Go Local | May 2017

GO LOCAL MAGAZINE . MAY 2017

May 2017 Volume 3 . Issue 6 golocalmagazines.com

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM

turned & sculpted little red store born from the heart the Dziadul Family story

something from the clouds

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2 GO LOCAL MAY 2017

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new this month

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A NOTE

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go eat

9

GO ON, YOUR SAY

17

LOCAL ROOTS

11

LITTLE RED STORE

23

SOMETHING FROM THE CLOUDS Luis R. Lee

From the Editor 15 Minutes of Fame

Mill Pond Country Store

Strawberry Rhubarb Cake

E. Cecchi Farms

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17

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4 GO LOCAL MAY 2017

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I have such affection for the month of May, there’s a certain enchantment carried on the heels of a warm breeze. The weather has corrected itself with tepid days and mild nights; the air feels fresh and new. The upswing of the season is a transitional time filled with preparations for each bright, sunny day ahead.

Every story has its beginning and with both Mother’s Day and my birthday in close proximity, an annual recollection of my birth is always included within the next 31 days. My mom has always been willing to openly share - even with strangers - about the arduous event, so you might as well know too. I was expected to arrive around May 8 and it being Mother’s Day that year, it would have been a completely suitable date to make an appearance - but I never showed. I didn’t come the next day either, or the next week. My uncle joked that I would be his birthday present on May 31 and despite my mom’s angst at the thought - he was right. Three and a half weeks late(r) I arrived, weighing in at 11 lb. 6 oz. and 231/2 inches long (I’ve been told this was the record for quite sometime at the hospital).

At first my mom didn’t believe my reported size - or that I was a girl. It’s been a running joke since, from how my feet were too big for the hospital booties and that I was just waiting for the right name - I could have been Holley-Fern or Karen-Sue (and those are both first name hyphenates, not a separate first and middle).

The details suit me well as my feet are enormous and I’m still perpetually late.

The point of this [probably too much information] tale is that everyone has a story and most are meant to be shared. That’s why I love the pages of this magazine, it provides the opportunity to slip into someone else’s shoes and experience things we may have not had access to; each month is a new adventure. This is how I felt when I met Dan and Andrea Dziadul, an extraordinary East Windsor couple whose hearts are full with the recent finalized adoption of their four children. We also met the family behind the Mill Pond Country Store, a definitive icon of Stafford Springs. In Agawam we learned what was growing at E. Cecchi Farms, a multi-generational farm that grows everything from annuals to asparagus. We also threw clay with ceramic artist Kevin Ryan in Ellington and stopped by the studio of Rosanna Coyne, an incredibly skilled master woodcarver in Hampden. In Suffield we met Luis R. Lee, a full-blooded enrolled Seneca; he shares the origins of lacrosse and details of his authentic Iroquois handicrafts.

I hope you enjoy the stories of your neighbors, learn something new or find deeper understanding in a perspective you may not have considered before. That’s what this season - and life - is all about, a transitional journey with the promise that we can renew and grow. Have a wonderful month and enjoy the warmth of the days ahead!

6 GO LOCAL MAY 2017

WILBRAHAM

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Route 190

SUFFIELD

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your say

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BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES THEIR 15 MINUTES OF FAME

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How to cook

Not to care what other people think

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A spring rain

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What’s the best band to listen to with the windows down and radio up?

BOB General Contractor

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 9

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10 GO LOCAL MAY 2017

Dr. Abby M. Kelly, OD Optometrist Providing full eye exams and contact lens fittings Glasses and Sunglasses Most insurances accepted. Call for an appointment today!

458 Talcottville Road Vernon, CT 06066 860.870.5822

155 North Road E. Windsor, CT 06088 860.623.8217

! AMBER WAKLEY  J ACQUELINE M. SIDOR, JMS ART & PHOTO

ituated on a precarious corner in the Stafford Hollow – the original center of town – there’s a little red store with a treasured history. The gable-ended building is draped with warm nostalgia and timeless charm; its rustic ambiance is a point of pride for locals and an intriguing stop for visitors. This is Mill Pond Country Store.

Established in 1845, the country store has always lent itself as a local hub and the façade has gone nearly unaltered over the last 175 years (a true rarity for commercial buildings of this period). At its inception most arrived by horse and buggy, while others used furs in exchange for goods. And while some things have changed over the nearly two centuries, it has always been a place for community and conversation.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 11

It’s filled with rustic charm, even the entry possesses a particular magnetism. Like a well-loved farmhouse, the screen door creaks from its hinges, squealing as it opens, followed by a down-home “slap” once it has returned to its stop. It welcomes you to something wonderful. Inside, well-weathered floors parallel a plank-paneled ceiling; it almost sets a standard for quaint country stores. Here, you can get virtually any essential: the latest news, a bite to eat, coffee, bait, beer, pocketknives, milk, camping supplies, engine oil, candy, fireworks, pet supplies, toiletries, snacks, pantry staples, outdoor toys and locally made products – you can even pay a bill or [still] rent a movie. From staple items to sundries and sandwiches, Mill Pond is bursting at the seams with both goodies and local friendliness.

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Today, Sheri Henderson is at the helm, working diligently and happily to continue a thirty-six year family tradition. She grew up here – literally – as daughter to longtime owner Mike Malinguaggio. They moved as a family from East Hartford in 1981, looking for a rural and more desirable town to raise a family. With an abundance of supermarket managerial experience under his belt, it naturally led him to the store, which was for sale along with a 3-bedroom apartment upstairs. Seeking new opportunity, he bought the building.

It operated much like a general store, and Mike continued it as such, but with a refocused menu.

Expanded selections appealed to those working in the mill, just over the bridge, thus building a diversified customer base for those seeking both meals and merchandise. The one stop country shop soon became notorious for some of the best sandwiches around.

“The owner of the building always lived upstairs and the stairway leading up to the apartment was [at the time] always open,” remembers Mike with a smile. “In those days we had a system that if I got too busy I would bang on the stairs and someone would come down and help.”

When she was old enough, that someone was Sheri.

“I started behind the counter when I was thirteen years old, working forty - or more – hours as a teenager,” she remembers. “It was never forced, but something I always wanted and enjoyed doing.”

Sheri has warm recollections of those days, working as a family, ultimately creating something truly special. Mill Pond is known as a very large, much loved patch on the quilt of Stafford Springs and if you’ve experienced the store, it’s the source of sweet nostalgia. Many remember – fondly – stopping here for penny candies after a “dump run,” eating ice cream on the porch or biting into a delicious deli sandwich while fishing in Riverside Pond (Sheri calls these Mill Pond Memories). At the junction of Route 319 and 19, the busy corner has always been a popular stop to those in need of a morning coffee, families headed to the lake, antiquers, motorcyclists, seasonal campers and locals alike.

Until the age of twenty-seven when her first child was born, Sheri worked alongside Mike at Mill Pond and while she moved on to other employment

opportunities, her love for the store never faded.

She realized how strong this admiration was when Mike shared his plans for retirement last year; he was looking to sell the business. Plagued by the idea of “losing” the store, she told her husband (who she met while working at Mill Pond), “I wish we could buy it.” To which he said, “why don’t we?”

“So much of my life is in the store,” remembers Sheri. “I took a good 18 years off, but came back and took it over last September.”

Even though Mike has built an incredible business over the years he was excited to welcome a youthful energy back into the store.

“Sheri has put her own personality into this store,” says Mike. “When I took over this business I was 28 years old, I made a lot of changes that were good. Now, I’m a little out of touch – I don’t know what the millennials want – in this job, that’s important. Sheri is in charge of menu development, advertising and customer relations; she is more in tune with what patrons want.”

Looking around you’ll see a variety of capital improvements, like a new staircase leading to the park, a completely rehabbed bathroom, and a facelift to the dining room (which Mike built), with a new coat of paint and refurbished floors. She’s also focused on rearranging store items, streamlining shelf products and trying out new merchandise.

“I took what we had, which was a great base, and expanded upon that,” explains Sheri. “I’ve added a lot to the menu, adding more salads, health conscious choices, new ingredients, wrap combinations, hot sandwiches and fresh bagels.”

It’s pretty amazing what comes out of this tiny kitchen, particularly with staggering options scribed on the horizontal chalkboard running parallel to the counter. It’s hard to crown a favorite

sandwich here, each layered wisely with ingredients and delicious –sometime unexpected – flavor combinations. Whichever you choose, each is made with quality deli meats, fresh rolls and fresh ingredients. In addition to a refreshed menu, Sheri has added a selection of local craft beers, fresh brewed iced tea and coffee, and looks forward to a new ice cream menu, among other things.

Cognizant that Mill Pond is a special place for kids, she’s also brought back penny candy to the shelves.

“I love the different interactions I have with people everyday - it’s fun,” says Sheri. “Stopping here is often a bright spot in people’s day, they are looking for good food, fast service and smiles - we have all of that.”

Mike, who still works a few days a week because he hasn’t found a retirement routine that eliminated work, says the people of Stafford are some of the greatest in the world. “I’ve been here so long that kids I saw thirty-five years ago buying penny candy are now coming with their own kids - that’s amazing.

If it weren’t for the people –if this were a city store with different faces everyday – I would have been gone a long time ago. This is a neighborhood store and after a while people aren’t just customers, they’re your friends.”

Sheri agrees and is honored to carry on a tradition that remains so treasured amongst the local community, “I just love it here and I feel like this is exactly what I’m supposed to be doing – it was meant to be.”

220 EAST ST, STAFFORD, CT • (860) 684-4107 FACEBOOK.COM/MILLPONDCOUNTRYSTORE

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 13

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! RECIPE SUBMITTED BY CHRIS & AMY WHITE, A COUPLE IN THE KITCHEN BLOG

Strawberry Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake Now is the time for rhubarb and we are mad for this cake!

Not too sweet, with a moist, silky texture and crunchy sweet “crust”, this is one of the finest cakes we’ve ever had. We had to bring some to the neighbors for fear we’d eat the whole thing in one night. This cake possesses all the characteristics we think a dessert should have, including how yummy the house smelled while it was baking. Top with your favorite whipped cream or enjoy just as it is.

For The Topping 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted ½ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup granulated sugar pinch kosher salt For The Cake 1 ½ sticks salted butter, room temperature ½ pound rhubarb, trimmed and cut on a diagonal ½ pound strawberries, hulled and chopped 1 ¾ cups sugar, divided 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt ¼ cup Grand Marnier (or other orange liqueur) 2 large eggs ½ cup sour cream ½ cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make the topping by stirring together the butter, flour, sugar, and salt until moist and crumbly; set aside. Butter a 9-inch pie dish, then dot it with 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) of butter cut into pieces. Toss rhubarb and strawberries with 3/4 cup sugar; let stand for 2 minutes. Toss again, and spread in the pie dish. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat remaining stick of butter and cup of sugar with a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Beat in Grand Marnier, then beat in eggs, one at a time until incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl. Stir the sour cream and buttermilk together in a separate small bowl. Beat in flour mixture in three additions, alternating with sour cream/buttermilk mixture, until smooth. Spread evenly over the rhubarb and strawberries. Crumble the topping evenly over batter. Bake for 1 hour, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes.

Run a knife around edge of cake, and invert onto a serving plate. Let cool completely.

Teachers by day and would-be chefs by night, CHRIS & AMY WHITE live by the motto “the couple that sautés together, stays together.” The two spend a lot of their at-home time creating culinary concoctions in their kitchen, which inspired their blog “A Couple in the Kitchen.” When they aren't cooking, they're eating out, traveling, or in some other way thinking about their next great seasonally inspired, local ingredient meal. You'll find their recipes, versions of other people's recipes, restaurant and other types of reviews, and miscellaneous additional food-related posts on their blog, acoupleinthekitchen.us

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 15

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16 GO LOCAL MAY 2017

at E. Cecchi Farms

FAMILIAR FACES ON THE FARM. BOBBY (LEFT) AND MICHAEL (RIGHT) WITH THIER FATHER, ROBERT CECCHI. ! AMBER WAKLEY

 J ACQUELINE M. SIDOR, JMS ART & PHOTO

Amongst the sprawling acres of fields and greenhouses at E. Cecchi Farms, there’s more than just produce and plants rooting in, but also a long-standing family tradition of agriculture. Here, embedded in the soil is a rich tradition of timeless work and diligent farming practices, one that has been passed down through five generations.

It began in 1946, when Erminio Cecchi left his father’s farm in Agawam, purchasing a forty acre plot to start his own business in Feeding Hills. Under the shade of a large maple tree, Erminio sold his yield and thus began a legacy of providing the community with fresh, local produce.

“My grandfather started farming this land over fifty years ago, my father and mother worked here, as do I and my two brothers,” says Michael Cecchi who oversees the fields.

“As business grew our stand was built in the 1950s and then a glass greenhouse, where our retail display is now.”

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 17

The Cecchi brothers - David, Bobby and Michael - work in unison with their father Robert, Erminio’s son, to run the farm. For all three, some of their first memories were working and playing on this farm, a connection that remains strong today. While their farm roles vary, each brings a particular expertise to specialized areas of production. The oldest brother, David, has an artistic gift, and attended the Rhode Island School of Design; he owns his own graphic design firm, lending his strengths to create advertisements, signage and marketing initiatives for the farm.

Bobby, who oversees the greenhouses and retail operation, went to the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMASS Amherst then DuPage Horticultural School in Illinois. Michael, the youngest, attended Cornell University with a focused study in field and vegetable crops. The system seems to work beautifully as each brother contributes individual prowess dependent on his degree.

This is no small operation. Their motto, “everything you’d grow if you had forty acres” refers to not only the original forty acres purchased by Erminio, but also the wide variety of produce and plants available at any given time. Currently, the wide, glasspaneled greenhouse has warmed itself to welcome a kaleidoscope of floral color. Perennials, annuals, hanging baskets and bedding plants are each meticulously organized, all arranged by type and color. While the purpose of their techniques is meant to streamline the planting process, arduous details - like the symmetry of each plant tag - clearly communicate their commitment to perfection.

18 GO LOCAL MAY 2017

Outside the greenhouse, each new season brings succulent fruits and vegetables into their farm stand. Michael says they’ll start with asparagus, strawberries and lettuce, along with greenhouse tomatoes and cukes. As warm weather pushes through, their farm stand comes alive. They grow almost everything - beets, carrots, summer squash, beans, peppers, eggplant, melons, watermelons, winter squash, cabbage, kale and raspberries (to name a few). While the now 80 acres they farm isn’t large enough to accommodate orchard fruits, they personally select favorites like local peaches, plums, nectarines and apples from nearby Southwick and towns just over the Connecticut border. To create a one-stop shopping experience, the stand is also supplied with local honey, maple syrup, baked goods from Balboni’s Bakery, cheese from the Granville Country Store and a variety of other local treats. Bobby closely monitors the beautifully curated collection of produce; he relays customer feedback to Michael, who is willing to accommodate specific crop requests from year to year.

The farm operates using an IPM, Integrated Pest Management, program. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, IPM is an environmentally friendly, common sense approach to controlling pests. The effective, ecologically sensitive approach includes regular monitoring, weekly inspections, reporting and the evaluation of practices. The process includes managing insects, plant pathogens and weeds. Michael refers to the process as “good growing,” with efforts focused in crop rotation, field scouting, and identifying both resistant and biological

varieties. He says most of their crops hardly ever get sprayed and they emphasize a sustainable farming practice.

At a time when blurry marketing labels define food - organic, naturally grown, non-GMO, raised without antibiotics – E. Cecchi Farms prefers just one in their farm stand: our own. All the plants - annuals, perennials, herbs, hanging baskets and plants - are seeded onsite or propagated by cuttings. Vegetable transplants are also all done by hand. If it doesn’t say “our own” it’s likely been sourced from a neighboring producer (excluding items like citrus and bananas).

Michael, who is taking over his father’s role in the field, says, “He taught me most of what I know. I’ve learned things from school and specialized meetings, but a lot of what’s working here is from what my dad has done - and worked - and also his dad.”

What’s worked well for them is collaborating with local wholesalers. More than ever, the demand for local produce is high, making partnerships with grocers like Big Y World Class Market and Geissler’s Supermarket great resources for dispersing produce.

Michael says they are at their warehouses five or six times a week, picking products in the morning and having them available for in store retail purchase - sometimes - that same day Also utilized on local menus, their produce can be tasted at Lattitude Restaurant (West Springfield), Partners Restaurant (Agawam), Bruno’s Pizzeria (Springfield) and Red Rose Pizzeria (Springfield).

The Cecchi family takes a lot of pride in what they do and are thankful for the community that has supported them all these

years. Their customers - from Agawam, Feeding Hills, Southwick, Suffield, West Springfield and beyond - come every year for pickedthat-day produce. Michael says everyone has their own story and he enjoys seeing them each season. E. Cecchi Farms expresses their thanks by supporting a number of community initiatives, like the Native Asparagus Supper in early June to benefit the Captain Charles Leonard House in Agawam. They donate upwards of 80 pounds of fresh-picked asparagus to accompany the main dish of this annual dinner, with proceeds used for the preservation of the local landmark (Tickets and details are available by calling the Captain Charles Leonard House at 413-786-9421 or at E. Cecchi Farms, 1131 Springfield Street, Feeding Hills, from 9am-6pm daily). Later in the season they also host customer appreciation events and a Benefit Tractor Show with all makes, models and vintages on display. E. Cecchi Farms is also a proud member of CISA, participates in the Massachusetts Farm to School Project, is a member of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau and is certified by the USDA for Good Agricultural Practices & Good Handling Practices.

Soon, the farm stand will flourish with freshly picked produce and plants representative of hard work and a wonderful family tradition - one that will soon be passed to the next generation.

“The farm has always made sense to me,” says Michael. “I just like being outside on the tractor. It’s nice to see the progression of the fields from season to season. We’re here every day and take pride in what we do - I’ve always just wanted to be on the farm.”

E. CECCHI FARMS . 1131 SPRINGFIELD STREET . FEEDING HILLS, MA . (413) 786-2489 . FACEBOOK.COM/ECECCHIFARMS . TWITTER.COM/ECECCHIFARMS

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 19

KELLY FAMILY EYECARE, LLC INTERVIEW WITH ABBY KELLY, OD

What distinguishes you from other Businesses in your category?

We are a small, family owned, business that prides itself on taking care of our patients the way we would take care of our own family members. We work hard to ensure that each patient is given our full attention to ensure they have the best vision possible. I grew up in the optical business and know the value of a patient centered approach and we try to emulate that with each patient we see.

Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business.

We love fashion and therefore we are constantly bringing in new products to offer our patients the most fashion forward options as well as the newest technology in lenses and contacts. Glasses can be as good of an accessory as a pair of shoes and we try to make it possible for our patients to have multiple pairs to choose from.

Why should people do business with you?

We make sure our patients feel at home in our office and that is what makes us different. You will never be rushed or feel as though our office is a factory. We also pride ourselves on serving everyone in the community by accepting every insurance plan possible.

Our goal is to exceed your expectations each and every time you come to see us.

locations

155 North Rd, East Windsor, CT (860) 623-8217 Tues 9-7, Wed and Fri 9-5 458 Talcottville Rd, Vernon, CT • (860) 870-5822 Tues, Wed and Fri 10-6, Thurs 10-8, Sat 10-3

email

KellyFamilyEyecareCT@gmail.com

Providing full eye exams, contact lens ďŹ ttings, glasses & sunglasses.

Most insurances accepted. Call for an appointment today!

Dr. Abby M. Kelly, OD Optometrist 458 Talcottville Road Vernon, CT | 860.870.5822 20 GO LOCAL MAY 2017

155 North Road E. Windsor, CT | 860.623.8217

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uis Lee, member of the Seneca Beaver Clan says that everything, animate and inanimate, has a spirit. As he lifts a handmade tomahawk, a deer hoof dangles from a string tied to the end.

He suggests that it infuses the instrument with the likeness of the animal. “Grace, agility,” he says thoughtfully, turning it over to show the detail. The retired business owner, award-winning graphic designer, craftsman, lacrosse coach and member of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Longhouse, is, if nothing more, anyone’s most interesting dinner guest.

In his eclectic home office, pictures of places visited cover the walls. Below, a long, espresso col-

! CARLY MAHER  J ACQUELINE M. SIDOR, JMS ART & PHOTO

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 23

ored cabinet features authentic headdresses, jewelry, horn rattles and other traditional pieces created entirely by hand. Sitting at his design table, he explains that his childhood sickness encouraged him to create the intricate beaded designs that adorn his handmade belts. “When I was a kid I had rheumatic fever and I couldn’t do anything, so I was taught how to do beadwork. It kept me pretty busy when I couldn’t move,” Luis explains. Though he made a full recovery and was later able to participate in football and lacrosse, much of his down time was spent crafting items like the ones he makes today. “I have time, now, to get back to it,” he says “The Seneca Nation has a museum in Salamanca, New York.

I sell a lot of my things to them. I’m on their list as one of their favorite designers.”

Luis was born on the Seneca Nation’s Allegany Indian Reservation in Quaker Bridge, New York. His clan name, Guin Yah Geyh means “something from the clouds”. His Native American heritage is a huge part of his life as he attributes his creativity to leading him to become a designer of the traditional crafting he was taught as a young boy. As a young person he was very invested in his tribe’s traditional game of lacrosse. He now coaches and also heads the Suffield Lacrosse Association. Much of Luis’s fam-

24 GO LOCAL MAY 2017

ily still lives on the reservation. He visits them often and even plays the drums for the traditional smoke dance at the Seneca Nation’s powwows.

“The Iroquois people are the ones who have given lacrosse to the world. It originated with us,” says Luis. He explains that lacrosse has been played for thousands of years and it appears in much of the Iroquois folklore. “The Haudenosaunee would play all summer to prepare for the Fall. Fall was the time of war so it was tremendous conditioning. They were great warriors. It was basically military training.” The rules and the purpose of the game have changed considerably over time. But according to Luis, the principles and values remain the same. He is often asked to be a guest speaker at a variety of different events. Most recently, he did a presentation for the Agawam Youth Lacrosse League.

As a pro-bono coach, he prioritizes the traditions of the game when guiding his young players. He often shares the historical and mythical values of lacrosse in these settings. “There are 8 clans in the confederacy,” he explains. “In the earth clan: the beaver, the turtle, the wolf and the bear. In the sky clan: the hawk, the herring, the deer and the snipe.” In the story, the sky clan and the earth clan challenged each other to a game of lacrosse.

The game was tied when it was decided that they would take a break.

“Two little mice came along and asked the earth clan if they could play,” he says. “They said no, you’re too little.”

According to the myth, the earth clan believed that the mice would be ineffective players. So, the mice asked the sky clan. The sky clan then figured out how to make use of the mice.

“They took the skin of the water drum, woodchuck skin, and put it on this little animal -- they created a bat.

Then... they were all out of skin from the drum, so they took his skin and stretched it. The other became a flying squirrel.” The game resumed and the

sky clan, with their two new players, gained momentum over the earth clan. “Bats use sonar,” Luis adds, “nobody could touch him.

So he scored the game-winning goal.”

Luis often tells this story to the very young players. “Some of the coaches said, ‘I’m glad you came. A lot of the little kids think, gee, I can’t play. I’m too small.’ It’s perfect for them to hear.”

This, to Luis, is the essence of life. “You should always respect everyone. Everything has a spirit.” He claims that all stories have “reasons for being.” “In this case, in lacrosse, it doesn’t matter if you’re big or small. The kids loved that.”

Lacrosse is undoubtedly close to Luis’s heart. In fact, if not for the sport, Luis may never have met his wife. “If there were no team [at the university] I probably wouldn’t have stayed,” he says of his time earning his degree at Syracuse in New York. It was there that he met and fell in love with fellow student, Heather.

“Syracuse had a pretty good team, and I liked playing. It kind of kept me there.” Many years after graduating and building a successful career in design, Luis began his own boutique design firm. Among his big name clients were ice cream brands Friendly’s, Baskin Robbins and Haagen-Dazs.

Coaching, crafting, speaking and spending time with family takes up much of Luis’s time. He also enjoys traveling with his wife. Luis takes his Iroquois identity everywhere he goes and has even been approached about his heritage by people in other countries. He points to a framed Parisian drawing on the wall near his others of American natural wonders and tourist sites from around the world.

“This store front,” he says, “is in Paris, France. We were at this restaurant there one weekend and of the menu I said, ‘boy, that’s a nice illustration... can I buy one from you?’” Luis explains that he was wearing his Indian choker necklace which fascinated the

restaurant employee. “’Are you Native American?’ the guy asks.’

Of course, I say yes. We struck up a conversation and he gave me a brand new one, from the back. If you flip it over it has all the prices and things on it,” he laughs.

Shortly after this interview, Luis and Heather went on another adventure; this time, to the Galapagos Islands. Though he has never been before now, he says the Galapagos are much like the United States used to be in the early days of the Native Americans. Wildlife and humans walked closely, side by side. There was a peaceful coexistence -- just as his beadwork represents.

Two blue, parallel lines on a background of white. One portrays the larger American (or, “white”) government. The other is the Haudenosaunee “laws, customs and way of life.” They are two canoes on the same river. “Each travels side by side. Neither will try to steer the other’s vessel...divided by a sea of white wampum, signifying peace, respect and friendship.”

Luis is very active in the community and, in addition to working with museums, he sells his authentic work online at www.LuisRLee.com. He can also be found on the Seneca Museum website, www.senecamuseum.org, as a featured artist.

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n the front yard of a modest ranch home in East Windsor you can hear a pleasant commotion inside; the warm breeze blowing inward exchanges itself with happy laughter tumbling out. Rainbow bits of thick chalk are sprinkled across the driveway and a downscaled plastic yellow wheelbarrow leans against its replica in the meticulously kept garden. Approaching the breezeway curious voices, chattering toddlers and even a few squeals escape through the screen door – this is the Dziadul Family.

As high school sweethearts Dan and Andrea’s story began just down the road when the two were a sophomore and senior, respectively. They’ve essentially grown up together, sharing milestone moments – from prom to college graduation – all of which has made their bond recognizably strong.

“We got married in 2006 – I was 22 and Andrea was 24 – We always hoped to have one or two kids by the time Andrea was 30,” explains Dan with his two youngest children climbing across his lap. “Unfortunately after several years of trying to have our own children, it just didn’t happen.”

Like many intentions theirs did not go as planned and they began to explore adoption with the realization that having their “own” children was not an option. In March of 2014 they attended their first DCF (DeGOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 29

partment of Children & Families) Open House, the first step in understanding the agency’s mission, who they serve, their philosophy of foster care, licensing process and requirements, and if adoption was right for them. A long road, they began acquiring the proper licenses through a series of classes they began the following October. In the months following, they were inspected, licensed and certified to welcome up to two children under the age of six. With a case study that “read well,” it was expected they would receive a phone call for placements right away.

“One day our caseworker called with what she said was an “interesting situation,” remembers Andrea. “She said there were three children. I thought, three kids – wow.”

Those three children were Michael, Deanna and Nicholas. On March 30, 2015 there was a domestic violence call at their home, ultimately, their biological mom was arrested and the children remained with their biological father. The next day in court the biological mom disclosed that she believed Nicholas, the youngest at the time, had a broken arm.

At Connecticut Children’s Medical Center they found it wasn’t just his arm, but he also had eight broken ribs, wrist, leg and very severe head trauma; a subdural hematoma. He had bleeding on his brain because he was either shaken or thrown down, injuries that had occurred weeks prior. He also appeared to have a severe case of malnutrition, as he was underweight. Gratefully, his siblings showed no signs of abuse.

At a disclosure meeting they were able to learn everything [DCF knew] about the kids – that’s when they say it “became real.” First, they visited Nicholas at the hospital.

“I just remember looking at him in this hospital bed – he had 30 GO LOCAL MAY 2017

stitches in three different spots and a shunt from his head into his stomach to drain the excess fluid,” remembers Andrea.

“When we met Nicholas in the hospital there were no other parents there for him, so we were treated as such right away.

It’s like we were bringing our own baby home,” says Dan. “All I can compare it to is seeing your baby in the NICU. Obviously we didn’t experience the pregnancy part, but seeing him covered in bandages with round the clock care…” says Dan, stopping to help Deanna get situated on the couch.

He says the doctors weren’t sure if Nicholas would have vision issues or long-term disabilities from the sustained injuries.

While he has shown tremendous growth through the benefits of physical therapy and a variety of services, at a little over two years old he is just starting to walk. He also has limited use of his right arm, contributed to the impact to the left side of his brain, something they are uncertain will improve over time.

At first they brought just Nicholas home, Michael and Deanna were in a temporary foster home. It was when they went to meet the older two siblings that they realized how “crazy” this new adventure was going to be. Overnight things changed, the two became five and their quiet home was replaced with three children under the age of three.

“Talk about turning your life upside down,” says Dan with a smile. “But we have always hoped for a big family and said we wanted at least four kids. My yearbook comments actually said in twenty years I would be married to Andrea and have four kids - that came true.”

“The day we met Deanna and Michael they were smiling and ran up to give us hugs. That’s not normal in these cases,” explains

Andrea. “They called us mommy and daddy from the beginning and expressed little, if no memory of their past. It’s like they didn’t know anybody else and they were just ours from the start.”

They quickly got into the groove of being a five-person family, along with experiencing the wide range of emotions affiliated with being new parents: joy, excitement, anxiousness, frustration…and then surprise. After two months they learned the biological mom was pregnant. After turning herself in for child abuse, Emily, now the youngest, was born while her biological mother was serving a jail sentence. It was during a home visit that Andrea asked what would happen to baby Emily; both her and Dan insisted she come be with her siblings instead of being separated. They picked her up when she was just two days old.

Where some couples systematically plan their families, Dan and Andrea had all their kids at once. Adopting siblings is a wild adventure – in scheduling alone – but there’s comfort in knowing you’ve provided vulnerable children a home filled with love and stability. But they didn’t do it alone.

“That old saying, it takes a village is so true,” says Dan. “At church there are always people willing to help us with the kids, our family and also DCF in that regard – they are part of our village. We’ve experienced so much generosity from other people.

We’ve received toys and clothes – so much support.”

“It’s been amazing to see how people poured their hearts out – and still do,” adds Andrea. “We had to go get car seats last minute – because we were getting three kids at once – and picked them up the following day. When we got to the store, the manager had a cart full of baby stuff. We didn’t even know her!”

They describe gifts of clothing, baby gear, toys, essentials and

even prepared foods for quick dinners – gifts that were immensely appreciated, especially when starting a family overnight – literally.

The months following brought tremendous joy—and a sizable amount of stress – as new parents. Worry all new parents face, but also combined with a looming anxiousness wondering if a biological family member would step forward and claim responsibility for the children. Even with terminated parental rights, legal risk is a common distress amongst pre-adoptive foster parents. With relief, just one month ago, Dan and Andrea signed papers to finalize the adoption of all four children. They are now a forever family, something that was always true in their hearts.

Growing quick, Michael is now 5 years old, Deanna 4, Nicholas 2½ and Emily is 16 months. They are four incredibly sweet children, the kind who bound over one another to greet Dan as he walks in the door from work. He says hearing them yell “daddy” is an incredible feeling and he enjoys every moment of this age.

“When they look up at you with those big brown eyes…it’s so awesome,” says Dan beaming.

For these kids this adoption represents the promise of a better life. For Andrea and Dan it’s the realization of the large family they always dreamed of. Their authentic happiness is apparent; both speak from wide smiles and with pure joy when talking about their family – it’s beautiful. But they know the road may not always be easy, particularly when the children become more curious about their past. Thankfully, kids are extraordinarily resilient and it’s easy to see in this environment, they will soar.

“As far as what we will tell them when they’re older – particularly Nicholas who is going to ask how he was injured – we are

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 31

just going to be completely honest,” says Dan. “We don’t want them to hate their parents, but we want them to understand they couldn’t take care of them in the right way,” says Andrea while pushing Emily on a swing. “At this point in time they [the biological parents] have accepted this and shared they just wanted the kids in a safe, good home. We have letters and photos from their biological parents and is eventually something we will share.”

“They know they’re adopted, although at their age they don’t really understand the term,” says Dan. “None of them show any real recollection of the past.”

“I tell them that we’ve prayed for kids for so long and one day they came to us – you weren’t in my belly, but in my heart,” says Andrea.

May is National Foster Care Month, a campaign to raise awareness of the more than 400,000 children and youth in foster care, and celebrate all those who make a meaningful difference in their lives. In conjunction, Dan and Andrea will be attending the

22nd Annual Foster Care Conference in Connecticut to receive the Foster Parents of the Year Award for Region 4 of DCF. An honor, but even more, hope that their story inspires others to consider adoption. They mention DCF is most often portrayed negatively in conventional media, largely publicizing only the negative aspects of cases.

“Like in our case,” Andrea says. “There were all these articles about the biological parents who abused these children, but no follow up with how they’re doing.”

From the outside it can seem frustrating. While they recognize the process is not always perfect – particularly with the emotions associated with legal risk placements – they are a reminder that happy endings do exist.

The Dziaduls are a beautiful paradigm showing parenthood doesn’t require DNA, but the acceptance of love with all of its challenges. True joy and happiness has found its place within their home and for this family, their story has just begun.

The Dziadul Family is giving back to help other kids in foster care.

They are collecting new or gently used duffle bags, socks, underwear and monetary donations until May 27.

If you would like to contribute, contact Andrea at 860-970-1433.

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! MANDY WIETING

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BECKY & SOPHIE SOMERS, CT

Every week, Becky and Sophie visit various hospitals, health care centers and senior centers spreading love and hope. Their route includes Evergreen Health Care Center in Stafford, Vibra Hospital in Springfield, Hartford Hospital, and the American Legion in Somers. In fact, the 75 veterans at the American Legion Post 101 in Somers unanimously voted Sophie their official mascot (the only one in the country). She attends all meetings and provides support to the veterans. “They absolutely love her, “ Becky says.

Becky is a retired prison guard and immediately started doing therapy work with dogs after retirement 17 years ago. Sophie is a 5-year-old Borzoi (a.k.a. Russian wolfhound) from Ohio. “I knew from the moment I got her as a puppy that she was meant to be a therapy dog,” Becky says. “She is a social butterfly and makes people happy. She also does obedience training regularly and participates in local dog shows.”

Sophie’s canine ‘siblings,’ Nellie (Russian wolfhound) and 3 toy poodles, Julie, Jeffie and Annie often accompany her to the therapy visits. Every other week, they all visit the Vibra Behavioral Health Center. “We all hang out in the common area, and the patients come in to visit the dogs.

They love seeing them and it brightens their day,“ Becky says proudly.

In all her years of therapy work, one patient really stands out. “Sophie and I were visiting a young 21-year-old man who was waiting for an aortic valve transplant. I don’t normally allow Sophie up on hospital beds, but this time she got up on the bed and placed her paws on each side of his head. She stayed that way for 20 minutes just looking into his face and occasionally touching him with her paw. She knew he was scared and she took care of him. She lifted his spirits and made him smile.”

We want to put your furry or feathered friend in print. Go Local's newest monthly feature will spotlight heartfelt, heroic, or even hilarious habits of ‘the things our pets do.'

If you’re a pet parent with a priceless story or unique bond, drop us a message: mandy@thereminder.com

34 GO LOCAL MAY 2017

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36 GO LOCAL MAY 2017

! FRANCEEN MUNSON  J ACQUELINE M. SIDOR, JMS ART & PHOTO

pproaching the home of Rosanna Coyne, master woodworker, one starts to see neatly placed chunks, blocks, logs, and trunks of wood weathering and drying in the elements in Hampden, Massachusetts. Stepping into the federal style home that she designed, one realizes the incredible level of skill and artistry she possesses. She points out the handmade wood moldings around doors and windows that she constructed, the gorgeous decorative stair risers she carved, and the light filled studio, brimming with ideas and works in progress.

When faced with this level of talent and highly refined skill, clichés easily pop into mind, but they don’t begin to do justice to the work or the woman. Rosanna is deeply committed to her work, and literally lives in and with her creations. Being admitted to her classical looking studio is a rare treat indeed, and one sees the creative process in every stage. Large drafting tables and vertical drafting boards hold architectural plans and drawings, a corner table holds GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 37

museum quality turned bowls and vases of various woods, finishes, and luster, and her masterful dark Windsor chair sits in the corner. A work in progress, a life sized sculpture of a horsehead, sits on its rotating stand, showing the chiseled side, as well as the finished, smooth-as-marble side, executed in basswood. Custom, carved panels take one’s breath away.

The list of projects she has completed is staggering, including not only the work on her own home but custom pieces for clients, including deeply carved frames, mantels, coats of arms, mahogany tack boxes, furniture, and classical columns, to name a few. She even restored a heavy, Victorian pool table.

Rosanna’s penchant for woodworking began as a teenager. She had loved antique furniture, and was drawn to its availability, and workability. She slowly started working with wood, and buying woodworking tools as her interest increased. After graduating from college she used much of her income from an office job to buy more and better tools as her skills and interest in the medium took off. She sought out the best teachers at the North Bennet Street School in Boston, where she learned to use hand, as well as machine tools. This led to studying with master woodworker Dimitrios Klitsas, of Hampden, MA. for six years, where she learned drafting and architectural drawing as well. Rosanna says that she started doing decorative carving during this “apprentice” 38 GO LOCAL MAY 2017

period as a way to enhance the furniture she was crafting.

Rosanna has also studied with master chair maker Michael Dunbar. She stresses the importance of seeking out the very best teachers in this craft, as well as buying the highest quality tools available in one’s quest for excellent results. Her own exquisite classic Windsor chair sits in a corner of her studio like an elegant sculpture, and is a testament to her superior furniture making skills.

In a field that has traditionally been dominated by men, Rosanna has become a highly respected master woodcarver, wood turner, carpenter, and sculptor, with clients ranging from a high-end California interior designer, to a London collector, to a request that would become her magnum opus in Lyme, CT. Her sculptured, tactile, turned bowls in various woods have been featured in Architectural Digest, a respected national interior and architectural magazine. Rosanna points out that although the world of woodworkers is mostly populated by men, the women she studied with in her classes were excellent, and seemed to possess a less heavy hand, and a more delicate touch in their work with wood. It is also a craft that is inherently dangerous, with sharp tools, chainsaws, power saws, planers, etc. being part and parcel of her daily work. When working in her workshop she wears a special helmet with a ventilator, ensuring safety from flying wood, as well as an air supply free from dust and wood fiber.

Rosanna is an approachable, unassuming woman who is happy to share her knowledge and talk about the vast body of work she has built up. One feels in awe of such an utterly superior talent, yet she herself remains humble and grounded by a craft based on a product that was formerly rooted to the earth itself. Hers is a patient craft, and not one of instant gratification. In some cases, the wood she plans on using ages in her yard for up to two years, or when using green wood (which she prefers for its ease in working with) the object may need to dry slowly for two years before redefining the shape in some cases. A special, temperature controlled drying room in her workshop is lined with shelves that brim with turned bowls of every size and shape, resembling a potters studio. A kiln is loaded with assorted woods and projects that require specific temperatures and arid conditions. One of

Rosanna’s favorite woods is spalted maple, in which the wood ages outdoors, while a fungus etches fine black lines into the wood which are revealed when cut into or turned. The results are unpredictable and naturally beautiful.

Other woods she prefers to work with are white oak, basswood, mahogany, ambrosia maple, and pine, which she gets not only locally, but from friends and family bringing gifts of wood from their own properties.

When asked about starting a new project, Rosanna explains that the wood speaks to her first, and informs what she will make.

What emerges comes from a deep connection to the beauty of the wood itself. Her style is based in classical forms, yet modern and contemporary at the same time. Sources of inspiration come from classical architecture, books, other woodcarvers, and Native American Mata Ortiz pottery. No matter what the project, she strives to let the wood’s texture and natural beauty shine through. One particularly striking finish she uses on white oak turned bowls results in a dark charcoal color, with the grain of the wood being revealed in light grayish white- the whole piece is then waxed and polished to a soft luster mimicking dark glazed pottery or ebony. No two pieces of wood are alike, so the results are always varied and interesting.

Rosanna’s state-of-the-art workshop is a veritable maze of serious, high tech equipment- power saws, table saws, routers, planers, rows of the finest Swiss chisels, and the overhead network of an efficient ductwork ventilation system. She has invested heavily in the tools of her trade, and in so doing has had to learn how to care for and maintain her machines. Everywhere one looks there are turned bowls, some quite large, wooden spheres, huge chunks of tree trunks sitting on the floor awaiting a new incarnation, wood shavings, even a carved frame in a Byzantine patternin short, all kinds of wood creations in various stages.

Without a doubt, Rosanna’s magnum opus, or “great work” remains the Norwegian stave church portal she was asked to replicate in pine. The splendid portal is part of an exact replica

of the medieval Borgund Stave Church located in Norway, built in 1180. When a wealthy Connecticut businessman decided to build an exact replica of the historic church on his property in Lyme, CT, he contacted Rosanna to carve the fantastical ornamental portal and lion columns flanking it. Starting in late 2012, and using only photographs and an antique print of the original, it took Rosanna a year and a half to complete.

Stave churches are medieval wooden Christian church buildings using post and lintel construction, and timber framing. Carvings in the churches are most often a mix of Christian and Viking symbolism, with elaborate interlace and interweaving patterns of foliage, serpents, and animals that can be traced back to Ireland and Celtic art. Rosanna’s job of replicating the intricate, complex carvings involved accurately mapping out the pattern to scale on the pine before executing the carving- no easy task in itself! It also involved constructing the massive door surround itself, measuring 10 ft. tall, by 7 ft. wide, which she worked on in her home studio.

The resulting masterpiece is nothing short of mesmerizing and magnificent, with swirling, all-over patterns of stylized dragons and serpents, foliage, animals, and interlacing that looks like the wood was woven and fluid, and not carved from a rigid surface.

It is carved with such exactitude and faithfulness to the source that one can imagine the original woodcarvers from 900 years ago seeing it, and thinking that some sort of magic must have taken place! It is part of a handcrafted structure most of us will never see the likes of. It should be noted with pride that Rosanna was the only woman to be involved in the daunting project of replicating the ancient historical church.

Rosanna Coyne has distinguished herself as a dedicated craftswoman of exceptional talent, and one could safely say that she is truly a Renaissance woman in the field of woodworking. We look forward to seeing what this committed craftswoman creates for many more years!

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! CARLY LUDBROOK  AMBER E. WAKLEY

I think it is safe to say that all mothers (at least in secret) earmark the month as ‘Mother’s May’ – in anticipation of Mother’s Day! The maternal observance honors all phases of motherhood – moms preparing for the arrival of a child, those presently raising children and those that have ever cared for children.

I was asked this month to write about my experiences as a mother, and while my mommy resume only spans the length of 7 years and 9 months, a whole lot has happened and a whole lot has changed for me since I became a mom. It would seem logical to talk about my journey, from that first confirmation that yes, I was indeed pregnant or the moment I first laid eyes on my first son; it was then I realized the concern I had carried around for 9 months about not having enough space in my heart to love a little person enough was so very wrong. In fact, I learned parents’ hearts are very much like the Grinch’s, which has the ability to grow three sizes bigger when

finally you meet. While this all paints a very beautiful picture to the start of my mom story, at this point in my journey, I feel more compelled to say that my current mommy status is: overwhelmed.

I was laughing the other night that presently, when I think of the word MOTHER, my brain comes up with: Most Of The Hours Exhausted, Really!

I know I can’t be the only one that is experiencing motherhood in this way – it’s shocking that I only discovered coffee in the last 2 years. How did I survive the first 5 years of being a mom without it? Maybe the third child is what pushed me over the edge to exhaustion to become caffeine dependent. Now that I think about it, I also never had bags under my eyes until baby number three (hmm, I sense a pattern here). In all honesty parenthood is hard, but I didn’t think so in my early twenties. When I met my husband and we dreamily talked about the potential for raising children together, 4 was the proud target number. It seemed so wonderful, I mean after all, my childhood left nothing to be desired, my mom made being a mom look so easy!

My mom was home with us full time until we went to kindergarten and always there when we needed her. My grandmother was the “baker of all bakers” and a visit to her kitchen never left us empty handed. She served a restaurant worthy Sunday afternoon meal for the whole family without fail. She provided me with my first ‘job,’ getting her mail and paper. While she didn’t always pay in money, leaving her house with a spoonful of brown sugar in my cheek was payment enough! In the winters my family skied, in the summers we sailed. We had visits to friends and family all across the country GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 41

and a new friendship even took us to Switzerland one winter for the skiing and sledding adventure of a lifetime! We learned how to be a family that laughed together, worked hard and made friends. We were taught to always put 110% effort in everything we tried and to just be a good person overall. Surely I could recreate that childhood as a mom some day – right?!

My mom likes to recount a story of a point in time when I was frustrated with my ability to get something right and she told me that it was ok, “nobody is perfect.” Then I immediately turned around and said to her, “but YOU are perfect!” She said she was flattered and for the next few weeks tried to “make mistakes” while I was around to make sure I knew she wasn’t flawless. All of her efforts were an attempt to teach me a life lesson and encouraged me to go a little easier on myself. If my mother had told me that story before having children I would have interpreted it very differently, but hearing that story now as a mother, it has a whole new message. To me, that story is a gorgeous example of what a mother is – and the mother I am trying to be for my children!

In my experience, a mother is: concerned for the wellbeing of her children, wellbeing having a broad meaning. We worry about everything: do they have enough friends, did they eat enough vegetables, are they gaining enough weight, are they eating too much sugar? Did they start walking early enough, why aren’t they talking, why aren’t they smiling today, will they be ok when I am at work? Do I work too much, maybe I don’t work enough because I can’t buy them all the things they want or take them on a vacation frequently enough. Did they read for their full 15 minutes like they are supposed to today?

Do they watch TV too much and do they get outside enough? Did I yell too much tonight? Did I hug them enough and tell them that I love them? Do they really know I love them? These are the things we worry about, and the things we try to ‘fix’ or provide on a daily basis.

I typically put our children first and myself last. When I go shopping I gravitate to the children’s clothing section before the women’s.

They get 5 new pairs of sneakers to my one. As a mom I don’t mind putting them first - most of the time - it comes naturally.

I often remember the evening before my oldest was born, my husband and mother were gabbing about baby names and the question came up, “why do you want children?” I panicked! I didn’t know why, I mean where had the last 9 months gone? I am not ready to be a mom, what if I don’t know what to do? I am not sure; actually, I don’t think I do want children! Well – as you all know – I somehow figured out how to be a mom, taking it day by day and I was even brave enough to go back two more times. It’s a journey that I am privileged to be on, an adventure that brings both something new and hugs my way – every day!

I am a mom; I am not perfect, but I am trying to be!

Happy Mother’s Day! As a full-time mom and professional from Wilbraham, CARLY LUDBROOK is navigating this thing called motherhood and parenthood with three beautiful boys.

After being told (time after time) that she actually had four boys (four included her spirited, young at heart husband!) her blog, ‘Daddy Makes Four’ was born.

Carly brings her adventures to print by sharing ideas, real-life stories and optimistic humor to the pages of Go Local - after all - us parents are all in this together!

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! AMY WHITE  AMBER E. WAKLEY

If you have ever driven up Route

83 in Somers heading toward Springfield, you are sure to have noticed a bright pink post and beam barn with a green door and white trim. It was built in 1830, and, like so many Connecticut Tobacco Valley barns, had hinged sideboards originally used for opening the barn to dry the tobacco that hung from its rafters. Today that barn is the home of Kassandra…

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GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 45

Kassy’s parents were avid gardeners, and after college, she went to work at a flower farm in Enfield. Although she became a social worker by profession, her interest in flowers never waned. As part of her job, she attended a lecture on art therapy by Dr. Bernie Siegel, the American surgeon and writer internationally recognized for his theories on the relationship between the patient and the healing process. She was inspired by his work and began to study the healing power of plants by taking classes, attending workshops and going to conferences with some of the most wellknown herbalists in the country.

There was much to learn. In fact, that’s one of the things Kassy says she loves the most about it, remarking, “One can never know everything about plants. There’s always something new to learn.” With a desire to share her knowledge and to help others, she opened her shop in May of 1995, thus beginning a new career as a medicinal herbalist. At the heart of her work are two fundamental beliefs – first, that human bodies are made to ingest plant material, and second, that for every ailment of mankind there is a natural cure.

Kassy takes a holistic approach for every person who comes to her for help. She looks at the person’s lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise and other living habits, and tries to determine

46 GO LOCAL MAY 2017

the cause of the symptoms rather than treating the symptoms alone. Stating, “my focus is maintaining wellness,” she does this by joining her patients on their health journey in tandem with their traditional physicians. She assists her patients in making gentle changes to their lifestyle, she gradually introduces them to herbal remedies that can alleviate their ailments when needed, but she urges people to continue to work with their doctors as well. She says, “I believe there are times you need pharmaceuticals, but I also believe there can be a complement between them and herbal remedies.”

One of her early teachers once told her that if she was going to recommend herbal remedies to people, they should be able to acquire them easily. For that reason, her shop carries a vast range of supplements, extracts and tinctures which she gets from reputable and sustainable sources that participate in ethical harvesting practices. Some examples of brands she trusts are Nature’s Way and Herb Pharm, both of which are known for their conscientious standards. She cautions people that herbal regimes can take time to get results, and that herbs, like many medicines, can have different results for different people.

Kassy carries the Bach Flower line, which is a system of flower essences known to correct emotional imbalances that was cre-

ated in the 1930s by Dr. Edward Bach. These are meant to work in conjunction with herbs and other medications. One of their most popular blends is the Rescue Remedy, used to induce calmness during stressful situations. There are also a wide variety of essential oils at the shop. An essential oil is a concentrated, aromatic liquid that is obtained from the various parts of a plant.

Most of these need to be diluted, and therefore they are used for aromatherapy or in such products as bath soaps and lotions. If you wanted to use the oils to create your own products, Kassandra’s also carries the supplies you would need to do so.

In addition to medicinal herbs, Kassandra’s also sells nearly every culinary herb and spice one can possibly need for cooking, including many that are not easy to find. You can buy them by partial ounces here, so if you want to try a recipe that calls for an exotic herb or spice, you don’t have to buy a whole bottle that will sit in your cabinet until it goes bad. There are a variety of salts available as well, such as Himalayan pink salt and smoked salt, and a range of black, white and green teas.

Besides keeping people healthy on the inside, Kassy sells products that can keep people healthy on the outside. She has a variety of natural cleaning products that do not contain petroleum or caustic chemicals, and are therefore better for the environ-

ment. She carries natural soaps, body lotions, lip balms as well as all the supplies a person might need to make such products.

And, she sells an all-natural bug spray that people around town swear by. The shop has an array of gifts including books, jewelry, scarves, stones, crystals, incense, candles and dream-catchers, which occupy the nooks and crannies of the shelves built into the barn. Gift certificates and free gift wrapping are available as well.

Starting around May 1st of every year, Kassandra’s offers plants for sale. Herbs, native plants and heirloom plants are Kassy’s specialties, both for edible and medicinal uses. She gets them from smaller, mostly local growers, and offers a broad selection, focusing on those that tend to grow better in this climate. If there’s something she doesn’t have, Kassy says to call her and she’ll try to get it. She is also a member of the Connecticut Herb Association, an organization of people interested in studying, growing, preparing and using herbs of all kinds, and is available for public speaking on the topic.

Kassy loves her work, mostly because of the people she helps.

She says, “I do this because I like it. I love my customers. It’s a small niche, but I get to know them.” And that’s one of the best benefits of shopping local.

54 SPRINGFIELD ROAD, SOMERS, CT • (860) 749-0839

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 47

DRS. SCANNELL & HOLLINGER, INC. INTERVIEW WITH KEITH HOLLINGER, DMD

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COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR

LOCALLY GROWN FLOWERS SPIELMAN’S CABIN HILL GREENHOUSES • (860) 803-9585 121 ELLINGTON AVE • ELLINGTON, CT • CABINHILLGREENHOUSE.WEBS.COM

If you love flowers, this is the place for you. Cabin Hill Greenhouses are filled with locally grown flowers, vegetables and herbs - many in very creative containers. Planted pocketbooks and shoes, life size topiary animals, combination moss and cone shaped hanging baskets, planted garden chairs, tables, birdbaths, take away vegetable and herb gardens, tropical plants and garden gifts, just to name a few. Perched on top of a large hill on Ellington Avenue, they have the most incredible views of Ellington below. Stop in for a visit, they are open Monday through Friday 9am-6pm and Saturday-Sunday 9am-5pm from now until the middle to end of June. Be sure to check them out!

LAWN GAME FRIS-ZING • EAST LONGMEADOW, MA • (413) 237-1696 FRIS-ZING.COM • JAMIEERICKSON8875@GMAIL.COM

Fris-Zing is a challenging flying disc game invented by Western Massachusetts natives Jamie Erickson and Mike Poggi. Similar to a large ring toss, this game’s unique scoring method makes it fun for people of all ages. Since it uses math skills, hand-eye coordination, and social skills in order to play, local schools and childcare centers have been incorporating it into their educational programs. Lightweight and foldable, it transports easily to backyard cookouts, the beach, camping, tailgating parties, or just about anywhere. Fris-Zing can be purchased at Graziano Gardens in East Longmeadow, Rice Fruit Farm in Wilbraham, Ski Haus, as well as on their website.

NATURAL BUG REPELLENT RIVER’S EDGE BUG PREVENT • HAMPDEN, MA • RIVERSEDGEBUGREPEL.COM MT.MEEKER@HOTMAIL.COM

About 3 years ago, Mindy Meeker began making a bug repellent that was all natural and DEET free. After much research on essential oils, she created a perfect combination of oils and mixed them with grapeseed oil to keep bugs away. She started using it herself and sharing it with friends, everyone was amazed at how well it worked. Mindy says “Because it is an oil base, it lasts for a long time.

Just about everything on the market is water based, which evaporates. The oil quickly absorbs into your skin and the essential oils continue emitting their scent so the effects last much longer than the water based version.” It’s also safe for dogs. Purchase directly from her website or at Kassandra’s Herbs Unlimited in Somers.

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COLLINS POWDER HILL FARM over 130 years and 5 generations

Collins Compost Premium Quality Soil Amendment Made from A Blend of Fully Composted Leaves And Cow Manure.

Supporting Local Growers and the Local Food Movement

9 Powder Hill Road, Enfield, CT www.collinscompost.com 52 GO LOCAL MAY 2017

! AMBER WAKLEY  AMELIA INGRAHAM

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413.754.3302 • GEEPV.com SPRING SPECIAL Receive a Ring Video Doorbell with every contract!

Offer valid through May 31, 2017. New customers only.

56 GO LOCAL MAY 2017

local einstein

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

5

7

ON AVERAGE, HOW MANY WHISKERS DOES A CAT HAVE ON ONE SIDE OF ITS NOSE?

[A] Constipation [B] Headaches

[C] Acid Reflux

[D] Morning Sickness

[A] 10 [B] 12

[C] 14

[D] 18

WHAT STATE OUTLINE IS SHOWN HERE?

AGAWAM’S AMUSEMENT PARK, SIX FLAGS, WAS FIRST KNOWN AS RIVERSIDE PARK. IN 1870, WHAT WAS AT THAT LOCATION?

[A] Kansas [B] Pennsylvania

[C] South Dakota

[D] Montana

[A] Speedway [B] Outdoor Theater

[C] Fairgrounds

[D] Picnic Grove

UDON AND SOBA ARE BOTH TASTY EXAMPLES OF WHAT?

WHICH AMERICAN TENNIS PLAYER WAS THE ONLY MAN TO WIN THE US OPEN SINGLES TITLE ON GRASS, CLAY & HARD COURTS?

[A] Coffee [B] Sushi

[C] Rice [D] Noodles

[A] [B]

[C]

[D]

MEMORIAL DAY WAS CREATED TO HONOR FALLEN SOLDIERS OF WHICH WAR?

8

[A] The Revolutionary War [B] The Civil War

[C] The War of 1812

[D] World War l

WHOSE LOGO WAS THIS IN 1950?

[A] [B]

[C]

[D]

WHICH TV SERIES HAD A DOG NAMED K9 WHO WAS ALSO A ROBOT?

[A] Full House [B] Star Trek [C] Doctor Who

[D] Law & Order

Jimmy Connors Andre Agassi John McEnroe Pete Sampras

The Donut Man Donut Dip Dunkin’ Donuts Krispy Kreme

# CORRECT

IQ

RANK

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

160 110 50 3

Prodigy Egghead Meh Simpleton

ANSWERS:

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

3

IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, RHUBARB ROOTS HAVE BEEN USED FOR WHAT AILMENT?

Shoot & Share #MyGoLocal Show us where you read your Go Local Magazine!

SHOOT

UPLOAD

HASHTAG

WIN

take a pic of you and Go Local Magazine

to Facebook or Instagram May 1-31

#MyGoLocal

a prize package filled with local goodies!

Log on to GoLocalMagazines.com for complete contest rules.

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The Final Countdown

7 Mother’s Day Brunches Admit it, Mom has done a lot for you over the years. So why not treat her to something really special this year? Whether Mom is elegant or eccentric, these 7 local restaurants are ready

and willing to help you woo Mom with the best brunch ever. Be sure to call the restaurant ahead of time as many have special seatings for Mother’s Day.

THE FEDERAL

CENTER SQUARE GRILL

The Federal is hosting an elegant sit-down brunch for Mother’s Day with their contemporary culinary style. Here’s a sample: Warm Mascarpone Waffles, Truffled Mac and Cheese, Maine Blueberry Pancakes, and Seared Altlantic Salmon.

Located in the Center Square shopping complex, Center Square Grill offers a sophisticated yet casual dining experience. Mother’s Day Brunch includes: Eggs Benedict, Brioche French Toast, and Grilled Tenderloin.

THREE FIGS

SILVIA’S RESTAURANT

135 COOPER ST • AGAWAM, MA THEFEDERALRESTAURANT.COM (413) 789-1267

94 MOUNTAIN RD • SUFFIELD, CT (860) 668-7081 • THREEFIGS.COM As they say at Three Figs, Sundays are for brunching. Mom will love the eclectic dining experience with delicious food and comfortable atmosphere. They have a wide variety of small and large plates, as well as a diverse wine, beer and cocktail menu.

THE NUTMEG RESTAURANT

297 SOUTH MAIN ST • EAST WINDSOR, CT (860)627-7094 • NUTMEGRESTAURANT.COM The Nutmeg Restaurant and Banquet Facility specializes in celebratory occasions and gatherings. Enjoy a wide variety of creative dishes sure to please even the pickiest palate. The folks at The Nutmeg want to be sure that you have a memorable experience, top notch cuisine, and unmatched hospitality.

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CLUBHOUSE CAFE AT SUN VALLEY

(860) 684-5861 • SUNVALLEYBEACHCLUB.COM 51 OLD SPRINGFIELD RD • STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT Catch up with old friends at the Clubhouse Cafe, a full service restaurant and bar that is open year round. Enjoy brunch with a view on their newly furnished patio overlooking the lake, or relax in the rustic comforts of their lounge. They open at 10am on Sundays.

(413) 525-0055 • 84 CENTER SQUARE EAST LONGMEADOW, MA CENTERSQUAREGRILL.COM

23 NORTH MAIN ST • ENFIELD, CT (860) 741-6969 SILVIASRESTAURANT.COM Silvia Salvari, a native of Romania, came to this country in 1984 and brought her knowledge of Eastern European cuisine with her.

She personally selects the food for freshness and quality for the menus she prepares.

ANCHOR HOUSE

2589 BOSTON RD • WILBRAHAM, MA • (413) 596-3055 ANCHORHOUSERESTAURANT.COM The Anchor House is a proud staple of Boston Road’s finest dining that offers authentic Italian and American cuisine. Guests have the option of sitting in their expansive dining room, in the enclosed porch with a view of the lake, or in the warmer months, outside on their beautiful patio.

Pioneer Valley GTO Associations 19th Annual

Charity Classic Car Show Open to all Makes & Models

Sunday, June 11, 2017 • 9am-4pm

THE FINEST HEARING CARE BY DOCTORS OF AUDIOLOGY

Polish American Club • Rt, 57 Feeding Hills, MA

50/50 RAFFLE | LIVE Music SUPER RAFFLE

1st Prize $1,000 Cash • 2nd Prize $500 Big Y Card 3rd Prize $250 Gas Card • $10 each or 3 for $25 All proceeds to benefit:

Shriners Hospitals and NAMI/Western MA

Pre-Registration ONLINE: PVGTO.COM or PAYPAL.COM Paul Bourbeau 413.267.5834 hisandhers67gto@aol.com

Stop Throwing Away $$ on Car Repairs!

OVER 30 YEARS OF PERSONALIZED CARE Jennifer Lundgren Garcia, Au.D. • Susan Bankoski Chunyk, Au.D. 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 Auto Restoration “Servicing Your Classic & Vintage Automobiles”

Why are you still going to the dealer?

Aren’t you tired of poor service and “overpriced” repairs?

Come to your Hometown Auto Center for great customer service, on time repairs and factory scheduled maintenance.

Come to where your neighbor goes for repairs Highest Rated 5-Star Used Car dealer in the area All Used Cars come with a warranty All Services Come with A 3 Year, 36,000 Mile Nationwide Warranty

Route

Auto Center

133 West Road, Ellington, CT

t Au

o

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860.875.8334 tin

● ● ● ●

a Un derco

www.Route83Auto.com 24 Hour Towing • Expert Auto Body Repair ASE Master Technicians Get The Job Done Right!

“Celebrating our 43rd Year of Restoration on Vintage and Classic Automobiles” • Vehicle Maintenance • Electrical Repairs • Body Work - Paint & Refinishing • Mechanical Rebuilds • Engine Services • Servicing Domestic and Foreign Classics 1900-1980

4 Print Shop Rd., Enfield, CT

860.749.7917 www.enfieldautorestoration.com GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 59

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