The Season of Gratitude
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November 2023 PUBLISHER
Bobbi Jo Girroir | bobbijo.girroir@citylifestyle.com MANAGING EDITOR
Sara Anderson | sara.anderson@citylifestyle.com
LIFESTYLE LETTER
The Month of Gratitude Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, gratitude, and volunteers giving their time to help their neighbors. This month’s issue moving forward will be focused on non-profits, local heroes, and individuals making a difference in our area. I am so thankful for the residents and businesses in our community who support so many wonderful organizations and help make our towns the vibrant communities that they are. I am especially grateful for the advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps each month. Any businesses who want to help us grow and support more community-based articles, I welcome your interest! Our ad partners provide the revenue necessary to be part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of our neighbors directly to you. This holiday season as we prepare to gather with our loved ones, and in the true spirit of Thanksgiving, let’s set time aside to consider what genuinely makes life meaningful and reflect on our most precious experiences. Blessings to you and your loved ones.
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Proverbs 3:5-6 West Springfield Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Springfield area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West Springfield Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered
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inside the issue The Thankful Issue
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F E ATU R E D
D E PA RTM E NTS
14 Friendsgiving Made Fun and Easy
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Lifestyle Letter
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City Scene
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Business Monthly
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Local Experiences
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Hosting Tips FO O D + B EV ER AG E
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Hometown Hero WELLNES S
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Self Care LI FE + C U LT U R E
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Giving Back HO ME + DES I GN
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Must See FI NA NC E + LEGA L S ERV IC E S
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Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E
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Events
How to host a Thanksgiving gathering of friends, even at the last minute!
18 Making a Difference for Veterans One Call Away Foundation changes lives, one call at a time
24 Helping Hands, and Hearts Too
A longstanding West Springfield organization assists homeowners in need
28 Assisting Area Businesses, Strengthening Our Communities Springfield nonprofit community development financial institution Common Capital creates economic opportunities in Western Massachusetts
O N T H E C OV E R
November is the month to gather, give, and be grateful!
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T H E L AW O F F I C E O F
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Recognized for over 30 years in Best Lawyers in America
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city scene
Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1
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WEST SPRINGFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT
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ROTARY CLUB OF AGAWAM
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AGAWAM POLICE DEPARTMENT
5 WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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WEST SPRINGFIELD COUNCIL ON AGING
AGAWAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF WEST SPRINGFIELD
1: Agawam Rotary hosted Agawam High School students at a luncheon at the Agawam Senior Center. 2: Mont Marie Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center sponsored West Springfield Senior Center’s ice cream social. 3: Newly retired West Springfield Fire Department Chief Bob Manchino and new Chief C.J. Bartone. 4: Agawam Police Department brought cruisers to the Agawam High School Cheerleaders car wash fundraiser. 5: Agawam Public Library employees visited the Springfield Armory National Historic Site and its library. 6: West of the River Chamber’s Celebrity Cornhole Tournament at the Trinity Pub in West Springfield. 7: Boys & Girls Club of West Springfield’s best and biggest Flutes and Flavors fundraiser yet!
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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.
Caring Solutions Now Offering Free, Accelerated Home Health Aide Course Caring Solutions is offering a free, accelerated, two-week course in their fully equipped training office. Their Home Health Aide curriculum meets the state standard, also providing the moral compass, work ethic, and compassion that Caring Solutions has been known for for more than 17 years. Students completing the course who pass the state certification exam can obtain employment serving elders in the healthcare field with one of the best homecare companies in Western Massachusetts. Photography by Caring Solutions
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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
Greta’s Beauty Bar Celebrates Fifth Anniversary; Beauty Academy Coming Soon
Quail Run Estates Senior Living in Agawam Has Remodeled
Greta D’Amours, owner of Greta’s Beauty Bar at 430 Main St., Suite 200, Agawam, celebrates her business’s fifth anniversary with clients, partners, colleagues, and friends on November 10 at the salon; call 413.886.4172 for details. In even bigger news, after eight years of experience as a permanent makeup artist and over a decade as a cosmetologist, Greta is planning the opening of Greta’s Beauty Academy for students seeking a permanent makeup course.
Holiday by Atria, a national senior living community, coordinated a complete remodel at Quail Run Estates. In existence for over 30 years, it recently had a full community “face lift,” from the communal dining area through each of the living spaces. Flooring, paint, accessories, and furnishings were implemented to provide the community with a more modern feel, creating living spaces that are welcoming to accommodate today’s residents with a contemporary standard of design for living.
Photography by Karen Slack Photography
Photography by Holiday by Atria
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Greg Sanocki Joins Eastern States Exposition as Communications/ Social Media Specialist The Eastern States Exposition announced that Greg Sanocki has joined its marketing department as its communications and social media specialist. Sanocki comes from his seven-year position as the Westfield State University marketing department’s social media and digital content specialist. In his new role with the Eastern States Exposition, Sanocki will oversee digital and social media marketing initiatives, collaborating with departments to ensure seamless digital communication and creating and producing effective marketing and public relations communications. Photography by Greg Sanocki
West Springfield’s Parsons Sewing Connections Owner Attended Brother Experience Convention Parsons Sewing Connections owner Anne Marie Whelihan (right) and employee Jennipher McCabe (left) attended the Brother Experience Convention to learn about newly launched Brother products. Parsons now carries the PrintModa fabric printer and the new Stellaire 2, and a sublimation printer, with the Skitch free-arm embroidery machine coming soon. Whelihan also attended the Husqvarna Viking Convention that launched the Husqvarna Designer Epic 3. Pictured are bags with fabric made on the PrintModa fabric printing machine.
West Springfield Boys and Girls Club Resumes Evening Teen Hours The Boys and Girls Club of West Springfield has resumed teen evening hours Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Activities include a 3-D printing course, E-sports, open gym, Zumba, art activities, and “Pizza with a Professional” nights with guest speakers from various professional backgrounds. Open to West Springfield 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, the six-month program costs $25 per member; financial assistance is available. Call 413.736.1831. Expanded age groups are potentially anticipated.
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Photography by Parsons Sewing Connections
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local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.
Being thankful for what we have and giving back to those in need is important year round, and particularly during the holidays. We love our West Springfield Lifestyle community and want to support our people and organizations in as many ways as we can, so join us in paying it forward with these local opportunities. Whether you give of your time or money, you can make a truly meaningful impact in our community.
Our Picks to Pay it Forward THE PAR ISH CUPBOAR D: West Springfield’s Parish Cupboard provides meals and groceries to individuals and families in need throughout West Springfield, Agawam, and Feeding Hills. Call 413.734.7969. 1023 Main St., West Springfield, MA 01089 R OTAR Y CLUB OF AGAWAM: The Rotary Club of Agawam gives scholarships to area college students, and does so much more! P.O. Box 587, Agawam, MA 01001 DAKIN HUMANE SOCIETY: Nonprofit Dakin Humane Society provides shelter and medical care for more than 20,000 animals and pet owners annually, and is always in need. Call 413.781.4000. 171 Union St., Springfield, MA 01105 AGAWAM COUNCIL ON AGING: If you are interested in giving back to the community by helping seniors, consider joining the Agawam Council on Aging Volunteer Program by calling 413.726.2836. 954 Main St., Agawam, MA 01089 BOYS & GIR LS CLUB OF WEST SPR INGFIELD: Change a child’s life at the Boys & Girls Club of West Springfield through donations, community partnerships, sponsoring an event, and more. Call 413.726.2836. 615 Main St., West Springfield, MA 01089
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Friendsgiving Made Fun and Easy
ARTICLE BY ANGELA GROUT
How to host a Thanksgiving gathering of friends, even at the last minute!
Friendsgiving has become increasingly popular over the past decade. With family around the country, work schedules that don’t accommodate traveling, the high cost of air travel, and a pandemic that forced everyone to stay home, the tradition of celebrating Friendsgiving is here to stay!
SIDE DISHES & DESSERTS
Assigning side dishes helps the host’s time and budget. Homemade or storebought vegetable casseroles and quiches are easy, along with traditional root vegetables and mashed potatoes. As the host, roast a turkey, or make turkey kebabs or legs for simple serving!
YOUR GUEST LIST
Friendsgiving’s guests can include nearby friends, acquaintances, co-workers, and neighbors who may be alone for the holiday. Create a welcoming invitation verbally, in the mail, or through email so guests feel comfortable knowing what to expect; include a potluck side dish/dessert list.
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H OST IN G T IP S | FOOD + BE VE RAGE
MAKE A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL
Prepare a large pitcher of a Friendsgiving cocktail ahead—a popular seasonal cocktail is the apple cider Moscow mule, garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks for serving. Invite friends to bring their favorite wine, mocktail, craft soda, or microbrew.
DELECTABLE DESSERTS
Store-bought pies or a treasured family recipe are great desserts. Guests can bring dessert hot by wrapping bricks in foil and heating with the dessert in the oven—just pack bricks and dessert to go on moist towels in a cooler.
SIMPLE YET STUNNING TABLE DECOR
Friendsgiving decorating doesn’t have to break your budget. A table illuminated with candles, small gourds, colorful fall leaves, sugar pumpkins, and pinecones is all you need. For flower lovers, sunflowers or mums always complement the buffet or dining table.
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GAME IDEAS
Playing games can generate laughs all night. Jenga, Pictionary, Uno, and non-traditional games like Feather Plucking can keep the festivities rolling. Supply a bag of feathers, and have guests roll dice to select how many feathers they must put in their hair or clothing. When all feathers are used, then roll to pluck that many feathers off one another. The one with the most feathers at the end of the game must do the dishes as the surviving turkey!
PREPARING YOUR HOME
Don’t stress—just clean and declutter the rooms your guests will occupy: the kitchen, dining area, and living room, either DIY or hiring a housecleaner to save time. Don’t forget to clean, stock, and add décor to the bathroom, and add decorative touches such as candles and gourds wherever guests may roam.
HAVE A DRESS CODE
A Friendsgiving “dress code” is a fun idea. Word your invitations to include “dress casual for our game of flag football” or “Pilgrim hats will be provided,” or you can go for formalwear or as informal as a pajama party!
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H OST IN G T IP S | FOOD + BE VE RAGE
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Making a Difference for Veterans As the new publisher of West Springfield Lifestyle, my purpose is to help someone in our community with every issue. November honors Veterans Day, and I pray that this article provides a resource for a veteran or military member, or someone seeking a resource to help their loved one. I knew as a child that my father had served in the Army in Vietnam, but he never discussed it. His Purple Hearts, medals, and Bible were tucked away on a top shelf in my bedroom
closet. When I was in college and we went to see the movie Forrest Gump, I realized why those medals were so far out of reach and out of mind for Dad. In one scene, an ambush catches Gump unaware, and my father gripped my hand. He felt he was right back there and was petrified, and his years of repression poured out in tears and anguish. While I knew he had physical scars, neither I nor the rest of my family knew about Dad’s deep mental wounds until years later when he decided to tell his story.
ONE CALL AWAY FOUNDATION CHANGES LIVES, ONE CALL AT A TIME
ARTICLE BY BOBBI-JO GIRROIR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURIE HINES
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H OM E TOWN H E R O | WELLNE S S
I recently learned about the Agawam-based One Call Away Foundation (OCA), a nonprofit organization created by president and Army infantry veteran David Sutton to promote post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) awareness and prevent veteran suicide in Western Massachusetts. It’s estimated that approximately twenty military members or veterans end their lives every day in the U.S. One Call Away operates a 24/7 hotline at 413.367.8738, linking callers with OCA members John, Roland, Ron, or David. David’s can-do spirit inspired him to gather friends from the Patriot Guard Riders and others, including veterans, to form the foundation, giving hands-on help to individuals isolated from established caregiving organizations for veterans and military members. The OCA includes co-founder and vice president Roland Gratton, co-founder and treasurer Ron Sassarone, secretary Christine Sassarone, co-founder Rick Prater, and board members John Schott, Jr. and Andrea Scalise. David works a fulltime job in addition to being a hotline volunteer, and is also a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, an organization that attends veterans’ funerals and shields families of fallen heroes from those that would disrupt the services of their loved ones. He says he was struck by the staggering number of military veterans who die by suicide. “I thought, there’s got to be something we can do,” he explains. “I wanted to find a way to help veterans and military members who struggle with the psychological problems brought on by PTSD.” The organization’s mission is to provide a risk-free environment by offering anonymous peer support on an individual or group basis, and to provide financial support for those in recovery. One Call Away also runs the Veterans Support Center, open Monday through Friday and the third Saturday monthly, at 104 Ramah Circle in
Agawam, with hours posted on their website at onecallawayfoundation.org. The center provides support groups for veterans, first responders, and their families, a veterans’ Alcoholics Anonymous group on Saturday evenings, and a no-cost food pantry. Christine Sassarone, who manages the Veterans Support Center’s daily operations, says, “The pantry started in November 2019 just before Thanksgiving and it grew from there.” The pantry is open for active military, reservists, National Guard and Coast Guard members, veterans, widowed spouses, and spouses of active duty members. It is not income based; sign up requires only proof of qualification as a current or veteran military member and your phone number. Food is provided by the Western Massachusetts Food Bank, the organization’s fundraisers, and private donations, and is operated like a grocery store, with recipients selecting the specific items they need and prefer. The offerings include canned and dry goods, cereals, snacks, and other pantry staples, first aid supplies, household essentials, health and beauty products, over-the-counter medications, and infant items. Christine notes that, “This year, a local store donated backpacks, and we’ll also have jackets for the colder weather. Each person registered that meets the qualifications can receive one coat per year.” The foundation operates by holding two annual fundraisers to raise money to help local veterans and military members in Western Massachusetts. The first is its motorcycle ride and barbecue held in September at Whalley Park in Southwick; riders pay a fee, which includes the barbecue. The fundraiser is open to the public, with raffle prizes, many vendors, and the minimal-cost barbecue. Vendors can set up for free with a donation of a gift for the raffle table. The second fundraiser, a car show hosted by Rods & Mods, benefits the Veterans Support Center and is also held at Whalley Park.
“I wanted to find a way to help veterans and
military members who struggle with
problems brought on by PTSD.”
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“When we set up at events, it gives those who seek help someone to talk to face to face.”
One Call Away’s annual motorcycle ride and barbecue fundraiser
Christine says, “The motorcycle ride not only generates needed funds, it also gives a base to be able to reach out to those who need someone to talk with and receive information on how they can be helped. When we set up at events, it gives those who seek help someone to talk to face to face.”
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In addition to One Call Away’s devoted staff, many dedicated volunteers give countless hours to support the organization, and an extensive number of local businesses and private donors help to keep the foundation going. For information about the organization, to get support, to volunteer, or to donate, call the office at 413.301.6026 or visit onecallawayfoundation.org.
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Daily Gratitude Journal Prompts ARTICLE BY DELIA JO RAMSEY The art of gratitude can be healing well beyond the month of November, but this is a great time of year to get in the true mindset of gratefulness. To aid in your endeavors, check out these 30 daily gratitude journal prompts and stick to them until it feels natural.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
14. 15. 16. 17.
18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.
26. 27. 28. 29. 30.
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Five things that make you happy instantly: Did you get any pleasant surprises today? Did you do any acts of kindness today? What's something big or small you can do for those less fortunate than yourself? Five personality traits you're grateful for: Favorite song and how does it make you feel? One small step you can take toward overcoming a challenge you currently face: List something good that caught your attention today. What nice thing did another person do for you this week? What's something you did for another person this week? Three things you own that make your life easier: How can you turn something that makes you angry into something more pleasant? Think of five people who irritate you or you have trouble getting along with. Name three positive qualities about them. What are you most thankful for in your life? Name three of your significant accomplishments. Most stunning place you’ve ever visited: Think about the personalities and unique qualities of someone you admire. Which qualities of them do you want to see in yourself, too? What's your favorite holiday and why? What friends are you most grateful for having in your life? What basic daily necessities are you thankful for today? What are you grateful for in your career? Focus on your five senses and write down how you can make them more active. Three elements of nature you're most grateful for: Three things you love about your town: List three struggles you experienced and overcame in your life. What did you do to overcome them, and who helped you through them? What meals do you enjoy most? Something you saw this week that melted your heart: A time when someone went out of their way to support you: A happy memory from childhood: Make a list of five places you'd like to visit and consider visiting at least one very soon.
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Helping Hands, and Hearts Too A longstanding West Springfield organization assists homeowners in need ARTICLE BY KELLIE WAGNER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA WATERFIELD
For most, finding the time to volunteer is not always easy. But volunteers working with West Springfield-based nonprofit West Side Helping Hands seem to have a camaraderie that keeps them going, project after project. “The regular volunteers we get each year are a lot of fun,” says Richard Peck, who serves as the organization’s clerk and secretary. “From the carpenters to the painters, we do get our hands dirty.” West Side Helping Hands (WSHH) was established in the 1990s as West Side Neighborhood Rehab, Inc. to help establish, maintain, and provide affordable housing in West Springfield. The organization has provided home
rehabilitation, tree planting, maintenance services, advocacy, and even tornado recovery. All work is done at no cost to qualifying residents. “I started as a volunteer a good decade and a half ago,” Richard, a project manager, says. “I wanted to help the community.” WSHH’s Treasurer Dori Hayes says she became involved at the nudge of a dear friend in 2005. That friend, Diane Crowell, passed away in 2015. “Diane came to me the day I retired,” Dori, former town of West Springfield benefits coordinator and treasurer, says. “She was the inspiration for this organization, and she did a lot for the town.” CONTINUED >
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“The regular volunteers we get each year are a lot of fun. From the carpenters to the painters, we do get our hands dirty.”
The organization focuses on projects in the southeastern portion of town, also known as the Merrick neighborhoods, where the need is the greatest, but also works in other areas. One such project is the Adopt a House Program. Homes are rehabilitated for qualifying residents who complete an application in the fall for the next application cycle. Applications for the 2024 cycle can be obtained at the Community Development Office at West Springfield Town Hall. In 2022 and 2023, the group helped rehabilitate several homes and restored the flag pole at Altamont Ave. “We look for a match between people who apply and what our capabilities are,” Richard says. “We consider all applications that come our way, and try to help in some capacity. So far, the resources we possess have matched up with the applications.” Donations have come from local businesses in town, such as the Eastern States Exposition, along with church organizations and groups like the Rotary Club. Numerous private donors have also been generous in recent years. “We can always use more,” Dori says of making sure future projects are able to be funded. The organization has also completed projects that benefit the community as a whole, and it has helped schools, parks, and the Senior Center. For some projects, the organization has collaborated with other nonprofits, including the Boys and Girls Club of West Springfield and the Parish Cupboard. One example is the tree-planting program that began after the devastating tornado in 2011, which damaged many homes and trees in the Merrick area.
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Several recovery projects were offered by the group, which assisted the Federal Emergency Management Agency in planning a long-term effort. Richard says often there are recovery needs not covered by insurance, and the organization works to fill the gap financially for homeowners. “I became more active at that point,” he says. Dori says that the group would like to revive town-pride events that have been dormant in recent years. Awards were previously given to homeowners for outstanding gardens or home upkeep, as well as to those who showed good citizenship to their neighbors. “People that were once involved have aged out of it, so to speak,” Dori says of getting new volunteers to help with this revival effort. WSHH also offers a town-wide shredding event twice a year, most recently in October, and a spring cleanup effort that draws teenagers seeking community service work to participate in. “Just knowing that we can help people puts a smile on my heart,” Dori says. In addition to Diane Crowell, William Forfa was instrumental in creating West Side Neighborhood Rehab, Inc., the original organization that became West Side Helping Hands. They, along with many volunteers, helped create an active and vital organization. The example they set continues to guide the organization today, Richard says, noting that President Paul Taillefer has kept the organization “true to its mission.” West Side Helping Hands 413.244.1389 Richpeck11@aol.com facebook.com/WestSideHelp
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Assisting
Area Businesses, Strengthening
Our Communities
Springfield nonprofit community development financial institution Common Capital creates economic opportunities in Western Massachusetts You want to start a business, but you’re not “bankable”—meaning you can’t get the capital you need from traditional lenders like banks, who typically have lower interest rates and less risk than other options. That’s where Springfield nonprofit Common Capital can lend a hand—and much-needed funds. Founded in 1990, the organization has made loans totaling $29.9 million to nearly 800 businesses that have created or retained close to 2,000 jobs in Western Massachusetts. Common Capital strengthens communities, creating economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income people, women, people of color, and immigrants. President Raymond Lanza-Weil explains, “Common Capital is a non-profit community loan fund and small business administration micro-lender whose mission is to responsibly create economic opportunities for historically underserved businesses. We are especially proud of the diversity of our loan activity and the impact we’ve had on our local community.” Roberto Nieves, director of communications and outreach, explains, “We want to prevent people from accessing high-cost financing options such as fast money lenders, credit cards, and fintechs that lend online. After two to three years, we aim to get our clients bankable.” Common Capital augments its loans with free business assistance that supports borrowers’ growth and success. Roberto says, “We invest in marketing, accounting, human resources, and operations to give business assistance to our clients. Our team is small and you get to know all of us here on a first-name basis. It’s relationship-based lending.” Read on to learn about four fantastic Common Capital clients.
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M UST SE E | FINAN CE + L E GAL S E RVI CE S
Colorful Resilience West Springfield’s Colorful Resilience LLC provides outpatient mental health services predominantly but not exclusively to immigrants, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ clients through in-person and virtual therapy. Mayrena Guerrero, LMHC, had years of experience in the field before founding Colorful Resilience in February 2022 to help meet the outpatient mental health needs of the various communities she has been providing services to throughout her career.
ARTICLE BY SARA ANDERSON
Joey’s Deli & Market
Black Rose Trucking
Mike’s Auto Service & Repair
Jon Cunningham, head chef of Joey’s Deli & Market in Agawam, was laid off when the pandemic struck. With over 25 years of experience, he turned his challenge into an opportunity, opening Joey’s in 2021 as a storefront to sell his prepared dinners. The business expanded into a full deli with many menu items, all made in house. Jon firmly believes in community and features local representation in the products he sells and food he serves.
Holyoke-based Black Rose Trucking, specializing in dump truck hauling at construction sites and asphalt work, is run by mother–daughter team Yolanda Rodriguez and Ashley Ayala. They opened mid-pandemic in early 2021 and are now planning an expansion, having bought a second truck and hired a new employee. Yolanda and Ashley have years of experience in trucking and are proud to be women in the industry, with plans to expand their business to ten-plus vehicles.
Michael Zabik, a Certified Master Technician with over 20 years of experience, runs his family-owned and -operated shop. During the pandemic, Mike turned to Common Capital for funding to purchase equipment and make leasehold improvements to his shop. Mike is dedicated to excellence in his work and also gives back extensively to the community, including helping a local Boy Scout troop earn their automotive maintenance badge, and fundraising for the West Springfield Parish Cupboard.
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a festive pairing The age-old question, “What wine goes with turkey?” is answered. ARTICLE BY MARY ABEL
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It’s a question heard every year about this time: “What are the best wines to serve with Thanksgiving dinner?” “In my early days in the wine business, the answer was pretty cut and dried because it was all based on the assumption that you had a turkey that came out of the oven that was dry, and so you’re almost guaranteed to need something with a little bit of sweetness to it to help balance that out,” James Lewis says. James is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years. “I’d recommend a sweet or off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Something that will help with that dry meat that you’re about to choke down.” But now, with all the ways people are preparing the big bird, he says that conversation has become a lot more interesting and fun. “People are frying turkeys, which come out really moist and delicious. They’re smoking turkeys and they’re doing them on the grill,” James says. “Now, when I’m asked that question, I always ask how the turkey is going to be cooked because any given preparation is going to call for something a little bit different. “If you’re deep frying it, it’s going to come out very moist with a fair bit of fat, so you need something that’s going to cut through that. So you can go with a dry white, you can do a dry Riesling, or you could try a French Chardonnay, which typically doesn’t have that big, rich mouthfeel that California Chardonnay would have. It’s crisper and cleaner with high acidity.” For those who prefer red wines, James says that a fried or smoked turkey can handle something a bit bolder and full-bodied. “Try something like a Pinot Noir. It’s not at all heavyhanded. When I’m talking about red wines, and
I talk about heavy-handed or big—Cabernet is big and full-bodied. I call it the linebacker of the wine world. Then you’ve got Pinot Noir, which is more about balance and elegance. So, if Cabernet is a linebacker, Pinot Noir would be the ballerina. They’re both athletes, but with different approaches to athletics, so they have different approaches to your palate. Cabernet is big, dry, and highly tannic, so you might serve a Cabernet or Malbec if you’re having a steak for Thanksgiving, but you wouldn’t want to do that with a turkey. “With a turkey,” James continues, “you want something that’s going to have a little more acidity, less tannins, and medium body; not that big mouth-filling richness. You can do a Beaujolais or an old-world Italian Sangiovese, which tends to be a very food-friendly wine.” Somewhere in between might be a soft, flirty rosé. And rosé wine seems to be having a moment. “Rosé was always thought of as a summer wine, but people are now drinking it year-round. It’s an excellent choice to go with turkey.” What about bubbles? “I almost hesitate to answer that because it’s kind of the easy answer. You can drink Champagne or sparkling with anything because of that really bright acidity. Especially if you have a fried bird, a Prosecco or sparkling wine is going to cut right through that fattiness and balance it out really nicely.” If you’re hosting a tableful of friends and family this year, James says it’s easy to bring together a collection of wines that will please the crowd. “If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”
“If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”
CONTINUED >
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What if I’m serving ham this year? “Lots of people have ham for Thanksgiving, right? It’s very traditional to pair ham and Pinot. But again, you can get creative. You can do a Grenache, you can do a Beaujolais…really, any of those medium-bodied reds will be delicious. “
What about dessert? “If you’re having pumpkin pie for dessert, I would go with something like a tawny port. The spiciness of the pie combined with that kind of nuttiness and caramel notes of a tawny port? Lovely. And it would work with an apple pie as well.”
How much should I spend on a bottle of wine? “That’s kind of an impossible question to answer because wine is so incredibly subjective. That said, I’m a firm believer that there is an absolute ocean of delicious wine in that $15–$25 retail price point. If you go to your wine shop and tell them you’re looking for a nice off-dry Riesling for around 20 bucks, they should be able to find you something that’ll work really well. There’s no reason to break the bank.” James Lewis is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years, and he and his wife Nancie own Crush Wine Bar in Castle Rock Colorado.
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GET INSPIRED E AT & D R I N K SHOP LOCAL YO U R D I G I TA L D E S T I N AT I O N FOR LOCAL LIVING
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events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
NOVE M BE R 4 T H
Annual Fall Chrysanthemum Show
SMITH COLLEG E BOTAN IC GA R DE N, 1 22 G R E E N ST., NO RT H A MP TO N, MA | 1 0 :0 0 A M As fall colors fade outdoors, a riot of color erupts in the Lyman Conservatory at Smith College Botanic Garden. Running two weeks starting Saturday, November 4, including the third weekend. Featuring an extraordinary display of blooms in a variety of shapes and colors. Suggested donation: $5.00. Call 413.585.2740 for hours and information; groups of 10-plus must schedule in advance. NOVE M BE R 4 T H
Holiday Bazaar
H ERITAG E WOODS S EN IOR LIV I NG , 5 5 C O O P E R ST., AGAWA M, MA | 1 0 :0 0 A M Heritage Woods in Agawam has been hosting its annual bazaar and craft fair for 19 years. Dozens of vendors will showcase homemade items, crafts, candles, jewelry, holiday decorations, and more! There will also be a raffle, bake sale, and lunch available. From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Call 413.786.9704 for information. NOVE M BE R 9 T H
Equine Affaire
E ASTERN STATES EXPOS ITION, 1 30 5 ME MO R I A L AV E ., WE ST S P R I NG F I E L D, MA | 9 :0 0 A M From November 9–12, learn from foremost trainers, coaches, competitors, and judges with more than 150 sessions, and view products from 350-plus exhibitors. Meet, buy, and sell horse breeds from around the world. See the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition, and Fantasia, a magical, musical celebration at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Visit equineaffaire.com or call 413.737.2443. NOVE M BE R 1 8T H
Old Deerfield Holiday Craft Fair
E ASTERN STATES EXPOS ITION B E T T E R L I V I NG C E NT E R , 1 30 5 ME MO R I A L AV E ., WE ST SP RIN G FIELD, MA | 9:00 AM Saturday and Sunday, see over 200 makers in ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, fashion, woodworking, glass, leather, fiber, fine art, and more. Enjoy live music and explore a miniature circa-1897 New England village preparing for the holidays. Visit with Santa from 10–12 and 1–3 both days. Children 12 and under free. Information and discount admission coupons at deerfield-craft.org. NOV EMBE R 2 4 T H
Joe Bonamassa Live in Concert
SY MPHON Y HALL, 34 COURT ST., S P R I NG F I E L D, MA | 8 :0 0 P M Blues-rock musician Joe Bonamassa is hailed internationally as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation and cited by Guitar World Magazine as “the world’s biggest blues guitarist.” Backed by a stellar band of legendary musicians. Call 413.273.5000 or visit mgmspringfield.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/symphony-hall.html. NOVE M BE R 2 9 T H
Bright Nights At Forest Park Military and Emergency Responders Night
FOR EST PAR K, 300 S UMN ER AV E ., S P R I NG F I E L D, MA | 5 :0 0 P M Bright Nights offers free admission this special night to emergency first responders, active/retired military, law enforcement, firefighters, EMS personnel, and their families. Enjoy the three-mile drive through the magnificent holiday lights, a complimentary carousel ride for the children, and a Yankee Candle Car Jar (while supplies last). Valid identification required. From 5 to 9 p.m.; call 413.733.3800.
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