If you’re looking for a bagel fix, check out Comfort Bagel. They bake fresh sourdough bagels every day as well as house-made spreads & sandwiches. In addition, they offer an exclusive Comfort Bagel blend coffee crafted by Monsoon Roastery. Comfort Bagel has two locations, one in Westfield, MA at 64 Main Street and the other in Holyoke at 92 Race Street.
A FAMILY OF BUSINESSES FOR ALL YOUR SENIOR CARE NEEDS
We believe exceptional senior care comes from the heart. As third-generation owners, we combine decades of experience with deep-rooted family values and a wealth of resources to support your loved ones. Whether it’s through our IN-HOME CARE SERVICES, our welcoming ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES, or our robust SENIOR EDUCATION & CASE MANAGEMENT programs, we’re here to provide you and your loved one compassionate care, support, and guidance.
ARBORS CHICOPEE 929 Memorial Drive Chicopee MA 01020 413-206-9979
ARBORS AMHERST 130 University Drive Amherst, MA 01002 413-225-2629
ARBORS WESTFIELD 140 Court Street Westfield, MA 01085 413-203-9445
ARBORS GREENFIELD 15 Meridian Street Greenfield, MA 0130 413-339-3259
MA 01028 413-224-1912 IVY ELLINGTON 123 West Road Ellington, CT 06029 860-281-2973
Happy March Go Local readers!
Can spring come soon enough?
With no thanks to Punxsutawney Phil, we are still in the midst of what has been a harsh winter between extreme cold and heavy snowfalls. As I continue to get older, I have found myself beaten down progressively by the cold to the point now where I simply dread my morning walks between apartment to car, car to work.
Growing up I, like many dumb teenage boys, thought the harsh cold winter weather was not this big bad everyone made it out to be. I vividly remember a unique winter in seventh grade where several 13- and 14-year-old boys (myself included) challenged one another to see who could come to school wearing shorts the longest into winter. Even as I type that I can’t help but laugh at the sheer stupidity and obnoxious confidence we all had through such a dumb pact.
A couple of months in, during the dead of winter, I was one of the last three boys in the competition. Coming off one weekend and being the seventh grader I was, I foolishly banked on an incoming snow day. Waking up that Monday to learn school was on and the weather predictions had been overblown, I pulled a classic teenager move: I told my grandma I was sick and couldn’t go to school.
Little did I know my omission from school that day would create great controversy in terms of the short-wearing competition. I was called a fraud for avoiding confrontation with one of the coldest days of the year. While I had some support, ultimately, I was considered knocked out of the competition by my peers due to my actions.
To add to my foolishness, I made it a point to continue wearing shorts all through the rest of winter. I did not want to accept the slander of my character and made it a point to see it through. What a clown I was.
Waiting for this winter to end for the last month plus made me think of that story from my youth, but it also points in the direction of a special addition in the March issue of Go Local.
Special to the March edition is a listing of CSA or Community Supported Agriculture resources in our area. CSA involves a partnership between farm and consumers, with members paying in advance for a “share” of the farm’s harvest for a set portion of the year. Members pick up fresh produce, herbs or even flowers on designated days at the farm.
With spring approaching, what better way to prep for the upcoming seasons and potential agriculture that comes with them than to share the CSA listing. Being a CSA member allows for people who may not have access to fresh produce an opportunity to enjoy local farmers’ fresh produce for many weeks throughout the summer and offers a potentially more economic option than buying at your neighborhood grocery store.
And of course, this month’s Go Local also features three unique businesses that are each beloved in their communities: A.W. Brown’s Pet and Garden in East Longmeadow, Yonder Community Toy Shop in Easthampton, and Comfort Bagel in Westfield and Holyoke.
We hope this edition serves as a good reminder of the sunny and warmer days to come for all our communities. Best,
Trent Levakis,
Editor
Chris Maza
EDITOR
Trent Levakis
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
Roxanne Miller-Longtin . Andy Shaw
Laura Tassistro . Shannon Spada
Carolyn Napolitan, Sales Assistant
Curtis Panlilio, Operations Director
BAGEL
If you’re looking for a bagel fix, check out Comfort Bagel. They bake fresh sourdough bagels every day as well as house-made spreads and sandwiches. In addition, they offer an exclusive Comfort Bagel blend coffee crafted by Monsoon Roastery.
Comfort Bagel has two locations, one in Westfield, MA at 64 Main St. and the other in Holyoke at 92 Race St. Their menu changes regularly with over 50 flavors in rotation every two weeks. Popular favorites such as Asiago Parmesan, everything, plain, sesame and salted rosemary are a staple. Then they’ll throw in combinations like carrot and golden raisin, apple and cheddar, sour cream and onion, and sundried tomato and basil.
O wner Janet Blake explained, “Comfort Bagel is the only bagel shop in the area making sourdough bagels. Our bagels are made using a natural sourdough starter and a long fermentation process. This slower fermentation helps break down gluten, reduce phytic acid and make nutrients easier for the body to absorb.”
S he went on to say, “Because of this process, sourdough bagels are often easier to digest and more supportive of gut health. The result is a bagel with deeper flavor, better texture, and improved digestibility compared to standard bagels.”
Blake dedicates herself to this business, working 14
to 16 hours a day whether she’s in the shop baking or at home planning. She also credits her husband, Bill, for the success of Comfort Bagel as he is involved in creating the look and running their social media.
“He’s a very important presence in the business,” Blake said “I honestly could not do any of this without his help and support.”
Growing up in upstate New York, Blake loves bagels. When the pandemic occurred in 2020, businesses and restaurants were shut down and leaving everyone mostly in their homes. As a way to connect and form community, Blake started Comfort Bagel as a residential cottage bakery doing weekly bagel deliveries. She told Go Local, “We were making bagels and delivering them ourselves to people during COVID. We were selling out at that point up to three months in advance. That’s when we realized this is a business, we should take to a retail location so people can come to us.”
In July 2021, Comfort Bagel expanded and opened its doors at 1 Open Square Way in Holyoke in Mill #1 adjacent to Lyman Street offering in-store dining, takeout and pre-order bagels and spreads for pickup. In 2024, they relocated to a new custom-built space in Westfield, but Blake never forgot how the Holyoke community was great to her while she was there and as soon as she could
! MIASHA LEE
MARC ST. ONGE
reopened another location back in Holyoke. “Our focus is really about making great bagels and creating a great environment for our customers,” Blake explained. “We want to create an environment that makes people feel welcomed and comfortable. You’re always going to be met with a smiling face.”
K ayla Cornelius from Westfield knew about Comfort Bagel because of their first shop they had. Her favorite flavor is a close race between either chocolate chip, cinnamon crunch or Asiago.
“They have absolutely delicious food,” she said. “Their flavors never fail to amaze you. They come up with fun ideas for special occasions and make sure that everything is perfect.” Cornelius continued, “Comfort Bagel truly loves their community. They teamed up with my son’s charity Maverick’s Miracles and together we gathered many winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves for our community. Along with multiple other businesses in Westfield. They are one business who truly cares about this community and will have our support for a long time.”
Andrew McNamara from Chicopee first heard about Comfort Bagel on Facebook when he lived in Holyoke. He tasted one and was hooked. “Love at first bite,” as he described it. His favorite flavors are cheddar chive, garlic Parmesan and their sour cream and onion bagel. When they moved to Westfield, McNamara was sad to see them go, but knew it was best for the business so he regularly drove 30 minutes to their Westfield location. He’s very happy to have them be back in Holyoke and only five minutes away now.
McNamara said, “They make everyone feel welcome right when you walk in and will say hi with your name once they get to know you. They have brought a thriving business to both Westfield and Holyoke.”
Continuing forward, Blake wants to focus on developing a solid team of staff members. She wants to get better at what Comfort Bagel does, have a more balanced menu that serves both breakfast and lunch and continued focus on making the two locations she has great.
“I created something that makes other people happy,” said Blake. “That validation is hard to find. I can be proud of the fact that there are people that love what we do and it started from something small out of my kitchen to now over 20 employees.” She continued, “It’s so hard right now to be in food service. We came up through COVID and persevered and we have no intention of stopping. We’re still here and we’re bringing in new customers, and we will continue to do so.”
COMFORT BAGEL’S HOURS IN WESTFIELD ARE MONDAY THROUGH SUNDAY FROM 7 A.M.-2 P.M. THEIR HOURS IN HOLYOKE ARE WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY FROM 7:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M. VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT COMFORTBAGEL. COM. FOLLOW THEM ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM.
GO LOCAL PICKS
WINE, CRAFT BEER AND SPIRITS TASTING
OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL CHURCH
123 WILLIAM STREET (PARISH CENTER) SPRINGFIELD, MA
MARCH 21 5PM - 8PM
Sip, savor, and enjoy a fun night tasting the best wines, craft beers, and spirits around! Enjoy an awesome in-person experience where you can sip and savor a selection of fine wines, craft beers, and unique spirits. It's the perfect chance to discover new favorites, chat with fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy a laid-back vibe. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just curious, come taste, learn, and have a blast!
For more information and to purchase tickets visit: https://tinyurl.com/WINEMCC
ST. PADDY'S BEER DINNER
TIN BRIDGE BREWING CO.
487 EAST MAIN STREET . WESTFIELD, MA
MARCH 17 6PM-9PM
Join Tin Bridge Brewing for their annual St. Paddy's Beer Dinner featuring Chappy's Food Truck! Featuring a 4-course dinner and beer pairing. Starter: Irish lamb stew (braised lamb & root vegetables) Appetizer: Reuben Eggrolls (corned beef, swiss & brown mustard aioli). Entree: corned beef dinner (braised brisket, colcannon, roasted cabbage, lardons, roasted carrots. Dessert: Irish cream mousse.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit: https://tinyurl.com/TBBREWING
BRICKWRECKS OPENING DAY
MYSTIC SEAPORT MUSEUM
75 GREENMANVILLE AVE MYSTIC, CT
MARCH 28 11AM - 3PM
Come celebrate the opening of Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks. Participate in a collaborative LEGO® mosaic build guided by members of ConnLUG, a Connecticut-based LEGO® fan group, in the lobby of the Thompson Exhibition Building at the North Entrance. Builders of all ages are encouraged to help create a shared work of art inspired by the exhibition. Pick up a Brick Bingo sheet at the Museum entrance and explore the historic Seaport Village in search of hidden LEGO® minifigures!
For more information and to purchase tickets visit: https://tinyurl.com/BRICKWRECK
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!
DOWN TO EARTH FARM CSA
109 BRADWAY RD. STAFFORD
860-458-9019 · 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 involve tasks such as soil preparation, planting, watering, weeding and harvesting. There is always staff on site to provide support and work times are flexible. One person is required to work at the farm for two hours every other week and participate in two of the monthly “Crop Mobs” which includes a potluck lunch. Members receive a share of the harvest weekly from mid-June through the end of October.
BORDUA FARMS
1528 MAIN ST. SOUTH WINDSOR
860-930-6406 · 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 twoto-four people. Examples of produce in each share are beets, cabbage, herbs, melons and peppers. Membership costs $550 for the 2026 season and includes 18 weeks of farm fresh vegetables, weekly recipes/inspiration, a vegetable storage guide and access to the exlusive CSA Community Hub Facebook Page. Other options include a coffee share, which costs $60 and a fruit share, which costs $50.
The Kosinski Farms CSA family commits to raising members’ food with sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. The food is guaranteed to be grown and har vested locally. The season starts with the first pick of strawberries, usually the second week of June and continues through the middle of October. Their most popular size CSA is the large share which costs $850 and contains
approximately 15-20lbs of produce. The small share costs $425. More information is available on their website.
Granny’s Place
844 Main St. Agawam 413-786-9366 grannysplacefarm.com
Granny’s Place provides farm shares from mid-June to October. Two share sizes are available: Small (Individual) Share or Regular (family of three to five) Share. Members receive a weekly supply of fresh produce. Visit their website for pricing.
The Syme Family Farm CSA is a little different from the usual fruit and vegetable share. The farm in Broad Brook offers a Cut Flower Club CSA, where members sign up and pre-pay for three to six weeks worth of locally grown flower bouquets. Flowers are picked up weekly between July and August. There are three options for the cut flower club including the six-week mixed bouquet program, the three-week mixed bouquet club and the four-week lisanthus club. In spring they will be kicking off tulip club followed by listhanus and mixed boquet club in the summer, and closing in the fall in dahlia club. Visit their website for more info. Seasonal fruits are also available, with the farm specializing in watermelon and cantelope, from July to September. In 2025 they celebrated their 20th year of being commercial cut flower growers.
Oxen Hill Farm
1434 Hill St. · Suffield 860-986-2284 oxenhillfarm.com
Oxen Hill Farm offers three customizable 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! Payments can be made in full or four equal installments. Members can also swap out items in their share each week. Summer veggie CSA pick ups begin the third or fourth week of June and run for 18 weeks through the middle of October. Flower and Bouquet CSA runs for 8 weeks from mid July through mid September.
Mountain View Farm
393 East St. Easthampton 413-329-0211 · mountainviewfarmcsa.com
Mountain View Farm offers three different share packages. The Small Share costs $575, the Medium Farm Share is $770 and the Large Share is $1,060. 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. Farm share distribution begins in early June and runs through the end of October. They accept SNAP and HIP.
Easy Pickin’s Orchard
46 Bailey Rd. · Enfield
860-763-3276 · easypickinsorchard.com
Easy Pickin’s Orchard has been offering CSA shares for more than a decade from their pick-your-own farm. Each box picked up from the CSA will feature whichever fresh fruits and vegetables are in their prime during the season. Easy Pickin’s utilizes an integrated pest management system to ensure high-quality growing practices. The farm offers a full share, which feeds a family of four, and a half share, which feeds one to two people. Payments can be made in full or in three installments.
Westfield’s first USDA Certified Organic CSA program, Yellow Stonehouse Farm is a 79-acre property located in both Westfield and Southampton. Cultivating over 17 acres of certified organic vegetable and flowers for their CSA shareholders for their growing season, early June through late October. There are options for a weekly full or every other week farm share. Shares can be split with an adult outside of your immediate family as well for a set cost. Payments can be paid in full or over three paymens. Pick up days are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and the day is selected when purchasing a share.
For pricing, CSA details and specific pickup locations (many producers offer various sites) for the 2025 season, please contact the farm directly. This is not a comprehensive list. If you would like to be included in future publications, please contact: tlevakis@thereminder.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!
YOUR HOMETOWN PET & GARDEN STORE
There’s more than one good reason to visit A.W. Brown’s, Pet and Garden on Shaker Road in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
Need advice on the right products for your finicky dog or cat? The knowledgeable staff, most of whom are pet owners themselves, can help you parse out the perfect food — and toys and bedding and treats — from the store’s vast selection of choices, including brands such as Nature’s Logic and Primal you won’t readily find elsewhere.
Got a pest problem in your flower or vegetable garden, a sad-looking lawn or a sickly plant? At A.W. Brown’s, there are knowledgeable people on hand to help customers solve their lawn and garden stumbling blocks and pick the perfect nursery plants and lawn amendments to create the outdoor spaces they envision.
Perhaps your pet preferences run to the more exotic, like geckos, ball pythons, tarantulas and turtles. A.W. Brown’s has the food, the equipment and the expert advice to keep your specialty pet healthy and happy. The same goes for wet pets such as Betas, goldfish, tetras and gourmais; A.W. Brown’s has the fish, plus
tanks, feeders, water treatments and more to help you craft a successful aquarium.
And A.W. Brown’s never forgets its roots as a feed and grain store, still stocking the supplies and expertise small local — and backyard — farmers need to care for their small animals. They’ve got the right feed for local varieties of wild birds, too.
You can even pick up a unique gift or card, some specialty or familiar candy, Mrs. Meyers cleaning products or a bee-inspired lotion for your work-weary hands on your way to the register.
No wonder A.W. Brown’s has been a hometown go-to for local shoppers for more than 75 years.
THE EMPLOYEES ARE THE EXPERTS — AND THE OWNERS
Mike Burnham, president of A. W. Brown’s, joined the store staff in 2023, helping to guide the operation to an employee-owned business when, after nearly 40 years, owner Tom Wheeler made the decision to retire.
W heeler had purchased the business from Al Brown and his family in 1985. Al Brown had purchased the business, then known as the Checkerboard Grain Store, from
owners Deane Clarke and Joe Cady in 1970. A.W. Brown’s roots go deep in East Longmeadow; a tradition Burnham is working hard to continue.
“ We just hit our three-year mark this month,” Burnham said of A.W. Brown’s success in transitioning to employee owned. “Tom wanted the business to continue on after his transition to retirement, so he brought in Teamshares, and what they do is help retiring owners move into employee-owned businesses.”
And it is the employees, many of whom have been with A.W. Brown’s for many years, that Burnham said have led to the successful transition and set A.W. Brown’s apart from other places selling pets, pet food and lawn and garden supplies.
“I think that goes back to that expertise that we have, that you’re unlikely to find in a lot of those bigger box stores, that is what makes us unique, “Burnham said. “People frequently come to us with questions about what they should feed their dog or chickens. ‘There’s this thing on my plant,’ and they bring us a leaf, and we have master gardeners who work here. That’s the level of customer service.”
Burnham said that this culture of expertise even carries over to new staff hires, where knowledge, friendliness and an ability to answer questions are what customers have
come to expect.
“ When we’re interviewing people to work here, one of the questions that we often ask is, ‘Do you have pets at home?,'” Burnham shared. “If we’re interviewing for our garden section, ‘Do you garden?’ And having, I think, a personal passion for some of these things makes an excellent employee.
“ Tom Wheeler set that expectation many years ago, and that, I believe, is why our customers, when they come here, they do expect that’s going to continue,” Burnham said. “We often don’t know just our customers’ names, but the names of the pets they come in with.”
This level of expertise is especially important in the newest addition to A.W. Brown’s repertoire of products and services.
The store has added everything customers need to get caught up in the backyard chicken-raising craze.
“It’s become a larger part of our business. I think it’s also fun. A lot of the employees here have their own chickens. Some of them have their own farms.” Burnham said of the level of chicken-raising advice available at A.W. Brown’s. The store was taking orders for baby chicks in mid-February and planned a Chickens 101 instructional seminar for would-be poultry proprietors later that month.
EDUCATING AND ENTERTAINING
The Chicken 101 seminar is just one of the upcoming seminars and events A.W. Brown’s has in its calendar for the months ahead.
“The other area where I believe we have a distinct advantage is in our connection to the community and our ability to not just provide a product or service, but to educate and entertain. So, the events are certainly going to be expanding as we move forward, and then we’ll think about new ways that we can engage our community over time,” Burnham said.
Cassidy O’Hara, marketing coordinator for A.W. Brown’s, listed a trio of these educational seminars that were on the calendar for March. Registration for all seminars is available on the store’s website, awbrown. com/apps/pages/events or on its Facebook page at facebook.com/AWBrowns/events.
The first is titled “Feed Your Lawn and Garden,” slated for 10 a.m. on March 7. O’Hara said this seminar is designed for “anyone who wants to start a garden or prep their lawn and gardens for an enjoyable summer season.
The second, a Pond Seminar, is slated for March 21, at 10 a.m.
“This will focus on helping people to assemble a pond,
maintain it and make the outdoor space their own,” O’Hara said, adding that A.W. Brown’s has found many customers have questions about setting up their own backyard water features.
The third seminar in March is their “Grass Seed Seminar,” slated for 10 a.m. on March 28.
This, O’Hara said, is designed to help people plan how to seed their lawn for the spring, summer and fall. “It expands on the lawn portion of the ‘Feed Your Lawn and Garden’ seminar,” from the beginning of the month, O’Hara explained.
O’Hara said A.W. Brown’s has added one more special day to its calendar — a weekly Food Truck Friday, where different food trucks spend from lunch through late afternoon in the store’s parking lot so customers can grab a bite to eat before — or after — they shop.
“People like that we have a different option every week,” O’Hara said. “It’s just a nice extra the company can add for our community.”
O’Hara said customers can check the events tab on the company’s website and Facebook pages to see which food truck is visiting on any given Friday.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
E xpanding on the events and seminars — what Burnham called experiential retail — is part of the future
plans for A.W. Brown’s.
“People are not going to want to walk through a door, get a product and walk out. You have to give them, I think, a reason to not just go on their phone and place an order.” Burnham said.
Listening to employees, both for ideas on what to add and feedback on customer reactions, is another big part of planning for product additions, seminar suggestions and out-of-the-box thinking.
“That’s what makes an employee-owned business unique, is that you get the perspective of all the employees,” Burnham said. “We actually want to hear from everybody on what they think we should be doing differently and products that we should be bringing in. We meet each week to talk about those things, and I think that creates the kind of culture that people want to work within.”
Burnham said A.W. Brown’s also knows how to play to its strengths- the biggest of which is its pet food selection.
“Most of our competitors don’t have the square footage that we have. We have a very big store, and we keep it well-stocked with all kinds of pet food, all different brands, supplements, supplies, so we do have a very wide selection of products,” Burnham said. “We’ve kind of chosen our lane, and we want to make sure that we can address almost any need within that.”
But Burnham said the store isn’t afraid to try new things, reinventing what had been its grill and outdoor cooking room into a new gift area. The space, he explained, gives A.W. Brown’s room to experiment with what else might attract customers.
“Is it a new product? Is it a new service? What are the other things that our customers and our community might need in this area, and can we provide it?” Burnham said. “And if we choose to do that, can we do it at the same level that our customers have come to expect in everything else we do?”
Combining the willingness to try new ideas and products with buyers who have a keen eye for price and value — and an aggressive loyalty program for repeat customers — has put this longtime business model on a good footing for the future, Burnham said.
“ We’ve had three great years, and I expect that to continue,” Burnham said.
A.W. BROWN’S, PET AND GARDEN IS LOCATED AT 144 SHAKER ROAD IN EAST LONGMEADOW. HOURS ARE MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M., SUNDAY 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. PHONE: 413-525-2115. FIND THEM ON THE WEB AT AWBROWN.COM/ AND ON FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/AWBROWNS.
Yonder COMMUNITY TOY SHOP
When Yonder Toy Shop opened its doors in Easthampton last summer, it arrived quietly but with a clear intention: to create a place where play is taken seriously, where children and caregivers can slow down, connect, and explore together. Now several months in, the shop has found its footing — and, in many ways, its community has helped shape what it is becoming.
“ We are settling in wonderfully,” said founder and director Danielle Curry. “This space is perfect for what we are doing and what we have planned.” From the beginning, Curry envisioned Yonder as more than a retail store. “The goal was to create a space that provided openended play opportunities for all ages to interact side by side. So far that goal has been achieved and we are evolving every day as our visitors show up to take advantage of being able to say yes and then getting lost in play together.”
That sense of permission — to linger, to experiment, to follow curiosity — has become central to Yonder’s identity. Tucked into Easthampton’s vibrant downtown, the shop blends thoughtfully curated toys with a welcoming playroom that encourages children to dive in and caregivers to relax. It is a model that feels particularly well suited to the town it calls home.
“As an Easthampton resident and homeowner for over 10 years, contributing to this city has always been a great motivation,” Curry said. “Our wonderful and creative neighbors only add to the magic of this place.” From the start, Yonder was meant to serve local families. “Yonder was always supposed to be a place for local families to gather and so far, it is better than I imagined,” she said.
“Friends run into one another often and the joy of a surprise playtime with a friend is priceless.” Parents and caregivers, she added, have been deeply appreciative of having a space like this close to home. “The response has been incredible — parents and caregivers have been so grateful to have such a place in their community.”
Like many small businesses, Yonder is still learning the rhythms of the year. Operating through its first holiday season and into winter has been both exhilarating and challenging. “Our first holiday season was a wild experience and we learned a great deal,” said Curry. “So far this winter has been full of new friends and icy challenges.”
W hile spring and summer are still unknowns, Curry remains hopeful. “We are optimistic that the desire to play will keep families coming by.”
W hat sets Yonder apart is the emphasis on presence and connection. While toys line the shelves, Curry is quick to point out that the playroom is the heart of the space. “The toy shop is really our hobby business. The playroom is what really draws the crowds,” she said. Her vision was to create comfort rather than stimulation overload. “My hope was to create a home away from home. I want folks to feel at ease when they come here. To know they can unwind and let the kids do the same.”
That sense of ease extends to acknowledging the realities of family life. “This is the perfect place to feel all the feelings of growing up and parenting. The good and the hard,” Curry said. Even birthday parties are designed with simplicity in mind. “Our birthday parties are designed to feel like a classic and simple at-home party without being at your house. That is the vibe every day.”
Curry’s career path naturally led her to this work. “I
have been working in children’s spaces for my entire career,” she said, from summer camps and classrooms to her most recent role with the Springfield Museums. Along the way, she saw firsthand the impact of unstructured play. “I have seen how beneficial it is when families are given space and time to just play and be together.”
Yonder became a way to bring those experiences together into something accessible and community centered.
On a personal level, the shop also reflects Curry’s own desire for connection. “Personally, going out and meeting new people isn’t easy for me,” she said. “So when I was dreaming this up, I was also motivated by the idea that I can bring potential new friends to me.” That desire, she believes, resonates widely. “My desire for community is stronger than it has ever been and I get the sense that many people around here are feeling the same way.”
The toys themselves are chosen with care and intention. “I am very intentional about what we carry,” Curry said, naming brands like Grapat, Ostheimer and Mader as mainstays. One advantage of the space is the ability to see toys in action. “We also have a unique ability to test toys in our playroom, which has been super fun.” Ultimately, she lets children lead. “I always follow the child. They know what they need and love, especially when it comes to play.”
Some of Curry’s favorite moments come from that sense of belonging taking root. “The best thing so far is when children request to come to Yonder,” she said. “Many parents have said when their kiddo is given the choice they choose to come here.” She cherishes the familiarity. “When they walk in with a sense of familiarity, and a sweet smile. We are a part of their childhood. I love that.”
L ooking ahead, Curry hopes Yonder continues to grow as a community space. “I hope to keep growing our playroom and maker’s space, as well as our community engagement,” she said, pointing to plans for seasonal celebrations and ongoing programming. Her goal remains steady: “to provide a consistent and safe space for the children and families of Easthampton and beyond. And of course, to spread the healing joy of play!”
That commitment extends to accessibility and care. Yonder offers free birthday parties for children in foster care and a sliding-scale model for drop-in play. “The goal is to have something that fits every budget and lifestyle,” Curry said. “Play is for everyone!”
YONDER COMMUNITY TOY SHOP IS LOCATED AT 186 NORTHAMPTON ST. IN EASTHAMPTON. DROP-IN PLAY IS AVAILABLE FROM 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. TUESDAY TO FRIDAY AND SATURDAYS DEPENDING ON BOOKINGS. VISIT WWW.YONDERTOYSHOP.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Almond Protein Bites
1 Cup Oats
1/2 cup almond butter
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup chopped almonds
2 scoops vanilla protein powder
1/2 tsp almond extract
Pinch of salt
In a mixing bowl add all of your ingredients and stir to combine.
Form mixture into balls and let sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Take a bite whenever you need a boost of energy!
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!
Soul warming Polish Food at the Delicatessen Restaurant & Sandwich Shop Belvedere of East Windsor, served hot with indoor seating or packaged to take home. We also deliver! (With online orders only). Pierogi, kielbasa, kapusta, stuffed cabbage, soups, pastries, potato pancakes, in-house smoked pastrami and brisket sandwiches.
LOCAL EINSTEIN
IF A PERSON IS BORN ON MARCH 25, WHAT IS THEIR ASTROLOGICAL SIGN?
[A] Pisces
[B] Aries
[C] Gemini
[D] Taurus
WHAT IS WIDELY BELIEVED TO BE ST. PATRICK’S REAL BIRTH NAME?
[A] Seamus
[B] Maewyn
[C] Aengus
[D] Darragh
WHICH IS THE LAST SURVIVING DRAGON IN “GAME OF THRONES?”
[A] Viserion
[B] Rhaegal
[C] Bronn
[D] Drogon
HOW LONG DID THE GUNFIGHT AT THE O.K. CORRAL LAST?
[A] 30 seconds
[B] 73 seconds
[C] 13 minutes
[D] 30 minutes
DONALD DUCK MADE HIS FIRST APPEARANCE IN WHAT CARTOON?
[A] Plane Crazy
[B] The Wise Little Hen
[C] Donald Gets Drafted
[D] Mickey’s Service Station
WHAT SPECIES OF OPOSSUM IS FOUND IN NORTH AMERICA?
[A] Missouri opossum
[B] Georgia opossum
[C] Virginia opossum
[D] Mississippi opossum
WHAT RIVER RUNS THROUGH THE CENTER OF BAGHDAD, IRAQ?
[A] Tigris
[B] Karun
[C] Euphrates
[D] Arno
WHICH OF THESE IS ONE OF THE CLOSEST LIVING RELATIVES OF THE TYRANNOSAURUS REX?
[A] Crocodile
[B] Kangaroo
[C] Chicken
[D] Cow
WHAT IS MARCH’S TWO BIRTHSTONES?
[A] Amethyst and Topaz
[B] Aquamarine and Bloodstone
[C] Opal and Garnet
[D] Ruby and Blue Topaz
The Final Countdown
Luck of the Irish
7 local Irish-themed locations in celebration of St Patrick’s Day
THE HARP IRISH PUB
163 SUNDERLAND RD • AMHERST, MA
WWW.THEHARPAMHERST.COM
The Harp Irish Pub is a lively bar with a classic rock soundtrack that sets the mood for an enjoyable dining experience. The menu features traditional Irish pub fare and offers a warm atmosphere, good food, and affordable prices, making it a popular spot for both drinks and meals. It’s a place where customers enjoy good conversation and delicious dishes.
MURPHY’S PUB
664 SUFFIELD ST • AGAWAM, MA
WWW.MURPHYSPUBAGAWAM.COM
A casual meeting place where friends and neighbors come to socialize while enjoying fine food and drink in the tradition of the pubs or “public houses” of Ireland. Offering daily lunch specials as well as weekly specials featuring delicious new twists on some of your favorite pub and comfort foods. They pride themselves on having a fine draft beer, whiskey, and bourbon selection.
BRENNAN’S PLACE
173 HIGH ST • HOLYOKE, MA
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ONLYATBRENNANS/
Brennan’s Place in Holyoke is a local favorite known for its exceptional Irish cuisine, friendly atmosphere, and lively energy. They offer a range of comfort food options, including burgers and traditional Irish dishes, complemented by a great selection of drinks. Brennan’s Place is also a hub for entertainment, featuring live music, bar games, and sports viewing, making it an ideal spot for a night out with friends.
CONNECTICUT IRISHAMERICAN HERITAGE TRAIL
LOCATED THROUGHOUT HARTFORD COUNTY AND CONNECTICUT
WWW.CTIRISHHERITAGE.ORG
For readers looking for a slice of Irish-American history, the Connecticut Irish-American Historical Society has compiled a Irish-American Heritage Trail throughout the state. Patrons can visit several sites throughout the Hartford County, including the home of Irish suffragette movement activist Catherine M. Flanagan at 56 Willard St. in Hartford and the St. Patrick Church on 64 Pearl St. in Enfield that was constructed by early Irish immigrants.
JOHN BOYLE O’REILLY CLUB
33 PROGRESS AVE • SPRINGFIELD, MA
HTTPS://JBO-CLUB.COM/
Founded in 1880, John Boyle O’Reilly Club and its members are dedicated Irish and Irish Americans who try to preserve and promote their heritage. The club hosts a variety of events and is open to all membership inquiries. The club is synonymous with their live broadcasts of different Gaelic games taking place in Ireland.
O’CONNELL’S IRISH PUB & GRILL
733 CHICOPEE ST • CHICOPEE, MA
HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/37SP2BS7
O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grill is a hidden gem in Chicopee, offering a wide variety of delicious dishes, including wings, shepherd’s pie, Reuben egg rolls, fish and chips, and wraps. The venue spotlights a variety of daily specials, local performers and Irish-infused food and beverage offerings.
IRISH CULTURAL CENTER
429 MORGAN RD • WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA
WWW.IRISHCENTERWNE.ORG
Working as a nonprofit organization, the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England focuses on providing access to a variety of Irish-oriented programming to foster an appreciation of Irish culture. Some of their offerings include informational lectures, concerts, exhibitions of art, artifacts and memorabilia and genealogical research. The center also serves as a bridge between the Irish government and the Western New England region.
