In this issue, we recap yesterday's Annual Meeting which featured guest speakers from the Electric Vehicle Discovery Center, welcome our newest Members, preview some fantastic events coming up this month, and share the latest news items from our Members and friends! STAY TUNED... we will be NETWORKING at Heritage Country Club in Charlton on the evening of Tuesday, March 21st. We'll send you an invitation to March's Fun at Five as soon as the details are finalized!

CROSSROADS is our Members' platform to share their latest news with over 1,000 fellow Chamber Members and subscribers in our community. Thank you for entering your 2023 offerings on our Events calendar and emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in CROSSROADS. NEXT ISSUE: MARCH 15, 2023

The Chamber was thrilled to provide our Members and guests the opportunity to hear directly from the team that is bringing the Electric Vehicle Discovery Center to Sturbridge at our Annual Meeting yesterday. Scheduled to open in January of next year, the EVDC will be the first of its kind in the US. We heard from Michael Frisbie (L), a Nichols College graduate and the owner and driving force behind Noble Energy Real Estate Holdings and Noble Gas, Inc., a high-end network of automobile refueling stations and markets with quality food offerings to help fuel your vehicle and body. Mr. Frisbie described the progress being made today on the construction of this vast and complicated multi-use facility and how it will be utilized when open. We also heard from Dav Cvitkovic (R), an accomplished leader in the electric vehicle sector as COO of Plug’n Drive. She served as the Project Leader for the Electric Vehicle Discovery Centre, which was established in Canada in 2017. Dav showed us the steady growth in sales of electric vehicles, the ideal location in which Sturbridge is positioned to serve New Englanders, and more of what to expect when the EVDC is open and functioning.

Our Promotions Committee is hard at work planning the schedule of Chamber happenings including our MARCH FUN at FIVE networking event at Heritage Country Club on March 21st. We are actively seeking businesses that would be interested in sponsoring this and other upcoming Chamber events.

Our event sponsors are given positive exposure and enthusiastic crowds that are eager to share the good word about your business with their friends, neighbors and business contacts!

If your company would be interested in being a sponsor for these upcoming events, or would like more information about sponsorship, please contact Alix at 508-347-2761 or email [email protected].

Members, create your profile on the new Chamber website: www.cmschamber.org. Login to the "members only" Info Hub to create your Account. Click the Member Login button at the top of the home page to get started. Your email address must be in our new system for you to be instantly approved. If it is not, give us a ring or email and we can add your email address from our end.

Also, take a peek at www.sturbridgetownships.com, the new tourism site for visitors to our area. If you post your event to the Chamber calendar and it is tourism related, we will feature it on the Sturbridge Townships page, too!

If you run into technical issues or questions, don't hesitate to drop us an email or call 508-347-2761.

2023 Marketing For Members Only Packages 

Contact us with any questions or to get started.

email Alix at: [email protected]

Enjoy! Central Mass South 2023

Just drop an email to Alix and we will bring copies to you at your convenience! Thank you!

Business After Hours is an opportunity for you to network with other Chamber members and guests. Meet new contacts, develop new leads, and exchange ideas. Join us and hundreds of area professionals for a fun, informal networking event!

April's networking event will be co-hosted by Worcester Regional Chamber and five affiliate Chambers – Auburn, Blackstone Valley, Central Mass South, Wachusett Area, and Webster Dudley Oxford.

CMS Chamber Members may register for this event by sending an email to [email protected]

BRIMFIELD – Our modern world demands a lot of our young people. Families are often looking for ways to help children build confidence and a physical fitness routine into their busy lives. There are lots of extracurricular offerings, and often it can be a challenge to find the right fit while managing the costs of each venture.

With these challenges in mind, Hitchcock Academy is offering a free trial of a confidence-building Olympic sport on Wednesday, March 15. Under the instruction of a seasoned practitioner, children ages 5½ to 15 can try a sport that has stood the test of time, and garnered a large, loyal following since its inception in the late 1800s. That sport is Judo/Ju-Jitsu. The martial art’s practice contributes to long-term mental and physical health, while developing discipline and confidence. What stands out about the Sen-I Judo program at Hitchcock is its emphasis on safety, with attention and care given to proper falling techniques and preventing injury. Israel Lopez has over thirty years of experience practicing the sport and is a passionate promoter of its impact on the lives of its participants of all ages. There will be no financial commitment for anyone who would like to try the program on the first day; only those who want to commit to a newly offered six week session will be expected to pay tuition.

Hitchcock is also offering several other programs this March. A watercolor class running March 9th through the 30th invites participants to discover their inner artist as they complete a painting with the guidance of seasoned artist Susan “Zsa Zsa” Kallander. Other offerings include guitar instruction, Warrior Yoga, Pilates, UpBeat Barre, Yoga, High Fitness, and a cake decorating workshop offered by Let’s Cake Decorate entitled Spring Froggy Cake. Several offerings are expected to sell out.

With spring in the air, it’s time to save the date for the organization’s popular annual Plant Sale, planned for May 6th this year.

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.

North Brookfield, MA – North Brookfield Savings is proud to be a strong supporter of non-profits and the talented and ambitious volunteers who run them. We believe that every child, regardless of their financial circumstances, should have the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and nurturing environment. That is why North Brookfield Savings Bank is kicking off their first-ever “Love Lives Here” Collection Drive to benefit The Be Like Brit Foundation.

Throughout the entire month of March, North Brookfield Savings Bank will be collecting “in need” supplies and monetary donations at all branch locations in North Brookfield, East Brookfield, West Brookfield, Ware, Belchertown, and Three Rivers. 100% of donations collected will directly benefit The Be Like Brit Foundation headquartered in Worcester, MA.

Food: Peanut Butter, Canned Tuna, Canned Chicken, Powdered Milk, Oatmeal, Tang

Toiletries: Toothpaste, Women’s Deodorant, Men’s Deodorant, Bar Soap, Disposable razors, Shaving scream, Head and Shoulders

Arts and Crafts: Canvas, Paint brushes, Acrylic paint, Scissors, Sewing thread, Sewing Zippers, Yarn knitting/crocheting-multiple colors, Construction Paper

Brit’s Clinic: Kids Nyquil, Kids Dayquil, Flintstones chewable vitamins for kids, One-a-day vitamins for teens, Pepto bismol chewable, Vinyl blend exam gloves, White Petroleum Jelly, Hydration Powder (Liquid IV), Earache drops, Eye drops, Gas relief medication, Hydrocortisone Cream

To learn more about North Brookfield Savings Bank’s Community giving efforts and all of the convenient banking products and services offered, visit www.NorthBrookfieldSavingsBank.com.

Be Like Brit is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the children of Haiti. Be Like Brit will continue the compassionate life and legacy of Britney Gengel by establishing a safe, nurturing and sustainable orphanage in an environment where children can grow, learn and thrive. In many ways, Britney Gengel from Rutland Massachusetts was a typical 19-year-old young woman, but her humor, passion and deep sense of caring for those less fortunate made her memorable to all who met her. It was her compassion for others that brought Britney to Haiti on January 11, 2010, just a day before a catastrophic earthquake claimed an estimated 230,000 lives and rocked the small, poverty-stricken country. Britney had spent the day visiting a Haitian orphanage where she and fellow students of Lynn University on a “Journey of Hope”, met the Haitian orphans they had traveled so far to help. Just a few hours later, Britney, three of her fellow students, and two Lynn University professors lost their lives in the rubble of the Hotel Montana in Port-Au-Prince. Britney was missing for 33 days before her remains were recovered. Fortunately, Britney’s dream did not die with her. Only hours before the earthquake, Britney sent a text message to her family that read: “They love us so much and everyone is so happy. They love what they have and they work so hard to get nowhere, yet they are all so appreciative. I want to move here and start an orphanage myself.” These forty words would sustain Britney’s family through the tragedy and, ultimately, serve as the driving force behind the establishment of the Be Like Brit Foundation and the decision to build an orphanage in Grand Goâve for the children of Haiti. Mission: To serve the children of Haiti by establishing a safe, nurturing and sustainable orphanage in an environment where they can grow, learn and thrive. Learn more at https://belikebrit.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.

BARRE, MA (February 15, 2023) – Registration is now open for Second Chance Animal Services’ March 25th pet vaccine clinic at the Barre Public Safety Building. Low-cost vaccines and microchips will be offered to help area pet owners care for their pets. 

The vaccine clinic will be held from 9am to noon at the Barre Public Safety Building located at 655 South Street. Advance registration is encouraged as there will be limited availability for same-day registration. Rabies and distemper vaccines are $18 each and microchips are $22. Pet owners can register their pet for vaccines online at www.secondchanceanimals.org/vaccine-clinics/.  Microchips can be added for an additional cash-only fee at the time of service. 

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:  https://www.facebook.com/secondchanceanimals

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

 ICBA and North Brookfield Savings Bank: Relationship Banking Still Matters

North Brookfield, MA (Feb. 24, 2023)— North Brookfield Savings Bank (NBSB) and The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are reminding consumers of the benefits of a personal relationship with their hometown lender that has deep community roots and a vested interest in their customers’ financial success.

“At NBSB we never stop working to earn your trust and business,” said CEO/President, Marco Bernasconi Jr. “We know you have a choice in whom you entrust with your financial needs and are grateful for the opportunity to ensure your continued financial health, and that of the community that we so proudly serve.”

ICBA and NBSB remind customers that community banks are financial stewards of their communities, helping to fund more than 60 percent of small businesses and more than 80 percent of agricultural loans, while also helping local families finance major life purchases and build financial security. Community banks:

For more information about community banks and to find one of North Brookfield Savings Bank’s local branches, visit banklocally.org. Join the conversation on social media with the hashtag #BankLocally.

For more information or to request a Board Member Job Description, please contact our Executive Director Emily Farrell at [email protected] or by phone at (508) 765-3880.

Learn the essentials of computing in today's technological workplace. You will learn to create a professional document in Word, use formulas in Excel and create presentations in PowerPoint. This course is designed for those who want to establish basic level computer proficiencies to succeed.

* Please Note: This course is offered at no cost to qualified candidates. Individuals interested in enrolling in this program should call 508-751-7900 for application requirements.

12 Sessions: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm. March 21st, 2023 - April 27th, 2023.

VISIT this link for more info.

NORTH BROOKFIELD, MA (February 21, 2023) – Yesterday Second Chance Animal Services took in two cats from a group 176 that were rescued by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) from deplorable conditions in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. The cats, named Bailey and McCool, were part of an emergency transport that flew into Norwood Memorial Airport. The cats are currently at Second Chance’s Almost Home transport facility where they will complete a 48-hour state-mandated quarantine period and get thorough check-ups and receive any necessary veterinary care before they are available for adoption.

Second Chance has set up a Facebook fundraiser to help defray the cost of caring for the cats. Anyone interested in helping can also make a donation online at www.secondchanceanimals.org/donate or checks may be mailed to Second Chance, PO Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.

PHOTO: McCool (L), a two-year-old male grey tabby rescued from deplorable conditions from a Mississippi cruelty and neglect case, was taken in by Second Chance.

PHOTO: Bailey (CENTER), a two-year-old female silver tabby, flew to Massachusetts Monday on her journey to Second Chance where she’ll receive care and begin her new life.

The Day of Caring Application is for non-profit agencies, schools, churches, municipalities to complete. All projects will be performed Friday, 6/23/2023, 8am - 12pm. If you believe your project will take a full day, please note that on your application. Projects can be inside or outdoors. Suggested projects are clean ups, beautification, landscaping or painting outdoor structures or fences.

Only projects in Charlton, Dudley, Southbridge, Sturbridge or Webster will be considered.

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 [email protected] to get started.

For many at Old Sturbridge Village, the first whiff of spring isn’t the aroma of spring flowers – it’s the smell of wood smoke and maple syrup, a sure sign that the sap is rising and spring is on the way. Join us for “Maple Days” on select dates in February and March, when the Village’s working sugar camp demonstrates maple sugaring as it was done in early 19th-century New England.

See the entire sugar-making process, from tapping the trees to “sugaring off,” and learn why maple sugar was more commonly used than maple syrup in early New England. Costumed historians will also cook period foods made with maple products and the tinner and cooper will make maple-related items. VISIT THIS LINK FOR INFO AND TICKETS.

Designed to meet the requirements for food service personnel, the skills learned in this course are something that everyone should know. Specially design choke relief manikins are used to allow students to practice while getting a real sense of what it will be like to perform choke-save on a real person. Our CPR manikins have feed-back devices built in to help students learn the proper depth and rate to perform chest compressions. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE.

This class is HSI Pediatric First Aid & CPR training with certification. This class can be used to meet requirements for childcare providers as required by EEC. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE

Gateway Players Theatre of Southbridge presents “The Monkeybar Mafia” written by Ed Humphries. Performance dates are March 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 7:30pm and March 12 at 2:00pm.

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.

This production will be directed by John Kennedy, and produced by Ed Humphries. The cast includes Kyle Hargrove, Megan Mayfield, Erin Simpson, Samantha Reynoso, Joliene Deskus, Ariana Kennedy, Stephen Jean, Jacob Senick, Patrick Bracken, and Mike Dupuis.

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 will be available at a NEW online ticketing https://gateway-players.ticketleap.com

Ryan Coulton spent his adult life as a corporate drone; a career that took him far away from his true passion; writing. When he finds himself ‘displaced’ – another victim of a crumbling economy – Ryan’s wife encourages him to clear his mind of the arduous daily job search by reconnecting with his kids. His daily trips to the playground bring him into the orbit of ‘The Monkeybar Mafia’ – a collection of Stay-at-Home Moms bound together by their shared love of friends, family and a good Cosmo. Ryan soon develops a close friendship with one Mom in particular; a woman who shares his ‘regret’ at having left true talent behind for other pastures. As the two inspire each other to rekindle sparks of their own creative passions; a scandal forms that threatens to derail Ryan’s journey. The Monkeybar Mafia is a humorous and poignant look at joblessness, restlessness and the paths we choose and those we leave behind as we travel this road of life.

Come along and listen to the songs of James Taylor and Simon & Garfunkel faithfully recreated by Good Acoustics. These are the songs that defined more than three decades of chart-topping hits that bring you back to simpler times in the beautiful new WINTHROP ROOM at The Barn at Wight Farm.

This show is comprised of a rock-solid trio that have been performing all over the east coast for over 30 years. This show will simply amaze you at the harmony displayed by these very talented musicians.

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.

Reserved Seating Tickets can only be purchased on eventbrite.com. Buy Tickets

Please visit the link to RSVP, BUY TICKETS, SPONSOR AND DONATE to our Gala Night!

Sturbridge, MA – Are you ready to take a night off from making dinner? The Federated Church of Sturbridge and Fiskdale has announced that tickets are now on sale for their annual Baked Potato Take-Out Buffet to be held on Saturday, March 11 with pickup in the Church’s Fellowship Hall at 8 Maple Street, Sturbridge, MA.

For additional ticket information, please call the Church office at 774-304-1021 or email [email protected].

On Thursday, March 16, 2023, Village Toastmasters will host an Open House from 6:30-8:15pm at the Chamber of Central Mass South office at 46 Hall Road in Sturbridge. We encourage guests to visit and learn how to improve their public speaking skills. Please join us at 6:30pm for refreshments and meet and greet followed by a Toastmasters meeting which will end at 8:15pm.

You may also visit us at www.villagetoastmasters.org

The Harrington Auxiliary, in conjunction with the Federated Church of Sturbridge and Fiskdale, invites the general public to partake of a traditional Irish Night feast on Thursday, March 16, 2023. The event takes place in person at the Publick House in Sturbridge.

Tickets for the traditional Irish corned beef and cabbage buffet are $l6 for adults and $7 for children ages 4 to 12. Dinner will be available to ticket holders only; no walk-ins.

There will be two seatings: first seating is 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm and second seating is from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Please specify your desired seating time when purchasing tickets.

Tickets are available in the Volunteer Services office at UMass Memorial Health Harrington in Southbridge. Call 508-765-6472 for more information. Tickets are limited so purchase early.

Tickets · $10. Purchase on Eventbrite here.

Thinking about what to do on St. Patrick’s Day…? Think no further, on Friday, March 17, The Barn at Wight Farm will host Splash of Zan.

With a large local following, Splash of Zan always puts on an awesome show as the band plays your favorites from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s.

The group is comprised of area natives David Wright (guitar) and Suzanne Wright (lead vocals), Dave Penttila (bass), Peter Jarzabski (drums), and Lana Pieczynski (keyboards). During the show, the band reveals just how much they love to play together as it’s hard to tell who’s having more fun—the band or the crowd.

We’ll have some delicious food items for purchase as well as some great St. Patrick’s Day drink specials. Tickets are $10 and can only be purchased at Eventbrite.com. Doors open at 6pm and the music starts at 7:30pm.

SOUTHBRIDGE: The Southbridge Garden Club invites the general public to take an armchair tour of the gardens at the Newport Mansions, Vanderbilt Estate, Vizcaya, Untermyer Gardens, Nemours and others with Jana Milbocker, author of The Garden Tourist books.

Milbocker’s presentation, “Gardens of the Gilded Age,” takes place on March 21, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Charlton Public Library. To register, visit charltonlibrary.org and click on the Program & Events page or click https://tinyurl.com/ycyupbj7. There is no charge to attend this event.

A garden designer, speaker, and author, Milbocker combines horticulture, design, and travel tips to educate, inspire and delight both new and seasoned gardeners. She loves to visit gardens and historic sites in the U.S. and abroad, and share her trips through her books, photos, and blog. She is the author of three garden travel guides; her latest is The Garden Tourist’s Florida.

Milbocker has lectured at flower shows, horticultural societies, garden clubs, and libraries throughout the Northeast. She is owner of Enchanted Gardens, a landscape design firm in the Boston area (EnchantedGardensDesign.com.) She is past president of the Holliston Garden Club, and active in the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and GardenComm International.

Tickets are now on sale for Second Chance Animal Services’ 24th Annual Dinner Auction. The fundraiser will take place on Saturday, March 25th at the Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center and all proceeds will help homeless shelter pets get the veterinary care they need to begin their new lives. Animal lovers are invited to enjoy an evening of fun helping pets. As is tradition, the event begins with cocktails at 4pm with the opportunity to view and bid on all the great auction items and take a chance on raffle prizes. Dinner will be served at 6pm, followed by the auction.

The annual dinner auction is Second Chance’s largest and most important fundraiser. This year’s event will help medically needy shelter pets get the care they need from vaccines to lifesaving surgeries. Second Chance takes in sick or injured pets that may be turned away from other shelters due to the cost of providing their veterinary care.

For anyone interested in sponsoring, donating an item, or attending the 24th Annual Dinner Auction, complete information and tickets can be found at www.secondchanceanimals.org/dinner-auction.

We are proud of 85 years of service to the communities in South Central MA and want to celebrate with our member agencies, corporate partners and donors by hosting an 85th Anniversary Campaign Awards and Jazz Dinner on March 29, 2023. It will be a night of great music by the Jerry Seeco Jazz Trio, fine dining at Samuel Slaters Restaurant and Hall, raffles and special awards. Our special guest speaker is Sheriff Lew Evangelidis.

VIEW THE BROCHURE HERE.

SEE THE DETAILS, OPEN DATES AND RESERVE YOUR FIREPLACE FEAST TICKETS ONLINE HERE.

Visit the Facebook page for the latest updates.

Looking for more local events? Check out our Facebook Events page for even more from our neighbors and friends! Click here to visit!