GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2023

November 2023 Volume 9 . Issue 12 golocalmagazines.com

THE CRAFT

TASTE THE EXPERIENCE

cupcakes & confections

BY JANA

darly's boutique

fashionable clothing & accessories

Check it out

Durocher Florist

Trinity Health of New England; 7.625 in; 10.12 in; 00066845

2 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2023

NOVEMBER 2023 . VOLUME 9 . ISSUE 12

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DUROCHER FLORIST Durocher Florist opened its doors in the 1940s and has become part of West Springfield’s history. In turn, owner Heather Sullivan, AFID, CFD, has become part of the shop’s history, having worked there for 27 years. “I came to help out one Valentine’s Day and never left,” she said. When Sullivan started there, she was 17 and not sure what her career path would be.

6

A NOTE From The Editor

BOUTIQUE 11 DARLY'S And Much More LOCAL PICKS 15 GO Cool Stuff Just Outside Your Door CRAFT 17 THE Taste The Experience

EAT 23 GO Honey And Thyme Roasted Carrots

MICHAEL SZWED JEWELERS; 7.625 in; 6.5 in; 00064767

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 3

NOVEMBER 2023 . VOLUME 9 . ISSUE 12

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30

34 36 38

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DUROCHER FLORIST

11

Satisfying Customers For Over 60 Years

GO CREATE

Pumpkin Candle Holder

CUPCAKES & CONFECTIONS

By Jana

LOCAL SNAPSHOT Late-Blooming Hydrangea

LOCAL EINSTEIN Put Your Thinking Caps On

FINAL COUNTDOWN

7 Local Gift Shops To Start Your Holiday Shopping

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GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 5

A NOTE

FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR . PAYTON NORTH

When I sat down to write this column, noting it would be for the November edition and it would be the official kick-off to the holiday’s, I sighed. I felt so uninspired. And as I write these words, I’m struggling to come up with anything to say that will be what Go Local is known for: being uplifting, cheery and overall positive.

But the fact of life is that things are not always uplifting and cheery.

The holiday season is my favorite, but this one is going to feel different.

You see, this Thanksgiving and Christmas are the first holidays my family will be experiencing without my grandfather. He passed away on September 18.

I am lucky – my family has always been close. Our tight-nit group of seven – my mom’s parents, my mom and dad, my uncle, my brother and I – always gather for every Thanksgiving, every Christmas Eve, and almost every week in between and throughout the year. What can I say – while we at times drive each other crazy, we also deeply enjoy each other’s company.

But this year, we’re now a family of six.

Of course, we have additional friends and family as well as significant others join us for these annual traditions – but gosh I just can’t stop thinking about the obvious empty seat there will be at our dining room table.

As our family navigates this new normal, my mom and I have been discussing ways to celebrate life and spend time together in more ways than we already do. For us, so far, this has looked like setting dates with my grandma to get lunch or have her over for dinner one weekday a week, on top of Sunday nights. It looks like reaching out to cousins that we do not get to see often enough and bringing them together to visit. It looks like cherishing every moment we possibly can.

It also looks like continuing traditions that have kept our family together for years and finding ways to honor my grandfather right along with them.

It’s making scotch scones – a family recipe and favorite of his. It’s enjoying a sip of apple pie moonshine on Christmas Eve – a delicious treat from Echo Hill Orchards that became a must-gift to my grandpa. It’s continuing to get together as we always did and always will, sharing happy memories, and making new ones too.

Losing the people we love is a part of life – and I know many, if not all readers, can relate to experiencing the “firsts.” The first birthday without someone, the first anniversary, the first holiday. I am sure with time, while the pain of the loss will never go away, it will get easier.

Until then, I am going to focus on feelings of togetherness, keeping traditions alive and making memories that will outlast the test of time.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Payton North

CREATIVE Beth Thurber, Manager Susan Bartlett . Sophia Kelleher . Leigh Catchepaugh Lorie Perry . Molly Arnio

CONTENT Lauren LeBel

ADVERTISING Scott Greene, Manager Jeanette Lee . Lisa Nolan . Roxanne Longtin Miller Matt Mahaney . Paula Dimauro . Terry O’ Donnell Evan Marcyoniak . Andy Shaw . Hannah Bigos Shannon Bliven Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant Curtis Panlilio, Operations Director Fran Smith, General Manager

THE GO LOCAL COMMUNITY

holyoke

A CREATION OF

CONTACT US!

Happy (almost) Thanksgiving, and thank you, as always, for reading.

-Payton North, Executive Editor

443 Shaker Road, Suite B, Denslow Road Entrance East Longmeadow, MA 01028 Tel: 413.525.6661

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM Send local story ideas to: Lauren LeBel: llebel@thereminder.com

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Darly's Boutique And Much More

M

erriam-Webster defines boutique as “a small shop dealing in fashionable clothing and accessories.”

Boutiques started to spread throughout the world beginning in Paris as early as the 1920s, but were at their height throughout the 1960s when even The Beatles opened their own Apple Boutique in London, England.

Fashionable as ever, boutiques can still be found around the country online or as brick-and-mortar storefronts like Darly’s Boutique and Much More which opened in Enfield, Connecticut, on Sept. 9.

So far, the word has been good.

“Before opening I told all my close friends about the boutique, hoping that word-of-mouth would draw customers to my new store. I’m also getting more GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 11

familiar with social media hoping to further spread the word. Feedback is important to me and it’s been very positive so far, and I’m looking forward to additional exposure to grow my business,” said owner Darly Scussel.

The store is somewhat of a new direction for Scussel, 53, who worked in healthcare for 24 years, but who had also been fascinated with the retail market.

“I worked with seniors in an assisted living facility and also with people with mental illness for a while. Then COVID-19 hit and the story changed for many people, including me,” Scussel said.

Well before any idea to open her own store, Scussel, without realizing it, was actually “testing the waters” while still working in healthcare.

“I would go into stores, especially when there was a sale going on, to buy extra clothing and shoes, then either sell or give them to close friends. Sometimes I would send them to friends in Haiti or to my sister in Canada who might have friends who would want to buy them,” said Scussel, who emigrated to the United States from Haiti 24 years ago.

With COVID less of a worry than at the height of the pandemic, it was Scussel’s husband, Anthony Scussel — they married on Aug. 5 this year after a 10-year friendship turned romantic — who encouraged her to open Darly’s Boutique.

“Anthony, who has always been in the retail business, owns The Growth Company, a florist shop in Enfield, and he encouraged me to open my own business since I had long been interested in retail,” she said.

And so Darly’s Boutique was born.

Today the store is stocked will all types of fashionable clothing “whether you are just going to the supermarket or to a very special event like a wedding,” Scussel noted.

Among the many displays in the store, shoppers will find dresses, gowns, pants, all kinds of tops, hats,

12 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2023

scarves, exercise outfits and more, as well as plenty of women’s accessories like purses, shoes, sandals and jewelry from bracelets to necklaces. Scussel will also have jackets, sweaters, ponchos and more for the colder, and often wet and snowy, fall and winter months.

“I’ve also expanded to home decor items such as pillows for couches, mirrors, curtains, handmade vases … those types of things. And, as the holidays approach, I will have little gift items and I will also be making holiday baskets filled with gift items,” Scussel said.

There are also unique things she purchases for resale at the boutique when visiting a popular destination — Laredo, Texas — to find a variety of different products for her own customers. She has some lamps from Laredo, one is a cactus lamp and the other incorporates a flowing fountain into the design, and there are some unique margarita glasses as well.

“My boutique is very welcoming, spacious and not overcrowded. It is bright and beautifully decorated. And I’m hoping to see more and more people coming in to check out my store, especially with the holidays coming,” Scussel said.

LOCATED ON 287 HAZARD AVE. IN ENFIELD, DARLY’S BOUTIQUE AND MUCH MORE IS OPEN WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY FROM NOON TO 6 P.M. AND SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. SHE WILL ALSO OPEN HER BOUTIQUE

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 860-835-5725.

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Join the fun and learn fascinating techniques to spruce up your charcuterie board. Lean how to make salami roses, intricate zipper patterns, and more. Tickets are $60 per person and can be purchased online.

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Visit the Historic Wood Memorial Library & Museum decorated with over 150 gingerbread houses on display.

The festival is a big fundraiser for the library and supports educational programs throughout the year. Check out the gift shop filled with items made my local artists.

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THE

CRAFT N

aima Craft can’t recall a time when she wasn’t in the kitchen.

The owner of The Craft, a breakfast, lunch and bakery shop in East Granby, started her baking obsession as a child.

“I have always enjoyed helping in the kitchen, ever since I was old enough to awkwardly help mix batter,” said Craft. “When I was around the ‘tween’ age, my grandmother introduced me to basic baking: cakes and quick breads – all mixed and created by hand. Then she bought me my own hand mixer!

“I felt so special, especially being aware of how much and how long she may have had to save to purchase that precious baking tool. That mixer took my baking efficiency up a notch and soon I was baking cakes that I frosted, cut into slices, packaged up and sent off with my mother to sell in her corporate offices every single day.”

Craft’s baking business began at her mother’s office and continued as her “side gig” throughout college. She has a PhD in Physiotherapy and specialized in vestibular disorders, but baking was always her first love.

Craft couldn’t ignore her baking passion and opened GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 17

her brick-and-mortar at the end of 2021.

“I went ahead with my business plan because I felt the need to branch out as an entrepreneur rather than work for somebody else,” Craft said.

Craft’s breads are at the heart of her business. Challah and croissant loaf are offered fresh on Fridays, while baguette, croissant loaf and sourdough are available Saturdays. Bagels, cinnamon loaf, country white and multigrain, Italian loaf and more are always available.

Seasonal offerings include a variety of loafs, such as apple pumpkin, chocolate chip pumpkin, lemon and zucchini. Cookies are also a staple and include palmiers and several vegan flavors such as chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and sugar. Loafs are also offered in gluten free options.

Turnovers, cinnamon rolls, Danish, currant rolls, muffins, cupcakes and more round out the baked goods at The Craft. Bagel flavors include plain, asiago, cheddar, cinnamon sugar, everything, poppy seed and sesame.

With the exception of asiago and cheddar, all bagels are vegan.

The holidays are a busy time, said Craft, and she recommends pre-ordering.

“We usually advertise our special menu via social media and email,” Craft said. “Currently, clients can pre-order for pickup, online or by telephone. Some items will also be available in-bakery on a first-come, first serve basis. Popular items include seasonal pies (think pumpkin, apple and pecan), bread rolls and our super popular flourless chocolate torte. Every year, we also 18 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2023

offer new special treats.”

Craft’s breads are the star of her breakfast and lunch sandwich menu, which was launched this year. Lox, roasted turkey, Mediterranean and turkey salad are offered on a choice of bread, bagels and croissants. Hot melts include a grilled cheese and tomato and a smoked chicken with bacon, caramelized red onion, roasted yellow tomatoes, cheddar cheese and barbeque sauce.

The lox sandwich has smoked salmon, sprouts, red onion, tomato, capers and lemon dill mayonnaise, while the roasted turkey includes lettuce, tomato, fresh basil, mayonnaise and the option of American cheese, avocado or honey mustard and a fig balsamic drizzle.

Fresh ingredients and fresh bread make the difference at The Craft, which also has a variety of beverages.

“We serve coffee, tea and juices, but our espresso drinks are the most popular,” added Craft.

For those who want to learn to bake, Craft shares her talent through baking classes. A schedule of classes is listed at https://thecraftexperience.store/.

While the food at The Craft is always Craft’s priority, she also wanted to create a relaxing space where people could enjoy good food and feel good.

“I have always found Vermont very charming, so I set out to give the bakery that rustic and cozy feel,” she said.

THE CRAFT IS LOCATED AT 10 EAST STREET, UNIT E, EAST GRANBY, CONNECTICUT. HOURS ARE FRIDAY, 7 A.M. – 3 P.M., AND SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, 8 A.M. TO 2 P.M. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 19

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GO EAT ! RECIPE SUBMITTED BY NATHAN BLAIS

Honey and Thyme Roasted Carrots 1 Bag Whole Rainbow Carrots 2 Cloves of Garlic, minced 1 bunch of thyme 2 Tbsp honey 1 Tbsp water 2 Tbsp olive oil Salt and Pepper Thyme, for garnish

Preheat your oven to 425F. Mix together your honey and water until fully combined and slowly add in your olive oil while whisking, then add your minced garlic. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, evenly spread out your thyme across the baking sheet. Lay your carrots down on top of the thyme and then brush each carrot with honey mixture. Bake for 35 minutes flipping halfway through and brushing with honey mixture again.

Perfect Thanksgiving side dish to add to your table.

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!

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 23

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89 RAFFIA ROAD • ENFIELD, CT 860-749-3292

SouthwoodAntiques.com Follow us on Facebook!

Store Hours: Tuesday thru Sunday 10-5 Cardinal Home Investors; 7.625 in; 5 in; 00066927 “Owner is a Licensed Real Estate agent with EXP Realty”

Realtor Licensed in CT and MA Looking to BUY or SELL a home?

Is your home VACANT? In need of REPAIRS? BEHIND on Payments?

Facing FORECLOSURE? • NO EQUITY? • Job Transfer?

Need Help with a CLEAN OUT or an ESTATE?

WE CAN HELP! WE BUY HOUSES TOO! Please call today for a FREE Consultation / Market Analysis

Janice Kocot LaBroad | Managing Partner • Owner • Investor

860.882.4969

24 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2023

! HOPE E. TREMBLAY NATE BLAIS

Durocher Florist D

urocher Florist opened its doors in the 1940s and has become part of West Springfield’s history.

In turn, owner Heather Sullivan, AFID, CFD, has become part of the shop’s history, having worked there for 27 years.

“I came to help out one Valentine’s Day and never left,” she said.

When Sullivan started there, she was 17 and not sure what her career path would be.

“I went to school for business and worked here through college,” she recalled. “I didn’t realize back then that I would still be here today.”

Sullivan is the third owner of the business. After working for the second owners, Peter and Mary Beth Soule, for 23 years, Sullivan bought the business she grew to love.

“It’s not like any other industry,” Sullivan said of the flower business. “We are here for every occasion. From weddings and births and birthdays to special events and funerals. We are here for people throughout their lives.”

That’s what Sullivan loves the most about her job – beGOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 25

ing part of people’s lives and the community and helping bring a smile to people during different phases of life.

Custom florals are a specialty at Durocher, and what Sullivan enjoys most.

“I love when customers trust us to be creative and use the best seasonal flowers,” she said.

And while sympathy flowers are usually simple and tasteful, Sullivan said they are often asked to do something more personal.

“We made a sympathy arrangement for someone who was a bird lover using a birdhouse and flowers and it was so special,” Sullivan said. “We can do a lot to make it personal.”

Durocher Florist has become part of many family traditions, and Sullivan said she has customers who bring in a certain vase or container for her to make an arrangement in year after year to use on their holiday tables.

Durocher offers many options for hostess gifts as well, which Sullivan said is still a sweet gesture when invited to someone’s home for dinner.

Durocher Florist is known for its beautiful fresh floral arrangements, such as their holiday centerpieces. What people may not know is that they offer so much more.

“We have a beautiful showroom filled with displays and gifts,” Sullivan said. “We have memory lamps and statues and garden pieces and décor for your home, Christmas tree and outdoors.”

Fresh wreaths and garlands are available and can be customized to match any décor “from rustic to elegant and everything in between,” Sullivan said. “If you need a certain size garland to go around a door or for a specific 26 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2023

place you can order it to fit.”

Although Durocher Florist will have plenty of fresh flowers and gifts in stock throughout the season, Sullivan said they have been taking orders for Christmas for over a month.

“You can order now, and we can take orders through Dec. 23,” she said.

After Columbus Day weekend, which Sullivan said is the busiest wedding weekend of the year, the Durocher Florist staff switches to holiday mode and transforms the shop into a wonderland of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“Our holiday collection is on our website and people can place orders online, by phone, or come see us in the store,” Sullivan said, adding that the shop is open seven days a week and orders can be placed online at durocherflorist.com 24-hours a day.

Sullivan is proud of the website, which offers customers many options for flowers and plants, as well as education about the care of plants, identifying flowers, the symbolism of colors and birth month flowers.

Durocher also offers ways to give back to customers and the community, including a rewards program, fundraising options, reminders for special occasions and more.

THE STORE AT 184 UNION STREET, WEST SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS IS OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8 A.M. – 5 P.M., SATURDAY FROM 8 A.M. – 3 P.M. AND SUNDAY FROM 9 A.M. – 2 P.M.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 27

we are local.

Supporting Local Farmers Since 1953

7 DAYS OPEN CALL FOR HOURS

FREE GIFT

Vinnie’s

Small Business Saturday November 25th

Little Acre

with $30 Purchase

FULL LINE OF HOLIDAY GIFT BASKETS • Memory Lamps • Gourmet Food & Gifts • Ornaments & Decor • Scarves, Hats & Gloves

A Farm Market Store

Produce • Flowers • Plants • Herbs Annuals • Perennials • Seasonal Items Apples, Pumpkins, Butternut Squash, Acorn Squash Local Fruits & Vegetables FRESH FRUIT BASKETS - MADE TO ORDER XMAS LOGS & MEMORIAL BOXES AVAILABLE

111 Main St.•Somersville, CT

860.265.2282

somersvillagegifts.com Delivery to most area towns, including Massachusetts • Ship Nationwide

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9AM-7PM - YEAR ‘ROUND

2 North Main St • Windsor Locks, CT • 860.758.5083

Let Me Help You

BUY, SELL or INVEST in Real Estate.

DON’T REPLACE, REFINISH!

CHRIS BUENDO

FAST, 2-DAY PROCESS THOUSANDS LESS THAN REPLACEMENT

We Also Repair and Refinish: • Countertops • Sinks & Vanities • Bathtubs & Tile Surrounds • Fiberglass Tubs & Showers

50 OFF! $

“Energetic & Grateful”

REALTOR® Licensed in MA & CT Want to sell your home or commercial property?

CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE!

a complete shower refinishing job through 12/31/23

33 Grattan Street • Chicopee, MA • 413-589-0769 MiracleMethod.com Each Miracle Method franchise independently owned and operated.

Limit one coupon per project.

Valid only at participating locations.

CALL ME TODAY FOR A

FREE MARKET ANALYSIS

413-575-9266 CBuendo@Gmail.com www.ResultsBegin.com

Antiques • Unique Decor Interior Design

401 Enfield Street • Enfield, CT

860-745-3721

enfieldctpaint@gmail.com We Restore Vintage & Antique Furniture!

Shop online at thevintagebeecollective.com Visit Our Store! Open Saturdays 10-2 Can’t make Saturday? Book An Appointment!

49 Maple Street, Somers, CT (860) 809-4454 28 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2023

5.00 OFF

$

a gallon of paint

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

Fenton River Veterinary Hospital; 7.625 in; 5 in; 00066846 24 hour Emergency Care for Large Animals

The Finest in Veterinary Care Small Animal • Large Animal • Equine Dr. Heidi Morey

OFFERING:

Lameness Exams Dental Floating • Digital X-Ray Ultrasound • Endoscopy Joint Injections Laser & Shockwave Therapy

Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri. 8-5 Thurs. 8-7 • Sat. 8-12

Serving CT and South Central MA

860-870-8701 fentonrivervet.com

9F Fieldstone Commons, Tolland, CT 860-971-7300 • 73 West Stafford Rd., Stafford Springs, CT

Battiston's Dry Cleaners; 7.625 in; 5 in; 00065771

Free

30% OFF First 30 Days

• Built in Discounts • All Battiston’s & Competitior Coupons Accepted • Automatic Billing

Currently Servicing Homes & Offices Throughout: South Windsor • Windsor • East Windsor Windsor Locks • Bloomfield • West Hartford East Hartford • Enfield • Suffield • Somers Agawam • Longmeadow • East Longmeadow SCHEDULED

Home or Office Pick-Up and Delivery CALL FOR DETAILS: 860-289-0134 SAVE TIME. SAVE GAS. SAVE MONEY.

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760 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor

www.BATTISTONS.com SmokeRestore@cs.com GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 29

GO CREATE SUBMITTED BY SOPHIA KELLEHER FALL DECOR

Pumpkin Candle Holder

This simple DIY only takes 10 minutes! It makes for the perfect fall centerpiece or mantle decor. Check out the list of materials below and let’s go create!

MATERIALS: • mini pumpkin • taper candle

• carving knife • small stems

Step 1: Remove the stem of the pumpkin and carve a hole large enough to fit your taper candle.

Step 2: Place your taper candle in the carved hole. Use small stems to fill the base around the candle.

The stems will help hold the candle in place.

30 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2023

TJ's Clean-out Services; 3.75 in; 5 in; 00066253

Good Mornings Restaurant; 3.75 in; 5 in; 00067111

DEMOLITION AND JUNK REMOVAL

“If the Lights Are On, We Are Serving Breakfast!”

Serving all of Connecticut, as well as Hamden and Hampshire counties in Massachusetts

BREAKFAST • LUNCH

HOMEMADE SOUPS, QUICHES & PIES

Owner-Operated with Pride!

Courteous and Efficient 5-Star Customer Rated on Google and Facebook Equipped for both Residential and Commercial Demolition License, Registered & Insured Better Business Bureau Accreditation We Donate and Recycle Before We Visit the Landfill

115 West Rd, Ellington CT 860–503-9062 License # DMCR.003466

ORDER YOUR PIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS Custard • Coconut Custard • Pumpkin • Fruit Berry Apple • Cranapple • Cherry

Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-10pm

Request a quote online:

tjscleanoutservices.com

See our Facebook page for before & after photos!!

44A Bridge St., East Windsor, CT • 860.623.5056 goodmorningsct.com FREE Wi-Fi

Open Mon-Fri 6am-2pm, Sat-Sun 7am-1pm

New England Card Show - TRADE; 7.625 in; 5 in; 00067193

FALL CLASSIC

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2023 MassMutual Center, Springfield, MA

150+ TABLES

ADMISSION: $10

10 & under - FREE @NECARDSHOW

The LARGEST sports card and memorabilia show in Southern New England!

MEDIA PARTNER Come to the show for a chance to win an exclusive Meet & Greet with NFL Hall of Fame Great LAWRENCE TAYLOR!

reminder publishing

NECARDSHOW@GMAIL.COM • TEXT/CALL 860-819-4343 FOR INFORMATION GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 31

Old Country Banquets/Amelies, LLC; 3.75 in; 5 in; 00066855

1 Allen Hampden House Cafe; 3.75 in; 3.25 in; St. Hampden, MA 00066928 (413) 566-8324

di Hampden House

The Greenhouse Banquet Facility Is Available for Your Private Function

We Also Offer Two Private Dining Spaces at Any Time.

Open for Lunch Friday thru Sunday Half Price Pizza Monday Night in Our Lounge

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Award-Winning Pierogi, Kielbasa, Kapusta, Golabki.

Sauerkraut, Golabki-Stuffed Cabbage, and Cabbage Soup.

Polish food is sold hot or packaged to reheat at home.

Order online, call or walk in.

Limited seating is available at our deli counter.

Friday & Saturday Nights

See our website for our Banquet & Catering Menu

BBQ Smoke House & Polish Delicatessen

lacucinahampden.com Lounge Open & Pizza 7 Days

Mon.-Thurs. 3pm-9pm | Fri.-Sat. 11:30am-10pm | Sun. 11:30am-9pm

BAR OPEN LATE

FRESHLY SMOKED DAILY! Brisket, Burnt Ends, Pulled Pork, BBQ Chicken, Ribs, Burgers and a variety of side dishes.

Huge selection of grinders!

Smoke House & Deli Hours: Tues-Sat 10-6 | Sun 10-2

PierogiQueen.com | SmokeBBQCafe.com OldCountryBanquets.com 4 Alden Ave, Enfield, CT • 860-745-5390 ext. 3

Level Up Your Celebration with the Fine Art of Charcuterie Sliced Delights; 3.75 in; 3.25 in; 00065857 BEAUTIFUL CHARCUTERIE FOR ANY OCCASION

ORDER EARLY FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

GOURMET CHARCUTERIE & CHEESE BOARDS Serving all of Hartford County and parts of Tolland County

Windsor Locks, CT (860) 729.4449 info@sliceddelights.com sliced_delights Sliced Delights, LLC

OPEN - 1/6; 3.75 in; 3.25 in;

32 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2023

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 33

! MIASHA LEE NATE BLAIS

Cupcakes & Confections

by Jana

L

ast year, Ware resident Jana Hayden was working as a breakfast and lunch line cook at a restaurant while her home bakery, Cupcakes & Confections by Jana was taking off. Now, she’s quit her job to bake full-time, focusing solely on her business.

“I left my job in May 2022,” Hayden said. “Working at a restaurant became too much and I was becoming so busy with my business. It was also better for my health as a whole, to work for myself instead of putting all of my energy into someone else’s business.”

Cupcakes & Confections by Jana is a licensed residential bakery on Church Street specializing in custom cakes, cupcakes and dipped confections. Hayden also offers cookies, pies and a variety of other items.

Before she began her business, Hayden shared that she was at a dark point in her life. She was going through a separation from marriage and had three small children.

She explained she got to a point where she almost wasn’t leaving her house. One night a commercial came on the TV and it was someone cooking and decorating a cake.

Hayden thought to herself that maybe making people

34 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2023

happy with food will help her feel happy again.

She went to Lincoln Culinary Institute in Connecticut, interned at the UMass Bake Shop in Amherst and worked in different restaurants doing weddings and banquets. It wasn’t until five years ago that Hayden found just how much she really enjoys bringing happiness to other people with cakes. She got her license and started Cupcakes & Confections to see where it would go.

In 2022, Hayden placed third place for Best Bakery in the Valley Advocate, second place for Best Local Cupcake in the Daily Hampshire Gazette and in 2023 she won Best Local Cupcake in the Daily Hampshire Gazette. “I cried,” Hayden explained. “I didn’t expect to ever be on the list at all and to actually win it took my breath away. I didn’t get into this to be in the spotlight. I got into it to bring smiles to people. This all actually started because of the timing of a commercial on the television for a culinary school.”

She continued, “I love seeing people smile. When I hand a customer their cake, their whole face lights up and then they send me a picture of whoever the cake was for, and their faces lit up. That’s what keeps me going. If I can

make someone’s day a little bit better with just a cake, I’ll do it.”

Hayden is collaborating with Ware Library, Deep Roots Distillery USA in Fiskdale, and Josh’s Place in Southbridge. She also participates in events regularly at Hardwick Vineyard & Winery. Hayden joined Icing Smiles, Inc., and had her first call to action in September. Icing Smiles is a nonprofit organization that provides custom celebration cakes and treats to sick children and their families. Hayden made a two-tier pink and purple cake for a memorial gathering of a little girl who passed away from cancer. The bottom tier had a picture of the girl on a rocking unicorn and the top tier was a unicorn with a sparkly horn.

“Baking saved my life,” said Hayden. “I was able to find myself again. My journey didn’t start with a sentimental story of baking with a grandparent or parent. It started from struggle, and baking is what pulled me from that dark place.” She continued, “Now that I have found

myself, I know who I am and what my purpose is. Find what you love. It will come with a lot of trial and errors, and you might fall a lot but it’s out there and once you find it, hang on to it and never stop fighting for it.”

The top cake flavor she offers is the Chocolate Peanut Butter Blast, a chocolate cake with peanut butter buttercream, Reese’s and chocolate drizzle. Hayden has also added dog cakes to her repertoire which have become very popular.

In November, Hayden is offering apple spice, maple bacon, and carrot cakes, Dutch apple, pecan and pumpkin pies, cake truffles, a variety of cookies, pumpkin bread, apple cinnamon bread and garlic cheddar beer bread.

EMAIL CUPCAKES & CONFECTIONS BY JANA AT CUPCAKESCONFECTIONS@ AOL.COM OR CALL 413-461-5085. ORDERS CAN BE MADE THROUGH MESSENGER OR TEXT MESSAGES ANY TIME OF THE DAY. ORDERS BY PHONE CALL FROM 9 A.M.-6 P.M. HAYDEN DOES NOT OFFER WALK-IN SERVICES. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 35

FALL HYDRANGEA

Re-blooming varieties of Hydrangea can produce blooms into the fall, so they can continue to add beauty in autumn with their blossoms.

LISA NOLAN

36 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2023

we are local.

Darly’s Boutique and Much More LLC

Holiday Shopping?

Start HERE! Clothing & Accessories, Jewelry, Decor, Gifts, and so much more!!

287 Hazard Ave • Enfield, CT • 860-835-5725

Darly’s Boutique and Much More

Happy Thanksgiving from

SINCE 1993

darlysboutique3@gmail.com

TAKING CARE OF YOUR BODY, MIND & SPIRIT

In-Studio classes and/or Zoom Livestream from home

Classes Daily, Nights & Weekends Strength, Balance, Flexibility Stress Reduction & Inner Peace

www.heartsongyoga.com 413-525-0720 65 Hazard Ave. (Rte. 190) • Enfield, CT • 860-745-1111 • 1-800-466-2503 • www.familyfordinc.com

264 N. Main Street East Longmeadow, MA

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 37

LOCAL EINSTEIN

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

WHAT TYPE OF MEAT WAS MOST LIKELY SERVED AT THE FIRST THANKSGIVING?

WHAT IS THE ONLY SEA WITHOUT ANY COASTS?

[A] Buffalo [B] Venison [C] Turkey [D] Chicken

[A] Sargasso Sea [B] Adriatic Sea [C] Celebes Sea [D] Dead Sea

WHAT YEAR WAS THE FIRST BOTTLED COCA-COLA SOLD?

ABOUT WHEN DID DINOSAURS BECOME EXTINCT?

[A] 1886 [B] 1894 [C] 1921 [D] 1955

[A] 7 million years ago [B] 66 million years ago [C] 100 million years ago [D] 2 billion years ago

WHAT WAS THE VERY FIRST PERSONAL COMPUTER?

LADY GAGA GOT HER STAGE NAME FROM A SONG BY WHICH GROUP?

[A] Apple 1 [B] Commodore Pet [C] Kenbak-1 [D] TRS-80

[A] Depeche Mode [B] Beatles [C] Village People [D] Queen

WHAT ARE THE NAMES OF MARGE SIMPSON’S CYNICAL SISTERS IN THE SIMPSONS?

WHAT WAS THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS BASED ON? [A] A novel [B] A magazine article [C] A documentary [D] A short story IQ

RANK

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

160 110 50 3

Prodigy Egghead Meh Simpleton

ANSWERS:

3)B 6)D 9)A

[A] Zion Williamson [B] Kobe Bryant [C] Luca Doncic [D] LeBron James

# CORRECT

2)A 5)C 8)B

WHO WAS THE FIRST TEENAGER IN NBA HISTORY TO SCORE 20+ POINTS IN 10 CONSECUTIVE GAMES?

1)B 4)B 7)A

[A] Patty & Selma [B] Marty & Thelma [C] Margaret & Betty [D] Betty & Thelma

Ronald McDonald House; 7.625 in; 2.25 in; 00066946

PRESENTED BY

3rd Annual Trees of Hope November 4 - 17, 2023

150 Whiting Farms Road, Holyoke, MA

FUN EVENT FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! Supporting the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield

Featuring beautiful holiday displays and dream gifts donated and sponsored by individuals, local businesses and community organizations. Raffle tickets are sold for $1 each and attendees can distribute their tickets towards the displays they would like to win!

38 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2023

The Final Countdown All images pictured courtesy of iStock - please visit these shops to see what they have to offer.

7 local gift shops to visit to start your holiday shopping!

TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES

COUNTRY COLONIAL SHOP

Ten Thousand Villages is one of the largest and oldest fair trade organizations. Here you will find accessories, kitchen gadgets, bath products, stationery, wellness products, and everything in between.

Country Colonial is filled with just about everything. They have everything you need for gifting, home decor, and chic furniture pieces. They carry a variety of brand-name handbags, jewelry, and clothing items as well.

HILLTOWN CHIC

SALMON BROOK SHOPS

82 MAIN ST, NORTHAMPTON, MA ​​(413) 582-9338 ​​TENTHOUSANDVILLAGES.COM

24 SCHOOL ST, WESTFIELD, MA (413) 337-3744 HILLTOWNCHIC.COM

Hilltown Chic is full of cute gifts and home decor. It’s a great place to find fun gifts for friends and family. Check out their website to view the gallery of items available including custom signs, candles, decorative pillows, and totes.

KARENOUGHCRAFTS & BOUTIQUE 11 HIGH ST SUITE 104, SUFFIELD, CT (860) 836-1326 KARENOUGHCRAFTS.COM

Karenoughcrafts and Boutique has something for everyone. Most items in the shop are handmade by local artists. Shop cards, jewelry, essential oils, decor, and more. They even offer workshops and classes!

THE WATER’S FINE GOODS & COFFEE

20 COTTAGE ST, EASTHAMPTON, MA (413) 203-5447 INSTAGRAM.COM/THEWATERSFINEGOODSANDCOFFEE The Water’s Fine Goods & Coffee offers a unique experience for shoppers. Visit this modern general store and cafe and shop for local and fair trade goods and gifts. It’s the perfect place to shop for unique items.

480 COLLEGE HWY, SOUTHWICK, MA (413) 569-5497 FACEBOOK.COM/COUNTRYCOLONIALSHOP

563 SALMON BROOK ST, GRANBY, CT (860) 653-6587 FACEBOOK.COM/SALMONBROOKSHOPS Salmon Brook Shops has over 25 vendors with plenty of goods to shop for. Shop a variety of antique items, collectibles, furniture, artisan goods, and more.

COOLEY & COMPANY 66 GRANBY RD, GRANVILLE, MA (413) 231-2143

Make sure to stop by Cooley and Company before they close for the season! They are open from Labor Day through Christmas.

Shop unique, one-of-a-kind goods made by local artists. Everything in the shop is handmade including pottery, aprons, hair accessories, jewelry, toys, and more!

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 39

BIG Y

(em inv.); 7.625 in; 10.12 in; 00059495