Go Local | OCTOBER 2018 by Go Local Magazine

October 2018 Volume 4 . Issue 11 golocalmagazines.com

an apple a day two weeks notice charm on the martinelli farm healthy kids running

raised in hampden, made in hampden

2 GO LOCAL OCTOBER 2018

new this month OCTOBER 2018 . VOLUME 4 . ISSUE 11

RAISED IN HAMPDEN, MADE IN HAMPDEN

It’s no secret that winter in New England can be harsh. October marks the month that we begin thinking about how we are going to beat the cold bite of snow, and navigate through the slush and snow banks that pile up in our neighborhoods.

A NOTE

GO ON, YOUR SAY

HEALTHY KIDS RUNNING

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APPLE FESTIVAL

From the Editor 15 Minutes of Fame

Running Toward a Healthy Lifestyle Autumn Beauty

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new this month OCTOBER 2018 . VOLUME 4 . ISSUE 11

11 23

RAISED IN HAMPDEN, MADE IN HAMPDEN

charm on the martinelli farm

GO EAT

snapshot

two weeks notice

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Local dish

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Be part of

Go Local!

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

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Contact: StephanieGoLocal@gmail.com September 2015 Vol. 1 Issue 10 golocalmagazines.com

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a note

FROM THE EDITOR . STEPHANIE TROMBLEY

As I sat in my living room this month, I glanced over the decorations covering the walls and shelves. A ceramic pumpkin with a smiling expression, candlelight glowing from his jagged smile, synthetic spider webs with spider rings delicately placed upon it lining the walls, and an overflowing candy dish offering chocolate bars and sour treats of numerous varieties. Following in suit the likes of my grandmother and mother, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I always felt sheer excitement when I watched my mother carry the box of Halloween decorations from the basement, and observed as she quizzically determined where each pumpkin candle and sparkly Frankenstein’s monster should be placed. This was the kickoff before one of my favorite days: Costume shopping. There was something alluring about purchasing a brand new look, all packed snugly into a plastic, vacuum-sealed bag. It was a blast to frolic around the house in a glittery witch dress, or a velvet vampire gown. Putting the sticky makeup on in globs to complete my look was almost as fun as running around the neighborhood filling a pillowcase with goodies. There was nothing like paying a visit to my grandparents’ house, where the lawn was covered in wooden lawn stakes featuring ghosts and pumpkins with sparkly eyes, handmade in Pop-Pop’s wood shop. Taking home treat bags packed with the best candy from my grandma was always thrilling on Halloween night. While I have retired my pumpkin pail, I sure haven’t retired my love for Halloween, and October in general. The autumn activities are endless. Whether spooky or lighthearted, there’s no shortage of local fun. I am happy to be a part of Go Local this year to highlight all of the great businesses and events as they get ready for the holiday season. This issue, we experience the fun of being an adult in the fall. Hampden Hills Alpacas’ Erica Jansons welcomes Go Local into the farm to meet the warm and fuzzy animals that reside there, and show us how we can keep warm as winter approaches. The South Windsor Democratic Town Committee is all about the treat of apples and no tricks, with their annual Apple Harvest Festival. Willow Barn Designs’ Michele Martinelli gives us a look at the ideal decor to replace your Halloween decorations once the holiday is over, and Healthy Kids Running makes sure kids don’t eat too much candy, but still have a blast. This month, be yourself (or don’t be, just for a day). Indulge in the sweeter things in life. Don’t fear spirits (Two Week’s Notice Brewery serves up some of the best). Don’t be a zombie, live the best life you can. Smiles aren’t just for Jack-O-Lanterns, and it’s okay to cackle like a witch. October is all about having fun, and basking in the autumn air. It’s about enjoying the abundance that the harvest season brings to our lives, and having fun in the process. Be sure to get outside and experience the corn mazes, apple orchards, pumpkin patches and hayrides that Massachusetts and Connecticut offer, before fall is a distant memory and we start focusing on snowmen and Christmas dinner.

6 GO LOCAL OCTOBER 2018

EDITOR Stephanie Trombley

MANAGING EDITOR G. Michael Dobbs

GENERAL MANAGER Fran Smith

QUALITY CONTROL Carolyn Napolitan

PHOTOGRAPHY

Leo Pilares . Elizabeth O’Donoghue . Tiffany Greene

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Stephanie Trombley . G. Michael Dobbs

ADVERTISING

Barb Perry, Manager . Amy Allen . Kim Barba . Lisa Nolan Paula Dimauro . Scott Greene . Nancy Holloway Jeanette Grenier . Matt Mahaney . Nicole Focosi

CREATIVE

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

THE GO LOCAL COMMUNITY

A CREATION OF

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

STEPHANIE TROMBLEY is the editor of Go Local Magazine and is dressing up as a witch this year... just like evrey year.

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your say

BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES THEIR 15 MINUTES OF FAME

SHAE

AMANDA

MADELINE

LINDSAY

CARRIE

LEXI

What is your favorite Halloween movie?

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Monster Squad

Hocus Pocus

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Hallowteentown

What is your favorite costume?

My No Face costume from last year

The candlestick maker from the nursery rhyme

Freddy Krueger

Wednesday Addams

Fairy costume

Velma from Scooby Doo

Dracula or Frankenstein?

Dracula

Frankenstein

Dracula

Pumpkin spice or apple cider?

Pumpkin spice

Apple cider

Both

Pumpkin spice

Apple cider

Favorite Halloween season activity?

Any kind of Halloween crafts

Pumpkin picking

Wearing costumes of course!

Pumpkin patch

Pumpkin picking

Corn mazes and apple picking

Favorite Halloween candy?

Reese’s

Nerds

Palmer Chocolate Eyeballs

Candy corn

Reese’s

Day of the Dead

Cute, but also creepy. You need a good balance.

Classic Halloween

Horror movies theme

Adorable Halloween

Walking upstairs after shutting the lights off

Needles

Toxic people

Losing a loved one

Bills

Hairdresser

Best Halloween Jack-O-Lanterns decoration theme?

Biggest fear?

8 GO LOCAL OCTOBER 2018

Falling from great heights

Teacher

Artist

Blogger

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s the colder months approach us, it is hard to find an activity for our little ones to keep them active. The influx of sugary sweets filling their trick-or-treat bags, the delicious desserts at the holiday table…it all makes it hard to make a good choice when it comes to healthy options. Why not motivate the kids to get ready for a fun outdoor activity to finish off the fall? They may even want to come back for the spring! Get your kids moving with the Healthy Kids Running Series, a non-profit initiative that shows children just how fun running can be. Healthy Kids Running was created by Jeff Long, Founder and President of Pattison Sports Group, with the goal of getting kids involved in the sport of running. The series began in the fall of 2009 in West Chester, Pennsylvania with just 150 total runners. As the program grew, thousands of runners now participate across the United States. Now nationally recognized and sponsored by several companies, the Healthy Kids Running Series has become the ideal sport for kids around the nation. As childhood obesity statistics climb, it’s important to have an outlet that chilGOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 11

dren can use to get active. Dan Slattery, Healthy Kids Community Coordinator for the Hampden, Massachusetts chapter, feels the Healthy Kids Running program is fueled by its motto. “The Healthy Kids Running series motto is ‘get up and go.’ Healthy Kids Running’s goal is to get kids outside and being active.” Thanks to the help of Dan and volunteers of the local events, Hampden has been able to hold the Healthy Kids Running series for two years. Their first season in spring 2016 was a wild success, and the group is currently finishing off their second season. With a goal of getting kids moving, the Hampden chapter plans to keep up the races. Dan shared, “The goal of the Healthy Kids Running Series is to provide kids with a positive, educational, and fun experience in the world of running.” Runners race at Green Meadows Elementary School for each event. Every participant completes the program with a medal, but those who reach the finish line first receive a shiny Healthy Kids Running Series trophy. To keep the competition fair, all runners compete in a race format tailored to their abilities based 12 GO LOCAL OCTOBER 2018

on age group. The race consists of five different routes. Runners will compete in either a 50-yard dash, a 75-yard dash, a 1/4 mile start, a 1/2 mile start, or a 1 mile start. Each race’s route blends into the next race, both headed for the same finish line. This allows for runners of all abilities to have the opportunity to race in each event. Children from Pre-K to 8th grade (aged 2-13) are welcome to participate in the event, with younger children running in shorter races, and older kids in the longer races. Running with their own age group gives kids the chance to not only exercise in a fair competitive environment, but to build friendships that can follow season to season, even in the classroom at school. While runners are encouraged to be inspired by their statistics to practice and develop skills, there are no practices or expectations for runners to be great at the sport. It’s all about having fun, whether runners are speedy or not. This builds a healthy level of competition without the stressor of winning. Over 33 states currently hold their own chapter of the Healthy Kids Running Series, which means children in several communi-

ties are being given the opportunity to exercise in an exciting, judgment-free environment. Coupled with the chance to make friends and win awards, the initiative has become a fun hobby for children. While the Healthy Kids Running Series is considered a competition, attendants of the races don’t see it as such. Guests and families cheer on all runners, even motivating kids who are still running after the first runner has crossed the finish line. Dan is happy to see the other benefits of the program. “It is great to see all of the kids running and seeing them cross the finish line and feeling proud of what they have accomplished. One of the best parts of the race is watching and hearing all of the cheering for the runners, most especially for the runners that are finishing toward the back of the pack. The Healthy Kids Running series is not only about the runners that finish at the top, but is as important for all of our runners to feel accomplished.” With unhealthy foods all around us, and sweets that are enticing, it can be hard to introduce children to healthier choices. Kids are likely to snub Brussels sprouts or green beans, but it’s not impossible. To make this easier, the Healthy Kids Running Series also offers a blog that discusses a range of topics, including the steps needed to head toward a more nutritious diet, how to find the proper shoes for running, and what to expect your first time running with the group. The additional resources make it easier than ever to adopt a healthier lifestyle. It’s important to have the Healthy Kids Running Series represented in Western Massachusetts. While most other chapters are a distance away, the Hampden chapter gives Western Massachusetts’s kids a wonderful opportunity to exercise and socialize in their community. Dan feels the Healthy Kids Running Series is “a great community event in Hampden that promotes health and wellness.” Do you think your community would be a great place to start up a Healthy Kids Running chapter? Join in on the fun of health and sports by visiting www.healthykidsrunningseries.org. Healthy Kids Running is always looking for volunteers to help out with existing chapters as well. Volunteers can hold duties such as stretching runners, warm-ups, registration assistance and marshaling the course. As Dan shared, “It’s an event the whole family can participate in.” For the fall, races conclude on October 14th. So lace up your running shoes…”on your mark, get set, go” onward to a healthy lifestyle! While season sign-ups have concluded for the fall, it’s not too late for you to bring your child to Green Meadows Elementary School at 38 North Road, Hampden, Massachusetts on October 14th. The race begins at 4:30pm. The fee to register for next season is $35, but single-race options are also available for a one time race, costing $10. Registration for next season will open closer to the springtime. For more information on the Hampden chapter of the Healthy Kids Running Series, contact Dan Slattery at hkrshampden@gmail.com GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 13

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AGAWAM t EAST LONGMEADOW t EAST WINDSOR t ELLINGTON ENFIELD t HAMPDEN t LONGMEADOW t SOMERS t SOUTH WINDSOR SUFFIELD t STAFFORD SPRINGS t WEST SPRINGFIELD t WILBRAHAM September 2015 Vol. 1 Issue 10 golocalmagazines.com

Go Local

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 STEPHANIE TROMBLEY  SOUTH WINDSOR DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE

he cool breeze of autumn is officially here. The humidity has said its goodbyes for the year, and we are free to feel cool temperatures and watch the leaves dance in shades of orange, yellow and red. When fall is in the air, most have pumpkins on their minds. While pumpkin patches and corn mazes are commonly found in New England, apples are an often underrated fall treat. The South Windsor Democratic Town Committee is changing that with their annual South Windsor Apple Harvest Festival. For three years, the team has dedicated their time to show the community that apples are not only appreciated, but are best from South Windsor. South Windsor is known for having an expanse of apple orchards. The town is home to bountiful orchards such as Draghi Farm and Orchard Hill Farm. Showcasing the shiny fruit is important to the South Windsor Democratic Town Committee, but most important, is bringing the community together. As Andrew Paterna, co-chairman of the Apple Harvest Festival Planning Team stated, “I’m a firm believer that we should be sup18 GO LOCAL OCTOBER 2018

porting local. It’s all about building community.” Building community is what the South Windsor Democratic Town Committee does best. Annually, the South Windsor Apple Harvest Festival draws in a crowd of over 1,000 guests. With each year, the group volunteers to set-up and operate the event. It’s all hands on deck to ensure that the local festival goes off without a hitch year after year. “The event may start at 10a.m., but we are there by 8a.m. setting up,” Andrew shared. The South Windsor Democratic Town Committee also incorporates South Windsor residents in the Apple Harvest Festival. Live entertainment always includes an extensive list of South Windsor native talent. If not South Windsor, neighbors of the community such as residents of Manchester are also featured. Musicians and dancers showcase their talents for a lively crowd. “This gives them a chance to get exposure, and it’s a nice connection with the community.” What would an Apple Harvest Festival be without apples? Guests always attend with empty stomachs and hearty appetites. The apple-themed dining options are endless, including

apple pie, apple fritters, apple cider, apple crisp, apple chutney and apple cider donuts. As Andrew said, “We try to have as many apple-related items as we can.” It’s not just about the apples at the Apple Harvest Festival. An array of foods is offered, with new additions for 2018 including Thai food, kettle corn, wood-fired pizza, potato pancakes and crepes. For those with a gluten allergy, gluten-free wraps will also be available. There’s truly something for everyone. The core of the event is apples, but there are always plenty of opportunities to shop at the festival. Annually, anywhere up to 75 vendors have tables showcasing goods such as jewelry, soap, clothing, artwork, wooden signs, birdhouses and more. Community groups also have their own set-ups. This year will include Book Club Bookstore. The South Windsor Democratic Town Committee promises that “There will be a good mix of different vendors.”

While shopping may be a good time for parents and adults, there’s never a shortage of activities for the kids as well. The Apple Harvest Festival is family focused and packed with fall fun. Children can enjoy attractions such as pony rides, a bounce house and a “roaming railroad” mini train ride. For artistic little ones, there is also face painting and pumpkin painting. No matter what new activities are introduced at the festival, kids always have a blast. Thanks to the South Windsor Democratic Town Committee, locals have the opportunity to enjoy the delicious apples of South Windsor. With each year, the crowd of residents grows, and so does the non-stop fun. Join in on the joy of apples and local activities for the third annual South Windsor Apple Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 7, from 11a.m.-4p.m. at the Nevers Park’s Rotary Pavilion in South Windsor.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 19

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00 OFF 4 Order of $15 or More Pick-up only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 10/31/18. 112 Pearl St. • Enfield, CT • 860.741.3679 • 860.741.3670 www.enfieldpizza.com

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! STEPHANIE TROMBLEY  LEO PILARES

t’s no secret that winter in New England can be harsh. October marks the month that we begin thinking about how we are going to beat the cold bite of snow, and navigate through the slush and snow banks that pile up in our neighborhoods. Frosty temperatures and icy conditions make it difficult to leave the warmth of our homes, and certainly not without a proper scarf, gloves and socks. Erica Jansons of Hampden, Massachusetts has a comfortable, toasty solution to beating the cold: Alpaca yarn. Erica is a weaver and fiber artist, and is the owner of Hampden Hills Alpacas and Artisan Yarns, located in a quaint building just off of Glendale Road in Hampden. Each product in the open room that she has built into a shop is hand made with care and precision by Erica. Erica’s passion for bringing the benefits of Alpaca yarn to Western Massachusetts began almost twenty years ago in 2000, when she and her family moved to Hampden from West Springfield. As Erica explains, “About 2-3 years later, we opened the farm shop, just as a way to introduce people to alpaca and how good it is in the winter. It supports alpacas in the meantime. We have to buy them feed and hay, and selling the alpaca products makes them self-sufficient.”

You may be familiar with the phrase “Farm to Table,” which describes the movement of locally grown and produced foods. Many consumers are moving in this direction, with the satisfaction of knowing their purchases are locally sourced and made from high quality materials. Erica likes to think of her business as “Farm to Fashion.” Consumers are always aware of the source of their product, through every step of the process. All products are from alpaca to storefront. The process of creating the yarn used in the range of alpaca products ensures only the highest quality items are sold in the shop. While some of the yarn is imported from Peru, much of what Erica utilizes comes from her own alpacas. The animals are sheared once a year. Per animal, anywhere from 10 to 12 pounds of alpaca fleece can be produced. The next step is to take the blanket (considered the best part of the fleece), and to pick out any vegetation or undesirable elements. The fleece is then brought to Steel River Fiber Mill in Connecticut, where it will be washed, cleaned and spun into yarn. When the process is complete, Erica gets the yarn back on cones. She then uses this to create the numerous items she offers for sale. “I try to use what we have, from animal to sales.” GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 23

The dyed yarns featured in the Hampden Hills Alpacas storefront are hand dyed by Erica herself, collaborating with a local alpaca farm. The yarns are hand dyed in small batches and numerous different designs including solid, tonal and hand painted. The yarn is also available in an array of different weights, including lace, DK, and heavy worsted. For crafters who like to knit their own creations, the original shades and quality of the Artisan Yarns will make a perfect and soft final product. She has also taught knitting classes within her shop, and hopes to continue to do so in the future, for those with the crafting bug. It is always a great experience to stop in and physically handle each handmade item, but there are shopping options for those who can’t make it to the shop. Hampden Hills Alpacas products are also for sale at fiber shows, on the business website and Amazon.com. The types of items sold range from scarves, shawls and hand-dyed yarn to socks and more. While many people are allergic to wool, another popular material in the making of winter wear, alpacas are considered fiber animals. There is coarseness often associated with wool yarn, as well as the presence of lanolin, an allergen that causes a skin sensitivity for those who wear it. Alpaca is soft and not an irritant. It does not contain lanolin. Erica shared, “Different fibers will have different coarseness. It’s not an allergen, but a sensitivity. There’s 24 GO LOCAL OCTOBER 2018

nothing in alpaca to be allergic to, especially after it is washed and spun into yarn. Most people who can’t wear wool can wear alpaca. Anything you can make out of wool, you can make out of alpaca.” Erica’s co-workers are not your usual colleagues. Alpacas and sheep call a barn just outside the doors of the shop their home. “They are a unique pet. I don’t know if I’d classify them as a pet, more like a hobby. They are standoffish. You can’t grab them by the neck and hug them like the sheep. I’d say the sheep are more pettish than the alpacas.” Whether or not they are as outgoing as their sheep brothers and sisters, the alpacas of the business help to create a number of wonderful products, and an enjoyable lifestyle. “It’s a really good fiber and they’re just nice animals. They’re easy keepers, they’re clean. They don’t eat a lot, and you can raise an alpaca for the same cost as a large dog.” Hampden Hills Alpacas and Artisan Yarns are the definition of what it means to be local and heartfelt. Erica often describes her business as “raised in Hampden, made in Hampden.” As she stated, “I think it’s important to support your local farmers and local artists. And keep in mind that there’s good stuff here, you don’t have to go to Walmart, you don’t have to be focused on disposable. There’s some really good stuff here that’s going to last you a lot longer. People are getting back to a more grassroots sort of GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 25

thing and trying to keep it simple.” And that’s just what the business is about. Products made with care, durability and from sources that you can see. Shopping at the Hampden Hills Alpacas shop is an experience you can’t get in a big box store. They are located in a quiet area, surrounded by trees and the peacefulness of nature. You can meet the animals that the one-of-a kind products come from, and meet the business owner behind the high quality work. Erica is always happy to educate on the benefits of alpaca and to help find the right item for your style. It’s a caring that is harder to find in a department store, making a trip to Hampden Hills Alpacas worth every mile. The Hampden Hills Alpacas storefront will re-open for the season on October 6th, packed with brand new creations and quality yarns for the ideal shopping experience. Erica invites the community to stop by, and see what the business is all about. “Come see, see the animals, and see what we have to offer.” FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HAMPDEN HILLS ALPACAS, VISIT HAMPDENHILLSALPACAS.BIZ. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARTISAN YARNS, VISIT ARTISANYARNS.BIZ. HAMPDEN HILLS ALPACAS IS LOCATED AT 487 GLENDALE RD, HAMPDEN, MASSACHUSETTS OR CAN BE CONTACTED BY EMAIL AT ERICASALPACAS@HOTMAIL.COM ARTISAN YARNS WILL BE AT THE NEW ENGLAND FIBER FESTIVAL, BIG E FAIRGROUNDS, WEST SPRINGFIELD ON NOVEMBER 3RD & 4TH. 26 GO LOCAL OCTOBER 2018

Established in 1981

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OPEN: Tues., Wed., Sat. 9am-5pm Thurs., Fri. 9am-8pm; CLOSED SUN. & MON.

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Comfort Foods from Your Hometown Deli! $4 OFF $20 Purchase Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 11/30/18

141 Main Street Agawam, MA

413-821-9881 www.mainstreet-deli.com OPEN: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm Sat 11am-8pm • Sun 11am-4pm

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Patti-Ann Dombrowski 413-244-5360 Michael Dombrowski 413-244-5361 360 N. Westfield Street Feeding Hills, MA GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 27

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We can also install: • Curved Shower Rod • Hand-Held Shower Head Each Miracle Method franchise 541 Center St. • Ludlow, MA • Slip-Resistant independently owned and operated. 413-589-0769 • www.miraclemethod.com Surface One Coupon Per Order Through 11/30/18 Valid at Participating Locations Only

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! STEPHANIE TROMBLEY  LEO PILARES

ave you ever wandered through a department store, seeking out the perfect decoration to complete your home’s renovation? Often, it’s hard to find that item you’re looking for in stores. Most items are reproduced, and it’s hard to find exactly what you envisioned to tie together your favorite room. This is where Willow Barn Designs of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts comes in. Walking into the farmhouse, shelves and tables are filled with items, all arranged in a way that makes it easy to envision them in your own home. Photographs, flowers and rustic furniture bring a feeling of warmth and joy to the building, making the shop seem more like a home than a business. Michele Martinelli, a mom, former elementary school teacher, and artist decided to make her dream of owning a business come true. It was in 2016 that Michele began to utilize her floral design skills to create silk floral arrangements that accented the homes of friends and customers. Her pieces were recognized in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and she knew turning her art into a GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 29

career was the right thing to do. Incorporating her vision with memories, Willow Barn Designs’ name comes from fond memories of outdoor activities on Michele’s family farm as a child. Now, her own barn has become home to handmade decor and has been transformed into Willow Barn Designs’ showroom, showcasing her unique and stunning creations. Before Willow Barn Designs, Michele was a preschool teacher. Even as a teacher, she had the creative bug, and used her artistic talents to brighten up her classrooms. “I loved to decorate, and I loved decorating the classroom for my students.” After becoming a mom, she decided to stay home and care for her children, while working on creative decorating projects for friends and parties. As her children grew up and went off to take on their own adventures such as full-time jobs and education, Michele decided to make her passion a reality and open her showroom. “It’s been busy, but so fun,” Michele explains of her artistic venture. “When you have a creative gene, you just want to do it.” Michele makes self-proclaimed “boutique-y, one-of-a-kind” pieces. She only uses the highest quality products to create her work. Incorporating products such as succulents and flowers, she always buys the best, even if that means traveling out of state to get them. She often travels to bigger places such as New York or Pennsylvania to hand pick items worthy of being used in her products. Being able to physically handle all items before taking them home allows her the chance to see what will be the best representation of her business. As Michele shared, “I’m very picky on quality.” And it shows. The work featured in Michele’s showroom includes bountiful floral arrangements, wooden doors, succulents in unique pottery, mirrors, pictures, lamps, iron and more. But you won’t find many duplicate items, such as what you would find

30 GO LOCAL OCTOBER 2018

in a department store. She typically only creates one or two similar pieces at a time. This allows for each customer to have only the highest quality, and something that caters to their very own style. “Usually, big box stores will reproduce so much of the same item that they end up with an overabundance of them, and they have a hard time moving them.” Everything is made with special care by Michele. “For people who love to decorate, I want to give them a one-of-a-kind item.” Not sure exactly what you’re looking for? Let Michele utilize her over fifteen years of creating beautiful pieces in order to help bring your vision to fruition. Sometimes, it’s hard to see what’s missing in your home, and typically, Michele can see just what will tie everything together. “It’s nice to have eyes and hands to say ‘This is what you need!’” While some may hear “flowers” and think Willow Barn Designs’ work is exclusive to spring and summer, Michele creates wreaths and decorations for all seasons. “I bring in pieces that go with the season. For example, near the holidays, I will use winterberries and fresh wreaths.” All wreaths have a creative spin on them, ranging from red to gold and silver. She also crafts centerpieces certain to be the talk of the holiday table. For those seeking fresh bundles of holly, pine, cedar, and hemlock to create a holiday vision of their own, Willow Barn Designs also brings these items into the shop for the winter months. The chic beauty of the many items filling the farmhouse of Willow Barn Designs also makes it a wonderful place to find the perfect gift. Flowers always make a great present, and Michele has a lively selection of expertly crafted arrangements. As she says, “I

love making people happy.” She has succeeded in her efforts to make people happy. The Willow Barn Designs’ Facebook page is alive with happy customers, showing their custom pieces with pride, and praising Michele’s ability to bring style to any home. While Michele continues to craft one-of-a-kind pieces to fill her warm farmhouse, she also has plans for the future of her business. “We are planning to have night events such as make your own wreaths, where people can have something special that they made to bring home. It’s to bring people together.” With the wild popularity of “paint and sip” nights, the creative spin on craft parties is sure to draw in a crowd and be endless fun. Paired with Michele’s kind and outgoing personality, all guests will certainly feel welcome. After a seemingly endless hot summer, Willow Barn Designs reopened on September 17. With products such as architectural wood wall pieces, home decor, fall floral arrangements and wreaths, shopping at Willow Barn Designs is fun for everyone. Stop on by during the farmhouse’s business hours, where you may find Michele hard at work on new products and decorations to feature in the shop. Looking for something custom? Michele is happy to create a piece just for you! With a heart for her business and an unending passion for designing creative products, Willow Barn Designs will only grow and bloom. WILLOW BARN DESIGNS • 283 ELM STREET • EAST LONGMEADOW, MA (413) 301-2929 • FACEBOOK.COM/WILLOWBARNDESIGNS GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 31

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32 GO LOCAL OCTOBER 2018

go eat

! RECIPE SUBMITTED BY DEBBIE GARDNER

Our Favorite Meatloaf

Meatloaf is infinitely adaptable – take the basic ingredients of ground meat (or chickpeas if you’re vegan), a binder, and some spices and you’re all set to concoct your personal masterpiece. That’s what happened to produce this family favorite. In a pinch I substituted a fruit-based salsa for regular salsa in a Southwest meatloaf recipe, and eliminated the corn and cilantro called for because I had none that day. The result was sublime slices with a nice balance of sweet and heat - and I never went back to the original recipe.

1 lb. ground beef, (I prefer 85% lean) 1/3 cup regular oats 1/2 cup pineapple or peach salsa 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1 ½ tsp. chili powder 1 large egg white 1/4 cup ketchup

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F. I make my meatloaf on a broiling pan to let excess fat drip out, but you can use a loaf pan if you prefer. If using broiling pan, line with foil for easy cleanup. Place ground meat in large mixing bowl and add oatmeal. Mix well. Add salsa and mix well. Add spices and again, mix well. Feel free to increase the cumin and chili powder if you like your meatloaf with a bit more kick. Add egg white to meat mixture and mix well. If using broiling pan, turn meat out onto it and using hands (I cover mine with fold-top plastic sandwich bags to keep them clean), shape into a loaf. “Frost” with ketchup. Bake for 1 hour. Let stand at least five minutes before slicing.

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

If using loaf pan, pack mixture into pan, top with ketchup and bake for 1 hour - or until done - at your usual meatloaf temperature. Serves four with perhaps enough leftovers for a meatloaf sandwich or two. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 33

Go Local

October 2016 Volume 2 . Issue 11 golocalmagazines.com

more than a game strike up the band redux of you

get lost making the maze at scantic valley farm

AGAWAM • EAST LONGMEADOW • EAST WINDSOR • ELLINGTON • ENFIELD • HAMPDEN LONGMEADOW • SOMERS • SOUTH WINDSOR • SUFFIELD • STAFFORD SPRINGS WEST SPRINGFIELD • WILBRAHAM

34 GO LOCAL OCTOBER 2018

TWO WEEKS NOTICE BREWING COMPANY 89 BALDWIN STREET • WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA FACEBOOK.COM/PG/TWOWEEKSNOTICEBREWCO/ TWITTER.COM/TWOWEEKSBREWCO

 CHRIS MAZA  LEO PILARES

or Mark Avery, patience and perseverance are finally paying off. As Avery, founder and head brewer of Two Weeks Notice Brewing Company stands in the midst of the brew system, fermenters and brite tanks in his new West Springfield brew house, he reflects on how far he’s come. Avery had anticipated Two Weeks Notice would open last year in a completely different location in Westfield, but it all came to an abrupt halt when he and his former business partner decided to part ways. “I seriously thought about putting away this dream,” he recalls. “I thought about just hanging it up, giving up, and just going to brew for somebody else.” But support from the craft beer community – including fellow brewers – along with his family, and friends convinced him to press on. With his new partner, Derek Upson, Avery and Two Weeks Notice are brewing beer. “There’s a few times where I’ve actually stopped and said to myself, ‘This is actually going to happen! We’re actually going to have a brewery finally!’” Avery laughs. “I kind of feel like I’ve been stringing people along. There has been a lot of anxiousness. There’s more on the line than there ever was. But with the support I’ve had with everything, through everything, I feel more confident than I ever did moving forward.” The new brewery, located at 89 Baldwin Street in West Springfield, just a stone’s throw from the Eastern States Exposition, is still very much a work in progress with room to grow. The expansive warehouse and cold storage facility has needed a complete

overhaul, performed primarily by Avery and friends over the past several months. “It’s funny because when I look back at this place I think, ‘Wow, this was really kind of a dump,’” Avery laughs. “We looked at it in the winter time and it was freezing in here. Like 20 degrees every time we came in here and I couldn’t wait to get out. It was just a matter of imagining things big picture-wise. We knew it was going to be a ton of work, but I think it’s all going to be worth it.” He adds, “We’re in a great location. It’s pretty centrally located to the highway and to Springfield, just over the river.” The Two Weeks Notice building will eventually feature a full tap room and large “liquor store style” walk-in cooler for retail customers. Business has begun on a small scale. Using a 3.5-barrel brewing system, the plan is to offer can sales one day a week while the company works to build out the taproom, which is anticipated to be open by sometime this winter. Avery has the brew house set up to handle rapid expansion as Two Weeks Notice continues to grow with fermenters ranging in size from 3.5 barrels to 10 barrels. As for the beer itself, Avery says the list of offerings will grow as the brewery does. “A lot of the time we’ll be IPA-driven. Being a New England brewery, obviously you’re going to expect a lot of IPAs. Once the taproom gets rolling, you can probably expect a lot more different styles – pilsners, lagers, saisons, old English bitters that I’m really looking forward to brewing. It should be fun.” GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 35

LOCAL HARVEST Farmer’s Market

Established in 1993

Your Local Hometown Choice for Yoga! Gentle Yoga • Flow/Power Yoga • Meditation/Mindfulness We welcome Every Body, especially those new to yoga. Peace is available Daily, Nights and Weekends. Call 413-525-0720 or visit: www.heartsongyoga.com 264 North Main St, “Condo East” in East Longmeadow.

THE KITCHEN Established in 1993

We are back at NOW OPEN! Longmeadow Shops Every Thursday 2-7pm Offering LOCALLY Rain or Shine GROWN Products Thru Oct. 25 Great Selection! LONGMEADOW SHOPS PARKING LOT 666 Bliss Road • Next to athletic fields

Breakfast All Day • Great Food Catering • Full Bar Service

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CLOSED Tuesday

HOURS OPEN SUN & MON: 8-3 TUES-SUN TUES-SAT: 8AM-3PM8-4

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Open for Lunch & Dinner Dine In or Take Out

Catering for The Holidays Friday Nights

Live Entertainment Saturday Nights

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HAPPY HOUR Tues.-Sun. 3-6 36 GO LOCAL OCTOBER 2018

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

Be part of Go Local

Got a great story idea? We’re always on the lookout for a unique local business or an outstanding person in the community to feature in Go Local Magazine. So give us a shout! AGAWAM • EAST LONGMEADOW EAST WINDSOR • ELLINGTON • ENFIELD HAMPDEN • LONGMEADOW • SOMERS SOUTH WINDSOR • SUFFIELD • STAFFORD SPRINGS WILBRAHAM • WEST SPRINGFIELD

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go local picks

COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR

HAUNTED STORROWTON STORROWTON VILLAGE MUSEUM • 1305 MEMORIAL AVENUE • WEST SPRINGFIELD (413)205-5051 • STORROWTONVILLAGE.COM

Looking for a Halloween activity that pairs spooky with historical? Look no further than the Storrowton Village Meetinghouse in West Springfield, Massachusetts on October 19! Learn about the potential spirits that wander the grounds of Storrowton Village from tellings by Agawam Paranormal, who will be present to discuss their findings from a series of visits to the location. Museum staff will provide a telling of the history of each building, leaving guests with a lasting experience, whether you believe in ghosts or not. The event will run from 7-8:30pm. Admission is $8 per ticket.

DINO CORN MAZE THE APPLE PLACE • 504 SOMERS ROAD, ROUTE 83 • EAST LONGMEADOW, MA 413-348-9628 • THEAPPLEPLACE.NET

The Apple Place is known for their annual corn mazes that bring fall fun to children and adults alike. This year, The Apple Place introduces their Dino Corn Maze, an interactive maze in the shape of a dinosaur scene. Get lost among a volcano or Tyrannosaurus Rex. Sure to be a blast for the dinosaur fan in your life, the maze runs through the fall season. The Apple Place is open Tuesday-Saturday 9:00am9:00pm, Sunday 11:30am-9pm. Don’t forget to enjoy a delicious cider donut or muffin while you visit! 38 GO LOCAL OCTOBER 2018

STAFFORD FALLFEST HYDE PARK • STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT FACEBOOK.COM/STAFFORDFALLFEST

Take a trip to Stafford Springs and relish all that the harvest season has to offer. Spend a full day with live musical performances in the amphitheater, deliciously ice-cold craft beer and cider, a variety of food trucks, outdoor games and a market of vendors. This event is fun for all ages, so bring your entire family (and friends) to enjoy the middle of the season in beautiful New England. Admission is free, and the event will go on rain or shine. What better time than the harvest season for people near and far to gather together? Saturday, October 20 - Noon-8pm

A&D PORTABLE RENTALS LOOK FOR THE

R ED

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Serving CT & MA for 36 Years Complete Tree Care & Removal Service Stump Grinding • Crane Work • Expert Pruning Insect & Disease Control “Working with People Who Care About Trees!” 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE • Fully Insured • FREE Estimates

Parties Special Events Camper Pumpouts Construction Sites Weekend, Monthly and Yearly Rentals

Serving North Central CT and South Central MA Family Owned and Operated

(860) 684-5957 adportablerentals.com Austin and Don Bessette

CT Licensed Arborist #62445 | MA Certified Arborist #1676

860.749.7365 | 413.525.3916 www.mtsne.com

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STEPHANIE TROMBLEY

GERRY’S DONUTS 180 Windsorville Road . Ellington, CT . (860) 872-0376

rowing up in New England, I like to think of myself as an expert on donuts. We are home to the delicious fall necessity: the apple cider donut. Just about every weekend in my apartment, my boyfriend, Travis, and I will get donuts of some kind and enjoy them for breakfast. I will go to great lengths to try one of my favorite sweet snacks, from traveling to Northampton, Massachusetts to enjoy a vegan donut, to visiting Krispy Kreme all the way in Virginia, for the chance to try a warm donut. Point is, I may not actually be an expert, but boy do I love donuts! That’s why when I moved to Connecticut, I knew I had to give Gerry’s Donuts a try. Travis and I took off one Sunday morning, and set out to see what all the buzz was about. Voted the CT Best of Hartford Winner for Best Donut in the Reader’s Poll for 2017, Gerry’s Donuts displays the award proudly, with a sign hung prominently in their storefront window. Located in Ellington, Connecticut, the small shop is situated in the middle of a main road. While a Dunkin Donuts restaurant is located only feet away from Gerry’s Donuts, I noticed crowds were flocking to the small business over the chain store. I knew it had to be good. Upon walking in, Gerry’s Donuts is a quaint shop with a community feel. There is a pleasant aroma of sugar and dough, blended together to welcome hungry stomachs. Tables are filled with patrons chatting over a mug of coffee and treats of several varieties. It’s clear that the guests of this restaurant are regulars. Everyone is sat closely together, sharing steamy coffee and conversation. Gerry’s Donuts sells items such as muffins, croissants, danish and of course…donuts! Cases are packed with delicious pastries. I chose to give three different options a try: a glazed cinnamon roll, a chocolate frosted, and a traditional plain cake donut. All three were absolutely delicious. The cinnamon roll had a sweet glaze blanketed over it, ensuring that every bite included the frosting. The flavor was reminiscent of a traditional glazed donut, with the hidden taste of cinnamon underneath. 40 GO LOCAL OCTOBER 2018

Definitely a combination made in heaven. Even the plain cake donut, despite being a no frills option, was soft and tasty. Travis and I decided we were going to split all three of our selections, but we had a hard time sharing. The donut held up to its coveted title of “Best Donut.” Despite being near closing time for Gerry’s, the pastries were still fresh, and had just the right amount of frosting. Gerry’s Donuts is definitely giving mainstream donut shops a run for their money. We are certainly going to make Gerry’s Donuts a frequent spot for our weekend breakfast. If you’re craving a sweet snack for breakfast, or even for the afternoon (is there ever a bad time for donuts?) I give Gerry’s Donuts two thumbs up. You won’t leave hungry after dining on one of the dozens of options offered by the business.

local einstein

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

FROM BASE TO POINT, WHAT IS THE ORDER OF COLORS ON A PIECE OF CANDY CORN?

WHICH U.S. STATE HAS THE MOST ACTIVE VOLCANOES? [A] California [B] Alaska [C] Hawaii [D] Washington

[A] Orange, yellow, white [B] White, orange, yellow [C] Yellow, orange, white [D] Orange, white, yellow

IN THE BOARD GAME MONOPOLY, HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A RAILROAD?

WHAT YEAR WAS THE FIRST WORLD SERIES PLAYED?

[A] $200 [B] $500 [C] $100 [D] $50

[A] 1910 [B] 1903 [C] 1907 [D] 1900

WHO PAINTED THE SISTINE CHAPEL?

HOW MANY HEARTS DOES AN OCTOPUS HAVE? [A] Two [B] One [C] Four [D] Three

IN THE MOVIE BACK TO THE FUTURE, WHAT SPEED DID THE DELOREAN NEED TO REACH TO ACHIEVE TIME TRAVEL?

[A] Raphael [B] Michelangelo [C] Da Vinci [D] Donatello

WHICH U.S. PRESIDENT WAS THE OLDEST WHEN ELECTED? [A] [B] [C] [D]

[A] 90 [B] 85 [C] 88 [D] 79 APPROXIMATELY HOW OFTEN DOES HALLEYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COMET PASS THE EARTH? [A] 114 years [B] 35 years [C] 92 years [D] 76 years

Donald Trump Ronald Reagan Lyndon Johnson William Harrison

# CORRECT

RANK

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

160 110 50 3

Prodigy Egghead Meh Simpleton

ANSWERS:

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

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The Final Countdown

7 WAYS TO ENJOY PUMPKINS Over the years, pumpkins have become famous. Fans anxiously wait for their favorite restaurants and grocery stores to bring pumpkin flavor back, children love to carve

them for Halloween, and decorating with them brings vibrancy to any setting. Here are seven fun ways to include pumpkins as part of your fall festivities!

LEAPS & BONES

81 EVERGREEN WAY • S. WINDSOR, CT LEAPSANDBONES.COM Want to get your favorite pup in the spirit of Halloween? Stop by Leaps & Bones for a bag of handmade, all-natural Pumpkin Patch biscuits. Made with oat and rice flour, organic pumpkin, peanut butter, eggs and cinnamon, your pet is sure to enjoy them. Whoever said dogs couldn't get in on fall fun?

LUANN'S BAKERY

238 SOMERS ROAD • ELLINGTON, CT LUANNSBAKERY.COM Head over to Luann's Bakery in Ellington, where you can enjoy a fresh-baked pumpkin chocolate chip muffin this season. The familiar beloved flavor of pumpkin is only made better by chocolate. LuAnn's Bakery also serves pumpkin spice lattes!

JACK-O-LANTERN FESTIVAL

ENFIELD TOWN GREEN • ENFIELD, CT • ENFIELDJOLF.ORG Celebrate the art of carving everyone's favorite fall squash at the 18th annual festival on Sat., Oct. 13 from 4-8pm. Join in as the town attempts to break the current record of 1,142 jack-o-lanterns lit at once. Adult admission is free, children pay $5 if they bring a carved pumpkin, $10 without! Food vendors, raffles, hayrides & more! 42 GO LOCAL OCTOBER 2018

CONTAINER CRAZY CT WORKSHOPS

72 HARRINGTON ROAD • BROAD BROOK, CT WORKSHOPSCT.COM Put a creative spin on traditional pumpkin decor this Halloween with a succulent-topped pumpkin from Container Crazy CT. This event is a bring-your-own-pumpkin event, but it sure won't leave looking the same! Workshops are Sat., Oct. 6 from 10:30am-12pm or Wed., Oct. 10 from 5:30-7:30pm. Online registration required.

SHELBURNE FALLS COFFEE ROASTERS

60 SHAKER RD. • E. LONGMEADOW, MA SHELBURNEFALLSCOFFEE.COM Take home a delicious blend of pumpkin spice flavor from Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters. The limited edition blend is available freshly served at the shop, or in a bag to brew later, if you’re looking to fill your home with an enticing fall aroma.

CANDLE THREADS

33 S. MAIN STREET • EAST WINDSOR, CT CANDLETHREADS.COM Candle Threads offers two candles featuring everyone’s favorite autumn scent: Pumpkin Souffle and Pumpkin Apple Butter. These soy candles are GMO free with no additives or preservatives and come in a classic hand painted mason jar!

FLAG FABLES HOME

1285 RIVERDALE STREET • WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA FLAGFABLES.COM Flag Fables Home offers numerous design options that help you incorporate pumpkins into your home. From fun images including black cats and bats, to a pumpkin patch surrounded by leaves, their collection of mailbox covers, flags and more will bring the pleasantry of pumpkins to any home.

Finding be(er ways to help the community for over 30 years!

Flagship Dental Services

• State of the Art Technology • Crowns in a Day • 3D Imaging • Restora've & Cosme'c Services • Oral Surgery • Endodon'cs • Implants • Dentures & Par'als • Emergency & Evening Appointments • Comfortable & Private Treatment Rooms • Friendly Professional Staﬀ Who Really Care! • Online Social Media Monthly Contests

YOUNG EXPLORERS CLUB

Mo)va)onal ac)vi)es for children of all ages to enjoy den)stry. • Dental report cards • Point System for things like no cavi'es, A’s on school report cards, showing up on 'me for appointments, etc. • Interac've wai'ng room ac'vi'es that award points • Points earn rewards/prizes of their choice

QUALITY DENTAL PLAN SAVINGS PLAN

No Insurance – No Problem! For those pa'ents who can’t aﬀord dental insurance and premiums. Just $325 a year (1st member) $300 (any addi'onal family member) Beneﬁts include: • Complimentary cleanings • Complimentary exams and all necessary xrays • Complimentary Whitening Kit or Oral B Electronic Toothbrush • 15% savings on general and major dental procedures

123 Dwight Rd, Longmeadow, MA • Phone (413) 5671221 • www.ﬂagshipdental.com

Motorcycles • Snowmobiles • ATVs

SALES, SERVICE AND SELECTION Family owned since 1971

MON-FRI 9AM-6PM (TIL 7PM ON THUR) SAT 9AM-3PM

47th Anniversary

SNOWMOBILE SWAP MEET! AND ANNUAL

Saturday, Oct. 27th 9am-3pm

27 PALOMBA DR. ENFIELD, CT | (860) 741-2173 | WWW.ENFIELDMOTORSPORTS.COM GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 43