MARCH 2021

March 2021 Volume 7 . Issue 4 golocalmagazines.com

yankee upholstery stafford springs, CT

Clemenza’s Restaurant

the bra ladies

boutique in somers, ct

CSA 2021 GUIDE inside!

Check it out

the Herbarium in chicopee

2 GO LOCAL MARCH 2021

new this month MARCH 2021 . VOLUME 7 . ISSUE 4

YANKEE UPHOLSTERY

13

Upholsterers never die…we always recover!” jokes Tim Perrina, owner of Yankee Upholstery. Perrina is commemorating 25 years in the upholstery business, the last 10 being in his shop in Stafford Springs, Connecticut.

Upholstery, the “art or practice of fitting padded textile coverings to furniture such as sofas and chairs” is a trade that Perrina learned from his father, beginning at age 7.

A NOTE

11

CSA GUIDE

13

YANKEE UPHOLSTERY

From The Editor Explore Local CSA Offerings Celebrating 25 Years in Business

READ 16 GO Paws to Remember Book Review Hours: Mon-Thur 12–10 Fri & Sat 12–12 Sun 12–9

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MARCH 2021 . VOLUME 7 . ISSUE 4

19

the bra ladies

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GO LOCAL PICKS

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the herbarium

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go eat

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clemenza’s

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Local Einstein

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final countdown

Boutique in Somers, CT

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Cool Stuff Just Outside Your Door Traditional Herbs and Supplements Shop Spicy Chicken Caesar Wrap Brick Overn Pizza in West Springfield, MA Put Your Thinking Caps On 7 Ways to Get Your Green On This March

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a note

FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR . G. MICHAEL DOBBS

I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the PDF of this month’s Go Local to see my long-time friend Jonathan Evans on the cover with his daughter Jessie.

I’ve known Jonathan since 1982 when I started a five-year tenure on the late and lamented WREB in Holyoke as a talk show host.

Jonathan occupied the center time slot while Ron Chimelis and I were the two drive-time hosts – Ron in the morning and me in the afternoon.

One of Jonathan’s guests was Kathleen Duffy, a registered nurse who operated The Herbarium, at that point located in Northampton. Up until then, I knew little about using plant-derived products as auxiliary treatment for various illnesses and conditions.

I remember losing my voice once – not a good thing for someone earning his living on the radio – and Jonathan said I should consult Kathy. She gave me a tea to drink.

Actually, you brewed it, gargled with it, and then drank it.

Much to my amazement – I was even cynical as a young man – the tea worked very quickly and thoroughly. My voice returned much to the consternation of the listeners who disagreed with me.

Since then I’ve purchased other items over the years from the Herbarium and they’ve all been a help. Jonathan was the first person to introduce CBD products to me and one of, if not the first, to sell them here.

Jonathan does substantial research into every herbal product he sells and is extremely selective to make sure the product is exactly what it should be.

This is very important as with the growth of the Internet, there has been an explosion of products and claims that may sound good but are often are not effective.

Although Jonathan’s radio days may be behind him, I’m happy to say his second career with The Herbarium is going strong. At a time when many brick and mortar businesses are struggling against on-line businesses, one realizes looking at The Herbarium, the difference in the two approaches is often defined by outstanding customer service and sound educated advice a local business can offer.

That’s the strength of a local business.

This issue of Go Local also has a great feature that supports local agriculture. It’s the time of year when local farms offer “shares” of what they produce. The concept is simple: customers sign up for a share package that ensures they will received fresh locally grown vegetables through the growing season.

This accomplishes several things: farmers receive capital up front, which is helpful for their business, and the program keeps food dollars local.

Farms shares are a great way to be introduced to a variety of farm products; they can be picked up at the farms or with some farmers at a farmer’s market.

Check out the information here provided by CISA. Speaking of local, as we do in every issue of this magazine, there is no greater example of local versus national chain than in pizza. Yes, I realize many people go to national chains for pizza, but they don’t hold a candle to a locally made pie that reflects the culture and history of the families making the product.

In this issue, we also feature Clemenza’s Brick Oven Pizza formerly reborn in Westfield, and I have to say I’m interested in making a pizza road trip to their newest home in West Springfield to check out what they do.

As spring approaches I hope you get out yourself and visit the places featured in this month’s Go Local.

- G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor 6 GO LOCAL MARCH 2021

MANAGING EDITOR G. Michael Dobbs

CREATIVE

Beth Thurber, Manager . Leigh Catchepaugh Elizabeth O’Donoghue . Susan Bartlett

DESIGN Michelle Johnson, Manager

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As spring approaches the sun shines its rays upon New England. The air loses its bite and takes the form of a pleasant breeze. Naturally, a craving for fresh fruit and vegetables arises. Where better to obtain the best produce than New England? This year, explore the area and CSA offerings. CSA produce is a local harvest and always has a homegrown taste.

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It is a partnership between farms and consumers. Members pay in advance for a “share” of the farm’s harvest for a set portion of the year. As a CSA member, you will pick up the selection of fresh produce, herbs, or even flowers on a designated day at the farm.

Does this sound like a good way to eat healthy this summer to you? Head over to the websites of each farm listed on the next page to fill out a CSA application. But don’t wait, shares fill up quickly!

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 11

SAWMILL HERB FARM

140 MEADOW STREET . FLORENCE, MA (413) 268-4372 . SAWMILLHERBFARM.COM Sawmill Herb Farm provides local access to quality ingredients used in a number of recipes. Before each share, Sawmill Herb Farm sends an e-newsletter with information about the herbs in the upcoming share.

Herbs are grown using sustainable and certified organic practices. A local full share costs $190-200 and includes 10 shares, biweekly pickups from June 4-Sept.

25, one free class in Sawmill Herb Farm’s workshop series, and an invitation for participation in the private CSA Facebook group. A local half-share costs $100-110 and includes 5 shares, monthly pickups from June 18-Sept.11 and an invitation for participation in the private CSA Facebook group. Examples of herbs that can be found in each share include yellow dock root, motherwort, elder flowers, blue vervain, lemongrass and dandelion root.

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

scantic valley csa

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

oxen hill farm

1434 Hill Street . Suffield, CT (860) 986-2284 . oxenhillfarm.com Oxen Hill Farm is offering their 13th USDA Organic Summer CSA program in 2021. The farm offers a variety of shares curated to meet the needs of each individual. Oxen Hill Farm is one of few USDA Certified Organic vegetable farms in North Central Connecticut, which is something you can feel good about!

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

DOWN TO EARTH FARM CSA

5 MICHELEC ROAD . STAFFORD, ct (860) 851-9617 . GETDOWNTOEARTH.ORG Down to Earth Farm’s CSA offers a unique experience.

It provides members with the opportunity to work on the farm where their fresh produce will be grown!

Work sessions are two hours every other week and involves tasks such as soil preparation, planting, watering, weeding and harvesting. There is always staff on site to provide support and work times are flexible. For those not interested in working on the farm, Down to Earth Farm’s CSA also offers non-working shares.

bordua farms

1536 main street . south windsor, ct (860) 335-2705 . borduafarms.com Bordua Farms provides a bountiful CSA that allows members to receive an assortment of produce once a week for 18 weeks. Each share is expected to feed a family of 2-4 people. Examples of produce in each share are beets, cabbage, herbs, melons and peppers.

In October, 2 ornamental pumpkins are also included.

The farm also has a floral add-on that provides CSA members with 6 bouquets. Bordua Farms teams up with other local businesses to provide unique add-

When you become a member of the Kosinski Farms CSA family we commit to raising your food with sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. We guarantee that your food will be grown and harvested locally. Our season starts with the first pick of strawberries, usually the second week of June and continues through the middle of October. These dates are contingent on the weather and may need to be adjusted.

granny’s place

844 main street . agawam, ma (413) 786-9366 . grannysplacefarm.com Granny’s Place provides farm shares for 17 weeks, from June 17 to October 15. Three share sizes are available: Individual/Senior Share for $260, Small Share for $420 and Large Share for $665. For $55, members can add a dozen farm fresh eggs. Granny’s Place offers a wide range of fresh vegetables including asparagus, potatoes, apples and squash.

syme family farm

72 windsorville road . broad brook, ct (860) 623-5925 . symefamilyfarm.com The Syme Family Farm CSA is a little different from the usual fruit and vegetable share. The farm in Broad Brook offers a Cut Flower Club CSA, where members sign up and pre-pay for 8 weeks worth of locally grown flower bouquets. Flowers are picked up weekly between July and August. Seasonal fruits and eggs are also available.

Mountain View Farm CSA

393 east street . easthampton, ma (413) 329-0211 . mountainviewfarmcsa.com Mountain View Farm offers three different share packages. The Singles/Couples share costs $25-$425, the Regular share $655 and the Farm Share Plus $775.

All share packages include U-Pick access. U-Pick gives members access to fields where you will find a harvest of items such as flowers, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, peas and beans.

Easy Pickin’s Orchard

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

Easy Pickin’s Orchard has been offering CSA shares for a decade from their pick-your-own farm. Each box picked up from the CSA will feature whichever fruits and vegetables are in their prime during the season, including strawberries, blueberries, onions and tomatoes. Easy Pickin’s utilizes a integrated pest management system to ensure high-quality growing practices.

For pricing, CSA details and specific pickup locations (many producers offer various sites) for the 2021 season, please contact farm directly. This is not a comprehensive list, if you would like to be included in future publications, please contact: mjohnson@repub.com Go Green: Remember to bring a reusable bag, basket or bin with you to pick up your CSA harvest. The less plastic, the better!

FIND YOUR LOCAL, SEASONAL EATS! CISA Community Involved in Sustaining Local Agriculture • BUYLOCALFOOD.ORG BUY CT GROWN Where to find CT Grown Products • FARMTOCOMMUNITY.UCONN.EDU LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS Many have year-round markets • LOCALHARVEST.ORG LOCAL FOOD ASSOCIATIONS CTFOODASSOCIATION.ORG • MAFOOD.COM 12 GO LOCAL MARCH 2021

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!  VICKI MITCHELL

“

U

pholsterers never die…we always recover!” jokes Tim Perrina, owner of Yankee Upholstery. Perrina is commemorating 25 years in the upholstery business, the last 10 being in his shop in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Upholstery, the “art or practice of fitting padded textile coverings to furniture such as sofas and chairs” is a trade that Perrina learned from his father, beginning at age 7. He says “I worked with my father for over 18 years in his business (in Rockville, CT) and he would often say to me ‘learn the old ways. Then, if you want to try other ways of making things you still can, but at least you will know the history of upholstery.’”

When he was very young, Perrina admits that he didn’t always enjoy learning the trade, but when he got into his teens he realized he had developed good skills, and that he could actually go into business for himself someday.

At age 25, he opened his own shop.

His is a skill in high demand, as people’s interest in restoring and preserving family heirlooms or thrift shop treasures continues to grow.

“I am an old fashioned upholstery shop,” says Perrina, “meaning I remake or repair all types of furniture.” In addition to sofas and chairs, he also restores restaurant and school seating.

Replacing foam seat cushions is a “big seller for people needing the best quality, firm seat cushions,” he adds. He carries a large selection of fabric and vinyl for customers to choose from, as can be seen in the hundreds of samples in his shop.

A large part of his business is antique pieces of furniture, which Perrina believes are “always worth the cost of restoration.” Some of his favorite jobs are family heirlooms that were in very poor condition when they were brought in, and that look like new after he completes his work. “People save these pieces for years, hoping to find someone like me to help them,” he says. “Many of them travel from Manhattan or Boston to see me, and the items are often 100 years old or older.” His website showcases some of these restorations. In one example, a couple is shown holding a miniature armchair from their childhood, newly brought back to life for their grandchildren to enjoy today!

Another of the heirlooms recently brought to his shop was a 200 year- old sofa, or settee. In taking the piece apart for repair, GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 13

Perrina discovered that it had originally been made in Dayville, an historic village of Killingly, Connecticut. Buried inside was a dime from 1901 and an old apron! It’s not unusual, he says, to find all sorts of interesting things hidden or lost inside some of these pieces. In addition to money, he has found love letters, old wedding rings, newspapers, and the names of upholsterers who had once worked on the piece, dating back to the 1700’s.

Inspired by the aforementioned settee, Perrina and a childhood friend, Edward Beale, have launched an internet series entitled Remade in Connecticut. Over five 30 minute episodes, they chronicle the steps that went into the remaking of the settee…originally made in Connecticut, and now Remade in Connecticut. “I tear it down and remove the original upholstery and explain the materials and techniques used to rebuild it to ‘like new’ condition,” explains Perrina. The first episode includes the dismantling of the piece, removing the old fabric, and stripping the frame, during which he discovers that the original fabric was woven horsehair (not comfortable by today’s standards!) and also uncovered the original screws and handmade nails. They plan to continue the series with other items related to Connecticut and its history, all “remade” by local craftsmen and women. Their goal for every show is to offer an entertaining experience that is also informative. Check out their Remade in Connecticut series on Facebook and YouTube.

Since he started his business 25 years ago, Perrina observed that although times had certainly changed, “the job of restoring furniture is very much the same. I have a business in small town America that I’m very proud of.”

Yankee Upholstery is located at One River Road, Stafford Springs, Connecticut 860-684-6233 Find their website on www.facebook.com 14 GO LOCAL MARCH 2021

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go READ

PAWS TO REMEMBER: WIT & WISDOM OF THEO THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER, BY ROBERT CHIPKIN

Wit & Wisdom of Theo the Golden Retriever

By Robert Chipkin

Tell us a bit about your background at The Republican and as a writer.

Robert Chipkin has worked as an editor andand I worked as a reporter, editor, and columnist for The Republican, columits nist predecessor, for four decades at The Republican in Springfi eld, Massachusetts.

Additionallyretiring the Union News, for more than 40 years before ago.

Prior to writing he has work6edyears as an educator at Western New England Univ ersity my in Sprin gfi eld the Theo column, I wrote weekly humor columns about family of three daughters and as a regul ar contributor at the local publi c radio station, WFCR in Sprin gfield. is the fathe r of three and a reporting column about theHegood works ofgrow myn neighbors the city of daughters, Laura,in Julia, and Deborah and lives in Springfield with his wife, Carolyn and a golde Springfield. n retriever.

What gave you the idea to start column Theo’s perspective?

“Ma ake someonfrom e happy

$24.99 ISBN 978-1-732354 5-6-2

paws to remember theo the golden ret riever

Paws to Remember

What was your biggest takeaway from writing this column over the years?

That the world looks a lot clearer and more sensible if you imagine how a dog would view it. And a friendly disposition, the ability to give and take love, a short memory for slights is a pretty good path to happiness.

By Robert Chipkin

524 99> Theo and I were drinking coffee on patio Starbucks in Longmeadow when I andthe you ’ll beofa the dog.” noticed the sign saying “no dogs allowed outside” (yes, outside) the store.

Our appeal - Theo Chipkin to reason was denied and I wrote a single column about 9the indignity and rampant 7817 32 354562 dogism of being asked to leave the outside of an establishment. Many readers responded and the regularly appearing column was born.

Paws

to

rememb er

wit & wisdom of theo the golden retriever

By Robert Chipkin

Tell us about how this book is laid out. Is it all of Theo’s columns in sequential order or just a sampling?

The book is a selection of about 60 from the roughly 250 columns that appeared in The Republican and MassLive over six years. I chose the ones that I felt would be universal and not linked to a specific current event.

How have readers responded to Theo’s column over the years?

The response to the column has been universally positive except from a few cat lovers who don’t see what all the fuss is about. The column often received fan mail addressed directly to Theo in which the writer would often comment in “dog voice” to some observation or comment Theo had made.

What do you hope this book brings to readers?

During this time of forced isolation and general gloom, I hope the book will give readers something to smile about and to recognize that sharing a life with an animal companion can make the world seem a little less lonely and a little more joyful.

Paws to remember Books may be purchased online at:

www.Repubbooks.com/paws

Robert Chipkin worked as an editor and columnist for four decades at The Republican in Springfield, Massachusetts. Additionally, he has worked as an educator at Western New England University in Springfield and as a regular contributor at the local public radio station, WFCR in Springfield. He is the father of three grown daughters, Laura, Julia, and Deborah and lives in Springfield with his wife, Carolyn and a golden retriever.

16 GO LOCAL MARCH 2021

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L

VICKI MITCHELL adies…are you ready for a beautifully uplifting experience? If so, Eleni Barbieri and

her mother and business partner, Susan Joseph, otherwise known as The Bra Ladies, would love to help you! Just make an appointment to visit them at their shop in Somers, Connecticut. Located in an historic house built in 1813, the intimate shop is stocked with shapewear, lingerie, and bras for daily and active wear as well as special occasions. The ladies are also in the process of becoming service providers for women who have had mastectomies, as they feel “it’s imperative that we are able to provide assistance in this vital area.”

In spite of the many items you can purchase in the store or from their on-

line selections, the most important thing Eleni and Susan are selling is personal service to help every customer feel comfortable, supported and looking great with a properly fitted undergarment.

Eleni explains, “Our goal is not to sell you a bra, but to improve your quality of life and provide you with the support and comfort every woman deserves. I opened The Bra Ladies Boutique in 2014 after having considerable frustration in finding a comfortable, well fitted, supportive undergarment. I discovered I was not alone. I talked to my mother, my grandmother, both my sisters, and my friends seeking a source of reliable and wellfitting undergarments. I began researching and learning about the proper way to fit women into bras and the companies that provided quality products. I opened GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 19

my boutique to focus on individual customer service, fitting, and satisfaction. We stock only those items that have been hand selected to be of the highest quality and to provide the best support and comfort. Every client is measured and privately fitted to ensure that you are being provided with a quality product that fits your particular needs. When you choose The Bra Ladies Boutique to assist you, we listen to what you say and what you are looking for. We work to provide you with what you want. Every customer is important to us… if you don’t feel amazing while wearing our products, then you don’t leave with a bra. If we can’t provide you with what you need or want immediately, we will order different styles and sizes of your preferred choices and invite you back to see if we found what you desire.

“We also carry bathing suits. We find that many of our customers who have had problems finding bras, have had the same issues with finding bathing suits. We special order bathing suits after providing customers with a proper measurement.

“We sell high quality shapewear which is designed to provide maximum comfort and support with unique shaping properties. We are constantly researching and updating our product line. At times we discover less well-known, high quality brands from information provided by our customers. A customer will come in with her favorite bra that has been discontinued and we will check into locating a replacement, and if we feel that the product will provide our customers with quality and comfort, we establish a brand partnership with that company. At this time we are also selling face masks that are made from the same material as our bras.”

Do you have a wedding or other special occasion com20 GO LOCAL MARCH 2021

ing up? “We take great satisfaction in providing enjoyable and rewarding special occasion fittings,” say Eleni and Susan. “We feel honored when customers choose The Bra Ladies for their special occasion and we work hard to provide the quality service and atmosphere befitting the event. We want the fittings to be part of the pleasant memories of their special event.”

Once you have purchased your new undergarments, you may wonder what the best way to care for them is. The ladies answered this question by saying “We always say not to rush to wash your bras. Wash them when you can visibly see they need it and/or if there is an odor. If neither is evident, simply hang them on the back of the bathroom door. You should have three working bras for a rotation: one to wear, one to spare, and one to wash.”

They would also like to suggest that women donate their used bras to charity, explaining that “we have so many women leaving with new bras and wanting to throw away the old ones.

We believe that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. We will wash and sanitize them, then pass them along to different women’s shelters. We also work closely with different women’s groups, educating them on proper wear and care of a bra. We are always looking to partner with charities to educate and assist young girls on how to select a good undergarment and how to care for it.”

This year, The Bra Ladies decided to add an on-line shopping experience, in “an attempt to reach more women that desperately need quality service from a caring provider. Our website will walk you through steps to make sure that the bra you order is the bra you want to wear.” They are also in the process of becoming accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

Eleni and Susan state that, “We are doing much more than selling bras. We are selling self-esteem, encouragement and the confidence to go out and conquer the world! Women are supposed to uplift each other and that is our mission at the Bra Ladies Boutique!”

The Bra Ladies is located at 635 Main Street in Somers, Connecticut 413-244-5731 thebraladies.com

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 21

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EASTER EGG HUNT AT ROARING ACRES SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2021 AT 11 AM - 4 PM ROARING ACRES ALPACA FARM • 685 HALE ST. SUFFIELD, CT 06078 Roaring Acres is located in the beautiful town of Suffield, Connecticut. Situated on over 30 acres, Roaring Acres is home to Suri and Huacaya Alpacas, Painted Desert Sheep, mini horses, mini donkeys and a variety of ducks, geese and chickens, including rare and heritage breeds. In addition, we have the privilege to be the home of Jake’s Bees. We truly enjoy being with the animals every day, rain (or snow!) or shine.

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the

Herbarium ! KEITH O’CONNOR  NATE BLAIS

I

t was a marriage made in “herbal heaven” for Jonathan Evans who today owns the Herbarium in Chicopee.

“I met my wife while I was a talk show host at WREB radio in Holyoke. I still remember the day. We brought Kathy in on January 20, 1980 to share her knowledge of herbs with our listeners.

She was such a massive hit, not only with our listeners, but with me too,” Evans said.

She began to appear as a regular guest on his show, but Evans noted it took her six months to figure out he was interested in her. They were finally married two years later.

Kathy is Kathleen Duffy, who first

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 27

opened the Herbarium back in 1978 in Thornes Marketplace in Northampton as a way of offering people an alternative and complement to regular medical care. Calling themselves the area’s “natural apothecary,” the Herbarium several years later moved to a new space in Chicopee and today sells therapeutic and culinary herbs, spices, oils, vitamins, mineral and herbal supplements and gifts. They carry the largest selection of bulk herbs and spices in Western New England, and also formulate natural products and therapeutic teas.

A former critical care nurse for some 13 years, Duffy first became interested in the power of herbal supplements - which date back thousands of years - after seeing its effects on one of her patients.

“Kathy threw herself into learning the science behind the healing power of herbs and taking every class that she could. After seeing a similar shop in New York City while visiting with her sister, who was also a nurse, she decided to open her own,” Evans said.

A medical herbalist since 1980, Duffy became a Certified Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner in 1999 after two years of intensive study. In 2000, she was invited to be an aromatherapy instructor for RJ Buckle Associates. Since then, Duffy has taught aromatherapy in hospitals and other institutions throughout the United States and internationally. She was also on the adjunct faculty of the Allied Health Department at 28 GO LOCAL MARCH 2021

Springfield Technical Community College.

An herb is a plant or plant part often used for its therapeutic properties and sold as tablets, capsule powders, teas, extracts, and fresh or dried plants. They can be swallowed as pills, brewed as tea, added to bath water, and put on the skin as salves.

“As Kathy’s time became more consumed with consultations and teaching aromatherapy, she stepped away from the store she had started. Leaving my radio days behind me, I stepped in alongside my stepdaughter Andrea to help run the business,” Evans said.

“By that time I had already become quite familiar with therapeutic herbs from taking notes when my wife was on the radio and also taping her classes and programs. In addition, I studied and earned certification as an herbal information specialist through the American Botanical Council. Eventually my stepdaughter left to run her own venture and Kathy sold the business to me, which I now run with our daughter Jessica,” he added.

Evans noted they “don’t play doctor” at the Herbarium.

“We never diagnose or prescribe. If someone comes in and says, ‘I have this rash, what can I do?’ we tell them to go see a doctor. Then after they get diagnosed, they can come back and we will look through our information and find what is recommended to help them,” he said.

And just so people understand, the Herbarium offers the following disclaimer on its website and in the store: “The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made, by HERBARIUM, as to the medicinal value of any product. This information is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of herbs and supplements and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The customer is responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. Use of any or all of our products is not a substitute for professional, medical advice. For all medical care, contact your healthcare professional.”

Because his wife has been a nurse for over 50 years, Evans noted their operation has “a good reputation with the medical community.”

“They trust us. We are not alternative medicine, but complementary care. If someone tells their doctor that they would GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 29

prefer to try a natural remedy, and if that doctor knows anything about them, he may recommend them visiting us,” he said.

Customers have questions and the most often asked is “Does it really work?”

“After more than 40 years in the business, I can’t fool that many people for that many years. Yes, they really do work. We use them on ourselves, family members and even pets, and we know the companies we buy from and they know us because we have been to their laboratories and inspected their facilities,” Evans said.

He noted many of the products people see on infomercials or on the internet “are a lot of hype.”

“They are overpriced and not of good quality.

After 40 years in business, we know the companies we buy from and the quality of their products that we sell in our store,” Evans said.

In addition to therapeutic herbs and other natural products, the Herbarium also carries such items as essential oils, diffusers, incense, smudge sticks, salt lamps, tarot cards, gemstones and more.

In 2000, Evans earned the title of Reiki master/teacher and since has offered sessions for customers and training for those who want to learn more about the practice.

Reiki is a complementary health approach in which practitioners place their hands lightly on or just above a person, with the goal of directing energy to help facilitate the person’s own healing response. It’s based on an Eastern belief in an energy that supports the body’s innate or natural healing abilities.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends those thinking about using an herbal medicine to first get information from a reliable source. Because some herbs can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medicines, the NIH also says to tell your health care provider about any herbal medicines you are taking.

The Herbarium is located on 264 Exchange St. in Chicopee. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on Sunday.

For more information, visit theherbarium.com or call 413-598-8119.

30 GO LOCAL MARCH 2021

GRANNY’S PLACE Open 10-5 Daily

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WE ARE OPEN! Our office is open, with service provided by appointment only.

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Office hours will vary, so please call and leave a message and we will return your call. We have new procedures in place for your safety.

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go eat

! RECIPE SUBMITTED BY NATHAN BLAIS

Spicy Chicken Caesar Wrap

2 Chicken Breasts

Start by marinating your chicken, let marinate for an hour or two in the

2 Cups Chopped Romaine

fridge. Grill chicken, about 7 minutes per side and let rest for 7-10 minutes

1/2 cup croutons

to cool down a little bit so you don’t wilt your lettuce. Chop your romaine

2-3 Tbsp.Caesar Dressing

lettuce into small pieces. In a large mixing bowl add Siracha and Caesar

1 Tbsp. Siracha

dressing, throw in your lettuce and croutons, I crush the croutons up a little

2 Large Tortillas

bit so you can get a little crunch in each bite. Cut up your chicken and add to your mixing bowl, mix together until everything is combined. Add half of

Chicken Marinade Ingredients:

your mixture to one of your tortillas and wrap it up, repeat with the other.

2 Tbsp.Balsamic Vinegar

Enjoy!

1 Tbsp.Olive Oil 1 Tbsp.Lemon Juice Salt + Pepper

32 GO LOCAL MARCH 2021

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!

F

! KEITH O’CONNOR  NATE BLAIS

irst they were in Springfield all those years ago. Then they were reborn in Westfield. Now Clemenza’s Brick Oven Pizza’s newest home is in West Springfield, where they opened their doors in the spring of 2019.

Their specialty is brick oven pizza, and owner Anthony Martone said they were always “ahead of the rest.”

“My parents opened Clemenza’s in 1989 on Page Boulevard in Springfield, where they offered brick oven pizza for about 12 years. They were the first to bring the specialty to Western Massachusetts, well before Bertucci’s came to town,” Martone said.

“I still use their original recipes, but I’ve tweaked them a bit. My father’s family was from Calabria and my mother’s family was from Benevito in Italy,” he added.

Martone got his taste for the restaurant business at the young age of 10 while working in his parents’ restaurant in Springfield.

“I started making pizza boxes, then moved to dishwasher and finally to making the pizzas and serving customers. It’s a good thing I learned those skills, because when I moved to New York City to attend CUNY (City University of New York) where I majored in political communications, I could always get a job in a restaurant to pay my rent,” he said.

But after 10 years in New York City working as a waiter, Martone wanted more - he wanted to run his own restaurant, but knew that he couldn’t afford the expense of purchasing GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 33

any property in the city. So, as Martone put it, “I came full circle and returned home,” where a restaurant was waiting for him.

“My dad had a restaurant in Huntington called the Rapids that had just been sitting there for years, and I knew that would be a good starting point for myself,” he said about leaving the big city behind in 2004.

Nearly a decade after running the Rapids, Martone was ready for another move.

“I loved what I was doing, but the Rapids was in a rural setting and I wanted to be around more people, including my family who were an hour away. Commuting back and forth to work every day I would pass this spot on a corner in Westfield. It reminded me of where I lived in Queens back in New York. I noticed it had a ‘For Rent’ sign in the window and decided to go in and take a look. And that’s where I opened Clemenza’s back in 2013 because I was ready to get back into serving Italian food,” he said.

34 GO LOCAL MARCH 2021

Martone moved his operation to West Springfield two years ago for a variety of reasons.

“I wanted a location with additional parking, one that was more central because I wanted to begin focusing on using delivery apps as another alternative for my customers. It also had an outdoor patio and I just couldn’t believe that no restaurant had every taken the space with the opportunity it provided for outdoor dining,” he said.

As for Clemenz’a house specialty - the crispy, smoky, flavor-filled, baked-to-perfection wood fired pies - diners (dine in our takeout) can choose from a list of 17 specialty pizzas with such inspired titles as The Idaho, with sliced potatoes and all the trimmings; The Antipasto, which needs no description; and Brussel Sprout with love ’em or hate ’em roasted Brussel sprouts, goat cheese, prosciutto, and a balsamic glaze.

A reminder on their menu in case you think your pizza was left in too long and burnt in the process: “The brick oven reaches temps of up to 900 degrees. Some pizzas may be dark around the edges, due to the open flame baking method.”

You can also have your pizza made the way you like it with nearly 30 toppings to choose from. There is even a choice of sauce including crushed tomato, oil and garlic, white, pesto, or pink cream.

“In addition to our thin crust we also offer a gluten-free or cauliflower crust which is low-carb and becoming very popular with customers who are watching their weight,” Martone said.

He also noted their white pizza is “really good” and that their Brussel sprout pizza is “one of our most popular.”

Pasta lovers can have their full of two favorite dishes which need no description - cheese and lobster ravioli - and three that do. Rigatoni Clemenza is labeled as “spicy” in capital letters for those who like “a little bite” to what they are eating with crushed tomatoes, fresh garlic, crushed red peppers, Prosciutto, black olives and Parmesan. RBC takes sauteed chicken, broccoli, fresh garlic, and a light cream sauce and tosses it all with rigatoni and Parmesan. And last, but certainly not least, is Chicken Florentine Cannelloni - a tasty mix of a grilled chicken breast and spinach blended with three cheeses and garlic wrapped in egg pasta, baked in pink cream sauce and topped with Provolone.

“The RBC is the original recipe from Page Boulevard and it was so popular that I always say

it put me through college,” Martone said.

But it is not just their brick oven pizzas that make Clemenza’s menu so special and popular with customers - it is also their pressed sandwiches.

“People love them. It’s all about the bread. We make the sandwich with a French batard bread, then finish it off using a panini press,” Martone said.

Served with French fries or fresh greens, there are 10 pressed sandwiches to tickle your tastebuds, including pesto chicken, Italian grilled cheese, melted meatball, eggplant, and a variety of other taste-tempting concoctions.

Other offerings at the “friendly, cozy and comfortable” restaurant as Martone refers to it include an array of salads and appetizers.

“Our favorite appetizer with customers is our Tuscan chicken wings…..it’s all about the dry rub that we have shipped to us direct from a farm, and there a sweetness and a little spice to the taste,” Martone said.

The restaurant also has a liquor license and diners can wash down their meals with a cold beer, fine wine, or one of the many sangrias they offer throughout the year.

Similar to many restaurants, Martone has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, calling it “the perfect storm” when it came to his business.

“Even before the coronavirus hit, I had started offering delivery apps for customers to take advantage of,” he said about a business for many restaurants that quickly turned to takeout and delivery to survive.

“I set up tents outside in the summer and changed the menu up a bit. This was a time to think outside the box and to stay current and open. I believe one of the reasons for our success was the fact that we stayed open every day…..seven days and seven nights….and people didn’t have to wonder if we were open or what days,” Martone added.

With 2021 just begun, Martone is on an exciting new adventure aimed at sweet tooths that he has appropriately called Westside Sweets.

“The idea was just born….it’s still in its infancy….as a way to generate additional revenue during COVID-19. The goal is to use delivery apps. I haven’t advertised it anywhere yet, not even on our website, and the desserts are selling like crazy. That tells me a lot about my concept, which I’m going to focus on in the coming months,” Martone said.

Sold by the piece, Martone noted he makes

most of the 10 cakes, four pies, and four cheesecakes in house. And he adds his own twist to those sweets that he brings in from other sources.

“Our tiramisu cake is just like tiramisu, but the mixture is inside the cake. People tell me that they like it better than regular tiramisu because there is more substance to it. We also have a cannoli pie that is not in a shell, but a pie crust. It’s not super sweet and you can eat more. And our lemon cream cake and Reese’s peanut butter pie are phenomenal,” Martone said.

Martone also brings some different culinary delights to The Big E every year. He runs several food concessions, including a Sangria

Shack and another that serves up deep-fried delights such as Oreos and other treats that fairgoers love to try.

Clemenza’s is located on 816 Westfield St. in West Springfield.

Hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.

DoorDash and Grubhub are available for those who want the convenience of staying in the comforts of their homes and ordering online for delivery. You can also find the Westside Sweets menu on the apps.

For more information, visit clemenzasbrickovenpizza.com or call 413-417-7544.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 35

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413-782-8733 WallaceTree@gmail.com

AUTO UPHOLSTERY Custom Interiors ~ Convertible Tops ~ Boat Seating ~ Carpeting Scheduling Now For Spring Delivery

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AUTO RESTORATION

Handcrafted service for foreign & domestic cars from 1900s-1980s Celebrating Our 47th Year Of Classic, Vintage, Antique & Sports Car Restoration Leading the Field Since 1972

4 PRINT SHOP ROAD, ENFIELD, CT 36 GO LOCAL MARCH 2021

860.749.7917

ENFIELDAUTORESTORATION.COM

Each office is independently owned and operated. Licensed in MA & CT

Now Offering

Looking to BUY or SELL a home?

Is your home VACANT? In need of REPAIRS? BEHIND on Payments?

Facing FORECLOSURE? Divorce? • NO EQUITY? • Job Transfer?

Need Help with a CLEAN OUT or an ESTATE?

Walk Through Video and Drone Photography

FREE

to our clients

WE CAN HELP! WE BUY HOUSES TOO! Please call today for a FREE Consultation / Market Analysis

Janice Kocot LaBroad | Associate Partner • Realtor • Investor

860.882.4969

NOW OPEN IN STAFFORD (In front of Big Y Plaza) 24 hour Emergency Care for Large Animals

The Finest in Veterinary Care Small Animal • Large Animal • Equine Dr. Scott D. Morey | Dr. Heidi Morey Dr. Kathryn Garner | Dr. Weston Brown | Dr. Tracy Locke Zulick

OFFERING:

Serving CT and South Central MA

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

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

860-870-8701 fentonrivervet.com

9F Fieldstone Commons, Tolland, CT 860-971-7300 • 73 West Stafford Rd., Stafford Springs, CT GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 37

local einstein

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

WHAT US CITY DYES ITS RIVER GREEN EVERY ST. PATRICK’S DAY? [A] [B] [C] [D]

3

MARCH IS NAMED AFTER MARS, THE ROMAN GOD OF WHAT?

New York City Miami Chicago Boston

[A] Thunder & Lightning [B] War [C] Healing [D] Travelers A PANDA’S DAILY DIET CONSISTS ALMOST ENTIRELY OF WHAT PLANT?

WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE NHL TEAM BASED IN TORONTO, CANADA? [A] Canadiens [B] Nordiques [C] Maple Leafs [D] Kings

5

[A] Eucalyptus [B] Bamboo [C] Cypress [D] Plum Blossom

WHAT AMERICAN FAST FOOD RESTAURANT HAS THE BLIZZARD ON ITS MENU?

WHO WAS THE FIRST PERSON SELECTED AS TIME MAGAZINE’S MAN OF THE YEAR (1927)?

[A] Walter Chrysler [B] Charles Lindbergh [C] Mahatma Gandhi [D] Franklin Roosevelt

[A] Dairy Queen [B] Orange Julius [C] Sonic [D] Chick-fil-A

7

IN WHICH DISNEY FILM DO TWO CATS SING “THE SIAMESE CAT SONG?”

8

WHAT IS THE MOST ABUNDANT GAS IN THE EARTH’S ATMOSPHERE? [A] Oxygen [B] Carbon Minoxide [C] Helium [D] Nitrogen

[A] Lady and the Tramp [B] The Aristocats [C] Peter Pan [D] The Fox and the Hound

[A] Anagram [B] Synonym [C] Palindrome [D] Rebus

38 GO LOCAL MARCH 2021

# CORRECT

IQ

RANK

ANSWERS:

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

160 110 50 3

Prodigy Egghead Meh Simpleton

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

A WORD THAT IS SPELLED THE SAME FORWARDS AND BACKWARDS IS CALLED A WHAT?

The Final Countdown

7 Ways to get your green on this March GO GREEN….

WITH A REFRESHING BEVERAGE

GO GREEN… AND ADD SOME FLOWER STEMS TO YOUR HOME

My Main Squeeze Juice Bar in East Longmeadow offers fresh coldpressed juices and smoothies made with healthy greens, fruits, and other vegetables. No added sugar, chemicals, or preservatives!

Nothing brightens up a home more than a bouquet of fresh, locally grown flowers. Rooted Flowers, based in Agawam, offers weekly seasonal flower subscriptions with free local delivery to western MA and northern CT. But hurry, they go fast!

MYMAINSQUEEZEJBAR.COM

GO GREEN… WITH SOME SUSHI TAKEOUT

ZMENU.COM/TIGER-BELLY-NOODLE-BARGRANBY-ONLINE-MENU

Edamame, seaweed, avocado, and scallions…some of the best sushi ingredients are green! Tiger Belly Noodle Bar in Granby, CT makes some of the freshest Asian cuisine.

Your taste buds will thank you!

GO GREEN… WITH A SIDE OF COLLARD GREENS OR BROCCOLI SALAD

GO GREEN… WITH A SUCCULENT ARRANGEMENT

Bear’s Smokehouse offers some of the best BBQ in northern Connecticut, not to mention their awesome sides! They are open daily for takeout from 11 am - 8 pm.

Owned and operated by East Longmeadow resident Jennifer Wands, The Flower Shed specializes in succulents and flower container/garden design.

Follow her on social media to see when her next event will be, or contact her for a special arrangement.

BEARSBBQ.COM/SOUTH-WINDSOR

FACEBOOK.COM/THEFLOWERSHED413

ROOTEDFLOWERS.COM

GO GREEN… AT AN INDOOR PARK MILL180PARK.COM

Mill 180 Park in Easthampton is a unique indoor space to play, designed to mimic urban parks of big cities. It’s a park to go to no matter the weather!

GO GREEN… WITH CANNABIS IN MA

NETACARE.ORG/RESERVEAHEAD/NORTHAMPTON

NETA has been a Northampton staple for a few years now, offering both medical and recreational marijuana. Shopping is limited to online preorders at this time

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 39