When it comes to making jewelry, various mediums can be used, but at aclay, the unique form is right in the name. From holiday to seasonal inspired earrings, aclay creates an assortment of handmade jewelry for all. “I started in 2020 when COVID first hit,” explained Annika Anderson, founder of aclay. At the time, she was starting grad school and was looking for something to fill her free time.
A NOTE
FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR . PAYTON NORTH
After taking a peek at our features in this February edition of Go Local — it’s safe to say each business is crafted with love.
This past fall I was visiting one of my friends in Maine, with another friend from Connecticut who always makes the trip up with me. The Connecticut friend brought a small gift for us each — delicate and intricate handmade earrings from aclay — a Connecticut small business that focuses on creating small batches of polymer clay earrings, and other accessories. Mine were beautiful little orange pumpkins, while one friend had witch hats, and the other a ghost that held a small pumpkin in its hands. Instantly I wrote a note to myself that we needed to feature aclay’s jewelry in Go Local.
I followed Annika — aclay’s owner — on Instagram immediately, and promptly exclaimed to my friend, “Oh I NEED these.” It was a photo of two hoop earrings from the prior Christmas — one earring featured Rudolph, and the other, Clarice. Once Annika restocked her holiday jewelry, I quickly purchased the earrings. I was so impressed with the beautiful packaging, fast shipping and of course — the gorgeous earrings themselves. I received so many compliments over the holidays as I wore them out and about. It’s clear Annika makes her jewelry with love.
W hen editor Lauren LeBel went out to Max’s Swing Lounge to complete the interview for this magazine she sent me a text afterword, sharing what a beautiful facility they have and that we should consider having a news team outing at the business.
L ater that day, I had an event in the Basketball Hall of Fame where Max’s Swing Lounge is located, and I couldn’t have agreed more. From the brown and green leather chairs to the gleaming bar, to the extra-large golf screens and spaces — Max’s Swing Lounge is a haven for novice’s and experts alike — with care undoubtedly taken in making the space warm and inviting.
The Guilty Grape is one of Wilbraham’s newest businesses, in the stunning recently built white building next to Crane Park. Offering craft beer, wines, snacks and more — it’s the perfect place to gather some goodies for a carefully crafted evening in — or out. They even have the cheeseboard to feature your snacks on!
W hen I think about what ties each of these businesses together, it’s their commitment to creating experiences and products that feel both personal and intentional. They exemplify what it means to pour love into what you do. Each business has a story, and as we move through February, a month often associated with love, I encourage you to think beyond the traditional notions and celebrate the love and effort that local entrepreneurs put into their work.
These aren’t just businesses — they’re dreams brought to life. Whether you’re spending a night out swinging golf clubs, a night in enjoying wine or craft beer with artisanal cheeses or perhaps gifting a pair of unique handmade earrings to a friend, you’re supporting the incredible people who make Massachusetts and Connecticut a wonderful place to live.
Thanks for reading, Payton North, Executive Editor
Payton North
EDITOR
Lauren LeBel
CREATIVE
Beth Thurber, Manager
Susan Bartlett . Sophia Kelleher
Leigh Catchepaugh . Lorie Perry
ADVERTISING
Scott Greene, Manager
Jeanette Lee . Roxanne Longtin Miller
Terry O’ Donnell . Evan Marcyoniak . Lisa Nolan
Matt Mahaney . Paula Dimauro . Andy Shaw
Shannon Bliven . Paul Poutre
Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant
Curtis Panlilio, Operations Director
Fran Smith, General Manager
THE GUILTY GRAPE
It’s the newest place to pick up a curated bottle of wine, or a seasonal craft beer when you’re passing through the center of Wilbraham.
However, you may have to stray off the beaten path a bit to make your selections.
The Guilty Grape, tucked at the back of the new set of shops on Burt Lane, is a passion project for owner Robert Ward. A contractor by trade and owner of RH Ward construction of Hampden, Massachusetts, he and his crew, noticed the lack of a good beer and wine shop in the center of town while working on the construction of the shops. When a spot opened in the new building, Ward decided to fill the void.
With a pair of experienced consultants who are frequently in the shop sharing their extensive knowledge of wines and their origins with customers, Ward’s Guilty Grape is more than just a stop-on-the-way-home kind of beer and wine shop. Combining unexpected offerings — such as an impressive selection of sake — with distinct imported and locally produced products and top-notch
offerings of wines and beers, The Guilty Grape can also provide inspiration for special occasion celebrations such as Valentine’s Day.
“ We have a wine selection called Mi Amore,” Ward shared, showing off a quartet of wines — a rosé, a sparkling red, a sweet red and a white — all with beautiful red-hued capsules. “Mi Amore means ’my love’ in Italian,” Ward said of the imported vintage, adding that the wines would make a perfect addition to any Valentine’s Day dinner a deux.
For those who prefer a more traditional celebration libation for Valentine’s Day, Ward said The Guilty Grape also carries “a small selection of champagnes” as well as a good selection of Proseccos, sparkling white wines named for the village of Prosecco in Italy.
The Guilty Grape’s suggestions for that Valentine’s Day dinner go beyond just selecting a special wine to enjoy. Ward also stocks a curated selection of imported pasta by Mancini Pastafice Agricolo, crafted from four varieties of durum wheat grown on the family’s estate in Le Marche, Italy. Pair that with tomato basil sauce by La Fede, also
available in Ward’s gourmet pantry, for a primo Italianinspired repast. Imported Greek olive oils, balsamic vinegars and olives by Manny, owner of Manny’s TV and Appliance of Wilbraham, offer inspiration for a creative salad. For Alfredo lovers, Ward stocks a kit with sauce and a pair of pasta nests, ready to prepare. “That alfredo is made in Italy, where alfredo was created,” Ward remarked of the sauce in the kit.
Ward added the alfredo would also pair nicely with a Sauvignon Blanc, a Pinot Noir or a Pinot Grigio, all of which he stocks. For those in a more festive mood, he suggested a selection from The Guilty Grape’s sparkling wine collection to toast Valentine’s Day.
For the less adventuresome home chef, Ward said his pantry also includes a simple pasta kit featuring penne with specialty tomato sauce by My Cooking Box that would pair nicely with a selection from The Guilty Grape’s red wines.
Biscotti created by Baker’s Love, another product in the shop’s gourmet pantry collection, would make a nice finish to any Valentine’s Day repast, Ward also noted.
For those looking to put an Asian spin on their Valentine’s Day celebration, Ward suggested making a selection from his collection of sakes.
Ward said though “grape” is in his shop’s name, he’s also conscious of the growing popularity of craft beers, and stocks a wide selection of IPAs, stouts and specialty brews, with a wall of refrigerated cases lining one wall filled with offerings that change seasonally. Ward noted the shop’s extensive beer selection also includes more traditional choices, such as Sam Adams, Coors, Blue Moon and Heineken.
B eyond the craft beers, selections of ciders and apple wines by the Cidery of Brookfield, mead and honey wines from Oliver Winery and flavored meads by Sap House are among The Guilty Grape’s locally sourced libations.
For those looking for inspiration when making their beer or wine selection, Ward said The Guilty Grape offers weekly tastings on Fridays, some weeks offering a new wine, others a craft beer. The latest tasting is posted on their Facebook page, facebook.com/theguiltygrapema.
And for Valentine’s Day — or any other occasion — The Guity Grape also offers gift certificates.
Ward shared that though modest in size, The Guity Grape has “gotten a lot of compliments on our selection,” adding that the shop is also willing and able to order a specific wine “if a customer asks.”
THE GUILTY GRAPE, 6 BURT LN., SUITE 103 IN WILBRAHAM, IS OPEN MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 9 P.M., THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 11 P.M. AND SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 8 P.M.
aclay handmade jewelry
When it comes to making jewelry, various mediums can be used, but at aclay, the unique form is right in the name.
From holiday to seasonal inspired earrings, aclay creates an assortment of handmade jewelry for all.
“I star ted in 2020 when COVID first hit,” explained Annika Anderson, founder of aclay. At the time, she was starting grad school and was looking for something to fill her free time. With experience in taking photography classes and ceramics, Anderson has always been interested in art. However, after stumbling across a video on Pinterest of someone making their own clay jewelry, the medium itself — polymer clay — was something entirely new, but intriguing to her.
Through watching YouTube videos and conducting extensive online research, Anderson taught herself how to make clay jewelry.
At first, Anderson was simply posting some of her creations on her personal social media page, before deciding to start a small business that has grown since.
Polymer clay — which is actually a kid modeling clay — is an oven baked, light weight clay. Although it has a “chunky look” it is typically lighter than a quarter or a nickel, she explained.
“ When I buy a block of it, what I do is I use a pasta machine — a professional clay one — but it’s essentially a pasta machine, and that makes sure the clay becomes one thickness and that there’s no air bubbles, so that when it goes into the oven, it bakes perfectly smooth,” Anderson said.
To create the shapes, Anderson buys 3D printed cut-
ters.
“Once it comes out of the oven, what I do is I drill and sand them and then depending on the type of embellishments that I add, whether it’s hand painted design or using a resin epoxy, that can sometimes differentiate the styles,” she explained. “One of my favorite parts of the process is selecting the different charms or ear connectors that really kind of complement and wrap up the style.”
Anderson said she was attracted to using clay as it is a different medium. “I think people are really familiar with metals and I think that polymer clay is just really differentiated … it almost has to be intentionally manmade,” she said.
S he noted that she doesn’t see clay-made jewelry in any mainstream stores, which gives artists — like herself — a chance to add a unique layer to their work.
W hen it comes down to what Anderson designs, she does accept custom orders but is also heavily inspired by seasons and holidays.
“Every holiday or every season I try to make a launch or a line based on some of those styles that are inspired by leaves, or all of those types of different motifs,” she said.
Anderson also has what she refers to as her “classic line” which includes styles that are more casual wear.
“ When I select styles or when I go to make styles, I’m usually inspired by the different 3D printed cutters that I see,” she said.
For instance, if she sees a cutter, sometimes she’ll say, “That kind of resonates with my brand or that kind of
resonates with something I would wear,” and goes from there.
S he also tries to differentiate her styles based on color palettes. For example, in the spring, she’ll choose more “sagey” and pastel colors, as she becomes “largely inspired” by the different color palettes associated with each season.
W hile 95% of what Anderson makes is earrings, she does also make necklaces every now and then.
The earring prices typically range by size because the more clay that is used, the more the materials cost.
Anderson explained that one of the biggest differentiators are the charms and how expensive those are. “Whenever I buy freshwater pearls, that will always add a little bit more than a typical style,” she said.
S he went on to say, “I do try to keep them around $20 … I have found that to be my sweet spot.”
A s aclay is Anderson’s second job, she said she also prioritizes keeping her small business sustained and making it accessible for people.
Anderson often attends markets, pop ups and craft fairs in Connecticut. She also visits wineries, coffee shops and breweries, which she said she finds to be “more relaxed” as she can have more conversations with people.
W hen sharing a few of her favorite parts about the process of her work, Anderson said, “I find with this kind of art, there’s no limit. There’s no rationale, there’s no judgment, it’s just simply the creation itself.”
S he continued, “When I use things like real flowers to emboss in the clay, I just feel like it’s the fullest expression of myself and I think to share that with people, for people to trust me with their joy, was just the most unexpected piece of even starting this in the first place.”
Anderson shared that some of her customers have purchased her earrings as gifts to give to their bridesmaids, and even for someone battling cancer, in hopes of bringing some peace and joy to them during difficult times.
“I think just that human piece of it — just people supporting my art but also integrating it into their lives for joy has been something that has been the most rewarding and really keeps me motivated to keep creating,” she said. “I try to make a little bit of everything for everyone. I like making craft styles, I like making fun and goofy styles. I hope everyone can see themselves in my brand.”
ANDERSON HAS A WEBSITE, ACLAYJEWELRY.COM, WHICH SHE SAID IS HELPFUL TO REACH PEOPLE IN DIFFERENT STATES AND SPREAD VISIBILITY, AS SHE DOES NOT HAVE A STOREFRONT.
CUSTOMERS CAN MAKE PURCHASES ONLINE THROUGH HER WEBSITE, OR BY VISITING ACLAY ON INSTAGRAM.
GO LOCAL PICKS
Winter MARKET
THE FARMERS MARKET AT FOREST PARK 200 TRAFTON RD (IN THE HISTORIC MONKEY HOUSE) . SPRINGFIELD , MA EVERY OTHER SATURDAY @ 10AM - 2PM
Support local farmers, food producers, and crafters by bringing fresh and locally grown or produced products directly to the consumer while promoting community engagement. Vendors at the Farmers Market vary from week to week; which vendors participate each week is subject to change at any time. Be sure to subscribe to their in-season e-newsletter for current Farmers Market day vendor info and happenings!
For more information visit: www.farmersmarketatforestpark.com
ESCAPE ROOM EXPERIENCE!
PUZZLE THEORY 46 KENNEDY RD. DOOR 1 SOUTH WINDSOR, CT 860-925-6800
Puzzle Theory offers an interactive experience, one where you and your group are thrust into a thematic and sometimes absurd story for 60 minutes! Each of their games have a unique and suspenseful story line. Explore the room, find clues, and work together to solve riddles and find all the keys. Some of the puzzles are straightforward and simple. Some will require intense analytic skills and deductive reasoning. Communication and teamwork is extremely important. Solve everything within 60 minutes! Appointments required.
For more information visit: www.puzzletheory.co/rooms
RV, CAMPING AND OUTDOOR SHOW
SPRINGFIELD RV, CAMPING AND OUTDOOR SHOW 1305 MEMORIAL AVE WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA FEBRUARY 14 - 17
Whether you are looking for your next RV, shopping for camping accessories, or scoping out new, exciting campgrounds or outdoor experiences, there's something for everyone. This show brings together over 200 exhibitors including leading RV dealers, campgrounds, and specialty products in 3 heated buildings, spanning over 270,000 square feet!
For more information visit: www.springfieldrvcampingshow.com
Strawberry Pistachio Tart
Pistachio Pudding Package
1 package strawberry
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 bag of dark chocolate
1 tbsp coconut oil
Start by making your strawberry jam. In a sauce pan, combine your strawberries, sugar and water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes and let cool.
Follow the directions on the box of your pistachio pudding package. Add your pudding mixture to your mini pie crusts, add about a tablespoon or so of your strawberry jam and use a skewer or a toothpick to swirl it around and place them in the fridge to set and cool.
Combine your dark chocolate and coconut oil to a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals stirring to make sure everything is fully combined. Drizzle over the top of your tarts and put them back in the fridge to set.
Enjoy!
Mini Pie Crusts
NATHAN BLAIS I’m a photographer from Springfield. I combined my love for cooking and photography and turned it into a career. Check out my instagram @nateblais!
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MAX'S LOUNGE Swing
For some golf pros or enthusiasts, teeing off at Pebble Beach in California is a dream they hope will become a reality one day. But at Max’s Swing Lounge in Springfield, they can do just that … virtually.
L ocated within the Basketball Hall of Fame, the golf, bar and dining atmosphere is like no other in the area.
Equipped with nine indoor TrackMan golf simulators, Max’s Swing Lounge provides a premier and realistic golfing experience for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner.
The TrackMan has a library with over 300 courses to choose from, from around the world, while the simulators offer exact data and engaging gameplay, shared John Thomas, managing partner of Max’s Tavern.
For those looking to play regularly or compete, Max’s Swing Lounge has memberships and golf leagues. Thomas said they have offered nine-week leagues and plan to
continue doing that, offering two leagues a month.
For Valentine’s Day, Thomas shared that they will be offering a Valentine’s Day Couples League, which makes for the perfect date night.
Members of Max’s Swing Lounge receive exclusive benefits such as discounted rates, priority booking for simulators, special events access and more. For membership information, visit maxswinglounge.com/membership.
In addition to the leagues and membership options, Marissa Crow, a PGA pro, will be offering lessons and clinics for those looking to improve their game. Thomas noted that information regarding lessons and clinics can also be found on their website.
The golf bays can be rented out for small groups, as well as for corporate or holiday parties, fundraisers and
! LAUREN LEBEL
NATE BLAIS
more. The space can accommodate groups as small as five, up to 150.
To rent a bay, it costs $65 an hour. For a larger bay, it is $85 an hour. Thomas noted that the cost is per bay, not per person.
He added that for two people, it takes about two hours to play 18 holes.
Golfers can bring their own clubs or rent them on site. Further attractions of the lounge include a fully stocked bar and food courtesy of Max’s Tavern.
Thomas described the eatery side of the lounge as a “sports bar” vibe.
“ We want it to be a hometown feel,” he added. In his opinion, it is “the best” bar in the area.
The space is filled with multiple tables, high tops and of course, the bar. There is also apparel available for purchase, including hats and shirts embroidered with “Max’s Swing Lounge.”
Pr ivate parties can be hosted within the lounge, for special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays, to name a few.
In the case of inclement weather, indoor parking is available in the parking garage beneath the Hall of Fame. Patrons can park there and take the elevator up to the lounge.
Max’s Swing Lounge officially opened to the public on Nov. 15, 2024. Since opening, Thomas said business has been “a little better than expected.”
Scott Smith, president of Max Hospitality, noted that he has seen some “serious golfers” utilize the new space. This includes people as young as 2 to 3 years old, up to people in their 70s and 80s swinging the club. “You don’t have to be a certain age,” Thomas said.
W hile indoor golf simulators such as Topgolf seem to be becoming more popular and opening across the country, Smith shared that the “competition” was considered.
He referenced the nearby Topgolf Swing Suite at MGM Springfield and said when people visit MGM, they are there for the weekend and utilize the swing suite as a “good way to fill time.” However, at Max’s Swing Lounge, people are visiting the attraction for the day or evening. He also noted that they created “extra-large bays” to accommodate larger crowds.
Thomas described Max’s Swing Lounge as more of a “party atmosphere” based on its amenities.
MAX’S SWING LOUNGE IS LOCATED AT 1000 HALL OF FAME AVE., SPRINGFIELD. HOURS ARE MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY, 11 A.M. TO 9 P.M.; FRIDAY, 11 A.M. TO 10 P.M.; SATURDAY, 9 A.M. TO 10 P.M. AND SUNDAY, 9 A.M. TO 8 P.M.
IT CAN BE FOUND ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM, AS WELL AS ONLINE AT MAXSWINGLOUNGE.COM.
LOCAL EINSTEIN
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!
WHO DID CUPID FALL IN LOVE WITH?
[A] Aphrodite
[B] Psyche
[C] Venus
[D] Prosperina
WHAT ITALIAN CITY IS THE SETTING OF SHAKESPEARE’S ROMEO & JULIET?
[A] Verona
[B] Perugia
[C] Venice
[D] Assisi
WHAT MOBSTER LED THE GANGSTERS BEHIND THE ST. VALENTINE’S DAY MASSACRE?
[A] Al Capone
[B] Bugsy Siegel
[C] Meyer Lansky
[D] John Dillinger
ABOUT HOW MANY ONLINE DATING SITES ARE THERE IN THE US?
[A] 250
[B] 500
[C] 1,500
[D] 2,500
WHAT POPULAR WEBSITE DEBUTED ON VALENTINE’S DAY 2005?
[A] YouTube
[B] Instagram
[C] Facebook
[D] Reddit
[A] 1678
[B] 1702
[C] 1866
[D] 1934 WHAT YEAR WERE CONVERSATION HEARTS INVENTED?
WHO CREATED THE FIRST VALENTINE’S DAY BOX OF CHOCOLATES?
[A] Louis IV
[B] Milton Hershey
[C] Richard Cadbury
[D] Russell Stover
HOW MANY U.S. TOWNS ARE NAMED VALENTINE(S)?
[A] 0 [B] 4 [C] 8 [D] 11
SOMEONE WHO IS BORN ON FEBRUARY 14 IS BORN UNDER WHAT SIGN OF THE ZODIAC?
[A] Pisces
[B] Aries
[C] Aquarius
[D] Capricorn
2025 LETR WESTERN MA POLAR PLUNGE
Sunday, March 9, 2025
Kingsley Beach at Hampton Ponds State Park 1048 North Rd., Westfield, MA
HOSTED BY:
The Hampden & Hampshire County Police Departments are partnering with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for its Annual Polar Plunge! Set at Kingsley Beach at Hampton Ponds State Park, plungers can take turns running into the lake to support Special Olympics. AFTER THE PLUNGE, JOIN US FOR SOME FOOD, MUSIC, AND FUNDRAISING AND COSTUME AWARDS! GRAB YOUR BRAVEST, INCLUSION-CELEBRATING FRIENDS AND FAMILY, CREATE A PLUNGE TEAM, AND START FUNDRAISING! Join or Donate at polarplungema.org • Contact PolarPlunge@SpecialOlympicsMA.org with any questions.
AGAWAM AXE HOUSE 396 MAIN ST | AGAWAM | 413.292.6549
Axe throwing seems to be a new fad over recent years — making for an entertaining night out. At Agawam Axe House, visitors can rent out a single lane to play a little friendly — or not — competition. It also offers leagues, and even has a smash/rage room. For more information, visit agawamaxe.com
CINEMARK 864 RIVERDALE ST | WEST SPRINGFIELD | 413-733-5134
While there are many streaming platforms that allow you to watch movies from the comfort of your home, there is nothing like seeing a new film in theaters. At Cinemark in West Springfield, the luxury lounge chairs provide max relaxation, and there are even seat-side deliveries of hot and fresh food and drink. To view a listing of the films available in theaters now, visit https://tinyurl.com/4ucn6ht8
KIL'N POTTERY STUDIO 610 ENFIELD ST | ENFIELD | 860.698.6161
At Kil’n It Pottery Studio in Enfield, they are offering a Heart Bowl Wheel Workshop on Valentine’s Day from 3-5 p.m. Participants can learn how to operate a pottery wheel and construct the bowl with help from an instructor. The cost of the class is $60. In addition to this special offering, there are various workshops for all skill sets. Kil’n It Pottery Studio is a BYOB establishment. To book a workshop, visit kilnitpotterystudio.com
Located within the Holyoke Mall, Round1 has a wide range of attractions such as arcade games, bowling, karaoke, food and bar, ping pong, billiards, darts and more. The indoor facility complex is a one-stop shop to a plethora of entertainment-like activities, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Round1 is open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. For more information, visit round1usa.com
BEER CO.
If you or your partner enjoy artful beverages, check out Skyline Beer Co. in Westfield. The brewery has a selection of craft beer — available on tap or canned — seltzers and non-alcoholic options. For hours and additional information, visit skylinebeerco.com
THE BAKER'S PIN 34 BRIDGE ST | NORTHAMPTON | 413-586-7978
What’s more fun than learning some new recipes to make together? At The Baker’s Pin in Northampton, cooking classes are offered monthly. In February, some of the classes include pie making, knife skills and a special Valentine’s Day dinner. To book a class, visit thebakerspin.com
VANITY SKIN & SOAK STUDIO 11 SOUTH RD | SOMERS | 413-317-1539
If you’re looking for a more relaxing outing, Vanity Skin & Soak Studio in Somers is a boutique spa that is sure to do the trick. From facials to pedicures, the spa offers a variety of services to enhance your self-care experience. For more information, visit vanitystudiosomers.com
