Welcome to July's Crossroads News!
In this issue, we recap the 2023 CMS Chamber GOLF CLASSIC and our spectacular Summer Outing. These two big events are behind us but summer is just getting started. Check out the latest developments on the Chamber's move, a July networking event at Brimfield Winery and the DRIVIN' IT HO(L)ME for Health and Education Car Show all coming up this month. We also provide the latest news items, and share some fun, family-friendly events from our Members and friends. Wishing you all a fantastic 4th of July!
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 latest offerings on our Events calendar and emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in CROSSROADS. NEXT ISSUE: JULY 14, 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 Tuesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day.
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JULY 17 IS MOVING DAY FOR THE CHAMBER!
The Chamber is extremely excited to announce that we are moving to a new location that will allow us to reopen a Visitor Information Center immediately off exit 5 on I-84. Work is progressing rapidly as we remodel this free standing building at 1 River Road where Paw Plaza is located. The building has a covered porch, ideal for an exterior display case when we are closed. The current plan is to physically move our offices on Monday, July 17. On Tuesday the 18th, if all goes well, we will be open for business and ready to assist visitors in the new location.
THANK YOU! We are extremely grateful to Hadley Zabinski, owner of Paw Plaza, for presenting this opportunity to the Chamber and to Michael Wales of Michael L. Wales Painting for serving as our general contractor. This move to our new home would not be possible without their contributions!
PHOTO: New Chamber office and Visitor Info Center is a work in progress at 1 River Road, Sturbridge.
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PRESENTED BY
Chamber of Central Mass South, Harrington Hospital Auxiliary, Oakholm Brewing Company,
UMass Memorial Health – Harrington Hospital, The Valley’s Classic Hits (97.7FM)
PREMIER SPONSOR
Lamoureux Ford
CLASSIC SPONSORS
Old Sturbridge Village, ColBro First Aid & Safety Training, The Valley’s Classic Hits (97.7FM)
FOOD TRUCKS
Traveling Clam Box – food truck, Holm Cookin – food truck, Pup’s Wood Fired Pizza – food truck, Suzy Qs Ice Cream Truck,
ACTIVITIES
Party Time Face Painting, Simonz Sayz Entertainment Obstacle Course
Here are just SOME of the ways we make a difference for health and education working with our community partners:
- Provide scholarships to support students pursuing a career in the health care field, including Nursing, Doctor of Medicine, Technologist, and Therapist (among others)
- Provide coloring books & crayons for children
- Provide sensory items for the Behavioral Health Unit
- Provide knitted hats for patients receiving treatment in the Cancer Center Unit
- Support the R.E.A.L Program which provides clothing for patients in the ER when their clothing is soiled or damaged, provides transportation and assists patients during discharge
- Provide financial support to the hospital departments by funding equipment and projects not within their budgets
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NETWORK WITH YOUR CHAMBER
Fun at Five!
Brimfield Winery
Thursday, July 20, 2023
5:00-7:00pm
Brimfield Winery for Summer Networking!
Rusty and Katy Corriveau are privileged to bring you a gathering place for a respite from our busy lives. Set at the home and farm land of the late Asa & Sarah Lincoln (circa 1823), this unique local seasonal Winery is the perfect place for friends and family to get together and taste & relax in a historic setting.
The Vision for this land is to collaborate with local charities, fundraisers
and the like to bring communities together outdoors.
Think local music, local talent, local farms.
The Brimfield Winery will be serving their wines, hard cider & seltzer,
and locally sourced beer at Fun at Five!
We hope you'll meet us there for networking, prizes and FUN
on Thursday, July 20! The FUN starts at 5!
Brimfield Winery is currently available for private functions.
Register for Fun at Five by email or phone.
508-347-2761
Cost is $12 for Members who pre-register, $15 at the door, or $20 for non-Members.
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THANK YOU TO OUR JULY FUN AT FIVE SPONSORS! |
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Edward Jones, a FORTUNE 500 firm, provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work. The firm's 14,000-plus financial advisors work directly with nearly 7 million clients. Member SIPC.
Trevor invites you to call the office and schedule a complimentary portfolio review.
Reach the Sturbridge office of Edward Jones by phone at 508-347-1420.
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Opacum Land Trust is a south-central Massachusetts regional land trust formed in 2000 whose mission is to protect land, water, and wildlife for current and future generations. We work to maintain the rural character of our local communities, promote conservation, and facilitate the creation of greenways and wildlife corridors through conservation of critical land and habitat.
To date, Opacum has conserved 3,852 acres of land on 28 different properties. Many of these properties provide recreational opportunities for members of the public to visit and enjoy, with trails to hike, bike, explore, and more!
In addition to land conservation, Opacum Land Trust promotes the ideals of conservation and environmental protection through educational programming. Throughout the year, we host naturalist-led walks, educational talks, and family friendly programs.
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GOLF CLASSIC 2023 RECAP
June 15 was a beautiful day for a golf tournament with only a passing light shower in the afternoon. We were thrilled with the number of golfers who came out swinging for a great cause! Congratulations to the Team from Savers Bank (pictured here) who posted a score of 17 under par to take the home the trophy at the 2023 GOLF CLASSIC! The Chamber extends sincere thanks to all who participated, our amazing sponsors Cornerstone Bank and Karl Storz, and our gracious hosts at Heritage Country Club!
You really made a difference in supporting our Charities & Scholarships Fund and that is greatly appreciated!
PHOTO: CHAMPS! (l-r) Brandon St. Laurent, Billy Bottomley, Chris Wszolek and Adam Sgarlia.
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Clambake Memories
The Chamber and over 150 of our Members and friends enjoyed our summer outing, A New England Clambake at The Publick House, on the evening of Thursday, June 22nd. We were blessed to have simply gorgeous weather as we enjoyed a delicious feast of summertime favorites! The Publick House was decked out beautifully in its summer finest. Live steel drum music provided a tropical vibe and we were so pleased to have so many of our members and friends join us. Thank you to COUNTRY BANK for sponsoring the summer outing and to the wonderful and attentive staff of The Publick House for making the evening an absolute delight!
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Sponsorships Available
Get noticed! Sponsoring a Chamber event or program can give you exposure to the people that you want to do business with. Our affiliation with the Worcester Regional Chamber means exposure to 2,300 member businesses and an e-mail list of more than 10,000 professionals.
Programs for the Chamber's fall and winter season are in the works. We will be seeking sponsors for upcoming Fun at Fives and other events. If your company would be interested in being a sponsor, or would like more information about sponsorship, please contact Alix at 508-347-2761 or email [email protected].
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FEATURED HOT DEAL!
413-213-3980
Offering Special for Vinyl Replacement Windows
50% off labor. Expiration Date : 7/4/2023
Promo Code : 50offlabor
In addition to M2M deals (By Members, For Members)
our new website also features HOT DEALS that our Members can post and offer to everyone.
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Country Bank Announces Promotions |
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PHOTO (l-r): Jessica McGarry, Shantie Prashad, Cindy Saucier, and Blair Robidoux
June 20, 2023 - Country Bank, a full-service financial intuition serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce recent promotions.
Jessica McGarry has been promoted to Senior Vice President, East Region Commercial Lending Team Lead. Jessica has over 20 years of experience in the banking industry and has been a commercial lender in the Worcester market for the past ten years, with the entirety of her career spent in a community bank setting. Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Nichols College, received the Forty Under 40 designation in 2014 from the Worcester Business Journal, and was a member of the Leadership Worcester class of 2015-16. Jessica also gives back to the community, currently serving on the Board of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Worcester Business Development Corporation. Additionally, she remains active in volunteer opportunities through various organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Be Like Brit, and the Community Harvest Project.
Shantie Prashad, Cindy Saucier, and Blair Robidoux have been promoted to Assistant Vice Presidents, Retail Banking. Shantie Prashad has over 26 years of sales and leadership experience, most recently serving as the Retail Banking Officer of the Park Ave, Worcester location. She graduated from The New England School for Financial Studies in 2022. and is highly active in the Worcester community. She serves on the Board for the Learning First Foundation and the YWCA, and serves as an Ambassador for the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Cindy Saucier has over 20 years of banking and leadership experience, serving as the Retail Banking Officer of the Charlton Banking Center. She graduated from the New England School for Financial Studies in 2021 and is a Board Member and Chair for the Central Mass South Chamber of Commerce, along with various non-profits and committees within the Charlton community.
Blair Robidoux currently leads the West Street Banking Center and has over 17 years of experience in the retail division. Blair has held various roles throughout her tenure at Country Bank and graduated from the New England School for Financial Studies in 2019. Throughout her career, Blair has been an integral part of the community within her market and treats every interaction as an opportunity to make a difference for her customers. Blair serves on the Board of the Ware Business and Civic Association.
"Congratulations to Jess, Blair, Cindy and Shantie. We are excited to announce their promotions, not just in recognition of their contributions to the Bank's success but also because each individual's history with the Bank demonstrates the various career paths available in community banking. We are committed to helping each team member identify their career goals and work with them to reach those objectives. Their performance contributes to the Bank's overall success, and we're pleased to be able to promote these individuals for their hard work and dedication to the organization," said Miriam Siegel, First Senior Vice President, Chief Culture and Development Officer of Country Bank.
About Country Bank
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 offices 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.
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National Nonprofit Petco Love Invests in Second Chance Animal Services To
Save and Improve the Lives of Pets in Massachusetts
EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (June 12, 2023) – Second Chance Animal Services recently received a $5,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love in support of their lifesaving work for animals in Massachusetts.
Petco Love is a national nonprofit leading change for pets by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested $350 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And Petco Love helps find loving homes for pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations — like ours — across North America, with 6.7 million pets adopted and counting.
“Our investment in Second Chance is part of more than $15M in investments recently announced by Petco Love to power local organizations across the country as part of our commitment to create a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love. “Our local investments are only part of our strategy to empower animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us. We recently launched Petco Love Lost, a national lost and found database that uses patented image-recognition technology to simplify the search for lost pets.”
“We are extremely grateful to Petco Love for their continued support. This generous lifesaving investment helps provide care for homeless pets who come to Second Chance with great medical needs. It is awe inspiring to see these pets get their second chance with loving families here in our community,” said Sheryl Blancato, CEO and Founder of Second Chance.
Second Chance is a nonprofit organization that helps over 44,000 pets a year to live better lives through four community veterinary hospitals that provide access to full-service care in addition to adoption services, a pet food pantry program and more. Since 1999, Second Chance has been helping pets in Massachusetts and beyond. At the end of 2022, the nonprofit had helped over 337,000 pets.
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 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 secondchanceanimals.org.
About Petco Love
Petco Love is a life-changing nonprofit organization that makes communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since our founding in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, we’ve empowered animal welfare organizations by investing $350 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. We’ve helped find loving homes for more than 6.7 million pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide.
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Camp Putnam Fundraiser returns to North Brookfield Savings Bank!
North Brookfield, MA—North Brookfield Savings Bank is thrilled to announce that the Camp Putnam fundraiser will return once again during July 2023. The Bank is encouraging their communities to join forces with them to help support local campers this summer. Nestled in the fields and forests of New Braintree, Camp Putnam provides an authentic, nature-based camping experience for children and is made affordable for all families regardless of income.
“It is amazing to see some campers during their first few meals at camp as they realize that there is 'plenty' of food. Usually around the second or third day, the overall pace slows down and kids begin to realize that they don't need to rush, don't need to save food for later and that there will be plenty of food at this meal and every other,” said Todd Stewart, Executive Camp Director.
Camp Putnam, which spends nearly $40,000 on food per summer, proudly serves campers tasty yet healthy home-cooked and “kid-friendly” meals such as homemade mac and cheese, tacos, Shepherd’s pie, fresh fruits and veggies, pancakes, French toast and more, in a family-style atmosphere.
Stewart continued, “Although it is heartbreaking to realize just how many children come from situations where securing their next meal is a concern, it is a wonderful experience to see over 100 kids, from a wide-range of backgrounds, happily enjoying a delicious meal as one large family before, during, or after a great day experiencing nature in the carefree way all children should be afforded. This is why donations from organizations like North Brookfield Savings Bank and our generous communities are vital and so appreciated.”
Want to know how you can donate? Anyone can make their donation into the designated collection jars displayed along the teller line at any North Brookfield Savings Bank branch location, with branches located in North Brookfield, East Brookfield, West Brookfield, Ware, Belchertown, and Three Rivers.
“North Brookfield Savings Bank is proud to partner with and support organizations like Camp Putnam, whose efforts help aid in the health and happiness of our young, local community members,” said Nicole Syriac, North Brookfield Savings Bank Marketing Manager. “Camp Putnam provides a safe, nurturing, healthy and fun environment for campers to make friends and experience personal growth. We are hopeful that with our support and the benevolent generosity of our community members we will once again reach and exceed our goal to help feed campers well-rounded, nutritious meals.”
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.
About Camp Putnam: Camp Putnam, located on 150 acres of fields and forest in rural New Braintree, has been serving local children for over 65 years. The Camp provides a safe and healthy summer camp experience that is affordable for all families, regardless of income and is camp in the truest sense of the word; a place where kids and staff interact with nature all day, every day. Camp Putnam encourages and promotes emotional, social, intellectual and personal discovery for children in a safe, structured environment. To learn more about Camp Putnam, visit www.campputnam.org.
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Summer Days Are Here
Hitchcock Hosts Summer Days Program Including Offerings with
STEAM Education Leader Challenge Island
BRIMFIELD – Summer is officially here, and area families with kids ages 4-10 looking for half or full day enrichment offerings can count on Hitchcock for affordable and fun week-long experiences. From July 17 through August 11, Hitchcock will host its annual Summer Days program, this year with Offerings from STEAM Education Leader Challenge Island.
Each week, kids ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 10 will experience on-your-feet, active fun combined with creative enrichment. Mornings and afternoons for the younger group as well as mornings for the older group will include arts & crafts and sports & games. For the older group, afternoons will be led by Challenge Island, a national franchised STEAM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) program whose curriculum is described as “where engineering meets imagination”.
“We are excited to partner with Challenge Island this year,” says Summer Days Program Coordinator Katy Taricano. “Making engineering accessible to kids through hands-on projects is such a great way to engage their minds in the summer while keeping it really fun. And we’re always proud of the program Hitchcock puts together – it’s a nice variety of activities to keep kids busy and having fun – they always have a blast and make memories.”
Hitchcock’s summer program is a decades-long established offering which aims to combine good old-fashioned fun and games with creative exploration, fully engaging kids physically and mentally, guiding their hands, feet, and imagination with a variety of activities designed by seasoned educators and facilitated by energetic staff.
Challenge Island’s program and curriculum are “designed to meet the needs of two entities: today’s playful, imaginative child and tomorrow’s empowered, globally-successful adult.”
The morning Summer Days program will run from 9am to 12pm, while the afternoon program will run from 1pm to 4pm. Extended morning is available from 8:30 to 9am daily. For registrants enrolled in both the morning and afternoon program, lunch supervision will be provided (lunches must be packed and sent in with each child).
Registration starts at $110 for each weekly program, $235 for the full day. Early drop-off is also available.
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.
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Harrington Hospital Auxiliary Scholarships |
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PHOTO (L): Mary Anne Hickey, Harrington Auxiliary scholarship committee member, awards a $1,000 scholarship to Victoria Spitz.
PHOTO (R): Patricia May Motyka, Harrington Auxiliary scholarship committee member, congratulates Lindsey Soter upon winning a $1,000 scholarship.
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SOUTHBRIDGE: In June 2023, the Harrington Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Committee awarded $5,000 in scholarships to area students planning to pursue a career in a healthcare field. The first Harrington Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship was awarded in 1959. Since that time tuition costs and student needs have increased, thus motivating the Harrington Auxiliary to adopt more fundraising endeavors to support more scholarships. Today, the primary scholarship fundraising activities include the Auxiliary’s Annual Lucky Duck and Family Fun Day and the Harrington Auxiliary Gift Shop.
Students residing in the communities served by the UMass Memorial Harrington HealthCare System were invited to apply for one of the scholarships. The committee received several applications, with at least one student representing the many communities in the Harrington Hospital service area.
The Harrington Auxiliary Scholarship Committee members presented $1,000 scholarships to five recipients for a total of $5,000.
Victoria Spitz is a graduate of Bartlett High School and is pursuing a career in nursing at Worcester State University.
Emily St. Martin graduated from Putnam High School and will be studying nursing at Endicott College.
Arminda Simoes is a graduate of Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School and plans a career in psychology at Wheaton College.
Lindsey Soter graduated from David Prouty High School and will be attending Assumption University to pursue a career in nursing.
Javier DeJesus is a graduate of Tourtellote High School and is enrolled in the nursing program at UCONN of Hartford.
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Country Bank Announces Stonier Graduate
June 22, 2023 - Country Bank, a full-service financial intuition serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to congratulate one of its Difference Makers, Dianna Lussier, Vice President of Risk, on her recent graduation from the American Bankers Association, Stonier Graduate School of Banking.
The ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking continues to lead the way as the industry's preeminent graduate banking program. Professional development is important now more than ever, and Stonier delivers the highest standard of executive education through its highly regarded program. Graduates receive both a Stonier Diploma and a Wharton Leadership Certificate.
"During the past three years, I gained valuable insights into leadership, innovation, ethics, business strategy, and change management. I've learned new perspectives and skillsets and built meaningful connections with leaders in the banking industry across the country. I know these connections will be a great resource for me throughout my career. Thank you to Country Bank for providing me with this opportunity to advance my leadership and other developmental skills that will make a difference in my career, for my team, and the Bank," said Dianna.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Dianna for her dedication to the completion of the American Bankers Association Stonier School of Banking. She has worked hard over the course of this three-year program designed to enhance her leadership skills as a Banker, a risk professional and a thought leader for the Bank. Dianna has always been enthusiastic about the learning opportunities offered by the Bank through her career at Country Bank and we are appreciative of her continued commitment to excellence,” said Miriam Siegel, FSVP, Chief Culture & Development Officer.
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Dexter Factory Outlet | 44 River Street | Southbridge, MA 01550 |
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Country Bank recognizes the President’s Platinum Recipient
June 28, 2023 – Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, announced the recipient of the 2023 President's Platinum Award. The Bank's recognition program, "Above and Beyond," encourages team members to look for coworkers who embody the Bank's corporate values of Integrity, Service, Teamwork, Excellence, and Prosperity (iSTEP). Within this program, members can receive different levels of recognition: Silver Spotlight, Gold Star, and the President's Platinum.
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"Country Bank's team members contribute to the Bank's success in many ways throughout the year, and we are delighted to celebrate their contributions. The 2023 President's Platinum award was presented to Crystal Mansfield, Customer Experience and Sales Support Specialist. Crystal embodies the Bank's corporate values in every interaction she has. In addition, her nominator recognized her contributions to the organization, customers, and coworkers. The Country Bank team is extremely dedicated, knowledgeable, and committed to delivering the best service to their external and internal customers," stated Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank.
"I am extremely honored to have been named a recipient of the Presidential Platinum Award! Thank you to my colleague for nominating me and to Paul for selecting me to receive this year's award. My focus is always on a positive customer experience. Supporting, listening to, and finding customer solutions is simply the best part of my job. I could not do what I do without all the amazing team members at Country Bank. I am humbled to receive this award and appreciate that Country Bank has a culture that supports and recognizes the contributions of the team," said Crystal.
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Sturbridge awarded 2 Mass Trails Grants
The Town of Sturbridge was recently notified of its successful application for trail project funding under the Mass Trails grant program. The awards were announced on June 14th by the Governor's office.
The grants funded are for:
$150,000.00 for engineering and permitting to construct an accessible trail and foot bridge over the Quinebaug River from 501 Main Street to the Riverlands, connecting with the recently completed section of the Grand Trunk Trail (GTT).
And $85,000.00 for engineering and permitting to construct an 1800 ft extension of the Grand Trunk Trail from its current end at the intersection of River & Farquhar Rd. out to Haynes St. following the original Grand Trunk Rail bed and including a 10-car parking lot.
These projects were 2 of 98 proposals requesting $14.6 million submitted during the grant application period. This year, 68 projects will receive awards totaling $11.2 million in funding.
Pulling together the grant application submissions were Trail Committee Chair Brandon Goodwin and members Fritz Reeves and Tom Chamberland, assisted by Town Planner Jean Bubon and planning department staff. The accessible trail and foot bridge is all on town owned property and this project will achieve a major goal of the town’s Commercial tourist district master plan and of the trails master plan, in providing connections for all sections of town to our open spaces. An initial feasibility study of the project was completed by students majoring in environmental engineering at WPI in 2020. The extension of the GTT out to Haynes Street is through a generous trail easement given by the property owners of 1 & 9 River Rd. The grant to extend the GTT is a part of a multi-phased effort to complete the remaining 2.5 section of the through town 6-mile GTT.
These grant awards will cover 70% of these engineering/permitting costs with remaining funds being provided through the Community Preservation Act as voted at this past annual town meeting. The grants must be completed by June 2024.
Brandon Goodwin, chair of the Trails Committee said of the award “Receiving these two grants is great news for Sturbridge in moving forward two initiatives to help make Sturbridge a great place to live, work and visit” continuing “ thanks to the efforts of the trail committee and our trail volunteers and support from the various town departments, Sturbridge has demonstrated our ability to complete trail projects through grant awards and this success is continuing.”
PHOTO: Conceptual drawing of the proposed trail bridge crossing the Quinebaug River as presented by the WPI Student study team in 2020.
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THANK YOU TO OUR NIGHT with the WooSox CO-SPONSORS:
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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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Independence Celebration at Old Sturbridge Village
July 1-4, 2023
Join us in celebration of Independence Day! Experience fife and drum music, cannon demonstrations, games, a parade, and more. Hear special readings of poetry and the Declaration of Independence. Join in a game of base ball, or watch a toy hot air balloon take flight.
Highlighted Kid Activities Include:
- Create a 4th of July thaumatrope
- Play base ball by the 19th century rules
- March in the parade around the Village Common
Each day of the celebratory weekend visitors can experience:
- Morning flag raising ceremony
- Citizens parade
- Declaration of Independence reading
Welcoming New Citizens
On July 4th only, at 11:00 a.m., watch and be inspired by a citizen naturalization ceremony on the Village common. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will present candidates to the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and they will pledge their Oath of Allegiance to the United States for the very first time.
KIDS FREE! Up to three kids ages 17 and under are admitted for FREE per adult paying full price.
More details coming soon! Event details subject to change. Check the event page for the latest info.
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CLICK THE GRAPHIC TO DOWNLOAD THE PHOENIX APP |
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One Year Anniversary Celebration: TUTTI QUANTI
Saturday, July 8th, 2023 1:00pm-3:00pm
538 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA
Hard to believe, but Tutti will be celebrating their one year anniversary in July! We will be having an event on Saturday, July 8th featuring Fired Up Wood Fired Pizza Truck, Uncle Joey's Cannoli Truck and local dignitaries including Senator Ryan Fattman.
Stop by and join us in celebration!
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at the Brimfield Antiques & Collectibles Shows
2023 SHOW DATES: July 11-16, September 5-10
It's back for the July edition! The Brimfield Antiques and Collectibles Show has been dubbed "the Queen of the outdoor shows" and a Smithsonian Treasure.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! The Chamber is looking to staff its Information Booth at the Shows with friendly volunteers who can orient visitors to the show, sell T-shirts and enjoy some fine people-watching. We have 3-hour shifts available Tuesday-Saturday between 8am-5pm. If you can help please contact Alix to reserve your shift!
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NEW ORLEANS PATIO DINNER
Wednesday, July 12, 6:00pm
Chef Rico let his imagination travel down the Mississippi River all the way to the Louisiana Delta to create a fantastic New Orleans themed summer dinner party. The prominent cuisine in this region is Creole which is a fusion of flavors emerging from immigrants with European, African and Native American roots. The French influence is strongest, but vestiges of Italian, Spanish, German, and even Caribbean can be found.
The essence of Creole is found in rich sauces, local herbs, red ripe tomatoes, and the prominent use of seafood, Think of rich, roux-based gumbo, shrimp creole, grits, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and so much more. As always, it’s a treat to see how Chef Rico interprets the cuisine and puts his twist on the strongest example of regional cuisine in our nation.
This special event will be hosted on the beautiful patio at The Barn at Wight Farm. The price is $65 per person. Seating is limited so call The Barn at 774-241-8450 and make your reservations now!
Event Notes: Reservations are required. In the event of rain, the dinners will he held indoors at the Barn or Café. Per person price does not include tax or gratuity.
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Festival of {Giving} Trees
Tree.1 Run for Fun on July 15
The Sturbridge Special Events Committee, in partnership with the Festival of {Giving} Trees, is thrilled to announce the inaugural Tree.1 Run for Fun Run/Walk happening on Saturday, July 15th, 2023! This event aims to raise funds for the Silent Spring Institute, the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition, and The Cancer Center at Harrington Hospital to combat breast cancer, support cancer research and help local cancer patients with financial hardship.
The Festival of {Giving} Trees, which showcases over 100 beautifully decorated trees, takes place every December and has donated over $800,000 to these causes over the past twenty-five years.
Race Day Schedule & Location
- Registration on Race Day: Will begin at 7:00 AM with a 3.1-mile race starting at 8:00 AM
- GPS address: Sturbridge Town Common- 278 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566
- Race T-shirts and finisher medals are guaranteed to all participants registered by July 1st, 2023.
- Parking is available at several parking lots within a short walk of the Sturbridge Town Common
- Awards to: Overall Female & Male Winners, 1st Sturbridge/Fiskdale Resident & Age group Awards
- For our virtual Tree.1 participants there is no specific location, just run, walk, jog or treadmill from wherever you are!! Do it between June 15th and July 15th! It’s your 5k - do it at your pace. So grab your family and friends and sign up and start your 5K. We will mail you your t-shirt and finisher medal!! Dates follow the guidelines below.
Fun and Festivities
Spectators and runners can enjoy many vendors on the common from 8:30 AM until 12 PM. More information to come!!
Registration
$35 late registration (after June 1) in person with a t-shirt & finisher medal - register by July 1st $30/$35 virtual race - same cost - will mail t-shirt, bib, and finisher medal
Day of registration: $35 for all, with t-shirts available only while the supply lasts, and a finisher medal.
VISIT THIS LINK TO REGISTER AND FOR MORE INFO
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Touch A Truck
Sunday, July 16, 2023, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Brookfield Orchards
12 Lincoln Road, North Brookfield, MA
We are so happy to announce that the North Brookfield Fire Dept. will be hosting another Touch A Truck Event for the whole family! We are also excited to announce that along with meeting and learning about the Firemen, equipment and vehicles that they use, we are also bringing in a DUNK TANK!
The DUNK TANK will be the newest addition to this event and all proceeds will go to the NBFD FIREMAN'S RELIEF FUND.
This is a great way to help raise some money for our First Responders. So come prepared to DUNK A FIREMAN!!! There will be tons to do with the kids and tons of safety information for the whole family!
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NOW OPEN! Hexmark Tavern at Salem Cross Inn
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ANNOUNCEMENT! You asked, we listened.
We’re super excited to announce the Hexmark Tavern reopened this Thursday!
The tavern will be open on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 - 8 pm.
We will feature blackboard specials in addition to our regular menu.
Join us for a beverage and tasty treats! We can’t wait to meet you at the bar!
Call 508-867-2345 for reservations.
Our hours are Thursday through Saturday 4 – 8 and Sunday Noon – 5pm.
508-867-2345
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Executive Committee
Cynthia Saucier, Chair
Country Bank
Christina Hadis-Blackwell, First Vice Chair
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
Emily Klamm
Old Sturbridge Village
Anthony Marini
bankHometown
Geraldo Maldonado
Quinsigamond Community College
Trevor Nielsen
Edward Jones
Michael Wales
Michael L. Wales Painting Company
Hadley Zabinski
Paw Plaza
James Donahue
Old Sturbridge Village
Honorary Board Member
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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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