Northampton, MA July 2023

Summer Fun!

Packard’s serves a variety of dishes with locally sourced fresh ingredients. A large selection of local and domestic beer on tap and in bottle. A full bar with seasonally changing cocktails and mocktails. Three floors of pool tables and more.

I hope this letter finds you laying by the pool or lake and soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D.

As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, I find myself eagerly anticipating the arrival of summer. There's just something about this season that brings about a sense of excitement and adventure.

Sure, Fall has my favorite flavors and scents, Winter has its cozy charms and I can't deny the beauty of Spring. But when the Summer solstice rolls around, I’m more than ready for the long, languid days sitting by the pool or floating on a boat.

The pages in our Summer issue will help you make the most of this season.  And even if Summer doesn't mean three months of summer vacation anymore (because we're, you know, adults), we can still look forward to an adventure by crossing things off our ultimate Summer bucket list (check the table of contents for ours!), going out for drinks and a meal at any of the local establishments, or grilling the perfect steak.

As always, we love to hear from you! Let us know what you think of our grilling tips, and be sure to tag us @westfield_northampton_cl if you check off a Summer Bucket List memory!

Yours in health,

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Candice Berube | candice.berube@citylifestyle.com 413-519-6752

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Madeline LeBlanc | madeline.leblanc@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Connie Jansen, Madeline LeBlanc, Maureen Sullivan, Abigail Taylor

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Hannah Josephine Photography, Kat Kattler Photography, Madeline LeBlanc

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

YOUR HOME FOR ALL THINGS FITNESS

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Visit us today for a tour.

WELCOMING WILD ROOTS EATERY!

SERVING DELICIOUS, QUALITY, CLEAN FOODS FOR BREAKFAST AND LUNCH.

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @Westfield_Northampton_CL

1: Reader Submission! 2: FLYNNIRITA! Ghost tequila, muddled cucumber, sour mix, agave, Cointreau, and a Tajin rim! 3: Florence Wednesday Farmers Market! 4: Beautiful Ackwoven bracelets from Ooh La La at Thornes Market Place. 5: Get your falafel fix at Pita Pockets! 6: A burst of color on a lucky rainy day! 7: Nourish Wellness Cafe and Juice Bar!

JAMES SULLIVAN

PASSALONGS

NOURISH WELLNESS CAFE AND JUICE BAR

FLORENCE WEDNESDAY FARMERS MARKET THE TUNNEL BAR

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Florence Bank has promoted Candace Pereira

Florence Bank has promoted Candace Pereira of East Longmeadow to the role of vice president / commercial lender. Since 2018, she has worked at Florence Bank as assistant vice president / commercial portfolio manager in the Commercial Lending department. In her new role, Pereira will concentrate on commercial and industrial lending, and lending to women-owned businesses.

Amherst’s Turku Named bankESB Retail SVP

bankESB recently announced that Gary Turku has been named senior vice president, and retail banking officer for bankESB, succeeding Nancy Lapointe who recently retired. Turku, of Amherst, joined bankESB in May 2021 as the vice president, branch officer of the bank’s former Locust St., Northampton office, later transitioning to the 36 Main St., Easthampton, main office.

Chester Theatre Company Announces Full Casting for the 2023 Season

Recently appointed Co-Producing Artistic Directors James Barry and Tara Franklin are pleased to announce the full casting for Chester Theatre Company’s 2023 season, the first under their direction. Barry and Franklin are known for their award-winning work on the Town Hall Theatre stage, and they are excited to now be heading the organization and programming works for Chester audiences.  chestertheatre.org

ARTICLE BY MAUREEN SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH JOSEPHINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Union Station

YOU HAVE ARRIVED AT YOUR FOOD AND DRINK DESTINATION

Union Station is a destination. The stately and historic former train station, built in 1896, was the hub for excitement, expectation, and adventure for travelers coming to and from Northampton.

Today, Union Station remains a place for excitement and adventure in the form of a restaurant, event space, the intimate Tunnel Bar, housed in a vintage train tunnel, and an outdoor deck.

While Union Station first became a restaurant in 1986, and operated under various names, current owners Jeremiah Micka and partners John Rhodes, and David Fortier, purchased the building in 2013. At that time the only part of the operation that remained open was the Tunnel Bar.

Jeremiah, who had worked at Union Station as a dishwasher when he was 13 and worked there until he entered the military, returned to Union Station after his service, where he waitedtables, bartended, and was the bar manager. He honed his hospitality skills, had a vision and now owns the business where he got his start. Union Station is much more than the Tunnel Bar now.

“We’ve done events with full fish boils, barbecue, a Mexican theme – and we recently created an Ecuadorian-style menu. Guests loved it, and it’s fun for us to try new recipes.”

Jeremiah has created a unique collection of spaces. There’s the Roosevelt Room, the event space where weddings and other special events are held.

The Roosevelt Room is popular - with 350 events planned over the next year, including 90 weddings. “We’re going full blast after Covid,” Jeremiah said. Events can be as creative as those hosting them want. “We’ve done events with full fish boils, barbecue, a Mexican theme – and we recently created an Ecuadorian-style menu,” Jeremiah noted.

“Guests loved it, and it’s fun for us to try new recipes,” he added. The Tunnel Bar has undergone a bit of a facelift – with new carpeting, new chairs, and back side of the bar, all while keeping the intimate speakeasy feel that draws patrons to enjoy vintage and specialty cocktails such as the popular Espresso Martini, or Blackberry Goddess. There are 42, yes, you read that right, 42 martinis on the Tunnel Bar cocktail menu. Once a year the menu changes, offering new and favorite drinks.

The Tunnel Bar also serves food in the form of shareable small plates, charcuterie, and pizza. Of course, summer is the season when people like to gather on the Deck Bar at Union Station and enjoy cocktails and light fare. Then there is Platform Sports Bar, which, spoiler alert – will be converted into a 180-seat high-end restaurant with a focus on steaks and seafood. Jeremiah didn’t disclose the name of the new restaurant, but he did say it was scheduled to open this fall. Jeremiah is proud of what Union Station has become and he is excited for the new restaurant.

“We’re very unique, we offer a fun, easy-going environment where everyone is welcome – we thrive on that,” he said, adding that their success is due to Union Station’s “awesome managers and staff.”

Oh, and trains? The Valley Flyer and the Vermonter stop at a new station closer to the tracks – and just steps away from Union Station, where if you drive instead of taking the train – there is plenty of parking.

UNION STATION

125 A Pleasant Street | Northampton, MA unionstationbanquets.com | thetunnelbar.com deckbar.com | 413-326-4151

Connie Jansen

BRINGING IASIS NEUROFEEDBACK TO WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

ARTICLE BY CONNIE JANSEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAT KATTLER PHOTOGRAPHY

I am a physical therapist with 30 years of experience working with individuals overcoming trauma. While listening to a podcast, I came across the topic of neurofeedback, which intrigued me. A quick Google search led me to discover the IASIS Microcurrent Neurofeedback (MCN) device. After thoroughly reviewing published research, ongoing studies, and client testimonials, I became convinced that I needed to introduce this technology to Western Massachusetts.

IASIS MCN utilizes microcurrents to promote neural regulation. By delivering 3

pico watts of stimulation, it induces a temporary fluctuation in brain waves, allowing for brain reorganization. Furthermore, it stimulates the production of natural "happy hormones" such as serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins, while assisting in the removal of amyloid protein waste in the brain.

A typical neurofeedback session begins with a conversation about your struggles and goals. You will have the opportunity to have all your questions answered. The IASIS MCN device consists of two active electrodes, two reference electrodes, and

Connie Jansen

one grounding electrode. The reference and grounding electrodes are placed on your head and neck and remain in the same position throughout the session. These electrodes are secured using a water-soluble paste. During the initial treatment, the active electrodes will be moved to three different sites on your head. Each site will receive three bouts of stimulation, with each bout lasting 20 seconds. Subsequent sessions will be based on the results of the 24-hour check-in following the session. It is important to note that there are no contraindications for the use of neurofeedback,

and the IASIS MCN device is even safe for individuals with pacemakers.

Neurofeedback therapy is widely utilized worldwide to assist individuals dealing with symptoms of ADD, ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, impaired cognitive functioning, PTSD, seizures, and substance abuse. I offer in-home services, providing convenience and comfort, and I would be delighted to offer a free phone consultation to address any questions you may have.

cnsneurofeedback.com | 413-579-7698

"I offer in-home services, providing convenience and comfort, and I would be delighted to offer a free phone consultation to address any questions you may have."

Tired of being OVER medicated, OVER fatigued, OVER weight? Then your immune system needs our help.

“Tired, depressed, with allergies & digestive issues, on cholesterol meds & gaining weight, I started with Alternative Health and after 30 days, my fatigue, allergies, digestive issues and depression were gone and I lost 8 pounds of body fat.”

Kitchens Direct, Inc.

Celebrates New Milestone

ARTICLE BY ABIGAIL TAYLOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAT KATTLER PHOTOGRAPHY

DELIVERING KITCHEN DESIGN AND STONEWORK TO WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS FOR 25 YEARS

Celebrating 25 years on May 1st, Kitchens Direct, Inc, is a family-owned and operated local business. Established in 1998 by Rich and Diane Metivier, the company has been serving the building industry in New England for decades.

Rich and his son Eric Metivier provide hands-on personalized experiences to bring each customer their dream kitchen. This business model has earned Kitchens Direct a reputation as one of the top design companies and stoneworks in Western Massachusetts. “We take very seriously what we do, and I think it shows. That’s why our builders and renovation contractors refer their clients to us. We are very detail-oriented, and we want our kitchen to fit perfectly and be done right - the first time,” Rich shares.

The company delivers on the whole package - from initial design consultation in the showroom, to the job site field measure, to the finished design and installation. “Best of all, Eric has mastered 3D computer design and our customers can view their final kitchen in full color on our big screen TV. . .showing their cabinets, countertops, windows, flooring and lighting before purchasing. . .and that is priceless.”

Speaking of countertops, Kitchens Direct has the largest display of full stone slabs of any showroom in Western Massachusetts. “Come and see our large selection of quartz and granite! It is so much better than making your

choice from a 4” x 4” or 10” x 10” sample piece,” Rich emphasizes.

With their decades long experience, Rich and Eric know ALL about stone and choosing the right color to pair with the cabinetry. “Kitchens Direct also carries top quality granite sealers and cleaners, to take care of your investment.” And, they are open to the public! “Visit our showroom, and we’ll address every question that you have. We’ll give you straight answers, and the answers are very important. When you buy a stone countertop, you want to be absolutely sure it’s the right choice for you, and we help you do that,” Rich shares.

Diane thinks back to their early days of getting the business off the ground. “I can remember when we first started. We were doing deliveries on a Sunday at a new construction site, just the two of us, in the rain. I’m standing there in the mud. We had the determination and the willpower to just do what we had to do,” Diane reminisces.

Rich and Diane will never forget losing their first showroom due to a snow load roof collapse on February 2, 2011. The purchase of a new 3,300 square foot building at 945 Southampton Rd in Westfield was the silver lining! They worked 7 days a week to finish the build out of their new showroom, completing it in only 5 months.

And now, 25 years later, Rich shares that “as each year goes by, we feel a great amount of responsibility to our customers. This gives us a significant amount of pride.”

KITCHENS DIRECT, INC.,

945 Southampton Rd | Westfield

Showroom Hours:

Tuesday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 4pm

kitchensdirectmass.com | 413-568-3353

“Visit our showroom, and we’ll address every question that you have. We’ll give you straight answers, and the answers are very important.”

Rich, Diane and Eric Metivier

The Perfect Steak

ARTICLE BY CASEY WEBER, TALL GRASS MEAT COMPANY

Nothing describes summer better than a good cookout! And what is a cookout without a good, quality steak and the perfect grilling recipe?

1. Thaw and acclimate the steak. For searing to occur, the proteins in steak need to be heated to at least 310°F. Tossing cold meat onto a hot grill lowers the temperature and can prevent a crust from forming, so it’s important that any frozen steaks are thawed completely before cooking.

2. Salt your steak 30-45 minutes before grilling. This causes the salt to draw moisture from within the steak up to the surface, where it dissolves the salt and creates a brine that gets reabsorbed into the steak where it breaks down tough connective tissues.

3. Oil the grate on the grill, not the steak. Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil to lube your grates.

4. Manage your heat well. Remember that your grill needs to be hot for your steak to get a good sear. But if it’s hot enough to cause your oil to smoke, it’s too hot.

5. Use the 60/40 rule. The best-tasting steaks are seared on both sides and cooked evenly in the middle. The simplest way to do that is to only flip your steak once. The 60/40 rule suggests that 60% of your cook time should be spent on one side, and 40% on the other.

6. Keep the lid closed. It may be tempting to peek, but trust the experts and keep it shut! Opening the lid makes your grill lose heat, which makes steaks cook unevenly.

7. Check for doneness. A meat thermometer will give you the most accurate temperature reading:

• Rare: 120°F

• Medium Rare: 130°F

• Medium: 140°F

• Medium Well: 150°F

• Well: 160°F

8. Let your steak rest. Pull your steaks from the grill once they’re cooked to 5-10 degrees below your target temperature and rest for 10-15 minutes.

CITY LIFESTYLE

Summer Bucket List KIDS

Make the most of this Summer! Check off these activities on our Kids Summer Bucket List as you complete them throughout the summer. P.S. You might need an adult’s help with some of these!

Make Popsicles

Go Swimming

Play Sand Volleyball

Family Movie Night

Stargaze

Go on a Picnic

Watch Fireworks

Build a Fort

Make Tie-Dye Shirts

Build a Sandcastle

Bake Cookies

Splash at a Waterpark

Have a Water Balloon Fight

Make Homemade Pizza

Pick Your Own Fruit

Explore a New Local Park

Go Fishing

Camp in the Backyard

Sleep In

Play Board Games

Do a Random Act of Kindness

Write a Kind Note to a Friend

Ride a Rollercoaster

Visit a Carnival

Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark.

Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year.

Go to the Library

ADULTS

Summer is finally here. Take advantage of the season with our Adult Summer Bucket List. Check off these activities as you complete them with your family and friends and congratulate yourself on a Summer well-spent!

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IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT. 2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JULY 6TH

Florence Summer Concert Series

90 PARK STREET, NORTHAMPTON, MA | 6:00 PM

Free outdoor summer concert! Bring your lawn chair and the kids! The full Big Yellow Taxi band will be filling the air with the Joni's music. For tickets, visit bigyellowtaxitheband.com

JULY 8TH

The Breakers - A Tribute to Tom Petty

380 STATE RD, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA | 4:00 PM

Event is rain or shine. All ages- 10 yrs old and up need a ticket No outside food or alcohol permitted, bags are subject to search. Cash bar and food options on-site. Lawn chairs and blankets welcome. Gates open at 4. New Rising Sun at 430, The Eagles Experience at 545, The Breakers at 730! For tickets, visit summerstagebutternut.com

JULY 16TH

Yoga & Wine with Amy Bourque

MINERAL HILLS WINERY, 592 SYLVESTER RD, FLORENCE, MA | 11:00 AM

Join us at the winery for Yoga with Amy. Your ticket cost of $20 includes one glass of wine. Purchase your ticket online or in-person in the winery. Check our events page at mineralhillswinery.com/events.html for more information. Contact anna@mineralhillswinery.com with any questions.

JULY 16TH

Summer Showdown Mid Summer Meet

89 WISDOM WAY, GREENFIELD, MA | 12:00 PM

Summer Showdown Mid Summer Meet is brought to you by CT.S.W. Please join us for a mid-summer car meet at the Franklin County Fair Grounds in Greenfield MA. There will be a few custom trophies. All vehicle types are welcome! For more information, email summershowdownct@gmail.com.

JULY 22ND

Live Music - Just Me & Her

MINERAL HILLS WINERY, 592 SYLVESTER RD, FLORENCE, MA | 2:00 PM

Bring some friends and enjoy wine and live music by Just me & Her. 2:00-5:00pm. For more info, call 413-5862575 or email info@mineralhillswinery.com.

JULY 22ND

Christmas in July Craft Fair

1204 MOHAWK TRAIL, SHELBURNE, MA | 10:00 AM

Join us for our 3rd annual Christmas in July Craft Fair Event! Shop over 40 incredible vendors. Enjoy a hot slice of Za's Pizza, visit Ducks in the Pond, browse the beautiful antique store, and enjoy a fun-filled day with your family and friends while you support an array of small businesses!

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Northampton

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADELINE LEBLANC

Summer drinks out on Packard's Patio

WELCOME TO THE #ROUTE10CORRIDOR ARTICLE & MONTHLY @HELLOFOODREVIEWS

COLUMN

FEATURING ESTABLISHMENTS FROM WESTFIELD TO NORTHAMPTON!

There is nothing more refreshing than a chilled cocktail outside with friends. Enjoy the sweet sounds of summer while sipping on drinks on the Packard's patio! Everything is made in-house with fresh ingredients, locally-sourced when available. The outdoor space seats upwards of 20 people. They also have monthly "highlights" that feature food and specialty drinks, in addition to the existing menu. Pictured is Sloop Brewing Co. Juice Bomb IPA and, my personal favorite, the Hibiscus Margarita.

For more footage head to @hellofoodreviews on Instagram.