CMS Chamber Seminar

Summer Shape-Up:

How to Exercise for Weight Loss and Better Health!

May 29, 5:00-6:00pm 

Southbridge Savings Bank, 200 Charlton Road, Sturbridge 

 

 

In this dynamic one-hour presentation, attendees will learn the two most effective exercise strategies for blasting away body fat and improving lean muscle tone, and two of the most important nutritional guidelines for weight loss and better health.  

Chamber Member Kristen Walther Inspires,

We always knew our Members were strong and determined. Norcom's Kristen Walther is living proof!

On April 6, 2013, Kristen broke the World and National records in the 100% Raw Power Lifting Federation for the 35-39 age group in the 165lb weight class. Kristen dead lifted 310.86lbs and currently holds the Massachusetts State Record for her bench press of 137lbs. Kristen also squatted 220lbs which set the National Record for women in the All Raw Power Lifting Federation.  

In Kristen's words: "I want to inspire women!! No matter how busy life is, no matter how many people count on you every day, no matter how many kids you have, no matter what you have for a career.... You can do anything you set your mind to!!! What is the purpose of it all if you don't take time for yourself and give your inner strength the attention it deserves to surpass a goal? At the end, I did it for me and that's the biggest accomplishment there is...  Set your standards high... You will never let yourself down... Bottom line."

Kristen is grateful for the support she received from her trainer Joe Yurkunas and her family for her power lifting aspirations, and her processors, Cheryl Alicea and Amber Duval and her Norcom family, for her successful mortgage business. Kristen is the Branch Manager of Norcom Mortgage, 71 Main Street, Sturbridge. Please join us in congratulating Kristen for these amazing accomplishments!   

Kristen Walther (3rd from left) with her Masters Nationals First Place Trophy.

Families Helping Families 

May 18: Foote Family Fire Fund Benefit 

On April 5, our friend and Chamber Member, Hunter Foote and his parents lost their home and all their belongings (including Hunter's violin and beloved family pets) to a fire.

Join Boys of the Town with guests Goodspeed and Friends at a community based benefit on May 18 at the Wales Irish Pub, 16 Holland Road, Wales from noon to 5pm.

All donations and proceeds from raffles and the sale of food will go directly to the Foote family.

The Chamber will be putting together a gift basket to be auctioned at the event. Contact Alix if you would like to contribute to our basket, we'll even pick up your item, or contact Jean Lynch if you would like to create your own.

Feel free to contact Jean Lynch at 413-813-9023 with any questions.

Help spread the word and thank you for your support!

         FUN! FUN FUN!

• Kids Activities
• Chinese Auctions 
• Awesome Prizes!
• 50/50 Raffle Every Hour! 
• Food and Beverages
• Music: Hunter Foote and Boys of the Town with guests Goodspeed & Friends.   

Asparagus & Flower Heritage Festival    

May 19, 10am to 4pm 

The Town of West Brookfield welcomes over 100 local artisans, crafters and food growers, as well as the delicious offerings of the Asparagus Alley vendors.

Experience unique and exotic food, including grilled asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, oven-fired asparagus pizza and the most amazing asparagus chowder. With live music, jewelers, historians, and photographers, knitted items, woodworking, and a nice variety of ceramics, glassware and candles.

The free event is sponsored by the Quaboag Historical Society and the West Brookfield Historical Commission.

West Brookfield Town Common, Routes 67 & 9, West Brookfield 

Opa Opa Brewing Company Beer Dinner  

May 22, 2013, 6:30pm 

When you look at Opa Opa's now famous trademarked logo, you think of the West... big sky country, 10 gallon hats, riding and ropin', and all that we city slickers would associate with the western experience. In fact, Opa Opa Brewing Company is from out west...

Western Mass., that is. Now operating from two facilities-the original brewery in Southampton, Mass. and their location in Williamsburg, Mass., the Brewmaster's Tavern-Opa Opa is brewing some of the best IPA style brews available this side of the Pecos. Gold and Silver Medal winners, along with consistently high ratings from Beer Advocate, would be reason enough to attend this beer dinner. But for this event, Nick Faucher, Head Chef at Cedar Street Grille, and Nick Zamarelli, Head Chef at The Duck, are teaming up to make this one of the best beer dinners to date.

Call 508-347-2321 for reservations or visit online www.theducksturbridge.com.

Old Sturbridge Village Events 

The running of the lambs at Old Sturbridge Village. 

"Wool Days" at Old Sturbridge Village

Memorial Day Weekend May 25-27

OSV Sheep get "fleeced"

Sheep shearing, sheepherding, spinning, wool dyeing

Free admission for active U.S. military and families

The sheep at Old Sturbridge Village will be a little cooler after getting their annual "haircuts" during "Wool Days" on Memorial Day Weekend May 25-27. OSV farmers will demonstrate sheep shearing 1830s-style throughout the weekend, and Border Collies will show off their sheepherding skills on Saturday, May 25. Village historians will show the entire wool textile process, from scouring and carding the wool to spinning, knitting and weaving. Visitors can try hand carding (brushing and de-tangling) the wool  and then can see how the Village's water-powered carding mill does the same job much faster. Details: 800-SEE-1830; www.osv.org.

Free Military Admission

Dyeing Wool, Spinning and Weaving

Old Sturbridge Village historians will dye wool as it was done in the early 19th century -- in kettles over an open fire using natural dyes that produce brilliant colors. And they will demonstrate spinning and weaving to show how wool was used to make household clothing and textiles. Visitors can dye their own skein of wool yarn using modern dyeing techniques, and make a drop spindle at the Craft Center.

Sheep aren't the only animals that produce wool, and visitors can meet and Angora rabbit on Saturday, and alpacas and llamas on both Saturday and Monday to learn about the different wools.  And an antique sock knitting machine will be demonstrated on Saturday and Monday.

Sheepherding Demonstrations Saturday, May 25

Veteran Sheepherder David Kennard and his team of Border Collies from Wellscroft Farm in Chesham, New Hampshire, will demonstrate the dogs' innate ability to herd not just sheep, but pigs, ducks, and goats as well. According to Kennard, Border Collies are uniquely talented in retrieving livestock because of their power, balance, intelligence, and their ability to control animals by staring at them with a "predatory eye." At the end of the sheepherding demonstration, Kennard rewards his dogs by playing Frisbee and interacting with the audience.

May 18: Free Tomato Plant Giveaway

Free heirloom tomato plants will be given to Old Sturbridge Village visitors on Saturday, May 18 to celebrate the start of the gardening season. The free tomato plants, grown by OSV horticulturists, include popular varieties from the 1830s: Brandywine, Yellow Pear, and Large Red. (The tomato plants are free with museum admission, while supplies last, limit one plant per family). Museum visitors will receive a free tomato voucher upon arrival, which can be redeemed from 11:00 - 5:00 p.m. near the museum's Herb Garden.

Other heirloom plants grown at the Village will be offered for sale as well, including flowers like hollyhock, wild foxglove, blackberry lily, tall mallow and herbs such as basil, thyme, and sage, hyssop, and more (prices range from $3-$5, depending on size).

Hollow Brook Farms Country Store

Grand Re-Opening! 

We may have been devastated but thanks to all the support and help we got from all of you; WE'RE BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!!!!!!!  COME SEE...

MOTHER'S DAY BUTTERFLY RELEASE, HORSE DRAWN RIDE

 MAY 25 11am-3pm

$25 per person (under 2 free)

Reservations 413-245-9325

 HOLLOW BROOK FARMS 47 HOLLOW RD. BRIMFIELD

Show the "mom" in your life how special she is, just like your mom is one of a kind, so is our first annual Mother's Day Butterfly Release, Horse Drawn Ride, join us for a cup of "specialty" tea and delicious pastries (coffee & hot chocolate also available), everyone will get a live hand-raised butterfly, then travel by horse drawn ride to the meadow, where we will release our butterflies back to nature! Continue your horse drawn ride back to the Country Store, where you are free to browse...Each reservation is limited so call early to save your spot or for more information.

11am Reservation            12pm Reservation

1pm Reservation            2pm Reservation

Please call today to reserve your Mother's Day Butterfly Release Ride

Linda Weston 413-245-9325 or Heather Ackerman 413-250-2625

www.hollowbrookfarms.com

May 30, 6:30pm 

Cooking with Rico: Classics of the Italian Kitchen
 

Experience the popular "Cooking with Rico" series, and explore a variety of cooking styles and cuisines-including Italian, comfort food, tapas, and more. Every third Thursday, Rico hosts this unique event for a small group where he demonstrates an assortment of cooking techniques and shares the completed dishes with guests. Each course is accompanied by a specially chosen wine pairing, and diners receive recipe cards at the end of the meal so that they can recreate the dishes in their home kitchens. Reserve your seat today by calling 508-347-2321.

Thursday, May 30 * 6:30pm

Italian cooking is very difficult to pin down-almost every city and town has its specialties, and there are regional trends too. The result is many local cuisines rather than a single national cuisine. However, there are some dishes that you will find almost everywhere and those are now standards among the many Italian communities scattered across the globe. Through years of cooking with his grandmother, other family members, and professionally, Chef Rico has compiled some of what he considers to be the best in classic Italian dishes. He is anxious to show you just how simple it is to prepare these classics for that true Italian experience at home.

This event is $49 per person with wine pairings, or $37 without. Tax and gratuity are not included. Make your reservations now by calling Avellino at 508-347-2321.

National Trails Day Celebration

Grand Opening of the Brimfield Section of the

Grand Trunk Trail and the Mill Brook Water trail

After several years of hard work and recovery from the tornado of June 2011, and the devastating snow storm of October 2011 the 2.5 mile section of the Grand Trunk Trail and 2 mile adjoining side trail in Brimfield is now open along with an access to Mill Brook, a flat water river that flows through Brimfield. With the opening of the 2.5 mile Lake Siog Pass trail into Holland, there are now over 7 miles of relatively flat, "rail trail" available to the public.  This section of the Grand Trunk Trail is a portion of the Titanic Rail Trail initiative of the Grand Trunk Trail Blazers.  When complete the Titanic Rail Trail will run 66 miles from Franklin to Palmer Ma.

The official grand opening will take place on the second Anniversary of the June 1 Tornado, Saturday June 1 at 9:30 AM in the RT 20 trail head terminus of the Grand Trunk trail, 120 Sturbridge Rd, Brimfield. June 1 is also the American Hiking Society's National Trails Day, www.AmericanHiking.org.  Area dignitaries along with representatives from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, The Grand Trunk Trail Blazers, the Brimfield Trail Committee and Board of Selectmen will be on hand to officially open the trails and be a part of this national celebration of trails.

Initial work in opening these sections of the abandoned Trolley and Grand Trunk Rail beds started in 2005, and were slowly progressing with a hoped for grand opening in September of 2011. The tornado of June 2011 delayed that opening, causing over ½ mile of the trail to be totally destroyed, and an additional 3/4 mile significantly impacted. Thanks to the partnership between the Town of Brimfield and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, volunteers went to work rededicating themselves to getting this trail re opened, and in large part to the tornado in better condition than originally envisioned.

Total costs over the past 6 years of contracted and volunteer effort as well as materials and supplies to open this 2.5 mile section of trail have amounted to $ 255,000.00, with some $120,000 of that directly related to tornado and winter storm clean up/damages and repairs.

One of the side benefits of the trail is new and easy access to Mill Brook, allowing for canoes and kayaks to enjoy this section of the river. All activities will start at the RT 20 parking lot. A brief tour of the trail and river access will be available at 9:00 AM, the official ribbon cutting will take place at 9:30 AM, and a Bike tour of the trail will leave at 10:00 AM with refreshments provided by the Brimfield Trail Association, the Grand Trunk Trail Blazers and the Sturbridge Coffee House.

June 6: Ribbon Cutting 

Holland's Maine Attraction!

Please mark your calendars! On Thursday, June 6, join the Chamber for the official ribbon cutting of the brand new restaurant: Holland's Maine Attraction!

The Ribbon Cutting will take place at 4pm. An Open House with refreshments will follow.  All are welcome! Holland's Maine Attraction is located at the site of the former Team Hoyt's Finish Line on Hamilton Reservoir at 154 Mashapaug Road, Holland. Holland's Maine Attraction features authentic Maine dishes, seafood, ice cream and they're open for breakfast, lunch and dinner!  

We hope you will join us in welcoming them! Visit online for hours, the menu and more info!

Reach Holland's Maine Attraction by phone at 413-245-6043.  

June 8: Southbridge FEST 2013,  

10:00am-5:00pm 

Come join the Fun!

Now registering riders and teams!

Bikers will start and finish at the 340 Thompson Road, Webster campus. Participants can choose from a 12, 30, 62 or 100 mile course. The century loops as far west as Brimfield and as far north as Spencer before returning to Webster. General registration is $30. All the route maps are located on the registration website.

Support the Relay for Life!

June 14 and 15, McMahon Field at Southbridge High School 

Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease.

At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length. Relayers do not have to walk all night, but each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event.

Sign up. Make a donation. Find out more here. 

Salem Cross Inn Events

Tessie and Tommy are getting married and we hope you'll be joining us for the special rehearsal dinner the evening before the long awaited marriage.  The only problem is, the parents of the bride and the groom are not as thrilled with the union as the love birds are.  The tensions the parents bring to this dinner can only spell trouble for the loving couple.  You never know what might happen at this otherwise festive celebration of the upcoming wedding.  Join us and find out! While your trying to solve the mystery, you'll enjoy a delicious dinner! By advance ticket purchase. $53.00 per person including tax and gratuity. See more and purchase tickets.

June 16, 2:00pm

Come join us as we prepare a 1700's American trailside feast. We hand rub prime ribs of beef with an age old recipe of herbs and spices and slowly roast it over a huge fire pit. Help baste the prime rib or make chowder in an antique iron cauldron over an open fire. Snack on fritters and barbecued kielbasa. Take a horse drawn wagon ride through the back fields. Watch local crafters demonstrate how they make their wares. The militia will even march through with their fife and drum corps! When the dinner bell rings, move to the tent where there are two separate buffet tables overflowing with food! Enjoy an endless feast starting with the chowder cooked in the field, the prime rib from the fire pit, and fish, chicken, farm fresh vegetables, home made rolls, watermelon, deep dish apple pie topped with fresh whipped cream, and more! It's a feast that you will never forget! NO BETTER WAY TO CELEBRATE FATHERS DAY!!

Advanced ticket sales only. Purchase tickets here.  

$58.00 per adult including tax and gratuity

$25.00 per child under 12 including tax and gratuity

View the latest additions to our Events Calendar here.