Welcome to April and Crossroads News!

We hope to see you as we spring into April with networking and fun at Rapscallion on the 10th. You are also invited to join us at The Publick House in early May for an educational seminar on Artificial Intelligence and how you can use it in business. The Chamber will hold a Meat Raffle in May featuring meats smoked by our friends at B.T.'s Smokehouse! You’ll find all the details on these plus the latest news and events from our Members in this issue.

CROSSROADS is our Members' platform to share their latest news and events 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 24/7. Keep our readers informed of your latest news by emailing your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in CROSSROADS. NEXT ISSUE: APRIL 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

APRIL NETWORKING EVENT!

Fun at Five!

Wednesday, April 10

5:00-7:00PM

Rapscallion - Sturbridge Pub

3 Arnold Road, Sturbridge, 508-347-7500 

www.visitrapscallion.com/sturbridge

Join us for Networking at Rapscallion Pub!

Rapscallion Pub has an inviting rustic ambience while boasting two full bars and a kitchen. Enjoy Rapscallion’s hand-brewed beer, great company, fresh bites, and the warm and friendly vibes offered by one of Massachusetts’ favorite brewpubs at Fun at Five! 

COMING IN MAY!! Join Raps for Cinco de Mayo (5/5) 

Raps’ Head Chef Onè proudly hails from Mexico and will have some incredible authentic food specials (tacos el pastor and shrimp ceviche!) in addition to his already amazing Mexican-American menu. Enjoy fantastic food, brilliant beers, and mouth-watering margaritas — all while listening to live music with the incredible

Carlos Odria Trio.

Learn more at visitrapscallion.com.

Will you join us for FUN?

Register for Fun at Five by email or phone.

508-347-2761 

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

Thank you to our April Fun at Five Sponsor!

When serious illness strikes you or a loved one, you want the very best care, close to home. Heart or kidney failure, cancer care, recovery from major surgery, respiratory failure, sepsis, COVID-19, or emergency treatment − for over 90 years, Harrington Hospital has been caring for our community. And now, as an affiliate of UMass Memorial Health, we are poised to do even better. 

Harrington's caregiver mission includes delivery of optimal healthcare to the residents and communities of South-Central Massachusetts and Northeastern Connecticut. We are committed to providing personalized, compassionate care and advanced technology in our relentless pursuit of healing. Our vision is to continue the long tradition of caring while expanding our comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services along with community engagement and outreach programs.

www.harringtonhospital.org

Artificial Intelligence Seminar

Presented by Delcie Bean, CEO of Paragus I.T.

Wednesday, May 8 from 5:30-7:00pm

The Publick House Historic Inn - Craft's Hall

277 Main Street (Rte 131), Sturbridge

$25 per person.

Space is Limited! Please RSVP. 

Call 508-347-2761 or email [email protected] to save your spot!

Few things have been hyped as much as Artificial Intelligence. However, behind all that hype, many business owners are left wondering if, when and how AI is going to impact their business. In this highly interactive presentation we’ll take a moment to align on where AI is today, why everyone is talking about it, and where it is going in the near future. After establishing some context, we’ll explore how AI is being used today and more importantly, how you can start using it in your own business. Finally, we’ll leave lots of time for your questions.

Enjoy hot and cold hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar in Craft's Hall while we learn about Artificial Intelligence from an expert in the field.

HORS D' OEUVRES

Classic Beef Tartar on Potato Crisps, Roasted Beef, Basil & Goat Cheese Tartlets

Artichoke Beignets, Beef Bourguignon Puffs, Mac & Cheese Croquettes, Miniature Chicken Pot Pies

About the Presenter: Delcie Bean, CEO of Paragus I.T.

Since founding the company at the age of thirteen, Delcie Bean has transformed Paragus I.T. into one of the most successful, fastest-growing IT firms in the region. The company’s unique corporate culture and strategic approach to providing outsourced I.T. services to small-to-medium sized businesses have earned many accolades, including Inc. Magazine’s list of 5,000 fastest-growing businesses and Forbes Magazine’s 25 Small Giants.

As the company has grown, so has Delcie’s commitment to equity and inclusion. In 2014, he created Tech Foundry, an educational nonprofit designed to address the need for a skilled I.T. workforce by providing in-depth training for promising individuals from marginalized or underrepresented communities. In 2016, Delcie began the process of transitioning Paragus to a 100% employee-owned company.

Today, Delcie is on a mission to grow Paragus into a $250 million firm with offices all throughout the country. In doing so, Delcie aims to create more than 100 employee-owner millionaires. Most recently, Paragus expanded into Central Massachusetts by acquiring Comportz Technologies and opening an office in downtown Worcester.

When he isn’t at the helm of Paragus, Delcie is living the quiet life with his wife of 15 years and their three boys in southern NH, serving as a trustee of Bay Path University, and fulfilling his commitment to lifelong learning through his service to YPO.

The Chamber of Central Mass South

MEAT RAFFLE

Charlton Beagle Club

103 Bond Rd., Charlton

Sunday, May 19, 3-6 PM

It’s time to fire up the BBQ!!

Six Rounds with Six Meats at Each Round

Each Round Features a Meat Smoked by BT’s Smokehouse

Meat Raffle Ticket Pricing: 

1 ticket for $1

6 tickets for $5

12 tickets for $10

25 tickets for $20

Meats include, but are not limited to:

Steaks, Roasts, Ribs, Smoked Ham, Brisket, Chicken, Hamburger, Hot Dogs and more!

Also, a 50-50 Raffle, Door Prize Raffle, and Gift Basket Raffle

Food and beverages provided by the Beagle Club

Welcome, New CMS Chamber Members!

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

K & K Thermoforming LLC

www.k-kthermoforming.com

380 Elm Street, Southbridge, MA 01550 (508) 764-7700

K & K Thermoforming is an ISO 9001:2015 certified custom thermoformer located in Central Massachusetts. We have been manufacturing protective packaging since 1984 and are continually improving our processes, technology, and facilities to ensure each customer receives the highest quality product.

K & K successfully forms parts for a wide range of industries–including, but not limited to: electronics, medical devices, cosmetics, aerospace, food, household, and more. Our products are custom-designed to fit your needs and work perfectly for your brand!

LEARN MORE

bankHometown Parent Wins 2024 Top Workplaces USA Award

OXFORD, MASSACHUSETTS, MARCH 20, 2024 — Hometown Financial Group, parent company of bankHometown, bankESB, and Abington Bank announced today it was named a winner of the 2024 Top Workplaces USA award by Energage.

Top Workplaces USA celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees that are dedicated to building an exceptional people-first culture. Winners are chosen based solely on employee feedback gathered through an anonymous, third-party employee engagement survey, issued by Energage, a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools. More than 42,000 organizations across the country were invited to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey. Results are calculated by comparing the survey’s research-based statements, including 15 Culture Drivers that are proven to predict high performance against industry benchmarks.

“We’re honored to be nationally recognized as an employer of choice for the second time in three years, and especially humbled that this honor resulted from positive feedback from those who know us best: our employees,” said bankHometown President and CEO Robert J. Morton. “Every day, I’m inspired by our compassionate, dedicated, and talented group of employees, who demonstrate passion for unlocking the full potential of our customers, our communities, and each other. We try hard to foster a work environment that’s inclusive, innovative, team-oriented, and fun, and this honor proves that our employees believe we’re doing it right.”

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

About Hometown Financial Group

Hometown Financial Group, Inc. is a $4.7 billion mutual multi-bank holding company headquartered in Easthampton, Massachusetts, and is the parent company of the family of banks that includes bankESB, bankHometown, and Abington Bank as well as Hometown Mortgage. Together, our banks offer a complete line of consumer and business deposit and lending products and services through 37 branch offices located throughout Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut. We take advantage of the size, scale, and efficiencies of shared centralized resources to fulfill our community banking mission—providing individualized financial support, a suite of comprehensive products and services, smart banking technology, and increased lending capacity—all to ensure our customers can unlock their potential and build a successful future.

Hometown Financial and our banks are proud to be recognized nationally as a two-time Top Workplaces USA award winner in 2024 and 2022, a two-time Top Workplaces Financial Services Industry award winner in 2023 and 2022, a 2023 Top Places to Work award winner by The Boston Globe, and a 2022 Top Workplaces award winner by the Hartford Courant. Through our sponsorship and charitable giving program, The Giving Tree, Hometown Financial Group supports non-profit organizations and causes throughout the cities and towns our banks serve. In 2023, Hometown Financial Group banks and foundations donated more than $1.5 million and over the past decade have donated more than $7.7 million. Each bank was proud to be named a 2023 Corporate Citizenship Award winner by Boston Business Journal. For more information, visit bankHFG.com.

About bankHometown:

Founded in 1889, bankHometown is headquartered in Oxford, Massachusetts. We have $1.4 billion in assets and offer a complete line of consumer and business deposit and lending products and services through 16 branches located throughout Central Massachusetts and northeast Connecticut. We’re proud to fulfill our community banking mission—providing individualized financial support, a suite of comprehensive products and services, and smart banking technology—all to ensure our customers can unlock their potential and build a successful future. Through our sponsorship and charitable giving program, The Giving Tree, bankHometown and the Hometown Bank Community Foundation support non-profit organizations and causes throughout Worcester and Windham Counties. In 2023 alone, The Giving Tree donated nearly $400,000 and over the last decade has donated more than $2.7 million. bankHometown was proud to be named a 2023 Corporate Citizenship Award winner by Boston Business Journal. For more information, visit bankhometown.com.

About Energage

Making the world a better place to work together.™ Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 18 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

Bay Path's Co-op Program: Hire a Minuteman Today!

What is Cooperative Education?

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is a partnership between the school, students, parents, and industry partners. Co-op's goal is to provide supervised workplace employment, as an extension of vocational education which combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. This provides students with an opportunity to develop academic, technical and job skills not attainable in a school-based environment.

Bay Path's Co-op Program runs on an every-other-week schedule. For one-week, students receive classroom instruction, including required academic courses and related vocational technical instruction. During the alternate week, students will connect their academic knowledge with the business world through supervised, paid employment in their occupational area.

Students and employers must meet eligibility criteria which can be found under the Requirements link on this webpage http://157.245.2.189/web/content/page/252

Benefits of Cooperative Education

Employer Benefits

•   Co-op students are a source of temporary and potentially full-time employees who are already trained to meet the needs of industry.
•   Co-op students reduce training costs.
•   Co-op students have proven to be more reliable and dependable than other applicants.
•   Work hours can be tailored to meet the needs of the employer.

Student Benefits

•   Gain practical, on-the-job training thus improving employment placement opportunities.
•   Co-op education builds sought-after Character traits such as responsibility, self-reliance, critical thinking, and dependability.
•   The co-op experience creates an opportunity for students to earn while they learn.
•   Co-op helps students connect curriculum to real-world application in the work environment.

DOWNLOAD the detailed flyer here.

REGISTER to become a co-op employer today: www.collegecentral.com/BAYPATHRVT/

FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT:

Jennifer Stachura, 57 Old Muggett Hill Road, Charlton, MA 01507, Email: [email protected], Phone: (508) 248-5971 ext. 1714

Country Bank Appoints New Corporators and Trustee at Annual Meeting

March 21, 2024 - Country Bank, a leading financial institution in Western and Central Massachusetts, announced the appointment of four new corporators and a new trustee at its Annual Meeting on Monday, March 11, 2024.

James Phaneuf, Chair of the Board  welcomed the new corporators to the Bank, stating, "We are thrilled to have these accomplished individuals join our team. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will contribute to the continued success of Country Bank."

Ivon Gois, President of Gois Broadcasting, brings a wealth of experience to the Bank. Based in Worcester, Mr. Gois operates 12 radio stations in New England and is well-known for his contributions to the media industry, ethnic and racial diversity work and his and financial expertise.

Mechilia K. Salazar, CEO/Director of Hope for Youth and Families Foundation in Springfield, is a respected leader in the nonprofit sector. Ms. Salazar's previous role as CEO of the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club demonstrates her commitment to serving the marginalized and under banked communities. She often serves as the bridge between local businesses and the communities they serve.

Samalid Hogan, a business consultant/CEO, and principal at Greylock Management in Ludlow, is a seasoned professional with a strong track record of success. Ms. Hogan's leadership as past President of the Springfield Rotary Club and her involvement on various boards further highlight her dedication to making a positive impact. Her passion for empowering small businesses has made her a respected leader in the industry.

Walter Pacheco, a prominent figure in the hospitality industry, owns several Western and Central Massachusetts restaurants and investment properties. Mr. Pacheco's extensive business acumen and local ties make him a valuable addition to the Bank.

In addition to the new corporators, President-elect Mary C. McGovern was appointed to the Board of Trustees. Her expertise and leadership will help guide the Bank's strategic initiatives and ensure its continued growth as she takes over as President on April 1, 2024.

Country Bank is excited about the new appointments and looks forward to these individuals' valuable insights into the markets it serves. With their combined expertise and dedication, the Bank is well-positioned to continue to make a difference in serving its customers and communities for another 175 years.

About Country Bank

Country Bank is a full-service $1.8B mutual community bank serving central and western Massachusetts with 14 offices in Ware, Palmer, West Brookfield, Brimfield, Belchertown, Wilbraham, Ludlow, Leicester, Paxton, Charlton and Worcester. With a commitment to personalized service and community involvement, Country Bank offers individuals, businesses, and municipalities a comprehensive range of banking products and services. 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 – Bridge of Faith Youth Center and Southbridge Credit Union partner to launch 3-year, $5,000 capital campaign partnership for community youth development initiative

The Bridge of Faith Youth Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing at-risk youth with essential social, academic, and spiritual programming in a safe, supervised atmosphere, is excited to announce a 3-year capital campaign partnership with Southbridge’s longstanding financial pillar, Southbridge Credit Union. The capital campaign will focus on raising funds to support building and restoring the center itself, as well as endowing the programs and services it offers.

SCU’s 3-year donation of $15,000 aligns with their corporate mission of helping to build communities and makes them a Gold Sponsor for the cause.

“We are proud to partner with Bridge of Faith Youth Center for this three-year capital campaign,” said Kate Theodoss, President/CEO of Southbridge Credit Union. “This partnership is integral to our community’s youth, and we are excited to join the cause.”

The Bridge of Faith Youth Center is a beacon of hope for young people struggling to find their way in life. The center was established to uplift at-risk low-to-moderate-income youth who may be falling through the cracks in school or who have become entangled in the juvenile court system. By offering a safe and supportive environment, as well as access to critical resources, the center helps young people achieve higher education and restores their faith in a brighter future.

The center's positive support systems are designed to help young people avoid the pitfalls that could otherwise derail their lives. Through a combination of counseling, mentoring, and educational programs, the center empowers young individuals to realize their full potential and become productive members of society. Programs and services include a drop-in after-school program for middle school- and high school-aged students; essential social, academic, and individualized environmental supports; spiritual development; tutoring; computer education, impact seminars, connections; recreation (including video games, arts and crafts, talent shows, community clean-up), and no-cost sports leagues (including basketball, indoor soccer, and volleyball).

To commemorate the partnership, a brick with the SCU logo will be installed at the entry to the center’s gymnasium. Contributors to the campaign can order custom bricks on the Bridge of Faith Youth Center Facebook page. The campaign will be promoted at the BOFYC banquet fundraiser, as well as on both partners’ websites and social media pages.

To help support the campaign, donors may purchase a custom brick, make a one-time or recurring gift, or donate through a Gyve account. Get started today by:

• Visiting the BOFYC/Facebook website to donate directly
• Sending an email to: [email protected] 
• Calling 774-402-8420

To learn more about updates and upcoming events, visit Bridge of Faith Youth Center or SCU.

Hometown Mortgage offers homebuyer grant programs

Available to low-income homebuyers across southern New England

EASTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS, March 22, 2024 — Hometown Mortgage, a division of bankESB, recently announced that four homeownership assistance programs will soon be available to lower-income homebuyers across Massachusetts and neighboring states.

Hometown Mortgage has been selected to participate in three grant programs funded by FHLBank Boston. The Equity Builder Program provides grants of up to $30,806 to income-eligible, first-time homebuyers to help with down payment or closing costs or to supplement rehabilitation costs associated with the purchase. The Housing Our Workforce Program provides grants of up to $25,000 or 10% of the home’s sale price, whichever is less, toward down payment or closing costs. Funds will be available starting April 1.

The FHLBank Boston Lift Up Homeownership Program provides grants of up to $50,000 toward down payment or closing costs for people of color purchasing their first home. This program will begin on May 15.

In 2023, Hometown Mortgage borrowers received more than $500,000 in grants from the Equity Builder and Housing Our Workforce programs alone. For 2024, Hometown Mortgage hopes to raise that amount across all four grant programs to more than $1 million.

For all programs, applications are submitted and grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for as long as funds remain available. Only owner-occupied units intended to be used as the homebuyer’s primary residence are eligible for funding. Eligible units include one- to four-family properties, townhouses, and condominiums. Income restrictions apply. For all FHLBank Boston programs, homebuyer counseling courses through an approved agency are required.

Other requirements and restrictions may apply. For more information and to determine eligibility, contact a Hometown Mortgage loan officer at 855.230.3939 or at HFGmortgage.com.

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.

The United Way of South Central MA is excited to announce that the 2024 Day of Caring will be held on Friday, June 21st. As with previous years we welcome projects that can be completed by our volunteers.

Applications for submitting projects are now open. Apply at: 2024 ANNUAL DAY OF CARING PROJECT APPLICATION | United Way of South Central Massachusetts (uwscm.org)

The Day of Caring Application is for non-profit agencies, schools, churches, municipalities to complete. All projects will be performed Friday, 6/21/2024 9am - 1pm, with a rain date of 6/24/2024. If you believe your project will take a full day, please note that on your application. Projects can be inside or outdoors. Suggested projects are painting, cleaning, organizing, outside clean ups, beautification, landscaping or painting outdoor structures or fences.

Only projects in Charlton, Dudley, Southbridge, Sturbridge or Webster will be considered.

Deadline: April 15, 2024

Questions: Call (508) 765-5491

Seasonal Employment Opportunities at Camp Foskett - Charlton, MA

There are several summer seasonal jobs available at Camp Foskett.

Click the button to view and apply for these open positions.

Dexter Factory Outlet | 44 River Street | Southbridge, MA 01550

Explore the Outdoors and Save this Spring:

Kids Free April Promotion at Old Sturbridge Village

Sturbridge, M.A. – With spring in full swing and April vacation around the corner, families and friends are encouraged to connect with history and nature alike at Old Sturbridge Village during the final month of the Kids Free Standard Daytime Admission Promotion, running until April 28, 2024.

Throughout April, up to two children, aged 17 years or younger, will be admitted for free with each adult standard full-price daytime admission ticket. Families can embark on a journey through time discovering the rich past of 19th century New England and immersing themselves in hands-on learning, participatory demonstrations, and engaging conversation around the recreated historical village. From witnessing the gardeners’ preparing the fields to observing the potters and blacksmiths in action, to meeting the beloved heritage breed animals, every corner of the village is alive with history.

“At Old Sturbridge Village, history has the power to enlighten, inspire, and inform. April is full of fun and educational events that explore the past and inspire a brighter future, including celebrations for Patriots’ Day and Village Earth Days,” says Chief Marketing Officer, Chris Tieri. “We invite everyone to take advantage of this limited-time promotion to share the experience of spring at Old Sturbridge Village with our youngest generation”

Adult visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance to save even more! In addition to Kids Free 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 April is applicable only to standard full price adult daytime admission only. Please note that this promotion does not apply to field trips.

Beginning April 1, Old Sturbridge 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/spring/.

Celebrating Impact: Youth Edition

Join the United Way of South Central Massachusetts as we celebrate youth in our community! This late afternoon event will be a fun and educational event that includes a beloved afternoon snack of milk and cookies along with displays and demonstrations by some of the students. These students participate in United Way Community Impact and After School and Out of School Time (ASOST) grant funded programs and will showcase everything from early education libraries, robotics for elementary and middle schools to job skills training and tutoring for high school students. We'll also celebrate this year's Bridging the Gap campaign and acknowledge corporate partners and volunteers who have provided outstanding support throughout the year.

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

4:30pm - 6:30pm

Stephen Brewer Theater at Old Sturbridge Village (Visitor Center)

This event is sponsored by CORNERSTONE BANK, STARKWEATHER & SHEPLEY and UMASS Memorial Health - Harrington and there is no charge to attend. Pre-Registration is required. Please reserve your seats here.

The Opacum Region in Spring

When: Saturday, April 13th at 1 PM

Where: Rapscallion Pub, 3 Arnold Rd, Sturbridge, MA

Cost: Free

Join Opacum Land Trust Director Leslie Duthie for this fun event! 

Grab a drink and get ready to learn about spring wildflowers, trees in spring, and various other signs of spring in the local plant world. Doors open at 1 PM for mingling along with cash bar. The talk begins at 1:30 PM.

The program is free, but space is limited and an RSVP is required. 

RSVP LINK: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/ulNM3EEWn10y1Av3OLCYdw

April 13 - 14: Patriots’ Day Weekend at Old Sturbridge Village

In celebration of Patriots’ Day, join us as we explore the stories of Patriots who helped lay the groundwork for the founding of our country during the American Revolution as well as military history from the 19th and 20th centuries. Through military drills, musket demonstrations, and more, guest re-enactors from across New England representing military units from several different wars will bring the stories of the American military to life. 

Stay tuned for more information and details: www.osv.org/event/patriots-weekend/

KIDS FREE! This March and April, up to two kids, 17 years old or younger, are admitted for FREE when accompanied by an adult/senior paying standard daytime admission. Save even MORE ($3 per person) by purchasing your tickets online! Restrictions apply; Learn more

COMING ON April 19 - April 21: VILLAGE EARTH DAYS

Learn more/get tickets: www.osv.org/event/village-earth-days/

Pizza has taken on an epicurean life and the varieties and places to enjoy it are endless. Chef Rico is no stranger to pizza. Founder of the original Enrico’s Brick-Oven Pizza, chef Rico has a love and history of great pizza making that is well known throughout the area.

In addition to pizza making, this Cooking with Rico evening will also feature a demonstration of the techniques used to make fresh pasta. Once you discover how easy it is to combine the simple ingredients for fresh pasta—and taste the difference—you’ll be leaving the boxed pasta on the shelf.

So join us for the next Cooking with Rico where you will learn some of Rico’s trade secrets and discover just how simple and rewarding making great pizza and fresh pasta can be.

This event is $48 per person, tax and gratuity are not included. Wine, beer, and cocktails are available from our bar at an extra cost.

GET TICKETS HERE.

bankHometown to Host Two Free Shred Days

OXFORD, MASSACHUSETTS, March 22, 2024— bankHometown invites customers and members of the community to two free Shred Days at local offices. Events will be held on the following dates and at the following locations. No appointment is necessary.

Saturday, April 20: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., * Woodstock, CT office, 148 Route 171

Saturday, May 11: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., * Worcester, MA office, 1001 Millbury St.

*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.

Opacum Land Trust 2024 Annual Meeting Breakfast

When: Saturday, April 27th, 10 AM to Noon

Where: Pathfinder Regional Vocational High School Cafeteria, 240 Sykes Street, Palmer, MA

Cost: Free

Join Opacum Land Trust for our 2024 Annual Meeting Breakfast! This FREE breakfast is open to everyone - past and current Opacum members as well as anyone interested in learning more about Opacum Land Trust. 

Catch up with friends and enjoy a free breakfast while learning about Opacum's impact on local land conservation and hear updates on new and ongoing projects.

Following the meeting, attendees are invited to join us for a walk lead by Opacum Director Glenn Colburn at the Jean M. Booker Conservation Area on Hovey Rd. in Monson. Space is limited, RSVP required.

RSVP TO THE ANNUAL MEETING BREAKFAST

Tutti Quanti Wine Tasting

April 30, 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/

Join the FESTIVAL OF GIVING TREES for a fun night at Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino

Sat, May 11th 2PM-10:30PM

Includes: Round trip motor coach, Wine/beer and cheese and crackers on way to Casino, 5+ hours at Casino,

Dinner at Roadhouse ($20 credit pp), Dance Party at Wolf Den, Pizza on the ride home. Tax & Gratuities included!

VISIT ONLINE FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! https://sparklingtrees.com

Contact, pre-pay and find event info at www.sparklingtrees.com/cornhole

or Venmo after registering on Scoreholio @GivingTrees-FestivalGivingTree. Be sure to add team name.

ENJOY SPRING DINING AT SALEM CROSS INN!

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

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