Go Local | December 2018

January 2018 Volume 4 . Issue 2 golocalmagazines.com

optimistic energy behind the book on task

2 GO LOCAL JANUARY 2018

new this month JANUARY 2018 . VOLUME 4 . ISSUE 2

BEHIND THE BOOK The Colorful Creation of Zoa and the Fawn

FEATURE STORY >> 17

There are great adventures that lay within the binded edges of a saddle-stitched book, particularly in stories constructed for basal readers. Nearly irresistible and often surprisingly profound, guessing what’s going to happen next is one of the most amazing of thrills.

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A NOTE

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GO ON, YOUR SAY

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OPTIMISTIC ENERGY

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GO LOCAL PICKS

From the Editor 15 Minutes of Fame Thistle Glass Crafts

New Spa, Hand-Brewed Tea, Art

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new this month JANUARY 2018 . VOLUME 4 . ISSUE 2

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LOCAL SNAPSHOT

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BEHIND THE BOOK

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ON TASK

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LOCAL flavor

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go eat

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LOCAL EINSTEIN

30

FINAL COUNTDOWN

Winter Light

Colorful Creation of Zoa and the Fawn Visual Schedules for Kids Casa Bella Italian Kitchen & Bar Seared Salmon over Wasabi Slaw Put your thinking caps on 7 Cool Library Programs

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Visual Schedules for Kids

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There it goes, 2017 fading from our rearview mirrors. Just like that, 2018 is upon us and we greet the coming days with fresh optimism and intentions. But I have to be straight with you, creating a January editor’s note brimming with gleaming perspectives has always been my annual struggle - I certainly apologize for that. Nearly unavoidable, the new year transition signals a major and seemingly mandatory expectation of a personal overhaul. First, resolving to improve yourself should be ever-present, not marked by the anniversary of a calendar change. Secondly and in my humble opinion, fresh beginnings are counterintuitive this time of year. While I love the crisp days of winter, the New England landscape in the weeks ahead doesn’t positively lend itself as an encouraging backdrop for renewal and rejuvenation. Sure, I’ll eat more kale and fewer cookies, but I resolve NOT to occupy my brain with the idea of change, but rather contemplation and anticipation. This is my quiet time, the opportunity to hunker down and think about what lies ahead.

2018 is the Year of the Dog, the eleventh in the twelve-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac sign. Intelligence, protection, positive change, determination and achievement, the year is marked by intense energy and purpose. Not bad! In searching for January content I took these traits to heart, searching for characters who personify this sentiment. That’s when I discovered author Denise “Jane” Ashworth and illustrator/artist, Shannon McCarthy. The two recently collaborated to create “Zoa and the Fawn,” a children’s book about the adventures of a little kitten and his new fawn friend in the natural wonders of Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest.

Each page is a beautiful display of talent and joy, but it’s truly their own personal journeys that shine in this story. In Ellington, we looked to start the New Year off in a positive way, so we stopped by Thistle Glass Crafts to meet Mary Thompson, whose shop is a local destination for healing crystals, minerals, stone jewelry and Reiki energy work. With the idea of purpose in mind, we chatted with Kelly Robinson from East Longmeadow. Both a mother of two and 20 year Air Force veteran, she invented “SchKIDules,” one-of-a-kind magnetic visual aids to help with everything from toddler communication, teaching routines, introducing chores, to helping children with ADHD or Autism. We also discovered opportunities for personal growth within our local libraries, dined at Casa Bella in Hampden and offered a healthy eating option for the days ahead.

I strayed from obligatory resolutions this year - aside from organizing a closet or two and improving communication with long-distance friends - my objective is to simply pursue joy. For me, it’s doing what creates true happiness, abandoning what does not and hopefully offering meaningful contributions to someone else’s life. I’ll live in the moment, but dream for the future. If the path gets bumpy, I hope it’s followed by a realization of how truly blessed I already am and a thankfulness for who I have in my life - not what I have. I wish you well in this new year, with days that deliver peace, positivity and whatever it is that invigorates your happiness.

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A CREATION OF

amber wakley is the editor of Go Local Magazine and loves to hear from readers! If you have a unique story to share in the pages of Go Local, please send your idea to amber@thereminder.com.

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B

ack when Ellington was still a mostly rural town, the Thompson family opened an automotive business on Route 140, also known as Maple Street. Many years later, in 1997, Mary Thompson, a fourth generation Ellingtonian on her father’s side and third on her mother’s, renovated the location and opened a new shop she called Thistle Glass Crafts.

What started as a gift shop selling stained-glass and other crafts handmade by Mary has now become a local destination for healing crystals, minerals, stone jewelry and Reiki energy work.

The transition from crafts to crystals started when a group of local boys came into the store talking about a shop at the mall that was selling stones from around the world. They were fascinated by them and hoped to start their own collections, but the store’s prices were out of their reach. They wondered if Mary sold anything similar. Admittedly, Mary had always had an interest in stones. She says, “I’ve always loved stones. Even as a kid, I’d pick them up here and there and put them in my pocket.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 11

They are part of the earth, and therefore, part of who we are.”

The boys’ search intrigued Mary and she started studying various stones and the supportive healing they provide. She began to carry some of these stones in her shop and to make jewelry and other crafts with them. The number and types of stones she sold kept expanding. If people asked for a stone she didn’t have, she says, “I’d bust a gut to find it and make it available to everyone.” The focus of the shop had officially shifted.

Early on, Mary built a stone labyrinth in the yard in front of the shop. A labyrinth is a pattern of spirals and circles found in many ancient cultures, on pottery and tiles, and in early writings. Unlike a maze where a person can get lost easily, the labyrinth has one path into the center and out again, symbolically helping a person find their way. The stone labyrinth today is meant to be used for walking meditation. Since hers is on the shop’s private property, she asks that people first stop in and ask her permission before using it.

Upon entering, visitors will find this tiny shop is filled with curiosity cabinets, countless shelves and drawers filled with stones 12 GO LOCAL JANUARY 2018

from countries around the world, each with different healing aspects. Some examples include red jasper for vitality and energy, amethyst for tranquility and mindfulness, and black tourmaline for strengthening the immune system. These are not meant as a substitute for medicine, but as additional support. Mary says the stones work for anyone who allows them to: “It’s all about energy and supportive healing – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual – once the mind thinks the stone has healing properties, the mind and body believe.” She now carries over 200 different stones from all over the United States, Canada, and other places such as Brazil, India, Tibet, Indonesia, Madagascar and Australia, to name a few.

A wood-burning stove in the corner of the shop supports the warm and cozy atmosphere in which one feels invited to spend time exploring, touching and feeling the stones. Mary is extremely knowledgeable about the stones and is also very approachable, always ready to answer questions or make suggestions. She allows people to take their time and choose their stones, or have the stones choose them, as she likes to say. Some

people choose by how the stones look. These are the “visual pickers,” and Mary says she is among them. Others choose by how the stones feel or the energy they give off; these are the “intuitive pickers.” Many customers come searching for certain stones that are said to help with a specific problem. She adds, “It’s amazing how one little stone will change the personality of a person. It opens them up.” To that end, every visitor is offered a bowl filled with stones and gets to choose one on their way out.

Mary makes jewelry with the stones she carries but prefers not to make too much of it ahead of time. Instead she likes the customer to come in and be involved. She asserts that choosing the specific stones and how the piece is created with them is part of the healing process, saying, “It makes the energy stronger. People feel a stronger connection when they are involved.” Sharon Freed of Manchester is a loyal customer who agrees. She says, “I come to Ellington just for this shop. It’s a treasure. Mary is so kind and compassionate, it separates this store from all the others.”

Another thing that separates Thistle Glass Crafts from other similar shops is that Mary is an Usui Reiki Master. As she began researching stones, she found that stones and Reiki work well together. Reiki literally means “universal life force energy.”

In practice, it is a Japanese technique that utilizes light touch therapy to energize a person’s natural healing processes and restore his or her physical and/or emotional well-being. She met

her teacher, a Reiki master, at a conference and knew that studying Reiki was the natural next step for her. Says Mary, “For me personally, Reiki is in the Shamanic realm of what I was looking for – a strong, spiritual, supportive healing process.”

Mary also performs gemstone readings and oracle readings based on runes, which are stones that have divinatory symbols from the ancient Germanic runic alphabet on them. She gives lectures at places such as the Center for Progressive Healing in Manchester and the Vernon Holistic Health Fair. Other items she sells at her shop include incense and essential oils, salt lamps, prayer bowls, informational books and DVDs, and herbal products, all of which are meant for meditation, mindfulness and cleansing a person’s environment for the purpose of healing.

Thistle Glass Crafts offers many things a person could use to start the New Year in a positive way. Mary strongly believes in the healing power of supportive strength, whether it is from healing stones, Reiki, or creating a living and working environment that is filled with optimistic energy. She invites people to come pay her a visit so she can assist them with all of those things, adding, “Trust yourselves and how you want to heal your life.”

Thistle Glass Crafts is located at 50 Maple Street in Ellington, and is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The phone number is (860) 875.3895.

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 JACQUELINE M. SIDOR, JMS ART & PHOTO

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16 GO LOCAL JANUARY 2018

The Colorful Creation of Zoa and the Fawn

! AMBER WAKLEY  JACQUELINE M. SIDOR, JMS ART & PHOTO AUTHOR, JANE ASHWORTH

T

ILLUSTRATOR, SHANNON MCCARTHY

here are great adventures that lay within the binded edges of a saddle-stitched book, particularly in stories constructed for basal readers.

Vivid imagery, fantastical words and thoughtful takeaways inspire imagination, while illustrations contribute to the story shared. Nearly irresistible and often surprisingly profound, guessing what’s going to happen next is one of the most amazing of thrills.

A similar sentiment can be said for Denise “Jane” Ashworth, a local author who has utilized a lifetime of extraordinary experiences to serve as inspiration for a series of children’s books - each represents a cornerstone of her amazingly long and intriguing life. The youngest of six, Jane grew up in the countryside of England, before graduating at the age of sixteen and going to

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 17

France to study at a university. Fluent in German and French, she worked at Bletchley Park in England, a central site for British codebreakers during World War II - specifically on the “Enigma” code.

“I married an American soldier and came to America to live in northern Virginia. He didn’t do well and I divorced him. I went to the University of Connecticut and got my degree and wrote twelve books - it’s been fun,” Jane says matter of factly.

In the late 60s she moved to Connecticut, earning her horticulture degree from the University of Connecticut and later receiving her masters in landscape architecture from the University of Georgia. From there, she joined the U.S. Forest Service and was stationed in Cherokee National Forest, a 655,598 acre park lying within eastern Tennessee along the border with North Carolina. She was among the first females to work at Cherokee National Park.

“It was a fun job and you get to meet all sorts of different people; you never know what you’re going to have to run up against or have to do,” says Jane. “All of the law has to be watched over...and then you have to watch that you behave yourself too,” Jane says wisely with a laugh. “I really enjoyed it. I loved hiking, I would go on my own and then I started a 18 GO LOCAL JANUARY 2018

club and would lead groups clear over the mountains. You see such beautiful parts of the world that you wouldn’t see otherwise [while hiking], we have a lovely land. It’s just beautiful and really, really lovely.”

In 1991 she began planting 100% American chestnut tree seedlings in clear cut or open areas; now there are almost 900 growing. She went on to be honored as the Tennessee Forest Conservationist of the Year, an accomplishment met with a statue of a white-tailed deer. In her retirement she stayed near the trailhead, operating a bed and breakfast for those traversing the natural world around Cherokee National Forest.

Later, she moved back to Connecticut and just a few years ago started taking creative writing classes. With a desire to create backed by an authentic connection to the natural world, Jane completed a compilation of memoirs with varying literary schemes.

“I wrote twelve books and this one [Zoa and the Fawn] is the first to become a book,” says Jane with a smile. “The others are waiting to get published and it’s been fun writing those as well. They’re all for young children, about five years old.”

Published just before Jane’s 100th birthday, the charming story follows the adventures of a young Zoa (named after her

mother), a Chocolate Point Siamese kitten. One day while out playing, the kitten stumbled upon a fawn named Sable, sleeping in the tall grass of a meadow. The two become friends and readers follow their unlikely companionship through the lush landscape of the Cherokee National Forest. From rich descriptions of indigenous flora to exploring particular traits of the animal kingdom, the story serves as a catalyst to get young minds outside to enjoy nature.

With the written component complete, Jane needed captivating illustrations to inspire the imaginations of her young readers; she asked Shannon McCarthy. Shannon grew up in both Gainesville and St. Augustine, Florida and majored in linguistics and classical studies. She intended on being a linguist, but at the time the NSA was hiring, she had a staunch realization the she didn’t want to be employed by the National Security Agency; she began to reconsider her path.

“I wanted to be a little bit closer to the heart,” says Shannon. “My friend told me about a program to become a holistic health counselor in New York City. I thought, that sounds like a good way to be helpful.”

Shannon worked as a holistic health counselor for a stint and during a session she asked a woman, “are you doing what you want to do?” The question was like a boomerang and the elastic inquiry had her questioning her own path. Deep down, she had always wanted to be an artist - a passion she possessed since childhood - but did not perceive the endeavor as a practical means of making a living.

Promising herself that she would pursue art as a career, she concurrently attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City, where she would meet her husband, Steve Munn, from Stafford Springs. Shannon moved to Connecticut in March 2006, promptly meeting Jane’s granddaughter, Sarah, at a local bakery. At the time, Jane lived with her family in town and the three women, among others, would visit local greenhouses in the winter, share in holiday gatherings and simply enjoy each other’s company. After a few years of getting to know one another, Jane said that she “had these books,” and asked Shannon if she would be interested in illustrating the collection. Happily, Shannon agreed. But as life happened, the project fell stagnant. It wasn’t until Jane’s grandson, Roger Edward, urged the collaboration forward that Zoa and the Fawn realized completion.

“Roger deserves a lot of credit because he really made the book happen for his grandmother,” says Shannon. “That’s the part of this that I really love. Jane’s family made this happen for her, it became a way to love and respect her. It was her wish to put the stories into book form and for them to help was something special.”

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 19

SHANNON AND HER FAMILY PAUSE FOR A PHOTO AT A RECENT BOOK READING & SIGNING (L-R): RHINDE, SHANNON, LEO & STEVE

Shannon goes on to explain that Jane’s eyesight has become limited; visually creating Zoa, Sable and their natural surroundings was truly a group effort realized by not just author and illustrator, but by family members and through research of Tennessee’s natural world. With a paintbrush in hand and a firm understanding of Jane’s desires, Shannon began to bring Jane’s characters to life. Her captivating illustrations are simply beautiful, an amalgam of remarkable talent and a true passion for realizing a dear friend’s dream.

“Working with Jane was such a pleasure, she was so glad to have the book moving along. It was just a feel good experience,” says Shannon. “Perhaps the most gratifying part of this experience is reading the book with my children - they are just so loving and appreciative of the tiniest things; people in their early times are truly something special.”

Both Jane and Shannon are incredible humans, each possessing a fervor for life, with an appreciation for family, an authentic kindness toward others and a consciousness to live each day to the fullest.

“I encourage people to explore their own interests. Never stop,” says Jane. “You never know who you may meet or what you might do, work hard and don’t give up. For me, it’s been a very long and interesting life - it’s been so good.”

“Jane has a real grace and intense curiosity; she’s so alive,” Shannon says with effortless insight. “It’s interesting because people seem to change throughout the years and age affects us all differently. “I asked my mom years ago, why people, as they age, become either beacons of light or curmudgeons. She said somewhere along the line we make a decision to choose one path or the other. When I think of Jane, she obviously is on the path of enjoying life.”

Zoa and the Fawn is available for purchase at Middle Ground Cafe (42 Main Street, Stafford, CT) or online at both shannonmccarthy.com or clearpointcenter.com/zoa-and-the-fawn 20 GO LOCAL JANUARY 2018

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! AMBER WAKLEY

Visual Schedules for Kids ! AMBER WAKLEY

F

PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE 22 GO LOCAL JANUARY 2018

or many of us, much of our lives is a series of patterns, our routines serve as mini cornerstones earmarking the natural progressions of a day. Most often, we know what to expect and when particular events will take place - whether it be stopping for a daily coffee or preparing dinner at a certain time. The same goes for kids and [often] when they know what to expect, their worlds are a bit more comfortable.

Just ask Kelly Robinson, mother of two and 20-year Air Force veteran from East Longmeadow, who made a quick passage from full-time active duty military to fulltime mom. As her daughter grew into toddlerhood, morning routines, transitions and the “daily grind” were often met with meltdowns and power struggles. She found difficulties in effectively verbalizing expectations. That’s when she thought it might be better to show her what was coming next. So she set out to the craft store and found images depicting different activities on a given day. The visual prompts served as indicators to which maintenance tasks - like brushing teeth and mealtime - needed to be accomplished before moving onto more desirable activities, such as playtime. As activities and tasks progressed with age, she would add more pictures and prompts, each serving as visual indicators of items to accomplish. The new communication tool made all the difference for both her and her daughter.

“When I put up this thing showing a very basic routine - just to get us through a 30-minute morning schedule - she loved it,” says Kelly. “Not only did her behavior improve, but I could tell she felt in control. I was floored with the change this tool made.

We went from battling through our mornings to zipping through what needed to be done before leaving the house.”

The visual tool virtually transformed their worlds, but she soon realized the paper and

KELLY’S ORIGINAL SCHKIDULES “PROTOTYPE

cardboard combo would never stand the test of time and it started to look shabby. So she went searching for a “real” product to purchase...And found nothing. The more she pursued the idea she learned just how many families were in the same position and either didn’t know about visual schedules or had been told to create one by their doctor/teacher/therapist. Knowing the effort and time that went into creating her own board, Kelly thought how wonderful it would be if families could just purchase this gamechanging device.

From her home, Kelly began conducting research and testing prototypes, creating both durable and customized options that would soon become “SchKIDules,” a product unlike any other kids “calendars” available.

“When I realized I had cut over 25,000 magnets at my kitchen table, I knew I had proof of concept and that it was time to hire a manufacturer,” laughs Kelly.

Over the last 10 years, SchKIDules Visual Schedules has graduated from a cottage industry, to expanding to two manufacturing companies to make the product and a warehouse and fulfillment center to assemble and ship (although she still does all of her own research and development). The collection now includes 144 activity magnets, assisting with virtually all aspects of home, school, chores, extracurriculars, behaviors and more.

Kelly has received a flood of testimonials, all who “love this product.” The powerful, yet simple tool has made life easier for a wide range of kids and families, serving as a necessary reinforcement to focus, execute tasks and make successful transitions. SchKIDules is effective for toddler communication, supports moms who prefer organized schedules, has proven to be a powerful coping tool for “Type A” kids, is perfect for visual learners, or kids who

had been diagnosed with any combination of behavioral/learning disorders, ADHD, Aspergers, Autism, Sensory Processing, and others. It’s been proven to reduce anxieties, improve coping skills and promote calmness when children are able to see “what’s going to happen to me today.”

“It empowers them and it provides a sense of accomplishment when they can see each completed task; it also gives them a sense of control,” says Kelly.

This year, SchKIDules “Home Bundle Visual Schedule Set” received the Creative Child’s 2017 Product of the Year Award in the Behavioral and Developmental product category. The honor is derived from a two-day event featuring 60 judges ranging from early education professionals to everyday mothers.

“Solving a parenthood problem is what led me here. It was a mixture of my personality wanting to fix something, mixed with feelings of what was I doing “wrong” as a mother,” says Kelly. “I never set out thinking that I wanted to invent something, start a business or be an entrepreneur. It was the complete reverse. It was a pretty simple idea that made such a great impact in my life and I just wanted to share that with others who could relate. I wake up every day thinking about the testimonials I receive and the emotional satisfaction I get from knowing this is helping other people - like it did for me - is what keeps me going. “ SchKIDules comes in 4 different types of displays, both magnetic and velcro. Their full line of products and accessories can be purchase on their website schKIDules.com. Some neat bundles and combo packs can also be found in their branded store on Amazon.com. To learn more visit schKIDules.com or email customerservice@schKIDules.com.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 23

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CASA BELLA ITALIAN KITCHEN & BAR 546 Main Street . Hampden, MA . (413) 566-1466 . casabellarestaurant.net

W

ith consistent word-of-mouth rumblings about the delicious food at Casa Bella Italian Kitchen and Bar, I FINALLY pulled up a chair at this cozy restaurant in Hampden. Owned by Western Mass locals, Mike Connors and Mario Ferrentino, the inviting space opened in June of 2016 promising quality, consistency and fresh ingredients. With a name that means “beautiful home” in Italian, the interior was just that. Differentiated dining rooms, a bar area, and patio (in the warmer months), offer preferred seating options for all tastes - we opted for tavern-side.

I’ve always enjoyed coming here - an affection that goes back to the Black Horse days - and today my admiration only grew.

A collection of booths, tables, and a U-shaped bar provided not only ample seating for great meals, but also a welcoming space to hang out. We were immediately gifted a basket of warm bread and garlicky herbed extra virgin olive oil for dipping it was savory and oh so good. I appreciated the menu, clearly well-thought out with ample options, but not enough to cause order-indecisiveness.

There were some great specials - particularly on the bar menu if ordered before 6:00 PM. On this particular evening, .60 cent wings, creative flatbreads and bar bites were among the more casual options, while plates like the prime rib offered something a little more special. On any menu, my eyes always divert to the salads section - a bed of leafy greens with a rotating protein is my go-to. The Lemon Fresco Salad (Romaine lettuce and black olives tossed in a lemon and olive oil dressing), caught my eye first, followed by Gina’s Milanese Salad (Breaded chicken or veal cutlet topped with fresh mixed greens, tossed with EVOO and grated romano, finished with a balsamic reduction). But today was particularly chilly and raw, all I could think about was a big bowl of saucy pasta. Pasta selections included (but not limited to) Bolognese (homemade meat sauce with mushrooms), A La Vodka (peas, onions and prosciutto in a tomato cream sauce), Primavera (sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms and broccoli in an oil and garlic sauce, finished with a touch of cream), and Broccoli Oil and Garlic (sauteed garlic, oil, chicken stock and grated Romano) - each customizable with a choice of pasta preference and protein. Other options included a list of parmigiana, pesce, entrées and delectable-sounding specialty

AMBER WAKLEY

pizzas. We settled with “Casa Specials,” Pazzo Alfredo (sauteed

chicken, sausage, bacon, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives, tossed with tortellini in a homemade alfredo sauce, $20) and Shrimp de Bella (sauteed shrimp, spinach and roasted red peppers in a creamy garlic sauce over linguini, $20).

I was elated the salads that came with our meals (or choice of soup) were a blend of luscious mixed greens, versus the typical iceberg-romaine combo. Then our plate arrived, extraordinary proportions of each, both delicious. The sauces were flavorful and indulgent - just what we wanted.

I barely got halfway through my plate before asking for a to-go container and the remaining leftovers stretched for two more meals.

My eyes watched plates of plump homemade meatballs, P.E.I. garlicky mussels, and stuffed eggplant travel to surrounding tables; I can’t wait to return to experience some of these other great-looking dishes. Our waitress was extremely nice, attentive and accurate. Dinner at Casa Bella was truly a pleasure, offering something a little extra special in this sweet, small town.

Casa Bella Italian Kitchen and Bar is open Tuesday-Sunday for both lunch and dinner.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 25

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go eat

! RECIPE BY CHEF CHRIS AVTGES

Seared Salmon over Wasabi Slaw

Salmon is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. Full of protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is also high in B-vitamins, potassium and antioxidants. Incorporate this versatile seafood into your healthy New Year diet with this dish, which makes a great presentation served either hot or cold. The bold flavors in the dressing cut the fat of the salmon very nicely, and the peppery crunch from the slaw is fantastic.

For the Salmon: 6 oz. salmon filet sesame seeds (you can do a mix of black and white for a great presentation) 1 tbsp. olive oil For the Slaw: 1/2 head cabbage (Napa is best), shredded 3 carrots, peeled and shredded 6 radishes or 1 medium kohlrabi, shredded For the Dressing: 2/3 cup rice wine vinegar

To make the Slaw:

1/4 cup soy sauce

Add rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, ginger and wasabi paste into a blender. While blending on high, slowly drizzle in olive oil until dressing emulsifies. In a large mixing bowl toss cabbage, carrots and kohlrabi (or radish). Pour 1/2 to 3/4 of dressing in bowl with cabbage and toss.

2 tbsp. sesame oil 1 tbsp. garlic powder 1 tbsp. onion powder 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard

To make the Salmon:

1 tbsp. ground ginger

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan. When olive oil is hot, coat salmon with sesame seeds on all sides to form a crust, lightly pressing so the seeds stick to the salmon. Place salmon in the hot pan and sear for about 3-4 minutes on all sides. Time will vary depending on the size of your salmon. Remove from pan and let rest for about 2 minutes. Serve salmon over the slaw, then drizzle with the remaining dressing.

1/2 tbsp. wasabi paste 1/4 cup olive oil

Chef Chris Avtges lives in Ellington, Connecticut and is the Chef and Food Service Director for The Taft School in Watertown. He competed on Food Network’s Chopped during Season 15 and often visits local farmers’ markets to demonstrate creative, healthy recipes using fresh, local ingredients.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 27

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

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ESTATE AUCTION EVERY THURSDAY AUCTION & EVENT CALENDAR JANUARY 2018 Thur Jan 4 5:30pm Early Bird Auction 7:00pm Estate Auction Thur Jan 11 5:30pm Early Bird Auction 6:00pm Scientific Glass Auction 7:00pm Estate Auction Thur Jan 18 5:30pm Early Bird Auction 6:00pm Coins Auction 7:00pm Estate Auction Thur Jan 25 5:00pm Annual Antiques Live & Online Auction 5:30pm Early Bird Auction

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TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

WHICH CHARACTER IS KNOW FOR PULLING THE FOOTBALL AWAY JUST AS CHARLIE BROWN IS READY TO KICK?

FILL IN THE MISSING WORD IN THIS MLK, JR. QUOTE... “THERE CAN BE NO DEEP________ WHERE THERE IS NOT DEEP LOVE.” [A] Sadness [B] Pain [C] Disappointment [D] Loss

[A] Peppermint Patty [B] Linus [C] Snoopy [D] Lucy

ELVIS PRESLEY WAS BORN ON JANUARY 8, 1935 IN WHAT CITY?

WHICH COUNTRY IS ONE OF THE FIRST THREE TO GREET THE NEW YEAR EACH YEAR? [A] Tonga [B] United States [C] India [D] Malta

5

[A] Memphis, TN [B] Tupelo, MS [C] Nashville, TN [D] Birmingham, AL

WHAT ARE THE TWO ZODIAC SIGNS ASSOCIATED WITH JANUARY?

WHICH BLOOD TYPE IS KNOWN AS THE UNIVERSAL DONOR?

[A] [B] [C] [D]

[A] A+ [B] O+ [C] AB+ [D] O-

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IN WHAT YEAR DID QUAKER OATS INTRODUCE THE FAMOUS ROUND PACKAGE?

8

Pisces and Aries Taurus and Virgo Capricorn and Aquarius Aquarius and Pisces

WHICH MOVIE WON BEST PICTURE (DRAMA) AT LAST YEAR’S GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS? [A] La La Land [B] Moonlight [C] The Martian [D] The Grand Budapest Hotel

[A] 1955 [B] 1927 [C] 1915 [D] 1900

TASSEOGRAPHY IS THE ART OF WHAT?

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IQ

RANK

[A] Painting rocks [B] Reading tea leaves [C] Decorating cakes [D] Writing music

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

160 110 50 3

Prodigy Egghead Meh Simpleton

ANSWERS:

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

3

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 29

The Final Countdown

7 Awesomely Cool Library Programs The start of a new year is the perfect time to experience unexplored opportunities or learn something new! Our local libraries are a treasure trove of programs and classes to unlock imagination, progress knowledge, entertain kids

and engage in the community - and all most always for free!

From informative to fun, we rounded up unique programs for all ages that foster creativity and unlock potential for a prosperous 2018!

READ TO THE DOGS

HALL MEMORIAL LIB. • (860)870-3160 93 MAIN STREET • ELLINGTON, CT Saturday, January 13, from 10:30AM - 11:30AM. Patient and friendly, reading out loud to a registered therapy dog from Healers with Halos is a great way to practice reading skills and build confidence. For ages 5-12 Register: library.ellington-ct.gov

ELPL WRITER’S GROUP

E. LONGMEADOW LIBRARY • (413) 525-5432 60 CENTER SQ. # 2 • E. LONGMEADOW, MA Saturday, Jan., 13, from 10:30AM - 12:30PM. Monthly drop-in writing workshop that’s geared for ages high school and older, but all ages are welcome. Led by local author, Christina Cooper. Don’t forget to bring a pen/pencil and paper! More info: eastlongmeadowlibrary.org

ESCAPE ROOM: REMEDIAL POTIONS

WILBRAHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY • (413) 596-6141 25 CRANE PARK DRIVE • WILBRAHAM, MA Teen Escape Room game where players work together to solve a series of puzzles using clues, hints and strategy to complete the objectives at hand within a time frame. Uses communication, teamwork, and wits to escape! Time slots for different age groups, starting at 4:00PM on Mon., Jan. 8. Call to register or at wilbrahamlibrary.org 30 GO LOCAL JANUARY 2018

COOKBOOK CLUB

STORRS LIBRARY • (413) 565.4181 693 LONGMEADOW STREET • LONGMEADOW, MA Love to cook? Just learning? Join the Cookbook Club! Pick up a copy of this month’s cookbook at the library, select a recipe to prepare at home, then bring your dish to the library for a tastetesting and book discussion. Monday, Jan. 8 at 12:30PM and Monday, Jan. 29 at 6:00PM. Register at longmeadowlibrary.org

MUSIC TOGETHER DEMO AGAWAM PUBLIC LIB • (413) 789-1550 750 COOPER STREET • AGAWAM, MA Thursday, January 11, from 10AM-11AM. 45-minute class with Greater Springfield Music Together that includes songs, rhythmic rhymes, movement, and instrument play. Developmentally appropriate for children from birth to pre-school and easy for caregivers.

TIBETAN SINGING BOWLS

KENT MEMORIAL LIBRARY • (860)668-3896 61 FFYLER PLACE • SUFFIELD, CT Tibetan singing bowls are used for deep relaxation, stress reduction, holistic healing, Reiki, chakra balancing, and World music. You are invited to try this type of mind/body class with certified Sound Therapist and Vibrational Healer, Marcey Hickey at 6:30PM on Thursday, January 18.

OPEN ART STUDIO

STAFFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY • (860) 684-2852 10 LEVINTHAL RUN • STAFFORD, CT Learn how to create your own Zentangle drawing! The easy-to-learn art uses structured and geometric patterns. The process of creating this abstract black and white art is equally beautiful as relaxing. Wednesday, January 17 from 5:30PM - 7:30PM, pre-registration required at staffordlibrary.org

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Healthy Choices • Raw Juices Fresh Smoothies • Juice Cleanse Packages Pre and Post Workout Bars 413-525-2533 • mymainsqueezejbar.com 48 Shaker Road • East Longmeadow, MA OPEN: Monday - Friday 7am to 5pm • Saturday 9am to 4pm GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 31