Let's Meet Cheryl Schatzman

How Long have you lived in town? 17 years

What do you like best about the Town? 

It’s a beautiful town with incredible scenery and a history that goes way back.  Our farm was started in the early 1700’s, which always amazes me to think that our home was built before we became a country.  There are so many places you can go to take in the view, including our backyard.  It’s such a friendly, tight-knit community and everyone helps each other.  Our district school system does an incredible job preparing our children for the future and motivating them to enjoy school. It’s great to have Lake Beseck down the street from us. It’s such a beautiful lake and changes with the seasons.

What do you like least about Middlefield?

I don’t understand why drivers get frustrated when our customers and our family take a left hand turn into our driveway.

Where do you work?

I grew up on a farm where we had both orchards and greenhouses so it’s not surprising that my life revolves around farming, particularly growing and nurturing plants. We own two businesses:  in Middlefield, which is a retail garden center and in Cheshire, which only sells wholesale plants.  In addition, I’m employed at The Hartford where I am a Business Specialist in the Claims Technology area. 

What is your Favorite Place to Eat?

Locally, I enjoy [Market] meals-to-go, and  (Meriden).  When traveling, I love to eat in Boston’s North end.  Favorite restaurants of mine are Francesca’s and Trattoria Il Panino.

What is your Favorite Place to go Shopping?

Locally, I enjoy shopping at Lino’s because I love Italian food.  Maybe this doesn’t count, but I do love shopping at Country Flower Farms.  There are so many places I shop locally; I frequent independent businesses in our town and surrounding towns. My husband says that I’m definitely on the way of stimulating our economy.  I also enjoy shopping while I’m on vacation and I always purchase something for our home that will always remind me of our trip.

What is your favorite Place to Visit?

I love anywhere with a nice beach or beautiful flowers.  Newport and Boston would have to be my favorite vacation spots. I just love Gooseberry Beach in Newport and all of the great restaurants there.  In Boston, I could spend the entire day just walking the parks, touring the gardens and even just walking the streets to enjoy the architecture.  Also, the food in Boston is incredible.

 Fondest Memory of Town?

I’m one of those people that just loves the Durham Fair and who counts down the days until it arrives.  I grew up in Wallingford, so I’ve been going to the fair my entire life.  It’s a tradition that I’ll enjoy forever.

Other fond memories in town our many Little League and Youth Soccer games in .

Any recent Accomplishments?

When your life revolves around farming every new season is an accomplishment.  Most recently, I am proud of our Garden Center which was voted one of the best Garden Centers by Record Journal readers. This accomplishment is not just mine, but also our staff’s.  The team you surround yourself with makes all of the difference in the world.

Any Personal thoughts you’d like to Share?

There is so much natural beauty that surrounds us in our small town and in our homes. I make sure I take the time to enjoy nature, family, and traditions.  These things are so important in helping to balance my life and are a nice deviation from the hustle and bustle of what needs to be accomplished everyday.