APRIL 2023

A NOTE

A s I sit down to write this April editor’s note, it’s mid-March and I am staring out my living room window as massive snowflakes rapidly fall to the ground. We had a “snow day” from work today – so far at my home about 8 inches of the white stuff has come to the ground, with no plans to stop until morning.

We have had a unique winter – one where we did not see much for snow until March. And while I adore snow in November and December as it puts me right in the holiday spirit…I’m just about done with it, especially at this time of year.

This attitude toward snow is not new for me, or many New Englanders. Our seasons are ever-changing. One day it is a 25-degree winter wonderland, the next it could be 60 degrees and sunny. The day after that, a 0-degree blizzard might blow through. A week later it could be 75 degrees out and we’re all wearing shorts. You just never know what you are going to get.

A pril brings the promise of spring.

Though, I know better than to assume we will not have a spring snowstorm. Two years ago, on April 18 my family purchased a ski boat. My parents love to waterski, it’s one of their many hobbies, and after nearly 25 years with their tried-and-true Bayliner, it was time for an upgrade. So – on what should have been a beautiful spring morning as the many days’ prior were – my parents trekked out in a snowstorm to New York state to pick up their boat.

W hat an odd scene that was for many who passed them on the highway, I’m sure. Itching for boating season a little early, eh?

In the same token, we have had years when the boat was comfortably in the water on April 18. We have enjoyed a warm spring day out on the lake with a picnic, taking in the sun’s rays and entertaining thoughts of summer.

This year, though, it looks like we may be up for the former: a few more chilly, snowy weeks to endure before we get to the good stuff.

( Yes – I know some of you readers may enjoy the snow and all the power to you. I wish I did!)

I know I’m not the only one looking forward to the warmer months. The Westfield Starfires, featured in this edition, are eager to get their latest season going. Coming off their first post-season run last summer and hosting a game at home on NESN, the franchise is not only excited to get back into action for the sport, but also to bring communities together.

The Humble Fox’s shelves are stocked to usher in the spring season with Easter items, spring décor and gardening-related goodies. Owner Sara Anderson is ready for more foot traffic that the season brings, and alongside her, her dog Easton is ready, too.

O ftentimes one’s health is brought to the forefront when the seasons change, and owner of Mama Life Oils Jessica Petit is here to help. She makes homemade, organic, chemical-free products using essential oils. For those looking to transition to some allnatural remedies to colds and other ailments, Petit may be able to fulfill your needs.

L eena’s Place, located at Cold Spring Country Club in Belchertown, is looking forward to the warmer months as they will be offering entertainment and delicious food at the new restaurant. With seating indoors and on their outdoor patio, owner Jessica Morehouse is excited by their diverse menu offerings and what they can bring to the community.

Speaking of Country Clubs – spring welcomes the New England golf season. If we are still enduring chillier temperatures by the time readers have this magazine in their hands, though, they might consider venturing out to Westfield’s Roots Athletic Center, as it houses Tee Times Indoor Golf. Keep up with your golf game, or practice other sports at the virtual facility, as they also offer soccer, lacrosse, foot golf, handball, hockey and shooting sports games.

I f you are looking for me, I will be hoping Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of six more weeks of winter is true, as that means in a few days we will be turning the imaginary tide he estimates to warmer days ahead.

A s always, thank you for picking up our magazine.

- Payton North, Executive Editor

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Payton North

CREATIVE

Beth Thurber, Manager . Leigh Catchepaugh

Susan Bartlett . Molly Arnio . Sophia Kelleher

CONTENT

Matt Conway

ADVERTISING

Barb Perry, Advertising Manager . Jeanette Lee

Lisa Nolan . Kim Barba . Roxanne Longtin Miller

Matt Mahaney . Paula Dimauro . Scott Greene

Terry O’ Donnell . Victoria Owen

Evan Marcyoniak . Andy Shaw

Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant

Curtis Panlilio, Operations Director

Fran Smith, General Manager

FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR . PAYTON NORTH

LIVE

Friday

Growing up, sports were a big part of Chris Thompson’s life, and he especially loved baseball. So it’s no surprise that he and Donnie Moorhouse, who have a combined 50 years of experience in sports and entertainment in Western Massachusetts, founded the Westfield Starfires Futures Collegiate baseball team in 2018.

The West Springfield resident grew up watching New England sports teams, especially the Red Sox and Roger Clemens – “I would like to see him in Cooperstown one day,” he noted. It was only natural that Thompson, a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Westfield, embarked on a career in sports.

“I’ve worked in sports marketing my entire career,” he said. “My first gig was working for Boston-based Wolf Associates when Bobby Orr was the managing partner at the time. I also worked for the American Hockey League Headquarters as the marketing coordinator for four years

and the Springfield Falcons for 11 seasons as senior vice president of sales and strategy.”

Thompson was one of the architects behind the impressive launch of the Springfield Thunderbirds Hockey Club, increasing attendance by 50% and growing revenues to record numbers while attaining league-wide recognition, being recognized with over 10 AHL revenue growth awards over the first two seasons of the franchise.

But his love of baseball was always in his heart, so he teamed up with Moorhouse to launch the Westfield Starfires.

Five years later, it’s still a homerun.

“ We saw an opportunity with the Futures League where Western Mass. fit perfectly into the footprint of league expansion,” said Thompson.

The eight-team wooden bat league, founded in 2011, has franchises in Worcester, Pittsfield and Brockton, Massachusetts, New Britain and Norwich, Connecticut,

Nashua, New Hampshire and Burlington, Vermont.

Thompson said the vision was to bring competitive summer collegiate baseball to Western Massachusetts while at the same time providing affordable family entertainment.

That vision has evolved and grown over the years. The Starfires are coming off its first post-season run last summer and hosted a game at home on NESN.

“Our franchise was honored by the Futures League as the community relations program of the year for our work with the 104th Fighting Wing,” Thompson said proudly. “Our players toured the base, and we honored veterans and active military at our Military Appreciation Game with special jerseys.”

Thompson said the team really is more than a place for college kids to play between seasons.

“The Starfires are more than baseball. We’re about connecting communities and engaging them in a way that has a positive impact,” he said.

O f course, baseball is still pretty important.

“Building our baseball credibility was paramount,” Thompson said, noting that players have gone on to big things. “Alum Reggie Crawford was selected in the first Round (30th overall) in the Major League Baseball Draft last season. Pat Gallagher was also drafted in 2022 by the Toronto Blue Jays in the eleventh round. Nick Dombkowski from West Springfield is highly regarded as one of the top lefties in the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system.”

It’s obvious that Thompson is not just the founder and owner of Westfield Starfires, he is the team’s biggest fan and cheerleader. He also touted the city that embraced them.

“The city has been terrific,” he said. “Westfield is a great place to do business. City Hall has been extremely supportive – every department head is very approachable with an open door policy.”

L ooking toward the fifth anniversary season, Thompson has plans that will benefit the team, fans and the community.

“Our priority is to upgrade the fan experience at the ballpark this summer,” he said. “The Starfires formed a new venture with North Elm Butcher Block to serve fans dinner at Bullens Field. Many of the Butcher Block fan favorites will be available at Starfires games.”

Westfield Starfires are also hosting five educational games this year as part of school field trips. “Students will get to learn where our players live and go to college

around the county,” said Thompson.

“They will also learn about statistics and sabermetrics.”

HOME Opening Night

Saturday, May 27TH

“3rd Wheel” performing in the beer garden

Westfield Gas & Electric post-game fireworks

Friday, June 9TH

2ND ANNUAL Cornhole tournament

Sunday, June 11TH

“Get Drafted” Bullens BrewFest

Saturday, July 29.

2023 schedule, ticket and event information visit westfieldstarfires.com

MAMA Life Oils

An alternative for wellness solutions

Owner Jessica Petit of Mama Life Oils and Wellness has been in business for six years making organic homemade elderberry syrup, chemical free products and beverages like strawberry elderberry lemonade, elderberry apple punch and elderberry hot toddy out of her certified residential kitchen in Wilbraham.

“E lderberry is an antiviral herb packed with antioxidants and vitamins,” Petit said. “Elderberry syrup is phenomenal for cold and flu season. If you feel like you’re coming down with something, you want to start taking it three to four times a day until you feel a symptom reduction.”

In her line of chemical free products, Petit uses essential oils. She has a line of rollers that helps with sleep, stress, headaches, immune support, muscle aches and seasonal allergies. Petit also makes a multipurpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, hand soap and hand sanitizer. In addition, she has pillow sprays to help with sleep, an energy cleansing spray and a DIY kit for people to make their own elderberry syrup.

By trade, Petit is a licensed mental health counselor whose specialty was maternal mental health. In 2016, Petit had her daughter and discovered she was born with a genetic mutation where she can’t process toxins efficiently. When that happens, there is toxin build up. When there is a toxin build up in the system, she explained, there is toxin overload and from there, down the line, people are more susceptible to getting diseases – usually in the form of autoimmune concerns.

Petit explained she had to figure out how she could help her daughter within the household – which meant getting rid of all chemicals. The only way she learned to replace those items is with essential oils, and ending up DIYing everything in her house.

W hen cold and flu season came around, her

! BY MIASHA LEE M AMALIFEOILS/HILARY LYNN BR AND PHOTOGRAPHY

naturopathic doctor recommended elderberry syrup. “I began creating my own recipes,” Petit said. “People heard that I was making elderberry syrup and chemical free products. The next thing you know I had an awesome business and that’s how it got started.”

The name “Mama Life” has a huge meaning behind it, Petit explained. She and her husband could not figure out what to name the company. Her business was formed because of her daughter, so Petit looked up the meaning of her daughter’s name. “The meaning of her name means ‘life’ and then I said ‘Mama Life,’” Petit shared. “That’s my life right now is I’m a mom and the meaning of her name is life – how suitable – so that’s how we came up with Mama Life.”

S he continued, “We are a holistic family and we do our best to take care of ourselves. We eat organic and grassfed. There’s no chemicals in our house and we see a naturopathic doctor. The value of what we live by is taking care of our whole body in the best way that we can possible.”

To her knowledge, Petit is the only person in the area that sells elderberry syrup homemade certified. Rather than a preservative filled elderberry syrup made in a factory, customers are getting homemade, organic, small batch syrup made local from a mom – which Petit said sets her apart from every other commercially made elderberry syrup.

A s for her chemical-free products, Petit mentioned

a feeling that many people are wanting to transition over to toxic free/chemical free solutions and all natural remedies. She said people will reach out to her and she custom makes goods for them as needed.

Mama Life Oils and Wellness products is located in 16 different restaurants, cafes and boutiques in the area. On April 6, Petit will be at the Bay Path Women’s Conference at the MassMutal Center. Then on June 8 at the Central Mass Conference for Women in Worcester and on June 17 at the Wilbraham Peach Festival at Wilbraham Monson Academy.

Currently, Petit is brainstorming a possible new beverage. She is also looking for a commercial kitchen, and down the road, said she would love to have her products sold in more locations.

“ When I hear people say they swear by my elderberry syrup or other products, it’s just wonderful that I can help families when they’re not feeling their best,” Petit responded. “I never envisioned having this business. Mama Life grew quickly and once I started contracting with local companies, it got big very fast. Now, I’m hoping that I’m going to move into a commercial kitchen with employees and a delivery system so I can be able to wholesale even more.” TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MAMA LIFE OILS AND WELLNESS GO TO MAMALIFEOILS.COM

Here are the places Mama Life Oils and Wellness is available:

Lou’s Bagel Nook - Hampden

The Apple Place - East Longmeadow

Better Life Whole Foods - Springfield

Kool Beanz - East Longmeadow

Souper Sweet Sandwich Shop - Springfield

Nosh - Springfield

Agric Organics - Wilbraham

Common Grounds - Wilbraham

Pan’e Dolcetti - Wilbraham

The Beauty Studio Boutique - Ludlow

Outside the Gift Box Shop - Ludlow

East Street Coffee - Ludlow

Dave’s Natural Garden - Granby

Kinderhook Flower & Gift - Hampden

The Restorative Wellness Center - Hampden

Smoothville Smoothies - Enfield

Connecticut Natural Medicine - Ellington

Champagne Apothecary - Westfield

Sarah’s Cheesecakes & Café - Pittsfield

Cafe D’Jolie - Springfield

Livy Lu’s Children’s Boutique www.livyluboutique.com

Farmer at the Door www.farmeratthedoor.com

Feel Good Shop Local www.feelgoodshoplocal.com

Nicole Roy, Owner of Deeply Devoted Cleaning Service proudly celebrates 13 years in Business! Deeply Devoted Cleaning Service offers Insured & Bonded Professional Residential & Commercial Cleaning Services in Connecticut. Their Headquarters Office is located right in charming Ellington, Connecticut, at 420 Somers Rd Unit 1A. Nicole just Celebrated their Grand Opening at their Second Office Location in Glastonbury, CT at 2389 Main Street! With our Second Office doors Opening on Main Street, we look forward to expanding our Business in the beautiful Glastonbury area and assisting the community with our Cleaning Services.

Nicole started Deeply Devoted when her oldest son, Dominick, was 2 years old. She was working a 9-5 at a local AAA Office in Enfield, Connecticut, and wanted more Freedom to be with her Son. She quit the 9-5 and after lots of hard work built her Cleaning Business from the ground up. Now, a Mother of 3, she has the freedom and flexibility to spend her time with the people who matter most, her Children, while allowing a flexible schedule to run her Business. “As a Business Owner and a Mother of three, I strive for success, which means different things to different people. To me, it means Freedom. Freedom to live life how works for me, which is being present with all of my children, while at the same time putting my heart and soul into the Business I love.”

Our Team Members with us are the foundation of our Business. We are so thankful to have the very best Team Members who are meticulous, dependable, hard-working, and are truly the heart of our Business. We are looking for House Cleaners to join our Cleaning Team! We thank each and every client over the past 13 years for choosing us and we greatly look forward to what our NEWEST Office Location in Glastonbury, CT will bring to the Community.

CALL

Due to technology error leading to outdated information being printed, Go Local is reprinting our CSA guide from the March edition. This guide should have all the up-to-date information for your favorite local CSA farms! We apologize for confusion the error may have caused.

As spring approaches the sun shines its rays upon New England. The air loses its bite and takes the form of a pleasant breeze. Naturally, a craving for fresh fruit and vegetables arises. Where better to obtain the best produce than New England? This year, explore the area and CSA offerings. CSA produce is a local harvest and always has a homegrown taste.

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It is a partnership between farms and consumers. Members pay in advance for a “share” of the farm’s harvest for a set portion of the year. As a CSA member, you will pick up the selection of fresh produce, herbs, or even flowers on a designated day at the farm.

Does this sound like a good way to eat healthy this summer to you? Head over to the websites of each farm listed on the next page to fill out a CSA application. But don’t wait, shares fill up quickly!

SAWMILL HERB FARM

140 MEADOW STREET . FLORENCE, MA

(413) 268-4372 . SAWMILLHERBFARM.COM

Sawmill Herb Farm provides local access to quality ingredients used in a number of recipes. Fresh herb shares are composed of a diverse assortment of fresh, medicinal and culinary herbs ready for home use. From roots to shoots to leaves and flowers, Sawmill grows an ever-diversifying variety of herbs using sustainable and certified organic practices on land in Florence or are respectfully wildhar vested in the area’s fields, forests, hills and valleys. Included in shares are five bunches of fresh herbs of your choosing (based on what’s in season,) a weekly E-newsletter with recipes and tips on using the herbs, the option to purchase additional fresh and dried herbs and add them to your pickup, invitations to community work days and biweekly (full share) or monthly (half share) pickups. A full valley CSA share is $215, a half Valley CSA share is $120. Sawmill offers a variety of other shares, including but not limited to a lamb share and an egg share.

DOWN TO EARTH FARM CSA

5 MICHELEC ROAD . STAFFORD, ct (860) 851-9617 . GETDOWNTOEARTH.ORG

Down to Earth Farm’s CSA offers a unique experience: it provides members with the opportunity to work on the farm where their fresh produce will be grown. Down to Earth started in 2006 which makes the 2023 season their 18th year. The farm is a member of CT NOFA, an organization that has been working to create an organic CT since 1982. Down to Earth subscribes to the CT NOFA Farmers Pledge, which is a commitment to farming, marketing and farm management in accordance with sound ecological and economic practices. Each working share family should provide at least one person to work two hours every other week during the season. The individual can choose their preferred work session day and time on the application form. A large working share is $525 and a small working share is $285.

Kosinski Farms and Farmstand

336 / 420 Russellville Road, Westfield, MA (413) 572-4344 . kosinskifarms.net

Kosinski Farms and Farmstand began offering their CSA in 2011, committing to raising food with sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. The farm guarantees that food will be grown and harvested locally. As a member of their CSA, people will receive a weekly share of vegetables and fruits. CSA shares are available for the late spring through fall season. The cost of a large share is $750, and a small share is $425. Large produce shares consist of 15-20 pounds of produce, with about eight to 10 different crops each week. Small shares are about 8 pounds of produce with four to six items each. Kosinski Farms also offers two additional shares: a bakery share and a fruit wine of the week share. The bakery and wine shares are available for an additional cost of $200 and $250 respectively.

granny’s place

844 main street . agawam, ma (413) 786-9366 . grannysplacefarm.com

When people buy a farm share from Granny’s Place, the farm will put together a reusable bag of mixed vegetables every week. The program runs from June through September and supports their family-owned and family-run local farmstand. Granny’s Place offers two farm share sizes: a regular share is $448 and suitable for a family of three to five, and a small share for $320 which is suitable for one to two people. Everything at the farm is grown seasonally, but they always have fresh produce and flowers daily.

syme family farm

72 windsorville road . broad brook, ct (860) 623-5925 . symefamilyfarm.com

The Syme Family Farm CSA is a little different from the usual fruit and vegetable share. The farm in Broad Brook offers a Cut Flower Club CSA< where members sign up and pre-pay for four or eight weeks of locally grown, fresh cut flower bouquets. Syme Family Farm is a diverse farm nestled in North Central, CT. They only sell what they grow themselves on the farm. Syme Family Farm has grown to include spring greenhouse plants, specialty cut flowers, mums, watermelon, pumpkins and Christmas trees. This year, they are offering a mixed bouquet club for eight weeks at $170.16, a mixed bouquet club for four weeks at $85.08, the lisianthus club for four weeks at $85.08, and finally the tulip club – which has sold out – at three weekly bunches of farm-fresh field cut tulips in assorted colors.

bordua farms

1536 main street . south windsor, ct

(860) 335-2705 . borduafarms.com

Bordua Farms provides a bountiful CSA that allows members to receive an assortment of produce once a week for 18 weeks. Bordua Farms is a family owned and operated farm, located on historic Old Main Street in South Windsor, Connecticut. They cultivate over 90 acres of rich soil in the heart of the Connecticut River Valley. Bordua Farms has a charming farm stand, a CSA program that feeds over 100 families in the communit, and an online shop where people from all over can enjoy farm and garden-inspired goods. The 2023 CSA share is $505, and shares are to be picked up at their barn. In addition, Bordua offers a CSA fruit share for $50, where members will receive six fruit offerings throughout the program. Varieties include, but are not limited to, blueberries, peaches, nectarines and plums.

oxen hill farm

1434 Hill Street . Suffield, CT (860) 214-5104 . oxenhillfarm.com

Oxen Hill Farm is offering their 15th Summer CSA season of USDAcertified Organic produce this year! The farm offers three differentsized vegetable shares (Mini, Calf & Ox) that can be picked up weekly or biweekly during the 18 week season. Members get the opportunity to reschedule and/or customize their share using the online system so that you can tailor your share to match the best of what is available each week; you can add or swap items as needed. They also offer flower or bouquet shares at their locations in Suffield, East Granby, West Hartford, CT and East Longmeadow, MA. All members are invited to pick their own fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes at the Suffield farm during regular hours. The helpful and friendly community at this family farm keeps members coming back year after year!

Mountain View Farm CSA

393 east street . easthampton, ma (413) 329-0211 . mountainviewfarmcsa.com

Winners of the Best Local CSA or Best Local Farm Award for 14 years in a row from the Advocate, Mountain View Farm is a certified organic CSA project serving Western Massachusetts. CSA members visit the farm in Easthampton at the base of beautiful Mt. Tom throughout the growing season to pick up their share of seasonally available produce as well as a wide variety of you-pick crops. Mountain View grows over 200 varieties of produce and every week throughout the CSA season, members will be provided with an array of produce to choose from. The season begins in early June and continues through October for 21 weeks. A small share is $475, a medium share is $720 and a large share is $865.

Easy Pickin’s Orchard

46 Bailey Road . Enfield, ct

(860) 763-3276 . EASYPICKINSORCHARD.SQUARE.SITE

Easy Pickin’s Orchard has been offering CSA since 2010. Their CSA season lasts 4 ½ months of seasonal fresh produce weekly, from mid-June through October. Their season lasts for 20 weeks, with each week offering a variety of vegetables and fruit that are ready for harvest. They offer full and half CSA shares, with a full share of $699 and a half share for $419. They also offer full and half shares on a three-month payment plan.

YELLOW STONEHOUSE FARM

354 Root Road . WESTFIELD, MA (413) 562-2164 . YELLOWSTONEHOUSEFARMCSA.COM

As Westfield’s first USDA Certified Organic Farm CSA, Yellow Stonehouse Farm is a 79-acre property located in Westfield and Southampton. The farm grows certified organic vegetables and flowers while coexisting harmoniously with native wildlife. Over 17 acres are cultivated in Westfield for CSA shareholders. When someone purchases the Yellow Stonehouse CSA, their farm share consists of local and certified organic vegetables selected from the marketstyle vegetable distribution area. Members select exactly what they want from their abundant supply. The share is a personal selection from the farm’s market-style vegetable area plus access to the pick-your-own garden. They are a chemical free farm and do not use any GMO’s, chemical pesticides or herbicides. Yellow Stonehouse Farm’s season lasts from June to October. A weekly full farm share is $730 and the every other week full farm share is $520 For pricing, CSA details and specific pickup locations (many producers offer various sites) for the 2023 season, please contact farm directly. This is not a comprehensive list. If you would like to be included in future publications, please contact pnorth@thereminder.com.

Go Green: Remember to bring a reusable bag, basket or bin with you to pick up your CSA harvest. The less plastic, the better!

GO LOCAL PICKS

COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR AND ONLINE!

GREENFIELD

FRIDAY, APRIL 28 - 5:00-8:00 PM

DOWNTOWN

The Greenfield Arts Walk is a town-wide event featuring a cohort of local arts organizations including Madhouse Multi-Arts, Hawks & Reed, and Greenfield Gallery to name a few. The Arts Walk's mission is to grow the local creative community and economy by attracting interest from beyond the region while strengthening the connections within.

For more information and events visit: visitgreenfieldma.com/event/greenfield-artswalk/2023-04-28/

SATURDAY, APRIL 22 - 9:00 AM

RUN STARTS AT 200 TRAFTON RD., SPRINGFIELD, MA

In honor of Earth Day, the Springfield Renaissance School’s National Honor Society is hosting their first walk/run fundraiser in the Forest Park area. All proceeds will benefit the chapter, and patrons who sign up will receive ticket entry to Forest Park, a T-shirt and a packet of seeds to replenish the planet. It costs $25 to register, with the registration period ending on April 15.

For more information visit: runsignup.com/Race/MA/Springfield/ RenNHSEarthDay5K

SATURDAY, APRIL 15 AND SUNDAY, APRIL 16 - 10:00 AM

CONNECTICUT CONVENTION CENTER

100 COLUMBUS BLVD., HARTFORD, CT

Brick Fest Live is a family-fun event that aims to inspire, educate and entertain through LEGO creations. The country-wide tour features an array of grand, life-sized LEGO creations along with giving visitors a chance to engage with a plethora of hands-on activities. The event also features live shows and the appearances from contestants from the LEGO Masters television program.

For more information visit: www.brickfestlive.com/bfl-2022-2023

EARTH DAY 5K RUN AND BENEFIT

BRICK FEST LIVE

GREENFIELD, MA

ARTS WALK

Life is full of chances.

For some there is regret for those chances not taken, but not for Sara Anderson. When one door closed, she decided to open another door for herself – one that led to opening her own gift shop.

A shopper at heart, Anderson especially loved stopping into different unique gift shops while visiting tourist destinations such as Newburyport, Massachusetts and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and dreamed of one day opening her own business.

That dream became a reality sooner than later when after 15 years of working as a human resources specialist, she was laid off, which set the groundwork for opening The Humble Fox gift shop in Somers, CT, on April 3, 2018.

W hen previously interviewed by Go Local magazine about the opening of The Humble Fox, Anderson said she “learned that business is so unpredictable and any one day to the next can be completely different and you have to be able to roll with it.”

And roll with it she did when just after two years of working hard to build a clientele for her business, Anderson was thrown a curve – the arrival of COVID-19.

“Like other businesses during the national shutdown, I closed my doors on St. Patrick’s Day in 2020 and didn’t reopen until mid-June that same year,” Anderson said.

At that point it was “do or die” for her still relatively new business.

“I had no website and quickly had to develop one for online ordering to survive. Customers could do curbside pickup or we shipped their goods to them. Even with the doors closed, I was working harder and longer than ever, some 12-hour days, creating my website and preparing orders. It made a huge difference,” Anderson said.

“ When we reopened our doors, people were understandably still hesitant about catching COVID-19, but we did everything possible to accommodate them and make them feel comfortable and safe in our shop. If it were not for them being so responsive in supporting a small business like ours during the pandemic, I don’t think we would have been celebrating our 5th anniversary today,” she added.

The shop owner noted they have “added a lot of inventory over the years.”

“ When I look back at photographs of the store from

when it first opened, it looked empty compared to now. I continue with my goal of supporting small businesses. We have over 100 of these smaller suppliers represented in our store and their merchandise comprise 85% of our items. I really prefer to go for ‘the unique’ when looking for things to stock our shelves, including some which are handmade by local folks, that you won’t find in most big box stores,” Anderson said.

S he continues to sell handmade purses from Birch and Ivory in Hampden, hot and cold packs from Payne and Comfort in South Windsor, as well as a line of coffee cozies made by Gigi and Lala in Enfield, jewelry (her best-selling products) from Scout Curated Wears in Easthampton, and many more unique items, New to that long list are purses and coin pouches from Lisa Maree in West Hartford, lotions from Ollie and Max in South Hadley, and decorative wooden blocks and shelf sitters from Rustic Marlin which was started by a husband and wife in Hanover, and a line of handmade jewelry from Nest Pretty Things in Vermont.

You can also count Anderson among the small businesses – although hers is quickly growing –represented in the store.

“I star ted making my own candles to sell in the shop, then reached out to other local stores to see if they were interested in selling them. It began with just two or three interested shops, but quickly grew and now they are available throughout New England and beyond, including some places in Milwaukee, Nashville and in Alaska. So, I needed to make them look a little fancier and added a professional label and additional seasonal scents. They all have names like Lemon Blueberry, Spring Rain, Fruity Hoops and Flower Cart, among many others,” Anderson said.

The candles are 100% soy and made with lead-free cotton wicks. Also, the company Anderson works with provides her with “the cleanest scents and fragrances that are as toxin free as possible,” making them safe around kids and pets, she noted.

Just in time for spring, Anderson recently stocked The Humble Fox’s shelves with seasonal items for Easter – including baskets, chocolates and other candy items, and numerous basket stuffers such as felt bunnies, and coloring and sticker kits. Customers will also find a variety of spring décor for the garden to inside the home such as painted signs and wooden blocks with tulips or sunflowers with bees buzzing around, as well as other shelf sitters that are bright and cheerful for now and into the summer months.

“For gardeners we have something special called ‘gardenin-a-bag’ in which flowers grow from right inside the brown bag, as well as our planting pops, which contain a seed pod for planting then using the pop stick it is attached to as a plant marker in the soil,” Anderson said.

O ther items for sale at The Humble Fox include children’s books, soaps, candy gummies, all kinds of beauty products, perfume, gourmet jams, teas, coffee, and affordable greeting cards, many made in small batches and some even printed on an old letterpress, as an option to the pricey greeting cards found on the market today, Anderson noted.

W hile most of her customers are women, Anderson said she often sees men around Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas and other special occasions stopping in to find the perfect gift for that someone special. She does carry items specifically for men.

“ We sell a line of Duke Cannon grooming products for men. They are very popular and are also sold in big box stores. What I like about having the company in our mix of goods is that they donate a portion of the proceeds to benefit veterans,” Anderson said.

Among the many other items perfect for men include wallets, mugs, “Best Dad” items such as pencils and socks, survival toolkits, baseball hats with Massachusetts or Connecticut emblems, and much more.

Anderson also goes for “the unique” when creating displays to showcase her merchandise.

W hen first opening the store, she had displays that were repurposed items such as antique furniture from her parents’ basement, including an old hutch that her father built and that now holds all of the store’s baby items. Anderson also repurposed ladders with shelves to hold some of the many gifts she sells. And, using the top of an old dining room table, her dad built the counter where their register is located. Newly added displays include an antique refrigerator door that hangs on the wall that is used for the many magnets with sayings that she sells. In the men’s section, there is a new shelf attached to the top of an old Jeep Wrangler grille that her dad also put together.

One thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the fact that Anderson is a “one-woman show.”

S he opens the doors every morning and is manager, salesperson, buyer, merchandiser, bill payer, cleaner and just about anything else you can think of when it comes to running a business.

But she’s not totally alone. Each day Anderson is accompanied by her faithful companion, Easton.

“He’s my dog and has been at my side since day one of the store, and he is still greeting customers at the door,” she said.

The Humble Fox is located in a strip mall on 11 South Rd IN SOMERS. open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on Sunday and Monday. For more information, call 860-951-1834.

Leena's

PLACE

Since she was a teenager, Jessica Morehouse has dreamed of owning her own restaurant. She started working in restaurants at age 14 and spent her entire career working in various restaurants, bars and clubs. She learned a lot along the way and is putting all that knowledge into making her dreams come true at Leena’s Place located at Cold Spring Country Club in Belchertown.

Morehouse opened Leena’s Place in January after a tragedy that left her feeling like she had to seize the moment.

“Ever since I was little, I always wanted to open my own restaurant/bar. I lost my mom last year to sudden stage 4 brain cancer and it pushed me even harder. She wasn’t feeling well, and we took her to the hospital and was told she had two weeks to live,” said Morehouse. That was the catalyst to fulfilling her dream.

“There is no better moment than now,” she said. “Life’s too short and the only regrets in life are the ones we don’t take.”

Morehouse’s middle name is Lee and her mother and grandmother called her Leena since she was very young, so her business pays homage to the women who raised her.

Morehouse had been building up to opening her own restaurant for years.

“I have a mobile bartending and catering company which has been in business for almost 10 years now,” she said. “We travel the entire coast from Cape Cod and Maine all the way to Pennsylvania.”

Morehouse still operates her catering/bar service, but after her mother’s death, she knew it was time to take the leap and started looking for the perfect location.

“I am from Springfield, so I don’t know a lot about Belchertown,” she said. “The course is gorgeous, and the sunsets and views are amazing. It’s a hidden gem! From what I hear, there is not a lot in Belchertown. Before I decided on the location I had called and inquired several times before looking at it. I finally decided to look at it and immediately fell in love – there is so much potential.”

L eena’s Place offers a large indoor space as well as an outdoor patio, both of which are available for private parties. Having a good space with options was

! HOPE E. TREMBLAY NATE BLAIS

important to Morehouse, as was the menu.

“Our menu is very diverse and multi-cultured,” she said. “We are constantly running specials with different international cuisines. Our goal is do have a very unique and different menu.”

In addition to good food, Leena’s Place offers entertainment all year, including music bingo, trivia night, open Mic, comedy, live bands, acoustics, paint and sip and much more. Morehouse noted that local favorite band Trailer Trash is slated to perform Oct. 14 and tickets are available now.

Morehouse has not had much time to sit back and see her dream coming to fruition – she has been too busy making it happen.

“This new adventure has been a lot,” she said, “especially because we opened in the middle of winter months. We have had some super busy days and some slow days, but it has prepared us for when the course and spring comes. We post on the Facebook community forum and try to be receptive to all the feedback and the different entertainment people have requested. We also have later hours, which allows those who enjoy a latenight drink to come out and visit.”

Morehouse is still feeling out different types of events for the future.

“ We have a lot of family-oriented events that we are also excited to explore to see if the community will engage in those activities as well trunk or treat in the parking lot, maybe a movie and snack night, maybe a child’s paint night, decorating cookies – there is so much I want to do.”

LEENA’S PLACE, LOCATED AT COLD SPRING COUNTRY CLUB, 330 CHAUNCEY WALKER STREET, BELCHERTOWN. OPEN SUNDAY, 8 A.M.–10 P.M., MONDAY, 4-9 P.M., TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, 11 A.M. – 10 P.M., THURSDAY, 11 A.M. – 11 P.M., AND FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, 11 -12 A.M.

Pasta with Broccoli Cream Sauce and Chicken

1 large broccoli crown

1 box Orecchiette

38 oz. boneless chicken breast

1 cup heavy cream

1 lemon + zest

1/2 white onion

1 head of garlic

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp olive oil

3/4 cup pasta water

Parmesan

Fresh oregano

Salt & pepper

WHAT YOU’LL NEED HOW YOU’LL MAKE IT

Start by roasting your head of garlic, chop down the middle drizzle with olive oil and roast in the oven at 375F for about 35 minutes or until tender. Next, get a pot of heavily salted water on the stove and bring to a boil. While that’s doing it’s thing, season your chicken with salt and pepper and pan sear it, about 7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the pan, after zesting your lemon, cut it in half and add it to your pan (second picture you can see which side to put it on) cook for about 5 minutes, remove and juice. Add in some 1 Tbsp of butter and your onions and a cup of broccoli chopped, cook for 5-7 minutes. Add in your cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, lemon juice and zest simmer for 2 minutes. Add mixture to a blender with another Tbsp of butter, squeeze in your roasted garlic and blend. Pour back into the pan and set it over low heat. Before the pasta is finished, reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water. Add pasta, chicken and the rest of your broccoli to your sauce with pasta water, mix and let simmer covered for about 10 minutes or until your broccoli is tender. Enjoy!

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!

SIGN UP FOR SUMMER 2023 CSA SHARES NOW!

CHOOSE ONE OF THREE SIZES OF VEGGIE SHARES, AVAILABLE EACH WEEK OR BI-WEEKLY FROM LATE JUNE THROUGH MID OCTOBER PAY IN FULL OR IN INSTALLMENTS

CHANGE YOUR PICK UP LOCATION WHEN YOU NEED TO - NO NEED TO MISS YOUR SHARE! SWAP OR ADD ITEMS TO GET YOUR SHARE “JUST RIGHT”

LOCALLY GROWN CERTIFIED ORGANIC PRODUCE FOR THE 18 WEEK VEGGIE CSA

FLOWER CSA (8 WEEKS) CAN BE ADDED TO VEGGIE CSA OR PURCHASED ON ITS OWN PICK UP IN SUFFIELD, EAST GRANBY, EAST LONGMEADOW OR WEST HARTFORD SIGN UP NOW AT: https://oxenhillfarm.csaware.com

WHICH COUNTRY BOASTS THE LARGEST EASTER EGG COLLECTION?

[A] Italy

[B] Poland

[C] Russia

[D] Sweden

WHAT 1987 MOVIE FEATURES “THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY” HOUSE BEING BLOWN UP?

[A] Lethal Weapon

[B] The Untouchables

[C] The Lost Boys

[D] Superman IV

WHAT IS THE SYMBOL FOR POTASSIUM ON THE PERIODIC TABLE?

[A] Po

[B] Mu

[C] K

[D] Am

WHAT IS THE LARGEST SUBTROPICAL (HOT) DESERT IN THE WORLD?

[A] Gobi

[B] Tanami

[C] Sahara

[D] Kalahari

WHAT SHAPE WERE THE ORIGINAL MARSHMALLOW PEEPS?

[A] Pink Bunnies

[B] Yellow Bunnies

[C] Pink Chicks

[D] Yellow Chicks

COMING

WHO WAS THE FIRST RED SOX PITCHER WITH MORE THAN 300 STRIKEOUTS IN A SEASON?

[A] Luis Tiant

[B] Pedro Martinez

[C] Roger Clemens

[D] Chris Sale

HOW MANY PHASES OF THE MOON ARE THERE?

[A] Two

[B] Four

[C] Six

[D] Eight

WHAT COLOR ARE THE PETALS OF A HIMALAYAN POPPY?

[A] Blue [B] Red [C] Yellow [D] Orange

WHICH PLANET IS FURTHEST FROM THE SUN?

[A] Neptune

[B] Uranus

[C] Mercury [D] Saturn

Golfers hoping to finally sink that elusive hole-in-one this season have plenty of opportunities to make that ultimate shot at inviting, pristine public and private courses throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. Here’s our guide to some favorite spots to tee off from:

In Massachusetts

THE RANCH GOLF CLUB

65 Sunnyside Road • Southwick, MA theranchgolfclub.com

Scorecard:

Located at the foothills of the picturesque Berkshires, The Ranch Golf Club was voted in the top 50 of all Public Golf Courses in Golf World’s 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards and #4 Best Course You Can Play in MA as part of Golfweek’s Best in 2016. Beyond the 18th hole, a full practice facility awaits golfers and the Ranch Pub House offers a relaxing dining experience.

FRANCONIA GOLF COURSE

619 Dwight Road • Springfield, MA vets-franconia-golf.com

Scorecard:

One of two Springfield Municipal Golf Courses, Franconia is an 18-hole public

GOLF GUIDE AREA COURSES AND VIRTUAL GOLF

golf course that measures 6,213 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 118 and a 69.7 USGA rating. The course features 3 sets of tees for different skill levels. The facility also offers a full pro shop, lessons, and Junior Golf Camp. The website offers tips to master each hole.

GREATHORSE

128 Wilbraham Road • Hampden, MA greathorse.com

Scorecard:

Named the #1 private club in Massachusetts by Northeast Golf, GreatHorse is a secluded, plush mountain retreat where beyond a top-notch golf experience, golfers and their families can enjoy a wide range of clubhouse amenities such as an outdoor pool, private spa, fitness center, golf simulators, tennis and platform tennis courts, and a restaurant and bar.

ST. ANNE COUNTRY CLUB

781 Shoemaker Lane • Feeding Hills, MA stannecc.com

Scorecard:

St. Anne Country Club is a semi-private course that measures 6,608 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 116 and a 70.8 USGA rating. The course

features 4 sets of tees for different skills levels. Before or after the game, players can enjoy the amenities of a full bar and restaurant alongside a banquet facility for any event.

COUNTRY CLUB OF WILBRAHAM

859 Stony Hill Road • Wilbraham, MA ccofwilbraham.com

Scorecard:

Country Club of Wilbraham is a semiprivate club that opened in 1927 as a 9-hole course designed by Willie Ogg, a professional golfer and club designer from Scotland. A back nine holes introduced in the spring of 2002 rolls through wooded terrain. Other features include a Juniors Program, pro shop and practice facilities. The Grille is open to the public to enjoy a meal or drinks on the patio.

WYCKOFF COUNTRY CLUB

233 Easthampton Road • Holyoke, MA wyckoffcountryclub.com

Scorecard:

A family-owned and operated, semi-private country club in Holyoke, Wyckoff Country Club is an eighteen-hole, par 69, a 6100yard championship golf course built on the beautiful rolling property at the base of Mt. Tom. Beyond golf – Tee Time Bar

and Grill located at the country club offers lunch and dinner on the patio or in the dining room.

EAST MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB

1458 E Mountain Road • Westfield, MA eastmountaincc.com

Scorecard:

The panoramic East Mountain Country Club promises to give golfers a feeling that is not found anywhere else in the Springfield area. Featuring an 18-hole public golf course that is ideal for all levels of golfers, East Mountain Country Club is designed to help golfers improve their game. The facilities also offer a pro shop with the latest golf gear, as well as a snack bar for a quick bite before or after the golfers round.

In Connecticut

CEDAR KNOB GOLF COURSE

446 Billings Road • Somers, CT cedarknobgolfcourse.com

Scorecard:

Designed by Geoffrey Cornish and built in 1963, the tall cedars lend a dramatic backdrop to most fairways that feature numerous water hazards and tactically placed sand traps to challenge even the best of golfers. Cedar Knob also offers golf lessons through its pro shop and special membership packages. Players can end their round with a delicious meal or their favorite beer, beverage or snack in the Cedar Castle Restaurant.

SUFFIELD COUNTRY CLUB

341 N Main Street • Suffield, CT suffieldcc.com

Scorecard:

Entering its 96th year of operation, Suffield Country Club provides a beautiful nine hole private golf course designed by Orrin Smith, a swimming pool and three clay tennis courts. The club also offers a full service restaurant which is open from late March through November.

GRASSMERE COUNTRY CLUB

130 Town Farm Road • Enfield, CT grassmerecountryclub.com

Scorecard:

Grassmere Country Club is a 9-hole public golf course offering golfers a challenging round with beautifully manicured greens and fairways, rambling brooks and a hilly terrain, as well as sand traps and natural grass bunkers that make for that special PGA feeling. Other features include pro shop, practice green, special membership packages, banquet facility and The Grill.

TOPSTONE GOLF COURSE

516 Griffin Road #A • South Windsor, CT topstonegc.com

Scorecard:

Great conditions including lush fairways and rolling hills await golfers at Topstone - an 18-hole, par 72 Championship golf course. Off the course, the clubhouse offers a fully-stocked golf shop, Grill Room and banquet facility. Topstone’s PGA Jr. League offers a scramble format

that builds confidence and encourages sportsmanship among boys and girls of all skill levels.

ROLLING MEADOWS COUNTRY CLUB

76 Sadds Mill Road • Ellington, CT rollingmeadowscountryclub.com

Scorecard:

Rolling Meadows offers a challenging encounter for all golfers with its more than 30 sand traps, some tight fairways, and a par 3 where you must carry over water nearly the full length of the hole. The public course features a pro shop, multiple practice greens, youth golf camp, various membership packages, and The Tavern at the Meadows. The back nine features spectacular views of the imposing Berkshire mountain range rising in the distance.

COPPER HILL GOLF CLUB

20 Copper Hill Road • East Granby, CT copperhillgolf.com

Scorecard:

If 18 holes are just too much for you to play, Copper Hill Golf Club offers an invigorating 9-hole regulation length golf course to suit your needs. The public club also has an active youth golf program, PGA professional golf instruction, all grass driving range with 3,500 square foot practice green and bunker, season passes, banquet facility, The Grill at Copper Hill, and an 18-hole AFGL certified footgolf course. Growing in popularity, the sport is a combination of the games of soccer and golf where the goal is to get your regular size 5 soccer ball into a 21-inch foot golf cup.

Tristan Kiendzior is a golf junkie and like so many others, he hates putting his clubs away in the winter.

So, he’s come up with a solution—Tee Times Indoor Golf and its virtual golf simulator that transports golfers to nearly 50 of the greatest golf courses in the world.

“ You can play all your bucket list courses. We feature St. Andrews, Pebble Beach—a lot of the big names you see on professional golf tours,” says Kiendzior, who coowns Tee Times in Westfield.

Tee Times is in Roots Athletic Center, which also features indoor and outdoor fields for soccer, track, lacrosse, cycling and batting cages.

Golfers drive balls into a screen that’s 17 feet wide, 20 feet tall and displays simulated golf course images based on actual topographical data. Players tee off from artificial turf that’s 10 feet away from the screen.

There are two simulators that mimic shots as if golfers were playing outdoors. Each simulator can accommodate up to six golfers at a time. Cameras and sensors watch the swing and track the ball, delivering instant analysis that helps golfers improve their game.

“As you’re hitting the ball, you’re getting real-time

feedback on what would happen if you hit that same shot outside. It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also a teaching tool if you want to improve your game,” said Kiendzior.

Most golfers would rather not play in the snow or rain, so the simulator avoids inclement weather altogether.

“It’s always a sunny day on our courses. The last thing they want to see are dreary weather conditions,” said Kiendzior.

The virtual game simulates nearly everything a golfer would encounter, from the tee to the green—with notable exceptions.

“ You’re never in the rough, there aren’t any divots. This is just a great way to keep your body moving and your swing fluid so when you do get back to golfing in the spring, you didn’t miss a step,” said Kiendzior.

It can take an average foursome two hours to play nine holes, four hours to play 18. Tee Times doesn’t generally provide clubs and there are no pros on staff to give lessons. Instructors can come in and work with their students, or golfers can simply play on their own and refine their game.

! BY STAASI HEROPOULOS NATE BLAIS

Winter is very much a gray zone and golf courses are mostly frozen from December to March. But golfers don’t have to tee off on the weather anymore. They can simply come in from the cold and hit the links in a space that is always a balmy 70 degrees.

“B eing that it’s New England, we have a lot of people that like to golf and this way they can continue working on their game throughout the winter and not lose any ground as far as getting better or maintaining their handicap,” says Kiendzior.

The cost to play a round at Tee Times is $55 per hour for an entire group of golfers. Players can reserve a simulator by booking online at www. teetimeswestfield.com or calling 413-562-7433 during normal business hours, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Tee Times is in Roots Athletic Center, 181 Root Road in Westfield For more information either call Tee Times or email info@teetimeswestfield.com

Main Office 860-684-4261

staffordsavingsbank.com

Serving the Towns of Stafford, Ellington, Union, Tolland, Ashford, Willington and Somers.

TACKLE the STACK

It’s time to cut down on mail clutter and enjoy the convenience of eStatements in Online Banking! Get access to your statements faster with the comfort of knowing they are safely protected by the security measures of Online Banking.

Why eStatements:

›› More secure than a paper statement

›› Reduce your carbon footprint by going paperless

›› No more waiting for the mail

›› Option to view, print or save electronically

Learn more at staffordsavingsbank.com or visit one of our branches.

The Final Countdown

7 garden centers to inspire you this spring

All images pictured are stock photography - please visit these garden centers to see what they have to offer.

SIXTEEN ACRES GARDEN CENTER

1359 WILBRAHAM RD. SPRINGFIELD, MA 01119

413-783-5883

16ACRESGARDENCENTER.COM

Operating in the heart of Springfield since 1962, Sixteen Acres Garden Center features a wide variety of houseplants and gardening materials. The garden center is open Monday through Saturday.

IMPERIAL NURSERIES

85 FLOYDVILLE RD. EAST GRANBY, CT 06026 800-343-3132

FACEBOOK.COM/IMPERIALNURSERIES

Imperial Nurseries is an innovator in the business of providing in-demand landscape nursery plants to retailing, wholesaling and landscaping businesses of all sizes.

MEADOWBROOK FARM

185 MEADOWBROOK RD. EAST LONGMEADOW, MA 01028

413-525-8588

MEADOWBROOKFARMMA.COM

Reopening just in time for the spring season, Meadowbrook Farm spotlights fresh season-al products from April to December. The farm will formally announce its hours when it reopens in the spring.

GRAZIANO GARDENS

280 ELM ST., EAST LONGMEADOW, MA 01028 413-525-6137 • GRAZIANOGARDENS.COM

Graziano Gardens, Landscaping and Florist is a full-service garden center that provides annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, soils and mulch, garden fertilizers, pottery and statuary, landscape pavers and more. Graziano Gardens will reopen full services at the start of spring.

PELL FAMILY FARM

92 KIBBE GROVE RD., SOMERS, CT 06071 860-265-6511 • PELL-FARMS.COM

Family owned and operated since 1930, Pell Family Farm boasts a rich history of producing farm-fresh goods. The farm grows trees and ornamental shrubs and trees, and are also synonymous with their strawberries grown and sold throughout the spring and into the summer.

GARDEN’S DREAM FARM

355 TAYLOR RD., ENFIELD, CT 06082 860-835-6652 • GARDENSDREAM.COM

Featuring two locations in Enfield and Cromwell, Garden’s Dream provides a variety of herbs, vegetables, shrubs and trees and over 100 types of perennials. Garden’s Dream Farm is open everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. across the spring, summer and fall seasons.

DZEN GARDEN MARKET

187 WINDSORVILLE RD., ELLINGTON, CT 06082

860-871-8183 • DZENFARMS.COM

Operating in Ellington since 1998, Dzen Garden Market is a community staple for its diverse array of offerings, ranging from flowers, produce, honey and ice cream.