GREATER WESTFIELD-Since 1914 when Mother’s Day became an official U.S. holiday, moms traditionally have been bestowed with gifts, cards and flowers. While some more traditional aspects of Mother’s Day won’t be doable this weekend – like dining in at a favorite restaurant due to the COVID-19 pandemic— there are countless ways to make the day special.
From preparing a special breakfast for mom to handling some extra chores to lighten her load, just making mom feel special will probably make her day.
Local business owners are also offering ways this weekend for families to recognize mom, including Phyllisa Phillips of Gilte Phyl’s Bakery, offering a special “Mother’s Day Bakery in a Box,” delivered to your door.
“Everything is personalized and custom made so it’s first-come, first-served,” said Phillips, adding that the delectable goodies can also include a handmade card.
A special Mother’s Day Bakery in a Box, created by Phyllisa Phillips of Gilte Phyl’s Bakery in Westfield, is still taking orders and deliveries are free in Westfield. (PHYLLISA PHILLIPS PHOTO)
“One of my favorite parts of this is the personal stories I hear from so many customers and why sending a fresh baked care package to their people is so important right now,” said Phillips. “I give customers the option of making a card or a handwritten note and texting that to me to be included with their bakery box delivery.”
Phillips said she has a “no physical contact procedure” when a customer contacts her.
“We figure the perfect package and then I connect with the recipient letting them know the package will be left on their porch and giving them the option to have their photo taken from over six feet away to be sent back to the orderer. People really seem to like putting on their good sweats and coming outside to get their picture taken … and of course … their gift.”
Phillips noted her wine themed box orders have been “very popular” of late and she also has a non-wine option. Wine themed goodies include a dark chocolate Merlot cupcake, buttercup cookie dipped in royal icing and finished with edible markers, Merlot meringue cookies, a chocolate dipped butter crisp cookie with edible image (in white or dark chocolate), a package of her specialty SnackKrack, and a chocolate rose pop.
“Business has been so crazy,” said Phillips, adding her bakery business is all delivery since she does not have a brick and mortar shop. The cost of the Mother’s Day bakery box is $48 and delivered free in Westfield. For more details, call (413) 454-4024.
Phyllisa Phillips of Gilte Phyl’s Bakery in Westfield specializes in custom made cupcakes and cookies that can be combined to make unique gift packages. (PHYLLISA PHILLIPS PHOTO)
“Customers can choose from pre-priced packages, substituting in the recipient’s favorite flavors,” said Phillips, adding, “I am still taking orders for Mother’s Day.”
With spring comes an abundance of flowers – and while area wholesalers might be having a difficult time filling some orders locally – flower shops, nurseries and the always popular Westfield Technical Academy (WTA) annual plant sale offers a lot of options.
“We have a great selection of flowers,” said Chris Crepeau, a designer at Flowers by Webster at 52 Court St., Westfield. “We will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. for customers and will have tulips, peonies, hydrangea, daffodils, roses, carnations, daisies and a host of garden flowers.”
Crepeau noted that if someone would like an arrangement, she recommends a “designer’s choice” version.
“It might be necessary to make a substitution for a particular flower since we’re limited to what wholesalers have available,” said Crepeau, adding the shop is “completely booked up” this weekend on making special deliveries. For more details, call (413) 562-4474.
Also in Westfield, WTA students who have spent months cultivating hundreds of plants will see the fruits of their labor relocate to homes across the area as local residents descend on the greenhouse on Greylock Street this weekend. Plant sale hours are Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Persons checking out the sale are asked to wear a face mask and observe social distancing guidelines.
In Southwick, Russell Fox of Southwick Florist and Fox Farms said the shop at 636 College Highway will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. for pick up and local deliveries, and on Sunday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. for pick up only.
“In addition to fresh flower arrangements we also offer flowering plants for both indoor and outdoor and garden plants,” said Fox, adding that orders for delivery or pick up can be placed by calling (413) 569-5962.
For persons out and about this weekend, a drive through area towns will also see several local farms now open for business and selling a variety of flowers as well as fruits and vegetables in season.
Since mom – and everyone else in the household – has spent more time in the house than usual these past few weeks, perhaps just a short drive to a local eatery or ice cream establishment for take-out service might be just what mom would desire. Since several businesses are open on Mother’s Day, it is recommended to call ahead or check the company’s website for specific hours and take-out service menu items.
The iconic burger and ice cream shop, The Summer House on Routes 10 and 202 in Southwick, is open for take-out orders. Patrons are asked to enjoy their meal in their car since outdoor seating is not available due to social distancing guidelines still in place. From soups including chili to salads, burgers, hot dogs and fried specialties including clam strips, the menu is extensive and appeals to all ages and taste preferences.
“We would love to treat your mom to a hot fudge sundae or other sweet treat,” said Steven Grimaldi, co-owner of The Summer House with his brother Rick.
Other sweet treats at The Summer House include a hot caramel apple crisp sundae, banana split, peanut butter cup sundae, s’mores sundae, strawberry shortcake sundae, or a “flurry mix” of soft serve ice cream mixed with selected candy toppings.
Also in Southwick, Moo-licious Ice Cream at 258 Feeding Hills Road is also serving up a variety of food specialties and homemade ice cream, including a Key Lime Pie flavor.
“We are thrilled to be open,” said Joe Deedy, owner, adding his business features 60 flavors of homemade ice cream.
“Our recipe is 16 percent butterfat with no preservatives, our ice cream is all-natural,” said Deedy. “Also, on Mother’s Day, we will be giving free sprinkles for the moms.”
In Westfield, the 1950s themed ice cream shop Munchy’s Malt Shop serves up homemade milkshakes, hard ice cream and soft serve, sundaes, ice cream sodas, and a variety of meal choices.
“We serve Gifford’s ice cream from Maine,” said Debbie Schultz, owner. “We are known for our milkshakes, people love them, and we are excited to be adding a new flavor, Peanut Butter Pie.”
Munchy’s, at 24 North Elm St., is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 12 – 8 p.m., and can be reached by calling (413) 391-4033.
“We will be open Mother’s Day,” said Schultz.
Another local ice cream destination, Northside Creamery at 519 Southampton Road, Westfield, has opened for the season and features 20 flavors including unique names like Creme Brûlée and Black Squirrel.
For moms who enjoy pizza and wings, Vedat Kan, owner of Millie’s Kitchen and Pizzeria at 1029 North Road, Westfield, said he is offering a “Mother’s Day special” of a large pizza, 12 wings and a two-liter bottle of soda for $26.95.
“When calling in an order, just mention the Mother’s Day special,” said Kan. The number to call Millie’s is (413) 532-5300.
For persons considering getting outside for some exercise and fresh air, a walk or bike ride on the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail or Southwick Rail Trail might be a fun escape for the entire family.
While in years past many families would also descend on Stanley Park in Westfield for a picnic or leisurely walk, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the park is currently closed for all activities but is open for people to come and walk in the park or the sanctuary “at their own risk,” according to Robert McKean, managing director, Stanley Park.
McKean noted to ensure proper safety precautions for his rangers, patrons and visitors inside Stanley Park during the COVID-19 pandemic, the gates are not open for parking.
“We also request that all visitors monitor and abide by the City of Westfield parking rules and respect for neighbors’ homes and driveways on all streets around the park,” said McKean.
McKean added that the restrooms and play structures are closed until the state of emergency is lifted to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“We ask all park visitors to be thoughtful and mindful of others while visiting the park and follow the prevention guidelines given by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health,” said McKean.
As each family takes into consideration the “new normal” when planning mom’s special day, know that just your presence would always be enough. Of course, a sweet treat, handmade card or flowers might be the icing on the cake to let her know how much she is treasured.
