10:00 – 12:45  Still Pickin’

2:30 – 5:00     Railroad House

1:00 – 3:45     Jared Fiske & The Casters

Just give us a ring or email to RSVP and let us know your favorite pizza topping while you're at it!

RSVP by email or phone. 508-347-2761 

Cost is $10 for CMS Chamber Members ($20 for non-Members)

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.

Our Promotions Committee is hard at work planning the schedule of Chamber happenings including FUN at FIVE networking events. We are actively seeking businesses that would be interested in sponsoring these 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].

The event will kick off at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony presented by the Chamber of Central Mass South, which will be followed by an open house of the brand new gym at 168 Worcester Road

October 3, 2022 - Country Bank, a full-service financial intuition serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is excited to introduce a new Affordable Housing Program featuring no down payment for first time home buyers. A first of its kind program will assist low to moderate-income families in purchasing a home. Country Bank has pledged 10 million dollars to the program to help make a difference for these first-time homebuyers.

This innovative no down payment program is designed to help those who need it most by offering 100% financing for single-family homes or condominiums and 95% financing for two family properties. In addition, the bank will cover 100% of the Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) that traditionally adds to the monthly payment and will save the borrower hundreds of dollars each month. This feature also gives the borrower more purchasing power by not having to pay the cost of mortgage insurance. Certain restrictions and locations apply for this program.

Buying your first home can be very stressful; and not having the ability to save for a down payment prohibits many from purchasing a home, even when they can afford the monthly payment. "We are very pleased to offer a program that will make a difference for so many homebuyers in our communities," stated Denise Walker, Senior Vice President of Retail Lending for Country Bank. "Owning your first home no longer has to be a dream; we have designed a program to help the dream of owning your own home a reality."

Country Bank's mortgage experts can assist those interested in learning more about the program or who may be ready to purchase a home. They will walk you through the process and will be with you every step of the way. It's just one way that Country Bank makes a difference with its homebuyers.

The No Down Payment First Time Home Buyer Program is available until the 10 million commitment has been allocated. Please visit www.countrybank.com/mortgages, a Banking Center, or call the Customer Care Center at 800-322-8233 to learn more.

Country Bank is one of the most highly capitalized mutual savings banks in the Commonwealth offering full-service consumer and commercial banking services. Country Bank serves Central and Western Massachusetts with 14 locations in Ware, Palmer, West Brookfield, Brimfield, Belchertown, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Leicester, Paxton, Charlton, Springfield 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.

SOUTHBRIDGE, MA, October 4, 2022 – On August 22nd, representatives from The Cancer Center at UMass Memorial Health – Harrington were presented with a $21,000 check from the 2021 Festival of (Giving) Trees.

The Festival is an annual event in Southbridge that features more than 100 uniquely decorated trees on display. Raffle tickets are sold and participants can enter to win one or more of the beautifully decorated trees.

“We are so honored to be given this money, which will help our patients and their families as they receive weekly and often daily cancer treatments,” said Tracy Glacken, administrator for The Cancer Center. “The Festival of (Giving) Trees is such a wonderful event for our community to come together and celebrate the holidays, we are grateful for their generosity.”

Each year, many decorated trees are donated by local businesses, but anyone in the community is welcome to donate. Many trees are entered to honor a loved one who is currently battling cancer or has passed from the disease. UMass Memorial Health – Harrington has been participating in the event for many years, creating a larger display of gifts and prizes, typically totaling more than $3,000.

“We are so pleased to say that 2021 was our best year to date with a total of $63,000 donated to benefit local benefit a local hospital like UMass Memorial Health – Harrington,” said Brenda Lacaire, Festival of (Giving) Trees chairman and president. “We are always happy to present our check to The Cancer Center at UMass Memorial Health – Harrington. We are so fortunate to have this state-of-the-art cancer treatment facility right in our backyard.”

The mission of the Festival is to raise money to help the Silent Sprint Institute, the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition and The Cancer Center at UMass Memorial Health – Harrington. Over the past 23 years, the Festival of (Giving) Trees has raised and donated over $794,000 to these beneficiaries.

The 2022 Festival of (Giving) Trees will be held December 1st through December 4th at LaSalle Reception Center, 444 Main Street in Southbridge. For more information, visit sparklingtrees.com.

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

Visit www.ummhealth.org/harrington. 

 www.harringtonhospital.org 

SOUTHBRIDGE: The Harrington Auxiliary held its 30th annual Lucky Duck and Family Fun Day, in conjunction with Southbridge Business Partnership’s AutumnFest, on Saturday, September 17, 2022.

Once again, the event was successful and the Auxiliary awarded several cash prizes. Grand Prize winner of $1,000 was Tori Bates; second prize of $500 went to Lisa Prytka; Brenda Williams won the $300 third prize; Betty Ventry received $200 for fourth prize; and fifth prize of $100 was given to Rob Wheaton.

The Auxiliary extends special thanks to our corporate sponsors for supporting the Lucky Duck and Family Fun Day: B & M Excavating; Cornerstone Bank; Country Bank; Dexter-Russell, Inc.; EJ Stochaj Insurance Agency; G & F Precision Molding; Hyde Tools, Inc.; Incom, Inc.; Karl Storz Endovision, Inc.; Load Controls Incorporated; Millenium Power Company, LLC; Overlook Communities, Inc.; Savers Bank; and Southbridge Credit Union.

Thanks also to in-kind sponsors: Dexter-Russell, Inc.; UMASS Memorial Healthcare – Harrington; and the Center of Hope.

The Auxiliary appreciates the support of the corporate and in-kind sponsors as well as all who attended the Lucky Duck event. The Auxiliary has been able to provide much-needed equipment, programs, and scholarships for those in the communities UMass Memorial Health Harrington serves.

Harrington Auxiliary, established in 1932, is a non-profit organization of dedicated and impassioned volunteers whose mission is to support and enhance the excellent services provided by UMASS Memorial Healthcare - Harrington.

The Sturbridge Rotary Club is pleased to announce that Joseph Lombardi and Jillian McCarthy have recently been inducted into Club membership. Both Joe and Jill reside locally. Joe is a Lieutenant in the Sturbridge Police Department and Jill has a background in Human Services. They enjoy participating in community involvement which will be put to good use as they join us in the Club’s many activities.

For more information on the Club, please visit www.sturbridgerotary.com or check out the Club’s Facebook page and “Like” us at www.facebook.com/sturbridgerotary.

Photo (L to R): New members Joe Lombardi and Jill McCarthy welcomed by Rotary Board Members Linda Langevin-Zonia, Secretary, David Zonia, Past-President and Klaus Hachfeld, current President.

Rockland Trust is gearing up for the holiday season and we're looking for local stores/boutiques to feature in our 2022 Holiday Shopping guide. This interactive guide will help consumers across Massachusetts & Rhode Island to shop local as they search for the perfect holiday gifts. We are looking for businesses that folks would be looking to shop at for the holidays, such as spas, novelty stores, restaurants, homemade/handcrafted items.

Using the link below, businesses can submit to be included in the Shopping Guide.

The deadline for submission is TODAY, Friday, October 14. The guide will be distributed in early November.

SUBMIT YOUR BUSINESS INFO HERE: survey.alchemer.com/s3/7038169/Small-Business-Shopping-Guide-Holiday-Edition-2022

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA (October 12, 2022) — Tickets are on sale for Second Chance Animal Services’ inaugural Cocktails for Tails, a very special fundraiser marking a milestone of their service to more than 40,000 pets in the Springfield community. The event will take place on Thursday, November 3rd from 5:30 to 9:30 pm at the Springfield Country Club in West Springfield. The evening will include live music, a silent auction and raffle and there will be a variety of food and an open bar for all to enjoy. Funds raised will directly benefit programs that provide access to care through at the nonprofit’s Mulberry Street Community Veterinary Hospital.

CEO and founder Sheryl Blancato is extending an invitation to area animal lovers to come celebrate Second Chance’s commitment to Springfield area pets and their families.  Blancato notes that “since 2015, over 40,000 Springfield area pet owners have turned to Second Chance for help for their pets.”

The event comes at a critical time for pets in the Springfield community according to Blancato. “Rising inflation is severely impacting us all, but especially those on a fixed income. Our Community Veterinary Hospital on Mulberry Street is helping to keep pets with the people they love. The Mulberry Street location provides access to full-service veterinary care through reduced rates for those that qualify, helping to keep area pets and their families together.” Blancato says Second Chance is grateful to the sponsors who are making the event possible, including Ted and Barbara Hebert of Teddy Bear Pools in Chicopee and Jim Herlihy of Herlihy Insurance.

Ted Hebert said, “Barbara and I feel that we as human beings have an obligation and a responsibility to help our furry friends." The Heberts, who have been longtime supporters of Second Chance’s work in the community, say they feel blessed to have the opportunity to help others. "We find that people that have compassion for animals have compassion for their fellow human beings."

Jim Herlihy, president of the Herlihy Insurance Group, is a dog lover and owner who said, “I know the importance of having a family pet. Over 16 years, my family had several bonding experiences involving our dog, Second Chance provides the services that all pets need in order to live a healthy, happy life. Without their work, many families could not afford to care for their pets & would miss out on the joy the pets bring to their families. Their training & education programs help to encourage the next generation of pet care providers.

Live music for the event will be performed by John and Christina Cantalini. Tickets are $100 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, food stations and an open bar. To purchase tickets, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org/events. Attendees can save $25 with the code 40000PETS on tickets purchased by October 20th.

PHOTO: Second Chance Community Veterinary Hospital in Springfield.

For more information, visit Second Chance’s website at www.secondchanceanimals.org.

Follow Second Chance on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/secondchanceanimals

Follow Second Chance on Twitter:  twitter.com/secondchanceas

Central Mass South Chamber members are avoiding this pain in different ways. Which way is easiest and best for your business?

Sustaine wrote software that can show you in just a few minutes. Our service is quick, easy and at no cost to Chamber members.

To protect your business from skyrocketing utility costs, email or call Sarah Cedro at [email protected] or (508) 296-8314.

Photo: (L to R) Sturbridge Rotary President Klaus Hachfeld presenting the latest check to Bill Pioppi from the St. John Paul II Food Pantry.

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.

You'll also find webinars, online workshops and courses from Worcester Chamber, SCORE and MSBDC. Most are FREE! Got something going on? Please add your happenings, online or in-person, indoors or out, to our calendar or email Jack the pertinent info and we will share in the next CROSSROADS!

The Game Changers Expo is Worcester’s largest business networking and educational event for business leaders and employees.

SEE MORE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION INFO IN THE ARTICLE BELOW.

SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. Since 1964, SCORE has provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs. Check out these upcoming FREE live webinars.

As a new entrepreneur, you’ll need more than good products or services to grow your business. REGISTER

Data Breaches are commonplace. Learn how to identify strengths and weaknesses and what they can do to secure their environment.

View more upcoming SCORE Webinars Here.

Oct 18   Cybersecurity 101

Oct 19   Writing a Business Plan Part 2 - The Business Description

Oct 20   Speed Date a Database! Business Databases at the Salem State Library

Oct 20   Global Trade Economic and Regulatory Update (Newton or virtual)

Oct 20   Basics of Starting Your Business

Oct 25   Intro to Doing Business with the Federal Government

Oct 26   Writing a Business Plan Part 3 - Location and Facilities

Visit the online calendar for more info and to register for these sessions and more.

The Last Green Valley is celebrating 32 years of Walktober in 2022! We know from the past two years of Walktober that we can safely provide plenty of opportunities, in partnership with groups like yours, to help people best experience what makes this region worthy of being a National Heritage Corridor. We have wide-open spaces to explore with walks, hikes, historic tales, paddles, bike rides, farm visits, and more offered by dedicated & passionate Walktober leaders and the generous sponsors that make it happen. Thank you to them all!

Looking to experience your own adventures? Visit our online calendar here (available the week after Labor Day) or view the 2022 print brochure here. When available, the online calendar of events provides the most accurate and up to date information on Walktober, including cancellations and additions.

VIEW THE WALKTOBER EVENTS CALENDAR

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.

PUMPKIN PATH: Come and carve, decorate, or paint a pumpkin to display for our Pumpkin Path which will be open for viewing during the town of Brimfield's Trick or Treating event this year! Bring your own carving tools or use the supplies provided to make your creation. Leave your pumpkin for inclusion in the Pumpkin Path or take it home (All pumpkins being entered must be dropped off by 5pm on Trick or Treat night)! $10/pumpkin to decorate and display $5/pumpkin to display only. All ages welcome. Stop by Hitchcock to purchase and decorate your pumpkin at one of the following times: Oct 26 - 28 | 2 to 6pm; Oct 29 | 10am to 1pm.

LEATHER FRIENDSHIP BRACELET WORKSHOP: Celebrate your friends by making them a leather friendship bracelet! The bracelet kit features leather, twisted jump rings and a handmade ceramic button. Class includes tools, instruction, and a kit in a variety of colors. Oct 17, 6 – 8pm. $55.

HIGH FITNESS: The combination of aerobic and anaerobic training, complemented by active recovery tracks, makes this class an extremely effective and efficient form of training. Alternating bouts of high-intensity movement with moderate/active recovery means you avoid plateaus, and constantly challenge your body in a safe and effective way that works for YOU. HIGH Fitness is a ZERO equipment, full body workout that has been shown to improve overall endurance, stamina, strength, and cardiovascular health. More importantly, it yields extremely important mental health benefits. Beyond the workout, HIGH Fitness brings fun, fabulous music, and a community like no other – connection, support, and inclusion reap their own benefits on both the mind and body! Tuesdays 7 - 8pm, Oct 18 to Nov 22. $75.

UPBEAT BARRE: UpBeat Barre combines moves from ballet, Pilates, yoga and muscular endurance based strength training to provide a low-impact, mind, body and high-energy program. UpBeat classes will tone, tighten and lengthen muscles, provide strength in everyday movement and bring confidence, coordination and an UpBeat attitude after every class. This barre class is all about music. The moves are choreographed to fun UpBeat music which is how this class differs from other Barre classes. Mondays, 6 – 7pm, Oct 24 to Dec 5. $75.

WITCH’S BREW CAKE DECORATING: Come and have fun and leave with a decorated cake while learning and/or practicing detailed decorating skills! Create a witch's brew concoction cake with black cocoa buttercream on a vanilla cake, fondant flames, gummy worms and various candy pieces. All supplies are included, with use only of decorating tools and an apron during class. You bring home the decorated cake. No experience necessary. Step-by-Step Instructions by Instructor Sue from Let's Cake Decorate. Please inform Sue of any food allergies: [email protected]. Space is limited. Adults, or children ages 8+ can attend with an adult and work together on one cake. Oct 20, 6 – 8pm. $75.

JUDO: Judo, the gentle way, is an Olympic sport, intended to train the body and mind. It involves using holds and leverage to unbalance the opponent. DEVELOP - discipline - confidence - teamwork - fitness and have fun practicing martial arts with the Sen-I-Judo Club. All Ages Wednesdays & Fridays in October 4:30 to 6pm. Adults Only. Mondays & Fridays in October. 6 - 7:30pm. $75 per month plus $75 annual enrollment fee.

Saturday, Oct 15: Friends of the Library Book Sale Thousands of books to browse! (See more below.) 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Tuesday, Oct 18: Drop-in Story Time. Stories, songs, craft. All ages welcome with caregiver. Free. Sponsored by the Friends of JHL. 10:45 AM

Wednesday, Oct 19: Armchair Travelers Take to the Open Road. We’ll be discussing “The Map of Lost Memories” by Kim Fay. No registration required. Pick up copy of book at the library. 7:00 PM

Thursday, Oct 20: Friends of the Joshua Hyde Public Library Annual Meeting and Author Talk. The meeting will start with an author talk by Cesar Becerra, author of "Orange Blossom 2.0." We will be voting on the Library's Wish List and the Slate of Officers. If you are interested in running for a position, please let us know. Open to the public. Located in the library meeting room. 7:00 PM

Thursday, Oct 20: Lego Club will meet in the Children’s Room. Suitable for kids ages 5-12 yrs with adult caregiver. 6:30 PM

Tuesday, Oct 25: Drop-in Story Time. Stories, songs, craft. All ages welcome with caregiver. Free. Sponsored by the Friends of JHL. 10:45 AM

Friday, Oct 28: Drop-in Story Time. Stories, songs, craft. All ages welcome with caregiver. Free. Sponsored by the Friends of JHL. 10:45 AM

Saturday, Oct. 29: Haunted Halloween Magic Show with Tommy James! Enjoy silly & spooky family magic show that incorporates age-appropriate safety tips. Perfect for children K-5 with adult. Free. Sponsored by the Friends of JHPL. 11 AM

Monday, Oct 31: Not-so-Haunted Hallway! Children ages 9 years and under are welcome to collect sweets and treats as they navigate the Hallway! Must be accompanied by an adult. Costumes encouraged! No registration required!

Visit JHL online for more: www.sturbridgelibrary.org

YOU can NEVER have too many Books! But WE DO. Come help us out at the

*See more details, choose your preferred date and arrival time and purchase your tickets HERE.

CHECK OUT CELEBRATING THE HARVEST AND MORE OCTOBER EVENTS ON OSV'S CALENDAR HERE.

Gateway Players Theatre, Inc. will present the Ray Cooney British farce, “Out Of Order” in October. Gateway Players performs at the Fellowship Hall of Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm Street in Southbridge. Carole Hayes is the director, with Barbara Day as producer and Diane Servant as stage manager. Performances are scheduled for October 7, 8, 14, 15, 16. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and youth and may be reserved by calling 508-764-4531. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30pm, the Sunday matinee is at 2pm.

Online credit card ticket sales are available at: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5567684

Synopsis: When Richard Willey, a government junior minister, plans to spend the evening with Jane Worthington, one of the opposition's typists, things go disastrously wrong. Wrong rooms, mistaken identity, and a body that keeps moving- all add to the improbable humor.

This event is $57 per person with wine pairings, or $49 without. Tax and gratuity are not included. Make your reservations now by calling Avellino at 508-347-2321.

The Future of Retail

Our annual business conference.

The retail business landscape has changed over the last several years in Worcester and across the globe. At this year’s Game Changers Expo, we have two incredible keynote speakers joining us for the day: Kathy LaPlante, Senior Director of Coordinating Programs, Main Street America, and Dan Rivera, President of MassDevelopment. In addition to the keynote speakers, we have six workshops where we will speak to local and national industry leaders who will cover everything from e-commerce to design and placemaking.

The Game Changers Expo is Worcester’s largest business networking and educational event for business leaders and employees. It is a great opportunity to build new relationships, learn new strategies, and discover new ways to grow your business.

Chamber Members: $95 Non-Members: $150 Table of 10: $900

See the detailed schedule, bios of speakers, register online at: centralmassbusinessexpo.com/

Registration is open until 10/14/2022 Click here

Join us in The Duck's Tap Room to celebrate the bounties of the autumn season at our Oktoberfest Beer Dinner. You'll enjoy a complete Bavarian-themed dinner with a variety of traditional courses prepared by The Duck's talented culinary team - with a healthy dollop of local ingredients.

We'll also have some fantastic German beer pairings to accompany the evening's menu. The price for this multi-course Oktoberfest Beer Dinner is $65 per person, including dessert, not including tax and gratuity.

Make your reservation now by calling The Duck at 508-347-2321.

IN PERSON JOB FAIR FOR JOB SEEKERS. COME EXPLORE POSITIONS IN TRANSPORTATION / WAREHOUSE / LOGISTICS INDUSTRIES ON THURSDAY, OCT. 27, 10AM-NOON.

No pre-registration is needed. FACE MASKS REQUIRED. No cost.

Dress properly and bring resumes! Employers looking for CDL A & B Drivers, Bus Drivers, 7D Van Drivers, Warehouse Associates, Material Handlers/ Movers, Fork Lift and High Lift Operators, Route Drivers, Mail Carriers and Handlers, Riggers, Diesel Techs, Laborers, Inventory Jobs, Order Selectors, Heavy Equipment Operators.

Companies: Casella Waste Systems, Specialized Machinery Transport, Capital Driver Leasing, AA Transportation, US Postal Service, Republic Services, Industrial Transfer & Storage, Medline Industries, and H & M Bay, Inc.

Sturbridge, MA – The Rotary Club of Sturbridge has announced that its popular TREK Sturbridge Halloween 5K, 1K and Fun Walk will return on Sunday, October 30, 2022, according to club president and race director Klaus Hachfeld.

Pre-registration is now available on the RaceWire website at https://racewire.com/register.php?id=13070. On-site registration will also be available starting at 8 a.m. The first 20 1K racers and the first 150 5K racers to register will get a free TREK Sturbridge Halloween 5K & Fun Walk tee shirt.

The Trek Sturbridge Halloween 5K and Fun Walk is a Sturbridge Rotary Club fundraiser, with all profits going to local student scholarships and other community needs projects. For additional information, visit the Sturbridge Rotary Club website at https://sturbridgerotary.com/ or email the race director at [email protected].

Photo: A few of the costumed entrants in last year’s TREK Sturbridge Halloween 5K and Fun Walk.

Visit the Facebook page for the latest updates.

SEE THE DETAILS AND RESERVE YOUR DATE HERE.

Click here to view open positions and apply.

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