FOOD, FUN & FITNESS • ASK A LOCAL • RECOMMENDED SERVICES • WHERE TO SHOP Brought to you by The Republican and MassLive.com 10 Years of the Best
Special thanks to the photographers for this Reader Raves Special Section: Don Treeger, Hoang ‘Leon’ Nguyen and Steve Nanton.
BY TIERA N. WRIGHT
contributing feedback for future polls. It is their feedback that has shaped how Reader Raves has changed and will continue to evolve in the future.”
Readers have raved again, and we are celebrating 10 Years of the Best!
As a brand and amongst readers of The Republican and MassLive, Reader Raves has only grown in popularity and pres tige. Reader Raves 2015 was somewhat of a turning point in its evolution, and a glimpse at what it would inevitably be come, when The Republican transitioned to an annual poll to avoid seasonal overlaps and to allow winners a longer period for bragging rights. In June 2014, ahead of the launch for Reader Raves 2015, prescient and optimistic, Mark French, advertising director for The Republican, said “Reader Raves voters have numbered in the tens of thousands over the past two years while
Today, community engagement and feedback are still just as important when choosing categories for the annual poll. While inaugural categories included Best Pothole Maintenance (Chicopee), Most Interesting Public Meetings (Springfield City Council), Best Bridge (Memorial Bridge, Springfield), Best Quintessential Western Mass. Experience (The Big E), and Best Place to be Alert for Speed Traps (I91); Reader Raves has continued to adapt and acclimate to the current climate in order to remain relevant amongst voters/ readers with an infusion of new categories each year. New categories have included Best Local Food Truck (Macken Sliders), Best Dispensary (INSA), and the pandemic inspired, Best Community Hero (Bob “The Bike Man” Charland). On the other hand, some things never change with Chicopee and the Big E continuing to earn accolades to this day except as Best Town/City to Live in and Best Fair, respectively. Similarly, lo cal staples such as Big Y and The Log Cabin continue their reign as Best Supermarket and Best Wedding Venue, since Reader Raves’ inception.
As always, Reader Raves wouldn’t come together without the team of Republican staff behind it. Most notably, special thanks and recognition are extended to Dave Brinnel (Dave’s Creative), Coleen Dunn, Michelle Johnson, Gretchen Halasi-Kun, Curtis Panlilio, Jenell Smith, yours truly, Tiera Wright and Reader Raves emcee, Mark French.
3rd is the last day to RSVP.
Launched in March 2012 as a biannu al “Best Of” poll based on the content segments covered by The Republican and MassLive, readers were asked to vote for the best of the best in News, Business, Entertainment, Pioneer Valley Life and Sports. Now in its 13th cycle of voting, Reader Raves has continued to grow and evolve from a seasonally based poll to a highly anticipated and beloved celebration honoring the “Who’s Who” of local busi nesses in Western Massachusetts.
So, without further ado, raise a glass as we present and congratulate the 2023 Reader Raves winners! Cheers to the next 10 years!
Cheers to 10 Years! S2 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 THE REPUBLICAN | MASS LIVE.COMREADER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS! Thank You Again For Voting Us The Reader RavesWe EverythingServiceWeSell. 10 Years of the Best 3139783-01 201 5 WE NOW HAVE NINE LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU... OUR FLAGSHIP STORE 1872 BOSTON ROAD WILBRAHAM MA WILBRAHAM 543-2467 WESTFIELD STORE 625 EAST MAIN ST. LITTLE RIVER PLAZA 413-485-7152 Hadley 413-585-8544 | Greenfield 413-772-0113 Leominster 978-710-0762 | Spofford NH 603-363-4100 Claremont NH 603-287-8689 | Canton CT 860-639-6337 Sutton MA 774-808-7240
Special to The Republican
In its first year, Reader Raves had a successful launch logging 3,000 votes in 30 days. Voting for Reader Raves 2023 commenced on Sunday, June 5th and concluded on Sunday, July 31st, and amassed 56,938 category votes. Through out that period, participants were able to vote for their favorite businesses (once per valid email address on ReaderRaves.com) falling under Recommended Services, Where to Shop, Food, Fun & Fitness, and Ask a Local. Featuring 100 categories, this year’s newest categories, included Best Amusement Center, Best Vegetarian Food, Best Budtender, and Best Eco-Conscious Business.Likethe inaugural celebration of Reader Raves winners on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, The Republican and MassLive.com will be once again rolling out the red carpet at the annual Reader Raves banquet, held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. While accepting their award, Reader Raves 2023 winners and their guests will enjoy a celebratory eve ning of food, fun and plenty of surprises. Reader Raves winners will receive two complimentary tickets, while tickets there after can be purchased for $60 each by contacting Coleen Dunn at 413-788-1250 or cdunn@repub.com. Monday, October
Reader Raves recipients aren’t the only winners! Three lucky participants who voted in 25 or more categories, won gift certificates to a Reader Raves category winner of their choice. All of this year’s winners chose Big Y gift certificates. Congratulations to our grand prize winner Spencer Caron, who won a $500 gift certificate, as well as our first and second prize runners-up, Mary Hough who won a $250 certificate, and Mary Lynch who won a $150 certificate.
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S3READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
By CORI URBAN SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN
BoB “The Bike Man” Charland, Pedal Thru You Th
Community Hero
Bob “The Bike Man” Charland is riding away with
Robert J. Charland just doesn’t seem to tire of pro viding children in need with bicycles.Since2017 the organization he founded, Pedal Thru Youth Inc., has given more than 3,000 bikes away locally and beyond; some were sent to the Dominican Republic and Haiti.Now
Development; he also re ceived two Daughters of the American Revolution Awards, a Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year Award, a Pynchon Award and a Business West Difference Maker Awards. He was recognized by the Massachusetts and Connecti cut Senates and the United States Congress and has been featured in national media.
Pedal Thru Youth, he added, “is a way for kids to see the positive side of law en forcement and to stay active.”
S4 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 THE REPUBLICAN | MASS LIVE.COMREADER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS! Reader Raves Voting Winners! These winners were randomly selected from everyone who voted in over 25 categories for this year’s 2023 Reader Raves Winners! 3RDWINNERPLACE Mary Lynch $150 Big Y Gift Card GRANDWINNERPRIZE Spencer Caron $500 Big Y Gift Card 2NDWINNERPLACE Mary Hough $250 Big Y Gift Card
Charland and other winners will be recognized at the annual Reader Raves banquet at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke on Oct.
He19.has been recognized by the Springfield City Council and the Center for Human
ABOVE: Deputy Bob Charland and step-son, Vinny Charland. PHOTO BY STEVEN NANTON
“I’m very grateful for the people who believe in me and nominated me” for the award, said the volunteer deputy with the Hampden County Sherriff’s Department who also builds custom bikes for children with disabilities.
the Best Community Hero Reader Raves Award.
Reader Raves, the an nual poll presented by The Republican and MassLive, is celebrating its 10th anniversa ry and continues the tradition of readers voting for their
“It’s all about the bikes,” he said. “A bike is freedom to a child. For parents, a bike is not a necessity.”
favorites in 100 categories. Annually voters rave for the “Who’s Who” in Western Massachusetts in the fields of Recommended Services, Where to Shop, Ask a Local and Food, Fun & Fitness.
Pedal Thru Youth promotes an active and healthy lifestyle among youth by donating bikes and helmets to low-in come or needy families. It partners with local charities, law enforcement and public schools to serve local commu nities.Formore information go to pedalthruyouth.org.
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S5READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS! Thanks for voting us “BEST LOCAL HOSPITAL” COME JOIN OUR TEAM You Belong at Baystate >> BaystateHealthJobs.com 3175491-01
some extent, connections to the community leave town. Decisions are then made at a headquarters hundreds of miles away and any contribu tions are shared with a now wider community, ensuring a decline in local support.”
working to serve both our customers and the commu nity. Our founders started the bank to do that in 1885
He said the Best Local
“The team at PeoplesBank is very excited that we’ve been named Best Local Bank for the eighth time and Best Mortgage Lender for the tenth time by the readers of the Republican and MassLive.”
Voters in the annual poll presented by The Republican and MassLive named the bank Best Local Bank and Best Mortgage Lender.
are making true community banks rare,” Bannister said. “When banks are bought or sold, decision-making and, to
PeoplesBank will remain committed to its mutual charter, he continued: “That means that we will continue to be a leader in supporting civic and charitable efforts and that our associates will continue to donate substan tial volunteer hours to those sameBankgroups.”associates devote an average of 10,000 hours to volunteer work each year, and 74 of the bank’s associates have served on the boards of directors and committees of 54 nonprofit organizations in thePeoplesBankarea. has 20 bank ing centers in Massachusetts and Connecticut and has announced a new banking center will open in South Windsor, Connecticut, in early 2023.
Mortgage award is also a vali dation of the talented mort gage team and the technology and processes that make the
“The team at PeoplesBank is very excited that we’ve been named Best Local Bank for the eighth time and Best Mortgage Lender for the tenth time by the read ers of the Republican and MassLive,” said Matthew J. Bannister, senior vice presi dent, marketing and corpo rate responsibility, at Peoples Bank. “We see the Best Local Bank award as confirmation that PeoplesBank does in deed have a remarkable team
PHOTO BY DON TREEGER
By CORI URBAN SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN
PeoplesBank has deposited two more Reader Raves wins into its collection of awards.
S6 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 THE REPUBLICAN | MASS LIVE.COMREADER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
and our board and leadership today are committed to the bank’s remaining mutual as well – a structure that empha sizes giving back to the com munity rather than diverting funds to stockholders.”
mortgage experience fast and simple.Serving its customers and the community in which they live was the reason the bank was founded as a mutual bank. “Ever-present mergers and acquisitions
Best Bank and lender PeoPlesBank
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S7READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS! Member FDIC/Member DIF Real. Simple. Banking. bankatpeoples.com Proud to be the Readers Raves Faves: It's Simple. We thank YOU! 8 time winner Best Local Bank 10 time winner Best Mortgage Lender
“Throughout the program, we build upon our themed days and then finally highlight (what has been done) to our families at our camp talent show,” Cisero said. Camp Star Angelina is a free
Best LocaL campground Camp Star angelina
The current camp program serves more than 70 campers with and without disabilities,
PHOTO BY DON TREEGER
6-week program offered to Springfield residents only.
“I am so excited to receive this award for the Camp Star Angelina staff, campers and their families. We are extremely hon ored to receive this recognition from those who have contributed so much support and encourage ment to our program,” said Lena Cisero, Camp Star Angelina director. This “is genuinely the best place for children to be during the summer months.”
school year.
She thanked and recognized Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Patrick Sullivan, exec utive director of parks, buildings and recreation management, for their continued efforts in provid ing such a beautiful, successful and enriching program for camp ers and their families.
particularly those with physical, social-emotional, behavioral and learning disabilities. It is designed to introduce children to several new opportunities and activities that build upon the skills they learn throughout the
184413-785-5148UnionStreet,West Springfield • www.DurocherFlorist.com Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat. 8am-3pm Sun. 9am-2pm 10 Years of the Best Best Florist FOR INYEARS9AROW!
S8 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 THE REPUBLICAN | MASS LIVE.COMREADER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
Reader Raves is the annual poll presented by The Repub lican and MassLive that looks for the best in Recommended Services, Where to Shop, Ask a Local and Food, Fun & Fitness.
By CORI URBAN SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN Camp Star Angelina is Spring
The camp program provides a variety of activities including swimming, arts and crafts, sports, reading and nature explo ration in Forest Park.
serves campers ages 6-13. It is the winner of the Read er Raves Award for Best Local
Partners include Art-Ventures, Next-Level Adventure and Read ing Success by 4th Grade.
“During the summer months away from school, our program in the heart of Forest Park provides Springfield youth the chance to explore,” Cisero said. “Campers build positive, trusting working relationships with their peers and staff.”
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S9READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS! Your ImprovementHomeSpecialistSince1973 MEMBER 31 YEARS Looking to increase the value and beauty of your home? New or Reface Kitchens, Bathrooms, Custom Countertops. Large or small renovations will provide a big return on your investment. BEST KITCHEN REMODELER For 8 Years in a Row! BEST BATHROOM REMODELER 7 Year Winner! 20 17 20 17 Ideal Kitchens Home Improvement, Inc. Showroom: 838 Grattan Street, Chicopee, MA | 413-532-2253 | idealkitchens.us forCallyour FREE estimate! We are honored to win the Reader Raves Best Attorney category for our third year in a row! Thank you to all that voted for413-486-1100us! Fitzgeraldpc.com 46 Center Square, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 One Monarch Place, Suite 1440, Springfield, MA 01144 100 Pearl Street, 14th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103 Kimberly Beaudry Ursula JosephBourgetCollins, Esq. John Drost, Esq. Rachel Fancy Frank Fitzgerald, Esq. Kevin Hassett, Esq. Daryl Johnson, Esq. Jane Mantolesky, Esq. Bradford Martin, Esq. Andrea O’Connor, Esq. Patricia Osborne Gladys KaraSethMaryJanePerezPlifkaStratton,Esq.Zurheide
Special to the Republican
2023.“Any time you can be recognized in a very competitive industry, it is always a pleasure. It is definitely a compliment to our staff who work as a team. The award tells us that we are doing some thing right for sure,” said Bill Collins, proprietor.
Center Square Grill is lo cated at 84 Center Square in East Longmeadow. Hours are Monday through Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
adds to
the Center Square Grill experience.“Ouroutdoor terrace with its beautiful flowers and torches offers a good vibe in an otherwise plaza environment, so it feels like a much nicer place. With this being New En gland, at the first sign of 65 degree weather, we bring out the tables and chairs and if there are warm days in early November, we will continue to serve out doors,” Collins said.
Best Waitstaff & OutdOOr dining Center Square Grill
An enticing menu and exquisitely prepared meals
S10 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 THE REPUBLICAN | MASS LIVE.COMREADER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
“We want someone on our waitstaff who is engag ing with a good personality and who is able to pick up on body language. That’s important for them to be able to recognize that a customer is impatient or unhappy and step in to make it right so they come back again. We put our wait staff through over 30 hours of training and before they go out on the floor they must pass a test of some 55 questions,” CollinsOutdoorsaid.dining
And it’s also a plus that they have a waitstaff ready to make you feel like royalty and an option to dine al fresco that has earned the
PHOTO BY STEVEN NANTON
• Full Service Commercial Grounds Maintenance • Residential Design & Installation of Outdoor Living Spaces • Hardscape Patios, Walkways & Retaining Walls 413-536-7555 • www.MountainViewInc.com • Chicopee and Wilbraham, MA & Manchester, CT Landscapes and Lawncare, Inc. Thank you for voting us BEST LANDSCAPER for the 9th Consecutive Year! 10 Years of the Best
BY KEITH O’CONNOR
enough to keep diners com ing through the doors again and again - that’s what you will find at Center Square Grill in East Longmeadow.
The popular restaurant also offers chef-prepared menus for pickup and delivery, or full-service catering at your venue of choice, as well as a variety of wedding packages.
restaurant Best Waitstaff and Best Outdoor Din ing in The Republican/ MassLive Reader Raves
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S11READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS! 2023.
S12 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 THE REPUBLICAN | MASS LIVE.COMREADER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
PHOTO BY DON TREEGER
unique style, quality and value of these reclaimed pieces.
and continues the tradition of readers voting for their favor ites in 100 Annually,categories.votersrave for the “Who’s Who” in Western Massachusetts in the fields of Recommended Services, Where to Shop, Ask a Local
Among the unique pieces Ratti has seen go through the store were a 9-foot-tall, 3-inch-wide chestnut church door and numerous mantles from 19th-century New York brownstones.EcoBuilding Bargains will pick up donations free of charge to the donors in seven states. “So they don’t have to pay to dispose” of the materi als they don’t want, Ratti said.
It’s wonderful,” Darcy A. Ratti, store manager, said of the award. “Hopefully it gets our name out to help more people.”EcoBuilding Bargains accepts donations of quality home improvement materials and sells them to the public at discounted prices. “It’s important to help people save money, especially with prices going up on everything,” Ratti
Alan M. Kasperowski, DDS • Bryan M. Kasperowski, DMD, FAGD • Meghan Kelley, DMD • Alison Leecock, DMD Specializing in expert dental care including preventive, restorative, implant and cosmetic services 79 Broad Street, Westfield, MA • (413) 562-5494 • drkasperowski.com Thank you for voting us “BEST DENTIST” 10 Years of the Best
Special to The Republican
BY CORI URBAN
Eco-Building Bargains
“EcoBuilding Bargains, the Center for EcoTecnology’s re use store, is building its repu tation as the largest reclaimed and surplus building materials store in New England, and it has been voted Best Eco Conscious Business in Reader Raves, the annual poll present ed by The Republican and MassLive.“It’sextremely exciting.
said. “And it’s important to keep materials from going into the waste stream and to find them new Customerslife.”appreciate the
Best eco- c onscious Business
The business does receive new donated materials from wholesale or retail outlets, craftsmen who make custom home furnishings and home owners. It also sells energy-ef ficient lighting supplies, new
paint made from recycled paint (and painting supplies) and other items for everyday “green”Readerneeds.Raves, the annual poll presented by The Repub lican and MassLive, is cele brating its 10th anniversary
and Food, Fun & Fitness. For more information about EcoBuilding Bargains, visit them at 83 Warwick St., Springfield, or call 413-7886900.
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“Fall is a magical time of year at GreatHorse. There are gorgeous colors off in the distance to view, and
the best amenity offered at GreatHorse is, Smithwick answered with a twist.
Best Golf Course Greathorse
What puts the “great” in GreatHorse?Howabout the fact that the opulent mountain retreat in Hampden - which voters in The saidminuteexperienceintoeffortrecognizevotersrecognizedbarcourts,tennisnessoutdoorgolf-ognizedReaderRepublican/MassLiveRaves2023haverecasBestGolfCourseoffersnotonlyworld-classbutsuchamenitiesasanpool,privatespa,fitcenter,golfsimulators,andplatformtennisandarestaurantandwithaninspiredcuisine.“ItisawesometobebyReaderRavesandittellsusthattheythetremendoustheentirestaffplacesshapingtheGreatHorsethatbeginstheyouenterourgates,”BryanSmithwick,gen eralRenownedmanager.golf course designer Brian Silva has created a par-72 layout that incorporates natural wet lands, mountainous views and over 207 bunkers. The
BY KEITH O’CONNOR Special to the Republican
PHOTO BY STEVEN NANTON
real championship tees offer golfers over 7,600 yards of pristine golf action.
“I truly believe it is the cul ture. We have a very untradi tional culture at GreatHorse. It is not pretentious in the least, not stuffy. Our mem bers are like-minded and have come here to enjoy life and have a good time, and our goal is to provide the per fect hospitality platform for the whole family from mom, dad to the kids to enjoy,” he said.To schedule your tour of GreatHorse, call (413) 5668010. For more information about membership or to book a wedding or special event, call (860) 989-6514. For general information about GreatHorse, visit greathorse.com.
the heat and humidity has dropped making it a more enjoyable time,” Smithwick said.With an endless list of unbelievable amenities, when asked after golf what
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S15READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
#1 Best Golf Course THANK YOU VOTINGFORUS GOLF AT ITS FINEST 413-566-8010 • MEMBERSHIP@GREATHORSE.COM • 128 WILBRAHAM ROAD • HAMPDEN, MA 01036 Forinformationmembership please call us to schedule your tour today!
starring Tom Cruise may have brought attention to
Longmeadow.Haenhasbeen named Best Bartender in The Re publican/MassLive Reader Raves 2023.
“First of all, Heather is not just a bartender, she is a superhero. The way she connects with people is the epitome of what you want in a bartender. She knows her customers by name and goes out of her way to make everyone feel at home - even buying snacks at the store for them before coming into work on special days like Hallow een or the Kentucky Derby, she always has something up her sleeve. We could never have grown such an amazing daytime and evening bar ser vice without her talents,” said Bill Collins, proprietor, Center Square Grill.
Thank you from the entire team at Chicopee Eyecare! Dr. Amanda Baltazar Sezer • Dr. Camille Guzek-Latka • Dr. David Momnie 113 Center Street Chicopee, MA ChicopeeEyecare.com01013413-592-7777 OptometristBest We are committed to providing you with the highest quality of eye care and to treating you with kindness, dignity, and respect.
bartending, but not much to the important role a bar tender like Heather Haen plays at restaurants such as Center Square Grill in East
The 1988 film “Cocktail”
She noted that they will be incorporating more mocktails into their fall drink specials.
HeatHer, Center Square Grill
Best Bartender
The Center Square Grill bartender said when behind the bar she “enjoys it and has fun.”“I’m a people person and enjoy talking to everyone. It gives me pleasure knowing that I can make my customers feel comfortable and relaxed, while escaping for a while and forgetting life’s everyday problems,” Haen said.
“It was a wonderful surprise and I didn’t expect it. I was
“They were huge sellers this summer, especially our Gar den Crusher and Strawberry Fields. If someone is pregnant or not of age yet, and they don’t want to feel excluded from the party, they can order one of our mocktails and no one will know what they are actually drinking,” Haen said.
You can taste Haen’s heav enly concoctions at Center Square Grill at 84 Center Square in East Longmeadow.
pretty excited and grateful to learn the news,” she added about learning she had won theAsaward.thefall months ap proach, Haen said they are preparing their seasonal specials, which will include more bourbons, and adding cranberry, apple and pumpkin into the mix.
PHOTO BY STEVEN NANTON
S16 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 THE REPUBLICAN | MASS LIVE.COMREADER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
BY KEITH O’CONNOR Special to The Republican
best Dispensary & buDtenDer
BY CORI URBAN
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST DISPENSARY and BEST BUDTENDER Please consume responsibly. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of reach of children. This product may cause impairment and may be habit-forming. 877-500-INSA or INSA.COM 877-500-INSA • INSA.com Adult Use SPRINGFIELD 1200 W Columbus Ave Medical SPRINGFIELD 506 Cottage St Adult Use + Medical EASTHAMPTON 122 Pleasant St Adult Use SALEM 462 Highland Ave
craft and attention to detail result in the high-quality cannabis that Insa offers. In addition, master chef and chocolatier, Julian Rose, brings decades of expertise to Insa’s artisan and award-win ning“Weedibles.areuncompromising
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S17READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
about maintaining the quality of our products and dedicat ed to best-in-the-industry staff training,” Gallagher said.For more information, go to insa.com.
that is welcoming, easy to navigate and educational for customers with all levels of cannabis experience.”
The Best Budtender and the Best Dispensary are the same business, according to Reader Raves, the annual poll presented by The Republican and MassLive in which read ers vote for their favorites in 100Takingcategories.thehigh honors in both categories is Insa at 122 Pleasant St., Easthampton.
“We are honored to be voted ‘Best Dispensary’ again this year and are thrilled to also be recognized for ‘Best Budtenders.’ Thank you to everyone in the community who voted for us,” comment ed Peter Gallagher, co-found er and CEO. “These two awards speak directly to our dedication to always put our customers first by focusing on in-store education and by creating a retail experience
Insa offers premium can nabis products in a variety of formats and functions to help meet each customer or pa tient’s unique needs. All can nabis products sold at Insa dispensaries are tested by an independent laboratory and are subject to external ap proval by regulatory partners.
in America, he said. “They nurture the unique qualities of each plant so that custom ers and patients can experi ence the purest, and cleanest expression of each strain’s aromas, flavors and effects. Under their leadership, the entire team’s passion for their
PHOTO BY STEVEN NANTON
INSA
Special to The Republican
Quality control is built into Insa’s processes at all levels in order to provide the highest quality cannabis products to customers and tionrevolutionizingtererigherheart“Craftsmanshippatients.isattheandsoulofInsa,”Gallasaid.HeadgrowersFrankGolfiandKevinSparksaremascraftsmen“whoaretrulythecultivaofhigh-qualitycannabis”
Macken’s Sliders - Best Local Food Truck
Heartsong Yoga - Best Yoga StudioPHOTO BY STEVEN NANTON
PHOTO BY STEVEN NANTON
Kasperowski BY STEVEN NANTON
Family Dentistry - Best Dentist or Orthodontist PHOTO
S18 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 THE REPUBLICAN | MASS LIVE.COMREADER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS! Thank you to everyone who voted for the 2023 Reader Raves Winners! 3174876-01 Visit Us! 54 Shaker Road East Longmeadow, MA Mon – Sat 10am – 5pm mimisconsignment@yahoo.com • 413-525-0300 • mimisconsignment.com Thank You for Voting Mimi’s Consignment Boutique Best Consignment Shop! Designer Clothing ~ Designer Shoes ~ Luxury Handbags 9th Year!
Ideal Kitchens Home Improvement - Best Kitchen Remodeler
PHOTO BY FRED GORE
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S19READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS! 201 5Thank You... ELSIE’S CREAMERY All Your Favorite Flavors Made In Small Batches at the Creamery Half gallons Available Year Round at Randall’s Farm VOTED BEST HOMEMADE ICE CREAM 631 Center St., Route 21, Mass Pike Exit 7, Ludlow • 589-7071 • www.randallsfarm.net ELSIE’S CREAMERY the Best Homemade Ice Cream at RANDALL’S FARM 10 Years of the Best 3175399-01 10 Years of the Best
Arnold’s Meats - Best Butcher
CREDIT UNION Polish National Credit BaystateLOCALPeoplesBankLOCALLandscapingMountainviewLANDSCAPERImprovementIdealKITCHENHomesDenisCONTRACTORHOMEACOOLINGHOMEHomesForastiereFUNERALCaringFAMILYEliminationBramanEXTERMINATORGoodlessELECTRICIANBelmontDRYDentistryKasperowskiORTHODONTISTDENTISTSquareDAYUnionCARE/PRESCHOOLOneORFamilyCLEANERLaundryElectricTermiteandPestPHYSICIANHealthCenterHOMEFamilyFuneralHEATINGSERVICEPlusHVACIncIMPROVEMENTGodboutCustom&RemodelingREMODELERKitchensHomeIncBANKHOSPITALHealth LOCAL PhotographyRobertPHOTOGRAPHERAdolescentRedwoodPEDIATRICIANChicopeeOPTOMETRISTPeoplesBankMORTGAGEGroomingNewLOCALAgencyPhillipsAGENCYINSURANCEInsurancePETGROOMERLeashOnLifeDogLENDEREyecarePediatricandMedicineCharles TheWEDDINGSPECIALGlenmeadowCOMMUNITYRETIREMENTHathawaySuriREALTORSkibelPLUMBERPlumbingRamos,BerkshireLIVINGEVENT/VENUELogCabinVETERINARYCLINICSpruceHillVeterinaryClinic ACCOUNTING FIRM Meyers CenterTommyCarAUTOFitzgeraldATTORNEYTheCOMMUNITYASSISTEDKalicka,BrothersP.CLIVINGArborsLaw,P.C.BODYSHOPCollision AUTO RehabilitationValleyCHIROPRACTORHouseTheCATERERHomesDenisBATHROOMCenterTommyCarREPAIRCollisionREMODELERGodboutCustom&RemodelingLogCabin/DelaneyChiropractic& SpringfieldMuseums.org • Follow CONTINUESUsFeaturingTheGrinch’sGrotto NOV-DEC 2022 DR. BirthdaySEUSSParty MAR 4, 2023 TM & © 2022 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved. THANK YOU REPUBLICAN AND MASSLIVE READERS
RECOMMENDED SERVICES S20 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 THE REPUBLICAN | MASS LIVE.COMREADER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
Goodless Electric - Best Electrician PHOTO BY DON TREEGER
PHOTO BY STEVEN NANTON
AMUSEMENT CENTER Six TheBAKERYFlagsApple ENTERTAINMENTFrigo’sDELIPuffer’sDAYMaureen’sCANDYArnold’sBUTCHERClassicBURGERMemo’sBREAKFASTSalonBEAUTYGrillHeather,BARTENDERPlaceCenterSquareSALON1262PLACERestaurantSPOTBurgersMeatsSHOPSweetShoppeSPASalon&DaySpaVENUE MGM Springfield TheFAIRBig E GOLF HOMEMADEGreatHorseCOURSEICE CREAM Elsie’s Creamery at Randall’s TheDESTINATIONLOCALRedITALIANFarmRESTAURANTRosePizzeriaFAMILYApplePlace LOCAL FOOD TRUCK Macken’s Sliders LOCAL MICROBREWERY Iron Duke Brewing LOCAL SPORTS TEAM MUSEUMFronteraMEXICANTaekwondoMassachusettsMARTIALRoastersShelburneCOFFEELOCALLYPete’sCUPCAKESLOCALLYThunderbirdsMADESweetsOWNEDSHOPFallsCoffeeARTSSCHOOLAcademyRESTAURANTGrill Springfield Museums NEIGHBORHOOD BAR Nathan HeartsongYOGACenterWAITSTAFFLiberty’sVEGETARIANAmeliaSKATINGThePLACERedPIZZACenterOUTDOORBill’sDININGSquareGrillPLACERosePizzeriaFORLIVEMUSICApplePlaceRINKParkFOODMediterraneanSquareGrillSTUDIOYoga FOOD, FUN & FITNESS THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S21READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS! Congrats 2023 Winners! FALL IS FOR PLANTING! Time to Seed and Lime Your Lawn: We have Jonathan Green, Greenview and Turf Trust Hardy Mums & Asters 1000’s In Stock! All Colors & Sizes Ornamental Cabbage & Kale Largest Selection of Trees, Shrubs & Perennials in Western MA! We Send Flowers Worldwide 783 5883 1359 Wilbraham Road Springfield • (413) 783 5883 16acresgardencenter com Open Daily 8 5 • Gift Cards Available Landscape Design & Installation Services Call 783 5883, ext 111 Large Selection of Outdoor Decorative Scarecrows & Decorations Pumpkins, Cornstalks, Indian Corn, Decorative Wreaths, Ribbon & Bows for the Fa l! Just Arrived! Holland Bulbs for Spring Flowering! Stock Up for Spring Delight! Remember Us for Unique Gifts for The Gardeners In Your Life! Full Service Floral & Gift Shop Custom Floral Designs For All Occasions Fresh Flowers Daily 1359 Wilbraham Road Springfield • (413) Open16acresgardencenter.com783-5883Daily8-5•GiftCardsAvailable 3175439-01Macken’s Sliders THANKS to our Customers for voting us Best Local Food Truck for the 3rd Time! mackenscatering@gmail • 413-273-7271 • Southwick, MA 10 Years of the Best
LOCAL ON AssociationMentalPLACEEastSt.PLACEGreenhouseDickinsonOWNPICKAssociationMentalORGANIZATIONNONMassJannaPERSONALITYTELEVISIONAIRBrown,WesternNewsPROFITHealthYOURORCHARDFarm&OFWORSHIPMichael’sParish,LongmeadowTOWORKHealth PRIVATE SCHOOL St. Stanislaus School SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Sr. Patricia Hottin, SSJ, St. Thomas the Apostle ChicopeeTOTOWNElementaryOldStephanieTEACHERSchoolMonette,MillPond/CITYLIVEIN ASK A LOCAL CHAMBER ForTomCHARITYChamberSpringfieldCOMMERCEOFRegionalEVENTCosenziDrivingTheCure CITY OR TOWN LOCAL OFFICIAL Mayor Dom Sarno COLLEGE CollegeHolyokeUNIVERSITYORCommunity S22 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 THE REPUBLICAN | MASS LIVE.COMREADER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
PHOTO BY LEON NGUYEN
COMMUNITY HERO Bob “The Bike Man” CampCAMPGROUNDLOCALChicopeeBrettCOACHHIGHMarketMcKinstryFARMTommyCarBUSINESSFAMILYEco-BuildingBUSINESSECO-CONSCIOUSCharlandBargainsRUNAutoGroupSTANDGardenSCHOOLDiClementi,CompStarAngelina BramanPest.com New England’s Pest Control Experts 800-338-6757 Thank you for voting us “Best Exterminator” in the 2023 Reader Raves! 4.25inxin5.338 003998-2022ReaderRavesPrintAd-09072022.indd 1 9/7/22 11:18 AM 10 Years of the Best Thank you to all who voted for us Taekwondo Classes: Monday - Friday 5PM - 9PM East Longmeadow’s premiere martial arts location teaching Children 5yrs+, Teenagers and Adults. Olympics Style Sparring, Combatives, Wrestling and Self Defense. CHILD CARE: Before School Program 7AM - 9AM After School Program 1PM - 6PM Summer Camp 8AM - 5PM
PHOTO BY DON TREEGER
Mental Health Association - Best Place to Work
Frigo’s - Best Deli
WHERE TO SHOP APPLIANCE SHOP Manny’s BUDTENDERAppliance Insa CAR DISPENSARYBaliseDEALER Insa Rocky’s/AceHARDWARECooper’sGIFTCharlene’sSHOPFORMALDurocherFLOWERBoutiqueMimi’sSHOPCONSIGNMENTConsignmentSHOPFloristWEARBoutiqueBOUTIQUEGiftsSTOREHardware BigSUPERMARKETA.W.STOREPETTableSTOREPACKAGECenterSixteenGARDENNURSERYPieroway’sFURNITURELOCALLYTurnSHOPLOCALHannoushJEWELERRECORDItUp!OWNEDSTOREORCENTERAcresGarden&VineSUPPLYBrown’sY THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S23READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS! Cheers to 10 years! Durocher Florist - Best Flower ShopPHOTO BY DON TREEGER Skibel413-533-0907Plumbing to all our Loyal Customers for voting us “Best Plumber” for 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023! 10 Years of the Best VOTED BEST DRY CLEANER AGAIN! Thank You! ■ Same-Day Service at All Locations! ■ 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed ■ Carcininogen-FREE Dry Cleaning ■ FREE Home Pick-Up & Delivery! Sixteen Acres 1804 Wilbraham Rd. 413-783-7226 Springfield 333 Belmont Avenue 413-736-3616 West Springfield 804 Westfield St., RT. 20 413-732-2768 www.BelmontCustomCleaners.com • M-F 7:30am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm Since1907 CLEAN Your SUIT with us, and Get your SHIRT CLEANED... FOR FREE! Non-Toxict ❒ Environmental Friendly ❒ Tested By Dermatologists ❒ Non-Hazardous ❒ Pollutant Free! ❒ Exclusively with Belmont ❒ DryAmerica’sHealthyCleaning Traditional Dry (Used(Perchloroethylene)Cleaningby8/10DryCleaners!❒✓ ❒✓ ❒✓ ❒✓ ❒✓ ❒✓
S24 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 THE REPUBLICAN | MASS LIVE.COMREADER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS! 2023 THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED FOR US. 413-536-8510 | mbkcpa.com ONE IS OUR FAVORITE NUMBER 3175447-01 Thank you Thank you for voting us best credit union... for a FIFTH time in the last six years. We strive to deliver excellent products and services while maintaining and growing the relationships we have with you. After all, YOU are our biggest asset. www.pncu.com | 866.592.7628 RAVESReader 2023 readerraves.com EQUAL LENDERHOUSINGNMLS #439259
BY KEITH O’CONNOR
that we have a good team and that people, whether they agree with me or not, know I care and love the City and that I am completely committed to always moving Spring field forward. I think they appreciate the steady and strong leadership we have provided during adversity such as the EF-3 tornado that carved a 6.2 mile-long path of de struction through Spring field, a freak October Nor’easter that resulted in catastrophic city-wide damage, a natural gas explosion that occurred in the downtown area that leveled a building and caused heavy damage to dozens of nearby build ings, as well as managing the recent coronavirus
pandemic.”Anativeson of the City of Springfield and the lon gest serving mayor in the City’s history, Sarno has earned a reputation for his commitment to economic development, financial stewardship, and com munity-based programs to address quality-of-life issues, education and pub licAsafety.former four-term City Councilor who served as City Council Presi dent and as a member of the Springfield Finance Control Board, Sarno was elected to his first term as Mayor on November 6, 2007 and won reelection in both 2009, 2011, 2015 and 2019. He is up for re-election in 2023.
Best CItY LOCAL OFFICIAL Mayor DoMenic Sarno THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S25READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
He’s just short of the big one.For the ninth year in a row, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno has been named “tops” by voters in the Best City or Town Local Official category of The said.soulmy24/7ThisitstheworksandonoredReaderRepublican/MassLiveRaves2023.“I’mhumbledandhontoacceptthisawardbehalfofmycabineteveryoneherewhosohardonbehalfofCityofSpringfieldandpeopleeverysingleday.isapassionthatIliveandIhavealwaysputcompleteheartandintothejob,”Sarno“Theawardtellsme
PHOTO BY LEON NGUYEN
Special to The Republican
I am truly humbled and honored to win this award once again –‘hey, you still like me – thank you! Nine years in a row and still going strong!’ As the longest serving Mayor in Springfield’s history, I love and live this job 24/7 and proudly accept this award again on behalf of my tested, true, and dedicated staff, cabinet heads, and our rank and file. Thank you, again, Reader Raves voters and Go Team Springfield!
workforce.“Theaward tells us we are doing the right things for our members and are responsive to their needs and providing great value for them,” Szynal said.As a business organization designed to help business es, the Springfield Regional Chamber provides referrals to members or others in the community looking for recommendations about a particular type of business. And they offer a business directory search on their website.TheSpringfield Regional Chamber is located at 1441 Main St. in Springfield. For more information, comspringfieldregionalchamber.visitorcall(413)787-1555.
Congratulations! For the tenth year, the Springfield Regional Chamber has been voted Best Chamber of Commerce! Grateful & Honored Thank You! Spacious In Studio Classes or Livestream from home. Stretch & Relax: Gental & Meditation Want a workout: Vinyasa, Flow, Ashtanga Have more fun: Laughter Yoga Try something new: Mindful Tai-Chi Flow 413-525-0720 264 N. Main Street, East www.heartsongyoga.comLongmeadow 10 Years of the Best
S26 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 THE REPUBLICAN | MASS LIVE.COMREADER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
Best ChamBer of CommerCe
PHOTO BY LEON NGUYEN
Springfield regional Chamber
For the tenth year, the Springfield Regional Cham ber has been voted Best Chamber of Commerce in The recognizedReaderRepublican/MassLiveRaves2023.“Itfeelswonderfultobeonceagainand it fills me with such gratitude to our members and to others in the community who voted for us,” said Diana Szynal, new president of the Springfield Regional“However,Chamber.Iwant to emphasize the fact that all of the good work that voters have recognized came under the watch of our former president Nancy Creed,” she added.TheSpringfield Region al Chamber is the voice of business for their mem
BY KEITH O’CONNOR Special to the Republican
bers. They work together to create a shared vision for the region, strengthen and im prove the economy, develop the region’s workforce and provide legislative advocacy. For more than a century, the Chamber has promoted, supported and enhanced the economic health of the region.Aspart of the area’s thriving business com munity, membership in the Springfield Regional Chamber provides the tools and recovery resources need ed to thrive now and into the future, personal connec tions that support word-ofmouth marketing, benefits from pro-business advoca cy, tangible opportunities to grow your business and boost brand awareness, while ultimately building your
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S27READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS! We’re honored to have been voted the Best Chamber of Commerce for the 10th consecutive year. Thank you for voting and putting your confidence in us to serve as the voice for byregionalreinvigoratingMass.,withAsandbothmembersleaderslike-mindedconnectionserveandregionaleffortstoWe’reofcontinuedmembershipgratefulareWesternpeoplecommunities,businesses,andthroughoutMass.WehumbledandforyourandsupportSRC!excitedelevateourasaChambercontinuetoasaprimeto–allowingtogrowprofessionallypersonally.weevolveWesternwe’reourfootprintservingourcommunities in pivotal ways. Our mission is to see all members succeed – because when you succeed, we succeed, both as a Chamber and as a region overall. THANK YOU I’ve always valued the power Greaterbuildingforincrediblymembers,excitedcollaboration.ofI’mtobepartofacommunitythatprioritizespartnershipsthatleadtodeeperconnectionsandtangiblegrowth.Wecouldn’tdothisimportantworkwithoutthesupportofourandI’mgratefultheopportunitytocollaborateonastrongerSpringfieldtogether Diana Szynal President Springfield Regional Chamber for naming us Reader Rave’s best chamber 10 years in a row!
Among the services of fered at New Leash On Life Dog Grooming are hair cuts with bath included, baths, nails only, and teeth brushing and anal glands as add ons. All haircut and bath services include nail trimming and ear cleaning.
BY KEITH O’CONNOR Special to the Republican Voters in The
Kalis also doesn’t for get “the little guys” and grooms bunnies, guinea pigs, ferrets and other small animals.“Ialso have a passion for grooming senior and disabled dogs that some groomers prefer not to be cause of the challenge. Due to their age or disability, the dog may not be able to stand as long or can’t stand at all. No matter their age or disability, a dog needs and deserves to be groomed, it makes them feel better. And I won’t say no,” Kalis said.As for the clever name, New Leash on Life Dog Grooming, Kalis said it was her father’s idea.
New Leash On Life Dog Grooming is the Top Dog! Full service pet grooming to meet all your furry friend’s needs! Small animals too! We are senior and disabled dog friendly! Rachel Kalis - Owner, Groomer & Pet Lover Call or Text: 1144newleashonlifegrooming.com413-320-0805SouthamptonRoad,Westfield, MA Sunday-Thursday: 9:30am – 5:00pm Thank you for Voting Us “Best Local Pet Groomer“ 10 Years of the Best
my customers appreciate how I treat and groom their dogs,” Kalis said.
Best LOCAL Pet GROOMeR New Leash ON Life D O g grOOmiNg
theIminealwaysallabeingwasn’tbeFebruary.herlife’spursuewhoforBestLifevoted“bestRaveslican/MassLiveRepubReader2023puttheirpawforward”andNewLeashOnDogGroomingasLocalPetGroomer.It’sanexcitingwinownerRachelKalisonlydecidedtohernewfounddreamandopenownshopthisyearin“It’sagoodfeelingtorecognized.Ireallyexpectingitafteropenlessthanyear.Ilovedogsandanimalsandithasbeenadreamoftoopenasalon.enjoygroomingandawardtellsmethat S28 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 THE REPUBLICAN | MASS LIVE.COMREADER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
“It was clever and it represented a new start for me.....a new lease on life,” KalisNewsaid.Leash On Life Dog Grooming is located on 1144 Southampton Road in Westfield.Hoursare Sunday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Friday and Saturday.Formore information, visit 0805.ing.comnewleashonlifegroomorcall(413)320-
PHOTO BY STEVEN NANTON
2023.“We were surprised as well as both pleased and proud to be recognized by our patients in the sur rounding communities as Best Chiropractor. We have been providing the
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S29READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
Best ChiropraCtor
call (413) 536-0142.
At Valley Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, they com bine tried-and-true, gentle methods of chiropractic treatment with physi cal therapy and exercise rehabilitation to help their patients achieve the most complete recovery possible.
For more information, visit com.valleychiropractors.
Springfield Office: 413-285-8060 155 Maple Street, Suite 102 Springfield, MA 01105 Holyoke Office: 413-536-0142 850 High Street, 2nd Floor Holyoke, MA 01040 We Thank Our Valued Patients for Voting Us Best Chiropractor! 10 Years of the Best Relief, Rehabilitation, Recovery www.valleychiropractors.comwww.valleychiropractors.com
and 850 High St. in Holy oke. To reach the Springfield office call (413) 285-8060 or to reach the Holyoke office
“I believe the consistency and quality of care we have offered throughout these many years is the reason we have been recognized. We are lucky to have had the same great staff for the most part for many years, and they deserve a special thanks. We couldn’t do it without them,” Dr. Storozuk said.For chiropractic care they offer services for sprains and strains, herniations, muscle spasms, headaches, and whiplash. Physical therapy provides help for
Valley ChiropraCtiC & rehabilitation
And patients are pleased with their outcomes voting Valley Chiropractic & Re habilitation as Best Chiro practor in The Republican/ MassLive Reader Raves
retraining damaged mus cles and strengthening and retraining muscles, tendons, and ligaments damaged from car accidents or sports injuries. Massage therapy helps to mobilize and relax injured or stressed muscle fibers, break up muscular adhesions and muscle spasms and increase blood flow.
BY KEITH O’CONNOR Special to the Republican
A no-cost, courtesy trans portation service is offered to and from both their Springfield and Holyoke offices to most local areas. They currently are using an air-conditioned Ford Taurus or an air-conditioned Toyo ta Avalon as their transpor tationValleyvehicles.Chiropractic & Rehabilitation has offices at 155 Maple St. in Springfield
PHOTO BY DON TREEGER
same great care for many years since we originally opened our doors in Holy oke in 1977,” said Scott R. Storozuk, D.C., co-owner along with his wife Anna N. Storozuk, D.C.
S30 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 THE REPUBLICAN | MASS LIVE.COMREADER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS! Thank you for voting Holyoke Community College 2023 Best College or University in Western Massachusetts! HCC remains committed to serving our community. // QUALITY EDUCATION // CARING FACULTY // AFFORDABLE PRICE hcc.edu 3175850-01 Thank you for voting A.W. Brown’s your Best Pet Supply Store! 413-525-2115 | 144 Shaker Rd., East Longmeadow | AWBrown.comOPEN7Days 10 Years of the Best Your Fun Fall Local Store! •Fall Mums, Pumpkins, & Decorating! •Yankee & Kringle Candles! •Lawn & Garden Care! •Weber Grills & Propane! •Wild Bird Food & Feeders! •Heating Wood Pellets!
Just as popular as their other menu items - hot dogs, chili, sandwiches, hand cut fries, onion rings and chicken tenders - is their cheeseburg er chowder which is available beginning on Thursdays and runs out quickly.
If it is just a sweet treat you are in the mood for, Classic Burgers makes their own ice cream, some 40 flavors, in cluding sundaes and shakes. They also make ice cream cakes, some custom made.
1261 Westfield St, West Springfield, MA (413) www.classicburgers.net363-1654 Thank you! To our loyal guests for voting Classic Burgers Best Burgers! 10 Years of the Best Check us out on: Check us out on: For upcoming Cruise Nights & Events Voted Best Place to Worship StMichaelsEL.org(413)-525-4253 EAST LONGMEADOW, MA everyone is loved. everyone is welcome. everyone is worthy. 10 Years of the Best CHANGES: 1) Add 2023 Logo at TOP Right 2) Move 2022 Logo to bottom right – put logo years in order 3) To Fit the Past Year Logos: a) Reduce size of StMichaelEL.org b) If still need room, move past year logos a bit closer together.
PHOTO BY LEON NGUYEN
For more information visit classicburgers.net or call 413363-1654.
Special to the Republican
and you can actually sit down and eat your meal in some vintage autos.
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S31READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
“Our most popular is Cook ie Monster. Kids and adults love it. It turns your mouth blue and it’s just filled with cookies,” Anischik said.
“It was awesome and a great surprise to learn we had been voted Best Burger Spot. We are humbled to be recognized and it tells us we are doing right by our customers and have a solid burger.”
Classic Burgers is located at 1261 Westfield St. in West Springfield. Hours are Mon day through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“It’s very popular in the winter but really all yearlong. We make 10 gallons of it and it’s still not enough. People like to dip their fries in it and others bring it home to add to their pasta. We got the recipe from Carl Kline who had a fish market in Westfield and people used to line up at the door for his chowder, which had nothing to do with fish,” Anischik said.
BY KEITH O’CONNOR
All burgers are not created equal.Just ask voters in The Re publican/MassLive Reader Raves 2023 who voted Clas sic Burgers as Best Burger Spot.“It was awesome and a great surprise to learn we had been voted Best Burger Spot. We are humbled to be rec ognized and it tells us we are doing right by our customers and have a solid burger. And it’s a nice morale booster for our staff,” said Harry Anischik, general manager, ClassicWhatBurgers.alsocontributes to making Classic Burgers the Best Burger Spot is its ambi ance. Its décor is 1950’s retro
Best Burger ClassiC Burgers
S32 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 THE REPUBLICAN | MASS LIVE.COMREADER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
By CORI URBAN SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN Brett A. DiClementi scored the big win as the Best High School Coach in Reader Raves, the annual poll presented by The Re publican and MassLive. He spent three seasons as the boys’ varsity hockey coach at Chicopee Com prehensive High School, leading the team from a “struggling” season year one, to a 70 percent win ning season during everywhereworkedingsuccessayearCOVID-19-affectedthesecondtothethirdseasonwith17-2-2record.Heattributedtheteam’stoagoodcoachstaffandplayerswhohard.“Wecreatedaculturekidscouldcomedayandhaveablast,
have fun … and focus on hockey,” DiClementi said. “There was no internal team competition; they all cheered for each other. As a coach, that was awesome.”
DiClementi played hockey in high school with the New England Falcons in Springfield and in a post graduate year at the National Sports Academy in Lake Placid, New York. He earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and coaching from New England College in Henniker, New Hamp shire, where he also played hockey.“Ilike the camaraderie with your teammates,” he said. “It makes it more than a game but a lifestyle.”
He said the “great group of kids” on the team “made winning an award like this (Reader Raves) easy.”
Before taking the helm of the Chicopee Comp hockey program he coached youth hockey in the area for sever al years and was an assistant boys’ varsity hockey coach at Westfield High School.
Best Vegetarian Food 2023 Thankyou for voting us Liberty Mediterranean Giant Grinders 63 Liberty St Springfield, MA 01103 (413) 736-1260 10 Years of the Best
Best high school coach
Brett DiClementi, ChiC opee Comprehensive high sChool
He plans to attend the an nual Reader Raves banquet at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke on Oct. 19.
He also enjoys the com petitive nature and physi cality of the game and the mental focus it requires.
DiClementi now lives in East Granby, Connecticut, and has a newborn son he hopes will be a hockey player. He’d like to resume coaching in an assistant coach role so he has more time for family.
PHOTO BY STEVEN NANTON
a convenient location for you. But, most of all, do your research and look at reviews. You must be comfortable with the practice and doctor you choose going into what will hopefully be a longterm relationship. Consider making an appointment to go into the practice to meet the staff or even set up a
“It’s exciting to be recog nized with the Reader Raves award. Our providers and staff are thrilled. It tells us that our hard work is making a difference, especially the changes we have implement ed to make the patient expe rience better for everyone,”
virtual meeting. And while it might not make a difference to a baby, consider a practice with both male and female doctors for kids who might want to switch doctors as they grow up,” she said.
10 Years of the Best We are honored and grateful for your trust in Redwood Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine. Best Pediatrician Healthcare For The Next Generation Our skilled team of pediatric providers offers comprehensive medical care for infants, children and adolescents. Keith R Ruppel, MD, FAAP John R Kelley, MD, FAAP Greer A Clarke, MD, FAAP Shannon West-Buxton, RN, MS, PNP, APRN Katherine Rice, PA-C 15 Vreeland Avenue, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 • 413-787-2555 • RedwoodPediatric.org
said Cynthia Ruppel, office manager.Shenoted among the changes have included pro tocols to make everyone feel safe and comfortable during the pandemic, as well as upgrades to technology and the patient portal, including the ability to “complete all paperwork and forms and
By KEITH O’CONNOR Special to The Republican
For more information, call (413) 787-2555 or redwoodpediatric.org.visit
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S33READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
Redwood PediatRic and adolescent Medicine
even payment before walk ing into the practice and the ability to go straight into the examRuppelroom.”offered her thoughts on what parents should consider when select ing a pediatrician for their child.“It’s important that you select a practice that is in
PHOTO BY STEVEN NANTON
Best pediatrician
Providers at Redwood Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine include Keith R. Ruppel, MD, FAAP; Shannon West-Buxton, RN, MS, PNP, APRN; John R. Kelley, MD, FAAP; and Greer A. Clarke, MD,TheFAAP.office is located at 15 Vreeland Avenue in East Longmeadow. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
At Redwood Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine in East Longmeadow, doctors and staff consider it both a great joy and responsibility to care forParentschildren.and adults who were once patients at the practice agree and have voted Redwood Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine Best Pediatric Practice in The Re publican/MassLive Reader Raves 2023.
S34 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 THE REPUBLICAN | MASS LIVE.COMREADER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS! 3140265-01 24 Hour Emergency Service | Quality Trained Professionals Thank You for voting us Best Electrician! 100 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA • (413) 739-3835 • www.goodlesselectric.com Serving Commercial, Industrial & Residential Communities in Western MA & Northern CT Electrical Contractors MA License 17430A • CT License 125677 Celebrating 75 YEARSOFSERVICE2020Clectric co.INC Goodless YOUR DAY + YOUR WAY WETOCOMMITYOU When partiesAndandcomparesittheviewourof Photos by 500 Easthampton Road • Holyoke, MA • (413) 535-5077 • thelogcabin.com500 Easthampton Road | Holyoke, MA | thelogcabin.com Experience Our First Class Service Whether you choose the Log Cabin or our tented Upper Vista you are guaranteed to have the wedding of your dreams! The Log Cabin venue sits on the top of the scenic Mt. Tom with breathtaking views of the valley. Our ballroom offers a private outdoor ceremony site and terrace. Upper Vista sits on the highest peak of the property and provides unforgettable views of the Pioneer Valley. BOOK TODAY: 413-535-5077 500 Easthampton Road • Holyoke, MA • (413) 535-5077 • thelogcabin.com 3140513-01 10 Years of the Best
Best Beauty salon
She also credited her husband, Kyle M. Gen dron, a carpenter, with renovating what was a “grey and muted” barber shop space into the “com fortable, cozy and invit ing” hair salon. “There is a homey, comfortable feel in here,” she said.
PHOTO BY STEVEN NANTON
This year Reader Raves, the annual poll presented
by The Republican and MassLive, celebrates its 10th anniversary and continues the tradition of readers voting for their favorites in 100 catego ries like best high school coach, best eco-conscious business, best realtor and best local bank.
BY CORI URBAN
Studio 1262 Hair Salon
All of the three fulltime and two part-time stylists at Studio 1262 Hair Lounge have 10-plus years of experience and keep up with new trends and styles. Popular vivid hair colors like purple and blue are waning as fall ap proaches and copper and dark colors are more in demand. “A lot of people are getting rid of blond going into fall,” Gendron added.
The salon offers a vari ety of services including coloring, hair treatment, children’s haircuts, hair extension, hairstyling and makeup. Bridal services also are theGendronoffered.attributessalon’ssuccessto her crew: “I couldn’t do it without them.”
The annual Reader Raves banquet will take place at the Log Cab in Banquet & Meeting
House in Holyoke on Oct.For19.more information about Studio 1262 Hair Lounge or to book an appointment, 413-315-9292.call 10 Years of the Best 1262 Memorial Drive Chicopee, 413-315-9292MA Thank you for voting us Best 1262Salon!HairMemorialDriveChicopee,MA413-315-9292
Special to the Republican Rebecca A. Gendron has been in business as the owner of Studio 1262 Hair Lounge, 1262 Me morial Drive, Chicopee, only since last year, and already the business has made the cut for the Best Beauty Salon recogni tion in Reader Raves, the annual poll presented by The Republican and MassLive.“It’sthe most humbling feeling I ever felt,” she said. “When you go off on your own (in business), it’s scary,” but her hard work and dedication paid off. “I’m honored,” she said of the award.
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S35READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
It’s all on the breakfast menu - which is pretty ex tensive - at Memo’s Restau rant in West Springfield which voters in The Re publican/MassLive Reader Raves 2023 have honored as Best Breakfast Place.
For more information and a look at their menu, visit 739-8420.catering.commemosrestaurantandorcall(413)
Best BReAKFAst PLACe
Memo’s also offers a gluten-free menu and is available to cater your next event.Memo’s Restaurant is located at 1272 Memorial Avenue in West Springfield. Hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“I can’t downsize the menu. There is nothing on the menu that customers don’t order at one time or another,” he added.
Or maybe you’re a fan of the Memo’s Special - 2 eggs, 2 pieces of bacon and 2 sausages, and either 2 pancakes or 2 French toast. Or even the simplicity of oatmeal or cold cereal.
“We are honored year
PHOTO BY LEON NGUYEN
after year to be recognized by Reader Raves voters and it tells us we are doing the right thing by our custom ers and keeping them hap py. We continue to serve up great food and give our customers so much for their money, and our wait staff offers great service, all of which keeps everyone coming back through our doors,” said owner Domi nic“We’rePompi.just happy to have survived the pandemic and our customer base has ac tually grown,” he added.
BY KEITH O’CONNOR Special to The Republican
How about a nice stack of strawberry pancakes served with butter and pure maple syrup along with a side of bacon and maybe some toast and a mimosa to wash it all down.
Me Mo’s
Lunch is also served with specials Monday through Friday such as a fresh turkey dinner on Monday, spaghetti and meatball or chicken parmesan on Wednesday, and no sur prise, fish and chips on Friday.So,what’s the most pop ular item on the menu for breakfast or lunch?
S36 | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 THE REPUBLICAN | MASS LIVE.COMREADER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
“That’s hard to say,” Pompi said.
hard and when they see recognition like this it is a validation for them of the impact that they are having on children and families,”” said Kristine Allard, vice president, De velopment and Communi cations, Square One.
to succeed in school and beyond, that is critical,” saidSquareAllard.One’s programs
Square One
Special to the Republican One of the oldest notfor-profits in the region since 1883 - Square One - has been voted as Best Day Care/PreSchool in The ment.wonderfulebratinglookingthisreadersworkingcarecommunitytoSquarefieldnaries,Merriam-WebsterterHarriettReaderRepublican/MassLiveRaves2023.Itwasbackin1883thatMerriam,daughofCharlesMerriamofDictiofoundedSpringDayNursery-nowOne-inresponseacriticalandunmetneedforchildamongSpringfield’sfamilies.“WeareexcitedthatselectedusagainyearasandweareforwardtoceltogetherthisacknowledgeOurstaffworksso
PHOTO BY DON TREEGER
BY KEITH O’CONNOR
For more information or to enroll today, callstartatsquareone.orgvisitor(413)732-5183.
“We are excited that readers selected us again this year as and we are looking forward to celebrating together this acknowledgement.”wonderful
include early education and care at centers in Springfield, home-based care settings located throughout greater Spring field, and out of school time care for elementary school age children. Their parent education, support and training programs are offered through groups, home visitation and personalized case man agement to help parents access whatever services are needed to be success ful in their role as their child’s first teacher.
Allard noted because Square One has such a long history in the great er Springfield area, they often “run into people who share heartwarming stories about how they, their children or even their grandchildren were great ly impacted by the work that we “Everythingdo.” we do is de signed to position children for success and to develop the leaders of tomorrow. We are making an invest ment in their future, so they are prepared to go on
Best Day care/Preschool
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S37READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
PHOTO BY STEVEN NANTON TO
YOU. Have the Log Cabin experience brought to you. enjoy the services of theWith Log Rolling, you can region’s most impeccable matter where you decide wedding professionals no to get married. We offer customizable menus, chef-attended stations, themed buffets and experienced waitstaff. We also provide the liquor license. You’ve found the perfect spot. Let us help you create the perfect day.
Becoming a teacher was a passion instilled in Stephanie Monette - Best Teacher in The Ients,withinaward.toshewhomythatwasstudenterthatandagewithers,neededdidn’tlearningmuchfundyslexiainReaderRepublican/MassLiveRaves2023-earlylife.“Myyoungersisterhadandwasoftenmadeofandwentthroughofhereducationnothowtoread.ShegetthesupportshefromcertainteachandIbeganworkinghercloselyatayoungdoingmathworksheetsmore.IknewbackthenIwasgoingtobeateachbecauseIdidn’twantanytofeellikemysisterledtofeel-andfromdayonIneverchangedmind,”Monettesaid,wasborninPalmer.Thepopularteachersaidwas“extremelyshocked”learnshehadreceivedthe“I’mhonoredthatpeoplethecommunity-parformerstudents,peoplehaveworkedwith-would
Voters in Reader Raves are recognizing Monette for her work at the Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School of Excellence in Springfield, where she taught for the past two years. She recently began teaching 4th grade at Old Pond Elementary School in AskedPalmer.what she enjoys most about teaching, Mon ette said without question it is her “Yourstudents.students come to school every single day with a variety of things happening in their lives. To be able to be a person to them......a model, an example of what it means to be an adult......to be a con tinuous learner.......and to actually see them grow, that is by far the most rewarding,” she said.
Stephanie Monette, old Mill p ond ele Mentary
Best teacher
“I’m honored that people within the community - parents, former students, people I have worked withwould speak on my behalf and for them to take the time out of their own day to do so is very humbling.”
Special to the Republican
YOUR DAY. YOUR WAY. WE COME
WITH THE LOG CABIN FLAIR –AN UNFORGETTABLE Experience For more information call 413-533-5077 or visit www.logrollingcatering.com 3175862-01 10 Years of the Best
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–
BY KEITH O’CONNOR
speak on my behalf and for them to take the time out of their own day to do so is very humbling,” Monette said.
“I feel very honored and excited to be recognized with the Reader Raves award. However, I honestly feel it is not just my award, but that it also belongs to our faculty, staff, and the students here at St. Thomas where we are one true community.”
PHOTO BY DON TREEGER
Best school principal
Unless, maybe, she is the “Best School Principal” - Sr. Patricia Hottin, SSJ, at St. Thomas the Apostle School in West Springfield - as voted in The together,”oneingsupportivefamilieswithschool.awiththatdoingPatricia.honoroneatstaff,itnotHowever,theexcitedReaderRepublican/MassLiveRaves2023.“IfeelveryhonoredandtoberecognizedwithReaderRavesaward.Ihonestlyfeelitisjustmyaward,butthatalsobelongstoourfaculty,andthestudentshereSt.Thomaswherewearetruecommunity.Itisanweallshare,”saidSr.“Theawardsayswearesomethingright.....IrepresenttheschoolastrongcurriculumandstrongfaithasaCatholicIfeelaperfectfitthetownandlovethehere.TheyaretrulyofwhatwearedoatSt.Thomasandwearecommunityallworkingsheadded.BornandraisedinSpring
Not everyone wants to be sent to the principal’s office.
field, Sr. Patricia entered the community of the Sisters of Saint Joseph after high school and went on to receive her bachelor and master’s degrees in education from Elms College in Chicopee and Wheelock College in Boston. Among her many teaching positions, she pre viously served as the dean of students at Elms College and as the director of the for mer Mont Marie Child Care Center in Holyoke which she founded.Sr.Patricia reflected on her life as an educator.
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S39READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS!
BY KEITH O’CONNOR Special to the Republican
“I wanted to teach and received a calling from a loving God who had been so good to me all of my life. So, I entered the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The more important question is why I stayed all of these years. I love the faith we can share with people and the fact that we are part of a congregation of the great love of God. Also, the Sisters of St. Joseph founded many Catho lic schools and I’m delighted to still be a part of them,” she said.
3175206-01 Learn more about St. Thomas the Apostle School Go to: StThomasApostleSchool.org 75 Pine Street, West Springfield, MA 01089 • 413-739-4131 10 Years of the Best Congratulations to Sr. Patty Hottin for Best Principal! Inspiring ChallengingGreatness.theMind.GrowinginFaith. Accepting new students Pre-K-8. Tuition assistance available.
Sr. Patricia Hottin, SSJ, St. tHomaS tHe aP oStle ScHool
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Suri ramoS, Berk Shire hathaway
her success to her genuine care for her clients’ best interest. “I listen carefully. I acknowledge that this process of buying and selling real estate looks and feels a little different for every one of my clients,” she said. “I am and always will be my clients’ best advocate in this process. I maintain an open line of communication. I am reliable and consistent; my clients know this.”
BY CORI URBAN Special to the Republican Suri Ramos, a real estate agent for Berkshire Hatha way Home Services Realty Professionals in East Long meadow, has been named the Reader Raves Best Realtor.Reader Raves, the an nual poll presented by The Republican and MassLive, is celebrating its 10th anni versary and continues the tradition of readers voting for their favorites in 100 categories.“Iamso thankful for the community in which I have always been involved in one way or another. It’s always humbling when the commu nity recognizes your efforts.
The real estate market has been changing, “letting buy ers catch their breath a bit from the rush of 2021,” said Ramos, who serves Hamp den County and beyond and is licensed in Massachusetts and Connecticut. “Houses are still selling, but wait times and prices for sellers are adjusting. Don’t worry, people will still buy and sell realSheestate.”offers a free, up-todate real estate search that allows buyers to search just like an agent.
“We have the latest listings available and have access to ‘coming soon’ properties as well,” she said, directing those interest to her website, surirealtor.com. “Even if you are not ready to buy or sell, I’m here to educate about
It’s always humbling when the community recognizes your efforts. I am grateful.”
the market and process. Learning and discussing your options now puts you in a better position when you areAnnually,ready.” voters rave for the “Who’s Who” in Western Massachusetts in the fields of Recommended Services, Where to Shop, Ask a Local and Food, Fun & Fitness.
PHOTO BY LEON NGUYEN
“I am so thankful for the community in which I have always been involved in one way or another.
Sheaward.credited
3175802-01 SURIREALTOR.COM Making buying and selling easy Call me at 413-241-0747 Suri Ramos REALTOR Thank you so formuchvoting me BEST REALTOR!!
Best realtor
I am grateful,” Ramos said of the
This year’s Tom Cosen zi “Driving for the Cure” Charity Golf Tournament was held at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmead ow on Sept. 27.
important
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While there are many fundraisers held through out the year for important causes, voters in The Repub lican/MassLive Reader Raves 2023 have lent their support to The Tom Cosenzi “Driving for the Cure” Charity Golf Tournament as Best Charity Event.
“This recognition
tournament for our employ ees as a way to spend time together, so we took that and evolved it to a charity event,” she added.
“We’ve had it at other country clubs in the past, but we kept outgrowing them. We’re close to $1.4 million in our 14th year of this incredible event and will keep pushing to get to $2 million,” Cosenzi said. is so to me, because this cause and this tournament that we host are near and dear to my heart...”
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Special to the Republican
Best CHARItY eVeNt
BY KEITH O’CONNOR
Tom Cosenzi - who owned the five dealerships that are part of the TommyCar Auto Group now owned by Carla and her brother Tommydied of brain cancer on Sept. 3, 2009. In its 13 years of ex istence, the tournament has raised over $1,312,837 which was recently presented to Dr. Patrick Wen, Clinical Director of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Center for Neuro-Oncology.“Ithinkreaders identify our golf tournament as the Best Charity Event because we put so much effort into its planning. We really go above and beyond. Every little detail is important to us. From the prizes, to the
Tom Cosenzi Driving For The Cure
centerpieces, to the struc ture of the day and events on the course. We have Dr. Wen speak to talk about where the money we raised goes at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, which is so im portant in helping to show how much this really makes a difference,” Cosenzi said.
Best Bakery Best Place For Live Music Best DestinationLocal “Thank you to all our loyal customers!” 540 Somers Rd., RT 83 East Longmeadow, MA -Established in 1971Authentic New England Farmstand The Apple Place andand 3175799-01
“This recognition is so important to me, because this cause and this tourna ment that we host are near and dear to my heart. My brother and I actually talked about this tournament with my dad, and unfortunate ly, he passed away right before our first year. We’ve been honoring his legacy ever since,” Carla Cosenzi, president of TommyCar Auto“Wesaid.used to do a golf
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visitmentcontactPioneerswagen,ton,&Nissan,Groupnow,”readypart8,try,”womenthathimdobusiness.thatworkwasthehassaid.inandWeinfinancetobrothergoestheirresponsibilities.managementCosenzinotedthatfamilybusinessbeyondsheandherworkingtogether.“Everyonefromsalesservicetomarketingtoistrulywelcomedasapartofourfamily.workhardeverydaysupporteachothereverythingwedo,”sheOvertheyearsCarlabecomethe“face”offamilybusiness.“MydadthoughtthisagreatwayforustotogetherandshowitreallyisafamilyHeaskedmetosomecommercialsforandhelovedthefactIwasrepresentingintheautoindusshesaid.Nowherchildren,Talia,andson,Nico,6,areofthecommercials.“Taliathinksshe’stotakeoveranydayCosenzilaughed.TheTommyCarAutoconsistsofCountryCountryHyundaiGenesisofNorthampNorthamptonVolkandVolvoCarsValley.Formoreinformation,theirsalesdepartat(413)776-1119ortommycarauto.com.PHOTO SUBMITTED Eastfield Mall 413 285 Springfield,8631Ma 10 Years of the Best Thank You for Voting for Us
BY KEITH O’CONNOR
TommyCar au To Group
Special to the Republican It’s all about family at the TommyCar Auto Group of Hadley which has been voted as Best Family Run Business in The
Best FAMILY RUN BUsINess
ily,”topayingbrandwethatCarzi,sobeherecarrybrotheronewin2023.MassLiveRepublican/ReaderRaves“It’ssuchanhonortoanyaward,butthisreallyhitshome.MyandIaretryingtoonourdad’slegacyatTommyCar,andtorecognizedforthisisspecial,”CarlaCosenpresidentofTommyAutosaid.“Theawardtellsmeallofthehardworkputintobuildingawe’reproudofisoff–ourgoalistreateveryonelikefamsheadded.SiblingsCarlaJ.and
Thomas M. Cosenzi assumed ownership of the Pioneer Valley dealerships following the untimely death of their fa ther Thomas E. Cosenzi, whose tireless work over several decades helped grow the business into the successful one it is today. Carla and Tommy, who are full partners, share all day-to-day
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 | S43READER RAVES 2023 - CHEERS TO 10 YEARS! BEST VETERINARY CLINIC We Thank You For Your Support! 413-782-3183 4 Plumtree Road, Springfield, MA 01118 Dr. K. S. Bernstein Dr. S. B. Himmelstein Dr. J. E. Alleman Possess State & Federal Wildlife Rehabilitation Permits 20 17 fronterafreshmex.com Every Week! Ten Winner!!!time 10 Years of the Best Best Mexican Restaurant In Western Mass
Thank YouThank Youfor voting us... BestSupermarket Your local, family-owned Big Y is proud to support over 500 local, family-owned and independent farms and companies from right here in New England. Discover our NEW Tasting Room Visit tableandvine.com to learn more about our brand new tasting room, view our tasting schedule and sign up for exclusive Table & Vine emails. 1119 Riverdale Street, Route 5, West Springfield, MA Best Package Store
