Welcome to Crossroads Events!

In this mid-November edition of CROSSROADS, we introduce and welcome a wonderful organization to our member roster, announce the date for our much-anticipated Holiday Fun at Five, and highlight exciting seasonal events and the latest updates from our Members and friends. Be sure to register your family for the Chamber’s special Family Mingle Jingle night at the Festival of {Giving} Trees—a sparkling event you won't want to miss!

CROSSROADS is our Members' platform to share their latest news and events with around 1,000 fellow Chamber Members and subscribers in our community. We love sharing your holiday events with our readers, take a minute to add them to our Events calendar anytime 24/7. Keep our readers informed of your latest news and offerings by emailing your press releases, links and photos for inclusion in CROSSROADS. NEXT ISSUE: NOVEMBER 29, 2024

CHAMBER OFFICE INFO

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

The office will be CLOSED on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 28.

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

Holiday Fun at Five!

Thursday, December 12, 5:00-8:00pm

The Publick House, 277 Main Street, Sturbridge

Come and revel in the festive spirit at our Holiday Fun at Five on the evening of Thursday, December 12th!

Join fellow Members and Guests for an unforgettable night at The Publick House in Sturbridge.

Delight in delectable cuisine, soak in the festive ambiance of an illuminated hall, and indulge in exciting activities!

Let's come together to celebrate the season in style!

WHAT will this year's SURPRISE theme be...?

Activities will include:

STUFFED STOCKING SILENT AUCTION

Members are encouraged to donate a holiday stocking to our silent auction. A portion of proceeds will be used to purchase gift cards for teenagers in need. Stocking can be filled with product you make or sell, you can fill the stocking based on a theme, or use a tiny holiday stocking for a gift card – the possibilities are endless.

Please let Alix know if you will be donating to our Stuffed Stocking Silent Auction.

50/50 RAFFLE

UGLY SWEATERS, HOLIDAY ATTIRE & ORNAMENTATION ARE ENCOURAGED!

STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS!

COST: $20 for Members who register, $25 at the door, or $30 for non-Members.

RSVP TO REGISTER

by phone at 508-347-2761 or email info@cmschamber.org 

PLEASE RSVP BY WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11!

Help us help our hosts at The Publick House receive an accurate count,

so they can have plenty of goodies for all of us! Thank you!

WITH THANKS TO OUR HOLIDAY FUN AT FIVE SPONSOR!

In a world where people have more choices than ever about how and where to manage their finances, Cornerstone Bank inspires a true feeling of confidence among the customers who entrust us with their financial well-being.

Where large banks lack personal attention, and local banks lack depth and expertise, Cornerstone builds trust with its business and retail customers through respectful, reliable relationships, problem-solving proficiency, and an unwavering commitment to community. 

Cornerstone Bank rests on the foundation that relationships are built on trust.

cornerstonebank.com 

Welcome, New CMS Chamber Member!

Ruth Wells Center for the Arts, Quinebaug Valley Council for the Arts and Humanities

111 Main Street, Southbridge, MA 01550

www.ruthwellscenter.com

Established in 1977, The Ruth Wells Center for the Arts is a non-profit membership and volunteer-based cultural arts association fully dedicated to perpetuating the arts through annual events, exhibits and workshops for people of all ages and skill levels.

Are you using your Member2Member Discount Card? Take advantage of valuable discounts offered by our Members for our Members while you KEEP IT LOCAL! DOWNLOAD AND PRINT this one-page PDF flyer for details of this program which is a benefit of Chamber Membership you can pass on to all your co-workers and employees. Feel free to contact us if you have questions, need help adding your offer to the program, or need more M2M Cards.

Chamber Family Jingle Mingle at the Festival of {Giving} Trees

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 6:00-9:00PM

This is a NEW, exclusive invitation to all Chamber Member companies and their employees.

Families of Members are invited to attend this special evening at the Festival of {Giving} Trees.

Santa will be there for pictures and Christmas wishes!

100 Sparkling Trees to bid on! Holiday Music! Raffles!

Free food! Cash bar with beer and wine!

You can make this your company holiday party!

Only $10 per family for families of any size!

FAMILIES MUST REGISTER BY NOON ON NOVEMBER 27.

REGISTER BY EMAIL TO ALEXANDRA_MCNITT@CMSCHAMBER.ORG

INCLUDE THE COMPANY, NAME OF HEAD OF FAMILY, AND NUMBER OF FAMILY MEMBERS ATTENDING.

NOTE: UMASS MEMORIAL - HARRINGTON IS A SPONSOR OF THIS SPECIAL EVENING. HARRINGTON EMPLOYEES AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER AND ATTEND THIS EVENT FOR FREE!

Venture Community Services

Giving Tree Program

October 23 - December 20

Spread some holiday cheer! This holiday season you can help to ensure everyone has a gift under the tree that was selected just for them. The Venture Giving Tree provides personalized gifts to every individual receiving services from Venture. All requested gifts are listed on our Amazon Gift List.

You can select the gifts you would like to purchase from the Amazon Gift List and they will be shipped directly to us so we can wrap and deliver in time for the holiday. Please ensure the gift will arrive to us by December 16th.

No time to shop? You can make a donation for us to purchase gifts HERE. Just select the ‘giving tree’ box on the donation form.

Thank you for the support this holiday season! Please share this program with your family, friends and co-workers.

bankHometown promotes Potvin to commercial credit officer

OXFORD, MASSACHUSETTS — bankHometown recently promoted Ross Potvin to commercial credit officer, based in its 109 Elm St., Millbury office.

Potvin, of Leominster, has nearly eight years of banking experience. He joined bankHometown in 2023 as a commercial credit analyst III, and prior to that, he spent seven years at Rollstone Bank and Trust as a commercial credit analyst and a commercial credit officer.

Potvin earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Assumption College, and a master’s degree in accounting from Fitchburg State University. He is currently a board member and treasurer of the Arc of Opportunity in North Central Massachusetts.

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 is proud to be named a Corporate Citizenship Award winner by Boston Business Journal for the past five years. For more information, visit bankhometown.com.

Second Chance Animal Services Rescues Puppy After Tragic Attack 

Nonprofit Reminds Public of the Importance of Adoption Safeguards

EAST BROOKFIELD, MA – Second Chance Animal Services is reaching out to the community with a heartfelt story of survival and resilience. Ribbet, a three-month-old Labrador Retriever puppy, is bravely fighting for his life after a devastating incident, and his story underscores the critical role that adoption safeguards play in protecting vulnerable pets.

Only a few weeks ago, Ribbet was adopted by a family excited to give him a lifetime of love. Tragically, the family later decided to rehome Ribbet on their own, in violation of their adoption agreement with Second Chance. In his new home with a much larger dog, Ribbet endured a traumatic attack that left him with life-threatening injuries, including a fractured skull and severe damage to his eyes.

Ribbet was rushed to Second Chance’s Community Veterinary hospital in Worcester, where the veterinary team worked swiftly through their own tears to save his life. Although they were able to stabilize him, the extent of his injuries required the removal of both his eyes. Despite the trauma, Second Chance’s team remains cautiously optimistic that Ribbet will recover from his fractured skull and is determined to give him every chance to heal.

“We’re sharing Ribbet’s story not only to ask for help with his care but to raise awareness of why shelters and rescues have these safeguards in place,” said Sheryl Blancato, CEO of Second Chance Animal Services. “While no approach is foolproof, these policies help protect our animals and give them the best chance at a stable and loving home. Rehoming a pet responsibly can make all the difference.”

Second Chance’s adoption policies require adopters to contact the organization if they’re unable to keep a pet, and they encourage meet-and-greet sessions with all household members, including other pets. These precautions are vital in avoiding preventable tragedies, and Ribbet’s story is a powerful reminder of the potential risks that pets can face without them.

Ribbet has a long road to recovery, and the costs of his medical care are significant and still unknown. Second Chance is asking for the community’s support to give him the best possible chance at a new beginning. Every dollar donated will go directly to Ribbet’s care, and should donations exceed the costs of his treatment, the additional funds will be used to help other pets in need of medical support. A new home for Ribbet will be sought once he is safely out of danger and recovered.

For those who can’t donate, Second Chance encourages sharing Ribbet’s story and keeping this brave little puppy in your thoughts and prayers.

To make a donation to help Ribbet or follow his recovery, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org/ribbet.

PHOTO: Ribbet, who feels so lost right now, finds comfort in touching those who are caring for him.

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 49,000 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 Instagram: @secondchanceas/

Follow Second Chance on Twitter: @secondchanceas

Tutti Quanti Corporate Gift Baskets

As the holiday season approaches, immerse yourself in the rich flavors and traditions of Italy with Tutti Quanti Foods' exquisite gift baskets. Each basket will be a carefully curated collection of authentic Italian products, including artisanal pasta, savory sauces, fine wines, and delectable condiments, all designed to make an impression. These versatile baskets are perfect for corporate gifting, making them an ideal choice for any occasion. This year, let Tutti Quanti Foods help you create memorable moments and cherished traditions for your valued customers or employees, as you share the warmth and joy of Italian culinary heritage during this festive season.

If you are looking for corporate gifting, we can customize to meet your budget and make a statement.

Call or email Laurie - lplacella@tuttiquantifoods.com or 774-241-0476.

BLOOD DRIVE

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

Tutti Quanti Wine Tasting: November 19, 6:30 - 8:00pm

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

Registration fee is $10 and can be purchased on EventBrite (see link below). 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

The Sturbridge Historical Society presents “John Hinds: An 18th-Century Potter in Holland, MA”,

on Thursday, November 21, 7:00 PM, at the Publick House

Doug Lyon and Mike Forand are excited to present their research and discovery of the John Hinds Pottery/Kiln Site in Holland, MA, and 18th-century pottery/kiln site they found about 40 years ago. John Hinds is a previously undocumented 18th-century New England redware potter (ca. 1714 to ca. 1793), who lived and worked in South Woodstock CT (ca 1740–1750) and in Holland/South Brimfield, MA (1750–1793). He is mentioned several times in Lovering’s History of the Town of Holland as a potter. His last mention as potter was in 1789. He was consistently documented as a potter in land deeds for some 39 years.

Lyon and Forand worked with Old Sturbridge Village for about four seasons at the Hinds site during which they recovered an abundance of artifacts, and uncovered the kiln base. OSV has generously made their documentation and artifacts available for the presentation. Hinds' work was typical of other potters’ wares in and around Boston, consisting of pots, mugs, (milk) pans, plates, jugs, etc. Also included in the samples are several examples of slip ware, kiln furniture, and unique pieces of thin black incised sherds. Several samples of sherds are available for display. Photos of the Hinds Site and samples of his work are available on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/1654329772055488/.

No other contemporary potter living in Hinds’ locale has yet been identified. The earliest nearby potters are the well-known Thomas Bugbee, born 1793 in South Woodstock CT; Hervy Brooks b. 1779 in Goshen and whose pottery and kiln are represented at OSV; and James Moore d. 1829 in Brimfield/Holland MA. The program, which starts at 7:00 PM, is free and open to the public, and generously hosted by Publick House.

Our Bright Future's 6th Annual Turkey Drive

November 25

Join us for the 6th Annual Turkey Drive presented by Our Bright Future and the Webster Police Department in Massachusetts! Our ambitious goal is to provide 100 turkeys this year, with 50 designated for the Webster community and another 50 for the Southbridge community. Help us make this Thanksgiving a special one for those in need.

Your generous donation can make a significant impact by bringing joy and warmth to families during the holiday season. Let’s come together to achieve our goal and ensure that everyone has a reason to be thankful this Thanksgiving. Click this link to contribute and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in Webster and Southbridge. Your support matters! Thank you for being a part of our mission to spread kindness and share the spirit of giving this holiday season.

Thanksgiving: Spend Your Turkey Day with Us!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Have you made plans for the big day yet? Let Salem Cross Inn take care of all the cooking, serving, and cleaning this year so you can relax and spend more time with your loved ones! We'll be accepting reservations from 11:30am to 3pm on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28.

FIREPLACE FEASTS ARE BACK and SELLING OUT FAST!

Select Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from November through April.

GET ALL THE DETAILS AND PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW!

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

Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet Feast

The Publick House, Sturbridge, MA

Thursday, November 28th, 2024

Seatings from 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Adults $70.00 Children (4-12yrs) $25.00

(tax & gratuity included)

Maximum seating time is allotted per each reservation

Reservations Required, Advanced Payment Required

Call Monday through Friday 9AM – 6PM to schedule your reservation at (774) 304-1524.

VIEW THE MENU

SOLD OUT!

Traditional Thanksgiving Day Feast at The Duck & Avellino

Thursday, November 28th

A bountiful and festive dinner with all your favorites and some of ours too. Our prix-fixe Thanksgiving Day Menu includes a bakery basket, choice of soup or salad, entrée with sides, and choice of dessert—all for $44.95 per guest (plus tax & gratuity).

SOLD OUT!

Thanksgiving Day Buffet

at The Barn

Thursday, November 28th

Join us for Bountiful Thanksgiving Buffet including Hors d’oeuvres, Salad, Assorted Breads and Rolls, Carved Fresh Roast Turkey & Prime Rib of Beef, Cracker Crusted Cod, Chef’s Holiday Sides, and Scrumptious Dessert Selection. Cost is $45.95 per guest and $22.95 per child ages 5–12 (plus tax & gratuity).

STILL AVAILABLE!

Thanksgiving Catering

Thursday, November 28th

Enjoy a complete Thanksgiving Dinner or choose from scrumptious salads, sides, sauces, and desserts to enjoy at home.

~Heating Instructions Provided~

To order, call 774-241-8450.

Orders must be placed by 2pm Monday, Nov. 25. Pick-up times at Cedar Street Café are Wednesday Nov. 27 from 7am-3pm.

Christmas by Candlelight

OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE

November 29, 30, and

December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, and 30

Tickets are on sale now at the lowest prices of the season!

Come experience the history of Christmas festivities at Old Sturbridge Village. Relish old traditions and create new ones as you watch demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, stroll through the decorated Village and Christmas Tree Trail, listen to stories and live music, sample sweet treats, and more. We hope your family will join us, as we celebrate a very special time of year.

Tickets are ON SALE NOW! See what's NEW in 2024 and get tickets and more details on the event page at the OSV website.

Are you looking to book a bus tour or another large group? Group tour reservations for Christmas by Candlelight 2024 are now being accepted! Email osvtours@osv.org for more details.

Klem's 75th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, November 30, 2024

Join us as we celebrate 75 years of Klem's on Small Business Saturday, November 30th! Enjoy a day of memories, music, refreshments, wine, beer, and cider tastings. Take a look at our legacy with a special flashback showcasing our journey, from our humble beginnings to where we are today. Whether you’re a valued customer, or a new friend,

we’d love to celebrate this milestone with you.

ALL DAY Festivities!

5TH Saturday Sale for Rewards Members: Bring in your special Klem's 75th Anniversary Canvas Bag, fill it up and receive 20% OFF whatever you can fit in your new bag! Some exclusions apply. See store for details.

FREE Gift with Purchase - Receive a Klem's Anniversary Shirt or Mug!

From 10am-2pm in the Parking Lot!

Come help AA Transportation STUFF THE BUS this Holiday Season,

Share your Generosity with Local Children in Need by Donating NEW, Unwrapped Gifts!

Visit Santa Claus, Spencer Police, Spencer Fire, Sparky the Fire Dog, and the David Prouty High School Band all right here at Klem's!

From 10am-4pm!

Hardwick Winery, Common Ground Ciderworks & Altruist Brewery!

Rocco's Doughnuts Pop-up!

Enter to WIN some of our Biggest RAFFLES of the Year!

BBQ Grilling Demos & Gourmet Food Tastings!

Cupcake Toast @ 1pm!

Thank you to our local community and loyal customers!

Here’s to the next 75 years and beyond! We look forward to celebrating with you!

www.klemsonline.com

Auditions for "Plaza Suite"

Sunday, December 1, and Tuesday, December 3 at 7:00 PM

Gateway Players Theatre in Southbridge, MA is hosting auditions for "Plaza Suite”, the first show of our 50th Anniversary Season. This comedy is written by Neil Simon. They will be held on Sunday, December 1st and Tuesday, December 3rd at 7:00PM. PLEASE NOTE that the auditions will be held in the Community Room of the Southbridge Police Station, 1 Mechanic St, Southbridge, MA 01550.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Performance dates are February 21, 22, 28 and March 1 & 2. Rehearsals will be on Sunday and Tuesday nights. Presented by permission through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. The adult cast consists of five women and seven men. Directed by Mike Dupuis and produced by Jeanne Dupuis. For more information, please contact Gateway at 508-764-4531.

Synopsis: Hilarity abounds in this portrait of three couples successively occupying a suite at The Plaza. READ MORE HERE

CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC FOR DETAILS!

Festival of {Giving} Trees 2024

The 2024 Festival of {Giving} Trees dates are December 5th through December 8th. We are planning a live event and a “virtual” event, as this has worked out great for the past few years. This year we will be celebrating our 27th year!

This four day family event is designed to be a holiday activity. The mission of the Festival is to raise money to help the Silent Spring Institute, the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition and The UMMH Cancer Center at Harrington Hospital fight the battle against breast cancer and to help fund cancer research. Over the past twenty-six years, the Festival of {Giving} Trees has raised and donated $944,000 to these beneficiaries.

The Festival of {Giving} Trees features more than 100 uniquely decorated trees on display under one roof. And each and every one of them will be taken home by lucky raffle winners. Come join us! It is a community-wide event, so bring your family, friends and neighbors. VISIT ONLINE for more details.

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