Welcome to January's Crossroads Events!
With the 15th falling on the weekend, Crossroads is in your inbox early with the latest news from your Chamber, a warm welcome to our newest Member business, and some very cool local events to check out. An Evening with Steven the Medium at The Barn at Wight Farm on January 19th is more than half SOLD OUT! The details are below. Reserve now if you would like to attend this special event. Note: The Chamber offices will be closed on Monday, January 16th for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Enjoy the long holiday weekend and thank you for your continued support.
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 NEW Events calendar and emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in CROSSROADS.
NEXT ISSUE: FEBRUARY 1, 2023
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CHAMBER OFFICE INFO
OPEN Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
No appointment is necessary. Give us a ring at 508-347-2761 to be sure we are here.
The office will be CLOSED on Monday, January 16 to observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
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An Evening with Steven the Medium
Thursday, January 19, 2023, 6:30-8:30pm
The Winthrop Room at The Barn at Wight Farm
420 Main Street, Sturbridge
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Medium ∙ Attorney ∙ Intuitive ∙ Healer ∙ Radio Host ∙ Teacher
Steven F. Macek—better known as Steven the Medium—is a nationally renowned medium who has been developing a connection to Spirit for the past ten years. Steven is a bridge between the spirit world and our day-to-day, physical world—relaying messages and insight from those who have passed on to people seeking answers in the here and now.
Have you been missing your loved ones who have passed? Maybe you just need to know they are OK? Please join us for this special event at The Barn at Wight Farm on the evening of January 19th. One simple validation can change your life!
Steven will connect attendees to the spirit world through live readings—delivering detailed, powerful, and sometimes humorous messages from the other side. In addition, he will read a number of handwritten notes, transcribed word-for-word from your loved ones in Spirit to their intended recipients in the audience.
The Chamber is excited to present this special evening in the beautiful Winthrop Room at The Barn at Wight Farm. The event will include a full bar and Steven will offer two raffles for free readings. Tickets are $39 for Chamber Members and $45 for non-Members.
This event is likely to sell out! Register to save your seat by emailing [email protected] or calling 508-347-2761.
LEARN MORE ABOUT STEVEN THE MEDIUM
For most of my life, I had no idea that I had an ability to communicate with Spirit. There were no great signs during my youth, except perhaps not wanting to visit my dad’s grave. He died when I was eight years old and when I was a teenager, my mother and brother would get upset when I didn’t want to go to the cemetery. In hindsight, I felt a strong connection with my father—I didn’t need to go to the cemetery to feel his presence.
In 2010, Spirit set me on a path to mediumship when my husband, Elix, and I attended an event of a well-known Massachusetts medium. The venue was full, with over 100 people hoping to be chosen for a reading. When the medium was about to begin, she walked over to me and said, “You are a medium but don’t know it.” She then walked away and never approached me again.
Although intrigued, I didn’t act on this information right away. My interest in spirit communication piqued years later when Elix registered me for a mediumship training and encouraged me to simply embrace the learning process and the experience. I loved it immediately! Eager to hone my skills and learn as much as possible, I worked with some of the world’s most well-respected teachers to develop an understanding of my abilities and how to use them. In 2013, I earned a certification as a medium from the Imagine Spirit Intuitive Arts Institute in Arizona.
This profession as a medium allows me to fulfill my purpose of helping others in a completely different way than law does. My mission is to connect with those in Spirit to share messages that offer healing, love, and guidance. Clients often leave my office with a newfound sense of peace, connection, and a distinct clarity that they didn’t have before. It’s a beautiful thing to see someone change in real-time. Especially when someone is hanging on to grief or some type of burden. Feeling those energies and auras change is the most rewarding aspect of what I do. My mediumship has also led me to help others discover and develop their own psychic abilities, which is so satisfying.
Two years ago, I created my signature “A Whisper in a Note”. I ask someone in spirit to stand next to me and dictate to me what they want me to write down for their loved one who is here on earth. I use software to scan the note and include a visual recording explaining every word, every sentence and emotion their loved one in spirit was feeling when they dictated what I wrote in the note.
It has been a great, fulfilling ride—and this is just the beginning! Visit Steven online at www.steventhemedium.com.
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With Gratitude to our Sponsor for An Evening with Steven the Medium |
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The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home
The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home is dedicated to providing services to the families of Southbridge, Sturbridge, Charlton Massachusetts and surrounding communities with care and compassion.
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Get Great Exposure for Your Business!
Sponsor an upcoming Chamber event!
Our Promotions Committee is hard at work planning the schedule of Chamber happenings including 2023 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]. |
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New Chamber & Tourism Websites!
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.
Once you have joined, you will be able access vital resources, advertise your upcoming events, post any Hot Deals you may be offering, register for Chamber events, post Member 2 Member discounts, pay invoices, even create Job Postings to recruit new employees!
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!
We look forward to your feedback!
If you run into technical issues or questions, don't hesitate to drop us an email or call 508-347-2761.
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Be Visible, Stay Visible:
2023 Marketing For Members Only Packages
The Chamber's Marketing For Members Only packages for 2023 are available to be reserved! These packages include low cost advertising opportunities using all the Chamber's channels.
Crossroads NEWS and EVENTS ads
Chamber Website banner ads
Dedicated Email blasts
Featured Member Spotlight in the Chamber Corner of Southbridge News
Tourism Sector: Home Page Banner ads on The Sturbridge Townships
Whether you need a comprehensive package or a few dedicated E-blasts throughout the year,
the Chamber's Marketing For Members Only program enhances and amplifies your message and offerings.
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Welcome, New Chamber Members!
We are very pleased to welcome our newest Members to the Chamber of Central Mass South!
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Buffone Cleaning Services
Buffone Cleaning Services is a local veteran owned and operated business out of Charlton, Massachusetts.
Offering Post Construction Cleaning: Residential & Commercial, Routine Office Cleanings,
Move-In & Move-Out Cleaning, Disinfection, Fully Insured
Visit online or call for more info:
774-230-7235
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FEATURED MEMBER2MEMBER DISCOUNT
508-764-4085 ext. 641
“From the Business Card to the Billboard” The Center of Hope’s full-service printing operation, Vivid Print can create specialty graphics banners and print jobs in small and large formats. Vivid Print offers a 10% discount on specialty graphic printing services for CMS Chamber Members.
Click on the M2M logo to view all the M2M deals!
Log in to the Chamber website to add your NEW Member2Member Discount for 2023!
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Enjoy! Central Mass South 2023
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. We will be distributing copies to our local town halls and libraries this month.
Would you like some copies to distribute to the public at your place of business?
Just drop an email to Alix and we will bring copies to you at your convenience! Thank you!
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DEB K HYPNOSIS
100-hour course to become a Certified Professional Hypnotist starting Jan 15th.
Have you always wanted to become a certified professional hypnotist? Have you wondering what is needed to become one?
Deb K is a certified hypnosis teacher with International Certification Board of Coaches and Hypnotist (ICBCH). Deb is offering a 100-hour course starting soon. Check out the YouTube video for more.
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Second Chance Helped a Record-Breaking 44,017 Pets in 2022
Nonprofit Concerned for All the Pets Who Still Need Help
EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (January 11, 2023) – Second Chance Animal Services helped a record-breaking 44,017 pets to live better lives in 2022. The nonprofit cited their caring and compassionate staff, volunteers and supporters and the great need for help from area pets for the astounding results and cautioned that there is still much work to be done.
Second Chance CEO and founder Sheryl Blancato said she is deeply grateful to everyone who made this possible. “I am probably biased, but I think we have the most amazing team of employees and volunteers anywhere. Our supporters truly care about animals. Many people don’t know this, but I personally open nearly all envelopes that arrive at Second Chance, and I’m heartened to read the beautiful notes that accompany some donations. We couldn’t do all that we do without the support of these three groups.”
Blancato added, “unfortunately, there’s no time to rest. Given the current economic climate, we know the need will only grow this year. Many are facing what can be called economic euthanasia. When people’s finances are limited and an emergency arises, they may not be able to afford a necessary surgery to stop the suffering. Second Chance has amazing surgeons at our hospitals that can perform these surgeries and we offer subsidized rates for those that qualify so that everyone can have access to the care they need.”
Second Chance aims to always be ready to help. “Second Chance isn’t just committed to keeping pets in their homes whenever possible. We are also an emergency partner for several agencies. Last year we helped with natural disasters and pets rescued from medical breeding facilities and the meat trade. We must keep fighting for pets in need.”
PHOTO: Mack, a Bernese Mountain Dog mix, is waiting to find his new family at the Second Chance Adoption Center in East Brookfield.
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. Second Chance helps over 40,000 pets a year 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.
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The Electric Vehicle Discovery Center Needs Your Input!
Exsel Advertising Group is thrilled to be working with the Electric Vehicle Discovery Center (EVDC), coming soon to Sturbridge! We have AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY for Massachusetts residents who do not own an electric vehicle to participate in a paid focus group to drive the conversation on EVs—even if they don't (yet) appeal to you. We are specifically looking for input from Women as well as those from Underrepresented Backgrounds. These two groups currently have significantly lower EV adoption rates and we want to help change that by developing better educational material at the EVDC. As a thank you for your participation, you’ll receive a $50 gift card following the session.
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Focus on Women
Session dates for the Zoom focus groups are as follows:
Tuesday, January 24th from 1-2 pm
or
Wednesday, January 25th from 7-8 pm
Focus on Diversity
Session dates for the Zoom focus groups are as follows:
Tuesday, January 31st from 1-2 pm
or
Wednesday, February 1st from 7-8 pm
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Your participation will shape a new landmark in Massachusetts. For the first time in the US, the public will get to explore and test a wide variety of EVs, and learn more about electric vehicle ownership in a hands-on, sales-free, family friendly learning center.
The Electric Vehicle Discovery Center (EVDC), in a partnership with Plug ‘N Drive of Ontario, Canada, is coming to Sturbridge, MA, and Exsel is excited to be a part of the rEVolution. Don’t miss this opportunity!
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THANK YOU!
YOU have done so much for land conservation in 2022!
Together, we are protecting land, water, and wildlife for current and future generations.
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A big thank you to YOU and everyone who supported Opacum Land Trust, attended an event, walked our properties, and donated to our Year End Matching Challenge in 2022. We reached $35,000, and that is not too shabby at all! A total of $14,600 from the Opacum Board of Directors, and $20,400 from donors.
Let's make 2023 even better - keep an eye out for events, exciting projects, and volunteer work days this year.
REMEMBER: donations are welcome all year long and can be made at www.opacumlt.org/donate or you can mail a check to
Opacum Land Trust, P.O. Box 233, Sturbridge, MA 01566
P.S. We plan to have our Annual Meeting again this spring, dates are to be determined soon and we will let you know as soon as we schedule it.
P.P.S. TOUR OPACUM date for 2023 is officially Sunday, September 17, 2023. Mark your calendars for this!
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The #1 Hispanic Newspaper in MA
The latest digital issue of Vocero Hispano is available on their website.
Reach the Hispanic Market directly with the #1 Statewide Hispanic Newspaper in Massachusetts. Email [email protected] to get started.
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"Live a Flourishing Life" in 2023! |
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Time Management with Rita Schiano
Time management is a big concern. Our work life and home life is filled with more and more duties and obligations and less and less time to get it all done. And while we've all heard that old saying, "Time flies when you are having fun," truth be told, time flies even when you're not having fun.
An effective time management strategy can help you stay on task, accomplish your work, reduce stress, and gain more time for yourself.
In this 60-minute LIVE program via Zoom you will learn practical strategies, tools, and techniques you can put into action immediately!
Topics covered include:
• Multi-tasking . . . It's a Myth
• Meet Your Time Bandits
• Obstacles to Effective Time Management
• Managing Interruptions
• Procrastination
• Setting Goals, Establishing Priorities, and Planning
• Tools You Can Use
o The Time Journal
o Kaizen
o Worksheet
o Creating the "To Do" List
• Scheduling
• Finding Your Timing
• Effective Use of Time: Leaders
o Meetings
o Decision-making
o Delegation
Investment: $47.00
Dates/Times
- Monday, 1/16/23: 9:30 a.m.
- Saturday, 1/21/23: 11:00 a.m.
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The Healing Power of Forgiveness
with Rita Schiano
When I was young, I was fond of saying, "If someone hurts me, I can forgive, but I'll never forget. "And I'd speak those words with a certain air of hubris, and an implied forewarning: "Don't mess with me. Revenge is a dish best served cold."
When I was young, I had no idea what forgiveness was truly about. Truth be told, I didn't have any real clue about true forgiveness until I was in my early 50s, when I began writing the story about my father.
Until that time, I didn't understand that my issues around trust, and intimacy, and honesty had little to do with the actions of the people in my life, and everything to do with my thoughts, beliefs and judgments about them, about myself, and about me in relation to them.
In the forgiveness work I have done, which began when writing the story about my father, to the practice of forgiveness I continue to do, what I have learned, what I know, is that forgiveness has brought me inner peace, has given me a broader perspective on life, and has made me a person capable of giving and receiving genuine love.
Forgiveness is a gift that we give to ourselves. And now, in this 90-minute LIVE! online program via Zoom, I will share all that I've learned with you, and offer strategies that will guide to you towards the healing power of forgiveness.
Investment: $59.95
Dates/Times
- Thursday, 1/19/23: 10:00 a.m.
- Monday, 1/30/23: 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, 2/1/23: 9:00 a.m.
- Saturday, 2/18/23: 11:00 a.m.
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Moondance - Van Morrison Tribute
Friday, January 20, 2023
Rock and Roll doesn’t get any better than Van Morrison. Van the Man has done it all—from classics like Brown Eyed Girl and Domino to legendary tunes like Tupelo Honey and Into The Mystic. Moondance is the ultimate Van Morrison tribute concert.
This incredible show captures the Van Morrison concert experience like no other. The show is packed with one Van classic after the next. Ticket prices range from $55-$60 and are available exclusively through eventbrite.com.
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.
You can also call The Barn at 774.241.8450 for questions or for more information. Tickets can only be purchased on eventbrite.com.
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February Vacation Week Discovery Adventures at OSV
Monday, February 20, 2023 - Friday, February 24, 2023
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.
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Global Tapas Dinner - French Cuisine
Tuesday, January 24, 2023, 5:30 PM – 9 PM
French cuisine evolved through many centuries and there are few places in the world where the ingredients and preparation of a meal takes on more significance.
French cuisine is as diverse as the wine and regions it flows from. Come along and experience Cedar Street’s take on this amazing diverse culinary culture through this unique small plate event and find out why our global tapas dinners have such rave reviews. Pricing for this dinner is $59 per person and includes a special regional cocktail, wine, or beer. The price does not include tax or gratuity. Please call the restaurant directly at 508-347-5800 for reservations.
Doors open at 5:30 pm and dinner begins promptly at 6:30 pm.
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Young Professionals Night Out
Steel & Wire
Tuesday, Jan 24, 2023, 5:00 PM - 7:00
Join the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce members for a night out with new friends. We will be enjoying free appetizers and a cash bar at Steel & Wire located at 124 Millbury Street, Worcester, MA.
Steel & Wire serves the foundational classics as well as a rotating menu of seasonal cocktails. Our back bar features the battle-tested, established spirit brands as well as niche offerings. Whether you're in the mood for an old favorite or something new, we're ready to serve you. In addition to our cocktail menu we've got plenty of beer and wine choices as well as bar snacks so you can make a night of it. ADMISSION IS FREE! REGISTER HERE.
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WON'T BACK DOWN - A Tribute to Tom Petty
Saturday, February 4, 2023, 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM
The Barn at Wight Farm
WON'T BACK DOWN celebrates the music and life of Tom Petty. This show is dedicated to the legacy of Tom Petty featuring songs written and performed over his long career with The Heartbreakers and as a Solo Artist.
WON'T BACK DOWN will perform many of Tom Petty's top hits – songs that will get you up on your feet dancing, singing, and wanting more. This tribute act doesn’t disappoint. Reserved ticket prices range from $55-$60.
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.
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FIREPLACE FEASTS: 2023 Tickets Are Still Available
ONLY 2 OPEN DATES LEFT IN FEBRUARY!
They make excellent birthday presents, Valentine's Day gifts, or excuses to spend time with your loved ones.
If calling for a reservation is your preference, we’re happy to accommodate! You can still purchase your tickets by calling us at 508-867-2345 during office hours Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 2 pm.
SEE THE DETAILS, OPEN DATES AND RESERVE YOUR FIREPLACE FEAST TICKETS ONLINE HERE.
JANUARY HOURS
OPEN THURSDAY - FRIDAY - SATURDAY: 4:00-8:00
SUNDAY: NOON TO 5:00
CALL 508-867-2345 FOR RESERVATIONS.
508-867-2345
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Looking for more local events? Check out our Facebook Events page for even more from our neighbors and friends! Click here to visit!
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Executive Committee
Cynthia Saucier, Chair
Country Bank
Christina Hadis-Blackwell
The Center of Hope
Erika Travinski, Immediate Past Chair
The Center of Hope
Bruce Watkins, Treasurer
Karl Storz Endovision, Inc.
Board of Directors
Brad Arcoite
Table 3 Restaurant Group
Michael Checkosky
Cornerstone Bank
Alycia Dzik
Webster First Federal Credit Union
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Rich Eichacker
Vibrance Technology Corp
Kelly Hibbard
Harrington Hospital
Anthony Marini
BankHometown
Geraldo Maldonado
Quinsigamond Community College
Trevor Nielsen
Edward Jones
Michael Wales
Michael L. Wales Painting Company
Hadley Zabinsky
Paw Plaza
James Donahue
Old Sturbridge Village
Honorary Board Member
Counsel
Padgett Berthiaume
Berthiaume & Berthiaume
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46 Hall Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
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Alexandra McNitt
Executive Director
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Jack Starkey
Communications & Media
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