Welcome to March & Crossroads News!

In this issue, we recap the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of Pickleball U, welcome our newest Member, preview some fantastic events coming up this month including ideas for St. Patrick’s Day weekend and Easter, and share the latest news from our Members and friends. You can also download the 2024 Chamber Scholarship application from the article below. We will be NETWORKING at The Barn at Wight Farm on the evening of Tuesday, March 12th, right after we spring ahead into Daylight Savings Time. We hope to catch up with you there!

CROSSROADS is our Members' platform to share their latest news with over 1,000 fellow Chamber Members and subscribers in our community. If you have events to share in CROSSROADS, you can add them to our Events calendar anytime. Keep us informed of your latest news by emailing us your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in CROSSROADS. 

NEXT ISSUE: MARCH 15, 2024

CHAMBER OFFICE INFO

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

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

CMS CHAMBER OFFICE, 1A RIVER ROAD, STURBRIDGE

JOIN US FOR NETWORKING!

Fun at Five!

Tuesday, March 12, 5:00-7:00pm

420 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA

www.thebarnatwightfarm.com

The Barn at Wight Farm is the picture-perfect choice for a Barn wedding and reception. The Barn offers couples a rustic elegance that is unmatched in the area. Our three function rooms—The Barn, The Alpheus Room, and our newest addition, The Winthrop Room—are set on nearly four acres of manicured grounds in a colonial village setting which includes a patio, fire pit, and gazebo. Part of the award-winning Table 3 Restaurant Group, The Barn at Wight Farm brings barn weddings to a new level.

Call The Barn at 774-241-8450 to learn more.

Meet us there for networking, prizes, food, drinks and FUN on March 12!

Enjoy tasty treats, cocktails from The Barn's rustic bar, chances to win valuable drawing prizes, and the opportunity to mingle with local professionals in a casual and relaxed setting!

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.

PICKLEBALL U Ribbon Cutting Recap!

If you missed it, here are some shots from the February 16 Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of Pickleball U in the Sturbridge Plaza! At top-left, an expectant crowd takes in the speeches and presentation of the proclamations. Pickleball U General Manager Scott Sargent snips the official red ribbon (top-right). At bottom-left is a group shot of the friendly staff of Pickleball U welcoming their guests. Later folks got a chance to play the game in this beautifully appointed facility. All were quite impressed with the tremendous amount of work that has gone into making Pickleball U the local place to get in the game! Pickleball U will be officially open for play starting today, March 1!

Are you ready to play? Get a head start by clicking here to create an account and become a Pickleball U member today! [Thank you to Hadley Zabinski for these photos from the Grand Opening Celebration.]

Welcome, New CMS Chamber Members!

Join us as we welcome our newest Members to the Chamber of Central Mass South!

iHeartMedia

www.iheartmedia.com

96 Stereo Lane | Paxton, MA | 01612

Rebecca Burden, Senior Account Executive

(C) 508-769-4435

America’s #1 Audio Company

Reaching 9 out of 10 Americans Every Month

 Radio | Digital | Social | Podcasts | Influencers | Data | Events

2024 CMS Chamber Scholarships

APPLY TODAY!

Deadline for Applications is April 1.

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

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

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

Please return the completed application, transcript, recommendations and student essay by April 1, 2024 to:

Scholarship Committee

Chamber of Central Mass South

1A River Road

Sturbridge, MA, 01566

DOWNLOAD THE 2024 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION AS A PDF FILE.

Mark Your Calendar:

 Kids Free March and April at Old Sturbridge Village Starts This Week!

Sturbridge, M.A. – As the calendar approaches March, Old Sturbridge Village is gearing up to kick off its highly anticipated Kids Free March and April promotion, beginning March 1 and running through April 28, 2024. During this exciting offer, families and friends are invited to discover the rich past of 19th century New England, with complimentary admission for up to two children (aged 17 years or younger) with each adult standard full-price daytime admission ticket.

• Visitors can engage in the following immersive experiences:
• Interactive demonstrations, hands-on learning, and captivating conversations with costumed historians
• Meeting beloved heritage breed animals
• Being outside and exploring trails and pathways throughout the 200 acre museum campus
• Celebrating special events and programming such as Maple Days through March 17, Celtic Celebration on March 16 and 17, Women’s History Days March 23 and 30, and more. Check the calendar of events for full details.

Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance to save even more! In addition to Kids Free March and April, tickets purchased online include a $3.00 savings compared to tickets purchased at the door. For full details, restrictions, and to purchase tickets visit: https://www.osv.org/event/kids-free-march-april/.

The Kids Free promotion for March and April is applicable only to standard daytime admission only. Please note that this promotion does not apply to field trips.

Old Sturbridge Village is open in March Wednesday – Sunday from 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Beginning April 1, the Village is open Wednesday – Sunday from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For a full list of events, visit: https://www.osv.org/events-experiences/ 

Country Bank Supports its Communities with 2023 Donations Exceeding 1.2-million-dollars

February 16, 2024 – Country Bank, a full-service financial institution serving Central and Western Massachusetts, proudly reported more than 1.2 million in donations for 2023. The bank's philanthropic efforts supported local non-profits throughout its communities, with 463 organizations receiving grants in 2023.

In addition to financial support, Country Bank's team members dedicated their time and expertise to make a difference. They volunteered 1,255 hours of community service, demonstrating their commitment to giving back. Furthermore, 37 team members served on 65 non-profit boards and committees, actively contributing to the success of these organizations.

As a community bank, it recognizes the importance of supporting financial literacy; Country Bank held four Credit for Life Fairs for 1,500 High School Seniors to educate them on credit, budgeting, and how their decisions impact their financial wellness. Classes were also held at Christina's House and within various schools throughout the community. In partnership with Greenlight, the bank launched a debit card for kids to support parents in teaching children early on how to spend, share, and save. The bank also introduced a new program to support financial literacy, Money School, to support local schools with educational opportunities for in-classroom teachings for all ages, and an online financial educational program on the bank's website.

One of the highlights of Country Bank's philanthropic efforts in 2023 was its partnership with the Wonder Fund during the "Season of Difference" Campaign. This collaboration aimed to support kids and families in Central and Western MA's Department of Children and Families (DCF) system. By joining forces with the Wonder Fund, Country Bank demonstrated its commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families in the community with over $30,000 in support.

Some of the organizations receiving donations were The Ronald McDonald House, Christina's House, The YWCA, The Boys and Girls Clubs, Behavioral Health Network, The United Way, Salvation Army, The Food Bank of Western Mass, The Worcester County Food Bank, Be Like Brit, Juniper Outreach, Springfield Revitalize CDC, Friends of the Homeless, and 21 Senior Centers and 19 Food Pantries across the region.

Paul Scully, President and CEO of Country Bank, emphasized the bank's dedication to its communities. He stated, "As a community partner, we care deeply about the sustainability of our communities. We are honored to support many organizations through donations and volunteerism to help them with their work. Supporting and enriching our communities is not only a part of our mission; it's who we are as an organization, and we know that it makes a difference for so many."

To learn more about Money School and Community Support, visit www.countrybank.com

Second Chance Celebrates Heartwarming Adoption of Longest Shelter Resident, Houston

EAST BROOKFIELD, MA (February 26, 2024) – Second Chance Animal Services is thrilled to announce the long-awaited adoption of one of its most beloved residents, Houston, an 8-year-old lab mix who spent over a year in the shelter awaiting his forever home.

Second Chance was founded in 1999 with the idea that every pet deserves a second chance at happiness and a loving family. Houston's journey exemplifies the organization's unwavering commitment to this mission. Despite his extended stay, Second Chance never lost hope for Houston, believing that with the support of their dedicated volunteers, staff, and generous supporters, his perfect match would come along.

"Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that Houston received the love, care, and attention he deserved during his time with us," said Lindsay Doray, Chief Development Officer of Second Chance Animal Services. "We are incredibly grateful to our supporters whose generosity allows us to continue our mission of providing second chances to animals like Houston."

Houston's heartwarming adoption comes at a significant milestone for the nonprofit which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Second Chance recently released a heartwarming video on social media and their website, capturing the emotional moments as staff members bid farewell to Houston, sending him off to begin his new life with his loving adoptive family.

"We are overjoyed to see Houston find his forever home and begin a new chapter filled with love and companionship," added Doray. "His story serves as a testament to the incredible impact our supporters make in the lives of animals in need."

In addition to providing shelter and love, pets like Houston at Second Chance benefit from access to the nonprofit's veterinary hospitals, ensuring they receive comprehensive care to prepare them for adoption. With four community veterinary hospitals, Second Chance offers subsidized rates for qualifying individuals, ensuring that pets can stay with the people who love them. Those who pay full rates not only receive quality veterinary care for their pets but also play a vital role in supporting all the programs aimed at helping pets in need. This integrated approach ensures that every animal receives the necessary medical attention and support, empowers them to thrive in their new homes.

Second Chance is committed to the mission of providing all pets with the second chances they deserve. Through the unwavering dedication of volunteers, staff, and supporters, the organization continues to transform the lives of pets like Houston, one adoption at a time.

For more information about Second Chance Animal Services and how you can support their mission, please visit www.secondchanceanimals.org.

PHOTO: Second Chance volunteer Mike Byrnes worked with Houston to build his confidence.

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/rQdQGUmEHA4?si=ugCaMNSy-e_3ELzM

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

"Every Child Deserves to Feel Special on Their Birthday"

NBLB's corporate mission is to provide every homeless shelter child the

opportunity to celebrate their birthday in a special and memorable way!

NBLB is a registered non-profit 501(C) (3), Tax ID # 84-1822037

Donations of toys for ages 1-15 can be dropped off at The McCurdy Group.

212 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA

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/

SPLASH OF ZAN

March 15 at 7:00pm

The Barn at Wight Farm

420 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01566

Thinking about how to celebrate St. Patrick’s weekend? Think no further, because on Friday, March 15th, The Barn at Wight Farm will host Splash of Zan. With an avid local following, Splash of Zan always puts on an fun show as the band plays your favorites from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

The group is comprised of area natives David Wright (guitar) and Suzanne Wright (lead vocals), Dave Penttila (bass), Peter Jarzabski (drums), and Lana Pieczynski (keyboards). During the show, the band reveals just how much they love to play together... it can be hard to tell who’s having more fun—the band or the crowd.

We’ll have some awesome St. Patty‘s drink specials. Tickets for the show can only be purchased at Eventbrite.com. Doors open at 7pm and the music starts at 8:00pm.

Tickets: $23 

Purchase on eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/e/splash-of-zan-at-the-barn-at-wight-farm-tickets-818625148857

Celtic Celebration at Old Sturbridge Village

Saturday, March 16 - Sunday, March 17

Times: 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Cost: Included with standard daytime admission or Village membership. Standard daytime admission is $30 for adults, $28 for seniors (55+), $15 for college students (with a valid college ID), $15 for youth (4-17), and free for children 3 and under. GET TICKETS.

Join us as we celebrate cultural heritage through music, dance, storytelling, and poetry.

Special daytime Celtic Celebration themed activities include:

•   Irish dance performances from two different local dance schools
•   live musical performances by renowned Celtic harpist Cate Mahoney, in addition to fiddle and bagpipe music presentations
•   Irish stories and poetry reading

We will also be showcasing the entire maple sugar-making process as this weekend is also Maple Days.

MAPLE DAYS CONTINUE ON SELECT DAYS IN MARCH!

COMING TO OSV ON MARCH 23 & 30: WOMEN'S HISTORY WEEKEND

Harrington Auxiliary Celebrates Annual Irish Night

The Harrington Auxiliary, in conjunction with the Federated Church of Sturbridge and Fiskdale, invites the general public to enjoy a traditional Irish Night feast on Monday, March 18, 2024 at the Publick House in Sturbridge.

Tickets for the traditional Irish corned beef and cabbage buffet are $17 for adults and $7 for children ages 4 to 12. The buffet will be available to ticket holders only; no walk-ins.

There will be two seatings: first seating is 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm and second seating is from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Please specify your desired seating time when purchasing tickets.

Tickets are available in the Volunteer Services office at UMass Memorial Health Harrington in Southbridge or in the Gift Shop. Credit/debit cards will be accepted. Call 508.765.9771 Ext. 6472 for more information. Tickets are limited so purchase early.

The Harrington Auxiliary, established in 1932, is a non-profit organization of dedicated and impassioned volunteers whose mission is to support and enhance the excellent services provided by UMass Memorial Health Harrington. Proceeds from the event enable the Auxiliary to continue to provide equipment and programs that benefit the health and well being of the members in the communities it serves.

It’s difficult to trace the exact origins of the dish we all know and love as parmigiana. What we do know is that a popular meal called melanzane alla parmigiana (eggplant) has been a long-time staple of Campania and Sicily, both southern regions of Italy. The addition of chicken or veal parmigiana is really an Italian American creation.

Originating in the Italian neighborhoods along the east coast, parmigiana eventually spread to restaurants and published cookbooks of the 1950s. Before long, the dish was everywhere.

As he always does, Chef Rico will bring his unique perspective to this universally loved meal and will also be serving complimentary courses from the southern regions of Italy.

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.

NEW THIS MONTH: Reservations will require pre-payment for the event. Reservations and payments are non-refundable. Please visit Avellino’s webpage or scan the QR code to register for this month’s Cooking with Rico.

Purchase: https://www.exploretock.com/the-duck-avellino/event/459086/coo

CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC FOR MORE AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE

March 23: Second Chance to Host Pet Vaccine Clinic in Charlton

Nonprofit Urges Pet Owner to Protect Pets from Deadly Preventable Diseases

Registration is now open for Second Chance Animal Services’ March 23rd pet vaccine clinic in Charlton. Low-cost vaccines will be offered for dogs and cats to help area pet owners care for their pets. The clinic, in collaboration with Charlton Animal Control, welcomes pets from all towns.

Second Chance CEO Sheryl Blancato encourages local pet owners to check their pet’s vaccine records and take advantage of the convenient Saturday low-cost clinic if their pet needs a rabies or distemper vaccine. “These vaccines serve as the first line of defense against potentially fatal diseases like rabies or parvo. We're grateful to provide this accessible clinic to help prevent outbreaks in our community.”

Parvovirus and distemper in dogs and panleukopenia in cats — the most prevalent deadly diseases affecting pets — are preventable with a simple vaccine. An estimated 30% of pet parents do not take their pet to a veterinarian annually for preventative care. 

The vaccine clinic will be held from 9am to 1PM at 15 Old Town Road in Charlton. Advance registration is encouraged as there will be limited availability for same-day registration. Rabies and distemper vaccines are $18 each and pet owners can register their pet for vaccines online at 

www.secondchanceanimals.org/scasconnect-southbridge/.

CLICK THE GRAPHIC TO VISIT THE EVENT PAGE FOR MORE.

Tutti Quanti Wine Tasting

March 26, 6:30 - 8:00pm

538 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01518

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). Note there is no seating. 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.

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.

To Register: www.tuttiquantifoods.com/wine-tastings-events/

Celebrate Easter

at your favorite Table 3 restaurant

The Duck and Avellino Pre-fixe Menu

The Duck and Avellino will be serving a pre-fixe menu with all your holiday favorites, fantastic holiday cocktails, and decadent desserts. Pricing is $43.95 for adults and a children’s menu is available for children under 12. Click here or call 508-347-2321 for Easter dinner reservations at The Duck & Avellino. Seating is 11am–4pm.

Cedar Street Grille Brunch Specials

Cedar Street Grille will be offering their unique brunch menu all day plus some great Easter specials. Call 508-347-5800 for reservations. Seating is 10am–4pm. RESERVE NOW. 

The Barn at Wight Farm Easter Brunch Buffet

The Barn at Wight Farm’s spectacular annual Easter brunch buffet is brimming with all your favorites. Cost is $44.95 for adults and $20.95 for children 5-12 (plus tax & gratuity). Seating is 10am–4pm. Reservations require a $25 per guest non-refundable deposit which will be applied to your check. Make your reservations online here. For questions, call 774-241-8450.

Cedar Street Café Catering

Cedar Street Café and Table 3 Restaurant Group have you covered for the best Easter holiday catering around. We can provide your complete meal, or you can add a few key items to enhance your celebration. Please check out our Easter holiday catering menu here and give us a call at 774-241-8450 to place your holiday order.

Easter Sunday Dinner

Sunday, March 31st, 2024

Easter is a great time to get together with family or friends and enjoy a home-cooked feast, and what better place to spend it than here at Salem Cross Inn! Tables fill up quickly so please make your reservations early.

Our Dining Room is open from 11:30 to 3:00 with reservations on the half hour.

VIEW the Easter Menu

Reserve Your Seat Today!

Reservations can be made by calling 508-867-2345 during office hours Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Please leave a message and a daytime phone number if you are unable to reach us and we will return your call.

HOURS OF OPERATION

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

Easter Dinner Buffet at The Publick House

Sunday, March 31st, 2024

Seatings from 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Adults $52 Children $25 (4-12yrs)

(tax & gratuity NOT INCLUDED)

Maximum seating time allotted per each reservation

Reservations Required, Credit Card Required to Hold

72 Hour Cancellation Policy

For Reservations, please call 774-304-1524

Monday - Friday 10 AM – 5PM

VIEW THE MENU

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