Crossroads News banner
Welcome to February's Crossroads News!
In this issue, we recap our Evening with Steven the Medium, share our Members’ latest news and preview fun events coming this month, including great concerts at The Barn at Wight Farm, a Guest Bartender Night at Enrico’s, French Canadian Weekend at Rapscallion, as well as some lovely ideas for Valentine’s Day! 

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 15, 2023
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.
An Evening with Steven the Medium

The Chamber and over 100 guests enjoyed a spirited evening with Steven F. Macek—better known as Steven the Medium—in the Winthrop Room at The Barn at Wight Farm on Thursday, January 19. A nationally renowned medium who has been developing a connection to Spirit for the past ten years, Steven truly astounded the audience as he connected attendees to the spirit world through live readings and messages from loved ones who have passed to the other side.
The Chamber is most grateful to our hosts at The Barn at Wight Farm and our event sponsor, The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home in Southbridge for making this special evening possible. 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.
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 alexandra_mcnitt@cmschamber.org.
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.
Marketing Series
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.
Contact us with any questions or to get started.
Would you be interested in serving on the Chamber's Board of Directors?
 
We are currently accepting letters of interest from Members in good standing who would be interested in serving on the Chamber's Board of Directors.
 
Service on the Board is typically a three-year term though we do have four vacancies with a shorter commitment. This is an excellent opportunity for members to build leadership skills in their employees.
 
The Chamber's Board of Directors is responsible for the Chamber's governance, ensuring its financial stability, setting policies, and assisting the Chamber in carrying out its mission and objectives.
 
Board members must regularly attend and actively participate in scheduled Board meetings, hold a seat on at least one Chamber committee, demonstrate public support for the Chamber, volunteer and assist in recruiting new Members, act as ambassadors and advocates, and lend their expertise in support of the Chamber's mission and objectives.
 
If you would like to serve, please send a letter of interest to Alix.
 
Mailing Address:
Alexandra McNitt
Chamber of Central Mass South
46 Hall Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
 
Feel free to call if you have further questions. 508-347-2761.
FEATURED MEMBER2MEMBER DISCOUNT

800-SEE-1830

$3 off Adult daytime admission for Chamber members.
OSV offers free admission to Sturbridge residents, so the $3 off would be for Chamber members who are not Sturbridge residents. Please show proof of employment upon checking in at the Visitor Center and mention the Member2Member discount.

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!
Please VERIFY Your M2M Offer for 2023!
Do you have an offer in our Member2Member Discount Program?

We emailed all who have current offers in the Chamber's Member2Member Discount Program on January 12, 2023 asking that you please check your offer and confirm that you would like to keep it going through 2023.

Confirm your offer TODAY and we'll feature it in an upcoming issue of Crossroads.
M2M Offers are here. Email us to confirm yours. Log in to the Chamber site to add a NEW offer!
THANK YOU to those who have responded!!
APPLY TODAY! 2023 CMS Chamber Scholarships
Deadline for Applications is April 1.

The Chamber of Central Mass South typically awards three $1000 scholarships and makes charitable contributions on behalf of the business community to roughly a dozen local non-profits each year. Scholarships are disbursed directly to the student upon presentation of grades from their first semester completed after the award is announced and a minimum 3.0 GPA attained.

Students must be a resident or student within the towns served by the Chamber of Central Mass South. (Southbridge, Sturbridge, Charlton, Spencer, the Brookfields, Warren, Wales, Holland and Brimfield.) For more information call 508-347-2761.

The Chamber does not discriminate against an applicant because of race, color, sex/gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or homelessness.

Please return the completed application, transcript, recommendations and student essay by April 1, 2023 to:
Scholarship Committee
Chamber of Central Mass South
46 Hall Road
Sturbridge, MA, 01566


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!
Second Chance Performs 70,000th Spay/Neuter 
Low-Cost Program Help Keep Pets Healthier
 
NORTH BROOKFIELD, MA (January 17, 2023) – Second Chance Animal Services is proud to announce that last month they performed their 70,000th low-cost spay and neuter surgery. This milestone is a significant achievement in the organization's mission to reduce pet overpopulation and improve the welfare of animals in the community.
 
Spaying and neutering pets not only helps to control the population of stray and unwanted animals, but it also has numerous health benefits for the pets themselves. These procedures can prevent certain cancers and other serious health issues and can also improve pets' behavior by reducing aggression and roaming.
 
Second Chance is dedicated to making these life-saving procedures accessible to all pet owners, regardless of their financial situation. The nonprofit began their low-cost spay and neuter program in 2005 at the East Brookfield shelter to help stem pet homelessness in the surrounding community. Today, hundreds of pets come to the nonprofit’s hospitals each month for spay and neuter services in state-of-the-art surgical suites made possible by grants and generous donors. The nonprofit offers low-cost spay and neuter services at the North Brookfield, Springfield, and Worcester Community Veterinary Hospitals.
 
"We are so proud of the impact that we have made through these 70,000 surgeries," said Sheryl Blancato, CEO and founder of Second Chance. "There is more work to be done. Our goal is to continue expanding our efforts to help as many pets as possible."
 
Blancato encourages all pet owners to spay and neuter their pets to help address the issue of pet overpopulation and improve their pet’s health. “Many of the emergency surgeries we see are female pets suffering from pyometra, a potentially deadly infection of the uterus. Routine spays and neuters can help protect pets from many life-threatening conditions including pyometra and testicular cancer.”
 
Pet owners who would like to take advantage of this program for their pet can visit www.secondchanceanimals.org and fill out a S.P.O.T application under the Vet Care tab.  
 
PHOTO: Dr. Cormier and vet tech Heather with two pups visiting Second Chance’s North Brookfield Community Veterinary Hospital.
 
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.
Follow Second Chance on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/secondchanceanimals
Follow Second Chance on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/secondchanceas
Landmark Legislation to Ensure Long-Term Stability of The Last Green Valley
President Joe Biden recently signed into law the National Heritage Area Act (S. 1942), continuing overwhelming bipartisan support of the National Heritage Area program. The Act ensures the National Park Service will continue working with The Last Green Valley and other national heritage areas for the next 15 years. It also allows each heritage area to receive National Park Service funds. While The Last Green Valley’s designation as a national heritage corridor has never been in question, The Last Green Valley, Inc.’s (TLGV) authorization to work with the National Park Service and receive funding was set to expire on September 30, 2023.
 
“The Last Green Valley, like heritage areas around the country, strengthens communities and embodies the best ideas in public-private partnerships,” said Lois Bruinooge, executive director of TLGV, the non-profited designated with oversight of The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. “With this long-term reauthorization, we can sharpen our focus to better promote and conserve our natural, historic and cultural resources for future generations to enjoy.”

The Congressional delegations of Massachusetts and Connecticut were instrumental in helping pass the National Heritage Area Act. TLGV is grateful to U.S. Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. U.S. Representatives Jim McGovern and Richard Neal of Massachusetts and Joe Courtney of Connecticut also played critical roles in ensuring the legislation was passed.

“The Last Green Valley is not only packed with natural beauty and rich history, but it also serves as an important economic driver for eastern Connecticut. Extending its authorization as a National Heritage Area and increasing federal funding will unlock new investment and ensure The Last Green Valley is protected for future generations,” said Senator Murphy.

“At the same time that demand for accessible open spaces is sky-high across the country right now, we were on the edge of losing critical federal support for one of eastern Connecticut’s most important natural preservation areas. Passage of the National Heritage Act gives The Last Green Valley the long-term reauthorization we’ve been pressing towards for over two years now,” said Congressman Courtney. “Families, classrooms, business outings, and lots of others have all been flocking to the trails and natural setting that places like The Last Green Valley have to offer. Heritage areas like these aren’t just great investments for keeping our land open and green, they also create jobs, establish travel destinations, and they’re a smart long-term investment. Connecticut knows that investments in our open spaces provide real dividends for taxpayers, and I’m proud that after years of working alongside Lois Bruinooge and her team at The Last Green Valley, as well as Senator Chris Murphy and our colleagues in the Connecticut Delegation, that we finally secured another 15 years of federal support for The Last Green Valley and for our region’s other National Heritage Areas.”

TLGV was one of 45 existing NHA stewarding organizations with authorizations set to sunset in the next two years. Reauthorization requires Congressional approval and, prior to this comprehensive legislation, was typically done through individual bills. The legislation also authorizes seven new national heritage areas.

President Ronald Reagan established National Heritage Areas in 1984 when he signed a bill that created the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Area. In 1994, The Last Green Valley became the fourth national heritage area designated. The region also changed the way heritage areas would be formed and managed, through grassroots efforts supported by local management entities. With the passage of the National Heritage Area Act there are now more than 60 NHAs across the United States. Rather than an enclosed park, as is typical of other programs administered by the National Park Service, NHAs are lived-in spaces that often span large geographic areas crossing multiple jurisdictions, including a total of 591 counties in 34 states.

The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor is the last stretch of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington, D.C. The Last Green Valley, Inc. is a member- supported, non-profit organization working for you in the National Heritage Corridor. Together we can care for, enjoy and pass on The Last Green Valley!
UMass Memorial Health – Harrington Welcomes Diana Immenhausen, D.O.
to Brimfield Family Medicine Practice

SOUTHBRIDGE, MA, January 25, 2023 – UMass Memorial Health – Harrington (UMHH) has welcomed Diana Immenhausen, D.O. to its Family Medicine practice located at 255 East Old Sturbridge Road in Brimfield, Massachusetts. To schedule an appointment, call 508-765-3145. 
 
Dr Immenhausen brings a decade of experience providing primary care for all ages. She is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians and is a member of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians as well as the American Osteopathic Association. 
 
Prior to joining UMMH physician services, Dr. Immenhausen served as attending physician at Stony Brook Family Medicine in Sag Harbor, New York. In addition to caring for patients there, she lectured to family medicine, internal medicine and transitional year residents, and mentored medical students and nurse practitioner students from the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University and the Stony Brook School of Nursing. 
 
Dr. Immenhausen earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania and completed a residency in Family Medicine at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital in Southampton, New York, where she went on to be elected Chief Resident. 
 
UMHH Family Medicine providers care for all ages, from birth through adulthood. They provide comprehensive primary care with a scope of services that ranges from well visits to acute care, in both the inpatient and outpatient environment. For more information, visit harringtonhospital.org
 
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
We're hiring!

Opacum Land Trust is looking for a Communications Assistant (part-time) as our projects and needs have grown over the last several years. This new position will help to expand the organization’s impact in our local communities. 
 
To view the position description and learn how to apply, visit:
 
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Please help us spread the word, and forward this info on to someone who would be interested!

Together, we are protecting land, water, and wildlife for current and future generations.
Second Chance Animal Services Receives $200,000 Grant from Petsmart Charities®
to Improve Accessible Veterinary Care
January 31, 2023— EAST BROOKFIELD, MA – Fifty million pets in the U.S. experience a lack of access to even basic veterinary care. Rising costs and other barriers mean these pets struggle to access services such as spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations, and critical medical and preventative care. With as many as 70% of households now including pets, this issue affects families in nearly every community.

PetSmart Charities has committed $100 million over the next five years toward improving access to veterinary care. The “Accelerator” low-cost veterinary care grant program is a key part of this effort. These grants support the expansion of low-cost veterinary care by funding growth and operations for up to four years for nonprofit clinics looking to expand their services, serve their communities better and inspire other veterinary providers by sharing their experiences. 

The grant made to Second Chance Animal Services in the amount of $200,000 will support the expansion of the nonprofit’s surgical center that provides lifesaving surgeries for animals. The anticipated impact on local pets and families includes saving the lives of more pets in need of urgent or emergency care who have nowhere else to turn.

“We are so grateful to PetSmart Charities for their continued support of our work to keep pets in their homes with the people they love,” said Sheryl Blancato, Second Chance CEO and founder. “Second Chance is a place that many turn to for lifesaving surgery to save their pet and to keep the pets with the families that love them.” Second Chance offers a two-tiered system of subsidized rates for pet owners at their four Community Veterinary Hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester. Pet owners who are 150% of the poverty level received a subsidized rate lower than Second Chance’s standard rates. Those that do not fit in this category pay the standard low-cost rate. This helps to ensure access to care for all pets. Second Chance was able to help over 44,000 pets in 2022.

Overwhelmingly, people consider their pets important members of the family. Pets make a significant impact in the health and wellness of the people they love. This grant will enable more families to get the preventative and standard care that ensures their pets thrive at home and stay out of shelters. 

“Our veterinary system is in crisis,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants and initiatives at PetSmart Charities. “Rising costs are putting standard veterinary care out of reach for as much as 50% of pet-owning families. We need innovative solutions that make veterinary care affordable for the families in every community who want the best for their four-legged companions but struggle to meet the cost of vet care. We’re inspired by the incredible work Second Chance is doing to create solutions that will build strong families and a healthy community.”

Blancato says she is heartened by the lifesaving stories her staff shares every day. “Blue is just one of the 44,000 pets we helped last year.  He came to our North Brookfield hospital for emergency surgery to remove bladder stones that were blocking his urethra. He was seen at another hospital, but the cost of an emergency cystotomy was out of reach. His owner turned to Second Chance for help and the surgical team was able to remove the stones and get him on the road to recovery.”

Second Chance has been leading the way in providing access to care for almost a decade. Our vet hospitals offer subsidized rates for those that qualify, so all pets can get the care they need. For more information on Second Chance Community Veterinary Hospitals, visit secondchanceanimals.org/vetcare.
 
PHOTO: Blue needed emergency surgery to remove bladder stones that were blocking his urethra.

About PetSmart Charities®
PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps up to 600,000 pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter and emergency relief. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart® stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $500 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for the past 18 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of rated charities. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.
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 advertising@vocerohispano.com to get started.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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. 
Reserved Seating Tickets can only be purchased on eventbrite.com.  
7 Bridges Road: A Tribute to the Eagles
Saturday, February 11, 2023, 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM
The Barn at Wight Farm

7 BRIDGES ROAD IS Back at The Barn! Is there a better way to spend a Saturday evening in February than with New England’s own 7 Bridges Road Band? Returning to The Barn at Wight Farm and performing in our new Winthrop Room, this acoustic tribute to the one and only Eagles is not to be missed. If you are even a little bit of an Eagles fan this show will have you singing along from the first song. This show sold out for their last 4 appearances at The Barn… so make sure you purchase your tickets early.

All shows are accompanied by a complete buffet meal including salad and rolls. A full cash bar is always available and decadent desserts can also be purchased at an additional charge. There are always several protein options to choose from. Vegetarian and
Gluten-Free options are available with advanced notice to our staff. Doors open at 5:30 pm, buffet begins at 6:00 pm, music starts at 7:30 pm.

Please visit thebarnatwightfarm.com or our Facebook page at facebook.com/thebarnatwightfarm to keep up to date on new shows or upcoming events.

You can also call The Barn at 774.241.8450 for questions or for more information.
Reserved Seating Tickets can only be purchased on eventbrite.com.
Looking for the perfect way to treat your special someone this Valentine's Day? Look no further!
Salem Cross Inn will be open for Valentine's Day dinner from 4 - 8 pm on Tuesday, February 14.
We will be serving our Dinner Menu from 4-8 pm on Tuesday, February 14 in addition to the specials below.

VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIALS 2023
Offered Tuesday – February 14th

Reservations can be made by calling 508-867-2345 during office hours, Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 2 pm. Please leave us a message and a daytime phone number if you are unable to reach us, and we will return your call as soon as we can.

FIREPLACE FEASTS: 2023 Tickets Are Still Available
ONLY 1 OPEN DATE LEFT IN MARCH!
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.

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

HOURS
OPEN THURSDAY - FRIDAY - SATURDAY: 4:00-8:00
SUNDAY: NOON TO 5:00
CALL 508-867-2345 FOR RESERVATIONS.
Visit the Facebook page for the latest updates.

508-867-2345
Guest Bartender Night at Enrico's to Benefit the United Way of South Central MA
Guest bartenders are being confirmed! Tantasqua teacher/coaches Toni Berthiaume and Laura McHugh. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alix McNitt, QCC Director Geraldo "Jerry" Maldonado, MBA , State Rep Peter Durant, Realtor and author Jen Jones, and more to be named!
"Live a Flourishing Life" in 2023!
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
  • Saturday, 2/18/23: 11:00 a.m.

French Canadian Weekend!
Rapscallion Pub Sturbridge
February 18 and 19, 11 AM – 8 PM

Join Rapscallion Pub for a French Canadian Weekend celebration! We will have French Canadian food specials, live music, Caribou Juice, a special French Canadian-style beer release, and lots of fun for the whole family! Photo opps with Bonhomme the Snowman!

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.

3-Day and 5-Day programs are available. Pre-registration is required for Discovery Adventure Programs. Learn more online at the OSV website.
Gateway Players: Youth Theatre Workshops!

Gateway Players Theatre is offering a variety of workshops for youths ages 8-16 featuring theater skills for up-and-coming actors. These workshops will introduce the concepts of improv, the art of physical comedy, character development, audition skills, memorization strategies and other general acting techniques.

Cost per workshop is $10 when paid in advance by mailing a check to Gateway Players PO Box 171 Southbridge or by Venmo to @lou-ellen-corkum. If paying at the door (space available) the cost will be $15.

Workshops will be held at: Elm Street Church 61 Elm St. Southbridge, Ma 01550
If you have any questions contact us at (508)764-4531 or lcorkum14@gmail.com

Sunday, February 26, 2-4pm - Physical Comedy with Nicole Portwood

People are funny because of how they ACT. Make-up and costuming can enhance that, but some of the funniest people of the stage and screen never relied on that. In this class we will learn ways we can use our bodies to perform slapstick humor and do it safely! It's all about timing, reaction and selling it! Much of what you learn in this class can be used for dramatic roles as well! Wear comfortable clothes!


SAVE THE DATE!
VILLAGE TOASTMASTERS OPEN HOUSE
March 16, 2023 at the Chamber office

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

You may also visit us at www.villagetoastmasters.org
24th Annual Second Chance Dinner Auction to Benefit Homeless Shelter Pets
Tickets are Now on Sale
EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (January 23, 2023) – Tickets are now on sale for Second Chance Animal Services’ 24th Annual Dinner Auction. The fundraiser will take place on Saturday, March 25th at the Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center and all proceeds will help homeless shelter pets get the veterinary care they need to begin their new lives. Animal lovers are invited to enjoy an evening of fun helping pets. As is tradition, the event begins with cocktails at 4pm with the opportunity to view and bid on all the great auction items and take a chance on raffle prizes. Dinner will be served at 6pm, followed by the auction.   
 
Chief Development Office Lindsay Doray said this year’s dinner auction is more important than ever and hopes supporters will come out to support pets. “Our dinner auction is our largest fundraising event of the year and helps provide the funds we need to provide our shelter pets with all the veterinary care they need. We know this year will be a challenging year for many and we want to be ready to help all the pets who come to us.”
 
This year, a selection of gift cards and small, easy-to-ship items donated for the auction will be available for advance online bidding in the week prior to the event, with advance bidding ending the evening before the event. “Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on many, many event-exclusive items and outbid any online bids until the auction closes,” according to Doray who encourages supporters to make plans to attend the popular event.
 
Second Chance is welcoming sponsors and item donations to help make the dinner auction a success. “Our local businesses are always amazing in their support of this event,” added Doray. “I love to see all the fabulous items when they arrive. You can really feel the love for animals here in our community.”
 
Second Chance is once again asking supporters to consider purchasing a local restaurant gift certificate for donation to the event - a special appeal they call Plates for Pets they started during the pandemic. According to Doray, “For many years, local restaurants have been staunch supporters. They were always the first to send a donation for our fundraising events. They are still struggling so we hope pet lovers who also want to support their local restaurants will consider joining Plates for Pets.” 
 
The annual dinner auction is Second Chance’s largest and most important fundraiser. This year’s event will help medically needy shelter pets get the care they need from vaccines to lifesaving surgeries. Second Chance takes in sick or injured pets that may be turned away from other shelters due to the cost of providing their veterinary care.
 
For anyone interested in sponsoring, donating an item, or attending the 24th Annual Dinner Auction, complete information and tickets can be found at www.secondchanceanimals.org/dinner-auction.
 
PHOTO: Husky is a six-and-half year-old cat who came to Second Chance in search of a new home when her owner could no longer keep her due to their own health. She is available for adoption. 

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


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




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
46 Hall Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Alexandra McNitt
Executive Director
Jack Starkey
Communications & Media