JANUARY 2020 by Go Local Magazine

January 2020 Volume 6 . Issue 2 golocalmagazines.com

fun for all ages:

The Story Barn winter farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; market Go with the float

Check it out: Southwood antiques & Marketplace GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 1

2 GO LOCAL JANUARY 2020

new this month JANUARY 2020 . VOLUME 6 . ISSUE 2

SOUTHWOOD ANTIQUES & MARKETPLACE When it comes to antiques, everything old is new again. For those shoppers who like to take a step back in time, Southwood Antiques and Marketplace in Enfield has been “celebrating the past and embracing the future,” to quote its website, since opening in 2017.

A NOTE

GO ON, YOUR SAY

SOUTHWOOD ANTIQUES

From The Editor 15 Minutes Of Fame

Where everything old is new again

EVENTS 20 LOCAL January Happenings

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 3

JANUARY 2020 . VOLUME 6 . ISSUE 2

GO LOCAL PICKS

The Story Barn

northampton farmers’ market

GO Eat

Go with the float

Local Einstein

FINAL COUNTDOWN

Cool Stuff Just Outside Your Door A place to encourage the story within with Frieda B. Fresh finds all winter long Black-Eyed Peas A look at Easthampton’s own “float spa” Put Your Thinking Caps On 7 Community Theaters

TAX Time Persano & Associates, LLC Certified Public Accountant

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Offices: Somers • Stafford Springs East Windsor, Connecticut

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 5

a note

FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR . G. MICHAEL DOBBS

This issue of Go Local features the Story Barn in Somers, CT., and the home of the Frieda B. children’s book series. The idea of the location is to provide a place for children and families to participate in a wide array of activities that encourage creativity and reading. It also gives children an opportunity to meet an author. I think it’s an amazing thing for a kid to connect a book that he or she likes with the person who created it. I believe that such a meeting helps strengthen the interest in reading and encourages a child to consider that he or she could also create a story. When I was a little kid – 1961 and age seven to be precise – my mom watched an episode of a popular local TV show “Western Massachusetts Highlights,” hosted by the affable Tom Colton. The daily 15-minute show featured local people and events and on one episode Colton interviewed Thornton W. Burgess, the nationally known children’s book author. You may not recall Burgess, but he was a prolific author and naturalist. He wrote his children’s books from 1910 through 1960. He was honored during his life for his efforts to introduce children to nature and animals and had a popular radio show as well as his work in print. In 1960, he completed his 15,000th newspaper column. He died at age 91 in 1965. I remember reading his obituary in the newspaper. Now, the very first book I took out of the Springfield Library was a Burgess book. Burgess wrote a nationally syndicated newspaper feature with his animal stories that was carried locally. From a young age I was interested in newspapers and remember connecting the dots between the person who wrote the column and the person who write the books. My mom took a comment that Burgess made that he enjoys meeting his readers to heart. She called his studio and home in Hampden and made an appointment for her, my brothers and me to see him. For my seven-year-old mind this was inconceivable. First, the author I like lives here? He is someone we are meeting? How could that happen? So one day in October, the three of use drove to Hampden to his home. My mom parked in front of his studio building and went in to see him. She came out after a brief meeting and ushered us in. Years later she said she wanted to make sure Burgess was genuinely interested in seeing us. Burgess was very gracious and accommodating. He pointed out a cabin at the top of a hill and explained that had been his writing studio until his arthritis made it impossible for him to climb up the hill to it. The building with his new studio was built on the edge of a stream, which he called Laughing Brook. Laughing Brook played a huge role in his books as a major location and I recognized it immediately. Again my seven-year-old mind was blown as I thought about something in the books was based on a real thing. Burgess chatted with us – I remember his desk was messy – and my mom bought several autographed books from Burgess. It was one of my most memorable events of my childhood. I have my copy of “Grandfather Frog” at my desk at work, along with several other books that have meaning for me. Meeting an author whose work I enjoy is still a thrill for me. If you have children in your life, a trip to see an author should be on your list of things to do. - G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor 6 GO LOCAL JANUARY 2020

MANAGING EDITOR G. Michael Dobbs

CREATIVE

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

DESIGN Michelle Johnson, Manager

ADVERTISING

Barb Perry, Manager . Amy Allen . Kim Barba Lisa Nolan . Paula Dimauro . Scott Greene Nancy Holloway . Jeanette Grenier . Matt Mahaney Greg Pudlo . Victoria Owen Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant

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A CREATION OF

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM Send local story ideas to: Michelle Johnson: mjohnson@repub.com

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your say

LEE

BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES THEIR 15 MINUTES OF FAME

AMANDA

BRUCE

TIA

DARCY

EDISON

Head Custodian

Profession: Retail Associate

Grocery Store Clerk

Cashier

Library Assistant

I never make a resolution

To be more patient and understanding with people.

To lose some weight

Eat less

More time for creativity and writing

Driving around and looking at all the beautiful Christmas lights

Decorating the tree

Definitely Pink or Kelly Osborne. They’re my idols!

John Krasinski

Jerrika Hinton

Gaming and reading

Drawing and singing

Finding Nemo

Thor the Dark World

To Sir With Love

Titanic

I’m still driving What was the my silver 2012 make, model 1977 Oldsmobile and color of 350 4 Barrel Red Chrysler 200. She’s doing just fine. your first car? Can’t jinx it.

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When you were Didn’t really think a child, what about that as a I thought I would did you want kid, I was having be a world-famous gymnast. to be when you too much fun being a kid grew up?

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Veterinarian

Successful

A pilot

What’s your new year’s resolution?

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving with holiday wife, dear friends tradition? Name your celebrity look-a-like.

I have no idea

Playing Dungeons and Dragons and Do you have Watching and collecting all the any hobbies? rooting for the pretty dice! And New York Yankees I love crocheting nerdy stuff. I remember seeing What’s the Titanic in the movies first movie you Viva Las Vegas when it came out. remember see- with Elvis Presley My aunt covered ing in theaters? & Ann Margaret my eyes during the iconic scene though!

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Everything happens for a reason.

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Southwood

ANTIQUES

& Marketplace

hen it comes to antiques, everything old is new again. For those shoppers who like to take a step back in time, Southwood Antiques and Marketplace in Enfield has been “celebrating the past and embracing the future,” to quote its website, since opening in 2017. The marketplace is the brainchild of Gary Raffia, owner of Raffia Plaza where the store is located, whose major hobby is collecting and reselling antiques and collectibles. “Gary was definitely the instigator. He thought opening the marketplace with us would be a good use of a vacant storefront in his plaza,” said Margo Ross, who along with Richie Caravello are in business together.

“Each of us has a day job. I am a realtor, Richie is a landscaper, and Gary is a farmer, whose family farm has been in Enfield for over 100 years. They rent space to vendors – some 21 of them today after starting with just four – and have some 3,000 square feet of space with room to grow. Ross noted that antiques are becoming rarer these days and collectibles are becoming even more popular. “When I think of antiques I think of my grandmother’s Victorian home filled with period carved furniture and gleaming crystal to the New England colonial houses with their primitive

farm tools and crockery. We have a large assortment of vintage and collectibles ranging from ‘50s Kitschy Kitchen ware to Jim Bean bottles to re-purposed furniture,” Ross said. According to Antique-HQ.com, there has been a debate for years over what qualifies as a bona fide antique. The website noted that “an object of considerable age valued for its aesthetic or historical significance” is considered to be an antique, one that is “more than 100 years old.” Items not quite that old, but at least 20 to 25 years old, are referred to as vintage, such as clothing, jewelry, furniture and other items. Collectibles refer to any

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 13

items, regardless of age, that someone collects for a variety of reasons. Examples include coins, comic books, Ty Beanie Babies, limited edition products, licensed items that bear brand names such as Coca-Cola or “Star Wars” and so much more. What makes antiques and collectibles so attractive for some people? “There are so many different reasons. But I think for most it is the memories that a particular item may bring back for them…..a certain era it represents. We have a lot of older clients who we might hear say, ‘My grandmother had that’ or ‘My mom had something like that,’ and it brings a smile to their face,” Ross said. “For our younger customers, I think it is the whimsy of it. Many also come in looking to capture a certain style that might be popular at the moment such as farmhouse – a style that is distinguished by the use of natural textures including wood and galvanized steel. It might be an old tin bowl, basket, or even an old wall hanging once seen in a farm house,” she added. Ross noted every vendor in the store comes across the items they are selling in different ways. “Some of us just go out and look for things at flea markets to buy and resell. Others have many items in their personal collections that they want to sell. For me, personally, my parents were antique dealers and I inherited a great amount of items that I can’t use in my lifetime. So, it comes from my personal stock. Also, some of my clients who are moving and want to get rid of a few things often just give them to me. Gary has been a collector for decades and Richie has a variety of places he gets his items,” Ross said. Ross noted vintage teacups and saucers are something many people are looking for at the moment. “Many people are holding old-fashioned tea parties. One woman came in and was holding a bridal shower and was looking for nearly 100 teacups. Other popular items right now include vintage vinyl records, old cameras, anything mid-century, Depression glass and doll house furniture. I just sold a Michael Jackson album for $25,” she said. The antique dealer noted that one of the more interesting items in the store that 14 GO LOCAL JANUARY 2020

sold recently for $750 was an antique red metal fire box you would once find prominently on many street corners. “One of my more unique items includes a Tibetan singing bowl with copper and silver inlay, which is probably about 100 years old. These bowls have been used for centuries for healing and meditation purposes. They create a range of sounds to heal and restore the normal vibratory frequencies of diseased and out-ofharmony parts of the body, mind and soul. It is just not something you come across very often. And we have another vendor who specializes in vintage toys,” Ross said. And, if you don’t see what you are looking for at Southwood, all hope isn’t lost. “We have a special book where customers can write down what they are searching for along with their contact information. If you don’t see it at one of the booths in our store, it doesn’t mean we don’t have it. We might have the item in stock at home or see it in our travels,” Ross said. Store hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday and Friday from noon to 7 p.m.

Southwood Antiques and Marketplace is located on 89 Raffia Road in Enfield, Conn. For more information, visit southwoodantiques.com, follow them on FaceBook or call 860-749-3292 or 860-977-0270. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 15

16 GO LOCAL JANUARY 2020

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AGAWAM, MA

CHEFS FOR JIMMY CHEZ JOSEF 176 SHOEMAKER LANE, AGAWAM, MASSACHUSETTS 01001 FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2020 AT 06:30 PM Join us for the 30th annual Chefs for Jimmy: One Night of Peace, Love, and Food, presented by Winer Levsky Group of UBS Financial Services Inc. Enjoy tastings of signature dishes from 30 top local restaurants and caterers, a silent auction, fun themed décor, music, and more. All proceeds benefit Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund’s lifesaving mission to end cancer. Visit www.chezjosef.com for more information.

CHICOPEE, MA

2ND ANNUAL THUNDERBIRDS SLED HOCKEY FUNDRAISER WITH THE TRAILER TRASH BAND PORTUGUESE AMERICAN CLUB INC 149 EXCHANGE ST, CHICOPEE, MA FRIDAY, JANUARY 10 FROM 7:00 PM - 11:59 PM Come check out the 2nd annual Trailer Trash benefit show for CHD’s Disability Resources Springfield Thunderbird Sled Hockey Team! If you were there last year, you know how rockin’ this night can be. If you weren’t there, you missed out and should be there this year. Every dollar will benefit the 35+ member team, part of the spectrum of disability resources, activities and adaptive sports CHD provides for all ages and abilities. Doors open and 7 p.m. and show kicks off at 8.

EASTHAMPTON, MA

DROP-IN ART BUFFET - ADULT CRAFT TIME EMILY WILLISTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM 9 PARK ST, EASTHAMPTON, MA JANUARY 1, 15 AND 29, 2020 FROM 12:30 – 2:30 PM Need to relax and de-stress from your day? Do you love making crafts or want to give it a try? Join us every other Wednesday evening for Art Buffet! Projects change monthly. We provide the materials, you just drop in anytime between 5:30 and 7:30pm.

FLORENCE, MA

FITZGERALD LAKE TRAIL RUN FITZGERALD LAKE CONSERVATION AREA 61 N FARMS ROAD, FLORENCE, MASSACHUSETTS 01062 SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM We’re leading winter trail series, hitting 3 different and awesome trails in the NoHo area with our friends from Hoka! This series samples the variety of terrain present in most trail systems in western MA ranging from rolling single track to steep, and rocky ridges. You’ll have a chance to test out Hoka’s innovative range of trail footwear, including the Sppedgoat 4 and Challenger ATR 5. Please note - each run will start from a different trail head. No previous trail running is required. To register visit https://www.facebookcom/events/433942987505606/. We hope to see you there.

HATFIELD, MA

SUNDAY TOUR IN HATFIELD BLACK BIRCH VINEYARD 108 STRAITS ROAD, NORTH HATFIELD, MA SUNDAY, JANUARY 5TH AND SUNDAY, JANUARY 20TH - STARTING AT 2:00 PM Join us for a complimentary Sunday tour at the Black Birch Vineyard. Wines are available for purchase following your tour. Meet the makers, Ian and Michelle, and discover our beautiful vineyard and wines. Black Birch offers open hours, scheduled tours and tasting experiences, as well as public and private events. Our wines are available for purchase at the vineyard and at select stores in Massachusetts. You can also sign up for a membership to our Wine Club to access special reserves, member-only events, and other exclusive perks. 20 GO LOCAL JANUARY 2020

SOUTHWICK, MA

JOSHUA COLIN EXPERIENCE - POTATO THE DAILY GRIND CAFE 568 COLLEGE HIGHWAY, SOUTHWICK, MA 01077 SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020 - 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM JoshuaColin are back at it again with Season 2 of their coursed dinner series. Back by popular demand is potato. We dive into this beloved ingredient once again and bring out 5 more delicious recipes that highlight the versatility of Potato!

WESTFIELD, MA

SKATING WITH ELSA & ANNA AMELIA PARK ARENA 21 S BROAD ST, WESTFIELD, MA SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020 FROM 1:00 - 2:20 PM Come on down to the arena and skate with Anna and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen & Frozen 2. Children $5 | Adults $7 | Military/Adults 55+ $5. Skate rentals available for $4/each.

ELLINGTON, CT

PAINT NITE - DESIGN A SIGN: WANDERLUST THE HIDDEN STILL 87 WEST RD, ELLINGTON, CT MONDAY, JANUARY 27 STARTING AT 7 PM Express yourself with a custom wood sign that showcases your personal style. Select your design from one of our stylish stencils or personalize one that’s uniquely you. Our master crafter will guide you through this 2-hour event where you’ll build and paint your one-of-a-kind sign. For Ages 13 & up. $55 per person. For more information and to register for this event please visit www.yaymaker.com/us/ct/ellington/3578/events/ the-hidden-still/january-27.

ENFIELD, CT

SPRINGFIELD WEDDING AND BRIDAL EXPO - BRIDAL CORNER ASNUNTUCK COMMUNITY COLLEGE 170 ELM ST, ENFIELD, CT SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2020, 11 AM – SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2020 - 4 PM From Bridal-corner.com: Join us at the Biggest wedding & bridal exhibition in Western MA. Our wedding professionals will be on hand to answer all your questions and help you get ready for your special day.

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT

“PIXAR” THEMED TRIVIA AT RED HEAT TAVERN SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH - 242 SALMON BROOK ST, GRANBY, CT MONDAY, JANUARY 6 FROM 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Are you a true “Pixar” fan? Prove it. Come to the Red Heat Tavern, have some food and/ or drinks and play. The game itself starts at 7, is completely free to play and the top performing teams will win gift cards so come...AND REMEMBER: P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way. Check out our website redheattavern.com for more events happening all month long.

ROCKVILLE, CT

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COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR

EVENING OF ILLUMINATION 1 OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE ROAD STURBRIDGE, MA 01566 How did New England families spend their evenings before the intrusion of texting, telephones, TVs and computers? Visitors to Old Sturbridge Village will get a rare chance to find out as they tour the historic Village lit only by candles, oil lamps, lanterns, and firelight during Old Sturbridge Village’s “Evening of Illumination.” Guided by lantern light around the Village Common, guests visit select homes and shops to see how early New Englanders spent their evenings in the days before electricity. Visitors will be treated to music and storytelling throughout the tour, and will see Village artisans at work by candlelight. Guided tours limited to 15 people leave from the Visitor Center every 10 minutes from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Please pre-register for a tour by visiting https://www.osv.org/event/evening-of-illumination. Held on Friday, January 17 and Friday, January 31.

DISNEY ON ICE: WORLDS OF ENCHANTMENT MASSMUTUAL CENTER 1277 MAIN ST, SPRINGFIELD, MA Enter the world of Disney magic LIVE ON ICE with four of your favorite stories at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment! See Lightning McQueen, Mater and the Disney• Pixar’s Cars race across the ice! Dive into undersea fun with Ariel in The Little Mermaid’s kingdom. Experience the adventures of Buzz, Woody and the Toy Story gang as they race for home. Join sisters Anna and Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff from Disney’s Frozen as they learn true love comes from within. From wheels to waves, icy wonderlands to infinity and beyond, your family’s beloved Disney moments will come to life. For tickets and showings visit massmutualcenter.com or call (413) 787-6610.

LOCAL TREASURES PLANETARIUM & BENESKI MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY AMHERST COLLEGE, 11 BARRETT HILL DR, AMHERST, MA 01002 January 24, 2020 @ 9:15 am–3:30 pm. Enjoy a tour and a program at Amherst College’s Bassett Planetarium. Learn about the history of the planetarium and how the space is used today. Participants will explore the seasonal night sky and view some of the most amazing images of our galaxy and beyond. Following our group lunch at 30 Boltwood, we’ll visit the home to one of New England’s finest natural history collections at Amherst College’s Beneski Museum. Learn about the history of the collections, as well the many connections to the natural history of the Connecticut River Valley. We will explore together the internationally recognized dinosaur track collection. Register by January 18. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 23

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The Ivy at Ellington is the newest assisted living residential community from The Arbors Assisted Living Residential Communities. Ellington has its roots as an agricultural community as well as a resort community with Crystal Lake within its boundaries. Conveniently located at 123 West Road in Ellington, CT, our community offers 79 one and two-bedroom apartments, as well as Reflections, our specialized memory support environment. In our elegant home-like environment, residents can enjoy many amenities, including dining on local culinary favorites, participating in engaging and enriching social opportunities, and quality personal care services daily. The Ivy Ellington offers many levels of care. Please contact us for more information.

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Open to the Public

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26 GO LOCAL JANUARY 2020

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878 Sumner Ave. 413-747-1863

THE

! KEITH O’CONNOR  JANIER DEJESUS

Story Barn

ucked away from the street on seven serene acres of land in Somers sits The Story Barn – a repurposed horse barn that is the new home of the national-award-winning Frieda B. book series, as well as to a creative, inviting space for all ages to enjoy. The Frieda B. books – there are six of them today – are designed to encourage all children to dream big and believe in their own free-to-be stories, and to value the stories of others. Early on, the stories and their popularity went on to inspire a business – Frieda B., LLC – established in 2012 by Somers residents Frieda B. author Renata Bowers and co-founder Paula LaJoie with the goal of providing children and families with products and services that “encourage the story within.” The Story Barn has become an extension of the work these two families do. “Frieda B. is all about play, adGOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 27

venture, imagination, exploring. This is a character who fully explores who she is and what she loves,” said Bowers about the book series’ key character. “Kids need free play. We all need time and space to dream our dreams and enjoy the people we love, to meet neighbors and to know that we belong….that we’re loved and supported. That’s what The Story Barn is all about. For our two families, it’s a long-held dream realized,” Bowers said. There’s plenty of room for visitors to play, explore, create and commune. Outside, The Story Barn boasts a babbling brook, towering tree canopies, a gazebo and fire pit, an 1800s watering trough turned into a fountain, a pond, a swing, and lots of room to run. Inside, the upstairs workshop boasts kraftpaper-topped tables laden with art supplies, the walls filled with artwork from the Frieda B. books. Downstairs, a cozy lodge-like atmosphere lends itself to smaller groups. The Barn also houses a retail store where, of course, shoppers can find the Frieda B. book series as well as a delightful array of other story-related gifts. “Over the past 10 years I have worked with thousands of children and I have yet to meet a child with whom the Frieda B. key message does not resonate,” Bowers said. “And that’s quite incredible – yet true. Each of us is free to be the one-of-a-kind, neverbefore-told, amazing and very important story we carry inside… a story capable of fulfilling our own hearts while making the world a better place for others.” Bowers brings that message to everyone, both children and adults, not only through her books but in personal appearances, including professional speaking engagements and author visits at schools where she is hired to lead assemblies, professional development or work as an artist in residence. “We love taking the Frieda B. message wherever we’re invited. It is a privilege and we’ll continue to do so,” LaJoie said. “But for years we’ve had a craving to create a space where people can come to us. Now that dream has come true. The Story Barn is open to all ages, off the beaten path, settled among lots of nature in an unassuming barn that is well lit, cozy and warm. One of my favorite memories is when a young mom 28 GO LOCAL JANUARY 2020

walked in, eyes wide open, looked at us and said, ‘I’m home!’” Opened this past August, The Story Barn is open to the public for a host of scheduled events, including storytimes, open houses, workshops, reflective walks, book clubs, professional development and more. Their current calendar of events can be found at www.FriedaB.com/Calendar. Every age is welcomed to come and participate, Bowers noted. “Our motto at The Story Barn is ‘Every Story Matters Here.’ So it’s important that we have events for every person of any age. Little makes me happier than to see multiple generations around a table. That’s what community is best meant to be, where all ages work and play together, learn from one another. At the barn we often say we’re free to be a community. And we mean that. It’s a priority for us to foster connectedness and better understanding and support of one another,” she said. LaJoie recalled a grandmother who shared that coming to The Story Barn for an open house was the first time she was able to bring her granddaughters somewhere that she could actually participate in something with them. A new event called “Come Read a Frieda” invites parents and grandparents to bring the little ones they love for an interactive storytime with Bowers. “Yep. Every story matters here. We look forward to welcoming many through our doors over the years to come,” Bowers said. Individuals, groups, or organizations can book The Story Barn for a speciallytailored event ranging from birthdays to anniversaries and team-building to retreats.

The Story Barn is located at 952 Main St. in Somers, Conn. For more information, visit www.FriedaB.com/TheStoryBarn, email at info@FriedaB.com or call 860-763-0330. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 29

We Gotta Key for That! Car, Truck, Boat, Motorcycle, Padlock, Cessna, Gumball Machine... Whatever it is! We can make it.

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! KEITH O’CONNOR  JANIER DEJESUS

Northampton Winter Farmers’ Market F

armers markets aren’t something for just the summer months any longer. The arrival of Jack Frost doesn’t mean you have to forsake fresh produce. Many cold-weather states are beginning to take advantage of an extended growing season. Some produce is hearty and grown later into the season like kale, some farms have hoop houses and grow even after the first frost, and some produce is picked in prime season and cold stored like apples, potatoes and more. So, opening winter farmers markets is a way to provide additional income to local vendors and encourage healthy eating all year-round. Northampton Winter Farm-

ers’ Market, which jumped on the trend early on, has been operating for 12 years in the warmth of the Northampton Senior Center. It is back for another season on Saturdays after opening its doors just in time for Thanksgiving. The market will remain open until April 18. The market, a gathering place for folks during the colder months, not only offers fresh produce, but specialty products, locally prepared foods such as pastries, rolls, cookies breads, frozen meat pies and more, as well as live music. The farmers market is managed by Ali Diamond and Leslie Lucio, who put their heart and soul into the project, along with a wealth of experience behind them. Lucio was a farmer who

worked many farmers markets, and Diamond has been involved in nonprofits in the community for some 10 years. “We were friends with the previous owner who moved to Boston, and felt we could bring our own perspective to the market and were excited to get involved in the community,” Diamond said. While the market has many loyal shoppers, Diamond said their numbers vary on any given Saturday. “On an average day we see about 400 customers, but that number rises to around 600 during the holidays. I think that it is nice to have a place to go in winter that is fun, vibrant, warm and cozy,” she said.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 31

Among the many vendors lined up for the 2019-2020 season include: · Baker’s Lane Biscotti – small batch, handmade cookies · Barberic Farm – frozen lamb and meat pies, preserves, eggs, wool, sheepskins, leather work · Bread Euphoria – bread and pastries · Crabapple Farm – vegetables, seedlings, grain, beef, lamb, and eggs · Cricket Creek Farm – dairy products · Davenport Maple Farm – maple syrup and a full line of maple products · Gary Craig Farm – hand needle felted items · Kirk’s Creations – fermented foods and their popular Stukitz Kraut using a recipe that goes back generations · LifeBooch Kombucha – fermented probiotic drink filled with naturally occurring probiotics, enzymes, antioxidants and healthy organic acids · Many Graces Floral – wreaths, dried flowers, spring bulbs · Mayval Farm Creamery – fresh cheese, cheese curds, Icelandic skyr and creamtop milk both regular and chocolate · Mycottera Farm – gourmet and exotic mushrooms Nuthatch and Bluet – silkscreened items · Parnella Naturals – 100% all natural products safe for your body, home and the environment · Red Barn Honey Company – honey products · Red Fire Farm – organic produce, fruit, garden plants, flowers · Ruggles Hill – goat cheese · Twin Oaks Farm – fruit and herbal plants, house plants, vegetables · Underline Farm – meat products · Winter Moon Roots – organic carrots, beets, parsnips, turnips and radishes “This has been a spectacular season for us and we have some of the most beautiful root crops we have ever harvested from rainbow carrots which are mind-boggling beautiful to Asian radishes. Our harvest is 32 GO LOCAL JANUARY 2020

coming to an end and we will be storing and selling our crops all winter long,” said Michael Docter of Winter Moon Roots in Hadley. “Our entire farm is oriented to winter and to ensuring high quality roots for our customers, which we produce with the most minimal carbon footprint possible. We are glad to be at the Winter Farmers’ Market once again this year to provide a source of good quality, local food so that people don’t have to buy from California, Chile or other faraway places,” he added. “The market is a great place to visit, especially in December, when our vendors have many specialty items for the holidays such as choice cuts of meat, special cheeses and breads, and crafters bring special items to sell such as clothing, need felt, soaps and more,” Diamond said. Beth Lewand, operations manager at Cricket Creek Farm in Williamstown, also likes the exposure the winter market offers for them. “During the summer, farmers markets are visible because they are outside and customers are aware of what is happening and local farms are at the very top of their minds during the growing season. We want people to know that we operate all year producing food, so it is great to have an indoor venue like the Northampton Winter Farmers’ Market where we can share our bounty with customers,” Lewand said. “We are a grass-based cow dairy farm and we are very proud of our artisanal farmstead cheeses that we bring to market, as well as our grass-fed beef and whey-fed pork,” she added. Lewand also noted they will be making grilled cheese sandwiches on the spot for hungry market-goers. Local musicians add a special ambiance to the market every Saturday, including the festive sounds of a children’s violin group from the

Northampton Community Music Center and local singers and songwriters playing guitar and piano for the holiday month of December. “Please come and visit our Winter Market. We have excellent produce waiting for you, some very nice products to give as gifts or purchase for yourself, and musicians and singers waiting to entertain you,” Ali said. For more information, visit their website at northamptonwintermarket.com, where they list participating vendors for specific market days, as well as upcoming events. Visitors to the site can also sign up for their weekly newsletter filled with recipes, stories and updates on the market.

New hours for the Northampton Winter Farmers’ Market are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Northampton Senior Center is located on 67 Conz Street

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 33

go eat

! RECIPE SUBMITTED BY JANET PARÉ

BLACK-EYED PEAS

Start the new year off with a delicious, healthy, hearty bowl of black-eyed peas. It may even bring you good luck. Serve as is or over a bed of rice.

1 lb. dried black-eyed peas 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 cup slab bacon or ham, diced 1 small onion, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 stalks of celery, diced 2 bay leaves 1/2 tsp. crushed, red pepper flakes 3 peperoncini peppers, diced 4 cups chicken broth 2 - 14 oz. cans, diced, fire-roasted tomatoes 4 scallions, chopped (optional) Salt and pepper to taste 34 GO LOCAL JANUARY 2020

Clean and rinse the dried peas. Put them in a large pot and add enough water to cover peas with about 4 inches of water. Soak overnight or use quick soak method by bringing to a boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and soak for an hour. Rinse, drain and set aside. Heat oil in a large pot over med-high heat. Sauté bacon or ham, then add onion, garlic, celery, bay leaves, red pepper flakes and peperoncini. Sauté until lightly browned. Add peas and broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until peas are soft and tender, about 2 - 2 1/2 hours. When peas are done, add tomatoes and salt and pepper to taste. Bring back to a simmer. Serve as is or over a bed of rice. ENJOY!

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

! ALLISON LITERA  DAVID HOSMER

GO WITH THE

FLOAT I n my day-to-day life of sensory overload and stress, what would sensory deprivation feel like? The removal of stimulating sights, sounds, and feelings? Would I itch for my smart phone? Would my thoughts of daily to-dos and anxiety overwhelm me as I laid in complete darkness and silence? I went to Go with the Float in Easthampton, MA to find out. Go with the Float is a “float spa,” where clients literally float in individual tanks full of salt water (with 1,200 pounds of Epsom salt, to be exact). I admit, I was a bit nervous and didn’t know what to expect or how I’d feel inside the float tank. I had doubts about trying it and almost chickened out. But I’m really glad that I went through with it. Go with the Float has been open since December 2018.

“We picked [to set up shop in] Easthampton because it’s an openminded, up-and-coming community,” says Stephen Bryla, owner of Go with the Float. He first found out about float therapy in 2008 and loved the idea. “I decided to open a float therapy spa because I was convinced that floating is a powerful tool that can be used for healing and accessing different states of consciousness,” he explains. “I was surprised so few people knew about it and took it on as my mission to bring it to the community that helped me become the person I am.” Stephen is a worldly, open-minded person and he makes everyone feel relaxed and welcome when they come to the spa. Upon arrival to Go with the Float on a cold November evening, I entered a beautifully decorated room with dim lighting – reminiscent of an early 20th

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 35

century parlor. After Stephen showed me to my float room and told me how to go about my float (earplugs included), it was time for a rinse in the shower and to get into the float tank and close the door. As soon as I stepped into the tank of water, I could feel how incredibly buoyant it was. The float tanks are lit by a blue light and have a button to push when you are ready for total darkness. After finding a comfortable float position in the water with my arms above my head (it took a few seconds), I reached up and turned off the light. As I began to relax, the only sounds were my breathing and my heartbeat. It was warm and foreign and eerily calming. Like me, there are many people who have their reservations about trying floating. “Their biggest fear is being closed inside of a small space, even though it’s big enough to stand up in,” says Bryla. “On the other hand, the most appealing aspect is alleviating stress, anxiety, aches, and pains (thanks to the healing qualities of the Epsom salt).” The float tanks are also kept impeccably clean. “Every float tank goes through four stages of rigorous filtration for a total of five full turnovers,” says Bryla. “The water surface is skimmed and treated with a micron filter, NSF certified UV and Ozone injection. The water is checked and balanced daily with strict chemistry metrics, including 35% hydrogen peroxide, which works in tandem with the UV so that chlorine is not needed. Fresh water and salt are continuously reintroduced into the solution.” The entire volume of the tank is gradually replaced over a period of ten weeks. “This filtration process is what most float centers use, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time while floating. We certainly did not rewrite the wheel.” Floaters are given a full hour for the experience, but I only lasted about 30 minutes my first time. I was probably itching to use my phone or particularly antsy that day. According to Bryla, “over 90% of first-time floaters last the whole hour.” Once your float is over, you are welcome to shower again. A robe, flip flops, and a fresh towel are provided. A separate room is available with hair dryers, lotion, and mirrors should you choose to use it post-float. After my float and rinse off, I felt incredibly 36 GO LOCAL JANUARY 2020

alert, with my senses heightened and my breath deep and relaxing. I slept like a baby that night. “The biggest takeaway people have after float therapy is that they feel relaxed and rejuvenated, and those who were nervous and apprehensive had no problems and look forward to returning,” says Bryla. “[Float therapy] is important because in the current state of the world, the human mind is overworked and bombarded with constant stimulus. It is a safe and natural way to connect to your inner being and remove yourself from the many distractions of the outside world. It slows down brain waves and helps you reach a meditative space that many would not be able to reach otherwise. It is most appealing for those who want to relax and de-stress, and who doesn’t want that?!” Go with the Float also offers massage therapy, reiki, biofield tuning, aroma touch therapy, and many ongoing events that can be found on the events page on their website. “We are also installing an infrared sauna in February,” adds Bryla. Although my float experience was a little awkward for me at first, the more I think about it, I can’t wait to try it again. It made me realize that I need to take more time to acknowledge my mental state and do my best to relax and push all responsibilities aside for a little while. Just as we schedule time in our day to eat, sleep, and keep active, we should also take time every day for ourselves to find peace and decompress. My experience at Go with the Float made me want to take more time for myself and learn to calm my thoughts daily. Your experience with them will most likely make you feel the same!

Go With The Float is located at 122 Pleasant St Suite 126, Easthampton, MA 01027. For more information call 413-203-5522 or go to gwtfloat.com GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 37

local einstein

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

WHICH WHALE IS THE LARGEST KNOWN MAMMAL THAT HAS EVER LIVED? [A] [B] [C] [D]

WHO WAS THE YOUNGEST U.S. PRESIDENT, AT 42 YEARS, 10 MONTHS OLD, ON HIS INAUGURATION DAY?

Humpback Blue Sperm Baleen

[A] John F. Kennedy [B] Bill Clinton [C] Theodore Roosevelt [D] Barack Obama WHAT KIND OF DINOSAUR IS FRED FLINTSTONE’S PET, DINO?

WHAT ARE MAJOR AND MINOR ARCANA? [A] Shelves in the Pacific Ocean [B] Moons orbiting Venus [C] Cards in a Tarot deck [D] Bones in your hand

[A] Snorkasaurus [B] Yamaceratops [C] Dodosaurus [D] Jabberwocky WHICH BEATLE IS BAREFOOT ON THE ABBEY ROAD ALBUM COVER?

WHO SCORED THE FIRST 3-POINTER IN NBA HISTORY

[A] Paul McCartney [B] George Harrison [C] John Lennon [D] Ringo Starr

[A] Larry Bird [B] Wes Unseld [C] Chris Ford [D] Paul Westphal

JIM DAVIS WAS THE CARTOONIST BEHIND WHAT FAMOUS COMIC STRIP?

THE ORIGINAL STARBUCKS WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1971 IN WHAT CITY? [A] Detroit, MI [B] Seattle, WA [C] Portland, OR [D] San Francisco, CA

[A] The Family Circus [B] Garfield [C] Hi and Lois [D] Beetle Bailey

[A] 5 [B] 10 [C] 15 [D] 20

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# CORRECT

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The Final Countdown

7 Community Theaters Looking for some fun. local entertainment - check out these great community theaters!

WILBRAHAM UNITED PLAYERS

OPERA HOUSE PLAYERS ENFIELD, CT OPERAHOUSEPLAYERS.ORG

WILBRAHAM, MA WILBRAHAMUNITEDPLAYERS.ORG Wilbraham United Players, performing since 1956, have entertained all ages with drama, comedy, and musicals. They presented the New England premiere of “The Great Gatsby” in 2012 and presented the western Massachusetts premiere of “The Light in the Piazza” in 2014.

Opera House Players was founded in 1968 under the original name of the St. Martha Players. The group performs four shows per season, ranging from comedy to drama and contemporary to classic shows.

ST. MICHAEL’S PLAYERS

MAJESTIC THEATER

EAST LONGMEADOW, MA STMICHAELSPLAYERS.WIXSITE.COM/STMICHAELSPLAYERS

St. Michael’s Players is a community-based musical theater group in East Longmeadow, MA at St. Michael’s Parish. Since 2005, the group has produced full-scale musicals with a group of over 100 volunteers.

J-THEATER AT THE JCC

SUFFIELD PLAYERS

J-Theater is a young adult theater company working with performers as young as first grade, presenting youth, teen, and multi-generational performances every season. The group’s goal is to create an innovative performance space by mixing old classics with new works.

The Suffield Players, founded in 1965, is an award-winning community theatre group based at Suffield’s historic Mapleton Hall. With over 125 members, the company produces three main stage productions each season. They also hold a summer youth theatre camp.

SPRINGFIELD/LONGMEADOW, MA SPRINGFIELDJCC.ORG/YOUTH-THEATER

SUFFIELD, CT SUFFIELDPLAYERS.ORG

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA MAJESTICTHEATER.COM The Majestic Theater has been a western Massachusetts staple in the theater scene. Presenting various large-scale productions throughout the season, there is sure to be a show for every taste. In addition, they offer season subscriptions for avid theater-goers.

VALLEY REPERTORY COMPANY – ENFIELD COMMUNITY THEATER ENFIELD, CT VALLEYREP.COM

The Valley Repertory Company was founded in 1985. They produce two major productions each season with a focus on comedy and drama. The company is an allvolunteer, non-profit organization. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 39

CONNECTICUT

EASTERN MASS

Carrie Taylor, RDN, LDN, RYT