September 2022 Volume 8 . Issue golocalmagazines.com10 Check it out The Pizza Palace & Jimmy's Pub Renovation of An Enfield Staple Windy crow farm Guided alpaca hikes Batch Ice Cream premium ice cream in longmeadow LittleVinnie'sAcre
2 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 3 BATCH ICE CREAM Deb and Dave LeRiche know that a good base is the foundation for a good marriage, and good ice cream. The couple owns Batch Ice Cream, a New England company that started in Boston and now has its headquarters in Longmeadow where the family resides. SEPTEMBER 2022 . VOLUME 8 . ISSUE 10 13 6 A NOTE From The Editor 13 BATCH ICE CREAM Premium Ice Cream in Longmeadow 19 THE PIZZA PALACE And Jimmy's Pub Get A Renovation 26 GO LOCAL PICKS Cool Stuff Just Outside Your Door WE CLEAN WINDOWS AND A WHOLE LOT MORE! FREE GUTTER CHECK-UP WITH EVERY APPOINTMENT a neighborly company HOUSE WASH UP TO 1000 SQ FT STARTING AT $199 Valid only at participating locations. Not valid in combination with any other offers. Limited time offer. Independently owned and operated franchise. WINDOW CLEANING • PRESSURE WASHING GUTTER CLEANING • WINDOW TINTING HOLIDAY LIGHTING • AND MORE! 860.698.3031 | WindowGenie.com Neighborly.com | Independently owned and operated. HIC 0654214 20 WINDOWS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR CLEANING $149 Valid only at participating locations. Not valid in combination with any other offers. Limited time offer. Independently owned and operated franchise.
4 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022 SEPTEMBER 2022 . VOLUME 8 . ISSUE 10 29 VINNIE'S LITTLE ACRE Farm Market Store 34 GO EAT Pear Crumble 37 WINDY CROW FARM Guided Alpaca Hikes 41 GO CREATE DIY Fabric Pumpkins 42 LOCAL EINSTEIN Put Your Thinking Caps On 43 FINAL COUNTDOWN 7 places to pick your own apples & pumpkins 19 29 37 Buy Center of Enfield • 33 Palomba Drive • Unit #7 • Enfield, CT
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 5 Residential & Commercial Washing IT’S TIME FOR FALL CLEANING! NOW OFFERING LOW PRESSURE ROOF WASHING! BEFORE AFTER With our Soft Wash methods, you’ll be the envy of all your neighbors! SAFE FOR ADVANCEDENVIRONMENTTHETHELEADERINPOWERWASHINGSINCE1985 860.872.2729 • 860.851.9432 www.mrtspowerwash.com ESTIMATESFREEWASHINGBASE2022HOUSERATES COLONIAL ............ $450 CAPE & RAISED RANCH..... $325 RANCH ............ $275 $20 OFF ROOF WASHING $10 POWERWASHINGOFF Some restrictions apply. Cannot be combined with any other offers/coupons. Offer valid through 9/30/22. Some restrictions apply. Cannot be combined with any other offers/coupons. Offer valid through 9/30/22. ABOUT US Mr. T’s Power Wash is a family owned and operated business with over thirty years of experience in the industry. We’re based in Tolland, CT, but our service area includes most of North-Central Connecticut and South-Central Massachusetts. We share a strong commitment to family values, and it comes across in the way that we do business. We always make an effort to treat our customers as a part of our extended family - with courtesy and respect. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide high quality services at fair and competitive prices. One thing that helps us stand out from our competition is that we enjoy good conversation. We strive to answer every phone call personally, although that keeps getting harder as our business continues to grow. But rest assured, if you have to leave a message, WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL at our earliest opportunity. We are happy to answer any questions you may have, and we will do our best to explain things in a manner that makes you feel comfortable to have us service your home, business or property. DOES YOUR ROOF HAVE BLACK STREAKS OR GREEN MOLD?
Beth Thurber, Manager . Leigh Catchepaugh Susan Bartlett . Molly Arnio . Sophia Kelleher
A CREATION OF CONTACT US! 280 North Main Street • East Longmeadow, MA 01028 Tel: 413.525.6661 • Fax: 413.525.5882
Michelle Johnson ADVERTISING Barb Perry, Advertising Manager . Jeanette Lee Lisa Nolan . Kim Barba . Roxanne Longtin Miller Matt Mahaney . Paula Dimauro . Scott Greene Terry O’ Donnell . Cynthia St. George Victoria Owen . Evan Marcyoniak . Andy Shaw
We are blessed to be living in a part of this nation where we have so much diversity in natural beauty, the arts, and our population. It’s truly a great place to live.
Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant Curtis Panlilio, Operations Director Fran Smith, General Manager
CREATIVE
MANAGING EDITOR G. Michael Dobbs
DESIGN & CONTENT
The editorial department will be in great hands.
As always, this issue is chock full of places to see and things to do all within a tank of gas. Guided alpaca hikes – count me in. Time to enjoy locally produced ice cream – that’s a year-round pleasure for me.
What? What? What happened to summer? Wasn’t it just June?
Fair season is perhaps the boldest sign of the coming of fall, with The Big E as the loudest and brightest of that pack. That begins the unofficial start to fall in my book. Soon enough though there will be plenty of apples and fall squash at your favorite farms, leaves will change, and sweaters will be brought out to be worn again.
THE GO LOCAL COMMUNITY holyoke
As usual, summer seems to have flown by. I never made it to a beach – either a lake or the ocean – and I haven’t had butter and sugar corn yet. I didn’t spot any fireflies in the back yard, but I probably just missed them. In fact, I took only a couple of days off. Work and life got in the way.
Right now, I’m tying up loose ends as best as I can as I don’t want to leave behind unfinished business. I am also starting the process of packing up my things from my office and cleaning up. That is a somewhat daunting task.
I have been blessed with a great retirement job as I will be going back to reporting, first as a part-timer and then as a freelancer for this company. You might see my byline in this publication in the future.
- G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM
I can always tell the seasons starting to shift by what’s in the seasonal aisle of my local Walgreens. Out are the summer items and in are row after row of schoolNowsupplies.asaguy with abnormal interest in writing instruments, that’s not necessarily a bad thing but it is a signal the seasons are shifting once again.
Personally, this fall marks a very big change. I will be retiring from my position as executive editor of Reminder Publishing on Oct. 1. My successor, Payton North, is an outstanding journalist who will have the pleasure of writing these introductions to Go Local as part of her many duties.
6 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022
Granted autumn doesn’t actually start until Sept. 22 and it’s still going to be plenty warm – thank you climate change, I say facetiously – so there is still the chance for me to enjoy local corn and other summer vegetables.
I’m planning to go to one of my favorite annual attractions as part of this season change, The Cummington Fair. It’s a great little old fashioned country fair in the beautiful village of Cummington, MA. If you don’t get a little cow manure on your shoes, you didn’t do that fair properly!
Thank you so much if you have been reading these columns and picking up Go Local. It’s greatly appreciated.
Send local story ideas to: Michelle Johnson: mjohnson@repub.com
Living in New England, we definitely have four seasons and with the change from one to another we are reminded of the passage of time.
A NOTE FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR . G. MICHAEL DOBBS
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 7
8 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022 SEPTEMBER LINEUP! 9/24 9/289/30 9/22 Thur 9/22 ..... The Edwards Twins presents THE ULTIMATE VARIETY SHOW Vegas’ Top Impersonators & Impressionists Sat 9/24 .......BAD ANIMALS - The HEART Tribute Wed 9/28 .....Joel Hoekstra (Trans-Siberian Orchestra & Whitesnake) and Brandon Gibbs (Devil’s City Angels) CAMPFIRE TOUR! Fri 9/30 ........Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root & Dirk Miller Duo 107 Main Street • Broad Brook, CT For information & Tickets: BBOHCT.com 24 AnimalsLargeCareEmergencyhourfor Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri. 8-5 Thurs. 8-7 • Sat. 8-12 The Finest in Veterinary Care Small Animal • Large Animal • Equine Dr. Scott D. Morey | Dr. Heidi Morey Dr. Kathryn Garner | Dr. Weston Brown | Dr. Tracy Locke Zulick DentalLamenessOFFERING:ExamsFloating•Digital X-Ray Ultrasound • Endoscopy Joint Injections Laser & Shockwave fentonrivervet.com860-870-8701Therapy 9F Fieldstone Commons, Tolland, CT 860-971-7300 • 73 West Stafford Rd., Stafford Springs, CT Serving CT and CentralSouthMA
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 9 15,SEPTEMBER16,17&1856EgyptRd.,Somers Adults - Thur. $6, Fri., Sat., Sun. $10 Senior Citizens - Thur & Fri $5, Sat. & Sun. $10 Children 12 Years & UnderThur. FREE, Fri., Sat., & Sun. $10 FREE PARKING! Hours: Thur. 4PM-9PM, Fri. 4PM-11PM Sat. 8AM-11PM, Sun. 8AM-6PM ALL 4 DAYS! Midway, Antique & Farm Machinery, Livestock, Agricultural Exhibits, Demonstrations & Stage Entertainment, Children’s Contests, Crafts & Much www.4townfair.comMore! 4PMTHURSDAY Fair Opens 6PM 21st Annual Antique & Classic Car Show 6-10PM “East Coast Cowboys” (Main Stage) 7PM Doodlebug Class I 9PM Fair Closes 4PMFRIDAYFair Opens 6PM Beef-Steer Show Youth & Open 7PM King of the Pumpkin Patch, Doodlebug Class II 7-11PM “Arizona Mold Band” (Main Stage) 11PM Fair Closes 8AMSATURDAY Fair Opens 9:30AM Open Working Oxen 10AM Fair Parade 10AM Dairy Cattle Fitting & Showmanship 11AM Dairy Cattle Judging Youth & Open 11AM Oxen Pulling 1PM Largest Frog & Frog Jumping Contest 5PM Womens’ Skillet Throw Contest 6PM Open Swine Show SATURDAY (continued) 7PM Doodlebug Class III 7-11PM “Aquanett” (80’s Tribute Band) 11PM Fair Closes 8AMSUNDAY Fair Opens 8AM Open Horse Show 9AM Pony Pulling Contest 11AM Sheep Showmanship 11AM Beef Jr. & Sr. Fitting & Showmanship 11AM Oxen Pulling Contest 11AM Corn Eating Contest 1-5PM “Bart & the Hired Guns” (Main Stage) 1PM Pie Eating Contest 2PM Horse Pulling Contest 6PM Fair Closes SPECIAL! ALL 4 DAYS! SAWDOGS - Daily Chainsaw Carving Demos & Auctions DAVID GARRITY - Illusionist GO ONLINE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS AND AVOID THE LINES! Like us on Facebook! Johnny Appleseed’s Farm We Grow the Best “It’s Easy! It’s Fun! They’re Fresh & Delicious!” Easy-To-ReachDwarfTrees! Monday & Tuesday SENIOR DAYS In Our Orchards 10% OFF FALL ORCHARD HOURS 9-5 Every Day (Gate Closes at www.johnnyappleseedfarmct.com4:30)APPLEORCHARDlocatedat 231 Somers Rd. Ellington, CT FIELDS OPEN WEATHER PERMITTING Call for picking times and locations 860-875-1000 U-PICK APPLES! 2022 Estimated Apple Picking Start Dates* Early Mac early Aug (available at stores only) Ginger Gold . early Aug . (available at stores only) Paulared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mid Aug . Jonamac Iate Aug Mcintosh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . early Sept . Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . early Sept . Spartan early Sept Honeycrisp early-mid Sept . . . . . . (available at stores only) Early Fuji mid Sept (available at stores only) Cortlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mid Sept . Macoun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mld-late Sept . Red Delicious mid-late Sept Empire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . late Sept . Jonagold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . late Sept . Golden Delicious late Sept Ida Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . early Oct . Fuji early-mid Oct *Please note these dates may vary due to weather! MIDU-PickApples:AUG.-LATEOCT.PumpkinPatch&CornMaze:LATESEPT.-LATEOCT.FRUIT STANDS: 185 West Rd. (Rte. 83) Ellington, CT 244 Htfd. Tpk. (Rte. 30) Tolland, CT
10 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022 Produce • Flowers • Plants • Deli • Grocery Annuals • Perennials • Herbs • Seasonal Items OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9AM-7PM - YEAR ‘ROUND 2 North Main St • Windsor Locks, CT • 860.758.5083 Apples, Peaches, Mums LOCAL CORN, TOMATOES & VEGTABLES GRINDERSBESTINTOWN! Vinnie’s Little Acre A Farm Market Store Supporting Local Farmers Since 1953 DESIGN & FABRICATION IN THE ART OF STAINED GLASS Studio K’s Glass Castle 48 South Road, Somers, CT (860) 749-9010 Tue 10-5 • Thur 10-6:30 • Sat 10-3 SALE! All Custom Finished Goods StainedLampsGlass Panels Fused Jewelry - and much more ...ALL at Remarkable Prices! 150 Enfield Street • Enfield, CT • 860-741-5999 Dishes • Glassware • Silverware • Linens • Chafers • Tables & Chairs $2 OFF A 20 Lb. Propane Fill Don’t miss this offer! Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not valid with any other discounts or sales. Expires 9/30/22. Offered by Taylor Rental Center of Enfield, CT TRUE ITALIAN HAND-TOSSED PIZZA COOKED DIRECTLY ON THE STONE! 48 SOUTH RD, SOMERS CT • mariossomers.com 860-698-6988 • 860-698-6986 PIZZAS SALADS SOUPS GRINDERS WINGS AUTHENTIC HOMEMADE ITALIAN DINNERS EST. 2021 DINE-IN • TAKE OUT • DELIVERY servingNowBeer&Wine! SEAFOOD & MARKET Friday LobsterDinners CALL EARLY IN THE WEEK TO PickupQuantitiesPRE-ORDERlimitedMax4dinnersFriday4-5pmExpires9/30//22 Price subject to changeCold Harbor NEW HOURS: WED., THURS., FRI. SAT.9AM-5PM9AM-2PM Chix Lobster & Veggie $1095 NOT GOnna SEe THIs AT THE BIG E!! 465 TAYLOR ROAD • ENFIELD, CT 860.763.0522 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK In-Studio classes and/or Zoom Livestream from home Classes Daily, Nights & Weekends Strength, Balance, Flexibility Stress Reduction & Inner Peace www.heartsongyoga.com 413-525-0720 264 N. Main Street East Longmeadow, MA TAKING CARE OF BODY,YOURMIND&SPIRITSINCE 1993
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 11 FALL 2022 PREVIEW Three places to shop Moxy Boutique’s great styles! Apparel, Accessories, Gifts and Local Artists! 17 College St., South Hadley, MA at the Village Commons 13 Bridge St., Suffield, CT at the Lily House Or shop www.moxyboutique.comonline SHOP LOCAL SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY Reg. $29.99 $1999 Expires 10/2/22 With coupon. May not be combined with other offers or discounts. 60 Windsor Ave – Route 83, Vernon, CT (860) newenglandskiandscuba.com872-0113 $64999 Skis, Boots, Bindings, Poles & Mounting Expires 10/2/22. With coupon. May not be combined with other offers or discounts. COMPLETE SKI PACKAGE Wax & Sharpen Reg. $34.99 $2499 SKI BOOT Close Outs up to 50% OFF while they last!! $44999 Skis, Bindings, Poles & Mounting Expires 10/2/22. With coupon. May not be combined with other offers or discounts. SKI PACKAGE Expires 10/2/22 With coupon. May not be combined with other offers or discounts. SNOWBOARD TUNE-UP PRE-SEASON LEASE SPECIAL SKI OR SNOWBOARD SEASON LEASE PACKAGE $5000 OFF Kids’ Skis Reg. $149 NOW $99! Adults’ Skis Reg. $299 NOW $199! Skis, Boots, Bindings & Poles MUST LEASE BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 • While Supplies Last Prior year's equipment. May not be combined with other offers or discounts. SKI TUNE-UP 30THSEPTEMBERENDSSPECIALHURRY 30THSEPTEMBERENDSSPECIALHURRY
12 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022 Visiteyeglassplace-ngtn.comusatourNEWESTlocation!INELLINGTON 175 West Rd, Suite 16 Meadowview Plaza, Ellington, CT | 860-454-4841 HOURS: Mon 12–7pm • Tues, Thur & Fri 9–5 Wed Closed • Sat 10-2 OPEN!NOW EYEWEAR AND EXAMS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! EYEGLASSES Starting at……………$59 Yesterday, today and tomorrow... here to serve our community.StaffordSavings Bank since 1872 NMLS ID #474362 Centre Office 860-684-6321 www.staffordsavingsbank.com Serving the Towns of Stafford, Ellington, Union, Tolland, Ashford, Willington and Somers.
D
“We were looking forward to our new chapter, and decided to look for something we could do together,” said Deb. “This beautiful artisanal ice cream company came across our path. We met with the previous owners, bought all the flavors we could find and brought them home. We were amazed at the taste...and how different it was from every other ice cream out there. After passing the ultimate taste test, our children's -- we have 5 - we jumped in! “We served Batch at our wedding reception on April 21 to rave reviews, and became official owners of the company a few weeks later.” The LeRiches knew Batch Ice Cream was special.
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 13
! HOPE E. NATETROMBLEYBLAIS
Batch was founded in Boston in 2010, and when the LeRiches were engaged and searching for something unique to have at their 2018 wedding, they came across Batch.
“What makes us different and so good is the same answer... the ingredients,” said Deb. “Our base is custom, not the standard commercial base that many ice cream companies use. We have it made for us with our own recipe, which includes organic and fair
Batch Ice Cream
The couple owns Batch Ice Cream, a New England company that started in Boston and now has its headquarters in Longmeadow where the family resides.
eb and Dave LeRiche know that a good base is the foundation for a good marriage, and good ice cream.
14 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022
Deb said at Batch, they don't use gums, carrageenans, corn syrup or anything artificial.
Since purchasing Batch Ice Cream, the LeRiches have grown the distribution of Batch from primarily grocery stores in the Boston area to over 300 stores across New England.“Wealso have opened two scoop shops and operate two scoop trucks for events,” said Deb.
Deb, a registered nurse for over 35 years, had no experience in the food industry, but knew good ice cream when she tasted it. Dave has many years of experience in the food industry, working with major companies as a leader in sales and distribution. “This has been invaluable to our pint business and growth in grocery stores,” said Deb. “We have been fortunate to develop wonderful relationships with several local businesses, both chains and independent stores, that support local, family owned small business.”
“Our ice cream is super premium (16% butterfat) creamy and delicious,” she said. Batch will offer seasonal flavors this fall. “We are planning to offer some special fall flavors in our shops, including cinnamon and pumpkin pie,” said Deb. “We are also designing a warm apple pie sundae. Our ginger ice cream is absolutely delicious and perfectly pairs with all the seasonal fall pie flavors.”
trade cane sugar, cocoas, and chocolates. The ingredients we use for the different flavors is carefully sourced and beautiful! What's equally important is what we don't put in the ice cream.”
The LeRiches bought their first scoop truck in 2019 and began attending local festivals and events that summer. The Longmeadow Shops requested they come to their parking lot weekly through the summer.
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 15
BATCH ICE CREAM SCOOP SHOP LONGMEADOW
“We were there every Tuesday, which became one of our busiest days of the week,” said Deb. “The following summer as we were wrapping up our season, the management at the Shops asked if we would like to try a pop up shop in an available space they had. This was October of 2020. Dave said ‘absolutely,’ I said ‘no... there's a pandemic, it's winter, New England and we are selling ice cream, it's crazy!’ Well, Dave won and the pop up shop was so well received, eventually the Longmeadow Shops offered us a smaller permanent space in the plaza. Our first permanent shop opened June 2021. “ A few months later a second Batch shop opened at the Village Commons in South Hadley. Deb and Dave said they “are so thankful to our customers for all of their support and warm reception of our family business.” The Batch Ice Cream Shop in Longmeadow serves super premium Batch Ice Cream as well as sundaes, milkshakes, ice cream cookie sandwiches, freshly made waffle cones and whipped cream. Batch has 22 flavors of ice cream including vegan, dairy free options and special seasonal flavors. 682A BLISS RD, MA 01106 (413) 754-3055
LONGMEADOW,
• BATCHICECREAM.COM
16 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022 ROARING ACRES ALPACAS VISIT OUR BOUTIQUE! We carry a variety of warm, soft and beautiful Alpaca products such as Hats, Gloves, Blankets, Nesting Balls, Sportman Socks and NEW THIS YEAR: Soaps and Dryer Balls made right here at the farm! Bring your family and hand-feed the Alpacas! Admission is FREE! Like Us? Love Us? Review us on TripAdvisor! 685 Hale St., roaringacresalpacas.com860-463-0485Suffield,CT Wed 1-4pm ,Thurs 5-7pm, Fri 11am-1pm, Sat 12-4 pm or by Appointment for groups larger than 10 All Hours are weather permitting $5.00 OFF any purchase of $30 or more* *Excludes Memory Items Expires 10/1/22 WELCOME FALL! 111 Main Street, Somersville, CT 860.265.2282 Delivery to most area towns, including Massachusetts ----- OPEN 6 DAYS starting after Labor Day ----Tue-Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-4 • Sun 1-5pm • Closed Mondays www.somersvillagegifts.com Memory Lamps • Gourmet Food • Gifts • All-Occasion Specialty Baskets SIDING • ROOFING • WINDOWS PORCHAWNINGSHATCHWAYSRAILINGS•DOORSENCLOSURES Serving Northern CT & Western MA SPECIALSFALL Let us make you the Starr of the neighborhood. $100 OFF Your order of $1,000 or more with this coupon Offer expires 9/30/22 ~Since Celebrating1920~over100Years! License # 0502206 Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured www.hastarr.com Call Bill or Beth 543-6065 email: oldiesfrom@aol.com 45 Parker Street • Indian Orchard, MA Tues.-Fri. 10-4:30, Sat. 10-2:30, Closed Sun. & Mon. WE BUY & SELL ALL TYPES OF STUFF FROM A TO Z. BUYING COLLECTIONS: COINS, POCKET & MECHANICAL WATCHES, TOYS, ETC. 153 West Stafford Road • Stafford Springs, CT Like and follow us for vendorOPENupdates!EVERYSUNDAY9 am - 12 pm thru October Locally Grown Fruits & Vegetables • Plants, Flowers & Honey Locally Raised Beef & Pork • Fresh Eggs • Baked Goods Local Maple Syrup • Area Artisans ...and more! STAFFORDAREA Farmers&Crafters MARKET FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM VOUCHERS ACCEPTED 844 Main Street, Agawam, MA 413-786-9366 grannysplacefarm.com email: grannysplace09@comcast.net OPEN 9:30 - 6:00 Daily Family Owned & Operated HARDHOMEMADEICECREAM! Served til 9:00 pm Come Get Your VEGGIES!! Local Honey • Farm Fresh Eggs “A Little Bit of Everything”
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 17 30% OFF First 30 Days • Built in Discounts • All Battiston’s & Competitior Coupons Accepted • Automatic Billing Currently Servicing Homes & Offices Throughout: South Windsor • Windsor • East Windsor Windsor Locks • Bloomfield • West Hartford East Hartford • Enfield • Suffield • Somers Agawam • Longmeadow • East Longmeadow Free SCHEDULED Home or Office Pick-Up and Delivery CALL FOR DETAILS: 860-289-0134 SAVE TIME. SAVE GAS. SAVE MONEY. VALUE GUARANTEED! 760 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor www.BATTISTONS.com SmokeRestore@cs.com ROOFING & SIDING CONTRACTORS ESTIMATESFREE Most Roofs Done In 1 Day! 1775 Main Street, Agawam, MA 413.786.4081 | 860-953-5730 Mass. Lic. #170804 • CT Lic. #0632625 • Licensed & Fully Insured New CT Simsbury,TownSimsburyLocationShopsCT Over 30 Years Experience • Specializing in Residential & Commercial Industrial RoofingSiding • Repairs • Metal Roofs Windows • Senior Discounts • Excellent References • Commercial Roofing Maintenance Programs Available AVAILABLE FOR APPOINTMENTS NIGHTS & WEEKENDS • WE DO GUTTERS TOO! cdaroofing.net
18 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022 BACHER CORPORATION For All Your Grounds Maintenance Needs 7 THOMPSON RD, EAST WINDSOR, CT • www.bachercorporation.com860-627-5924
Jimmys and
wners Ken and Laurie Bedard of the Pizza Palace/Jimmy's Pub have made new renovations. They’ve transformed the pub into a fun-filled entertainment spot with a stage and DJ booth. Something for everyone every day of the week.
Ken stated, "In some aspects, I've been in the food service business most of his life, but never to this degree.” He was a truck driver with Sysco Foods and was making a deliver to the location when he found out it was up for sale. His wife Laurie grew up right down the street from Pizza Palace/Jimmy's Pub and worked there when she was sixteen. Ken told Reminder Publishing he wasn't trying to re-invent the wheel when he and Laurie took over because it had been rolling since 1964. However, Ken felt he needed to put a new set of tires on pub
The Pizza Palace
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 19 ! MIASHA LEE NATE BLAIS
O
The Pizza Palace/Jimmy's Pub is a staple in Enfield. The Palace was founded in 1964 by Jimmy and Anastasia Balis. Then in 1984, Jimmy Balis opened the first Jimmy's Pub right next to it. When Balis retired in 2006, he sold the business to Nick Perikos. In February of 2016, the Bedard’s purchased the business from Perikos and have been the owners for six years.
it. The place needed upgrading in many different ways. The easiest one they went after in the beginning was the quality of the food, keeping the same recipes but with fresher ingredients.“Sincethe reopening, people have been very surprised with the renovations,” said Ken. “To those who are new to coming in or haven't been in prior to the renovations were absolutely amazed. Customers told me if they were blindfolded and dropped off here, they wouldn't know where they were.”
20 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022
now, the Bedard’s are working on a fall fair menu and in the process of rebuilding their website and Facebook page.
Ken also stated that it's still Jimmy's Pub as it used to be, but they've upgraded the menu with new appetizers, entrees, and burgers. They'll have live bands on Saturdays and Sundays. Martinis on Mondays, trivia on Tuesdays, video bingo on Wednesdays, karaoke on Thursdays and a DJ on Fridays. They still have their regular Pizza Palace menu, but it's now take-out and delivery only. "We put our stamp on the business at this point," Ken replied. "Jimmy's Pub will enhance the Pizza Palace because people want to come in and see what we've done. We put a lot of hard work and effort to do the renovations. At the end of the day, it just makes it a much nicer environment to beRightin."
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 21
"It makes me very happy to make other people happy," Ken said. "If people are enjoying themselves and having a good time that's what brings me joy other than the life I have at home with my wife and children." Laurie added, "If you put your heart and soul into it, it's not just a job. Overall, our life has gotten better since we bought the business, and it will continue to be a staple in Enfield.”
JIMMY'S PUB/PIZZA PALACE IS LOCATED ON 524 ENFIELD STREET. THE PIZZA PALACE IS OPEN FROM 11 A.M.-10:30 P.M. DURING THE WEEK AND OPEN UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS.
JIMMY'S PUB IS OPEN FROM 11 A.M.- 1 A.M. AND OPEN UNTIL 2 A.M. ON FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS. FOLLOW THEM ON INSTAGRAM @JIMMYS_PUB_ENFIELD. FOR QUESTIONS, CALL 860-745-8002.
22 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022 Kitchen Encounters offers friendly, local service. We will help you visualize your new kitchen or bath with our expert design service and we are ALWAYS a better value than the big box stores. You can trust Kitchen Encounters because our families are local, just like yours! Visit Our Beautiful Showroom Your Local, Family Owned Kitchen Experts. Custom Closet Systems Kitchen & Bath Cabinetry • Laundry • Quartz Granite • Corian • Laminate • Full Remodeling 15 RAILROAD AVENUE, WILBRAHAM 413-596-6535 | WWW.KITCHEN-ENCOUNTERS.COM Over 28 Years in Business! Follow us on @kitchenencounters1994Instagram
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 23 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 860.749.7365 • 413.525.3916 CT Licensed Arborist #62445 mtsne.com MA Certified Arborist #1676 • Routine and Sick Exams • Vaccinations • Blood Work • Microchip Placement • Routine Diagnostics • At-Home Euthanasia Services • Emergency and Fit-In Appointments as available Dr. Kara M. dr.pawscalls@gmail.comRyczek Call to schedule your pet’s Veterinary Care In the comfort and safety of your own home! 617-797-3070 LIcensed in CT and MA • Based out of Longmeadow
24 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022 FREE ESTIMATES Mon-SatHOURS9-6Sun9-4:30 25% OFF Shrubs, Trees & Perennials *One coupon per customer per day. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires 9/30/22 ACCEPTING BOTH COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL ACCOUNTS 860-749-80085 year warranty on hardscaping146South Road, Enfield, CT • SnSandTarnow.com Stone & Mulch | Pavers Walkways & Patios | Retaining Walls Outdoor Kitchens & Bars Design and Consultation Planting | Pruning & Trimming Flower Beds & Islands | Topsoil Plants & Trees | Weekly Mowing Lawn Renovation | Plowing Spring/Fall Cleanup... and more! Come for your Bra Fitting and go Back to School in Comfort and Style! Let The Bra Ladies put health, comfort and beauty back in your life! We offer CUSTOM SIZES that provide both STYLE and COMFORT ! High-end shapewear, bras and lingerie... and NEW -- Julie Vos Jewelry!! EnellAnita Sports Bra NatoriPanache Hanky WacoalCosaBellaConturellePanky GoddessFreyaElomiChantelle 635 Main Street, Somers, CT • 413.244.5731 • thebraladies.com FREE PROFESSIONAL BRA FITTING! RECOMMENDEDAPPOINTMENTS Schedule your appt. online or by phone. Your privacy is important to us! Book Your Bridal Party Fitting or Private Bra Party! Shapewearavailable THISMENTIONADANDGET 5% OFF YOUR PURCHASE!
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 25 8 West 860-875-6044Ellington,RoadCT goldanddiamondct.com • Custom Jewelry Designs • Fine Jewelry Repairs • Watch Repair, Sizing & Batteries • Engraving • Laser Repairs • Appraisals • Buy, Sell & Trade Jewelry Sweep her off her feet Tue, Wed, Fri 10-5:30 • Thur 10-8 • Sat 10-4 OUTDOOURORPATIOISOPEN! CASUAL FINE DINING | LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Friday & Saturday Nights Open for Lunch Friday thru Sunday Half Price Pizza Monday Night in Our Lounge See our website for our Banquet & Catering Menu lacucinahampden.com Lounge Open & Pizza 7 Days • Bar Open Late Mon.-Thurs. 3pm-9pm | Fri.-Sat. 11:30am-10pm | Sun. 11:30am-9pm 1 Allen St., Hampden, MA (413) 566-8324 di Hampden House
THEhttps://www.facebook.com/MonsonFoodTruckFestivalpage:FOURTOWNFAIR70'S CRUISE CONNECTICUTNIGHTVALLEY BREWING COMPANY MONSON FOOD TRUCK & MUSIC FESTIVAL GO LOCAL PICKS COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR AND ONLINE! SEPTEMBER 15-18TH 56 EGYPT ROAD, SOMERS, CT SEPTEMBER 19TH • 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM 765 SULLIVAN AVE, SOUTH WINDSOR, CT 06074 SEPTEMBER 24TH • 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM •VETERANS FIELD 110 MAIN ST, MONSON, MA 01057
The Monson Food Truck & Music Festival is a benefit for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. Join the community for a day of fun, food, drinks, and more. Enjoy a variety of food trucks with pizza, coffee, ice cream, BBQ, and so much more. There will also be a variety of craft vendors selling antiques and handmade goods. The funds from the festival are donated directly to cancer research. Join the community for a fun day and support a great cause! For more information visit their Facebook
Fair Hours: Thursday 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Friday 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Saturday 8:00 am - 11:00 pm, Sunday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Visit 4townfair.com for daily schedules, to purchase ride tickets and more!
The four towns are Somers, East Windsor, Enfield and Ellington.
Connecticut Valley Brewing Company welcomes friends and families to their 70's themed cruise night! Wear your best 70's outfit and bring your 70's car for a night of family friendly fun. Enjoy 70's music, beer, and a bite to eat from the diner. Events run weekly at Connecticut Valley Brewing Company, weather permitting. For more information and events visit ctvalleybrewing.com
Throughout the years, various locations were utilized by the four towns until 1960. The fair society, known as the Union Agricultural Society, purchased land in Somers as the permanent location of all future fairs.
The Four Town Fair is considered the oldest continuous Agricultural Fair in Connecticut. It happened in the winter of 1838-1839.
26 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022
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The store also offers cash and carry flowers, annuals and perennials, vegetable plants and herbs, hanging baskets and planters, nursery products such as mulch and fertilizer, imported Italian and Polish products, and a deli selling meats and cheeses by the pound as well as all of your favorite salads from potato to macaroni and chicken to tuna salad.
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 29
LittleVinnie'sAcre
I n the early 1950s, a young 10-year-old Vincent “Vinnie” Cianfarani, Jr. could be found sitting at a roadside card table at his father’s farm on Park Avenue in Windsor selling quarts of tomatoes - filled with 3, 4 or 5 of the red beauties - for 25 cents. Those were the days. Today he says he is “80 and crazy and still trying to defy the odds” and running Vinnie’s Little Acre, what he calls a farm market store that he describes as “indoors not out.”
“We operate out of bushels, baskets, crates, and boxes, displaying produce in its natural form like you would have seen in the fifties and sixties years ago at roadside stands,” Cianfarani said.
30 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022
From that little card table Vinnie once sat at, he graduated into a tent where they continued to sell tomatoes, as well as corn and other fresh vegetables grown on the farm.
“Seventytoday.years ago things were different. Grocery stores were closed on Sundays and had limited hours
“There is no grocery store in town (Windsor Locks) and we are the only place you can buy a fresh tomato or head of lettuce. We have 3,200 square feet of meticulously displayed produce of the highest quality that I purchase not only from local growers but from farmers throughout the state,” Cianfarani said.Among the farms he supports include Dzen Farms in South Windsor, DeFrancesco Farm in Northford, Geremia Farms in Wallingford, Morell Farms in East Windsor, Diglio's Country Farm in North Branford and many others.
The reason says the produce king is part eating trends, but more so for business/marketing purposes
“Back in the late 1950s and early 1960s we would sell 500 dozen ears of corn on both Saturday and Sunday and another couple hundred a day during the rest of the week from mid-July through Labor Day. Today I can’t sell 500 dozen the whole year,” Cianfarani said.
The farm market store is entering its busiest time of the year with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon.
While some fresh summer veggies still remain for sale at Vinnie’s Little Acre, September has arrived and the fall and winter months are just ahead and ripe for the sale of peaches, nectarines, plums, 30 varieties of apples, and several varieties of squashes including acorn, butternut, spaghetti, buttercup and honeynut, as well as sweet potatoes, sugar pumpkins, silver queen corn, sweet corn and butter and sugar corn and fall cabbage, beets and carrots.
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 31 during the week. Today some are open 24 hours. So, small roadside stands had a chance back then, today they are almost extinct. Now, you can walk into a Costco, Stop & Shop or Big Y, for example, and you are faced with almost a half-acre of produce staring you in the face. Back in the day you might have gone to the farm to get your eggs, corn and other veggies, then to the meat guy. It’s one-stop shopping these days at the supermarket where you throw everything into your cart and hand them your plastic at the checkout counter,” Cianfarani said.
Cianfarani eventually grew up, left the farm and got married at the age of 20. He went on to become produce manager at area supermarkets in Connecticut where he learned the skill of merchandising, including at Popular Markets, Edward’s supermarkets and Big Y where he retired from, while continuing to maintain roadside stands at various locations in Connecticut. “There is a big difference between a farmer at his roadside stand and a merchandiser at a supermarket. A farmer is a farmer who simply puts out his produce for sale at a roadside stand without much thought to how it is displayed. But a merchandiser considers how a display looks so as to appeal to the customer and help make the sale. Color is one thing, grouping product colors together, and putting citrus items with fruits and vegetables with vegetables. I believe displaying produce is one of my best qualities,” Cianfarani said.
And, to accompany the apple season, Cianfarani promises plenty of delicious and refreshing apple cider to imbibe from Buell’s Orchard in Eastford, CT.
“We will be selling all sizes of corn stalks, gourds both large and small, bales of straw, Indian corn, and all of your fall décor products. Of course, we will have pumpkins, too, which will be outdoors set up just like a pumpkin patch, so you can select the ones you want - some will be painted, some will be carved, and some will be natural just the way they were picked,” Cianfarani said.
The Vincenzo stands alongside other sandwiches such as The Madeline, The Kickin’ Roast Beef and Ham It up, as well as wraps including Gary’s Zing Zing, Chef’s Salad Wrap, Tuna Wrap and The Veggie Wrap. There are also healthy Chef, Buffalo, Veggie and Tuna salads to choose from.
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As the holidays approach, customers will find wreaths, some decorated, kissing balls, cemetery boxes, and Connecticut-grown Christmas trees including Fraser and Douglas Firs, Balsam, and White and Blue Spruce.
During the off-season, customers seeking their favorite fruits and vegetables - especially those vitamin C rich clementines, tangerines, grapefruits, and navel, temple and mandarin oranges - can continue to find them at Vinnie’s Little Acre, where Cianfarani has them shipped in mostly from California, Florida and the Carolinas.
VINNIE’S LITTLE ACRE IS CURRENTLY OPEN DAILY FROM 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M., WITH EXTENDED HOURS AS THE FALL AND WINTER HOLIDAY SEASONS APPROACH. CALL (860) 758-5083 FOR THE LATEST HOURS AND HOLIDAY CLOSINGS OR VISIT THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE.
“Our pies are especially popular around Thanksgiving and Christmas, but sell all yearround, as do the cider donuts and apple fritters that are so delicious,” he said from firsthand experience.
As the new year begins, Cianfarani says business slows up somewhat, but keeps busy with deli orders and with the many plants and flowers he brings in - especially all the roses that fill the store from head to toe for Valentine’s Day - for the spring holidays including Easter, Mother’s Day and MemorialYear-roundDay.at their deli, Cianfarani says he is proud to have a sandwich named after him called The“It’sVincenzo.gotfour kinds of Italian meats, four kinds of cheese, a special Caesar salad dressing and lots more,” he said.
The Vincenzo boasts Mortadella, Genoa Salami, Hot Capicola, Pepperoni, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Oil & Vinegar, Provolone, Asiago and American Blend, Swiss, all on a Grinder Roll.
Also, for sweet tooths, although they don’t bake their own, Cianfarani noted they carry freshbaked pies - apple, blueberry, strawberry rhubarb, coconut custard, cherry, lemon, chocolate crème and other tasty varieties in large and individual sizes - from Granny’s Pie Factory in East Hartford, CT, and Formisano Bakery in Saugerties, NY.
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 33 Looking to BUY or SELL a home? Is your home VACANT? In need of REPAIRS? BEHIND on Payments? Facing FORECLOSURE? • NO EQUITY? • Job Transfer? Need Help with a CLEAN OUT or an ESTATE? WE CAN HELP! WE BUY HOUSES TOO! Please call today for a FREE Consultation / Market Analysis Janice Kocot LaBroad | Managing Partner • Owner • Investor 860.882.4969 “Owner is a Licensed Real Estate agent with EXP Realty”
Pear Crumble
NATHAN BLAIS
34 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022 GO EAT ! RECIPE SUBMITTED BY NATHAN BLAIS
I’m a photographer from Springfield. I combined my love for cooking and photography and turned it into a career. Check out my instagram @nateblais!
Blend together your oats, almonds, brown sugar, flax seeds, coconut oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Take part of the mixture and pat it down into your baking dish and bake at 350F for 10 minutes. Cut your pear into slices and remove your crust from the oven. Layer each slice until you get to the middle - start with bigger slices and go to smaller as you get closer to the middle. Add more of your oat mixture to the top cover and bake for 30 minutes at 350F. Serve just like that or with some vanilla ice cream!
Enjoy! 1 1/2Pearcup oats 1/4 cup almonds 2 Tbsp brown sugar 1 Tbsp coconut oil 1 Tbsp flax seed 1 Tsp PinchPinchcinnamonofnutmegofsalt
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 35 The Growth Company 167 Hazard Ave., Enfield, CT • (860) 749-9237 • (800) 594-9516 Now Visit Us Online at www.thegrowthco.com “WE DELIVER LOCALLY AND WORLDWIDE”$5 OFF any purchase of $30 or more Expires 9/30/22 FALL StrawHardyDECORATIONSMums•Pumpkins•Chimineas•MexicanArt NEW ThursdayHOURS-Sunday Starting the week of Sept.12th Fresh Farm Produce Fresh HandmadeFlowers,HerbsPlantsGifts Mary’s Market 103 Main Street, Somers, CT • 413-262-4248 Want to sell your home or commercial property? CALL ME TODAY FOR A FREE MARKET ANALYSIS CHRIS REALTOR®“EnergeticBUENDO&Grateful”LicensedinMA&CT 413-575-9266CBuendo@Gmail.comwww.ResultsBegin.com Let Me Help You BUY, SELL or INVEST in Real Estate. FAST, 2-DAY PROCESS THOUSANDS LESS THAN REPLACEMENT We Also Repair and Refinish: • Countertops • Sinks & Vanities • Bathtubs & Tile Surrounds • Fiberglass Tubs & Showers DON’T REPLACE, REFINISH! Each Miracle Method franchise independently owned and operated. a complete shower refinishing job through 10/31/22 33 Grattan Street • Chicopee, MA • 413-589-0769 FORCALLAFREEESTIMATE! Johnny’s Roadside Market Garden 336 NORTH MAPLE ST. (ROUTE 192) ENFIELD, CT OPEN DAILY 9-6 • SUN 10-5 JOHNNYSROADSIDEMARKETGARDEN.COM NATIVE APPLES, APPLE CIDER, MUMS, PUMPKINS, TOMATOES, CORN & MUCH MORE! ofCelebrating73YearsOurFamilyFarm! SatM-FHours:7:30-5:308-3•Sunclosed 401 Enfield Street • Enfield, CT enfieldctpaint@gmail.com860-745-3721 $5.00 OFF a gallon of paint
36 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022 area snapshot Sophia Kelleher The word Sunflower came from the Greek word “Helios” meaning Sun and “Anthos” meaning Flower. Photo taken at The Farm at SummitWynds in Holden MA.
he calls them “my boys.” They are the 10 alpacas and 2 llamas waiting at Windy Crow Farm in Connecticut to be taken out for a hike that not only offers them some exercise, but fun for the whole family. “At first we only offered hikes for family members and friends. Soon others learned by word-of-mouth what we were doing and began calling to see if they could book a hike, and it took off from there,” Barbie Lytwyn said.
“The reward at the top of the trail is a panoramic view that offers a glimpse of Peaked Mountain near Monson as well as Stateline Pond and Staffordville Lake, especially when the foliage isn’t hiding them,” she added. Hikes are offered year-round. “We are entering our busiest time of year as the leaf peeping season gears up. And the trail is
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 37 ! KEITH O'CONNOR NATE BLAIS & SUBMITTED
Windy Crow
As for any special footwear needed, she noted the trail is rather easy to maneuver and no climbing is required, so hiking shoes are optional but always a plus for the one-and-ahalf-mile round trip hike.
“My boys know the trails better than anyone else and they love getting out and eating some of the foliage. And they are very gentle, which is important for the kids. You can take selfies and hug and kiss them, and they return the love,” sheTheadded.outings, booked in two-hour blocks, are not rides, but true guided hikes as advertised. “Alpacas and llamas do not have bone structures designed for carrying heavy loads or humans, so hikers will be taking them out on a lead line,” Lytwyn said.
SFarm
“It’s an easy trip through the woods and there are some rocks and roots along the way, but for the most part I’m out there all the time trying to keep it free of any fallen branches,” Lytwyn said.
Windy Crow Farm recently started a new service called Alpaca Grams that has been “putting smiles” on many faces when delivered.
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“My mom saw something on Facebook aboutSUBMITTED
also perfect for snowshoeing,” Lytwyn said. Guided hikes, led by Lytwyn, are $50 per family, who are not grouped with other hikers, and $25 for individual hikers 18 and older. Prices may increase slightly during fall foliage and snowshoeing seasons when additional perks are added such as hot cider and donuts.
“Cici, who is a rescue, came to live with us last summer, and together we go out and deliver warm and cuddly birthday, get well, Valentine’s Day, and other well wishes of flowers and chocolates for adults or special gift bags for kids,” Lytwyn “Oftentimes,said. especially if it is a child’s birthday party, I will stay with Cici for a while so the kids can enjoy him, and it’s sometimes hard to tell if the kids or the adults are having more fun,” she added.Ciciis also fast becoming “the face” of Windy Crow Farm and is in demand to make appearances at area events and festivals for “meet and greets.” She has also been the star of the show at libraries, daycare centers and schools for educational purposes, and was even sought after for a guest appearance at a credit union in Chicopee.Kristen Wrisley of Chicopee has been bringing her two children, Griffen, 13, and Charlotte, 9, for hikes at the farm since the pandemic began.
The Chicopee woman has also sent a couple of Alpaca Grams since the service was started in February.“IhadCici come to the house to surprise Charlotte for Valentine’s Day and sent another to a friend who broke an ankle to cheer them up,” sheInsaid.addition to the alpacas and llamas who make their home at Windy Crow Farm, some 100 animals currently live at the small-town farm, some of them rescues, including Nigerian dwarf goats, English angora rabbits, lion head rabbits, chickens, ducks, roosters, tom turkeys, and one sheep and pot-bellied pig. “I couldn’t do all of this if it wasn’t for my husband Joe (Lytwyn). I don’t know which of us is the biggest animal lover, he is so supportive of everything I am doing,” Lytwyn said.
The Lytwyns use the profits from the hikes and Alpaca Grams to support the cost of feeding their animals.“Itcosts us $1,200 a month just for hay, and our grain bill just went up again to nearly $300 every two weeks. Everyone needs a break today SUBMITTED
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 39 the hikes and she told me about it. My daughter is a huge animal lover and we are always looking for new things to do. This was perfect, especially since with COVID it was outdoors in the open air,” Wrisley said. “It’s something we could all do together and it’s a decent hike, not too strenuous, something for all ages. And there is a great view waiting for you at the top of the hike,” she added. Wrisley said she highly recommends making time for the experience. “If you are willing to take a little trek with your family to the farm it will be well worth it. You will get to spend quality time with your kids away from the fast-paced lives we all seem to lead these days. You’ll be away from all of life’s distractions and among the calming animals, and it is just an uplifting, relaxing experience and a chance to renew,” she said. After visiting the farm several times, Charlotte has her favorite animal. “He’s an alpaca and his name is Chester. He’s very sweet,” she said. Her mother says all of the animals are “amazing.” “They all have their own little personalities. One of them has a special spot on the trail where he enjoys getting down on the ground and rolling over in the dirt. It’s really entertaining to see such a big animal doing that right in front of you,” Wrisley said.
WINDY CROW FARM IS LOCATED AT 211 CROW HILL RD, STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK A HIKE, ALPACA GRAM OR SPECIAL APPEARANCE WITH CICI, CALL OR TEXT (860) 322-1709.
40 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022 from the grocery store to the gas pump,” Barbie said.As the end of the year draws near, the animal lover noted after all the care and attention the alpacas receive all year from the couple, it is time for them to “give back.” “By that I mean letting us shear them for their fiber. The raw wool is then carded and later spun into yarn from which I make and sell products such as headbands, hats, scarves, fingerless mittens, and sweaters,” Lytwyn said. Wrisley has nothing but kind words to say about her “new friend.” “Barbie is amazing.....the most genuine person ever. And the way that she cares for the animals on the farm, you can tell that she really loves them. We have become friends and stay in touch outside of going for hikes at the farm and we often stop by to see all the animals,” Wrisley said.
Fold your hand towel so that the dimensions are about the size of the toilet paper roll. Wrap it around the roll to give your pumpkin a rounded shape. Tuck the scarf into the center of the toilet paper roll. Use one hand to hold it in place. Take the other end of the scarf and wrap it through the center of the toilet paper roll. Repeat until the outside of the roll is completely covered. Wrap a piece of paper or cloth on one end of the wood stem to protect the scarf fabric. Tuck the stem into the center of the roll.
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 41 GO CREATE FALL CRAFTING Fabric Pumpkins •MATERIALS: Scarf or scrap fabric • Toilet paper roll • Wood stem • Hand towel (or extra fabric)
This simple DIY only takes 5 minutes! Spruce up your fall décor with something unique and handmade with materials you already have at home. This craft is for anyone, no sewing required. Check out the list of materials below and lets go create!
42 GO LOCAL SEPTEMBER 2022 A. Cartilage B. Tendons C. Ligaments D. Fibroids WHICH PLANET HAS THE MOST SURFACE GRAVITY? A. Earth B. Neptune C. Jupiter D. Saturn WHICH US CITY IS KNOWN AS “THE INSURANCE CAPITAL OF THE WHATWORLD?”TISSUES CONNECT THE MUSCLES TO THE BONES? MICHAEL JORDAN FINISHED HIS PLAYING CAREER WITH WHAT NBA TEAM?A.Miami Heat B. Washington Wizards C. Chicago Bulls D. Utah Grizzlies LOCAL EINSTEIN TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING! A. Worcester, MA B. Evansville, IN C. Hartford, CT D. Camden, NJ # CORRECT 0-12-45-78-9 IQ 110160503 RANK SimpletonEggheadProdigyMeh 1)C2)B3)A 4)C5)B6)C 7)C8)B9)C ANSWERS: ORNITHOPHOBIA IS THE FEAR OF WHAT? A. Birds B. Trees C. Thunder D. Rain A. Chrysler B. Volkswagen C. Mercedes D. Daimler HOW MANY HEARTS DOES AN OCTOPUS HAVE? A. One B. Two C. Three D. Four WHICH COMPANY OWNS LAMBORGHINI, AUDI & PORSCHE? IN WHICH UNDERWATER CITY DOES SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS LIVE? A. Bikini Beach B. Sand Dollar Cove C. Bikini Bottom D. Starfish Bay A. Bee B. Guinea Pig C. Butterfly D. Rabbit WHAT TYPE OF CREATURE IS A CABBAGE WHITE? Reach engaged couples and their planners who are ready to make important purchasing decisions for the big day. TO ADVERTISE... Call Jeanette @ 860.729.1606 or email jgrenier@thereminder.com octoberCOMINGINOURISSUE
MCCRAY'S FARM 55 ALVORD ST SOUTH HADLEY, MA 01075 413-533-0775 Hop on a hayride to the pumpkin patch and pick your own pumpkin! Hayrides are $4 a person and free for children 2 and under. You can even book a wagon for your own party. McCray's also makes homemade ice cream, and offers a great selection of flavors. For more information visit: mccrays-farm.com
BROWN'S HARVEST 1911 POQUONOCK AVE WINDSOR, CT 860-683-026606095 Fall on the farm is so much fun at Brown's Harvest! It's a great place to enjoy sweet fall treats like their popular cider donuts. Take a hayride around the farm, pick pumpkins, and browse the variety of mums and gourds. For more information visit: brownsarvest.com
GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 43
FERN VALLEY FARMS 758 MAIN WILBRAHAM,ST MA 01095 413-367-4422
The Little Rascal Pumpkin Patch at Coward Farm is a great place to bring the family. Pick your own pumpkins and adventure though the mini corn maze. You will also find gourds, mums, Montauk daisies, wreaths, and more fall decorations. For more information visit: cowardfarms.com
COWARD FARMS 150 COLLEGE HWY SOUTHWICK, MA 01077 413-569-6724
7 places to pick your own apples and pumpkins! local farms to visit this fall.
Pick your own apples at Fern Valley Farms and enjoy the breathtaking views. With hundreds of apple trees, you can find a variety of apples including Macoun, Mcintosh, Gala, Honeycrisp, Cortland, and live music! For more information fernvalleyfarmsllc.comvisit:
CLARK FARMS INC 29 BUSHY HILL RD GRANBY, CT 860-653-402206035
Bushy Hill Orchard at Clark Farms is a great place to pick your own fruit. Now is the time to pick your own apples, but they also have peaches, pears, nectarines, plums, and vegetables. Stop by the cafe for pub-style food and a tasty cider donut! For more information visit: clarkfarmsct.com
The orchards on Route 83 were originally planted in 1977-78. Since then we have replaced many of the older trees and built a whole new orchard. The new location, on Schoolhouse Road in Ellington, was started in 1996 and is still being added to. We now offer a total of 60 acres of dwarf apple trees bearing 14 different varieties. For more information johnnyappleseedfarmct.comvisit:
The CountdownFinal
JOHNNY APPLESEED'S FARM 13 SCHOOLHOUSE RD. ELLINGTON, CT 06029 (860) 875-1030 - TO LEAVE A MESSAGE (860) 875-1000 - UP-TO-DATE INFO
PARK HILL ORCHARD 82 PARKHILL EASTHAMPTON,RD MA 01027 413-303-0335 Park Hill offers 45 different apples! Walk around and pick your own for $25 per peck. Enjoy a unique display of art known as Art In The Orchard. Walk through the half mile trail full of sculptures throughout the fruit gardens. For more information visit: parkhillorchard.com
