MARCH 2024

exit 7 theater lots of drama going on

Check it out the bra ladies boutique the right fit for you grapevine pizzeria the finest pizza in town

THE NEST

Milestones are significant events in your life; the beginning of a brand new chapter. At The Nest on 60 Shaker Rd. in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, owner Nancy Sousa Giza helps customers celebrate all the different milestones in their life. “The nesting stages,” as she calls it. Flying the nest: graduation, new job, new apartment. Building a nest: weddings, new home, friend gatherings.

6 A NOTE

From The Editor

10 GRAPEVINE PIZZERIA

The Best Pizza In Town

15 EXIT 7 THEATER

Lots Of Drama Going On

20 CSA GUIDE

Community Supported Agriculture

22 GO LOCAL PICKS

Cool Stuff Just Outside Your Door

It’s always around this time of year that I start to get that “I need warm weather” itch.

As I write this March column it is mid-February, and we just came off a weekend of what I like to call, “fools spring.”

There is a meme that explains the winter season in New England:

• Winter

• Fools spring

• Second winter

• Spring of deception

• Third winter

• Mud season

• Actual spring

We’ve moved into second winter now, as we had a snowstorm yesterday. Well – it was supposed to be a storm. It wound up being between 2-6 inches depending on where you live and was not all that exciting. Alas, a snow day is a snow day.

March welcomes a bit of a thaw – we usually hit spring of deception and third winter during this month, and then waltz in mud season toward the end. This time of year always brings back a piece of happiness that I didn’t realize was missing until I start to see the sun shining brighter – and longer – into the evening hours.

In this month’s Go Local we feature an eclectic mix of businesses, but what I love most is our sharing of CSA or Community Supported Agriculture resources in our area. CSA involves a partnership between farms and consumers, with members (people like you and me) paying in advance for a “share” of the farm’s harvest for a set portion of the year. Members pick up fresh produce, herbs or even flowers on designated days at the farm.

Being a CSA member gives folks who may not have access to fresh produce an opportunity to enjoy the fruits – or vegetables – of local farmers labors for many weeks in the summer. It is also a potentially more economical option than buying at your neighborhood grocery store.

While I have not participated in a CSA share yet, I will say, last year I made my first foray as an adult into having my own crops. I use the phrase “crops” lightly, as I wound up purchasing peas, mint and strawberries.

The mint was fantastic – it grew like weeds, as mint does – and I’m looking forward to having it grow back this year. The strawberries started out just fine until our neighborhood birds and/or squirrels realized they were there…the berries then suffered an unfortunate fate. The peas, however, were complete user error. The pot I planted them in didn’t drain well, rotting the roots, and I didn’t give the stalks anything to climb vertically on, so they started curling down.

This year I think I’ll try again, but with a new vegetable: tomatoes. My grandfather always used to buy one tomato plant a year, and I think I’ll carry that tradition on. I also don’t think they’re known to be incredibly tricky to grow, and given my 2023 growing season being a flop, I may have overestimated my abilities a bit.

Thinking spring and gearing up for the growing season is keeping me going through this last month until we welcome “actual spring.” If you have not grown any veggies or fruits in your garden (or even a pot), consider joining me this year! If you have any tips for a new gardener, I’m all ears.

Thanks for reading,

Payton North, Executive Editor

GRAPEVINE PIZZERIA

! HOPE E. TREMBLAY NATE BLAIS

George and Liz Kollias opened Grapevine Pizzeria at 753 Maple Rd., in Longmeadow, Massachusetts in November of 1997 and don’t see themselves retiring any time soon.

In fact, a few years ago, they purchased the building and expanded the business.

“We moved from the Albany, New York region in search of starting our own restaurant,” said Liz Kollias. “We had been working with a restaurant broker to look at businesses for sale and discovered Pauline’s Restaurant. Before the Grapevine, the space was Pauline’s Restaurant, and we purchased the restaurant in 1997 and changed the name, menu and lightly renovated.”

Over the years the family renovated the entire restaurant and when they bought the building, added a small bar area. The purchase signified the commitment the Kollias family has to the community they made their home.

“This town and people have been good to us,” said Liz Kollias. “We raised both of our children here and we feel very happy to be in Longmeadow and we are so thankful to our customers.”

They are also grateful for their loyal employees.

“A lot of our employees have been with us five, 10, even 20 years,” Liz Kollias said. “We are lucky to have them –we are a big family.”

Grapevine Pizzeria employs 20 people and George and Liz are not just owners and managers, they are also workers. Customers can find them behind an oven, bar or serving tables alongside their employees.

“It’s nice to be in a smaller town where we can get to know our customers,” Liz Kollias said. “And we have some customers who come with their children now who came in with their parents 20 years ago, but we also have new customers still coming. It’s a great mix.”

George Kollias brought his Greek ancestry to the business and the menu, and it has proven to be the Midas touch for Grapevine, setting it apart from other area restaurants.

“George is Greek and moved to the United States in his early twenties,” Liz Kollias said. “He was trained as a butcher in Greece and began his cooking career in a small local chain of pizza restaurants in Dutchess County, New York. In creating the new menu for the Grapevine, we wanted to incorporate some of the most popular Greek dishes, like gyros, souvlaki, spanakopita and often run other Greek specialties as specials.”

The menu offers a wide variety of options. Appetizers include garlic bread, which comes plain, with mozzarella cheese or with gorgonzola cheese, mozzarella sticks, fried calamari, chicken wings and tenders.

Hummus with pita and stuffed grape leaves bring a little Greek tradition to the appetizer menu. Appetizer prices range from $4.75 for plain garlic bread to $13.99 for 10 wings (buffalo, BBQ or honey BBQ). There are six salads are on the menu and you can add chicken, steak, grilled shrimp or tuna salad to any for an additional cost. Salads range from $4.99 for a small, tossed salad to #13.99 for a large antipasto.

With the slogan “The finest pizza in town,” it’s no surprise that pizza and calzones are the main draw. Varieties include as chicken ranch, buffalo chicken, Greek white, Hawaiian, barbeque chicken, Athenian white, gyro, gluten free and more. Grinders include chicken parmesan, eggplant, cold cut and more. Grapevine has burgers and sandwiches, and entrees that include a Mediterranean primavera, shrimp Florentine, Cajun chicken and more.

Pasta dishes, a variety of side options and a children’s menu round out the offerings.

The real star is the Greek specialty entrée menu. Grapevine has several gyro options, chicken souvlaki, spanakopita and moussaka.

Liz Kollias said the Greek style pizza is very popular.

“Greek pizza is different from other types of pizza because the dough is stretched into a pan and then baked in the same pan,” she said. “Greek pizza usually has a slightly thicker crust, but thinner based crust. Italian pizza is usually baked on a screen or directly on a brick oven.”

Grapevine Pizzeria’s white pizzas are also a big seller.

“The white pizzas are popular choice. We offer several different types of white pizzas, some have ricotta as a base and others use feta cheese or olive oil and garlic,” said Kollias. “They are a nice alternative to the red sauce; some provide a sweeter taste to the pizza and highlights some of the veggies that are often on the white pizzas.”

The Kollias family has longtime customers that have become family and welcomes new customers who are sure to return for the “finest pizza in town,” and more.

GRAPEVINE PIZZERIA IS OPEN MONDAY - WEDNESDAY FROM 11 A.M. – 9 P.M., THURSDAY – SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M. - 9:40 P.M. AND CLOSED SUNDAY.

Exit 7 Theater

There is a lot of drama going on at 37 Chestnut St. in Ludlow.

But it is to be expected.

The site is home to the Exit 7 Theater where members of the Exit 7 Players stage their plays and other special events for the enjoyment of their audiences.

Beginning with a production of Agatha Christie’s “Ten Little Indians,” The Exit 7 Players were founded in 1984 by a group of teachers to showcase talent in the community. It found its home in the former Ludlow High School auditorium, then known as The Chestnut Theater, where the group continues its mission today “to produce classical, contemporary, and musical works that entertain, educate, and delight audiences of all ages” in their 226-seat theater.

“This is an exciting time for the Exit 7 Players as we are currently celebrating our 40th season, which began in October with our production of the musical “Footloose”. While most of our current Board of Directors are not old enough to have been involved in the early years after our founding, we are all definitely very proud of where we are today and what we have achieved over the years,” said Board President Adam Malmborg.

“We’ve had a great past year and were able to introduce some new things to bring more people through our doors such as an open mic night organized by one of our Junior Board members, as well as another Board member who worked to bring Latin dance classes to the theater to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month,” he added.

One of their most successful new endeavors was the

introduction of a 48 Hour Play Festival.

“This was the first time that we had ever tried a 48-hour play festival. How it worked was that on January 12, the festival was kicked off by the hosts announcing the prompt that the participating playwrights would have to incorporate in their original scripts, in which they were only given 24 hours to write a script. Then on January 13, people who were interested in being cast in these original plays would audition in front of the selected directors. Directors would not only choose their casts, but they also got to select the scripts that were sent in by playwrights. Finally, on January 14, cast and directors quickly rehearsed these plays, which then led up to the 8 p.m. showtime. Directors and casts quickly came up with set ideas and even costumes for the performance.The whole event was a huge success. We hope to continue this into the future,” Malmborg said.

Malmborg noted one of the main goals this year for Exit 7 Players is to increase their membership and audiences attending their plays and other events.

“There are folks who don’t know that we exist, and we need to get our name out to the public and let them know what we bring to the community,” Malmborg said.

At the same time, Malmborg is conscious of the fact that attendance is highly dependent on the play they are presenting.

“We would love for people to come and see every show, but it all depends on the popularity of the production. Our presentation of ‘White Christmas’ in December sold out almost every evening. Musicals are very popular. Who

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hasn’t heard of ‘Footloose’ or ‘The Prom’ which is next on our schedule? But not as many people may be familiar with ‘Almost Maine’ which just completed its run and was phenomenal. That’s why we need to rely on marketing much more to get the word out,” he said.

Before becoming a member of Exit 7 Players and serving on its board, Malmborg was a patron of the Exit 7 Players, often attending their many productions. Today, he remains bullish on community theater.

“Exit 7 Players provide another avenue for people to explore something different in their lives. It’s a place where friends and family can gather together and enjoy a good show. For others, we’re an opportunity to become part of a cast or crew and to do something they never thought of doing before,” he said.

The Exit 7 Players are currently in rehearsal for their next play, “The Prom,” which begins on April 9.

Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, “The Prom” tells the story of a group of down-on-theirluck Broadway stars intent on shaking up a small Indiana town as they rally behind a teen who desires to attend the prom with her girlfriend. It opened on Broadway in 2018 and closed one year later on August 11, 2019, after having played 23 previews and 309 regular performances. A film adaptation, produced and directed by Ryan Murphy, was made for Netflix and appeared on the streaming network on December 11, 2020.

“The Prom” runs April 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, May 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. and on April 21, 28 and May 5 at 2 p.m.

Once the curtain comes down on “The Prom,” next up is “The Last 5 Years,” also a musical which opens on June 7. Written by Jason Robert Brown, the Drama Desk Award winning musical is an emotionally powerful and intimate show about two New Yorkers who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The two-person play was produced off-Broadway in March 2022 and since has seen various productions around the world.

Reserved ticket prices are $25 Preferred (first four rows), $23 adults, and $20 for seniors age 62 and over, and students with ID and children 12 and under. Day-of-show tickets can be purchased by calling 413-583-4301 or inperson. The box office opens one hour prior to each show.

Additionally, this summer, the Exit 7 Youth Playersdedicated to introducing the theater arts to a younger generation - will present their production of “James and the Giant Peach” on July 26 and August 2 at 7:30 p.m. and on July 27, 28, and August 3 and 4 at 2 p.m.

Plans have already begun for the 2024-2025 season which kicks off in October.

“We put out a call late last year for directors, music directors and choreographers to submit proposals to our Season Selection Committee. They are now in the process of reviewing them and setting up interviews before we meet as a board to vote on the next season,” Malmborg said.

“The fact that we are open to suggestions and people can

submit their ideas for a coming season, allows a platform for directors to pitch their own creative visions,” he added.

When it comes time to cast a play, anyone can attend an audition. Once cast, or to work behind the scenes, you will need to become a member of the Exit 7 Players. Memberships, which include a free snack at intermission and other benefits, are $10 individual, $15 duo, and $25 family (household members only) and last for one year.

As a way to give back to the community, especially area youth interested in the theater arts, the Exit 7 Players annually present several $500 scholarships to high school seniors through the Paul D. Browning and Jonathan Herrick Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Patrick J. Moskal Memorial Scholarship Fund.

“We want to celebrate the fact that we have some amazing young people who help us out in so many ways, whether it is being cast in a play, working as a crew member, volunteering, or serving on our Board as Junior Members,” Malmborg said.

Applicants must have been involved in some aspect with the Exit 7 Players in order to be eligible. Visit the Exit 7 Players website for more information and an application.

While at the Exit 7 Theater, hungry theater-goers can also stop by the concession stand during intermission to enjoy a snack such as popcorn, candy, baked goods including decorated sugar cookies, as well as non-alcoholic beverages.

Over the years, the group has continued its renovation efforts on their theater space. They are currently looking for donations to support their planned anniversary projects in 2024, including the major cost of completely replacing all of their seats and updating all areas of the theater. Donations of any size can be made on their website either as a one-time tax deductible gift or a monthly donation.

The Exit 7 Players recently acquired additional space at the Chestnut Street location where their theater is located, and are now renting the basement from the Ludlow Housing Authority, proprietors of the property.

“We are so thankful for the help of the Ludlow Housing Authority in obtaining much-needed additional space for us to work in,” said Malmborg.

The basement has a kitchen where the concession stand is located, and the group hopes to be able to use the newly acquired area to hold events like princess parties, murder mystery dinners, family game nights and so much more. The basement also has additional rehearsal space, costume room, conference room, and space for other ostorage needs.

“We are busy painting and decorating the hallways of the basement with our playbills and photographs of cast pictures from over the the years to help beautify the space,” said Malmborg.

NATE BLAIS

NATE BLAIS

NATE BLAIS

As spring approaches the sun shines its rays upon New England. The air loses its bite and takes the form of a pleasant breeze. Naturally, a craving for fresh fruit and vegetables arises. Where better to obtain the best produce than New England? This year, explore the area and CSA offerings. CSA produce is a local harvest and always has a homegrown taste.

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It is a partnership between farms and consumers. Members pay in advance for a “share” of the farm’s harvest for a set portion of the year. As a CSA member, you will pick up the selection of fresh produce, herbs, or even flowers on a designated day at the farm.

Does this sound like a good way to eat healthy this summer to you? Head over to the websites of each farm listed on the next page to fill out a CSA application. But don’t wait, shares fill up quickly!

SAWMILL HERB FARM

140 MEADOW STREET · FLORENCE, MA

(413) 829-4372 SAWMILLHERBFARM.COM

Sawmill Herb Farm provides local access to quality ingredients used in a number of recipes. Before each share, Sawmill Herb Farm sends an e-newsletter with information about the herbs in the upcoming share. Herbs are grown using sustainable and certified organic practices. A Valley share costs $215 and includes 10 shares, biweekly pickups during the season, one free class in Sawmill Herb Farm’s workshop series, and an invitation for participation in the private CSA Facebook group. A local halfshare costs $115-140 and includes 5 shares, monthly pickups during the season and an invitation for participation in the private CSA Facebook group. Examples of herbs that can be found in each share include yellow dock root, motherwort, elder flowers, blue vervain, lemongrass and dandelion root.

DOWN TO EARTH FARM CSA

5 MICHELEC ROAD · STAFFORD, ct

(860) 458-9019 · GETDOWNTOEARTH.ORG

Down to Earth Farm’s CSA offers a unique experience. It provides members with the opportunity to work on the farm where their fresh produce will be grown! Large Working Share $525 / Small Working Share $285. Work sessions are two hours every other week and involves tasks such as soil preparation, planting, watering, weeding and harvesting. There is always staff on site to provide support and work times are flexible. One person is required to work at the farm for two hours every other week and participate in two of the monthly “Crop Mobs” which includesa potluck lunch. Minimum deposit of $150 when submitting membership application. Members receive a share of the harvest weekly from mid-June through the end of October.

bordua farms

1536 main street · south windsor, ct (860) 335-2705 · borduafarms.com

Bordua Farms provides a bountiful CSA that allows members to receive an assortment of produce once a week for 18 weeks. Each share is expected to feed a family of 2-4 people. Examples of produce in each share are beets, cabbage, herbs, melons and peppers. Membership costs $540 for the 2024 season and includes 18 weeks of farm fresh vegetables, weekly recipes/inspiration, a vegetable storage guide and access to the exlusive CSA Community Hub Facebook Page. Pick up days are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Other options include a coffee share, which costs $60 and a fruit share, which costs $50.

Kosinski Farms and Farmstand

336 / 420 Russellville Road, Westfield, MA (413) 572-4344 . kosinskifarms.net

When you become a member of the Kosinski Farms CSA family we commit to raising your food with sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. We guarantee that your food will be grown and harvested locally. Our season starts with the first pick of strawberries, usually the second week of June and continues through the middle of October. Pick ups occur from 3-6 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. These dates are contingent on the weather and may need to be adjusted. Late Spring through Fall, Large Share $750, Small Share $425. Bakery and Wine Shares are available for additional cost of $200 and $250 respectively. A $100 deposit can be made with the rest of the balance due on June 1.

granny’s place

844 main street agawam, ma (413) 786-9366 · grannysplacefarm.com

Granny’s Place provides farm shares run from June 20 to Oct. 3. Two share sizes are available: Small (Individual) Share for $320, Regular (family of 3-5) Share for $480. Payments can be made in full or with an agreed upon payment arrangementby April 15. Members receive a weekly supply of fresh produce.

syme family farm

72 windsorville road · broad brook, ct (860) 623-5925 symefamilyfarm.com

The Syme Family Farm CSA is a little different from the usual fruit and vegetable share. The farm in Broad Brook offers a Cut Flower Club CSA, where members sign up and pre-pay for 4 or 8 week worth of locally grown flower bouquets, on two pickup days. Flowers are picked up weekly between July and August. There are three options for the cut flower club including the eight-week mixed bouquet program, which is $200.00, the four-week mixed bouquet club and the four-week lisanthus club, both of which cost $100. Seasonal fruits and eggs are also available.

oxen hill farm

1434 Hill Street · Suffield, CT (860) 214-5104 · oxenhillfarm.com

Oxen Hill Farm is offering their 16th USDA Organic Summer CSA program in 2024. The farm offers three customizable shares curated to meet the needs of each individual. Oxen Hill Farm is one of few USDA Certified Organic vegetable farms in North Central Connecticut, which is something you can feel good about! Payments can be made in full or four equal installments. Members can also swap out items in their share each week. According to Oxen Hill Farm’s website, details were still being finalized for the 2024 season at the time of publication.

Mountain View Farm CSA

393 east street · easthampton, ma (413) 329-0211 · mountainviewfarmcsa.com

Mountain View Farm offers three different share packages. The small share costs $495, the regular share is $730 and the large

share is $875. All share packages include U-Pick access. U-Pick gives members access to fields where you will find a harvest of items such as flowers, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, peas and beans. Farm share distribution begins in early June and runs through the end of October.

Easy Pickin’s Orchard

46 Bailey Road · Enfield, ct (860) 763-3276 · EASYPICKINSORCHARD.SQUARE.SITE

Easy Pickin’s Orchard has been offering CSA shares for a decade from their pick-your-own farm. Each box picked up from the CSA will feature whichever fruits and vegetables are in their prime during the season, including strawberries, blueberries, onions and tomatoes. Easy Pickin’s utilizes an integrated pest management system to ensure high-quality growing practices. A full share, which feeds a family of four, costs $729 and a half share, which feeds one to two people, costs $439. Pickups can be made on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at the farm, or at farmers markets in Ellington and Suffield on Saturday, or at the Coventry Farmers Market on Sunday. Payments can be made in full or in three installments.

YELLOW STONEHOUSE FARM

354 Root Road · WESTFIELD, MA (413) 562-2164 · YELLOWSTONEHOUSEFARMCSA.COM

Westfield’s first USDA Certified Organic CSA program, Yellow Stonehouse Farm is a 79-acre property located in both Westfield and Southampton, Mass. Cultivating over 17 acres of certified organic vegetable and flowers for their CSA shareholders for their growing season, early June through late October. Weekly Full Farm share is $730, while every other week is $520. Shares can be split with an adult outside of your immediate family as well, with a cost of $250 for the weekly share and a $125 cost for the every other week share. Payments can be paid in full or over three paymens, with an initial payment of $150. Pick up days are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and the day is selected when purchasing a share.

For pricing, CSA details and specific pickup locations (many producers offer various sites) for the 2024 season, please contact farm directly. This is not a comprehensive list. If you would like to be included in future publications, please contact: pnorth@thereminder.com.

Go Green: Remember to bring a reusable bag, basket or bin with you to pick up your CSA harvest. The less plastic, the better!

GO LOCAL PICKS

COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR AND ONLINE!

HOLYOKE ST. PATRICK’S DAY ROAD RACE

143 MAPLE STREET, HOLYOKE, MA MARCH 16 • 1 PM

The 47th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race is coming soon! Run the 10K race, walk the 2-mile stroll, or come support friends and family participating! Bring your kids to participate in the Kids Fun Run. Join the community for some St. Patrick’s day fun.

For more information and events visit: holyokestpatricksroadrace.org

SPRING/EASTER VENDOR FAIR

DUDLEYTOWN BREWING COMPANY

1001 DAY HILL RD, WINDSOR, CT MARCH 24 • 12 PM - 4 PM

Spring is just around the corner. Come enjoy the Easter vendor fair where you’ll find great handmade gifts and great beer! Dudleytown Brewing Company is family and pet-friendly.

For more information visit: dudleytownbrewing.com

ST. PADDY’S DAY TRIVIA

CONNECTICUT VALLEY BREWING COMPANY

765 SULLIVAN AVE, SOUTH WINDSOR, CT MARCH 13 • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Spend the evening at Connecticut Valley Brewing Company for St. Patrick’s Day-themed trivia! It’s free to play and teams are welcome to join. The top three teams will win prizes. Whether you are watching or participating, make sure to try out their craft beers.

For more information visit: ctvalleybrewing.com

What distinguishes you from other Businesses in your category?

Renew.calm opened 23 years ago and has a proven track record of consistent and exceptional service. Our licensed estheticians and massage therapists are committed to educating and keeping our clients informed of the latest skin and body care practices, products, and techniques. We offer innovative and personalized product formulations that cater to the specific needs of our clients. Plus, our new skin and body care facility at 80 Capital Drive in West Springfield is stunning! Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business.

One surprising fact might be my own personal journey with acne that led to my passion for skincare! It gave me a unique perspective and empathy for others struggling with similar issues, like rosacea, etc.

Addressing the correlation between diet, stress, and lifestyle helps us to offer a comprehensive approach to skincare by understanding the root causes of skin issues.

Why should people DO BUSINESS WITH YOU?

Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to top-notch customer service. Our treatments go beyond mere indulgence. They are an integral part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Our goal is to educate clients on self-care practices that they can incorporate into their daily routines. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, our facility’s cleanliness, and our non-pushy atmosphere. By choosing to do business with us, you can expect an exceptional experience focused on well-being and satisfaction.

Decoupage Wine Bottle

This simple DIY makes the perfect gift for a friend or party host! Gift a bottle of wine or champagne with an extra touch of color, or recycle an old bottle and use it for decor. Check out the list of materials below.

MATERIALS:

• glass bottle of wine or champagne

• mod podge

• brushes

• decorative napkins

• white paint

Step 1: Start off with any bottle of your choice. Paint the bottle to match the base color of your napkin. For this sample, the base is white. Allow for time to dry completely before continuing to step 3. You may need several coats.

Step 2: While the paint is drying, prep your paper pieces. Unfold your napkin completely and separate any layers. It should be as thin as tissue paper once separated. Cut out individual pieces that you would like to use. The shapes don’t have to be cut perfectly. (see photo 2 for reference)

Step 3: Once the paint is dry, stick on your napkin pieces using mod podge. The pieces should blend seamlessly with the painted bottle. Once all pieces are glued down, go over everything with another layer of mod podge.

Step 4: Allow time to dry and your bottle is complete!

BRA LADIES The

! HOPE E. TREMBLAY NATE BLAIS

Eleni Barbieri is not just the owner of The Bra Ladies Boutique, she started out as a customer.

“I opened the shop in 2014 because my mom and I faced a significant challenge in finding a well-fitting and comfortable bra,” Barbieri said. “Frustrated, I initially gave up on the search. However, my sister invited me to a bra party.”

Barbieri joked that she “attended more for the wine than anything else” but decided to undergo a bra fitting. She said it was a life-changing experience.

“Excited about my newfound comfort, I enthusiastically shared my bra journey with everyone I knew and hosted numerous parties. Driven by the desire for others to experience the same comfort, I decided to learn how to fit women into comfortable bras properly. I wanted to ensure that everyone could enjoy the comfort I had discovered,” she said.

Barbieri turned her mission of helping women discover how the perfectly fitted bra could change their lives into a full time business and opened a storefront at 635 Main St., Somers, Connecticut, where the business continues to grow.

“The shop has remained in the same location since its opening,” she said. “I began with one room, expanded to two, then three, and most recently, I’ve extended the space from 300 square feet to over 1,200 square feet. This expansion allows us to offer additional services and products, enhancing the experience for our valued clients, whom we deeply appreciate.”

Barbieri said The Bra Ladies was recently approached by “Free People,” a national retailer, with a request to carry their line of clothing.

“We’re honored to partner with them and look forward

to introducing their products to our customers,” said Barbieri. “Stay tuned for the latest additions to our collection! We are also working on partnerships with other major brands and looking forward to future announcements.”

Having the right bra can make a world of difference for a woman’s confidence, how clothes fit and how she feels. Barbieri said she loves helping women find the right fit and style.

“It’s challenging to express the incredible energy that permeates through the boutique,” she said when a woman has a fitting. “My mantra has always been, ‘If you don’t feel amazing, you’re not leaving with a bra.’ I wholeheartedly stand by these words. My purpose is rooted in bringing confidence back to women, and that’s the driving force behind my presence here.

“At the end of the day, if I can help even one person feel better about themselves, I consider it a fulfilled goal. The strong connections formed with all my clients, who have become more than just customers—they are my friends. Proudly, I can say I am their trusted ‘bra lady.’”

Barbieri said women rarely wear the correct bra size.

“It’s a startling fact that 85% of us are wearing the wrong bra size,” she said. “Often, we neglect taking time for ourselves amid the responsibilities of caring for our children and families. I firmly believe that if we prioritize self-care, we can be better spouses, moms and friends.”

That philosophy guides the approach at the Bra Ladies. Upon entering, the first thing Barbieri conveys to her

clients is to set aside all their obligations and allow her and her staff to take care of them, so they, in turn, can care for everyone else.

“We encourage them to momentarily let go and entrust us with the process. We even offer to dress them if they wish,” she said. “Witnessing the transformation as they look in the mirror is a truly heartwarming experience for me, and it never loses its impact.”

Barbieri said it’s common for women to be surprised at how off their sizing typically is when we finally find the right fit.

“What makes bras so tricky is that similar to a pair of jeans, every brand has its unique fit, and even within a brand, different cuts of bras can vary significantly,” she said. “This complexity often results in a client leaving with four bras, each in a different size, tailored to ensure the perfect fit for each specific style. It’s a testament to the individualized nature of bra fitting and the importance of finding the right size for every shape and style.”

The Bra Ladies carry a vast line of bra styles and sizes, but also offer a variety of shapewear. Barbieri said shapewear has become a staple.

“Once you experience the transformative effect, it’s hard to imagine going back,” she said. “The beauty of shapewear lies in its ability to create a smoother silhouette, addressing specific areas based on what you want to enhance or minimize. At the Bra Ladies, we take pride in offering a variety of shapewear options and customizing solutions to meet individual preferences and needs.

It’s about empowering our clients to feel confident and comfortable in every outfit.”

Some women are not comfortable coming in for a fitting, or are unable to, so Barbieri and her team will come to them.

“We introduced in-home fittings when we noticed our elderly friends in assisted living were facing transportation challenges. Taking the initiative, we packed up our bras and brought the fitting experience to them,” she said. “The response was overwhelming, and women appreciated the convenience of not having to leave their homes. It became a hit, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of circumstances, has access to a comfortable and personalized bra-fitting experience.”

Barbieri and her staff are well-trained in fittings and their products. Every employee participates in a comprehensive training with Barbieri for at least four months.

“Drawing from my own experience attending bra training years ago, I understand the importance of time and practice in perfecting the craft,” she said. “It’s a skill that either comes naturally or doesn’t. I place immense trust in my employees, knowing that they are well-equipped to provide exceptional service to our clients. We adhere to one fundamental rule: if you don’t feel amazing, you don’t leave with a bra.”

Barbieri’s philosophy guides The Bra Ladies’ commitment to ensuring that every customer leaves not just satisfied, but truly feeling their best. “We at the Bra

Ladies are often called ‘the bra whisperer,’ and it’s clear there’s a reason behind it. It likely reflects our unique ability to understand, guide, and provide an unparalleled level of expertise in the world of bras,” said Barbieri. “This nickname is a testament to our skill and the special touch bring to the fitting experience, making it memorable and distinctive for all our clients.” Barbieri said she knew she had a gem of a business but did not envision the growth she has experienced.

“We are delighted that the recent expansion has proven to be immensely valuable, propelling us forward in our journey to enhance and complete the process,” she said. “This expansion plays a crucial role in enabling us to offer specialized services to clients seeking mastectomy bra wear. It reflects our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our clientele and ensuring that everyone feels supported and comfortable in their unique bra requirements.”

IN ADDITION TO FITTINGS BOTH IN-STORE AND IN-HOME, THE BRA LADIES HAS AN ONLINE SHOP AT THEBRALADIES.COM. THE SHOP IS OPEN TUESDAY – THURSDAY FROM 11 A.M. – 5 P.M., FRIDAY FROM 11 A.M. – 6 P.M., SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. – 4 P.M. AND SUNDAY FROM 12-4 P.M.

EARLY CROCUS

As winter's grip begins to loosen, nature bestows upon us the delightful gift of Early Crocus Flowers. These petite blossoms, emerging as harbingers of spring, paint the landscape with vibrant hues, signaling the awakening of a new season.

ALYSSA LUCCHESI

MIASHA

The Nest

Milestones are significant events in your life; the beginning of a brand new chapter. At The Nest on 60 Shaker Rd. in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, owner Nancy Sousa Giza helps customers celebrate all the different milestones in their life. “The nesting stages,” as she calls it. Flying the nest: graduation, new job, new apartment. Building a nest: weddings, new home, friend gatherings. Nesting: expecting or adding to your family, bridal or baby showers. Empty nesting: celebrating and finding comfort in a quieter lifestyle and self-pampering.

Owning a gift boutique has been a dream of Giza’s for years. Once she became an empty nester, she began thinking more about what could possibly be next for her. Giza started doing some research, met a wonderful mentor and reached out to many professionals along the way who could guide her through each step.

“It was a challenging two-year journey, but it was well worth it,” Giza replied. “The Nest was born.” Giza

explained she loves the East Longmeadow community. Having the opportunity to work in the school system for many years, she got to know many of the families and felt it would be a great place to start a new venture.

“I know there are gift boutiques in surrounding areas, but I felt that East Longmeadow would benefit from the items and atmosphere that the Nest could bring,” Giza explained. “I’m hoping to bring a warm and personal approach to shopping for all ages. I really like to get to know my customers, welcome their feedback and make the extra effort to carry the giftware that they’re interested in, and always what’s new and trending.”

The Nest opened on Nov. 24, 2023 with a ribbon cutting ceremony that state Sen. Jake Oliveira and the office of state Rep. Brian Ashe took part in to support and celebrate the grand opening.

Giza said she looks to include many brands and designers from Massachusetts and the New England area. She carries wooden charcuterie boards and rolling

pins made in Vermont, fun and unique handbags made in Lynn, skin care products made in small batches in Amesbury and new jewelry lines from Rhode Island and Boston. She also has hand-chosen distinctive giftware from all over the country and Europe as well.

“I want the Nest to have a welcoming and cozy atmosphere,” said Giza. “A place where you can come in and browse with no pressure, find something you love and have it wrapped and ready to go. Certainly giftware for others, but then maybe a little something to treat yourself.”

Hampden resident Tina Murphy is a good friend of Giza and has known her for about 20 years. When Giza told Murphy she was opening The Nest, Murphy said she was excited for her and for the community. Murphy explained she feels Giza has wonderful taste and is one of the kindest, thoughtful people that she knows.

“I have purchased several items from The Nest,” Murphy said. “Nancy brings to the community a small town feel, with on-trend unique gifts that you may not find somewhere else. It’s the type of shop that is cozy and makes you feel happy and relaxed when you go in and when you leave.”

East Longmeadow resident Kate Gray first heard about The Nest on the East Longmeadow Town Forum. She shared she had a warm first impression with great smelling candles and noticed the beautiful decor. Gray has bought many items from The Nest since, from Christmas gifts for her father-in-law who loves to cook, to champagne flutes for her friend getting married, to a couple bracelets for herself.

“It is important to have small businesses in town to support our town and make it easy for locals to find what they want and need locally,” Gray said. “The location is perfect and with the other wonderful businesses in

Shaker Shops, The Nest is the next step toward making this destination a shopper’s paradise.”

Soon, Giza wants to include local artisans; having a different artist come each month to the business to showcase their work. She also hopes to add online shopping and delivery. She has a deep interest in giving back to the community, whether it be welcoming local artisans to her shop regularly or supporting local groups and charities through fundraising opportunities and donations. Giza said she has grown up and raised a family in a small town and feel there’s no place better for the support and genuine care from others.

“To have this dream come true feels absolutely fabulous,” Giza said. “I love fostering relationships with my customers. People coming in and letting them know I’m here to help in any way possible. Meeting new people, putting a smile on their face and helping them celebrate something or someone special in their lives has been the best feeling.”

Upcoming items the Nest will be carrying for the spring will include giftware for bridal showers and weddings, as well as more home decor. There will also be gifts for the graduates. Spring is on its way, and with that along comes Easter – The Nest can can help with setting up holiday tables, prepping for guests, finding the perfect hostess gift and picking up accessories and decadent sweets that are fun basket items for all ages. For Mother’s Day, customers can show love and appreciation for all the moms and grandmothers in their lives with jewelry, kitchen items, personal accessories, decorative pillows, candles and much more.

THE NEST IS OPEN TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 10 A.M.- 5 P.M. AND SATURDAYS 10 A.M.- 3 P.M. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 413-266-9343 OR FOLLOW THEM ON

Salmon Meatballs

1 pound salmon, skinned

2 garlic cloves

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/2 cup chopped Mediterranean olives

1/4 cup fresh dill

1/4 cup fresh parsley

1 Tbsp fresh mint

1 Tbsp dried oregano

1oz lemon juice

1-2 Tsp lemon zest

1/2 Tsp sumac (sub extra lemon zest)

Salt and pepper, to taste

In a bowl, combine your salmon, garlic (minced), dill, parsley, mint, lemon zest and juice, breadcrumbs and seasonings and mix together with your hands until salmon is completely broken apart and mixed thoroughly with your other ingredients. Roll into balls, I believe this made 10. Pop in the air fryer at 375F for about 15 minutes. Enjoy!

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!

LOCAL EINSTEIN

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

PERI-PERI, SERRANO AND SCOTCH BONNET ARE ALL TYPES OF WHAT?

[A] Peppers

[B] Artichoke

[C] Cabbage

[D] Squash

WHICH PLANET HAS THE MOST GRAVITY?

[A] Earth

[B] Jupiter

[C] Neptune

[D] Mercury

IF YOU SUFFER FROM ACROPHOBIA, WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?

[A] Heights

[B] Flying

[C] Needles

[D] Darkness

WHAT CITY IS THE CAPITAL OF SCOTLAND?

[A] Edinburgh

[B] Aberdeen

[C] Glasgow

[D] Inverness

TAPESTRY, INC. WITH A STOCK TICKER SYMBOL OF TPR IS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS WHAT RETAIL STORE AND LINE OF PRODUCTS?

[A] Coach

[B] Aldi

[C] Trader Joe’s

[D] Lululemon

WHICH IS THE ONLY VOWEL NOT FOUND ON THE TOP ROW OF A STANDARD KEYBOARD?

[A] E

[B] A

[C] O

[D] U

HOW MANY NATIONAL PARKS ARE THERE IN THE U.S. (STATES AND TERRITORIES)?

[A] 44

[B] 57

[C] 63

[D] 72

WHICH FAST FOOD COMPANY HAS THE MOST LOCATIONS WORLDWIDE?

[A] McDonald’s

[B] Subway

[C] KFC

[D] Pizza Hut

IN THE INTERNATIONAL RADIO PHONETIC ALPHABET, WHAT WORD REPRESENTS “M?”

[A] Milk

[B] Map

[C] Mike

[D] Magic

The Final Countdown

7 Pubs to visit for food, drinks, and entertainment!

RED STONE PUB

10 JIM GALLAGHER WAY, SIMSBURY, CT REDSTONEPUBS.COM

(860) 217-1744

Red Stone Pub is located in a 1904 historic building offering a unique and comforting environment. They offer fresh quality food, craft cocktails, and beers.

THE MAPLE LEAF PUB

11 ARNOLD ST, WESTFIELD, MA MAPLELEAFPUB.COM

(413) 562-5068

The Maple Leaf is a great spot to enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment. They have live music, musical bingo, and trivia nights! It’s a great place to go with family or friends.

THE BACK ROOM BAR & GRILL

827 SPRINGFIELD ST, FEEDING HILLS, MA

THEBACKROOMAGAWAM.COM

(413) 342-4266

The Back Room offers a little bit of everything whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a place to have drinks. Find their menu online which includes kids menus and desserts.

O’CONNELL’S IRISH PUB & GRILL

733 CHICOPEE ST, CHICOPEE, MA (413) 437-8181

O’connell’s Irish Pub is a great place for a night out with friends. Enjoy live music, good food, and even better drinks! Check out their Facebook page for the latest updates on events.

MURPHY’S PUB

664 SUFFIELD ST, AGAWAM, MA

MURPHYSPUBAGAWAM.COM (413) 301-7074

Murphy’s Pub is a great place for dinner and drinks with a wide variety of local brews and craft beers. They offer lunch daily, and a latenight menu on Fridays and Saturdays.

DONOVAN’S IRISH PUB

80 JARVIS AVE, HOLYOKE, MA DONOVANSPUB.COM (413) 543-0791

Donovan’s Irish Pub has great food and a fun environment filled with live music and great staff.

WESTWOOD RESTAURANT AND PUB

94 N ELM ST, WESTFIELD, MA WESTWOODPUB.COM

(413) 564-6963

Westwood has 24 beers on tap and a 54-seat bar. They also have a large dining space and banquet rooms. Check out their menu online for lunch and dinner options.