MARCH 2020 by Go Local Magazine

March 2020 Volume 6 . Issue 4 golocalmagazines.com

going to the chapel dress shop csa guide inside! belvedere polish delicatessen

Check it out: Maureenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sweet shoppe GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 1

2 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

new this month MARCH 2020 . VOLUME 6 . ISSUE 4

WALKING INTO BELVEDERE POLISH DELICATESSEN

in East Windsor is like walking into another country – Poland to be exact. Even its name is a tribute to owner Liliana Soltys’ homeland. Belvedere is the name of the Polish “White House,” a palace used by Polish presidents to meet with important guests. It is located in Warsaw, the city where Soltys was born.

A NOTE

GO ON, YOUR SAY

GOING TO THE CHAPEL

From The Editor 15 Minutes Of Fame

Dress Shop in Enfield, CT

19 BELVEDERE Polish Delicatessen

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 3

MARCH 2020 . VOLUME 6 . ISSUE 4

local Events

GO LOCAL PICKS

Community supported agriculture

Mental Health Association

go eat

Maureen’s Sweet Shoppe

Local Einstein

FINAL COUNTDOWN

March Happenings Cool Stuff Just Outside Your Door A Go Local CSA Guide for this Season! Introduces a new Safe Space Program Irish Apple Cake A Look Inside this Shoppe Full of Sweet Treats Put Your Thinking Caps On

7 Places for Great Mexican Food

31 35

TAX Time Persano & Associates, LLC Certified Public Accountant

Accounting / Bookkeeping, Tax Preparation, Federal & State Tax Issues, Investment Services Call 860.763.1774

Or Email: Mdeveau@Persano.com Servicing the Community Since 1996 4 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

Offices: Somers • Stafford Springs East Windsor, Connecticut

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 5

a note

FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR . G. MICHAEL DOBBS

What is it about journalists and food? There is something about this profession that seems to match the rigors of reporting with the joy of eating. Nobody told me about this in journalism school. During the course of one’s career, it’s easy to get some bad habits. I tend to eat at my desk while working or in the car while parked somewhere before reporting on an event. I also tend to eat way too quickly – for that I blame my public school education and 20-minute lunch periods instead of my career choice. And yes, I’m a fan of the distiller’s art, as well as being known for having a taste for a weekly cigar. Yes, yes, I need to amend my choices. You don’t have to send me any letters. Former reporter turned novelist Mark Twain once wrote, “There are people who strictly deprive themselves of each and every eatable, drinkable, and smokable, which has in any way acquired a shady reputation. They pay this price for health. And health is all they get for it. How strange it is. It is like paying out your whole fortune for a cow that has gone dry.” Every reporter – or at least most – has some sort of food item stashed in or on their desk. And food – where to go and what to eat – is a constant subject of conversation in any newsroom, especially the newsroom at Reminder Publishing. Being old school, I also used to have a bottle of the good stuff in the office. Human Resources made sure that was eliminated. So this issue of Go Local is particularly intriguing to me. With a strong Polish heritage in Western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut we are fortunate to have some great Polish delis, kielbasa producers and bakeries and one of these establishments is featured in this issue. I’ve not been to Belvedere Polish Delicatessen in East Windsor, but I can assure you it’s now on my list. I love the idea of preserving the tastes of one culture to present them to new generations, as well as people who may not share that culture. How can one turn away one of the most perfect meals on the planet: kielbasa and pierogi? My favorite pierogi is the potato and cheese, while my wife enjoys the cabbage. A quick trip to East Windsor is in order. The Final Countdown in this issue presents seven different local Mexican restaurants in the area. I cry for those people who believe that a national taco chain actually represents the wide and varied cuisine of Mexico. The restaurants listed offer some great food – yes, I’ve eaten at several – and are also well worth a trip. Finally there has to be room for dessert. Maureen’s Sweet Shoppe is less than a mile from my office in East Longmeadow and that is dangerous. Hand-made chocolates, as well as a long list of other confections are featured at this shop. You can’t go wrong with any of them. The fragrance of the chocolates greets you when you enter the shop. In our Go Local Picks page there are two food related events: the 35th Annual Wine and Food Lovers’ Tasting that supports Public Broadcasting and the Fourth Annual Brewfest Fundraiser to support the Somers Education Foundation. These are amazing events that do a lot of good in our communities. Yikes, I’m getting hungry just writing this piece. Forgive me, I’ve got to get something to eat! - G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor 6 GO LOCAL MARCH 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 . Kim Barba . Lisa Nolan Paula Dimauro . Scott Greene . Nancy Holloway Jeanette Grenier . Matt Mahaney Rosanne Miller-Longtin . Victoria Owen Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant



THE GO LOCAL COMMUNITY

A CREATION OF

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

Great Service... Huge Savings!

SAVE SAVE SAVE! Your #1 Choice!

Our commitment to high quality products and excellent customer service make all the difference. • Organic Lawn Programs • Custom Fertilization Programs • Tree & Shrub Treatments • Weed & Crabgrass Control • Insect & Disease Control • Flea & Tick Control • Mole Control • Slice Seeding & Aeration • Topsoil and Lawn Installation Call today for a FREE lawn estimate and brochure 866-94-GREEN or 860-871-1025 www.greencarpetlawn.com Family Owned & Operated • CT Bus Lic. # B-1870

25% OFF Grub Control with 5-Step Program

• Up to 10% Prepayment Discount • Senior Citizen, Military & Public Service Discounts

Police, Fire, Town and State workers

• $50 Referral Credit (This Offer Valid for New Customers Only)

Offer does not expire. Good with this ad. Try our 4-step “Just The Basics” program GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 7

your say

DEON

US Mail Carrier

I can play Do you have instruments such a hidden as the marimba, talent? If so, xylophone, what is it? vibraphone. I love music. Never drank coffee Shamrock in my life; always Shake or Irish smelled funny and Creme Coffee? I hear it can be addicting. What’s your Right now, Roddy go-to song? Ricch - “Bacc Seat” feat. Ty Dolla $ign

BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES THEIR 15 MINUTES OF FAME

SUZANNE

Writer, reporter, professor

TOMMY

KATHY

MARIE Retired

Math Teacher

It’s so hidden I can’t find it

Crossword Puzzles/Computer Games

I can cook… when I want to

Is there a tea option?

Shamrock Shake

Neither. Coffee with teaspoon of milk

Irish Creme Coffee

Nature

Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone”

Who is some- Dr. Umar Johnson My grandparents one you’d most or Derrick Rose; so as they were like to meet? many to choose emigrating honestly What’s your favorite type The peanut butter of Girl Scout is my favorite. Cookie?

Who was your Destiny’s Child at first concert? the Big E

If a movie of your life was made, what would it be called?

I AM BLACK

Retired

“Joanna” by “Vivir Mi Vida” “Love Is a Many Kool & The Gang Splendored Thing” by Marc Anthony

Dorothy Day

Idris Elba

Dewey (deceased companion)

At this time, Michelle Obama

Samoas

Thin Mints

Samoas

Tag-a-longs, the peanut butter ones

Thin Mints

Bob Dylan/ Springfield Civic Center

Chuck Berry (in Holyoke)

James Brown

Ray Charles

Pink

Lucky 4

And to Think That I Saw It on Newbury Street

The Way We Were

I Want to Be Alone

She Never Gives Up Does She?

Housekeeping

Assistant at Teacher’s Development Center

Wrapped meat at I worked at a What was your first job? nursing home; I grocery store (Am honestly loved it. now vegetarian)

8 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

ADRIANA

Writer

Paperboy

Dietitian Aid

Learn to Quilt...Call today for

a class schedule or register online!

Quilting classes available for all ages. Need a gift certificate? We have those too! 56 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA

(413) 525-4789

www.quiltsandtreasuresinc.com

Claws and Paws Pet Salon Where your pet is Family

546 Enfield Street • Enfield, CT clawsandpawspetsalon@yahoo.com

860.265.2390 Call for appointment

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW AUDIOLOGIST? You might be concerned about your options for hearing care. Rest assured that we are accepting new patients. Our Doctors of Audiology would welcome the opportunity to help you. We provide comprehensive hearing evaluations and hearing aid fittings and service for adults. We want to be sure that you are hearing your best. When you need us, we’ll be here.

We Welcome All Breeds Large and Small – and Your Pampered Kitties!

The Finest Hearing Care by Doctors of Audiology – Since 1984 –

200 North Main Street • North Building, Suite 103 East Longmeadow, MA

413-525-7979 • www.hampdenhearing.com Office hours by appointment, Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

ENFIELD

PAINT

401 Enfield Street • Enfield, CT

860-745-3721

FULL TIME OPEN ENROLLMENT SCHOOL DAYS ONLY FULL DAY PROGRAM for school age children PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

entering Kindergarten in Sept. 2020 $400.00 per mo. (with signed contract) or older; only $120.00 per wk. including full time summer care Enroll with a friend or sibling and receive a

(with signed contract)

enfieldctpaint@gmail.com

25% DISCOUNT OFF BOTH CHILDREN

(for new full time enrollment only)

50% OFF ENROLLMENT FEE WITH THIS AD

5.00 OFF

a gallon of paint

Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30 Sat 8-3 • Sun closed

Expires 6/1/20

Join our Monthly Family Nights 5:45-7pm March 19th ...............529 College Savings Accounts April 22nd ................Importance of Outside Play May 27th ..................Building Independence June 24th .................Father’s Day Picnic

2 Nutmeg Dr, Ellington, CT • 860-872-0252 • littlehouseinthecountry.net GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 9

Feels Like Home

NOW OPEN!

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.

The Ivy at Ellington 123 West Road, Ellington, CT | 860-926-0222 theivyassistedliving.com

10 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

Residential & Commercial Washing

IT’S TIME FOR SPRING CLEANING!

DOES YOUR ROOF HAVE BLACK STREAKS OR GREEN MOLD? NOW OFFERING LOW PRESSURE ROOF WASHING!

AFTER

BEFORE

SAFE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT THE LEADER IN ADVANCED POWER WASHING SINCE 1985

With our Soft Wash methods, you’ll be the envy of all your neighbors!

860.872.2729 • 860.851.9432

RS RUNNING 3 YEA

www.mrtspowerwash.com

COLONIAL ........................................ $350 2020 BASE HOUSE CAPE & RAISED RANCH .............. $250 WASHING RATES RANCH................................................ $225

20 OFF

FREE ESTIMATES

10 OFF

ROOF WASHING

POWERWASHING

Some restrictions apply. Cannot be combined with any other offers/coupons. Offer valid through 4/30/20.

ABOUT US Mr. T's Powerwash is a family owned and operated business with over twenty years of experience in the industry. We're based in Stafford, CT, but our service area includes most of North-Central Connecticut. We share a strong commitment to family values, and it comes across in the way that we do business. We always make an effort to treat customers as a part of our extended family - with courtesy and respect. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide high quality services at fair and competitive prices. One thing that helps us stand out from our competition is that we enjoy good conversation. We strive to answer every phone call personally, although that keeps getting harder as our business continues to grow. But rest assured, if you have to leave a message, WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL at our earliest opportunity. We are happy to answer any questions you may have, and we will do our best to explain things in a manner that makes you feel comfortable to have us service your home, business, or property. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 11

SALE Sweaters Jeans Slacks Coats Jackets Blouses Jewelry Scarves Belts

Country Casuals 581 Main Street • Somers, CT 860-749-0014

149 NORTH ROAD, RTE 140, EAST WINDSOR, CT TEL. (860) 623-2100 or (888) 457-7778

ESTATE AUCTION EVERY THURSDAY

AUCTION & EVENT CALENDAR MARCH 2020 Thurs. Mar. 5 5:30pm Early Bird Auction 7:00pm Estate Auction Thurs. Mar. 12 5:30pm Early Bird Auction 7:00pm Estate Auction Thurs. Mar. 19 5:00pm Art Collector Estate Live & Online Auction 5:30pm Early Bird Auction 7:00pm Major Antique Estate Auction Thurs. Mar. 26 5:30pm Early Bird Auction 7:00pm Estate Auction

1000’s of pictures at www.goldengavel.com Email with questions goldengavel@att.net or visit auctionzip.com and search our Auctionzip Auctioneer ID#: 2791 Terms: Cash, Checks, Master Card, Visa, Discover, Debit Cards. Subject to errors and omissions. 18% buyer’s premium, 3% discount for cash or approved check, all sales final.

The Cardinal Team can assist you with all your Real Estate needs: • Buying or Selling • Property Management • House Sitting • Cleanouts & Estate Sales

We will do whatever it takes.

WE BUY HOUSES TOO!

Please contact us for a free no obligation consultation. We are licensed in both Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Now Oﬀering

VIDEO WALKTHROUGH FREE to our clients

Janice Kocot LaBroad | Associate Partner • Realtor • Investor | 860.882.4969 12 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

Going to

the

 VICKI MITCHELL

chapel DRESS

HIGH END EXPERIENCE WITHOUT THE HIGH END PRICE

SHOP

“What makes a dress beautiful is the woman wearing it,” says Ellen Humphreys, owner of the Going to the Chapel Dress Shop, recently opened in Enfield. If you have a wedding, a prom, or any occasion in your future that calls for a special dress, you owe it to yourself to visit this unique and eye-catching store. At Going to the Chapel, you will not only have a “high-end experience without the high-end price,” you will be able to choose from over 4,000 dresses in stock, of which more than 800 are bridal gowns from designers such as Paloma, Casablanca, Maggie Sottero, and Sassi Holford…designer to the royals. Also available are mother-ofthe-bride/groom gowns, prom dresses, and bridesmaids and flower girl dresses, offered in sizes from 0 to 28. The store also carries veils, head pieces, shoes and jewelry. What sets Going to the Chapel apart from other stores is that all of the dresses, while new and never worn, are either floor samples, overstocks, or close-outs, resulting in substantial savings to the customers. “Your dream dress is well within reach at Going to the GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 13

Chapel Dress Shop,” says Humphreys. In explaining the store’s immediate success, Humphreys and husband, John Robinson, realized that they were “filling a niche that truly needed to be filled. Many bridal stores are closing as it is difficult and costly to carry designers. Many brides copy tag information and try to find the same dress for less money elsewhere. Here at Going to the Chapel Dress Shop we carry hundreds of new designer dresses in one location at 50% off retail. Every bride wants a beautiful dress, but not every bride is able or willing to spend lavishly on that dress. We strongly believe our success is a result of the experience every customer has when they come to Going to the Chapel. We treat everyone as special, regardless of what they come into the shop for. It is a no pressure, comfortable atmosphere.” “Recently we had a bride show us a picture of a dress she loved from another store. After trying on her third dress with us, I asked her if she was thinking about the dress at the other store. When she answered that she could not get it out of her mind, I said ‘let’s get you dressed so you can go buy your gown.’ Because of the way we treated her, she said she will share her wonderful experience with friends who will also be getting married in the near future. Her mom and grandmother who attended the appointment with her said they would be back for their dresses. Though she did not purchase the dress from us, she left a very happy bride. What more could we ask for?” 14 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

Customers should note that nothing in the store can be ordered…everything available is in stock only. However, new inventory, in addition to the 4,000 gowns already in stock, is purchased regularly from suppliers, which can occur at auctions or from store closures. Alterations are not done on-site, but the store can refer customers to local seamstresses, if needed. Humphreys, who retired in 2000 after 25 years as a flight attendant, owns a home staging business, and has volunteered at Dress for Success in Springfield. She explained what motivated her to take on her newest venture. “John and I were married in June of 2016, and at the age of 59 finding a dress was not easy. I finally found a Casablanca gown in a magazine. The obstacle I ran into was that no one carried the dress in stock and it had to be ordered without seeing it or trying it on, which also means that the dress could not be returned. Bringing the photo to one bridal store, I was told that they did not have the dress available and also, I should not wear it because it was fitted and I was too big to wear that style. While talking after our wedding, John and I said there must be a better way. Either brides pay a high price for a high-end experience or they pay a low price for a low-end experience. We wanted to deliver a high-end experience to every bride regardless of the price of their dress. Tossing ideas around, John said it would be fun to buy an old church and call it “Going to the Chapel”. In November, 2016, we were heading out to get lunch in Springfield and decided to stop at Eco Building Bargains to see the latest arrivals. On the way, the dress shop idea came up and we realized that the building does not have to be a church, but could be modified to look like one. Upon entering Eco Building we saw two large church entry doors. We talked with the staff and they found 5-6 other pieces from the same church, which was First Church in Amherst, built by Emily Dickinson’s brother. I told John we can’t buy all this since we do not even have a building to put them in. Within minutes of leaving we received a call that someone else was interested in purchasing the church items, so John gave

him our credit card number over the phone. We were suddenly the proud owners of lots of church architectural materials. That same day, as we were driving through a snow storm along Enfield St., we saw a “For Sale” sign on the Moore Rug Company building, and made an offer, which was accepted. On the upside, it was spacious, bright, had showcase windows and lots of storage, but on the downside, it was extremely outdated and needed a complete overhaul to transform it into a dress shop. Within that same 24 hour period I went online and found a bridal store in Rhode Island, which was closing after 58 years. I called them and they were interested in selling us their entire store’s contents. Thus was the beginning of a real ‘rugs to riches’ story.” In addition to the recycled items from the church, the owners were very committed to recycling and repurposing other items in their store. For instance, the lighted origami globes, chandeliers and columns that support the dress racks are all repurposed. “We found the check-out stands, shoe rack and jewelry mirrors at stores that were closing down, and we used the architectural church pieces to repurpose them. We worked diligently on refurbishing the original floors from the rug store and even added glitter to the grout of leftover simple white tiles for the bathroom floor. That buy from the Rhode Island store consisted of not only the dresses but all the store fixtures. We literally brought drills to remove racks, poles, mirrors and hooks. We took everything that wasn’t tied down.” The staff consists of five women (Jenn, Sydney, Nancy, Jennifer, and Summer) who do not work on a commission basis, which “results in a fun, low pressure environment that is completely customer focused,” says Humphreys. Some members of the staff willingly modeled gowns for our photos…Summer Gilberto wore a wedding dress by Morilee, and Sydney Waicunas showed off

a prom dress, also appropriate for other formal events. Actual bridal customers understandably did not want their gowns seen before the big day! However, Lori Thompson did show off her mother-of-the-bride dress purchased for her daughter Michelle’s upcoming November wedding. Humphreys says her favorite part of her new venture is “seeing the look on the women’s faces when they find the perfect dress. Whether there are tears or no tears, agreement from their group or not, words or nothing spoken, I always see it on their faces and that’s when I know, it’s the one. I love that!”

Going to the Chapel Dress Shop is located at 555 Enfield Street in Enfield, Connecticut Phone: 860-265-2011 www.chapeldresses.com Email ellen@chapeldresses.com Bridal by Appointment Only

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 15

NEW LOCATION OPENING SOON in Stafford! 24 hour Emergency Care for Large Animals The Finest in Veterinary Care Small Animal • Large Animal • Equine Dr. Scott D. Morey | Dr. Heidi Morey Dr. Kathryn Garner | Dr. Weston Brown Dr. Tracy Locke Zulick

OFFERING:

Lameness Exams Dental Floating • Digital X-Ray Ultrasound • Endoscopy Joint Injections Laser & Shockwave Therapy

Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri. 8-5 Thurs. 8-7 • Sat. 8-12

Serving CT and South Central MA

860-870-8701 fentonrivervet.com 9F Fieldstone Commons, Tolland, CT

Pre-order your hand selected diamonds before our April buying trip.

807 Williams Street, Longmeadow, MA (413) 567-7977 | michaelszwedjewelers.com Monday - Wednesday & Friday 10 - 5:30, Thursday 10-7, Saturday 10-4

16 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

Stafford Savings Bank Yes...We DoConstruction Loans 3 Simple Reasons Why a Construction Loan with Stafford Savings Bank Will Save You Time and Money • One Closing - We offer Construction to Permanent Financing • Standard Rates - We do not charge any interest rate premium for our construction to permanent loans • Rate Discount - We offer a Rate Discount for automatic payment from a SSB Checking or Now account

Main Office: 860-684-4261

Serving the Towns of Stafford, Ellington, Union, Tolland, Ashford, Willington and Somers. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 17

% OFF

Open to the public

with signed contract – expires 4/15/20

Walkways | Patios | Retaining Walls | Outdoor Kitchens Firepits | Hardscape Lighting

Spring Cleanup Weekly Mowing Design and Consultation Planting Flower Beds & Islands

Thursday, April 30th

Statuary Coming Soon!

5 year warranty on hardscaping 146 South Road Enfield, CT SnSandTarnow.com

5:00pm - 8:30pm

The Starting Gate at GreatHorse Hampden, MA

30 Signature Dishes and Desserts Adult beverages to sample You Vote on Top Chef award

(860)749-8008

Mon.-Sun. 8-6

Come for your Bra fitting, and leave feeling renewed!

Let The Bra Ladies put Health, Comfort and Beauty back in your life! We offer custom sizes that offer comfort and style! High-end shapewear bras, lingerie and consignment bags & shoes Panache • Enell Sports Bra Hanky Panky • Conturelle • CosaBella Hollywood Tape • Curvy Couture

R EE P FR

The Feast in the East helps to support the ERC5 Scholorship Fund for local high school students.

Purchase tickets at ERC5.com $ 85 per person $75 per ERC5 Member 18 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

OFESSIONAL BRA FITTI

NG !

BOOK YOUR BRIDAL PARTY FITTING! 635 Main Street • Somers, CT

413.244.5731 thebraladies.com

Schedule your appointment online or by phone. Your privacy is important to us!

MENTION THIS AND AND GET 5% OFF YOUR PURCHASE!

! KEITH O’CONNOR  JANIER DE JESUS

Belvedere

Polish Delicatessen

alking into Belvedere Polish Delicatessen in East Windsor is like walking into another country – Poland to be exact. Even its name is a tribute to owner Liliana Soltys’ homeland. Belvedere is the name of the Polish “White House,” a palace used by Polish presidents to meet with important guests. It is located in Warsaw, the city where Soltys was born. While you won’t find the president of Poland stopping at Belvedere of East Windsor for a bite or two to eat, you will find the deli filled with people looking for a taste of home, including a large selection of imported from Poland grocery products, cold cuts and kielbasas, Polish beers, breads, babkas, pastries and more. “While our cold cuts are made in the United States, they are manufactured using special recipes unique to Poland. However, we make many of our own

products, including pierogies, stuffed cabbage, sauerkraut, potato dumplings, potato pancakes, and meat pate,” Soltys said. “We sell a lot of stuffed cabbages and kielbasa. I’ve heard some people say that when you want to buy a kielbasa to eat, you must get a real one at a Polish deli. And we sell all kinds of head cheese or kiszka, which is something unique that you don’t see too much in other stores,” she added. Soltys emigrated from Poland to the United States in 1987, but it wouldn’t be until 21 years later that she decided to go into business for herself. “My mother, father and brother had already moved to this country and I eventually followed them with my family. I went to school, learned English, and worked all kinds of jobs while raising two children,” Soltys, 62, said. “Eventually I got tired of having to travel to Hartford or Springfield to shop

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 19

for authentic Polish food. There needed to be somewhere in-between where people could go to shop. The more I thought about it, the more I got into the idea of owning my own deli, which I did in 2008, when with my husband we decided to continue to operate the Polish deli in East Windsor that was started in 2004 by our friends John and Iwona,” she added. What makes Polish meats different from others? “I can tell you how I feel. It is the flavor, not too sweet. I remember my first impression eating here in the United States. The ham was so sweet, all of the meats were so sweet. Our meats just have a different taste and flavor to them. We have a German customer who comes to our deli to buy all of his bologna, known for its taste years ago in his country. Another customer from Hungary buys his salami and Hungarian sausage at our store,” Soltys said. Customers can even break bread together over breakfast served all day or lunch, including a full menu of Polish and American treats to eat on the spot or take out. Breakfast items include a Polish omelet, Polish breakfast plate, home fries, popular potato pancakes, and a tummy-filling two eggs, cheese, and your choice of kielbasa, bacon or ham, as well as breakfast sandwiches. The luncheon menu offers more to choose from including soups, salads, sandwiches served with a Polish pickle and chips, wraps or even a full meal. Their over-stuffed sandwiches even have names that hark back to Polish kings and warriors such as Batory’s Delicacy Liverwurst, Sobieski’s Adventure Salami, Mieszko’s Delight Smoked Turkey Breast, Jagiello’s Caption Ham and others. There are also full Polish meals, such as one golabki, slice of ham, mashed potatoes and sauerkraut; kielbasa, mashed potatoes and four pierogies; polish cutlet, mashed potatoes, two pierogies and sauerkraut; and several others dishes to choose from, all served with a slice of rye bread. “If I see someone who can’t decide what meal to try, I always recommend the Polish plate, which gives them a little of everything to try…..stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, sauerkraut, and two pierogies,” Soltys said. The deli’s real specialty is their pierogies – dumplings with a tender dough and savory or sweet fillings, considered a classic Polish dish eaten as a main meal or accompanying 20 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

side. Their pierogies are in such demand that they sell them for wholesale distribution, and customers from all over the United States have mail ordered their favorite flavors, especially around the holidays, Soltys noted. “We sell a lot of pierogies and make them on-site in our kitchen where we cook home-fresh food daily. We make them the old-fashioned way, using my mom’s recipe from back home in Poland. They are a good selection for someone looking for something traditional…..oldfashioned…..something that might be different for them to try,” Soltys said. While potato and cheese as well as cabbage are the most popular pierogies and “always will be,” said Soltys, customers have asked them to create other concoctions such as a cheeseburger pierogi and a cheese and black pepper pierogi. “I had never heard of a cheeseburger pierogi, but it became a big hit for us,” Soltys said. Other varieties, an endless list of over 20 pierogi flavors, include blueberry, strawberry, prunes, sauerkraut and bacon, mushrooms, prunes, pineapple and cheese, potato and spinach, and many more. Also, with Easter just around the corner, Soltys said they will be selling special tablecloths and decorations from Poland, as well as an Easter kielbasa that everyone waits all year long for. “We’re talking about Easter, which is all about ham. So, this is a very good and special kielbasa, very lean and made from ham. We sell a lot of them,” she said. Belvedere Polish Delicatessen also offers a large catering menu include a wide selection of meats, vegetables, cold cut platters, breads, babkas, and even polish dill pickle and marinated mushroom jars, extra hot and regular horseradish, Kosciuszko Polish mustard and more. Belvedere Polish Delicatessen is located at 122 Prospect Hill Road, East Windsor, CT. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 am. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 860-654-0008 or visit belvederepolishdeli.com. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 21

AGAWAM, MA

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER IN AGAWAM CHEZ JOSEF - 176 SHOEMAKER LANE, AGAWAM, MA 01001 FRIDAY, MARCH 20 FROM 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM An immersive mystery experience full of twists and turns. A murder will occur and your sleuthing skills will be put to the test as you work to determine whodunnit. You’ll have the chance to examine clues and mingle with suspects to deduce the culprit as you dine on a killer three-course meal. You might even become a suspect yourself! Tickets go fast, so get yours today. Visit www.chezjosef.com for more information.

EASTHAMPTON, MA

2-HOUR HOLIDAY ORNAMENT MAKING CLASS 122 PLEASANT ST, EASTHAMPTON, MA, SUITE #113 SATURDAY, MARCH 7 FROM 11:00AM - 1:00PM Learn to make hollow ornaments in this introductory flameworking class. An instructor will guide you through the process of shaping clear and color molten glass into various shapes then attach a loop to be displayed anywhere

EAST LONGMEADOW, MA

PAINTING WITH A TWIST 448A N MAIN STREET, EAST LONGMEADOW, MA THURSDAY, MARCH 19 FROM 7:00PM - 9:00PM HELLO SPRING - Adults only BYOB Event. Painters over 16 with an adult; must be 21+ to consume alcohol. Arrive up to 30 minutes early to get uncorked, smocked & in your seat. Coming with a group, let us know in the special request box, and we will seat you together. BYOB…drinks and food. We provide cups, plates, napkins, bottle chillers & openers. Remember...You’ll have an apron, but there’s a chance you could get paint on your clothes…so nothing fancy. No experience needed. You CAN’T make a mistake, plus we’re here to help. Make sure to bring a camera. 413-525-2041

HOLYOKE, MA

3RD ANNUAL HOLYOKE ST. PATRICK’S PARADE TARTAN PARTY HOLYOKE MERRY GO ROUND - 221 APPLETON ST, HOLYOKE, MA SATURDAY, MARCH 7 FROM 2PM - 5PM Wear your parade tartan, green & shamrock garb and bring the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade/Road Race spirit to Dobbin, the Yankee Pedlar Horse, as he begins his 3rd year of retirement at the Holyoke Merry Go Round. Fun for the whole family. This event is CASH or CHECK only for admission. Credit cards may be used for merchandise.

SOUTHWICK, MA

SOUTHWICK PUB CRAWL SOUTHWICK TOWN CLERK - 454 COLLEGE HWY, SOUTHWICK, MA SATURDAY, MARCH 14 FROM 7PM - ??? Hop aboard a chartered bus and embark on a tour through some of Southwick’s most fun establishments. Crawlers will enjoy exclusive specials. Crawlers will meet at the Southwick Town Hall. A chartered bus will continuously circle through town, safely and efficiently bringing crawlers to their desired destinations when they are ready!

HAMPDEN, MA

CELEBRATING THE IRISH WITH DEE REILLY THE STARTING GATE AT GREATHORSE 128 WILBRAHAM RD BANQUET HALL, HAMPDEN, MA SATURDAY, MARCH 14 FROM 6:00PM - 10:00PM Deirdre Reilly beautifully personifies the dramatic influences that Irish music has had on today’s American Country scene.Traditional Irish Dinner Stations featuring Corned Beef & Cabbage, Shepard’s Pie and so much more. Cash Bar will be available. The price is $65 per person and includes Entertainment and Admin. Fee. Please visit www.TheStartingGate.com for more information about this event. 22 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA

GREENE ROOM’S WINE & BEER GALA SPRINGFIELD COUNTRY CLUB - 1375 ELM ST, WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA FRIDAY, MARCH 27 FROM 6:00PM - 10:00PM Tickets to this event are on sale now. Fundraiser benefiting Greene Room Productions Please celebrate with us at our Wine and Beer Gala, as we continue to serve the Western Mass community through the performing arts. Wine and Beer Tasting, Raffles, Live Auctions, and Hot and colds hors d’oeuvres. Designated Driver ticket also available.

WESTFIELD, MA

WESTFIELD POLAR PLUNGE HAMPTON PONDS – WESTFIELD, MA SATURDAY, MARCH 7 FROM 10:00AM - 2:00PM Get ready to plunge this winter at a new Polar Plunge – the Westfield Polar Plunge at Hampton Ponds. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is partnering with local Police Departments and the Cyclonauts Bicycle Club to add a Polar Plunge to Pioneer Valley. Set at Kingsley Beach in Hampton Ponds State Park, plungers can take turns running into the lake to support Special Olympics. After the plunge, join us for some food, music, and fundraising and costume awards. Contact polarplungema@specialolympicsma.org with any questions.

ENFIELD, CT

51ST HOME AND PRODUCT SHOW 90 ELM STREET, ENFIELD, CT 06082 SATURDAY, MARCH 7 FROM 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM The North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce proudly hosts this year’s 51st annual Home and Product Show. Located for the very first time at the Enfield Square mall, Saturday March 7th and Sunday March 8th 10am-5pm. Free admission. Raffles, family attractions & entertainment, and local crafters. The area’s best local home improvement specialists and contractors. Visit www.ncccc.org for more information.

ELLINGTON, CT

PLANT NITE: PICK YOUR OWN WOODEN OR GLASS PLANTER THE HIDDEN STILL - 87 WEST RD, ELLINGTON, CT SUNDAY, MARCH 15 STARTING AT 3:00PM Come join us in creating a succulent terrarium. You will be able to pick your container for tonight’s event so please arrive early to have the first pick. First come, first served. Total Price of this experience includes an Experience Fee. Visit https://www.yaymaker. com/us/ct/ellington/3578/events/the-hidden-still for more information. This event is for ages 13 and up.

GRANBY, CT

NEW - HIKING CLUB GRANBY SENIOR CENTER - 15 N GRANBY ROAD #C, GRANBY, CT THURSDAY, MARCH 12 STARTING AT1:00PM Come and learn more about our new hiking club that will be starting later in March. You will have the opportunity to share ideas for hikes in our area, get more information about Club Membership and meet other hiking enthusiasts. We have scheduled the first two hikes, but Club members will help select future locations. Free to attend. Call 860-844-5352 to register.

Open to the Public

No Medical Card Needed

#1 Locally Grown/Produced CBD Tinctures, Vape Oils, Edibles All Natural CBD (Cannabidiol) products available for purchase online or at our cafe! CBD Infused Teas & Coﬀee • Baked Goods • Honey • Chocolates Tinctures • Lotions • Soaps • Grow Supplies • Apparel • Cooking Classes Massachusetts State Hemp Cultivation licensed All Naturally Produced - No Pesticides State tested plants/products

EASTHAMPTON, MA

@ Eastworks - 116 Pleasant St. 413-203-5354

SPRINGFIELD MA oracare.squarespace.com

878 Sumner Ave. 413-747-1863

ECFCU VISA Credit Card Benefits STOP IN OR APPLY ONLINE

• No Annual Fee • No Balance Transfer Fee • Cash Advances • Fast Credit Approval • Cards Made On Site

Extra Awards

Earn points for each signed purchase! Redeem points for cash, travel, gift cards and more! Remember, we're here for all your loan needs…

Vehicles • Mortgages • Refi's (Home & Auto) • Personal VISA • Bill Consolidation • Tax Liabilities *Cannot be used to refinance existing ECFCU loans. Promo can be cancelled at any time. Actual rate may vary depending on individual credit worthiness.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 23

Let Me Help You

BUY, SELL or INVEST in Real Estate.

“Energetic & Grateful”

CHRIS Buendo

REALTOR® – Licensed in MA & CT

575.9266

413

Chris@ResultsBegin.com www.ResultsBegin.com

Reserve Now for Easter – Sunday, April 12th Now Open Thurs.-Sun. We will be closed for vacation March 30th-April 9th Open Tues.-Sun. starting April 10th www.salemcrossinn.com (508) 867-2345

A Progressive Animal Hospital & Wellness Facility Andrew R. Hersman, DVM Lynn Dgetluck, DVM William D. Anderson, DVM Denise A. Chiminiello, DVM Hannah Belcher-Timme, DVM Leah Guidry, DVM Ben Shryock, DVM

Serving Northern CT & Western MA

Since 1920 Celebrating 100 Years

License #0502206

Welcoming Ben Shryock, DVM to our team!

Wilbraham Animal Hospital

2424 Boston Rd. Wilbraham, MA

413.596.8395

wilbrahamanimalhospital.com

by ent Appointm Only

10% OFF

Full Body Tan Exp. 4/30/20 Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Open Evenings & Weekends for your convenience. Family owned for over 30 years!

525 Page Blvd. Springfield, MA (Less than 1 mile from Route 291)

413.739.6389 esvhospital.com

Glow for the “Spring”of it! Get The Luminous Glow & Be Radiant! Just Like You Stepped Off The Beach! Book Online at luminousglow.net or Call 413.525.7500

413.525.7500 143E Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA | luminousglow.net 24 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

100 Off

East Springfield Veterinary Hospital Let us make you the Starr of the neighborhood. Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured

www.hastarr.com

Your order of $1000 or more

with this coupon Offer expires 11/30/20

go local picks

COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR

4TH ANNUAL BREWFEST FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT THE SOMERS EDUCATION FOUNDATION PLEASANT VIEW FARMS 452 SOUTH ROAD, SOMERS, CT Saturday, March 28th from 7-10pm. Want to enjoy an evening of tasting local brews and bites all while supporting the Somers Education Foundation? Please join them for their annual event that will assist them in their ability to continue their mission of supporting the Somers Public Schools with cutting edge grant opportunities for their students and teachers. Tickets $40 per person, please visit www.sefonline.org for tickets and more information.

THE ORIGINAL WESTERN MASS HOME & GARDENSHOW 1305 MEMORIAL AVENUE WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA They are celebrating their 66th year! This year they’re offering over 350 vendors who specialize in all aspects of the home or garden with over 600 booths! Vendors include home builders and remodelers, appliance and equipment dealers, banks and lending institutions and vendors of everything from natural gas to beauty products. Thursday, March 26 & Friday, March 27, 1-9pm; Saturday, March 28 10am-9pm; Sunday, March 29 10am-5pm. Visit www.easternstatesexposition.com for more information.

35TH ANNUAL WINE & FOOD LOVERS’ TASTING MGM SPRINGFIELD ONE MGM WAY, SPRINGFIELD, MA Friday, March 6 from 6:00PM - 8:30PM & Saturday, March 7 from 6:00PM - 10:30PM. The 35TH Annual Wine & Food Lovers’ Tasting is presented by New England Public Media - the new alliance of WGBY and NEPR - with Provisions of Northampton. The event will be held in an expansive new space at MGM Springfield with over 200 wine, craft beer, and specialty foods to taste. A number of featured regional chefs will serve their signature dishes paired with wines at special stations. Visit wgby.org/wine/dinner for tickets and details.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 25

Ryan D. Jacque Western Mass

Pencil Artist Original Art and Commission Portraits

ryanjacque.com 774.452.5332 ryan@ryanjacque.com

1 Allen St., Hampden, MA

(413) 566-8324

di Hampden House TUESDAY NIGHT

3-COURSE PRIX FIXE MENU

20 $12 413•566•8015 N.Y. STRIP STEAK for

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

PIZZERIA & LOUNGE

Grinders • Giant Calzones • Seafood • Salads • Wings & More

Save Time! Save Money!

ORDER ONLINE!

Choice of Sauce & 2 Sides

SUNDAY NIGHT

HALF PRICED APPETIZERS from 4-10 in Our Lounge Only

Live Music in our Lounge

Friday & Saturday

BOOK YOUR NEXT FUNCTION WITH US! Contact Lori at lacucinagreenhouse@gmail.com See our website for our Banquet & Catering Menu

lacucinahampden.com

Come Out, Have Some Good Times And Watch The Basketball Tournament Games This Month!

Lounge Open & Pizza 7 Days • Lunch Served Tues-Sun

MONDAY

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

80¢ Wings

ALL DAY! (dine-in only)

TUESDAY

1/2 OFF Apps

We Gotta Key for That! YEP! We gotta key for that!

WEDNESDAY

977 St. James Avenue Springfield, MA

TRIVIA NIGHT Delivery to Hampden, Wilbraham, East Longmeadow, Sixteen Acres, East Forest Park and parts of Longmeadow, Enfield & Somers, CT! 9 Allen St. • Hampden Mini Mall • Hampden, MA (413) 566-8015

Open 7 Days | www.giospizzeria.com

26 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

LOUNGE SPECIAL

LOCKSMITHS

413-732-8538

servulocksmiths.com

Your Local, Family Owned Kitchen Experts. Serving CT & MA for 36 Years Complete Tree Care & Removal Service Stump Grinding • Crane Work • Expert Pruning Insect & Disease Control “Working with People Who Care About Trees!”

Kitchen • Bath • Laundry • Home Office Quartz • Granite • Corian • Laminate FREE Design, In-Home Measuring & Estimates • Full Remodeling

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE • Fully Insured • FREE Estimates

Kitchen Encounters offers friendly, local service. We will help you visualize your new kitchen or bath with our expert design service and we are ALWAYS a better value than the big box stores. You can trust Kitchen Encounters because our families are local, just like yours!

860.749.7365 • 413.525.3916 MA Certified Arborist #1676

mtsne.com

CT Licensed Arborist #62445

Visit Our Beautiful Showroom

Over 20 Years in Business!

15 RAILROAD AVENUE, WILBRAHAM 413-596-6535 | WWW.KITCHEN-ENCOUNTERS.COM

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 27

Enjoy A Fresh Farm Share! It’s time to sign-up for the 2020 CSA Season!

We grow a wide variety of fresh vegetables, fruit and herbs throughout the season (normally 20 weeks).

Stepping through helps reduce slip and fall accidents

Weekly pickups at the farm or at your workplace.

• More affordable than Learn more at: walk-in tubs! MiracleMethod.com/easystep • We install Easy Step into your existing tub – No expensive remodeling! ALL WORK GUARANTEED

website ✽ visitforourdetails ✽ 46 Bailey Road, Enfield, CT

farmerb@easypickinsorchard.com Family Owned & Operated since 1951

(860) 763-FARM | Easypickinsorchard.com

GRINDERS • SMOKED MEATS PIEROGI • KIELBASA

We can also install: • Curved Shower Rod • Hand-Held Shower Head • Slip-Resistant Surface

One Coupon Per Order Through 4/30/20 Valid at Participating Locations Only

Each Miracle Method franchise 541 Center St. • Ludlow, MA independently owned 413-589-0769 • www.miraclemethod.com and operated.

de F resh Dai ly MaFor ! the Very Best in Donuts There’s Only One...

GERRY’S DONUTS

“Eye Opener” Combo

Since 1981

TheOldCountryDeli.com | smokeBBQcafe.com

4 Alden Ave., Enfield, CT • 860-745-5390

Monday-Friday 10am-6pm • Saturday 10am-2pm Smoke BBQ Cafe only: Sunday 10am-1pm Pizza • Grinders Appetizers Wings Calzones Salads • Wraps Sandwiches Hamburgers Omelets • Desserts

00 OFF 4 Order of $15 or More $

$ 79

GERRY’S DONUTS

“The Muffin Man”

$ 79

GERRY’S DONUTS

“Donut Worry Be Happy”

225

Your choice of donut, danish or muﬃn Coupon Expires 3/31/20

3 Muﬃns (Limit 2 Dozen) Coupon Expires 3/31/20

6 Donuts (Limit 2 Dozen) Coupon Expires 3/31/20

180 Windsorville Rd (5 Corners Plaza) Rt. 74 • Ellington, CT

180 Windsorville Rd (5 Corners Plaza) Rt. 74 • Ellington, CT A NEW COLOR FOR

Spring!

50% OFF HAIR CUTS

WITH ANY COLOR SERVICE With this ad. New Customers Only. Oﬀer expires 3/31/20.

20% OFF HAIR PRODUCTS WITH A HAIR CUT With this ad. Oﬀer expires 3/31/20.

Pick-up only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 3/31/20. 112 Pearl St. • Enfield, CT • 860.741.3679 • 860.741.3670 www.enfieldpizza.com

All Homemade with The Freshest Ingredients! 28 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

BEST OF North Central CT Reader’s Poll

2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 S A L O N 860.749.3200 | 95 South Road Somers, CT | CuttingLooseSomers.com

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!

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 29

SAWMILL HERB FARM

140 MEADOW STREET . FLORENCE, MA (413) 268-4372 . 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 local full share costs $190-200 and includes 10 shares, biweekly pickups from June 4-Sept. 25, one free class in Sawmill Herb Farm’s workshop series, and an invitation for participation in the private CSA Facebook group. A local half-share costs $100-110 and includes 5 shares, monthly pickups from June 18-Sept.11 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.

ons. Pork from Mosher Farms of Broad Brook and fruit from Draghi Farms of South Windsor are additional add-ons. If joining the CSA sounds interesting, Bordua Farms will host a Night on the Farm event for current and potential members to learn more about the CSA in September.

scantic valley csa

244 Hampden Road . East Longmeadow, ma (413) 627-2718 Scantic Valley CSA collaborates with small, local farms including Pomeroy’s Vegetable Farm, Crow River Farm and D&R Farm. They offer a fresh and delicious selection in their shares that varies by week. Whole Shares ($620) and Half Shares ($340) are available. Scantic Valley CSA ensures all partners use sustainable practices, including vegetables and fruits grown free of synthetic pesticides and herbicides.

oxen hill farm

1434 Hill Street . Suffield, CT (860) 986-2284 . oxenhillfarm.com Oxen Hill Farm is offering their 12th USDA Organic Summer CSA program in 2020. The farm offers a variety of 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!

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

DOWN TO EARTH FARM CSA

5 MICHELEC ROAD . STAFFORD, ct (860) 851-9617 . 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! 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. For those not interested in working on the farm, Down to Earth Farm’s CSA also offers non-working shares.

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. In October, 2 ornamental pumpkins are also included. The farm also has a floral add-on that provides CSA members with 6 bouquets. Bordua Farms teams up with other local businesses to provide unique add-

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. These dates are contingent on the weather and may need to be adjusted.

granny’s place

844 main street . agawam, ma (413) 786-9366 . grannysplaceagawam.com Granny’s Place provides farm shares for 17 weeks, from June 7 to September 27. Three share sizes are available: Individual/Senior Share for $250, Small Share for $400 and Large Share for $650. For $50, members can add a dozen farm fresh eggs. Granny’s Place offers a wide range of fresh vegetables including asparagus, potatoes, apples and squash.

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 8 weeks worth of locally grown flower bouquets. Flowers are picked up weekly between July and August.

Mountain View Farm CSA

393 east street . easthampton, ma (413) 329-0211 . mountainviewfarmcsa.com Mountain View Farm offers three different share packages. The Singles/Couples share costs $400, the Regular share $625 and the Farm Share Plus $710. 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.

Easy Pickin’s Orchard

46 Bailey Road . Enfield, ct (860) 763-3276 . easypickinsorchard.com

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 a integrated pest management system to ensure high-quality growing practices. For pricing, CSA details and specific pickup locations (many producers offer various sites) for the 2020 season, please contact farm directly. This is not a comprehensive list, if you would to be included in future publications, please contact: mjohnson@repub.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!

FIND YOUR LOCAL, SEASONAL EATS! CISA Community Involved in Sustaining Local Agriculture • BUYLOCALFOOD.ORG BUY CT GROWN Where to find CT Grown Products • FARMTOCOMMUNITY.UCONN.EDU LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS Many have year-round markets • LOCALHARVEST.ORG LOCAL FOOD ASSOCIATIONS CTFOODASSOCIATION.ORG • MAFOOD.COM 30 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

COMMUNITY GARDEN • COMMUNITYGARDEN.ORG LOCAL CO-OPS WILLIMANTICFOOD.COOP • RIVERVALLEY.COOP DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE • CT.GOV • MASS.GOV

! TIERA N. WRIGHT  NATE BLAIS

MHA INTRODUCES

SAFE SPACE O

n a daily basis teenagers and young adults, alike, are plagued with a number of issues big or small. From the pressures they may face in school, to the impact of social media, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem; in most cases they have a support system to help ease the transition into adulthood, but sadly many aren’t that lucky. Many youth and young adults who identify or are part of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community not only deal with the day-to-day struggles of adolescence, but sometimes do so without

the support of their peers or families. Pivotal milestones, such as, coming out or establishing one’s identity are met with derision or disapproval. As a result, safe space locations have continued to emerge which allow individuals to have a place to go, talk, and just be themselves with no judgement. In January, the Mental Health Association (MHA) launched and welcomed members of the LGBTQ+ community to new weekly support groups at their BestLife Emotional Health and Wellness Center located at 153 Magazine Street in Springfield. “The benefits of support groups for individuals who

identify as LGBTQ+ include feeling less lonely, isolated or judged; gaining a sense of empowerment and control; improving coping skills and sense of adjustment; talking openly and honestly about their feelings; and reducing distress, depression or anxiety,” said Sara Kendall, MSW, LICSW, Vice President of Clinical Operations for MHA. “Being part of a clinician-facilitated group can help group members work to overcome obstacles, build working relationships, and support each other as they learn to self-navigate in the community. Community members and friends can help individuals in a num-

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 31

ber of ways, but the support provided by a group of people who have had similar experiences is even more powerful. Through shared experience, our LGBTQ+ support groups will help members build a healthy, positive lifestyle through participating and understanding.” Voted by readers of the Republican Newspaper as the Reader Raves’ Best Non-Profit two years in a row, MHA has been serving the community since 1960. Founded by “concerned citizens”, according to MHA’s website, their mission was “to provide advocacy for people with mental illness living at Northampton State Hospital.” 60 years later, MHA has only continued to grow and expand upon the mission set by their founders and ultimately serve members of all communities. “MHA’s new support groups are made possible by a generous grant from Eversource, which is allowing MHA to reinforce the services of our BestLife Emotional Health and Wellness Center for anyone who wants to start a conversation about mental health,” said Kimberley A. Lee, VP Resource Development & Branding for MHA. “That could include individuals facing the emotional challenges that can be involved in coming out and living their identity with confidence in the community. MHA wants to applaud Eversource both for their generosity and for their insight and sensitivity in helping us serve this population which experiences higher incidences of mental health challenges.” MHA’s Safe Space Support and Educational Groups for LGBTQ+ meets weekly on Mondays from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (ages 18-25 years old) and Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. (ages 13-17 years).

For more information on the new LGBTQ+ support groups, call 844-MHA-WELL

32 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

When your trees are safe, your house is safe.

We specialize in all types of tree work with special equipment – cranes to 134 ft. 40+ years in business. Free estimates. Free advice. Fully insured.

Call Robb Wallace

413-782-8733

wallacetree@gmail.com

GET READY “Schedule Your Service NOW for the Spring”

––——— E N F I E L D ——––—

A U T O R E S T O R AT I O N Handcrafted service for foreign & domestic cars from 1900s-1980s

Celebrating Our 48th Year Of Classic, Vintage, Antique & Sports Car Restoration Leading the Field Since 1972

4 PRINT SHOP ROAD, ENFIELD, CT

860.749.7917

ENFIELDAUTORESTORATION.COM

89 RAFFIA ROAD • ENFIELD, CT 860-749-3292 SouthwoodAntiques.com Follow us on Facebook! Store Hours: Tue-Wed, Sat-Sun 10-5 • Thu-Fri 12-7 GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 33

go eat

! RECIPE SUBMITTED BY JANET PARÉ

IRISH APPLE CAKE

This delicious, moist, apple-packed cake is one of the best Irish desserts and it's not green! For best results, use crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honey Crisp. Use a combination of different apples for varying taste and textures.

3 cups flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1/8 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 6 oz. butter, cold, diced 3/4 cup sugar 4 large apples, peeled, cored & diced 3/4 cup whole milk 2 eggs 4 tbsp. sugar for sprinkling on top of batter

Preheat oven to 375°. Grease and flour a 9 inch springform pan. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Mix in sugar then toss in diced apples and combine. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Add to the apple/flour mixture until just combined being careful not to over mix. Batter will be thick and dough-like. Spoon batter into prepared pan and flatten top with a spatula. Sprinkle sugar over top of batter. Bake 50 - 55 minutes. Test the center for doneness using a toothpick or knife. Be sure it comes out clean. The top should be a nice, golden brown. Cool completely before removing from pan. Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or both. Also great with a cup of coffee, latte or tea!

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. 34 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

! KEITH O’CONNOR  JANIER DE JESUS

Maureen's Sweet Shoppe

tepping foot into Maureen’s Sweet Shoppe in East Longmeadow gives real meaning to the popular phrase “like a kid in a candy shop.” Owner Maureen Basile said they just completed two of their busiest seasons, Christmas and Valentine’s Day, and are now preparing for another big one – Easter. “We are busy making big chocolate bunnies wrapped in cellophane – milk, dark or white chocolate to choose from. Our chocolate eggs – marshmallow, peanut butter and fudge – are also popular. We will also have chocolate covered marshmallows, Rice Krispies treats and more all wrapped in different color foils. It also wouldn’t be Easter

without jelly beans, which we bring in from a wholesaler. And we make our own Easter baskets, some which are pre-made and others put together onthe-spot with goodies selected by the customer,” she said. You don’t need to be a chocoholic to make your own chocolates, but it helps, noted Basile. “Yes, I am a chocoholic. It started growing up as a kid eating Kit Kats and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Eventually I dreamed of opening my own candy shop,” she said. It was her husband and father-in-law who finally “pushed” Basile into fulfilling her dream. “I think what happened is that they just got tired of hearing me talk about GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 35

it so often. So, they found me a spot at Eastfield Mall in Springfield, I signed a lease, and that’s how it all began back in 2009,” Basile said. But eventually she wanted more. “I couldn’t make my own chocolates at Eastfield Mall. I had to bring them in from outside vendors, and that wasn’t enough to make me happy. So, we eventually found a new spot at Heritage Village Shoppes in East Longmeadow, where I could make my own chocolates. Then from there we started doing a tremendous wholesale business all over the country,” Basile said, before eventually settling on their current location. Basile is a self-taught chocolatier. “It began with making chocolates for family members and friends, to give as gifts around the holidays and for other events, then I began to take it more seriously. I learned how to make chocolates from my grandparents and by teaching myself and trying different recipes and my own concoctions,” she said. Today, Basile makes all shapes, sizes and kinds of chocolates – milk, dark, and white – that you might find in a typical assorted box, including caramels, truffles, toffee, cherry cordials, nut clusters, barks, fudge, peanut butter cups, chocolate covered pretzels, and traditional butter creams. “Our most popular chocolates are our turtles, nonpareils, and chocolate-covered Oreos,” she said. For sweet tooths, especially younger candy lovers who prefer pure sugar, Basile brings in lollipops of all flavors, gummies, sour patch treats, as well as classic candies such as Swedish Fish, jelly beans and Pez. “We also work with customers to create special favors for weddings, including our popular bride and groom Oreos, as well as baby and bridal showers and other special events such as anniversary and birthday parties, christenings, banquets, corporate events, hotel welcome gifts, and drop-by gifts for any company sales force,” Basile said. She noted that she enjoys putting her artistry to work on custom orders. “We were once asked to reinvent the world in chocolate and to create a life-size baseball cap, for which there is no mold to work from. 36 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

My hardest project was making a full-size trophy, again for which there is no mold. I had to get very creative and construct the chocolate trophy piecemeal. I used a bowl from a blender to make the cup, free-handedly poured the handles onto parchment paper and attached them with chocolate, and then used a v-shaped coffee mug to create a chocolate molded base to sit the trophy on,” Basile said. “We also have some 8,000 molds from which we can make all kinds of things including seashells, dinosaurs which are very popular with the kids, dogs, horses, cartoon characters, flip flops, ice skates, hearts, cars, crowns, cats, lions, elephants, hot air balloons, teddy bears, and even occupational molds for doctors, nurses, construction workers, hair dressers and so many more. The list is endless,” she added. In mid-March, Basile will officially launch a new popcorn bar in the store featuring such sweet and savory flavors as cheddar cheese, garlic Parmesan, barbecue, caramel, drizzled chocolate and more. Other new products include assorted chocolate-dipped fruit and gift baskets filled with a variety of food products, as well as one called “Pure Relaxation” with spa items. When it comes to the candy business, Basile has a pet peeve about the way some chocolates are packaged. “We do everything by weight at my store. So you know exactly what you are getting. When we prepackage, we have a clear, covered one so you know what is in it and how much. But, go into some places and you will find these big boxes of chocolates from candy companies that you assume have a large quantity of chocolate in it because of their size. And that drives me crazy. What you will find

in many of these boxes is a giant plastic insert that have the chocolates in place and they are actually far apart from one another, so you are getting fewer pieces of chocolate,” Basile said. “Also, my gift baskets may appear smaller than some commercially produced baskets, but ours contain so much more product, as opposed to commercial baskets which are built up in size by a foam core that limits the amount of product the basket contain so you have a basket with a shell of products and air in the middle. It really frustrates me to see this” she added. For those who want to try their own hand at making some delectable chocolate treats, Basile hosts birthday and special Ladies Night Out parties. For the birthday parties, each child makes their own candy bar, chocolate pizza and dips Oreos, pretzels and marshmallows, which they package to bring home. After the chocolate making, children enjoy pizza and beverages. The Ladies Night Out parties are similar, but include making more adult chocolates such as truffles and chocolate-covered cherries. The cost for the birthday or Ladies Night Out parties is $250 for a group of eight, and $25 for each additional guest. All parties are held at the store. Maureen’s Sweet Shoppe is located at 6 Center Square in East Longmeadow, MA. Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Sunday and Monday.

For more information, call 413-222-2642, or visit maureenssweetshoppe.com.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 37

local einstein

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

WHICH U.S. PRESIDENT WAS THE ONLY ONE TO REMAIN A LIFELONG BACHELOR?

WHICH WOULD YOU USE TO MAKE IRISH COFFEE? [A] [B] [C] [D]

Scotch Whiskey Guinness Brandy

[A] James Buchanan [B] Zachary Taylor [C] Franklin Pierce [D] Martin Van Buren THE NBA’S MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES FORMERLY PLAYED IN WHAT CANADIAN CITY?

WHAT WAS THE FIRST BOND FILM TO WIN A BEST ORIGINAL SONG OSCAR? [A] Nobody Does It Better (Carly Simon) [B] Skyfall (Adele) [C] For Your Eyes Only (Sheena Easton) [D] Live and Let Die (Paul McCartney & Wings)

[A] Toronto [B] Montreal [C] Ottawa [D] Vancouver

IN WHAT YEAR DID MCDONALD’S INTRODUCE BREAKFAST AND THE EGG MCMUFFIN?

WHO PAINTED THE LATE 15TH-CENTURY MURAL KNOWN AS “THE LAST SUPPER?” [A] Michelangelo [B] Raphael [C] da Vinci [D] Botticelli

[A] 1967 [B] 1972 [C] 1977 [D] 1980

IN THE MOVIE “THE LION KING” WHAT WAS THE NAME OF SIMBA’S MOTHER?

WHICH CITY IS COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS “THE CITY OF LIGHT?”

[A] Rome, Italy [B] Frankfurt, Germany [C] Madrid, Spain [D] Paris, France

[A] Mufasa [B] Sarabi [C] Nala [D] Kamari

[A] Thomas Edison [B] Henry Ford [C] Abraham Lincoln [D] Dr. Seuss

Visit Our Showroom - Deal with the Owner 40 Years Experience

# CORRECT

RANK

ANSWERS:

8-9 5-7 2-4 0-1

160 110 50 3

Prodigy Egghead Meh Simpleton

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

WHO FAMOUSLY SAID “WHETHER YOU THINK YOU CAN OR THINK YOU CAN’T, YOU’RE RIGHT?”

Affordable Bathroom Remodeling

PECIALTY BATH REMODELING

585 Hazard Avenue (Rt. 190), Enfield, CT (in the Scitico Plaza) Store: 860-749-5112 • Owner’s Cell: 860-573-7908 Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat by Appointment 38 GO LOCAL MARCH 2020

We'll Turn Your Dream Bathroom into a Reality... and Save You Money Too!

QUALITY BATHROOMS | FAIR PRICES REAL LIFETIME WARRANTEES

The Final Countdown

7 Great Mexican Restaurants Looking to add a little spice? Check out these flavorful Mexican eateries!

EL COMALITO

LA VERACRUZANA

MACHO TACO

MEXICALI CANTINA GRILL

126 NORTHAMPTON ST, EASTHAMPTON, MA ELCOMALITORESTAURANTBAR.COM With two locations, one in Amherst and one in Easthampton, El Comalito offers authentic Mexican and Salvadoran foods and catering.

67 SPRINGFIELD ST, AGAWAM, MA MACHOTACORESTAURANT.COM Macho Taco is located right across the bridge near the Eastern States Exposition in the Agawam Towne Square. Catering menu and GrubHub delivery available.

BUENO Y SANO

935 RIVERDALE ST, WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA BUENOYSANO.COM Bueno Y Sano, or “Good and Healthy”, will fill you right up with their tasty ingredients. Bueno y Sano also has locations in Acton, Amherst, Northampton, Springfield, and South Deerfield, MA, as well as South Burlington, VT, and also caters.

EL FORASTERO

360 N WESTFIELD ST, AGAWAM, MA FIND THEM ON FACEBOOK Family owned and operated, El Forastero offers freshly prepared Mexican food in a colorful setting. Don’t miss their Taco Tuesday special!

31 UNION ST, EASTHAMPTON, MA LAVERACRUZANA.COM/EASTHAMPTON Since the 1990s, La Veracruzana has been serving wholesome and healthy foods to Amherst, Easthampton, and Northampton. They also cater and have a VIP club for patrons to receive updates on special events, new menu items, and more.

935 SULLIVAN AVE, SOUTH WINDSOR, CT MEXICALICANTINAGRILL.COM/MENUS/CTLOCATIONS/SWINDSOR-CT Mexicali Grill has multiple locations across Connecticut and Massachusetts. They offer lunch, dinner, and a kid’s menu in a colorfully decorated atmosphere.

SARAPES

95 HIGH ST, ENFIELD, CT SARAPESRESTAURANT.COM The Chavez Mellado Family has operated Sarapes since 1999. They cook authentic foods with seasonal and local ingredients and also cater to special events.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 39