Merchants of Sturbridge Launch "Ambassador" Program

The Merchants of Sturbridge kicked off their "Ambassador Program" yesterday, welcoming 5 tour buses full of visitors as they arrived at the Sturbridge Host Hotel. The guests, arriving from New York for a weekend visit to Old Sturbridge Village, were thrilled to be the recipients of such a warm hometown welcome.

Each visitor was greeted with handshakes, smiles, and a small gift bag containing chocolates (courtesy of Sturbridge Candy), an M.O.S. listing of Sturbridge Shop, Eat, Stay, & Play amenities, which had been copied onto festive patriotic paper, along a host of rack cards and brochures with information about Sturbridge.

The Ambassadors - comprised of merchants, residents, and local officials included the following:

B.O.S. Chairman Mary Blanchard
Karin Rokicki (wearing OSV period clothing) - Resident
Dick Vaughan (wearing 1830’s period clothing) - The Spirit 970 Radio
Michael Harrington – Owner, Publick House Historic Inn
Leslie Wong - Resident/Sturbridge Building Department
Autumn Wong - Resident
Maryann Thorpe - Resident
Emma Thorpe - Resident
Patty Affenito - owner Sturbridge Country Inn
Chris Rovezzi – Rovezzi’s Ristorante
Jeannine Creamer - Resident
Thomas Creamer - Board of Selectmen

Unfortunately, we were not able to utilize everyone who volunteered, as we were mindful of not overwhelming our visitors. Certainly, we appreciate the great response from the many who hoped to participate and rest assured there will be many other opportunities to do so.

An email correspondence from Brian Amedy of the Host Hotel confirmed that our Ambassadors were a big hit with arriving guests and the Host extends its gratitude to all M.O.S. members for supporting this initiative. As well, I have been asked to extend a special thanks to those who worked so hard yesterdat at reaching out and making it happen.

The community was extremely well represented and all residents, merchants, and town representatives can be proud of the message conveyed yesterday. The day's highlights are captured in a short slideshow at the top of this article.