AUGUST 2019

AUGUST 2019 Volume 5 . Issue 9 golocalmagazines.com

a to z toys need a running Buddy? ellington farmers market 1 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2019

take a peek

stanley park in westfield

2 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2019

new this month AUGUST 2019 . VOLUME 5 . ISSUE 9

23

WESTFIELD’S STANLEY PARK The park consists of nearly 300 plus acres of trails where you will find wildlife and woodland with native trees and wildflowers, woods, picnic areas, recreational facilities, gardens, and a duck pond that is the centerpiece of a Colonial-era Village and so much more....

6

A NOTE

8

GO ON, YOUR SAY

11

RUN BUDDY

From The Editor 15 Minutes Of Fame

Peace of Mind in Your Pocket

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 3

AUGUST 2019 . VOLUME 5 . ISSUE 9

14

go eat

18

local Events

21

GO LOCAL PICKS

23

Westfield’s own

29

Out of this world in northampton

35

Farmers Market

39

local einstein

41

local Snapshot

42

FINAL COUNTDOWN

Fiesta Corn Salad August Happenings Cool Stuff Just Outside Your Door Stanley Park

29

A2Z Science & Learning Store Ellington’s Arbor Park

35

Put Your Thinking Caps On

Pink Peonies in Bloom

7 Local Ice Cream Spots

ON THE COVER:

Eden Forbes, 6, of Westfield, enjoys the climbing wall at the children’s playground at Stanley Park in Westfield. (Frederick Gore)

11

STANLEY PARK OF WESTFIELD INVITES YOU TO OUR ANNUAL FUNDRAISER:

Birthday in the Park ~ Celebrating Our 70th

19 49 ~

20 19

A benefit to restore our Rose Garden Fountain Saturday, September 7, 2019 5:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Stanley Park’s Beveridge Pavilion Special Entertainment by Harry Rock Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, hearty stations & desserts catered by the Delaney House Live and Silent Auctions • Reservations $45 per person

www.stanleypark.org 4 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2019

For more information, please call 413.568.9312 ext. 108 or ext. 112

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 5

a note

FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR . G. MICHAEL DOBBS

Hi, are you new to Go Local? You may be with this issue.

Go Local is a monthly lifestyle magazine exploring the interesting places, events and people in western New England.

I write this introduction as the magazine is being distributed to three new communities with this issue: Westfield, Southwick and Granby, CT. Welcome to the readership! Our hope is that Go Local helps you realize just how rich an area in which we all live.

Western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut are filled with great stories that may have slipped your attention. It’s our intent to bring them to you along with great photos.

For instance, our Go Local Picks is a monthly feature that showcases everything from a great place to eat – Cindy’s Drive-in in Granby, MA – to area artisans, such as Moon Snail Creations in Southwick.

Sometimes we feature places or businesses that you might drive by every day and may not be aware of all they offer. Stanley Park in Westfield is the heart of that community, providing a wooded respite in a busy urban area. This month’s feature allows you to explore all that the park offers.

Another example of a gem under our collective noses is the A2Z Science and Learning Store. A pioneering business in the field of combining learning with play, I’ve gone there many times to find gifts for our grandson. Even if you don’t have a younger member of the family right now, the store is a fascinating place to walk through: part revelation and part nostalgia. I bet you’ll want to buy something for yourself!

In this issue, we also go to Ellington, CT to that town’s farmers market. I don’t know about you but I try to shop as often as I can at these markets. That one trip allows a person to support local farmers, buy the freshest of local food products and build a sense of community. In Ellington, the market is a non-profit and has the difference of offering educational and entertainment features. As Market Master Diane Trueb said, “My favorite aspect of the market is how it has become a social event for people in town. There is no official ‘downtown’ area in Ellington and other small rural towns in the area. People who attend don’t always come to shop; they come to visit friends. It’s rewarding. Seeing senior citizens come with their chairs and listen to the music, or seeing repeat groups of folks who come and hang out – it’s just fantastic.”

That sense of community runs through every issue of Go Local.

Now that we are the midst of summer – and going through some very warm weather – ice cream is king and we feature seven different independent ice cream shops in our region.

JB’s Ice Cream in East Longmeadow is the closets of these to my home in Springfield and my wife and I frequently make the trip to enjoy a premium hand-made ice cream.

We also like to present folks who are innovators, bringing their vision of a business or a product to the local market. This issue is no exception with a story about Ruthie and Scott Sutters of Somers, CT. They are both runners, have founded RunBuddy, a smartphone app that acts as your “buddy” when you’re out for a walk, run, or bike ride. It’s a cool idea.

I hope our new readers will enjoy this edition of Go Local and we look forward to getting together next month with a new selection of great stories.

- G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor 6 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2019

MANAGING EDITOR G. Michael Dobbs

CREATIVE

Beth Thurber, Manager . Leigh Catchepaugh Elizabeth O’Donoghue . Susan Bartlett

DESIGN Michelle Johnson, Manager

LOCAL CONTENT Allison Litera

ADVERTISING

Barb Perry, Manager . Amy Allen . Kim Barba Lisa Nolan . Paula Dimauro . Scott Greene Nancy Holloway . Jeanette Grenier . Matt Mahaney Greg Pudlo . Victoria Owen Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant

PHOTOGRAPHY

Nathan Blais . Fred Gore Patrick Johnson . Allison Litera



THE GO LOCAL COMMUNITY

CONNECTICUT EAST WINDSOR • ELLINGTON ENFIELD • EAST GRANBY GRANBY • NORTH GRANBY SOMERS • SOUTH WINDSOR STAFFORD SPRINGS • SUFFIELD

MASSACHUSETTS AGAWAM • EASTHAMPTON EAST LONGMEADOW • FLORENCE HAMPDEN • LONGMEADOW NORTHAMPTON • SOUTHWICK WESTFIELD • WEST SPRINGFIELD WILBRAHAM

A CREATION OF

CONTACT US! 280 North Main Street • East Longmeadow, MA 01028 Tel: 413.525.6661 • Fax: 413.525.5882

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM Send local story ideas to: Michelle Johnson: mjohnson@repub.com

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GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 7

your say

ALLIE

FALLON

STARLA

Creative Professional

Speech Therapist Assistant

English Teacher

KRISTIN

MARIANTHY Retired Teacher

Accountant

Staff Assistant

Totally

Perfect

Soliloquy

Precious

Great

Seriously

Crackers and sharp cheese

Watermelon

Watermelon

Ice cold watermelon

Ice cream

Fruit

Dirty Dancing

Independence Day

Pretty Woman

What is your favorite word?

Best beach snack?

BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES THEIR 15 MINUTES OF FAME

Stranger Things Season 3 (I know it’s not a movie)

NICK

Favorite classic summer movie?

Heavyweights

The Parent Trap

When I hear this song, I can’t help but dance:

Miserlou

by Dick Dale

Just Dance

by Lady Gaga

Africa by Toto

Dancing Queen

by ABBA

Talk by Two Door Cinema Club

Dancing Queen

by ABBA

Boston

Bigelow Hollow or Farmington River Tubing

Relaxing on a beautiful beach

Beach

Boston

Contortionist

Trapeze

Anything but a clown

A clown

Lion Tamer

Magician

Favorite outdoor activity?

Swimming

Playing soccer

Swimming or hiking with my dogs

Exploring new places and quaint little towns

Golf

Walking

Favorite summer dessert?

Ice cream sandwiches

Ice cream!

Cupcakes from Pete’s Sweets

Fresh fruit salad with homemade whipped cream

Ice cream

Watermelon

Best place for a day trip? West Hartford, CT

If you were in a circus, what would your act be?

8 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2019

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LOCAL HARVEST Farmer’s Market

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peace of mind in your pocket

H

ave you ever been out for a walk, run, or ride and found yourself in an uncomfortable or potentially dangerous situation? Many of us have. And it’s a shame. Everyone deserves protection and peace of mind when they’re alone outdoors; enjoying a physical activity or one of their favorite hobbies…to live a life without fear or worry.

“This is why we created RunBuddy,” says Ruthie Sutter of Somers, CT. She and her husband Scott, both runners, are the founders of RunBuddy, a smartphone app that acts as your “buddy” when you’re out for a walk, run, or bike ride.

The idea came to Ruthie over time, especially after a murder on the rail trail in Connecticut a few years ago.

Since then, Ruthie felt more nervous running.

“We were so angered by what happened. We felt like caged animals,” says Scott.

“Running should be enjoyable. It clears your head and it’s great for de-stressing. This wasn’t the case around that time,” Ruthie adds. “My mom was always concerned about me going out for a run by myself after that. Now I use RunBuddy to give her peace of mind.” Scott found developers to work with on the app, GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 11

12 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2019

and after a year of development, it launched at the beginning of June 2019. It has been receiving great feedback from the running community so far with a few hundred downloads.

“Word is beginning to spread as we tell more people about the app,” says Scott. “Everyone we’ve talked to so far has been really interested and supportive.”

So what does the app do?

With RunBuddy, you can inform your “buddies” that you are going out for a run, walk, bike ride, or hike on your own.

How it works:

1. Open the app on your smartphone.

2. Choose your activity: running, walking, or cycling.

3. Set your stationary time – the amount of time you might need during your activity to take a break (for example, stopping for a drink of water or to stretch and cool down). This can be anywhere from 1 – 10 minutes. This is the amount of time the app will go before alerting your buddies.

4.) Add a buddy who will be alerted of your activity (you can select up to five buddies at a time). The app asks for access to your contacts to add buddies who have the app downloaded.

5.) Selected buddies will get a notification that you are starting your physical activity and can see on a map where you are located.

6.) Hit “start” and your buddies will get a notification on their phones that you have started your activity and are on your way.

The noise alert used for the notifications is specific to the app, sounding like a bark (perhaps this has to do with the fact that Ruthie and Scott have two dogs, but who can say for sure!). If there is any inactivity

for several minutes after your set stationary time, your selected buddies will be alerted. If your stride becomes high-speed (ex. if you were abducted and held captive in a fast-moving vehicle), they would be alerted. If the phone is smashed, an alert will go off to your buddies as well.

The app is free to download and free for non-runners to be a buddy.

For those using the fully-functional app to take out with them on a run, walk, or ride, it is 99 cents a month or $9.99 for a year. It comes with a builtin panic button to send your location to your buddies if you feel like you’re in trouble.

“A big question we get is ‘why not connect the app to 911?’” says Ruthie.

“We don’t want anyone to hesitate to push the panic button on the app.

When the panic button is pushed, the buddy is alerted and can call the runner/walker to see if everything is OK. If the runner/walker doesn’t answer, then the buddy knows to go out and find where the runner/walker is located and then call 911 in case of an emergency.”

The app is only available for U.S.-based smartphones (for now).

You can, however, use the app for international travel to alert buddies back home.

The app has other uses as well.

“A great use of the app is for when you might be traveling by yourself for work and you have to walk from a conference into a parking garage by yourself,” says Ruthie. “Or for hikers or hunters in the woods who might experience a heart attack or medical emergency. The buddies will be alerted of their exact location if the panic button is pressed or after several minutes of inactivity. If hikers lose cell service, the app will show their last known location.” Scott adds, “It works well for younger kids [with a cellphone] in middle school who need to travel to/from places without an adult, college students going from a party to their dorm room, or senior citizens who may not have someone around to look after them.”

Ruthie and Scott are currently working on phase I of accessing the app’s panic button on a smart watch.

“While there’s an appropriate time for protest, nothing beats love in action,” says Scott. The duo is excited for more people to find out about the app and using it to bring themselves and their loved ones a bit more security in this crazy world.

For more information about RunBuddy, visit getrunbuddy.app.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 13

go eat

! RECIPE SUBMITTED BY JANET PARÉ

FIESTA CORN SALAD

This delicious salad is great cold or warm and includes ingredients plentiful this time of year: corn, peppers, and tomatoes. Perfect for your summer BBQs!

8 ears of corn, grilled

To make the Dressing:

1/2 red pepper, diced

In a small mason jar, add lime juice, sugar, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper.

Cover and shake until well mixed. Add oil, shake to mix well. Set aside.

1/2 orange pepper, diced 1 jalapeno pepper, minced

To make the Salad:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Heat grill to high. Keep husks and silk on corn. Grill corn until charred on all sides.

Remove husks and silk. Remove corn using a sharp knife. Place corn in a large bowl.

Using your hands, separate the kernels. Add peppers, onion, tomatoes and beans. Pour dressing over all and mix well. Chill and serve.

1 small red onion, diced 15.5 oz. can of pinto beans or combination of pinto, red & black beans, rinsed and drained 2 tbsp. lime juice

Variation: For a warm side dish, saute corn, peppers, and onion for 3-4 minutes. Add tomatoes and beans and dressing. Mix gently and cook until heated.

1 tsp. sugar 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 ½ tsp. ground cumin ¼ tsp. chili powder ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. coarse ground pepper ¼ cup canola oil 14 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2019

JANET PARÉ is a home cook who began baking with her Memere (grandmother) at the age of 6. Retired and living in Southampton with her dog, Ziggy and cat, Elie Mae, she now enjoys cooking for family and friends.

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16 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2019

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AGAWAM, MA

AGAWAM SUMMERFEST 2019 SCHOOL STREET PARK AGAWAM, MA Join KIX 100.9 on Wednesday, August 21 for a !FREE! night of music featuring Morgan Evans with special guest Abby Anderson. Agawam SummerFest starts at 7 pm, on the stage at the magnificent School Street Park. In case of rain, that day’s event will be canceled. Call 821-0514 after 2 PM - or see signs posted at Veterans’ Green to find out if the concert has been canceled.

EASTHAMPTON, MA

First Child in the Woods: Caregiver and Infant/Toddler Walk MASS AUDUBON ARCADIA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, 127 COMBS ROAD August 17, 2019 (Saturday) 10:00am - 11:00am (suitable for children 0 - 5 years) Join us for the perfect introduction to nature. This one-hour hike will enable your child or children, birth to 5 years old, to gently discover the natural world around them and give you skills to confidently lead explorations of your own. This is an opportunity to explore the changing nature and beauty of Arcadia with your youngster each month.

Members: Adult $5, Child free. Nonmembers: Adult $7, Child free Register online at www.massaudubon.org or call 413-584-3009.

NORTHAMPTON, MA

NORTHAMPTON SUMMER PARK SERIES 2019 PULASKI PARK, MAIN STREET, NORTHAMPTON, MA Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM. Hosted by Northampton Arts Council.

Join us and many of your friends and neighbors for live music and dancing in our beautifully renovated Park in the heart of Downtown Northampton.

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA

LÚNASA IRISH FESTIVAL AT THE ICC IRISH CULTURAL CENTER OF WESTERN NEW ENGLAND 429 MORGAN ROAD, WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 11:30 AM – 7 PM. The festival will be a day of Irish music, dance, and culture. This family friendly event will have something for everyone. There will be a variety of food trucks and concession stands, along with beer and drinks for sale. Parking will be available at the pavilion lot behind the ICC, and also at West Springfield High School with a shuttle service.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6–12, and free for children 5 and under.

No outside food or drinks, no coolers. Cash only for tickets, food and drinks. https:// lunasafeis.org/festival/faq/

EAST LONGMEADOW, MA

EAST WINDSOR, CT

FLORENCE, MA

GRAND OPENING OF THE BARBER HILL SCHOOLHOUSE AT MUSEUMS ON THE GREEN • 115 SCANTIC ROAD, EAST WINDSOR CT 06088 Free and Open to the Public! Saturday August 10, 2019, from 12-4 pm come out and join the East Windsor Historical Society in celebrating the Grand Opening of the Barber Hill Schoolhouse during their annual ice cream social. This event will feature a wide variety of activities for the whole family. More details are available at www.eastwindsorhistory.com.

UNION JACK, A BRITISH INVASION EAST LONGMEADOW ROTARY SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 180 MAPLE ST, EAST LONGMEADOW, MASSACHUSETTS 01028 Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 7 PM – 9 PM. Featuring the look and sounds of the 1960’s British Invasion era, UnionJack takes you back to the days of The Beatles, Gerry & the Pacemakers, DC 5, Rolling Stones, Kinks, Yardbirds, Hollies, Searchers, Hermits and many others unionjack@juno.com 3RD ANNUAL LOOK PARK FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL LOOK MEMORIAL PARK, 300 NORTH MAIN STREET Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 12 PM – 6 PM. Come end the summer on a sweet (or salty note) at the Look Park Food Truck Festival. The 3rd Annual Look Park Food Truck Festival will be happening rain or shine on Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 12pm to 6pm. If you’re 21 and over don’t forget to stop by the beer and wine tent to grab a cold beverage to go along with your snacks! Entrance to the event is FREE but there is a $10 parking fee to drive into the park. For more information call: 413-584-5457 or visit https:// www.lookpark.org/food-truck-festival/

HAMPDEN, MA

BEAVERS AT LAUGHING BROOK MASS AUDOBON LAUGHING BROOK, MAIN STREET August 17, 2019 (Saturday) 10:00am - 11:30am (suitable for children 4 - 12 years).

Did you know that beaver pelts were once used as money? Beavers, North America’s largest rodents, are amazing architects with fascinating life histories. Learn about their unique adaptations, and then head out on the trails looking for beaver dams, lodges, trees, and other signs that beavers have been busy. Members: Adult $5, Child $5.

Nonmembers: Adult $7, Child $7. Register online at www.massaudubon.org or by phone 413-584-3009.

LONGMEADOW, MA

FUNSTRUCTION BIRDHOUSE PROJECT LONGMEADOW ADULT CENTER 231 MAPLE RD, MASSACHUSETTS/LONGMEADOW 01106 Thursday, August 8, 2019 at 7 PM – 9 PM. Brent from will lead us in making wooden birdhouses! Materials are all prepared beforehand, just show up and build! Spaces are limited, $20 per project reserves your spot.

18 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2019

CONNECTICUT TROLLEY MUSEUM STORY TIME AT THE TROLLEY MUSEUM • 58 NORTH ROAD, EAST WINDSOR, CT 06088 The reading will be inside one of our historic trolleys and a trolley ride will follow. Every story is different and all ages are welcome! Storytime included with admission.

SOMERS, CT

GRAND OPENING OF THE FRIEDA B. STORY BARN STORYTIMES, WORKSHOPS, BOOK CLUBS, RETREATS ETC. 952 MAIN STREET, SOMERS, CT The Story Barn will open its doors to the public with events beginning on the Grand Opening day of Wednesday, August 7th. There is a full schedule of events available for all ages – because everyone has a story and, as The Story Barn motto reminds us, “Every Story Matters Here.” Folks are welcomed to go to www.FriedaB.com to view the schedule and reserve their spots. Registration is required for all events.

STAFFORD, CT

BACK 2 SK®OOL BLITZ KIDS NIGHT STAFFORD MOTOR SPEEDWAY 55 WEST STREET, STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT August 23 @ 7:00 pm - 10:30 pm. Ticket Pricing: Adult G.A.: $20. Kids 14 & Under: Free at the Gates. Reserved Seating – $23 All Ages

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COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR

3RD ANNUAL BREW AT THE ZOO THE ZOO IN FOREST PARK & EDUCATION CENTER 202 TRAFTON ROAD, SPRINGFIELD, MA Aug. 17, 2019 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. is the 3rd annual Brew At The Zoo! This unique, 21+ event will feature tastings from amazing local breweries, live music, games, and interactions with The Zoo’s animal inhabitants. Food trucks will also be on hand for those looking to cleanse their palates and nibble on some tasty treats. This year, we have also added a homebrew competition!

Several tickets options are available: VIP Admission - $50. We will open at 12 p.m. for our VIP guests, who will have the opportunity to participate in one-on-one animal interactions with a variety of species. We will provide you with grain so you can feed some of our animals. Stay tuned for additional VIP rewards! Early Bird Admission - $35 (tickets purchased by July 12, 2019) General Admission - $40 (tickets purchased between July 13, 2019 and Aug. 16, 2019). Designated Driver - $20. Admission at the door, if available, will be $45.

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Each piece is handcrafted from wood and painted to perfection. Whether it be a child’s name, a favorite saying, dinosaur or even a custom order, Moon Snail Creations is always creating new items and open to new ideas!

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nyone looking to escape and spend some quality time one-on-one with nature and enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer, need look no further than Westfield’s crown jewel of parks – Stanley Park.

“We became Stanley Park on Aug. 16 of 1949. I’m only six months older than the park. I was a baby back then and now I’ve been the director of Stanley Park for about 11 years,” said Robert C. McKean, who noted the park is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year at the same time Westfield celebrates its 350th anniversary.

“Our park is used for a bit of everything from walking and running to picnicking and from enjoying the beauty of nature to concerts, and there are plenty of things for kids to do. After all, the young will become

stewards of the park in years to come,” he added.

The park is named after Frank Stanley Beveridge, who was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, and studied for several years at the Mount Hermon School in Northfield. He eventually found his way to Hartford, Conn., where he became director of sales for the Fuller Brush Company. Inc. In 1931, he founded Stanley Home Products Inc. in Westfield. Some 18 years later he established Stanley Park on 25 acres of land.

Today the park consists of nearly 300 plus acres of trails where you will find wildlife and woodland with native trees and wildflowers, woods, picnic areas, recreational facilities, and gardens, including the Rose & Flower Garden, Asian Garden, a Rhododendron Display Garden, The Aboretum, Herb Garden, Barden and

Woodland Wildflower Garden. There is also the Frank Stanley Beveridge Wildlife Sanctuary, the Carillon Tower, and a duck pond that is the centerpiece of a Colonial-era Village that includes an orchard, mill and waterwheel, and old town meeting house, covered bridge, carriage shed, blacksmith shop, and arched bridges with a backdrop of flowering azaleas and rhododendron and ducks, fish, and a swan frolicking in the pond.

The park is bustling with all kinds of special events and things to do now through the fall. There is still time to enjoy a few shows before the park’s Sunday Night Concert Series, sponsored by Westfield Bank, ends for the season. The concerts begin at 6 p.m. in the Beveridge Pavilion weather permitting and are free.

Chairs will be available along with food for purchase.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 23

Among the remaining concerts are the rock band Shakin’ All Over on July 28, The Karen Carpenter Story starring Donna Lee on Aug. 4, and Bad Moon Risin – The Creedence Fogerty Tribute Band on Aug. 11.

For those who love the sounds of bells, they will be ringing on Aug. 18 and Sept. 22 with two concerts presented at the Carillon Tower.

Completed in 1950, the tower is dedicated to world peace and is faced with Indiana limestone and is 98 feet tall and topped with a gold leaf dome.

For kids there is Friday Mornings for Children offering a variety of performances held in the Beveridge Pavilion Annex at 10 a.m. weather permitting. Shows are free and chairs are provided.

Among the remaining performances are The Toe Jam Puppet Band on July 26, Little Red Wagon presents: Cleo’s Egyptian Tale on Aug. 2, and Annie & Safari Bob of the Natural Wonder Band presents: Garden Party on Aug. 9.

And, there is still more for the kids. Special children’s areas in the park offer their young patrons two playscapes with swings located next to each one, as well as a sandbox that 24 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2019

is covered with a tent to help keep kids cool and out of the sun.

Stanley Park with its natural habitat is all about nature, and throughout the summer and fall they offer several nature workshops/walks free of charge. Upcoming events include Leave No Trace with the Appalachian Mountain Club at noon on Aug. 31, Fantastic Fungi with the Pioneer Valley Mycological Association at 1 p.m. on Sept. 22, and Trees and Fungi with Dave Lovejoy at 1 p.m. on Sept.

29.

For those who just want to pack a picnic basket and enjoy eating al fresco, the park has two picnic areas to choose from near the Rose Garden and the children’s playscape and athletic field. Tables are on a firstcome, first-served basis and there are grills or fireplaces with barbecue pits for use.

If it’s something bigger like a family reunion, birthday party or company picnic, or even a wedding reception, bridal or baby shower, there are several pavilions for rent by calling 413-568-9312, ext. 100 or 101.

When fall begins knocking on the door, Stanley Park will throw a

fundraising party called “Celebrating Our 70th. The event will be held on Sept. 7 at 5 p.m. in the Beveridge Pavilion and will be catered by The Delaney House’s Log Rolling with butler-style hors d’oeuvres, sampling stations and beer and wine. Funds will be raised for the repair of the

park’s Rose Garden Fountain and the Aboretum Fountain. Plans are still underway for the party, and those who would like to attend should watch for more updated information on the park website.

“We are a private nonprofit and survive on donations, and people GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 25

thankfully do donate to us. The money allows us to update the park, such as our recent do-over of the Beveridge Pavilion and our just finished rebuilding of our tennis and basketball courts,” McKean said.

The park is officially open from the first Saturday in May through the last Sunday in November from 7 a.m. until dusk. The recreation gate to the park is open during the off season, but their website recommends that “all visitors use extreme caution and care while visiting when the park is officially closed.”

"People do come into the park year-round to walk," McKean said.

Located on 400 Western Avenue, there is no entrance or parking fees to the park, which is handicap accessible.

“We also have a Braille trail. For those of us who can see it’s an opportunity to visit the trail, close our eyes and just listen to and smell the nature around us, just as a blind person would do,” McKean said.

Stanley Park even offers free tours to get more acquainted with Westfield’s treasure. The last tour for the season sets off from the Carillon Tower on Aug. 10. To make a reservation, call 413-568-9312, ext. 108 or 112.

To learn more about the park, rentals and permit fees, and for a full schedule of event, call 413586-9312 or visit stanleypark.org.

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A2Z

Andre and Devon Boulay, owners of A2Z Science and Learning Store in Northampton, believe that play is important.

“Play is important and no matter how old you get, that’s a big part of what makes life awesome. Play and learn by play.” Andre said.

The couple became the new owners of A2Z Science and Learning Store four years ago after purchasing the business from founders Jack and

Science & Learning Store Priscilla Finn. The store first opened in Thornes Marketplace and moved to its current King Street location about 20 years ago. The store has been a staple to the Northampton area for over three decades.

Go Local met with Andre and Devon to discuss what A2Z Science and Learning Store is all about (and to get distracted by shelves of nostalgia-inducing toys like Lincoln Logs and board games.)

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 29

Both Andre and Devon have past experience with the shop. Andre began working at A2Z Science and Learning Store in high school. Devon started in college.

“We had a lot of history. We had a really good background in retail and toys and business and it all just kind of came together. [The previous owners] were looking to try and pass the business on to people who could be successful with it while they felt like it was still at its prime. So they offered us a good starting point to continue to evolve it,” Andre explained.

“It started based more on science and they sold a lot more science supplies, rocks, minerals, telescopes and stuff like that. As time happened, it evolved into more of an all-around 30 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2019

toy store. We have a little bit of everything and there’s still a lot of really cool rocks and cool science kits,” Andre explained.

The storefront is more than meets the eye. Andre said that upon walking in, most customers don’t realize how large the space is inside. “People don’t realize how big the store is until they walk in and we’re lucky enough to have such a good amount of floor space that we break the store into 20 categories. It’s amazing how much we cram into this space,” Andre said.

The floors and walls of A2Z Science and Toys are filled with toys of all shapes and sizes. Among the 20 categories mentioned by Andre are books, construction, remote control, outdoor, plush, baby, music, arts and crafts,

dress up, games, science, robots, Legos and fossils and minerals.

“A really cool part is that there are not many places that you walk in and see all different toys, especially the classics. We try really hard to have both. You want to have things that surprise you and things that are exciting that you haven’t touched before and you also still want ‘I remember having this when I was growing up,’ and we try to get that,” Andre said.

Andre said he and Devon share a passion with the store’s previous owners for creating a safe place for kids.

“Both the previous owners and ourselves felt really strongly about having a safe place for kids to be a kid. It’s never been more important because a lot of those places have disappeared.

There’s not toy stores on every corner necessarily and many towns don’t have a local toy store. I think giving a place for kids to explore and know that learning can be both fun and that you learn through play is a big part of our core message both to children and adults,” Andre said.

In addition to the sale of toys and learning products at A2Z Science and Learning Store, the shop also hosts a Yo-Yo School program. The free classes, which take place every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., seek to teach children aged seven and older the skill of playing with a yo-yo.

Andre is also the owner of YoYoExpert, an online community resource for yo-yo fans to learn and purchase new

yo-yos.

“It’s a big part of what makes us special. We’ve got a whole team of yo-yo players that go around and compete at the world yo-yo contest. That’s just always been a big part of what makes us, us. A lot of people come in and learn.

It’s all free too, so it’s a really cool way to interact with the community and get to know the families and the kids. We love it,” Andre said.

Devon shared that she enjoys seeing the curiosity exhibited by customers, both young and old, at the store. “I like curiosity. The kids are curious and want to try out the toys. Sometimes it’s fun because the parent won’t want to leave the store because they are too busy playing and they realize this really is for all ages. Sometimes people think GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 31

toy stores are just for little kids and they’re really not,” Devon said.

Devon continued, “I look at it as a place to clear your mind and possibly get inspired. Just to show the importance of play and take time with your kids away from screens and just realize play is super important and part of development for kids. It’s just a really fun place to feel safe.”

When asked which toys are their favorite in the store, the pair laughed. “We always ask that question at the end of job interviews,” Devon said with a smile.

For Andre, it was a no brainer. “For me, it’s yo-yos. They’re my all-time favorite toy. It’s such a core part of our DNA and what makes us so unique. It’s such a great way to connect to people. Almost everybody has a story with a yo-yo at one point in their life. I like the fact that it’s the most classic toy there is but it’s also such a modern toy and most people aren’t aware of how much you can do with it. That’s really neat.

It’s almost like you can re-introduce them to something,” Andre explained.

Devon chose a childhood favorite. “I’m big into the arts and crafts area. I liked crafting when I was little, so I really like the crafts,” Devon said.

While yo-yos, arts and crafts are Andre and Devon’s personal favorites, Andre said board games have been a recent hit at the store.

“Games right now have been huge for us. Right now, there isn’t another game store in town unfortunately, which is a bummer. But we’ve continued to see an influx of people looking for games and the staff is so good with games right now. We’ve taken a lot of time and energy to go through everything. We’ve got really good games and we’re always playing them,” Andre said.

As Andre and Devon continue to make A2Z Science and Learning Store their own, Andre said the store’s goal would always remain the same.

“We always want people to come out and say, ‘man, that was really fun.’

For more information visit A2ZScience.com or call 413-586-1611.

A2Z Science and Learning Store is located at 57 King Street in Northampton.

For more information on YoYoExpert, visit yoyoexpert.com.

32 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2019

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R

iding along Main Street in Ellington, CT on a Saturday morning, drivers might not see much past the throngs of cars parked on the sides of the road. But nestled past those cars in the middle of Arbor Park is the Ellington Farmers Market. There, visitors will find a happy and lively atmosphere filled with lots of vendors, dogs, and families. Live music carries through the air. Fresh flowers, fruits, herbs, and crafts circle the park. A plot of trees in the middle of the park offers picnic tables and shade on sunny days. It’s colorful and full of fun. The market is a nonprofit organized and run by “Market Master” Dianne Trueb (she has been Market Master since 2012), along with its board and volunteers.

“As a non-profit, our purpose is mainly to match SNAP dollars (formerly food stamps) up to $20 per week,” explains Trueb. “Visitors can bring their EBT card to the market booth to start. (SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.) The Department of Agriculture also offers Farmers market nutrition program vouchers for lowincome seniors and those who use

36 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2019

WIC. We match these, too.”

A differentiating factor of the Ellington Farmers Market in comparison to other markets is their rich educational programming and entertainment offered each week. Upcoming events include the Peach Festival (August 17), Kids ID Day/Tomato Festival (August 24), Meet Your Community Organizations (August 31), and Salsa Saturday (September 7).

May and June are the most highly attended market months, but the activities offered at all markets throughout the seasons keep new visitors coming.

Local musical entertainment is held at the outdoor market every week, providing the background soundtrack to the day. Children are encouraged to attend the market, too! Every week, the Kids Power of Produce (POP) Club connects children ages 5-12 to food production and helps them create healthier eating habits.

“Upon signup, we give kids a shopping bag and a $2 token to buy their own fresh produce,” says Trueb. Kids can participate in weekly activities such as a farmers market scavenger hunt, gardening demonstrations, cooking demonstrations, vegetable art, and more as they explore the GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 37

vendors with their families. There are 40 spots at the park each week for market vendors. There is an application and fee to become a vendor, and there is always room for guest vendors. The schedule of vendors is always rotating.

“The vendors change with the seasons. For example, during blueberry season we will have blueberry farmers, and during peach and strawberry season we will have farmers who offer those fruits specifically,” informs Trueb. “We never have the same exact vendors week to week, which keeps it diverse and interesting.”

All in all, the market is about promoting community, togetherness, and the fantastic things they have to offer.

“My favorite aspect of the market is how it has become a social event for people in town,” explains Trueb.

“There is no official ‘downtown’ area in Ellington and other small rural towns in the area. People who attend don’t always come to shop; they come to visit friends. It’s rewarding. Seeing senior citizens come with their chairs and listen to the music, or seeing repeat groups of folks who come and hang out – it’s just fantastic.”

The Ellington Farmers Market runs on Saturdays from April to midOctober at Arbor Park in Ellington on Main Street, right next to Arbor School. (Parking is offered on the street and in the surrounding parking lots at the school.) After that, the indoor winter market is held not too far away at the Indian Valley Family YMCA on Pinney Street.

“When you come here you know where your food is coming from and get to talk to each vendor and find out about what you’re buying,” concludes Trueb. “This is a great reason to shop here.”

To learn more, visit ellingtonfarmersmarket.com 38 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2019

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Pick-up only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 8/31/19.

112 Pearl St. • Enfield, CT • 860.741.3679 • 860.741.3670 www.enfieldpizza.com

All Homemade with The Freshest Ingredients!

TA K E A S T E P BA C K I N T I M E . . .

AUGUST 10, 2019 MONSON ROCKS PRESENTS:

WOODSTOCK’S 50th ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE!

THE GREATEST MUSIC FESTIVAL OF ALL TIME! FEATURED MUSICIANS:

1 NIGHT of PEACE & MUSIC CELEBRATING THE MUSIC AND SPIRIT OF THE WOODSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS: KRISTIE DIX & THE FAT KATS

5–11pm RAIN OR SHINE

GATES OPEN @ 4PM • OPENING BAND @ 5PM FEATURED ARTISTS “BACK TO THE GARDEN 1969” @ 7PM FOR ADVANCE TICKETS @ 20 CALL 413-348-7123 ONLINE $25 @ MONSONROCKS.COM ..... $30 @ GATE $

(CHILDREN 12 & UNDER FREE)

VETERAN’S FIELD - MONSON, MA 40 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2019

Summer Specials!

We specialize in stump grinding and in all types of tree work with special equipment - cranes to 134 ft.

Fully insured. Free estimates. Free advice.

Call Robb Wallace

413-782-8733

Over 40 yrs. experience in all phases of tree work!

wallacetree@gmail.com

Claws and Paws Pet Salon Where your pet is Family

546 Enfield Street • Enfield, CT clawsandpawspetsalon@yahoo.com

860.265.2390 Call for appointment

We Welcome All Breeds Large and Small – and Your Pampered Kitties!

local snapshot  Michelle Johnson

PINK PEONIES

The pink Peony flower is a symbol of romance and this flower color is usually a part of wedding bouquets and wedding celebrations. They can be a perfect gift for your partner and everyone who has stolen your heart.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 41

The Final Countdown

7 Local Ice Cream Spots 7 great spots to cool down with a favorite summer treat!

MOOLICIOUS FARM

THE APPLE PLACE

258 FEEDING HILLS RD • SOUTHWICK, MA

540 SOMERS RD • EAST LONGMEADOW, MA

Moolicious likes to push the boundaries of ice cream with their crazy unique concoctions like the Moo-Nut (an ice-cream filled donut) and Smash-A-Pie (ice cream and pie “smashed” together).

The Apple Place is known for its rustic farm feel with plenty of outdoor seating, corn hole, their bakery, bench tables, swinging seats, ice cream, trinkets for sale and organic ‘no spray’ produce.

THE COLLINS CREAMERY

JB’S ICE CREAM FACTORY

9 POWDER HILL RD • ENFIELD, CT

622 N. MAIN ST • EAST LONGMEADOW, MA

Great flavors in a simple setting with outdoor picnic tables bordering green fields. Fun flavors to try: Red Velvet, Tiramisu, Grasshopper, Cotton Candy, Collins Mud, Carmel Cashew

JB’s has been an area staple for more than 30 years!

Their flavors usually rotate, but some good ones are Marshmallow Graham, Rum Raisin, Triple Chocolate Cake Batter, Chocolate Fluff, and Chocolate Nightmare.

MT. TOM’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM 34 COTTAGE ST • EASTHAMPTON, MA

Old-school candy jars fill up the space in their historic shop. Be sure to try one of their homemade custom ice cream cakes! Burnt Sugar, Irish Cream, Cashew Turtle, or Coconut Almond Fudge are some of their ice cream flavors.

42 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2019

WESTVIEW FARMS CREAMERY

RICE FRUIT FARM

111 E. HILL RD • MONSON, MA

757 MAIN ST • WILBRAHAM, MA

Fun flavors to try: Boston Cream Pie, Cherry Vanilla Chunk, Bananas Foster, Coffee Toffee Chunk, Orange Pineapple, S’Mores. You’ll find friendly goats at their petting zoo and pumpkin picking and a corn maze in the fall.

Great fun for the little ones!

Rice’s is known for their in-house bakery, including cider donuts, fresh breakfast sandwiches, and their famous muffin tops.

A great hometown feel with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating as well as a fire pit and occasional live music. Fun flavors to try: Grape Nut, Blueberry Cobbler, Shark Tooth, Limoncello, Monkey Business, Cotton Candy.

Come for your Bra fitting, and leave feeling Beach-y!

Let The Bra Ladies put Health, Comfort and Beauty back in your life!

Collision Repair

We offer custom sizes that offer comfort and style!

High-end shapewear bras, lingerie and consignment bags & shoes Anita • Enell Sports Bra Hanky Panky • Conturelle • CosaBella Hollywood Tape • Panache!

ESSIONAL BRA FIT TIN PROF E E G! FR Now offering

SPECIAL ORDER SWIMWEAR 635 Main Street • Somers, CT

BOOK YOUR BRIDAL PARTY FITTING!

413.244.5731 thebraladies.com

Schedule your appointment online or by phone.

Your privacy is important to us!

MENTION THIS AND AND GET 5% OFF YOUR PURCHASE!

• We guarantee the collision repair as long as you own the vehicle • 35 years experience – locally owned • Reasonable rates 34 West Street, Stafford Springs, CT

860.684.9229

rossicollisionrepair.com

NEW LOCATION OPENING SOON in Stafford!

24 hour Emergency Care for Large Animals The Finest in Veterinary Care Small Animal • Large Animal • Equine Dr. Scott D. Morey | Dr. Heidi Morey Dr. Kathryn Garner | Dr. Weston Brown Dr. Tracy Locke Zulick

OFFERING:

Lameness Exams Dental Floating • Digital X-Ray Ultrasound • Endoscopy Joint Injections Laser & Shockwave Therapy

Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri. 8-5 Thurs. 8-7 • Sat. 8-12

Serving CT and South Central MA

860-870-8701 fentonrivervet.com 9F Fieldstone Commons, Tolland, CT GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 43

44 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2019