The Chamber is thrilled to reveal this year's CMS Chamber Scholarship recipients in this issue of CROSSROADS! You are invited to network us this month at Enrico's Brick Oven Pizzeria in Sturbridge and please save the date for Tutti Quanti's Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on July 16 (they open to the public on July 9!). SAVE THE DATES for our Summer Clambake and the GOLF CLASSIC in August! Exciting details on all this, plus the latest news from our members to keep you in the know. We hope your summer is off to a wonderful start and wish you a fantastic Fourth!

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 upcoming offerings on our Events calendar and emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in CROSSROADS. NEXT ISSUE: JULY 15, 2022.

YOUR CHOICE: Lobster, Steak or Vegetarian Entrée

with

RESERVE NOW BY PHONE 508-347-2761 OR EMAIL [email protected]

SAVE THE DATE FOR

THE CHAMBER'S GOLF CLASSIC:

8:00 am   Registration

9:00 am Shotgun Start

2:30 pm   Dinner Reception

Tee box and Corporate sponsorships are being sought for the GOLF CLASSIC.

If you are interested or need more information, please contact Mike Checkosky at Cornerstone Bank 508-764-0012.

Enjoy a hot slice (or three!), a cold craft brew or cocktail while you mingle.

Register for Fun at Five by email or phone.

Providing New England home owners with the very best in exterior remodeling product’s, by a strongly branded company that prides themselves on longevity, quality, and experience. Producing a maintenance free lifestyle while creating an amazing start to completion experience for our customers while cultivating a work environment that promotes education, growth, and stability through teamwork. We are a values-driven company with our core belief system being centered around Integrity, respect, accountability, loyalty, structure, discipline, effort, and teamwork. Visit online or call for FREE QUOTE!

Tutti Quanti is an authentic Italian market in Sturbridge where you will find the highest quality imported and local artisan Italian products, and personal service. Find amazing oils, vinegars, cheese, olives, cured meats, pasta, desserts and so much more imported from Italy and local. Stop in to see what exceptional quality is all about!

Visit Tutti Quanti's website: www.tuttiquantifoods.com

Follow Tutti Quanti on Facebook and Instagram.

The Chamber has 6 box seat tickets available for the Worcester Red Sox game at Polar Park on Wednesday, August 17 at 12:15pm. FREE, FREE, FREE!

Our Promotions Committee is hard at work planning the schedule of Chamber happenings including FUN at FIVE networking events and the Chamber's GOLF CLASSIC. We are actively seeking businesses that would be interested in sponsoring these events.

Our event sponsors are given positive exposure and enthusiastic crowds that are eager to share the good word about your business with their friends, neighbors and business contacts!

If your company would be interested in being a sponsor for these upcoming events, or would like more information about sponsorship, please contact Alix at 508-347-2761 or email [email protected].

PHOTO: (L-R) Anjolina Fantaroni of Southbridge, Marguerite Rose MacKenzie of Charlton and Troy Phay of Sturbridge are the CMS Chamber Scholarships recipients. Congratulations and good luck to the Class of 2022!

Sturbridge, MA, June 27, 2022 - The Chamber of Central Mass South is excited to announce the winners of the Chamber Scholarships for 2022. This year, scholarships in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to three very deserving, local students upon successful completion of their first semester of college with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

“Offering scholarships to local students is one of the best and most rewarding aspects of our operations. Every year, we are introduced to outstanding young people in our community, and this year is no exception,” said Chamber Executive Director Alexandra McNitt. “All our applicants are terrific students and engaged in their school extra-curriculars. The differentiator we look for in our candidates is their level of engagement and contributions to the community beyond school. These three students really stood out in that regard.”

Anjolina Fantaroni is a Class of 2022 Graduate of Quaboag Regional High School. Described by her Guidance Department Chairperson as the “total package of school spirit,” Anjolina or “Anjo” served as President of Student Council, Senior Class President and National Honor Society Treasurer. An outstanding student with an impressive transcript, Anjolina was involved in all aspects of school including student government, theater, sports and band. Beyond her academic prowess and abundant leadership skills, Anjolina also works part-time at Sturbridge Coffee Roasters in Southbridge where she is a motivated and valued employee who will be greatly missed when she departs for college to pursue a major in Broadcast Journalism at Elon University this fall.

Marguerite Rose MacKenzie is a Class of 2022 Graduate of Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School. A dedicated scholar, an entrepreneur and award-winning equestrian, Marguerite is very involved with the Massachusetts 4-H Club, in which she held several officer positions, including becoming President for several years and receiving the prestigious 4-H Sportsmanship Award. Maggie Rose has her own business, Mother Cluckers, selling farm fresh cage free eggs. A studious young woman and National Honor Society member with a dedication to the care of animals, Marguerite will be attending the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where she has been accepted in the College of Natural Sciences as a Pre-Vet major.

Troy Phay is a Class of 2022 graduate of Tantasqua Regional High School. Troy is an enthusiastic, diligent and focused student who participates to the highest degree academically and contributes to both his school and his community. Trustworthy, mature and driven, Troy’s wide array of interests include sales and love of media. He gives his time freely to volunteer for Little League and at the Senior Center. Balancing his school work and social life while employed for the last two years as a produce clerk and cashier at Micknuck’s Fresh Marketplace in Sturbridge, Troy is well-known for his outgoing and friendly attitude, his infectious and frequent laugh, and his intellectual integrity and work ethic. With a career goal of becoming an Advertising/Marketing Executive, Troy will attend Marist College to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Communication with a concentration in Advertising this fall.

The Chamber and its members are truly gratified to be able to contribute to the ongoing education and success of these exceptional local scholars and offer them heartfelt congratulations and best wishes as they embark on their journeys into higher education. The Chamber of Central Mass South typically offers $1000 scholarships to local students each year. Monies are allocated from the Chamber’s Charities and Scholarship Fund which is supported by the annual ‘Your Chance to Be a Millionaire’ lottery scratch tickets raffle, the Drivin’ it Ho(l)me for Health and Education Car Show held in partnership with the Harrington Hospital Auxiliary, the Chamber’s Annual Golf Classic, as well as individual contributions from Chamber Members. Scholarship applications can be obtained at local high school guidance offices or online at the Chamber website. The annual deadline to apply is April 1.

Lindsay Doray Has Been Awarded the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Designation

Alexandria, VA – CFRE International has named Lindsay Doray as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Lindsay Doray, Chief Development Officer at Second Chance Animal Services joins over 7,500 professionals around the world who hold the CFRE designation.

For more information please visit www.cfre.org or call +1 703.820.5555

PHOTO: Lindsay Doray, Chief Development Officer, Second Chance Animal Services, East Brookfield, MA

Sturbridge, MA—The JHPL announces an upcoming art opportunity to show off your art skills…tiny art skills, that is. Starting June 29th, everyone ages 13+ are encouraged to stop by the library front desk to pick up a specially numbered kit containing a 3” x 3” canvas to enter the Joshua Hyde Public Library’s first ever Teeny Tiny Art Show. There are no boundaries to your imagination beyond the pocket sized canvas and a strict avoidance of mature themes (see details below). Use any medium you so desire and return your unsigned artwork to the Library’s front desk by July 22nd. Voting for Best In Show begins July 27th through August 8th and the winners for each age group will be awarded at the conclusion of our summer reading program on August 10th at 3pm.

June 17, 2022 – Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce its new brand position of "Country Bank – Made to Make a Difference". The new tagline was revealed by Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank at an all team meeting. Team members were given Difference Makers t-shirts and learned they would be building beds in partnership with the Mass Coalition for the Homeless and its Build a Bed Program. As a result, the Country Bank team made 55 beds to be distributed to children in Springfield and Worcester. 

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.

SOUTHBRIDGE, MA (June 24, 2022) – Second Chance Animal Services has expanded hours and services at their Southbridge Community Veterinary Hospital to help more pets. The hospital is now open five days a week with early morning appointments available and has begun offering surgical and dental procedures.

Pet owners can make an appointment for their pet by calling 774-318-1101. Reservations for the low-cost vaccine clinic held Wednesday mornings can be made online at www.secondchanceanimals.org/vaccine-clinics/.

PHOTO: Dr. Ashley Raymond reviews her next patient's records at Second Chance Southbridge Community Veterinary Hospital

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

WORCESTER, Mass. – Cornerstone Bank, a community bank with 10 locations throughout Central Massachusetts, has recently promoted Stacie Moulton to the role of vice president, compliance manager.

Cornerstone Bank was formed in 2017, born of a long history of supporting the community, and providing a strong foundation to help people and businesses thrive. Serving Worcester County, Massachusetts, Cornerstone Bank’s local presence and community-based banking model enables a unique ability to deliver outstanding service, with a personal touch. Cornerstone provides the highest level of service and expertise for individuals, businesses, and community organizations with branch locations throughout Central Massachusetts. Cornerstone works to connect customers with opportunities, through a broad range of deposit and loan products, and services. Built on Trust is not just a tagline, but also one of our guiding corporate values. Whether a business or personal partnership, Cornerstone stands on the foundation that relationships are built on trust. To learn about Cornerstone Bank’s personal and business banking offerings, please visit cornerstonebank.com or call 800-939-9103.

The Center of Hope Foundation is a local chapter of the Arc, a National and State organization that provides critical services to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Providing these services to families and individuals from 64 towns throughout Central Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut, we are growing and ask for your help. With rising demands on our funding and fewer resources to meet these needs, we hope you will join us for our 16th Annual Dick Hoyt Memorial Golf Tournament, Saturday, July 30, 2022, at 8:00 am at the Leicester Country Club in Leicester, MA. In doing so, you help fund programs which we receive no funding for such as Holiday Giving, Emergency Relief, Special Olympics, and our Food Pantry.

Register online today at www.thecenterofhope.org.

SOUTHBRIDGE: The Southbridge Garden Club recently awarded two $750 scholarships to high school seniors Brian Langevin and Alexandra Backhus.

The scholarship is awarded to a student majoring in horticulture, landscape design, conservation, forestry, environmental studies, land/soil management, or botany.

Langevin graduated from Tantasqua Regional High School and will be attending the University of Alabama this fall. He would like to major in civil and architectural engineering and create environmentally friendly structures. His goal is to focus on environmental protection, while utilizing natural resources in planning and design.

Also a Tantasqua Regional High School graduate, Backhus will be attending Central Connecticut State University in September. She plans to major in environmental science and biology with a focus on sustainability and efficiency to help extend the earth’s life.

Founded in 1953, the Southbridge Garden Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting horticulture in the community. Proceeds from the Southbridge Garden Club’s Greens Sale, which takes place at the Arts Center in Southbridge each December, and the Spring Plant Sale are used to support these scholarships.

For more information about the Southbridge Garden Club, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SouthbridgeGardenClub.

June 27, 2022 – Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, announced the recipient of the 2021 President's Platinum Award. The Bank's recognition program, "CB Shines", 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.

"Country Bank's team members contribute to the Bank's success in so many ways throughout the year, and we are delighted to celebrate their contributions. The 2021 President's Platinum award was presented to Tracey Wrzesien, Assistant Vice President, Retail Banking Officer. Tracey embodies the Bank's corporate values. In addition, her nominator recognized her contributions to the organization, customers, and coworkers. Our 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 and Country Bank for selecting me. I could not do what I do without my amazing team, the Retail Banking Leadership, and last but certainly not least, my customers. I am honored and humbled. I love what I do," stated Wrzesien.

Four Sturbridge businesses have been voted Business of the Year thanks to a recent survey sponsored by the Sturbridge Tourist Association (STA). These businesses were recognized at the June 21st Board of Selectman’s Meeting. Over 200 nominations were offered by voters who expressed their preferences on the new: “Experience Sturbridge.com” web site.

Voters selected their favorite businesses under the categories of :

•   Shopping: Businesses that sell goods to customers in town.

•   Eating: Businesses that prepare meals and/or drinks for patrons in town.

•   Staying: Businesses offering overnight stays.

•   Playing: Businesses offering patrons something fun to enjoy.

Eat   Whoopie-Doo & Cupcakes Too   www.whoopiedoocupcakes.com

Shop   The Bird Store N More   www.thebirdstoreandmore.com

Stay   Publick House   www.publickhouse.com

Play   Old Sturbridge Village   www.osv.org

The winning businesses were recognized at the June 21st meeting of the Sturbridge Board of Selectman.  Each business will receive:

•   A $1,000 grant to help each business with marketing costs

•   A 1 year membership to Discover Central Massachusetts

Holly Koslowski, the founder and owner of Whoopie-Do & Cupcakes stated: “It is very heart warming to receive the votes of so many and amazing to think that our business started in a garage like so many other famous businesses.” Brian Amedy, Chair of the Sturbridge Tourist Association commented, “The STA is pleased to sponsor this contest because it is fun, raises awareness for the importance of shopping locally and allows us to honor these hard working enterprises. We would like to thank all those who voted in this contest.”

Chris Tieri, Chief Marketing Officer at Old Sturbridge Village commented: “Old Sturbridge Village is honored to receive this great town award. We are forever grateful for the support of Sturbridge residents and town government and we look forward to providing some great programming for Summer 2022 and beyond!" Michael Harrington, Principal of the Publick House stated that “Publick House is honored to receive this award and we look forward to promoting Sturbridge.”

EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (JUNE 29, 2022) – Second Chance Animal Services will be holding a free community pet vaccine clinic at the Palmer Town Building on Friday, July 15th. Advance registration is required for your pet to receive rabies and/or distemper vaccinations free of charge. Second Chance will also be distributing free pet beds. 

Earlier this year, Second Chance was selected by Greater Good Charities, in partnership with BARK, Inc, to receive a large donation of dog beds to help enhance adoption efforts and temporary experiences for local pups. Approximately 500 beds will be distributed at the July 15th community clinic to help local pet owners care for their pets.   

The July 15th vaccine clinic and bed distribution will take place at the Palmer Town Building, 4417 Main Street. Bed distribution will be from 9 AM to 1 PM while supplies last and vaccines will be scheduled from 10 AM to 1 PM. Both are open to all pet owners in the region. To register for the vaccine clinic, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org/palmer/

PHOTO: Olivia gets comfy in her new pet bed.

Greater Good Charities is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that works to help people, pets, and the planet by mobilizing in response to need and amplifying the good. Greater Good Charities, with a 100/100 rating on Charity Navigator, and has provided more than $400 million in impact, including cash grants, in-kind supplies, and programmatic support, to over 5,000 charitable partners in 121 countries since 2007. To learn more about how Greater Good Charities is amplifying the good across the globe, please visit greatergood.org or follow Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok.

BARK is the world’s most dog-centric company, devoted to making dogs happy with the best products, services and content. BARK’s dog-obsessed team applies its unique, data-driven understanding of what makes each dog special to design playstyle-specific toys, wildly satisfying treats, personalized meal plans and supplements, and dog-first experiences that foster the health and happiness of dogs everywhere. Founded in 2012, BARK loyally serves dogs nationwide with themed toys and treats subscriptions, BarkBox and BARK Super Chewer; custom product collections through its retail partner network, which includes more than 33,000 stores across the U.S., including Target and Amazon; its high-quality, personalized nutrition and meal plans with BARK Eats; and health and wellness products that meet dogs’ needs with BARK Bright®. At BARK, we want to make dogs as happy as they make us because dogs and humans are better together. Sniff around at bark.co/ for more information.

Read the latest digital issue of Vocero Hispano on the News Posts Feed on the Chamber website. ISSUE 1684 - JULY 1 - Digital Version - Free For Members - Read Online

Reach the Hispanic Market directly with the #1 Statewide Hispanic Newspaper in Massachusetts. Email [email protected] to get started.

You'll also find webinars, online workshops and courses from Worcester Chamber, SCORE and MSBDC. Most are FREE! Got something going on? Please add your happenings, online or in-person, indoors or out, to our calendar or email Jack the pertinent info and we will share in the next CROSSROADS!

We appreciate our members! We've teamed up with the Bravehearts to offer you a sweet deal under the tent at their CRAFT BEER NIGHT on Thursday, July 14, 2022. Catch a game, try craft brews from regional breweries, hear great music, sample some awesome food, and take home a souvenir glass. This $75.00 value is underwritten by the Chamber with support from the Worcester Bravehearts because we want to say thank you for your membership! ALL FOR JUST $35.00!

SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. Since 1964, SCORE has provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs. Check out these upcoming FREE live webinars.

With 3.8 billion smartphone users across the planet and 95% of texts being opened within 3 minutes, it’s easy to see that text has taken over. Text is the only marketing channel with a 98% open rate. Yet only 12% of local businesses use text as a marketing tool. View this webinar to learn everything you need to know to get started using SMS messaging. LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Learn to mystify and amaze with Excel features and techniques you can use every day to work smarter and get more done.

Join Bryan Caplan, Speaker for Grow with Google, as he walks you through how to sell your products online.

View Previously Recorded SCORE Webinars Here.

July 20   How Can Small Businesses Win the War on Talent?

Visit the online calendar for more info and to register for these sessions and more.

COGGNO is the Chamber's 24/7 Training platform. Low cost and even free online courses are available for CMS Chamber Members.

WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE FITNESS: A fun full-body workout that is physically and mentally stimulating. This class builds strength, leans and tones the body, all while learning core self-defense movements and techniques. Flexibility, balance, and body awareness will also be gained. All levels are welcome and no prior experience is needed. Women will feel empowered, confident, and healthier. Tuesdays, 5:45 – 6:45pm July 5 to 26. $60.

GUITAR: Learn how to play your first song in 2 weeks or less! Acoustic and electric guitar lessons for beginner to advanced levels, ages 7 and up. Learn how to read tablature and get an introduction to music theory. You will also have the opportunity to try the different guitars before you buy one. Schedule your 30 minute lesson on Sundays between 12pm and 4pm or Wednesdays between 3:30pm and 8pm. $100 for 4 weekly sessions.

GROUP GUITAR: Learn the basics of the guitar and possibly your first song, time permitting. Group guitar lessons meet once a month starting July 9, 12pm – 2pm. $25 per lesson.

YOGA WITH SHARON: Hatha Yoga benefits are stress-relieving. Relax & rejuvenate with postures & guided meditation to restore the body. Bring a mat and wear comfortable clothing. All Levels welcome. Mondays, 7:15 - 8:30pm, July 11 to Aug 15. $65.

UPBEAT BARRE: UpBeat Barre combines moves from ballet, Pilates, yoga and muscular endurance based strength training to provide a low-impact, mind, body and high-energy program. UpBeat classes will tone, tighten and lengthen muscles, provide strength in everyday movement and bring confidence, coordination and an UpBeat attitude after every class. This barre class is all about music. The moves are choreographed to fun UpBeat music which is how this class differs from other Barre classes. Mondays, 6 – 7pm, July 11 to Aug 1. $50

HIGH FITNESS: The combination of aerobic and anaerobic training, complemented by active recovery tracks, makes this class an extremely effective and efficient form of training. Alternating bouts of high-intensity movement with moderate/active recovery means you avoid plateaus, and constantly challenge your body in a safe and effective way that works for YOU. HIGH Fitness is a ZERO equipment, full body workout that has been shown to improve overall endurance, stamina, strength, and cardiovascular health. More importantly, it yields extremely important mental health benefits. Beyond the workout, HIGH Fitness brings fun, fabulous music, and a community like no other – connection, support, and inclusion reap their own benefits on both the mind and body! Tuesdays 7 - 8pm, July 12 to Aug 2, $50.

CAKE DECORATING, DAISY THE COW THEME: Come and have fun and leave with a decorated cake while learning and/or practicing detailed decorating skills! All supplies are included, with use only of decorating tools and an apron during class. You bring home the decorated cake. No experience necessary. Step-by-Step Instructions by Instructor Sue from Let's Cake Decorate. Wednesday, July 20, 6 - 8pm. $68.

OUTDOOR YOGA: Breathe in the beauty of nature as we practice Yoga outside together, enhancing mindfulness, strength, flexibility, balance and well-being. Everyone (14 and up) is welcome in this all-levels class, no matter whether you have Yoga experience. Thursdays, 4 - 5pm. July 21 to Aug 18. $50.

FENCING: Fencing is a sport of combat that originally started as practice for dueling with swords. Since that time, it has grown into a modern sport while maintaining those virtues that made it great: honor, valor, and grace. Bring a water bottle, sneakers & comfortable clothing. Class will be held outside, weather permitting and indoors in inclement weather. Thursdays, 6:15 - 7:15pm, July 21 to Sept 8. $105.

WARRIOR YOGA: Warrior Yoga is an adventurous style of yoga for the advanced-beginner that incorporates a blend of slightly more intense Yoga poses mixed with some Martial Arts forms. This more athletic style of Yoga will take you through poses of power and strength with the transitions of flow. Thursdays, 5:15- 6:15pm, July 21 to Aug 11. $40.

K9 NOSEWORK: K9 NOSEWORK® is a sport open to all breeds of dogs and their people. Saturdays 9:30 -11:00am , July 23, 30, Aug 6, 13, 20 & 27, $152.  

PILATES: A world recognized exercise system of controlled movements. As a mat floor exercise, Pilates is said to improve flexibility, posture, balance and strength. Most importantly, Pilates targets the core muscles which are essential to lifelong health. Wednesdays, 6:45 - 7:45pm, July 27 to Aug 17, $40.

JUDO:  Judo, the gentle way, is an Olympic sport, intended to train the body and mind. It involves using holds and leverage to unbalance the opponent. DEVELOP - discipline - confidence - teamwork - fitness and have fun practicing martial arts with the Sen-I-Judo Club. All Ages Wednesdays & Fridays in July 4:30 to 6pm. Adults Only. Mondays & Fridays in July. 6 - 7:30pm. $75 per month plus $75 annual enrollment fee.

HITCHCOCK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Join us for an evening of great music on the Brimfield town common when the season kicks off on Wednesday, July 20 with a performance from The James Paul Band, a high energy, good time rock and roll band. On July 27, The Island Castaways Band, a Tropical Rock band that plays Jimmy Buffett and other summertime fun music! August 3: Time Stretchers playing the best of music from the 50’s to now, August 17: Raider Eddie and the Skeletones, an 8 piece R&B Band w/female vocals and August 24: Country Band Cobblestone Road will close out the series. All concerts are 6 – 8:00pm. Bring your blanket or chair. Food trucks will be on site. Check Hitchcockacademy.org or Facebook for any rain dates.

Sturbridge, July 2022– There are plenty of fun, free events planned at the Joshua Hyde Public Library for the month of July. As always, our events and links can be found on the library website at www.sturbridgelibrary.org. For more information, updates, links, and events, you can also call the Library directly at 508-347-2512, and/or follow the Library on Facebook and Instagram at @sturbridgelibrary.

Tuesday, July 5: BOOKS ON TOUR STORY TIME @ 10:45 AM. Join us for stories, songs, Take & Make craft & more! For children of all ages with caregiver. Drop-in. Today’s location: Town Common Gazebo Dam (rain location: library meeting room). Sponsored by the Friends of JHPL.

Wednesday, July 6: CRAFTERNOON FOR KIDS FROM 2-4 PM. Drop-in for a variety of fun crafts to create! Suitable for children ages 4+. Supplies are limited. Sponsored by the Friends of JHPL.

Thursday, July 7: CHALK THE WALK FROM 10 AM – 8 PM. Release your inner Van Gogh! Or Picasso! Or Banksy! Weather permitting.

Friday, July 8: BRUNCH BUNCH @ 10:45 AM. For students entering grades, 1, 2, & 3. Listen to “Magic on the Map: Let’s Moooove!” by C. Sheinmel and B. Turetsky while enjoying a snack that we provide along with activities. This is a series of 4 meetings; students should plan on attending the series. Registration is required. Sponsored by the Friends of JHPL.

Saturday, July 9: PLAYFUL ENGINEERS – TRAVELING MAKER SPACE WITH JAY MANKITA FROM 2 – 4 PM. Kids learn about basic forces and motion, connecting focused play with serious science. Registration required. Suitable for children ages 5+ with caregiver. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sturbridge.

Monday July 11: BROWN BAG BOOK CLUB FROM 11:15 AM. For students entering Grades 4, 5, & 6. We’ll be reading “The One Thing You’d Save” by Linda Sue Park. Read independently, discuss, create, and explore. Bring your own lunch. Pizza provided at the last meeting. This is a series of 4 meetings; students should plan on attending the series. Registration is required. Sponsored by the Friends of JHPL.

Tuesday, July 12: BOOKS ON TOUR STORY TIME @ 10:45 AM. Join us for stories, songs, Take & Make craft & more! For children of all ages with caregiver. Drop-in. Today’s location: Heins Farm Trail Dam (rain location: library meeting room). Sponsored by the Friends of JHPL.

Wednesday, July 13: CAMPFIRE SINGALONG WITH JULIE STEPANIK @ 11:00 AM. Enjoy lively ukulele music with Julie as she shares a variety of fun campfire songs! Bring your singing voice! On the Sturbridge Town Common; in library if rain. Registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of JHPL.

Thursday, July 14: CRAFTERNOON FOR KIDS FROM 6-8 PM. Drop-in for a variety of fun crafts to create! Suitable for children ages 4+. Supplies are limited. Sponsored by the Friends of JHPL.

Friday, July 15: BRUNCH BUNCH @ 10:45 AM. For students entering grades, 1, 2, & 3. Listen to “Magic on the Map: Let’s Moooove!” by C. Sheinmel and B. Turetsky while enjoying a snack that we provide along with activities. This is a series of 4 meetings; students should plan on attending the series. Registration is required. Sponsored by the Friends of JHPL.

Please note that some programs are weather-dependent and may have to be moved inside or canceled in the event of heavy rain. Visit the link for more details and tickets.

Bring a Chair and Enjoy the Music!

July 3 - Hang 5 Band sponsored by Southbridge Business Partnership

July 10 - 1974 sponsored by Savers Bank

July 17 - Marc Berger and Ride sponsored by United Lens

July 24 - The Island Castaways Band sponsored by Southbridge Credit Union

July 31 - Tequila Bonfire sponsored by Cornerstone Bank

For more information, call Southbridge Recreation: 508-764-6459

July 5 - Zydeco Connection - Mix of zydeco, waltzes, blues & boogie-woogie

July 12 - Beatles For Sale - Beatles tribute band

July 19 - Don't Tell Dan - Jazz & oldies

July 26 - The Wildcat O'Halloran Band - high energy blues

Relax and enjoy the 49th season of live music on the West Brookfield Town Common!

ALL concerts are from 7-9pm on Wednesday evenings. Bring chairs, blankets, picnics!

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets!

Escape the Pike welcomes you to accept their Table Top Games Challenge at the Sturbridge Concerts!

Check out the Table Top Challenge on Facebook here! 

July 7- Holdin' Back Band (Oldies, Classics), Sponsored by Sturbridge Cultural Council

July 14- New England Digital Accordion Orchestra (Big Band), Sponsored by Betterment Committee

July 21- Stomp N Holler (Country, "Feel-Good"), Sponsored by Cornerstone Bank

July 28- Dan Gabel and The Vaughn Monroe Orchestra (1940s Big Band), Sponsored by Lions Club and Rotary Club

Come celebrate Oil Day Friday, July 8th – Sunday, July 10th with food trucks, live-music, cannabis vendor pop-ups, educational live-demonstrations, and prizes with FREE admission!

Dispensary Store Hours: 10am - 8pm Friday & Saturday, 10am - 6pm Sunday

We look forward to you visiting us here at Mill Street!

Follow event details and schedule on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/1U97RmDIp

64 Mill Street, Southbridge, MA 01550 (508) 909-5880 www.greenmeadows.com

Scavenger Hunt & Picnic on the Common 

Sturbridge, MA — In continuation of the many celebrations of the Joshua Hyde Public Library’s 125th Anniversary, a 125th themed Scavenger Hunt is planned. Starting July 8th, you may pick up a copy of the scavenger hunt questions at the library front desk that will lead you on a hunt through time. If you are a history detective or just someone who wants to learn more about our town/library origins, then this exciting scavenger hunt is for YOU. All ages are encouraged to participate, but please note some items on the hunt require crossing main street. As such, we advise all minors to be accompanied by an adult.

The scavenger hunt will conclude on July 23rd between 12-3pm at the 125th Picnic on the Common; a culminating celebration of the Library’s one hundred and twenty-five years of service to our Sturbridge community. You won’t want to miss the celebration, or picking up your Scavenger Hunt victory souvenir. ALL are invited to attend the picnic celebration! No tickets are required. Show up ready to enjoy live music from Haphazard Jazz with your blanket and/or chairs with a lunch to enjoy on the grass. There will be lawn games, a food & ice cream truck, silent auction, button making with the Friends of JHPL, and a kid friendly “Touch a Truck” experience for everyone to partake in the fun.

For more information on the Scavenger Hunt & 125th Anniversary Picnic on the Common celebration, please visit our webpage at www.sturbridgelibrary.org, or call us at 508-347-2512. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram @sturbridgelibrary for updates and cancellations.

Pilgrims of all faiths, generations and cultures are invited to join our Celebration of the 135th Novena to St. Anne. A variety of speakers and music ministries will enhance our liturgies.

Our gift shop will be open for extended hours.

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