GO LOCAL JUNE 2023

L isa Zelonka is a free spirit with a love for vintage items, especially clothing.

S he decided to turn that passion into a business, and opened Three Graces Vintage, 2 River Rd. in Stafford Springs, Connecticut three years ago and found that her customers share her appreciation for high-quality pieces that can outlast their more modern counterparts.

In my early teens, my family and I planted a vegetable garden.

I t all started with my dad and brother saying, “we should grow our own vegetables,” and it ended with my mom and me maintaining it.

Perhaps that’s not fair – my brother did do a decent amount of weeding – but she and I had more available schedules to do much of the gardening at the time.

I loathed weeding the garden.

O urs felt immense in size for it being just a family garden – 12 feet by 14 feet.

We had sectioned it into four large squares, and my mom would instruct us which to weed, when.

I did feel some gratification when it came to watching the plants grow – especially the lettuce. I was always amazed by the way the heads grew.

We stopped having a vegetable garden after probably four years. As my brother and I grew older, none of us had the time to dedicate to caring for it anymore.

I was thrilled. I decided I was not a plant person, and I managed to not garden for many, many years to come.

In 2020 when COVID hit, I ordered a calathea rattlesnake prayer plant from thesill.com. For whatever reason, I felt the need to nurture something and watch it grow. When the plant arrived, it was in shambles. It clearly had shipping issues. I did not think it would survive.

Yet, three years later it just grew 16 new leaves – the most growth and life it has shown in its lifetime with me. And, in the past three years, I have accumulated 10 plants that I have somehow managed to not only keep alive – they’re actually thriving.

This year, I decided I would like to plant a few vegetables – nothing crazy –but I am looking to test the waters again.

I t’s funny how when you grow older you begin to enjoy the things you detested when you were younger. I cannot believe I am about to welcome back “weeding the garden” into my life, but honestly, it sounds therapeutic.

Featured in this month’s Go Local, the owners over at The Plant Lounge would likely agree that caring for their plants – over 400 of them in shop –is calming.

B ut if watering plants is a little too high maintenance for you – believe me, I get it – perhaps you might consider another form of self-care: stretching your body at Haven Yoga.

Some may consider shopping a form of therapy. What better place to shop than a storefront where every time could be uniquely yours? Three Graces Vintage could have just what you are looking for.

W hen I am looking to get down to my roots and not down in the weeds, there’s no better way than enjoying a meal with my loved ones at a cozy restaurant. 141 Main Street offers an inviting, casual atmosphere and delicious comfort food.

However you choose to relax and unwind – whether it be gardening, exercising, shopping or enjoying meal and good company – I hope you get to do more if it this month.

Thanks for reading,

- Payton North, Executive Editor

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Payton North

CREATIVE

Beth Thurber, Manager . Leigh Catchepaugh

Susan Bartlett . Molly Arnio . Sophia Kelleher

CONTENT

Lauren LeBel

ADVERTISING

Barb Perry, Advertising Manager . Jeanette Lee

Lisa Nolan . Kim Barba . Roxanne Longtin Miller

Matt Mahaney . Paula Dimauro . Scott Greene

Terry O’ Donnell . Victoria Owen

Evan Marcyoniak . Andy Shaw

Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant

Curtis Panlilio, Operations Director

Fran Smith, General Manager

Teaching is Alanna Orlandi’s calling. In addition to teaching fifth grade, Orlandi also teaches yoga. While her school students keep her on her toes, her yoga students keep her on all the body parts.

“I have always had the desire to help others,” said Orlandi. “I started teaching elementary school in 1999. My career in education has been very rewarding but also extremely challenging – I could never have done it without my yoga practice. My hope is to incorporate yoga into the lives of those that need it most by offering a location that is close to home with class offerings to fit every individual.”

Orlandi is enhancing lives through yoga at her new studio, Haven Yoga, located at 612 Main St. in Somers, Connecticut. Orlandi opened Haven Yoga’s doors March 18 after careful planning and with help from her husband, Chris.

“I couldn’t have created this space without the help of my family,” she said. “My husband Chris remodeled the entire space taking care to make it exactly what I had envisioned. His hard work is beautifully showcased in all the details you see the moment you walk in. I cannot thank him enough for his dedication to this space.”

Haven Yoga truly is a haven for Orlandi and her students.

“The practice of yoga at Haven Yoga is different than the rest because it embodies community,” Orlandi said. “Haven was created with the student in mind. Our studio is warm and relaxing from the moment you walk in. The space has been designed and remodeled with careful attention to the details that make yoga an experience. Once you begin, you will want to make it a consistent part of your life.”

Orlandi has been teaching yoga for 12 years, inspired by the birth of her son.

“I had just begun practicing again and he wasn’t

“Owner is a Licensed Real Estate agent with EXP Realty”

even a year old when I began my 200-hour training. Since then, I more recently returned to get my additional 300-hour training with the desire to open my own studio,” she said.

Orlandi has wanted to have her own yoga studio for years.

“I’ve always dreamt of opening my own studio. The thought of having a key in my hand to the door that would change so many lives has always inspired me,” she said. “Yoga has changed my life and I just couldn’t wait any longer to bring this to others.”

Haven Yoga offers vinyasa yoga. In vinyasa yoga, each movement is synchronized with a breath, said Orlandi. Poses are strung together to form a flow that can follow a different design each time.

“I love the feeling of dancing on my mat in a combination of movements and breath,” she noted. “It can be mesmerizing and very meditative for the mind. It is an energetic flow that is accessible to many fitness levels. I offer four types of classes designed to allow for a lot of variety and flow, as well as different temperatures in the room.”

Orlandi said the heat allows the soft tissue of the body to become more relaxed in a shorter period of time. The heat also better enables circulation of blood. The different classes are designed to challenge students and become the practice they crave.

Orlandi said there are many benefits to yoga.

“A regular yoga practice has been shown to decrease stress and anxiety levels,” Orlandi said. “It gives the yogi improved balance and an enhanced sense of calmness. Many people feel a sense of relief from the struggles of work or raising a family. My passion is to help people feel empowered to speak up, to believe in themselves and to heal.”

HAVEN YOGA’S CLASS SCHEDULE IS ONLINE AT HAVENYOGA.STUDIO.

STUDENTS CAN SIMPLY SHOW UP IN STUDIO TO TAKE A CLASS. ORLANDI ALSO OFFERS PRIVATE SESSIONS AND PRIVATE GROUP SESSIONS FOR THOSE INTERESTED.

CLASSES FOR CHILDREN ARE ON THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 4:30PM.

ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH, MILITARY, POLICE, FIRE AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS CAN JOIN THE 6PM CLASS FREE OF CHARGE.

HAVEN YOGA IS ALSO ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM.

SUMMER LIFEGUARDS WANTED AT THE FIELD CLUB OF LONGMEADOW

WE OFFER COMPETITIVE WAGES AND A GREAT FAMILY ATMOSPHERE THE POSITION PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES TO TEACH LESSONS PRIVATELY FOR MEMBERS

EMPLOYEES HAVE ACCESS TO OUR RESTAURANT FACILITY AND RECEIVE A 50% DISCOUNT

MUST HAVE CURRENT LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION

ThePlant Lounge

Just one step upon entering The Plant Lounge in Suffield, Connecticut and visitors will be in a serene, natural setting surrounded by a gorgeous assortment of plants galore.

“Our checkout desk faces the door, and I love to see the expressions on the faces of customers visiting us for the first time as they are greeted by the sight of so many plants, the smell of nature and the pleasing scent of an oil diffuser, as well as calming, soft acoustic music playing in

the background,” said owner Tracey Trombley.

B efore opening The Plant Lounge with her husband Charlie in October last year, Trombley was employed as a medical office manager and later during COVID worked for Farmtek. But caring for plants over the years was equally a full-time hobby that would soon blossom into a business.

“I had over 100 plants in our home during the COVID lockdown and my husband was complaining there were

! KEITH O'CONNOR ACCORSI PHOTOGRAPHY

so many that they were blocking his view of the outdoors. So, we built an 8-foot by 24-foot heated polycarbonate greenhouse in the backyard where I moved most of them. I spent a lot of time in the greenhouse propagating plants and learning more about how to take care of them,” Trombley said.

In fact, she grew so many that the greenhouse couldn’t hold another single plant.

“So, we turned to selling them at farmers markets on the weekends when we weren’t working our full-time jobs. Because we did better than expected, the intent was to open our own shop in about five years, but that was before she was suddenly laid off. We sped up the process and took the plunge investing every penny we had into a site we found at the Suffield Village Market to house our shop,” Trombley said.

Originally the couple wanted to call their business C.T. Greenery, which reflected their first initials – C for Charlie and T for Tracey – but people began referring to them as Connecticut Greenery.

“Our goal then was to come up with a more pleasing name, something that rolls off the tongue easily and creates a vision of what we are all about. I believed that incorporating the word lounge into our name would help to inspire potential customers to come in and find out what a plant lounge is all about – a relaxing place that sells plants and takes care of all the senses,” Trombley said.

Business is going well since The Plant Lounge opened just eight months ago.

“The community has been so amazing and supportive. Not only do we sell house plants and accessories, but the supplies needed to care for them, and we offer education on how to keep your plants healthy,” Trombley said.

“Another big attraction is that we will repot your plants. There can often be a lot of sentimentality surrounding a plant that might have been in the family for a long time, and the owner is not sure how to repot it or is afraid to do so on their own,” she added.

Among the many thriving plants found for sale at The Plant Lounge – up to 400 standing and hanging beauties – are multiple varieties of philodendrons, aloe, string of pearls, palms, syngoniums, alocasias, snake plants, string of turtles, peperomias, hoyas and jade to mention just a very few.

“ We sell plant varieties that can tolerate low light, some that are safe with pets around, rare collector varieties and prayer plants,” Trombley said about her stock that ranges in price from $5.99 up to $250 or more for collector plants.

W hile flowers are extremely popular, there are reasons why some people prefer to purchase plants.

“The big difference is that plants have longevity over flowers. They are also very popular as gifts, especially at

housewarmings, as well as for get-well wishes, funerals and many other occasions. Also, plants often carry a sentimentality along with them. For example, a mom might give her daughter a plant for her room at college, something she will then have for many years if taken care of properly, and that serves as a reminder of her mother’s thoughtful gesture,” Trombley said.

“Plant care is also self-care. When learning how to take care of your plant, it can be a very gratifying experience, one that is therapeutic and good for your own mental health,” she added.

W hile every plant is different and owners should follow specific instructions on how to care for them, Trombley offered some general tips to nurture your plants to continued beauty and health.

“I always say the three things to remember are lighting, water and diagnosing problems. Some people wake up every Saturday morning and water their plants. Don’t water them on a schedule, every plant is different. Some plants thrive on light, while others grow better in the shade. And keep an eye out for pests that might be living among your plants,” she said.

“Some people freak out when they see bugs. If that’s the case, they can bring the plant to me at a scheduled time when I can treat it at my plant hospital,” she added.

Trombley also had advice for people who say they always seem to “kill their plants.”

“ When people say that to me, I tell them, ‘Challenge accepted,’ and when buying one of our plants they have me to come back to now for any questions, education and

support in keeping their purchase healthy. I also tell them they can bring their plant in or send me a photograph for diagnosis if their plant appears sick and isn’t doing well. I also ask them about the environment the plant will be living in and their lifestyle, whether they have time to care for it or not. Knowing the answers, I can suggest the right plant for them to increase their success rate,” she said.

In addition to her well-cared for plants, Trombley offers a variety of plant-related items to go along with them including greeting cards from Karenoughcrafts & Boutique in Suffield; macramé pieces for hanging plants by Yarn Addiction Arts in Ellington; and handmade cement cachet pots from Potted Pots in Stratford. She also makes and sells her own potting soil mixes, proprietary blend organic pest solutions and fertilizer from Liqui-dirt in Utah.

A s for the future, Trombley is already making plans for the shop.

“ We hope to expand and incorporate more lounge space and furniture so people can relax, use their laptops and just recenter themselves among nature and good air to breathe,” she said.

THE PLANT LOUNGE IS LOCATED AT 68 BRIDGE STREET, SUFFIELD, CT HOURS: WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY AND SUNDAY FROM NOON - 5PM, THURSDAY FROM 1PM - 7PM AND SATURDAY FROM 10AM - 5PM FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THEPLANTLOUNGE.COM OR CALL 860-758-7003

GO LOCAL PICKS

COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR AND ONLINE!

EASTHAMPTON FARMERS MARKET

The Easthampton Farmers Market includes vendors and crafters from Easthampton and local towns. The market offers a diverse variety of fresh and locally made products including baked goods, pops, florals, cider, sauce, pierogis, and much more. All vendors accept cash, and some offer credit card payments and Venmo.

For a full list of 2023 vendors visit: easthamptonmarket.com

Join the fun at the South Windsor 41st Annual Strawberry Festival and Craft Fair! This event is free admission, but make sure to bring cash for activities and vendors. Shop a variety of craft vendors and enjoy face paint, train rides, live music, petting zoo, and so much more. You’ll find a variety of tasty treats from the food trucks including strawberry shortcake, pulled pork, wings, tater tots, fried dough, pizza, and strawberry soda.

For more information visit: swstrawberryfest.org

Check out the Classic Car Show in Agawam and enjoy music from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. There will be food trucks and a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. This is a free event open to the public.

Rain Date: June 18

For more information visit: facebook.com/events/228491959836701

SOUTH WINDSOR STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL CLASSIC CAR SHOW

MA

Photos courtesy of iStock

Vintage Clothing Three Graces

Lisa Zelonka is a free spirit with a love for vintage items, especially clothing.

S he decided to turn that passion into a business, and opened Three Graces Vintage, 2 River Rd. in Stafford Springs, Connecticut three years ago and found that her customers share her appreciation for high-quality pieces that can outlast their more modern counterparts.

“ Vintage and ‘thrifting’ has become very trendy over the last few years,” said Zelonka, “and a big portion of my clientele are high school and college age students looking to curate a more stylized wardrobe.”

For Zelonka, what she wears – whether it’s a ‘70s pantsuit, a ‘60s bohemian dress or a mix of an ‘80s classic designer skirt paired with a modern tank top – depends on her mood that day. As for her favorite clothing decade or style, “it really depends on the day and season.”

Zelonka curates what she sells from her own thrifting adventures and even sells some of her own collections.

“I have been passively buying vintage since I was a teenager, so some pieces in the shop are from my own closet, but as I became more serious and established, people have reached out to me about their own

collections. As for the art along my walls and decorating my space, most of it has come from thrifting, my own work and yard sales.”

Some of Three Graces clientele are women looking for quality and one-of-a-kind items to wear for special occasions.

“ You never know what they’re coming in looking for,” said Zelonka, “could be anything from a simple ‘ugly sweater’ or evening gown to a vintage clown outfit.”

The name Three Graces Vintage pays homage to goddesses both of mythology and Zelonka’s real life.

“The shop is named for the Three Graces, mythological goddesses of beauty, wisdom and strength among other virtues, and those are values that I wanted to reflect in my business,” Zelonka said. “But on a more personal level, for me they represent my two daughters and I.”

Zelonka opened her first store in 2012 and then closed for a few years.

“I will be celebrating three years in my current location at the end of June,” she said. “I’ve always been drawn to vintage because of the quality, and the ability to express yourself through what you wear, it’s fun, artist and develops self-confidence. It’s something I wanted to share with others, and what better way than to open a storefront with merchandise that allows that?”

Although Zelonka enjoys a great fashion find, she said her most treasured find is her cat Binx, which she found at Stafford Animal Control.

“I rescued him from the pound after he’d been abandoned and he’s been my shop cat for almost six months,” she said.

Binx can be found among the treasures at Three Graces Vintage.

THREE GRACES VINTAGE IS LOCATED AT 2 RIVER ROAD IN STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT OPEN WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY FROM 11AM - 4PM AND SUNDAY 11AM - 2PM, AS WELL AS FOR SPECIAL APPOINTMENTS.

Homemade BBQ Sauce

3 plum tomatoes

1/2 a yellow or vidalia onion

2 garlic cloves

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbsp chili powder

1 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp liquid smoke

Salt and pepper to taste

Start by adding 1 Tbsp olive oil to your pan, add diced onions and diced tomatoes to the pan and cook down for about 5 minutes on medium heat. Add in your garlic and cook another minute. Add in brown sugar, vinegar, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, salt and pepper. Mix all together and simmer for 30 minutes. Let cool and blend, store in the fridge for up to 1 week!

Perfect for grilling season!

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!

Main Street

The love of food connects people. It can bring a sense of home and community for friends, families, neighbors and colleagues to gather around and enjoy a great meal. Agawam restaurant 141 Main Street combines an inviting, casual atmosphere with a whole lot of comfort food.

O wners Rick and Joanne Locke welcome customers to their home of family recipes, home-cooked meals, hot panini sandwiches, burgers and salads. 141 Main has

three different dining rooms, one which they call the living room with a fireplace, which is also perfect for small showers, birthday parties or any event and an outdoor patio. The restaurant also hosts many different types of events. They do trivia, a sip and game night and book club once a month.

Rick and Joanne first opened in 2006 as Main Street Deli in a postage stamp location in the back of Utopia Convenience Store. There they predominantly sold takeout sandwiches and salads. The business grew fast and within two years the duo started looking for another location to call their own.

One Friday night in June, Joanne drove past 141 Main Street, a home that the community knew well and had embraced through the years. It was vacant without a for sale sign for some time. Yet that night she saw a couple of cars and people outside. She drove past only to turn around. She recalled memories of her parents talking about the space being built in 1863 as a carriage house, to later becoming the residence of Judge Stapleton, one of two circuit judges in Western Massachusetts, followed by a piano shop and finally a doctor’s office.

To Joanne’s surprise, she met with the doctor who owned the property and upon inquiry. She and Rick were

! MIASHA LEE NATE BLAIS

given a tour. She recalled the space was a maze of small examination rooms, waiting rooms, offices, but Joanne said her vision became very clear.

A s she and Rick both came from large families, their house was often the center of entertainment. Joanne said, “I wanted to have our customers feel like they were walking into our own home and served food that had been family recipes through the years, like my Auntie Alma’s and my mom’s delicious meat sauce, my cousin Linda’s mac and cheese or apple crisp, and my sister Elaine’s carrot cake.” She continued, “A place where friends and family could gather and have a delicious signature sandwich, salad or burger or a homemade comfort food like shepherd’s pie for lunch or dinner.”

Joanne told Go Local it was quite a few years at their current location before her and Rick finally decided to change their name from Main Street Deli to 141 Main Street. Many have asked why, she said, the reason being they were not just a takeout deli anymore. They were a restaurant with an expanded menu of homemade hot entrees, open for seating lunch and dinner in a choice of three different unique seating areas, a beautiful outdoor patio, a large catering menu on top of their regular menu used for in-house parties and venues of choice.

“ We had grown, and we wanted our name to reflect that,” Joanne explained. “We started and built the restaurant from 2008 through 2009, right in the middle of the economic crisis. It was a real challenge to get it finished and up and running.” She went on to say, “For nine months the community followed our progress and wrapped their arms around us upon opening. We will forever be grateful to our customers then and now.”

A gawam resident Debbie Sorcinelli recalls her first visual impression of 141 Main as “wow.”

“The hardwood floors, tasteful decor, beautiful landscaping, porch, wood tables and chairs, easy parking, the patio and the history were all very impressive, but ultimately it comes down to the food which is comforting and delicious,” Sorcinelli explained. Her personal go-to is the seasonal strawberry salad with grilled chicken and homemade balsamic dressing. Sorcinelli’s next choice is a Caprese avocado grilled cheese on gluten free toast with a side of chickpea salad and the apple crisp made with real Granny Smith apples. “141 Main is a destination spot here in Agawam,” Sorcinelli added. “It is the casual lunch and dinner spot I always recommend to friends, family and business associates.”

Easthampton resident/business consultant Anita Eliason has been going to 141 Main for years with friends and family. She has also attended many board meetings and special events there. Eliason met Joanne over 10 years ago at a Women Business Owners Alliance meeting and remain friends to this day. Her favorite

dishes are the lemon pepper wings, Reuben summer salad and the apple crisp which she said is “out of this world.” She attends many events large and small that use 141 Main as their caterer and reflected “the food is always delicious.” In addition, Elaison explained she always makes a point of visiting the Massachusetts building at the Big E where 141 Main has a food booth featuring the Gobbler sandwich.

“I thought to myself, that’s the way to run a restaurant,” Eliason said. “Rick, Joanne and their staff are courteous and attentive all the time. The experience of going there is always the same, which keeps us going back.”

S he continued, “The restaurant is a labor of love from the beautifully restored building to the delicious, homemade food. It’s got the comfort and warmth of home with great food and service.”

Joanne said, “There’s been a lot of trials in these last 14 years on top of the 2008 crisis, like the Memorial Bridge constructions for three-plus years, COVID, followed by food costs surging and supply issues. We’ve sadly seen a lot of restaurants around us go under. So, what we’re most proud of is that our hard work and relationship with the community has gotten us through. We’ve grown in sales and strength through it all. When people come in, they’re happy and want to be here. That makes us happy.”

141 Main’s summer outside dinner concert series starts June 17 with Ray of Elvis followed by Joe Saimeri, singing Tom Jones and many other old favorites July 15, with more to come. Reservations are required. In the coming months, Rick and Joanne look forward to serving breakfast.

141 MAIN STREET RESTAURANT IS LOCATED AT 141 MAIN STREET IN AGAWAM, MA OPEN MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY FROM 9AM - 7PM, THURSDAY AND FRIDAYS FROM 9AM - 8PM, SATURDAYS FROM 11AM - 7PM AND SUNDAYS FROM 11AM - 3PM VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.MAINSTREET-DELI.COM OR CALL 413-821-9881

GO EXPLORE

PICKLEBALL COURTS

FIELD ROAD PARK

93 EGYPT ROAD, SOMERS, CT

Field Road Park has 4 outdoor courts with lights. The courts are free to use, but you will need your own net.

BORGATTI FIELD

257 RIVER ROAD, AGAWAM, MA

Borgatti Field has 4 outdoor clay courts with lines and nets. The courts are free to use and the facility has water and restrooms.

ROBERT TEDFORD MEMORIAL PARK

CT-140, ELLINGTON, CT

PARKREC.ELLINGTON-CT.GOV

Robert Tedford Memorial Park has 2 outdoor hard courts with access to restrooms, water, and lights. The courts are free to access, and you’ll need to bring your own net.

SUNNY ACRES

MEADOWBROOK ROAD, SOMERS, CT

At Sunny Acres there are 4 outdoor courts with nets and lines. The courts are free to use.

VETERAN’S MEMORIAL ATHLETIC PARK

2 SIDOR DRIVE, ENFIELD, CT WWW.ENFIELD-CT.GOV

Veteran’s Memorial Athletic Park has 6 outdoor hard courts with lines and nets. The courts are free to use.

MUNICIPAL FIELD PLAYGROUND

2 GREYLOCK STREET, WESTFIELD, MA

WWW.CITYOFWESTFIELD.ORG

Parks and places to play pickleball PICKLEBALL

At the Municipal Field Playground there are 8 concrete courts with lines and nets. The courts are free with access to restrooms, water, and lights.

area snapshot

Beth Thurber

ANT ON PEONY BUD

FUN FACT: When ants crawl over peony buds, they're taking advantage of the flower's nectar. They're also defending the plant against other insects that may eat the flower buds or the stems.

Photo taken in East Longmeadow, MA

Blooming Wreath

This simple DIY only takes 20 minutes! Add a touch of summer to your front door using florals and stems from your local craft store. Check out the list of materials below and let's go create!

MATERIALS:

• grapevine wreath

• floral stems

• leaf stems

• wire cutters

• floral wire

Start by gathering your supplies. We used an 18 inch wreath, but any size will do. Choose a variety of leaf stems and florals.

Using wire cutters, separate each stem leaving about 4 inches of bare stem. For flowers, cut the stems short so the flowers lay flat.

Weave the stems into the grapevine wreath. Using the floral wire, wrap the stem tightly onto the vines. If you don’t have wire, you can also use hot glue.

Weave the leaf stems in sideways around the floral stems to create depth. Stick the flowers straight in so that they lay flat. Continue the process until the wreath is covered to your liking.

LOCAL EINSTEIN

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

WHICH CARTOON FATHER SWIMS ACROSS THE OCEAN IN SEARCH OF HIS MISSING SON, NEMO?

[A] Homer

[B] Nigel

[C] Marlin

[D] Hank

APPROXIMATELY WHAT PERCENTAGE OF A CAT’S BONES ARE IN ITS TAIL?

[A] 2%

[B] 10%

[C] 20%

[D] There are no bones in a cat’s tail

AFTER BOARDWALK AND PARK PLACE, WHAT IS THE NEXT MOST EXPENSIVE PROPERTY IN THE BOARD GAME MONOPOLY?

[A] Vermont Avenue

[B] Pennsylvania Avenue

[C] Baltic Avenue

[D] Oriental Avenue

WHO IS THE ONLY ATHLETE TO PLAY IN BOTH A SUPER BOWL AND A WORLD SERIES?

[A] Bo Jackson

[B] Michael Jordan

[C] Deion Sanders

[D] Bob Gibson

A FORTNIGHT IS EQUAL TO HOW MANY DAYS?

[A] Seven

[B] Fourteen

[C] Twenty-one

[D] Thirty

NAME THE STATE…

[A] Nevada

[B] Nebraska

[C] Utah

[D] Illinois

IN WHAT MONTH DOES WINTER BEGIN IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE?

[A] April

[B] May

[C] June

[D] July

WHEN YOU DON’T SEE THE FACE OF THE MOON IN THE NIGHT SKY, WHAT PHASE IS IT IN?

[A] Waxing Gibbous Moon

[B] New Moon

[C] First Moon

[D] Blue Moon

WHAT WAS THE FIRST COUNTRY TO USE PAPER CURRENCY?

[A] Japan

[B] Turkey

[C] Ireland

[D] China

The Final Countdown

Strawberry Season!

Check out these 7 local farms for fresh picked strawberries and more!

PIE IN THE SKY BERRY FARM

139 FAIR STREET EXTENSION NORTHAMPTON, MA

(413) 650-0356

At Pie in the Sky Berry Farm, you can pick your own strawberries in June, and blueberries in July. In the fall, they offer cut your own Dahlias. Pie In the Sky is located just minutes from downtown Northampton with beautiful spring scenery.

EASY PICKIN’S ORCHARD

46 BAILEY ROAD ENFIELD, CT EASYPICKINSORCHARD.COM

(860) 763-3276

Easy Pickin's Orchard offers a variety of berries and lots of vegetables. Visit their website for more information on pick your own fruits, and check out the online ordering option!

SCANTIC VALLEY FARM

327 9TH DISTRICT ROAD

SOMERS, CT SCANTICVALLEYFARM.COM

(860) 749-3286

Pick your own berries at Scantic Valley Farm, or purchase pre-picked berries. Call ahead for daily updates and picking availability. June is the time for strawberries, but it doesn’t stop there. Enjoy blueberry picking and the blooming sunflower fields throughout July!

KOSINSKI FARMS

420 RUSSELLVILLE ROAD

WESTFIELD, MA

KOSINSKIFARMS.NET

(413) 572-4344

Kosinski Farms has so much to offer with plants, fruits, veggies, herbs, deli meats, bakery items, jams, and seasonal decorations. Stop by for some fresh berries and enjoy local treats!

BAXTERS BERRY FARM

99 WILBRAHAM ROAD MONSON, MA

(413) 310-4284

Baxter’s Berry Farm is a small farm that sells fresh berries and fruits. Call ahead for more information on hours of operation, and find them on Facebook.

MEADOWBROOK FARM

185 MEADOWBROOK ROAD

EAST LONGMEADOW, MA MEADOWBROOKFARMMA.COM

(413) 525-8588

Stop by Meadowbrook Farm for delicious hand grown strawberries! Visit their website for a full seasonal calendar of fruits, veggies, plants, flowers, and more!

DZEN GARDEN MARKET

187 WINDSORVILLE ROAD

ELLINGTON, CT DZENFARMS.COM

(860) 871-8183

Dzen Farms Strawberry Hill is the perfect spot for some family fun. Pick your own strawberries from early June to July 4th. Check out the greenhouse full of spring blooms, and the market stocked with fresh produce and locally grown honey.

Photos courtesy of iStock