Words have many different meanings, but at High Five Books, each word has a purpose. While the independent bookstore is best known for its graphic novels, it also carries middle grade and young adult novels, picture books, and more. At any given time, the shelves stock between 3,000 to 5,000 new books. “High Five Books specializes in reading material that is joyful and affirming and inclusive for young kids and supports their sense of identity.
What distinguishes you from other Businesses in your category?
I’m not just a Real Estate Agent — I’m your neighbor, your local expert and your community advocate. I live here, work here and support local businesses and families everyday. That means I care deeply about the people and places that make this area home. I support local — whether it’s coffee shops, contractors or community events — and I bring that same heat into my work. When you work with me, you’re also supporting a local who’s reinvesting right back into our town.
Something people might be surprised to learn about your business.
I build relationships that last long after the sale. I stay in touch to make sure you’re loving your home and your community. Whether you’re buying or selling, I use proven systems tailored to your goals — not a one-size-fits-all plan. My local market knowledge helps you act quickly and wisely in a fast moving market. Why should people DO BUSINESS WITH YOU?
I don’t just walk you through the process — I teach you how it works so you feel confident every step of the way. First-time buyer? Downsizing? I’ve got a plan and and a checklist ready. For sellers, I bring a fresh, aggressive approach to digital and local marketing, staging and open house strategy — not just a sign up in the yard.
CONTACT
(413) 750-8346
lisamocciarealestate.com
lisa@lisamocciarealestate.com
Hours: Sun-Fri, 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
FROM THE EDITOR LAUREN LEBEL
W hile some are holding on to the last few weeks of summer, I am counting down the days until it is officially fall.
Fall has always been my favorite season for many reasons. One is that my birthday is in September. Two, the beauty of the leaves changing. Three, all the fun festivities like pumpkin picking. Four, apple cider donuts. And five — although I could go on and on — it’s fair season.
Growing up in Connecticut, my family and I didn’t venture to Massachusetts often, but every September, we made the trip to the Big E.
My parents would always pull me and my sisters out of school early, in an effort to beat the crowds. It was the best day when that happened because less school, more fun!
After entry, our first stop always — and still to this day — is buying a baked potato from the Maine Building. The line always looks long, but I promise, it moves quickly and it’s worth the wait. The ratio of potato to toppings — melted cheese, sour cream, bacon bits and chives — is amazing. And yes, I have had other baked potatoes at the fair, but this one is by far the best.
Another Big E must-do is walking through the Better Living Center. Located somewhat in the middle of the fair, the building is filled with various vendors ranging from food to household appliances, and everything in between. It’s always cool to see what new gadgets are on display, but it can also be dangerous, as the people lure you in and somehow convince you to spend $70 on a vegetable dicing set. Or maybe that’s just me … Either way, whether or not you buy something, it’s worth checking out!
W henever I think of the Big E, one thing that always comes to my mind is the Giant Slide. Running up those tiny steps to reach the top — overlooking the fair at nearly 50 feet up — and racing down is just as exhilarating at 25 years old as it was at 5 years old.
All in all, the Big E has something for everyone no matter your age. From the Circus Spectacular to Storrowtown Village to the Farm-A-Rama and the countless concerts in the Big E Arena, you are guaranteed to have a fun-filled day.
For those who prefer a smaller fair, there are many happening in the area this month, including the Franklin County Fair from Sept. 4-7, the Four Town Fair in Somers from Sept. 11-14 and the Belchertown Fair from Sept. 19-21, to name a few.
In this month’s edition of Go Local, we highlight High Five Books, a Florence-based children’s bookstore that focuses on social justice and LGBTQIA+ themes; Common Grounds Café of Wilbraham, a coffee shop that serves up a handful of breakfast sandwiches and beverages; and Autumn Mist Farm, a farm-to-table restaurant and retail store in Feeding Hills.
Just like the fairs, Go Local offers a little bit of everything!
Thanks for reading, Lauren LeBel, editor
Chris Maza EDITOR
Lauren LeBel CREATIVE
Beth Thurber, Manager
Susan Bartlett . Sophia Kelleher
Leigh Catchepaugh . Lorie Perry
ADVERTISING
Scott Greene, Manager
Jeanette Lee . Lisa Nolan
Matt Mahaney . Paul Poutre
Paula Dimauro . Evan Marcyoniak
Katerina Lopez . Andy Shaw
Roxanne Miller-Longtin
Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant
Curtis Panlilio, Operations Director
HIGH FIVE BOOKS
Words have many different meanings, but at High Five Books, each word has a purpose.
While the independent bookstore is best known for its graphic novels, it also carries middle grade and young adult novels, picture books, and more.
At any given time, the shelves stock between 3,000 to 5,000 new books.
“High Five Books specializes in reading material that is joyful and affirming and inclusive for young kids and supports their sense of identity, and those kinds of books have just become much more readily available then they were when we originally opened,” said Lexi Walters Wright, owner of High Five Books.
Wright opened High Five Books in October 2019 in a “very, very small” 500-square-foot space in the center of Florence.
Prior to that, she had been working as a magazine and web editor for about 20 years. For the last 10 years of that career, she was commuting to New York City and started to feel burnt out. “I had a young child, and I loved living in this very sweet village of Florence and really wanted a creative, inclusive, third space for families, and especially the families in my own neighborhood,” Wright shared.
Describing the Pioneer Valley as a “hot bed of kid lit” and being well-known for it, Wright said, “It seemed like a super interesting, creative challenge, to figure out how to celebrate those authors and how to bring them closer into the lives of
the families who live here in town.”
Since opening, the bookstore has changed locations and has doubled in size. Now at 141 N. Main St., High Five Books stands between downtown Florence and Look Park — a spot where families are “very naturally traveling” to get to their favorite places, Wright said.
When visitors stop in, they will find collections lining the walls and on display throughout the colorful space.
Wright noted that the store has one full shelf of adult books, but primarily stocks books for children ages birth to 18.
Its overall collection focuses on social justice and LGBTQIA+ themes. “We very explicitly try to support our LGBTQIA+ families here in Florence and in the greater Pioneer Valley, and it’s a real privilege to hand books to young kids, featuring families that look like theirs,” said Wright.
The store also sells kids’ art supplies and regularly has book related craft experiences.
Wright noted that a big way the bookstore has changed since its opening is the offering of events to families. She explained that it “sort of extends what we do in the bookstore into really sweet family literature events that we often pair with food or music, visiting authors, and it’s been really fun to bring High Five Books into the community, rather than just having families visit us in our store.”
Wright said there are always tables open for families to craft, make art and puzzles, along with role playing games offered
several times a week and book clubs.
“It’s really an open-ended creativity space in the back of our bookstore, and that’s where we have a lot of story times too,” she shared.
On average, Wright said there are about 800 transactions each week, which includes in-person and online purchases.
Books can be purchased online at highfivebooks.org. Wright said they ship across the country — primarily books that are signed and personalized by the many local authors and illustrators who live in the area.
She noted that about a little more than half of their foot traffic are repeat customers — “families that we know and we love” — and have watched their readers grow since the bookstore opened.
She added that they are “so lucky” to be visited regularly by authors and kid lit enthusiasts as well.
High Five Books works closely with all the local public schools — particularly in the Northampton, Easthampton, hilltown areas — along with Smith College, a lot of the area’s private schools, and more.
“We take it very seriously that teachers need assistance with collection development, especially in this incredibly divisive moment,” Wright shared.
In a world so steeped in electronic media, Wright said, “I think that it is an incredibly invaluable experience to have kids see themselves in a physical book, especially when they are young. I think that young people will always gravitate toward the lap of an adult in a physical book. Even though our digital devices are all around us, there is some-
with another human.”
She continued, “A physical book can cause a break from the world … I think the experience of falling into a story is a timeless gift that we can give young people, and it further propels them into their ability to both share stories and really understand the world a little bit better.”
Which sort of leads to the creation of the High Five Books’ name.
“Sometime after we teach babies to wave — their first real interaction with other humans — we show them how to high five. It’s a simple, powerful moment of connection: ‘Ah, you exist, too! Both of us, right here!’” said Wright. “Books are like that. You can know absolutely nothing about another person, but when you read the same book, you already have a profound shared experience. And that’s the real goal of our shop: connecting young readers with one another and the fullest expression of themselves.”
With two full-time employees, two part-time and a small handful of junior booksellers, Wright said her small team plays a big role in assisting with the “beautiful collection of book nerds that love being in this space.”
HIGH FIVE BOOKS IS LOCATED AT 141 N. MAIN ST. IN FLORENCE. HOURS ARE MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY, 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. AND CLOSED SUNDAYS.
TO LEARN MORE, VISIT HIGHFIVEBOOKS.ORG OR FOLLOW THE BOOKSTORE ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM.
thing so sensory about having a physical book exchange
COOL STUFF JUST OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR
FOUR TOWN FAIR
2025 FOUR TOWN FAIR
56 EGYPT RD, SOMERS, CT
SEPTEMBER 11 - 14
Come to the Four Town Fair and enjoy a wide variety of comfort and fair foods, rides, games, contests, an illusionist and a wood carver with a live auction. As always, watch the parade Saturday morning then come to the fair and spend the day with friends and family. A beer and wine garden is open all four days for your enjoyment. Children 12 years of age and under free!
For more information visit: 4townfair.com
MATTOON ARTS FESTIVAL
MATTOON ARTS FESTIVAL
MATTOON ST, SPRINGFIELD, MA
SEPTEMBER 6 & 7
Come celebrate the 52nd annual Mattoon Street Arts Festival, Sept. 6 and 7, in Springfield. Hosted in the city's first historic district, on a street lined with restored brick Victorian row houses, the festival is the longest running arts festival in the Pioneer Valley. Featuring over 90 exhibitors, food vendors, and strolling musicians — there is something for everyone! Great for holiday shopping, seeing new craft ideas, or just walking on a beautiful Victorian street!
For more information visit: mattoonfestival.org
Rocktoberfest
ROCKTOBERFEST
ROCKTOBERFEST AT THE SUMMIT VIEW
555 NORTHAMPTON ST , HOLYOKE, MA
SEPTEMBER 21
Join Rock 102 & Lazer 99.3 & 98.5 for Rocktoberfest! Admission includes traditional German food like schnitzel, sauerbraten, pretzels, and more, along with party games and live music from The Stillwater Band! Plus, what's an Oktoberfest party without steins of German beer for sale? So, put on your dirndls and lederhosen and rock out at Rocktoberfest — powered by Dave Miner Exterior Home Improvements and Aqua Pump.
To purchase tickets visit: https://tiny.cc/rf8r001
NEW ENGLAND CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
What distinguishes you from other Businesses in your category?
NECFM stands apart by combining advanced medical science with whole-person healing to uncover root causes, not just treat symptoms. Through personalized, evidence-based care, we restore vitality by addressing sleep, movement, nutrition, emotional resilience, and spiritual well-being. In a world of quick fixes, NECFM offers lasting transformation—empowering individuals to thrive with strength, purpose, and lifelong vitality. We are a representation of true health and human potential.
Something people might be surprised to learn about your business.
We don’t just treat illness — we help patients rediscover health, energy, and purpose at every stage of life. Unlike many practices that rely heavily on medications or brief visits, our team uses advanced diagnostics, root-cause analysis, and personalized care plans to guide healing from the inside out. Every patient receives comprehensive, integrative attention that considers the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of wellness.
Why should people DO BUSINESS WITH YOU?
We offer a truly personalized, root-cause approach to health that empowers you to feel your best — not just manage disease. Our team combines the latest in medical science with the timeless principles of whole-person care, delivering deeper answers, better outcomes, and long-term vitality. At NECFM, you’re not just a patient—you’re a partner in a transformative journey toward strength, energy, and purpose at every stage of life.
L-R: Kristin Moquin APRN, Ryan Foley PA, Meghann Crystal RN, Brent Baskin PA, Christopher Keroack MD, IFMCP
! DEBBIE GARDNER NATE BLAIS
COMMON GROUNDS Café of Wilbraham
It’s known for inspired coffee flavors like caramel sugar cookie and peanut butter, and for amazing breakfast sandwiches and pastries like chocolate chip espresso muffins.
Oh, and it was the first in the area to offer the TikTok craze of a 34-ounce iced coffee bucket this past summer.
Common Grounds Café of Wilbraham, located at 2341 Boston Rd., has quickly become the local place for morning caffeination, whether it’s a quick stop for a to-go Americano or latte or a relaxing sip in their downstairs café or upstairs coffee lounge.
Though the coffee shop has been a Boston Road staple since 2012, new owner Kris Barthelette gave the interior a makeover after purchasing the established business in October of 2023, putting her own mark on the atmosphere and vibe.
“I have a love of décor, and interior design and when we bought the shop, I spent three weeks and did my own redesign of the interior,” Barthelette said.
What she didn’t have when she bought Common Grounds was any knowledge of coffee.
“I was a die-hard tea drinker … I never drank coffee, but now I can’t go a day without coffee!” Barthelette shared.
A former director of operations at a document scanning company, Barthelette said her initial impetus for purchasing the business was gaining a measure of work-life flexibility to raise her “miracle” baby, Braelyn, who was born to her and husband Christian when Barthelette was 45. Braelyn was 7 months old when Barthelette made the career change. And though her career move was to a coffee shop, Barthelette admitted she was initially looking for any type of small business in her hometown of Wilbraham that would offer her the kind of flexibility she was seeking to raise her daughter.
“I went in completely blind,” Barthelette admitted about her knowledge of running a café that served coffee and food. But she quickly immersed herself in learning all she could about the coffee business. Some staff members who had worked for the original Common Grounds owner also stayed on for a bit to help Barthelette through the transition, she said.
“I took classes, and I met with our coffee roaster. I learned a lot from him,” Barthelette said of her ongoing relationship with Saccuzzo Coffee Company, a family-owned roaster from Newington, Connecticut. “I would never make any changes with the coffee. It’s an amazing business to work
with.”
She also said her customers rave about the coffee, another reason not to change suppliers.
But Common Grounds is about much more than just serving a good cup of joe. The café’s beverage menu choices range from hot and iced tea to coffee Americano — also hot or iced — lattes, espresso/turbo, cold brew, matcha, chai tea, protein shakes, and frozen or hot chocolate.
Electronic screens above the counter list the brewed iced coffee flavors for the day — usually around a dozen, which Barthelette said customers “really enjoy” — plus a choice of two or three hot brewed flavors. Common Grounds also offers a selection of flavor shots that allow customers to further customize their coffee of choice, along with four refreshers, including strawberry acai, hibiscus and green teas and lemonade. In addition to the extensive menu, Barthelette said the café offers new specialty drinks each month. “I came up with a variety of espressos, lattes, and chai tea drinks, offered hot or iced,” she explained. “There’s one [electronic] menu that just offers the specials.”
Barthelette said she uses the holidays and the seasons for her inspiration for the specialty drinks. “For Halloween, we have our Boo Brew — and we draw ghosts on the cups,” she said as an example. At holiday time, they draw snowmen and Christmas trees on customers’ latte cups, and for this past Fourth of July, Barthelette said they developed a “red, white and blue” slushie that was a customer favorite.
She added that in the past year, she and her staff also started writing inspirational messages on all the hot drink cups, something customers really seem to appreciate.
B eyond the coffees, a choice of five breakfast sandwiches is served until 12:30 p.m., with some, such as the Vermonter — a medley of egg, bacon, cheese and maple syrup — carried over from the café’s original menu because they were such customer favorites. About a year ago, Barthelette said they added some new sandwiches, including one called the “South of the Border” — egg, sausage, pepperjack cheese, avocado and mango salsa — that’s become a big hit.
Bagels with assorted spreads, toast, egg bites, classic egg and meat sandwiches, hash browns, Nutella banana toast, feta glazed avocado toast and bacon avocado toast round out the warm breakfast offerings. Common Grounds also offers an assortment of pastries and muffins to accompany their coffees. Barthelette noted that she’s started baking some of the muffins herself, with the chocolate chip espresso being her current specialty.
Chobani yogurt, smoothies and juices are also available, as are some locally made items, including elderberry lemonade, elderberry syrup, Sweet Babu’s Granola and Salty Baker scones.
“I love giving back and supporting other small businesses,” Barthelette said, adding the elderberry syrup and lemonade are products of local business Mama Life Oils and Wellness, and Otis-based Bookman Candle Company produces a coffee-scented candle, complete with her logo, that’s avail-
able for purchase in the shop.
All Common Grounds menu items are available for in-café ordering or online ordering at https://tinyurl. com/3ka3mrzj. Barthelette said the café recently added delivery through DoorDash, which has been “very successful” for the business.
Barthelette said Common Grounds also has a coffee cart that she brings to support events at other businesses after hours, and she hosts special contests each month, such as guess the number of coffee beans in the jar, and gives away gift cards to other businesses as the prize “to help them out.”
As Common Grounds approaches its two-year anniversary under Barthelette’s helm, she said the business has thrived because of her “wonderful staff — if I didn’t have my staff to help me, I couldn’t do it.” She also praised her husband, Christian and her two stepchildren, Victoria and Alex, who work with her in the café, and the littlest barista, Braelyn — who she said customers have watched “grow up in the shop” — making Common Grounds a true family affair.
“I didn’t purchase this coffee shop with any expectations, I just wanted to have a business where I could raise my daughter at a later age,” Barthelette shared. “But people connected to [my] story, and it’s been great.
“More than I ever imagined possible, and my biggest surprise has been the loyalty, the following … you take care of people, and they take care of you … it’s been very touching,” she said.
COMMON GROUNDS, LOCATED AT 2341 BOSTON RD. IN WILBRAHAM, IS OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY FROM 7 A.M. TO 1 P.M. AND SATURDAY FROM 8 A.M. TO 1 P.M. FOR MORE INFORMATION, FOLLOW THE CAFÉ ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM, OR VISIT ITS WEBSITE: HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/3KA3MRZJ.
Air Fried Cinnamon Rolls
FOR THE DOUGH:
2 cups self rising flour
1/2 stick of butter, softened
1/2 cup of milk
2-3 Tbsp Greek yogurt
FOR THE FILLING:
1/2 stick of butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, maybe more 1-2 Tbsp cinnamon
FOR THE ICING:
1/3 cup powdered sugar
Light cream
Spoonful of Greek yogurt
Mix together all your ingredients for the dough, make sure everything is fully combined. On a lightly floured surface, move your dough to that surface and knead for about five minutes — adding flour as needed. Roll your dough out into a rough circle about 1/5 inch thick.
Spread your 1/2 stick of softened butter across the dough, add brown sugar and cinnamon, and if it needs more, add more to completely cover the butter. Roll the dough up from one side over to the other, cut each end off of the rolled up dough. Cut the rest of the dough into four equal parts, add to a sprayed ramekin and cook in the air fryer at 350F for 20 minutes or until golden brown, check halfway through. While they are cooking, whisk together powdered sugar, cream and Greek yogurt until smooth.
Serve these HOT! Enjoy!
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!
AUTUMN MIST FARM
Derrick Turnbull is working hard to bring healthy, local meat and delicious food to residents in the region, but he admits he is struggling.
The owner of Autumn Mist Farm in Feeding Hills said local road construction that was slated to be a pretty quick project has dragged on, causing many of his customers to seek alternate routes and skip their regular stops to his restaurant for one of his breakfast sandwiches or burgers that he serves all day, or to grab a steak or two for dinner.
“We basically missed all of the summer,” Turnbull said in mid-August. “We can’t wait until the road work is finished.”
Autumn Mist Farm, located at 1157 North Westfield Rd., is on a well-traveled street between Westfield and Agawam. The previous owners had a booming breakfast and lunch business known as the 911 Burgers and Dogs restaurant. When Turnbull purchased it and reopened as Autumn Mist Farm three years ago, he wanted to keep the local flavor and following, but elevate it by offering his own meats raised on his family farm just down the road.
“I got interested in cattle when I was in 4-H,” Turnbull said. He was just 11-years-old and his parents encouraged and supported his passion, which worked out well since the family had a 500-acre farm. Today, Turnbull and his family — which includes his daughter Autumn, 9, and fiancé Tracy Allen –run the farm and the restaurant.
Turnbull is committed to bringing the best meat and freshest ingredients to his customers, whether it’s in his homemade
beef and pork sausage, a rib-eye, or any one of his menu items. “I try to use locally grown whenever possible,” he noted.
The first way Autumn Mist Farm delivers on Turnbull’s promise is by taking time to raise the cattle properly.
“We raise our cattle for 25 or 26 months,” Turnbull said. “This gives us the right-size steaks without implants with steroids. This is all natural.”
Larger mass producers of beef use steroids to literally beefup their cattle in just 14 months, said Turnbull. But that’s not normal.
“ They do it because it’s faster and they can sell the meat cheaper, but those steroids are passed on to the people eating the beef,” he said. “Even with chickens — you can go to a store like Costco and get a three-pound chicken breast. A chicken breast should not be three pounds. That’s not healthy.”
Turnbull said even before opening the farm-to-table style restaurant and meat shop, his methods were noticed. Autumn Mist was sold at Big Y stores for six years and was a popular item until recently when the company opted for a cheaper product that Turnbull said is inferior to his.
“ They now have meat from New Zealand,” said Turnbull. “So, they don’t have local beef anymore and it devastated us.”
Turnbull said he has had several conversations with the company known for its local commitment, but he understands their need to cut their costs. He said he gets it, but it is hurting him and his employees. He said he is on good terms
! HOPE MURRAY TREMBLAY NATE BLAIS
with the company and hopeful they bring him back.
“Between losing Big Y and the road work, it has really been a struggle,” he said. “But I have not laid off any employees — we are still open and we are here for our customers.”
Turnbull said some loyal customers are making a point to come to the shop despite the road work and he is grateful. Autumn Mist Farm has continued to offer everything on its menu, including its famous breakfast sandwiches and specials. The entire menu is available all day.
“We get a lot of people who work third-shift who come in first thing and they don’t want breakfast,” Turnbull said. “And we have people who want breakfast for dinner — whatever they want from the menu, they can have any time of day.”
Breakfast offerings include a variety of sandwich options, including protein choices such as bacon, kielbasa, steak and ham — all raised at the farm or locally sourced. Even the bread is fresh and local.
“It does cost a little more to offer homemade bread, but it tastes better and is better for you,” Turnbull said.
Deli sandwiches, burgers and hot dogs are on the menu all day, along with cheeseburger chowder, coleslaw, chili and salads. Turnbull said even their French fries are hand-cut and made fresh daily. There are daily specials and their meats are available to take home and include ground beef, tenderloins, steaks, short ribs, kielbasa and more.
Prices range from $4.99 for a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich to $8.99 for a roast beef sandwich to $18/pound for rib eyes.
“I try to keep everything reasonable but take into account
the quality,” Turnbull said.
All the beef is raised down the street but is processed offsite. Turnbull said all meats are “flash frozen” to ensure freshness, but he cannot turn-around products fast enough to sell them not frozen.
“Flash freezing is done right when processed so they are as fresh as possible,” he said.
Autumn Mist Farm has 150 new calves birthed each year and they are lovingly cared for without steroids or hormones for over two years. Turnbull said for bigger farms, this isn’t possible.
“In the United States, farming isn’t profitable,” he said. “A young person who is starting out in farming can’t make it. If they don’t already have a farm, banks don’t want to finance purchasing a farm because it’s too risky.”
Turnbull said his family farm has grown from a hobby farm to what it is today over the past few years since he took over.
“We grow a little every year,” he said. “This is something my daughter will hopefully be able to keep going and I’m looking to expand and hope to open a butcher shop in the near future. I have plans.”
AUTUMN MIST FARM, LOCATED AT 1157 NORTH WESTFIELD RD. IN FEEDING HILLS, IS OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY FROM 6 A.M. TO 7 P.M. AND SUNDAYS FROM 6 A.M. TO 3 P.M.
VISIT AUTUMNMISTFARM.COM OR LIKE THEM ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE INFORMATION.
La Notte Waterside GriLLe
Johnny Appleseed’s Farm
Both our Ellington and Tolland stores are open for the season...
Thank you for your patronage.
We have a nice selection of native fruits and vegetables, honey, and maple products. We also have CT made pies and breads as well as our own in store made apple cider donuts. We carry many other food items such as jams, sauces, bread mixes, pickled vegetables and much more. We also have some unique items made by local crafters.
CURRENT STORE HOURS: 9am-5:30pm EVERY DAY
U-PICK APPLES
Thursday thru Sunday* 10am-4pm (gate closes at 3:30) Orchard located at 13 Schoolhouse Rd, Ellington FIELDS OPEN WEATHER PERMITTING.
*Occasionally we do close for ripening, so it is advised to call ahead for up-to-date picking conditions. (860) 875-1000 (updated by 8am as needed)
Store locations:
185 West Rd. (Rte. 83) Ellington, CT 244 Hartford Turnpike (Rte. 30) Tolland, CT (on the Vernon town line) (860) 875-1000
l Online Appointments
l Free Pick & Delivery (up to 10 miles)
l All Services come with a 2-year, 24,000 Mile Warranty
l Factory Scheduled Maintenance
l Heating & AC
l Engine & Transmission Replacements
l Brakes & Suspension
l Exhaust Repair & Replacement
l Check Engine & Emission Repairs
l Complete Collision Services
l Welcoming All Insurance Companies
l Rust & Restoration Repair
LOCAL EINSTEIN
WHO PAINTED THE “MONA LISA?”
[A] Michelangelo
[B] Da Vinci
[C] Botticelli
[D] Donatello
WHO DIRECTED AND STARRED IN THE 2008 MOVIE “GRAN TORINO?”
[A] Clint Eastwood
[B] Robert Redford
[C] Ben Affleck
[D] Woody Allen
WILLIAM P. HOBBY AIRPORT SERVICES WHAT US CITY?
[A] Washington, DC
[B] Seattle
[C] Houston
[D] Wichita
WHICH AFRICAN COUNTRY IS AN ISLAND?
[A] Senegal
[B] Malawi
[C] Ivory Coast
[D] Madagascar
WHAT IS A GROUP OF RHINOS CALLED?
[A] Commotion
[B] Crash
[C] Court
[D] Conspiracy
WHAT BREED WAS THE SMALLEST DOG EVER RECORDED (2.8 INCHES TALL)?
[A] Chihuahua
[B] Yorkshire Terrier
[C] Papillon
[D] Toy Poodle
“TO SLEEP, PERCHANCE TO DREAM” IS A LINE FROM WHAT SHAKESPEARE WORK?
[A] Romeo and Juliet
[B] Hamlet
[C] Othello
[D] Macbeth
A “PAINTED LADY” IS A VARIETY OF WHAT?
[A] Bird
[B] Butterfly
[C] Lily
[D] Fish
IF YOU WERE BORN ON SEPTEMBER 12, WHAT IS YOUR ZODIAC SIGN?
[A] Virgo
[B] Leo
[C] Gemini
[D] Taurus
The Final Countdown
7 Dog Parks for Fido to Run, Play and Make New Friends!
LUDLOW DOG PARK
MUNSING ST • LUDLOW
413-583-5600
This off-leash park is located adjacent to the Camp White Conservation Area. Ludlow Dog Park is separated into two sections, providing dedicated spaces for small and larger dogs to exercise and socialize safely. Waste stations are provided.
ENFIELD DOG PARK
ECOLOGY DR & TOWN FARM RD
ENFIELD • 860-394-6213
A fully-fenced park with separate areas for large and small dogs, benches for the humans, and water for the pups. Just make sure Fido has his town license and his current vaccinations.
EAST LONGMEADOW
BARK PARK
3 DEARBORN ST • EAST LONGMEADOW 413-525-5400
This off-leash, fenced park includes areas for small and large dogs. Registration is required, but it is free. The park operates on donations from visitors. There are picnic tables, benches, agility equipment, and a real fire hydrant. Water is available and the ground is covered with wood chips.
HOLYOKE DOG PARK
COMMUNITY FIELD RD • HOLYOKE
413-322-5630
Pups can enjoy time off-leash at Community Field Park dog park in Holyoke. This small, fenced dog park offers basic agility equipment, trees, benches, a wood chip ground cover and waste stations. If you and Fido still have some energy, the larger, pet-friendly Community Field Park offers trails that leashed pups can join you in exploring.
WESTFIELD DOG BARK
125 LOCKHOUSE RD • WESTFIELD 413-572-6263
Your dog can play and socialize off-leash at the Westfield Dog Bark. This fenced dog park is a spacious area for pups that offers partial shade from tree cover, a water spigot (not available during winter months), wood chip ground cover, waste stations, benches and picnic tables.
SOUTH HADLEY DOG PARK
14 MULLIGAN DR • SOUTH HADLEY 413-538-5030
Play off-leash in a 2-acre fenced park. The space is divided into a small and large dog side. Inside the park, you’ll find a water fountain, trash cans and benches. South Hadley Dog Park is open every day of the week from dawn until dusk.
EAST WINDSOR DOG PARK
24 RESERVOIR AVE • BROAD BROOK 860-627-6662
A recreational area in Broad Brook. Providing a fun, safe, and friendly environment for dogs in the East Windsor area, East Windsor Dog Park offers a one-acre grass park with separate areas for small and large dogs. It is suggested that dog owners bring water with them as there is no water onsite. The park closes mid-winter and reopens in the spring.
