JUNE 2021

June 2021 Volume 7 . Issue 7 golocalmagazines.com

Goodworks coffee house

Garden Designs by jacqueline

Claudette’s boutique

Check it out

The Court

in enfield

2 GO LOCAL JUNE 2021

new this month JUNE 2021 . VOLUME 7 . ISSUE 7

13

GOODWORKS COFFEE HOUSE

Who doesn’t like a good “cup of joe?” A study by the National Coffee Association in 2020 found that 64% of Americans drink coffee.

That is a good sign for Katie and Victor Narvaez, owners of Goodworks Coffee House in Chicopee, where they serve up fresh fair trade coffee and pastries along with a friendly smile.

6

A NOTE

13

GOODWORKS COFFEE HOUSE

19

THE COURT

From The Editor Fresh Fair Trade Coffee and Pastries

New Basketball Facility in Enfield, CT

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JUNE 2021 . VOLUME 7 . ISSUE 7

25

Go Read

24

garden designs by jacqueline

27

Free Roof for Veteran

32

go eat

35

claudette’s boutique & cindy’s food for the soul

39

final countdown

43

Local Einstein

19

Rainbow Soup by Laura Hanks Stevens Professional Garden Designs & Services Gauvin Roofing Helps Give Roof to Veteran Super Simple Fruit Dip Located In The Enfield Square Mall

National Record Store Day is In June!

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35

24

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GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 5

a note

FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR . G. MICHAEL DOBBS

As you will see in this month’s Go Local, June 12 is National Record Shop Day. Are there still record shops in this streaming world? I’m happy to report, “yes.”

I think it’s marvelous that vinyl is still alive, not only with new releases but with shops that have inventories of used vinyl.

What I’ve noticed is with every technological change, there are recordings, movies, and more left behind.

Not all vinyl recording were converted to CDs, not all CD content is now available on streaming. With each change, movies or recording are lost, so to speak.

Buying records was a past-time for many, many Americans of my generation.

Here is the way it worked: you listened to a Top 40 station (this is the first term I’ll use that may requiring younger people to Google) on the radio and then you would seek it.

Songs were sold as “singles,” with the hit song on one side and another, perhaps lesser song on the other.

If you really liked a performer or band, you might then run the risk of buying an album on which that hit single was included in the hope you would like the other songs.

The other component of this process would then be seeing the artist in person as performers would tour and make personal appearances to “support” the record and gain new fans.

It worked fine for decades.

I bought my first single in 1967. “Bottle of Wine” by The Fireballs, a one-hit wonder band, which I bought at Sears at the Eastfield Mall and my mom did not approve. She didn’t care for the lyrics about drinking.

I still have it.

I believe my first album was one by The Ventures, the largest selling instrumental rock band in American music. I know I still have that.

Going to a record store was like embarking on a treasure hunt. You go to the store, flip the albums in the just released section and then seek out either the kind of music you liked or the bands/performers you liked.

You would flip through the stacks of albums looking for something you missed or something new.

Going to a place that sold remainders or used records at reduced prices was also fun. I acquired most of my comedy albums that way. People forget that comedy albums were big business. Recorded live, these records captured performers at their peak and today serve a history of stand-up comedy.

Yes, I still have them.

I have two turntables in my house and yes, I still play records. It’s not just an exercise in nostalgia. They remain part of my home entertainment options.

It heartening to me that vinyl records, which for a time were standard things to find at tag sales, are undergoing not just a revival with new music, but are now being treated with respect by collectors.

So turn to page 39 and plan a record-hunting day on June 12. As you can see there are record stores throughout the Pioneer Valley and into northern Connecticut. I hope you find either a treasure of your youth or a discovery new to you.

- G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor 6 GO LOCAL JUNE 2021

MANAGING EDITOR G. Michael Dobbs

CREATIVE

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

DESIGN Michelle Johnson, Manager

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Barb Perry, Advertising Manager . Jeanette Lee Lisa Nolan . Kim Barba . Roxanne Longtin Miller Nancy Holloway . Matt Mahaney . Paula Dimauro Scott Greene . Terry O Donnell Victoria Owen . Evan Marcyoniak Andy Shaw . Harrison Beck Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant Fran Smith, General Manager 

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GOODWORKS COFFEE HOUSE

! KEITH O’CONNOR  NATE BLAIS & GOODWORKS FACEBOOK PAGE

W

ho doesn’t like a good “cup of joe?”

A study by the National Coffee Association in 2020 found that 64% of Americans drink coffee.

That is a good sign for Katie and Victor Narvaez, owners of Goodworks Coffee House in Chicopee, where they serve up fresh fair trade coffee and pastries along with a friendly smile.

As for the 36% of those who don’t drink coffee, if you like tea there is something on the menu to quench your thirst as well.

Goodworks Coffee House was born out of Victor’s desire to leave his job as a social worker - Katie is a social worker as well - and open his own business which is something he always wanted to do.

“We were tossing ideas back and forth

until Victor finally said, ‘What about a coffee shop?’ The funny thing is when we met at Westfield State University, Victor wasn’t a coffee drinker. I told him that he better learn to like coffee if we were going to begin to hang out together. So, I started his addiction and we would often visit a coffee shop in Westfield and sometimes travel to Northampton,” Katie said.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 13

When it came time to put their dream in motion, the couple wanted to find a location in Chicopee where they reside.

“Chicopee is one of those up-and-coming places where a lot of good things are happening. We’ve always loved the downtown area and began our search there for a place to open our doors. While walking the streets in search of a home for our new business venture, we eventually came upon an open space on Center Street that was perfect for us. Our mission was to be that business where people would come to and shed more light on downtown Chicopee, and it is great to see that happening,” Katie said.

When it was finally time to open in January 2019, the Narvaezes had transformed an empty space into a welcoming, relaxing environment that is outfitted with comfy couches and pillows, alongside tables and chairs to sit and relax a spell with your libation and maybe even a sweet treat.

“People say it feels like home away from home at our shop. We have a lot of plants, artwork on the walls, and plenty of natural light to match a friendly atmosphere for anyone who walks through our door,” Katie said.

When putting their menu together, the Narvaezes knew one thing up front, they wanted to source as much local products as possible.

“We get our coffee beans from Monsoon Roastery in Springfield. Owner Tim Monson is like family and it is his beans, which we get delivered fresh weekly, that are so good and make our coffee stand out. You can really taste the difference in flavor, these are quality beans and my husband grinds them fresh daily,” Katie said.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing your good and tasty elixir. The beverage menu offers iced coffee, cold brew, drip coffee, latte/cappuccino, iced latte, Americano hot or iced, café olay, hot tea, iced tea, iced green tea with raspberry, iced coconut passion tea, cortado, turmeric latte, rishi matcha sweetened iced tea, and even hot and iced chocolate.

As for their pastries, Goodworks Coffee House serves up fresh-baked cookies on Thursdays from Hot Oven Cookies in Springfield, gluten-free and vegan pastries on Friday from Auntie Cathie’s Kitchen in Agawam, and during the rest of the week carries an assortment of yummy treats from Bernardino’s Bakery in Chicopee.

According to the I Need Coffee website, coffee houses have a long history dating back to 1511 in the Middle East. They began simply as a place to enjoy an exotic drink, coffee, but soon evolved into a place that helped change the course of history. Before coffee houses arrived in London, the normal social gathering place was a pub or tavern. The first attraction to coffee might have been its newness or the exhilaration from the caffeine, but quickly it became another reason to meet, and the coffee house was a place for socializing.

Coffeehouses in the United States gained prominence 14 GO LOCAL JUNE 2021

during the Beatnik era of the 1950s and were long associated with the 1960s folk music scene where you could go to hear up-and-coming performers.

“Before the pandemic we welcomed live performers on Thursday evenings and hope to resume that practice once we are fully open again. For now, as part of Chicopee’s Center Fresh farmers market, there will be a performing artist outdoors and we hope to have live music as well,” Katie said.

Like many businesses, the advent of the coronavirus pandemic last year forced the couple to come up with a “plan B” and quickly.

“It was stressful, but literally overnight when it was announced that the nation would be shutting down, we were able to create online ordering enabling us to offer ‘grab and go’ for our loyal customers,” Katie said.

“For a while we were actually busier because we saw new customers getting into their cars and driving to our shop from Hadley, Wilbraham, West Springfield and other places where their local coffee shop had closed. We have been very fortunate and are grateful for the support of the community during the pandemic,” she added, noting they are going to bring back indoor seating this summer.

With their background as social workers, it is the Narvaezes’ goal to be involved and make a difference in the community…..to be pillars of the community.

“We want to offer jobs to young adults and adolescents, internship opportunities, space for artists to show and sell their works, and offer a platform for performing artists,” Katie said.

The Narvaezes are the parents of three possible future coffee drinkers, Victoria, 8, Lucas, 6, and Levi, 3, who can often be found running around the family business.

“But you won’t find them with a cup of coffee in their hand, at least not just yet,” Katie said.

Goodworks Coffee House is located on 46 Center St. in Chicopee. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and closed on Sunday and Monday.

For more information, visit goodworkscoffee.square.site or call 413-331-3910.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 15

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! KEITH O’CONNOR  NATE BLAIS

S

etting foot into THE COURT, a new basketball facility located in Enfield, is like stepping back in time.

“You can’t open your doors without a court to play on,” said Chris Boucher, co-owner of THE COURT with John Hostetler.

“We found a floor in St. Louis, an old Division 1 court that was used by the University of Green Bay-Wisconsin from 2003-2017. It was being stored in a warehouse and we flew out to see it and with a handshake deal it was ours,” he added.

THE COURT offers low volume, high skill premium basketball development services and programs for youth including: AAU, private training, camps, clinics, leagues, shooting machine rentals, facility rentals and more.

The facility’s pristine collegiate basketball floor allows programming options for youth, high school, collegiate, amateur and professional athletes and also provides a top-notch facility for rental by teams who need a home court to play on.

The idea for THE COURT was born with a walk around the park.

“John and I used to walk around Field Road Park in Somers where I was the town’s recreation director and where we both coached Somers high school basketball. While talking and walking, we realized we had the same common goal, to create a basketball facility where we could design our own basketball development program for youth,” Boucher said.

“There was no question that the area was lacking indoor facilities in which to play basketball, and we also saw the need for high-quality basketball development services which we could address,” he added.

Today THE COURT’S mission is to provide a safe and engaging environment for basketball players to learn, grow, and develop their game.

THE COURT will develop well-rounded athletes capable of excelling on the basketball court and beyond through the design and execution of professional programs and emphasizing skill development, health and wellness, and competitive achievement.

Skill development clinics - both small group and private training - are offered at THE COURT with their own coaches as well as in partnership with the Brooks Sales Basketball training organization. Sales is a professional GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 19

basketball player from Bloomfield with years of professional experience playing in the NBA and overseas.

“We hooked up with Brooks after opening our doors during the pandemic last year. People in the basketball world were colliding, there just wasn’t enough indoor spaces in which to play. We struck up a relationship and instead of competing, we realized that we could make one another’s organizations stronger and offer a better service to youth by collaborating,” Boucher said.

Boucher explained that skill development work at THE COURT is “like a practice session.”

“Individuals work on enhancing and improving their basketball skills where they come in for a designated amount of time, usually one hour, and participate in different basketball activities and routines with coaches while learning basketball skills they can apply in the game,” he said.

THE COURT has also combined with Brooks Sales Basketball and HoopNerds Elite basketball and life skills academy to offer a unique and comprehensive AAU travel basketball program. The Amateur Athletic Union is a youth sports organization where groups of players get together and form independent teams, 17 out of THE COURT, competing in AAU tournaments against other teams.

“Coach Lou Roe, a former NBA basketball player and University of Massachusetts legend, came to us in a similar way as Brooks. With a lack of facilities during 20 GO LOCAL JUNE 2021

the pandemic, he was also looking for an indoor space where his students could play. Again, we struck up a relationship with Lou and realized we could align our services and become stronger together,” Boucher said.

Training in the AAU program is focused on team development while also offering participants the opportunity to improve their ball handling skills, shooting, defense and footwork.

With school out for the summer, THE COURT offers half-day camps with morning and afternoon options for boys and girls. The eight-week season runs from June 29 to August 13.

“Each week is designed around a specific curriculum and our first camp this year focuses on shooting.

We designed the curriculum ourselves which includes instruction and activities such as drills, competitions, and game play specific to the skill being showcased that week,” Boucher said.

“In addition to the skill instruction, it’s our intention to get kids playing basketball in the summer and providing a safe, fun, instructive experience. We are pairing basketball with some social elements alongside health and well-being elements to create a comprehensive summer athletic experience,” he added.

Additional camp sessions include 3v3 Girls Camp, 3v3 Boys Camp, Ball handling and Finishing Camp, Young Gunz Academy, and Guard Academy. There is a maximum of 25 players per camp. Registration cost per player is $200.

THE COURT promotes good sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity, fair play, hard work, inclusion and respect for all.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 21

“Just as important as it is to understand and master the skills of basketball, is the understanding of how to conduct yourself on the court. We try to teach life instruction as well,” Boucher said.

While the focus of THE COURT is on providing different programs in skill development for youth, Boucher noted that you will find some adults playing a good game of basketball on their prized court.

“We have open times where you can rent our facility for several hours to come in with a group of men or women and play a game of pick up basketball,” he said.

Rentals are also available to use THE COURT’S unique 10K Shoot-a-Way Gun. The self-rebounding, self-passing shooting machine tracks a player’s shooting results and provides the user with data at the end of a workout. The machine - used by some of the best players in the world as a way to become a better shooter - helps players to get the most shots up to help build confidence and muscle memory.

“It is a really versatile tool for players of any level and offers good cardio training to stay in shape at the same time,” Boucher said.

Immensely popular around the world, basketball is played by some 450 million people both recreationally or through structured competitions, according to the Federation of International Basketball Associations (FIBA).

The sport was invented in 1891 just across the Enfield border at Springfield College by James Naismith, an instructor and graduate student who was charged with coming up with a new indoor activity that could be played by college students during the winter.

“Basketball is a fun, accessible sport that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of players. It has a way of bringing people together. We often remark that one of the most rewarding aspects of owning THE COURT is the people we meet that we wouldn’t have otherwise known,” Boucher said.

“For young players, so many aspects of playing basketball are transferrable to other aspects of life….working together, overcoming obstacles, discipline, how you plan and prepare for events. It’s a great tool to not only keep kids physically active and engaged, but to help them grow and develop as individuals outside of the basketball court,” he added.

THE COURT is located at 1 Peerless Way in Enfield, CT. For more information, call 860-716-1203, send an email to chris@thecourtbasketball.com or visit their website at thecourtbasketball.com.

22 GO LOCAL JUNE 2021

Let the new adventures begin WWW.MICHAELSZWEDJEWELERS.COM

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GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 23

go local picks

COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR AND ONLINE!

FARMER’S MARKET AT SUN VALLEY RESORT 51 OLD SPRINGFIELD ROAD, STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT We offer a unique shopping experience consisting of local farm, food and artisan booths. Located at a shady picturesque venue perfect for an enjoyable evening out. Open to the public, and leashed dogs are welcome. Friday’s from 4-7 June 4 - Sept 24, 2021. Masks and social distancing are required at the market.

Follow their Facebook page for Vendor Spotlights and additional details: facebook.com/FarmersMarketSunValley

SUCCULENT PLANTING WORKSHOP SOUTH WINDSOR STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL NEVERS PARK, SOUTH WINDSOR

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021 AT 9 AM EDT – 5 PM RAIN OR SHINE! FREE EVENT! Join us for the 32nd annual South Windsor strawberry festival! Come shop at the many (over 130) craft booths, enjoy food, music, and activities! And of course we’ll have our awesome strawberry shortcakes (be early, they tend to sell out by late afternoon!). All are welcome to attend!

For more info go to: facebook.com/swstrawberryfest/ or: swstrawberryfest.org

24 GO LOCAL JUNE 2021

POUR BAR AGAWAM AND THE FLOWER SHED

485 SPRINGFIELD ST. FEEDING HILLS, MA THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021 AT 6 PM EDT – 7 PM EDT Join Pour Bar & the flower shed for a Fun Hands-On Succulent Planting Workshop! Workshop starts with a brief overview of succulent care, maintenance, sunlight requirements, watering, and grooming. This is followed by a guided step-bystep planting demonstration from the flower shed specialists.

Ticket Price: $42 What is included in my ticket? $5 Beverage Ticket from Pour Bar, All supplies needed to create a 3-plant succulent arrangement, including care instructions to take home. Registration is required. Space is limited.

For tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-flower-sheds-succulentplanting-workshop-pour-bar-agawam-tickets-154409158951

go READ

RAINBOW SOUP BY LAURA HANKS STEVENS, ILLUSTRATED BY HALEY GRUNLOH

Rainbow Soup

By Laura Hanks Stevens laurahanksstevens.com Tell us a bit about your background/yourself!

I am a marketing communications professional with more than 40 years of award-winning commercial writing, event planning, and media promotions experience. Creative writing has always been my true love, however, so I spent my free time during those decades working on Rainbow Soup. It took me nearly 30 years to complete the novel.

I am currently a freelance writer and spend my spare moments working with my husband to update/restore our 1868 Victorian home. I am also a voracious reader and enjoy hiking, gardening, playing the piano, collecting teddy bears, and prowling through antique stores.

What inspired you to write this book?

I wanted to offer the world something beautiful and uplifting… a fantasy that would leave readers smiling.

How have readers responded to the book so far?

The response to Rainbow Soup has been overwhelmingly positive. It earned a 4-out-of-4-star review from the Online Book Club (https://bit.ly/3hkk9Ah) late last year and is praised in 5-star reviews on Amazon.com. Plus, readers from across the country have written with amazing comments, such as: “I am so delighted with your storytelling and want to savor it a bit at a time…

Thank you for sharing your talent with a world that so needs it now.” “…a wonderful story, beautifully and engagingly told. Laura’s characters come fully to life. They engage and evoke. They think and feel. And they impart lasting lessons about love and friendship, faith and family, hopes and dreams. If you buy this book for your children (you should), you’ll treasure it as much as they will.”

What was your biggest takeaway from writing this book?

“This book is marvelous. I enjoyed the character development, the evident research supporting the characters and the depth of your imagination. I can imagine mothers and fathers reading this book to their children. It is really wonderful.”

I was very pleasantly surprised at the reaction from adults… especially men. While the book is appropriate for readers of all ages, I never imagined a fantasy that takes place in a rainbow and features fairies and other magical beings would appeal to that demographic.

What do you hope this book brings to readers?

Basically, my goal in writing the book was four-fold: 1. To provide an escape from the negativity that constantly invades our lives.

2. To promote important social values like common courtesy and treating others with respect and consideration.

3. To offer readers the opportunity to use their imaginations without the artificial stimulation of technology.

4. To encourage readers to build their vocabulary and use language creatively.

Is Rainbow Soup your first published book?

Yes, Rainbow Soup represents my debut as a writer of fiction.

Do you have any plans for future books?

I certainly do. I have already written a picture book entitled The Lonely Castle, which is the complete version of the story Popper narrates in Rainbow Soup. I am also in the process of drafting a fantasy trilogy for young male readers that creatively addresses key issues in our world: indigenous species, language skills, and ecology. Additionally, I am developing a sequel to Rainbow Soup.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 25

DADS LIKE TRUCKS and Accessories.

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GRILLING TIME IS HERE!

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Gift Certificates available

Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not valid with any other discounts or sales. Expires 6/30/21.

Offered by Taylor Rental Center of Enfield, CT

Dishes • Glassware • Silverware • Linens • Chafers • Tables & Chairs

Johnny’s Roadside Market Garden

Celebrating 72 Years of Our Family Farm!

1-800-466-2503 | WWW.FAMILYFORDINC.COM Route 190 • Enfield, CT • 860-745-1111

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GREEN HOUSES ARE OPEN! LARGE SELECTION OF:

Flowering Annual Plants Hanging Plants • Vegetable Plants Herbs • Patio Tomatoes CHECK OUR WEBSITE & FACEBOOK FOR MORE INFORMATION Open Daily 9am - 6pm • Sun 10am - 5pm • 860-763-1300

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Chris@ResultsBegin.com www.ResultsBegin.com 26 GO LOCAL JUNE 2021

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492 Enfield Street • Enfield, CT 860-965-7911 • eclecticpeacock.com

GARDEN

DESIGNS by

Jacqueline

!  VICKI MITCHELL

J

acqueline Clark is a talented woman who really throws herself into her work (see her photo on the mulch pile!) She offers professional garden designs and services through her Ludlow based company, Garden Designs by Jacqueline. She is a Master Gardener and certified Landscape Designer and Horticulturist, and has been providing “quality landscaping services” since 2005.

If you were one of the many who did an abundance of planting and gardening last year due to the pandemic, you may be in need of some help in maintaining your investment. If so, you will be happy to know that Jacqueline and her crew specialize in the regular maintenance of your landscaping, offering a 3-6 week service program. This includes the weeding of beds, hand pruning and deadheading annuals and perennials, transplanting and dividing plants as needed, and edging and mulching, among other services.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 27

If your yard or garden is lacking visual appeal, or you have bigger plans in mind for your landscape, Jacqueline says, “As a full service landscape design, installation, and maintenance company, we work with you to provide the very best custom design to meet your site’s function and flow, and also to make it aesthetically beautiful. We have a professional team we highly recommend to install your custom design, or you can install it yourself. We offer plans and options to fit any budget.” Perhaps best of all, you can schedule a free consultation with Jacqueline, who says, “ I enjoy creating custom designs based on our clients’ needs and wants, which are not only functional but are aesthetically pleasing. From project conception onward, I coordinate management of small landscape design installations. For larger projects, we refer the homeowner to a reliable company we work with. After installation, the client has the option to be added to our regular bed maintenance schedule, an often sought-after service. Our signature service, monthly maintenance or every 3 - 6 weeks, ensures that the clients’ investment is protected.”

She continues by saying, “Our professional gardeners… Melissa, Sandra, Tammy, Jacqueline and Mark (my husband) all specialize in plant care, first and foremost. We identify pest or disease issues, and treat them. Because landscapes are alive, they require immense care and attention to ensure that each plant remains healthy and strong so that our clients’ gardens can reach their full potential. All of our team members are crosstrained on all operational tasks, which is essential for efficiency and for providing quality services.

We follow integrated pest management (IPM) practices, focusing on long-term prevention of disease and pests, such as choosing disease and deer resistant plants, using proper plant placement to avoid overcrowding and allowing for ample air flow, and proper irrigation practices for specific plant species.”

The long winter months are used to design landscapes and create new lectures for the coming season. “The perfect time of year to design is the winter months,” says Jacqueline. “It’s a multiphase process to create each clients’ dream landscape. We offer computer imaging design, so that you can see a conceptual image of how the landscape will look, as well as a CAD rendering to ensure that plants fit the spaces at their mature spread. My design schedule books up quickly during the warm months.”

After the design comes the crew’s favorite part of the job...”PLANTING! We are gardeners, after all,” explains Jacqueline. “A close second favorite would 28 GO LOCAL JUNE 2021

be mulching. We call it the icing on the cake. It makes everything pop! Each time we create a new garden, it never loses its magic! What I find most exciting, even after 18 seasons, is looking forward to annual plant installations in either the garden or in containers. Our clients give us creative license to add the ‘bling’ to their beds each season. Even after their masterpieces are planted, it’s our regular maintenance schedule that keeps them looking their very best.”

There’s always a “least favorite” part of any job, and in this case, Jacqueline says that would be “having to tell a client that they need to choose another plant than the one they are ‘in love with’ when it absolutely won’t survive and thrive where they want to plant it.

Second would be hot, humid days. Those are challenging for all gardeners and landscapers!”

To help ensure a quality selection of plants and materials, Jacqueline buys her nursery stock locally, using Mulch-n-More, Randall’s Farm & Greenhouse, Sixteen Acres Garden Center, Ket Tree Farm, Andrews Greenhouse and Meadow View Farms.

When asked if a potential client could only budget for one of her services, which one would have the greatest impact, she responded “Hands down, monthly maintenance…it’s the service that protects your investment. Once the beds go to the ‘far-side’ it’s just as expensive to get them restored as it would be to keep them looking their very best on a regular maintenance schedule.

“We treat our gardens like our own,” says Jacqueline, “and it’s easy to think of them that way since we are there every month from March through November. Where people tend to hesitate investing is the design portion of their landscapes. I tell my clients that when creating rooms in our homes they are designed to be all that we want them to be and are planned accordingly. Each segment of our landscapes are ‘rooms’. How we create those rooms is the feeling we will get when we live in them.

A cohesive plan positions the plants with the correct cultural and spatial needs. Ultimately, a good design should be aesthetically pleasing to the eye.”

And remember, when it comes to having a beautiful and functional outdoor space, “a goal without a plan is just a wish.” Let Jacqueline help you reach your gardening goals!

Gardendesignsbyjacqueline.com Ludlow, Massachusetts 413-262-0402 GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 29

FREE ROOF

for

Veteran !  VICKI MITCHELL

96 year old Army Veteran George Evans served as a medic during WWII, specifically in The Battle of the Bulge.

Soon, thanks to some friends, fellow Veterans, and generous tradespeople, Evans will be receiving a big surprise… a new roof for his house in Vernon, Connecticut.

One of those friends, Chuck Winkler, had referred Evans to Gauvin Roofing, who had recently done roofing work for him. Keith Gauvin, the owner of the company, has been making contributions to his community for years. Since “business has been great” he has been thinking about doing a free roof giveaway for a while. When he heard from Evans, he knew this was the person he wanted to help! Others wanted to get involved, as well. Evans had contracted with Gauvin for the work to be completed, but was unaware of the efforts being made to provide this still active Vet with “a mind like a steel trap” with a free roof!

GAF, a leading roofing manufacturer, is donating the shingles, approximately 80% of the product needed. Universal Supply Company in Manchester, CT, is donating the remaining 20% of needed materials.

Gauvin expects his crew of 5 to 6 roofers to be able to complete the job in about one day.

What a great way for people to get together to help out a deserving citizen!

30 GO LOCAL JUNE 2021

Mary’s Market PIZZAS SALADS SOUPS GRINDERS WINGS

NOW OPEN! EST. 2021

DINE-IN • TAKE OUT DELIVERY

AUTHENTIC HOMEMADE ITALIAN DINNERS

Flowers, Plants, Herbs • Handmade Gifts NOW OPEN

Thur-Sun 10-6

TRUE ITALIAN HAND TOSSED PIZZA COOKED DIRECTLY ON THE STONE!

48 SOUTH RD, SOMERS CT

860-698-6988 • 860-698-6986

mariossomers.com

...Come See Our Greenhouse!

103 Main Street, Somers, CT 413-262-4248

HELPING YOUR BODY PERFORM AT ITS PEAK!

Body of Work Therapeutic Massage

860.337.9410

42 Bridge Street • East Windsor, CT

BodyOfWork-tm.com GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 31

go eat

!RECIPE SUBMITTED BY NATHAN BLAIS

Super Simple Fruit Dip

1 cup sour cream or greek yogurt

Combine all the ingredients into a mixing bowl, combine thoroughly

2/3 cup fruit preserves

and let chill for 30 minutes. Serve with whatever fruit you’d like,

1 tbsp poppy seeds

perfect for a hot summer daytime snack!

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!

32 GO LOCAL JUNE 2021

ALLIED

FLOORING & DESIGN CENTER

Residential and Commercial Flooring

"Anything but Ordinary"

Locally owned and operated for 25 years

Visit our Showrooms: EAST LONGMEADOW 55 North Main St. 413-224-2144 M-F 9-6, Sat 9-4

AGAWAM 350 Main St. 413-233-3100 M-F 9-5, Sat 9-3 (Thursday until 8)

AlliedFlooringAndPaint.com

Largest Selection of CBD Products in the Area!

• Miracle Cream • Handmade Soaps • Tinctures • Soy Candles • Bath Bombs • Party Favors • Massage Oils • Natural Products • Hand Sanitizers • One of a Kind Aprons ...and so much more!

27 S. Main Street, E. Windsor, CT 860.370.5444 • cindyssoapcottage.net Check us out:

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 33

Serving CT & MA for 36 Years Complete Tree Care & Removal Service Stump Grinding • Crane Work • Expert Pruning Insect & Disease Control “Working with People Who Care About Trees!”

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE • Fully Insured • FREE Estimates

860.749.7365 • 413.525.3916 CT Licensed Arborist #62445

mtsne.com

MA Certified Arborist #1676

Every Loan is a Slam Dunk!

APR As low as 2.24%* Apply online www.EnfieldCommunityFCU.org • Valid for new and used autos Or call a member services representative 860-253-5100 • Refinances from other institutions are acceptable • 100% financing available Or visit our office at 11 Cranbrook Blvd., Enfield, CT • Pre-approvals • No application fees • Fast credit approval

860.253.5100

11 Cranbrook Blvd., Enfield, CT www.EnfieldCommunityFCU.org

Remember, we’re here for all your loan needs...

Vehicles • Mortgages • Refi’s (Home & Auto) • Personal • VISA • Bill Consolidation • Tax Liabilities *Cannot be used to refinance existing ECFCU loans.**Actual rate may vary, depending on individual credit worthiness. 2.24% for 36 months, 48 & 60 months 2.50%, 72 months 2.75%. Estimated monthly payment for 36 months is $34.93 per $1,000. Promo can be cancelled at any time.

34 GO LOCAL JUNE 2021

Claudette’s Boutique and Cindy’s Food for the Soul

!  VICKI MITCHELL

D

o you know where you can upgrade your wardrobe with the help of a personal shopper, see a movie, and follow it all with a meal featuring soul food favorites, as well as burgers, sandwiches, a variety of sides and desserts, all under one roof? The answer is at the Enfield Square Mall in Connecticut!

Two of these enterprises are owned by Cindy Cobb and her business and life partner, Ralph Shout. Cindy has been one very busy lady, between her café, Cindy’s Food for the Soul, located next to the Cinemark movie theater, and her newly opened consignment shop, Claudette’s Boutique.

The boutique, named Claudette’s after her mother and daughter, opened just three months ago, in March. It features a mix of new and gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories for women GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 35

and men, and also has a small Juniors’ section. The merchandise is sanitized and carefully organized and arranged in the sales area. Cindy credits her store manager, Michelle Cormier, for the artful displays.

Michelle is available for a free hour of personal shopping in the morning before the store opens to the general public. Those interested will have the entire store to themselves, with Michelle’s help in mixing and matching outfits and accessories. The boutique is now booking these appointments from 10:00 to 11:00 am, Thursday through Sunday. Call the boutique at 860-847-1113 to schedule an appointment.

Cindy also relies on her assistant store manager, Kristen Vinect, to keep things running smoothly. Kristen helps with the intake of merchandise, paperwork, and cashier duties, among other tasks.

Cindy has owned and operated her restaurant in the mall for three years, and of course struggled during the COVID shutdown and restrictions. She is thrilled that the adjacent movie theater is once again open, because it led to an immediate increase in her business. By also bringing her boutique to the mall, she is hoping to start a trend of bringing more traffic to the mall, which, along with similar establishments, has had its share of hard times. She says that the mall can be a good location, but only if the community comes out in support of her endeavors. She also hopes that the mall’s new owners will soon allow her to expand her evening hours, since she is currently losing dinner time business.

The North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, whose office is also located in the mall, heartily welcomed Cindy’s new store. At the boutique’s opening ceremony, its Director of Operations, Karen Campbell, said, “this is exciting! We are working on making more of this happen.” The Chamber’s President, Peter DiMaria, added, “Claudette’s Boutique is a welcomed neighbor to the North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Office at the Enfield Square Mall. We have seen the traffic increase as the awareness grows of the Chamber’s presence in the mall, and with Claudette’s boutique, new and gently used clothing make for a nice shopping option.”

As for the restaurant, Cindy’s Food for the Soul, she says, “the restaurant is my baby… it has blossomed. My staff and my family have been an important support system. It’s 36 GO LOCAL JUNE 2021

been wonderful meeting different people and having good old fashioned conversations, and making them feel at home. I want my business to be a safe haven…” Her partner, Ralph Shout, is the restaurant’s manager and cook, with an outgoing personality in contrast to Cindy’s quiet demeanor. Friend Pam Stewart also cooks, and Dechon Harris is a driving force assisting with many aspects of both businesses.

The cozy restaurant serves items such as curry and jerk chicken, pork chops, fried fish, red beans and sausage, collard greens, and baked macaroni and cheese, as well as wings, burgers, sandwiches, and a variety of side dishes and desserts. “Our fried chicken and meatloaf are popular,” Cindy says, “and now we have added ribs, which are flying out the door.”

For those interested in bringing in items for consignment, the shop is currently accepting men’s and women’s summer clothing in very good condition. You will sign a contract, and receive an itemized list of accepted items with the retail price listed. You will receive 40% of the selling price, and checks are mailed out by the 15th of the month following your dropoff date. Items not sold or reclaimed by you as per the contract will be donated to a local charity. Cindy has made arrangements with local nursing homes and the town’s warming center to be the recipients of these items. As a former nursing aide, Cindy has witnessed how some families drop off their relative “and never look back.” These people seldom have anyone to shop for them, or make sure they have decent clothes to wear. Therefore, she wants to help fill that need when she can.

She says of both her businesses, “growth and expansion is something we hope to do. I have lots of ideas and plans!”

Boutique hours are currently Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm; Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm; and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Claudettesboutiqueinfo@gmail.com

Claudette’s Boutique and Cindy’s Food for the Soul are located in Enfield Square Mall, 90 Elm Street, Enfield, CT 860-847-1113

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 37

CBug’s Records

Buying and Selling Rock, Jazz, R&B, Blues, Punk & Funk Records

Over 30,000 Quality Records

Vintage Shops, 42 Bridge St. East Windsor, CT cbug999@gmail.com | 860-519-4725 cbugsrecords.com

Buying & Selling Quality Used Records Hours: Tues.-Sun. 11am-6pm

Andy Crespo

52 Main St. Apt. 6 Florence, MA

413-585-5738

andybarnowl@comcast.net

FIRST RECORD STORE DAY DROP DATE SATURDAY, JUNE 12TH

15% OFF SALE

IN STOCK NEW & USED CDs, DVDs & Blu-rays

We Special Order CDs, DVDs, LPs & Blu-rays Fast Service For All Your Gift Needs

Guitar Strings, Tuners, Capos, Picks, Reeds, Posters, Flags, T-Shirts, Incense, & Headphones Previous Markdowns, Special Orders and New Releases (90 days) excluded. Expires 6/30/21. REM-GL

POWERED TURNTABLES SPEAKERS WE PAY $CASH$ FOR LIGHTLY USED ALBUMS AND COMPACT DISCS

151 Hazard Avenue (Rte. 190) Enfield, CT

860.749.2050

OPEN • TUES. - FRI. 11AM - 6PM • SAT. 10AM - 6PM • CLOSED SUN. & MON.

38 GO LOCAL JUNE 2021

N AT I O N A L

RECORD STORE DAY JUNE 12, 2021

The Final Countdown

June 12th is National Record Day

Take a spin and check out these 7 local record shops!

JOHN DOE JR. USED RECORDS AND BOOKS

CBUG’S RECORDS VINTAGE SHOPS

Since 2009, John Doe, Jr. has sold second-hand records of all kinds and musical genres, plus collector’s items and some CDs. A great spot to dig for a gem!

With “over 30,000 quality records,” you’re bound to find a great one at CBug’s. They also sell CDs, cassette tapes, and 8-tracks. Vintage music collectables, video games, clothing, and toys, too.

275 MAIN STREET, GREENFIELD, MA JOHNDOEJUNIOR.COM

ELECTRIC EYE RECORDS

52 MAIN STREET, APT. 6, FLORENCE, MA FACEBOOK.COM/ELECTRICEYEFLORENCE Electric EYE is celebrating five years of business in 2021! New and used records: bought, sold, and traded.

MUSIC OUTLET

151 HAZARD AVENUE, ENFIELD, CT FACEBOOK.COM/MUSICOUTLET.CT Independently operated since 1984! If you are looking for a specific record, they can help with mail orders.

PLATTERPUS RECORDS

28 COTTAGE STREET, EASTHAMPTON, MA FACEBOOK.COM/PLATTERPUSRECORDS Platterpus has been in business for over 35 years, nestled on Easthampton’s funky Cottage Street.

They buy and sell vinyl records and CDs.

42 BRIDGE STREET, EAST WINDSOR, CT CBUGSRECORDS.COM

SPIN THAT RECORDS

671 DICKINSON ST, SPRINGFIELD, MA SPINTHATSPRINGFIELD.COM Springfield’s only vintage vinyl record shop! Offering a variety of genres plus vintage turntables and audio equipment.

TURN IT UP

5 PLEASANT ST, NORTHAMPTON, MA TURNITUP.COM Independently owned, Turn It Up has three storefronts: Northampton and Montague, MA, as well as Brattleboro, VT. The Northampton storefront is right in the heart of downtown and sells an extensive selection of collectible LPs and CDs. You can shop their store online, too!

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 39

Are you ready to build your Dream Home?

3 Simple Reasons Why a Construction Loan with Stafford Savings Bank Will Save You Time and Money • One Closing - We offer Construction to Permanent Financing • Standard Rates - We do not charge any interest rate premium for our construction to permanent loans • Rate Discount - We offer a Rate Discount for automatic payment from a SSB Checking or Now account

Stafford Savings Bank Main Office: 860-684-4261

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

now open!

50% OFF FIRST TWO MONTHS! EXCEPTIONAL FEATURES ■ Newly Renovated ■ Indoor Heated Storage ■ Digital Video Security ■ Onsite Manager ■ Grade & Tailboard Loading Areas Massachusetts/Connecticut state line

53 Manning Road, Enfield, CT ■ (860) 835-5768 ■ i91selfstorage.com 40 GO LOCAL JUNE 2021

BACHER CORPORATION OF CONNECTICUT For All Your Grounds Maintenance Needs

7 THOMPSON RD, EAST WINDSOR, CT • 860-627-5924 www.bachercorporation.com GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 41

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

SPRING SPECIALS!

We specialize in all types of tree work with special equipment – cranes to 134 ft. 40+ years in business.

Free estimates. Free advice. Fully insured.

Call Robb Wallace

413-782.8733 wallacetree@gmail.com

Studio K’s Glass Castle DESIGN & FABRICATION IN THE ART OF STAINED GLASS

STAINED GLASS RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL RESTORATION COMMISSIONS STUDIO CLASSES SUPPLIES

48 South Road Somers, CT

860-749-9010

Tue 10-5 • Thur 10-6:30 • Sat 10-3 42 GO LOCAL JUNE 2021

local einstein

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL IS HOME TO WHICH SPORTS HALL OF FAME? [A] [B] [C] [D]

3

OPHIDIOPHOBIA IS THE FEAR OF WHAT?

Tennis Golf Volleyball Surfing

[A] Thunder & Lightning [B] Snakes [C] Clowns [D] Flying STOCKHOLM IS THE LARGEST CITY AND CAPITAL OF WHAT COUNTRY?

WHAT WAS THE NAME OF MICHAEL JACKSON’S FIRST SOLO ALBUM AS AN ADULT? [A] Thriller [B] Off The Wall [C] Bad [D] Invincible

5

[A] Denmark [B] Switzerland [C] Sweden [D] Finland

WHAT IS THE WHITE PART OF THE INSIDE OF AN EGG CALLED?

HOW MANY FINGERS DO THE SIMPSON’S CARTOON CHARACTERS HAVE ON EACH HAND? [A] Three [B] Four [C] Five [D] Six

[A] Albumen [B] Cartilage [C] Morphous [D] Ephithelium

IN WHAT MONTH IS THE EARTH CLOSEST TO THE SUN?

8

WHAT TOP GUN CHARACTER IS CAPTAIN MARVEL’S CAT NAMED AFTER IN THE MARVEL MOVIE? [A] Maverick [B] Iceman [C] Viper [D] Goose

[A] July [B] October [C] January [D] May WHICH METHOD OF HEAT TRANSFER BEST DESCRIBES A LAVA LAMP? [A] Convection [B] Radiation [C] Condensation [D] Conduction

# CORRECT

IQ

RANK

ANSWERS:

8-9 5-7 2-4 0-1

160 110 50 3

Prodigy Egghead Meh Simpleton

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

7

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 43