FEBRUARY 2023

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.

NOTE

In my past several Go Local columns, I have shared with readers my love for crisp fall leaves, the holiday season and more – but as this is our February edition, it is only fitting that I continue on the “love train” and discuss something else I find joy in, something synonymous with Valentine’s Day: flowers.

A few years ago, one of my best friends, Shannon, gave me a flower arranging class for my birthday. It was virtual, so she and I came together at the kitchen table with a bottle of wine, snacks and the flowers that are mailed to people with the cost of the course. We had a great time learning about the blooms, what gives an arrangement interest, how to put together short arrangements vs. ones in larger vases among other tips and tricks.

Since then, as the seasons change, I have enjoyed putting together bouquets of my own. For fall I created a bouquet that had sunflowers, thistle, orange roses and craspedia – it was a gorgeous array of fall colors that brought me so much joy.

Sometimes, however – I won’t make a bouquet. I’ll simply pick up a few blooms just to brighten my day. There was a day last winter that was particularly gloomy. Snow was on the ground, with more to come the next day. I was over winter – I wanted spring to arrive so desperately. I needed to go to the grocery store for my usual shopping, and when I walked in, I saw bright, pink tulips. And they were on sale! I brought them home, snipped their ends, placed a penny in the bottom of the vase which was filled with water (the copper in the penny helps tulips stand up straight instead of flopping over in the vase) and marveled at how a few flowers could brighten my day and lift my mood.

While I do my best to create artful arrangements – nothing can compare to the eye of a floral designer.

In this months Go Local, we’re featuring not one, but two florists who are not only around to help people celebrate their loved ones with Valentines day blooms, but to assist people in celebration, sympathy, get-well-soon and more all year long. Flowers by Webster and Wilbraham Flowers both work to bring joy to customers in the best of times, and in the worst of times.

Where there are flowers, gifts and jewelry often follow. When I think of a jewelry store, I often think of rings – but there is so much more to offer for a gift than what can go on one’s hand. Michael Szwed in Longmeadow offers the gorgeous details –gemstone variations, delicate bracelets, earrings – the options are endless.

If flowers and jewelry are not your up your loved one’s alley – perhaps getting a unique gift from the quaint KK’s This ‘n That in Somers is the way to go. The shop recently celebrated their one-year anniversary and explain that their shop offers a “little bit of everything.”

Sometimes, though, the best gift is one you can give yourself. Who says you need a loved one to buy you flowers? If they bring you joy – consider picking them up for yourself. You never know the happiness it could bring.

On another note, I wanted to welcome Matt Conway to our Go Local magazine. Matt has been working for The Reminder for about a year and a half now, reporting full-time for our Springfield Reminders and our Chicopee Herald – but now, he has a new challenge: curating content for Go Local. I am so excited Matt has this new opportunity, and I know readers will be pleased with his story selections. Should a reader have story ideas, please send them along to Matt and me at mconway@ thereminder.com and pnorth@thereminder.com.

Happy Valentine’s Day, - Payton North, Executive Editor

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Payton North

CREATIVE

Beth Thurber, Manager . Sophia Kelleher

Susan Bartlett . Leigh Catchepaugh

Molly Arnio . Lorie Perry

CONTENT

Matt Conway

ADVERTISING

Barb Perry, Advertising Manager . Jeanette Lee

Lisa Nolan . Kim Barba . Roxanne Miller-Longtin

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

THE GO LOCAL COMMUNITY

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM

Send local story ideas to:

Matt Conway: mconway@thereminder.com

MICHAEL SZWED JEWELERS

Diamonds may still be some girls’ best friend, but so are gold, silver, gems and watches, and Michael Szwed Jewelers of Longmeadow has it all.

Celebrating 10 years at 807 Williams St., Michael Szwed Jewelers has become a premier jeweler in the area. Owner Michael Szwed is a third-generation goldsmith and GIA Diamonds Graduate who is an expert in repairs, custom design and engagement rings.

Szwed purchased the shop in 2012 and has been building his reputation with help from his knowledgeable staff, including Store Manager and GIA Graduate Gemologist Jennifer Blais, with expertise in engagement rings, custom design, appraisals, pearl and bead stringing; GIA Accredited Jewelry Professional Stephanie Blais, who is an appraisal apprentice and offers custom design; Marketing Coordinator Abby Egan; and Alex LaPorte, merchandiser and pearl and bead stringing apprentice.

Szwed has built a team of experts and experts-in-the-

! HOPE E. TREMBLAY NATE BLAIS

making that keeps customers coming back.

“I feel we need to make sure that the shopping experience needs to be stronger with our customers these days more than ever,” he said. “Building relationships with the clients and truly caring about what their needs may be is essential to growing your business, especially through the [coronavirus] pandemic.”

Szwed said he is constantly looking at ways to improve so he provides what his customers need.

“As a business, we need to be forward thinking on how we can grab a competitive edge over our competition all of the time. For example, with rising costs of precious metals (silver, gold, and platinum), there are only so many items you can stock in your inventory,” said Szwed. “I believe our ability to partner with strong vendors sets us apart from our competitors, to have many success stories as we have the ability to bring pieces in to show customers to make sure they love them before they buy them.”

The experience offered by Szwed and his staff is unparalleled, said Egan, especially with Valentine’s Day just around the corner.

Egan said jewelry is a traditional gift for Valentine’s Day, but there is nothing traditional about today’s trends.

“A common misconception for Valentine’s Day is that you can only buy heart shaped or pink or red stone jewelry,” said Egan. “These items certainly have a place in the industry, but in our experience, we have found that people tend to prefer everyday items that suit their individual tastes over items that are specifically Valentine themed. We have some really great jewelry lines that offer a variety of on trend pieces in a range of prices suitable for all occasions.”

A s clothing and home décor trends continue to throw back to the 70s and 80s, jewelry trends of the past are also on the rise.

“ Yellow gold has been making a big comeback,” said Egan. “Delicate layering styles are also very popular, especially with necklaces and stacking bands. We have a great new line called Aureli Gi that specializes in this look in 14kt. Diamond classics like tennis bracelets, studs and hoops are trending in a big way.”

Szwed has always been in-tune with trend, as well as classics. He comes from a family of jewelers, goldsmiths and watchmakers and started his journey at his family store, Swede’s Jewelers, during high school. It is here where he found the love for the jewelry industry. In 2011, he started his own company working out of his home in Windsor Locks, CT, and Michael Szwed Jewelers was born.

Szwed did trade work for jewelers in the area and began building his customer base. In 2012 he purchased Master Jewelers in Longmeadow, giving him a retail space. Over the past 10 years, the store has grown consistently,

offering everything that a fine jewelry store should be.

“Michael believes the relationships with people is what drives him and his staff every day, continuing to make Michael Szwed Jewelers one of the best stores in the area,” said Egan.

Blais said the industry has changed a lot.

“ With so much information available on the internet, I have noticed the majority of customers are educating themselves ahead of coming in especially when it comes to diamonds and purchasing an engagement ring,” Blais said. “I find it to be very helpful because I think it relaxes the customer during a process that can seem very daunting and intimidating. They may not know everything about diamonds, but they at least feel confident having some base knowledge and then working with us to fill in the rest of the details and make an informed purchase decision.”

Blais has also noticed customers want jewelry they can wear every day.

“I’ve also seen a slight shift away from items that are very formal to items that are wearable and more casual,” Bails said. “There is definitely still a desire for those dressier pieces, but maybe you have two or three of them in your wardrobe and not a whole collection.”

W hether you are looking for a simple watch to wear every day, or an heirloom necklace, Michael Szwed Jewelers’ expert staff is here to help.

MICHAEL SZWED JEWELERS IS LOCATED AT 807 WILLIAMS ST., LONGMEADOW, MA. GO TO MICHAELSZWEDJEWELERS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Valentine Treat Box

This simple DIY is the perfect way to treat your friends, loved ones, teachers, and anyone special in your life. Fill up your box with candy or chocolate for a sweet little treat. Check out the list of materials below and let's go create!

MATERIALS:

• Scrapbook paper/ Cardstock

• Ruler

• Glue Stick

• Hole Punch

• Ribbon/Twine

• Scissors

Cut one strip of paper 61/2 by 2 inches. Score the strip at 23/4 and 33/4 inches. Then, cut two more pieces 11/2 by 11/2 inches. Score these squares 1/4 inch on two sides.

Use the small squares to create sides. Glue along the quarter inch fold. Add stickers, layered paper, and embellishments to the front for extra decoration.

Place your treats inside the box. Now, glue along the top edges and seal it closed.

Finally, punch a hole at the top and use twine or ribbon to tie a bow. Now you have the perfect valentine!

GO LOCAL PICKS

COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR AND ONLINE!

YOUTH PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL

NORTHAMPTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS • 33 HAWLEY ST. NORTHAMPTON, MA 01060

The Youth Performance Festival (YPF), a collaboration between Play Incubation Collective and the Northampton Center for the Arts at 33 Hawley, is a free opportunity for youth artists ages 8-18 to create original performance pieces under the guidance of mentor artists in the fields of music, dance, theater, poetry/spoken word and video. YPF centers the creative agency of young artists and is committed to supporting them as they discover their own creative processes. The festival performances showcase the work that young artists have created over the six-week rehearsal process.

For more information and events visit: https://calendar.time.ly/2env8uec/event/75298739/20230211190000

WESTFIELD ATHENAEUM CONCERT SERIES: MUSICIANS OF THE SPRINGFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

WESTFIELD ATHENAEUM • 6 ELM ST., WESTFIELD 01085

FEBRUARY 23 AT 7 P.M.

The 2023 Westfield Athenaeum concert series opens with Musicians of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (MOSSO) Feb. 23. Violinist Beth Welty, horn player Sarah Sutherland, and pianist Elizabeth Skavish will perform horn trios of Frédéric Duvernoy, Trygve Madsen, and Johannes Brahms. Beth Welty, Chair of MOSSO, is Acting Principal Second Violin of MOSSO and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Sarah Sutherland, MOSSO and SSO horn player, is also MOSSO’s finance director.

For more information visit: https://www.westath.org/concert-series-mosso/

The prestigious annual event will be New England’s only 2023 major flower exhibition and show, covering almost three acres, offering ideas for house, apartment and condo dwellers. “Gateway to Spring” is the theme of this year’s show that features expansive live gardens, a nonstop schedule of seminars and demonstrations, the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s annual Standard Flower Show, and hundreds of vendors displaying and selling all types of items.

For more information visit:

https://www.showpass.com/ct-flower-garden-show-2023/

CONNECTICUT FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW

CONNECTICUT CONVENTION CENTER 100 COLUMBUS BLVD. HARTFORD, CT 06103 BEGINS FEB. 23 AT 6 A.M. AND CONCLUDES ON FEB. 26 AT 1 P.M.

Photos courtesy of iStock

by Webster

Flowers continue to be a way to brighten someone’s day, and Flowers by Webster on Court Street in Westfield is a full-service florist that has been bringing a bit of sunshine to customers for decades.

A s Valentine’s Day approaches, Flowers by Webster owner Gail Kelly and her staff are ready for the rush.

“ Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day are equally busy, but Mother’s Day is usually spread out throughout the week and Valentine’s Day is a 48-hour event,” Kelly said.

W hen it comes to Valentine’s Day, Kelly said traditions still rule.

“A dozen red roses is still the most popular order,” Kelly said. “We have been doing more mixed flowers in recent years, but roses are the most in-demand flower.”

K elly said customers should order ahead, especially for

delivery, and even those planning to stop into the shop should give notice, if possible.

“ We try to be prepared,” she said. “We have baskets that people can pick up that have Kringle Candles, chocolates and more.”

A few bouquets of roses will be ready to grab, along with balloons, stuffed animals and other gifts.

“Most people like to choose their stems themselves, especially with mixed flowers,” she said, “so we will be ready to arrange that day.”

In addition to gourmet chocolates, stuffed items, balloons and other heart-shaped items, Flowers by Webster also has a variety of gifts in stock.

“ We have beautiful scarves and jewelry,” said Kelly. “And people love our wooden porch ‘Welcome’ signs.”

Art-quality mugs are another offering, which Kelly said can be used as a vessel for flowers as well.

“ We make the arrangement in the mug, so it’s like getting two gifts,” she said. “We also make arrangements using Kringle Candles – we flip the candle topper upside down and create an arrangement inside it.”

Flowers by Webster is truly a full-service florist, providing designs for weddings, special occasion centerpieces, funerals and more.

“ We do a lot of sympathy designs,” Kelly said. “We create floral designs, and we do a lot of plants, especially

peace lilies.”

Memory lamps and bird baths are very popular sympathy gifts.

“They’re nice because one the funeral is over; people remember their loved one when they turn on their lamp or watch the birds in their yard,” she said.

K elly said angels and cardinals are also popular for sympathy gifts and she offers numerous products that can be given alone as a gift or incorporated into an arrangement.

S he also has a large Christmas gift room with everything from ornaments to wreaths, tabletop silk arrangements and more.

W hen Kelly purchased the existing business, it was located on Franklin Street. Kelly said she quickly outgrew the space after taking ownership and building the business. She moved to her current location, a yellow house built in 1853, and said she is still bursting in that space.

“ We’re outgrowing this building as well,” said Kelly.

W hile that is a good problem to have and an indicator that business is good, Kelly said the floral industry has changed a lot over the years and costs are increasing, just as they are in other industries.

“ We only buy premier flowers for our customers,” she said. “They cost more, but they are better quality and last

longer. If cared for properly, our roses can last up to two weeks.”

K elly prefers roses from Ecuador because they have thick stems and more petals than roses one would find at a grocery store. Kelly said she buys her flowers from around the globe, including South America, California, Canada and Netherlands.

“I love Dutch tulips, hydrangea and daffodils,” she said. “All of our bulbs are Dutch.”

Starting with high-quality flowers is what makes Flowers by Webster stand out. And Kelly’s flair for arrangements is eye-catching.

“I love design work,” she said. “Right now, we have two full-time designers, and we enjoy creating arrangements for customers.”

K elly is a self-taught designer. When she and her husband Chuck moved to Westfield from the Boston area in 1988, Kelly became a stay-at-home mom. She left her job at Logan Airport when they moved and took time to raise their children. Kelly, however, always had the need for creativity and began selling her decorative painting pieces at craft shops throughout the area.

“ When I saw the opportunity to be an owner of Flowers by Webster, I decided to go for it,” she said. “I spent a lot of time reading and researching floral design and taught myself.”

K elly prefers unique flowers and arrangements, tucking berries and greens such as thistle into her “grab and go” bouquets. However, she is also an expert in more traditional and classic designs and modern arrangements.

“ We really do what customers want,” she said, especially when it comes to weddings.

“Right now, it’s anything goes with weddings,” said Kelly. “Brides are really asking for what they like – their favorite colors and flowers, and not caring about trends.”

However, Kelly said blush pinks, creams and whites are always popular when it comes to weddings.

“I don’t think white flowers will ever go out of style,” she said.

K elly said the personal touch offered at Flowers by Webster keeps customers coming back.

“Even when a bride makes an appointment, I ask what colors and flowers she likes and make an arrangement as an example for her first visit,” said Kelly. “It’s that personalization that makes it special."

FLOWERS BY WEBSTER, 52 COURT ST., WESTFIELD, MA

OPEN MONDAY – FRIDAY FROM 8 A.M. – 5 P.M. AND SATURDAY FROM 8 A.M. – 3 P.M. THERE WILL BE EXTENDED HOURS THE WEEKEND BEFORE VALENTINE’S DAY.

Sweet and Spicy Sesame Wings with a Creamy Soy

Ginger Dipping Sauce

2 Pounds chicken wings

1 Tbsp red chili powder

1 Tbsp garlic powder

1 Tbsp onion powder

1/2 Stick unsalted butter

1 Cup sriracha

1/2 Cup dark brown sugar

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 Tbsp ground ginger + garlic

1 Tsp sesame oil

Salt + Pepper

Green onion, garnish

Sesame seeds, garnish

FOR THE DIPPING SAUCE:

1/2 Cup mayo

2 Tbsp soy sauce

1/2 Tbsp ginger paste

Start by mixing together all your ingredients for the dipping sauce and set aside in the fridge. Preheat oven to 375F on the convection setting. Rub your wings with red chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Put wings on a lined baking sheet and toss in the oven for 18 minutes flip and cook another 18 minutes. While your wings are cooking, make the sauce. Start by melting butter in a sauce pan and add in your ginger and garlic, cook for about a minute and add your sriracha and brown sugar. Once fully combined add in your soy sauce and sesame oil and let simmer. Once your wings are out turn the oven up to 425F and cook for another 8-10 minutes. Toss in sauce and broil on high for about a minute. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion. Enjoy with the dipping sauce and cucumbers.

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!

Wilbraham Flowers Is in bloom!

Looking to support a local florist this Valentine’s Day? Owner Claudia Trzeciak of Wilbraham Flowers offers traditional and contemporary floral design arrangements; whether it’s the classic red roses or mixed roses, lavender roses, calla lilies, sunflowers or Gerbera daisies, Trzeciak goes the extra mile for her customers.

“I listen closely to the needs of my customers and will go out of my way to meet their requests, whether it is a wedding, bridal shower, baby shower, retirement party, funeral flowers or even everyday florals,” Trzeciak said.

Established in 2008, Wilbraham Flowers is a familyowned and operated business serving the town of Wilbraham fresh, quality, custom-made flower styles for all occasions. They also offer green plants, blooming plants and dish gardens. In addition, they carry Willow Tree gifts, Danforth Pewter, Woodstock Chimes, Crow Hollow Candles, Silvestri Statuary, plush stuffed animals, balloon bouquets, gourmet and fruit baskets, gift baskets, silk arrangements and more.

Trzeciak grew up with a family of florists and worked

! MIASHA LEE SUBMITTED PHOTOS

at her mother’s floral shop in her 20’s. After leaving the business with her mother, Trzeciak worked in the mental health field for 26 years as a program manager and social worker.

“I had reached a point of burnout in that field,” she said. “As I was driving into my office in Springfield from Monson through Wilbraham, I kept saying to myself they [Wilbraham] don’t have a flower shop. I wanted to get back into the floral business and started Wilbraham Flowers in the fall of 2008.”

Trzeciak began from scratch without a customer base. Through perseverance, she is now an integral part of the Wilbraham community working with the Wilbraham Senior Center, the Wilbraham Women’s Club, St Cecilia’s Women’s Club, Shriner’s Hospital, the YMCA’s ‘Live Strong,’ a program for cancer survivors and the Wilbraham Historic Society which provide support to many of the area’s schools.

“I have a great staff that I’m extremely comfortable with and close to which makes coming into work each day nice,” Trzeciak replied. “I’m 70 years old, so I’m hoping I can do this for a few more years, but in the meantime, I want to enjoy what I’m doing.”

WILBRAHAM FLOWERS IS LOCATED AT 2133 BOSTON RD., WILBRAHAM, MA THEIR HOURS ARE TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 10 A.M.- 5 P.M. AND SATURDAYS 10 A.M.- 2 P.M. FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 413-596-0102 OR GO TO WILBRAHAMFLOWERSFLORIST.COM.

THINK OF US FOR YOUR HOLIDAY!

EASTER SUNDAY BRUNCH

Call now to book your reservation for Valentine’s Day and Easter!

1305

kk's THIS N' THAT SHOP

Last January, Delbert and Karen Campbell opened KK’s This n' That Shop at 138 Main St. in Somers, CT in the middle of a snowstorm.

W hen the snow began to fall, the Campbells didn’t delay their opening, instead opting to welcome folks to get out of the cold. Now, they have been welcoming locals for over a year.

“ We wanted a place for people to go if they had a power outage. People can still stop in, warm up, and charge their phones in future power outages,” said Karen Campbell.

The shop name is far from ironic. KK’s This n' That really does offers a bit of everything. The goal of the shop was to capture the quaint charm of a small “Mom and Pop” store with plenty of treasures to be found.

Mission accomplished.

“ We carry an array of items from handcrafted gifts, bait and tackle, pet supplies, hot coffee, tea, cocoa, snacks, some groceries, gifts, thrift stuff, farm produce,

plants and plenty of inexpensive candy for the kids or those young at heart,” Campbell said. “We encourage community involvement through craft vendors in the store, donations, craft fairs in the warmer months, kids’ lemonade stands, Girl Scout cookie sales and flyers and informational postings.”

This month, they are highlighting cards, candy and gifts for Valentine’s Day.

The shop is filled to the brim with items that come from around the region.

“Our inventory comes from many places including Omar coffee, Cash n’ Carry in Springfield, Master Cash n’ Carry in Berlin, and I do shop around as well. We also have several talented local vendors that handcraft items from candles, jewelry, t-shirts, glasses, bath bombs, shower steamers, gnomes, goat milk soaps, honey, jams, pickles, macrame and more,” Campbell said.

The Campbells love bargain hunting and sharing their finds.

“ We do not consider ourselves pickers, but we do like finding deals and passing the savings onto our customers,” Campbell said. “Our customers are our business and without them we would not have a business. We try to keep our prices more than reasonable on all items. Currently all thrift clothing is just $1 each. I have bait on sale for two for $6.50, Powerade two for $3.50 and Monster drinks two for $4.50. I will continue with these sales and more as much

as possible.”

C lothing items are as low as $1 each and there are low maintenance indoor plants currently available.

“As we get closer to spring, we will resume the outdoor plants and farm produce from local farms,” Campbell said, noting that Delbert has been in maintenance on a lock horse farm for 23 years. Karen‘s background varies from human service to retail experience.

They chose to open the shop in their hometown.

“ We are from Somers and had a lot of cleaning, repairing and landscaping to do prior to opening, but decided to open our doors to the public during the snowstorm on January 28, 2022,” Campbell said.

KK’s This n' That Shop is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

“ We encourage people to follow us on Facebook,” Campbell said. “If we are going to deviate from those hours, we will post it. We also post upcoming events and sales.”

KK'S THIS N' THAT SHOP IS LOCATED AT 138 MAIN ST., SOMERS, CT

LOCAL EINSTEIN

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

WHICH US PRESIDENT LOST BOTH HIS WIFE AND HIS MOTHER ON VALENTINE’S DAY OF THE SAME YEAR?

[A] Theodore Roosevelt

[B] Gerald Ford

[C] Harry Truman

[D] William McKinley

WHAT IS THE VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS’ (NHL) MASCOT?

[A] Cougar

[B] Rattlesnake

[C] Gila Monster

[D] Dragon

WHAT CIVIL WAR BATTLE CAUSED THE MOST CASUALTIES?

[A] Gettysburg

[B] Antietam

[C] Shiloh

[D] Chickamauga

WHAT CITY IS THE CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA?

[A] Melbourne

[B] Perth

[C] Brisbane

[D] Canberra

WHAT FAMOUS JEWELER MAKES THE LOMBARDI TROPHY (SUPER BOWL WINNER)?

[A] Cartier

[B] Tiffany & Company

[C] Fred Myers Jewelers

[D] Signet Jewelers

WHAT IS THE LONGEST RIVER IN THE UNITED STATES?

[A] Mississippi River

[B] Ohio River

[C] Missouri River

[D] Colorado River

WHAT YEAR WAS THE FIRST INTERNET DOMAIN REGISTERED?

[A] 1975

[B] 1980

[C] 1985

[D] 1990

Fe IS THE SYMBOL OF WHICH ELEMENT?

[A] Neon

[B] Mercury

[C] Iron

[D] Helium

WHERE, MOST LIKELY, WAS THE FORTUNE COOKIE INVENTED?

[A] China

[B] New York

[C] California

[D] India

2023 LETR Western MA Polar Plunge

Hosted By:

Sunday, March 12, 2023

Kingsley Beach at Hampton Ponds State Park

1048 North Rd, Westfield, MA

The West Springfield Police together with the Law Enforcement Torch Run is bringing back its Polar Plunge for a third year! 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.

The Final Countdown

Winter Wonderland

Check out these 7 local ice rinks for skating and other winter activities.

ENFIELD TWIN RINKS

1 PRIOR RD., ENFIELD, CT (860) 745-2461

WWW.ETRINKS.COM

Enfield Twin Rinks hosts a gamut of introductory classes for inexperienced ice skaters along with freestyle sessions for ice skating veterans. The ice rink also features public skate events and an annual adult hockey league.

OLYMPIA ICE CENTER

125 CAPITAL DR. W. SPRINGFIELD, MA (413) 736-8100

OLYMPIAICECENTER.COM

The Olympia Ice Center is the home to several adult and youth hockey league games. Along with featuring a central ice rink, the complex has two other ice surfaces for use as practice facilities or for various local teams.

INTERNATIONAL SKATING CENTER OF CONNECTICUT

1375 HOPMEADOW ST. SIMSBURY, CT (860) 651-5400

WWW.ISCCSKATE.COM

From first-time skaters to seasoned veterans, the International Skating Center of Connecticut has a program for everyone. The rink features two ice surfaces (NHL and Olympic) and a state-ofthe-art Fitness Center providing an environment suited for athletes of all ages and abilities to participate in comprehensive training.

MULLINS CENTER COMMUNITY ICE RINK

200 COMMONWEALTH AVE. AMHERST, MA (413) 545-2791

WWW.MULLINSCENTER.COM/RINK

Along with hosting the University of Massachusetts Amherst winter sports, the Mullins Center Community Ice Rink is open to the public for various events, such as public skating sessions and pick-up adult hockey games. The community ice rink is open throughout the year to members of the public.

CYR ARENA SKATING RINK

200 TRAFTON RD. SPRINGFIELD, MA (413) 787-6438

WWW.SPRINGFIELD-MA.GOV/PARK/CYR

The recently renovated Cyr Arena is the Springfield Park and Recreation Department’s public ice-skating facility. The facility has a brand-new warming room, concession stand and improvements to locker room facilities. Public skating sessions take place every Friday and Saturday.

FITZPATRICK ICE SKATING RINK

575 MAPLE ST. HOLYOKE, MA (413) 532-2929

FMCICESPORTS.COM/RINK/HOLYOKEFITZPATRICK-SKATING-ARENA/

The Fitzpatrick Arena is a Commonwealth of Massachusetts public iceskating facility, overseen by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The arena is open to the public for public skate sessions and includes various amenities, such as a party room, skate rentals and a snack bar.

COLLINS-MOYLAN SKATING ARENA

41 BARR AVE. GREENFIELD, MA (413) 772-6891

FMCICESPORTS.COM/RINK/GREENFIELDCOLLINSMOYLAN-ARENA/

The Collins-Moylan Arena provides patrons with affordable recreation in various activities, including public skating events and ice skating instruction classes. The arena is currently accepting enrollment for its Spring 2023 ice skating classes that are set to begin on Feb. 27.

Photos courtesy of iStock