GL MARCH 2023

Growing up, Kelly Partridge always loved fashion. However, she didn’t imagine she would have her own clothing store. Partridge first opened GRATI, a boutique storefront in Wilbraham that also has an online warehouse, in 2019 from her Ludlow home. “I did everything out of my home,” she said. ”However, once the pandemic hit, I had to pivot.

A NOTE

FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR . PAYTON NORTH

Growing up, my parents frequently repeated the famous Henry Ford quote to my brother and me: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.”

It was a mantra in the North household.

W henever we were facing a challenge, setting off on a new task or perhaps thinking of switching careers – my parents would state this quote.

W hat my parents – through Henry Ford – were teaching my brother and me over time, was the power of believing in ourselves.

They were hinting to us that if you put your mind to something and think you can achieve it – you will. Hesitancy, or tackling something new with a negative attitude can hold you back. It can stand in the way of opportunity.

They taught me that having confidence in myself and knowing I could achieve a goal by working hard is empowering and liberating, and that anything is possible.

I continue to repeat this mantra to myself now when facing a new opportunity.

One cannot help but be inspired when reading this months Go Local features, especially if you are a woman.

Though pure coincidence – each feature article this month welcome women-owned businesses to our pages, with each of the women enjoying a career path that was not necessarily what they had in mind for their futures when they first started out in the working world.

The women have carved their own paths, started their own businesses from scratch, and though I do not know their own personal mantra’s – I certainly think Henry Ford’s quote and the North mantra applies: they thought they could, and they did.

Take Owner of Agawam Cinemas Kimberly Wheeler for example. The movie theater was abandoned by the previous owners, and in 2014, Wheeler purchased the theater without any experience in the industry. With a history working as an EMT, Wheeler went out on a limb to save the beloved theater, one she had fond memories of going to as a child.

She believed she could save Agawam Cinemas – and she did.

Kelly Partridge, owner of GRATI in Wilbraham, overcame significant personal hardship, finding her confidence in fashion – working on herself from the outside in. Partridge took her master’s degree in nonprofit management and philanthropy and applied it to her boutique storefront, hosting pop-up events on Saturdays where she welcomes other female business owners to showcase their products.

She believed she could help other women through her business which pushed her to open it – and she did.

In the midst of working toward her doctorate in English literature from UMass Amherst, Rebecca Maillet was faced with an opportunity: grow her budding flower business – Many Graces – or focus on her degree. After careful consideration and the realization that she was thinking of her farm more than her dissertation, she took a leap of faith and committed to the business, growing from a small “secret garden” to the commercial production flower farm they are today, planting more than 750 varieties of flowers on the 5.5-acre farm as well as 1.5-acres of rented land.

She took a leap of faith, believed she could make her floral business a success –and she did.

W hat started as a digital content business – Travelnitch Publishing – that was a result of hoping to give her children the travel bug, Amanda Renna has grown the concept into so much more. Now a nonprofit, Travelnitch works to inspire children and families alike through virtual and real-world travel and growth through global exploration. One unique feature Renna has introduced through Travelnitch is World on Wheels – a mobile bookshop bringing the wonder of books into communities across Western Massachusetts.

She believed she could give families and children the opportunity to travel and uncover resources – even if it was virtual travel – and she did.

So, dear reader, what do you believe you can do? I’m willing to bet you can.

Thanks for reading, Payton

North, Executive Editor

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Payton North

CREATIVE

Beth Thurber, Manager . Sophia Kelleher

Susan Bartlett . Leigh Catchepaugh

Molly Arnio . Lorie Perry

CONTENT

Matt Conway

ADVERTISING

Barb Perry, Advertising Manager . Jeanette Lee

Lisa Nolan . Kim Barba . Roxanne Miller-Longtin

Matt Mahaney . Paula Dimauro . Scott Greene

Terry O’ Donnell . Victoria Owen

Evan Marcyoniak . Andy Shaw

Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant

Curtis Panlilio, Operations Director

Fran Smith, General Manager

THE

AAAGWM

CINEMAS

The film industry as a whole took a big hit when the coronavirus pandemic shut down movie productions and theaters around the globe. People looked to streaming services for entertainment, but when businesses began opening up in full force, many people flocked to theaters for a movie experience that can only be found on the big screen.

A gawam Cinemas was no stranger to the strains of the coronavirus pandemic, and owner Kimberly Wheeler is no stranger to rising up when things seem bleak – especially when it comes to her beloved theater.

W heeler purchased Agawam Cinemas in 2014 after it was abandoned by the previous owners. The two-screen theater was in bad shape. In fact, Wheeler said it was condemned and the movie screens had shattered. But that didn’t deter her from building it back up.

“I had grown up coming to this cinema with my father,” she said. “To see it tattered and abandoned was utterly heartbreaking. I waited awhile to see if anyone else was

up to the challenge of saving and revitalizing this gem of a cinema. It was six months later that I realized that if anyone was going to preserve its memory, it would have to be me.”

W heeler had zero experience in the industry. She was an EMT and an EMT instructor with a background in emergency dispatch.

“This was an adventure that required a lot of learning,” Wheeler said.

Her love of movies and her memories of the theater fueled her drive to bring Agawam Cinemas back to life.

“I have always been a movie fanatic,” she said. “From a young age I grew up watching action and sci-fi classics with my father. By my pre-teen years I could practically recite every line from “Tremors,” “Predator,” “Jaws,” and “Aliens” by memory. Those were my favorite movies and actors back then…and still to this day. Classics from these eras taught me so many valuable life lessons that I carry into being a small business owner.”

! HOPE E. TREMBLAY NATE BLAIS

W heeler said she has a deep sense of pride every single day when she walks into her theater.

“It’s an honor to have been able to pick this torch up and keep it burning for the future generations to come. Seeing people’s faces light up when they walk into my lobby and exclaim ‘Oh my God…it’s the “Blues Brothers!”,” she said, adding that decorating the cinema lobby was the most exciting part of the revamp – “the life-size Deadpool statue seems to be a runner-up favorite for customers as well.”

A gawam Cinemas took a hit during the coronavirus pandemic, but Wheeler was able to remain afloat, offering full theater rentals and special events. But post-COVID-19 has created its own challenges.

“The most challenging aspect of owning a cinema is, hands down, the never-ending skyrocketing cost of utilities,” she said. “Post COVID-19 pandemic challenges that we’re faced with now are proving to be worthy adversaries. Recently I have had to face the realization that we need to adapt and overcome an entirely new set of challenges. Just when I think I have the hang of owning a cinema — bang — think again. The utility costs are astronomical and have the single-handed capability to crush everything that I’ve worked so hard to save.”

Once again, Wheeler accepted the challenge and adapted, reinventing what Agawam Cinemas offers. In addition to

movies, the cinema now has live entertainment, with a line-up of celebrities coming in to participate in autograph sessions, photo sessions, and live screenings.

“My aim is to make our cinema an unforgettable experience for fans,” she said. “Fans will be able to come in and meet these celebrities, ask them questions, take photos and get autographs to commemorate their experience. We are taking the cinematic experience to an entirely new level for our customers.”

Actor Keith Coogan will be at Agawam Cinemas March 25. Wheeler said movie buffs may remember Coogan from classics like “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitters Dead,” “Adventures in Babysitting” or “The Fox and the Hound.”

The event includes a showing of “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead,” a meet and greet and photoop with Coogan, and an autograph. Tickets are $30 at agawamcinemas.org.

W heeler said since day one, Agawam Cinemas’ customers have supported her efforts but she continues to be delightfully surprised by their understanding.

“ Whenever we’re forced to change our prices or adjust our hours to limit our utility costs as much as possible, they seem to immediately sympathize as soon as we explain it’s due to our current economic climate,” she said. “Many of these consumers are facing new realities of rising costs at

home, so they’re able to understand.”

W heeler said she and her staff work hard to provide affordable entertainment opportunities for families throughout the region.

“Our movie ticket prices are the lowest in the area, and we remain dedicated to keeping it that way,” she said.

“Entertainment needs to be affordable. It’s become a luxury for some families and we need to try to keep it so that everyone is able to enjoy it. This is the toughest economic climate that I’ve yet faced. We’ve been forced to re-think our cinematic strategy or succumb to this horrible economic climate like hundreds of other small businesses in our area did.”

T ickets remain under $10 each and a large variety of snacks and appetizers is also offered.

W heeler said she is inspired by her favorite films to keep moving forward.

“One thing that 90’s movies taught me is tenacity,” she said. “I’m not ready to give up, so adapt and overcome we shall.”

AGAWAM CINEMAS IS LOCATED AT 866 SUFFIELD ST. IN AGAWAM. VISIT AGAWAMCINEMAS.ORG FOR MOVIE TIMES, TICKETS AND MORE.

Many Graces Farm and Design

Rebecca Maillet’s love of flowers is something that, quite frankly, bloomed over the years.

Her appreciation for nature as a child and her attraction to flowers as she grew older led to her vision for Many Graces, a commercial production flower farm, as well as a full-service floral design studio.

“I grew up in the woods and my childhood was filled with creating beauty through nature ... collecting objects from the woods such as pine cones and leaves and pressing flowers,” Maillet said about her penchant for Mother Nature’s gifts.

Her draw to flowers as a medicine and ritual was solidified during the years she cared for her beloved friend Ruth, who was diagnosed with cancer in the winter of 2013 and later passed away in 2015.

During that time, they nurtured each other through a daily ritual of surprising one another with flowers. The home that they shared had what they dubbed a small “secret garden.” It was filled with colorful perennial and biennial flowers, and they would often make their way to its beautiful bed to make little bouquets that they would lovingly place on each other’s bedside table.

After Ruth passed away, Maillet wanted to maintain her connection to flowers and in 2016 she approached a local farmer asking if she could grow flowers on a small plot of

land in the back of his field. She began selling flowers under the umbrella of his vegetable farm and within a few years it had ballooned into a burgeoning cut flower business.

Faced with her success and the desire to build upon what she had created, Maillet knew she would need more land. She turned to Michael Docter, a well-known area farmer and landlord, for help and became the proud renter of a 5.5 acre, certified-organic field in Hadley, thus Many Graces was born in 2018. Lovingly named “the lower meadow,” the hidden field is situated at the bottom of a wooded hill, surrounded by forests abutting the Connecticut River.

W hile all of this was happening, Maillet was pursuing a doctorate in English literature from UMass Amherst, where she was also teaching undergraduate classes on the subject.

“I soon realized that my vision to complete my degree while running a small business was unrealistic. I was already working on my dissertation, but decided to speak with my advisor about the dilemma — that I was thinking more about the farm than my doctorate. She was an amazing advisor, who was with me from the beginning of my academic journey at UMass, and her advice was to follow my passion. So, I left the program in 2019 to devote my efforts solely to the farm,” Maillet said.

“ We are committed to sustainably with a mission that is built upon always working for the well-being of the

earth, as well as our dedicated staff, and to showcase to the community that local flowers are luxurious,” she added.

Flashback one year to 2018 when Kel Komenda, the farm’s managing director — whose background is in furniture making and interior design — met and started dating Maillet.

“I became a volunteer at the farm helping after hours. Rebecca was incredibly busy and at the time it was the only way I could see her. By 2020 things were changing with the onset of COVID-19 and the shutdown, which affected a good part of our business involving the event industry. So, I became a full-time volunteer helping with ways to save the farm,” Komenda said.

“First generation farming is very expensive if you don’t inherit a working farm. We started from the ground-up, it was sweat equity. There was equipment needed and no infrastructure, no water, electricity, greenhouses, and no building to process the flowers. With my building background, I built the farm’s first high tunnel greenhouse and later two others as well as a small processing shed. We don’t have decades of experience and continue to learn every day - reading and doing our research and reaching out to other farmers for advice when needed,” they added.

High tunnel greenhouses provide farmers with a way to lengthen their growing season and increase their crop yield by planting in-ground and protecting flowers from low temperature and the elements.

Now entering their sixth growing season, Many Graces plants more than 750 varieties of flowers — Dahlias, Ranunculus, Poppies, Eucalyptus, Anemones, Delphinium, Lisianthus, Sunflowers, Snapdragons, Strawflower, Roses and Celosia to mention just a very few — on their 5.5-acre farm and an additional 1.5-acre rented land also in Hadley.

They reserve one-third of their farm to custom-grown flowers solely for their wedding clients. Also, their plantings always include a variety of crops for drying, which helps to keep staff, some 13 at times, with them during off-season to make dried arrangements and wreaths for the holidays.

“During the height of our growing season from mid-April through mid-October, we source from our own farm for customers. If we need to supplement a project with other flowers, we only do so from responsible local producers,” Maillet said, adding there are times usually off-season when they need to order roses from California or Oregon.

In addition to picking up the phone or going online to order flowers for delivery or pickup, Many Graces numerous services include:

• Floral Design for Special Events including weddings, birthday parties, showers, bar mitzvahs, anniversaries and more.

• House Accounts for whom one of their designers travels to someone’s home to gain an appreciation of its aesthetics before creating custom floral arrangements to be delivered once or twice per month or even once per week.

• Flower Subscriptions providing one seasonal bouquet, choose to join for three, six or eight months from May through December.

• Floral Installations for Local Businesses to beautify their storefronts and more.

• Flowers for your Home Garden when every spring the farm offers cutting garden plant starts and dahlia tubers for their local home gardeners.

• Workshops, featuring classes on how to design with flowers, making evergreen wreaths and many other topics to be expanded this year.

• DIY Buckets of Flowers for Special Events for people who want to “do it themselves.”

In late 2021, Many Graces expanded their reach and gained additional visibility with the opening of a flower shop in Thornes Marketplace in Northampton.

“It was a pop-up shop with an option to stay and lease space, which we did for the past year before closing at the end of February. We are moving to uptown Northampton where we will be consolidating our design studio and event space into a larger location. We’re excited because this will give us more autonomy and space to connect with the community,” Maillet said about their move to West Street near the new Smith College bookstore.

They expect to host their flower subscription pickups in April from the new location, as well as any flowers ordered online or by phone, with the goal of establishing regular retail hours by Mother’s Day.

A s for the future, Komenda said additional goals, such as expanding their perennial offerings – which would further increase sales – will require finding and owning their own land, which would allow them more space for planting and the ability to develop a suitable infrastructure.

“Unfortunately, land in the Valley is not easy to come by, which is not a unique struggle for young farmers who are not set to inherit familial farm land. Also, there is a disconnect to what a farmer can afford and what the real estate market is commanding,” Komenda said.

Once again turning to their mission, Maillet said they want to encourage people to look to their local grower before purchasing flowers elsewhere.

“The carbon footprint of the global cut flower industry is awful. But growers like us are taking care of the earth and making a positive impact on local ecosystems. And, I believe the same mentality that people have about preferring to purchase organic food should be applied to flowers as well,” she said.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THEIR PROGRESS OR TO ORDER FLOWERS FOR PICKUP OR DELIVERY, CALL 413-570-4122 OR VISIT MANYGRACES.COM.

Nicole Roy, Owner of Deeply Devoted Cleaning Service proudly celebrates 13 years in Business! Deeply Devoted Cleaning Service offers Insured & Bonded Professional Residential & Commercial Cleaning Services in Connecticut. Their Headquarters Office is located right in charming Ellington, Connecticut, at 420 Somers Rd Unit 1A. Nicole just Celebrated their Grand Opening at their Second Office Location in Glastonbury, CT at 2389 Main Street! With our Second Office doors Opening on Main Street, we look forward to expanding our Business in the beautiful Glastonbury area and assisting the community with our Cleaning Services.

Nicole started Deeply Devoted when her oldest son, Dominick, was 2 years old. She was working a 9-5 at a local AAA Office in Enfield, Connecticut, and wanted more Freedom to be with her Son. She quit the 9-5 and after lots of hard work built her Cleaning Business from the ground up. Now, a Mother of 3, she has the freedom and flexibility to spend her time with the people who matter most, her Children, while allowing a flexible schedule to run her Business. “As a Business Owner and a Mother of three, I strive for success, which means different things to different people. To me, it means Freedom. Freedom to live life how works for me, which is being present with all of my children, while at the same time putting my heart and soul into the Business I love.”

Our Team Members with us are the foundation of our Business. We are so thankful to have the very best Team Members who are meticulous, dependable, hard-working, and are truly the heart of our Business. We are looking for House Cleaners to join our Cleaning Team! We thank each and every client over the past 13 years for choosing us and we greatly look forward to what our NEWEST Office Location in Glastonbury, CT will bring to the Community.

As spring approaches the sun shines its rays upon New England. The air loses its bite and takes the form of a pleasant breeze. Naturally, a craving for fresh fruit and vegetables arises. Where better to obtain the best produce than New England? This year, explore the area and CSA offerings. CSA produce is a local harvest and always has a homegrown taste.

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It is a partnership between farms and consumers. Members pay in advance for a “share” of the farm’s harvest for a set portion of the year. As a CSA member, you will pick up the selection of fresh produce, herbs, or even flowers on a designated day at the farm.

Does this sound like a good way to eat healthy this summer to you? Head over to the websites of each farm listed on the next page to fill out a CSA application. But don’t wait, shares fill up quickly!

SAWMILL HERB FARM

140 MEADOW STREET . FLORENCE, MA (413) 268-4372 . SAWMILLHERBFARM.COM

Sawmill Herb Farm provides local access to quality ingredients used in a number of recipes. Before each share, Sawmill Herb Farm sends an e-newsletter with information about the herbs in the upcoming share. Herbs are grown using sustainable and certified organic practices. A local full share costs $205-240 and includes 10 shares, biweekly pickups from June 4-Sept. 25, one free class in Sawmill Herb Farm’s workshop series, and an invitation for participation in the private CSA Facebook group. A local half-share costs $115-140 and includes 5 shares, monthly pickups from June 18-Sept.11 and an invitation for paråticipation in the private CSA Facebook group. Examples of herbs that can be found in each share include yellow dock root, motherwort, elder flowers, blue vervain, lemongrass and dandelion root.

Farms of Broad Brook and fruit from Draghi Farms of South Windsor are additional add-ons. If joining the CSA sounds interesting, Bordua Farms will host a Night on the Farm event for current and potential members to learn more about the CSA in September.

Kosinski Farms and Farmstand

336 / 420 Russellville Road, Westfield, MA (413) 572-4344 kosinskifarms.net

When you become a member of the Kosinski Farms CSA family we commit to raising your food with sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. We guarantee that your food will be grown and harvested locally. Our season starts with the first pick of strawberries, usually the second week of June and continues through the middle of October. These dates are contingent on the weather and may need to be adjusted. Late Spring through Fall, Large Share $750, Small Share $425. Bakery and Wine Shares are available for additional cost of $200 and $250 respectively.

granny’s place

844 main street agawam, ma (413) 786-9366 grannysplacefarm.com

DOWN TO EARTH FARM CSA

5 MICHELEC ROAD STAFFORD, ct (860) 851-9617 . GETDOWNTOEARTH.ORG

Down to Earth Farm’s CSA offers a unique experience. It provides members with the opportunity to work on the farm where their fresh produce will be grown! Large Working Share $500 / Small Working Share $250. Work sessions are two hours every other week and involves tasks such as soil preparation, planting, watering, weeding and harvesting. There is always staff on site to provide support and work times are flexible. For those not interested in working on the farm, Down to Earth Farm’s CSA also offers non-working shares. Minimum deposit of $150 when submitting membership Application.

bordua farms

1536 main street south windsor, ct (860) 335-2705 borduafarms.com

Bordua Farms provides a bountiful CSA that allows members to receive an assortment of produce once a week for 18 weeks. Each share is expected to feed a family of 2-4 people. Examples of produce in each share are beets, cabbage, herbs, melons and peppers. In October, 2 ornamental pumpkins are also included. The farm also has a floral add-on that provides CSA members with 6 bouquets. Bordua Farms teams up with other local businesses to provide unique add-ons. Pork from Mosher

Granny’s Place provides farm shares for 17 weeks, from June 17 to October 15. Three share sizes are available: Individual/Senior Share for $265, Small Share for $425 and Large Share for $665. For $55, members can add a dozen farm fresh eggs. Granny’s Place offers a wide range of fresh vegetables including asparagus, potatoes, apples and squash.

syme family farm

72 windsorville road . broad brook, ct (860) 623-5925 symefamilyfarm.com

The Syme Family Farm CSA is a little different from the usual fruit and vegetable share. The farm in Broad Brook offers a Cut Flower Club CSA, where members sign up and pre-pay for 4 or 8 week worth of locally grown flower bouquets, on two pickup days. Flowers are picked up weekly between July and August. Seasonal fruits and eggs are also available.

oxen hill farm

1434 Hill Street Suffield, CT (860) 214-5104 oxenhillfarm.com

Oxen Hill Farm is offering their 13th USDA Organic Summer CSA program in 2021. The farm offers a variety of shares (Ox, Calf, and Mini) curated to meet the needs of each individual. Oxen Hill Farm is one of few USDA Certified Organic vegetable farms in North Central Connecticut, which is something you can feel good about!

Mountain View Farm CSA

393 east street . easthampton, ma

(413) 329-0211 . mountainviewfarmcsa.com

Mountain View Farm offers three different share packages. The Singles/Couples share costs $25-$430, the Regular share $660 and the Farm Share Plus $795. All share packages include U-Pick access. U-Pick gives members access to fields where you will find a harvest of items such as flowers, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, peas and beans.

Easy Pickin’s Orchard

46 Bailey Road Enfield, ct

(860) 763-3276 . EASYPICKINSORCHARD.SQUARE.SITE (860) 763-3276 . EASYPICKINSORCHARD.SQUARE.SITE

Easy Pickin’s Orchard has been offering CSA shares for a decade from their pick-your-own farm. Each box picked up from the CSA will feature whichever fruits and vegetables are in their prime during the season, including strawberries, blueberries, onions and tomatoes. Easy Pickin’s utilizes an integrated pest management system to ensure high-quality growing practices.

YELLOW STONEHOUSE FARM

354 Root Road . WESTFIELD, MA

(413) 562-2164 . YELLOWSTONEHOUSEFARMCSA.COM

Westfield’s first USDA Certified Organic CSA program, Yellow Stonehouse Farm is a 79-acre property located in both Westfield and Southampton, Mass. Cultivating over 17 acres of certified organic vegetable and flowers for their CSA shareholders for their growing season, early June through late October. Weekly Full Farm share is $695, while every other week is $495.

For pricing, CSA details and specific pickup locations (many producers offer various sites) for the 2023 season, please contact farm directly. This is not a comprehensive list. If you would like to be included in future publications, please contact: pnorth@thereminder.com.

Go Green: Remember to bring a reusable bag, basket or bin with you to pick up your CSA harvest. The less plastic, the better!

AUTUMN MIST FARM

INTERVIEW WITH DERRICK TURNBULL

What distinguishes you from other Businesses in your category?

We are the only LOCAL beef farm in the area, providing a product that is not only humanely and sustainably raised, but contains no antibiotics, no growth hormones or steroids. Our animals have full pasture access, in a free choice environment. The flavor of our meat comes from what we feed our cattle, which is an all-natural, high quality, grain-fed diet. Our 100-acre farm is located just minutes from our Farm To Table Restaurant and we pride ourselves on raising cattle as naturally as possible, to bring our customers a superb product they can feel good about feeding their family.

Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business.

Our family has been in the farming business for over 33 years. We are a family owned and operated business that started with a vision when I was 11 years old. Both Tracy and I were born and raised with cattle, and are proud to surround our daughters, Autumn & Bailey, with the same experiences, raising them in the family business. Our daughter, Autumn, was named after the farm.

Why should people visit autumn mist farm?

It’s never been more important to know where your food is sourced. Supporting local farmers and encouraging sustainable agriculture gives us the opportunity to provide our customers with the highest quality products. We pride ourselves on the integrity of every cut of meat we place in our retail shop, and every item we serve in our restaurant. Our customer feedback has been phenomenal and we are blessed to have the opportunity to help our community eat better, everyday!

contact (413) 786-BEEF (2333)

MON-SAT 6AM-7PM, SUN 6AM-3PM autumnmistfarm.com

address

1157 North Westfield Street

Feeding Hills, MA

THE WIDEST SELECTION OF LOCAL MEAT IN THE AREA! ALL OF OUR BEEF IS PRODUCED FROM OUR FARM LOCATED MINUTES FROM THE RESTAURANT, SUSTAINABLY RAISED WITH NO ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS .

CHEF CREATED SPECIALS DAILY. BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK!

MENTION #CHEESEBURGER CHOWDER AND GET A FREE SAMPLE OF OUR FAMOUS RECIPE!

GRATI: beauty on the inside and out

! HOPE E. TREMBLAY NATE BLAIS

Growing up, Kelly Partridge always loved fashion. However, she didn’t imagine she would have her own clothing store.

Partridge first opened GRATI, a boutique storefront in Wilbraham that also has an online warehouse, in 2019 from her Ludlow home.

“I did everything out of my home,” she said. ”However, once the pandemic hit, I had to pivot. I partnered with a warehouse that provided drop-shipping, which allowed me to provide more styles and sizes, while cutting back on upfront inventory costs. So, when you shop with us online, you can shop both our storefront styles, and online exclusives that come directly from our warehouse.”

She said when she started looking for a storefront, she noticed there were no boutique shops like hers in Wilbraham. It turned out to be the perfect location.

“I have customers coming in all the time telling me how happy they are that my shop is in town,” said Partridge.

Her clothing lines are brands you don’t see in every store, which was important to her when curating items for GRATI. “My customers are always telling me how unique the items are in my shop, and that’s what I strive for,” she said.

But the most important criteria, she said, is comfort.

“At this point in life, I have hit the comfort stage,” she said. “Everything I wear has to be soft and it has to be comfortable. When sourcing product for the store I always looks for apparel that speaks to comfort. At the same time, I want to look nice and so do other women. So, I’m always bringing in items that you can be comfortable in, but also wear out for a nice dinner or even to the office. Comfortable fashion doesn’t have to be frumpy.”

O ffering a variety of sizes was also something Partridge made a priority, especially when she opened her shop.

“The storefront is more of a curated collection of items,

but I also have an online warehouse where I am able to provide more sizing options,” she said.

With sizes up to 3X, there are fashionable – and comfortable – items for almost everyone.

W hile Partridge has always loved clothes, that’s not what drove her to open GRATI.

“ What inspired me to venture into this business was actually my experience with domestic abuse,” Partridge said. “When you are experiencing abuse, you lose yourself. You lose your independence, confidence, and all the things you once loved about yourself slowly get stripped away. When I finally left my abusive relationship, I no longer had any idea of who I was. I was really depressed. I remember thinking to myself that if I could just get up every day and get dressed, do my hair, do my makeup, make myself feel nice on the outside, then maybe eventually I could feel good on the inside. It was a lot of work, but I did it.”

Partridge found her confidence again with the help of fashion and she wanted to pass that on to other women.

“It was a terrible experience, but I have gained so much from it in so many ways,” she said. “I’ve been able to move to a place of gratitude, which is where the word GRATI in my business name came from. Without my life experience I would not be where I am or be who I am today, and I

really like this version of myself, so I am grateful for it. I’ve also been able to help other women who have had similar experiences along the way.”

Partridge has her Masters Degree in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy from Bay Path University, and has always loved working in the nonprofit sector.

“So, when I decided to open my boutique, I knew I wanted it to be mission driven. Each month I select a different charity to give back to, and will plan an event to help fundraise and support their mission,” she said, adding “I’m big on supporting other women in business. You can find products from other local women-owned businesses in the store – Mama Life Oils & Wellness, Cosmos Designs, Weekend Beauty and Mango Fish just to name a few.”

GRATI hosts pop-up events on Saturdays where other women business owners showcase their items. Partridge also has her own clean and cruelty free beauty line. The full line can be found online, with the best sellers in the store.

GRATI, 2440 BOSTON ROAD, WILBRAHAM, IS OPEN TUESDAY–THURSDAY, 12-6PM, FRIDAY, 12-5PM AND SATURDAY, 10AM–3PM.

Wooden Dowel Vase

This simple DIY only takes 5 minutes! Upgrade an old vase with craft supplies you can find at your local dollar store.

Check out the list of materials below and let's go create!

MATERIALS:

• Vase

• Wooden Dowels

• Hot Glue Gun

• Ribbon

Start out with a simple vase or glass, any size will do.

Using a hot glue gun, glue down one dowel at a time. Make sure the dowels align flush with the bottom of the vase.

Once the vase is covered, use ribbon to add the finishing touch. Glue the ribbon along the top edge of the dowels. Now your vase is complete!

Award-Winning Pierogi, Kielbasa, Kapusta, Golabki. Sauerkraut, Golabki-Stuffed Cabbage, and Cabbage Soup. Polish food is sold hot or packaged to reheat at home. Order online, call or walk in. Limited seating is available at our deli counter.

BBQ Smoke House & Polish Delicatessen

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

No Knead Olive Bread

3 Cups AP flour

2 Tsp active dry yeast

1 1/2 Tsp salt

1 1/2 Cups warm water

1 Cup chopped green and kalamata olives

Mix together the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add in your water, make sure it’s no more than 105F or else the yeast will die and your bread won’t rise. Stir together until a dough forms, add a little flour if it’s too wet and fold in your olives, only if you like olives. Transfer to a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap and a damp tea towel. Let sit in the fridge for 24 hours-48 hours. Once dough has fully risen, take it out of the fridge and form dough into a ball. Preheat your oven to 450 F with the Dutch oven preheating inside the oven. Once preheated, spray with cooking spray, add your dough cover and bake for 30 minutes, remove lid and let bake for another 10-15 minutes. Let cool 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!

THE ADVENTURES OF TRAVELNITCH Capturing the magic of travel

Traveling creates long lasting memories. It gives families the chance to enjoy new experiences and appreciate the world around them. In 2018, Western Mass. native Amanda Renna created Travelnitch, a nonprofit organization inspiring children through virtual and real-world travel, whilc also encouraging families to travel, learn and grow together through global exploration.

“There are so many benefits to traveling with our children,” said Renna. “It teaches them resilience and builds confidence. It encourages them to get out of their bubble and experience new things, meet new people and see new places. It’s a huge passion of mine and something I really wanted to instill in my own children.”

Travelnitch came about when Renna was trying to engage her own children in-between trips. She started it as a way

to pull together all the resources she could find to get them excited about the world and their next family adventure. Whether it was crafts, reading books or sharing stories, Renna began building a website and found a lot of support for what she was doing. The deeper she got, the more people were interested in gaining access to these resources.

W hen Renna formed the business, she was mostly interested in the publishing aspect and started out as Travelnitch Publishing, with a focus on digital content. The goal was to inform and entertain through book recommendations, product reviews, travel stories and hands-on-learning activities. Anything that would get families to sit around the table together and learn about places far away.

Four years later, Travelnitch has been going strong and

! MIASHA LEE NATE BLAIS

attention it needed. Thanks to a donation from Monson Savings Bank last year, Travelnitch will be launching a new Postcard Pals destination this year with hopes to grow their virtual adventures even more.

In January of 2023, Travelnitch received a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to help kick off their newest program, Big Writers, Little Ears. It is a podcast series created by teen writers for little listeners sharing their own passion for travel through the power of storytelling. For this, Travelnitch is seeking high-school students who love to write. There will be a three-week travel writing workshop online; walking them through what it takes to be a travel writer. Then they will put together their own travel story to use for the podcast series.

Once Travelnitch has those stories, they also hope to turn them into a collection of print stories with illustrations. Travelnitch is looking for student artists in the community who are willing to illustrate stories for them. According to Renna, they will likely begin recruiting in April and May. Renna’s hope is to partner with art organizations in the Western Mass. community to make that happen, but students are also welcome to submit artwork on an individual basis. She noted she would be be posting submission guidelines online when the time comes. For now, anyone interested should sign up on Travelnitch’s Big Writers, Little Ears page for updates or reach out to her directly.

On June 10, Travelnitch will be hosting their annual fundraising event called Spring Into Adventure: A Family Travel Fair at Silver Bell Farm in Monson from 11 a.m.2 p.m. The purpose of this event is to get families excited about the idea of backyard travel. They are hoping to collaborate with nearby family-friendly destinations to share information about all of the amazing travel opportunities right here at home.

“ Travelnitch is all about connecting with kids and inspiring them through exploration,” said Renna. “Any opportunity I have to interact with children around this concept is a huge win for me.”

She went on to say, “Every day I get to do what I love. I get to write about travel, talk about travel and work with like-minded people who share my passion for the world. I have the honor of helping other kids get excited about travel and my own children, which is hugely important to me I love it all. Our work brings families together through a shared love of travel.”

Visit Travelnitch.org to learn more or to make a donation. Volunteer opportunities are shared on Facebook. Travelnitch often needs event support, storytellers, and children’s book reviewers and among other positions. Sponsors are also needed to connect families to the wonder of travel through their Virtual Adventures program.

FOR QUESTIONS, EMAIL CEO/FOUNDER

GO LOCAL PICKS

The Western Massachusetts Home and Garden Show is celebrating their 68th gathering this year. The annual home and gardening event features a vast assortment of vendors for patrons interested in a variety of needs. The show is finalizing their full vendor list, but several of the planned attendees include providers of carpet and flooring, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, home décor, and numerous lawn, gardening and flower professionals.

For more information visit: https://westernmasshomeshow.com/

The Marigold Theater is hosting an evening of storytelling with “Life and the Pandemic.” This unique event will feature stories from local and national storytellers about how the pandemic has affected their lives. Tickets for “Life and the Pandemic” will be available at the theater on the day of the show. The price is $10. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Easthampton Food Bank.

For more information and events visit: https://marigoldtheater.com/

The prestigious annual event will be New England’s only 2023 major flower exhibition and show, covering almost three acres, offering ideas for house, apartment and condo dwellers. “Gateway to Spring” is the theme of this year’s show that features expansive live gardens, a nonstop schedule of seminars and demonstrations, the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s annual Standard Flower Show, and hundreds of vendors displaying and selling all types of items.

For more information visit:

https://www.cthomeshow.com/

“LIFE AND THE PANDEMIC” STORYTELLING SHOW AT THE MARIGOLD THEATER THE WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS HOME AND GARDEN SHOW CONNECTICUT HOME AND REMODELING SHOW

84 COTTAGE ST., EASTHAMPTON, MA 01027 MARCH 10 AT 7 P.M.

Photos courtesy of iStock

LOCAL EINSTEIN

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

WHAT CITY DYES ITS RIVER GREEN EVERY ST. PATRICK’S DAY?

[A] Dublin

[B] Chicago

[C] Paris

[D] Boston

WHAT WAS THE FIRST JAPANESE CAR TO BE PRODUCED IN THE U.S. (1982)?

[A] Honda Accord

[B] Toyota Camry

[C] Mazda Miata

[D] Nissan Maxima

HELENA IS THE CAPITAL OF WHAT U.S. STATE?

[A] Nebraska

[B] North Dakota

[C] South Dakota

[D] Montana

THE IDES OF MARCH IS A FAMOUS DAY. WHAT DAY IS IT?

[A] 5th

[B] 15th

[C] 23rd

[D] 30th

ROQUEFORT IS A FRENCH BLUE CHEESE MADE FROM THE MILK OF WHAT ANIMAL?

[A] Goat

[B] Cow

[C] Sheep

[D] Donkey

HOW MANY POINTS DID LEBRON JAMES SCORE IN HIS VERY FIRST NBA GAME?

[A] 19

[B] 25

[C] 41

[D] 61

WHAT ACTOR MADE HIS FILM DEBUT AT 10 YEARS OLD KICKING ELVIS IN THE SHIN?

[A] Jeff Goldblum

[B] Kurt Russell

[C] Bruce Willis

[D] Jeff Bridges

WHO SANG THE TITLE SONG “GREASE” IN THE 1978 MOVIE?

[A] Frankie Avalon

[B] Frankie Valli

[C] Ricky Nelson

[D] Bobby Rydell

WHO IS THE ONLY U.S. PRESIDENT TO SERVE MORE THAN 2 TERMS?

[A] Grover Cleveland

[B] John Adams

[C] Calvin Coolidge

[D] Franklin Roosevelt

The Final Countdown

Luck of the Irish

Visit these local Irish-themed locations in celebration of St Patrick’s Day

JOHN BOYLE O’REILLY CLUB

33 PROGRESS AVE. SPRINGFIELD, MA 01104

JBO-CLUB.COM/

Founded in 1880, John Boyle O’Reilly Club and its members are dedicated Irish and Irish Americans who try to preserve and promote their heritage. The club hosts a variety of events and is open to all membership inquiries. The club is synonymous with their live broadcasts of different Gaelic games taking place in Ireland, including Gaelic football, which infuses different elements of soccer and rugby.

BRENNAN’S PLACE

173 HIGH ST. HOLYOKE, MA 01040

FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/BRENNAN’SPLACE

Known as a staple of the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, Brennan’s Place embraces the traditions of their Irish heritage in the heart of Holyoke. Patrons can enjoy a variety of Irish-themed cuisines, like corned beef sandwiches, along with traditional bar fare. The pub also features a variety of live performances along with various Irish beers on tap.

IRISH CULTURAL CENTER OF WESTERN NEW ENGLAND

429 MORGAN RD.

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA 01089

WWW.IRISHCENTERWNE.ORG

Working as a nonprofit organization, the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England focuses on providing access to a variety of Irish-oriented programming to foster an appreciation of Irish culture. Some of their offerings include informational lectures, concerts, exhibitions of art, artifacts and memorabilia and genealogical research. The center also serves as a bridge between the Irish government and the Western New England region.

MURPHY’S PUB

664 SUFFIELD ST.

AGAWAM, MA 01001

WWW.MURPHYSPUBAGAWAM.COM

Established in 2012, Murphy’s Pub offers freshly made cuisine inside their cozy bar and restaurant environment. Along with their extensive on-location menu, Murphy’s Pub has operated a food truck – Murphy’s Mobile – that caters events throughout Western Massachusetts and Connecticut.

CONNECTICUT IRISHAMERICAN HERITAGE TRAIL

LOCATED THROUGHOUT HARTFORD COUNTY AND CONNECTICUT

WWW.CTIRISHHERITAGE.ORG

For readers looking for a slice of Irish-American history, the Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society has compiled a Irish-American Heritage Trail throughout the state. Patrons can visit several sites throughout the Hartford County, including the home of Irish suffragette movement activist Catherine M. Flanagan at 56 Willard St. in Hartford and the St. Patrick Church on 64 Pearl St. in Enfield that was constructed by early Irish immigrants.

O’CONNELL’S IRISH PUB & GRILL

733 CHICOPEE ST. CHICOPEE, MA 01013

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PROFILE. PHP?ID=100087437182096

After opening in November 2022, O’Connell’s Irish Pub and Grill continues to offer a plethora of Irish offerings. Co-owner/manager Blake Bryan envisions the establishment as another cultural and community staple within Chicopee. The venue spotlights a variety of daily specials, local performers and Irish-infused food and beverage offerings.

PATRICK’S PUB

26 BANK ROW PITTSFIELD, MA 01201

WWW.PATRICKSPUBMA.COM

Patrick’s Pub is a family-owned establishment that celebrates its Irish heritage. The menu features a blend of American and Irish cuisines crafted with fresh ingredients. The eatery, which opened in 1985, has been renovated with a banquet room to host a variety of events.

Photos courtesy of iStock