Welcome to October's Crossroads News!

Happy Fall! In this edition of CROSSROADS, we're excited to introduce our newest member, feature a fun Member2Member Discount, deliver the most up-to-date news from our Members, and illuminate the exciting seasonal events taking place in the first half of October and beyond. Don't miss Sturbridge Herbfest, the rescheduled Cruise for Critters, and The Overlook's Fall Festival all of which happen this weekend! Details on these and many more follow. Get ready to enjoy a fantastic time out there!

CROSSROADS is our Members' platform to share their latest news with over 1,000 fellow Chamber Members and subscribers in our community. If you events to share with our readers on our Events calendar and emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in CROSSROADS. NEXT ISSUE: OCTOBER 13, 2023

CHAMBER OFFICE INFO

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

The office will be CLOSED for Columbus Day, Monday, October 9th.

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

The 33rd Annual Harvest Festival

October 14 & 15, 2023

Sturbridge Town Common

The Annual Harvest Festival on the Sturbridge Town Common is a family fun tradition.

The event includes countless local crafters, artisans, specialty food vendors and farm fresh harvests.

CRAFTERS! LIVE MUSIC & MAGIC! SPECIALTY FOOD TRUCKS!

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

SATURDAY

10:00-12:45pm ERIN HARPE'S CBD (Country Blues Duo)

1:15-2:00pm Magic Show by AWESOME ROBB (followed by 2 hours of roving Magic)

2:30-5:00pm RAILROAD HOUSE

SUNDAY

11:30-12:15pm Magic Show by AWESOME ROBB (followed by 2 hours of roving Magic)

1:00-3:45pm NEVER SAY NEVER

FOOD TRUCKS LINEUP (Both days)

FRY'D GUYS

JB'S MOBILE CAFE

THAI PLACE FOOD TRUCK

UNCLE E'S BBQ EXPRESS

MELISSA FLAHERTY CAKES

WE ARE SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO HELP OUT AT THE FESTIVAL.

IF YOU CAN LEND A FEW HOURS OF YOUR TIME, PLEASE CONTACT ALIX.

508-347-2761

ADMISSION IS FREE! PARKING IS FREE!

Festival hours are 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday.

Rain or Shine.

PRESENTED BY THE CHAMBER OF CENTRAL MASS SOUTH

WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: STURBRIDGE TOURIST ASSOCIATION

Welcome, New Chamber Member!

Join us as we welcome our newest Regional Partner through our affiliation

with the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce!

Chris Lauzon

Hospital for Behavioral Medicine

www.hospitalforbehavioralmedicine.com

100 Century Drive, Worcester, MA 01606-1244

Situated in Worcester County, Hospital for Behavioral Medicine is the newest mental health facility of its kind in the state of Massachusetts and is a joint venture between HBM and UMass Memorial Health Care. A short drive from the UMass Memorial Medical Center, HBM is designed to serve members of the community both near and far.

Ice Cream Helps Bring Back the Southbridge Spirit 

Thanks to UMass Memorial Health’s Anchor Mission

Southbridge, MA – 9/5/2023 – On 8/31/23 caregivers from UMass Memorial Health, along with Board Members of the Center of Hope Foundation gathered at Scoops of Hope, the Center of Hope’s newest business venture, an ice cream shop located at 54 Foster Street in Southbridge, MA. Smiles and sometimes ice cream mustaches were on everyone’s faces as they enjoyed the Scoops menu items.

Scoops of Hope serves homemade American-style ice cream which is made in small batches. The smaller the batch, the fresher the scoop. Every flavor served is made from scratch, with the exception of the toppings. Along with ice cream, Scoops has a delicious menu filled with hot dogs, grilled cheese, chili, salads, and more. As the business continues to grow, so does the menu. “I have never seen anyone take a hot dog and make it somewhat “healthy” by adding avocado and onions like on their Scoop Dog,” said customer Ryan Thompson, “It is the best hot dog I have ever had.”

Not only does Scoops serve one-of-a-kind ice cream and delicious menu items, but they also provide meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their shop is a space to share with friends. They foster a work environment where their employees are mentored, inspired, and encouraged to explore their talents and provide an inclusive, joyful customer experience while providing the community with delicious food and homemade ice cream.

“Every scoop of our homemade ice cream, dessert, and meals are created to bring joy and purpose to the lives of all involved,” said Kayla Krause, Director of Marketing and Sales at the Center of Hope.

Scoops of Hope was made possible by UMass Memorial Health’s Anchor Mission, a program that invests capital into the community through various non-profit projects. These projects align with the program's mission to give back and strengthen the community. By providing low-interest loans that are more flexible than banks, businesses can complete projects with less financial restrictions and risk at a faster rate.

It was 5 years ago that Harrington Hospital went through the process of deciding what their financial future would look like. Would they stay independent or be absorbed by UMass Memorial Health? It was the idea of Anchor Mission that helped seal the deal for this merger that happened just over 2 years ago. Ed Moore, President of UMass Memorial Health – Harrington, said, “One of the key ingredients to close the deal was the understanding and commitment from UMass Memorial for the Anchor Mission. It was a way that they could demonstrate to us and the board that have the fiduciary responsibility of what is best for the community, and that we could reinvest funds into the community. Unlike grants, these funds are investments that can continuously be reinvested and have very low-interest rates.”

Jessica Calcidise, Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of UMass Memorial Health – Harrington, and the Investment Pillar Chair for Anchor Mission, said, “Seeing what Scoops of Hope has done for the Southbridge community is attributed to Cindy Howard, who is so invested in the community and for the members the agency serves. Driving down Foster Street on a Friday afternoon, seeing families and children gathering out back, enjoying food, and playing games, is what I understand this community to be and what it once was. This new business has changed the community. I am so thrilled that the Anchor Mission can be part of that.”

“Scoops of Hope is one of the showcase projects for the mission.”, said Kate Behan, Senior Director of Clinical Affiliations and Anchor Mission Strategy at UMass Memorial Health, who has plans to travel the country and get more healthcare systems to invest back into their communities. Other Anchor Mission investments include the Finally Home Fund, Creative Hub Worcester, and Worcester Common Ground. “We are honored to be recipients of this low-interest loan and partnership with UMass Memorial Health. Our founder and former CEO, Jim Howard, always had the vision to open an ice cream shop here in downtown Southbridge. He knew it was what this town needed and thanks to Anchor Mission, this vision has become a reality.” Said Cindy Howard, CEO of the Center of Hope.

Krause said, “To help bring the “Southbridge Spirit” back, the Center is in the midst of planning some community events like Touch a Truck, Animal Adoption Day, and possibly even a car show. We look forward to being the place where families and friends gather to enjoy time together and hope to see you all there.”

To learn more about Scoops of Hope, Anchor Mission or the Center of Hope please visit www.scoopsofhope.com or call us at 508-764-4085.

bankHometown to Host Three Free Shred Days in Fall 2023

OXFORD, MASSACHUSETTS, September 19, 2023— bankHometown invites customers and members of the community to three free Shred Days at local offices. Events will be held on the following dates and at the following locations. No appointment is necessary.

Saturday, October 14: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.,* Leominster office, 9 Sack Blvd.

Saturday, October 28: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.,* Webster office, 4 Gore Rd.

Saturday, November 4: Noon to 2:00 p.m.,* Brooklyn, Conn., office, 13 Canterbury Rd.

*or until the truck is full

Local residents can reduce their risk of identity theft by bringing old mail, receipts, statements or bills, cancelled checks, pay stubs, medical records, or any other unwanted paper documents containing personal or confidential information and shredding them safely and securely for free. A professional document destruction company will be on site in the bank’s parking lot and can accept up to two boxes of documents per person.

About bankHometown

Founded in 1889, bankHometown is headquartered in Oxford, Massachusetts and has $1.3 billion in assets and 16 branches located throughout Central Massachusetts and northeast Connecticut. Through its 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 2022, The Giving Tree donated approximately $320,000 and over the last decade has donated more than $2.5 million. For more information, visit bankhometown.com.

bankHometown is a member of the Hometown Financial Group, a $4.5 billion mutual multi-bank holding company headquartered in Easthampton, Massachusetts, and the parent company of bankESB, bankHometown, and Abington Bank as well as Hometown Mortgage. For more information, visit bankHFG.com.

Dubrey, Culliton & Associates Addresses IRS Moratorium

on Employee Retention Credit Applications

Sturbridge, MA - Dubrey, Culliton & Associates (DCA) is committed to keeping local businesses informed about the recent Internal Revenue Service (IRS) developments regarding the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel has announced a moratorium on processing new ERC claims through the end of this year, aiming to protect businesses from aggressive marketing tactics and potential scams.

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC), also known as the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), is a refundable tax credit designed to support businesses that continued paying employees during the COVID-19 pandemic while their operations were fully or partially suspended due to government orders or experienced a significant decline in gross receipts during the eligibility periods.

Tom Dubrey, Principal at DCA, emphasized the importance of staying up-to-date with these changes, stating, "We've been closely monitoring the evolving ERC landscape since its initial offering. Our priority is to ensure that our clients receive accurate guidance and avoid applying for ineligible credits, preventing potential financial and criminal consequences."

DCA's track record of assisting clients in processing ERC applications instills confidence in their eligibility. "We are confident that the ERC applications we've handled meet IRS criteria," Dubrey added. "Every client we've worked with has the necessary documentation to support their claims."

The recent IRS announcement underscores growing concerns about improper ERC claims, prompting the moratorium to safeguard honest small businesses from fraudulent practices.

While the moratorium is in effect, the IRS will continue processing existing ERC claims, albeit at a slower pace due to intensified compliance reviews. Businesses can expect a standard processing time of up to 180 days, or longer if further review or audit is necessary.

Dubrey added, "The extended compliance review is essential to protect against fraud and ensure businesses avoid penalties or interest payments stemming from erroneous claims promoted by unscrupulous actors."

The IRS also plans to introduce initiatives to assist businesses affected by aggressive promoters. These initiatives include a repayment settlement program and a special withdrawal option for pending ERC claims.

As part of a broader compliance effort, the IRS is collaborating with the Justice Department to combat fraud within the ERC program. IRS auditors are scrutinizing ERC claims with the highest risk, while the IRS Criminal Investigation division actively seeks out fraudulent claims and promoters for potential prosecution.

In light of these developments, Dubrey encourages businesses to review IRS guidance to determine ERC eligibility. Additionally, businesses are urged to consult trusted tax professionals for accurate advice on navigating the complex ERC rules.

For more information on the Employee Retention Credit or any other tax-related matters, please contact Dubrey, Culliton & Associates.

About Dubrey, Culliton & Associates: Dubrey, Culliton & Associates is a reputable accounting and advisory firm located at 139 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA, dedicated to helping individuals and businesses achieve financial success. With a team of experienced professionals, DCA offers a wide range of services, including tax planning and compliance, audit and assurance, business consulting, and more. More information is available at dubreycpa.com.

Venture Community Services currently provides a diverse range of services for individuals confronting challenges, such as physical and intellectual disabilities, autism, brain injury, genetic syndromes, mental illness, and more. Our primary goal is to deliver individualized support through an extensive array of programs. Venture is committed to addressing the unique needs of the communities where we operate and reside. To achieve this, we are reaching out to local residents and businesses to seek your input regarding the services and programs you believe are essential in our community.



For instance, we're considering the following:

• Elder Services (housing, nutrition, recreation, etc.)
• Autism Supports for children / adults
• Support Groups, training sessions, and family education
• Community events catering to children and teenagers with intellectual disabilities, autism, and emotional needs
• Transitional services designed for individuals aged 18-22

If you have any suggestions or ideas that can help bridge service gaps within our local area, please don't hesitate to contact us via email at [email protected] / venturecs.org

North Brookfield Savings Bank, in partnership with the Community,

Continues the Fight Against Hunger with Annual Food Drive

 Annual Food Drive from October 1st through 31st at all NBSB Branches

NBSB Employees Joe Ribeiro and Tammy Gustafson present the North Brookfield Branch

food supply drive donations to Deb Arnold of First Congregational Church of North Brookfield.

North Brookfield, MA – As we say goodbye to Summer and the leaves start to turn, North Brookfield Savings Bank is gearing up for their Annual Food Drive fundraiser, offering the perfect chance to share some kindness, support the Community and help those in need during the season of giving.

North Brookfield Savings Bank's Food Drive fundraiser, held from October 1 through October 31, helps provide much-needed food items to local neighbors and families in need. For every item collected through the Community, North Brookfield Savings Bank will contribute $1, for a total of up to $3,000, to help fund the pantries' operations. The Bank's goal is to collect at least 3,500 items in total, but the Bank will be contributing monetarily and is issuing a challenge to the Community.

Community members are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items, paper goods, toiletries, or any monetary donations at any of NBSB's convenient branches anytime throughout the month of October, with the proceeds going directly to local food pantries.

Drop off locations:

• North Brookfield Branch: 9 Gilbert Street or 35 Summer Street
• East Brookfield: 100 West Main Street, Route 9
• West Brookfield Branch: 128 West Main Street, Route 9
• Ware Branch & Business Center: 40 Main Street, Route 9
• Belchertown Branch: 4 Daniel Shays Highway, Routes 9 & 202
• Three Rivers Branch: 2060 Main Street

Examples of non-perishable and non-food items that pantries can use are paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, diapers, and baby wipes; deodorant, soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste; dry and canned pasta and soups, canned meats, tuna, and salmon; peanut butter, jelly, tea bags, and ground coffee; canned vegetables and fruits, hot and cold cereals, rice, cake mixes, pancake mix, syrup, powdered milk, and granulated sugar; canned juices, baby food, baby formula, granola, and cereal bars.

"The unfortunate reality is that there are people who struggle with hunger close to home in our local communities. The Food Drive is a great opportunity for local community members and North Brookfield Savings Bank to work together to make a real difference in our communities by helping our neighbors," said North Brookfield Savings Bank Digital Marketing Strategist Nicole Syriac. "It is always heartwarming to see the kindness and generosity displayed through this drive by our communities, and we are so grateful for the contributions they make each year."

To learn more about North Brookfield Savings Bank's Community giving efforts and all of the convenient banking products and services offered, visit www.NorthBrookfieldSavingsBank.com.

ABOUT NORTH BROOKFIELD SAVINGS BANK

North Brookfield Savings Bank is a mutual savings bank with full-service branches in North Brookfield, East Brookfield, West Brookfield, Ware, Belchertown, and the Three Rivers Village of Palmer. NBSB offers a wide variety of deposit and loan products for individuals and businesses throughout Central and Western Massachusetts and has been a steadfast supporter of the communities it serves since 1854. All deposits are insured by the FDIC and the Depositors Insurance Fund. North Brookfield Savings Bank was voted Best Bank in Central Massachusetts for 2021 and was named “Community Icon” Among the Top Extraordinary Banks in the Nation in 2022 and 2023. For additional information, please call 1-866-711-6272 or visit us online at www.NorthBrookfieldSavingsBank.com.

Country Bank Recognized by The Boston Business Journal for its Charitable Giving

Ware, MA – September 20, 2023 – Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce that The Boston Business Journal has once again named Country Bank an honoree in its annual 2023 Corporate Citizenship Awards, recognizing the region's top corporate charitable contributors.

The Business Journal annually publishes this list to highlight companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities.

“It is with honor that we present our list of the Top Charitable Contributors in Massachusetts – companies who gave $100,000 or more to Mass.-based charities in 2022. Collectively, they gave $423 million in cash contributions – a true example of the business community coming together to help those in need. We are proud to celebrate these organizations who give both money and time to make our communities a stronger and better place for all.” said Boston Business Journal Market President and Publisher Carolyn Jones.

During this year's celebration on September 7, 2023, 100 companies qualified for the distinction by reporting at least $100,000 in cash contributions to Massachusetts-based charities last year, as noted above. This year’s honorees include companies from such industry sectors as financial and professional services, health care, technology, retail, and professional sports. 

Country Bank, ranked 44th, employs 220 staff members within Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties. The Bank’s team of Difference Makers actively promote the Bank's mission of making a difference in their communities by volunteering for various non-profits throughout the year.  

"We are honored to be recognized by the Boston Business Journal for Country Bank’s philanthropic efforts. As a community bank, it is our mission to help make a difference in the lives of others,” stated Paul Scully, President and CEO at Country Bank.

About Country Bank

Country Bank is one of the most highly capitalized mutual savings banks in the Commonwealth offering full-service consumer and commercial banking services. Country Bank serves Central and Western Massachusetts with 14 offices in Ware, Palmer, West Brookfield, Brimfield, Belchertown, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Leicester, Paxton, Charlton, Springfield and Worcester. Country Bank is a member of FDIC, DIF and the SUM network. Country Bank can be reached at 800-322-8233 or online at countrybank.com.

Looking to Make Money Before the Holidays?

Non-costumed positions supporting OSV's Food, Beverage, and Retail areas

Old Sturbridge Village is looking for seasonal food, beverage, and retail team members to work during Phantoms by Firelight

(Oct 6-29) and Christmas by Candlelight (Nov 24-Dec 30)! This is a great opportunity to earn extra money before the holidays.

Please help us spread the word! Learn more at www.osv.org/working-at-the-village/jobs-at-the-village

The Pumpkins are Here!

STURBRIDGE, MA – The Federated Church of Sturbridge & Fiskdale’s 6th Annual Pumpkin Patch is happening from Saturday, September 23, 2023 through Monday, October 30, filling the entire front lawn of the church at 8 Maple Street, Sturbridge with a wide array of pumpkins and gourds for sale, along with mums, hay bales, corn stalks, loose hay, and cookbooks – everything you need for your Halloween celebration.

The Pumpkin Patch will be open Sunday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weather permitting. The Patch accepts cash, credit cards, Venmo, and PayPal. A variety of special events and entertainment will be happening throughout the month of October. Regular updates will be available on the Church’s Facebook page @FederatedChurchSturbridgeFiskdale.

According to committee chair Tom Mapplebeck, “The annual Federated Church of Sturbridge & Fiskdale Pumpkin Patch made its first appearance in 2018 as a fundraiser that benefits church operations and numerous regional ministries. A significant benefit goes to the Navajo Nation in Farmington, New Mexico where Pumpkins USA employs more than 700 Native Americans during the harvest months of September and October, and a full-time off-season staff that is comprised of entirely Native Americans. This has a lasting impact on a region with 42% unemployment.”

For additional information about the Pumpkin Patch or other upcoming events, please visit the Church website at sturfed.org or contact the Church office at (774) 304-1021 or [email protected]. The Federated Church of Sturbridge & Fiskdale joyfully celebrates Christ’s presence and God’s grace in our lives. Members of the community are welcome and invited to join in worship on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am. 

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

33rd Annual Walktober

September 16 to November 5, 2023

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

You can also get your copy of the Walktober 2023 Guide at the NEW Visitor Information Center!

(1A River Road, Sturbridge)

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

WHAT: Fall fundraiser featuring a car show, Halloween Barktacular kids games, vendor fair, raffles to benefit animals in need at Second Chance Animal Services. Westview Farms Creamery fall festivities include corn maze and pumpkin picking.  Food and beverages including handmade ice cream are available at the creamery’s restaurant. Admission is free for spectators; dogs are welcome on leash – please NO retractable leads. $20 show car entry fee. Annual fundraiser is presented by Al Widlan’s Service Connection of Monson.

WHERE: Westview Farms Creamery, 109 East Hill Road, Monson 

WHEN: POSTPONED TO RAIN DATE: Saturday, September 30, 2023 - 10am-3pm

CONTACT:  Lindsay Doray, Second Chance Animal Services Chief Development Officer

                    508-414-2785. Email: [email protected]

Hometown Mortgage to Host a First-Time Homebuyer Workshop

EASTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS, September 22, 2023 — Hometown Mortgage is hosting a first-time homebuyer workshop on October 5 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Join our experienced lending professional Deborah O’Rourke (NMLS# 21486) in this certified course organized by NeighborWorks Housing Solutions. This workshop will help you qualify for special mortgage products, provide tips to improve your credit, and prepare you as you approach this important life decision.

This hybrid workshop (4 online hours and 4 class hours via ZOOM) is $45** per person or household, which is two (2) people. For more information and to register for this upcoming event, visit https://nhsmass.org/event/thursday-october-5th-first-time-homebuyer-class/.

About Hometown Mortgage

At Hometown Mortgage, we help potential borrowers unlock the right home financing solution for their unique needs. As a division of bankESB, a Hometown Financial Group company that also includes bankHometown and Abington Bank, we leverage our combined strength coupled with shared services and technology to work with homebuyers across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and neighboring states to make homebuying simple and stress-free. At the same time, our commitment to community banking and local roots mean we can focus on the unique needs of those who live and work in the communities we serve. For more information, visit HFGmortgage.com

Phantoms by Firelight at Old Sturbridge Village

Friday - Sunday, October 6th - 29th

A Halloween experience of epic—and eerie—proportions!

As the sun sets at Old Sturbridge Village this October, come see Phantoms by Firelight. Explore the myths and folklore of Halloween at the museum. Evening guests will see the Village in a darker, more eerie light. Adding to the experience is a mysterious troupe of performers who have taken over the Village with their captivating performances.

Visit the webpage for details and tickets. www.osv.org/event/phantoms-by-firelight/

My Son is Crazy, But Promising

Gateway Players Theatre of Southbridge presents “My Son is Crazy, But Promising” by Tim Kelly. Presented by permission through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. Performances will be held on October 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7:30pm & October 15 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 Lynn Boucher. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 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 gateway-players.ticketleap.com/my-son-is-crazy-but-promising

Early Forest Succession Walk at Sleepy Hollow - October 7, 2023 

Join Forester and Opacum Director Scott Gerrish to learn more about how a forest recovers from a tornado and about young forest ecology. Sleepy Hollow has a nice seasonal brook and diverse surrounding wetland and is a unique property in our region with great potential. Learn about what Opacum Land Trust has in store for this property too! The walk will last about 2 hours and cover a distance of approximately 1 mile over terrain that is uneven and shrubby. Dress appropriately and check for ticks. PLEASE RSVP as space is limited for the walk (20 people). 

When: October 7, 2023 at 9 AM 

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

Cost: Free (RSVP required) 

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

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER: www.opacumlt.org/events/early-forest-succession-walk-at-sleepy-hollow/

Celebrating the Harvest at Old Sturbridge Village

So much more to explore during a daytime visit in the fall.

New hours begin October 4.

Come celebrate the harvest season at Old Sturbridge Village! This time of year, early 19th-century New England farmers worked tirelessly to harvest corn, potatoes, apples, squash, and other produce from their fields. Families also put time into preserving the harvest by drying, pickling, and sugaring never knowing quite how long the winter would last. As the growing season winds down, come see our gardeners and farmers hard at work harvesting and preserving crops, putting fields and gardens to rest, and thinking ahead to the next growing season. For details and to purchase tickets visit: www.osv.org/event/celebrating-the-harvest-2/.

Fall Hours

Beginning October 4, Old Sturbridge Village will be open Wednesday– Sunday from 9:30 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. and then re-open at 4:30 p.m. for Phantoms by Firelight.

Select weekends throughout October standard daytime admission to the Village features:

19th-Century Agricultural Fair (October 7–9, 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.)

New England agriculture fairs began in the early 1800s and were held to exhibit and share new technologies, improved farming techniques, and show off their finest in livestock and harvest.

During this three-day weekend event, guests will see an “Exhibition of Domestic Manufacture” throughout the Village with craftspeople displaying handwoven cotton and woolens, knitted items such as stockings and shawls, and items from our trades shops such as tinware, pottery, brooms, baskets, and books! Also on display are the finest of the harvest including vegetables, fruits, butter, cheese, and other consumables.

See the work of our talented artists and explore the “fair” as part of standard daytime admission. Agricultural Fair Weekend is sponsored by UniBank. For tickets visit www.osv.org/event/agriculture-fair-weekend/.

Ox Weekend (October 14–15, 9:30 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.)

Oxen are domesticated cattle trained to work as draft animals. A “yoke” of oxen was often cheaper to buy than horses and that made them the farm machinery of the 1830s. Farmers used them to haul goods to town in wagons, haul lumber for building, and round the farm and to do the heavy work of plowing fields.

On this weekend the oxen team at Old Sturbridge Village will display their talents as they host visiting oxen teams from other farms and compete in plowing matches, obstacle courses, and parades. Guests can even try hand plowing with the oxen. All activities are part of standard daytime admission. To buy tickets go to https://www.osv.org/event/ox-weekend/.

Ox & Yoke Mercantile

Open 10:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays.

Extended hours at the Ox & Yoke Mercantile and Café begin in October for your holiday shopping! Stop by for seasonal gifts, home décor, and Village-made crafts and pottery. You can shop online for select items from our store at shop.osv.org Located outside the Visitor Center and right next to the parking lot, the Café offers tea, coffee, delicious soups, sandwiches, and delectable sweet treats and snacks. During these extended hours, guests can also enjoy wine and beer, pumpkin-flavored coffees, cookies, and more! It’s a great place to end your daytime visit or begin your evening at Phantoms by Firelight.

Brimfield's 15th Annual Auto Show

Brimfield Winery, 35 Main Street, Brimfield, MA

Auction Acres Presents: The Annual Brimfield Auto Show! Over 26 Categories, 81 Trophies! 3 Best in Show!

Inviting all antique cars, muscle cars, Classic trucks, Street Rods, custom cruiser classic imports utility vehicles and antique fire apparatus. Car registration opens at 8 am $15.00 per vehicle. 

Admission for $5, Free for seniors and children under 13 (and military & veterans)

Register your slick ride at: brimfieldwinery.com/brimfield-auto-show

email questions: [email protected]

The 44th Apple Country Fair

October 7, 2023

Brookfield Town Common

Showcasing the work of more than 70 local crafters, the 44th Apple Country Fair will be held on the Brookfield Town Common, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Fair also will feature live music, children’s games, baked goods, raffles and an apple pie contest — all to benefit the Brookfield Community Club, a charitable organization that makes grants to enrich community life.

The Brookfield Community Club has been organizing the Apple Country Fair since 1979. The money raised at the Apple Country Fair has helped pay transportation costs for the Brookfield Elementary School's sixth grade class to attend a environmental program at Camp Bournedale on Cape Cod and generated grant money for a number of community service projects, from the town's monthly newsletter, the Brookfield Citizen, to holiday programs for Brookfield seniors.

The fair is held outside on The Common rain or shine.

SEE MORE DETAILS ON THE APPLE COUNTRY FAIR WEBSITE.

Fall Fest at Foskett

Friday, October 13, 2023, 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Camp Foskett, 189 Daniels Road, Charlton, MA

Join us for a Spooktacular night featuring a not so scary movie, costume party, bobbing for apples, face painting, and so much more!

For more information please visit ymcaofcm.org or call 508-765-5466 ext. 7101

Opacum Woods Historic Stone Features - October 14, 2023 

Back by popular demand! Take a walk with a different perspective at Opacum Woods with Archaeologists Al Smith and Ed Hood to explore the historic farm site and intriguing stone features of this property. The walk is off-trail on uneven terrain, about a mile long, and will take about 3 hours. PLEASE RSVP as space is limited for the walk (20 people). Part of The Last Green Valley's Walktober Series. 

When: October 14, 2023 at 10 AM 

Where: The tour will depart from the trailhead at the end of Old Brook Circle, Google Map ref. 2-8 Old Brook Circle, Sturbridge, MA. Park at the end of the cul-de-sac. 

Cost: Free (RSVP required)

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER: www.opacumlt.org/events/opacum-woods-historic-stone-features-walk/

ROCKTOBER CONCERT! The Eagles Experience

October 14 @ 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Brimfield Winery

Featuring: The Eagles Experience – 6PM – 9Pm

Gates open 4 PM Warm up: Larry Simonetti 4:00 PM

Food Truck: Flippin the Bird BBQ -Come early for dinner!

Cost: Pre-Sale ONLY $35 per CAR LOAD! ON SALE NOW UNTIL SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8TH

ONSITE PRICE : $50 PER CAR LOAD

RAIN OR SHINE

THE EAGLES EXPERIENCE aims to be the most authentic tribute show to the Eagles available today. There are many great bands on the road that market themselves as a “Tribute to the Eagles” or a “Tribute to Eagles music”, but this does not make them an actual “TRIBUTE SHOW”. With a one-to-one lineup that reflects the Eagles during their heyday in the late 1970s, the members of THE EAGLES EXPERIENCE each emulate their respective “Eagle”, playing the correct instrument and singing the songs as sung by their protégé.

See more online, get your tickets! brimfieldwinery.com/event/rocktober-concert-the-eagles-experience/

Select Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from November through April.

Join us for a special dining event as the Innkeepers at the Salem Cross Inn announce their series of 1700's style feasts, prepared on the open hearth of a great fieldstone fireplace. Relax by the fire as dinner is prepared for you in colonial style. Stir the chowder as it bubbles in our cast iron cauldron over a crackling fire. See your prime rib, roasted 'to a turn,' as the only known authentic Roasting Jack still operating in America rotates slowly over a crackling fire of wild cherry logs. Beware the brimming bowl of freshly whipped cream - the perfect complement to New England's best apple pie. While your dinner is cooking to perfection, enjoy a horse drawn wagon or sleigh ride through the valley on the Inn's pristine 600 acres. Shake off the chill with warm mulled wine or cider upon your return. Browse our extensive collection of colonial and federal period American antiques. The Fireplace Feast makes a thoughtful and unique gift for special friends or deserving associates.

The Fireplace Feast is just one of our many dining events that provides an authentic colonial experience. At Salem Cross Inn, we capture the history and culture of 1700's America. Salem Cross Inn's dining events, excellent cuisine, and atmosphere have been featured on Food Network's "The Best Of," WCVB TV5 Boston's "Chronicle" and chosen as the "Hidden Jewel" by Boston's Phantom Gourmet and WGBY. SEE MORE DETAILS AND GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!



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Main Dining Room Hours:

Thursday, Friday & Saturday 4-8, Sunday Noon – 5pm

508-867-2345

www.salemcrossinn.com