wineries, craft beer, cider and mead makers all at one beautiful setting “Brimfield Auction Acres” at 35 Main Street, Brimfield MA.

Wine & Beer Tasting Passport and entry will be sold at brimfieldwinery.com – Regular price available only until May 31!

After date, onsite purchases will be available at gate while tickets last. Highly suggested you buy online.

Watch out for scammers, when in doubt, contact us at brimfieldwinery@gmail.com

USE THESE LINKS TO LEARN MORE AND PURCHASE TICKETS FOR SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Purchase Saturday tickets: https://brimfieldwinery.com/.../pioneer-valley-wine-food.../

Purchase Sunday tickets: https://brimfieldwinery.com/.../pioneer-valley-wine-food.../

June Artist at Ruth Wells Center

The Ruth Wells Center for the Arts, 111 Main St in Southbridge, is proud to sponsor a solo exhibit by local artist Louise Pigott for the month of June. Her opening is Sunday, June 9 from 1-5 pm. The show is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be available. Ongoing gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 4pm.

Louise Pigott is a self-taught artist who began her artistic journey in 2010. Since then she has exhibited regionally and received awards. Louise gets her inspiration from her grandfather who was an artist of fresco paintings, and from her mother who was one of her biggest supporters. Louise spent some time at Wild Vine Studios where she sharpened her skills and continues her success through internet networking and local venues.

Louise's favors working with a palette knife in parts of her work, which is full of vibrant color and texture. Louise creates wonderful contrast in each piece that evokes great emotion and bliss giving off a celestial feeling delivered through the awe of nature.

Visit her site: https://www.louisepigottart.com/about.html

Thursday, June 13, from 6 pm to 8 pm

The Atrium at Dean College, 107 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Highlights of Hope is a celebration of community leaders who have demonstrated their commitment to ending sexual and domestic violence in our community and uplifting survivors. This annual event benefits the work of New Hope Inc. to provide free and confidential services throughout 41 cities and towns, from Attleboro to Worcester, as we strive to create a world free of violence and exploitation.

Tickets $45

Sponsorships start at $500

(Download the Sponsorship Package PDF here.)

Sign up today and find out more at: www.new-hope.org/highlights-of-hope/

All proceeds go towards New Hope's comprehensive, free, and confidential services for survivors and those affected by sexual and domestic violence. For more information on New Hope, please visit us at new-hope.org

26th Annual Charity Golf Classic

Friday, June 14, 2024 @ Blissful Meadows Golf Club, Uxbridge

Registration opens @ 8:15am – Shotgun start at 9am

We are pleased to be hosting our 26th annual event and we hope you can join us at one of the best charity golf tournaments of the year! Proceeds from the day will support people with developmental disabilities in our community and our new program for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

FOR INFO AND REGISTRATION:

https://venturecs.org/event/golf24/

BROOKFIELD ORCHARDS EVENTS

Come Celebrate Father’s Day with Us

Sunday, June 16th

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

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

HOURS OF OPERATION

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

Call 508-867-2345 for reservations.

Visit the Facebook page for the latest updates.

www.salemcrossinn.com

Tutti Quanti Wine Tasting

June 18, 6:30 - 8:00pm

538 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01518

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

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

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

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

CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC TO LEARN MORE AT STURBRIDGE GARDENERS COMMUNITY

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