Go Local | JUNE 2018 by Go Local Magazine

June 2018 Volume 4 . Issue 7 golocalmagazines.com

rustic refurbs RIGHT ON TARGET A HOME FOR ART AND ARTISTS

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new this month JUNE 2018 . VOLUME 4 . ISSUE 7

RIGHT ON TARGET

FEATURE STORY >> 19

at the Agawam Axe House T hi n k o f yo u r favor i te we e ke nd ac t i v i t y. Pe rh a ps i t ’s b ow li n g , or l a s e r t a g. May b e yo u r f r ie nd g ro u p hi t s t he mov ie the at re. Im a g i ne bre a k i n g the c yc le by throw i n g we a p on r y w i th yo u r p e e rs .

A NOTE

GO ON, YOUR SAY

A GIFT OF MEMORY

From the Editor 15 Minutes of Fame

Silver Pixel Photography

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Call or send us an email for a FREE Initial Consultation! 413.525.6661 x102 Dan@EnvisionMarketingMA.com 4 GO LOCAL JUNE 2018

new this month JUNE 2018 . VOLUME 4 . ISSUE 7

SNAPSHOT

GO EAT

SNAPSHOT

Rustic refurbs

PICKS

A HOME FOR ART AND ARTISTS

LOCAL EINSTEIN

FINAL COUNTDOWN

Start At Step One

Best Blueberry Muffins Tiny Transportation

One Man’s Trash Can Become A Treasure Cool Stuff Just Outside Your Door In Willington, CT

Put Your Thinking Caps On 7 Pet Friendly Patios

Be part of

Go Local!

AGAWAM • EAST LONGMEADOW • EAST WINDSOR ELLINGTON • ENFIELD • HAMPDEN • LONGMEADOW SOMERS • SUFFIELD • STAFFORD SPRINGS • WILBRAHAM Contact: StephanieTrombley@gmail.com September 2015 Vol. 1 Issue 10 golocalmagazines.com

Got a great story idea? We’re always on the lookout for a unique local business, an outstanding person in the community, a special pet, creative craftsperson or the couple that’s been married for 50 years to feature in Go Local Magazine. So give us a shout!

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 5

a note

FROM THE EDITOR . STEPHANIE TROMBLEY

Everything starts on a small scale, and grows as time goes by. That’s how my becoming a writer has felt. It started with notebooks filled with stories in elementary school, to editing a high school newspaper, to walking across the stage of Western New England University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Since that day exactly one year ago this month, I have been writing with reckless joy. Never knowing if, or when, I would be published. Luckily, I have been warmly welcomed into the Go Local family. Go Local is unlike any publication. The stories within these pages tell heartwarming tales of love, caring and devotion to the subjects and hobbies we dedicate our lives to; the ways we choose to grow from something small, to an idea beyond our wildest imaginations. Curating my first issue as editor of Go Local alongside talented writers, photographers, and graphic design gurus has felt like this to me: growth. This issue shows that all ideas can expand our minds and our hearts. It just starts with one step, and an eye for the bigger picture. When I graduated, I didn’t know who I was or where I would end up. Up to that point, I had just been a twenty-something girl with Fleetwood Mac in her headphones and a high spirit. Now, I have the opportunity to take that joy to the pages of this magazine, and I couldn’t be happier. I look forward to showcasing the best of my hometown in the coming issues of Go Local. While I am naturally a Springfield, Massachusetts native, I have considered the wonderful places of the Go Local communities my home all my life. Any Western Mass resident knows: every city around us is our home. This issue represents several people who have dedicated their lives to creativity and uniqueness. They are breaking the mold; embracing careers and hobbies that show us how to truly be ourselves. Take a risk by throwing an axe, or paint the world in your design. This is a new beginning for me, and summer can bring a wealth of beginnings to everyone. Graduations, packing bags for college stays, and even the end of a school year for little ones. While summer represents doors closing, the glimmering green grass, cool pools and longer days bring promise of refreshing futures. Don’t let that spare sunlight go to waste, go wild with ambitions. But don’t forget to dip your feet in the pool or wiggle your toes in the grass and relax. Balance is the joy of life. I invite our readers to take the new life that summer breathes and bask in all that makes you who you are. Whether it’s a small idea that you’ve fumbled around in your brain, an obstacle that seems impossible to navigate past, or just the short term goal of enjoying the sunshine, make the promise of a new season your starting point. Be inspired by the stories of your neighbors within these pages, and go wild with creativity and happiness. Take a chance. I’m glad I did.

6 GO LOCAL JUNE 2018

EDITOR Stephanie Trombley

MANAGING EDITOR G. Michael Dobbs

PUBLISHER Dan Buendo

QUALITY CONTROL Carolyn Napolitan

PHOTOGRAPHY Tyler Whaley

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Stephanie Trombley . Carleton Whaley

ADVERTISING

Amy Allen . Kim Barba . Paula Dimauro Scott Greene . Nancy Holloway . Jeanette Grenier Matt Mahaney . Lisa Nolan

CREATIVE

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

THE GO LOCAL COMMUNITY

WILBRAHAM

EAST LONGMEADOW

AGAWAM

LONGMEADOW Route 190

Route 190

SUFFIELD

HAMPDEN

Route 190

SOMERS ENFIELD

EAST WINDSOR

Route 190

STAFFORD SPRINGS

ELLINGTON

A CREATION OF

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM Send local story ideas to our Editor, Stephanie Trombley: stephanietrombley@gmail.com

STEPHANIE TROMBLEY is the editor of Go Local Magazine and can be found lounging by the pool or attending music festivals this summer!

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your say

BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES THEIR 15 MINUTES OF FAME

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My father

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! CARLETON WHALEY  S ILVER PIXEL PHOTOGRAPHY

memory

A GIFT OF

t’s no surprise that the last 30 years have seen a rapid increase in technology, both in its complexity and its involvement in our lives. As technology improves, perhaps no career has been affected the way photography has. Speaking with Jim Talenda of Silver Pixel Photography, who has been a photographer since 1990, it’s clear that although the times have changed the way he photographs, they haven’t changed his passion for it. Silver Pixel Photography is based out of Wilbraham, MA, and is unique for many reasons, one of them being that it is a husband and wife team. Jim and his wife, Barbara, regularly team up to do work that one person would struggle to capture, and it has not only made them happy, it’s made their business. “One of the best memories,” Jim said, “was a wedding back in 2014 that I did with my wife. We were newly married back in 2012, she’d been helping me with the weddings, but that was the first wedding that we began working as a seamless team. I remember how happy both of us were because we knew what each other was doing, what each other wanted, and we were actually circling the oriental gardens in Elizabeth Park, where they have that oriental bridge. We were working that, and I was with the bride and groom, but she was on the opposite shore, and we managed not only to stay out of each other’s way, but we got exactly what we needed and quickly. It was just beautiful how it all came together.” GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 11

For Jim and Barbara, photography is just as much personal as it is a business. The people they work with, when they work with other photographers, have always been family and friends. “I can tell you,” Jim said, “I’ve never put out a job application or want ad for help.” Although Jim has been in photography since 1990, Silver Pixel was created in 2004. I was interested in how his work had changed since involving his wife, as well as what the benefits and difficulties were. “First off, just working as someone who’s self-employed is difficult enough.” Jim said, laughing, “Being the boss, being the one who calls the shots, can be a blessing, but it can also be very challenging. Working as a husband and wife is obviously nice because it gives you time together and time to work together, which a lot of people don’t get. It can also be a little more stressful because you’re working with your spouse, and you need to step back sometimes and realize that it’s not your typical time in a relationship to talk. It’s very easy when you need something to get done, and you’re doing things, to forget that you’re working with your spouse and not just somebody who’s working with you.” Jim and Barbara have incredibly diverse portfolios, rang12 GO LOCAL JUNE 2018

ing from portraits to weddings, anniversaries, dance competitions, collegiate sporting events, musicals, and more. Throughout it all they’ve maintained a positive attitude. When I asked if Jim had a least favorite event, I was surprised to hear him say, “I’ve not had something that I’ve been asked to or had the privilege to photograph that I look back at and say ‘Man, I wish we hadn’t done that.’ If we get a job, it has a lot more to do with the people, for us, as opposed to what you’re photographing.” As grateful as they are, it hasn’t always been easy to work as a photographer. “In order to survive as a photographer,” Jim said, “you truly have to constantly reinvent yourself. There are people who tell me, ‘oh, my company sent me here,’ or ‘my company paid for training’ and the fact of the matter is that when you’re self-employed, you do have to do that all yourself, and plan for it all yourself, and pay for it all yourself.” This approach to constantly reinvent himself has paid off. It’s clear that, as much as he knows about photography, Jim is humble enough to know when he needs to learn something new. And yet, it’s his earlier experience that constantly informs the way he does things now. From his days working

with film, Jim has become a master of setting up the shot. Through his study of posing and lighting, he has a true professional’s eye, to the point that he usually knows whether or not a shot is going to be good even before he snaps it. “I’ve seen so many young people come in and instead of learning how to do those things, they just move in and say, ‘I can do everything, because I can just look at the back of my camera and it looks good.’ Sometimes, just because you think it looks good, if you haven’t learned how to light and pose, then you’re just allowing the camera to control things, and that won’t let you take good, professional photographs.” Beyond his work as a professional, Jim has a deeper connection to photography as a safeguard of memory. Just as he works with family and friends, it was his family that really inspired his love of pictures. “I remember when my grandparents passed away, and my dad and I were cleaning out the house. There was a picture box-it had photos of entire generations back. If I asked my father for pictures of my first birthday party, I know he could find them, because they’d be in the box. You can see how important the keeping of memories can be. Your phone, com-

puter, or cloud isn’t the place to keep pictures,.” he said. One of the most interesting things about Jim is his desire to preserve memories. It’s a passion that feels both earnest and heartfelt, and one that has made Silver Pixel Photography into the incredible photography studio that it is today. Pictures aren’t just a pastime for Jim and Barbara: they are their gift to their customers. “There’s going to be a generation of kids who sit down one day and want to show pictures of their childhoods to their children. And if those pictures don’t exist, what do you do? Sometimes we get a phone call, months after a wedding where we’ve made sure to take photographs of all the family members, saying our photograph was the last photograph of someone, and that they need it for the funeral. I hope they view the pictures I take as important. One of the things you learn is that, until you lose somebody, you don’t realize how important pictures of them really are,” he said. SILVER PIXEL PHOTOGRAPHY • WILBRAHAM, MA • (413) 537-1953 INFO@SILVERPIXELPHOTO.NET • FACEBOOK.COM/SILVERPIXELPHOTO

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 13

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go eat

! RECIPE SUBMITTED BY DEBBIE GARDNER

Best Blueberry Muffins Muffins are the workhorse of quick breads. Prepared sweet or savory, they take mere minutes to mix, are infinitely portable, perfect at any meal and almost always a crowd-pleaser. The recipe for Best Blueberry Muffins below is adapted from one rumored to have originated in the top floor kitchen of one of Massachusetts’ grand dames of retail, the Jordan Marsh department store in downtown Boston. It’s one of my family’s favorites, and can be prepared using either fresh or frozen blueberries. But do yourself a favor and make sure to whip up a batch in July, when the local blues are sublime.

½ cup butter or margarine, softened 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 2 cups all purpose flour 2 tsp. double acting baking powder ½ tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla ½ cup milk 2 ½ cups blueberries

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Place softened butter or margarine and sugar in large bowl. Using an electric mixer, cream until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt together. Add to sugar-egg batter alternately with milk and vanilla. Crush ½ C. blueberries and fold into batter. Gently fold remaining blueberries into mix. Spoon batter into pre-greased or paper lined muffin cups, filling all the way. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mix. Bake 25 to 30 minutes. Makes 12 to 14 muffins, depending on pan.

Cinnamon-sugar mix DEBBIE GARDNER has been dabbling in the kitchen since she was about 10, and once she’s tried a recipe, loves to tinker with it to make it her own. She’s also the editor of Reminder Publications Prime magazine.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 17

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! STEPHANIE TROMBLEY

 TYLER WHALEY

hi n k o f yo u r favor i te we e kend ac t iv i t y. Pe rh a ps i t ’s b ow li ng , or l a s er ta g. May b e yo u r f r ie nd g ro u p h i t s the mov ie t he atre. Im a g i ne bre a k ing the c yc le by throw i n g we a p on r y w i th yo ur p e ers . A gawam A xe Ho u s e i n A gawam, M A is prov idi n g w i ld e n j oy me nt for e ver yone by br i n g i n g a xe - t hrow i n g to t he E a s t Coa s t . W he n yo u walk i nto t he b uilding on Main S tre e t yo u ’ ll i n st ant l y b e eng ulfe d by the f u n - fe e l o f t he lo c at ion . A wall o f a xes stand b e side ow ne r A n ne lis e Tow ns end at t he f ront de sk , p o p mu sic b o oms th ro u g h t he s p e a ke rs , and yo u c an s mell the arom a o f wo o d t h at h a s b e en the tar ge t o f we a p on s . GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 19

A gawam A xe Ho u s e h a s b e come the t a lk o f the tow n i n t he shor t t i me i t h a s b e e n o p e n . I t all s tar te d w hen A n ne li s e v i si te d Mont re al, C an ad a . S he wa s lo ok ing for t he p e r fe c t pa st i me , and a xe throw i n g piq ue d her intere st . A f te r re t u r n i n g home , she re ali z e d th is wa s a uniq ue s p or t t h at We ste r n Ma ss . wa s m i ssi n g. S he wa s alre ady t he pro ud ow ne r o f the ide al lo c at ion , and s o on her ide a wo u ld re s u l t i n hu ndre d s o f lo c als w ie ldi ng the p ower o f the a xe. W hi le thi s ac t i v i t y i s f re sh to Ne w E n g l and, a xe th row i n g i s a p o p u l ar and re co g n i z e d s p or t i n o ther par t s o f the world. Hi stor i an s ar g ue t h at throw i n g a xes were u s e d in b at t le d at i n g all t he way b ack to 4 0 0 A .D. O thers b elie ve t he we a p on s we re si m pl y u s e d to hu nt anim als for s urv i val. R e p or t s e ve n c l ai m the Ce l t s we re t he f irs t g ro u p to u s e t he a xe for s p or t . No m atte r w he re i t b e gan, there are now pro fe ssion al a xe throw i n g le a g ue s re co g niz e d by the Nat ion al A xe T hrow i n g Fe de rat ion , and i t m a kes for g re at le i s u re f u n . A s A n ne li s e p u t i t , “ I t i s an addic t ive s p or t t h at i s m a ssi ve ac ro ss the world.” A s i nt i m id at i n g a s t h at m ay s o u nd, don’t le t the we a pon r y s c are yo u away. W h at ’s i m p or tant to rememb er a s a ne wcome r to the s p or t i s to no t walk in th ink ing yo u 20 GO LOCAL JUNE 2018

c an’t do i t . W h ile i t o f te n t a ke s a fe w prac t ice t hrow s , i t b e come s e a s ie r w i t h e ach to s s , a nd a nyone yo u n g or old c an exce l at t he ga me. A s p or t t hi s un iq ue do e s n’t h i t We s te r n Ma ss . w i t ho u t s ome c ur io s i t y. A long w i t h a s e a o f lo c a l s th at h ave come in to at te m pt t he ac t i v i t y for t he m s e l ve s , re side nt s o f b orde r in g s t ate s h ave a l s o wa l ke d t h ro u g h t he do ors . Pe ople h ave s to p p e d i n f rom Tau nton, M A and e ve n R ho de I sl a nd for a v i s i t . I f yo u h ave a s p e c i a l e ve nt com i ng u p , A gawam A xe Ho u s e h a s yo u cove re d . I f yo u ’re s e a rch i n g for a way to mix u p t he u s u a l t r i p to t he b a r for a b ache lor par t y, or want a me mora ble way to re ve a l t he ge nde r o f yo u r b a by to fa mi l y a nd fr ie nd s , A gawa m A xe Ho u s e ho st s i t all. I f yo u c a n ce lebrate i t , w hy no t w i t h f l y i ng a xe s? A gawa m A xe Ho u s e o f fe rs pa r t ie s u p to t we l ve p e o ple , b ut c a n ho s t l a r ge r e ve nt s by re q ue s t . To e ar n t he hi g hest s t at u s o f a l l o f yo u r f r ie nd s , p e r h a ps yo u ’d li ke to tr y yo ur h a nd at b e com i ng P i t m a s te r. A P i tm a ste r t i t le i s e ar ne d w i t h “ t wo h a nd s , t wo a xe s , t wo t ar ge t s and one throw,” a s s t ate d on t he A xe Ho u s e web s i te. Ta ke on t he ch al le n ge d ur i n g a pi t pa r t y re nt a l , a nd yo u m ay f i nd yo urs e l f wa l k in g away w i t h t he cove te d t i t le , and a pho to fe at ure d on the web s i te. W h i le w ie ld i n g the we a p on is f un i n a nd o f i t s e l f, a ce r t i f ie d coach w ho i s t rai ne d in a xe t h row in g ga me s a nd to u r n a me nt s c an am pli f y t he en j oy me nt o f yo u r g ro u p. I f yo u’re lo ok ing for t he ch a nce to ex pand yo u r sk i lls and me e t ne w f r ie nd s i n t he pro ce s s , A gawam A xe Ho u s e is c ur re nt l y wor k i ng on for m i ng t he i r ow n le a g ue. T he te a m re q uire s a m i ni mu m o f s i x te en p e o ple , and A nne l is e e nco ura ge s a l l i nte re s te d to s i g n u p. I t ’s c le a r t h at a xe - t h row i ng i s a one - o f- a- k i nd ex p e r i ence , a nd A n ne li s e ex pl a i ns w hy. “ T he re ’s no thi n g li ke i t . I t i s s t re s s re l ie f, i t i s ex h i l a rat i ng , i t ’s ex tre me l y ente r t a in i n g. We te ach yo u w h at to do, and yo u ’re u p and goi n g in f i ve m i nu te s .” T h at s t ate me nt wa s prove n by G o L o c a l pho to g ra phe r Ty le r W h a le y. He ste p p e d u p to the l i ne a nd , w i t h m i ni m a l i ns t r uc t ion, t hre w a b u lls e ye. A nyone c a n e n j oy t he ac t o f a xe - t h row i n g. A n ne li s e adde d , “ I t ’s exe rc i s e a nd a n a m a z i ng t i me. I t re all y work s yo u o ut . I t ’s g re at for i nte rac t i ng a nd s o c i ali z i n g. E ve r y one is o f f o f t he i r ce l l phone s w h i le t he y are pl ay i n g.” S afe t y is o f t he u t mo s t i m p or t a nce at t he A xe Ho u s e. For ex am ple , don’t ge t c au g ht i n op e n- to e d sho e s . A n ne li s e stres s e d t h at i f yo u do, yo u m ay f i nd yo u rs e lf walk i n g onto t he l a ne s i n t he S ho e s o f S h a me. T he y are s olid bl ack C ro c sl ide - ons t h at m a ny m ay cons ide r u n fa shion a ble. I n orde r to a s s u re e ve r yone h a s a bl a st , A gawam GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 21

A xe Ho u s e on l y ho s t s v i s i tors e i g hte e n ye ars o f a ge or olde r, a nd do e s no t p e r m i t a lcohol on the pre m i s es . A s A n ne l i s e ex pl a i ns , “ W hy wa s te t i me dr i n k i n g w he n yo u co uld b e t h row i ng a xe s ? ” O nce yo u g i ve t h i s ne w pa s t i me a t r y, yo u m ay no t b e a ble to s to p. A nne l i s e s h a re d t h at c u s tome rs o f te n re tu r n to g ive t he s p or t s ome prac t ice , s ome t i me s a s o f te n a s we e k l y. Pa s s ion ate pa r t ic i pant s u t i li z e the o pt ion o f br i ng i ng t he i r ow n a xe s f rom home. I f yo u’re no t a xe s av v y a nd a re u ns u re o f w he re to star t , A gawa m A xe Ho u s e o f fe rs a va r ie d a r ray o f we a p on r y inc lud i n g a xe s o f d i f fe re nt s h a p e s a nd s iz e s , h atche t s a nd tom a h aw k s . A nne l i s e ex pre s s e d t h at once pl aye rs f i nd t he r i g ht f i t , t he y te nd to s t ick w i t h t he ones t he y love. F re e t hrow i n g the a xe s w i t h t he s i ng u l a r go al o f hi tt in g t he t a r ge t c a n b e a bl a s t , b u t A gawa m A xe Ho u s e als o h a s ga me s i n pl ace for v i s i tors w ho want to b e a li t t le more com p e t i t i ve. For ex a m ple , t he re are ten d if fe re nt ga me s coache s a re pre pa re d to te ach.

Co ache s als o c re ate the i r ow n games , and pl ayers h ave a ch ance to w i n f re e t- shi r t s for the ir s ucces s es . W hi le A gawam A xe Ho u s e h a s alre ady es ta blis he d a g rand b u si ne ss , t he y pl an to ex pand the ir c ur rent e i g ht l ane o f fe r i n g. T he y are i n the pro ces s o f b uild i n g a VIP par t y ro om t h at w i ll o f fe r a p ers on al ref r i ge rator f u ll o f dr i n k s and g ue st s ’ ow n radio the y c an u s e to bl a st t he i r favor i te tu ne s . For an ex p er ie nce on a sm alle r s c ale , the b u si ne ss is als o c re ati n g a s e m i - pr i vate are a , w he re par t ic ipant s w ill h ave t he i r ow n co ach to prov ide p e rs on aliz e d dire c t ion. In addi t ion to the i r ex pan sion , t here is a loyal t y pro g ram i n pl ace for pl aye rs w ho re tur n fre q uent l y. W he n yo u v i si t f i ve t i me s , yo u r si x th v is i t is fre e. J u st li ke any s p or t , the A xe Ho u s e h a s the ir ow n m a s co t , and w i ll b e holdi n g a contes t to g ive them a n ame. T hi n k yo u ’re u p to t he ch alle n ge ? V is i t A gawam A xe Ho u s e , b e c au s e w he n i t come s to a g re at t ime , i t ’s r i g ht on tar ge t .

AGAWAM AXE HOUSE • 396 MAIN STREET, SUITE A • AGAWAM, MA • (413) 654-6789 • AGAWAMAXE.COM • FACEBOOK.COM/AGAWAMAXE

22 GO LOCAL JUNE 2018

Residential & Commercial Washing

IT’S TIME FOR SPRING CLEANING!

BEFORE

DOES YOUR ROOF HAVE BLACK STREAKS OR GREEN MOLD? AFTER

With our Soft Wash methods, you’ll be the envy of all your neighbors!

SAFE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT THE LEADER IN ADVANCED POWER WASHING SINCE 1985

NOW OFFERING LOW PRESSURE ROOF WASHING!

860.872.2729 • 860.851.9432 RS RUNNING 3 YEA

www.mrtspowerwash.com COLONIAL ......................................... $325 2018 BASE HOUSE CAPE & RAISED RANCH .............. $225 WASHING RATES RANCH ............................................... $205

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ROOF WASHING

POWERWASHING

Some restrictions apply. Cannot be combined with any other offers/coupons. Offer valid through 6/30/18.

ABOUT US Mr. T’s Powerwash is a family owned and operated business with over twenty years of experience in the industry. We're based in Stafford, CT, but our service area includes most of North-Central Connecticut. We share a strong commitment to family values, and it comes across in the way that we do business. We always make an effort to treat customers as a part of our extended family - with courtesy and respect. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide high quality services at fair and competitive prices. One thing that helps us stand out from our competition is that we enjoy good conversation. We strive to answer every phone call personally, although that keeps getting harder as our business continues to grow. But rest assured, if you have to leave a message, WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL at our earliest opportunity. We are happy to answer any questions you may have, and we will do our best to explain things in a manner that makes you feel comfortable to have us service your home, business, or property. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 23

 TYLER WHALEY

TINY TRANSPORTATION

This little red car reminds us that, no matter big or small, there’s always a way to adventure beyond our dreams, and shine in the sun. 24 GO LOCAL JUNE 2018

CATERING Available

Graduations Receptions Showers Lunches & Parties

THE FINEST HEARING CARE BY DOCTORS OF AUDIOLOGY

PATIO

NOW OPEN! Jennifer Lundgren Garcia, Au.D. • Susan Bankoski Chunyk, Au.D. Doctors of Audiology

546 Main St., Hampden, MA

——— SINCE 1984 ——— 200 North Main St. • North Building, Suite 103, East Longmeadow, MA 413-525-7979 • www.hampdenhearing.com Office hours by appointment, Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

413.566.1466

Casabellarestaurant.net

The

One Coupon Per Order Through 7/31/18 Valid at Participating Locations Only

Each Miracle Method franchise independently owned and operated.

541 Center St. • Ludlow, MA 413-589-0769 • www.miraclemethod.com

We can also install: • Curved Shower Rod • Hand-Held Shower Head • Slip-Resistant Surface

Growth Company

167 Hazard Ave., Enfield, CT (860) 749-9237 ❦ (800) 594-9516 www.thegrowthco.com Cement Statuary • Birdbaths • Flowers Gazing Balls • Plants • Mulch • Soils Mexican Garden Art • Chimineas & Much More!

Stepping through helps reduce slip and fall accidents • More affordable than Learn more at: walk-in tubs! MiracleMethod.com/easystep • We install Easy Step into your existing tub – ALL WORK GUARANTEED No expensive remodeling!

Tues.-Thurs. 11:30-9 • Fri. 11:30-10 Sat. 12-10 • Sun. 12-9

HAPPY HOUR Tues.-Sun. 3-6

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any purchase of $30.00 or more (excludes fresh flowers) Expires 6/30/18

We are not just travelers... but navigators of our future

B EST

WISHES TO THE CLASS OF

2018!

Compass Rose Collection Handmade in the U.S.A. STEVEN EDWARD

807 Williams St., • Longmeadow, MA

413.567.7977

www.michaelszwedjewelers.com Hours: Monday through Friday 10-5:30, Thursday 10-7, Saturday 10-4

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 25

Come for your Bra fitting, and leave feeling Spring-y!

Collision Repair

Let The Bra Ladies put Health, Comfort and Beauty back in your life! We offer custom sizes that offer comfort and style! High-end shapewear bras, lingerie and consignment bags & shoes Curvy Kate • Enell Sports Bra Hanky Panky • Conterelle • CosaBella Hollywood Tape • Curvy Couture

ESSIONAL BRA FIT TIN PROF E E G! FR

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635 Main Street • Somers, CT

413.244.5731 thebraladies.com

• We guarantee the collision repair as long as you own the vehicle • 35 years experience – locally owned • Reasonable rates 34 West Street, Stafford Springs, CT

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

MENTION THIS AND AND GET 5% OFF YOUR PURCHASE!

7RJHWKHU IRU (QƣHOG 7 RJHWKHU IRU (QƣHOG Together T oge ogether geth herr ffor or a rreason. or eason.

26 GO LOCAL JUNE 2018

860.684.9229 rossicollisionrepair.com

can become a treasure ! CARLETON WHALEY  C OTRIBUTED PHOTOS FROM RUSTIC REFURBS

hile shopping in department stores may seem convenient, nothing beats the feeling of finding a real gem to decorate your home. One Wilbraham, MA resident is setting out to take old furniture from run of the mill to rustic. Jeremy Stefaniak of Rustic Refurbs has turned a hobby into a business, remodeling old furnishings into a product any homeowner would be happy to own. It all started when Jeremy and his wife moved into their new home two years ago. Something was missing in their home, and they set off to find just the thing to make the living room warm. After an unending hunt, nothing felt right, neither in looks nor their wallet. Jeremy thought “Why not?” and created a piece that spoke to he and his wife’s style. Purchasing a table at a local tag sale and refurbishing it to perfection, the Stefaniaks were happy, and so were friends and family. Soon, they were requesting their own original pieces and spreading the word around the neighborhood. Since then, Jeremy has taken to his garage to remodel pieces for friends, family and Facebook followers. With the help of his beloved mother who willingly picks up the paintbrush to add a finishing touch, Jeremy makes furniture feel fresh and new. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 27

It begins with a great find. Tag sales, flea markets, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, even the side of the road. Jeremy never knows when he will stumble upon his next project. While he can spot his next work just from seeing it in original form, Jeremy says, “I may have a vision in my head of what I want it to look like, but it may take on a completely different look. I don’t like to have my mind made up on a final look.” Going with the flow has paid off. The Rustic Refurbs Facebook page is filled with posts from satisfied customers, and even patrons asking when they can get their own furniture remodeled. What are the benefits of having a handmade piece? For Jeremy, it’s the real feel of your furniture. Department stores offer plywood, but wood can last ages. Something else timeless? Jeremy lovingly restores family heirlooms to ensure they live on for decades. That type of care simply cannot be purchased in bulk. While Jeremy is currently running Rustic Refurbs as a part time hobby turned job, he hopes to someday expand into a local storefront. “I grew up in Western Mass. and lived here my entire life, but it doesn’t matter where you are. It’s about a homegrown discount and working in the area with friends.” Just like the pieces Jeremy happily creates, Rustic Refurbs is sure to grow and become a treasure.

FB.COM/THEONLYRUSTICREFURBS (413) 495-2730

28 GO LOCAL JUNE 2018

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 29

NEW SPRING MENU! Live Music Fri. & Sat. Nights in The Lounge – Visit Our Website Sunday Night

Wine&Dine

Call 860-286-0331 “ANYTIME” Sewers/Toilets/Tubs/Sinks/Etc. Modern Jetting Equipment Video TV Inspections • Tree Root Removal

Includes Salad, Choice of 3 Entreés and 2 Glasses of House Wine or Beer

Per Person Excludes Holidays

MONDAY NIGHTS Half Price Pizza in our Lounge Dine-in only 4-10

Lowest Prices in the area Commercial & Residential • Fully Licensed & Insured Often Referred By Local Plumbers

LOUNGE SPECIALS Tuesdays

OPEN FOR LUNCH

Pop Up Taqueria

Enjoy Authentic Mexican! Tuesday thru Sunday $ 95 11:30 am - 4:00 pm 3 Tacos ........................... 5

MANGIA MANGIA

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Quesadilla .....................$695 Mucho Nachos.............$795 Thursdays

$ 95

Specialty Burgers

Choice of Pastas and Sauces, Salad & Rolls

3 special burgers featured every week

$ 95

Try one with the Weekly Beer Special!

BOOK YOUR NEXT FUNCTION WITH US!

Contact Lori at lacucinagreenhouse@gmail.com 1 Allen St., Hampden, MA (413) 566-8324

Visit our website: lacucinahampden.com

Let Me Help You

BUY, SELL or INVEST in Real Estate.

“Energetic & Grateful”

CHRIS Buendo

REALTOR® –

Licensed in MA & CT

413•566•8015 PIZZERIA & LOUNGE

575.9266

413

Chris@ResultsBegin.com www.ResultsBegin.com

Beer · Wine Spirits · Cocktails

Full Bar Menu Extended Hours for Lounge

KENO now in the Lounge

Come in and

COOL OFF with our FROZEN Drink Specialties Daiquiris, Margaritas & More!

413.219.4667

FREE Delivery to Hampden, Wilbraham, East Longmeadow, Sixteen Acres, East Forest Park and parts of Longmeadow, Enfield & Somers, CT! Grinders • Giant Calzones • Seafood • Salads • Wings & More

9 Allen St. • Hampden Mini Mall • Hampden, MA (413) 566-8015

Open 7 Days | www.giospizzeria.com 30 GO LOCAL JUNE 2018

Eric Weichselbaumer, Owner

www.avalanchelandscapedesign.com

Shrub Trimming, Removal & Transplanting Hydroseeding • Sod • Overseeding Mulch Installation & Bed Edging Walkways & Patios

go local picks

COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR

POPSICLE HOLDER FOR KIDS REMEMBER THIS DESIGNS • HAMPDEN, MA ETSY.COM/SHOP/REMEMBERTHISDESIGNS

Kathy Biermann of Remember This Designs creates one-of-akind gifts such as wine glasses, cutting boards, and these innovative neoprene freeze pop sleeves. The only thing that should be cold this summer is the pool, not your kids’ hands! Prevent frigid fingers and keep your icy treats from melting too quickly in the sun. With your choice of color, and your child’s name custom printed on each holder, they’re sure to be fun for everyone. Whether for a gift or a way to make summer vacation bright, the personal touch and vibrant array of colors is sure to bring joy to the heart of any child.

PARTY FAVOR BAGS FAIR STREET CRAFTS • 55 POQUONOCK AVENUE • WINDSOR, CT (207) 330-0691 • ETSY.COM/SHOP/FAIRSTREETCRAFTS

A story that started with a husband, a wife and a sewing machine, Katie Gardiner creates burlap table runners, gift bags and delightful favor bags that will leave guests at your special event smiling. Summer is the season of rustic weddings and bubbly baby showers. Why not leave a great impression with favors custom made to add joy to your special day? Mix up the usual cellophane or tulle option with durable cloth bags that can make the tables at your event pop. Unique designs and names create memorable pieces that will ensure your event is remembered for time to come.

ALLURING APRONS CINDY’S SOAP COTTAGE • 27 S. MAIN STREET • EAST WINDSOR, CT (860) 370-5444 • ETSY.COM/SHOP/MOTHERSAPRONSTRING

Clair Palmer, mother of Cindy Liquori of Cindy’s Soap Cottage, sews each apron made for her daughter’s shop with love. When Cindy couldn’t find an apron to her satisfaction in stores, Clair stepped up to create aprons tailored to every personality. From the Patriots, to the Walking Dead, prep your cookout goodies in an apron that represents all of your pop culture favorites. For little chefs and crafters, Cindy and Clair also offer children’s aprons. Check them out decorating Cindy’s storefronts, or purchase one online from the comfort of your home. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 31

Established 1998

The Finest Cucina Napoletana!

20th Anniversary Celebration Sunday, June 10 thru Saturday, June 16* All week long, receive a

COMPLIMENTARY APPETIZER of your choice from our special Anniversary menu with the purchase of 2 entrĂŠes.

*Wednesday, June 13th we will be CLOSED for a private function. Complimentary appetizer offer good only 6/10/18 - 6/16/18.

664 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 413-732-9300 | VillaNapoletana.com

32 GO LOCAL JUNE 2018

Art

A HOME FOR

and

Artists

! CARLETON WHALEY  T YLER WHALEY

own along Route 32, just outside of Stafford Springs, CT, is an old mill building, one of many scattered throughout the old mill towns. Unlike many of the old mills, however, this one still has some life left in it. If you’re like me, you might have driven through Willington and seen the parking lot of this particular mill absolutely packed on a weekend, or you may have seen signs posted outside about their creative space for rent and wondered, ‘what is going on here?’ Call it the Packing House, the Millworks, de ve lop ment gallery, they’re all part of the Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance (also known as EC-CHAP). Whatever you call it, this industrial setting filled with beautiful, high-ceilinged studios for painters, writers, poets, and musicians is certain to become a haven for creative life in the area, and possibly Southern New England. EC-CHAP, the organization that owns the mill, is a nonprofit founded by Tom Buccino, whose father once owned the mill in its operational days. There is a deep respect for the past at the mill, and that takes the form of the Gardiner Hall Jr. Museum, an exhibit that highlights the history of one of the area’s greatest philanthropists (and the former owner of the mill). Although the museum only takes up a single room in the expansive mill, it’s

clear that there has been careful consideration of each piece of history within. That respect for the past doesn’t diminish Tom’s plans for the future, however. “The end game,” as Tom puts it, “is to serve as a significant cultural organization essentially for all of Southern New England. To get there, we want people to know that we exist, that we’re here and we’re here to serve them. We’re membership based, so our objective is to grow that membership, not only from the standpoint of a small revenue stream, but more importantly volunteerism and getting engaged. We love participation. “We wanted to try initially to create a community that’s synergistic. Not all of them necessarily have to be fine artists, they just have to have creative thought process in their work, and show that in how they work with others here. For instance, the Gardiner Hall Jr. Company was innovative for its time, and we want to continue that innovation and create an environment where people can interact with each other.” Tom paints a broad understanding of creativity, one that invites new talent and voices into a conversation that is sure to reach out and spark interest in artists, performers, and the public of the entire area. To that end, after forming EC-CHAP, Tom began looking for board members and found Paul Johnson, a Stafford GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 33

resident and local photographer, printmaker, and multimedia designer. Much like Tom, Paul has put extensive work into the Millworks. His latest accomplishment has been creating the de ve lop ment gallery, a space where the viewer is invited to look at art, break it down, and look at it in a new way. “We’ve been using a space outside the museum for some pop-up shows,” Paul said, “but this is taking it another step. You might call that a grand corridor, but the de ve lop ment gallery would be more of a conventional gallery. Part of the development, as we understand it, is to develop tools and develop as an artist. For instance, there are smaller spaces. One of the thoughts is that members, studio holders, or people that even work in their homes, would be able to show their work and get feedback on it. The key thing with development is, as you see on the sign, the word is broken up. It fits the concept of gallery that we want to have here.” Paul showed me the gallery, which boasted high, beautiful windows, but then showed me to several smaller galleries to illustrate how individual shows could be held. “For instance, there’s a nice room that has a view of a waterfall. That room, and the gallery itself, would be an opportunity for an artist to have a bit more control over the situation, to just do a show themselves. Say you’re working on some pieces and you decide, hey it’s time to bring some people in, celebrate a little and get some feedback on your work. Tools that might fit a larger gallery would also benefit a smaller space, and we’d be open to those kinds of possibilities as well.” As Paul showed me around the building, we ran into Rebecca Zablocki, one of two artists-in-residence sponsored by EC-CHAP. She currently holds the position of Assistant Director of the Gallery at the Worcester Center for Crafts. As a printmaker, her artwork is labor intensive and painstaking, but results in beautiful, surreal works of art. “It’s really the first opportunity that I’ve had to have a dedicated making space,” she said when I asked about her time as artist-in-residence. “Starting this artist-in-residence program has been huge for me. I’ve never been able to just sit down and focus in a space that was dedicated just for me, and I’ve been getting a ton of artwork done because of it.” Much like everyone else, she loves working in the beautiful old mill. “A lot of the time I’m here, I’m usually snapping pictures of the building itself.” As their name implies, EC-CHAP is dedicated to history, art, and performance. Up to now, most of their performances have come in the form of musical acts brought into the Packing House, the public venue of the Millworks. They have also done some dramatic performances of one-act plays, as well as their monthly Film Fridays, but their music nights have garnered the most attention, and now have a loyal crowd. “These are musicians that could stand up to anyone on a national stage,” Tom said about the acts they’ve hosted so far. “They’re incredibly talented, and whether they have a local following or not, we want to help get them noticed.” Their most recent foray into performance, much to the delight of the community, has been dance. They have, at this point, had three dance nights hosted by seven-time national champion Kelly Madenjian, 34 GO LOCAL JUNE 2018

whose love of ballroom dancing inspired her to share lessons with the community. When I asked about how the dance nights were structured, she said, “We don’t get heavy in technique—these people just want to dance. They want to enjoy a night out with their partner, a night out with their friends, good music, and a good place to be.” She went on to say that, like Rebecca and the other artists who are gradually making the Millworks and EC-CHAP a home, “When I came to this space, I was enchanted by it, as well as by Tom’s commitment to this building and bringing arts to the community. He is dedicated to this, and it’s really beautiful.” Again and again, people respond to Tom’s dedication, as well as the building, as beautiful. Paul said of Tom, “Once he took over, he told me it had always been his dream to do something more than just studio space, to actually make an art center out of it.” The entire project and space itself is inspiring. For Tom, and the entire region, the future seems bright. “The scope really enlarged,” he said. “We were more of a support organization for the community and those that had space here, and we’re moving toward serving externally, locally, regionally, and hopefully beyond.” 156 RIVER ROAD • WILLINGTON, CT • (518) 791-9474 • INFO@THEMILLWORKS.US GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 35

Summer Swing!

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Spring Specials! We specialize in stump grinding and in all types of tree work with special equipment - cranes to 110 ft. Fully insured. Free estimates. Free advice.

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U2’S “ANGEL OF HARLEM” WAS WRITTEN ABOUT WHAT SINGER?

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IN 1849, ELIZABETH BLACKWELL BECAME THE FIRST FEMALE ________?

WHAT GOLFER WAS KNOW AS “THE GOLDEN BEAR?” [A] Billy Casper [B] Jack Nicklaus [C] Ben Hogan [D] Arnold Palmer

[A] Preacher [B] Doctor [C] Soldier [D] Bank Robber WHAT AFRICAN COUNTRY SERVED AS THE SETTING FOR TATOOINE IN “STAR WARS?”

DURING WHAT LUNAR PHASE IS THE MOON LEAST VISIBLE FROM EARTH?

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WHAT COLOR WAS THE HULK WHEN HE WAS ORIGINALLY INTRODUCED?

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The Final Countdown

7 Pet Friendly Patios New England summers can often be unpredictable. One moment, the air is brisk with only a splash of sunshine. Other days, it’s hard to imagine anything other than sitting in front of the air conditioner. When we are hot, our pets

are too. Rather than leaving them at home (and definitely not in the car!) here are seven dog-friendly eateries to enjoy a summer meal with your furry friend.

FOR LOVE AND FOOD CAFÉ

117 HAZARD AVENUE • ENFIELD, CT (860) 749-0813 FORLOVEANDFOOD.COM For Love and Food Café in Enfield, CT serves up breakfast and lunch daily, ensuring that you and your dogs can delight in items such as cookies, cupcakes, wraps and tacos.

LA CUCINA DI HAMPDEN

1 ALLEN STREET • HAMPDEN, MA LACUCINAHAMPDEN.COM (413) 566-8324 La Cucina di Hampden offers great food, drinks and fun, with live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio while you enjoy a frothy drink or delicious meal.

IT’S A GRIND COFFEE HOUSE

2 NORTH ROAD • EAST WINDSOR, CT ITSAGRIND.COM • (860) 903-1455 Satisfy your caffeine craving at It’s A Grind Coffee House in East Windsor, CT, where they are currently offering a summery white chocolate strawberry coffee and refreshing strawberry Italian soda. Their pet-friendly seating makes this a great stop on your dog’s walking route. 38 GO LOCAL JUNE 2018

THE COUNTRY DINER

111 HAZARD AVENUE • ENFIELD, CT THECOUNTRYDINER.COM • (860) 763-5338 Of course a restaurant that features framed photos of police dogs welcomes your pet to partake in breakfast, lunch or dinner at outdoor tables. With classics like grinders, pancakes and pie slices, the Country Diner is the ideal place to take your pal, human or dog.

MURPHY’S PUB

664 SUFFIELD STREET • AGAWAM, MA (413) 301-7074 MURPHYSPUBAGAWAM.COM Complement a warm summer day with cold draft beer and classic pub eats at Murphy’s Pub. No doubt your pup will enjoy the fresh air as you dine.

KRAZY JAKE’S

2537 BOSTON ROAD • WILBRAHAM, MA KRAZYJAKES.COM • 413-596-6464 Krazy Jake’s in Wilbraham, MA offers monthly specials, short order specialities, and frigid ice cream to delight in all summer long. Bring it outdoors, or possibly in a doggie bag?

CENTER SQUARE GRILL

84 CENTER SQUARE • EAST LONGMEADOW, MA CENTERSQUAREGRILL.COM • (413) 525-0055 Center Square Grill cooks up a variety of items from American, French, Latin and Italian cuisine. Bask in the sunshine outside of the restaurant with your four-legged friend, and it’s sure to be a great outing.

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40 GO LOCAL JUNE 2018