February 2022 Volume 8 . Issue 3 golocalmagazines.com
TJ's Burritos in East Granby, CT
Snelgrove's
Chocolatier - Florist in Enfield
The buy center
Local vehicle buying center
Check it out
Kinderhook
Flower & Gift in Hampden
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Give a gift that speaks to the heart this Valentine’s Day.
413-567-7977 • WWW.MICHAELSZWEDJEWELERS.COM 807 WILLIAMS STREET, LONGMEADOW, MA 2 GO LOCAL FEBRUARY 2022
MONDAY - WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY: 10AM-5:30PM THURSDAY: 10AM-7PM • SATURDAY: 10AM-4PM
new this month FEBRUARY 2022 . VOLUME 8 . ISSUE 3
13
TJ'S BURRITOS With a name like TJ’s Burritos, you’d expect this hidden gem of a restaurant to have delicious Mexican food. And, it does. What you may not expect is that they have a variety of sweet treats, breakfast options and unique boozy flights served from its Tiki Bar.
6
A NOTE
13
TJ'S BURRITOS
19
KINDERHOOK FLOWER & GIFT
From The Editor Mexican Fare and Unique Boozy Flights Unique Gifts, Flowers and a DIY Stem Bar
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GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 3
FEBRUARY 2022 . VOLUME 8 . ISSUE 3
25
Snelgrove's Chocolatier - Florist
29
The buy center of enfield
32
go eat
34
Local Einstein
35
final countdown
19
Sweet Treats for You and Your Valentine Local Vehicle Buying Center Oven Baked Wings Put Your Thinking Caps On 7 Places for a Romantic Date or Take-Out
25
Buy Center of Enfield 33 Palomba Drive • Unit #7 • Enfield, CT 4 GO LOCAL FEBRUARY 2022
29
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a note
FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR . G. MICHAEL DOBBS
It’s February and that means it’s the time to express your affection to your loved one. Yes, you are required to do so as it’s the tradition of Valentine’s Day. How did we get to this point, though? If you check out History.com about the subject, the results are a tad surprising. I didn’t realize there were three separate and different saints with the name of Valentine, all of whom suffered a martyr’s death. Nor did I realize that those saints had nothing to do at all with what would become the holiday. The website reports, “While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial—which probably occurred around A.D. 270—others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to ‘Christianize’ the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the ides of February, or Feb. 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.” Hmm, I suppose that fertility has a tangential relationship with love. During the fifth century the date was changed to Feb. 14 and people believed that was the start of mating season for birds, linking the time to a celebration of love. The great English author Chaucer actually referenced Valentine’s Day in a poem he wrote in 1375. So, since the Middle Ages, people have been noting their love for a mate on this day. Does it make any sense, historically, to link saints of antiquity to making sure there is a card and a heart-shaped box of chocolates waiting for your love? Probably not, but what the heck? Love is worth celebrating, isn’t it? In this issue of Go Local, you’ll get some ideas for a source of chocolates and flowers that will make a greater impression than those you buy in a hurry at the corner pharmacy. You’ll also find a list of seven area restaurants that just scream romance, as well as great food. And there is our usual list of some places to go that could be part of a Valentine’s Day experience. No matter what you do, Valentine’s Day is a formal way to remind yourself of the special person in your life. 6 GO LOCAL FEBRUARY 2022
- 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 Matt Mahaney . Paula Dimauro Scott Greene . Terry O’ Donnell Victoria Owen . Evan Marcyoniak Andy Shaw Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant Fran Smith, General Manager
THE GO LOCAL COMMUNITY
WESTHAMPTON south Hadley
soutHAMPTON
granby
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A CREATION OF
CONTACT US! 280 North Main Street • East Longmeadow, MA 01028 Tel: 413.525.6661 • Fax: 413.525.5882
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM Send local story ideas to: Michelle Johnson: mjohnson@repub.com
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 7
FEBRUARY LINEUP:
Sat. 2/5 SHAKEDOWN The Grateful Dead & Beyond Fri. 2/11 Marcus Rezak's SHRED IS DEAD Sat. 2/12 WAX FUTURE Thur. 2/24 YAM YAM
For Information & Tickets: BBOHCT.com BROAD BROOK OPERA HOUSE 107 Main Street, Broad Brook, CT
Online Banking and Bill Pay will go anywhere you go
Stafford Savings Bank since 1872
Centre Office 860-684-6321 www.staffordsavingsbank.com Serving the Towns of Stafford, Ellington, Union, Tolland, Ashford, Willington and Somers. 8 GO LOCAL FEBRUARY 2022
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very Deli are l a i c ec with ve, r Sp You handle with lo e! We ack it ywher n p We ship a d n a
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TJ Burritos s
W
ith a name like TJ’s Burritos, you’d expect this hidden gem of a restaurant to have delicious Mexican food. And, it does. What you may not expect is that they have a variety of sweet treats, breakfast options and unique boozy flights served from its Tiki Bar. Located at 3 Turkey Hills Road in East Granby, Conn., TJ’s Burrito’s is more than a restaurant, it’s an experience. The vibe is all about relaxing, chilling and feeling like you’re in paradise for a small part of your day. Owners Tricia Martin and Jeremy Jackson – partners in business and life - along with Executive Chef Stefan Drago, have created an atmosphere that beckons customers to set aside their worries, enjoy good food and drinks, and just breathe. “Jeremey and I spend a lot of time at the beach, and in Key West where his father lives,” said Martin. “We wanted to take those vibes from the beach and Key West and bring it to East Granby to create a vibe to share with our customers, creating an atmosphere or experience that makes you feel like you're not in East Granby once you step in the door.” Martin, Jackson and Drago, as well as Chef Justin
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 13
Smith, have backgrounds in the restaurant industry and when Covid 19 caused many restaurants to slow down and even shut down, they decided to take matters into their own hands. Their risk paid off and TJ’s has a steady stream of customers all day. From when they open at 6 a.m. until they close at 9 p.m. Monday – Saturday, and from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sunday, TJ’s Burrito’s is the place to be. Martin said the journey has been exciting. “We had no idea we would be so busy,” she said. “The support from the communities and friends and families and customers has been so humbling and we are very blessed to have created something that the community loves and keeps returning.” Creating a niche has been a big part of TJ’s success. “We have our coffee and bakery area that has become very popular,” she said. “We have amazing lattes, espresso, coffees and coffee tasting flights -- that has taken off after becoming a huge hit on social media. We have our Tiki Bar that serves Margarita Flights, Boozy Coffee Flights, Mimosa Flights and more! Margarita Mondays and Taco Tuesday have been a huge success.” Breakfast includes, of course, a breakfast burrito and burrito bowl, with your choice of protein (chorizo, sausage, ham, bacon or vegan sausage), cheese (Cabot cheddar, Montery Jack, cotija, American or Swiss) and all the fillings you’d expect for $10. TJ’s has an extensive Bakery Toast menu, including S'mores Toast, which features raisin walnut bread, hazelnut spread, graham cracker crumbles and house-made marshmallow. The Local Fig Jam Fall Toast is this writer’s jam, with bacon, fig jam, ricotta spread, roasted butternut squash and sage. The Candy Squealer, Italian Stallion, 14 GO LOCAL FEBRUARY 2022
PB&J Toast, Mexican Sensation and Vegan Sandwich round out the tasty toast offerings ranging from $8-$11. TJ’s also has traditional breakfast options and a Sunday Brunch menu that includes house-made hash and hot apple cider waffles, among other unique items. Baked goods are offered all day as are beverages such as iced coffee, hot coffee, cappuccino, teas, lattes, hot chocolate and more. The lunch and dinner menu has many gluten-free and vegan offerings, from starters to salads, bowls and, of course, burritos. For those looking for the full Tex-Mex experience, the taquitos – smoked chicken in a corn tortilla with Montery Jack and chimichurri sauce for $8 - is a great way to start your meal. In keeping with the theme, a burrito or taco is the way to go, each of which comes with options for proteins including vegan), cheese and finishes such as Poblano roasted corn, jimaca slaw and crimini mushrooms. Add fresh quac or queso for an upcharge. Looking for a green option? TJ’s has numerous light and fresh, but hearty, salads including a taco salad, wedge salad and Texas chop salad. There are also bowls for those looking for something in between a salad and burrito, including grain bowls, taco bowls and fajita bowls for $9. The Tapas menu has a veggie street taco filled with butternut squash, Poblano corn and apple chutney, as well as a Mahi-Mahi street taco, Carne Asada street taco, chorizo corn dogs, shrimp and grits and a steak fajita. The Handhelds menu includes the popular Dorito chicken sandwich, a Borracho burger and more. The Northern Most Cubano sandwich is great for a big appetite and includes everything you’d hope for in a Cubano – braised pork, ham, Swiss, pickles and spicy mustard on sourdough. A TJ’s Burritos specialty is the fries/tot/nachos menu. Get your favorite nacho toppings on traditional tortilla chips, French fries or tater tots. Tots with pulled pork and crumbled bacon is highly recommended. And don’t leave without trying a churro stuffed with Dulce de Leche. When it comes to cocktails, no Mexican meal is complete without a margarita and TJ’s has an entire margarita menu as well as a margarita flight for $20 that includes classic, strawberry, Blood Orange and coconut margaritas. TJ’s has become known for its flight menu, which includes boozy iced coffee (the Irish is a favorite), mimosa flights and a Tito’s Hard Lemonade flight, among others. Craft beers, wine, whiskey/bourbon and seasonal cocktails are also on the menu. Martin and Jackson also give space to other local businesses. “Giving back to our community and showcasing other small local businesses in our marketplace is our mission statement,” said Martin, “as is using fresh, local farm to table ingredients from local farms in our menu.”
For more information and to see the full menu, visit tjsburritos.com. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 15
Granny’s Place OPEN 10-5 Daily
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Valentine's Day ROSES and BOUQUETS AVAILABLE!!!
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Kinderhook ! HOPE TREMBLAY LEON NGUYEN
Kinderhook Flower and Gift shop is a little different than most flower or gift shops. For starters, owner Brittney Procon spent the last 15 years in commercial banking and learned the art of flower arranging online. “While we were stuck dealing with the mass shutdown during the early onset of Covid, I decided to learn a new trade and took online flower arranging classes and started doing flowers on the side,” said Procon, who was the vice president of commercial loans at a local bank until opening her Hampden store in October 2021. Procon loved her former career but she had to follow her new dream with support from her husband. “I realized I really enjoyed the creative aspect and he encouraged me to take a chance on opening up the shop because, as he put it, the only regret you will have in life are the chances you never took,” she said. Procon has always loved flowers
but did not consider incorporating that love into a career until Covid rekindled her floral passion. “My grandmother was big into flowers and my mother always had fresh flowers in the house as a kid and loved her gardens,” she said. “There's something about having fresh flowers on the table when you get home from work making it more inviting and homey.” Procon knew when she opened Kinderhook that she wanted to combine flowers and gifts with a twist. She offers a unique “Stem Bar” where customers can choose their own flowers and she helps arrange them. “We encourage our customers to get behind the table for a DIY experience with our stem bar,” said Procon. “It's not uncommon for a child to come in with their dad and put together a flower arrangement for their mother, which makes that bouquet that much more special on
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 19
the receiving end knowing it was made by your child.” For those who are less creative or in a hurry, Kinderhook also has grab and go bouquets. “And if you call ahead we'll also take care of custom arrangements for either pick up or delivery,” added Procon. When it comes to gifts, Procon is a small business owner who supports other small businesses. “We do our best to carry items made by small businesses, nonprofits or those which are Fair Trade certified,” she said. “For example, a majority of our wooden signs are handmade by a family-owned business in Wisconsin; soaps are handmade by a college student in Rhode Island; one jewelry line is curated by a non-profit helping exploited women in Asia escape from the sex trafficking industry; our year-round rope wreaths are made by individuals with disabilities in Southbridge. “When I mention Fair Trade certified, the companies are typically based in the US, however, the products are sourced internationally through artisans in small villages in third world countries.” Procon said The Fair Trade Federation is an association which sets standards for fair trade businesses holding buyers and sellers accountable for their work and procedures to ensure living wages are paid. “The majority of these organizations and villages which engage in the Fair Trade typically have scholarship funds and education funds for the children 20 GO LOCAL FEBRUARY 2022
in the villages,” she said, “so long story short, we try to make sure what we buy and stock in store will help make a difference and support the small guys.” Kinderhook Flowers and Gifts is growing and Procon is growing along with it. “Every day is a new learning experience,” she said. “It's certainly a completely different line of work than what I was accustomed to on a daily basis. I do miss my old client base, colleagues, and certain aspects of my banking career, however, the fact I'm learning something new every day is great and I'm meeting a ton of new people in town. Having just moved into Hampden a year ago it's been nice getting to know the community.” With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Procon is stocked with gifts and flowers for customers celebrating true love, friendship, and even break-ups. Winter hours are Wednesday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sunday - 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Procon is open extended hours Valentine's Day weekend – including on Valentine’s Day - Feb. 12-14 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Kinderhook Flowers and Gifts is located at 13 Allen St. in Hampden 413-566-1052 GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 21
Buying & Selling Quality Used Records CLOTHING • JEWELRY • SHOES PURSES • ACCESSORIES HOME DECOR • GIFTS • ART AND MUCH MORE!
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413-585-5738
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Hours: Wed, Thu, Fri - 11:30-5:30 • Sat 10-4 • Sun 10-3 • Closed Mon & Tue
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Stop In or Take Out Valentine’s Day February 14th
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Want to sell your home or commercial property? CALL ME TODAY FOR A
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413-525-2470
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COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR AND ONLINE!
BIRDS OF PREY WITH HORIZON WINGS HOSTED BY RIVERSIDE REPTILES
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2022 AT 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM RIVERSIDE REPTILES - 132 SOUTH ROAD ENFIELD, CT
Riverside Reptiles will be hosting Mary Beth from Horizon Wings who will be putting on two Birds of Prey shows. In this program, she will be showcasing some of the birds of prey Horizon Wings has rescued and rehabilitated. You will have the chance to see these birds up close and learn all about them. For more information call: (860) 207-9335 or visit www.riversidereptileseducationcenter.com/horizonwings To pre-order tickets and additional details.
THE STORY BARN ZOOM WRITERS WORKSHOP THE HERO'S JOURNEY: "THE HELPERS" FEB 3, 2022 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM This monthly workshop for teens, adults and seniors of all stages and genres of writing... a creative and encouraging space in which to explore different avenues for expanding your love of writing, and for exploring the why, for whom, and how you write. Renata shares a compelling topic at each writer's workshop, to get the ball rolling. This Month's Topic: The Hero’s Journey: "The Helpers". * Be sure to provide your email address when registering so we can email Zoom login information to you.
For more details and to register visit: friedab.com 24 GO LOCAL FEBRUARY 2022
RUSSIAN BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS SWAN LAKE
ACADEMY OF MUSIC, NORTHAMPTON, MA FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 AT 7:30 PM 274 MAIN ST, NORTHAMPTON, MA 01060 A must-see Russian Ballet Theatre’s new production of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s timeless classic! Choreographer Nadezhda Kalinina (Mariinsky Theatre, Teatro Lirico, Omsk State Music Theatre) lovingly retouches the oldest St. Petersburg version of the ballet and adds her vision and something more. RBT's dancers bring her choreography to life along with the new exquisite hand-painted sets and 150 new hand-sewn costumes. Designed by the young, accomplished Sergei Novikov, these are in the century-old tradition of the great theatrical masters. SFX makeup by Award-winning Irina Strukova completes the already perfect glittering fantasy that is Swan Lake!
Visit: www.aomtheatre.com/event-ticket-buy/236
s ’ e v o r g l e n S
! KEITH O'CONNOR LEON NGUYEN
A
sk Timothy Snelgrove why he became a chocolatier and he will answer your questions with a question. “Who doesn’t like chocolate?” Today he is owner of Snelgrove’s Chocolatier - Florist in Enfield where they “bring chocolates, ice cream and florals together in one place.” “Valentine’s Day and Easter are our biggest seasons. Chocolates and flowers go together for Valentine’s Day when we sell plenty of chocolate hearts, truffles, chocolate dipped strawberries and heart-shaped boxes of assorted chocolates. On the floral side, we have roses and other arrangements to choose from, as well as special packages combining both flowers and chocolates,” Snelgrove said. The Institut Culinaire de France describes a chocolatier as “someone who makes confectionery made from chocolate. They may be responsible for the whole process from start to finish, from devising a recipe, through to making the product, and finally packaging, displaying and selling.” Certainly Snelgrove fits that description. “There are two ways to become a chocolatier, either professional training at a culinary school where you study as a pastry chef or participating in an apprenticeship. My route to becoming a chocolatier was being self-taught, and then I did an apprenticeship, but I’m mostly self-taught,” Snelgrove said. Before his interest in chocolates
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 25
- Snelgrove noted he is a bona fide chocoholic and loves anything matching peanut butter and chocolate together - he developed a love for floral design. His home was next to the floral shop, Snelgrove’s Florist and Greenhouse in Windsor, that his grandfather started in 1924. He spent many a day as a boy in the store and working in the greenhouses. “My parents divorced and we moved to Poquonock, so I had to find something else to occupy my time now that I didn’t have the flower store near me,” Snelgrove said. That new hobby would be making chocolates and becoming a junior businessman selling them from his home. Snelgrove best tells his story to becoming a chocolatier in a section on the store’s website called “The start of Chocolate.” “I remember very fondly my mother asking me what was I going to do with myself. I had always had a passion for making chocolates with my grandmother. So I told her, ‘I am going to start to make chocolates to sell!’ At this time there was not the availability to things like the Internet, we are talking the earlier 90s. So, I took the bus from my section of town to the library and taught myself how to make chocolates. I was around 11 years old when I opened my first candy store out of my home, mostly selling to friends, family and neighbors. I kept this going until I was almost 16,” he wrote. When he turned 16, Snelgrove found a job working for Munson’s Chocolates in 1995 before “jumping at the chance” to apprentice at Burnham & Brady under their chocolatier, where he apprenticed until they closed their doors after 150 years in operation. Seeking a change in his life, Snelgrove worked in the jewelry industry for several years becoming a gemologist. Plagued by back injuries he suffered when being hit by a bus when he was 10, Snelgrove found himself in the hospital where he would undergo the first of four back surgeries, giving him the opportunity to once again contemplate what he wanted to do with his life. “I returned to the floral business operating a boutique flower shop out of my home before opening Flowers by Timothy Snelgrove in 2000, a store in the Poquonock section of Windsor. I needed something to draw people into my business, so I began making fudge and chocolates again to sell in the store,” Snelgrove said. After losing the lease to their Poquonock location, Snelgrove moved his operation to Windsor center and changed the name to Snelgrove's Chocolatier - Florist. 26 GO LOCAL FEBRUARY 2022
"Chocolates had become a very integral part of the business, with the floral becoming more of the boutique business," he said. After a few years, Snelgrove opened a second location in East Granby, where he located their kitchen in the retail facility. In 2020, the advent of Covid-19 resulted in the shutdown of their Windsor location. The chocolate artisan uses Belgian chocolate, which many chocolatiers consider the finest in the world, to craft his handmade chocolates, beginning the process the old-fashioned way from copper kettles. Belgian chocolate has a higher cocoa content than most foreign products and contains 72% cocoa butter, which adds to the taste and texture of the finished chocolates. His chocolates are made with natural, high-quality ingredients with no artificial preservatives and their dark chocolates are also vegan. Customer favorites include his peanut butter cups and anything with peanut butter, truffles, butter crunch and seasonal items such a hot chocolate bombs and Easter Bunnies. Surprisingly, today he sells more dark - which contains a higher amount of cocoa and no added milk solids - than milk chocolate. While more bitter than milk chocolate, Snelgrove noted that richness outweighs any bitterness. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 27
Other taste-tempting, sweet confections include milk and dark chocolate sea salt caramels, milk chocolate peanut bark, milk chocolate pecan turtles, milk chocolate peanut butter cups, dark chocolate raspberry truffles, milk chocolate peanut butter truffles, milk chocolate pecan bark, dark chocolate lemon truffles, dark chocolate bark, Fluffernutter cups, dark chocolate dipped orange peels and so many others. They also offer homemade ice cream, bringing another branch of the family’s legacy under one umbrella. Snelgrove’s ice cream was established in Utah many years ago by his cousins. They became a large regional operation, eventually selling the business. With limited space in East Granby and the need to grow, Snelgrove closed the store and recently moved his entire operation to a larger facility in Enfield, which had a soft opening just before Christmas. "When looking for a new property to purchase as our own this time, we stumbled upon a site in Enfield that is opposite what used to be Crand’s Candy Castle which closed in 2001 after 49 years creating their own chocolate confections. My love of good chocolate began at Crand’s where my mother often brought me. Because of my interest, they even allowed me to go out back and watch their chocolate making operation,” Snelgrove said. “The property rang a lot of bells with me, especially being across from Crand’s. It was very nostalgic and on top of everything else, purchasing the property offered easy access to the store from Interstate 91 and Route 5,” he added. Snelgrove said the larger property will allow him to break ground on an additional structure in the spring where they will have more room to produce the amazing variety of 380 different chocolates and fudges they are known for, as well as return to making hard candy such as peanut brittle, candy canes and taffy.
Snelgrove's is located on 1695 King St. in Enfield. Winter hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. For more information, visit snelgroves.net or call 860-413-9042. 28 GO LOCAL FEBRUARY 2022
The Buy Center ! KEITH O’CONNOR LEON NGUYEN
T
of Enfield
he signs at The Buy Center of Enfield say it all. “We Buy Cars” and “If It Runs, You Get the Funds.” They are not a used car dealer, they are a Buying Center to sell your vehicle to. “There is no pressure to buy something else when you are here because all we do is buy cars,” said Jason “Crazy Jay” Birch, general manager of The Buy Center of Enfield. The idea to create The Buy Center which will soon add a new location in Western Massachusetts - began with
an idea by Birch and Michael Green, owner of Gale Toyota in Enfield. “We set out to create an outlet for local customers to sell their vehicles fairly, and to get the most money for their car or truck. We have built an extensive buying network locally and around the United States to do just that. We act as a broker and because our network is so big, we can typically beat dealer trade-in offers and online offers," Birch said. The Buy Center operation - a subsidiary to Gale Toyota - grew to be so big that a separate location was GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 29
established with Birch serving as its general manager. “Our mission is to get our customers the most money for their cars through our established buyer channels with wholesalers across the country or at auctions,” Birch said, noting he sometimes holds his own auctions. Before visiting The Buy Center, Birch recommends going to their website, crazyjcars. com, and entering information about the vehicle you want to sell. They have partnered with the largest valuation guide company in the United States, Kelly Blue Book, to help guide the information provided. “You need to be truthful about all the information you enter, including such things as any damage to your car, so that you can get an accurate assessment of what your car is now worth in the current market," Birch said. “Then come to us, or we can even come to you, and meet with myself or one of our agents. We will go through a full inspection of your car before making a final offer. And, in most cases, you will leave with a check in hand. Also, if your vehicle is leased or financed, we will take all the hassle out of the paperwork and make it a very smooth and simple process," he added. While their slogan is “If It Runs, You Get the Funds,” Birch noted even if the car doesn’t run, they may be able to find a home for it. Birch offered his thoughts on the used car market, noting many people continue to prefer buying a used car over a new factory vehicle because of the depreciation a new car has when driven off the lot, and because of the new incentives for pre-owned vehicles, especially those certified. He said "there is no place better locally to go to get the most money for your vehicle, and also being treated fairly during the process, hands down." As for the nickname Crazy J, Birch said he made a fun dealership video for car buying while wearing a red, white and blue hat and glasses. “From that silly video someone gave me the name Crazy J and it stuck,” he said The Buy Center of Enfield is located at 33 Palomba Dr., Unit 7, in Enfield, Connecticut. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday by appointment, and closed on Sunday.
Call 860-698-8600 or 413-729-8600 or visit them online at www.crazyjcars.com 30 GO LOCAL FEBRUARY 2022
1 Allen St. Hampden, MA
(413) 566-8324
di Hampden House
Sparkle Up Some Romance
Casual Fine Dining • Midweek Dinner Specials
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Friday & Saturday Nights
Open for Lunch Friday thru Sunday Half Price Pizza Monday Night in Our Lounge
We can cater your next function on site, or The Greenhouse can accommodate parties of up to 100 guests.
lacucinahampden.com Lounge Open & Pizza 7 Days
Mon.-Thurs. 3-9 | Fri.-Sat. 11:30-10 | Sun. 11:30-9 | BAR OPEN LATE
Stop Throwing Away $$ on Car Repairs!
• 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
Why are you still going to the dealer? Aren’t you tired of poor service and “overpriced” repairs? Come to your Hometown Auto Center for great customer service, on time repairs and factory scheduled maintenance. ●
Come to where your neighbor goes for repairs
● Highest Rated 5-Star Used Car dealer in the area ● Towing ● All Used Cars come with a warranty ● All Services Come with a 3 Year, 36,000 Mile
goldanddiamondct.com
Tues, Wed, Sat. 10-4 Thur 10-8 • Fri 10-5:30
We Have the Perfect Venue for Your next Party! Newly renovated and full kitchen! Indoor and outdoor space! Plenty of parking! Beautiful view! Great pricing! Year round!
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133 West Road Ellington, CT
860.875.8334 www.Route83Auto.com
STAFFORD
FISH & GAME CLUB 53 Rockwell Road, Stafford, CT
Contact Riki-Ann, Phone or Text...
860.933.5735
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 31
go eat
! RECIPE SUBMITTED BY NATHAN BLAIS
Oven Baked Wings
2 pounds chicken wings 1.5 cups cornstarch Salt + Pepper Buffalo Sauce
Preheat your oven to 375F. Coat wings in salt and pepper, toss in a bowl with cornstarch and remove excess. Add wings to a lined baking sheet and bake for 22 minutes flipping halfway through. Raise oven temp to 425F and cook an additional 13 minutes. In a sauce pan warm up some buffalo sauce and coat wings. Serve with bleu cheese or ranch and 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!
32 GO LOCAL FEBRUARY 2022
we are local.
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taking care of your body, Mind & spirit
Cleaning Expires March 15, 2022
Since 1993
In-Studio classes and/or Zoom Livestream from home Classes Daily, Nights & Weekends Strength, Balance, Flexibility Stress Reduction & Inner Peace
413-525-0720 HeartSongYoga.com 262 Allen St. Springfield | 413-736-5476 | Hrs: Mon-Fri 7-6 • Sat 8-2 | ParkCleaners413.com 464 Main St. Wilbraham | 413-279-1516 | Hrs: Mon-Sat 8-4 • Sat 9-1
264 N. Main Street East Longmeadow, MA
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65 Hazard Avenue • Enfield, CT • 860-741-2151
PLACE YOUR VALENTINE’S ORDERS TODAY!
DON’T REPLACE, REFINISH! FAST, 2-DAY PROCESS THOUSANDS LESS THAN REPLACEMENT
We Also Repair and Refinish: • Countertops • Sinks & Vanities • Bathtubs & Tile Surrounds • Fiberglass Tubs & Showers
32 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA 413.525.6062 | Petes-sweets.com
a complete shower refinishing job through 3/31/22
CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE!
33 Grattan Street • Chicopee, MA • 413-589-0769 MiracleMethod.com
Each Miracle Method franchise independently owned and operated.
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 33
local einstein
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!
FROM WHICH COUNTRY DOES GOUDA CHEESE ORIGINATE?
HOW MANY TEETH DOES AN ADULT HUMAN HAVE (NOT COUNTING WISDOM TEETH)? GO AHEAD, COUNT…
[A] Denmark [B] Belgium [C] The Netherlands [D] Germany
THE NAME OF WHICH AFRICAN ANIMAL MEANS “RIVER HORSE?”
[A] 28 [B] 30 [C] 32 [D] 34 WHAT IS THE HOTTEST PLANET IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM (460 DEGREES C)?
[A] Hippopotamus [B] Rhinoceros [C] Crocodile [D] Elephant
WHAT ARE THE NAMES OF THE 4 “GOLDEN GIRLS” OF 1980S TV?
[A] Mercury [B] Mars [C] Venus [D] Saturn WHO WAS THE FIRST WOMAN TO WIN A NOBEL PRIZE (1903)? [A] Marie Curie [B] Pearl S. Buck [C] Mother Teresa [D] Edith Wharton
[A] Doris, Rose, Blanche & Sandra [B] Dorothy, Rose, Blanche & Sophia [C] Diana, Ruby, Barbara & Sophie [D] Debra, Betty, Blanche & Selma
[A] Rook [B] Knight [C] Queen [D] Bishop THE COLORED PART OF THE HUMAN EYE THAT CONTROLS HOW MUCH LIGHT IS PASSED THROUGH THE PUPIL IS CALLED WHAT? [A] Cornea [B] Retina [C] Iris [D] Lens
34 GO LOCAL FEBRUARY 2022
WHAT IS THE PAINTING “LA GIOCONDA” MORE USUALLY KNOWN AS? [A] The Last Supper [B] The Mona Lisa [C] The Birth of Venus [D] The Tempest
# CORRECT
IQ
RANK
ANSWERS:
8-9 5-7 2-4 0-1
160 110 50 3
Prodigy Egghead Meh Simpleton
1)C 2)A 3)A 4)C 5)B 6)A 7)D 8)B 9)C
WHICH CHESS PIECE CAN ONLY MOVE DIAGONALLY?
The Final Countdown
7 places for a romantic date or take-out This Valentine's Day celebrate with a night out - or in! bNAPOLI ITALIAN
THE SALEM CROSS INN
Inspired by the casual glamour and laid-back luxe of Italy. bNapoli Italian – without compromise We tailor our menu to the offerings available from our local sources ensures that no matter how discerning your palate, bNapoli’s menu is sure to offer something innovative and exciting every time you visit.
A restored 18th century farmhouse nestled on 600 acres of New England countryside. Though it is rich with history, the house, turned restaurant and tavern, offers wonderful seasonal menus with traditional American fare. Everything is prepared fresh each day while incorporating heirloom vegetables and herbs grown in our own gardens.
185 ELM STREET • WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA 413-240-2106 • BNAPOLIITALIAN.COM
LA CUCINA DI HAMPDEN HOUSE
1 ALLEN ST, HAMPDEN, MA 01036 413-566-8324 LACUCINAHAMPDEN.COM
At La Cucina di Hampden House, an Italian eatery formally known as The Hampden House, you'll find something very special. Casual fine dining restaurant and lounge featuring live music every Friday & Saturday night. Nightly mid week dining specials and banquet facility.
260 WEST MAIN STREET (ROUTE 9) WEST BROOKFIELD, MA 508-867-2345 • SALEMCROSSINN.COM
GOLDEN IRENE RESTAURANT
18 MULLEN ROAD, EAST WINDSOR, CT (860) 627-5971 • GOLDENIRENE.COM
At Golden Irene Restaurant every dish is made from scratch, ranging from Greek and Mediterranean to Italian cuisines. Hand made pastas, freshly cut steaks, and local seafood are some of our main dishes, plus we also serve gourmet sandwiches, pizzas, and salads. More than a third of the items on our menu are made gluten free and we have a strict allergen policy to ensure all diners safety.
FAZIO'S RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA
EASTSIDE GRILL
THE FEDERAL
The Fazio family welcomes you to their authentic Southern Italian style cooking and Old World style pizzas. While distinct in flavor, each of our dishes share a common beginning: The time honored practice of using the finest ingredients possible.
The Eastside Grill has served robustly flavored, seasonal American cuisine in a relaxed casual setting since 1985. We pride ourselves on our quality, our excellent value and our warm hospitality. The Eastside Grill's tradition and reputation for quality, consistency and friendly service has reached beyond the Pioneer Valley.
Reservations Required for Indoor Dining. “New american” cuisine that is perfectly prepared and impeccably served. Strong italian and french influences inspire the contemporary culinary style of chef Presnal in dishes such as his red beet risotto, burnt tangerine glazed cod, and white-chocolate panna cotta.
162 SHAKER RD. EAST LONGMEADOW, MA DINING ROOM: (413) 525-1829 TAKE-OUT: (413) 525-2735 FAZIOSVILLA.COM
19 STRONG AVE. NORTHAMPTON, MA (413) 586-3347 EASTSIDEGRILL.COM
135 COOPER STREET • AGAWAM MA (413) 789-1267 • THEFEDERALRESTAURANT.COM
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 35
