Go Local | MAY 2019

May 2019 Volume 5 . Issue 6 golocalmagazines.com

DECLUTTER YOUR MIND A SLICE OF ITALY MUSICAL DYNAMIC DUO

SOMERS COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

2 GO LOCAL MAY 2019

new this month MAY 2019 . VOLUME 5 . ISSUE 6

SOMERS COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL The 1960s were a whole different time. It was the height of the Woodstock music festival, bell-bottom jeans and neon flowers. Iconic rock quartet The Beatles were booming in the music industry and astronauts landed on the moon.

25

6

A NOTE

8

GO ON, YOUR SAY

10

MUSICAL DYNAMIC DUO

14

GO EAT

From The Editor 15 Minutes Of Fame Revenant Sea

Watermelon Salad

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 3

MAY 2019 . VOLUME 5 . ISSUE 6

17

local snapshot

20

i am local

22

GO LOCAL PICKS

25

some things stay the same

30

go read

33

a SLICE OF ITALY

38

MAY FLOWERS

40

LOCAL events

43

local einstein

45

declutter your mind

50

FINAL COUNTDOWN

Busy Bee

Lancer Transportation Cool Stuff Just Outside Your Door Somers Cooperative Preschool A World Divided Giuseppina’s Italian Bakery

33

Spring Has Sprung!

May Happenings Put Your Thinking Caps On Carleen Hoffman

7 Springtime Shopportunities

45

10

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a note

FROM THE EDITOR . STEPHANIE TROMBLEY EDITOR

My mom is my absolute best friend for so many reasons.

Stephanie Trombley

I moved out of my childhood home in 2018 and since then we video chat every single

MANAGING EDITOR

day, even if there’s not much to talk about. The best part? Who knows what she’s calling

G. Michael Dobbs

me about when the phone rings. It could be to show me her new mini cheesecake pan or

QUALITY CONTROL

just because she wants to see her “grand-cat.”

Seeing her face light up when she sees her favorite animal (a giraffe,) and hearing her explain why they have ossicones instantly brings a smile to my face. Taking her to see the

Carolyn Napolitan

CREATIVE

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

Rockettes perform live in New York City, a lifelong dream of hers, is one of my favorite memories. Bonding with her over our love of 80’s rock bands will never get old (even if the members of those bands do.) I recall her dropping off a bag of potting soil to the Reminder Publishing office last month because she wanted to make sure the cactus on my desk kept growing. She’s the most thoughtful and silliest person I know.

Not to mention, I’m proud to have all of her best qualities and to be the woman I am today because of her. She’s taught me all of the best lessons and I use them everyday.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Nathan Blais . David Hosmer . Elizabeth O’Donoghue Ada Langford

As I playfully whack my boyfriend on the shoulder with the potholder he (always) leaves



too close to the stovetop, I can hear her voice saying “No potholders on the stovetop!”

THE GO LOCAL COMMUNITY

When I have four guests and I prepare enough pasta to serve twenty, I think of her, always cooking more than what’s necessary because she doesn’t want to send anyone home hungry. She would give her last dollar if she thought she could make someone else smile, and I see that same selflessness in my own actions.

She’s also the reason I’m a little different. Does anyone else give his or her friends a birthday card signed by the cat? No? Just us? Okay then.

She’s been hurt by those she loved and let down before, but you wouldn’t know it. She still dances to Bruno Mars while she’s washing the dishes and will hop in the car and go on an adventure any time, no matter where we are headed.

Her love has spanned across two daughters, dozens of our friends, and a house full of pets including fish, hamsters, birds and of course, dogs and cats. Her kindness is endless.

CONNECTICUT EAST WINDSOR • ELLINGTON ENFIELD • SOMERS SOUTH WINDSOR • STAFFORD SPRINGS SUFFIELD

MASSACHUSETTS AGAWAM • EASTHAMPTON EAST LONGMEADOW • FLORENCE HAMPDEN • LONGMEADOW NORTHAMPTON • WEST SPRINGFIELD WILBRAHAM

I have the best mom in the world and so many others are lucky to have shared her love.

This Mother’s Day, I will be wishing I could buy her a pet giraffe. Unfortunately, she’ll

A CREATION OF

probably just get one screen printed on a mug.

I am lucky to know such love, and each story within this month’s pages radiates that same kind of love. The parents of Somers Cooperative Preschool love being a part of their children’s school lives. Jenny of Giuseppina’s Italian Bakery named her restaurant in her mother’s honor. Carleen of Wellness Within is a great dog mom to her Scottish Terrier, Fannie. And Sheri and Mark of Revenant Sea have a platonic love and respect for one an-

CONTACT US! 280 North Main Street • East Longmeadow, MA 01028 Tel: 413.525.6661 • Fax: 413.525.5882

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

other’s talents that resonates in their music.

Whether you have a mother, an aunt, a friend, a cousin, a mentor or even a pet that you love and look up to, remind them this Mother’s Day. There’s never a bad time to remind someone just how much they mean to you.

Mom, thank you for keeping me strong and always pushing me toward my goals. I’d never be a writer without you.

6 GO LOCAL MAY 2019

STEPHANIE TROMBLEY is the editor of Go Local Magazine and will be enjoying the flowers all May.

we are local.

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your say

TRISH

Pharmacist

What is your favorite Planting flowers in my yard springtime activity?

BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES THEIR 15 MINUTES OF FAME

RICH

LYNSEY

MADISON Student

Student

Physician Assistant

Playing tennis.

Maybe a little golf too.

Getting back into running

Going for a run in nice, sunny weather

Golfing

Hiking, golfing, anything outside.

I hate winter.

Build a non-profit from the ground up

I would love to go skydiving.

To travel to Australia

Professor

Nurse

What is the number one thing on your bucket list?

To travel to Italy

To visit all the U.S. National Parks

To visit Thailand

If you could be a superhero, what would be your superpower?

The ability to fly

Definitely flying

I would want to read people’s minds!

What is your favorite book/ movie genre?

Historical non-fiction

Western and Detective

Psychological Thrillers

Where is the most interesting place you’ve ever been?

Hawaii

The Grand Canyon

Bruges in Belgium

What are you looking forward to in the coming months?

Warm weather, cookouts and vacations

My family

What inspires you daily?

What’s an That the people irrational fear around me are that you have? going to choke

8 GO LOCAL MAY 2019

JOE

BRETT

Speak ever single The ability language our to time-travel or world has teleport

Teleportation.

Pretty cool, super practical.

Mystery/Comedy

Action/Thriller

Action/ Science Fiction

Capri, Italy

The Pompeii Ruins in Southern Italy

A small island in the Bahamas named Long Island

Getting tan End of the school and going to semester and Yardgoats games some R&R in in Hartford!

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Spending time with my family, working and enjoying the sunshine

Graduating from Western New England University

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Young people.

The people I work Their zest for with and how the world and knowledgeable look on life is a they are daily inspiration.

My passion for service

Knowing that hard work over time will pay off

My parents

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Pen-square STEPHANIE TROMBLEY Camera ADA LANGFORD

ndividually, Sheri Hupfer and Mark Schwaber are prolific artists. Paired together, they become Revenant Sea, an Easthampton-based duo with an enchanting sound. After reconnecting in 2018, the two began interweaving their individual talents to form a musical chemistry as strong as their friendship.

Sheri and Mark met in 2003. No matter what adventures they took, the friends stayed in touch.

“Our worlds overlapped largely because of death and a departure. We were orbiting electrons for some time but our connection was not fully consecrated until Mark stepped in to support me with this carnival-themed fundraiser I was helping to organize for a man too young to be dying of brain cancer. I left town shortly after and we’ve stayed in touch ever since,” Sheri explained.

Mark shared, “Sheri and I met in 2003 and although we never made music together we always had a distinct tie through our friendship and mutual admiration of the arts. Sheri moved away from the area shortly after that but we stayed in touch. She let me know that she was moving back to the area (from Austin, Texas) in the spring of 2018 and I proposed a writing collaboration.

We picked up, as friends and artists, fifteen years later as if there

I

10 GO LOCAL MAY 2019

was hardly any time missed.”

Both Sheri and Mark have an extensive background and deep passion of being involved in music.

Mark became an area musician in the 1980s, performing as part of hardcore bands. Mark then studied jazz in college and wrote songs that he described as “heavily influenced by the early 90’s indie rock scene.” His passion for travel has led him to tour the world with stops in 19 countries, frequently as a guitar player for Lloyd Cole. He has also played on records from artists such as Lou Barlow, Shadows Fall, and Mary Lou Lord. Mark has also released six albums of his own since 2003.

When Mark was twelve, something clicked, and he knew that his passion lied in music. “I was twelve when I knew it was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Up until that point, there wasn’t anything that came close to blending what felt natural with a timeless love quite like playing music did for me. Vocationally, nothing much has approached that marker since. There are other things that I love doing, but music is intrinsic,” Mark said.

Sheri was inspired by observing her aunt play the piano, and knew it would influence her future. Sheri shared, “I learned my very first songs on the piano from my Auntie Joanne. I would watch her long fingers dance graceful and deliberate while the

ash from her cigarette animated the space between her red lips and the black and white of the keys. I decided young that I would grow up to smoke cigarettes and play music.”

Sheri was at first hesitant to release her music to the public. “It took me a lot longer than I imagined to bring the music forward.

I carried it around like a secret until about four years ago when I recorded my first album ‘Not the Sum of my Parts.’ Luckily, I kicked the ‘glamour of smoking’ much earlier.” Sheri said.

Sheri, whose geographical footprint extends across the map due to her unshakeable wanderlust, said her music has been influenced by some of the places she has been. “I spent some time in the area of Veracruz, Mexico among the community folk scene of Son Jarocho. I traveled to Portugal to wander the streets of Lisbon listening to Fado [music] pour out into the streets and straight into the depths of my heart in an attempt to stir the soul of singing with such force and emotion. And I have always loved jazz,” Sheri said.

Sheri personified what she believes the Revenant Sea sound could be described as. “The intention behind it and how it is received may be two very different things. I’d like to think that it’s somehow a blend of many [genres] not yet quite defined. Perhaps, a minor jazz resurrection meets a histrionic deluge, they have a conversation in a dim lit cellar bar and no one around them can tell what year they stepped out of,” Sheri explained.

Mark said, “It feels like intense, personal songwriting to me. I think that our sound together blends what we both do individually. Sheri has called her solo music ‘witchfolk’ while I’ve been often referred to as a dark singer/songwriter ala Elliott Smith.

I feel like the one difference is there is more attention to adventurous guitar playing, which has been really fun and fulfilling for me,” Mark said.

When asked what makes Sheri and Mark a fantastic duo, each member of Revenant Sea’s response represents an undeniable bond.

“Mark is an incredibly skilled musical veteran. I’m mostly filled with feelings that translate into sound, color and texture when I’m in the comfort of my bathtub, my ears just below the water to create the illusion that no one else can hear me. I’ve been far too intimidated to play music with others because I don’t possess the language nor have I harbored the diligence for musical training. I can’t tell you what chord I’m playing or even what key we’re in at this point but I think that’s precisely why it works between Mark and I,” Sheri said.

Sheri continued, “We connect on a deep emotional level which allows us to often communicate without all the words. In playing with him there are extended moments when I lose sight of that story, the story that had kept me from believing that the feeling alone wasn’t enough to open my heart and just sing. He’s gotten me to crawl out of the bathtub, which means that our practices are often more like music therapy sessions to comfort the first out of water in me.”

Mark shared, “Friendship and a similar ethos of full immersion in what it is that we are creating, both together and independently. Sheri is an amazing singer, with a timeless voice, but her sense of artistry and focus makes for a really great collaboration.

She is also a powerful lyricist and quite an accomplished guitar player (though she would never admit that part!) We are both people that don’t fear the truth, so our communication is crystal clear and intentional. When we play it feels as if we have been already doing it for all of those years that we lived apart.”

Sheri said she wouldn’t describe being a musician as her career.

“I wouldn’t call this a career. More like a side dish to a career I still haven’t chosen. This is therapy for me,” Sheri explained.

The duo plans to spend 2019 recording songs they have written and planning a tour of the United States and Canada. Sheri said, “I would love for us to play in crowded silent cafes, amphitheaters with nature’s reverb, quaint house concerts and listening rooms all over the earth. I want for the listeners to feel the history in our songs and for it to bring them to the places that have inspired their creation.”

Sheri continued, “I have traveled all over the world to collect the songs and the stories of places. I see Revenant Sea as an accumulation of memories that we have gathered and stored in the watery places of our bodies. Our experiences are no different from others, so we offer this project as a conduit, one which may pave the way back to the old haunts within us without leaving our seats.”

To keep up with Revenant Sea, visit www.revenantsea.com.

The band can also be found on social media at facebook.com/ revenantsea/, twitter.com/RevenantSea, and instagram.com/ revenantsea/. To listen to their music, visit soundcloud.com/ user-125542825. Sheri also works as a maker, under the business name The Alchemy of Artemis. To view her products, visit www.thealchemyofartemis.com

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 11

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go eat

! RECIPE SUBMITTED BY JANET PARÉ

WATERMELON SALAD

This fresh, vibrant side dish is a spring and summer staple and can be prepared in under 15 minutes. Sure to be a hit at your Memorial Day cookout!

1/4 cup sugar

Dressing:

1/4 cup water

In small saucepan, bring 1/4 cups of sugar and water to simmer.

1 lemon 1 bunch fresh mint 3 cups cubed watermelon

Remove from heat.

Add 3 sprigs fresh mint.

1 cup fresh blueberries

Let steep 10 minutes.

1 cup fresh blackberries

Discard mint and add juice and zest of lemon.

Toss with fruit.

Let stand 15 minutes.

Drain fruit.

JANET PARÉ is a home cook who began baking with her Memere (grandmother) at the age of 6. Retired and living in Southampton with her dog, Ziggy and cat, Elie Mae, she now enjoys cooking for family and friends.

14 GO LOCAL MAY 2019

Top with 1 tsp. chopped mint.

Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. ENJOY! Variations: Replace lemon with lime and use strawberries instead of watermelon.

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 ELIZABETH O’DONOGHUE

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LANCER TRANSPORTATION LEFT TO RIGHT:

TIM AMALFA, VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS, KEITH RIVERS, NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER TODD GOODRICH, PRESIDENT

What is the background of Lancer Transportation, SULCO Warehousing and Logistics and Maple Leaf Distribution Services?

Todd: “The company was originally started by someone named Robert Sullivan. His family originally started the business over 50 years ago. My partner, Robert Sullivan Jr. and I purchased this business in 2011. At that time, we had 35 employees. Sulco Warehousing and Lancer Transportation were the companies we created and since then we’ve grown the business to about 105 employees. “We added a third company in May of 2018 by the name of Maple Leaf Distribution Services, based in Palmer.”

What do your companies do?

Todd: “We unload rail cars that come into our facilities. We’re directly serviced on the CSX Railroad in two facilities in Springfield. G&W Railroad services our Palmer location. We unload product from there, we store it in our warehouse and then we run truckloads to customers. It could be industrial products for manufacturing to local manufacturing facilities in the area or it could be copy paper, wine or pizza sauce.”

Do you see the transportation industry growing?

Todd: “It’s definitely not going away. Everything that you see and touch today needs to move from Point A to Point B, which always involves some kind of transportation mode. Amazon’s had a big affect on a business like ours. Society is wanting everything yesterday. If we order it today, we want it tomorrow, and that’s really what we provide from an industrial standpoint.”

What’s something that you enjoy about being a local business?

Todd: “Both Robert and I grew up in Western Massachusetts. It’s been our home base our whole lives. It’s been good to do business with a lot of the companies in the area.”

For more information on SULCO Warehousing & Logistics and Lancer Transportation, visit sulco-lancer.com 20 GO LOCAL MAY 2019

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MONDAY-FRIDAY 10AM-6PM • SATURDAY 10AM-2PM GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 21

go local picks

COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR

MOTHER & DAUGHTER BRUNCH LATTITUDE RESTAURANT 1338 MEMORIAL AVENUE • WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA

Show mom just how special she is with a “Wonderland” themed brunch on Saturday, May 18, from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dress up in your most fabulous fashions and the fancier the hat, the better! A portion of proceeds from this event will be donated to Square One’s Next Level Program in Springfield.

Tickets include catered brunch, a bonding exercise, a professional portrait, a shopping experience, prize giveaways and more. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, juice and water are included with your ticket and a cash bar will be open for cocktails and mocktails. Best suited for women aged thirteen or older.

Tickets $35 each and can be purchased via Facebook at www. facebook.com/events/366416497294498/

AROMATHERAPY EYE PILLOW PAYNE AND COMFORT • SOMERS, CT ETSY.COM/SHOP/PAYNEANDCOMFORT

Has mom been looking a little stressed out? Maybe you’re feeling like you need a mental health day? Sit back and relax with a Payne and Comfort aromatherapy eye pillow, sold at The Humble Fox in Somers. Created by Erin Payne of South Windsor, these relaxing pillows come in a variety of colors and patterns. They make the perfect gift for the mama who’s been running around like crazy, trying to get everything done! Remind her that self-care is important this year with this great gift. Payne and Comfort products are also available at etsy.com/shop/payneandcomfort 22 GO LOCAL MAY 2019

WILD HEART FIGARO’S RESTAURANT 90 ELM STREET• ENFIELD, CT

It may be a week after Mother’s Day, but it’s never too late to take mom out for a great show! Why not enjoy the musical styling of Wild Heart, a group performing tribute songs to iconic 70’s group Fleetwood Mac and the solo work of vocalist and tambourine player Stevie Nicks. Wild Heart brings each performance to life with recognizable attire and undeniable talent. Wild Heart has been known to draw in crowds of over 1,000 guests in the past. Come enjoy one of their several local performances on Sunday, May 19, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call early for tickets 860-745-2414

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24 GO LOCAL MAY 2019

SOME THINGS STAY THE SAME: Somers Cooperative Celebrates 50 Years

! STEPHANIE TROMBLEY  NATHAN BLAIS

T

he 1960s were a whole different time. It was the height of the Woodstock music festival, bell-bottom jeans and neon flowers. Iconic rock quartet The Beatles were booming in the music industry and astronauts landed on the moon. It wasn’t uncommon to see a Volkswagen Bus driving down the street. In Somers, the Somers Cooperative Preschool was opening its doors for the first time, introducing students to the skills they needed to successfully move on to kindergarten.

Fifty years later, Go Local sat down with three of the founders of Somers Cooperative Preschool, the school’s Director and their Board President to talk about the history of the school that’s celebrating a milestone this year.

Somers Cooperative Preschool is not your average preschool.

The school enrolls 20 students at a time and classes are taught by two teachers and working parents. Kim Vera, Director and Lead Teacher at Somers Cooperative Preschool, explained, “Our school has been in existence for fifty years this year. We’re very proud to be celebrating that. We have working parents that work in the classroom to help us facilitate our lessons and activities.

The teachers coordinate the programing. Our school is also supported by a board of parents. All of the parents in the cooperative setting have different roles that help the school function.”

At Somers Cooperative Preschool, playtime and social skills are an important part of education. “We love to say that we’re very GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 25

play-based. Children learn their social skills, interacting with one another, interacting with familiar and unfamiliar adults, which is really important at that age when they’re used to just being with their parents and their extended family,” Kim said.

Students at Somers Cooperative Preschool are introduced to a wide range of subjects. “We offer early literacy experiences, arts and crafts and gross and fine motor activities. We dabble in science experiments of all kinds. We do cooking. They are learning all the pre-kindergarten skills because we are hopeful to send them off to kindergarten very well equipped,” Kim explained.

Students at Somers Cooperative Preschool are also involved with their community. “We do lots and lots of field trips and community outreach, so they are learning about the community in which they live. We go out to different places such as the post office and the fire department. We check out local farms and learn about milk production. We also have different community sources come in to visit us like the dentist, who comes in and teaches us about good oral hygiene. We have the local police come and they teach us about being comfortable and safe around the police and being comfortable talking to them. We have many, many community visitors,” Kim explained.

The school is not exclusive to Somers residents. Students are welcome to enroll from any surrounding location. “We have students from all over in places like Stafford, Somers, Enfield and Ellington. We’ve even had some who have traveled from Vernon.

Wherever they can travel from, they are welcome to come,” Kim said.

Allison Roy, Board President of Somers Cooperative Preschool is helping to put together the school’s celebration event. “Everyone in the school is helping and all of the parents are helping. We are going to have booths and are setting it up kind of like a carnival.

All of the families will each have a booth. We are selling tickets and with the tickets, you get food and a certain amount of tickets to play games. We will also have raffles,” Alison shared.

Kim said she is looking forward to alumni returning to tour the school that they grew up with. “We’ll do tours the day of the event so that anybody who would love to see the school or maybe attended the school and hasn’t been here in years will get a chance to have a tour and see how its changed or what’s still the same,” Kim said.

Allison said she loves being a part of the Somers Cooperative Preschool and watching her son grow up. “As a parent, I love being a part of the school and being a part of his education. Being able to watch him grow and learn and change. Especially going from a stay-at-home mom to being at school with him. I got to see him interact with the other kids. I got to see him grow socially, which I think is really awesome. You get to watch them grow into little people with their own personalities. The parents really make the school their own. That’s not something you’re going to get anywhere else,” Allison shared.

Kim, who has been a preschool teacher for several years, said she 26 GO LOCAL MAY 2019

enjoys the unique, cooperative experience. “I came from a noncooperative setting. I’ve been a preschool teacher for many, many years and I came here and one of my favorite parts is working directly with the parents to formulate this very unique education plan for their children and watching their children in this setting.

Then getting to see them grow is awesome. My favorite part in this field and this job is working with the little ones and watching them learn and grow. Seeing them make those connections is just amazing. I cry every year at graduation,” Kim said.

The school that stands today exists thanks to the original founders. Laurie White, who co-founded Somers Cooperative Preschool, shared the story of the school’s opening. “It was all hatched at the dining room table in my house when somebody new moved to town and she had started a nursery school very similar to what we eventually started here in the state of Wisconsin. My first question to her was ‘would you be willing to do it again?’ and she said, ‘oh yes I would love to, but I don’t know anybody in this town. If you can find me some interested parents, we’ll give it a go.’ The next day, I called her and said, ‘we have nine or ten interested parents. When do you want to set a date for the

meeting? That was it. We finally advertised for a general meeting and we were hoping that some people would come and were amazed when lots of people came,” Laurie shared.

Laurie explained that there has been a large cultural shift in the last fifty years that made the startup of Somers Cooperative Preschool a little different. “There was no competition in those days.

There was no other nursery school in Somers, no other preschool anywhere near. There was no daycare. Parents didn’t work outside the home as much as they do today. It was a very different setting, perhaps easier in a way,” Laurie said. What was similar was the small class of 20 students, two teachers and parents.

Kim and Laurie also shared what has changed education-wise over the last half a century.

“From my perspective, I think that more than likely the regulations have become a little bit more strict and the rigors of preschool are a little bit greater. The expectations of what preschoolers should know and the attention that is given to early childhood education is much, much greater. I think that they’ve come up with many different standards and facets that people should know, which is probably a little bit different,” Kim shared.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 27

Laurie agreed, sharing, “Ours was very much play-based and getting along with each other. There wasn’t much emphasis on the reading skills or counting skills. We did read a lot of stories to them. That was always important. But I think that has changed drastically in the last fifty years.”

Kim shared, “That’s something that hasn’t changed is that we spend a lot of time doing free play where the children have their own opportunities to explore the classroom with the teachers right there to guide and introduce new opportunities to them. That probably hasn’t changed very much.”

Everyone at the table could agree that two things sure haven’t changed: the sand tables have always been messy and it’s never been easy to get every student bundled up for the cold weather.

Gail Karszes, who was Equipment Chairman of Somers Cooperative Preschool, explained her role in the formation of the school, showing that it has always been a community effort. “My youngest son was born on the day of the first general meeting, so I wasn’t there. I was the equipment chairman, so that just meant making sure it was all clean and everything was repaired that needed to be repaired. Fortunately, one of the members of the board’s father-in-law lived down the street on Main Street and would fix anything I brought him. It worked perfectly,” Gail said.

Pam Anthony, who was in charge of advertising at the time of the school’s opening, shared, “My husband built a lot of the bookcases and things. We had no funding at all. When we started, we had nothing.

And we just built it up from enthusiasm from parents who were so excited to have the school for their children.”

Pam explained that lack of technology called for lots of handmade advertising. “You couldn’t go to the printer and have everything done.

You had to do it for yourself with lots of poster boards and lots of magic markers,” Pam shared.

But all in all, a good team of people who were optimistic about having Somers Cooperative Preschool in town made everything worth it.

“It was difficult, but everybody pitched in together. We were a good bunch of people who all got along also,” Pam said.

As each woman in the room shared stories, laughed and bonded over memories, it was clear that Somers Cooperative Preschool has held a special place in their hearts across generations, and that it will continue to for the Somers community for years to come.

“Some things stay the same,” Pam said, with a smile that showed just how proud she is to be a part of Somers Cooperative Preschool.

For more information on Somers Cooperative Preschool, visit somerscoop.org The Somers Cooperative Preschool’s 50th Birthday Celebration will take place May 11 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Somers Cooperative School, located at 599 Main Street in Somers. Advance tickets can be purchased via Facebook at www.facebook.com/Somerscoop and cost $12 for adults and $8 for children. Tickets will also be available the day of the event for $15 for adults and $10 for children. An open house will be hosted May 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the school.

28 GO LOCAL MAY 2019

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go READ

A WORLD DIVIDED (THE FAIRY PRINCESS CHRONICLES), BY CYNTHIA SEARS

A World Divided (The Fairy Princess Chronicles)

Successful programs and movies such as “Game of Thrones” and “Lord of the Rings” have proven that the fantasy genre is as popular as ever. Cynthia Sears, a resident of West Springfield MA, is the author of “A World Divided,” part of her “The Fairy Princess Chronicles” book series. Looking for a read that takes you on a page-turning adventure? Look no further than “A World Divided.”

WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Elizabeth is a young girl preparing for her sixteenth birthday. As the daughter of the King and Queen of Elnara (the kingdom of the fairies and elves,) Elizabeth is expected to undergo a “magical transformation” that will change her from Lady Elizabeth to Princess Elizabeth, the Fairy Princess of Elnara, which would make her the most powerful fairy alive. Her birthday party will be no everyday event: Elizabeth is to choose her future husband and future king of Elnara from amongst the guests of her party.

Elizabeth meets Lord Edric, and the pair must adventure through the mountains, battling dragons and preventing the Fairy race from extinction.

FUN FACT: “The Fairy Princess Chronicles” series currently has seven books in the collection. Sears is in the process of completing book eight, entitled, “The Legend of Elizabeth” and has just released a sneak peek on her website!

WHY SHOULD I READ IT? This book includes all of the elements that those interested in the fantasy genre enjoy: dragons, royalty, elves and fairies. It makes for the perfect dream escape to a world entirely unlike our own, with just enough elements to make it relatable to the Earth we know.

WHERE CAN I GET IT? “A World Divided” is available in paperback and hardcover through retailers Barnes & Noble, Amazon and FriesenPress Bookstore. The e-book version is available on Nook, Kindle, iBooks and Kobo.

For more information, visit www.thefairyprincesschronicles.com 30 GO LOCAL MAY 2019

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A SLICE OF ITALY

AT GIUSEPPINA’S ITALIAN BAKERY

! STEPHANIE TROMBLEY Camera DAVID HOSMER

L

ocated inside a small strip mall in South Windsor is an authentic Italian bakery with a community charm. As soon as customers open the door and step inside Giuseppina’s Italian Bakery, they can expect to be greeted with both the aroma of delectable baked goods and a warm hello from owner Jenny Beaurivage. If you’ve been there before, you might just be greeted by your first name.

“I love my customers. I just think they’re great. I almost know every single customer by first name. It’s a nice community here.

I have really nice customers,” Jenny said.

It was just weeks before Easter when Go Local met with Jenny and the bakery was filled with vibrant bunny and popping pastel egg decorations, welcoming those from outside the doors to stroll in and try a delicious treat for the holiday. A large chocolate Easter egg wrapped in golden foil stood proudly by the cafe tables, inviting patrons to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to take it home for Easter. Giuseppina’s was bustling with custom-

ers around lunchtime on a Wednesday, the bell jingling at the door just a couple of minutes apart. The phone rang at least four times in just a half an hour. As Jenny assisted each customer with their requests, each of them walked out the door after a personal conversation and kind service. It was clear that she is the proprietor of a true community bakery.

“I’ve been wanting to do this for many years. My sister worked at an Italian bakery in Hartford and I was seeing that her talent was being wasted. But life kind of happened and I put my dream on hold. In the last six or seven years, I said ‘I’m just going to do this.’ I did what I needed to do,” Jenny said.

Pasqualina Fitzpatrick, Jenny’s sister, has since utilized her baking skills as part of Giuseppina’s Italian Bakery. Jenny’s business partner, Neal Devaux, is also a baker. Jenny’s daughter, Brianna, is a cake decorator and assists her mother with the storefront.

The bakery has been open since September 2015.

The bakery is named in honor of Jenny’s mother. “We named GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 33

the bakery after my mom, Giuseppina. She was not a baker, but just in her memory. She’s not here today to see this, but we just wanted to name it after her,” Jenny explained.

Display cases at the front of the bakery are packed with sweet and savory offerings such as cannoli, tiramisu, chocolate mousse, cream puffs, cheesecake, Italian cookies, carrot cake, ricotta pie, fruit pies, turnovers, danish, scones, thick crust pizza, Italian bread, rolls, cupcakes and cake pops. Giuseppina’s Italian Bakery has a menu that is seemingly endless.

“We have a lot of stuff here. It’s not just Italian. We touch on other baked goods. Like if somebody comes in here with a request for a cake that’s not on the menu, we’re more than happy to accommodate them,” Jenny said.

The bakery has created a number of custom cakes including photo cakes, unicorn cakes and Barbie doll cakes.

Whether it’s found in the display case or made just for the customer, Jenny said it’s always fresh and delicious. “We use the finest, freshest ingredients in our products. We don’t skimp on anything,” Jenny shared.

Jenny said owning the business has been time consuming, but it always pays off when she sees her customers. “It’s hard work and long hours, but it’s rewarding at the end of the day because you hear customers come in here and say, ‘No more going to Hartford for Italian pastries because we have them this side of the river.’ We get a lot of compliments about how our stuff is fresh and our cakes are phenomenal. They go to parties and have our cakes. They come in here and they’re like ‘I was at a party and I had your cake. It was amazing and I’m here to order one. It’s nice to hear that customers come in from word of mouth,” Jenny shared.

Before Giuseppina’s Italian Bakery opened nearly four years ago, Jenny said authentic Italian bakeries were difficult to come across. Many local customers expressed having to travel to Hartford to enjoy Italian baked goods. She felt it was time to bring an Italian bakery to patrons located in South Windsor. “South Windsor was in need of an Italian bakery. The fact that people don’t have to travel far and we are local is great.

I’m a resident of South Windsor and I think it’s a really good place,” Jenny shared.

When asked what she sees for the future of Giuseppina’s Italian Bakery, Jenny said she hopes to stay small and be a member of the community, learning more names and making more friends. “We’re not going to expand. We’re just going to stay small and personal. I think once you expand, you just lose that. We’re going to just stay here in the area, hopefully getting more of a customer base so people don’t have to travel.

Our products are fresh, we have a variety, we’re very accommodating. We just want to remain in this location and remain in South Windsor,” Jenny said.

She continued, “We want to stay small and just work on pro34 GO LOCAL MAY 2019

ducing quality, fresh products. I think once you expand, you lose the purpose of why you originally started.” Being a part of the community and following her dreams were Jenny’s purpose for opening Giuseppina’s.

With a shop full of authentic and expansive goods, Jenny and the staff at Giuseppina’s Italian Bakery have brought a slice of Italy home to South Windsor.

“We’re just a small business. We love to please our customers. Whenever we put anything in the showcase, we have to make sure it’s perfect. Perfection, presentation, I think that’s all very important for a small business. And customer service, that’s very important too. You can have good product, but if you’re not good to your customers, then it’s not worth it,” Jenny said.

Jenny continued, “When a customer comes in and they give you positive feedback, it makes you feel like ‘Okay it was worth working so many hours per day. It’s long hours, it’s hard work. But when customers come in and give you positive feedback, it makes it all worthwhile.”

Giuseppina’s Italian Bakery is located at 946 Sullivan Avenue in South Windsor. The bakery is closed Mondays and open Tuesdays through Fridays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. To contact Giuseppina’s Italian Bakery, call 860-432-0251. Visit italianbakerysouthwindsor.com for more information. Giuseppina’s Italian Bakery can also be found on Facebook by visiting www.facebook. com/Giuseppinasitalianbakery/

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 35

*Cannot be used to refinance existing ECFCU loans.**Actual rate may vary, depending on individual credit worthiness. 2.24% for 36 months, 48 & 60 months 2.50%, 72 months 2.75%. Estimated monthly payment for 36 months is $34.93 per $1,000. Promo can be cancelled at any time.

36 GO LOCAL MAY 2019

PRESENTS

149 NORTH ROAD, RTE 140, EAST WINDSOR, CT TEL. (860) 623-2100 or (888) 457-7778

ESTATE AUCTION EVERY THURSDAY AUCTION & EVENT CALENDAR MAY 2019

FEATURING

Thurs May 2

Carving Station Omelette Station Waffle Station Hot Entrée Selections Hors D’oeuvres Salads & Desserts

Thurs May 9

Adults $30.95 | Children under 12 $15.95

Sunday, May 12th, 2019 Reservations Required Call 413-732-9300 VillaNapoletana.com

5:30pm 7:00pm 5:30pm 6-7:00pm

7:00pm Thurs May 16 5:30pm 7:00pm Thurs May 23 5:30pm 7:00pm Thurs May 30 5:30pm 7:00pm

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GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF MAY!

“What makes a dress beautiful is the woman wearing it.”

Bride Mother of the Bride Prom Formal Special Occasion Jewelry Accessories

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About our Shop At Going to the Chapel Dress Shop you will have a high end experience without paying a high end price. All of our dresses are either floor samples, overstock or closeouts. This allows us to offer you up to 80% off, keeping your dream dress within reach. Though some dresses may have been tried on, they have never been altered or worn.

Hours: Tues 4-8 pm appointments only Wed & Thur 11am-7pm Fri & Sat 10am-5pm Bridal fittings by appointment only

Accepting Bridal Appointments 860-265-2011 GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 37

May Flowers Spring has sprung! Enjoy the scents and beauty of the plants and flowers offered by nature by purchasing a local bouquet or planting something new in your yard! Check out this list of local locations offering an abundance of blooming flowers.

DUROCHER FLORIST

184 UNION STREET • WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA DUROCHERFLORIST.COM Durocher Florist has been open in its West Springfield location since 1996, but has served the area since the late 1940s. Owners Peter and Mary Beth Soule are dedicated to providing a vast array of green plants, colorful flowers and unique arrangements to customers.

AGAWAM FLOWER SHOP

430 MAIN STREET • AGAWAM, MA AGAWAMFLOWERSHOP.COM The popping colors found on handmade arrangements such as Agawam Flower Shop’s “Spring Smiles” arrangement make for a warm welcome to spring in your home. With an option to create a custom arrangement, Agawam Flower Shop has endless floral options.

HOUSE OF FLOWERS

60 SHAKER ROAD • EAST LONGMEADOW, MA ELHOUSEOFFLOWERS.COM House of Flowers, a locally owned florist since 1970, brings eye-catching floral arrangements and blooming plants to the community. A variety of price ranges makes it possible for fresh flowers to be enjoyed in any household this spring.

PENTIMENTO FLOWERS

175 SOUTH MAIN STREET • SUFFIELD, CT PENTIMENTOFLOWERS.COM Known for creating one-of-a-kind wedding floral arrangements, Pentimento Flowers in Suffield offers beautiful flower options for all seasons. Visit their website for a vast portfolio of ideas that can be created for you.

GARDEN’S DREAM FARM

355 TAYLOR ROAD • ENFIELD, CT GARDENSDREAM.COM Garden’s Dream Farm offers a large selection of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees. With hundreds of plant and floral options, there’s several ways to customize your yard and household this spring with a beautiful garden or centerpiece. Feeling adventurous? Owners Barb and Ben Lupien are also happy to help with herb and vegetable growing!

PELL FAMILY FARM

92 KIBBE GROVE ROAD • SOMERS, CT PELL-FARMS.COM Pell Family Farm gives customers the option to buy straight from the farm with an abundance of nursery trees, shrubs and perennial flowers. To view their entire selection, be sure to stop by!

FLOWER POWER FARM

126 S. MAIN STREET • EAST WINDSOR, CT FLOWERPOWERFARMS.COM Visit the Stanley family at Flower Power Farms and find a large selection of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, hanging baskets and more. The farm can’t be missed, just look for the rainbow T-Rex welcoming visitors at the entrance!

SPIELMAN’S CABIN HILL GREENHOUSES

121 ELLINGTON AVENUE • ELLINGTON, CT CABINHILLGREENHOUSE.WEBS.COM A visit to Spielman’s Cabin Hill Greenhouses isn’t just a shopping trip, it’s an experience! Not only does this unique location offer flowers, but succulents, plants growing out of teacups, and shrubs shaped like animals.

THE BOTANISTE

101 MAIN STREET • EASTHAMPTON, MA THEBOTANISTE.COM Add a little flair to your interior with elegant designs from The Botaniste. The bright and beautiful colors in each arrangement makes for a eye-catching piece. With prom season approaching, The Botaniste also offers corsages and boutonnieres.

38 GO LOCAL MAY 2019

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POTTERVILLE POTTERY • Wheel Workshops • Hand Build with Clay • Paint Your Own Pottery

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AGAWAM, MA

EMOTIONS IN MOTION 5K FUN RUN FOR MENTAL HEALTH School Street Park, Suffield Street May 25, 11a.m.-2p.m. – The Emotions in Motion 5K Fun Run for Mental Health, hosted by SAVE Western Mass, seeks to raise funds for Suicide Awareness Voices of Education. This organization utilizes funds to create educational programs to prevent suicide and reduce stigma. To register, visit https://save.donordrive.com/index. cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=721

EASTHAMPTON, MA

VALLEY MUSIC SHOWCASE NEW CITY BREWERY, 180 PLEASANT STREET (12 REAR) May 24, 8p.m.-11:45 p.m. – Local talent including acts from Western Mass, Central Mass, Central Connecticut and Southern Vermont will be showcased in this juried competition. Contestants include Amber Belle & the Bottoms, Quincy, Bad Tenants, Snack Pack and Among the Acres. Tickets are $7.50 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information, contact valleymusicshowcase@gmail.com or call 413-203-9764.

FLORENCE, MA

OH DEER! AT LOOK MEMORIAL PARK 300 NORTH MAIN STREET May 16, 5p.m.-8p.m. – The animals at Look Park are ready for the sunshine and spring.

Come celebrate with Look Park’s deer and other rescued animals at the zoo. Refreshments will be served. Beer, wine and snacks will be for sale. Tickets are $10 per person and proceeds will benefit the Look Park Christenson Zoo. Call 413-584-5457 for tickets.

COOKING AND GROWING MUSHROOMS RIGHT AT HOME COMPASS COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTER, 221 PINE STREET, SUITE 320 May 20, 6p.m.-8p.m. – In this event hosted by CompassNoho, learn about specialty mushrooms, how they grow, where to find them locally and how to prepare them in meals. This free workshop is taught by Willie Crosby of Fungi Ally in Montague, MA.

LONGMEADOW, MA

40TH ANNUAL LONG MEDDOWE DAYS LONGMEADOW TOWN GREEN, LONGMEADOW STREET May 18-19 – Celebrate the history of Longmeadow and help raise funds for the Longmeadow Historical Society at this fun, weekend event. History, artists, crafters, food, music and more will be offered at the event that’s sure to be fun for all ages.

MAKE YOUR MARK 10K RUN AND 2 MILE FAMILY WALK FLEET FEET, LONGMEADOW SHOPS, 680 BLISS ROAD May 11, 7:30a.m. – Hosted by The Arbors Gives Back & The Arbors Assisted Living, join the Lupus Foundation of America to help end lupus. Check-in begins at 7:30a.m. and the start time is 8:30a.m. This event includes prizes for top runners, a raffle, a DJ and face painting. To register, visit www.runsignup.com/mym10k

NORTHAMPTON, MA

RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE PEARL STREET NIGHTCLUB, 10 PEARL STREET May 25, 8p.m.-11p.m. – Rainbow Kitten Surprise will perform at Pearl Street Nightclub alongside the Night Spins. Rainbow Kitten Surprise has partnered with PLUS1 to donate $1 from every ticket sold to Equality NC, who works to secure equal rights and protections for members of the LGBTQ North Carolina community. Tickets are available by calling 413-586-8686 or at bit.ly/RKSurpriseNoho

40 GO LOCAL MAY 2019

CITIZEN COPE AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC THEATRE ACADEMY OF MUSIC THEATRE, 274 MAIN STREET May 16, 8p.m. – Inspired by acts such as Chuck Brown, The Beatles, Randy Newman and Bill Withers, Clarence Greenwood (Citizen Cope) will perform songs from his first new studio album in seven years. Tickets are available at www.ticketfly.com/ purchase/event/1834232

WILBRAHAM, MA

MOTHER’S DAY SPA YOGA & COFFEE CAKE HEARTNSOUL YOGA HEALTH & WELLNESS, 2040 BOSTON ROAD May 12, 11a.m.-12:30p.m. – Try something new this Mother’s Day with yoga and coffee cake for two! This is an all-levels class featuring partner poses. Photos are also available. Tickets are $30 for two people. For more information, please call 413377-8888.

WILDFLOWERS FOR FAMILIES AT LAUGHING BROOK MAIN STREET May 18, 10a.m.-11:30a.m. – This Mass Audubon event is a fun spring walk for the whole family. Together, you will search for wildflowers at Laughing Brook. Tickets for members are $5 and non-member tickets are $7. To register, visit www. massaudubon.org/program-catalog/arcadia/62501-wildflowers-for-families-atlaughing-brook

ENFIELD, CT

NEWSIES ENFIELD ANNEX, 124 NORTH MAPLE STREET May 3-19 – The Opera House Players presents Newsies on Fridays and Saturdays (8p.m.) and Sundays (2p.m.) Tickets are available by calling the box office at 860292-6068 or online at operahouseplayers.org/newsies-2019. Tickets are $23 for adults and $19 for seniors, children under 12 and students with valid I.D.

SOMERS, CT

MAY DAY FAERIE FESTIVAL 2019 FOUR TOWN FAIR, 56 EGYPT ROAD May 11, 10a.m.-6p.m. – Celebrate the welcoming of summer with the May Day Faerie Festival, a free event with free workshops and performances all day. Come dressed in your best faerie attire. This celebration is suitable for all ages. Food will also be available at the event and vendors will be on-site.

SUFFIELD, CT

CLUE: ON STAGE SUFFIELD ACADEMY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 185 N. MAIN STREET May 9-11 – Enjoy a performance of Clue on stage and see if you can solve the thrilling mystery! Was it Miss Scarlet with the knife…or perhaps Colonel Mustard with the candlestick? Find out at one of the Suffield Academy’s entertaining performances! Tickets are available at sapac.booktix.com

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT

MAIN STREET TOUR: LOOKING AT ARCHITECTURE WOOD MEMORIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM, 783 MAIN STREET On May 18, 10a.m.-12:30p.m. – Wood Memorial Library & Museum will host an open air wagon tour of the historic Main Street in South Windsor. Observe some of the homes that have been built over three centuries and view some of their unique details. Tour will leave from and return to Wood Memorial Library. Refreshments will be served after the tour. Pre-registration is required at facebook.com/ woodlibraryandmuseum - the fee is $25. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

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local einstein

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

WHAT WAS THE NAME OF THE 2018 TRIPLE CROWN WINNER IN HORSE RACING?

WHOSE LOGO LOOKED LIKE THIS IN 1868?

[A] Monarchos [B] American Pharoah [C] Justify [D] Noble Indy

[A] Wildlife Sciences [B] Nestle [C] Birds Eye Foods [D] American Birding Association THE TREATY OF VERSAILLES OFFICIALLY ENDED WHICH WAR?

WHAT IS THE STATE CAPITAL OF OREGON?

[A] World War I [B] World War II [C] Korean War [D] Vietnam War

5

[A] Portland [B] Bend [C] Eugene [D] Salem WHAT ARE THE ONLY TWO PLANETS IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM WITHOUT MOONS?

WHO WAS THE VERY FIRST DISNEY PRINCESS (1937)?

[A] Venus & Mars [B] Mercury & Venus [C] Neptune & Uranus [D] Mars & Neptune

[A] Cinderella [B] Persephone [C] Snow White [D] Aurora

7

IN WHAT YEAR WAS THE INAUGURAL INDY 500 RACE, WON BY RAY HARROUN, AVERAGING 75 MPH?

8

IN THE EAGLES SONG, TAKE IT EASY, HE’S STANDING ON A CORNER WHERE?

[A] 1905 [B] 1911 [C] 1922 [D] 1925

[A] Winslow, Arizona [B] Denver, Colorado [C] Tucson, Arizona [D] Fresno, California

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160 110 50 3

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2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 S A L O N 860.749.3200 | 95 South Road Somers, CT | CuttingLooseSomers.com

DECLUTTER YOUR MIND

with Carleen Hoffman

! STEPHANIE TROMBLEY  NATHAN BLAIS

L

ife can be filled with clutter. A cluttered home, a cluttered to-do list, or even just a cluttered mind can have an effect on wellbeing.

Carleen Eve Fischer Hoffman has helped those dealing with all kinds of clutter in her career as a professional organizer and Reiki master. After speaking with a friend at a networking event, Carleen discovered her passion for helping others through Reiki.

“Reiki has been a part of my life for many years now. Working as a professional organizer often involved long days filled with handson moving, decluttering and packing. I heard about Reiki through a friend I met at a networking event. It intrigued me, so I decided to take a class or two. I discovered Reiki to be beneficial to help keep me calm and focused during my long work days and in 2014, I received my Reiki master certification,” Carleen shared.

Reiki is a healing technique of Japanese origin. The word Reiki itself is a combination of the Japanese words Rei, which means “Universal Life” and Ki, which means “Energy.” Reiki is not affiliated with any particular religion. During a Reiki session, the client will lay upon a massage table while the Reiki practitioner holds their hands above them. Through a channeling of energy, Reiki is believed to help the client’s overall wellbeing.

While Reiki is typically performed on humans, Reiki can also be practiced on dogs. Carleen decided to implement her love for animals into her career as a Reiki master. “I started my business off slowly, volunteering at various places. While I was building my business, I realized that I could take my love for dogs and put that to good use as well,” Carleen shared.

She continued, “Often times Reiki practitioners use their practical training to work with dogs not realizing that the process with them is much different from working with humans. I wanted to make sure that I received the proper training in order to have sessions that were beneficial for the pet.”

Carleen traveled to Boston and received a certification in canine Reiki, later working at a rehabilitation facility. “I really enjoyed that work. I saw all types of dogs with different issues like torn ACL, bad back, arthritis, to name a few. Plus, I got to pet the dogs and who doesn’t like that?” Carleen shared.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 45

After some time at the canine rehabilitation facility, Carleen focused her business on working with humans by working in locations such as an integrative health group and local spa. “While I enjoyed working at those places and meeting lots of people, I was working for someone else and not for myself,” Carleen said.

Carleen traveled to Phoenix, Arizona in 2016 to receive a certification in chakra scanning and balancing. Upon her return to Western Massachusetts, she received a call from Wellness Within in East Longmeadow, offering her the opportunity to work on their team.

Wellness Within is a group of professionals trained in services such as Psychotherapy, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, massage therapy, homeopathy and Reiki. Their goal is to promote overall wellness in clients. While Carleen is a part of the Wellness Within team, she works under her personal business, Carleen Hoffman Holistic Healing.

“What I enjoy about Wellness Within is the variety of practitioners we have. From mental health to massage and yoga, each one is expertly trained in their specific field. We even have an angel card reader! The practitioners that make up our team are passionate about what they do and sincerely care about those coming through our door,” Carleen shared.

For Carleen, having a strong relationship with the Wellness 46 GO LOCAL MAY 2019

Within team has been positive. “For me, being a part of Wellness Within has been great! We all get along extremely well and don’t hesitate to knock on each other’s door for advice about our practices. In between clients, you may find us doing a little dance in our hall or exchanging jokes,” Carleen said.

Carleen shared that it is important to remember that Reiki is not focused on religion. “I take a practical approach to my Reiki business by taking the ‘woo hoo’ out of it. Reiki is not about religion or what you believe or don’t believe in,” Carleen said.

During a typical Reiki session with Carleen, clients are asked to lie on a Reiki table fully clothed. “I start by setting out my intention to offer healing, and then scan the body with my hands just above to feel for variations in body heat and vibration. When I feel those, it lets me know the areas I need to focus on,” Carleen explained.

Each session takes into consideration the client’s specific needs.

“Each session includes soothing music to calm the mind, thermal towel therapy to relax the body, and energy work to renew the spirit. Depending on the need, sessions may include chakra balancing, crystal healing, and essential oil aromatherapy. I like to ensure that clients leave feeling completely pampered,” Carleen said.

She also continues to practice canine Reiki. These sessions typi-

cally take place in the pet’s home. Reiki is believed to help dogs with stress, anxiety and fear from thunderstorms. Carleen also offered in-office sessions to help reduce stress in the workplace.

Carleen said each client is different and may not feel positive affects right away, but should feel relaxed. “What they will notice is a feeling of deep relaxation. There is no set number of treatments,” Carleen explained.

In 2014, Carleen was named Business Woman of the Year by the Women Business Owners Alliance of the Pioneer Valley and in 2015, she was named one of the Top 25 Women to Watch in Western Massachusetts. “It was really exciting. Business Woman of the Year blew my mind. I was so excited and honored to receive that. Women to Watch was exciting as well because it was an award given to me as a new business owner. They recognized I was one of the pioneers for starting Reiki in Western Massachusetts. There are lot more Reiki practitioners up in Northern areas,” Carleen shared.

Carleen continued, “I think it’s important that women in business are recognized, because a lot of times, we’re not seen. I’m happy to help people live a better life.”

Carleen has begun offering healing stone bracelets charged with Reiki, including some implementing stones from pieces of her mother’s jewelry. “I like the idea of creating something pretty to wear yet functional for the person wearing it. I like to use stones and crystals, mixed with recycled or vintage beads to make each bracelet unique. Incorporating lava rock allows the person wearing it to apply their favorite essential oil,” Carleen shared. She has also begun working on body butter and lip balm formulas.

Next time you feel like you need to relieve some stress and revive your mental wellbeing, step into the calming room of Carleen Hoffman to enjoy the benefits of a Reiki session.

To schedule a Reiki session, please contact Carleen Hoffman at 413-525-7345 or CarleenHoffman.com For more information and to view upcoming classes, visit findyourwellnesswithin.com or visit Wellness Within on Facebook at Wellness Within, LLC. WELLNESS WITHIN CAN BE REACHED AT 413-209-7796 200 NORTH MAIN STREET • SOUTH BUILDING, SUITE 17 EAST LONGMEADOW, MA

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 47

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The Final Countdown

7 Springtime Shopportunities Now that the sun is shining and farmers’ markets are returning for the season, head out and shop local for a variety of great products. You never know what you’ll find right in

your neighborhood! Below are seven fun opportunities to shop local this spring.

WILBRAHAM TOWN-WIDE TAG SALE

WILBRAHAM CHILDREN'S MUSEUM 678 MAIN STREET • WILBRAHAM, MA The annual Wilbraham Town-Wide Tag Sale will take place on Saturday, May 11, from 8a.m.-2p.m. Rain or Shine! Maps will be for sale at 7 a.m. in front of the museum. Members & non-members are welcome to register for a space at www.WilbrahamChildrensMuseum.com

YMCA 11 PINNEY STREET • ELLINGTON, CT This annual summer farmers’ market for the whole family begins for the season on Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and will feature farm animals for its opening day. Vendors will be selling products including produce, artisan cheese, local raw honey, baked goods and more!

EASTHAMPTON FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET

SIDEWALK TAG SALE

MUNICIPAL BUILDING PARKING LOT 50 PAYSON AVENUE • EASTHAMPTON, MA Come to the opening day of the Easthampton Farmers and Makers Market on Saturday, May 25, from 9a.m.-1p.m. Enjoy local farm fresh produce, free children’s activities, free live music and a great shopping opportunity! The Market will run every Saturday through October 5.

PARADISE CITY ARTS FESTIVAL

THREE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS • NORTHAMPTON, MA Artists and makers join together for three days, May 25-27, from 10a.m.-6p.m. displaying work from various mediums. This event includes food, the “Fully Engaged” themed exhibit, and a silent art auction to benefit the International Language Institute of Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ paradisecityartsfestivals/ 50 GO LOCAL MAY 2019

ELLINGTON FARMERS' MARKET

TOWN WIDE TAG SALE

RECREATION DEPARTMENT • 328 NORTH MAIN STREET EAST LONGMEADOW, MA Come to the East Longmeadow Town Wide Tag Sale on Saturday, May 11 from 11a.m.-3p.m., where residents have the option to purchase a plot to sell their household items for just $25!

Shopping is open to the public and the Recreation Department will be selling clothing, equipment and more. Food trucks will also be on site.

Register at www.elrec.recdesk.com

SECOND CHANCE SHOPS 116 MOUNTAIN ROAD • SUFFIELD, CT Join Second Chance Shops for a sidewalk tag sale on Saturday, May 18, from 10a.m.-4p.m. Items such as glassware, china, books and collectibles will be available at discounted prices. Why not head out and try to find something gently used to love like it’s new?

ARTS ON MAIN

MAIN STREET • STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT Arts On Main brings art, music, food and the community together on the second Friday of each month (May 10, 6p.m.-8p.m.) on Main Street. On this special day, shops stay open later than usual and music and arts are found in at least one shop. For specific events each month, check out their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/artsonmainstafford/

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52 GO LOCAL MAY 2019