AUGUST 2022

August 2022 Volume 8 . Issue 9 golocalmagazines.com

At the Dam Restaurant Breakfast & Lunch

Lost Acres Vineyard Handcrafted Wine

Macie's Place Splash Place

Feather & Bloom Check it out

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 1

2 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2022

AUGUST 2022 . VOLUME 8 . ISSUE 9

AT THE DAM RESTAURANT

13

For years, mother-son-duo Susan Chadbourne and Paul Merker dreamed of owning a breakfast and lunch restaurant near the water.

When the established restaurant At the Dam Restaurant, 100 Main St. in Broad Brook, CT, went up for sale in 2019, the pair felt this was the perfect opportunity to make their dream come true.

6

A NOTE

13

AT THE DAM RESTAURANT

19

LOST ACRES VINEYARD

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AUGUST 2022 . VOLUME 8 . ISSUE 9

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FEATHER & BLOOM

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FINAL COUNTDOWN

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A NOTE

FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR . G. MICHAEL DOBBS

August is a pretty conflicted month.

As I was in my neighborhood pharmacy, I couldn’t help but notice that all of summer merchandise was being steadily squeezed off the shelves by the back-toschool items – notebooks, pens, locker shelves and the like.

As a kid I would be actually excited as I was one of those nerd kids – now I’m a nerd senior citizen – who loved the process of picking out the right ring binder, the pens that flowed the best on a page and notebooks that would serve my purpose.

I still get lost in a store like Staples checking out pens, notebooks and other items. Other stores in which I get lost: hardware stores, farm supply stores and bookstores.

Now in my old age, August is the time to celebrate that final month or so before “normal” stumbles back into our lives. “Normal” means the end of vacations, warm weather, the growing season and for many the return to school and all that means to both kids and parents.

I have a summer bucket list which I hope I will finish up in August. The list includes the following: Corn. I’ve not yet eaten any local corn and I have to rectify that. Local butter and sugar corn fresh from a farm can not be beat. A little butter and a little salt are all you need to enjoy corn from any number of farmstands.

Taking a dip. Now me in a swimsuit is a crime against humanity, but I crave the opportunity of going to the Cape, picking a beach and swimming and floating in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s very relaxing to me.

Flea markets. I used to regularly go to the Route 47 flea market in Hadley, MA, to check out the treasures there. And over the years I’ve certainly found some remarkable and obscure items. Want arcane? I found a full-color book that Monogram Studios sent to theater owners in the mid-1930s detailing their movies that year. I love it.

Road trip with my buddies. I have two friends, one of whom is an expert on New England history and folklore and we have the best road trips visiting places he has discovered, finding good places to eat and punctuating the trip with drinks.

I’m planning to organize one of those for August.

Every month, Go Local offers suggestions to make your month better and this one is no different.

Take a look at The Final Countdown for seven refreshing drink offerings. That’s a road trip right there!

The feature about Macie’s Place in Somers, CT, is a guest destination for a family wanted to escape the August heat.

Go Local Picks has three great events, all of which could be a part of a local road trip.

Don’t let August slip by. Enjoy the many events offered in Western New England before “normal” sets in.

6 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2022

- G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor

MANAGING EDITOR G. Michael Dobbs

CREATIVE

Beth Thurber, Manager . Leigh Catchepaugh Sophia Kelleher . Susan Bartlett

DESIGN & CONTENT Michelle Johnson Curtis Panlilio

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! HOPE E. TROMBLEY NATE BLAIS

At the Dam Restaurant F or years, mother-son-duo Susan Chadbourne and Paul Merker dreamed of owning a breakfast and lunch restaurant near the water.

When the established restaurant At the Dam Restaurant, 100 Main St. in Broad Brook, CT, went up for sale in 2019, the pair felt this was the perfect opportunity to make their dream come true.

Then, the Covid pandemic hit.

“We were ready to open in March 2020 and less than a week before our planned opening date, the pandemic hit, delaying the opening – with many unknowns such as not knowing when we would be able to open, when the restrictions would be lifted and if

we would be able to open at all,” said Chadbourne.

She, her son, family and friends had spent months getting ready to launch the revamped restaurant.

They cleaned the space top to bottom, painted, brought it up to current health standards, developed their menu, created a new logo and purchased needed equipment.

“During that time many local people stopped in to see how we were doing with the renovations, asked when we were going to open,were excited to meet us as the new owners, and to see what renovations we were doing,” Chadbourne said. “That made us not only feel welcome, but we came to know the restaurant

was definitely a place where friends meet.”

They forged ahead, waiting until the world received the thumbs-up to start opening up and they finally opened their doors in June of 2020.

“When the restrictions were lifted for inside seating, we did open but only at 50% capacity for the first 11 months, with many COVID rules and regulations to follow,” Chadbourne said. “It was a very slow start because many people were unsure of going out to a restaurant with the ever changing COVID restrictions. We slowly but surely gained in popularity but during the beginning months, it was our ‘regulars’ who kept us afloat.”

It was those regular customers that GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 13

helped the new owners stay motivated.

“It was great to get to know them and we now consider them friends,” said Chadbourne. “Over the past two years, due to the increase in our customer base, we now have six incredible employees to help us out.”

Before purchasing At the Dam, Chadbourne had worked fulltime in the corporate world, but worked in area restaurants part-time because she loved it.

“I worked for 36 years in the corporate world and during that time I would work part-time in various restaurants such as the Somers Inn and Sue’s Kitchen because I loved being a waitress,” she said. “Over the years, it became a dream of mine to open a breakfast/ lunch restaurant, with a location specifically by the water. Paul has also always wanted to open a restaurant and we would talk of it but it seemed almost impossible.”

While scrolling through Facebook in May 2019, Merker saw a post by the previous owner of At the Dam Restaurant saying she wanted to retire and sell the restaurant.

“Paul showed me and we decided ‘it doesn’t hurt to ask.’ It seemed exactly like what we were looking for size-wise and it was by the water!” said Chadbourne.

“So we talked to the previous owner and began the process of making the dream come true. She retired in November 2019 and we began a total revamp of the space.”

Merker is the chef and got his start at the airport in food service when he was 16. Chadbourne said since that first job, he has enjoyed working in various restaurants and golf courses such as Ellington Ridge Country Club and Rolling Meadows Country Club.

“He started as a cook, worked his way up to sous chef and is now a chef managing his own restaurant,” said the proud mom. “His favorite thing to cook is his house-made corned beef hash – he loves how it smells when he is cooking it on the grill. His favorite dish to eat is homemade macaroni and cheese. He enjoys grilling steaks on an open flamed charcoal grill for family and friends during the summer.”

Chadbourne prefers running the front of the house, waitressing and being with customers. She and Merker kept the previous restaurant name, even though it has had several owners and names over the years, starting out as Pigeon’s Pharmacy before becoming a restaurant.

“The old pharmacy soda fountain is our counter seating now,” noted Chadbourne. “Many customers tell us of how they used to come into the pharmacy when they were children and they share stories with us. The space the restaurant is in now has been a restaurant with a few different owners and names.”

Many of the previous restaurant customers continue to eat at At the Dam, along with new customers who 14 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2022

have joined the ranks of “regulars.”

“They keep coming back because Paul’s food is not only delicious, it is consistently fresh and delicious,” said Chadbourne. “The service is friendly and I make an effort to learn everyone’s name. There is a special energy in the restaurant and we pride ourselves on keeping a very clean restaurant, with lots of people commenting on the cleanliness.” Many people come back for their favorite meal such as the corned beef hash or the Dam Buster which is a combination of eggs, pancakes or French toast, home fries, meat and toast. Paul has many customers who request his New England Chowder or another favorite soup or sandwich. Customers often plan their week around Friday’s lunch special of Fish n Chips saying it is the best they’ve ever had.

At the Dam boasts a Veteran’s Wall full of framed pictures of veterans who are customers or family of customers. Chadbourne said people often remark on how special the wall is and we welcome people to bring in their framed picture if they served to add to the wall.

On the breakfast menu is Merker’s popular housemade corn beef hash, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, Broad Brook French toast that is topped with sweet cinnamon brown sugar butter and whipped cream, and an omelet of the day, such as the shaved ribeye steak omelet or feta Florentine omelet to name just a few. Breakfast sandwiches and wraps are popular as well. We are also available to provide breakfast sandwiches to local businesses, anywhere from 20 to 200 sandwiches. We have provided that catering service to Federal Express, Lincoln Technical Institute, and Beebe Landscaping.

Give us a call at (860) 623-1253 and we’d be happy to work together to create an order for you.

The lunch menu has grilled or cold sandwiches and melts, different specialty burgers, daily specials such as sweet Italian sausage and peppers, cheesesteak sandwich, and daily house-made soups.

We encourage people to find us on Facebook where we post the daily omelet of the day, lunch special and the soup of the day. Weekends include a special pancake French toast or waffle, an omelet of the weekend and a special breakfast sandwich.

AT THE DAM RESTAURANT LOCATED AT 100 MAIN STREET IN BROAD BROOK, CT. WE ARE OPEN TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY, 7 A.M.-2 P.M. WITH BREAKFAST UNTIL 11:15 A.M., FOLLOWED BY LUNCH. SUNDAYS THE RESTAURANT IS OPEN 7 A.M. TO NOON, SERVING BREAKFAST ONLY. ALL OUR FOOD IS AVAILABLE FOR TAKE OUT. PLEASE CALL US AT (860) 623-1253 AND WE WILL GET IT READY FOR PICK UP.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 15

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Lost Acres

Vineyard

A

v isit to Lost Acres Vineyard is about much more than the pour or the fresh food onsite designed to compliment their wine.

“One of the things that differentiates us from other wineries is our strong connection and partnership with area theater groups and fine artists,” said Michelle Niedermeyer, who owns the North Granby, CT, vineyard along with her husband Kevin Riggott.

The Lost Acres Vineyard calendar boasts a combination of theatrical events, art shows, and live music, which not only supports the arts community, but helps to further showcase their wines.

In August the Tasting Room at Lost Acres Vineyard will host Playland Productions’ “Wine with Winnie,” a six-character comedy about a fun-loving talk show host who broadcasts her show from a vineyard. The original play was written by playwright and producer Betsy Maguire.

“Betsy, who founded Playland Productions, approached us wanting to do something at the vineyard and this is our first venture with her,” Niedermeyer said.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 19

“Wine with Winnie” will be held on Aug. 5 at 8:30 p.m., Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 in advance online at playlandproductionsct.com or for $20 at the door. Patrons may pack food and non-alcoholic drinks to bring to the event, however, wine by the glass and bottle will be sold, as well as cheese and antipasto plates from the Lost Acres Vineyard kitchen.

Also, The Theatre Guild of Simsbury now offers as part of their regular season what is called the Vineyard Series - two outdoor events staged at Lost Acres Vineyard each summer, one of which was a comedy double header in July.

“I’ve always wanted to do some kind of outdoor theater and when COVID began I thought the time was right for something outdoors. So, I met with members in 2020 to see if it would be something they would be interested in doing,” Niedermeyer said.

“We have tables and chairs set up and you can purchase wine by the glass or bottle along with our cheese or antipasto plates, and you are welcome to bring your own picnic basket foods,” she added.

The final show of the season, “Singing Broadway,” will be held on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. Priced at $20, tickets are available on lostacresvineyard.com.

Wine in hand, art lovers can peruse the latest works of area artists in solo and group exhibits in the vineyard’s Tasting Room six times a year.

“This is a great opportunity for artists to show their work in a different environment where it can be seen by a big audience who come to our vineyard. We also hold opening receptions for each show and ask the artists to invite their friends and customers to the vineyard to view the art they have set up. It is a good opportunity to meet the artists and 20 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2022

learn more about them and their art,” Niedermeyer said, noting by the end of the year $15,000 to $20,000 worth of art has been sold.

Donald Leger, a self-taught landscape artist who has been painting New England scenes with an emphasis on Nantucket, will display his work at Lost Acres Vineyard from Aug. 12 to Sept. 5 with an opening reception on Aug. 13 from 4-6 p.m.

“Something that is also unique to us is our association with the Granby Artists Association. We hold several pop-up art and craft shows with them where we invite members to come over to the vineyard to set up tents and have their works available to sell,” Niedermeyer said.

She noted the pop-ups - which not only include paintings but pottery, jewelry, blown glass and more - are announced 10 days in advance on their website’s events page.

But if it were not for their handcrafted fine wines, there would be no special events calendar.

It all began when the couple went to visit friends in upstate New York.

“While with them we visited a winery in Armenia, New York. Kevin was a hobby winemaker who had been making a decent wine for 10 years and said, ‘We can do this.’ We thought if they could grow grapes in Duchess County, then we could grow them in Granby.

So, we started looking for property and found what had been an old apple orchard in the 1970s. We were also fortunate that a friend of ours, Larry McCollough, a longtime Connecticut winemaker since 1979, became our advisor and helped Kevin to make the transition from a hobby to commercial winemaker,” Niedermeyer said.

Their vines were planted in 2010 - today they have some five acres of grape vines planted, approximately 3,000 vines - and their first harvest was in 2011. Their winemaking takes place in the basement under their tasting room, which provides a stable temperature all year. The juice is fermented, heated and cold stabilized and aged on site. Once the wine is ready, it is bottled and aged in the bottle an additional 2-6 months.

The boutique farm winery produces 13 handcrafted white, red and specialty wines including White Wines - Clemons Springs, Chardonnay, Dry Riesling, Wedge White and Riesling; Red Wines - Silkey Red, Firehouse Red, Merlot, and Rock Wall Red; and Specialty Wines Salmon Brook Rose, Old Orchard Apple, Belden Brook Blue, and Enders Reserve.

“White Wedge is our most popular white wine. It is a blend, not too dry and not too sweet, and you can definitely taste the fruit in it. The wine appeals to a wide variety of people and really compliments any meal,” Niedermeyer said.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 21

“We make four red wines and our Silkey Red is made from Marquette grapes which can actually be grown in this climate and right here on our vineyard. It is our lightest, fruitiest red with the others being more traditional and made with grapes we purchase from California,” she added.

Among their specialty wines, Old Orchard Apple is made 100% from apples from Lost Acres Orchard, while their Belden Brook Blue is made of 30% blueberries and 70% local Delaware grapes and is “a very popular summer wine, a little fruitier and just delicious,” Niedermeyer noted. They also offer a Salmon Brook Rose which is made from their own Seyvan Blanc juice, pressed through Merlot skins.

“We also make one sweet dessert wine that we describe as ‘decadent and divine’ which is a late harvest wine made from our Vidal grapes that are left on the vine until mid-October for harvest. We’ve only made our Enders Reserve three times since we have been open. The longer you leave the grapes on the vines, the greater the risk for damage to the grapes and the harder it is on the vines,” Niedermeyer said.

All of the white wines and rosés are made from grapes grown on the vineyard, including Cayuga White, Riesling, Seyval Blanc, Traminette, and Vidal Blanc. Their reds are made from grapes grown in California.

Wine tastings are $9 and include your choice of any five wines along with a keepsake wine glass. Additional glasses of wine to enjoy afterwards with friends and family are $9 each and bottles range from $16-25. The Lost Acres Vineyard farm kitchen also offers winefriendly cheese plates - small are $13 and large $17 - and antipasto plates for $18.

In addition to an occasional food truck, there are other ways to pair your wine while at Lost Acres Vineyard.

Date Night Pizza - held during the warm weather months on Fridays from 3:30-6:30 p.m. - pairs a bottle of their Wedge White along with two pizzas and one garden salad for $50. It is available by preorder only online.

“Jeff Flemming is our pizza maker. He is a local favorite and we’ve worked together for a long time. It’s one of those ideas we came up with trying to find something fun to do during COVID that makes use of our huge outdoor space. There is live music, too, from 4 to 7 p.m.,” Niedermeyer said.

Sunday is Grill and Chill day at Lost Acres Vineyard when the culinary artists from Avon Prime Meats set up shop and grill grapeside from noon to 5 p.m. to accompany your wine selections. Their fresh food menu includes a variety of burgers including buffalo chicken, garlic lamb, black angus and cherry elk. There is also The Big Dog - a quarter pound Waygu dog and a steak or chicken melt, as well as a Farmers Harvest Melt of grilled veggies.

22 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2022

There is also live music from 1-4 p.m. every Sunday throughout the year, even though Grill and Chill is only during the warmer weather months.

You can also “chill” another way while it is warm outdoors. Rachel Little began practicing yoga many years ago when motivated to address back pain. She shortly realized that yoga changed her life in many ways. Now she shares her gentle approach with others on Fridays from 5-6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon with classes held right inside the vineyard for $15.

Lost Acres Vineyard produces about 2000 cases of wine annually. While their wines are available at some liquor stores such as Village Cork and Keg in Granby, CT, and at some breweries including Broad Brook Brewing in Suffield, CT, Michelle said 95% of their sales come right from their tasting room.

Summer hours are Friday, 12-7 p.m., Saturday, 12-6 p.m. and Sunday 12-5 p.m.

When the fall arrives, Lost Vineyard Acres remains busy holding the Granby Land Trust Juried Art Show in November, two Farmers Markets for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and a Holiday Sip and Shop indoor market selling the works of artists and crafters.

They close their doors in January, February and March.

LOST ACRES VINEYARD IS LOCATED AT 80 LOST ACRES ROAD IN NORTH GRANBY, CT. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO VIEW THEIR CHANGING EVENTS CALENDAR, VISIT LOSTACRESVINEYARD.COM, CALL 860-324-9481, OR EMAIL INFO@LOSTACRESVINEYARD.COM.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 23

“Owner is a Licensed Real Estate agent with EXP Realty”

Looking to BUY or SELL a home?

Is your home VACANT? In need of REPAIRS?

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NOW OPEN! EYEWEAR AND EXAMS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

59

EYEGLASSES $ Starting at……………

Visit us at our NEWEST location!

IN ELLINGTON

175 West Rd, Suite 16 Meadowview Plaza, Ellington, CT | 860-454-4841 HOURS: Mon 12–7pm • Tues, Thur & Fri 9–5 Wed Closed • Sat 10-2

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24 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2022

Visit us at QuiltFest New England at the Mass Mutual Center, Springfield, MA – August 11, 12, 13 Join our Quilt For A Cure breast cancer research event in September. Bid on a raffle basket! See website for details.

Take a class! We offer beginner to advanced classes.

Classes are held Monday-Saturday.

Visit our website to see what is offered We will be participating in the Massachusetts Quilt Shop Hop – October 12-16

Quilts & Treasures 56 Shaker Road East Longmeadow, MA

413-525-4789

www.quiltsandtreasuresinc.com

1 Allen St., Hampden, MA

(413) 566-8324 di Hampden House

OUR OUTDOOR PATIO IS OPEN! CASUAL FINE DINING | LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Friday & Saturday Nights

Open for Lunch Friday thru Sunday Half Price Pizza Monday Night in Our Lounge

See our website for our Banquet & Catering Menu

lacucinahampden.com

Lounge Open & Pizza 7 Days • Bar Open Late Mon.-Thurs. 3pm-9pm | Fri.-Sat. 11:30am-10pm | Sun. 11:30am-9pm

COMING IN OUR OCTOBER ISSUE

Weddings

Reach engaged couples and their planners who are ready to make important purchasing decisions for the big day.

TO ADVERTISE...

Call Jeanette @ 860.729.1606 or email jgrenier@thereminder.com GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 25

GO LOCAL PICKS

COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR AND ONLINE!

BREW AT THE ZOO AUGUST 6, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM THE ZOO IN FOREST PARK • 293 SUMNER AVE., SPRINGFIELD, MA 01108 Sample the offerings of local craft breweries across Massachusetts and Connecticut, catch the home brew competition, and enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, games, and animal interactions. Purchasing VIP tickets gets you an extra hour of tasting and up-close animal encounters beginning at 12 p.m. as well as grain to interact with animals on your own. The zoo will be closed to the general public for the event and you must be 21 or over to attend so don't forget your ID. For tickets and information visit:

www.forestparkzoo.org

ERFC SUMMER CELEBRATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2022, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM ENFIELD TOWN GREEN, 81-199 N MAIN ST, ENFIELD, CT 06082 Support local small businesses by shopping farm and craft vendor booths, participate in family crafts & games together, and try your chances at dunking local community leaders in the dunk tank! Enjoy lunch from local food vendors and music from the town gazebo. Visit the community providers to learn more about what Enfield has to offer.

Proceeds, including the vendor fee, benefits Educational Resources for Children, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing programs to children & families in Enfield and surrounding communities.

For more information on these events visit:

erfcinc.org 26 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2022

12th Annual Stafford Lions C Moonlight Pad

12TH ANNUAL STAFFORD LIONS CLUB MOONLIGHT PADDLE FRIDAY , AUGUST 19, 2022 – GATE OPENS AT 6:00PM STAFFORDVILLE LAKE, ROUTE 19 STAFFORDVILLE, CT 06076

Gate Opens At 6:00pm / Launch At 7:30pm All Boats off the water by 9:00pm Free Paddling (Bring your own kayak or canoe). All boats MUST be clean before entering the lake. Enjoy free hotdogs and snacks. Enter the Raffle to win a Kayak Package! The Grand Prize includes a Kayak, paddle and PFD. Raffle Tickets are $5 each.

Friday - August 19,

For more information, please visit our website at

www.staffordlionsclub.org or contact Paul Wentworth at pdubs0015@gmail.com or 860 748-6302

Gate Opens At 6:00pm / Launc All Boats off the water by

People say they like the way we look at things, but they

love the way we listen.

We always have time for you. We will gladly work closely with you, your realtor and, when the time comes, your attorney. We've been your local Bank with the same name for 150 years.

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BREWERY • PUB • RESTAURANT

We’re just homegrown folks who love to make great beer!

AN ENCHANTING LITTLE COUNTRY GIFT SHOPPE

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brick oven pizza • wings sandwiches • burgers meat & cheese combo boards

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111 Main Street, Somersville, CT • 860.265.2282 Delivery to most area towns, including Massachusetts

860.623.1000

Open Tue–Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-4

www.somersvillagegifts.com

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY 3PM-8PM • FRIDAY 12PM - 9PM • SATURDAY 11:30AM - 9PM • SUNDAY 11:30AM - 8PM

Johnny’s Roadside Market Garden

Supporting Local Farmers Since 1953

Celebrating 73 Years of Our Family Farm!

336 NORTH MAPLE ST. (ROUTE 192) ENFIELD, CT

OUR OWN

GREENHOUSE TOMATOES

BEST GRINDERS IN TOWN!

Vinnie’s

Little Acre A Farm Market Store

FULL LINE OF FRESH

FRESH LOCAL BUTTER & SUGAR CORN LOCAL FIELD GROWN TOMATOES

Native Strawberries, Squash & More

Produce • Flowers • Plants • Deli • Grocery Annuals • Perennials • Herbs • Seasonal Items

VEGETABLES & FRUITS OPEN DAILY 9-6 • SUN 10-5

JOHNNYSROADSIDEMARKETGARDEN.COM

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9AM-7PM - YEAR ‘ROUND 2 North Main St • Windsor Locks, CT • 860.758.5083

Going to The Pool?

Now g e s rvin & Beer Wine!

Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry! Ask us about drying units.

PIZZAS SALADS SOUPS GRINDERS WINGS

The Finest Hearing Care by Doctors of Audiology — SINCE 1984 —

Susan Bankoski Chunyk Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

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

413-525-7979

hampdenhearing.com | info@hampdenhearing.com

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Jennifer Lundgren Garcia Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

AUTHENTIC HOMEMADE EST. 2021 ITALIAN DINNERS DINE-IN • TAKE OUT • DELIVERY

TRUE ITALIAN HAND-TOSSED PIZZA COOKED DIRECTLY ON THE STONE! 48 SOUTH RD, SOMERS CT • mariossomers.com 860-698-6988 • 860-698-6986

! HOPE E. TROMBLEY NATE BLAIS

Feather & Bloom

F

eather & Bloom Marketplace is more than a florist.

Owners Jen Horn and Kristen Carty offer a cozy, hometown feeling in their shop at 122 Mountain Road in Suffield where the flowers they use for their handcrafted arrangements are often locally grown.

“We are a full service florist, able to accommodate most needs for our clients,” said Horn. “In our shop you can find us working away on daily bouquets with fresh cut stems (locally grown as much as possible), our signature painted mason jar arrangements, unique containers filled with florals, fulfilling our weekly floral subscriptions or working with unique stems for weddings, corporate events, small gatherings and special request orders.”

Customers love their mason jar arrangements, especially the hand-painted jars that come in an array of pastel colors paired perfectly with the blooms. Other arrangements come in one-of-a-kind pottery pieces or vintage metal containers. No matter what vessel is used, Feather & Bloom arrangements are distinctly

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 29

unique and special.

Feather & Bloom has a weekly floral subscription option, as well as a very unique subscription – flowers and bread.

“Each week we partner with Small State in West Hartford to offer a bread and blooms subscription,” said Horn. “Our floral focus is always on unique stems, things you wouldn't find at your local grocery store or when ordering from national floral chains.”

The gifts at Feather & Bloom are curated with customers and local artisans in mind.

“Our customers love to gift and we love to help them gift,” Horn said. “We strive to offer a variety of gifts in the $20 price point that are easy to give and appeal to a wide range of recipients. Whenever possible we ‘go local’ if we can buy it locally or have a local artisan make it that is our preference. At the top of our gift giving list is candles, soaps, journals, earrings and plants in cute containers.”

Carty is the primary florist, having learned the art from the original Feather & Bloom owner who started the business five years ago then passed it on the Carty and Horn.

Horn said Carty has always been a creative person and worked as a photographer, loves to paint and has a flair for interior design and a passion for 30 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2022

garden design.

“Her passions and hobbies made her a perfect fit for a floral partner at Feather & Bloom,” said Horn.

“Kristen finds inspiration all around her and is a self -taught natural.”

Carty’s extensive global travel and living have given her knowledge and experience to also be able to work with a wide range of clients and bring in a variety of florals and styles, which she said makes this job fun and fulfilling.

"I feel so blessed that I fell into this career and I can't imagine doing anything else,” Carty said.

Horn brings years of retail experience and an education in business from Bay Path University to Feather & Bloom. She runs the day to day business end of things, behind the scenes and works with 40+ local makers. Together they decide what lines to carry in the marketplace each season and both share a love for the plants that is a big part of the business.

Both women credit their staff and customers for their success.

“We have the best staff that have a love for our business as much as we do,” said Horn. “They each bring something special to our business. And we are so thankful to our customers who are like family and GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 31

have supported our little dream from day one.”

When they moved to their current location three years ago, it was to be part of the heart of their community and they are committed to supporting those around them.

“We love community events and host a little makers event once or twice a year to benefit the local community aid,” said Horn. “These little makers, make, create and sell in a vendor style pop up event. They are responsible for all aspects of selling including signing a contract, paying a small fee -- that is donated - marketing their space and creating a product that is desirable. Each year just about all the little makers sell out. We donate to as many requests as possible and host as many events as we can.”

FEATHER & BLOOM IS LOCATED AT 122 MOUNTAIN ROAD IN SUFFIELD AND IS CURRENTLY OPEN WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY. VISIT FEATHERANDBLOOMCT.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION, SPECIALS AND UPDATES TO HOURS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS.

32 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2022

Come for your Bra Fitting and leave feeling Beach-y!

Let The Bra Ladies put health, comfort and beauty back in your life!

We offer CUSTOM SIZES that provide both STYLE and COMFORT! High-end shapewear, bras and lingerie... and NEW -- Julie Vos Jewelry!!

Anita Hanky Panky Chantelle MENTION Enell Sports Bra Conturelle Elomi THIS AD Panache CosaBella Freya AND GET Natori Wacoal Goddess Shapewear available

Now offering SPECIAL ORDER

SWIM WEAR!

FREE PROFESSIONAL BRA FITTING! Book Your Bridal Party Fitting or Private Bra Party!

5% OFF YOUR PURCHASE!

APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED Schedule your appt. online or by phone.

Your privacy is important to us!

635 Main Street, Somers, CT • 413.244.5731 • thebraladies.com GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 33

GO EAT

! RECIPE SUBMITTED BY NATHAN BLAIS

Mango Blood Orange Sorbet

1 Large bag frozen mango 4oz Blood orange juice

Start by juicing your blood oranges, combine frozen mango and blood orange juice into a high powered blender.

Blend until smooth and enjoy right away or place in the freezer for 30 minutes for a firmer texture.

NATHAN BLAIS I’m a photographer from Springfield. I combined my love for cooking and photography and turned it into a career. Check out my instagram @nateblais!

34 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2022

Serving CT & MA for 36 Years

Complete Tree Care & Removal Service Stump Grinding • Crane Work • Expert Pruning Insect & Disease Control “Working with People Who Care About Trees!”

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE • Fully Insured • FREE Estimates

860.749.7365 • 413.525.3916 CT Licensed Arborist #62445

mtsne.com MA Certified Arborist #1676

REPAIRS

SALES & SERVICE

Brakes • TuneUps • Tires Struts, Ball Joints Engine & Transmission Swaps

We have reliable cars, trucks & SUV’s for nearly every budget

HOURS: Mon-Fri 9-5

For all your car needs!

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on any AUTO REPAIR with this ad

112 WEST STAFFORD RD, STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT

860-684-4400 GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 35

SINCE 1993

TAKING CARE OF YOUR BODY, MIND & SPIRIT

In-Studio classes and/or Zoom Livestream from home

Classes Daily, Nights & Weekends Strength, Balance, Flexibility Stress Reduction & Inner Peace

www.heartsongyoga.com

LOCAL HARVEST Farmer’s Market

We are back at Longmeadow Shops NOW OPEN Offering

Every Thursday Noon-6pm LOCALLY GROWN

Rain or Shine

Products

Great Selection!

413-525-0720

LONGMEADOW SHOPS PARKING LOT 666 Bliss Road • Next to athletic fields

264 N. Main Street East Longmeadow, MA

Since 1985

“Happy Feet Move Faster” IF YOU’RE REMODELING OR MOVING, WE’RE YOUR GUYS! Family Owned and Operated Serving the Community for 37 Years FREE ESTIMATES

413-736-4440

www.A-ZMOVERS.net

380 Union Street • Suite 1 • West Springfield, MA

Mary’s Market OPEN DAILY

Fresh Farm Produce Fresh Herbs Flowers, Plants Handmade Gifts 103 Main Street, Somers, CT • 413-262-4248 36 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2022

Let Me Help You

BUY, SELL or INVEST in Real Estate.

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REALTOR® Licensed in MA & CT Want to sell your home or commercial property?

CALL ME TODAY FOR A

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! KEITH O'CONNOR NATE BLAIS & MICHELLE JOHNSON

Macie's Place

K

ids are making a “big splash” at the new Macie’s Place at Field Road Park in Somers, CT, thanks to a couple wanting to give back to a community who gave them so much in their time of need.

Macie’s Place is a splash pad, which had its grand opening on July 8, that is operated by the Somers Recreation Department and offers a fun and cooling experience on some of the hottest days of summer.

It is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., but closes from 12:30

to 2:30 p.m. to accommodate the Recreation Department’s Day Camp during July and August.

In December 2007, Wendy and Bill McCloskey lost their daughter Macie Grace to Trisomy 13 when she was just six days old.

Trisomy 13 is a chromosomal condition associated with severe intellectual disability and physical abnormalities in many parts of the body. Due to the presentation of several life-threatening medical problems, many infants with Trisomy

13 die within their first days or weeks of life.

“Little by little, we just wanted to do something for the town because the town was just amazing when we went through this,” Wendy stated on the Recreation Department’s website.

So, the couple approached the Somers Recreation Department with a vision to bring a splash pad to Somers.

“The community - friends, teachers, classmates, kids Bill coached and so many others - were very GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 37

supportive and kind to Wendy throughout her pregnancy and to the couple when Macie died,” said Maureen Parsell, Director of Recreation and Leisure Services for the Town of Somers, who noted they felt a strong connection to the town and wanted to “give back” for the amazing support they received during their time of grief.

Parsell noted the concrete base of the splash pad is painted purple and pink in the form of a butterfly, which incorporates the Macie’s Place logo.

“The butterfly celebrates Macie’s life and the spirit of levity and play. The color purple has special significance because Macie had a purple outfit on after she was born which brought her great joy,” Parsell said.

“The biggest and most popular feature that kids just love is a palm tree that shoots water out of the top, flowers that also shoot out water, cascading water tables, a foaming geyser, and a water jelly spray loop,” she added.

For safety’s sake, it is suggested that no running, rough-housing or jumping be allowed in the splash pad area. Also, water shoes are highly recommended because the splash pad surface can become slippery when wet.

Not far from Macie’s Place, also in Field Road Park, is yet another memorial in memory of a little Somers boy who died of cancer.

Connor's Place, a boundless playground, was constructed in honor of Connor Swan, who died at age 5 in 2003. Boundless playgrounds are barrier-free playgrounds where children with 38 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2022

and without disabilities can play alongside one another.

Opened in 2007, the playground was constructed with an initial donation of $50,000 that the Swans raised through a memorial fund soon after Connor's death, as well as other fundraising efforts by the Somers Playground Advisory Committee. The committee also helped orchestrate the design along with a national non-profit foundation promoting the building of boundless playgrounds.

It features two playscapes, one for children under the age of 5 and the other larger area for children ages 5 and up. A recycled rubberized surface creates a safe play environment for kids of all ages. Connor's Place includes wheelchair accessible ramps, high back swings with seatbelts, several rock climbing walls and slides, elevated sand tables, sandbox (bring your own toys), benches and more.

There is also a pavilion at Connor's Place which can be rented for birthday parties, family events, or business outings. It features several picnic tables, a charcoal grill, electrical outlets, and nearby restrooms, basketball court and volleyball court.

BOTH MACIE’S PLACE AND CONNOR’S PLACE ARE LOCATED AT 96 FIELD ROAD IN SOMERS, CT. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS OFFERED BY SOMERS RECREATION & LEISURE SERVICES, CALL 860-265-3840 OR VISIT SOMERS.RECDESK.COM. GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 39

a re a s n a p s h o t Molly Arnio Manchester-by-the-Sea located in Essex County, MA and is known for it's scenic beaches and vista points. The town appearedin the 2016 film Manchester by the Sea.

40 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2022

GO EXPLORE PLACES TO KAYAK AND CANOE

Great Places for Paddling and Rentals!

ROBINSON STATE PARK 428 NORTH ST., FEEDING HILLS, MA 01030

Robinson Park is a great area for outdoor activities including hiking, biking, fishing, and paddling. Follow the paved road along the river for parking and a launch area for kayaks and canoes.

ALDRICH LAKE 278 AMHERST STREET, GRANBY, MA 01033

To access this warm water pond, use the dirt ramp located off Amherst Road. It is easy to miss so keep an eye out!

FARMINGTON RIVER

HAMPTON PONDS STATE PARK 1048 NORTH ROAD, WESTFIELD, MA 01085

Hampton Ponds is a great location for paddling with no motorized boating on the water. You can find the concrete boat ramp on Old Apartment Way by the parking lot.

TWINING POND 410 EAST OTIS ROAD, TOLLAND, MA 01034

Twining pond is tucked away in the Tolland State Forest away from all the noise. This shallow body of water is perfect for peaceful paddling and the sound of nature.

The water remains calm with no boat traffic.

VALLEY PADDLER

DRAKE HILL FLOWER BRIDGE OLD BRIDGE RD, SIMSBURY, CT 06070

NASHAWANNUCK POND DAM, EASTHAMPTON, MA 01027 VALLEYPADDLER.COM

Enjoy the beautiful Flower Bridge over the Farmington River. Here you’ll find access to the river for kayaks and canoes, along with walking paths, visitors pavilion, and the beautiful gardens and trees.

Need a kayak? Check out Valley Paddler for kayak, canoe, and pedal boat rentals! Call ahead to make a reservation.

Pricing varies based on your rental starting at $20 for one hour with a single kayak. Check out the Valley Paddler website for more pricing details and reservations.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 41

LOCAL EINSTEIN

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

THE “DOG DAYS” OF SUMMER WERE NAMED BY THE ROMANS AFTER WHICH STAR IN CANIS MAJOR (LARGE DOG) THAT APPEARS TO RISE ALONGSIDE THE SUN IN LATE JULY? [A] Rigel [B] Sirius [C] Antares [D] Arcturus WHO WAS THE YOUNGEST SOLO ARTIST WITH A #1 HIT ON THE BILLBOARD HOT 100?

WHICH COUNTRY IS HOME TO KANGAROO ISLAND? [A] Australia [B] New Zealand [C] Madagascar [D] Japan IN GOLF, WHAT DO YOU CALL A SCORE OF 2 UNDER PAR ON ANY GIVEN HOLE?

[A] Michael Jackson [B] Billie Eilish [C] Lorde [D] Stevie Wonder

WHICH IS THE LAST SURVIVING DRAGON ON GAME OF THRONES?

[A] Eagle [B] Birdie [C] Pelican [D] Vulture WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU ARE A POLYGLOT? [A] Able to write with both hands [B] Able to use or know several languages [C] Able to drive an automatic and manual transmission car [D] Able to recite all the capitals cities of the world

[A] Bronn [B] Drogon [C] Rhaegal [D] Viserion IN WHICH MOVIE DID 007 FIRST UTTER THE WORDS “BOND…JAMES BOND?”

HOW LONG DID THE GUNFIGHT AT THE O.K. CORRAL LAST?

[A] Dr. No [B] Goldfinger [C] You Only Live Twice [D] Thunderball WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING MEANS “RAIN” WHEN ADDED TO A CLOUD’S NAME? [A] Cirrus [B] Alto [C] Strato [D] Nimbus

42 GO LOCAL AUGUST 2022

[A] 30 seconds [B] 1 minute, 13 seconds [C] 13 minutes [D] 30 minutes # CORRECT

IQ

RANK

ANSWERS:

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

160 110 50 3

Prodigy Egghead Meh Simpleton

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

The Final Countdown

Our local summer specialty drink menu!

7 summer drinks and cocktails.

Black Raspberry Creamsicle

One in a Melon

This creamy cocktail is a summer favorite made with raspberry vodka, whipped cream vodka, ice cream mix, and black raspberry organic powder. The perfect summer drink and dessert all in one!

Check out the ShortStop menu for more summer specialty drinks.

The “One in a Melon” smoothie is one of their most popular summer specials.

It’s a blend of Watermelon, Strawberry, Coconut Water, Mint, and Lime. It’s sooo tasty and refreshing (and incredibly hydrating!) As always, they can modify and make substitutions as needed for preference or allergies. It makes for the perfect hot summer day smoothie!

Not Your Pink Drink

Ginger Green Smoothie

SHORTSTOP BAR & GRILL 99 SPRINGFIELD ROAD WESTFIELD, MA 01085 SHORTSTOPBARANDGRILL.COM

CIRCUIT COFFEE 22 ELM STREET WESTFIELD, MA 01085 CIRCUITCOFFEE.CO

Circuit Coffee offers a variety of summer drinks from iced lattes to refreshing shrub sodas. The Not Your Pink Drink made with crimson berry iced tea and coconut lemonade is the perfect for a hot summer day. Check out their menu for a variety of unique drinks and pastries.

The Dog Days of Summer

Butterfly Margarita

Posto created this charity cocktail in collaboration with Tito’s handmade vodka, and Dakin Humane Society. Every dollar sold gets donated to Dakin, and Tito’s also donated 1,000 to Dakin as well. It is made with Tito’s vodka, fresh lemonade, and a local berry shrub from local farmers. It tastes amazing, and is for a good cause so it makes it taste just a little better!

This margarita resembles the summer sunset with its layered look and flavor. It is made with black raspberry syrup, fresh lime, orange cordial and Butterfly Tequila fusion. Enjoy this summer cocktail along with local farm fresh dishes at Lattitude Restaurant.

POSTO 674 BLISS ROAD, LONGMEADOW, MA 01106 POSTOITALIAN.COM

LATTITUDE RESTAURANT 1338 MEMORIAL AVE., WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA 01089 LATTITUDE1338.COM

SUNFLOWER SMOOTHIE CAFE 208 COLLEGE HIGHWAY, SOUTHWICK, MA 01077 SUNFLOWERSMOOTHIECAFE.COM

MY MAIN SQUEEZE JUICE BAR 165 SHAKER ROAD EAST LONGMEADOW, MA 01028 Cool off with a fresh smoothie or juice at My Main Squeeze. This summer smoothie is the perfect way to drink your greens made with banana, avocado, spinach, coconut water, pineapple, lemon, and ginger. Check out their menu for more drinks, acai bowls, and healthy bites!

Conga-Killer

LAKE LIFE 101 101 POINT GROVE ROAD SOUTHWICK, MA, 01077 Check out the Lake Life 101 menu for a variety of colorful summer drinks including the CongaKiller, Chunky Monkey, and the Island Bucket.

Enjoy a cool sip of summer right on the water of Congamond lake!

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