NOVEMBER 2021

November 2021 Volume 7 . Issue 12 golocalmagazines.com

Granny’s Place

farm stand in Agawam, ma

Cindy’s soap cottage

homemade all-natural soaps

Silvia’s Thompsonville Café

Check it out

enfield auto restoration

2 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2021

new this month NOVEMBER 2021 . VOLUME 7 . ISSUE 12

13

GRANNY’S PLACE FARM STAND Not everyone is born to be a farmer. Some people just grow into it. That is the case for Rick and Jody Seldomridge who operate Granny’s Place Farm in Agawam, just a couple miles away from Six Flags New England.

6

A NOTE

13

GRANNY’S PLACE FARM STAND

19

ENFIELD AUTO RESTORATION

From The Editor Local Farm Stand in Agawam, MA Bringing Classics Back

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For Information & Tickets >>> BBOHCT.com GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 3

NOVEMBER 2021 . VOLUME 7 . ISSUE 12

25

Cindy’s Soap Cottage

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Silvia’s Thompsonville Café

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go eat

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Local Einstein

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Homemade, Pampering, All-Natural Soaps.

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GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 5

a note

FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR . G. MICHAEL DOBBS

I got up this morning and realized that fall is definitely here. No, I didn’t see a cascade of color when looking out of my window into the back yard. Most of our trees were destroyed by the 2011 tornado. Although the maple tree we planted is developing a glorious red hue.

No, it was the fact it was 41 degrees out. The weather, as old New Englanders would say, is “crisp.” It’s also time when people will argue whether or not it’s “really” cold. Few debates are as nonsensical or more like human nature than that one.

It is time to haul out the sweaters, vests and jackets as the transitional garb until winter forces us to wear much more.

Despite the anticipation of higher heating bills, fall is certainly a great time of year. The farm stands are bursting with fall produce. You re-discover a hankering for pie – well I always have a hankering for pie. Nature provides some wonderful vistas of color.

It’s time to think of hot chocolate and mulled wine. It’s time to use the firepit a bit early in the evening.

If you’re like me you buy a copy of the Old Farmers’ Almanac to see if it’s more accurate than the TV weathercasters. The annual publication was a fixture in my home growing up. I’m not sure if my parents consulted it regularly but it was certainly available. I marveled at the idea that someone could predict daily weather months in advance.

A quick check of the Almanac’s website (www.almanac.com) reveals, “This winter will be punctuated by positively bone-chilling, below-average temperatures across most of the United States. This coming winter could well be one of the longest and coldest that we’ve seen in years,” says Janice Stillman, editor of The Old Farmer’s Almanac. In some places, the super cold of the coming winter will also bring lots of snow. This extreme wintry mix is expected in areas of New England as well as throughout the Ohio Valley, in northern portions of the Deep South, and in southeast New Mexico.”

Yup, the map that goes along with the prediction shows that we are in the cold and snowy area of new England, as opposed to cold and wet.

What a choice.

Over the years, I’ve written several stories about The Old Farmers’ Almanac and have spoken to editors who have explained how the weather predictions are made. The publication is the nation’s oldest periodical and started its life in 1792 when Robert B. Thomas started employing a secret means of predicting weather.

Observing weather patterns in nature was part of his formula.

Over the years the Almanac folks have told their success in predicting weather is about the same as the National Weather Service, which is pretty impressive.

I need to go buy a copy for myself.

Not being a winter person, fall is about as cold as I really want it to get. The temperatures are still reasonable enough for me to get out and enjoy what the region has to offer.

This issue we have some great destinations and local businesses that offer something more than just products or services. They offer stories about love and determination to carry on a tradition.

And they offer pie. We have a list of seven bakeries in the region where pie is a specialty.

Well, today I’m going to slip into some flannel, grab a hoodie and hit the road for some pie. Hope to see you out and about this fall. There’s plenty to see and do.

6 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2021

- G. Michael Dobbs, Managing Editor

MANAGING EDITOR G. Michael Dobbs

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Granny's Place Farm Stand N

ot everyone is born to be a farmer.

Some people just grow into it.

That is the case for Rick and Jody Seldomridge who operate Granny’s Place Farm in Agawam, just a couple miles away from Six Flags New England.

“My grandmother, Doris Melanson, passed away and we went to live in her home back in 2009. She had farmland and a small garden where she loved to grow her own produce. We are walking distance to the local senior center and there used to be a public market up the street. Seniors would walk up to the market, then come back to my grandmother’s road stand for their vegetables,” Jody said.

“The first couple of years at my grandmother’s house we had a garden and grew only for ourselves. Then Rick, who operated heavy machinery and equipment for a construction company, fell and broke his elbow in 2010. Due to the severity of the injury, he was not allowed to operate for companies and as a result started our own roadside stand which began to take off,” she added.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

The Seldomridges grew tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, lettuce, blueberries, and raspberries on their property, but eventually realized they would need to grow larger in order to bring in additional money. Two years later they began to rent land - accumulating another 100 acres on five different properties - where they would grow corn, pumpkins, winter squash, cabbages, peppers, and more lettuces. The fields on their home lot are now home to four greenhouses where they start seedlings, have their hanging baskets and indoor plants, as well as succulents and “a lot of” fig trees, Jody said.

Bad luck again followed the Seldomridges nearly a decade later.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 13

“Our house caught on fire in 2008 and had to be demolished and rebuilt. We had all left for the day, and myself and Rick returned to see the house on fire. This put the stand out for a few days as we tried to figure out electricity and water for it. This was amidst our busiest season and most rewarding Christmastime. We were able to get the stand back up and running while we found temporary housing on one of the farm houses at one of our fields,” Jody said.

Along with the new house, came a new farm stand.

“We knocked the old stand down and wanted everything to be fresh and new. We purchased it from the Amish, who were the fastest to build it to what we wanted. The 24 feet by 24 feet building was actually a two-car garage, which we modified by taking out the garage doors and putting in windows and doors in their place. We also added an awning which projects out eight feet from the farm stand,” Jody said.

Right now, Granny’s Place is ready for the fall and winter season with its pumpkins, cornstalks, mums, apples from Granville - including from McIntosh, Ginger Gold, and, of course, Granny Smith - Indian corn, gourds, and straw. As Christmas grows closer and they prepare for all of their seasonal products to come in, the week before Thanksgiving is when it all will begin.

“We will be selling Christmas trees of all sorts colored trees, short trees, tall trees, fat trees), wreaths, kissing balls, cemetery logs, garland, flocks, poinsettias, and cemetery cones for our local Massachusetts Veterans’ Cemetery,” Jody said.

During the seasons, the Seldomridges decorate the stand and the awning poles to add a festive touch to the customer experience.

“For the fall season, we decorated the poles with corn stalks, bales of hay, pumpkins and mums. Each pole is different and provides an opportunity for folks to take those ideas home to decorate their own outdoors,” Jody said.

“Christmas is without a doubt our busiest time of the year. We sell trees non-stop, only balsams from Maine, which I think have the best smell. It’s our son Gavin, 17, and daughter, Kyley, 16, who help around the farm and sell most of the trees,” Jody said.

The trees are opened and stood up so customers can see what they are getting and pick the perfect tree for them.

“We deliver 90% of the trees because we don’t like tying them on cars and risk scratching the finish, especially on new cars. On the weekends, we have two to three trucks running constantly to deliver the trees,” Jody said.

Also, for the holiday season, customers can turn to Granny’s Place for their dessert pies - apple, blueberry, pecan, pumpkin, and chocolate crème - which come from, no kidding, Granny’s Pie Factory in East 14 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2021

Hartford, no relation.

“People look quickly at the name on the box and they think they come from our kitchen,” Jody said.

When the long winter, whether meek or mild, gives way to the spring, customers can look forward to purchasing hanging baskets, spring planting flowers, perennials, vegetable plants, strawberries, asparagus and Easter flowers. Then as the warmer summer months arrive, they can look forward to garden fresh tomatoes, green and yellow squash, corn, lettuce, onions, peppers, eggplant, peaches, plums, and blueberries.

While cemetery logs are listed under the fall and winter list of goods on Granny’s Place website, Jody said they offer them year-round.

“We are close to the Agawam Center Cemetery and the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, so we always have them available. The Agawam Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery doesn’t allow boxes, so we fill what are green, grave conelike vases with fresh-cut flowers for those who want to leave a memorial for a friend or loved one,” Jody said.

Jody noted that last year when The Big E was cancelled due to COVID-19, they planned to have different theme nights with the family. They experimented as a family with different recipes to bring fun during the somber time and made all different Big E foods to make the time feel normal.

“This year we decided to add in some of those foods at the stand, such as mini donuts and cotton candy that you would normally find at the fair.

Rick has always wanted an ice cream stand, so we added that in, too, and have loved every second we’ve had with it….the kids love it,” Jody said.

“In August, we started to sell Hershey and Hood ice cream. Right now we have apple pie, blueberry and pumpkin, as well as the popular favorites like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and mint chocolate chip and the plan is to match different fruit flavors to each season. We offer three cup sizes and cones as well,” she added.

Looking for something different for the holidays to give that person who has everything.

Consider purchasing a Granny’s Place gift certificate or if you are feeling extra generous, there is always a farm share to consider. Whether a gift to yourself or someone else, farm shares come in three sizes that range in price from $260 to $650 for weekly delivery June through September.

Granny’s Place Farm is located on 844 Main St. in Agawam. Open year-round, hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 15

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Granny’s Place Family Owned & Operated

Happy THanksgiving!

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Enfield

Auto Restoration

R

ay Millete doesn’t remember life before he loved cars.

Well, maybe he loved a bicycle or two, but he recalls growing up in Storrs, Connecticut and going to his neighbor’s house to watch him work on his car. Eventually, Ray began helping instead of watching, and the more he learned, the more he enjoyed working on vehicles.

“That sparked my interest and I never looked back,” he said.

That appreciation of automobiles turned into a 40-year career – which is still going strong – at Enfield Auto Restoration, which he and his wife Debra purchased five years ago.

Together since they were teenagers and married for 45 years, the life and

business partners share a passion of automobiles, especially Ray’s first car, a ’61 Volkswagen Sun-roofed Beetle that is proudly displayed in the lobby of their business on Print Shop Road in Enfield.

“I was there when he borrowed money from his mom for that car,” Debra said, noting that it is her favorite car and very special to both of them.

It is also an example of the restoration work performed at the shop. Ray said he restored that car back to its original state.

Helping Ray achieve that goal are 18 employees who not only are experts in their field but share Ray’s passion and enthusiasm for cars and trucks.

“It’s in their blood,” noted Debra, adding that their employees are true craftsmen.

When the Millettes purchased the business five years ago, they had six employees. They have tripled their staff in five years and business has been good. It was so good, that when Debra was ready to retire from her 44-year nursing career, she started working at Enfield Auto Restoration fulltime in November 2020.

“COVID hasn’t been good for some businesses, but we had a lot of business during the pandemic, and still do,” Debra said.

Ray and Debra believe that throughout the pandemic, people were home more and became more nostalgic about their lives and the past. For many people, that included their feelings about their old cars or their family’s cars that have sat in need of restoration for years.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 19

“People were home and looking down memory lane,” she said. “Some had vehicles in their grandfather’s barn for 25 or 30 years and they came to us looking for some direction.”

America has always had a love affair with automobiles, and one of Ray’s favorite cars is the Model A Ford. When COVID kept people at home looking through old photo albums, this rekindled their admiration of automobiles. When COVID lifted a little, people began attending socially distanced Cruise Nights and car shows locally. People’s interest in vintage automobiles seemed to increase.

This got people thinking more about those “old” cars out in the yard or their garage, said Debra. They turned to Enfield Auto Restoration to get guidance on how to get their vehicle out of the garage and on to the road.

Ray said when a customer comes in for a restoration project, he informs them that the first priority is safety. Making a vehicle safe and road-worthy to drive comes before what Debra calls, “the pretty stuff!”

Ray said many cars that have not been started in years or have been taken over by critters, such as mice, need a lot of work to get them running safely again before any cosmetic restoration work begins.

Finding parts for older model vehicles seems like it would be a challenge, but Ray said he has resources around the world when seeking parts.

“And if we can’t find something, we can usually fabricate, it” he said.

Enfield Auto Restoration offers full restorations 20 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2021

which includes auto body repair, mechanical repair, metal forming and fabrication, upholstery, and even woodworking replacement for automobiles. They also will do seasonal automobile or truck service to get your vehicle ready to drive in the Spring. Ray said they often perform work to bring vehicles up to date for more regular driving and typically work on all makes and models – foreign and domestic through the 1980’s, before cars and trucks became computerized.

The Millettes agree that the future of vehicles is electricity, whether fully electric or hybrid.

And while they look forward to the financial and environmental savings from electric vehicles, they will always admire vintage automobiles.

Ray and Debra don’t have plans to retire any time soon, but they are thinking of the future of their business. Their son, Eric has a career that is not centered on cars, so Ray said his goal is to try and bring more young people into the business so he can pass on skills and his passion to another generation.

And maybe he will spark in someone else a lifelong love of cars just like his neighbor did for him many years ago.

Enfield Auto Restoration is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and can be reached at 860-749-7919.

To learn more about this business look them up online at enfieldautorestoration.com.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 21

COME SEE THE PFAFF SEWING MACHINES Handmade Gifts from Local Artists & Crafters Holiday Wreaths, Centerpieces & Home Decor Wed - Fri 10-5pm • Sat & Sun 10-5pm

103 Main Street • Somers, CT • 413-262-4248

ROARING ACRES ALPACAS VISIT OUR BOUTIQUE!

We carry a variety of warm, soft & beautiful Alpaca products such as Hats, Gloves, Blankets, Nesting Balls, Sportman Socks and NEW THIS YEAR: Soaps and Dryer Balls made right here at the farm!

Bring your family and hand-feed the Alpacas!

Admission is FREE!

Like us? Love us?

Review us on TripAdvisor!

685 Hale St. Suffield, CT 860-463-0485 roaringacresalpacas.com Open Saturdays 12-4pm & Wednesdays 1-4pm Or by appointment for groups larger than 10

Let us show you the PFAFF Sewing and Embroidery machines. Call for an appointment.

56 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA

(413) 525-4789

www.quiltsandtreasuresinc.com

FREE GIFT

N 7 DAYS OPE CALL FOR HOURS

with $30 purchase

Nov. 28 & Dec. 4 & 5

FULL LINE OF HOLIDAY GIFT BASKETS

• Memory Lamps • Gourmet Food & Gifts • Ornaments & Decor • Scarves, Hats & Gloves 111 Main Street Somersville, CT

860.265.2282

somersvillagegifts.com Delivery to most area towns, including Massachusetts • Ship Nationwide

brate our 8th year in business!

Come cele NOW TAKING

SPECIAL HOLIDAY ORDERS ONLINE AT

PANEDOLCETTI.COM

BLACK FRIDAY 11/26 • 10AM-5:30PM

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY 11/27 • 10AM-5:30PM

IN-STORE PROMOTIONS GALORE!

Join us on

Saturday Dec.4th!

413-326-3299

2133 Boston Road, Unit 3 • Wilbraham, MA 22 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2021

HOLIDAY HOURS STARTING NOV. 29th

7 DAYS A WEEK: MON-FRI 11:30-5:30, SAT 10-4, SUN 10-3 492 Enfield Street • Enfield, CT • 860-965-7911 • eclecticpeacock.com

"Anything but Ordinary"

COME SEE OUR NEW FALL COLLECTION Largest Selection of CBD Products in the Area!

• Miracle Cream • Tinctures • Bath Bombs

• Massage Oils • Goat Soaps • Handmade • Soy Candles Soaps • Party Favors ...and so much more!

27 S. Main Street, E. Windsor, CT 860.370.5444 • cindyssoapcottage.net Check us out:

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 23

go local picks

COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR AND ONLINE!

SANTA’S ARRIVAL BY HELICOPTER YANKEE CANDLE VILLAGE MA

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2021 AT 9 AM 25 GREENFIELD RD, SOUTH DEERFIELD, MA 01373

It’s that time of year again! Don’t miss Santa arriving at Yankee Candle® Village via helicopter!

The elves start the fun @ 9am!

- Help Santa fly in from the North Pole - Enjoy Festive sing along’s and dancing with elves - FREE antler hats for kids (while supplies last) - Hot cocoa and pastries from Hillside Pizza Cafe (fee applies) - Santa arrives via helicopter at 10am!

Santa will be available to meet with families virtually on this day!

Registration is required https://santanovember.eventbrite.com

HOLIDAY MOVIE BONANZA AT THE MANSFIELD DRIVE-IN SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 AT 6:45 PM 228 STAFFORD ROAD, MANSFIELD CENTER, CT Mark your calendars! Everyone’s favorite Holiday movies will be all in one place! Join us on November 20th, 2021 for our Holiday Movie Bonanza! We will have limited snack bar options, but will be featuring a festive hot chocolate bar with plenty of options!

Screen 1 will be following the adventures of Buddy in ELF Screen 2 will travel to the North Pole via THE POLAR EXPRESS Screen 3 will have everyone’s favorite Christmas classic, A CHRISTMAS STORY

Gates open at 6:45, and tickets can be bought online at www.mansfielddrivein.com or at the gate while they last!

24 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2021

SANTA CLAUS AT ROARING ACRES ALPACAS 2021 STARTING - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2021 AT 11 AM – 2 PM 685 HALE STREET, SUFFIELD, CT Santa Claus will be returning to Roaring Acres Alpacas this Holiday Season to spend more time with his farm friends! Families will have the opportunity to see Santa, capture the moment with photos, hangout with the alpacas, and do some shopping in our lovely Boutique! Tickets are not required, but HIGHLY encouraged.

Here are the dates Santa will be spreading his Holiday cheer at Roaring Acres: Friday, November 26th from 11am-2pm, Saturday, December 4th from 11am-2pm, Saturday, December 11th from 11am-2pm, Sunday, December 12th from 11am-2pm, Saturday, December 18th from 11am2pm, Sunday, December 19th from 11am-2pm

Visit our Facebook page to purchase tickets.

! KEITH O’CONNOR  NATE BLAIS

D

avid Palmer never thought that one day he would be running a soap store.

That was his sister’s dream, Cindy Liquori, who opened Cindy’s Soap Cottage in Connecticut seven years ago.

The attractively laid out shop specializes in homemade, pampering, healthy, all-natural olive oil soaps containing no parabens, sulfates or phthalates.

“Our recipes are a closely guarded secret,” Palmer said.

The store also stocks dozens of types of handmade body cosmetics including sugar cube scrubs, shea butter souffles, bath bombs, foaming body butters, coffee scrubs, bath melts, bath salts, bath bombs, and milk baths. And, especially for men, there are shave tins, beard oil, shaving cream and other products.

More recently, CBD products were added to the growing list of things to find at Cindy’s Soap Cottage.

While other businesses struggled as the coronavirus pandemic began to rage

Cindy''s Cindy

last March, Cindy’s store flourished.

“My sister, who also got COVID-19, had always made her own hand-sanitizer for sale, which was now in great demand as it quickly disappeared off shelves everywhere. And Cindy put our mother, Clair, to work along with 15 of Cindy’s friends, making cotton masks.

Their hard work resulted in the sale of over 10,000 of the plain and decorative masks,” Palmer said, noting they still stock some of the two-layer cotton masks with a filter in the middle.

Then the unthinkable happened.

On Christmas Day of last year, David’s sister Cindy was tragically killed by her husband in a murder-suicide.

As the new year began, Palmer - who owned a building and contractor busi-

SOAP

COTTAGE

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 25

ness - knew that he would need to re-open the store to continue to serve the loyal clientele that his sister had built over the years. But there was another very important reason.

“My mother, who is 78, was a big part of my sister’s business. She made these unique aprons which look more like vintage dresses that my sister would sell in the store. They were quite popular with customers, as were the quilted table runners and placemats that she also made. I really opened the store once again on her behalf to keep her busy,” Palmer said about his mother, who was already enduring the unending pain of losing a daughter.

So, on March 6, 2021, with the assistance of his two sons, David, 29, and Daniel, 27 - who also work alongside their father at his contractor business - and his ex-wife Anne Palmer, who on occasion had worked in the shop with Cindy, set out to begin making soap once again.

“I knew nothing about making a bar of soap, and people came to the store for my sister’s product, not other mass-produced soaps. If it wasn’t for Anne and for my sister’s good record keeping, I wouldn’t have known where to start,” Palmer said.

Today, Cindy’s Soap Cottage features a large selection of over 70 cold process soaps on any given day. The cold process, as opposed to using an external heat source to bring the soap to a gel phase, involves combining oils and sodium hydroxide lye resulting in a chemical reaction called saponification, which literally means “turning into soap.” As part of the process, the Connecticut soap makers then choose the oils, scents, colorants or other ingredients that go into making the final product. After pouring the concoction into molds, they need to wait 24 hours for the soaps to harden before cutting them into 4 oz. blocks and then putting them on racks to cure for 30 days.

“You really need to think ahead about how many bars of a particular soap you want to make, especially if it is a seasonal product. Last year we sold out of our White Christmas holiday scent in both soap and bath bombs. You have to consider whether there is still enough time to sell that seasonal soap with it taking 30 days to get it on your shelves,” Palmer said, noting one person can make about 200 bars per day.

The soaps come in over 75 fragrances - lavender and lemon verbena among the popular favorites noted Palmer - including. pineapple jasmine, lavender chamomile, sage, rose, violet, cherry almond, patchouli raspberry, and satsuma orange.

For fall there is pumpkin spice, pumpkin cheesecake and just plain pumpkin.

There is also a catchy label to accompany every soap including such inspiring names as Love Spell, Manly Man, Deadly Weapon, Dragon’s Blood, Bite 26 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2021

Me, Clean Fresh Cotton, Caribbean Day Spa, Blood Orange, Mango Salsa, and Egyptian Dragon. And for the winter and Christmas holiday, the shelves will be stocked with White Christmas, Candy Cane, Christmas Pudding, and Christmas Tinsel.

“I truly believe that people buy some soaps just for their name. We have a bath bomb we call Monkey Farts that smells like bananas and has a monkey on the label. We’re making them constantly because the kids want their moms to buy them,” Palmer said.

In addition to their olive oil soaps, Cindy’s Soap Cottage have added handmade goat milk soaps including lavender, tea tree charcoal, oatmeal and honey, rosemary peppermint, and for those who just want to be clean but not smell good - unscented.

“My sister had also introduced a line of CBD products in the store before her death, and they now make up one-third of our total sales,” Palmer said.

CBD or “cannabidiol” is an oil derived from the cannabis plant (marijuana). The popular natural remedy is believed to ease pain, anxiety and depression, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder and a purported host of other symptoms. They are available in tinctures, creams, massage oils, bath bombs, and edibles such as gummi bears (they don’t do any baking) at Cindy’s Soap Cottage.

“We even have CBD products for dogs,” Palmer said.

Their most popular item is Miracle Cream, a combination of CBD oil and their own cream to rub into your skin and take away any pain you may be experiencing.

“We have many testimonials from customers who say our Miracle Cream has helped to relieve their pain from arthritis, tendonitis, knee and shoulder pain, and the pain of chemotherapy. Many older people buy it for their aches and pains. We offer free samples of our Miracle Cream and find that customers come back the following week to buy more,” Palmer said.

In September, a new sign was hung on the building that now says Cindy’s Soap Cottage & Country Shoppe, which reflects a new direction for the store.

“When we re-opened in March, I branched out to carry more country-style gifts and home decor, and we now have a special primitive/country section which we opened at the shop in June,” Palmer said.

“I live in a historic house in Somers that is decorated primitive country inside and out, it’s a favorite of mine,” he added.

Decorating in the primitive style incorporates the use of folk art items with muted colors that have a rough and simple, old-fashioned look to them often representative of an early-Americana feel.

“They make a home feel warm and welcoming,” Palmer said.

Items in their primitive/country section are handmade by Palmer and his mother and ex-wife GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 27

Anne, as well as purchased from regional and local artisans, including from the Amish country. They include home textiles such as placemats, runners and coasters; decorative items such as framed primitive prints, signs and baskets made by Anne; floral decor such as wreaths also made by Anne, garlands, berry picks and sprays for vases; wrought iron items such as vases, canisters, candle and wreath holders; as well as candle rings, ceramic pottery and much more.

In the near future, Palmer noted they are hoping to add other textile items, such as curtains, rugs, tablecloths, napkins, shower curtains and more.

“We want to make the store a destination for people who want both their body and their house to look and smell nice,” Palmer said.

His late sister started making soy candles, which are also a big hit at the store.

“She sold hundreds during December which people bought as holiday presents. Anne now makes them,” Palmer said, who is also using his woodworking talents to create fashionable and useful items for sale at the shop.

“In addition to building homes, I have been a woodworker for over 40 years and have made wall shelves, paper towel holders, wooden American flags, custom picture frames, small tables, and benches.

I will make custom items for customers including shelves, tables, and other types of cabinetry,” he added.

And, just as Palmer had hoped when re-opening the store, his mother has been keeping busy with her sewing.

“We now have an Etsy store where we sell not only our soaps and other products, but my mother’s aprons, quilted placemats and her soup/ice cream bowl cozies, many with fall and holiday themes. We always have at least six of her aprons on display in the store, and customers have been requesting many custom orders like the Elvis apron she did not too long ago. She also has plenty of material for your favorite team, such as the Red Sox or New England Patriots,” he said.

Of special note as the holiday gift-season arrives, Cindy’s Soap Cottage offers gift boxes and free wrapping “with a pretty ribbon and package embellishment.”

Cindy’s Soap Cottage is located on 27 South Main St. in East Windsor, Conn. Currently, the store is open three days a week, due to COVID and staffing issues. Hours are Friday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Their hours will be extended after the Thanksgiving holiday.

For more information, call (860) 370-5444 or visit their Facebook page or website at cindyssoapcottage.net.

28 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2021

Stafford Paper Company FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED Serving the local community since 1960!

COMMERCIAL PRESSURE • Commercial / Residential • Liquor/Grocery/Food Bags • Janitorial & Sanitary Supplies • Paper & Plastic Products • Restaurant Supplies

Call us to pick up at our warehouse or for weekly deliveries to your door at no additional charge!

WASHERS

Authorized Whitco Dealer Sales & Service - Accessories & Supplies Servicing All Makes & Models

Gatewayec.com

860-749-0787 • 34 D Egypt Road • Somers, CT • 860-749-4600

89 RAFFIA ROAD • ENFIELD, CT 860-749-3292

SouthwoodAntiques.com Follow us on Facebook!

Store Hours: Tuesday thru Sunday 10-5 GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 29

Alan R. Cohen Richard A. Cohen, Proprietors info@agawampackandship.com Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 9-6 • Sat 10-2

32 Shaker Road • East Longmeadow, MA • 413.525.6062

Agawam Pack & Ship Shipping, Packing, Mailbox Rental, Notary Public, Copy & Fax, Paper Shredding, Phone Accessories

417 Springfield Street, Agawam, MA Phone: 413.789.1023 | Fax: 413.789.1549

www.agawampackandship.com Let PETE'S SWEETS do your holiday baking this year!

Place your special order today or come in to browse our selection of Holiday Classics!

Car Stereo • Remote Starters • Alarm Systems • Window TintMobile Video Systems Navigation • Truck & SUV Accessories • Bluetooth Hands-Free • Emergency Lighting

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*Lifetime Warranty & Free Removal When You Sell Your Car.

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BLACK FRIDAY SALE

(Nov. 26) Buy Now – Install Later

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% OFF 20 WITH COUPON

Cannot be combined with any other offer

Gift Certificates Available 780 Enfield St. (Rte. 5), Enfield, CT

(Right across the street from Russo’s Bakery)

860-253-0489

ving Now ser ine!

Beer & W

PIZZAS SALADS SOUPS GRINDERS WINGS

EST. 2021

DINE-IN • TAKE OUT • DELIVERY

AUTHENTIC HOMEMADE ITALIAN DINNERS

TRUE ITALIAN HAND-TOSSED PIZZA COOKED DIRECTLY ON THE STONE!

48 SOUTH RD, SOMERS CT • mariossomers.com

860-698-6988 • 860-698-6986

30 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2021

Silvia’s

!  VICKI MITCHELL

S

ilvia Salvari, a native of Romania, is known for her delicious Eastern European cuisine, her homemade breads, and the many medals and awards she has received for her cooking skills. She is also known for the compassion she has shown to the homeless, hungry, and disabled in her community. Now serving meals once again in her old/new location on Pleasant Street in Enfield, Connecticut, Silvia’s “coming to America” story is one of hardship, hard work, talent, faith and love. From her home in Romania, she arrived with her two children in 1984. Initially homeless and speaking no English, she was helped by family friends and a local church. They helped her find a studio apartment on Pearl Street, and she ate at the soup kitchen. She soon took a job at a local

Thompsonville Café pizzeria, working for $2.00 an hour, and within two years she opened her own small restaurant in Suffield and started her own catering business. One day, Silvia noticed a dilapidated, boarded up building on Pleasant Street in the Thompsonville section of Enfield. It consisted of two store fronts and five apartments upstairs, and although it was condemned a short time later, Silvia was able to purchase the property, clean it up and open her business in the historic building in 1989. In 2000, she relocated to a larger space on North Main Street, where she ran Sylvia’s International Restaurant and Banquet Facility for the next 20 years.

Earlier this year, Silvia sold the familiar building to her friends who now run the Enfield Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen from that location. Silvia then moved back to her original spot across from the historic Bigelow Commons apartment buildings. She is proud to be part of the revitalization of this building and the neighborhood.

Silvia’s soft spot for the homeless, hungry and developmentally challenged comes from her own life experiences.

Her son, Silviu, has special needs, and was only 9 years old when they arrived in the States. She invested much time, energy and love caring for him, and eventually was instrumental in opening GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 31

a group home in Manchester, where he now lives. She is also known to provide free soup and bread to the hungry in the neighborhood, and is generous in providing food to the soup kitchen.

Throughout her life, building her career and caring for her family, Silvia managed to become an 8-time gold medal winner in the Chef’s Tasting Competition, won Chef of the Year in Connecticut, and has cooked for the White House, the National Press Club, and NASA. She has also earned numerous other national and international awards.

At her Thompsonville Café, Silvia still serves bountiful portions of the favorites from her European menu, such as Romanian Tocitura (pan-fried pieces of beef, chicken, pork and kielbasa sautéed with onions, peppers, mushrooms, and garlic, served with sauerkraut and potatoes;) a Romanian Holiday Dinner (stuffed cabbage, pirogues, kielbasa, and potatoes;) German Vienna Schnitzel (veal, chicken, or pork with garlic mashed potatoes and sauerkraut;) or Switzerland Lamb Stroganoff, served over Spatzle or mashed potatoes. In addition to these signature dishes, the choices are almost endless, and include seafood, pasta, steaks and ribs, all made with Silvia’s special touches. Most dinners include her homemade bread and bountiful 32 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2021

salad with her classic dressing of “delicate herbs, olive oil, and balsamic vinaigrette.”

Delicious! For a special treat, order the soup of the day, always made with fresh ingredients and tasty seasonings. A full bar provides your choice of beer, wine and cocktails. Be sure to try the Romanian red wine, which Silvia recommends with many of her meals. Desserts are all homemade and you can always take them home to enjoy later if you’re too full after your dinner!

Lunch is also served, and you can enjoy standards such as hamburgers, tuna melts, loaded grinders and wraps, salads, fish and chips, hot sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

Breakfast is ONLY served on Friday and Saturday mornings, so be sure to plan ahead and reserve a table to enjoy one of Silvia’s breakfast specials, such as International omelets, pancakes, Vienna French toast, crepes, or potato pancakes. You can also order breakfast/brunch beverages including Mimosas, Bloody Marys, wine and cappuccino.

Silvia is still very much focused on her catering service, which includes events of any size or budget. She offers a wide variety of menus, and events include showers, weddings, birthdays, retirement parties, funerals, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, holiday parties, gourmet picnics, and more. She will cater at your facility or hers, and offers both buffet or sit-down service.

Her breads, including babka, rye, Challah, fruit, and the incredible raisin, are available for purchase with advance notice, and are especially popular with customers around GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 33

the holidays. The Challah and raisin bread make exceptional French toast, both in her restaurant and for you to make at home.

On Thanksgiving Day, between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Sylvia will be serving a buffet featuring a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, as well as many of her European specialties, pies and famous breads.

Reservations are required.

As a matter of fact, for your best experience at Silvia’s, always call ahead to make sure she is open and to make a reservation to avoid frustration or disappointment. She will occasionally be closed for catered events without notice, and is also closed on Sundays and Mondays for private parties and catered events. As her menu states, “our food is prepared when you place your order. It may take a little longer but the wait is worth it!”

Believe it, be prepared to enjoy a leisurely dinner, and expect Silvia to appear frequently at your table, making suggestions and checking in, all while she is busy preparing your meal, and possibly your drinks. It is always an experience at Silvia’s…a delicious one!

Current hours are 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday, with breakfast served only on Friday and Saturday mornings.

Check the website for updates and menu.

Silvia’s Thompsonville Café is located at 28 Pleasant Street, in Enfield, Connecticut www.thompsonvillecafé.com 860-741-6969 34 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2021

Free PICK-UP AND DELIVERY • 30% OFF first 30 days • Built in discounts • All Battiston's & competitor coupons accepted • Automatic billing

Currently Servicing Homes & Offices Throughout: South Windsor • Windsor • Bloomfield Windsor Locks • West Hartford • East Hartford East Windsor • Enfield • Suffield Agawam Longmeadow • East Longmeadow

…And Now Serving Somers!

Scheduled

HOME or OFFICE PICK UP AND DELIVERY Call for details - 860-289-0134 Save Time. Save Gas. Save Money.

760 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor

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GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 35

go eat

! RECIPE SUBMITTED BY NATHAN BLAIS

Thanksgiving Sandwich with Cranberry Mayo

2 slices brioche bread Thanksgiving leftovers (turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, etc.)

1/2 Tbsp butter For the mayo: 1/4 cup cranberry sauce

If you’re looking for something to do with all your Thanksgiving leftovers this year, my go to is a Thanksgiving sandwich!

Toast your brioche bread in a pan with some butter, heat up your leftovers and pile it onto your sandwich in whatever order you like. The star of the show is the cranberry mayo, in a small bowl mix together the cranberry sauce, mayo, and orange zest and add a healthy portion of it to your sandwich! Dip it in some gravy and enjoy!

1/3 cup mayo Tsp orange zest 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!

36 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2021

We Gotta Key for That!

Car, Truck, Boat, Motorcycle, Padlock, Cessna, Gumball Machine...

Whatever it is! We can make it.

YEP! We gotta key for that!

977 St. James Avenue Springfield, MA

LOCKSMITHS

413-732-8538

servulocksmiths.com

1 Allen St. Hampden, MA

(413) 566-8324

di Hampden House

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT IS BACK! Friday & Saturday Nights

Open for Lunch Friday thru Sunday Half Price Pizza Monday Night in Our Lounge The Greenhouse Banquet Facility Is Available for Your Private Function See our website for our Banquet & Catering Menu

lacucinahampden.com Lounge Open & Pizza 7 Days

Mon. 3pm-8pm | Tues.-Thurs. 3pm-8pm | Fri.-Sat. 11:30am-9pm Sun. 11:30am-8pm

Get to Know

Oldies from The Estate 26 years ago my husband Bill decided he wanted to open an antique shop because of his love for old things. So, he walked away from his very prosperous transmission business and opened Oldies From the Estate.

We started out renting a small shop in Indian Orchard; a few years later we purchased our current building just one block from where we were renting. Over the years we have grown and adjusted to meet our customers wants and needs and keep up with the changes in the antiques and collectibles market. Today we buy and sell not only antique, vintage and collectibles but newer items as well.

We try to fill our shop with eclectic and interesting items that our customers will fall in love with for decorating their inside and outside home spaces or to find the perfect unique gift.

We also do home and estate clean outs. If a loved one has passed or you are just looking to downsize your own home, please call us.

Whatever your goal is we will do our best to accommodate you and alleviate the stress and overwhelming feeling of facing such a daunting task.

We love our business! Over the years we have met so many wonderful clients and customers that have become friends. Please stop by or call, we would love to meet you too. We know you will become a regular stopping in often to check out what's new! We are open Tuesday-Friday 10:00am to 4:30pm and Saturday 10:00am-2:30pm, closed Sunday and Monday.

WE BUY & SELL ALL TYPES OF STUFF FROM A TO Z. Call Bill or Beth

45 Parker St., Indian Orchard, MA 01151 | 413-543-6065 Tues.-Fri. 10-4:30, Sat. 10-2:30, Closed Sun. & Mon.

GOLOCALMAGAZINES.COM 37

local einstein

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE - NO GOOGLING!

WHAT NATIVE AMERICAN WAS HONORED AT THE FIRST THANKSGIVING FEAST? [A] Squanto [B] Sacagawea [C] Geronimo [D] Samoset

WHAT MOVIE MADE THE MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE FAMOUS?

WHEN IS THANKSGIVING CELEBRATED IN CANADA?

WHAT COLOR ARE TURKEY EGGS?

[A] Miracle on 34th Street [B] White Christmas [C] A Christmas Story [D] It’s a Wonderful Life

[A] September [B] October [C] November [D] December

WHAT US STATE PRODUCES THE MOST SWEET POTATOES?

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

HOW HIGH MUST A CRANBERRY BOUNCE BEFORE IT IS HARVESTED? [A] 1 inch [B] 2 inches [C] 3 inches [D] 4 inches

[A] Mississippi [B] Iowa [C] Louisiana [D] North Carolina

[A] PB & J sandwiches [B] Buttered toast, popcorn, pretzels & jelly beans [C] Pizza & potato chips [D] Cookies & cake WHAT ARE YOUNG MALE TURKEYS CALLED? [A] Jakes [B] Joes [C] Jacks [D] Jacks

38 GO LOCAL NOVEMBER 2021

WHAT YEAR DID THE TRADITION OF PLAYING FOOTBALL ON THANKSGIVING BEGIN? [A] 1876 [B] 1911 [C] 1943 [D] 1962

# CORRECT

IQ

RANK

ANSWERS:

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

160 110 50 3

Prodigy Egghead Meh Simpleton

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

IN A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING, WHAT DOES CHARLIE BROWN SERVE TO HIS FRIENDS FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER?

Off-white with speckles Blue Pink with speckles White

The Final Countdown

November is the perfect time for pie tasting!

7 places for tasty pies!

The holidays are right around the corner, and who doesn’t like dessert? Whether you’re hosting the whole family or a smaller gathering, you can’t forget the pie. Plus the leftovers always taste amazing too!

FLORENCE PIE BAR

GRANNY’S BAKING TABLE

Florence Pie Bar specializes in a variety of seasonal pies created with locallysourced ingredients from western Massachusetts. With sweet pies like Apple Cider Caramel Lattice, savory like their Coriander Chicken & Brussel Sprout Handpies, and a little bit in between, you’re sure to find a flavor you love.

Granny’s Baking Table combines two baking traditions; American South and Northen European with a singular commitment to authentic small-batch baking. Check out their Facebook page for up to date offerings and specials.

17 A MAIN ST, FLORENCE, MA FLORENCEPIEBAR.COM

GIUSEPPINA’S ITALIAN BAKERY

946 SULLIVAN AVE, SOUTH WINDSOR, CT ITALIANBAKERYSOUTHWINDSOR.COM Giuseppina’s makes fruit, chocolate cream, lemon meringue, banana cream, key lime, cannoli, ricotta, and ricotta and Nutella pies. While you’re there, be sure to try some of their other Italian goodies like cookies, cakes, pastries, and stuffed breads. Yum!

RICE FRUIT FARM

SUFFIELD VILLAGE MARKET

Rice’s is a Wilbraham staple with 10” pies baked fresh daily. In addition to traditional pies, they carry tasty flavors like Fruit of the Forest (made with apple, rhubarb, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries) as well as Dutch Apple (crumb topping with caramel drizzle).

The market will be offering 10” pies for Thanksgiving this year in flavors like apple, pumpkin, blueberry, cherry, and pecan. They also have a wide variety of other yummy desserts you won’t want to miss!

757 MAIN ST, WILBRAHAM, MA RICESFRUITFARM.COM

68 BRIDGE ST, SUFFIELD, CT SUFFIELDVILLAGEMARKET.COM

309 BRIDGE ST, SPRINGFIELD, MA GRANNYSBAKINGTABLE.COM

THE APPLE PLACE

540 SOMERS RD #83, EAST LONGMEADOW, MA THEAPPLEPLACE.NET

The Apple Place has a variety of baked goods available each day made right on their farm.

Their 10” pies have a tender, flaky crust and fresh fruit fillings. Be sure to try their cider donuts, cinnamon buns, muffins, scones, cookies, breads, quiches, and more.

RANDALL’S FARM & GREENHOUSE

631 CENTER ST, LUDLOW, MA RANDALLSFARM.NET

Pies and baked goods cooked up fresh daily! There is always a new dessert to try at Randall’s. Try their specialty: chocolate cream pie made from scratch with homemade French pastry cream and chocolate ganache filling.

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