Go Local | MARCH 2019

March 2019 Volume 5 . Issue 4 golocalmagazines.com

it’s a wrap! a business in the cards Beauty on a budget

2 GO LOCAL MARCH 2019

new this month MARCH 2019 . VOLUME 5 . ISSUE 4

A BUSINESS IN THE CARDS

19

When you step into A Wondering Spirit for the first time, it’s easy to feel enveloped in the warmth and positive energy of the location. While walking through the door reveals bowls of crystals, racks of jewelry and shelves of candles, A Wondering Spirit is more than meets the eye.

6

A NOTE

8

GO ON, YOUR SAY

10

GO LOCAL CSA GUIDE

13

GO EAT

From The Editor 15 Minutes Of Fame

Turnip The Local Beet Egg Roll In A Bowl

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 3

MARCH 2019 . VOLUME 5 . ISSUE 4

16

snapshot

19

A BUSINESS IN THE CARDS

25

it’s a wrap!

30

GO LOCAL PICKS

33

beauty on a budget

36

local einstein

37

go read

38

FINAL COUNTDOWN

Cymbidium Orchid

25

A Wondering Spirit Z Wraps

Cool Stuff Just Outside Your Door Archway Arbors

33

Put Your Thinking Caps On Bullied No More!

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GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 5

a note

FROM THE EDITOR . STEPHANIE TROMBLEY

In September, I accepted a full-time job at Reminder Publishing. While I had already been the editor of Go Local for six months, accepting the full-time position came with the additional duty of being a reporter for The Reminder newspaper. While I was just getting comfortable with Go Local, I had never written for a newspaper before. Suddenly, I felt like I had forgotten everything I learned in school. I couldn’t remember how to format, take a photo or even introduce myself. It was daunting, but it was a dream of mine, and I knew I had to go into it full throttle, no matter how scared I was.

Luckily, I had a support system. I had the pleasure of working with Payton North, who I graduated alongside at Western New England University and had developed a friendship with over the years. I had gotten to know Mike Dobbs as the managing editor of Go Local and was excited to learn all of the knowledge and skills he had developed in a lengthy journalism career. I knew working alongside Mike would make adapting to news much easier.

I met Debbie Gardner, who is the editor of Prime in addition to working on The Reminder.

She and I have bonded each month over wearing the two hats of magazine editor and reporter since then. I also met Jordan Houston, who would be splitting the duties of reporting on Agawam and West Springfield with me. I was lucky to have her on my side for election night, tricky meetings and confusing computer issues.

During coverage of The Reminder’s “Eerie Series” in October, I joined Payton and Jordan on a trip to a supposedly haunted park.

I barely knew Jordan yet, but I distinctly remember her running up, putting an arm around me and Payton and exclaiming, “Dream team!” as we were walking toward the park.

I think that was the moment I knew I was going to be okay. My colleagues had accepted me and I wasn’t as scared to give news a try.

This month, Jordan is on her way to Arizona, where she will surely accomplish big things and help other new reporters feel less scared. I’m sure of it. Goodbye is never a fun word, but I know she is going to accomplish all of her dreams, no matter where she goes. I could never thank her enough.

An underlying theme in this issue is a fear of jumpstarting a longtime dream or making big moves. Wes and Sheila Crouch opened A Wondering Spirit in East Longmeadow. They had plans to retire, but life had other plans, and they embraced their spirituality and accomplished a longtime dream of opening their first store. Cindy Boyle of Archway Arbors in Stafford retired in 2018, but fully embraced an idea she had near to her heart for years and has developed a new career path. Michelle Zimora of Z Wraps was scared to start her business, but with the help of Valley Venture Mentors, she has been able to develop her idea, celebrating a big move to the Eastworks building in Easthampton.

Meeting these individuals this month has inspired me. They’ve all taught me something different. One: don’t be afraid to be who you are. Two: everything great started with an idea and taking step one. Finally, three: it’s okay to be a little nervous.

This month, readers, go for that big goal. Tackle that big dream. Ignore the doubt in your head and follow the joy in your heart. Happy March, I hope it’s a lucky one.

16

6 GO LOCAL MARCH 2019

EDITOR

Stephanie Trombley

MANAGING EDITOR G. Michael Dobbs

QUALITY CONTROL Carolyn Napolitan

CREATIVE

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

ADVERTISING

Barb Perry, Manager . Amy Allen . Kim Barba Lisa Nolan . Paula Dimauro . Scott Greene Nancy Holloway . Jeanette Grenier . Matt Mahaney Greg Pudlo . Victoria Owen

PHOTOGRAPHY

Leo Pilares . Elizabeth O’Donoghue . David Hosmer 

THE GO LOCAL COMMUNITY

CONNECTICUT EAST WINDSOR • ELLINGTON ENFIELD • SOMERS SOUTH WINDSOR • STAFFORD SPRINGS SUFFIELD

MASSACHUSETTS AGAWAM • EASTHAMPTON EAST LONGMEADOW • FLORENCE HAMPDEN • LONGMEADOW NORTHAMPTON • WEST SPRINGFIELD WILBRAHAM

A CREATION OF

CONTACT US! 280 North Main Street • East Longmeadow, MA 01028 Tel: 413.525.6661 • Fax: 413.525.5882

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM Send local story ideas to our Editor, Stephanie Trombley: stephaniegolocal@gmail.com

STEPHANIE TROMBLEY is the editor of Go Local Magazine and will be making St. Patrick’s Day crafts with her nephews this month, one of her favorite things to do.

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your say

BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES THEIR 15 MINUTES OF FAME

DANA

BEN

LIBBY

CORY

BRITTANY

KADE

Walk my dog and go for runs outside

Play college baseball

Enjoy the outdoors

Golf a lot!

Enjoy the nice weather and be outside

Write poetry and teach my students

Have you stuck to your 2019 New Year’s resolution?

Yes!

Didn’t make one this year

Yes!

Didn’t have one

I didn’t make one

Yes, to add new responsibilities to my daily life

What is your current favorite song?

“Without Me”

by Halsey

“Happy Now”

by Kygo

“NASA” by Ariana Grande

“Someone I Used to Know” by Zac Brown Band

“NASA” by Ariana Grande

“Oh, Sister”

by Bob Dylan

The Office

Parks and Recreation

Friends

The Office

The Bachelor

Watching wrestling

What motivates you everyday?

Trivia Night at Paddy’s every week

My family

Graduation being around the corner

My family and friends

My friends and family

Conversations with people

What is one item you could not live without?

A toothbrush

My alarm clock!

Hot sauce

My cell phone

Coffee

My notebook and pen

What is your go to de-stressor?

Watching Netflix

Working out

Relaxing and binging TV shows

Watching sports

Listening to music

I write a poem or song

Eggs

Eggs Benedict

Breakfast sandwich and iced coffee

Muffins!

Spring is finally here, I’m going to…

What is your “guilty pleasure” TV show?

What is your favorite breakfast food?

8 GO LOCAL MARCH 2019

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Enjoy A Fresh Farm Share!

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180 Windsorville Rd (5 Corners Plaza) Rt. 74 • Ellington, CT

180 Windsorville Rd (5 Corners Plaza) Rt. 74 • Ellington, CT

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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!

10 GO LOCAL MARCH 2019

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.

granny’s place

844 main street . agawam, ma (413) 786-9366 . grannysplaceagawam.com Granny’s Place provides farm shares for 17 weeks, from June 7 to September 27. Three share sizes are available: Individual/Senior Share for $250, Small Share for $400 and Large Share for $650. For $50, members can add a dozen farm fresh eggs. Granny’s Place offers a wide range of fresh vegetables including asparagus, potatoes, apples and squash.

oxen hill farm

1434 Hill Street . Suffield, CT (860) 986-2284 . oxenhillfarm.com Oxen Hill Farm is offering their 11th USDA Organic Summer CSA program in 2019. 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!

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.

scantic valley csa

244 Hampden Road . East Longmeadow, ma (413) 627-2718 sites.google.com/view/scanticvalleycsa 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.

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.

DOWN TO EARTH FARM CSA 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-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.

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.

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

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 $400, the Regular share $625 and the Farm Share Plus $710.

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.

For pricing, CSA details and specific pickup locations (many producers offer various sites) for the 2019 season, please contact farm directly.

This is not a comprehensive list, if you would to be included in future publications, please contact: stephaniegolocal@gmail.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!

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12 GO LOCAL MARCH 2019

go eat

! RECIPE SUBMITTED BY BETH THURBER

EGG ROLL IN A BOWL

You’re going to love this quick weeknight dinner recipe. Reminiscent of the yummy filling found in Chinese egg rolls, this bright, cheerful low carb recipe is easy to make and delicious. Ready in under 30 minutes!

9 cups shredded cabbage 1 ½ cups shredded carrots 2 medium onions, finely chopped 1 ½ tbsp. sesame oil 1 ½ tsp. ginger (powdered) ½ tsp black pepper 4 cloves garlic, minced ½ tsp. salt ½ tbsp. crushed red pepper, optional 2 tbsp. white wine 1/3 cup turkey or chicken broth 4 tsp. tamari or soy sauce 1 ½ lb. ground turkey Green onion, for garnish

Place turkey in a large pan and cook until brown On medium high heat, add the onions and sesame oil. Cook until lightly brown Reduce heat to medium Add ginger, black pepper, crushed red pepper, salt, garlic, white wine and chicken broth to the pan and stir well.

Add the cabbage and stir to coat Cook, stirring frequently until the cabbage slightly wilts Add carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft Add tamari to taste Serve over rice or cauliflower rice and garnish with green onions Serves 6 GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 13

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16 GO LOCAL MARCH 2019

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A BUSINESS

in the CARDS ! STEPHANIE TROMBLEY  LEO PILARES

W

hen you step into A Wondering Spirit for the first time, it’s easy to feel enveloped in the warmth and positive energy of the location. While walking through the door reveals bowls of crystals, racks of jewelry and shelves of candles, A Wondering Spirit is more than meets the eye. A tour of the expansive location reveals classrooms, a tarot card reading section and a salt room.

Six months after opening the doors to their Shaker Road location for the first time, shop owners and happy couple Wesley (Wes) and Sheila Crouch are reflecting on where their business has gone and where on its journey it will go next.

Both Sheila and Wes said they have felt spiritually inclined since childhood. Sheila is a gifted medium and has been reading tarot cards for over twenty-five years. She now reads them at A Wondering Spirit. Wes has been teaching Reiki for over twenty years and is a Reiki Master.

Wes expressed that combining his spirituality with Sheila’s has formed a wonderful partnership. “When we work together, it’s GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 19

amazing. We clicked on a spiritual level.”

The business wasn’t something the couple was planning for as they reached retirement years, but a 2017 visit to Nova Scotia proved it was fate.

The couple shares a birthday month, and a trip to Nova Scotia felt like the perfect way to celebrate. “For our birthdays, we decided to get a card reading. This was unusual because usually when I’m up there, I go to my normal places to buy my crystals and I usually get a massage and treat myself with things like that.

But this time, we decided to treat ourselves and get our cards read,” Wes said.

When Wes was ready to go home after a long day, Sheila felt compelled to walk to the bottom of a hill she saw. “I felt like I had to go there. When we got to the bottom of the hill, there was a holistic store and when I got to the register, there was an ad for a woman who had her readings in the shop, but we had missed her by a couple of days. The cashier gave me her phone number,” Sheila said.

The woman visited Wes and Sheila at their cottage to conduct tarot card readings. The message she had for the couple was

20 GO LOCAL MARCH 2019

shocking.

“She would get three different card decks. On the first deck, she said ‘Everything is going well, but you will have a choice to make.

The guides will give you a choice to make.’ So I asked her what it would be and she said, ‘I don’t know what it is, but it will hit you in the face and it will be so obvious, you can’t miss it. You can either do it or not do it, either way you’ll be okay.’ She said it would be either by the end of 2017 or Spring 2018 and I would know what to do,” Wes said.

Wes continued, “I’m not too good at listening to my intuition, so I knew this would be a challenge. I asked for more details and she said, “Your kids are going to think you’re crazy, people around you are going to think you’re nuts, and Sheila is not going to want to go into this full throttle.”

The tarot card reader told Wes that the choice would be something he’s always wanted to do that he had been too worried to do before. “All three decks said the same thing. I’m not a tarot reader, but they were pretty spot on. Statistically, that was pretty impressive. I left there feeling good and realized I had some really big choices to make,” Wes said.

It wasn’t long before Wes began to wonder when the message would present itself. “I started getting these intuitions and images while meditating. I started getting more and more intuitions and paid attention more,” Wes said.

It was after Sheila discovered a shop specializing in crystals and spirituality items that Wes finally found out what the message would be. “I’m usually the antenna. I usually have people come to me or I go to them. There was a place on my Facebook page I kept seeing pop up. I went to check it out and thought it was really cool. I came home and said, ‘Hey Wes, you have to come to this shop,’” Sheila said.

Although admittedly hesitant at first, Wes agreed to go to the shop with Sheila. As Wes was observing crystals, he said he had an intuition that someone would be asking him an important question. “I’m walking around to see if someone wanted to ask me a question, and nothing happens. We go up to the cash register and the guy says to me ‘I’ve been watching you in the store.

Do you want to buy my store?’ Energy rushed to my head, it was like someone slapped me in the face,” Wes shared.

Sheila said she thought the owner was kidding.

While they have not yet purchased the business, Wes said that he plans to. “I thought we were just going to buy one [shop.] But I hear a voice say three,” Wes said.

“After that, I realized this lady was spot on and knew what she was talking about,” Wes shared.

Wes is a Martinsville, Virginia native, while Sheila hails from Worcester, Massachusetts. The pair resides in Hampden, but consider the store’s location a second home. “We started searching the area for where we wanted to be. We looked in Somers, but it didn’t feel right. We looked at this location and it was a complete disaster. We had to build everything. Sheila loved the place. She said the energy felt really good and said, ‘This is our home,’” Wes said.

With artwork on the walls and crystals in place, the owners have settled into A Wondering Spirit. “Instantly, I felt like we belonged here and we were home,” Sheila said.

The shop offers a retail space, classes, tarot card readings, and their Himalayan salt room. Himalayan salt is said to have a positive affect on health and wellbeing. Classes such as “Energy/ Reiki Share,” “Introduction to Tarot,” and Power Down Yoga” are

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 21

taught to help promote spiritual journey and wellness.

A Wondering Spirit has developed a team of experts in various subjects to bring knowledge and skills to the shop. The staff includes magical practitioner, tarot reader and clairvoyant Sarah Washington, tarot reader and intuitive Camron Ayaz, Shamanic practitioner and certified hypnotist Christian Covert, massage therapist Kathleen O’Connor and integrative nutrition health coach Maria Martin.

A selection of crystals, jewelry, candles and books are for sale among other items to help guide customers through various wellness paths.

A Wondering Spirit also features products from local artists including jewelry, crafts and artwork.

“It’s been hard. It’s a lot of work and a full-time job. You go home at night and feel like ‘I made a difference today.’ You feel like you help people and they come back,” Wes shared.

Wes and Sheila said they have a goal of helping people unplug from their cell phones and plug more into life.

“Everybody these days are so busy on their phones. Talk to people and communicate with each other. We learn from each other on so many different levels. I always tell people I am the student as well as the teacher. We learn something new every day. It’s a gift,” Sheila said.

Wes shared, “We don’t want people to look down, we want them to look up. Think about it, you’re always looking down. Kids today are always looking down. We want them to look up and beyond themselves, not down. We’re trying to spread the love. Our true mission is to raise vibrational level.”

With a large salt room, toasty stove and bar where staff intend to blend custom juices, A Wondering Spirit is a welcoming shop that feels more like a family’s home than a store.

“When you get that feeling, and see people and the energy you release, you can feel it. There’s no place where people can go and feel safe and talk about these things without being judged,” Wes said.

The couple intends to bring many new offerings to the shop in the coming months, including herbs and handmade wands. “We are looking to bring in a whole line of herbs for the Craft. We are only into light stuff, not dark stuff,” Sheila shared.

“We want to be a toolbox. Whatever you need, you come in and we have it,” Wes said.

Although Sheila and Wes admit they had intended to retire, helping customers with personal growth leaves them with a sense of fulfillment.

“We help people from the inside out. Anywhere you are on your journey, we can assist you,” Wes said.

Retirement may have been the plan, but opening A Wondering Spirit was in the cards, and the happy couple couldn’t argue with that logic.

A WONDERING SPIRIT • 169 SHAKER ROAD, EAST LONGMEADOW • 413-224-1008 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING CLASSES AND PRODUCTS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/AWSPIRITONLINE

22 GO LOCAL MARCH 2019

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Be part of Go Local

Got a great story idea?

We’re always on the lookout for a unique local business or an outstanding person in the community to feature in Go Local Magazine. So give us a shout!

AGAWAM • EASTHAMPTON • EAST LONGMEADOW EAST WINDSOR • ELLINGTON • ENFIELD • FLORENCE HAMPDEN • LONGMEADOW • NORTHAMPTON • SOMERS SOUTH WINDSOR • SUFFIELD • STAFFORD SPRINGS WILBRAHAM • WEST SPRINGFIELD Contact: Stephanie@GoLocal@gmail.com

! STEPHANIE TROMBLEY  DAVID HOSMER

IT’S A WRAP! F

or those who have lived in a small home, many are familiar with the struggle of maintaining various different sizes of reusable containers and their lids. It can become chaos in the cabinets. Plastic bags are always a storage option, but typically, they are used only once before being tossed. There was a gap in sustainability and eco-friendly options to Z Wraps founder and CEO Michelle Zimora. This was the driving force behind Z Wraps, reusable beeswax food wraps that help keep items such as cheese, vegetables and fruit fresh.

“I think it’s really great to be able to have an option for being able to reduce your use of single-use plastic. I had seen some of the options that were out there about a year and a half ago and I was really interested in them. I thought it sounded like a really great option to get away from the plastic bags I was using,” Michelle shared.

Through a process of trial and error, Michelle created Z Wraps.

In 2017, Michelle coated a piece of fabric to test the idea. “I come from a family of makers. I used to sew, so I thought, ‘Let me see if I can make one with some of the fabric I have, love and was drawn to.’ When I did that, it didn’t come out so great, but I loved the way that it looked,” Michelle shared.

After more testing, Michelle was able to create the perfect combination of ingredients for a Z Wrap. She began sending her daughters to school with sandwiches wrapped in the creation the next day.

The final product is handcrafted with 100% cotton fabrics, beeswax, organic jojoba oil and tree resin. The wrap reacts to the warmth of the consumer’s hands to seal around food or the lid of a container. The fabric used is designed by Susy Pilgrim-Waters from Boston and Hadley Printing locally prints the labels on the completely compostable packaging.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 25

After good reception from family, Michelle decided to expand her creations, ensuring that they met specific criteria. “We make them out of 100% cotton that’s really soft and we focus really hard on finding a fabric that would make the end result easy to use. That took a long time to find the right fabric that was still soft and pliable after being coated,” Michelle said.

The primary goal for Z Wraps is “where pretty meets practical.” Michelle wanted the wraps to be appealing to look at and user-friendly for someone breaking the habit of using plastic.

“We wanted it to work as easy the first time as it possibly could. A lot of work went into that and finding the right ratios.

It was important that, when you stuck it down, it would function in a way that you’d want to keep using it. When you’re trying to switch from something you’ve been using for a long time, you want it to be easy,” Michelle shared.

While the wraps are good for the planet, Michelle said they are also good for the food inside of them. “It keeps your food nicer. It preserves your food really well. It’s like you’re putting the peel back on the produce and locks the moisture in to keep it fresh longer.”

Michelle explained that using Z Wraps will extend the lifespan of produce. “At the end of the typical seven days food has to stay fresh, you can still use it vs. it being dried out and slimy.

When you have that half lemon or half avocado that’s usually gone bad by the end of the week, if you wrap it in a Z Wrap, it slows down oxidation. The avocado that wasn’t finished or the 26 GO LOCAL MARCH 2019

apple your child took two bites out of will last.”

Each Z Wrap lasts at least 100 washes, or about 6-12 months.

Cold and soapy water ensures that each wrap lasts up to its full potential. Michelle explained that soap is mostly necessary in cases where items like cheese are stored in the wrap. A simple rinse will work for produce items.

In an age where customers are looking for more sustainable ways to live, Z Wraps replace the need for unnecessary plastic.

“There’s such a great awareness now that our behavior needs to change, however big or small. If there’s a way I can help people make that choice easier and more beautiful so it’s easier to use, if it makes it easier to reduce their use of single-use plastic, I’ve done my part to help. It’s a really great example for my three and six year-olds,” Michelle shared.

Among the benefits of Z Wraps is the ease of storage and cost-efficiency. “Z Wraps are perfect to be rolled up in a little bowl, or you can store them flat in a drawer. They’re more costefficient. You’re saving on what’s going into the ocean eventually and landfills that doesn’t break down. It looks beautiful at the same time. There are so many reasons it’s such a great thing to use,” Michelle said.

The company is currently celebrating their recent move to the Eastworks building in Easthampton. Since October, Z Wraps has utilized the space as a production studio. Michelle said that the bright sunlight shining through the windows in the studio only adds to the positive workplace.

“What’s really great about where we are in terms of growth is we are able to be flexible with our schedule and our needs. Everybody here has kids. We can have our team be able to leave and go get them. It feels really good as someone with a family to understand what it’s like to have those things come up and to be flexible for my team. It’s important to make sure everyone is happy and feeling important, having their needs met inside and outside,” Michelle said.

Michelle believes that having a great team by her side, including manager Cathy, has only contributed to the successful growth of the company. “I don’t know what I would do without Cathy. She makes things run around here. She started with production, but now she’s managing a small team. She’s taking on a big leadership role with a team growing right before her eyes. She’s doing a phenomenal job. We are really expanding and who knows how quickly. We are excited to see where it can keep growing.”

As the business expands, Michelle said she hopes to keep the light and family-friendly atmosphere up at the Eastworks production studio. “Support is what you have to have to be able to clear your mind and make sure you can get your work done. It creates a great work atmosphere. It’s a place where you want to stay. We are creating a family environment where staff is happy to walk through the door. It’s natural and easy.”

A personal connection to the product helps connect staff with the final result, according to Michelle. “It comes through in the way the product looks. People care about how the product is folded and that it is forward facing. That is really important. That would be a problem, but it never happens because people really care. It’s something they use at home on a regular basis and they want the world to know it’s something made with love and it comes through.”

Michelle said that Valley Venture Mentors, an entrepreneurial support community, has contributed to her success. “I went through their program. They have been a big source for me feeling comfortable. When I think of people with an idea thinking, ‘Where do I go? How do I get support?’ They are an amazing network of people that are there to help field your ideas. I think it’s a great community and place to go if you have questions. It’s great to share how you’ve done it. I don’t know what I would’ve done.”

Michelle continued, “It can be daunting and to know that there are people who are excited to hear your ideas to help you across your journey is really powerful to learn about. I can’t believe what has happened in the past 18 months. It’s 70-100 hours to get to where I am and I’ve loved every minute of it. I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

Z WRAPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT MYZWRAPS.COM AND IN LOCATIONS INCLUDING THE BAKER’S PIN IN NORTHAMPTON, AND MOUNTAIN VIEW FARM AND PARK HILL ORCHARD IN EASTHAMPTON. FOR A FULL STORE LOCATOR, PLEASE VISIT THE Z WRAPS WEBSITE.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 27

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COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR

HAND-POURED SOY BLEND CANDLES WILBRAHAM CANDLE CO. • WILBRAHAM, MA WILBRAHAMCANDLE.COM

Wilbraham Candle Co. makes hand-poured, soy blend candles in their home of Wilbraham, Massachusetts. After frustration with various aspects of candles found in big box stores, they set out to make their own creations that would have great burning quality, a strong scent and reasonable pricing.

The 1763 House scent is a warm blend of apples, peaches, clove and spices. The aroma is certain to elicit memories of wintertime baking. The scent is available for purchase as wax melts, a large jar candle, small jar candle, and a room spray.

Their products are also available at The Beauty Studio Boutique in Ludlow and Silver Bell Farm in Monson.

RAVEN USED BOOKS RAVEN USED BOOKS 4 OLD SOUTH STREET • NORTHAMPTON, MA

Raven Used Books has been a Northampton staple since their opening in 1993. The shop houses popular titles, children’s books, poetry, fiction, and academic books, just to name a few. The shop purchases used books daily, and there’s never a shortage of new and interesting titles to read. The shop also sells merchandise including t-shirts, bumper stickers, posters, mugs and tote bags. Raven Used Books purchases books by appointment only and with specific requirements. Please visit their website ravenusedbooks.com for more information on selling books.

30 GO LOCAL MARCH 2019

AROMATHERAPY BOTTLES BEE HAPPY GIFT SHOP • EAST WINDSOR, CT ETSY.COM/SHOP/BEEHAPPYGIFTSHOP

Bee Happy Gift Shop is brand new in 2019, offering candles, crystals and these beautiful aromatherapy bottles.

Shop owner Erica was inspired by her own personal need to relax and de-stress when she thought of Bee Happy.

Good memories of watching bees outside with her son inspired the product line. The Lavender Aromatherapy Good Vibes bottle is a vial of blended rose, forget me not, hibiscus, lavender, globe amaranth, amethyst and clear quartz.

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Beauty on a Budget

! STEPHANIE TROMBLEY  DAVID HOSMER

U

pon finding a table at the Stafford Coffee Company in Stafford, Cindy Boyle set up two pieces on the table: a brochure holder and business card holder. “I made these!” she said excitedly. Each piece was constructed to look like an archway.

The handiwork shown on the pieces, constructed from popsicle sticks, were only a small example of the work Cindy can do.

A self-described “Jill of All Trades,” Cindy is the owner of Archway Arbors, a business focused on “affordable elegance for your occasion.” Alongside her husband, Larry, Cindy constructs archways that are available to rent for $250 delivered, including setup and breakdown.

After retiring in 2018 from a fourteen-year career at University of Connecticut in trades that included plumbing, electrical, drywall, flooring and carpentry, Cindy decided it was time to execute an idea she had been keeping.

“I always told people at UCONN that when I retired, I was going to go into my own business. Everyone kept asking me what, and I thought it was such a good idea that I didn’t really want to tell them because I thought they would steal my idea, but I did tell them I wanted to make archways and rent them,” Cindy said.

A mother of six children, Cindy began creating one-of-a-kind archway arbors for her children to use in their weddings. So far, Cindy has built archways for four of her children.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 33

Cindy was married to her husband under an archway she created. They didn’t have a place of their own yet and had to give away the arch, something that has inspired Cindy in her business today. “I ended up giving it away to the neighbors because we didn’t have a house of our own and that is one of the main reasons. When kids get married, they don’t necessarily have a place of their own yet. It makes more sense to rent them,” Cindy said.

With a lack of room and the stress of college debt, renting archways at a reasonable price is Cindy’s way of helping young adults have one less thing to worry about to contribute to a beautiful wedding.

“The archway adds elegance. It adds uniqueness to a very special day. It’s very special for them, they’re getting married and it’s supposed to last forever. I’m a giver. I want to give them something on that day that they don’t have to worry about. That causes no stress. That it’s going to be there and it’s going to be beautiful,” Cindy said.

Cindy prides herself on delivering the archways on time and making sure her customers are completely happy.

“I want to deliver it and set it up and what I want you to do, is I want you to decorate it. If you called me up the night before and said, ‘Cindy, I can’t get it decorated.’ I would come and help because that’s how I am. I would take my flowers and help,” Cindy said.

Cindy brings her own creativity to each archway. She has repurposed items such as baby cribs to create one-of-a-kind archways.

For one of her daughters who had a western themed wedding, Cindy created an archway with fake horns.

Giving others the chance to be creative in their own weddings has contributed to how happy Cindy is to own her business.

“I’m always really interested in seeing how people decorate

34 GO LOCAL MARCH 2019

them. I let the girls have at it or the wedding party and they just adore doing that as part of their setup and maybe the night before when you get everyone together for the rehearsal dinner, the archway will be there and they can decorate it at that time. That gives it uniqueness to your wedding. It may be the same archway, but they’re all going to be different. It’s entirely up to you,” Cindy said.

Cindy said she is happy to help there be one less stress for brides and grooms to worry about on their wedding day. “We’ve been to weddings where they drop the wedding cake, where the caterer almost doesn’t show up and who needs that? You don’t need that getting married. You want your ducks in a row and you want to be able to sleep at night. You worry about the dress, the venue, the caterer and the flowers. Everything costs a fortune. I just think, ‘What can you do to give somebody a step up or help at a beautiful time?’ They deserve it,” Cindy said.

When the couple comes together under the archway, everything comes full circle for Cindy. “My favorite part is to see them underneath this saying their vows with the preacher. All three of you can fit under this or as a backdrop. It’s beautiful,” Cindy said.

Between weddings, Cindy is embracing retirement with joy.

She creates items such as necklaces, earrings and walking sticks that can be found at Artful Annie’s in Stafford. She enjoys tak-

ing walks with her family and spending time with her Shih Tzu. Cindy also participates in town as part of the conservation committee. “I’m my own boss. I have a fun life now. My little dog and I go everywhere,” Cindy shared.

As her business expands, Cindy hopes to attend bridal shows and farmers’ markets in the future to promote her creations. For right now, Cindy is enjoying life and happily helping people have a special day. She hopes to continue to be a part of local weddings. “I feel like I’m a part of the wedding, like I did it. And I helped make that day beautiful.”

Currently, Cindy has three archway styles available. Custom archway arbor commissions are available for purchase with six months advanced notice and the price may vary. Cindy also creates pressure-treated archways that can be kept as part of the couple’s yard. Cindy said, “If the couple really, really wanted that.

If they felt like, ‘This is mine and I got married under it and it means a lot to me,’ I would take the $250 rental price off the total cost of it,” Cindy shared.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ARCHWAY ARBORS, PLEASE VISIT FACEBOOK.COM/ARCHWAYARBORRENTALS FOR INQUIRES, CONTACT CINDY BOYLE AT 860-684-6842 OR

BY EMAIL AT ARCHWAYARBORRENTALS@GMAIL.COM ARCHWAYARBORS.COM GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 35

local einstein

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

WHAT ARE THE TWO ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS ASSOCIATED WITH MARCH?

THE GREEK GODDESS OF SPRING IS? [A] Athena [B] Persephone [C] Demeter [D] Cassiopeia

THE RIALTO BRIDGE IS A POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTION IN WHAT CITY?

WHICH U.S. STATE IS THIS? [A] Tennessee [B] Iowa [C] Pennsylvania [D] Kentucky

5

[A] Venice [B] Paris [C] London [D] Rome WHO ROCKETED TO STARDOM IN 1999 WITH THE SONG GENIE IN A BOTTLE?

WHO DIRECTED THE FILMS APOLLO 13 AND A BEAUTIFUL MIND? [A] Steven Spielberg [B] Ron Howard [C] James Cameron [D] David Fincher

7

[A] Christina Aguilera [B] Beyonce [C] Britney Spears [D] Taylor Swift

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

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

SYDNEY CARTON IS THE CENTRAL CHARACTER IN WHAT CHARLES DICKENS NOVEL?

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Prodigy Egghead Meh Simpleton

[A] A Tale of Two Cities [B] Great Expectations [C] Bleak House [D] Oliver Twist

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[A] Capricorn and Aquarius [B] Aquarius and Pisces [C] Pisces and Aries [D] Aries and Taurus

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go READ

BULLIED NO MORE! THE CONTINUING ADVENTURES OF EMO AND CHICKIE

BY GREGG F. RELYEA AND JOSHUA N. WEISS

The topic of bullying is ever present in schools, the workplace and on the news. Bullied No More!: The Continuing Adventures of Emo and Chickie, a children’s book by Gregg F. Relyea and Joshua N. Weiss, addresses the subject of bullying from several angles in an effort to support conflict resolution and to present ideas for handling bullying for both adults and children. This book is the second in a series about Emo and Chickie. The first book, Trouble At The Watering Hole, focuses on children teaching children problem-solving methods. A third book is in the works focusing on a social media conflict.

Go Local spoke with Weiss, a resident of Longmeadow, about the message of the book and its importance in today’s society.

Q: WHY DO YOU THINK THE MESSAGE OF THE BOOK IS IMPORTANT? A: I think it’s critical that when kids experience bullying behavior they do not try to handle it alone. One of the best ways to handle bullying behavior is by getting help from friends, parents, or teachers or administrators at school. We have seen too many tragedies where kids don’t say anything to anyone because they are embarrassed and they don’t know what to do about it all. Kids are really sensitive to their peers at this age (6 to 10 years old) and don’t want to be embarrassed further by what’s happening. So the core message of the book is, “You are not alone.” We want kids to think about the options they have. Bart, the beaver who is experiencing the bullying behavior, was hesitant to talk to his parents and a lot of kids don’t tell their parents because they think it will make it worse. We tried to incorporate a measured and realistic approach into the book to also help parents to think about how best to help their child. Bullying in our society is an increasing problem and has been for some time. By using the power of story, and increasing that amount of attention we bring to the issue, we can help kids realize this is not just an issue that happens to them and there are various ways of handling it.

Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PARENTS INTRODUCING THEIR CHILDREN TO THE BOOK? A: Make it as relatable as possible. Parents should ask their kids if they have ever seen or experienced bullying behavior at their school. Do they know what to do when it happens to them and others? Equally important, parents should try to connect this problem to their own lives. Sadly, most people have been victims of bullying behavior at some point in their lives. When kids come to understand that their parents have had a similar kind of struggle they are more likely to open up to their parents. We think of bullying primarily with kids, but it does happen to adults in the workplace and the world around us. So we encourage parents to share a story and talk about how they dealt with it. Kids may think to themselves, “If my parents went through something like this and they came out OK, maybe they will understand me, my situation, and I will be fine in the end?” Finally, it’s important for parents to realize that they don’t have to have all the answers -- just be human, which means being a little vulnerable. The book should be a conversation starter and perhaps even provide parents and kids with a common language to discuss this issue. It’s really important for parents to notice when something is wrong. Some common warning signs are that your child becomes withdrawn from the family, their grades start slipping or they’re spending a lot of time in their room alone and not with their friends. Even for a parent to just ask if everything is okay, in a quiet moment, is a small but important action to take.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL FAVORITE PART OF THE STORY? A: My favorite part of the story, and one of the things we really wanted to emphasize, was the critical role of bystanders (people who are around the incident when it happens). The reality is that when bullying occurs there are often bystanders around who can play an important role. We want kids to understand that you can be an active bystander, and help the person being bullied, or a passive bystander, and stand aside and not do anything. Chickie and Emo are active bystanders and try to help even if they don’t have all of the answers. Deep down inside, a lot of kids have been taught that bullying behavior isn’t how you treat others. However, most kids don’t know what to do to help. Helping does not have to come in the moment when bullying happens -- it can also come after the incident. In the story, Chickie and Emo observed some of the incidents and were there after the fact to help Bart think things through and choose the best course of action. I believe we all have a responsibility to help people who are being bullied or treated in this manner and there are many more ways to do that than people think. There is also more information on this in the back of the book.

BULLIED NO MORE! IS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE FROM AMAZON GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 37

The Final Countdown

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PINK CLAY SOAP

SYME FAMILY FARM • BROAD BROOK, CT LYRICHILLFARM.COM Lyric Hill Farm goat milk soap is made on Lyric Hill Farm in Granby, CT. It is gluten and GMO free, biodegradable and is packaged with partially recycled paper.

Ingredients such as olive, coconut, palm, castor, shea and cocoa butters promote a rich lather and a smooth feeling on skin.

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MAMA LIFE OILS • WILBRAHAM, MA ETSY.COM /SHOP/MAMALIFEOILS Chemical-free exfoliator made with organic coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil, Himalayan Pink sea salt and wild orange essential oil.

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