Go Local | JULY 2018

July 2018 Volume 4 . Issue 8 golocalmagazines.com

VENTURE OUT! WOMAN’S BEST FRIEND A GREEN PLATE FOR A GREEN PLANET

BREAKFAST AT THE AIELLO’S

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BREAKFAST AT THE AIELLO’S

FEATURE STORY >> 17

Pan’e Dolcetti It started with an email that stood out from others. Typically, when hunting down the best businesses and products to cover in Go Local, I hear about them from colleagues or exploring on my own. This email, however, was different.

6

A NOTE

8

GO ON, YOUR SAY

11

WOMAN’S BEST FRIEND

From the Editor 15 Minutes of Fame Marisa and Beans

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 3

new this month JULY 2018 . VOLUME 4 . ISSUE 8

15

SNAPSHOT

17

BREAKFAST AT THE AIELLO’S

22

GO EAT

24

PICKS

27

venture out!

31

A green plate for a green planet

33

LOCAL EINSTEIN

34

FINAL COUNTDOWN

Peonies in Bloom

Pan’e Dolcetti

Pineapple Grilled Salmon

24

Cool Stuff Just Outside Your Door Summer Fun Guide Meatless Monday

11

Put Your Thinking Caps On 7 Entertaining Events

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a note

FROM THE EDITOR . STEPHANIE TROMBLEY

I have always had a place in my heart for the month of July. I blame my Auntie Mari’s allAmerican kitchen decor for the obsession. It was stars, stripes and America’s native colors for as far as the eye could see in her rustic Wales, Massachusetts home. For as long as I can remember, I have been pulled in by all things red, white and blue. When I was fourteen, I carried a white canvas bag with an American flag printed on it until it became so ragged, it turned grey. When I was seventeen, I danced around in the sprinklers in star spangled sandals, until the print wore off on the insides. Even just a year ago, I had to order an American flag cardigan that drew me in from an online advertisement. What can I say? I am an American girl at heart.

My celebration of the place I call home has certainly not deteriorated with age. I am already planning my next flashy get-up for the annual East Longmeadow fireworks this year! Not to spoil anything, but blinking star necklaces, an Uncle Sam hat and glitter face makeup is to be expected.

July is the month of celebrations. It’s America’s birthday, and it’s always quite the bash.

Steamy hamburgers fresh off the grill, popping fireworks creating a vibrant show in the sky, sand beneath my toes, and a lengthy annual road trip to Virginia all make for my perfect summer. What makes for your ideal summer?

Perhaps it’s delicious, ice-cold gelato from Pan’e Dolcetti in Wilbraham. Maybe it’s a plantbased meal featured at your cookout buffet, much like what is served up on Meatless Mondays in the Longmeadow Public Schools.

Maybe you’re not hungry, and your perfect summer day is spent watching fantastic live entertainment out on the lawn or, perhaps, just hanging around with your favorite pet.

Whatever your idea of enjoyment may be, summer is the ideal time to make it happen. We’ve said goodbye to being bundled up in favor of shorts and dresses. We have pulled the protective tarp off of our pools. We have turned in our textbooks at the end of the school year. It’s time to party, so fire up the grill, enjoy the sun by the stage of a music show, or cheer on a local parade.

While the winter is all about quiet downtime, summer is the season where there is tons to do. Head out there and find your adventure!

We are the land of the free, and July is the time to embrace it! Don’t work too hard, relax a lot, and bask in all that the sunshine and blue skies have to offer. Embrace your own feeling of freedom. The most work I have done so far this summer is completely redecorating my own kitchen with American decor. Inspired by freedom, the United States, and one of my favorite people in the world: Auntie Mari.

15

6 GO LOCAL JULY 2018

EDITOR Stephanie Trombley

MANAGING EDITOR G. Michael Dobbs

PUBLISHER Dan Buendo

QUALITY CONTROL Carolyn Napolitan

PHOTOGRAPHY

Tyler Whaley . Elizabeth O’Donoghue

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Stephanie Trombley

ADVERTISING

Amy Allen . Kim Barba . Paula Dimauro Scott Greene . Nancy Holloway . Jeanette Grenier Matt Mahaney . Lisa Nolan

CREATIVE

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

THE GO LOCAL COMMUNITY

WILBRAHAM

EAST LONGMEADOW

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LONGMEADOW Route 190

Route 190

SUFFIELD

HAMPDEN

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SOMERS ENFIELD

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STAFFORD SPRINGS

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A CREATION OF

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

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM Send local story ideas to our Editor, Stephanie Trombley: stephaniegolocal@gmail.com

STEPHANIE TROMBLEY is the editor of Go Local Magazine and will be driving through Virginia this summer with the windows down blaring Lynyrd Skynyrd, if you’re looking for her.

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your say

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! STEPHANIE TROMBLEY  MARISA REMUS

T

he world often refers to dogs as “man’s best friend.” However, one Asnuntuck Community College student is certainly redefining the phrase. Her puppy is only one year old, but she has already made a name for herself. Beans, also known as Garbanzo, or Kate Pupton, is a Pit Bull/Golden Retriever mix brightening the world around her, and that of her happy owner.

It was May 2017 when Marisa Remus decided she was in need of a furry friend. Marisa tells the story of when she realized she needed a new pet in her life. She was planning a vacation and began looking through public listings for adoptable pets. After searching through several posts, it was clear numerous dogs needed her as much as she needed them. The hard part? Choosing just one to take home!

“I was going on vacation in South Carolina and kept joking to my mom that I was going to get a puppy, and she wasn’t enraged by the jokes. We had lost our previous dog in the year before that and my brother and I missed having a dog around.”

It was a close call when it came to taking Beans home. Marisa GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 11

discovered her on Craigslist, but her owner did not respond to her inquiry. Instead, she made plans to meet a Black Labrador puppy in Virginia at the end of her trip. However, Marisa was lucky enough to hear back from the owner. “She got back to me the night before we were leaving saying that she was being looked at by a couple that night. But she said if the couple didn’t show up that night I could pick her up in the morning. The couple ended up not showing up and I got to meet Beans in a Food Lion parking lot in North Carolina, and I fell in love with her instantly.”

Knowing she was the one, Marisa adopted Beans, and prepared to take the journey all the way back to New England.

It was a long journey back both for Marisa and her new pup. “She was making noise in the back seat until she finally fell asleep...all the way in New Jersey!” The trip home was only the start to what has felt like parenthood for Marisa. Marisa continued, “I was stressed, overtired and unkempt for a couple months straight because she was practically a newborn at that point.”

Even as Beans has grown older, she has continued to give her mom some work to do. Marisa shared, “She’s pretty smart but she’s also sassy so sometimes getting her to listen is hard. But usually, that’s also my fault because it’s hard to keep a straight face when scolding such a doofy dog!”

The pup is slightly spoiled, likely attributing to her hilarious, diva-like behavior. The pair do everything together, from watching movies, to traveling, to even sharing the same snacks! Marisa often makes Beans her own matching peanut butter and jelly sandwich whenever she makes her own lunch. When she makes macaroni and cheese, she’s known to sneak a scoop into Beans’s dish. Also on the menu, Dunkin Donuts! “On Sundays we have a ritual of getting Dunkin Donuts and we nap and watch Netflix all day and she’s totally content with it. She gets plain Munchkins.”

Just like any good best friend, Beans has her own lovable personality that is contagious to all who meet her. Marisa bragged, “Her personality is hilarious, she instantly turns my mood around and is super cuddly. Even if she’s not in the mood to really cuddle she’ll still lay down so she’s pressed against my body so her physically being there is super comforting.”

Marisa may be Beans’s best friend, but she shares her love with many around her. She always has a friendly face when meeting farm animals, people and fellow dogs. Marisa’s friends and their pets can’t get enough of her. She even had her own first birthday party! As Marisa said, “One of her favorite activities is hanging out with her other dog friends, especially Ollie the Jack Russell because they both have a ruthless amount of energy.”

In just a year, her adventures have been endless. Beans has tried swimming, modeling, has visited farmer’s markets, helped her mom pet sit and even inspired her owner to create homemade products!

Marisa has taken the mom role to a whole new level by making treats for Beans and her furry friends. She created her own 12 GO LOCAL JULY 2018

all-natural, non-scented paw balms inspired by Beans. As if that wasn’t enough, she also spent a whole morning in her kitchen baking a fresh batch of pumpkin, bear-shaped dog treats.

She can be found on her Instagram page modeling bandanas for Adventure Mutt Co, a business owned by Stacey Lambert out of Connecticut focused on handmade bandanas for pups. And it’s for a good cause! Two dollars from every purchase is donated to the local rescue. Marisa also jokingly made a series of advertisements for Fenty Beauty, musician Rihanna’s makeup line, but so far, no call-backs.

Even though raising Beans from a young puppy has been hard work, Marisa’s life has been changed for the better by her fourlegged best friend. She shared, “I got her in May after struggling a lot with anxiety and depression after ending a toxic relationship in January, and she’s helped make me feel like I have a purpose.”

The comfort of those we love can often help in healing many emotional wounds, and it’s clear Beans has certainly taken on the role.

Marisa is proud to be the owner of Beans. With stigma often surrounding the Pit Bull breed, Beans is showing that they are friendly and fun pets just like any other dog can be. Beans’s friendly demeanor often piques the curiosity of those lucky enough to meet her.

“One of my favorite things about being her mom is how proud I am when people ask me about her, I think because of her rare breed people automatically become curious and excited about her looks and her temperament, being half Pit Bull and half Golden Retriever. It makes me feel like I can comfortably go on about her without boring people.”

Where will Beans go next? Marisa shared, “My best friend is moving to South Carolina so I plan on driving down and bringing Beans with me. I also really want to take her to Maine this summer.”

You can keep up with her by visiting her Instagram page, @ beanslightnin, where Marisa updates her fans frequently on what she’s up to. With all of the adventure she has packed into one year of life, it’s certain that she’s just getting started.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 13

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14 GO LOCAL JULY 2018

 ELIZABETH O’DONOGHUE

PEONIES IN BLOOM

The fattest and most scrumptious of all flowers, a rare fusion of fluff and majesty, the peony is now coming into bloom. ~Henry Mitchell, American writer (1923-93)

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 15

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16 GO LOCAL JULY 2018

BREAKFAST at the Aiello’s

! STEPHANIE TROMBLEY



TYLER WHALEY

I

t started with an email that stood out from others. Typically, when hunting down the best businesses and products to cover in Go Local, I hear about them from colleagues or exploring on my own. This email, however, was different. A happy customer reached out to the magazine, praising the go-to spot for morning pastries and coffee. Kellie Lavoie’s email stated “(My nephew and I) look forward to our weekend visits where we can sit and enjoy our surroundings. The moment I walk in the door I feel like I am back in Europe, this truly is a gem in Wilbraham.”

Being from Springfield, Massachusetts, it surprised me that I myself had not been to Pan’e Dolcetti. But the recommendation certainly piqued my interest, and, after speaking with the owners of the Italian bakery, I knew a “gem” was certainly the perfect way to describe it.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 17 33

Felice and Cara Aiello are the proud owners of Pan’e Dolcetti, a restaurant filled with Italian treats such as bread, baked goods, coffee and gelato. The husband and wife duo are both from an Italian upbringing, which delivers a traditional flavor to their recipes.

It will be five years in December since Pan’e Dolcetti opened its doors, and business has been booming ever since. The combined experience of Felice and Cara makes for a wonderful cup of coffee, among lots of other treats.

The Aiellos worked for over thirteen years at various coffee shops in New York City. Felice worked for Cafe Grumpy and Cara worked for the Chocolate Room in Brooklyn. They both respectively worked alongside the owners of the businesses, helping them to get a feel for starting their own. With inspiration all the way from New York, Felice and Cara were able to create their own vision, implementing their favorite places into their new home. With a shared passion for coffee, Italian roots, and a dream, the couple took their experience to Wilbraham, Massachusetts.

The couple initially explored the possibility of opening Pan’e Dolcetti in Northampton, Massachusetts, but found that specialty coffee shops and bakeries were common in the area.

18 GO LOCAL JULY 2018

They decided to open in Wilbraham, a town with less bakery and coffee options.

Co-owner Cara shared, “This type of place wasn’t in this area. We were doing something new and different and attracting people who were looking for something new and different, something different from Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts.”

Pan’e Dolcetti is a special business in numerous ways. For example, the restaurant incorporates as many natural and local ingredients as possible. They work closely alongside local farms. Not to mention, the homemade touch the Aiellos add to each recipe.

As Cara states, “People aren’t doing ‘from scratch’ baking. We do everything from scratch. Felice makes his own cannoli shells.

Nothing is premade, at most an hour beforehand, but not the night before. There are unique food choices. The breakfast panini is a nicer sandwich than just a sausage egg and cheese. We put thought into the menu, and our coffees are unique.”

And unique the coffees are! In fact, the Aiellos order their coffee beans from Cafe Grumpy, truly bringing home a piece of Felice’s past. They source their beans from local farmers, and they are roasted just a couple of days before Pan’e Dolcetti receives them.

Even the preparation of their drinks is unlike any other coffee shop. The Aiellos make what is called a “pour-over.” This coffee

doesn’t come from a pot brewed hours ago. This blend is made before the customer’s eyes. Each serving is made fresh by the cup. The crisp flavor this method produces makes each cup of coffee something worth taking the time to revel in. As Cara happily stated, “There’s more thought put into it. People aren’t guzzling coffee. They enjoy it.”

If you stop in for a coffee, don’t forget to partake in the many delectable foods offered by Pan’e Dolcetti. For example, you can find panino, homemade focaccia or bomboloni (an Italian doughnut).

While the delicious food and drinks offered by Pan’e Dolcetti make it the go-to bakery, the family feel of the restaurant is part of what keeps customers coming back to the Boston Road eatery.

As Cara stated, “My favorite part of owning Pan’e Dolcetti is I get to see Felice every day. We feel very fortunate to see each other.

We just had our third baby and we get to have them close to us.

They are here every weekend, getting to hang out with Papa. It’s really cool they get to grow up here and be in the kitchen. We opened right before we had our first baby. Pan’e Dolcetti was born, and then she was born!”

The family feeling is contagious. From the Aiello family to their patrons, everyone feels welcome at Pan’e Dolcetti. As Kellie has GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 19

built a tradition of stopping by the restaurant with her nephew, several other customers have done the same. The Aiellos shared that they have been the last stop before many of their patrons move to other states. Cara beamed, “It’s very satisfying. I like that our business means more than just stopping for a coffee.”

Pan’e Dolcetti has offered an incredible amount of delicious food and drinks all served in a warm and welcoming cafe that makes every customer feel like part of the family. With all of their success, the business will only gather more success from here. “We keep doing new and different stuff, and are excited about heading in that direction.”

Some of their latest ideas include nitro brew coffee (a type of coffee brewed cold, no ice necessary), vegan options, soup for the colder months, and cold salads. With the success of their many creations, these servings are sure to be a hit. They have recently introduced gelato for the warmer season, a sweet change from the average ice cream shop option.

The Aiellos have already begun incorporating their foods into local surrounding businesses. For example, their breads can be found at Milano Importing in Springfield, Corsello Butcheria in Easthampton, and BNapoli in West Springfield. They hope to continue to expand further into wholesale, broadening the amount of locations where you can try their homemade foods.

Pan’e Dolcetti would also like to revisit some of the experiences they have already had the pleasure of participating in, such as the annual Big E fair and making wedding cakes.

The Aiellos have built their business into not only a shop, but a cherished kitchen that leaves every patron feeling as if they are in their own home. Cara stated, “It feels good to be an intricate part of the community. Our customers are like a family.

They make this place feel like home. It’s nice to meet customers who become friends. There’s a sense of community here.”

The welcoming cafe is open from 8am to 3pm Tuesdays through Sundays and closed Mondays. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, head on down to Boston Road, where you can partake in your own steamy cup of made-to-order coffee and a sweet treat. You won’t soon forget the warm and inviting experience of having breakfast with the Aiello family.

PAN’E DOLCETTI • 2133 BOSTON ROAD • WILBRAHAM, MA • 413-271-1225 WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PANEDOLCETTI

20 36 GO LOCAL JULY APRIL2018 2017

IT’S BLUEBERRY SEASON AT DZEN BLUEBERRY HILL

PICK YOUR OWN BLUEBERRIES Call 860.644.4575

Mapquest us at 87 Barber Hill Rd. Broad Brook, CT 06016

for updated information

Bring the whole family to enjoy “Dzens” best at one of the area’s few remaining Pick-Your-Own Blueberry Farms!

Fresh picked blueberries are also available at Dzen Garden Market in Ellington.

Barber Hill Road, East Windsor/S. Windsor Town Line Mon-Fri, 8am-12noon & 4pm-8pm • Sat-Sun, 8am-4pm

de F resh Dai ly MaFor ! the Very Best in Donuts There’s Only One...

GERRY’S DONUTS GERRY’S DONUTS

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“Eye Opener” Combo

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$ 79

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$ 79

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ENFIELD PAINT 401 Enfield Street • Enfield, CT

860-745-3721 enfieldctpaint@gmail.com

10% OFF purchase of $25 or more

Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30 Sat 8-3 • Sun closed

GiGi’s NATIVE PRODUCE

Celebrating Our 36th Season!

• LOCAL RAW HONEY • Corn •Tomatoes • Homemade Baked Goods • Large Selection of Produce

225

Your choice of donut, danish or muffin Coupon Expires 7/31/18

3 Muffins (Limit 2 Dozen) Coupon Expires 7/31/18

6 Donuts (Limit 2 Dozen) Coupon Expires 7/31/18

180 Windsorville Rd (5 Corners Plaza) Rt. 74 • Ellington, CT

180 Windsorville Rd (5 Corners Plaza) Rt. 74 • Ellington, CT

180 Windsorville Rd (5 Corners Plaza) Rt. 74 • Ellington, CT

48 Shaker Rd., Enfield, CT • 860-881-8297 Gigisnativeproduce.com • Open 7 Days a Week 9am-7pm

180 Windsorville Rd (5 Corners Plaza) Rt. 74 • Ellington, CT

Like Us On

LOCAL HARVEST Farmer’s Market

We are back at Longmeadow Shops THOUSANDS LESS than replacement

65 OFF

$

Complete bathtub & tile refinishing job. One coupon per project.

Through 7/31/18. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

We also repair Miracle Method® SURFACE REFINISHING and refinish your: 541 Center St. • Kitchen Countertops Ludlow, MA • Tile Showers & Walls • Fiberglass Tubs & Showers 413-589-0769

Valid only at participating locations. Each Miracle Method franchise independently owned and operated. See more photos at: MiracleMethod.com

NOW OPEN!

Every Thursday 2-7pm Offering LOCALLY GROWN Products Rain or Shine Great Selection!

LONGMEADOW SHOPS PARKING LOT 666 Bliss Road • Next to athletic fields GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 21

go eat

! RECIPE SUBMITTED BY DEBBIE GARDNER

Pineapple Grilled Salmon Fish on the grill – it can stick, break apart, or dry out if you aren’t careful. The recipe below, adapted from one by The Pampered Chef, laughs at those challenges by adding a tropical twist to your outdoor cooking repertoire. Pair it with some grilled asparagus and a nice white for the perfect meal al fresco. In case of rain, turn on your oven’s broiler. It does a nice job, too.

1 pineapple 4 salmon filets, approx. 6 oz. each ¼ cup Teriyaki Sauce with Honey* 1 cup instant rice, uncooked 2 cups water ¼ tsp salt ½ cup grape tomatoes 1 garlic clove, peeled ½ jalapeño pepper, seeds removed ¼ cup cilantro, loosely packed ½ lime

Prepare your grill for medium-high heat cooking. Slice top and bottom off pineapple. Using a chef’s knife, (or pineapple cutter) cut peel into four “planks” and set aside. Remove core from pineapple flesh and cut ½ of it into 1” pieces. Wrap the other half for another use. Place salmon filets on top of pineapple “planks” and brush with Teriyaki Sauce with Honey. Grill salmon, cover down, for 25–30 mins., or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F for medium doneness. Cook longer if you like your salmon well done.

While salmon cooks, combine the rice, water, and ¼ tsp salt and cook on stove top or in microwave, according to package directions.

Coarsely chop pineapple pieces by hand (or in a food processor). Repeat coarse chop directions with tomatoes, garlic, ½ jalapeño, and cilantro and add the mixture to the pineapple. Juice the lime and add the liquid to the pineapple mixture. Combine the cooked rice and ½ the pineapple mixture. When the salmon is almost finished, top with spoons of the pineapple mixture to warm slightly (or warm in small pot on grill or in microwave and spoon on fish just before serving). Serve on the planks with the rice. *Can’t find teriyaki sauce with honey? Substitute this mix: 2 Tbsp. soy sauce, 2 Tbsp. brown sugar, 1 Tbsp. honey, 1 clove garlic (minced), Warm 30 sec. to 1 min. in microwave at 50% power to meld flavors before using.

Debbie Gardner has been dabbling in the kitchen since she was about 10, and once she’s tried a recipe, loves to tinker with it to make it her own. She’s also the editor of Reminder Publications Prime magazine.

22 GO LOCAL JULY 2018

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 23

go local picks

COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR

CROCHET STUFFED ANIMALS SIMPLY IN STITCHES • ENFIELD, CT ETSY.COM/SHOP/SIMPLYINSTITCHES24

Alexis Leonard, a kindergarten teacher with a passion for learning and crocheting, makes adorable animals any age is sure to love. From gift baskets to keychains, Alexis’s creations make a lovely gift for the animal lover in your life. Sparked by inspiration from her Granny, Alexis is constantly crocheting new creations.

She is also happy to take requests, proven by one of her recent creations, a duck egg apron! Nothing says love like a handmade product, and each creation by Alexis is sure to be special! For comissions and great premade products, check out Alexis on Etsy, or through her Instagram page, @SimplyinStitches24!

NATURAL BATH SALTS MAIN ST FARM & APOTHECARY • WILBRAHAM, MA ETSY.COM/SHOP/MAINSTFARMAPOTHECARY

Indulge in a luxurious bath with Main St Farm and Apothecary’s bath salts. This mixture is made with just five ingredients, making it a wonderfully all-natural option. Not to mention, all products are made in small batches to ensure the highest quality. Great for both muscular and mental relaxation, this unique mix will not only make you smell good, but feel good too. Blended with essential oils like rose, lavender, geranium and ylang ylang, bask in the floral aroma and unlock your inner goddess! Main St Farm and Apothecary features a wide range of handmade health and beauty products, which can be found on their Etsy page.

24 GO LOCAL JULY 2018

ARTISAN BOXES FOXGLOVE ANTIQUES SHOP • SOMERS, CT ETSY.COM/SHOP/FOXGLOVEANTIQUESSHOP

Eric J. Schultz, owner of Foxglove Antiques in Somers, Connecticut, creates artisan boxes utilizing all vintage and antique items. Schultz uses “antique receipt, ribbon, scrap, letters, lace and sheet music, decoupaged on a vintage French powder box.” His series of boxes make wonderful gifts for a blushing bride, best friend, or any loved one in your life who appreciates the beauty of an antique. Consolidating his passion for antiques, you can find these boxes on his Etsy store, or stop by the Foxglove Antiques shop at J. Howard Cox, Equestrian Collection, 62 South Road in Somers, CT.

807 Williams St., Longmeadow, MA I 413.567.7977 Hours: Mon- Wed & Fri 10-5:30 • Thurs 10-7

— New Saturday Summer Hours 10-2:30 —

FRESH • LOCAL • DELICIOUS

WHOLESALE • RETAIL

• BEEF • POULTRY • VEAL • LAMB • GOAT

$

IN A HURRY? Buy online now, pick up at store!

No hassle!

No waiting!

Save time!

30 Furnace Hollow Rd. Stafford Springs, CT (860) 684-3505 • newenglandmeatpacking.com

$

5.00

OFF 25.00 purchase

Not to be combined with any other offers. Expires 7/31/18

$

10.00

$

OFF 50.00 purchase

Not to be combined with any other offers. Expires 7/31/18

Hours: Wed-Thur 9-5 • Fri 9-6 • Sat 9-3 (CALL FOR HOLIDAY HOURS)

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 25

Together T oge ogether geth herr ffor or a rreason. or eason.

26 GO LOCAL JULY 2018

VentureOut! cool off . cool drinks . farm fun . neat stops . fun events

Summer is all about relaxation, vacations and new experiences. Luckily, there’s a lot to do locally when the sun is sparkling and the heat can’t be beat!

COOL OFF... DIVE IN! GERALD J. MASON MEMORIAL POOL . Maynard Street . Agawam, MA mass.gov/locations/gerald-j-mason-memorial-swimming-pool INDIAN VALLEY FAMILY YMCA . 11 Pinney Street . Ellington, CT facebook.com/EllingtonYMCA GREENWOOD PARK POOL 231 Maple Road . Longmeadow, MA . LPRD.net

COOL OFF

COOL DRINKS

NEAT STOPS

FARM FUN

FUN EVENTS

SPEC POND RECREATION AREA 2540 Boston Post Road, Wilbraham, MA wilbrahamrec.com ANGELO LAMAGNA ACTIVITY CENTER 19 N. Main Street . Enfield, CT . (860) 253-6420 There may be a resident/non-resident fee GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 27

COOL DRINKS . BREWS & BEVERAGES ROUTE 20 BAR AND GRILLE . route20barandgrille.com 2341 Boston Road (Rte. 20) . Wilbraham, MA . (413) 279-2020 MURPHY’S PUB . murphyspubagawam.com 664 Suffield Street . Agawam, MA . (413) 301-7074 COLD CREEK TAVERN . facebook.com/Cold-Creek-Tavern 175 West Road . Meadow View Plaza . Ellington, CT . (860) 926-0999 ROBERTO’S REAL AMERICAN TAVERN . robertosct.com 31 South Main Street . East Windsor, CT . (860) 370-9888 BOND 124 . facebook.com/Bond124ct 124 Main Street . Somers, CT . (860) 698-6011 STAFFORD CIDERY . crazycockcider.com 68 Main Street . Stafford Springs, CT . (860) 851-9339 JIGGY’S . facebook.com/pages/Jiggys-Bar 31 Enfield Street . Enfield, CT . (860) 265-2201

FARM FUN ELLINGTON FARMERS’ MARKET . ellingtonfarmersmarket.com Arbor Park . Main Street . Elington, CT . Saturdays 9am-Noon Local products, music, snacks & more family fun!

MEADOWBROOK FARM . meadowbrookfarmma.com 185 Meadowbrook Road . East Longmeadow, MA Vegetables, fruits & garden center PLEASANT VIEW FARMS . Pleasantviewfarmsinc.com 452 South Road . Somers, CT Hay, Feed & Grain THE APPLE PLACE . theappleplace.net 540 Somers Road . East Longmeadow, MA Orchard Fruits, Bakery & Creamery PELL FAMILY FARM . pell-farms.com 92 Kibbe Grove Road . Somers, CT Strawberries & Raspberries JOHNNY APPLESEED’S FARM . johnyappleseedfarmct.com Farm Stand: 185 West Road . Ellington, CT Fruits, vegetables, Connecticut made products SMYTH’S TRINITY FARM . smythstrinityfarm.com 4 Oliver Road . Enfield, CT Dairy products & honey

BURKE RIDGE FARMS . burkeridge.com 95 Wapping Wood Road . Ellington, CT Country store & nursery, local products & ice cream RICE FRUIT FARM . ricefruitfarm.com 757 Main Street . Wilbraham, MA Seasonal produce, bakery, homemade ice cream & fresh-brewed coffee IRISH BEND ORCHARD . irishbendorchard.com 90 Pioneer Heights Road . Somers, CT Orchard Fruits (August-October) GREEN ACRES FRUIT FARM . facebook.com/GreenAcresFruitFarm 868 Main Street . Wilbraham, MA Fruit & Vegetable specialty store VALLEY VIEW FARMS . facebook.com/Valley-View-Farm 257 Orcuttville Road . Stafford Springs, CT Local honey, flower & vegetable seeds, eggs, spices & more!

HASTINGS FARM . hastingsfamilyfarm.com 472 Hill Street . Suffield, CT Local honey, jams, jellies, meat, dairy products & more!

NEAT STOPS VINTAGE SHOPS . the-vintage-shops.com 42 Bridge Street . East Windsor, CT . (860) 810-4514 Antiques, collectibles, gifts, furniture & more!

BELLANESS GIFT SHOP . Bellanessgiftshop.com 60 Main Street . Stafford Springs, CT . (860) 753-1600 Local gifts, chocolates, soaps, candles & more!

RUSTY TRUCK FLOWERS . facebook.com/rustytruckflowers 199 Jobs Hill Road . Ellington, CT . (860) 870-8320 Fresh cut flowers and bouquets MIMI’S CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE . mimisconsignment.com 54 Shaker Road . East Longmeadow, MA . (413) 525-0300 Gently used furniture, clothing, home decor, shoes, handbags and jewelry.

COZY CORNER BOUTIQUE 14 West Stafford Road . Stafford Springs, CT . (860) 684-0666 Assortment of locally made and handmade products CAMP SIMON ART CENTER . campsimonartcenter.net 44 South Main Street . East Windsor, CT . (860) 370-5933 Family-friendly paint nights

For comprehensive information, event details or hours of operation please contact the listing/host directly.

28 GO LOCAL JULY 2018

FUN EVENTS FIRE TRUCK SHOW . SATURDAY, JULY 21 . 10AM-4:30PM Connecticut Trolley Museum 58 North Road . East Windsor, CT . (860) 627-6540 View over twenty different fire trucks, try on firefighter gear, simulation drills and more!

CHILDREN’S BOOK SWAP . THURSDAY, JULY 12 . 5:30PM-7PM Harriet Beecher Stowe School . 117 Post Office Road . Enfield, CT

3RD ANNUAL CHICKEN BARBECUE HOSTED BY SOMERS AMERICAN LEGION POST 101 . SUNDAY, JULY 29 . 11AM-2:30PM Pleasant View Farms . 452 South Road . Somers, CT (860) 763-0358 for tickets Enjoy a meal, raise money for great causes and local community projects.

Bring a gently used book to swap for something new, make your own bookmark and partake in a scavenger hunt!

INSECTS OF THE FIELD AND FOREST SATURDAY, JULY 21 . 10AM-11:30PM Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary . Main Street . Hampden, MA Call (413) 584-3009 to register.

OPEN MIC NIGHT . THURSDAY, JULY 19 . 6:30PM-8:30PM East Longmeadow Public Library . (413) 525-5400 x1508 60 Center Square . East Longmeadow, MA

Explore the field and forest, watch bees pollinate, count butterflies and observe field plants.

If you’re age 13+, share your talent! All ages welcome to attend in support. Registration required.

MAKE IT, SHAKE IT, TAKE IT . WEDNESDAY, JULY 18 . 11AM-12PM Hampden Free Public Library . 625 Main Street . Hampden, MA (413) 566-3047 . Registration required.

NAMASTE FOR DRINKS . SATURDAY, JULY 21 . 1PM-6PM Excel Therapy & Conditioning 65 Post Office Park . Wilbraham, MA . (413) 366-1717 A yoga class followed by drinks at the Pint.

Make your own instrument like a rubber band banjo, popsicle kazoo or percussion shaker!

FAIRY GARDEN WORKSHOP . SATURDAY, JULY 21 . 3PM-6PM Main St. Deli & Catering . 141 Main Street . Agawam, MA RSVP form online at mainstreet-deli.com Create magical fairy garden crafts and enjoy snacks.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 29

The

A&D

Growth Company

PORTABLE RENTALS

167 Hazard Ave., Enfield, CT (860) 749-9237 ❦ (800) 594-9516 www.thegrowthco.com Cement Statuary • Birdbaths • Flowers Gazing Balls • Plants • Mulch • Soils Mexican Garden Art • Chimineas & Much More!

“WE DELIVER LOCALLY AND WORLDWIDE”

• • • • •

Parties Special Events Camper Pumpouts Construction Sites Weekend, Monthly and Yearly Rentals

LOOK FOR THE

RED

Serving North Central CT and South Central MA

$

5.00 OFF

Family Owned and Operated - Austin and Don Bessette

any purchase of $30.00 or more (excludes fresh flowers)

(860) 684-5957 adportablerentals.com

Expires 7/31/18

PARTY ALL SUMMER LONG Affordable RENT OUR

Family Fun!

PARTY BUS!

MINIATURE GOLF • BIRTHDAY PARTIES BASEBALL BATTING CAGES PINE KNOLL PAR 3 DRIVING RANGE • PITCH & PUTT

INCLUDES AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER AND ENTERTAINMENT COORDINATOR!

” rty Boss a P e h T “

Great for Tailgate Parties, Stags, Bachelorette Parties & More!

REMOTE STARTERS & CAR ALARMS • MOBILE AUDIO, VIDEO & NAVIGATION CUSTOM INSTALLATIONS • SMARTPHONE INTEGRATION• AUTO DETAILING

Can You Hear It

Car Audio Inc.

201 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA 413-525-0355 | CanYouHearIt.com

BUY ONE ROUND OF MINI GOLF GET ONE FREE EXPIRES 8/31/18

Open Every Day! Weather Permitting Allen St. at Porter Rd., East Longmeadow, MA

413-525-4444

www.fenwayfun.com

Johnny’s Roadside Market Garden Route 192 • 336 North Maple Street • Enfield, CT

OPEN FOR PRODUCE! “OUR OWN… GREENHOUSE GROWN” NATIVE TOMATOES LOCALLY GROWN… SQUASH • BEANS STRAWBERRIES • PEAS AND MORE!

Your Local Hometown Choice for Yoga!

LONGMEADOW COUNTRY CLUB

BOTTLE SHOP

MASS. CONN.

★ Johnny’s

30 GO LOCAL JULY 2018

I-91 NORTH

ELM STREET

ENFIELD SQUARE RTE. 190, HAZARD AVE.

MAPLE ST.

OPEN DAILY 9-6 • SUNDAY 10-5 WWW.JOHNNYSROADSIDEMARKETGARDEN.COM

EXIT 48

RTE. 192, N.

FULL LINE OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

264 North Main St, “Condo East” in East Longmeadow.

Peace is available Every Day, for Every Body.

Call 413-525-0720 or visit the web: www.heartsongyoga.com Established in 1993

! STEPHANIE TROMBLEY  PHOTOS COURTESY OF WHITSONS CULINARY GROUP

A green plate for a green planet I

n a world of sugary snacks and greasy goodies, it can be difficult to establish good eating habits in our little ones. While chips, cookies and soda can be tempting, they can also be dangerous to our health, and can have lasting effects on growing bodies. Whitsons Culinary Group has joined with the 95 school districts it manages to roll out Meatless Monday, a nationwide initiative with the goal to teach impressionable minds the good eating habits they need to develop now, to ensure a much healthier future.

The challenge of Meatless Monday is simple: offer at least one plant-based meal option on your menu once a week. This doesn’t mean no meat options for a full day, but rather the introduction of at least one plantbased option to provide healthier choices.

According to the Meatless Monday website, the movement is inspired by initiatives from the U.S. Food Administration during World War I. The idea was to reduce key food items in support of the war

effort, and ideas such as “Meatless Monday” and “Wheatless Wednesday” were introduced. It was revived during World War II by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and continued by President Harry S. Truman. In 2003, it was brought back once more by Sid Lerner as a public health awareness campaign with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Center for a Livable Future. While it originally was a war effort, it was brought back by Lerner with the hope of promoting healthier bodies and a healthier planet.

Kelly Friend, FMP, who is Whitsons Culinary Group’s Chief Operating Officer of Contract Management, has worked to bring Meatless Monday to 95 school districts, including one in Western Massachusetts. In the Go Local footprint, Longmeadow Public Schools is the first district to embrace the challenge.

Whitsons Culinary Group joined the numerous organizations in support of Meatless Monday in May 2018, with a great launch for the group with endless benefits. Friend states, “One of our goals is to stand behind promoting a broad base of different eating options to our students. We are in the position to offer many options. We have a social responsibility to them.”

While many children turn their noses up at broccoli and Brussels sprouts, Whitsons Culinary Group has

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 31

perfected the art of piquing the interest of students. They don’t just serve up your basic fruit and vegetable options.

Chefs began including fresh herbs and interesting ethnic flavors in their meals, making the plant-based options favorable. It took about a year of trial and error to discover just what options students would enjoy.

“We have been experimenting with plant-based menu items for a year and a half. We did it in a controlled capacity where we offered meatless options on different days of the week to students to see where their preferences were.

If it had plant-based protein added, students would select that. The more interesting and more exotic we could make entrees, we found we could generate interest.”

What parents often see as impossible is a challenge that Whitsons Culinary Group has made possible. Many families are turning to vegan and vegetarian diets after studies have brought to light the benefits. Aside from health benefits, plant-based diets reduce our carbon footprint. Reducing animal products has a positive effect on our planet.

While parents may be impressed with the new options, teachers can also get on board with the change. Jessica Schacht, a Bay Path University graduate of Early Childhood Education in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, sees the effect a healthy lunch can have on students daily in her work.

“Healthy options being offered in Longmeadow schools give students an advantage in the learning environment at any grade level.”

As stated on the Whitsons Culinary Group website, adding plant-based proteins to one’s diet can reduce the risk of numerous chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

It’s best to start young when creating habits, and offering healthy options in public schools is certainly a great place to start.

Friend sees a future for Meatless Monday as vibrant as the fresh veggies they promote. “I think it has a great potential to be so global that you may see it on every retail operations menu. It has that much power and interest.”

Meatless Monday isn’t just for schools. Many celebrities, restaurants, even the Whitsons Culinary Group office has taken the challenge. You can bring the initiative into your home by visiting the Meatless Monday website at MeatlessMonday.com, where you will find statistics, advertising tools and delicious recipes that will turn a weekly challenge into daily habits. As Friend raves, “There are some great resources for families who want to incorporate great options.

There are educational tips to pass on to children while preparing the meals, and farm and outreach programs that offer educational programs.”

Are you up for the challenge? Head to the grocery store or your local farmers’ market, fill up a basket, and try skipping the meat department!

32 GO LOCAL JULY 2018

local einstein

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING MEANS “RAIN” WHEN ADDED TO A CLOUD’S NAME?

WHAT WAS THE FIRST STATE TO DECLARE THE 4TH OF JULY AN OFFICIAL STATE HOLIDAY? [A] Delaware [B] Massachusetts [C] Connecticut [D] Virginia

WHO WAS THE FIRST UNSEEDED PLAYER TO WIN WIMBLEDON (1985)?

APPROXIMATELY HOW MANY HOT DOGS DO AMERICANS TYPICALLY CONSUME BETWEEN MEMORIAL DAY AND LABOR DAY EACH YEAR? [A] 10 million [B] 20 million [C] 3 billion [D] 7 billion

5

[A] Boris Becker [B] Jim Courier [C] Michael Chang [D] Andre Agassi

WHAT POSITION DID SAM MALONE PLAY FOR THE RED SOX BEFORE BUYING THE BAR ON CHEERS?

WHY ARE SHARKS AND RAYS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER FISH? [A] They have eyelids [B] They have no bones [C] They are warm blooded [D] They have live young

[A] Center Field [B] Pitcher [C] Catcher [D] Shortstop

7

WHICH OF THE GREAT LAKES IS LOCATED ENTIRELY WITHIN THE U.S. BORDER? [A] [B] [C] [D]

8

WHAT WAS THE FIRST ROCK ‘N’ ROLL SONG TO HIT #1 ON THE CHARTS?

Lake Michigan Lake Huron Lake Erie Lake Superior

WHAT DO THE A & W STAND FOR IN A&W ROOT BEER? [A] Anderson & West [B] Alabama & Wyoming [C] Allen & Wright [D] Albert & Wanda

[A] Tutti-Frutti [B] Heartbreak Hotel [C] Rock Around the Clock [D] That’s All Right

# CORRECT

IQ

RANK

7-9 5-7 2-4 0-1

160 110 50 3

Prodigy Egghead Meh Simpleton

September 2015 Vol. 1 Issue 10 golocalmagazines.com

Be part of

ANSWERS:

1)B 2)D 3)D 4)A 5)B 6)B 7)A 8)C 9)C

3

[A] Alto [B] Cirrus [C] Strato [D] Nimbus

AGAWAM • EAST LONGMEADOW • EAST WINDSOR ELLINGTON • ENFIELD • HAMPDEN • LONGMEADOW SOMERS • SUFFIELD • STAFFORD SPRINGS • WILBRAHAM Contact: StephanieGoLocal@gmail.com

Go Local!

Got a great story idea?

We’re always on the lookout for a unique local business, an outstanding person in the community, a special pet, creative craftsperson or the couple that’s been married for 50 years to feature in Go Local Magazine. So give us a shout!

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 33

The Final Countdown

7 Entertaining Events The shimmering sun of mid-summer is finally here, and with the promise of longer nights and refreshing evening breezes, there's no better time for an outing. Grab a seat on the field,

or in a library, and enjoy the pleasant sounds of summer alongside some of Massachusetts and Connecticut's most talented artists.

ENFIELD ROCKS!

AMERICAN LEGION • 566 ENFIELD STREET • ENFIELD, CT Rock out for a cause! Join spectacular acts Stop Leo, Freakquency, Change-Up, Mr. Meaner, Equinoxx and Knucklehead at the American Legion on Saturday, July 14 from 1pm-9pm for a benefit concert to supsupport the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.

For added fun, there will be food, raffles and vendors.

Tickets are $15 each and are available on eventbrite. com.

HUNGRYTOWN

WILBRAHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY 25 CRANE PARK DRIVE • WILBRAHAM, MA With soothing acoustics and smooth harmonies, it's only fitting that folk duo Hungrytown are bringing their talents to the Wilbraham Public Library. Enjoy the fine performance by Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson on Tuesday, July 17 at 6pm, sponsored in part by a grant from the Wilbraham Cultural Council and Friends of the Library. Admission is free.

EAST LONGMEADOW ROTARY CLUB CONCERT SERIES

180 MAPLE STREET • EAST LONGMEADOW, MA FACEBOOK.COM/ELROTARYCONCERT Don't miss great acts including Changes in Latitudes!, Union Jack British Invasion, Good Acoustics and more this summer when the East Longmeadow Rotary Club Concert Series returns for 2018. All events are free and family friendly, making the events ideal for fun in the sun!

RED NO. 5

ELLINGTON FARMERS' MARKET 31 ARBOR WAY • ELLINGTON, CT It’s all about girl power with Red No. 5! Join Sumitra Ratneshwar, Kristin Yates McCarthy, Mary Kate Sitarz and Brie Wolf as they perform diverse interpretations of indie and folk music at the Ellington Farmers' Market, Saturday, July 7 at 9am. Nothing like fantastic tunes while perusing the best products Ellington has to offer!

34 GO LOCAL JULY 2018

SUMMERFEST 2018

SCHOOL STREET PARK • 511 SCHOOL STREET • AGAWAM, MA AGAWAMCC.ORG The slogan "Where great music and a great community take center stage" follows through at SummerFest 2018, sponsored by the Agawam Cultural Council.

Along with live performances, there will be weekly freebies, a grand prize raffle and concessions. With performances by Bennie & the Jets (an Elton John tribute band) and the Kix 100.9 Country Music Night, it's certain that there's an act for all ages in store. All events are free.

2018 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT ARBOR PARK

MAIN STREET • ELLINGTON, CT • PARKREC.ELLINGTON-CT.GOV The Concert Series at Arbor Park makes a return for 2018 with a variety of entertainment including Beatles tribute group Off the Clock, funk band WhoDat?, rock 'n rollers Big Deal Rock and more.

With the help of donations and Ellington Parks & Recreation, all events are free. Make it a family night out!

FOUNTAIN PARK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

FOUNTAIN PARK • 883 TINKHAM ROAD • WILBRAHAM, MA EXPLOREFOUNTAINPARK.COM/EVENTS Take a trip to the park that is sure to be worthwhile this summer. You'll have the chance to enjoy an array of music acts like soul group Jus Us, the Amherst Jazz Orchestra, and jazz ensemble the Cartells. Concerts are free, but require a $5 parking donation per car, unless you have a season pass!

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