GO LOCAL APRIL 2022

April 2022 Volume 8 . Issue 5 golocalmagazines.com

Spring is in the air

The Growth Co. in Enfield, CT Anthony's Restaurant & Pizzeria Great food, No Compromises

Golf Guide

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Area courses, tips & tricks and virtual golf

2 GO LOCAL APRIL 2022

new this month APRIL 2022 . VOLUME 8 . ISSUE 5

SPRING IS IN THE AIR The Growth Co. is both a florist and garden center. The family-owned business at 167 Hazard Ave. in Enfield is a fullservice florist business inside and a garden center outside.

Owner Tony Scussel said it is the best of both worlds for their customers, offering yearround flowers of all kinds.

13

6

A NOTE

13

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

19

GREAT FOOD, NO COMPROMISE.

From The Editor The Growth Co. Florist & Garden Center Anthony's Restaurant and Pizzeria

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APRIL 2022 . VOLUME 8 . ISSUE 4

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a note

FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR . G. MICHAEL DOBBS

According to the calendar, it’s spring. Now, we know in New England, “spring” can be a relative term. While the name of the season denotes, longer days, warmer temperatures, and the renewal of life, we also know the threat of a snowstorm can go straight into April.

My family once rented a house in Hadley in 1963 through 1965 and it came with space for a vegetable garden. Our landlord helped run a dairy farm with his brother and he had an extensive garden. He maintained that one shouldn’t plant anything until Memorial Day to make sure there would be no surprise freeze.

That sort seemed silly to me as a kid, but let’s face it: weather can be unpredictable here.

This is the time of the year when I start thinking about our backyard garden. Since my parents always planted a garden if they could, I’m wired to think like that.

My parents in the mid-1960s became true believers in organic gardening and in fact Organic Gardening magazine was a reading staple in our household.

Gardening gave me the opportunity of learning a lot about from where our food came and the labor that goes into raising food – valuable lessons for everyone.

When my parents would plant our vegetable garden, they would put a Hot Kap over every seedling. A Hot Kap was a mini greenhouse designed for one plant. Made out of wax paper, you anchor it with a ring of soil at its base. I’m happy to report they are still being made and I intend to order a bunch online.

Insecticides were something to be avoided and we tried natural alternatives.

Sometimes they worked and sometimes they didn’t. We also dusted some plants the rabbits liked a lot with garlic or onion powder. The trouble with that is the dew would wash off the powder and one would have to reapply the powder all the time.

Naturally if a rabbit liked onion or garlic flavor there would be a real issue.

My folks did not like using chemical fertilizers as well. Since we had chickens, goats, and cows, among other beasts, there was no shortage of natural alternative. I cleaned out the barn innumerable times and the straw and manure, once rotted, went straight onto the gardens.

One had to be careful not to put “fresh” manure on plants as the nitrogen could burn them.

While I understood the need to weed, it was not my favorite activity and I soon learned what were my least favorite chores: picking strawberries.

We had a strawberry bed and one had to be careful where you put your feet and how you stood. Even as a teen who was in fairly good shape, I dreaded the bent over positions one had to maintain to harvest the berries.

Give me the chore of cleaning out the stalls instead. That was far preferable to picking strawberries!

I’m sure many readers of Go Local have seen the many features the magazine has featured of local garden centers and nurseries. Buying locally raised plants for your landscaping or vegetable garden is not only a good thing, making that purchase gives you the chance of speaking with people who truly know horticulture.

Start thinking about what you’d like to plant, plan out your space and seek out guidance from a local garden center. As a kid I just thought of it as work. Now, I see it as therapy.

- G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor

Please note: In the March 2022 edition of Go Local Magazine, Scantic Valley CSA was incorrectly listed as offering CSA Shares. Scantic Valley CSA and Pomeroy's Vegetable Farm do not currently offer CSA shares. We apologize for this error.

6 GO LOCAL APRIL 2022

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pring S T

he Growth Co. is both a florist and garden

center.

The family-owned business at 167 Hazard Ave. in Enfield is a full-service florist business inside and a garden center outside.

Owner Tony Scussel said it is the best of both worlds for their customers, offering year-round flowers of all kinds.

“We are very seasonal,” he said, “with May and December being our busiest months.”

In December, the business is three-fold: holiday decorations, Christmas trees and flower deliveries.

“We started out trying to sell just 10 Christmas trees and that turned into 20 and before we knew it, we were selling 400,” Tony said. “But our biggest time is spring and Mother’s Day.” With Easter and Mother’s Day so close this year, Tony expects The Growth Co. will be extra busy, especially with more and more people growing their own vegetables. He said since COVID-19, more customers than ever have taken to their gardens.

“A lot of people were home more and were able to spend time on their gardens and wanted their homes to look beautiful,” he said. “And a lot of people began growing vegetables.”

With food prices climbing, Tony said he expects the need for starter vegetables will soar this year.

“A lot of people are getting seeds, too, and building small hothouses in their yards.”

The Growth Co. has everything for home gardeners to make their own “garden to table” meals. From seeds to starters, they have numerous vegetables and herbs as well as flowers, shrubs and more.

“Hanging baskets are always popular,” Tony added.

! HOPE TREMBLAY  NATE BLAIS

air

is in the

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 13

“For Easter we will have bulbs, hyacinths and daffodils and then we will go right into Mother’s Day with hanging baskets and a variety of plants.”

The Growth Co. has something for every season, including pumpkins and mums in fall and their popular metal garden art pieces.

“We started with the painted metal pieces 11 years ago,” said Tony. “We go to Laredo, Texas and bring back chimineas, plant stands and these beautiful painted metal pieces that people love.”

The Growth Co. evolved from a string of flower shops started in 1976 when Anthony Scussel opened one flower shop with a business partner in a mall.

Anthony had been a floral designer at the Stafford Conservatory who wanted to do something of his own. The mall-florist formula worked and he and his partner eventually had eight locations. When Anthony again wanted to do something different, he and his partner split the business and Anthony branched out into the garden center.

Anthony’s wife Roseann helped with the business and their son Tony became their partner, but reluctantly at first.

“I went to college for business and I wanted nothing to do with the flower business,” said Tony. “I still remember the day it happened.”

Tony recalled a freezing cold day when his father needed help selling Christmas trees.

14 GO LOCAL APRIL 2022

“I did not want to help,” said Tony, who had the idea to sell plants at flea markets to make extra money to buy his first house after he was married. He planned to sell plants and bring anything leftover to his parent’s shop. But that Christmas changed his plans.

That cold day led Tony on his destined path in the family business.

“It was Christmas trees and Beanie Babies,” he said. “That spring I helped out a bit more and we were introduced to Beanie Babies and they took off and dad needed me fulltime.”

That was 1995 and he is now a partner, running the daily business alongside his father.

“He is 79 and still comes to work every day,” said Tony. “My mom is younger – 78 – and doesn’t come in as often.”

Tony’s nephew William Haag had a similar, accidental path.

“His mom asked if he could come work for a few weeks one summer and he never left,” Tony recalled. “That was 14 years ago.”

Together, the family meets the needs of their customers, whether they need a simple bouquet delivered, extravagant floral wedding pieces or tomato plants and hosta.

The Growth Co., 167 Hazard Ave. in Enfield, is open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 15

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Great food, no compromise.

T

hat is the motto at Anthony’s Restaurant and Pizzeria in Enfield. Owner Dimitrios Patetsos immigrated here from Greece in 1986 at age 18, bringing with him a love of the traditions of his first home and a commitment to great, fresh food.

Today, Patetsos says America – and Enfield in particular – is his home, but he still honors his Greek traditions with his food.

“It’s in my blood,” he said, but admitted cooking wasn’t his intended career path.

“I studied electrical engineering,” said Patetsos.

“In Greece, I started working at a tavern at a young age though.”

He received offers to work as an electrical engineer, but he kept going back to his love of cooking. And, he said, he loves it all.

The menu at Anthony’s reflects Patetsos’ love of food and cooking with its varied options, including seafood.

“I love all seafood,” he said. “I grew up on a Greek island and ate a lot of fresh seafood -- it’s my favorite.”

Anthony’s menu is filled with seafood options, from the “extra jumbo” shrimp cocktail to sea scallops, clams, fish entrees and more.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 19

“But we also have the best pizza in town,” Patetsos added.

What sets Anthony’s apart from other restaurants is the freshness of its food.

“Nothing is frozen, not even our burgers” said Patetsos. “We make everything from scratch right here.”

Patetsos starts his day early, preparing everything he may need for the day, including

“Nothing is frozen, not even our burgers” said Patetsos.

“We make everything from scratch right here.”

his famous homemade soups and creamy garlic salad dressing.

“Many people have said we should bottle the dressing and sell it, but I said I want people to come in to eat it with my food,” he joked.

Anthony’s Restaurant and Pizzeria not only offers some of the tastes of Greece, but the 20 GO LOCAL APRIL 2022

atmosphere as well. Large paintings of the Greek seaside adorn the walls and a large outdoor seating can accommodate 60 guests.

Inside, there is seating for 95 guests and a staff of 28 provides great service and great food.

Patetsos began learning about Greek cooking at home as a child, then in the Greek tavern where he worked as a teenager. Before opening Anthony’s, he managed a pizza restaurant.

He opened his own restaurant with help from his wife, Nora, who passed away six years ago.

Patetsos opened Anthony’s – named for their son and his father – in May 2021.

As the one-year anniversary of Anthony’s approaches, Patetsos said life is pretty good, although he misses his wife. His son Anthony is in college and has a bright future. Time will tell whether or not he will find his passion in food like his father.

“I’m 80 percent Greek and 20 percent Italian, so it’s in my blood,” Patetsos said.

Anthony’s Restaurant and Pizzeria 74 Palombo Dr., Enfield, open Sunday – Wednesday 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. and 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Thursday – Saturday.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 21

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A change agent, O’Neil’s House leadership was not limited to Vietnam. He changed the process of House committee and subcommittee assignments in a way that helped advance leadership opportunities for women House members. This laid the foundation for 125 women serving in the House today, or 28% of the House membership, making it a more inclusive body.

O’Neill’s House leadership tenure was characterized by bipartisan consensus and coalition building. Unlike the bullying and toxic absence of decorum which characterizes the House today, in O’Neill’s leadership era, compromise was governing, and integrity mattered.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS BOOK?

I had always wanted to write a book about Tip O’Neill leading the House to end the Vietnam War when he was Majority Whip.

Much has been written about Speaker O’Neill opposing President Reagan’s budget cuts which hurt working men and women; very little has been written about O’Neill when he first served in House leadership. It was where he honed the impressive political skills from his experience as the first Democratic Speaker of the MA House that made him a legislative titan as Speaker of the U. S. House. I worked for him, first as his legislative assistant and eventually Assistant Counsel, and was a participant and witness who knew all the players identified in the story.

HOW HAVE READERS RESPONDED TO BOOK SO FAR?

“Lay It on the Table is not only an extremely well documented firsthand account, but also a refreshed review of how important public policy and procedural issues were considered by the U.S. House of Representatives 50 years ago. How different the legislative process is today. This book is an important piece of history of public policymaking. Kudos to Linda Melconian.”-Kip O’Neill, Son of Tip O’Neill

“The reader will be treated to a firsthand account of Democratic Party Caucus proceedings not open to public and press until 1975 and for several Congresses thereafter. It represents a candid portrayal of the impact of party procedure and strategy on committee and House legislative actions.”

- Charles W. Johnson, Former U.S. House Parliamentarian “Melconian’s historical narrative more than accurately captures the spirit of the legislative process as it existed some 50 years ago. Oh that we could return to this form of civil discourse and bipartisan legislative debate.”

- Sally S. Donner, Former Staff Director to Rep. Silvio Conte (R-MA) “Linda Melconian provides a page-turning insider's view of the politics of Congress. Anyone interested in the period of Tip O'Neill's leadership will find this informative and fascinating. As Speaker of the House, O'Neill helped change hearts and minds. This chronicle is a primer in political leadership during times of crisis. Melconian provides an insider's view and provides new information about the man, the times and the complexities of the congressional process. A good read, and worth adding to your collection of modern American history.”

- Joseph Carvalho III, co-editor of the Springfield Republican Heritage Book division.

“This book is very interesting. It provides an inside look at the goings on in Washington DC during this time frame. I very much enjoyed the details and first hand observation into the political world she has given us via this book. Quite impressive and I feel that especially at this point in time, this read is very valuable to the reader. I strongly suggest and recommend this book!” -- Amazon Customer

HOW CAN PEOPLE PURCHASE THIS BOOK?

The book is available in E-Book and paperback on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MVCDYMN/ And currently available and distributed through Barnes and Noble (Holyoke), Porter Square Bookstore (Cambridge, MA) and Odyssey Bookstore (South Hadley).

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 23

iо at er

G xt e N e

e M in Loc S ior Living The Arbors Assisted Living’s 25th anniversary is on the horizon—but our story actually began in 1966, when our grandparents founded E.A. Gralia Construction. They built more than 5,500 housing units, as well as schools, hotels, nursing homes, and several elderly housing developments. Years later, our parents, the family business’ second generation, founded The Arbors Assisted Living Communities and took our company head-on into the emergent senior living industry.

The Arbors was one of the first assisted living communities in western Massachusetts.

We have since grown to ten communities throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.

As the third generation of our family business, we have expanded our communities in Massachusetts and created a brand specifically for Connecticut called The Ivy Assisted Living Communities. Additionally, we founded Integra Home Health in 2010—a private homecare agency serving Western Massachusetts and parts of Connecticut.

We were all born and raised in East Longmeadow and Longmeadow. And we all grew up in the business, working summers at our various properties doing landscaping, office work, and activities with the residents. Throughout college, we worked in every department of the business, learning the ins and outs of every aspect of what we do.

Our skills evolved over the years, and in 2016, our generation took the reins.

While assisted living has evolved over the years, we have held true to who we are.

We are Family. And we welcome our residents into that family, treat them like family, and give them a wonderful experience in their golden years. At The Arbors and Ivy, we offer assisted living, independent living, respite stays, and memory care support.

Our buildings are warm, inviting, and home-like. Each of our residents has their own private apartment with a full kitchenette, private bathroom, living room and bedroom.

Assisted living needs are diverse and vary from person to person, so each resident receives an individualized service care plan designed for them.

Our staff members are dedicated to meeting the individualized needs of each resident 24/7. We provide a variety of living options, amenities, assistance, services, dining options, social programs, and customized care.

We believe in creating an engaging, stimulating environment that benefits the mind, body, and soul of our residents. We promote a lifestyle of health and wellness, with programs that benefit brain health, physical fitness, and more. Our residents create friendships and find camaraderie, which provides a quality of life that they might not otherwise experience.

At The Arbors and Ivy, we also offer respite services for short-term or trial stays.

Whether you need a break from caregiving, need somewhere safe after a rehabilitation stay, or are just unsure if assisted living is right for you, we have fully furnished apartments that are move-in ready!

24 GO LOCAL APRIL 2022

Integra Home Health offers personal healthcare services for those who feel more comfortable staying at home, or for those who need additional support beyond the basic assisted living services. Integra’s staff can work alongside hospice agencies and also provide services to those in senior housing and nursing homes. Homecare is a wonderful solution to support family caregivers who are trying balancing their own lives. We provide transportation to doctor appointments, as well as companion services to keep someone company, spend quality time, reminisce, and play games. We also offer a variety of personal care and memory support services provided right in a clients’ own homes.

We have been on the other side of caregiving for loved ones and know how overwhelming and stressful it can be. Doing your research and comparing options is a key part of the process. Our website is a great resource filled with blogs, guides, and educational resources to answer any questions you may have. We are here to personally assist you through all aspects of the process.

Doing your research and comparing options is a key part of the process. Our website is a great resource filled with blogs, guides and educational resources to answer any questions you may have. Our communities have educated and experienced Marketing Directors to assist you through all aspects of the process.

After a lifetime spent in the family business and in the senior living industry, it feels we have seen and experienced it all.

Our goal is to use everything we have learned, along with our strong family values and determined work ethic, to help other families in need. Being there for your loved one in the late stages of their life is so important, but it looks different for each family. Whichever option your family chooses—whether staying at home with services or moving to an assisted living community—we are here for you.

The COVID-19 lockdown was especially hard on the elderly and their loved ones. Families being unable to see each other during such a critical time in life was hard to endure for both the residents and their loved ones. At times, it was absolutely heartbreaking. The pandemic has changed so much about our world and how we navigate it now. One thing that holds true is the fact that hard times are best endured in community with others.

Fifty-six years later, the passion our grandparents and parents had for this family business still carries strong through each one of us. We have dedicated our lives to perfecting this craft and we believe our love and dedication for what we do can be felt in our communities. We have not only solidified our company’s place in the ever-growing senior living industry, but we have also left our mark as the rare third generation of a family business. For that, we couldn’t be more proud.

THE ARBORS ASSISTED LIVING www.arborsassistedliving.com

THE IVY ASSISTED LIVING www.ivyassistedliving.com

INTEGRA HOME HEALTH www.integrahomrhealth.com

i T y

m a F Pictured Left To Right:

SARA ROBERTSON EMILY QUINN AMIE HANRAHAN GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 25

go local picks

COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR AND ONLINE!

SOMERS EDUCATION FOUNDATION FUNDRAISING EVENT SATURDAY, APRIL 30TH • 6:30-10:00PM JOANNA’S RESTAURANT • 145 MAIN ST, SOMERS, CT 06071 Enjoy an evening out for education! The Somers Education Foundation is excited to host its annual tasting event to support educational grants for the Somers school system. Join us to sample beer and and wine from local breweries and wineries like, Stafford Cidery, Worthington Pond Winery and Powder Hollow Brewery, to name a few. Local restaurants will also be showcasing delicious bites, all while live music entertains! Attending this fun event will mean supporting educational excellence, innovation, and opportunity within the Somers schools, by providing grants that expand students’ horizons beyond the usual classroom experience!

Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased at sefonline.org.

EGGSTRAVAGANZA

ZOO IN FOREST PARK AND EDUCATION CENTER SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2022 AT 10 AM – 4 PM 293 SUMNER AVENUE, SPRINGFIELD, MA

VENDOR FAIR ON THE LAWN MAPLE VIEW FARM SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2022 AT 12 PM – 4 PM 192 SALMON BROOK STREET, GRANBY, CT

Our annual Eggstravaganza is Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate the holiday weekend with a visit to The Zoo complete with animal encounters, free face painting and visits from some special friends! Children can hop along our Bunny Trail collecting goodies at each stop. Tickets: Pre-purchased tickets are required to attend this event. Please arrive within a 15-minute window of your ticket time. Children under the age of one are free to visit The Zoo, but in order to participate in the Bunny Trail a child ticket is required. Allergy-friendly options are available for children with allergies.

Join us and over 40 vendors for an afternoon of shopping. In addition to The Brewery offerings of Farm made beer, local wine, cider and spirits, we'll have our pizza/panini food truck all day. Pony rides 1-3pm and live music by John Mayock.

For more info visit: www.forestparkzoo.org/eggs

For more info visit: www.mapleviewhorsefarm.com

26 GO LOCAL APRIL 2022

Founded in 1950, the farm has over time been a dairy, provided pony rides, and today continues to board horses, offer horseback riding lessons and summer sessions to kids, and provide food for their neighbors through the Farm Store.

1 Allen St. Hampden, MA

413-566-8324 di Hampden House

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT IS BACK!

VINTAGE CARS

& HOT RODS

FABRICATION RESTORATION

MAINTENANCE REPAIRS

Family Owned.

Fine Tuned.

Friday & Saturday Nights

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

The Greenhouse Banquet Facility is available for Your Private Function

Reserve Now for Easter – Sunday, April 17 See our website for our Banquet & Catering Menu

lacucinahampden.com Lounge Open & Pizza 7 Days

Mon -Thurs 3-9 | Fri - Sat 11:30-10:00 | Sun 11:30-9 | BAR OPEN LATE

We make sure it will BEE there when you want it!

WE have a passion for making a classic car run & look great!

Vintage & Hot Rod Restorations Mechanical Services • Mechanical Upgrades rossibrosvintagecarsandhotrods.com 34 West Street, Stafford Springs, CT

860-684-9229

AGAWAM PACK & SHIP

C

Alan R. Cohen, Richard A. Cohen,

417 Springfield Street, Agawam, MA Phone: 413.789.1023 | Fax: 413.789.1549

www.agawampackandship.com info@agawampackandship.com

S

ATING 20 YEAR LE EBR

Shipping, Packing, Mailbox Rental, Notary Public, Copy & Fax, Phone Accessories, Paper Shredding We Sell Nebo Lights Proprietors

Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 9-6 • Sat 10-2

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

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

BREAKFAST • LUNCH

HOMEMADE SOUPS, QUICHES & PIES

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

WE ARE OPEN – WITH EXPANDED INDOOR SEATING!

Stop in and see us! We have expanded our indoor dining area, so there’s plenty of room.

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

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

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 27

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

STAINED GLASS RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL RESTORATION • COMMISSIONS STUDIO CLASSES • SUPPLIES

Let Me Help You

BUY, SELL or INVEST

in Real Estate.

CHRIS Buendo

Realtor/Associate Partner Licensed in MA & CT

Want to sell your home or commercial property?

CALL ME TODAY FOR A

FREE MARKET ANALYSIS

413-575-9266

48 South Road, Somers, CT (860) 749-9010

CBuendo@Gmail.com www.ResultsBegin.com

Tue 10-5 • Thur 10-6:30 • Sat 10-3

Knitting Criations Yarn & Supplies for Knitting & Crochet Fibers for Spinning Lessons, Commissions & Finishing

Stepping through helps reduce slip and fall accidents

Knit ...

Relax ...

Laugh ...

We can also install: • More affordable than walk-in tubs!

• Curved Shower Rod • Hand-Held Shower Head • We install Easy Step into your existing tub – • Slip Resistant Surface No expensive remodeling!

Learn more at: MiracleMethod.com/easystep

One coupon per order through 5/31/22 • Valid at participating locations only.

33 Grattan St. Chicopee, MA

Each Miracle Method franchise is independently owned and operated.

413-589-0769

miraclemethod.com

60 Springfield Rd. (Rt. 83) Somers, CT • 860-749-4005

www.knittingcriations.com

HOURS: Tues-Wed 10-6 • Thur-Sat 10-4 • Closed Sun & Mon

The

Growth Company

167 Hazard Ave, Enfield, CT•(860) 749-9237•(800) 594-9516 Now Visit Us Online at www.thegrowthco.com “WE DELIVER LOCALLY AND WORLDWIDE”

Easter Decorations

Easter Lilies • Spring Flowers

5 OFF

$

any purchase of $30 or more Excludes fresh flowers. Expires 4/30/22

28 GO LOCAL APRIL 2022

! KEITH O'CONNOR  NATE BLAIS

The art of

Restoration P

aul Rossi of Rossi Bros. is the proud owner of a 1979 Ford F-150 pickup truck.

“The truck arrived at my business in a roll off dumpster completely disassembled.

It was an enormous project that required nearly 700 hours of work involving research, parts collection, fabrication, restoration, and painting,” Rossi said, who is owner and founder of Rossi Bros.

But it was all worth it.

Following endless hours of meticulous restoration, he entered his prized possession in local competitions and earned two “Best Truck” prizes.

Today, after doing mostly collision repair and restoring a few older cars here and there, Rossi has turned his attention at Rossi Bros. to doing what he really loves, working on classic cars and hot rods. “Family owned. Fine Tuned.” is their motto at the Stafford Springs shop where he offers quality auto restoration, fabrication, maintenance, and repair services.

“I have a passion for the classics, and I enjoy

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 29

a challenge. I love seeing the results, especially when I see the smile on an owner’s face after the job is done,” Rossi said about his restoration efforts.

From working on a 1939 Ford Coupe to a 1960 Austin-Healey and from a 1964 Corvette convertible to even a Model-A Ford truck dating back to the 1920s - as they say, “no job is too big or too small” at Rossi Bros.

He bought his first car at the age of 16, sparking his early interest in auto repairs.

“It was a blue 71 Mustang Fastback. It needed some repairs, so I took out the engine and put it back together, completed some rust repair, and gave it a new paint job,” Rossi said.

Rossi, who has worked on automobiles since 1979, noted "taking things apart is nothing new" for him.

“I’ve always had an interest in fixing things… taking them apart and putting them back together.

After rebuilding the engine, I was proud of my accomplishment and it gave me confidence to do more,” he said.

Rossi got his first job working on cars at Colonial Auto Body in Somers, CT. “Michael Bachiochi, who owned the body shop, taught me well. With him as my mentor, I developed and honed my skills in body work,” Rossi said.

He went on to continue his auto body endeavors at several other local shops, managing at two locations, prior to opening his own business, Hometown Collision, in 1998.

“Growing up with my parents running a family business, along with the guidance from my father, Roger Rossi, I had the confidence to open up my own business,” Rossi said.

He later founded Rossi Bros. with his brother, Peter Rossi, in 2004. The brothers shared the building. They worked separately with Paul doing auto bodywork and Peter using his talents on signs and lettering.

Rossi has more than 43 years of experience in auto services, including precise auto painting, clean restoration and repairs and detailed fabrication.

He also has countless hours of experience working with collision repairs. His new focus on restoration involves mechanical restoration and upgrades including brakes, performance engines, steering, suspensions and drive trains.

“It’s an art,” Rossi said about working on vintage cars and hot rods.

“I enjoy the challenge of bringing these older cars back to life and looking better than new,” he added.

While the pandemic has disrupted many supply 30 GO LOCAL APRIL 2022

chains, including automotive parts, the challenge of finding older parts is even greater.

“The pandemic made searching for car parts even more difficult than before. Finding parts for these classic cars was already complicated because some of the parts are no longer produced. So, you have to try and find someone who sells older parts and hope they have the ones you need. Right now, I have an auto supplier getting me parts from Italy for a Fiat I am in the process of restoring,” Rossi said.

Rossi noted there is “something to be said” about the automobiles of yesteryear.

“For one thing the metal was twice as thick, so they were pretty rugged. Also, the bumpers were made of steel compared to plastic today. And there were no computers back then, so there were fewer issues to deal with,” he said.

Owners can tell if their car is antique, classic, or vintage by the year it was manufactured. A vintage car was manufactured between 1919 and 1930, an antique car is greater than 45 years old, and was manufactured in 1975 or earlier. A classic car is greater than 20 years old and was manufactured in 2000 or earlier. Also, a hot rod is an automobile (including pickups and SUVs) that has been rebuilt or modified to increase its speed, allow it to handle better, and look and sound better.

The most difficult and challenging restoration Rossi has undertaken was on a 1941 Buick Convertible.

“I began restoring the car with it in two separate pieces. I had to rebuild the car, part by part, completing bodywork and painting. It was especially challenging because I had to build the center section to complete the two halves,” he said.

Rossi, who does all the bodywork, also employs Roy Houle, a skilled mechanic with 44 years of experience.

“Here at Rossi Bros. we can assure quality work.

I am thankful for all of my past, current, and future customers,” he said.

Rossi Bros. is located on 34 West St. in Stafford Springs, CT. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 860-684-9229 or email paul.rossibros@gmail.com.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 31

PROMS ARE ON!!!!!

In stock BRAND NEW designer GOWNS Bridal, Prom & Special Occasion at HALF PRICE Sizes 0-30!

chapeldresses.com

Hours: Wed & Thur 12pm-7pm Fri & Sat 10am-5pm Bridal by appointment Mon-Sat

555 Enfield Street • Enfield, CT (just a mile off the Rt-91 exit) 860-265-2011

BACHER CORPORATION For All Your Grounds Maintenance Needs

7 THOMPSON RD, EAST WINDSOR, CT • 860-627-5924

www.bachercorporation.com

32 GO LOCAL APRIL 2022

Free 30% OFF First 30 Days

• Built in Discounts • All Battison’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.BATTISONS.com SmokeRestore@cs.com GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 33

Garden Designs byJacqueline Professional Gardening Services At Garden Designs by Jacqueline, since 2005, we have been providing quality garden/landscape services.

We treat our customers’ gardens as if they are our own.

We Specialize In Quality Bed Maintenance Services, Offering a 3-6 Week Service Program Our Quality Services: Custom Design, Weeding Of Beds, Plant Care: Hand Pruning, Dead-Heading/Annuals & Perennials, Perennial Cutback, Dividing/Transplanting, Planting, Edging/Mulching, Container Design & Maintenance, Spring and Fall Cleanups, and If You Are Going On Vacation We ‘Plant Sit’ and Take Care Of All Your Gardening Needs.

413-262-0402 • Ludlow, MA • gardendesignsbyjacqueline.com

EYEWEAR AND EXAMS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

NOW OPEN!

Visit us at our NEWEST location!

IN ELLINGTON

175 West Rd, Suite 16 Meadowbrook Plaza, Ellington, CT 860-454-4841

HOURS: Mon 12–7pm • Tues, Thur & Fri 9–5 Wed Closed • Sat 10-2

eyeglassplace-ngtn.com 34 GO LOCAL APRIL 2022

AdvertisingSales JOIN THE FASTEST GROWING COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER COMPANY IN WESTERN MASS! We want to add to our Sales Team Today!

• Full Time – 40 Hours per week • Salary Plus Commission Plan • Healthcare Benefits • Auto Allowance • Vacation/Personal Days Sell advertising in 10 and soon to be 12 Community Newspapers. Award winning magazines Go Local and PRIME and several specialty publications.

Local print is not dead and we have a real live Sales Team to prove it. Come join the excitement!

Send your resume to

BPerry@TheReminder.com 413.788.9350

280 NORTH MAIN STREET, EAST LONGMEADOW, MA • 181 ROOT ROAD, WESTFIELD, MA

All-American Automotive Solution Center Car Rentals from

44

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95

per day Save time at the dealership.

Get preapproved financing, then get your vehicle!

Lube, Oil & Filter

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Up to 5 Qts. Non-Synthetic

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121A West Stafford Road, Stafford Springs, CT

BollesDodge.com GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 35

go eat

! RECIPE SUBMITTED BY NATHAN BLAIS

Strawberry Beignets

1 1/2 Cups Self Rising Flour 1-1 1/4 Cup Greek Yogurt 1/2 Cup Sugar 1 Cup Chopped Strawberries 2 Cups Oil, for Frying

Add all your ingredients together and use your hands to combine everything and form a dough. Once everything is fully combined dump onto a lightly floured surface and roll out dough roughly into the shape of a square. I was able to cut 16 beignets from this dough. Once oil is hot enough, between 325-350, fry for about 2 minutes total flipping throughout. Place them on a cooking rack and brush with honey water or cover in powdered sugar! Best served directly out of the fryer! Enjoy!

NATHAN BLAIS I’m a photographer from Springfield. I combined my love for cooking and photography and turned it into a career. Check out my instagram @nateblais!

36 GO LOCAL APRIL 2022

OPEN FOR THE SEASON! EASTER PLANTS LILIES | TULIPS | DAFFODILS

PANSIES | LETTUCE | CABBAGE | SEEDS KED RESTOC r fo

APRIL 13th

SPRING!

“Anything but Ordinary”

Check us out: • Miracle Cream • Handmade Soaps • Amish Gourmet Foods • Goat Soaps !

NEW • Bath Bombs • Soy Candles • Custom Gift Boxes • Party Favors

Largest Selection of CBD Products in the Area!

27 S. Main Street, E. Windsor, CT 860.370.5444 • cindyssoapcottage.net

REPAIRS

SALES & SERVICE

Brakes • TuneUps • Tires Struts, Ball Joints Engine & Transmission Swaps

We have reliable cars, trucks & SUV’s for nearly every budget

HOURS: Mon-Fri 9-5

For all your car needs!

& PAWN SHOP !!!CASH PAID!!!

Gold - Silver - Coins Costume Jewelry Cars & Trucks Heavy Equipment Lawn Mowers Motorcycles Dirt Bikes • ATVs

10% OFF LABOR ONLY

on any AUTO REPAIR with this ad

112 WEST STAFFORD RD, STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT

860-684-4400 GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 37

ENJOY A FRESH FARM SHARE! [JUNE-OCTOBER]

CELEBRATE OUR

10TH ANNIVERSARY Look great without the harmful rays of the sun or tanning beds.

It’s time to sign-up for the 2022 CSA Season!

Pick ups are weekly or can be delivered to 3 Farmers Markets!

See our website for more details!

Please Help Me Celebrate!

I am giving any current client that brings in 2 friends that are not currently a client of Luminous Glow a Koretrak Fitness Tracker! *Some restrictions may apply

46 Bailey Road, Enfield, CT (860) 763-FARM farmerb@easypickinsorchard.com Family Owned & Operated since 1951

LUMINOUS GLOW THE ULTIMATE ORG ANIC TANNING SALON

143E Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow, MA | luminousglow.net | 413-525-7500

Hop Into Pete’s Sweets Today!

OPEN YEAR ‘ROUND

Vinnie’s

Little Acre A Farm Market Store

7 DAYS A WEEK 9AM-7PM

Supporting Local Farmers Since 1953

Produce • Flowers • Plants • Deli • Grocery Annuals • Perennials • Herbs • Seasonal Items 2 North Main St • Windsor Locks, CT • 860.758.5083

32 Shaker Rd., East Longmeadow, MA 413.525.6062 | Petes-sweets.com

Hear the Sounds of Nature!

The Finest Hearing Care by Doctors of Audiology — SINCE 1984 —

200 North Main Street, North Building Suite 103, East Longmeadow, MA

413-525-7979 Susan Bankoski Chunyk Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

38 GO LOCAL APRIL 2022

hampdenhearing.com info@hampdenhearing.com

Jennifer Lundgren Garcia Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

local einstein

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

WHICH PRESIDENT HOSTED THE VERY FIRST WHITE HOUSE EASTER EGG ROLL?

HOW MANY DAYS IS PASSOVER?

[A] Abraham Lincoln [B] Rutherford B. Hayes [C] Ulysses S. Grant [D] Theodore Roosevelt WHO WAS THE FIRST MLB PLAYER TO PITCH A BALL OVER 100 MPH IN A GAME?

[A] 4 days [B] 6 days [C] 8 days [D] 10 days HOW MANY TOES DO MOST CATS HAVE?

[A] Roger Clemens [B] Dwight Gooden [C] Nolan Ryan [D] Tom Seaver

NAME THE STATE…

[A] 16 [B] 18 [C] 20 [D] 22 WHICH TWO COUNTRIES ARE LOCATED ON THE ISLAND OF HISPANIOLA? [A] Haiti & Curacao [B] St. Martin & Dominican Republic [C] Haiti & Dominican Republic [D] Curacao & St. Martin

[A] Georgia [B] Missouri [C] Illinois [D] Utah

[A] Aries [B] Taurus [C] Virgo [D] Cancer ROUGHLY HOW MANY EARTHS CAN FIT INSIDE THE SUN? [A] 300 [B] 3000 [C] 300,000 [D] 1,300,000

WHAT YEAR DID THE FIRST GENERATION IPHONE HIT THE US MARKET? [A] 2003 [B] 2005 [C] 2007 [D] 2009

# CORRECT

IQ

RANK

ANSWERS:

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

160 110 50 3

Prodigy Egghead Meh Simpleton

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

WHICH ZODIAC SIGN IS REPRESENTED BY THE RAM?

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 39

go Golf

POPULAR COURSES IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS AND NORTHERN CONNECTICUT

Golf Guide

Area courses, tips & tricks and virtual golf

G

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

In Massachusetts THE RANCH GOLF CLUB 65 Sunnyside Road • Southwick, MA theranchgolfclub.com Scorecard: Located at the foothills of the picturesque Berkshires, The Ranch Golf Club was voted in the top 50 of all Public Golf Courses in Golf World’s 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards and #4 Best Course You Can Play in MA as part of Golfweek’s Best in 2016.

Beyond the 18th hole, a full practice facility awaits golfers and the Ranch Pub House offers a relaxing dining experience.

FRANCONIA GOLF COURSE 619 Dwight Road • Springfield, MA https://vets-franconia-golf.com Scorecard: One of two Springfield Municipal Golf Courses, Franconia is an 18-hole public 40 GO LOCAL APRIL 2022

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

GREATHORSE 128 Wilbraham Road • Hampden, MA greathorse.com Scorecard: Named the #1 private club in Massachusetts by Northeast Golf, GreatHorse is a secluded, plush mountain retreat where beyond a top-notch golf experience, golfers and their families can enjoy a wide range of clubhouse amenities such as an outdoor pool, private spa, fitness center, golf simulators, tennis and platform tennis courts, and a restaurant and bar.

ST. ANNE COUNTRY CLUB 781 Shoemaker Lane • Feeding Hills, MA stannecc.com Scorecard: St. Anne Country Club is a semi-private course that measures 6,608 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 116 and a 70.8 USGA rating. The course features 4 sets of tees for different skills

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

COUNTRY CLUB OF WILBRAHAM 859 Stony Hill Road • Wilbraham, MA ccofwilbraham.com Scorecard: Country Club of Wilbraham is a semiprivate club that opened in 1927 as a 9-hole course designed by Willie Ogg, a professional golfer and club designer from Scotland. A back nine holes introduced in the spring of 2002 rolls through wooded terrain. Other features include a Juniors Program, pro shop and practice facilities. The Grille is open to the public to enjoy a meal or drinks on the patio.

In Connecticut CEDAR KNOB GOLF COURSE 446 Billings Road • Somers, CT cedarknobgolfcourse.com Scorecard: Designed by Geoffrey Cornish and built in 1963, the tall cedars lend a dramatic backdrop to most fairways that feature

numerous water hazards and tactically placed sand traps to challenge even the best of golfers. Cedar Knob also offers golf lessons through its pro shop and special membership packages. Players can end their round with a delicious meal or their favorite beer, beverage or snack in the Cedar Castle Restaurant.

GRASSMERE COUNTRY CLUB 130 Town Farm Road • Enfield, CT grassmerecountryclub.com Scorecard: Grassmere Country Club is a 9-hole public golf course offering golfers a challenging round with beautifully manicured greens and fairways, rambling brooks and a hilly terrain, as well as sand traps and natural grass bunkers that make for that special PGA feeling. Other features include pro shop, practice green, special membership packages, banquet facility and The Grill.

TOPSTONE GOLF COURSE 516 Griffin Road #A • South Windsor, CT topstonegc.com Scorecard: Great conditions including lush fairways and rolling hills await golfers at Topstone - an 18-hole, par 72 Championship golf course. Off the course, the clubhouse offers a fully-stocked golf shop, Grill Room and banquet facility. Topstone’s PGA Jr. League offers a scramble format that builds confidence and encourages sportsmanship among boys and girls of all skill levels.

ROLLING MEADOWS COUNTRY CLUB 76 Sadds Mill Road • Ellington, CT rollingmeadowscountryclub.com Scorecard: Rolling Meadows offers a challenging encounter for all golfers with its more than 30 sand traps, some tight fairways, and a par 3 where you must carry over water nearly the full length of the hole. The public course features a pro shop, multiple practice greens, youth golf camp, various membership packages, and The Tavern at the Meadows. The back nine features spectacular views of the imposing Berkshire mountain range rising in the distance.

COPPER HILL GOLF CLUB 20 Copper Hill Road • East Granby, CT copperhillgolf.com Scorecard: If 18 holes are just too much for you to play, Copper Hill Golf Club offers an invigorating 9-hole regulation length golf course to suit your needs. The public club also has an active youth golf program, PGA professional golf instruction, all grass driving range with 3,500 square foot practice green and bunker, season passes, banquet facility, The Grill at Copper Hill, and an 18-hole AFGL certified footgolf course. Growing in popularity, the sport is a combination of the games of soccer and golf where the goal is to get your regular size 5 soccer ball into a 21-inch foot golf cup.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 41

en Now Op for the Season!

Golf Center Rt. 83 - Somers, CT • 860-749-5868

Golf Park North Street - Enfield, CT • 860-763-4202

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE UPCOMING GOLF SEASON CALL US TODAY FOR OUR MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

42 GO LOCAL APRIL 2022

! CHRIS MIRACLE  SUBMITTED & ISTOCK

“I have a love for this game, and I feel blessed to do what I love,” Jen Sawka,

Director of Instruction at Cedar Knob Golf Course

T

eaching golf for over 20 years now since starting out at The Hartford Golf Club, Jen Sawka enters her second season as Director of Instruction at Cedar Knob Golf Course in Somers, Conn. She has found that fortunate balance in life, making her passion for golf also her career.

“I have a love for this game, and I feel blessed to do what I love,” Sawka said. “I started playing golf at an early age with my brothers, Steve and John, at Ellington Ridge Country Club. When I graduated from college, I was not sure what I wanted to do with my life. Thanks to my brother, John, and his guidance I decided to become an LPGA teaching and club professional.”

“I was fortunate to work with two amazing mentors, Mim and Gary Reynolds (at The Hartford Golf Club).

Gary was a founding member of The First Tee of Hartford and was inducted into the PGA Hall of Fame and has been instrumental in developing junior golf. The members and staff at The Hartford Golf Club treated me like family and I will always remember their inspiration

and guidance to be successful in life and in teaching golf.”

In 2008, Sawka began working as an assistant golf professional at the Longmeadow Country Club, where she began developing her skills as a coach.

“Longmeadow Country Club has a successful Junior League team. I was fortunate to develop many good relationships at LCC and I am thankful to have met so many wonderful people. Now it has come full circle and I am doing what I love working with my brother, Steve, who is the PGA Head Golf Professional at Cedar Knob. I am really looking forward to this summer. I am excited and fortunate to work with some great teachers and carry on the tradition of the Cedar Knob Junior Golf Camp.”

To help get ready for the new golf season, Sawka offers the following tips to swing into spring.

“As we swing into the start of the golf season in Connecticut, I would like to share some basic exercises to help you get ready to play your best on the golf course.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 43

These are the ABCs of golf exercises: Let’s start with A for Aim STEP 1 – Stand behind your golf ball and visualize an imaginary line through your ball to the target.

STEP 2 – Walk toward the ball to setup but do not take your eyes off the target.

STEP 3- Once the clubface is pointing directly at the target, look at the golf ball and make a swing.

Helpful Tip – Change your target line after every 5 swings.

Moving onto B for Balance

STEP 1 – This can be done without a golf ball, take a balanced stance with a golf club in hand.

STEP 2 – Close your eyes and make a swing, trying to stay balanced until the finish.

Helpful Tip- Check if you can hold a balanced finish for 3 seconds with your eyes closed.

Moving onto C for Commitment Finally let’s focus on making a practice swing that is committed to a free-flowing motion.

PRACTICE SWING EXERCISE - Start with your clubhead a few feet in front of your normal ball position, swing back in one simple motion by allowing everything to move back together with the clubhead (hands, arms, and shoulders) and then transition your forward swing to a freeflowing motion to the finish.

Please remember to keep things simple and have fun!

44 GO LOCAL APRIL 2022

! KEITH O'CONNOR  LEON NGUYEN

Flynt Lincoln Golf

Play your dream course anytime.

A

nxious to get back on the golf course now that spring has arrived?

Don't let April showers keep you from practicing your swing.

At Flynt Lincoln Golf in Springfield, Mass., golfing is always in-season where indoors you can play a game of virtual golf with a foursome of friends or fly solo, or even take a few lessons to improve your game.

“Indoor virtual golf has been growing over the last few years and during the off-season months it is a great way to tune up for the spring when courses open again,” said owner Flynt Lincoln.

Thanks to the advanced technology of the Trackman Virtual Golf simulator, once you swing and hit the ball, you will see it depicted right in front of you on a large 16' x 9' screen with realistic 3D graphics, such as trees and other course hazards like sand traps and ponds. And, if you are lucky, your ball might land right on the green where you putt to complete the hole.

You can play as many holes as you want, pricing is by the hour. The only things missing is the 19th GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 45

hole to enjoy some food and drink.

While you may not find your popular country club on the simulator, there are over 150 dream courses to choose from - world-famous courses like Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, PGA National and even a few New England courses like Wachusett, Miacomet, Falmouth Country Club and Shelter Harbor in Rhode Island.

“Golf is a great sport, especially for young players. Golf teaches them life skills from learning how to play fairly and follow the rules to being polite and considerate while on the course. And, you need to learn to control your emotions around other people because even the best players in the world hit terrible shots,” Lincoln said.

“Teaching is a real passion for me and has given me the opportunity to give back to the next generation of golfers, and help people of all ages have more fun playing,” he added.

When diagnosing someone's swing, accuracy matters.

Lincoln uses a TrackMan launch monitor that has dual radar to capture ball flight and club data. His latest acquisition is a 3D force plate called Swing Catalyst. This measures the golfer's horizontal, rotational and vertical ground reaction forces as well as pinpoints their balance and weight shift during the swing. All this info syncs up with two high speed cameras.

"Combining the visible with the invisible is a critical component to help speed the learning process. The result is more distance and accuracy.

Seeing is believing," he said.

Lincoln also offers other services such as club and putter fitting.

“Every golfer will benefit by using clubs that fit their height, strength and swing technique. And putting accounts for about 40% of your score.

Learning how to shave some strokes around the green can lead to a new career best,” he said.

Lincoln is a 14-time Club Champion at Longmeadow Country Club, a Massachusetts State Amateur Champion, 2-time Massachusetts State Father-Son Champion, Massachusetts State High School Champion, 4-time U.S. Amateur participant and Western Mass. Golf Hall of Fame inductee. He is a Certified Science and Motion Putting Instructor and Certified U.S. Kids Coach.

Flynt Lincoln Golf is located at 504 Cottage St. in Springfield and is open by appointment only. Book now by calling 413-237-4653. To view his full services, visit flyntlincolngolf.com.

46 GO LOCAL APRIL 2022

The Final Countdown

7 Local Antique Shops

Make your space new by adding a little something old.

Spring is the perfect time for a new look! Whether you’re an enthusiastic DIYer and love a project or don’t have a crafty bone in your body (or time for more projects), shop these local antique and vintage stores for unique gems with history.

THE VINTAGE CELLAR 11 BRIDGE ST., NORTHAMPTON 413-206-7143 HTTP://VINTAGECELLAR.SHOP/

Head to this multi-dealer shop for retro mid-century modern design, antiques and collectibles. Find refurbished furniture and décor or get your creative juices flowing and bring new life, or a new purpose, to something old. Their collection is wide and varied so be prepared to encounter the unexpected and keep your mind open for, creative ways to use previously loved items.

THE KEYSTONE BUILDING 122 PLEASANT ST., EASTHAMPTON 413-270-1074 WWW.THEVINTAGECELLAREAST.COM/

Formerly Vintage Cellar East, This is another multi-vendor shop with plenty to interest lovers of vintage furniture, lighting, home décor, art, and collectibles, both upcycled and in need of some attention. Check their facebook for info on the artist of the month, Vendor of the month, their paint-yourown-furniture series and monthly popup sales and events.

KEV’S BARNYARD FLEA MARKET

MEADOWBROOK ANTIQUES

With more than 100 vendors carrying everything from furniture and decor to jewelry and country crafts, this co-op offers both indoor and outdoor items.

Featuring two floors to shop, their collection is eclectic and enough to suit just about all décor styles and they offer plenty of smaller items if your space is limited.

Meadowbrook is a genuine, classic antique shop. Third generation proprietors, Tim and Sue stock mid 1800's furniture, collectibles, vintage and re-purposed pieces, artwork & books to add a touch of authentic historic charm to your space.

185 W. STATE ST., ROUTE 202, GRANBY, MA 413-467-1722 • WWW.KEVSBARNYARD.COM/

RE-INSPIRED

365 COLLEGE HWY., SOUTHWICK 413- 831-6220 • RE-INSPIREDESIGN.COM/

KEYSTONE VINTAGE SHOP

Part shop, part classroom, part vision board, Re-Inspired offers everything you’ll need to become a pro at upcycling whether your experience level is seasoned or novice.

Get upcycling supplies, ideas for how to repurpose antique finds or advice from experts. Check their website for tutorials and workshops, information on design consultations, and their supply of refurbishing materials.

SOUTHWOOD ANTIQUES & MARKETPLACE

89 RAFFIA RD., ENFIELD 860-749-3292 • WWW.SOUTHWOODANTIQUES.COM/

Southwood Antiques is 3,000 square feet of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items. The collaborative of vendors keep their collection fresh with swiftly changing stock. Looking for something specific?

If you can’t find it in the shop just let them know.

They’ll do their best to source it for you.

658 MONTGOMERY RD., WESTFIELD 413-636-4655 • WWW.MEADOWBROOKANTIQUES.COM

THE VINTAGE SHOPS

42 BRIDGE ST., EAST WINDSOR 860-810-4514 • WWW.THE-VINTAGE-SHOPS.COM/

The Vintage Shops is two floors made up of 8 vendors selling a wide variety of pieces including clocks, vintage albums, mid-century modern furniture, early antiques, shabby décor, vintage military items, repurposed items and lots more. Vendors are knowledgeable and love to share what they know so if you enjoy hearing the history behind a piece, this is a great stop.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 47