Welcome to February's Crossroads Events!

We are halfway through February inching towards spring a few minutes of daylight at a time! We hope you will stop by the Grand Opening of Pickleball U TOMMOROW! We cut the official ribbon at 2:00 and the festivities continue until 8:00pm. You've got to see the work that has gone into this amazing facility in the Sturbridge Plaza. More details on this special event are below. We also recap our Annual Meeting, offer a new date for this month's Fun at Five, and highlight fabulous February events from our Members and friends in this issue.

CROSSROADS is our Members' platform to share their latest news with over 1,000 fellow Chamber Members and subscribers in our community. Help us fill up our 2024 Events calendar with your happenings and keep us posted by emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in CROSSROADS. NEXT ISSUE: MARCH 1, 2024

CHAMBER OFFICE INFO

The office is OPEN Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

The office will be CLOSED on Monday, February 19 for President's Day.

No appointment is necessary. Give us a ring at 508-347-2761 to be sure we are here.

CMS CHAMBER OFFICE, 1A RIVER ROAD, STURBRIDGE

You're Invited to a Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Celebration!

Sturbridge Plaza, 178 Main Street, Suite C, Sturbridge, MA

pickleballu.com

Friday, February 16, 2024 at 2:00PM

The Chamber of Central Mass South invites the community to join in as it welcomes its newest member business, PickleballU, to Sturbridge with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony followed by a Grand Opening celebration on Friday, February 16 at 2:00pm.



PickleballU is a state-of-the-art 19,000-square-foot, indoor facility located at 178 Main Street in the Sturbridge Plaza which offers 6 regulation pickleball courts, a players’ lounge and fully stocked pro shop, year-round memberships, open play, league play, tournaments, and intro clinics for all ages and skill levels. If you play or are curious to learn more about this incredibly popular sport, PickleballU is your local destination to get in the game!

The Chamber will present the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on February 16th at 2:00pm sharp and the open house will follow with tours of the facility, free pickleball play, giveaways, treats and a raffle for valuable prizes!



You could win box seats to a Red Sox game just for attending! Pickleball U will be raffling off two sets of 2 box seats with access to the Royal Rooters Club for Saturday, April 13th at 4:10pm vs the Los Angeles Angels. 

Come join us for “Free Play Friday.” Register at pickleballu.com to reserve your open play time and complete your waiver.

For more about PickleballU, visit pickleballu.com or email requests to [email protected].

All are welcome to attend the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

There is no cost and no need to RSVP.

JOIN US FOR NETWORKING!

Fun at Five!

Tuesday, February 27, 5:00-7:00pm

(Rescheduled from February 13)

Wellsworth Hotel

14 Mechanic Street, Southbridge, MA, 508-765-8000

www.wellsworthhotel.com

Refined, Renewed, and Refreshed – Welcome to the Wellsworth Hotel

After 23 wonderful years as Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center, we’re excited to showcase our new name: Wellsworth Hotel, a symbol of our commitment to innovation, excellence, and renewed vision. Wellsworth pays homage to American Optical Company, founded by George Wells more than 160 years ago in the very spot we're in now. Wellsworth Hotel today honors the legacy of its name with careful preservation of the

American Optical historic clock tower, façade, foyer, and elegant marble staircase.

For more information and our detailed history, head to the History page of our new website.

A variety of food selections from our menu will be served at Fun at Five.

Try a specialty drink or grab a cold craft brew from one of our 10 taps!

You could win:

An Overnight Stay for Two including Breakfast at Wellsworth Hotel

just for attending Fun at Five!

Will you join us for FUN?

Register for Fun at Five by email or phone.

508-347-2761 

Cost is $12 for Members who register, $15 at the door, or $20 for non-Members.

Thank you to our February Fun at Five Sponsor!

Our Mission

Consistently deliver tools defined by unparalleled quality, usability, and craftsmanship,

ensuring exceptional value for our customers with every HYDE® product.

Hyde Tools, Inc.

A Hyde Group Company

54 Eastford Road, Southbridge, MA, 01550

Chamber of Central Mass South Annual Meeting Recap

We enjoyed a satisfying Publick House breakfast buffet in Paige Hall and some fascinating tales from the life and work of our guest speaker, Dr. Charles Steinberg, President of the Worcester Red Sox, at the Chamber's Annual Meeting held on Friday, February 9th. The best questions earned WooSox swag (see Hadley's chain in the photo at left). It was wonderful to see so many of our Members attend including our guests from Cornerstone Bank (group shot on the right). We extend our sincere gratitude to all who came out, Dr. Steinberg and his staff, and our gracious hosts at The Publick House.

bankHometown Raises $84,400 for Local Food Pantries

in 20th Annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors Drive

Oxford, Massachusetts, February 1, 2024 – Robert J. Morton, president and CEO of bankHometown, announced that the bank’s 20^th annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors fundraising drive raised $84,400 for local food pantries. This brings the total amount raised since the program’s inception to $415,400.

The annual appeal is part of bankHometown’s charitable giving program, The Giving Tree, which reflects the bank’s commitment to making a difference in the neighborhoods it serves. Throughout November, the bank invited customers, employees, and members of the community to donate at bankHometown branches. Up to $2,500 per donation was matched, dollar for dollar, by bankHometown and the total divided among food pantries in Massachusetts and Connecticut communities the bank serves.

Each of these pantries received $5,275:

Massachusetts Food Pantries:

Athol Salvation Army Food Pantry

Auburn Youth and Family Services Food Pantry

CARE Food Pantry, Clinton

Food Share, Southbridge, Charlton & Sturbridge

Friendly House Pantry, Worcester

Ginny’s Helping Hand, Inc., Leominster

Millbury Senior Center Food Pantry

Oxford Ecumenical Food Shelf

Sutton Senior Center Michael A. Chizy Food Pantry

St. John’s Food for the Poor, Worcester

St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, Webster

Connecticut Food Pantries:

Community Kitchens of Northeastern CT, Killingly

Daily Bread, Putnam

Friends of Assisi, Killingly

Project PIN Food Pantry, Moosup

Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group

“On behalf of bankHometown, I’d like to thank all those who generously donated to our Neighbors Helping Neighbors fundraiser to help fight food insecurity in our communities,” said Morton. “We’re pleased to host this annual appeal and that so much was raised to help families in need this holiday season.” 

In the Photo:

bankHometown’s Grove St., Worcester office Vice President, Branch Officer Isabelo Cruz Lopez (left) and Assistant Branch Manager Allysha Desrosiers (right) present a check for $5,275 to Trish Appert, executive director of Friendly House, one of 16 food pantries receiving donations from the bank’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors fundraising campaign to help address food insecurity.

About bankHometown

Founded in 1889, bankHometown is headquartered in Oxford, Massachusetts. We have $1.4 billion in assets and offer a complete line of consumer and business deposit and lending products and services through 16 branches located throughout Central Massachusetts and northeast Connecticut. We’re proud to fulfill our community banking mission—providing individualized financial support, a suite of comprehensive products and services, and smart banking technology—all to ensure our customers can unlock their potential and build a successful future.

Through our sponsorship and charitable giving program, The Giving Tree, bankHometown and the Hometown Bank Community Foundation support non-profit organizations and causes throughout Worcester and Windham Counties. In 2023 alone, The Giving Tree donated nearly $400,000 and over the last decade has donated more than $2.7 million. For more information, visit bankhometown.com.

Country Bank supports the EcoTarium

with a $25,000 Pledge

February 5, 2024 - Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts recently announced a $25,000 pledge to the EcoTarium. This pledge aims to support the development of a cutting-edge gallery for traveling exhibits and contribute to the establishment of the new Early Childhood Science Learning Center, showcasing the Bank’s commitment to education and community enrichment.

"The EcoTarium is deeply grateful for Country Bank’s generous gift to our Third Century Campaign which will build a new state-of-the-art gallery for traveling exhibits and develop an Early Childhood Science Learning Center for children up to age 6," stated EcoTarium President and CEO Noreen Johnson Smith. "These vital projects will ensure the Museum continues to offer transformative experiences that promote science literacy and learning about science and nature as we prepare the next generation of leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math."

To learn more about the EcoTarium, visit https://ecotarium.org.

Pictured, from left to right: EcoTarium President and CEO Noreen Johnson Smith, EcoTarium Chief Advancement Officer Debra Shear, EcoTarium Senior Manager of Philanthropic Engagement David Zeutas-Broer, and Country Bank Vice President of Community Relations, Jodie Gerulaitis.

About Country Bank

Country Bank is a full-service $1.8B financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts with 14 offices in Ware, Palmer, West Brookfield, Brimfield, Belchertown, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Leicester, Paxton, Charlton 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.  

February is National Pet Dental Health Month

NORTH BROOKFIELD, MA (February 8, 2024) – Second Chance Animal Services is highlighting the importance of pet dental health during National Pet Dental Health Month. With a commitment to helping pets live better lives, Second Chance encourages pet owners to prioritize their pet’s dental care.

Second Chance operates four Community Veterinary Hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester, each equipped to provide comprehensive dental care services for dogs and cats. Second Chance Medical Director Ashley Raymond is encouraging pet owners to take proactive steps in ensuring their pets' oral health.

“Dental health is a crucial aspect of overall pet well-being, neglecting it can lead to serious health issues,” says Dr. Raymond. Second Chance recommends the following tips for pet owners to maintain optimal dental health for their dogs and cats:

Regular Brushing: Brushing your pet's teeth regularly helps to prevent plaque buildup and maintain healthy gums. Use pet-friendly toothpaste and a soft brush designed for their size.

Dental Chews and Toys: Giving your pets dental chews or toys designed to reduce plaque and tartar can be an enjoyable way for pets to improve their oral health.

Balanced Diet: Feed your pets a balanced diet that supports dental health. Specialized dental diets and treats are available to promote good oral hygiene.

Routine Veterinary Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups for your pets. Professional cleanings or other dental services may be recommended to address any dental issues found.

Watch for Signs of Dental Issues: Be alert to signs of dental problems such as bad breath, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth, or bleeding gums. If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with a veterinarian promptly. Addressing dental issues can greatly improve your pet’s quality of life.

"We are passionate about the well-being of pets, and National Pet Dental Health Month provides a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of oral care for our furry companions," notes Dr. Raymond. "Our Community Veterinary Hospitals are here to support pet owners in maintaining their pets' dental health."

For more information on all the services and programs offered by Second Chance’s Community Veterinary Hospitals or to schedule an appointment, please visit secondchanceanimals.org/vetcare.

PHOTO: Five-year-old Otis came to Second Chance in need of dental surgery for a fractured tooth before he was ready to be adopted.

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 www.secondchanceanimals.org.

Follow Second Chance on Facebook: facebook.com/secondchanceanimals

Follow Second Chance on Twitter: @secondchanceas

Berkery Promoted to Assistant Branch Manager

OXFORD, MASSACHUSETTS, February 13, 2024 — Megan Berkery has been promoted to assistant branch manager of bankHometown’s Riverside Dr., Thompson office.

Berkery, of Killingly, CT, has four years of banking experience, and was previously senior personal banker of bankHometown’s Thompson office. She was hired in 2020 as a float personal banker. She is currently treasurer and a member of the Quinebaug Valley Regional Rotaract Club.

About bankHometown

Founded in 1889, bankHometown is headquartered in Oxford, Massachusetts. We have $1.4 billion in assets and offer a complete line of consumer and business deposit and lending products and services through 16 branches located throughout Central Massachusetts and northeast Connecticut. We’re proud to fulfill our community banking mission—providing individualized financial support, a suite of comprehensive products and services, and smart banking technology—all to ensure our customers can unlock their potential and build a successful future.

Dexter Factory Outlet | 44 River Street | Southbridge, MA 01550 | 800-343-6042

Fill Your February with Love:

of Crafting, Music, Cupcakes, and Magic at Hitchcock

BRIMFIELD – February can feel a bit like the Wednesday of the winter - with the magic of the holiday season feeling like a distant memory, and spring like the weekend that can’t get here soon enough. Don’t fret! Hitchcock has packed its calendar with healthy distractions to help you warm your spirit and weather the dreariness. Sign yourself up for some crafting, music lessons, cupcake decorating, or a magic show - and feel your spirit brighten.

February Vacation is fast-approaching and Hitchcock has offerings to keep kids busy! The week begins with daily morning programs for kids in grades K – 4. Let the kids embark on a journey of snowy fun and discovery! Our kids’ winter wonderland promises days filled with laughter, learning, fresh air, and hands-on fun. The program runs Tuesday through Friday from 9am to noon and is open to kids in all school districts.

That week Hitchcock is also offering cake decorating with Sue Gaulin of Let’s Cake Decorate on Wednesday evening, February 21 from 6 to 8 pm. Sue’s class invites participants to learn buttercream piping skills to create super cute cow cupcakes (pictured), using fondant to shape the nose, ears, and horns. All supplies are provided with use of the instructor’s decorating tools. Step-by-step instructions will be given. Each registration includes a box of six cupcakes (three vanilla and three chocolate). There will be extra cupcakes on hand for mishaps and snacking. A set of cupcakes can be shared under one registration. It’s a great class for a parent and child to do together!

Thursday, February 22 at 3pm is a Birdhouse Building workshop presented in partnership with Opacum Land Trust. This workshop welcomes participants to escape the winter doldrums and think spring as they ready a home for winged visitors. Pinecone bird feeders will be made as well. Registration is required and there is a $10 fee per house. This program was made possible with support from Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary.

The week closes out on Friday afternoon at 1:30pm with a laughter-filled comedy magic show that the entire family will enjoy with Fran Flynn, Magician Extraordinaire. Children and adults take part in the show as volunteers to help create the magic. Watch in amazement as a “live dove” and a “live rabbit” make magical appearances! The show is 45 minutes in duration. Each child receives a MAGIC WAND to take home!

Registration for all of these programs can be found at www. hitchcockacademy.org. You can also call 413-245-9977 for more information.

For those looking to explore their creativity we are offering two single evening workshops, Mosaics on Tuesday, February 13 from 6 to 9pm and a winter-themed Stained Glass on Tuesday, February 27 from 5 to 9pm. Did you know that on Tuesday mornings, Hitchcock has a Watercolor Art Group that meets to socialize, paint together, and offer one another feedback? This group comes together every Tuesday morning from 9am – 11:30. No registration is needed; simply show up to join in.

Physical exercise is a great way to beat the winter blues and we offer a wide variety of ongoing classes that include Yoga, UpBeat Barre, High Fitness, Judo, and Fencing - and for those too busy during the week, Saturday mornings we offer Pilates and Warrior Yoga. Music is also a great way to soothe the soul and what better way than to learn to play an instrument! Tuesday afternoon and evening is Piano with Anne Macon. Anne teaches beginning and intermediate level piano lessons for ages 6 - adult. She focuses on each student’s individual goals and interests in music while giving them the tools they need to progress, including reading music, music theory, and writing. She has been a pianist for over 25 years, has a BA in Music Composition and Theory, and has been playing in rock bands for over a decade.

Wednesday’s instructor Tony Valley offers lessons as early as 2pm until 8:30, and teaches Guitar, Bass, Uke, Banjo, Piano, or Vocal Technique for Beginner to advanced, ages 7 and up. Tony has been playing music since he was 14. He previously toured with bands throughout the Northeast and still performs as a stand-in for bands. You can find him out at many local performance venues on a solo gig or as a duo. Tony also owns and operates Tony V Entertainment and Tony’s Happy Valley Pizza Truck. He also hosts Triple Creek Open Mike at the Palmer Historical Society. Thursdays is Violin/Viola with Linda Day Newland. Linda enjoys teaching all ages and levels and offers a variety of musical styles to suit the interests of her students. Linda was a violinist in the Austin Symphony Orchestra for 22 years and teaches violin and viola to all ages and levels.

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.

February at Old Sturbridge Village Brings Maple Days

Sturbridge, M.A. – Old Sturbridge Village is open during the winter months with many seasonal programs and events each weekend with extended hours beginning Wednesday, February 21, right before the start of Maple Days!

Included with standard daytime admission on select dates in February and March guests can see the entire sugar-making process, from tapping the trees to “sugaring off,” and learn why maple sugar was more commonly used than maple syrup in early New England. Costumed historians will also cook period foods made with maple products and the tinner and cooper will make maple-related items. Maple Days are Friday through Sunday, February 23rd through March 17th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to reserve tickets online and in advance for their date of arrival. Tickets and more information can be found online: https://www.osv.org/event/maple-days/.

On Saturdays and Sundays during Maple Days, Ox & Yoke Café is offering a special Waffle Bar, featuring made-to-order waffles and a variety of scrumptious toppings to create your own delicious masterpiece! The Waffle Bar is open select days from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

French Canadian Weekend

Feb 17-18, Noon-8:00 pm

Rapscallion Pub, 3 Arnold Road, Sturbridge

Join Rapscallion for a French Canadian weekend celebration! We will have French Canadian food specials (meat pie, anyone?), live music, Caribou Juice, hot mulled wine, and tons of French Canadian heritage. Bring your French Canadian gear, paint your face Quebec blue (ok, this isn’t a requirement), and celebrate our heritage in style. Canada-eh!

LIVE MUSIC:

Saturday 4-8pm: Big Jon Short

Sunday 2-6pm: Livestock

SEE MORE: visitrapscallion.com/event/french-canadian-weekend/

The braising of meat and slow cooking with wine is most predominant in the Piedmont region of Italy. Often, the most common forms of braised meat are taken from a leg of veal or beef.

Over the years, Italian braised short ribs have evolved on this side of the world. Short ribs of beef are more readily found here rendering this popular dish and Italian-American favorite. In Italy and in the US, braising in Barolo wine is most common, but this dish can be made with any hearty red wine and recipes for this wonderful meal are abundant.

Join Chef Rico to see how he interprets the preparation of Italian braised short ribs and learn just how easy this amazing indulgence is to prepare at home. As usual, abundant appetizers and side dishes will accompany this popular Italian comfort food dinner.

This event is $52 per person, tax and gratuity are not included. Wine, beer, and cocktails are available from our bar at an extra cost. Make your reservations early as Cooking with Rico events often sell-out quickly. 508-347-2321.

Gateway Players Theatre: Death by Chocolate

February 23, 24 and March 1, 2, and 3

Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm Street, Southbridge, MA

Gateway Players Theatre of Southbridge presents “Death by Chocolate” by Paul Freed. Performances will be held on February 23 and 24 and March 1 and 2 at 7:30pm, and on March 3 at 2pm. All performances will be held at the Fellowship Hall of Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm Street in Southbridge. Parking is available on Elm Street, or in the parking deck behind the Southbridge Town Hall. 

This production will be directed by Mikey Dearn, and produced by Eric Hart. The February 24th performance will be a Dessert Theatre. Tickets are $25 and will include a variety of desserts and beverages served prior to the performance and during intermission. Tickets for the other performances are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors and youth under 18. Tickets may be reserved by calling Gateway at 508-764-4531. Online credit card ticket sales are available at: https://gateway-players.ticketleap.com/deathbychocolate Presented by permission through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. 

Synopsis: Members of the newly renovated Meadowbrook Health Resort are dropping like flies, including famed chef Edith Chiles! On the eve of the grand re-opening, this is not the best advertisement. It’s up to John Stone, the manager, to find the cause and the murderer. Delightfully sarcastic and cynical, Stone finds himself teaming up with Ed Parlor, mystery writer and amateur sleuth, in a wacky race against time. The clues point to a sinister box of chocolates, and the suspects include all the outlandish characters working for the resort. Could it be Lady Riverdale, owner of the resort and a woman with dark secrets? Or Ralph Deadwood, gym instructor and all-around cad? Dick Simmering, the aerobics instructor? Anne, the panic-stricken nurse? Or could it be “Sweet Pea” Meadowbrook, overweight and grieving daughter of the recently deceased founder of the resort? Death by Chocolate combines all the elements of classic murder mysteries with a scathing satire of today’s health crazes.

Tutti Quanti Wine Tasting

Tuesday, February 27th from 6:30pm-8:00pm

All Wine Tastings are from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Attendees will gain insights into the principles of pairing different wines with specific types of cuisine, creating a sensory journey that celebrates the nuances of both food and wine in a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Savor a carefully curated selection of our wines paired with our products.

Registration fee is $10 and can be purchased on EventBrite (see link below). No refunds.

Guests will receive a $5 voucher to be used for a store purchase and are able to shop for wine and food after the event.

See all upcoming tastings and register here: www.tuttiquantifoods.com/wine-tastings-events/

PLEASE NOTE: If you register for an event, we count on you seeing you there.

As you may expect, we prepare food and wine based on our registration numbers.

Please email Laurie if you need to cancel your registration.

Tutti Quanti, 538 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01518, 774.241.0476

Go Wild Game Dinner

Wednesday, February 28 at 6:30pm

The Barn at Wight Farm in Sturbridge, Mass. is pleased to present a six-course wild game dining experience created by Chefs Tony Pitts and Devin Senior. As an avid sportsman, Chef Tony Pitts is excited to team up with accomplished chef, Devin Senior to bring their culinary expertise together for this very special evening.

The cost for the wild game dinner is $75 per person and includes all game courses, dessert, and coffee. Tax and gratuity are not included. This special event is limited and likely to sell out quickly, so make your reservation today by calling The Barn at 774-241-8450.

Our Bright Future Hollywood Gala

Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 5:30 PM

Assumption University, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA

We are thrilled to extend a heartfelt invitation to you for a night of elegance, celebration, and philanthropy at the Our Bright Future 3rd Annual Hollywood Gala, taking place on March 2nd, 2024, at Assumption University. 

This glamorous event is not only a chance to revel in the glitz and glamour but, more importantly, an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of our community.

Whether you attend, sponsor a table, contribute to the event, donate a raffle or silent auction item, or make a direct donation, every form of support counts. Your generosity fuels our mission and brings us one step closer to finding a permanent home for Our Bright Future.

Read more, contribute, donate and/or register for the Gala here: ourbrightfutureinc.org/2024/01/12/hollywood-gala-2024/

Fireplace Feasts are SOLD OUT for the Season.

Check back for 2024-2025 season dates in September.

HOURS OF OPERATION

After Valentine's Day (starting 2/15) we will be open:

Thursday, Friday, & Saturday: 4pm - 8pm

Sunday: 12pm - 5pm

Call 508-867-2345 for reservations.

Visit the Facebook page for the latest updates.

www.salemcrossinn.com

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