DECEMBER 2021 by Go Local Magazine

December 2021 Volume 8 . Issue 1 golocalmagazines.com

armata’s

in longmeadow

Moxy Boutique

Fun Fashion & Jewelry in Suffield

Old English Tea Room

Electric eye records Vinyl resurgence in Florence

Check it out

Silver bell farm

in Monson

2 GO LOCAL DECEMBER 2021

new this month DECEMBER 2021 . VOLUME 8 . ISSUE 1

SILVER BELL FARM You don’t need to love Christmas to be a Christmas tree farmer, but it sure does help. Mike Moore, owner of Silver Bell Farm in Monson, truly fits the bill and considers the holiday as “the most wonderful time of the year” as the popular song by Andy Williams proclaims.

A NOTE

SILVER BELL FARM

ARMATA’S

From The Editor Christmas in Monson, MA For all of your Holiday gathering needs!

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DECEMBER 2021 . VOLUME 8 . ISSUE 1

Moxy Boutique

Old Mill English Tea Room

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electric eye records

Local Snapshot

Local Einstein

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Fun Fashion, Apparel and Accessories in Suffield, CT

A New Tea Room Opens in Somers, CT Melted Snowman Cookies Vinyl Resurgence in Florence, MA Anita Panlilio

Put Your Thinking Caps On 7 Places for Holiday Cookies

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GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 5

a note

FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR . G. MICHAEL DOBBS

What is always interesting to me is how the stories in Go Local reflect something in my life and I’m sure they do the same thing for many of our readers. For instance, the story in this issue about The Old Mill English Tea Room in Somers, CT, is one example. My wife, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and her father recently visited the tea room. They enjoyed it a great deal. Even my father-in-law, who is known for his critical opinions on just about everything, liked the food and the experience. My wife and I had tea at the Willow Tea Room a number of years ago in the heart of downtown Glasgow. That establishment’s interior design was inspired by the work of acclaimed Scottish artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It was my first “having tea” and it was not only a satisfying dining experience, but it was also something that was typically Scottish. I enjoyed it. I’m not the biggest tea fan, but I did enjoy the food, the conventions of having tea and the beautiful setting. Although the nationality is different, this “English” tea room passed the Scottish test with flying colors. I’m sure the two of them will be back and perhaps I’ll join them. The story on the record store in Florence, MA, certainly strikes a chord with me – no pun intended. I feel sorry for younger generations who may not ever had the pleasure of standing in front of bins of records looking for the recording that you didn’t realize you had to have. There was something about vinyl that was – and still is – so appealing. Perhaps it was because the size of the records provided space for some iconic graphics. Perhaps because there was a certain satisfaction physically putting the record on the turntable and lowering the needle onto the surface. Heaven knows, I spend a lot of time flipping through the new records, but my favorite expeditions were through the bins with discounted “cut-outs,” as well as the used records. I think my collection of Alan Parson Project records came from the discounted bin at Shirl’s Record Whirl that was once on High Street in Holyoke. I loved that group, as they always had at least one instrumental number that I would use on my radio show over WREB back in the far-flung 1980s. The used bins allowed me to find some great comedy albums, especially completing my collection of Firesign Theatre albums, as well as those by Jonathan Winters and other great comics. Again, perhaps it was the ritual of the physical journey of getting to the store, going through the bins, and finding something that I couldn’t live without that made record-hunting enjoyable. Looking at my phone for a song to download just isn’t as interesting or satisfying. With the return of vinyl, I’m hoping the younger generation will appreciate the advantages of that medium and the joy of setting some time aside to listen. Music can actually be the center of an activity instead simply something that is playing in the background of our lives. With this issue of Go Local, we close out another year. All of us deeply appreciate our readers as well as the many people, places, and businesses that we cover that make up the wonderful diversity of our region. Happy holidays and Happy New Year to all of you. See you next year.

- G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor

MANAGING EDITOR G. Michael Dobbs

CREATIVE

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

DESIGN & CONTENT Michelle Johnson Curtis Panlilio

ADVERTISING

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 Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant Fran Smith, General Manager 

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Send local story ideas to: Michelle Johnson: mjohnson@repub.com

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ou don’t need to love Christmas to be a Christmas tree farmer, but it sure does help. Mike Moore, owner of Silver Bell Farm in Monson, truly fits the bill and considers the holiday as “the most wonderful time of the year” as the popular song by Andy Williams proclaims. “I have such good memories of Christmas as a child and find it important for me to try to make it a joyful time for my family and those visiting our farm,” Moore said. “The farm has been in our family since the 1960s, but the fields hadn’t been farmed in over 100 years. In 2007, my father and I cleared some new pastures and I planted Christmas trees without a thought at the time of opening Silver Bell Farm,” Moore said. “The reason I started to farm the land, planting Christmas trees in particular, was that I wanted to put the land to good use. My grandfather had intentions of farming it, but never got the chance and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity,” he added. It wouldn’t be until 2015, however, that Silver Bell Farm was born. “Some of the trees had grown enough to be cut and my family was ready to try something new,” Moore said. In addition to making use of the farmland, Moore noted he started Silver Bell Farm “to partake in a challenging and satisfying endeavor with my family,” he wrote on their website about his wife Laura and two children, Thomas, 11, and Henry, 9. He continued on the website by saying, “Our farm’s mission is to create a wholesome, fun, family atmosphere. We want individuals and families to have the opportunity to enjoy themselves in a rural New England open space.” With that goal in mind, Moore set out to create an experience at his tree farm that is event based - offering special programming around Easter, Christmas in July, Fall/Halloween, and Christmas. “For Christmas, I wanted to come up with something for families, especially the kids, that would have a classic, oldtime feel to it. It begins with our vintage tree stand strung with lights and old

Silver Bell

! KEITH O’CONNOR  NATE BLAIS

Farm

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 13

trucks parked around the area and continues in the Farm Store where I wanted to bring to life a classic American streetscape during the holidays,” Moore said. Of course, there are the Christmas trees to buy and bring home to decorate - Fraser Fir and Concolor Fir - both grown on five acres of land, along with Blue Spruce and additional Balsam Firs brought in for sale. In the fall, on another six acres, there are pumpkins grown for pick-your-own. “Fraser Firs are the most popular because they have the best needle retention and fairly strong branches to hang your precious ornaments on,” Moore said. They also shake out the needles and bale your tree, and there are always “tree helpers” to tie your prized possession onto the car or fit it into the vehicle’s cargo area. Also, if you want a decorative wreath, kissing ball, or other greenery, you can shop for those too at the farm. “When people arrive at the farm, I have printed flyers that explain what there is to do on one side, and on the other how to care for your tree after bringing it home,” Moore said. It wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit from the jolly ol’ elf himself. And the man in the red suit and white beard leaves his toy shop far at the North Pole behind to visit Silver Bell Farm on 22 days during the season. Visiting with Santa is a package deal that costs $40. “Visiting Santa is by reservation and every child will have at least 10 minutes to themselves with St. Nick. We started reservations last year during the pandemic and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive because families found it to be better than waiting in line. Also, it allows Santa to take his time with each young visitor which he prefers to 14 GO LOCAL DECEMBER 2021

do. During the session, we also have a photographer taking several pictures of each child with Santa. The photographs are posted online for you to print and then do anything you like with them,” Moore said. There is also the option to have professional Christmas photographs taken on the farm. While it is too late for this year’s holiday season (sessions were in November, so make a note for next year), awardwinning photographer Brian Marsh offers family photo sessions against the scenic background of the farm. The cost is $175 and includes access to seasonal backdrops and props, and 10 professionally-edited digital images. In October, there are also fall photo opportunities to capture special moments with family on the farm. And there is still more - including festive music playing in the background, an outdoor playground for kids to run wild until the snow flies, and when it does, there is a hill for sliding with some sleds available onsite for use. There are also fire pits where visitors can make s’mores (kits are available for sale) and the Silver Bell Food Truck serving up comfort food such as warm soups, gourmet grilled cheese, mac and cheese, hot dogs and more. In their Christmas Gift Shop, browsers will find freshly-made baked goods, including cider donuts and hot cocoa to wash them down, as well as Christmas decorations for the tree, holiday décor, and other everyday gifts such as children’s toys, candles, and home goods. Not only is Moore a tree farmer, but he is a GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 15

children’s author as well. Silver Bell Farm is the subject of three children’s story books (fun for adults, too). Just in time for holiday gift giving, “Holiday Helpers - The Animals of Silver Bell Farm” will introduce readers to all the animals that live on this New England Christmas tree farm.....and as the book’s description reads, “maybe a big, jolly fellow too. You may be surprised at what happens when Farmer Mike heads home at the end of the day.” His other two books, “Easter on the Farm - An Easter Bunny Story” and “Halloween on the Farm - A Magical Holiday Adventure” are similarly themed. Moore’s good friend and local artist Andrea Newland has provided beautiful watercolor illustrations for each of the books. All three books are priced at $12.99 and available at the farm’s Gift Shop and at amazon.com. “It’s something I never thought that I would do. Again, I wanted to have some good, unique, wholesome, interactive children’s events at the farm and decided to write some books to base them on,” Moore said. They have resulted in two outdoor interactive events, one in October called “Halloween on the Farm” and another in April called the “Easter Bunny Adventure.” The “Halloween on the Farm” event has characters from the book who hand out candy on the trails at the farm. The “Easter Bunny Adventure” includes a visit with the Easter Bunny followed by a trip down the Bunny Trail and concludes with an egg hunt in the Christmas Tree Forest. (The Woodland of Wonder is a separate, interactive theater event that takes place on the moonlit trails of Silver Bell Farm every weekend in October. Each year features a different story and the tale unfolds over 8 different scenes as you walk 3/4 mile over a groomed path through the woods and fields. Visit silverbellfarm. com/woodland-of-wonder.html for more information. Silver Bell Farm also hosts birthday and private parties and are booked for most weekends throughout the year. They also hold field trips for kids in PreK through fourth grade. For example, their fall field trip includes a hayride, barrel train ride, baked good snack, apple cider, pumpkin picking, and access to all games and activities on the farm. An educational segment about growing trees and pumpkins can also be included as part of the trip. Located at 305 Silver St. in Monson, Silver Bell Farm’s Christmas hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check their website for Santa reservation information and additional seasonal hours throughout the year.

For more information, visit silverbellfarm.com or call (413) 596-4370. 16 GO LOCAL DECEMBER 2021

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Armata’s

hile Thanksgiving has come and gone at Armata’s Market in Longmeadow, there is no rest for the weary - the Christmas rush is now on. “Christmas is our busiest holiday followed by Thanksgiving,” said Alexis Vallides, manager of the family-owned market. But while Thanksgiving was all about fresh turkeys, bread stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted butternut squash, mashed sweet potatoes, candied carrots, cranberry chutney, pumpkin pie, apple pie, cheesecakes and other sweet confections - available for curbside pre-fix or curbside a la carte - Christmas is different. “For Thanksgiving it’s the traditional turkey meal, but for Christmas people do vastly different things and have their own traditions. Our Christmas menu has chicken francaise with rice pilaf, steak tips marsala, lasagna and other Italian

dishes. Platters are also popular during the Christmas season from shrimp to veggie to cheese and fruit to antipasto. Desserts such as cheesecake and homemade cookie platters are also popular,” she added. “People also order a lot of custom cut beef such as rib roast, beef tenderloin, prime rib, and filet mignon as their main course for Christmas,” she added Because the menu range is so broad for Christmas meals, Vallides noted there are no curbside pre-fix menus and only a la carte options through catering. If you think Easter is their next busiest holiday, think again. “The Fourth of July, more so than Easter, is in the top three busiest holidays when customers order large cuts of beef from our meat department, such as ribs, chicken, hot dogs, burgers and lots of produce such as corn and watermelon,”

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 21

Vallides said. But, Armata’s Market is about much more than the holidays. “We’re a good, old-fashioned, local community market that was started by the Armata brothers and that was later purchased in 2001 by my father Jim Vallides. We’re not as big as a major supermarket, but we are a full-service grocery with five aisles of necessities, including dairy and produce sections,” Vallides said, noting they support local growers whenever possible, including Szawlowski Potato Farm in Hatfield and Breezelands Orchards in Warren for apples. Hungry for lunch or dinner? Customers can stop into Armata’s Market from Monday through Friday to pick up something tasty for lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m., and dinner from 4-6 p.m. - but it is only for take-out. The lunch and dinner menus change weekly with typical items including crispy chicken wraps, stuffed shells, loaded tater tots, pizza, fish sandwich and fries, sausage parmesan, chicken alfredo pasta, stuffed peppers, cowboy burgers with fries, burrito and other taste-tempting treats. There is also a grinder of the week such as meatball, Philly cheesesteak or other filling selections. If you don’t feel like cooking supper, there are prepared hot meals to take home, such as chicken francaise with rice pilaf and vegetable, ham dinner, butternut sausage lasagna, bowl of spaghetti with sausage and meatballs to feed four, meatloaf, golumpki, chicken tortellini alfredo, stuffed pork chops with roasted potatoes and vegetable, and on 22 GO LOCAL DECEMBER 2021

every Thursday, a turkey dinner with all the fixings. “Our prepared lunch and dinners have become especially popular over the years as more and more time constraints are placed on busy families,” Vallides said. At the market’s deli, shoppers will find a wide selection of cold cuts and cheeses sliced to any thickness, as well as traditional potato and macaroni salads. There is also tuna salad, chick pea salad, chicken salad with walnuts - about 12 salads in all always in the deli case that are made to order daily, Vallides noted. Armata’s lists on their menu board nearly 20 store-made sandwiches to order including several Boar’s Head specialties, such as the Hot Mama with chipotle chicken, 3 Pepper Colby Jack Cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a chipotle Gourmaise; Smokey the Bear with black forest turkey and ham, gouda cheese, lettuce and tomato; Birdie BLT, Reuben and others alongside your favorite wraps and grinders. Armata’s also has their “signature sandwiches” such as meatball and Italian sausage, both meats are store made; The Shaker with Armata’s own chicken cutlet, provolone cheese, roasted red peppers and mayo; and Caprese with fresh mozzarella, tomato, roasted red peppers, basil, and oil and vinegar. Sweet tooths can stop by the bakery to see what their baker has taken out of the oven for the day, including all kinds of cakes and pies, assorted cookies, brownies, muffins, coffee cakes, rolls and loaves such as an apple walnut or zucchini and much more. “Our meat department is our ‘go-to’ with butchers on hand all day to help customers. We custom cut meat to their likeness, offer store made hamburg ground several times daily, steaks cut fresh, fresh Grade A chicken and more. Armata’s also offers a full catering service including appetizers, main dishes, sides and platters for all occasions through the year.

Armata’s Market is located at 901 Shaker Road in Longmeadow. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit armatasmarket.com or call 413-567-5637.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 23

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Kitchen Encounters offers friendly, local service. We will help you visualize your new kitchen or bath with our expert design service and we are ALWAYS a better value than the big box stores. You can trust Kitchen Encounters because our families are local, just like yours!

860.749.7365 • 413.525.3916 CT Licensed Arborist #62445

mtsne.com

MA Certified Arborist #1676

Visit Our Beautiful Showroom

15 RAILROAD AVENUE, WILBRAHAM 413-596-6535 | WWW.KITCHEN-ENCOUNTERS.COM

Over 25 Years in Business!

It’s Time to LOVE Your Smile! Now Accepting New Patients WE SPECIALIZE IN: • General Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Periodontics • Endodontics

Dr. Duong & Dr. Katz 10 Pleasant Street, East Longmeadow, MA 413-525-0955 | PleasantStDentalel.com Hours: Mon-Thur: 7:30am-5:00pm 24 GO LOCAL DECEMBER 2021

• Oral Surgery • Implants • Pediatric & Family • Dentures

Dzen's Christmas Trees Choose and Cut Your Own

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

BREAKFAST • LUNCH

HOMEMADE SOUPS, QUICHES & PIES

Open at ns 3 Locatio

(Saws Provided)

• 575 Barber Hill Road, South Windsor • 174 Barber Hill Road, South Windsor • 20 Sadds Mill Road, Ellington ORDER YOUR PIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS Custard • Coconut Custard • Pumpkin • Fruit Berry Apple • Cranapple • Cherry

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

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

Open 7 Days A Week ———— Call for hours ————

860-644-4575 Visit us at DZENFARMS.COM

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 25

go local picks

COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR AND ONLINE!

STAFFORD WINTERFEST

DOWNTOWN STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT 06076

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 AT 3 PM – 7 PM WEATHER DATE DECEMBER 12TH

Celebrate the spirit of the season with friends, family, and neighbors at Stafford WinterFest! The festive event features the Parade of Lights, live performances, visits with Santa, a community bonfire, food trucks, and more. With hundreds of luminaries lighting the night along Main Street, Stafford comes alive with holiday cheer…don’t miss this beloved community tradition! Schedule and details will be posted soon. Weather date: December 12. Visit www.explorestaffordct.com/winterfest for more information!

WESTFIELD RIVER BREWING CO. OUTDOOR FIRE PIT SEATING ALL WINTER LONG 707 COLLEGE HWY, SOUTHWICK, MA 01077

Westfield River Brewing Co. is ready for winter with the return of its outdoor fire pits. Parties of up to 10 can fit around a fire pit, located on the upper deck behind the brewery. Fire pit menu, beer and specialty cocktails available.

Reservations are required at wrbc.me.

26 GO LOCAL DECEMBER 2021

2021 LOOK PARK HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAY LOOK MEMORIAL PARK NOVEMBER 26, 2021 - JANUARY 2, 2022 AT 4 PM – 9 PM 300 N MAIN ST, FLORENCE, MA 01062 Join us for the annual holiday lights display at Look Park! The holiday lights are free and open to the public. Throughout the years, a crew of our maintenance staff and volunteers handmade each of the displays featured around the park. This year, we upgraded to brighter LED bulbs, which will shine farther and use less electricity. This is a drive-through event. Coming to see the lights is free; there is a $5 donation suggestion. NOTE: •In the event of inclement weather, cancelations will be posted on the Look Park Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lookpark01062 •There are no advance tickets to this event.

! HOPE TREMBLAY  NATE BLAIS

MOXY BOUTIQUE

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 27

ndrea Sullivan has traveled around the world, but when it came time to settle down, she fell in love with Suffield. “I was traveling abroad and in the United States when I decided to move to Suffield in 2010. I loved the town,” she said. She made Suffield her home, and a year later started her next business adventure, Moxy Boutique in 2011. Originally located in Suffield, Sullivan moved the shop to The Village Commons at 17 College St. in South Hadley. Sullivan previously owned fine jewelry and diamond stores in Connecticut. She said it was time for a change. “The fine jewelry business has become unsafe for the owners and employees due to robberies, so I moved away from that and into some fun fashion with apparel and accessories,” Sullivan said. “We still do engagement rings, wedding bands and custom design fine jewelry pieces but mostly by appointment.” She met her husband Brian DiLascia at a party hosted by a customer-turned friend and they got engaged at the Suffield bed and breakfast run by Brian’s mother Lorraine Mancini. The couple later bought the bed and breakfast – The Lily House Inn. “We run the Lily House as an inn with complimentary coffee, tea, wine and snacks. It’s a perfect place for bridal showers, engagement parties and weddings,” said Sullivan.

28 GO LOCAL DECEMBER 2021

The Lily House, at 13 Bridge St. in Suffield, offers overnight accommodations as well as special event space. Both businesses were seeing success and Sullivan added a second Moxy shop at the Inn. “We added the cutest woman’s boutique on the property, another Moxy Boutique, in May 2021,” she said. While the pandemic slowed and closed other businesses, Moxy Boutique thrived enough to expand. Sullivan said offering online shopping and curbside pickup in addition to in-store shopping helped them succeed. At Moxy Boutique, Sullivan offers fun, trendy apparel, handbags, jewelry and gifts. For the upcoming holidays, Moxy Boutique offers Christmas ornaments, shelf décor and wooden signs to help make any home merry and bright. Cozy sweaters, ponchos, scarves, headbands, socks and more are the perfect gift to warm up the winter. Moxy Boutique has numerous options for everyone on your gift list starting under $20.

Current hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 12-5 p.m. on Saturday. For more information and to shop online, visit www.moxyboutique.com.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 29

Family Owned Since 1918 Engagement Rings, Lab-Grown & Natural-Mined Diamonds Repairs on Site

We don’t sell diamonds. We help you buy them.

284 North Maple Street Suite 11 • Enfield, CT

735 Sumner Avenue Springfield, MA

Mon., Tue., Wed. & Fri. 9:30-5:30, Sat. 9:30-3:00, Sun. & Thu. Closed

Tue., Wed., Thu. & Fri. 9:30-5:30, Sat. 9:30-3:00, Sun. & Mon. Closed

860-763-4653

413-736-3262

smithandsonjewelers.com

Come for your Bra fitting, and leave feeling jolly! Let The Bra Ladies put Health, Comfort and Beauty back in your life! We offer CUSTOM SIZES that provide both STYLE and COMFORT! High-end shapewear, bras, lingerie and consignment bags & shoes!

OFESSIONAL BRA FITTI R P NG! E FRE

Anita Enell Sports Bra Panache

Natori Hanky Panky Conturelle CosaBella

Chantelle Elomi Freya Goddess

Wacoal and Shapewear available BOOK YOUR BRIDAL PARTY FITTING or PRIVATE BRA PARTY!

30 GO LOCAL DECEMBER 2021

Schedule your appointment online or by phone. Your privacy is important to us!

635 Main Street, Somers, CT 413.244.5731

thebraladies.com

MENTION THIS AND AND GET 5% OFF YOUR PURCHASE!

Unload Your Alan R. Cohen Holiday Richard A. Cohen, Proprietors Shipping info@agawampackandship.com On US! Hours of Operation:

Handmade Gifts from Local Artists & Crafters Holiday Wreaths, Centerpieces & Home Decor

Mon-Fri 9-6 • Sat 10-2

Agawam Pack & Ship Shipping, Packing, Mailbox Rental, Notary Public, Copy & Fax, Paper Shredding, Phone Accessories

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

www.agawampackandship.com

We Sell hts e N bo Lig

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

Give The Gift of Peace TO SOMEONE YOU LOVE

Celebrating

28 YEARS OF PEACE

In-Studio classes and/or Zoom Livestream from home

413-525-0720 GIFT CERTIFICATES available online www.heartsongyoga.com

Silvia’s Thompsonville Café with European Flair

CALL NOW to reserve your Holiday Parties • Bread & Holiday • Seafood Items • Steaks • Senior Discount • European Dishes • Reservations • Lamb suggested • Vegetarian

10 OFF

Dinner for 2 Expires 12/31/21

Catering • Private Parties Tues. & Wed. 12-9 | Thurs. 12-10 Fri. & Sat. 10-10 Sun. Private Parties 10% Senior Citizen Discount

28 Pleasant St., Enfield, CT | 860-741-6969 thompsonvillecafe.com

Grapevine Pizzeria & Restaurant

(Formerly K&P Flowers)

FLOWERS FOR EVERY OCCASION holidays · gourmet fruit baskets · sympathy weddings · events · corporate · dish gardens

Happy Holidays!

Lunch & Dinner • Dine In or Take Out Gift Certificates Available! 413.567.6266

1052 EAST STREET S., SUFFIELD, CT

753 Maple Rd., Longmeadow, MA Grapevinelongmeadow.com

VINEANDIVYFLOWERS.COM

Open: Monday-Saturday • Closed Sunday

860.623.8774

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 31

And just like that! Your sleigh is full. Something for everyone!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 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

DECEMBER HOLIDAY HOURS - 7 DAYS A WEEK:

413-575-9266

MON-FRI 11:30-5:30, SAT 10-4, SUN 10-3 • Christmas Eve 10-2 • Closed New Years Eve

Chris@ResultsBegin.com www.ResultsBegin.com

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

NOW OPEN!

WELCOMING THE HOLIDAY SEASON! Christmas Decorations, Straw Ornaments and Collectibles

Limpa & Kardemumma Bread!

SCANDINAVIAN GIFT & FOOD SHOP Come Shop!

Authentic & Eco Friendly Scandinavian Gifts • Food • Jewelry Home Decor • Glogg served every Weekend in December! 149 Rockville Rd., Broad Brook, CT 860-872-0273

Store Hours: Wed-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat 11am-4pm, Sunday 11am-3pm

PIZZAS SALADS SOUPS GRINDERS WINGS

EST. 2021

AUTHENTIC HOMEMADE ITALIAN DINNERS

DINE-IN • TAKE OUT • DELIVERY

TRUE ITALIAN HAND-TOSSED PIZZA COOKED DIRECTLY ON THE STONE! 48 SOUTH RD, SOMERS CT 860-698-6988 • 860-698-6986 mariossomers.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 32 GO LOCAL DECEMBER 2021

A Real New England Ski & Bike Shop

SKI HAUS

791 Maple Rd., Longmeadow, MA 413-754-3904

SKI-IN

2006 Boston Rd.,Wilbraham, MA 413-543-1234

M-F 10AM-8PM • SAT 10AM-5PM • SUN 12-5PM • SKIINSKIHAUS.COM

! HOPE TREMBLAY

 NATE BLAIS

Old Mill English Tea Room T

hroughout Nancy Knorr’s life there have been two constant passions: music and tea. The Pittsburgh native was an entertainer practically from birth. A classically trained violinist, Knorr began performing and singing at age 12. She owns the trademarks of the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and The Pied Pipers, and performed with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra as the featured singer from the early 90s until her retirement just a few years ago. Upon retiring from a life of performing around the world, Knorr turned to her love of tea rooms as her next adventure. “Growing up, I often visited tea rooms with my grandmother, who was from England,” Knorr said. “I have been to England many times and when I performed in London I would always stop in a tea room.” Her grandmother Doris – affectionately called Mum-Mum – instilled in Knorr her love of everything about a tea room. From the formal place settings to the floral décor, the tiny, crustless sandwiches and, of course, the tea, Knorr loves it all and has created her own piece of British heaven with her Old Mill English Tea Room at 63 Maple St. in Somers, Conn. Knorr and her husband moved to Somers from Glastonbury when their grown daughters both settled there to raise their families. “When I was touring, I wanted to come home and spend as much time with them as possible, so we moved,” said Knorr. After spending several years in Somers, she found that the quaint small town would be the perfect place to open a tea room. She began searching for properties, but not just any space would do. Knorr said she knew from the start that she wanted a home, not just a building, and that it had to have the right feel. While searching, she relied on her aunt Doris GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 33

– named, of course, after her Mum-Mum - for assistance. Her aunt had no children of her own and long ago “adopted” Knorr, spending many hours of quality time with her throughout her lifetime. Many of those hours were spent sipping tea. “I was happy that she got to see this home before she passed,” Knorr said, noting that when she saw the home she declared “this is your tea room.” And she was right. They purchased the Greek Revival style home in 2019. It was built in 1860 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. “We spent some time refurbishing it to make it what I envisioned,” Knorr said. “When I first saw it, I could see it was laid out for a tea room.” The front entrance includes a staircase and floral wallpaper, with a parlor just to the left with built-in shelves, comfy chairs, books, tea-themed necklaces for sale, and a Christmas tree decorated in fruits and florals. A living room includes a dining space and fireplace, with a mantel decorated for the season. A variety of floral centerpieces and sparkling chandeliers highlight the main dining area. Another dining space is wheelchair accessible and has a slightly more masculine feel, with bronze statues and darker décor. Knorr didn’t want to rush the renovation and opening, and when the COVID pandemic hit, she didn’t want to open 34 GO LOCAL DECEMBER 2021

before she felt it was ready and safe. When she opened last year, Knorr was not surprised that visitors loved it, but she said she was surprised at how many came back multiple times. “People would come in and order something and then look at what someone at the table next to them was having and come back to try that,” said Knorr. The menu includes traditional tea sandwiches, each complete with the expected cucumber slices. Ham and egg salads, cream cheese with olive and cress, and chicken salad are the staples offered for those seeking a very traditional tea room experience. Scones with jam and clotted cream are also a must-have tea room offering. Also on the menu is brie baked in a flaky crust, the Figy Melt, which is “a sophisticated grilled brie sandwich” with fig jam butter, carmelized onion and apple. Soups and salads, Mum-Mum’s own recipe crepes, and scones round out the menu, which also has a selection geared toward children’s tastes. The star of any tea room is, of course, the tea. The Old English Mill Tea Room has a selection of both iced and hot teas, served as a single cup or in pots and includes classic selections such as English Breakfast, Earl Grey and chamomile. There are black and green teas, Darjeeling and more. The specialty is a Blooming tea that is an experience to see as a flower blooms in a teapot before your eyes. Knorr, who has a flair for decorating, channeled her inner Mum-Mum when designing the space. Her grandmother was GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 35

loyal to the Royal Family and as a nod to that, Knorr offers a cut-out of Queen Elizabeth II for guests to take photos with and just have fun with the Queen. “I also have a trunk filled with hats for anyone who would like to get into the spirit of the tea room and borrow while they dine,” said Knorr. Honoring her family traditions and her Mum-Mum’s legacy is important to Knorr, who has also passed this on to her grandchildren. When her eldest granddaughter, now 24, turned 21, she asked Knorr if she and a few friends could visit Knorr in her second home in Arizona, which was near a favorite tea room. Knorr said of course and welcomed her granddaughter and six of her friends, taking them to the tea room for a birthday celebration. “They had so much fun,” Knorr said. “The all wore their hats and just enjoyed the experience and I was happy to share a little bit of my family traditions with them.” Knorr is also happy to share those traditions with her customers and welcomes all to share in her British heritage at the Old Mill English Tea Room.

The tea room is open Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., with last service at 3 p.m. Visit: theoldmillenglishtearoom.com or call 860-999-1399 for reservations.

36 GO LOCAL DECEMBER 2021

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

SouthwoodAntiques.com Follow us on Facebook! Store Hours: Tuesday thru Sunday 10-5

ECFCU VISA Credit Card Benefits • No Annual Fee • Cash Advances STOP IN OR APPLY • Cards Made On Site ONLINE! • Fast Credit Approval • No Balance Transfer Fee

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Vehicles • Mortgages • Refi's (Home & Auto) • Personal VISA • Bill Consolidation • Tax Liabilities *Cannot be used to refinance existing ECFCU loans. Promo can be cancelled at any time. Actual rate may vary depending on individual credit worthiness. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 37

Fresh Cut

COME SEE THE PFAFF SEWING MACHINES

CHRISTMAS TREES

Let us show you the PFAFF Sewing and Embroidery machines. Call for an appointment.

OPENING WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24th

Huge Selection From Table Top to 14' Premium Quality

Fraser Fir

SPECIALIZING IN TALL TREES Wreaths • Roping • Kissing Balls Cemetery Pieces

56 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA

(413) 525-4789

www.quiltsandtreasuresinc.com

185 Meadowbrook Road (Off Rt. 83) • East Longmeadow 413-525-8588 • MeadowbrookFarmMa.com • Open 7 Days

Can You Hear It Car Audio Inc.

32 Shaker Road • East Longmeadow, MA • 413.525.6062

50 OFF*

Installed Remote Car Starters *Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Expires Jan. 15, 2022

Let PETE'S SWEETS do your holiday baking this year! Place your special order today or come in to browse our selection of Holiday Classics!

Happy Holidays from Jean M. Deliso, CFP®

201 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA

413-525-0355 www.CanYouHearIt.com

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from

Financial Advisor, Eagle Strategies LLC A Registered Investment Advisor Registered Representative NYLIFE Securities LLC Member FINRA/SIPC A Licensed Insurance Agency

CALL ABOUT A PLAN FOR THE NEW YEAR! B (413) 785-1100 • delisofinancialservices.com 540 Meadow St. Ext., Suite 108 • Agawam, MA Financial Planning Services are offered through Eagle Strategies, LLC. Eagle Strategies and NYLIFE Securities are New York Life companies. Deliso Financial and Insurance Services is not owned or operated by Eagle Strategies, NYLIFE Securities or any of their affiliates.

PLANNING ◆ INSURANCE ◆ INVESTMENTS 38 GO LOCAL DECEMBER 2021

Fuel Assistance Customers Welcomed Find money-saving coupons at: khanheatingoil.com Serving Suffield, West Suffield, Granby, East Granby, Windsor, Windsor Locks, Bloomfield and Simsbury

% OFF 30 haircut and color services

for first-time clients | thru December 31, 2021

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

Get to Know

815 Williams St., Longmeadow, MA

413.567.8921

www.silvisalon.com

Oldies from The Estate 26 years ago my husband Bill decided he wanted to open an antique shop because of his love for old things. So, he walked away from his very prosperous transmission business and opened Oldies From the Estate.

Hampden House Café

1 Allen Street, Hampden, MA ♥ (413) 566-8324

First 3 Weekends of December Dec. 3, 4, 5 • 11, 12, 13 • 18, 19, 20 Get a free $10 Gift Card for every 50 Gift Card purchased! No limit!

Book your Holiday Event

on site at LaCucina or The Greenhouse In-home catering service also available! See our website for our Banquet & Catering Menu

lacucinahampden.com

Lounge Open & Pizza 7 Days • Lunch Served Tues-Sun

We started out renting a small shop in Indian Orchard; a few years later we purchased our current building just one block from where we were renting. Over the years we have grown and adjusted to meet our customers wants and needs and keep up with the changes in the antiques and collectibles market. Today we buy and sell not only antique, vintage and collectibles but newer items as well. We try to fill our shop with eclectic and interesting items that our customers will fall in love with for decorating their inside and outside home spaces or to find the perfect unique gift. We also do home and estate clean outs. If a loved one has passed or you are just looking to downsize your own home, please call us. Whatever your goal is we will do our best to accommodate you and alleviate the stress and overwhelming feeling of facing such a daunting task. We love our business! Over the years we have met so many wonderful clients and customers that have become friends. Please stop by or call, we would love to meet you too. We know you will become a regular stopping in often to check out what's new! We are open Tuesday-Friday 10:00am to 4:30pm and Saturday 10:00am-2:30pm, closed Sunday and Monday.

WE BUY & SELL ALL TYPES OF STUFF FROM A TO Z. Call Bill or Beth

45 Parker St., Indian Orchard, MA 01151 | 413-543-6065 Tues.-Fri. 10-4:30, Sat. 10-2:30, Closed Sun. & Mon.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 39

go eat

! RECIPE SUBMITTED BY NATHAN BLAIS

Melted Snowman Cookies

Store bought sugar cookies (or use your favorite homemeade sugar cookie recipe) 1 bag white chocolate chips 6 marshmallows, halved Mini multi-colored chocolate chips Pecans or pretzel sticks

Any store bought plain sugar cookies will work for this recipe. Start by melting your chocolate chips in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between. Cut your marshmallows in half along with your pecans to prep for decorating. Spread the melted chocolate on to your cookie and “glue” your marshmallow and pecan halves on top of the melted chocolate. Dip the multi colored chocolate chips into the melted chocolate and attach them to your marshmallow “face” and add a few to your base as little buttons. Let set in the fridge for 15 minutes and then 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!

40 GO LOCAL DECEMBER 2021

! KEITH O’CONNOR

 NATHAN BLAIS

irst came the vinyl record created in 1930 by RCA Victor. In 1982, the first commercial compact disc, Billy Joel’s “52nd Street,” was released in Japan. It was the beginning of the end for vinyl and CD sales overtook the format in 1988, essentially ending the vinyl era. Then came streaming which gained popularity in the mid-2010s and put a major dent in the sale of compact discs. Despite the many changes in the recording industry over nearly 100 years, vinyl has made a resurgence. “I’m not really sure what is driving the turnaround, and I’m not sure the trend is sustainable. However, hard core

collectors are always going to purchase records. Most of my customers are regulars, I’m not seeing a lot of new faces,” said Andy Crespo, owner of Electric Eye Records in Florence. There are theories as to what is driving the sale of vinyl once again among millennial and Gen Z consumers, not just those who grew up on the format. Compared to streaming, record albums are something you own and are tangible. Then there is the sound. Many loyal record owners say the analog tone of vinyl is warmer and fuller than digital audio. While others who can’t stand the “pops and clicks” that come along with vinyl pressings rejoice in CDs. Also,

compact discs don't have the wear that the vinyl grooves of records have after many playings. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), vinyl record sales have now outsold CDs in the United States for the first time since the 1980s. The RIAA also noted in a recent report that streaming accounts for greater than 85% of all music enjoyed, and only 6% is now download. “For now, I’m just trying to sell quality used vinyl to people who share the same passion as I do,” he said. Before opening Electric Eye Records in 2016, Crespo was a printing press operator for 20 years. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 41

“It’s not what you would call a very exciting job,” he said. So, when he learned his friend, Bill, was selling his record store to move to Philadelphia with his wife, Crespo decided talking to people about music all day long would be more exciting. “Bill was my friend and I would go down to his store and hang out with him talking about music and everything else. We talked about my owning the store. I had been a record collector for years, but didn’t have a business background. Bill spoke to his landlord for me and the next thing I knew, I owned my own record store,” Crespo said. “When I took over the store, there were only empty bins left behind. At 52 years old, I have been a record collector for years. Luckily, I had enough of my own product to start filling the bins again,” he added. A longtime music fan, Crespo’s parents had “one of those old furniture-style stereos” that he would play records on to listen to his favorite albums. “I began as a youngster listening to children’s novelty records, then as a teen like so many others I began listening to The Beatles. Eventually I totally got into punk rock.....still am today,” he said. Although he is still very much a punk rock fan, Crespo said when he took up playing the bass guitar, his musical taste began to expand once again. “For 20 years I was a bass player filling in 42 GO LOCAL DECEMBER 2021

for friends’ bands when needed,” he said. He noted many musicians as he did turn to jazz and the record seller now feeds his habit for the popular genre with the many used Blue Note and Impulse jazz label records that come through his doors at the store. In addition to records from his own collection, Crespo stocks his store with vinyl people bring in to sell or trade, from purchases he makes at record conventions, tag sales and flea markets, and from going into collector’s homes to price their collections. “I try to buy the cleanest records with jackets that haven’t been utterly destroyed, and I give them an extra cleaning before selling them. I also stay away from those that are worn and I listen to them for skips and check for any warpage,” Crespo said. The store owner noted he also sells a “smattering” of newly-released vinyl records and some used CDs, but it is “good, used records” that are of more interest to him.

Electric Eye Records is located on 52 Main St., Apt. 6 in Florence. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit Electric Eye Records on Facebook, call 413-585-5738, or email andybarnowl@comcast.net.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 43

local snapshot  Anita Panlilio

44 GO LOCAL DECEMBER 2021

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR EVERY OCCASION!

• Custom Jewelry Designs • Fine Jewelry Repairs • Watch Repair, Sizing & Batteries

• Engraving • Laser Repairs • Appraisals • Buy, Sell & Trade Jewelry

8 West Road Ellington, CT 860.875.6044 goldanddiamondct.com

Tues, Wed, Sat. 10-4 Thur 10-8 • Fri 10-5:30

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 45

local einstein

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

IF YOU WERE BORN BETWEEN DECEMBER 1ST AND DECEMBER 21ST, WHAT ZODIAC SIGN ARE YOU?

THE BOSTON TEA PARTY HAPPENED ON DECEMBER 16TH OF WHAT YEAR?

[A] Sagittarius [B] Aquarius [C] Scorpio [D] Capricorn

THE WINTER PALACE CAN BE VISITED IN WHAT CITY?

[A] 1743 [B] 1753 [C] 1763 [D] 1773 WHICH BIRD IS THE ONLY ONE IN THE WORLD WHOSE FEATHERS TURN WHITE (GHOST MODE) IN WINTER?

[A] Helsinki, Finland [B] Saint Petersburg, Russia [C] Oslo, Norway [D] Copenhagen, Denmark

“WINTER BANANA” IS A VARIETY OF WHAT FRUIT?

[A] Ptarmigan [B] Thrasher [C] Wren [D] Thrush HOW MANY SIDES DOES A SNOWFLAKE USUALLY HAVE? [A] Four [B] Five [C] Six [D] Seven

[A] Apple [B] Pear [C] Avocado [D] Banana

THE FIRST WINTER OLYMPICS WERE HELD WHERE IN 1924?

WHAT IS THE FEAR OF SNOW CALLED? [A] Algophobia [B] Chionophobia [C] Philophobia [D] Tonitrophobia

[A] Chamonix, France [B] St. Moritz, Switzerland [C] Innsbruck, Austria [D] Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

[A] Little Women [B] A Christmas Carol [C] The Nutcracker [D] The Tailor of Gloucester

46 GO LOCAL DECEMBER 2021

# CORRECT

RANK

ANSWERS:

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

160 110 50 3

Prodigy Egghead Meh Simpleton

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

“CHRISTMAS WON’T BE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT ANY PRESENTS” IS THE OPENING LINE OF WHICH NOVEL?

The Final Countdown

December is the perfect time for cookies! 7 places to indulge in tasty treats for all ages! All baked goods pictured are stock photography - please visit each bakery to check out their unique treats!

PETE’S SWEETS

LUANN’S

We Here At Pete’s Sweets Believe You Deserve The Very Best! We’re An All-American Bakery Offering All Your Favorites, From Custom Cakes & Cupcakes To Fresh Baked Cookies. Everything Is Baked From Scratch, Using Only The Highest Quality Ingredients.

At Luann’s all of our items are made from scratch, using high quality ingredients. We use our favorite recipes from our great-grandmas, grandmas, aunts and friends. But like any artisan, we have fun getting creative in the kitchen too, with our daily and seasonal specials.

32 SHAKER ROAD, EAST LONGMEADOW PETES-SWEETS.COM (413) 525-6062

AUNTIE CATHIE’S KITCHEN 413-788-0022 159 MAIN ST, AGAWAM, MA WWW.AUNTIECATHIES.COM

Auntie Cathie’s Kitchen is located in Agawam at Cooper’s Common where we are now a Bakery & Cafe serving interesting light fare, organic coffee, catering, food truck and more. Our little menu is an eclectic mix, including plenty of gluten and allergy free food made from fresh ingredient. We are now featuring plenty of vegan options as well!

(860) 872-8073 238 SOMERS RD, ELLINGTON CT LUANNSBAKERY.COM

LA FIORENTINA PASTRY SHOP

883 MAIN ST. SPRINGFIELD, MA 236 SHAKER RD. EAST LONGMEADOW, MA LAFIORENTINAPASTRY.COM/

La Fiorentina Pastry Shop has been serving New England the finest in Italian pastry, cakes and cookies since 1946. We have three locations in Western Massachusetts and our desserts can also be found in many local restaurants.

ARMATA’S MARKET

RUSSO PASTRY SHOP INC

TART BAKING CO

We realize that memories are made with the gathering of friends and family in celebration over a savory meal and delicious desserts. Give us a call and order your homemade cookie platters or any of our other various desserts!

Russo’s caters to all! Delicious italian food, cannolis, cookies, cakes, pasties and more. Russo’s also has a frozen food and to-go section of their homemade dinners and soups.

Ingredient driven pastries and breads from scratch every day. Cookies, breads, sweet treats - oh my!

901 SHAKER RD. LONGMEADOW, MA 413-567-5637 • ARMATASMARKET.COM

739 ENFIELD ST, ENFIELD, CT 06082 860-741-7844

192 MAIN ST, NORTHAMPTON, MA 413-584-0717 TARTBAKING.COM

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 47

DECEMBER 2021

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