Following is a list of events that have occurred, old news,
and other information from the not-too-distant past.
2011:
Snow and Sidewalks: Be reminded that if you are a private property owner, you are responsible for clearing your sidewalks within 24 hours of snow/ice accumulation. The town is reducing the amount of sidewalk clearing that it will do this winter.
Arbor Day Opportunity: Businesses and residents on Route 20 and Route 131 have an opportunity to help beautify the town by planting free trees on those routes. Courtesy of the Tree Warden Advisory Committee, 50 trees are designated for this project. Call (508) 347-5682 to determine if your property has the space for a free tree.
New Director of Pupil Services and Special Education: Congratulations to Brenda Looney, newly appointed Director of Pupil Services and Special Education for the Tantasqua Regional School District.
Indoor Sports Complex in the Works: A local group of sports fanatics is looking into the feasibility of building an indoor sports complex on Kelly Road.
On June 1, 2011, a series of tornadoes struck several towns in south-central Massachusetts, creating a 39-mile path of devastation.
Openings 2011: Welcome to The Winebuyer's Outlet on Route 20, offering wines, cheeses, and other gourmet products. Also, a warm welcome to Bicycle Concepts on Arnold Road. And now open is Sugar & Spice, providing gift baskets, baked goods, chocolates, light bites, and more.
A Hearty Congratulations to Jim Donahue: Kudos to Jim Donahue, Chief Executive Officer of Old Sturbridge Village. Donahue was named the 2011 Worcester Business Journal Nonprofit Business Leader of the Year for his success in rejuvenating OSV during turbulent times. Not to mention, visits to OSV are up - just what we like to see.
New Principal at Tantasqua Jr. High: Welcome to Christopher Starczewski, the new principal of Tantasqua Junior High School.
What a Week in Sturbridge: On October 30, nature delivered the first snow storm of the season, leaving hundreds of thousands of New England residents without power. Lineman from all over the country have traveled to our region to help clear fallen trees and repair electric lines. As of Sunday, November 7, most but not all of the town has been restored. Thank you to the hard working crews.
2010:
Don't miss National Trails Day on June 5: The Sturbridge Trails Committee will host an afternoon full of events at the Heins Farm trail complex. Check the brochure and schedule for details.
Streeter Beach is open for the 2010 summer season! Cost is $5, or purchase a season's pass for $35. Did you know that Streeter Point Recreation Area is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation? Here is a list of all the beaches managed by DCR. The $35 pass will get you into all of these beaches - what a great deal!
Congratulations to Russ Penny and the Re-Opening of Penny's Appliance on Route 20!
Holiday Door Decorating Results: The results are in! Here are the winners of the December 2009 Door Decorating Contest on Main Street. Residential Winner: The Brunelles at #272 Main Street. Business Winner: The Sturbridge Marketplace at #559 Main Street. Special recognition for the assistance recieved from town residents Steve and Annie Chojnicki, and Julie and Maria Tebbetts.
Sturbridge in Bloom Winners: Congratulations to Hometown Bank, Sterling Enginering, Scottish Inn, The Publick House, and the Yankee Peddlar - the winners of the 2009 Sturbridge in Bloom Contest.
New High School Principal: Welcome to Mike Lucas, the new principal of Tantasqua Regional High School.
Red Sox Draft Sturbridge Shortstop: Congratulations to Dan Kemp, who was drafted by the Boston Red Sox. Kemp is a recent graduate of Tantasqua Regional High School.
Best Dressed Police: The Sturbridge Police Department won first place in the States Best Dressed Police Department challenge.
2009:
Dams to be Removed: At its June 5, 2009, meeting, the Conservation Commission voted to have three dams removed at the former Camp Robinson Crusoe. It is hoped that this move will improve the water quality of the Quinebaug River as well as Hamant Brook. The property of the former camp is accessible via a footpath off Shattuck Road, near the intersection of I-84. See Hamant Brook, below.
Mandatory Watering Ban: The town of Sturbridge is under mandatory watering ban from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. No watering outside lawns and gardens. We need some good, strong fall rains. Late fall 2009.
Fire Damage to Appliance Store: Our hearts go out to Russ and Terri Penney, owners of Penney's Appliance, which suffered significant damage from a fire on Sept 16.
Wells State Park on Top 100 List: ReserveAmerica, the online camping resource, has named Wells State Park in Sturbridge one of the Top 100 campgrounds in the U.S.
Happy Anniversary! : The Copper Stallion celebrates its 5th anniversary in September. And the Sturbridge Country Inn will mark 20 years in September. Join in the celebration at Fiskdale Fest, Sept 18-20, at the Copper Stallion and Sturbridge Country Inn. Main Street/Route 20.
Sturbridge Earns Biotech Recognition: The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council has recognized our town as being a desirable location for biotech firms. Are we doing everything we can to attract these potential employers?
New Business in Town: Welcome to Valerie Allard and The Plum Room, at 425 Main Street (Route 20). Allard provides products and services to uplift your mind, body, and spirits. You can read more about The Plum Room in my blog article. OSV Doing Well: Old Sturbridge Village has reported increases in its membership and attendance this year, saying that 2009 may be its best year in a decade. Meanwhile, OSV is matching donations made by Sept 7, 2009 (Labor Day), up to $100,000. To make a donation go to www.osv.org/orders/giftform.php
Streeter Point Beach to be Unstaffed Summer 2009: Due to budget cuts in the state, Streeter Point Recreation Area will be unstaffed this summer, with no swimming at the beach.
New Vehicles for FD: The Sturbridge Fire Department plans to purchase 2 new emergency vehicles this year (2009), pending Finance Committee approval.
Welcome Harley Owner's Group: The Northeast State Rally Tour is this weekend, Aug 6-9. Do I hear thunder? Fun activities for all ages.
A New Addition: Sturbridge Crossroads Cafe at the Sturbridge Information Center, opened July 1, 2009, is serving baked goods and Starbucks coffee. Stop in and say hello!
Congrats to Grubert Carpentry, which has been nominated for the Department of Defense 2009 Employer Support Freedom Award.
Sturbridge is a Tree City USA Winner. On May 8, Sturbridge received its 20th Tree City USA award.
Kudos to the Town of Sturbridge. According to an article on boston.com, Sturbridge was one of 117 municipalities to receive an e-Government Award by Common Cause Massachusetts on March 19, 2009.