The season of festivals and feasts has arrived! This issue of CROSSROADS is packed with entertaining, educational, tasty and very fun events presented by our Members and friends. We are also very excited to welcome GIDO'S Brick Oven Pizza & Ice Cream to Sturbridge. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony which will roll right into Fun at Five networking takes place at GIDO'S on Tuesday, September 26. We hope to see you there!

CROSSROADS is our Members' platform to share their latest news with over 1,000 fellow Chamber Members and subscribers in our community. If you events to share with our readers on our Events calendar and emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in CROSSROADS. NEXT ISSUE: SEPTEMBER 29, 2023

Fun at Five... and a Ribbon Cutting!

367 Main Street, Sturbridge, (508) 213-3229

It's official! Gido's Brick Oven Pizza & Ice Cream is OPEN in Sturbridge!

Register for the Fun at Five networking event by email or phone.

Making Your First Impressions Count. Branding. Design. Web.

Skane Marketing is a woman-owned company taking great pride in servicing businesses

across not only Massachusetts and New England but also throughout the US.

We would love to work with you too!

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].

SOUTHBRIDGE: The Harrington Auxiliary will hold its 31st annual Lucky Duck and Family Fun Day, in conjunction with Southbridge Business Partnership’s AutumnFest, on Saturday, September 16, 2023. The event takes place on the Southbridge Common beginning at 10 am. The Lucky Duck Pluck takes place at 2 pm.

Lucky Duck tickets will be available for purchase that day. One duck is $5; a “6-quack” is $25; a flock of 13 ducks is $50. Awards include $1,000, $500, $300, $200, and $100 for first, second, third, fourth and fifth prize, respectively. The drawing takes place at 2 pm; winners do not have to be present.

To purchase tickets now or for more information, please call the Hospital Volunteer office at 508-765-9771 ext. 6472.

The Auxiliary extends special thanks to our corporate sponsors for the Lucky Duck and Family Fun Day: B & M Excavating, Dudley, MA; Bank Hometown, Oxford, MA; Cornerstone Bank, Southbridge, MA; Country Bank, Ware, MA; IPG Photonics Corporation, Oxford, MA.; Long Subaru, Webster, MA.; Savers Bank, Southbridge, MA; and SCHOTT North America, Inc., Southbridge, MA.

Thanks to all generous supporters of the Lucky Duck event, the Auxiliary has been able to provide much-needed equipment, programs, and support for UMass Memorial Health Harrington. For example, the Auxiliary has conducted educational programs and projects that promote patient safety and has given new and/or updated equipment to several hospital departments.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 16, 2023, for the Harrington Auxiliary Lucky Duck and Family Fun Day.

The Harrington Auxiliary is proud to continue to fulfill its mission: “Neighbors Helping Neighbors Since 1932.”

Southbridge, Massachusetts, Aug. 17, 2023 – No Birthday Left Behind has partnered with the Center of Hope Foundation, Inc., to help children living in homeless shelters celebrate memorable birthdays.

Join the United Way for the Campaign Kickoff Dinner, which starts with cocktails and raffles at 5pm, dinner at 5:30pm-6:30pm followed by Pub Quiz. Meet the 2023 Campaign Chair, Alycia Dzik, as she announces this year's theme of Bridging the Gap. Building a bridge to the challenges facing families and individuals in the region, such as poverty, hunger, and lack of access to quality education and healthcare, how United Way is providing a hand up to create a more resilient community where everyone can thrive. Living United, we bridge the gap to a better life for families, friends, and neighbors for generations to come.

The Campaign Kickoff Dinner is followed by the Annual Pub Quiz! Join us for both dinner and trivia or pick just one.

or visit www.uwscm.org or call (508)765-5491

Second Annual Cocktails for Tails to Help Springfield Area Pets 

LONGMEADOW, MA (September 8, 2023) — Tickets are on sale for Second Chance Animal Services’ Second Annual Cocktails for Tails, a very special fundraiser to help pets in the Springfield area to live better lives. The event will take place on Thursday, October 5th from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at the Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. The intimate gathering of animal lovers will include live music, a silent auction and raffle and there will be hors d’oeuvres and a variety of food stations for all to enjoy. Funds raised will directly benefit programs that provide access to care at the nonprofit’s Mulberry Street Community Veterinary Hospital.

Lindsay Doray, Second Chance’s Chief Development Officer, is extending an invitation to area animal lovers to come celebrate Second Chance’s commitment to Springfield area pets and their families. “Since 2015, Springfield area pet owners have turned to Second Chance for help caring for their pets,” said Doray. “This is a critical time for pets in the Springfield community. Our services are in great demand as inflation and rising interest rates increase the pressure on the budgets of 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. Second Chance has three other hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, and Worcester.

Doray encourages area businesses to join in the evening’s festivities. “Consider donating an item, becoming a sponsor, or purchasing a block of tickets - perfect for thanking your team or enjoying a company night out while supporting a local charity. Your support will directly improve the lives of pets in our community.”

Live music for the event will be performed by John and Christina Cantalini and attendees will be taking home a swag bag sponsored in part by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Tickets are $65 per person and include passed hors d’oeuvres, a cheeseboard, and food stations. To purchase tickets or for more information on sponsorship opportunities, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org/cocktails. 

Second Chance Animal Services is a nonprofit animal welfare organization founded in 1999. Second Chance began as an animal shelter and grew to help more pets in need. Today Second Chance operates Community Veterinary Hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester providing access to the highest-quality veterinary care for all. Subsidized rates are provided to underserved communities to ensure access to care for all pets in need. Last year Second Chance helped over 44,000 pets live better lives through full-service veterinary care, spay/neuter services, adoption services, community & educational outreach programs, training, and a pet food pantry. For more information, visit Second Chance’s website at www.secondchanceanimals.org.

Follow Second Chance on Facebook:  facebook.com/secondchanceanimals

Follow Second Chance on Instagram: @secondchanceas/

Phantoms by Firelight Tickets Now on Sale to the Public

Sturbridge, M.A. – Tickets for Phantoms by Firelight at Old Sturbridge Village are on sale now to the general public, with early bird rates available through October 5! The Halloween event returns to Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) for 12 nights of haunted history and performances, Oct. 6–29, 2023. Tickets are currently available for all dates and times, but selling quickly. For more details on the event or to purchase tickets visit: www.osv.org/phantoms.

Phantoms by Firelight invites guests to explore the myths and folklore of Halloween while navigating the museum by firelight and bringing it to life with live performances. Throughout the Village guests will encounter amazing theatrics with an eerie edge, including acts of hand balancing, performances on the Cyr wheel, fire spinning, aerial acrobatics, and more mesmerizing spectacles than years past!

While the Village is lit by bonfires, water fires, torches, and candlelight, kids will delight in the return of Clues & Candy, a scavenger hunt-style experience around the grounds that offers safe and fun trick-or-treating for families. Guests can listen to ghost stories by the bonfire, wear a costume and enter to win the Spooky Selfie contest, play classic outdoor games like cornhole, or attempt stilt walking.

Phantoms by Firelight visitors can also:

·    Meet the author of A Guide to Haunted New England, Thomas D’Agostino on select nights.

For more details on the event or to purchase tickets visit: www.osv.org/phantoms.

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 29, 2023, according to race director Klaus Hachfeld. The family-friendly event offers two timed races, including a 5K Trail Run & Fun Walk, and a 1K Road Race.

Pre-registration is now available on the RaceWire website at https://racewire.com/register.php?id=13548

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, or to sign on as an event sponsor, email the race director at [email protected]. Or visit the Sturbridge Rotary Club website at https://sturbridgerotary.com.

WORCESTER, MA — To launch Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, the 2nd annual Police vs. Fire Baseball Classic, presented by Country Bank at Polar Park on Sunday, August 27, raised $15,750 for Why Me & Sherry’s House, a Worcester nonprofit that provides resources and support to children battling cancer and their families.

A beautiful summer day Sunday, August 27, drew a crowd of 115 vintage, classic and otherwise unique vehicle owners to the Harrington Auxiliary’s 14th annual Car and Motorcycle Show at Bogey’s Ice Cream Stand/Thompson Speedway in Thompson, CT.

The judges awarded trophies in several categories. The People’s Choice award was given to Jeff Bradway of Brimfield, MA and his 1965 Maroon Pontiac GTO. (pictured)

First Place GM award went to a yellow 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, owned by Donald Moran of Dayville, CT. Joe Maisano from Dudley, MA, received 2nd place for his 1967 Blue Pontiac GTO.

In the Ford category, Porter Elliot of Eastford, CT, captured 1st place with his 1932 Silver/Gray Ford. Second place went to a 1957 Ford Skyliner, owned by Bob Lauren of Woodstock, CT.

First Place in Open Class was awarded to Dave Borey of Southbridge, MA, and his 1941 Yellow Willy's. Quinebaug, CT’s Richard Bernier won Second Place in Open Class for his 1923 Chevrolet T Bucket.

First Place Mopar was awarded to Gary MacIntyre, Sr. of Douglas, MA, and his 1967 Yellow Dodge Dart. Sonny Johnson of Douglas MA, and his 1969 Black Plymouth Barracuda snagged Second Place Mopar.

In the motorcycle category, Dale Straube from Burrillville, RI, earned the top spot with his 1999 Honda Magna.

Curt Maiswo of West Boylston, MA, drove away with the Best Truck award for his 1951 Gray Ford Pick-Up.

During the event, the Harrington HOW van conducted health screenings and handed out educational materials.

The Auxiliary extends heartfelt thanks to all volunteers who helped make this event a success and is especially grateful to Pro Automotive and E. J. Stochaj Insurance Agency, Inc. who sponsored the show. Kudos to DJ Bruce Marshall of Valley Classic Hits 97.7 FM who added to the festivities with his musical choices.

Since 1932, the Harrington Auxiliary has supported the patients and community the UMass Harrington Health System serves, through hospital gift shop sales, fundraisers, and special events, such as the car show.

From left to right: Jodie Gerulaitis, VP Community Relations and Tim Garvin, President & CEO, United Way of Central MA

September 14, 2023 – Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, proudly supports the MA Farm Resiliency Fund. The Governor and Lt. Governor, in partnership with the community and the United Way of Central Massachusetts (UWCM), has established the MA Farm Resiliency Fund, to respond to the recent storm impact in Western and Central Massachusetts. This initiative aims to provide assistance to farms affected by the recent flooding and heavy rains that impacted an estimated 2,700 acres, across 100 farms, resulting in $15M in losses.

Country Bank is one of the most highly capitalized mutual savings banks (17%) 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 Insurances – 100% deposits are insured in full. A member of the SUM network. Country Bank can be reached at 800-322-8233 or online at countrybank.com.

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.

One more chance to experience these feasts this summer! Each feast is accompanied by a curated tasting of three different beers from our friends at Lost Towns Brewing.

Tickets are $75 per person and include sales tax and gratuity. Tickets can be purchased on our website or over the phone (508-867-2345). If you are unable to reach us by phone, please leave a message and a daytime callback number

Visit the Facebook page for the latest updates.

VISIT THE WEBPAGE FOR DETAILS!

We're celebrating 33 years of Walktober in 2023! Our many partners are helping to make this Walktober incredible and shine a light on this amazing National Heritage Corridor. We have wide-open spaces to explore with more than 280 walks, hikes, historic tales, paddles, bike rides, farm visits and more offered by dedicated and passionate Walktober leaders and the generous sponsors that make it happen. Thank you to them all!

You can also get your copy of the Walktober 2023 Guide at the NEW Visitor Information Center! (1A River Road, Sturbridge)

Visit online for the calendar of events and more information: thelastgreenvalley.org/explore/walktober/

Sturbridge, M.A. – Join Old Sturbridge Village for Craft Weekend highlighting a variety of New England crafts and trades from the early 19th century. The Village’s craftspeople will showcase their skills by creating more complicated or unique items that are not usually displayed at the Village.

Pottery highlights include loading of the pottery kiln and learning about the world of glaze chemistry. Visit with the potters and see them loading the kiln for the annual wood firing taking place the following weekend during Friend’s Day. The Pottery Shop at Old Sturbridge Village is one of the region’s few remaining original structures built for creating and firing redware pottery.

In addition there will be barrel firings in the Cooper Shop, the New England Lace Makers group will be visiting and demonstrating their talents, and there will be a new vignette on display in the Visitor Center of a household kitchen scene complete with handcrafted furniture, pottery, tinware, iron ware, cooperage, shoes, bookbinding, textiles, baskets, and more.

Craft weekend is sponsored by Savers Bank. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.osv.org/event/craft-weekend/.

Join Opacum Land Trust on Sunday, September 17th, 2023 for this spectacular scenic bike ride through several of our conservation properties in Brimfield, Sturbridge, Monson, and surrounding towns. Don’t miss Rapscallion Brewery’s after-party at Brimfield Winery complete with wine, craft beer, live music, games, and more!

You’re going to have a great day while supporting a great cause - proceeds from the ride will help Opacum Land Trust protect critical land, water, and wildlife, and provide outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Opacum Land Trust is a non-profit land conservation organization serving the south-central Massachusetts region. Our goal is to protect undeveloped land and open space for the benefit of the public and the protection of our environment.

More info and registration at: touropacum.org

Gateway Players Theatre announces Auditions for “Christmas Shorts”, written by Lucy Williams, will be held on Sunday. September 17th and Tuesday, September 19th from 6-8pm in Fellowship Hall of Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm Street in Southbridge, MA. Entrance is on Park Street (around corner).

The cast includes both youth roles (age 10 and older) and adult roles. Performance dates are December 1-3, with 2 performances on Saturday. Auditions to include cold readings from the script. Presented by permission through special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc. Directed by Pat Haddock, Assistant Director Stephen Jean and Producer Kathi Grenier. For questions about auditions call 508-764-4531.

Synopsis: There’s something for everyone in this one-act holiday delight made up of short scenes and monologues. You’ll find everything here, from kids writing letters to Santa, to the big guy getting ready for Christmas himself, to a bunch of elves who accidentally rip Santa’s gift bag at the last minute. (Don’t worry, Mrs. Claus can fix it!) There’s a sports segment featuring the 845th annual Reindeer Games and a holiday quiz show featuring Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Ghost of Christmas Future. A soap opera, As the North Pole Turns, a news segment from the North Pole News, and some Christmas-themed commercials round out this fun seasonal comedy.

Turin is Italy’s fourth largest city, though it is still largely under-visited compared to other Italian cities. This leaves room for the discovery of some unexpected culinary treasures.

Turin is surrounded by the Alps and tucked away in the country’s northwest corner. The foods grown and crafted there are still grounded in what’s fresh and seasonal. Foods unique to the region like rice, alpine cheeses, hazelnuts, and truffles, both black and white feature prominently on local menus.

Chef Rico is excited to dive into this lesser-known culinary corner of Italy and share his own take on this unique city in the Piedmont region. This event is $59 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.

Come celebrate Rapscallion’s Oktoberfest all weekend Friday-Sunday, September 22-24 at our Spencer Brewery & Taproom. Live music, Savage Wraps and Thai Place Food Trucks with Oktoberfest specials galore, and the release of our beloved MO-Fest beer and a limited release Pumpkin Ale!

Friday 6-9pm: Boogie Chillin’

Saturday 3-6pm: Carlos Odria Trio

Sunday at 3pm.

All you need is a mug of beer and a little arm strength!

Prizes for first place male and female winner.

Must be 21 or over.

106 Haynes Hill Rd, Brimfield, MA 01010

Apple Fest is everyone's favorite weekend at the farm. This year it's happening on September 23rd and 24th!

As always, there will be pick-your-own apples, wagon rides, live music, fresh cider, and delicious baked goods.

Find more info on Facebook or call (413) 245-3241

Join Wild Edible Plant expert and author of Wild Plants I Have Known...and Eaten, Russ Cohen, for this FREE event and learn all about the tasty plants you can forage in a young forest habitat. This is an educational walk, so no plant materials will be taken from the land. The walk will last about 2 hours and cover a distance of approximately 1 mile over terrain that is uneven and shrubby. Dress appropriately and check for ticks. PLEASE RSVP as space is limited for the walk (20 people).

When: September 26, 2023 from 4 PM to 6 PM

Where: Former "Sleepy Hollow" property, Wales Rd, Brimfield, MA

Cost: Free (RSVP required)

**An Important Note About Parking** – There is limited parking available at the property and this event will require parking at an alternate location and carpooling or bussing to the Sleepy Hollow property; we will notify the RSVP list of parking arrangements as the event approaches.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER: www.opacumlt.org/events/wild-edible-plants-walk-at-sleepy-hollow/

The Fourth Annual Sturbridge Herbfest is Saturday, September 30 on the Sturbridge Town Common. Join us for a day of herbal celebration including classes, a weed walk, yoga, crafts, food, vendors, drumming, and raffles! Buy your raffle tickets at the registration table.

Pre-registration is $15. Registration on the day of the event is $25. With your admission fee, you can choose from among fifteen (15) 50-minute herbal and other classes, attend the weed walk, participate in the yoga stretch, and the drumming.

Pre-paid and pre-ordered box lunches by Sturbridge Coffee House are available.

(See the brochure here for lunch options.)

Orders are due by Wednesday, September 27.

Order lunches at www.sturbridgeherbfest.com.

We are now taking vendor applications. $75 for a 10x10 space.

For more information call Salli, at Alternatives for Health, 508-347-2111.

For detailed information, visit our website: www.sturbridgeherbfest.com

Over 50 vendors, food trucks, Oakholm Brewery, live music and lots of activities for the kids!

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